Why do Parallel Currents Attract?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the interaction between parallel currents in wires, specifically how they attract or repel each other based on the direction of the current flow. When currents in two parallel wires flow in the same direction, they attract due to the magnetic fields generated around each wire, as described by the right-hand rule and Lorentz force law. Conversely, when the currents flow in opposite directions, the wires repel each other. The behavior of alternating current (AC) and direct current (DC) is also addressed, confirming that AC can lead to attraction or repulsion depending on the phase of the current.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of electromagnetic principles, specifically the right-hand rule.
  • Familiarity with Lorentz force law and its application to moving charges.
  • Basic knowledge of AC and DC current behaviors.
  • Concept of magnetic fields and their interaction with electric currents.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the right-hand rule in detail to understand magnetic field directionality.
  • Explore the Lorentz force law and its implications for charged particles in magnetic fields.
  • Investigate the differences in behavior between AC and DC currents in electromagnetic applications.
  • Learn about the properties of magnetic fields and their relationship with electron spin in conductive materials.
USEFUL FOR

Physics students, electrical engineers, and anyone interested in the principles of electromagnetism and the behavior of electric currents in conductive materials.

  • #61
Chronos said:
apologies, you can't even describe it in 3 dimensions.

You got to 'splain that to me, Lucy. If I start another thread will you give me more details? I don't want to derail here.
Seriously, I want to understand this, though.
 
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  • #62
quantum spin is a way to differentiate all the difficulties of telling them apart. i don't think they actually 'spin' in the same way we would dance.
 
  • #63
A fivefold structure of reality?

Yes, it has no physical meaning to extend the concept of dimension to five; why don't we talk better about determining the state of a system in the complex plane, where both time and space are included, having then sort of fivefold structure of reality?
Regards
EP
Math Is Hard said:
I agree with Chronos. For instance, how would you draw a picture of a five-dimensional object? Math allows us to describe things even where our visualizations fail us.
 
  • #64
what_are_electrons said:
How 'bout drawings/pictures plus math to give a 1,000 and 1 words/descriptions? That way, us How To Dummies, can keep pace as best we can despite our illiteracy. That fair?

It won't help anyone keep pace. If someone doesn't know math, they can know no physics, pictures or not. Luckily though, this is also a math help board. Anyone who is behind on their math can get started learning and post questions in the appropriate sections...
 
  • #65
Chronos said:
Apologies. We only speak in 'math' because that is the only language of science that is known. Propose a better 'language' and go collect your nobel. In other words, I think you have mastered bull-speak... Just like the Andrew Grey. I have not even totally figured out the simplest dq equations of anything in the universe. Show me yours.

Chronos,

Anyone who has said anything in only words in this forum concerning any kind of theory always results in someone saying they're speaking "bull-speak". Show me otherwise.

I agree that math is nearly the only way to pose a theory properly. What I'm talking about is helping the people out there that may not have the education required to understand the formulas put forth, but would like to at least get some kind of grip on the concept these formulas represent. Obviously, you might use simplistic terms for someone who is not yet at an advanced level of understanding.

Or, are you saying that this forum is your own club and others of "limited" education shouldn't even be here. Everyone should be invited to learn as much as they can about science. There are too many people out there who know very little or nothing of science. Don't shut them out.
 
  • #66
This thread has gotten way off topic, Clearly it has ended any useful purpose.
 

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