The work of the magnetic force

Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the behavior of two parallel wires carrying current in the same direction and the implications of magnetic forces in this context. Participants are exploring the concept that magnetic forces do not perform work and questioning the source of energy involved in the interaction between the wires.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants are attempting to understand the relationship between magnetic forces and work, questioning how energy is transferred in the scenario of the wires. Some express uncertainty about potential energy sources, while others suggest considering analogous systems like electric motors.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants raising questions about energy sources and the nature of magnetic forces. Some guidance has been offered in the form of analogies to electric motors, but no consensus has been reached regarding the energy source in this specific scenario.

Contextual Notes

Participants are operating under the constraints of forum rules that require some level of attempt before receiving help, which has influenced the nature of the responses and questions posed.

Eitan Levy
Messages
259
Reaction score
11

Homework Statement


We put 2 very long parallel wires on a table, in both of them the current flows at the same direction. As a result, they get closer to each other.
Does this create a conflict with the fact that magnetic force does not do work?
What is the energy source for the work done on the wires?

Homework Equations


Irrelevant

The Attempt at a Solution


Honestly I Just can't figure this out, any help would be appreciated.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Hi Ethan,

PF rules forbid help if no attempt is made, so 'dunno' is not good enough, I'm afraid...

what energy sources are there in this scenario ?
 
BvU said:
Hi Ethan,

PF rules forbid help if no attempt is made, so 'dunno' is not good enough, I'm afraid...

what energy sources are there in this scenario ?
I just don't really know. The only source I can think of is the magnetic force.
 
Eitan Levy said:
the fact that magnetic force does not do work
 
I know it doesn't, but what can be the source of energy in here? Normal and gravity don't seem to be the sources to me, so what can be the source?
 
Can anyone give a hint? I really have no clue.
 
Consider an electric motor which is a similar set up. What does that need in order to make it spin/rotate a load?
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
3K
Replies
7
Views
3K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K
Replies
12
Views
2K
Replies
17
Views
3K
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
3K