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Science (086) — AI-generated practice question

AI-generated practice question — model-generated for extra practice, not a previous-year CBSE board question.

Q1. [3] medium thorough-understanding
When a compass is placed near a current-carrying straight wire, the deflection of its needle increases as the current is increased and decreases as the compass is moved farther away. What do these two observations tell us about the nature of the magnetic field produced by the wire?
Generated by claude-sonnet-4-6 · 2026-06-26 01:11 · grounding rag
Model Answer

The two observations reveal the following properties of the magnetic field produced by a current-carrying wire:

  1. Strength depends on current: When current increases, the compass deflects more, showing that the magnetic field strength is directly proportional to the current flowing through the wire.
  1. Strength decreases with distance: When the compass is moved farther from the wire, deflection decreases, showing that the magnetic field strength decreases as distance from the wire increases (inversely dependent on distance).

Together, these observations confirm that the magnetic field around a current-carrying conductor has both magnitude and direction, and its strength varies with current and distance.

Source: Chapter 12, Section 12.2 – Magnetic Field due to a Current-Carrying Conductor

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Explanation

Examiners expect two distinct, clearly labelled points — one for each observation — plus a concluding line tying both to the nature of the magnetic field. Use the phrases "directly proportional to current" and "inversely proportional to distance" (or equivalent) for full marks. Avoid vague statements like "the field is strong." The concluding sentence about magnitude and direction earns the third mark.

Previous-year CBSE Grade 10 board exam questions, organised by subject and chapter, each with a model answer — free to read and print.