01 Force and Motion II
02 Pressure
03 Electricity
04 Electromagnetism
05 Electronics
06 Nuclear Physics
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4.1 Force between 2 Current-Carrying Conductors

  1. When 2 current-carrying conductors are placed close to each other, a force will be generated between them.
  2. If the current in both conductors flows in the same direction, they will attract each other, whereas if the current is in opposite direction, they will repel each other.
  3. This force is due to the interaction between the magnetic field of the 2 conductor.
  4. The figure below shows the catapult field produced by 2 current carrying conductors when their current is in the same direction or opposite direction.

(Magnetic field generated when 2 current carrying conductors with currents move in the same direction are brought close to each other. The field will cause the 2 conductors to attract each other)
(Magnetic field generated when 2 current carrying conductors with currents move in the opposite direction are brought close to each other. The field will cause the 2 conductors to repel each other)

Summary:

  1. A force will be produced between 2 current-carrying conductors.
  2. If the currents are in the same direction, the 2 wire will attract each other.
  3. If the current is in opposite direction, the 2 wire will repel each other.