When two conductors are close to each other with currents flowing in opposite directions, what occurs?

When two conductors carry currents in opposite directions, the magnetic fields generated by each conductor interact in a way that causes them to repel each other. This behavior stems from the right-hand rule in electromagnetism: if the thumb of your right hand points in the direction of the current, your fingers curl in the direction of the magnetic field.

For two parallel conductors with currents flowing in opposite directions, the magnetic field created around each conductor will exert forces on the other. Since the magnetic field around one conductor flows in a direction that is opposite to the field of the other, the resulting interaction leads to a repulsive force between the two conductors. This principle is fundamental in understanding how electric motors and generators work, as well as in applications involving electromagnetic forces.

In contrast, if the currents were flowing in the same direction, the magnetic fields would aid each other, leading to an attractive force, illustrating the principle that the nature of the interaction depends on the direction of the currents. This distinction is essential for grasping the underlying concepts of magnetic fields and forces in electrical circuits and systems.