CONTENTS

1. Abstract
2. Objective
3. Theory
4. Materials Required
5. Procedure
6. Observation
7. Result
8. References
 Abstract

Fleming's left-hand rule for electric motors is one of a pair of visual

mnemonics, the other being Fleming's right-hand rule (for
generators). They were originated by John Ambrose Fleming, in the
late 19th century, as a simple way of working out the direction of
motion in an electric motor, or the direction of electric current in an
electric generator.

When current flows through a conducting wire, and an external

magnetic field is applied across that flow, the conducting wire
experiences a force perpendicular both to that field and to the
direction of the current flow (i.e they are mutually perpendicular) .
A left hand can be held, as shown in the illustration, so as to
represent three mutually orthogonal axes on the thumb, fore finger
and middle finger. Each finger is then assigned to a quantity
(mechanical force, magnetic field and electric current). The right
and left hand are used for generators and motors respectively.
 Objective

To study the force on a current-carrying straight conductor in a

magnetic field and to verify that the motion of the conductor is
according to Fleming’s left-hand rule.

Theory

Fleming's
Left Hand
Rule:
Hold the
thumb and the
first two
fingers of your
left hand
mutually at
right angles to
each other as
shown in the
figure. Then if the Forefinger points in the direction of the Field,
and the second finger in the direction of the Current, the thumb will
point in the direction of Force.
 A current carrying conductor placed in a magnetic field
experiences a force. If the direction of the field and that of current
are mutually perpendicular to each other, then the force acting on
the conductor will be perpendicular to both and that can be
determined using the Fleming’s left-hand rule. When current
establishes in the conductor, it gets displaced which verifies the
existence of a force on the conductor.
 Materials Required:

1. A horse shoe magnet

2. A small aluminium rod
3. An ammeter
4. Two wooden stands
5. Two connecting wires
6. A battery
7. A plug key

Procedure
1. Suspend the aluminium rod horizontally from the stand
using clean connecting wires.
2. Place the horse-shoe magnet in such a way that the rod
lies in between both the poles such that south pole is
vertically above and north pole is vertically below the
rod.
3. Connect the rod in series to the battery, key and the
rheostat.
4. Now switch on the current and observe the displacement
of the rod.
5. Reverse the direction of the current and observe the
change in the displacement of the rod.
 Observations
On passing current through a straight conductor (aluminium
rod) kept in a magnetic field, the conductor gets displaced
upward or downward.

Result
1. The direction of displacement of the conductor rod changes with
the change in the direction of current through it.
2. The displacement of aluminium rod is in accordance with
Fleming’s left-hand rule.

References
1. http://www.tutorvista.com/content/science/science-ii/magnetic-
effects-electric-current/force-current-carrying-conductor.php
2. http://gradestack.com/CBSE-Class-10th-Course/Magnetic-Effects-
of/Force-on-a-Current-/15035-2998-4742-study-wtw
3. http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/magnetic/forwir2.html