The figure above shows a conductor PQ carrying a current I in the direction shown. At a particular position near the conductor is a compass needle K. Neglec...

The figure above shows a conductor PQ carrying a current I in the direction shown. At a particular position near the conductor is a compass needle K. Neglecting the earth's magnetic field, the compass needle will

Answer Details

When a current flows through a conductor, it creates a magnetic field around it. The magnetic field lines form circles around the conductor, with the direction of the field given by the right-hand rule. The magnetic field created by the current in conductor PQ will interact with the magnetic field of the compass needle, causing the needle to deflect. The direction of deflection of the compass needle depends on the direction of the magnetic field created by the current in conductor PQ. The needle will settle in a fixed direction whether or not conductor PQ is a magnetic material. Therefore, the correct option is "settle in a fixed direction WHETHER the conductor PQ is a magnetic material OR NOT."