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🔋college physics i – introduction review

key term - Fleming's Left-Hand Rule

Citation:

Definition

Fleming's left-hand rule is a mnemonic device used to determine the direction of the force experienced by a current-carrying conductor in a magnetic field. It provides a simple and intuitive way to visualize the relationship between the direction of the current, the magnetic field, and the resulting force.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

  1. Fleming's left-hand rule states that if the index finger points in the direction of the magnetic field, the middle finger points in the direction of the current, and the thumb points in the direction of the force experienced by the conductor.
  2. The rule is applicable to the topics of 22.4 Magnetic Field Strength: Force on a Moving Charge in a Magnetic Field, 22.7 Magnetic Force on a Current-Carrying Conductor, and 22.8 Torque on a Current Loop: Motors and Meters.
  3. The direction of the force experienced by a current-carrying conductor in a magnetic field is always perpendicular to both the direction of the current and the direction of the magnetic field.
  4. The magnitude of the force experienced by a current-carrying conductor in a magnetic field is proportional to the strength of the magnetic field, the magnitude of the current, and the length of the conductor within the magnetic field.
  5. Fleming's left-hand rule can be used to determine the direction of the force experienced by a current-carrying conductor in a motor, generator, or other electromagnetic device.

Review Questions

  • Explain how Fleming's left-hand rule can be used to determine the direction of the force experienced by a current-carrying conductor in a magnetic field.
    • According to Fleming's left-hand rule, if you hold your left hand with the index finger pointing in the direction of the magnetic field, the middle finger pointing in the direction of the current, and the thumb pointing in the direction of the force, then the direction of the force experienced by the current-carrying conductor will be in the direction of your thumb. This rule provides a simple and intuitive way to visualize the relationship between the direction of the current, the magnetic field, and the resulting force, which is important in understanding the behavior of current-carrying conductors in magnetic fields.
  • Describe how the magnitude of the force experienced by a current-carrying conductor in a magnetic field is determined.
    • The magnitude of the force experienced by a current-carrying conductor in a magnetic field is proportional to the strength of the magnetic field, the magnitude of the current, and the length of the conductor within the magnetic field. This relationship is expressed by the formula $F = BIL \sin \theta$, where $F$ is the force, $B$ is the magnetic field strength, $I$ is the current, $L$ is the length of the conductor, and $\theta$ is the angle between the direction of the current and the direction of the magnetic field. By using this formula and applying Fleming's left-hand rule, you can determine the magnitude and direction of the force experienced by a current-carrying conductor in a magnetic field.
  • Analyze how Fleming's left-hand rule can be applied to the operation of motors, generators, and other electromagnetic devices.
    • Fleming's left-hand rule is a fundamental principle that can be applied to the operation of various electromagnetic devices, such as motors and generators. In a motor, the current-carrying conductor experiences a force that causes it to rotate, which is the basis for the motor's operation. Similarly, in a generator, the motion of a conductor in a magnetic field induces a current, and Fleming's left-hand rule can be used to determine the direction of the induced current. By understanding how Fleming's left-hand rule relates the direction of the current, magnetic field, and force, you can analyze the behavior and operation of these devices, which is crucial in topics such as 22.8 Torque on a Current Loop: Motors and Meters.

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