Understanding the Left-Hand Rule in Electrodynamics

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SUMMARY

The left-hand rule, also known as Fleming's left-hand rule, is a fundamental principle in electrodynamics used to determine the direction of force on a current-carrying wire in a magnetic field. By positioning the thumb, first finger, and second finger to represent force, magnetic field direction, and current direction respectively, one can accurately predict the wire's motion. The mathematical representation of this concept is given by the equation F_{em} = I \vec{l} \times \vec{B}, where I is the current, l is the length of the wire, and B is the magnetic field. This rule is essential for understanding the interaction between electricity and magnetism in practical applications.

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  • Understanding of basic electromagnetism concepts
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  • Knowledge of current flow in electrical circuits
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Reshma
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Can someone explain me the left-hand rule in Electrodynamics?
 
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Reshma,

the left hand rule, known as Fleming's left hand rule, is used to predict the motion of a wire carrying current when the wire is placed in a magnetic field. As you know, the current in the wire will induce a magnetic field and that magnetic field will react with the magnetic field of the magnet. the left hand rule helps you predict the movement of the wire.

Point your thumb straight out, and use your first finger to point in the direction of the magnetic field, and your second finger in the direction of the current. Your thumb will be pointing in the direction of the force experienced by the wire.

visit www.le.ac.uk/se/centres/sci/selfstudy/mam12.htm for a visual illustration (reference)
 
Reshma said:
Can someone explain me the left-hand rule in Electrodynamics?

Yes,how about aplying the definition?

\vec{F_{em}}=I\vec{B}\times \vec{l}

where \vec{l} has the sense of the current.
Accidents may happen and people may lose their fingers...The cross product may be forgotten...But,hey,Fleming's stupid rule may be forgotten as well.

Daniel.
 
Thanks for the help :-)
 
dextercioby said:
\vec{F_{em}}=I\vec{B}\times \vec{l}
I think you meant:
\vec{F_{em}}=I \vec{l}\times \vec{B}
 
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