Science (086) — AI-generated practice question

The deflection of the compass needle tells us that an electric current produces a magnetic field around the wire — i.e., electric current has a magnetic effect. This was demonstrated by Oersted and shows that electricity and magnetism are linked.

If the direction of current is reversed, the compass needle will deflect in the opposite direction. This is because reversing the current reverses the direction of the magnetic field produced around the wire. As shown in Activity 12.4, when current flows north-to-south, the north pole of the needle moves east; on reversing, it moves west.

Source: Chapter 12 – Magnetic Effects of Electric Current, Sections 12.1 and 12.2

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• 1 mark for stating that the deflection shows current has a magnetic effect (Oersted's finding).
• 1 mark for stating the deflection reverses when current direction is reversed.
• 1 mark for the justification: reversed current → reversed magnetic field → opposite deflection.
• Examiners expect you to link the observation directly to "magnetic effect of electric current" and use the Activity 12.4 result to justify the reversal. Avoid vague language like "the needle moves differently" — say opposite direction.