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The direction of magnetic field around a current carrying conductor can be determined by using one of the laws given here.
| Right Hand Thumb Rule
Imagine that you are holding the conductor in your right hand with the fingers curled around it. If the thumb points in the direction of the current, then the curled fingers show the direction of the magnetic field.
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| Maxwell's Cork- Screw Rule
Imagine a right-handed corkscrew being rotated along the wire in the direction of the current. The direction of rotation of the thumb gives the direction of the magnetic lines of force.
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| Ampere's Swimming Rule
Ampere's swimming rule states that, "If a man swims along the wire carrying current such that his face is always towards the magnetic needle with current entering his feet and leaving his head, then the north pole of the magnetic needle is always deflected towards his left hand."
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