University Physics with Modern Physics (14th Edition)

Published by Pearson
ISBN 10: 0321973615
ISBN 13: 978-0-32197-361-0

Chapter 28 - Sources of Magnetic Field - Problems - Discussion Questions - Page 947: Q28.6

Answer

Yes. No.

Work Step by Step

Parallel wires that carry current in the same direction attract one another. If all 3 wires carry current in the same direction, they will mutually attract each other. It is not possible for them to all repel each other. We know that they do not all carry current in the same direction (that case was already covered, and it leads to all the wires attracting each other), so it must be the case that 2 of them carry current in one direction, and the third wire carries current in the other direction. We find that the first 2 wires attract each other, and the effects of the third wire cannot change that. It is not possible for them to all repel each other.
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