Magnetic force b/w wires of unequal length

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SUMMARY

The discussion addresses the calculation of magnetic force between two parallel wires of unequal lengths, specifically utilizing the Biot-Savart law. The Biot-Savart integral is recommended for determining the magnetic field produced by the longer wire, which is then integrated over the length of the shorter wire. This method is effective when the longer wire significantly exceeds the length of the shorter wire. The conversation confirms that using the length of the shorter wire alone is insufficient for accurate calculations.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of the Biot-Savart law
  • Familiarity with magnetic fields generated by current-carrying conductors
  • Knowledge of integral calculus
  • Concept of parallel wire configurations in electromagnetism
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the Biot-Savart law in detail
  • Learn how to perform magnetic field calculations for finite wires
  • Explore the concept of magnetic force between parallel conductors
  • Investigate the impact of wire length on magnetic interactions
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Physicists, electrical engineers, and students studying electromagnetism who are interested in the interactions between current-carrying wires of varying lengths.

diagopod
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Is there a formula for the force between two parallel wires of non-equal length? Would one just use the length of the shorter of the two wires?
 
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That would only work if the longer wire were very much longer.
You can get the field of the longer, but finite, wire by the usual Biot-Savart integral with finite limits. Then integrate this field over the shorter wire.
 
clem said:
That would only work if the longer wire were very much longer.
You can get the field of the longer, but finite, wire by the usual Biot-Savart integral with finite limits. Then integrate this field over the shorter wire.

Thanks, that does makes sense.
 

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