A current carrying loop of width a and length b is placed near a current carrying wire. How does the net force on the loop compare to the net force on a single wire segment of length a carrying the same amount of current placed at the same distance from the wire

Answer / Explanation

the loop has no force and the wires cancel each other but the wire on the loop has a force

The segment a get the same force for both but in the loop segment b get an opposite force so the net force on the loop is smaller

The loop wire has forces that all cancel out while the other straight wire doesn't.