Answer:
The force is attractive because the currents in the two wires are in opposite directions.
Step-by-step explanation:
According to the given figure, the two wires are parallel to each other and are separated by a distance of 0.400 m.
The magnitude of the force (F) exerted by each wire on a 1.20-m length of the other wire can be calculated using the formula:
F = μ0 * I1 * I2 * L / (2 * π * d)
where μ0 is the permeability of free space, I1 and I2 are the currents in the wires, L is the length of the wire, and d is the distance between the wires.
Plugging in the given values, we get:
F = (4π * 10^-7 T*m/A) * (2.50 A) * (4.50 A) * (1.20 m) / (2 * π * 0.400 m)
F = 6.00 * 10^-6 N
The force is attractive because the currents in the two wires are in opposite directions.