Question map
Which one of the following statements regarding Fleming’s Rule is correct ?
Explanation
Fleming’s left-hand rule is specifically used to determine the direction of the force (or motion) acting on a current-carrying conductor when it is placed within an external magnetic field [1]. According to this rule, if the forefinger points in the direction of the magnetic field and the middle finger points in the direction of the current, the thumb indicates the direction of the force or thrust [1]. This is commonly referred to as the 'motor rule' because it explains the physical basis for electric motors [1]. In contrast, Fleming’s right-hand rule is used to determine the direction of induced current in a conductor moving through a magnetic field, which is the principle behind electric generators [2]. Therefore, only the left-hand rule is used for finding the direction of force on a current-carrying conductor in a magnetic field [1].
Sources
- [1] Science , class X (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 12: Magnetic Effects of Electric Current > Activity 12.7 > p. 203
- [2] https://www.khanacademy.org/science/highschool-physics/x6679aa2c65c01e53:electromagnetics/x6679aa2c65c01e53:electric-generators/v/right-hand-generator-rule