- When 2 current carrying conductors are placed close to each other, a force will be generated between them.
- 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.
- This force is due to the interaction between the magnetic field of the 2 conductor.
- 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:
- A force will be produced between 2 current carrying conductors.
- If the currents are in the same direction, the 2 wire will attract each other.
- If the current are in opposite direction, the 2 wire will repel each other.
