What happens to two conductors carrying current in opposite directions?

When two conductors carry current in opposite directions, they generate magnetic fields that interact with one another according to the right-hand rule, which states that the direction of the magnetic field circles around the direction of the current flow. In the case of currents flowing in opposite directions, the magnetic fields produced by each conductor are in opposition. This interaction results in a repulsive force between the two conductors, effectively pushing them apart.

This phenomenon is a direct consequence of Ampère's law, which describes how current-carrying conductors exert forces on each other. Specifically, when the currents flow in the same direction, they attract each other due to their combined magnetic fields, but when the currents flow in opposite directions, the opposing magnetic fields result in a repulsive force.

Understanding this behavior is crucial in many applications within electrical engineering and circuit design, where the arrangement and interaction of conductors are vital in minimizing interference and maximizing efficiency.