E&M > Magnetic Fields and Forces > Magnetic Fields DCS# 5H10.20
MAGNETIC FIELD OF A STRAIGHT WIRE
APPARATUS
straight wire and compasses 202-20-F
Lambda DC power supply 202-08-D
key switch 101-09-D4
video camera 202-09-D

DESCRIPTION
Close switch to briefly run several amps through vertical wire.  Compasses align with magnetic field.


NOTES
Compass needles are stored in base of apparatus.  Place them on the tips of inverted thumbtacks around the wire.  Put them far enough away from each other so that they do not interact, but close enough to the wire so the effect is seen.