Will the current in the wire attract each other

In summary, current in a wire does not attract each other, but rather repels due to the negative charges of electrons. The movement of electrons in a wire creates a circular magnetic field around the wire. The strength of the magnetic field is affected by the material of the wire, with higher conductivity materials producing a stronger field. The magnetic field created by current in a wire can also attract or repel objects with different magnetic properties. Changing the direction of the current in a wire will also change the direction of its magnetic field.
  • #1
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I wonder whether the current in a single wire will attract each other?
Eventually shrink to a line?
 
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  • #2
In which way?
If you consider a current in a cable with finite cross-section and no net charge, electron density might be a big higher in the interior due to magnetic fields. I think I calculated that once, and the result was very small for realistic current flows. A higher electron density adds repulsion, which cancels the magnetic forces soon.
 

1. Will the current in the wire attract each other?

The answer is no. Current in a wire is simply the flow of electrons, and electrons have negative charges. Opposite charges attract each other, so the current in the wire will actually repel each other.

2. How does the current in a wire create a magnetic field?

When current flows through a wire, it creates a circular magnetic field around the wire. This is due to the movement of the electrons, which have a magnetic moment, causing them to align and create a magnetic field.

3. Is the strength of the magnetic field created by current in a wire affected by the wire's material?

Yes, the strength of the magnetic field is affected by the material of the wire. Materials with higher electrical conductivity, such as copper, will produce a stronger magnetic field compared to materials with lower conductivity.

4. Can the current in a wire attract or repel objects other than wires?

Yes, the magnetic field created by the current in a wire can attract or repel other objects, depending on their magnetic properties. For example, if a wire with current flows near a magnet, it can either attract or repel the magnet depending on the direction of the current.

5. How does changing the direction of current in a wire affect its magnetic field?

Changing the direction of the current in a wire will also change the direction of its magnetic field. For example, if the current flows clockwise, the magnetic field will also be in a clockwise direction. Reversing the direction of the current will result in the magnetic field also being reversed.

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