Direction of the Magnetic Field at the Center of a Circular Loop

When a circular loop carrying a current is placed on a horizontal surface, the direction of the magnetic field at its center can be determined using the right-hand rule. According to this rule:

1. Right-Hand Rule:
- Point your right thumb in the direction of the current flow (anticlockwise in this case).
- The curled fingers of your right hand will indicate the direction of the magnetic field.

2. Magnetic Field Around a Current-Carrying Conductor:
- The magnetic field around a current-carrying conductor forms concentric circles.
- These circles are perpendicular to the plane of the loop.
- The direction of the magnetic field is determined by the direction of the current flow.

3. Magnetic Field at the Center of the Loop:
- At the center of the circular loop, the magnetic field lines are perpendicular to the plane of the loop.
- The direction of the magnetic field at the center can be determined by visualizing the concentric circles of the magnetic field lines around the loop.
- Using the right-hand rule, we find that the magnetic field lines point out of the plane of the loop at the center.

4. Visual Representation:
- Imagine the circular loop lying flat on the horizontal surface.
- The current flows anticlockwise, causing the magnetic field lines to form concentric circles around the loop.
- At the center of the loop, the magnetic field lines point upward, perpendicular to the surface.

In conclusion, when a circular loop carrying a current in the anticlockwise direction is placed on a horizontal surface, the magnetic field at its center points upward, perpendicular to the surface.