Magnetic Force Between Current-Carrying Wires Calculator
Calculate the magnetic force between two parallel current-carrying wires
Amperes (A)
Amperes (A)
Millimeters (mm)
Meters (m) - default is 1m for force per unit length
How to Use This Calculator
Enter Currents
Enter the current flowing through each wire in amperes. Same direction currents attract, opposite directions repel.
Enter Distance
Enter the distance between the two parallel wires in millimeters.
Enter Length (Optional)
Enter the length of the wires in meters. Default is 1m for force per unit length.
Get Force
Click calculate to see the magnetic force between the wires.
Formula
F/L = (μ₀ × I₁ × I₂) / (2π × d)
F = (F/L) × L
Where:
- F = Force (N)
- L = Length (m)
- F/L = Force per unit length (N/m)
- μ₀ = Permeability of free space = 4π × 10⁻⁷ H/m
- I₁, I₂ = Currents in wires (A)
- d = Distance between wires (m)
Example:
I₁ = 10 A, I₂ = 10 A, Distance = 10 mm, Length = 1 m
F/L = (4π × 10⁻⁷ × 10 × 10) / (2π × 0.01) = 0.00004 / 0.0628 = 0.000637 N/m
F = 0.000637 × 1 = 0.000637 N
About Magnetic Force Between Wires Calculator
The Magnetic Force Between Current-Carrying Wires Calculator calculates the magnetic force between two parallel current-carrying wires. When electric current flows through wires, it creates magnetic fields. Parallel wires with current experience force due to their magnetic fields - same direction currents attract, opposite directions repel.
When to Use This Calculator
- Physics Education: Learn about magnetic forces and Ampere's law
- Electrical Engineering: Calculate forces in parallel conductor systems
- Power Systems: Analyze forces in power transmission lines
- Educational Purposes: Understand electromagnetic forces
Why Use Our Calculator?
- ✅ Accurate Calculations: Uses correct magnetic force formula
- ✅ Easy to Use: Simple interface
- ✅ Free Tool: No registration required
- ✅ Educational: Includes formulas and examples
Common Applications
Power Transmission: High-current power lines experience magnetic forces. Understanding these forces helps design safe transmission systems.
Physics Education: This demonstrates Ampere's law and the relationship between electric current and magnetic fields.
Tips for Accurate Results
- Enter distance in millimeters
- Enter currents in amperes
- Same direction currents = attractive force
- Opposite direction currents = repulsive force
- Force is proportional to product of currents
- Force is inversely proportional to distance
Frequently Asked Questions
Do wires with same current direction attract or repel?
Wires with current flowing in the same direction attract each other. Wires with current flowing in opposite directions repel each other.
What is μ₀?
μ₀ (mu-zero) is the permeability of free space, a fundamental constant equal to 4π × 10⁻⁷ henries per meter. It relates magnetic fields to electric currents.
Is this force significant in real applications?
For typical household currents (few amperes) and wire spacing, the force is very small. For high-current power transmission lines (thousands of amperes), the force can be significant and must be considered in design.