Examkin

Question

Difficulty: EasyFundamentals of Electromagnetism and Induction

A magnetic field is generated around a conductor only when alternating current (AC) flows through it, whereas direct current (DC) produces no magnetic field.

Answer: Answer

Answer

False
The statement is false because any flow of electric current through a conductor creates a magnetic field. Direct current (DC) produces a steady, non-fluctuating magnetic field around the wire, while alternating current (AC) produces an expanding and collapsing magnetic field.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the fundamental relationship between electric current and magnetic fields.
Electric current is the movement of electric charge, and any moving charge produces a magnetic field around its path.
This is the core principle of electromagnetism discovered by Hans Christian Oersted.
2
Evaluate the behavior of direct current (DC) in a conductor.
A steady direct current produces a steady, stationary magnetic field forming concentric circular lines of flux around the conductor.
A constant current still consists of moving electrical charges, which continuously maintain a magnetic field.
3
Distinguish between magnetic field generation and electromagnetic induction.
While electromagnetic induction (generating a voltage in another conductor) requires a changing magnetic field (such as from AC), generating a magnetic field itself requires only the presence of electric current.
Confusing field generation with transformer induction leads to the false belief that DC cannot produce magnetism.

Key Concept

Magnetic Field Generation by Electric Current
Estimated Time:35s
Rate this question

Topics

Fundamentals of Electromagnetism and Induction

More questions from this topic