Advanced Search
Grade:
Reader Bar Color:
User Guides
Reading Tools

Lessons




Magnetic Field's Direction

The magnetic field of a wire that is carrying electric current forms concentric circles around the wire. This magnetic field weakens as you move away from the wire as you may have observed because the lines are getting farther apart. Notice that the magnetic field is perpendicular to the wire.

Magnetic field lines are also similar for electric and magnetic fields. The closer the lines are drawn, the stronger the intensity of the field. In the diagram below, where would the intensity of the magnetic field be greatest?