The rule that determines the direction of a magnetic field produced around a straight conductor carrying current is:

This question was previously asked in
UPSC CDS-I 2025 (General Studies) Official Paper (Held On: 13 Apr, 2025)
View all CDS Papers >
  1. Right-hand thumb rule
  2. Fleming's left-hand rule
  3. Fleming's right-hand rule
  4. Hund's rule

Answer (Detailed Solution Below)

Option 1 : Right-hand thumb rule
Free
UPSC CDS 01/2025 General Knowledge Full Mock Test
8.1 K Users
120 Questions 100 Marks 120 Mins

Detailed Solution

Download Solution PDF

The correct answer is Right-hand thumb rule.

Key Points

  • The Right-hand thumb rule is used to determine the direction of the magnetic field around a straight conductor carrying current.
  • According to the rule, if you hold the conductor in your right hand with the thumb pointing in the direction of the current, the curl of your fingers represents the direction of the magnetic field lines.
  • This rule is a simple and practical way to visualize the magnetic field created due to the flow of electric current.
  • It is commonly applied in physics to understand the relationship between current flow and the generated magnetic field around a straight conductor.
  • The magnetic field around the conductor forms concentric circles, which can be identified using this rule.

Additional Information

  • Fleming's Left-Hand Rule:
    • This rule is used to determine the direction of force experienced by a current-carrying conductor placed in a magnetic field.
    • It relates the direction of current, magnetic field, and force using the thumb, forefinger, and middle finger of the left hand.
  • Fleming's Right-Hand Rule:
    • This rule is used to determine the direction of induced current when a conductor moves in a magnetic field.
    • It relates motion, magnetic field, and induced current using the thumb, forefinger, and middle finger of the right hand.
  • Magnetic Field:
    • A region around a magnetic material or a current-carrying conductor where magnetic forces can be detected.
    • Field lines are used to represent the magnetic field, and they form closed loops.
  • Applications of Right-Hand Thumb Rule:
    • Used in designing electrical instruments like solenoids and electromagnets.
    • Helps in understanding the magnetic effects around current-carrying wires in practical applications.
Latest CDS Updates

Last updated on Jun 26, 2025

-> The UPSC CDS Exam Date 2025 has been released which will be conducted on 14th September 2025.

-> Candidates had applied online till 20th June 2025.

-> The selection process includes Written Examination, SSB Interview, Document Verification, and Medical Examination.  

-> Attempt UPSC CDS Free Mock Test to boost your score.

-> Refer to the CDS Previous Year Papers to enhance your preparation. 

Get Free Access Now
Hot Links: teen patti master game teen patti gold download teen patti sequence teen patti cash game