Determine the nature of force acting between two parallel current-carrying conductors when: (i) Current is in the same direction in conductors, (ii) Current is in the opposite direction in conductors.
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The nature of the force between two current-carrying conductors depends on whether the currents flow in the same or opposite directions.
- For same direction of current:
When two parallel conductors carry current in the same direction, they experience an attractive force due to the magnetic fields around them. According to Ampere's law, the force per unit length between the two conductors is:
\[
F = \frac{\mu_0 I_1 I_2}{2\pi r},
\]
where \( I_1 \) and \( I_2 \) are the currents, \( r \) is the distance between the conductors, and \( \mu_0 \) is the permeability of free space.
- For opposite direction of current:
When the currents are in opposite directions, the force between the conductors is repulsive, and the formula remains the same but with a change in direction, which indicates a repulsive interaction.
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