If the current in a current-carrying wire is increased, the deflection of a magnetic compass placed nearby will increase. This is because the magnetic field created by the current-carrying wire is directly proportional to the current, and a stronger magnetic field will cause a greater deflection of the compass needle.
Reasoning:
Magnetic Field:
A current-carrying wire generates a magnetic field around it. The strength of this field is directly proportional to the current flowing through the wire. This means that if the current is increased, the magnetic field around the wire becomes stronger.
Compass Needle Alignment:
A compass needle is a small magnetic needle that aligns itself with the surrounding magnetic field. When a current-carrying wire is placed near the compass, the compass needle will be deflected by the magnetic field of the wire.
Increased Deflection:
As the magnetic field from the wire becomes stronger due to increased current, the compass needle will be deflected more strongly. The needle will swing further away from its normal orientation to align with the stronger magnetic field created by the wire.