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What is the Oersted test or the Oersted experiment? How can you explain the Oersted test or the Oersted experiment? The Oersted test clearly shows the magnetic effect of electric current by having a magnetic needle swing close to a current-carrying conductor. This shows that the greater the current through the conductor, the stronger the swing, so the magnetic field must also become stronger as the current increases. If you reverse the polarity of the experiment, the magnetic needle swings in exactly the other direction. The direction of the magnetic field therefore depends on the direction of the current flow. You can find more animations, videos of experiments and corresponding worksheets on physikdigital.de