Two parallel wires in a horizontal plane carry currents I1 and I2 to the right.

Question

Two parallel wires in a horizontal plane carry currents I1 and I2 to the right. The wires each have length L and are separated by a distance d. (a) What are the magnitude and direction of the field due to wire 1 at the location of wire 2? (b) What are the magnitude and direction of the magnetic force on wire 2 due to this field? (c) What are the magnitude and direction of the field due to wire 2 at the location of wire 1? (d) What are the magnitude and direction of the magnetic force on wire 1 due to this field? (e) Do parallel currents in the same direction attract or repel? (f) What about parallel currents in opposite directions?

Explanation / Answer

a) B21 = magnetic at wire 2 due to wire 1

=mi*i1/(2*pi*d) , out from the page

b) F2 = force on 2

= B12*i2*L

=mi*i1*i2*L/(2*pi*d) , towards right

c) B11 = magnetic at wire 1 due to wire 1

=mi*i2/(2*pi*d) , into the page

d) F1 = force on 1

= B21*i1*L

=mi*i1*i2*L/(2*pi*d) , towards left

e) attract

f) repell

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