Two long, parallel wires carry currents of different magnitudes. If the current in one of the wires is doubled and the current in the other wire is halved, what happens to the magnitude of the
Magnetic force that each wire exerts on the other?
A) It is reduced by a factor of two.
B) It is doubled.
C) It is quadrupled.
D) It is tripled.
E) It stays the same.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The magnetic force between two parallel wires is proportional to the product of the currents in the wires. Doubling one current and halving the other keeps the product, and thus the force, the same.

Two Long, Parallel Wires Carry Currents of Different Magnitudes