Two parallel conductors are carrying currents in the same direction.The currents are non-zero and not necessarily equal.The magnitude of the magnetic field midway between them is 40 μT.If one of the currents then has its direction reversed,what is the resulting magnitude of the magnetic field midway between them?
A)a value greater than 40 μT
B)40 μT
C)a value less than 40 μT
D)It could be any value.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

When two parallel conductors carry currents in the same direction, they attract each other due to the magnetic fields they generate. The magnetic field midway between them is the vector sum of the fields due to each conductor. When the direction of one current is reversed, the magnetic fields due to each conductor at the midpoint add up instead of partially canceling out, leading to a stronger total magnetic field than before.

Two Parallel Conductors Are Carrying Currents in the Same Direction