Explain/describe what Hans Christrian Oersted

observed with a compass and a battery.

1 answer

Hans Christian Oersted observed that when a compass needle was placed near a wire carrying an electric current, the needle would deflect. This observation led to the discovery of electromagnetism, as Oersted realized that the electric current was creating a magnetic field which was causing the needle to move. This experiment demonstrated the fundamental relationship between electricity and magnetism, which laid the groundwork for the development of electromagnetism as a branch of physics. This discovery revolutionized the field of physics and had far-reaching implications for technology, leading to the development of electric motors, generators, and other electrical devices.