EXPERIMENT 8

TO VERIFY THE AMPERE’S RULE.

Objectives

1. To verify the right-hand rule by using a single wire.

2. To verify the right-hand rule by using a coil.

Theory

Since the magnetic field around an electron forms a loop, the fields of the electrons
combine to form a series of loops around the wire. The direction of the magnetic field
depends on the direction that the current flows. This can be examined by using a
compass. The compass moved around the wire will align itself with the flux lines.

A right-hand rule, also called Ampere’s rule, can be used to determine the direction of
the magnetic field. If you wrap your fingers around the wire with your thumb pointing
in the direction of conventional current flow, your fingers will point in the direction of
the magnetic field.

If a number of wire loops are wound in the same direction to form a coil, more fields
will add to make the flux lines through the coil even more dense. The magnetic field
through the coil becomes even stronger. The more loops there are, the stronger the
magnetic field becomes.

Procedure

1. Set the module IT-1003 and locate the Ampere’s Law block.
2. According to Fig. 1.1 and Fig. 1.2, complete the experiment circuit with short-
circuit clips.

Fig. 1.1 Fig. 1.2

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3. Apply +5V to +5V terminal and -5V to -5V terminal.
4. Approach the compass to the single wire.
Press SW4 and observe the deflection of the compass needle.
(Note: The time of SW4 on should be not too long.)
What is the deflection direction of the compass needle?
5. Is the slight deflection caused by the magnetic field?
If yes, does it mean the magnetic field around the wire?
6. According to Fig. 1.3 and Fig. 1.4, complete the experiment circuit with short-
circuit clips.

Fig. 1.3 Fig. 1.4

7. Press SW3 and observe the deflection of the compass needle.

What is the deflecting direction of the compass needle? _
8. Again locate the Ampere’s Law block connect circuit as shown in Fig. 1.5 and
1.6. Repeat steps 4 to 7.
9. Compare the results of step 8 with those of steps 4 through 7.
Is there agreement between the directions of deflection?
Is there agreement between the degrees of deflection? _

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Fig. 1.5 Fig. 1.6

Fig. 1.7 Fig. 1.8