The motor principle and direction of force on conductor

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the motor principle and the direction of force on a conductor, specifically addressing the use of the right-hand rule and Fleming's left-hand rule. The right-hand palm rule, which involves positioning the thumb to indicate current and the palm to indicate force, is confirmed as correct for determining the direction of force. In contrast, Fleming's left-hand rule is commonly used in textbooks for motor applications, where the index finger represents force, the middle finger represents the magnetic field, and the thumb represents current. Both rules yield the same results, but the left-hand rule is more prevalent in educational contexts.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of the motor principle in electromagnetism
  • Familiarity with the right-hand palm rule for current direction
  • Knowledge of Fleming's left-hand rule for motors
  • Basic concepts of magnetic fields and forces on conductors
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the applications of Fleming's left-hand rule in electrical engineering
  • Explore the right-hand rule in generator contexts
  • Investigate the relationship between magnetic fields and electric currents
  • Review textbook examples of motor principles and their applications
USEFUL FOR

Students studying electromagnetism, physics educators, and anyone interested in understanding the principles of force on conductors in electric motors.

alexandria
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Homework Statement


upload_2016-4-17_15-58-21.png


Homework Equations


no equations required

The Attempt at a Solution


can someone please verify if my answer is correct. Thanks!
upload_2016-4-17_15-58-31.png

I used the right-hand rule for the motor principle (although another tutor on physics forum told me that its supposed to be the 'left-hand rule' for the motor principle??) to check my answer.
Using the right hand rule, my thumb must point “out of the page”, fingers facing towards the bottom of the page (facing towards the S-pole). My palm pushes in the direction of the force, as shown in the diagram above.
 
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I concur with your answer, but you also need to show the field lines for the magnet.
 
alexandria said:
although another tutor on physics forum told me that its supposed to be the 'left-hand rule' for the motor principle??
Your answer is correct. The right
-hand rule you are using is actually the right-hand palm rule(or 'slap' rule). The left-hand rule I was referring to is the Fleming's left- hand rule which involves index finger(force), middle finger(field) and thumb(current). Both give the same result. But I believe Fleming's rules are more common in textbooks, left-hand for motor and right-hand for generator.
 
got it, thanks :smile:
 

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