Fleming's left and right hand rule - how do they work?

Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the application of Fleming's left and right hand rules in the context of AC production, specifically focusing on the relationships that determine movement and current flow direction. Participants are exploring the correct usage of these rules in relation to motors and generators.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the definitions and applications of Fleming's left and right hand rules, noting confusion regarding the orientation of fingers in the right hand rule. Questions arise about the applicability of these rules to AC production and the implications of changing current polarity on force direction.

Discussion Status

There is an ongoing exploration of the correct application of the hand rules, with some participants seeking clarification on conflicting information from videos. Guidance has been offered regarding the use of the right hand rule for generators and the potential need to swap fingers or hands for motors. The discussion remains open with various interpretations being considered.

Contextual Notes

Participants express confusion over differing representations of the hand rules in various resources, indicating a need for clear examples. There is mention of the relationship between current flow direction and magnetic field orientation, particularly in the context of AC production.

Daniel2244
Messages
125
Reaction score
5

Homework Statement


AC production and relationships that determine movement and current flow direction from Flaming's left hand and right hand rule.

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution


Left hand rule for motors- right hand rule for generators
The thumb, index and midle fingers are all right angles to each other.
For left hand rule: I use FBI - thumb = direction of force, index finger = magnetic field and middle finger = direction of current flow.
For right hand rule: I used FBI - thumb= direction of applied force, index finger = direction of magnetic field and middle finger = direction of induced current
AC would use Fleming's right hand rule because a current is induced as well as being produced by a generator.

Just very comfusing as I have come across videos saying that the two fingers are the opposite way around for right hand rule
 
Physics news on Phys.org
On a quick search, I have not found any references that swap the fingers in the way you mention. Please post a link to an example or two.
 
haruspex said:
On a quick search, I have not found any references that swap the fingers in the way you mention. Please post a link to an example or two.
They're videos: and I can't find the other one.
 
Daniel2244 said:
They're videos: and I can't find the other one.

Ok.
The video provides a right hand rule applicable to a motor. You are used to using a left hand rule for motors, hence the need to swap the fingers. Confusing, but correct.
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: Daniel2244
haruspex said:
Ok.
The video provides a right hand rule applicable to a motor. You are used to using a left hand rule for motors, hence the need to swap the fingers. Confusing, but correct.
Thanks for clearing it up for me :) I tried looking in comments for reason he did it like but only found poeple with the same question. Also would the right hand rule be applied to the AC production? I would think so just want to double check.
 
Daniel2244 said:
would the right hand rule be applied to the AC production?
The right hand rule in the form you are familiar with applies to a generator, yes.
To get the rule for a motor you either swap hands or swap fingers.
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: Daniel2244
haruspex said:
The right hand rule in the form you are familiar with applies to a generator, yes.
To get the rule for a motor you either swap hands or swap fingers.
Ok thanks
 
Daniel2244 said:
Ok thanks
Not to nag but if current flows away from you and the magnetic field is towards the right the the direction of force is up but when the current/voltage changes polarity and becomes negative would the direction of force be down
 
Daniel2244 said:
Not to nag but if current flows away from you and the magnetic field is towards the right the the direction of force is up but when the current/voltage changes polarity and becomes negative would the direction of force be down
Yes.
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: Daniel2244

Similar threads

How to find eddy current (circular) path in this pendulum experiment?
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
1K
Right-Hand Rule: Finding Induced Direction in a One Loop Wire on the Page
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
Left/Right hand rule....not working?
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K
Solving Right Hand Rule Homework with Electric & Magnetic Fields
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
The right hand rule in a magnetic field
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Using the right hand rule in physics
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Magnetic field generated by an infinitely long current-carrying wire
  • · Replies 43 ·
2
Replies
43
Views
5K
Which Rule is Correct for Determining the Direction of Lorentz Force?
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
3K
Question on magnetism: Circular motion of charged particle in a Magnetic Field
  • · Replies 34 ·
2
Replies
34
Views
2K
Determining the direction of magnetic force
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K