Two parallel wires are carrying current. If the currents are in the same direction, what is the interaction between the two wires and why? How would this be different in the currents were in opposite directions?

Question

anonymous · Answer

Have you read up on field lines? Check out: http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/magnetic/magcur.html

anonymous · Answer

Yes I have but I don't understand this question. Wouldn't the current in each wire continue to go through each wire if they are in the same direction?

anonymous · Answer

Yes, indeed. Though, be careful as the question doesn't ask about the currents, it asks about about the interactions between the wires, which is magnetic.

anonymous · Answer

Ohh so if the current is going in the same direction the wires would repel each other and if the current in going in the opposite direction, they would attract each other

anonymous · Answer

Yessir/ma'am. Do you see why, though?

anonymous · Answer

not really

anonymous · Answer

Pardon the other writing, but here are the field lines for the wires going in opposite directions.

anonymous · Answer

Ok I got it! thanks a lot!