The Motor Effect

• What is the motor effect?

  The interaction of magnetic fields causing a force
• How do you calculate the size of the force generated by the motor effect?

  Using the equation: force = magnetic flux density × current × length
• What does Fleming's left hand rule help determine?

  The direction of the force on the wire
• What is required for the motor effect to occur?

  A wire carrying current in a magnetic field
• What happens when a wire carrying current is placed in a magnetic field?

  The wire experiences a force and moves
• What is the equation for calculating force in the motor effect?

  Force = magnetic flux density × current × length
• What factors affect the size of the force in the motor effect?

  Magnetic flux density, current, and length
• How does the orientation of the conductor affect the force experienced?

  Parallel conductors experience no force
• What is Fleming's left hand rule used for?

  • Determine direction of force
  • Thumb: direction of motion
  • First finger: direction of magnetic field (N to S)
  • Second finger: direction of conventional current (positive to negative)
• What happens if the conductor is parallel to the magnetic field?

  • No force is experienced
  • Conductor does not move
  • Force only occurs at right angles
• What is the significance of the magnetic flux density?

  • Measure of magnetic field strength
  • Influences the force on the wire
  • Essential for calculations in the motor effect