How to use fleming's left hand rule.

When a conductors carrying current is placed in a magnetic field, the field exerts a force on the conductor and vice versa. Fleming's left hand rule is a tool that you can use to help work out the relative directions of current, motion (force) and magnetic field. [Use diagram to show hand use. Thumb - motion, first finger - field, second finger - current].

Then demonstrate how to use the hand to help answer typical questions as I have found that students often struggle to actually make the correct shape with their own hands. Get them to use this technique to answer question: if current is flowing into the page and the field lines are going away from you which direction is the wire going to move? Answer: to the right.

Answered by Emily P. Physics tutor

5141 Views

See similar Physics GCSE tutors

Related Physics GCSE answers

All answers ▸

The amplitude of a simple harmonic oscillator has decreased from 40cm to 38cm. What percentage of energy did the harmonic oscillator lose?


A note was played on an electric keyboard. The frequency of the note was 440Hz. What does a frequency of 440 Hz mean?


A mass of 2kg is dropped from rest at a height of 10m. i) What is the initial GPE of the mass? ii) What is the final velocity of the mass when it hits the ground?


Assuming no friction, describe the motion of a simple pendulum released from rest at t=0 at amplitude A? Provide information about its speed and position at characteristic times during one period. [The 1D equation of motion is described by a cosine]


We're here to help

contact us iconContact usWhatsapp logoMessage us on Whatsapptelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo
Cookie Preferences