Study Guides/Physics/Fleming's Left Hand Rule
Study Guide · Physics

State Fleming's Left Hand Rule

In Class 10 Physics (Magnetic Effects of Electric Current), Fleming's Left-Hand Rule is a simple and brilliant way to predict the direction of force acting on a wire that carries electricity through a magnetic field.

Question (Click to Flip)

What is the difference between Fleming's Left-Hand Rule and Right-Hand Rule?

Answer

The Left-Hand Rule is used for Electric Motors (to find the direction of Force when current is given). The Right-Hand Rule is used for Electric Generators (to find the direction of Induced Current when motion is given).

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Key Facts

John Ambrose Fleming, the English electrical engineer who invented this hand rule in the late 19th century, was also the inventor of the first vacuum tube, which revolutionized early electronics and radio.

Statement of the Rule

Stretch the thumb, forefinger (index finger), and middle finger of your left hand such that they are mutually perpendicular (at 90 degrees) to each other.

  • If the Forefinger points in the direction of the Magnetic Field,
  • And the Middle Finger points in the direction of the Current,
  • Then the Thumb will point in the direction of the Force (or motion of the conductor).

The Easy Memory Trick (FBI)

To remember which finger is which, use the acronym FBI (like the police agency):

  • F (Thumb) = Force / Thrust
  • B (Forefinger) = B-field (Magnetic Field)
  • I (Middle finger) = Induced/Electric Current

Where is this rule applied?

This rule is exactly the principle used in an Electric Motor. When you pass electricity (current) through a coil of wire that sits between two magnets (magnetic field), the wire experiences a force (thumb) that pushes it up or down, making the motor spin.

Questions and Answers

What is the difference between Fleming's Left-Hand Rule and Right-Hand Rule?+

The **Left-Hand Rule** is used for *Electric Motors* (to find the direction of Force when current is given). The **Right-Hand Rule** is used for *Electric Generators* (to find the direction of Induced Current when motion is given).

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