Calculating Force in Parallel Conductors

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around understanding the relationship between force and parallel conductors in the context of electromagnetism. The original poster seeks clarification on the calculation of current and force between two straight parallel conductors of infinite length and negligible cross-section, specifically at a given distance in a vacuum.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the relationship between force, current, and separation of conductors. The original poster queries the precise current needed for a specified force at a given distance. Others explore the nature of the relationship, questioning whether the increase in force with separation is linear or logarithmic.

Discussion Status

Participants have provided some guidance regarding the relationship between force, current, and distance, referencing the definition of the ampere and suggesting the use of ratios and proportions. There is ongoing exploration of the mathematical relationships involved, but no consensus has been reached on the specific calculations or interpretations.

Contextual Notes

The original poster is not a student and is seeking understanding rather than homework assistance. The discussion includes references to established principles in electromagnetism, such as the Lorentz Force and the definition of the ampere.

voormann
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This question actually has nothing to do with homework, since I am not a student, it's simply to satisfy my need for understanding the relationship between force and parallel conductor dynamics..

The ampere is that constant current which, if maintained in two straight parallel conductors of infinite length, of negligible circular cross-section, and placed 1 m apart in vacuum, would produce between these conductors a force equal to 2 x 10^–7 Newton per metre of length.

I would like to know the equation used to calculate the current and force between 2 straight parallel conductors of infinite length and negligible cross-section, per given length, at a given distance apart in a vacuum.

first I would like to know what precise current in Amperes is required to effect a force of 89,2654465915787 Newtons per 0,84729456 metre of length, if we plug in a new distance between conductors: 0,84729456 metre

thanks!
 
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The force per unit length on the wires varies as the product of the electrical currents and inversely with their separation. Given the definition of the ampere and using ratios and proportions you should now be able to answer your questions.
 
The force per unit length on the wires varies as the product of the electrical currents and inversely with their separation. Given the definition of the ampere and using ratios and proportions you should now be able to answer your questions.

thanks!

so the force increases in direct proportion to the increase in current
and decreases as separation increases, is this correct?
is the increase in force with separation linear or logarhithmic?
 
The magnitude of the force is [tex]F = k \times \frac {I_1 I_2}{d}[/tex] where d is the separation.
 
Just to add to Tide's post, we have

[tex]F = k\frac{I_{1}I_{2}}{d}[/tex]

where d is the distance and I1 and I2 are the currents carried by the wires. If you have read about Lorentz Force and Magnetic Fields (the B vector and F = ILB where L = length of conductor), you can actually derive the relationship for the force between two parallel straight (long) current carrying conductors. Try it out to get an insight.

Cheers
Vivek.
 

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