Question

multiple choice question
the magnetic field lines around the wire producing a magnetic field are drawn

parallel to the length of the wire
as figure - eight loops that cross at the wire
as line segments extending outward from the wire
at right angles to the length of the wire

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Explanation:

When a current - carrying wire produces a magnetic field, the magnetic field lines are circular. Using the right - hand rule (for a straight current - carrying wire), we can visualize the direction of the magnetic field. The magnetic field lines are perpendicular (at right angles) to the length of the wire.

• Parallel to the length of the wire: Incorrect. If the field lines were parallel, there would be no circular pattern as predicted by the right - hand rule for a straight current - carrying wire.
• As figure - eight loops that cross at the wire: Incorrect. Magnetic field lines around a straight current - carrying wire are circular, not figure - eight.
• As line segments extending outward from the wire: Incorrect. Magnetic field lines are continuous loops, not line segments.

Answer:

at right angles to the length of the wire