What change is observed in a compass near a current-carrying conductor?

When a compass is placed near a current-carrying conductor, its needle deflects from its original north-south direction.

This happens because the electric current flowing through the conductor creates a magnetic field around it, which interacts with the magnetic field of the Earth. As a result, the compass needle aligns with the resultant magnetic field, causing it to move.

The extent of deflection depends on:

• The strength of the current (higher current causes greater deflection)
• The distance from the conductor (closer distance leads to stronger effect)

This observation provides clear evidence of the magnetic effect of electric current.