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 flow in the same direction, they will attract each other, whereas if the current are 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 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 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 are in opposite direction, the 2 wire will repel each other.