In AC measurement, what direction does the compass needle turn as the current becomes positive?

In AC measurement, the behavior of a compass needle in response to an alternating current is influenced by the direction of the magnetic field created by the current. As the AC current alternates, it periodically reverses direction, which in turn affects the orientation of the magnetic field.

When the current becomes positive, the magnetic field generated by the current also shifts direction. In many contexts, a positive current flow might result in the compass needle aligning itself with the magnetic field that points toward the east. This response is due to the right-hand rule in electromagnetism, where the thumb points in the direction of the current (assumed positive), and the curl of the fingers indicates the direction of the magnetic field created around a conductor.

Thus, when the current is positive, the compass needle will turn to point east, indicating the direction of the magnetic field stemming from that current flow.