two parallel conductors are located one above the other, with both carrying currents in opposite directions. As a result they repel each other. is the upper conductor in a stable state of levitation?
b) Now we reverse one current so that the two conductors attract each other. Is the lower conductor in a stable state of levitation?
..ive gone over all my notes and im still confused about this question...i don't really understand what is meant by a stable state of levitation and how that would differ from the upper and lower conductors...any help would be great.
I assume stable means force of attraction/repulsion = weight of cable.
It would take quite a current to do that.
In order to understand the stability of levitation in this scenario, let's break it down step by step.
1. Two parallel conductors located one above the other: This means that we have two wires positioned vertically, with one wire positioned above the other. Let's refer to the upper wire as "Wire A" and the lower wire as "Wire B."
2. Both wires carrying currents in opposite directions: This means that electrical currents are flowing through both wires, but the directions of these currents are opposite. For example, if the current in Wire A flows upward, the current in Wire B will flow downward.
Now, let's analyze each situation separately:
a) When both wires repel each other: Since the currents in Wire A and Wire B are in opposite directions, the magnetic fields created around each wire will also be in opposite directions. According to the right-hand rule, the magnetic fields from each wire will exert a force on each other, causing them to repel each other. In this case, the upper conductor (Wire A) may experience a stable state of levitation because the repulsive forces from Wire B keep it suspended above Wire B.
b) When the currents are reversed and the wires attract each other: If we reverse the direction of the current in either Wire A or Wire B, the magnetic fields from both wires will align and attract each other. Now, the lower conductor (Wire B) may experience a stable state of levitation because the attractive forces from Wire A keep it suspended below Wire A.
In both cases, the stability of levitation depends on the balance between the magnetic forces between the wires and the gravitational force pulling them downwards. If the magnetic forces are strong enough to support the weight of the wire, the conductor will be in a stable state of levitation.
It is essential to note that the stability of levitation ultimately depends on various factors, such as the distance between the wires, the currents flowing through them, and the strength of the magnetic fields generated by the currents.