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

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the forces acting on parallel current-carrying wires, specifically focusing on the direction of the force on a wire when subjected to the magnetic field created by another wire. The subject area is electromagnetism, particularly the interaction of magnetic fields and currents.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the application of the right-hand rule to determine the direction of force, with some uncertainty about its correct usage. There is also a clarification regarding the identification of the wires involved in the problem.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively engaging with the problem, questioning the setup and the application of the right-hand rule. Some guidance has been offered regarding the use of the right-hand rule, but there is no explicit consensus on the correct approach yet.

Contextual Notes

There appears to be some confusion regarding the labeling of the wires, which may affect the understanding of the problem. Participants are also considering the possibility of multiple interpretations of the right-hand rule.

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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?

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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!
 
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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.
 

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