5H40.10 • Forces on Current in Wires: Parallel Wires

Location: Floor Demo

Photo Shows the Demo Apparatus Used by the University of Texas at Austin.

Instructions / Notes:

• Two uninsulated wires hang from a frame and are connected to a low voltage, 25 amp, power supply.
• Current direction is controlled by an old-school, DPDT, knive switch.
• The power to the wires is turned-on via a , large, red, momentary switch.
• Wires will attract each other when both currents flow in the same direction.
• To Reverse the current flow through one of the wires, flip the large knive switch.

Last updated on June 8, 2026