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

[Hannah7h]

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.

 

[cnh1995]

It is always the conventional current.

 

[Hannah7h]

It is always the conventional current.

Ok, so for Flemming's right hand rule does it also represent conventional current?

 

[cnh1995]

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.

 

[Hannah7h]

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?

 

[cnh1995]

it would be in the opposite direction to the flow of current?

Yes. Electron current is opposite to the conventional current.

 

[Hannah7h]

Yes. Electron current is opposite to the conventional current.

ahh ok I see thanks!

 

[sophiecentaur]

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.