A student performs an experiment to study the magnetic effect of current around a current carrying conductor with the help of a magnetic compass. He reports that:

• The degree of deflection of the magnetic compass increases when the compass is moved away from the conductor.
• The degree of deflection of the magnetic compass increases when the current through the conductor is increased

Which of the above observations of the student appears to be wrong and why?

Observation:

• is incorrect. Degree of deflection of magnetic compass depends on the strength of the magnetic field produced by the current carrying conductor. Magnetic field increases with the increase in the current through the conductor and hence degree of deflection of the magnetic compass increases.

· Magnetic field decreases with the increase in the distance from the conductor and hence degree of deflection of the magnetic compass decreases when the compass is moved away from the conductor.