Question map
The rule to determine the direction of a force experienced by a straight current carrying conductor placed in a magnetic field which is perpendicular to it is
Explanation
The direction of the force experienced by a current-carrying conductor in a magnetic field is determined by Fleming’s left-hand rule [2]. According to this rule, if the thumb, index finger, and middle finger of the left hand are stretched mutually perpendicular to each other, the index finger represents the direction of the magnetic field, the middle finger represents the direction of the current, and the thumb points in the direction of the force or motion. This principle is the basis for electric motors. In contrast, the right-hand thumb rule is used to find the direction of the magnetic field lines around a straight conductor [3]. Fleming’s right-hand rule is used to determine the direction of induced current in a generator, while Hund’s rule is a principle in chemistry regarding electron configuration in atomic orbitals.
Sources
- [2] Science , class X (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 12: Magnetic Effects of Electric Current > What you have learnt > p. 206
- [1] Science , class X (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 12: Magnetic Effects of Electric Current > 12.2.2 Right-Hand Thumb Rule > p. 200
- [3] Science , class X (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 12: Magnetic Effects of Electric Current > 12.2.2 Right-Hand Thumb Rule > p. 199