At the midpoint between two parallel wires, the magnetic fields produced by each wire (each of magnitude ) point in opposite directions when the currents flow in the same direction, so the net field is proportional to . Reversing one current makes the two fields add, giving a net field proportional to .
Two long parallel straight wires carrying currents and (with ) are placed a certain distance apart, both currents flowing in the same direction. The magnetic field at a point exactly midway between the wires is measured to be . When the current is reversed in direction (keeping its magnitude the same), the field at that midpoint becomes . What is the ratio ?
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