NCERT Class 10 Science Science: Chapter 12 — Magnetic Effects of Electric Current
This chapter, 'Magnetic Effects of Electric Current,' from NCERT Class 10 Science, explores the relationship between electricity and magnetism. It begins by demonstrating that an electric current flowing through a metallic conductor produces a magnetic effect, using Activity 12.1 with a compass needle. The chapter introduces Hans Christian Oersted's discovery and its significance in understanding electromagnetism. It then defines magnetic fields and field lines, explaining how iron filings align around a bar magnet (Activity 12.2) to visualize these lines. Activity 12.3 further details how to map magnetic field lines using a compass. The chapter lays the foundation for understanding electromagnetic phenomena and devices like electromagnets, crucial for CBSE Science curriculum.
Quick info
| Board | CBSE / NCERT |
|---|---|
| Class | Class 10 |
| Subject | Science |
| Book | Science |
| Chapter | Chapter 12 — Magnetic Effects of Electric Current |
| Language | English |
| PDF type | NCERT Textbook |
| Session | CBSE 2026 |
| Reading time | 4 minutes |
| Word count | 796 |
Learning outcomes
- Understand that electric current produces magnetic effects.
- Define magnetic field and magnetic field lines.
- Visualize magnetic field lines around a bar magnet using iron filings and a compass.
- Recognize the link between electricity and magnetism.
- Appreciate the contribution of Hans Christian Oersted.
Vocabulary
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Magnetic effect | The phenomenon where an electric current produces a magnetic field. |
| Compass needle | A small magnet that indicates direction, used to detect magnetic fields. |
| North pole | The end of a magnet that points towards the Earth's geographic North. |
| South pole | The end of a magnet that points towards the Earth's geographic South. |
| Magnetic field | The region around a magnet where its force can be detected. |
| Magnetic field lines | Imaginary lines representing the direction and strength of a magnetic field. |
| Electromagnetism | The study of the relationship between electricity and magnetism. |
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Practice questions
- What happens to the compass needle when an electric current passes through a nearby metallic conductor? Answer: The compass needle gets deflected.
- Who discovered that electric current produces a magnetic effect? Answer: Hans Christian Oersted.
- Define magnetic field. Answer: The region surrounding a magnet, in which the force of the magnet can be detected, is said to have a magnetic field.
- How can magnetic field lines around a bar magnet be visualized? Answer: By sprinkling iron filings around the magnet or by using a compass.
Frequently asked questions
What is the main discovery discussed in Chapter 12 of NCERT Science Class 10?
Chapter 12 discusses the magnetic effects of electric current, showing that electricity and magnetism are related phenomena.
Who is Hans Christian Oersted and why is he important in this chapter?
Hans Christian Oersted was a scientist who discovered in 1820 that an electric current passing through a wire creates a magnetic field, linking electricity and magnetism.
How can we demonstrate the magnetic effect of an electric current?
By passing current through a straight copper wire and observing the deflection of a nearby compass needle (Activity 12.1).
What is a magnetic field?
A magnetic field is the region around a magnet or a current-carrying conductor where its magnetic influence can be detected.
What are magnetic field lines?
Magnetic field lines are imaginary lines that represent the direction and strength of a magnetic field, visualized by the pattern of iron filings around a magnet.
What is the unit of magnetic field strength named in honor of Oersted?
The unit of magnetic field strength is named the 'oersted' in his honor.
Related resources
Important topics
Topics covered
NCERT Class 10 Science — Science — Chapter 12 — Magnetic Effects of Electric Current. Verified by NCERT Help Editorial Team. Reviewed on 29 Jul 2026. Last updated 10 Aug 2026.