Two straight parallel conductors carry equal currents in opposite direction.
The force between them is
A. repulsive.
B. attractive.
C. zero.
D. none of above.
Answer: A
Share your understanding of this question with the correct explanation.
When two straight parallel conductors carry equal currents in opposite directions, the force between them is repulsive. Therefore, the correct answer is A: “repulsive.”
Here’s a further explanation:
According to Ampere’s Law, when two parallel conductors carry currents in the same direction, there is an attractive force between them. However, when the currents are in opposite directions, the force between the conductors becomes repulsive.
This can be explained by the interaction of the magnetic fields produced by the currents. The magnetic field created by one conductor exerts a force on the other conductor, and the direction of this force depends on the relative orientations of the magnetic fields.
When the currents are in opposite directions, the magnetic fields produced by the conductors point in opposite directions as well. According to the right-hand rule, the magnetic field lines around each conductor form concentric circles, and the magnetic fields in the region between the conductors are in opposite directions. As a result, the magnetic fields repel each other, leading to a repulsive force between the conductors.
In conclusion, when two straight parallel conductors carry equal currents in opposite directions, the force between them is repulsive.