When two wires parallel to each other has the same current running in the same direction, there is a force attracting the two wires together that is responsible for the pinch effect in electric arcs and other plasmas. The force exists whether the currents are in wires or not. It is only apparent if the overall charge density is zero; otherwise, the Coulomb repulsion overwhelms the magnetic attraction.   In the situation described above, how is it possible for the current to have an overall charge density of zero?

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When two wires parallel to each other has the same current running in the same direction, there is a force attracting the two wires together that is responsible for the pinch effect in electric arcs and other plasmas. The force exists whether the currents are in wires or not. It is only apparent if the overall charge density is zero; otherwise, the Coulomb repulsion overwhelms the magnetic attraction.

 

In the situation described above, how is it possible for the current to have an overall charge density of zero?

 

 

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