In what year did Hans Christian Oersted discover the magnetic effect of current-carrying wires?

In what year did Hans Christian Oersted discover the magnetic effect of current-carrying wires?

• A. 1820
• B. 1830
• C. 1779
• D. 1905

Answer: (A)

Electric current can create a magnetic field, and Ørsted’s experiment gave the first clear demonstration of that connection. He observed that a compass needle deflected when a wire carrying current was placed near it, showing that electricity produces magnetism. This pivotal moment happened in 1820, establishing the link between electricity and magnetism and launching the field of electromagnetism. The other years don’t fit this historic discovery: 1779 is before his birth, 1830 comes later with further developments in the field, and 1905 is far removed in time from this specific observation.

Electric current can create a magnetic field, and Ørsted’s experiment gave the first clear demonstration of that connection. He observed that a compass needle deflected when a wire carrying current was placed near it, showing that electricity produces magnetism. This pivotal moment happened in 1820, establishing the link between electricity and magnetism and launching the field of electromagnetism. The other years don’t fit this historic discovery: 1779 is before his birth, 1830 comes later with further developments in the field, and 1905 is far removed in time from this specific observation.