Physics – 4.5.4 Force on a current-carrying conductor | e-Consult

Diagram: A diagram should show a straight wire with a current flowing upwards. An arrow representing the magnetic field B should point out of the page. An arrow representing the magnetic force F on the wire should be shown perpendicular to both the wire (upwards) and the magnetic field (out of the page). The direction of the force should be determined using Fleming's Left-Hand Rule.

Fleming's Left-Hand Rule: The direction of the magnetic force on a current-carrying conductor is determined by pointing your thumb in the direction of the current (I), your index finger in the direction of the magnetic field (B), and your middle finger will point in the direction of the force (F). This is represented by the mnemonic "Left Thumb, Index Finger, Middle Finger".

Explanation: The rule is used to determine the direction of the force by applying the three-finger rule. The thumb indicates the direction of the current, the index finger indicates the direction of the magnetic field, and the middle finger indicates the direction of the force. The force is always perpendicular to both the current and the magnetic field.