Consider two small circular current loops. Suppose one loop is placed above the other (but not touching), with their areas oriented similarly. Do the loops repel, attract or have no effect when the currents are in the same direction? In the opposite direction?
do the right hand rule: thumb in direction of current on each, fingers curl in direction of magnetic field. They attract in if current in same direction.
To determine the interaction between two small circular current loops, we need to apply the principles of electromagnetism. The magnetic field produced by a current-carrying loop is given by Ampere's law, which states that the magnetic field at any point along the axis of a circular loop is directly proportional to the current and the area enclosed by the loop.
Let's consider the scenario where the currents in both loops are in the same direction. The magnetic fields produced by the individual loops will add up constructively, creating a stronger combined magnetic field in the region between the loops. According to the right-hand grip rule, this magnetic field will be directed in a way that it repels other magnetic fields with the same orientation. Therefore, in this case, the loops will repel each other.
Now, let's consider the scenario where the currents in the two loops are in opposite directions. In this case, the magnetic fields produced by the loops will add up destructively, resulting in a weaker combined magnetic field between them. The direction of the magnetic field between the loops will be such that it attracts other magnetic fields with opposite orientations. Therefore, in this case, the loops will attract each other.
In summary:
- If the currents in the two loops are in the same direction, they will repel each other.
- If the currents in the two loops are in opposite directions, they will attract each other.