What is Flemming's Left Hand Rule and How Does it Relate to Current Flow?

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In summary, for Flemming's left hand rule, the second finger represents the direction of current flow perpendicular to a magnetic field. This direction represents the direction of conventional current, which is always used in electromagnetism and circuits unless otherwise specified. The same applies for Flemming's right hand rule. In questions about electromagnetic induction, the direction of current flow and the direction of electron movement in a conducting rod will be opposite. It is important to avoid introducing electrons into basic electrical matters, as it may lead to confusion, except in cases involving thermionic devices.
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Hannah7h
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For Flemming's left hand rule, your second finger represents the direction of flow of current (in the current carrying wire perpendicular to a magnetic field), so does the direction of the current show the direction of flow of electrons or does it show the direction of the conventional current (the flow of positive charge)- when talking about Flemming's left hand rule.
 
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It is always the conventional current.
 
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cnh1995 said:
It is always the conventional current.

Ok, so for Flemming's right hand rule does it also represent conventional current?
 
  • #4
Hannah7h said:
Ok, so for Flemming's right hand rule does it also represent conventional current?
Yes. Everywhere in electromagnetism and circuits, conventional current is used. If electron current is used, it is mentioned specifically.
 
  • #5
cnh1995 said:
Yes. Everywhere in electromagnetism and circuits, conventional current is used. If electron current is used, it is mentioned specifically.

Ok so in a question about electromagnetic induction, say it says 'state the direction of the flow of current in a conducting rod' you would use Flemming's right hand rule to determine that
But then say it said 'state the direction of movement of an electron in a conducting rod'- it would be in the opposite direction to the flow of current?
 
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Hannah7h said:
it would be in the opposite direction to the flow of current?
Yes. Electron current is opposite to the conventional current.
 
  • #7
cnh1995 said:
Yes. Electron current is opposite to the conventional current.

ahh ok I see thanks!
 
  • #8
Mr Flemming had not heard of electrons when he came up with his rules. Avoid introducing electrons into basic electrical matters. They are bound to confuse you except when thermionic devices are involved. You have no option in that case.
 
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What is Flemming's Left Hand Rule?

Flemming's Left Hand Rule is a scientific rule used to determine the direction of the force acting on a current-carrying wire in a magnetic field. It is named after British physicist John Ambrose Flemming.

How does Flemming's Left Hand Rule work?

According to Flemming's Left Hand Rule, if the thumb, index finger, and middle finger of the left hand are held at right angles to each other with the index finger pointing in the direction of the magnetic field, the thumb pointing in the direction of the current, and the middle finger pointing in the direction of the force, then the force acting on the wire is perpendicular to both the magnetic field and the current.

What is the purpose of Flemming's Left Hand Rule?

The purpose of Flemming's Left Hand Rule is to determine the direction of the force acting on a current-carrying wire in a magnetic field. This is important in understanding the behavior of electric motors, generators, and other devices that use magnetic fields to produce motion.

When is Flemming's Left Hand Rule used?

Flemming's Left Hand Rule is used in situations where a current-carrying wire is placed in a magnetic field, such as in electric motors, generators, or in laboratory experiments involving electricity and magnetism.

What are the limitations of Flemming's Left Hand Rule?

Flemming's Left Hand Rule is only applicable to situations where the current, magnetic field, and force are all perpendicular to each other. It also only applies to straight, current-carrying wires and does not account for the shape or orientation of the wire. Additionally, it does not take into consideration the strength of the magnetic field or the amount of current flowing through the wire.

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