How is the direction of a magnetic field determined?

The direction of a magnetic field is determined using a compass or a current-carrying conductor.

To determine the direction of a magnetic field, a compass can be used. The compass needle aligns itself with the magnetic field lines, indicating the direction of the field. The north pole of the compass needle points towards the south pole of the magnet, and vice versa.

Another way to determine the direction of a magnetic field is by using a current-carrying conductor. The direction of the magnetic field can be found using the right-hand grip rule. If the thumb of the right hand points in the direction of the current, and the fingers curl in the direction of the magnetic field, then the palm of the hand points in the direction of the force on a positive charge.

The direction of a magnetic field can also be determined using the right-hand screw rule. If the right-hand is used to turn a screw in the direction of the current, the direction in which the screw moves indicates the direction of the magnetic field.

In summary, the direction of a magnetic field can be determined using a compass, a current-carrying conductor with the right-hand grip rule, or the right-hand screw rule.