A wire carries current toward the north. In the region beneath this wire, What is the direction of the magnetic field due to the current ?

Options

A. Northward
B. Southward
C. Eastward
D. Westward

Answer

To determine the direction of the magnetic field due to a current-carrying wire, we can use the right-hand rule. Here’s a step-by-step solution:

### Step 1: Identify the Direction of Current
The problem states that the wire carries current toward the north. This means that if you were to look at the wire from above, the current would be moving upwards in the northern direction.

### Step 2: Use the Right-Hand Rule
To find the direction of the magnetic field, we will apply the right-hand rule.

- **Right-Hand Rule**: Point your right thumb in the direction of the current (which is north in this case).

### Step 3: Determine the Orientation of Your Fingers
Now, curl your fingers around the wire. Your fingers will naturally curl in the direction of the magnetic field lines that encircle the wire.

### Step 4: Analyze the Magnetic Field Direction Beneath the Wire
Since the current is directed north, when you point your thumb north, your fingers will curl in a counter-clockwise direction around the wire.

- When you are beneath the wire (looking up towards the wire), your fingers will point towards the west.

### Conclusion
Therefore, the direction of the magnetic field beneath the wire is towards the west.

### Final Answer
The direction of the magnetic field due to the current in the wire is **westward**.

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