GCSE Physics (AQA)

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Fleming's Left-Hand Rule

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Magnetism and electromagnetism The motor effect

Fleming's Left-Hand Rule

6:13 The Motor Effect
Spec 4.7.2.2
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  • Fleming's left hand rule relates a current-carrying conductor, the magnetic field it's in, and the force produced between them.
  • Current-carrying wires generate a magnetic field and experience a force in another field, known as the motor effect.
  • Fleming's left hand rule helps determine the directions of current, magnetic field, and force.
  • Assign each to a finger: second finger for current (C for current), first finger for magnetic field (F for field), and thumb for force (M for motion).
  • Fingers must be at right angles to each other for the motor effect to be strongest, as current and field are perpendicular.
  • Use the left hand rule to determine the direction of force, field, or current based on a diagram.
  • Example: A wire with current flowing downward and a perpendicular field pointing right results in a force pointing out of the page.
  • Reversing the current in a wire reverses the direction of the magnetic force.
  • Reversing the magnetic field direction also reverses the magnetic force direction.
  • Dot notation represents a field directed out of the page; cross notation represents a field directed into the page.

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