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

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SUMMARY

Flemming's Left Hand Rule is a fundamental principle in electromagnetism that illustrates the relationship between current flow and magnetic fields. The second finger of the left hand indicates the direction of conventional current, which represents the flow of positive charge. In contrast, the flow of electrons is in the opposite direction to conventional current. Flemming's Right Hand Rule also adheres to the concept of conventional current, and electron current is only referenced when necessary, particularly in thermionic devices.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of conventional current vs. electron current
  • Flemming's Left Hand Rule
  • Flemming's Right Hand Rule
  • Basic principles of electromagnetism
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the applications of Flemming's rules in electromagnetic induction
  • Explore the differences between conventional current and electron flow
  • Learn about thermionic devices and their relation to electron flow
  • Investigate real-world applications of electromagnetism in circuits
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Students of physics, electrical engineers, and anyone interested in understanding the principles of electromagnetism and current flow in circuits.

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.
 
cnh1995 said:
It is always the conventional current.

Ok, so for Flemming's right hand rule does it also represent conventional current?
 
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.
 
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?
 
Hannah7h said:
it would be in the opposite direction to the flow of current?
Yes. Electron current is opposite to the conventional current.
 
cnh1995 said:
Yes. Electron current is opposite to the conventional current.

ahh ok I see thanks!
 
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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