Where is Magnetic Force Zero for Two Parallel Wires?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the magnetic force between two parallel wires carrying currents in opposite directions. It is established that the magnetic force will never be zero between the wires, as they will always repel each other. The right-hand rule is crucial for determining the direction of the magnetic fields generated by each wire. The magnetic fields will only cancel each other if the currents are equal, which is not specified in the discussion.

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  • Understanding of the right-hand rule for magnetic fields
  • Knowledge of magnetic fields generated by current-carrying wires
  • Familiarity with the concept of current direction and its effects
  • Basic principles of electromagnetism
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  • Study the right-hand rule in detail for various current configurations
  • Learn about the superposition principle in magnetic fields
  • Explore the mathematical formulation of magnetic fields around parallel wires
  • Investigate the effects of varying current magnitudes on magnetic interactions
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Physics students, electrical engineers, and anyone interested in understanding the principles of electromagnetism and magnetic forces between current-carrying conductors.

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In the picture, two parallel wires carry currents in opposite direction. Where will the magnetic force never be zero?
http://img154.imageshack.us/img154/4706/31130394mv0.th.jpg

1. you need to know the currents to answer this question
2. nowhere
3. part A
4 part B
5 part C

All I know about these two wires for sure is that they will repel each other and so move away from each other. I relaly don't know where the magnetic force will never be zero.
 
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Do you know the right hand rule? This is the rule that relates the direction of the current with the curl of the magnetic field.

In this case, for I(1) you point your right thumb toward the right (following the current) and you will see that your fingers curl toward you, so the magnetic field from this wire comes out of the page.

For I(2), point your right thumb to the left and your fingers curl in, so this B-field goes into the page.

These two fields will cancel IFF the currents are equal (which would result in two equal fields that are opposite in direction).

However, since we don't know the currents the answer is (1), you need to know the currents to answer this question.
 
thanks!
 

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