Question 6A46

Direct current (DC) flow direction can be determined by observing its effects. **Method A (A magnetic compass and the left hand rule):** DC electricity flowing through a conductor generates a magnetic field around it. A magnetic compass, when brought near the conductor, will align with this magnetic field. By observing the compass's deflection and applying a hand rule (e.g., the Left-Hand Rule for electron flow or the Right-Hand Rule for conventional current), you can deduce the direction of the current. **Method C (Connecting an ammeter with marked polarities in series with the circuit):** An ammeter measures current flow and often has marked positive (+) and negative (-) terminals. When connected in series, current flows into the ammeter's positive terminal and out its negative terminal to give a positive reading. If the ammeter reads negative or deflects backward (for analog meters), it indicates the current is flowing in the opposite direction than assumed by the connection. This directly shows the current's direction. Since both methods A and C are valid ways to determine the direction of DC electricity, option D, which combines both, is the most accurate answer. Option B is incorrect as the Right-Hand Rule is also valid, but the question specifies the Left-Hand Rule in option A.