4.2.2 motor effect

• alternating current - the current repeatedly changes direction
• direct current - flows in one direction. batteries and cells are sources of direct current
• the motor effect - a wire carrying a current creates a magnetic field. this can interact with another magnetic field, causing a force that pushes the wire at right angles
• Fleming's left hand rule:

  • thumb - force
  • index - magnetic field
  • middle - current