VISUAL PHYSICS ONLINE

6 ELECTROMAGNETISM

P60 002

X, Y and Z are three straight long parallel conductors with currents as shown in the diagram. The distance between conductors X and Y is twice the distance between conductors Y and Z.

What is the direction of the resultant force on each conductor: X, Y and Z?

View solution below only after you have completed the answering the question.

Solution

Magnetic force between two parallel straight conductors

Two parallel conductors carrying currents in the same direction are attracted to each other. Two parallel conductors carrying currents in opposite directions are repelled to each other.

Force on conductor X from conductor Y (repel)

Force on conductor X from conductor Z (repel)

Net force on conductor X

net force on X is the left

Force on conductor Y from conductor X (repel)

Force on conductor Y from conductor Z (attract)

Net force on conductor Y

net force on X is the right

Force on conductor Z from conductor X (repel)

Force on conductor Z from conductor Y (attract)

Net force on conductor X

net force on Z is the zero