Question

A straight wire, labeled as Wire A, lies horizontally on a tabletop and is oriented to run north-south. A conventional current of 1.0 amperes runs in the wire directed towards the north. A second wire, labeled as Wire B, is also laid on the tabletop oriented north- south. Which of the following statements is true?

a. If Wire B carries no current in it and lies to the left (west) of wire A, then it will experience an attractive force to the right towards wire A).
b. If Wire B carries a northward conventional current and lies to the left (west) of wire A, then it will experience an attractive force to the right (towards Wire A).
c. If Wire B carries a northward conventional current and lies to the right (east) of wire A, then it will experience a repulsive force to the right (away from Wire A).
d. If Wire B carries a southward conventional current and lies to the left (west) of wire A, then it will experience a repulsive force to the left (away from Wire A).

Answer 1

b. If Wire B carries a northward conventional current and lies to the left (west) of wire A, then it will experience an attractive force to the right (towards Wire A).

d. If Wire B carries a southward conventional current and lies to the left (west) of wire A, then it will experience a repulsive force to the left (away from Wire A).

Step-by-step explanation:

Two parallel conductors experience attractive force when the current flowing in the conductors are in the same direction.

Also two parallel conductors experience repulsive force when the current flowing in the conductors are in opposite direction.

Therefore, b and d are the correct options.

b. If Wire B carries a northward conventional current and lies to the left (west) of wire A, then it will experience an attractive force to the right (towards Wire A).

d. If Wire B carries a southward conventional current and lies to the left (west) of wire A, then it will experience a repulsive force to the left (away from Wire A).