What is the force direction on a left wire in a parallel current setup?

  • Thread starter Thread starter ivanwho49
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Currents Parallel
AI Thread Summary
In a parallel current setup with two wires, the direction of the force on the left wire can be determined using the right-hand rule, which relates the current direction to the resulting magnetic field and force. The confusion arises from identifying the correct wire positions, as the top wire is referred to as the left wire in the discussion. The right-hand rule requires the direction of the current to establish the magnetic field's influence on the left wire. Clarification is needed on which right-hand rule applies, as there are variations depending on the context. Understanding these principles is essential for solving the problem accurately.
ivanwho49
Messages
9
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement



Two current carrying wires run parallel. The bottom wire creates a magnetic field at a point on the top wire. What direction is the force on the left wire?

--------->------
--------->------

Homework Equations



I'm assuming there's no equation, just the right hand rule..?

The Attempt at a Solution



I think this problem asks for the right hand rule, but I'm not sure. I don't have a very good grasp of the right hand rule... I'm assuming it is dependent on the direction of the magnetic field and something else.

Please help!
 
Physics news on Phys.org
ivanwho49 said:

Homework Statement



Two current carrying wires run parallel. The bottom wire creates a magnetic field at a point on the top wire. What direction is the force on the left wire?

--------->------
--------->------
Hi ivanwho49. I see a top wire and a bottom wire...but where's the left wire? :confused:

The right-hand rule sounds good!
 
Sorry, I meant top. Top = left. What two things do I use the right hand rule with though?
 
ivanwho49 said:
Sorry, I meant top. Top = left. What two things do I use the right hand rule with though?
There are two different "right-hand rules". Use the right one first, it needs only one "thing", viz., direction of current.
 
Thread 'Variable mass system : water sprayed into a moving container'

Thread 'Variable mass system : water sprayed into a moving container'

Starting with the mass considerations #m(t)# is mass of water #M_{c}# mass of container and #M(t)# mass of total system $$M(t) = M_{C} + m(t)$$ $$\Rightarrow \frac{dM(t)}{dt} = \frac{dm(t)}{dt}$$ $$P_i = Mv + u \, dm$$ $$P_f = (M + dm)(v + dv)$$ $$\Delta P = M \, dv + (v - u) \, dm$$ $$F = \frac{dP}{dt} = M \frac{dv}{dt} + (v - u) \frac{dm}{dt}$$ $$F = u \frac{dm}{dt} = \rho A u^2$$ from conservation of momentum , the cannon recoils with the same force which it applies. $$\quad \frac{dm}{dt}...
View full post »

Similar threads

Calculating Magnetic Field at Point P for Perpendicular Current-Carrying Wires
Replies
2
Views
1K
Electromagnetism question -- Forces between two current carrying wires
Replies
7
Views
3K
Induced current and force on circular loop in varying magnetic field
Replies
4
Views
1K
What is the net force on the current loop?
Replies
8
Views
2K
Correct statement about solenoid
Replies
2
Views
2K
How does an eddy current brake work exactly?
Replies
2
Views
2K
The direction of induced current and magnetic field produced
Replies
12
Views
3K
Two parallel wires connected to equal alternating currents
Replies
2
Views
1K
How Does Lenz's Law Explain Magnetic Field Directions?
Replies
1
Views
3K
Force from a Current in an Infinite Wire on a Square Wire Loop Nearby
Replies
5
Views
3K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top