PURPOSE: To demonstrate the force between two adjacent parallel current-carrying wires.

DESCRIPTION: A six-foot tall support holds two wires which can be connected for parallel or anti-parallel currents. The motion is clear: attractive for parallel wires and repulsive for anti-parallel wires.

Click on the photograph of the apparatus above to see the positioning of the wires with parallel and antiparallel currents.

Click here for video of parallel currents case.

SUGGESTIONS:

REFERENCES: (PIRA 5H40.10)

EQUIPMENT: Parallel wire apparatus with high-current power supply.

SETUP TIME: None.