Question

The figure below are two long, parallel wires carrying current in the same direction such that I₁ < I₂.

1. In which direction will wire I₁ move?
2. If the direction of the current I₂ is reversed, in which direction will the wire I₁ move now?

Answer 1

1. It will move towards I₁. (Two linear parallel conductors carrying currents in the same direction attract each other.)
2. It will move away from I₁. (Two linear parallel conductors carrying currents in the opposite direction repel each other.)