The Oersted Law Teaching Apparatus is a physics laboratory setup used to demonstrate that an electric current produces a magnetic field around a conductor. It is intended for supervised school, college and STEM laboratories, helping learners observe compass deflection, identify magnetic-field direction and connect electricity with magnetism through direct experimentation.

Product Description

The STEMAids Oersted Law Teaching Apparatus positions a compass needle close to a straight conductor or compatible current path. With no current, the compass responds mainly to the local geomagnetic field. When direct current flows through the conductor, the resulting magnetic field changes the compass orientation.

Reversing the current reverses the conductor’s magnetic-field direction and therefore reverses the compass deflection. The setup supports practical teaching of the Ørsted effect, field direction and the right-hand thumb rule. Browse related physics laboratory products and educational science models.

Key Features

Direct electromagnetism demonstration: Shows that a current-carrying conductor creates a magnetic field.
Visible compass response: Converts an invisible magnetic field into observable needle deflection.
Current-direction comparison: Demonstrates that reversing current reverses the magnetic-field direction.
Right-hand-rule learning: Helps students predict the circular field direction around the conductor.
Controlled classroom experiment: Supports repeatable on, off and reverse-current observations.
Quantitative extension: May support comparison of deflection with current or distance when suitable measurement components are supplied.
Transparent operating limits: Earth’s field, nearby magnets, conductor heating and compass friction affect observations.

Technical Specifications

Specification	Detail
Product name	Oersted Law Teaching Apparatus
Brand	STEMAids
Product type	Educational magnetic-effect-of-current apparatus
Capacity	One experimental station
Operating principle	Compass deflection caused by the magnetic field around a current-carrying conductor
Standards or certifications	No product-specific standard or certification verified

What’s Included in the Kit

Main Oersted experiment platform or support assembly
Current-carrying conductor
Magnetic compass or compass set
Current switch or push-button control
Reversing switch or connecting leads
Low-voltage DC power supply
Experiment instructions

Applications / Uses

Demonstrating the magnetic effect of electric current.
Reproducing the basic Ørsted compass experiment.
Determining magnetic-field direction around a straight conductor.
Applying the right-hand thumb rule.
Observing the effect of reversing current direction.
Comparing conductor field direction with Earth’s magnetic field.
Introducing electromagnets, motors, relays and current sensors.

How to Use the Oersted Law Teaching Apparatus

Place the apparatus away from magnets, steel objects and operating electrical equipment.
Allow the compass needle to settle and note its initial direction.
Position the conductor parallel to the stationary compass needle.
Connect the apparatus to the confirmed low-voltage DC supply.
Close the switch briefly and observe the direction of compass deflection.
Open the switch and allow the compass to return to its initial position.
Reverse the current using the approved switch or terminal arrangement.
Energize the conductor briefly and compare the reversed deflection.

Safety and handling: Use only the specified low-voltage supply and current limit. A low-resistance conductor can heat rapidly, so energize it only for the approved duty period. Switch off the supply before changing connections and do not short-circuit the terminals.

Care & Maintenance

Inspect the conductor, terminals, switches and connecting leads before use.
Keep the compass away from strong magnets during storage.
Allow heated conductors to cool before handling or packing.
Store the apparatus in a dry cabinet protected from dust and impact.

Why Choose STEMAids

STEMAids supplies educational science models, laboratory apparatus and hands-on STEM resources for schools and institutional laboratories. Its website maintains dedicated categories for Physics Lab Products, Educational Science Models and STEM Kits. The company’s science-model range is designed for laboratory demonstrations, exhibitions and classroom instruction. Explore related STEM learning kits and general laboratory products.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an Oersted Law Teaching Apparatus used for?

It demonstrates that electric current in a conductor produces a magnetic field capable of deflecting a nearby compass needle.

Why does the compass needle move when current flows?

The conductor’s magnetic field combines with the local geomagnetic field and applies torque to the compass needle, changing its direction.

What happens when the current direction is reversed?

The magnetic-field direction around the conductor reverses, so the compass deflects toward the opposite side.

What shape is the magnetic field around a straight wire?

The magnetic field forms concentric circles centred on the current-carrying conductor.

Why should the switch be closed only briefly?

Oersted experiments may use a low-resistance conductor and relatively high current. Prolonged operation can heat the wire, terminals or power supply.

Is a power supply included with the apparatus?