Current in Top Loop: Increase, Decrease, or No Change?

[chukie]

Two loops have current flowing through them (see picture). The top loop lies directly above the bottom one. When the current in the bottom loop is increased, what happens to the top loop's current? Does it increase, decrease, go to zero, doesn't change or it depends on the relative values for current.

http://img167.imageshack.us/img167/56/loopto0.th.png


I was thinking that this had something to do with Lenz's Law. So I was thinking when the top current increase, the bottom would try to counter it by also increasing? But there is no magnetic field involved?

 

[vipulsilwal]

the current in above one should decrease.

i hope the diagram is correct ((current in both of them is clockwise .))

so by right hand thumb rule magnetic field would be in upper direction
as current increases it would also increase the mag. F
now by lenz's law current in above should decrease.

 

[Moetasim]

Based on the information provided, it is not possible to determine the exact effect on the top loop's current when the current in the bottom loop is increased. It depends on a variety of factors, such as the relative values and directions of the currents, the distance between the two loops, and the properties of the materials involved.

However, it is possible to make some general predictions based on the principles of electromagnetism. According to Lenz's law, when a changing magnetic field is applied to a conductor, it induces an opposing current in the conductor. This means that if the current in the bottom loop is increased, it will create a changing magnetic field that will induce a current in the top loop in the opposite direction. This could result in the top loop's current increasing, decreasing, or even going to zero, depending on the specific conditions.

In addition, the concept of mutual inductance also plays a role in this scenario. If the two loops are closely coupled, an increase in current in one loop can induce a current in the other loop. However, if the loops are not closely coupled, the effect may be minimal.

In summary, the current in the top loop could potentially increase, decrease, or remain unchanged when the current in the bottom loop is increased. It ultimately depends on the specific conditions and properties of the system.