SSC CGL

mediumQ. No. 14801-which-effect-explains-why-a-compass-needle-deflects-when-placed-near-a-current-carrying-wire

Which effect explains why a compass needle deflects when placed near a current-carrying wire?

Last Updated: 25 Jun 2026

Here, the relevant answer is “Magnetic effect of current.” A sound solution relies on the governing concept rather than a memorised option letter, because option order may change in another paper. Physics explains measurable natural events through quantities, units, observations, mathematical relations, and experimentally verified laws. While reading a question, first note whether it asks for a definition, SI unit, formula, direction, cause, effect, or practical use. The distractors in this question—Electric effect, Thermal effect, Chemical effect—do not satisfy the exact condition stated. The final selection must agree with the explanation and marked answer: Magnetic effect of current.

AElectric effect

BMagnetic effect of current

CThermal effect

DChemical effect

Correct Answer: Magnetic effect of currentYour Answer: B

Explanation

— the scientifically appropriate response is Magnetic effect of current. Option-wise review: Magnetic effect of current is correct under the condition given in the stem. Electric effect is incorrect because it describes a different quantity or phenomenon and does not meet the stated condition. Thermal effect is also incorrect; although it may be a valid physics term, its definition or application is not the one asked here. Chemical effect is incorrect because it fails the governing relation or characteristic relevant to this case. Therefore, option B, Magnetic effect of current, is factually and logically consistent with the question. The magnetic effect of electric current causes the compass needle to deflect.

Important Notes

Read the complete stem before looking at the options. Identify whether the demand is a definition, unit, formula, direction, cause, effect, image characteristic, or device principle. In this record, the confirmed answer is Magnetic effect of current.
Do not interchange closely related terms: mass and weight; distance and displacement; speed and velocity; heat and temperature; reflection and refraction; real and virtual image; current and potential difference; power and energy. Such pairs generate common SSC distractors.
Eliminate Electric effect, Thermal effect, Chemical effect here because none fulfils the exact requirement of the stem. The final answer and correct-index field must point to option B.
Exam memory point: connect Magnetic effect of current directly with the key wording of the question, then verify it once against the relevant definition or formula before marking the answer.Discovered by Oersted in 1820

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FAQ

SSC CGL Physics FAQs

Common questions and clear answers for this topic.

How many physics questions usually appear in the SSC CGL exam?

Physics typically makes up a small portion of the General Science questions, usually focused on concepts rather than numerical problems.

Which physics topics are most important for SSC CGL?

Basic mechanics, heat, sound and light, and electricity and magnetism are the areas that come up most consistently across previous papers.

Do I need to solve numerical problems for SSC CGL physics?

Rarely. Most questions are conceptual and test everyday understanding rather than calculation skills.

Is NCERT physics enough for SSC CGL preparation?

NCERT textbooks from classes 9 and 10 build a strong enough conceptual base for most of what SSC CGL asks.

How can I make physics concepts easier to remember for SSC CGL?

Connecting concepts to everyday observations, like why a thermos keeps tea warm, makes them far easier to recall than memorizing definitions.

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