Question

The diagram shows the magnetic field around wire X which carries current into the paper....?

The arrows on the field lines show the direction of the force on

A N-Pole

B S-Pole

C a small negative charge

D a small positive charge

Answer 1

You will get a magnetic field around the wire that follows the direction of the right hand thumb rule.

Magnetic field lines show the direction in which a North Pole (if you had a magnetic monopole) would move of free to do so in that field. Eg look at the lines on a bar magnetic itself. The move from N to S Pole.

This shows how a compass lines up in the magnetic field of a bar magnet. It's the same idea. The North Pole is attracted along the direction of the field lines.