Between two fixed contours, `1 and 3,` carrying currents that flow in the same direction there is suspended another conl.our, 2, that also carries a current. Contour 2 is oriented i 1 such a manner that the forces caused by the currents in contours `1 and 3` are opposite in direction, equal in magnitude, and lie along a single straight line, thus, contour 2 is in equilibrium. Is this state of equilibrium stable or unstable? Consider the case where the current in contour 2 has the same direction as the currents in `1 and 3` and the case \vhere the direct ions are opposite.