What are the Forces on parallel ac conductors

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on the forces acting on two parallel conductors, A and B, carrying alternating current (AC) with a wavelength of λ. Conductor A's current phase leads that of conductor B by λ/4, resulting in conductor A experiencing a force directed toward conductor B, while conductor B experiences a force directed away from conductor A. Despite these opposing forces, the net force does not result in movement toward each other due to the phase relationship of the magnetic fields generated by each conductor. The varying magnetic field's effects, including induced currents in nearby conductors, are also explored.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of AC current and its phase relationships
  • Knowledge of electromagnetic fields and their interactions
  • Familiarity with the principles of force between current-carrying conductors
  • Basic grasp of wave properties, specifically wavelength (λ)
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the principles of electromagnetic induction and its applications
  • Study the effects of phase differences in AC circuits
  • Explore the mathematical modeling of forces on parallel conductors
  • Investigate the implications of varying magnetic fields on nearby conductors
USEFUL FOR

Electrical engineers, physics students, and professionals involved in electromagnetic theory and applications, particularly those studying the interactions between AC current-carrying conductors.

Tracer
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The Scenario:
Two long parallel conductors A and B are carrying an ac current with a wave length of λ. The conductors are separated in distance at all points by λ/4 and the ac current phase of conductor A leads the ac current phase of conductor B by λ/4 at all points mutually at right angles between the two conductors.
The Problem:
Conductor A will always be in a field radiated from Conductor B that is exactly in phase with the actual phase of conductor A's current. Consequently conductor A will experience a force directed toward conductor B.
Conductor B will always be in a field radiated from conductor A that is exactly 180° out of phase with with the actual phase of conductor B's current. Consequently conductor B will experience a force directed away from conductor A.
Since forces on both conductors are in the same direction it seems that a net force would exist that would tend to move both conductors in a direction from conductor A towards conductor B.
The question: Why will this not happen?
 
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Hi Tracer! :smile:

What is the effect of the varying magnetic field?
 
tiny-tim said:
Hi Tracer! :smile:

What is the effect of the varying magnetic field?

Aside from inducing currents in other conductors?

This is not a homework problem tiny-tim. It is a scenario that I have never seen addressed anywhere.
a more graphic of the problem is presented in the EMRPHASES1.doc atachment.

Regards, Tracer.
 

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