Two current carrying wires are placed next to each other and anti-parallel currents are allowed to flow. Is the magnetic force between the wires attractive or repulsive?

Consider the first wire on the left with current running up (arbitrary choice). By the 1st right hand rule, the magnetic field anywhere on the right will be into the page. By the 2nd right hand rule, the force is to the left, so repulsive.

Answered by Physics tutor

1821 Views

See similar Physics A Level tutors

Related Physics A Level answers

All answers ▸

Describe how the strong nuclear force between nucleons varies with seperation of the nucleons.


In one second a mass of 210 kg of air enters at A. The speed of this mass of air increases by 570 m s–1 as it passes through the engine. Calculate the force that the air exerts on the engine.


explain how a cyclotron produces a high energy electron


Use band theory to explain the changes in the resistance of an intrinsic semiconductor as temper changes.


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2025 by IXL Learning