Fleming's Left-Hand Rule (Motors)

Part of The Motor Effect · Section 3 of 12

DiagramUnit: MagnetismGCSE

This diagram covers Fleming's Left-Hand Rule (Motors) within The Motor Effect for GCSE Physics. Revise The Motor Effect in Magnetism for GCSE Physics with 19 exam-style questions and 12 flashcards. This topic appears regularly enough that it should still be part of a steady revision cycle. It is section 3 of 12 in this topic. Focus on the labels, the relationships between parts, and the explanation that turns the diagram into an exam-ready answer.

📊 Fleming's Left-Hand Rule (Motors)

The motor effect showing a current-carrying wire between magnetic poles experiencing an upward force, alongside Fleming's Left-Hand Rule diagram showing thumb for force, first finger for magnetic field, and second finger for current direction

Figure 1: Fleming's Left-Hand Rule — use your left hand to find the direction of force on a current-carrying conductor in a magnetic field.

KEY INSIGHT: Use your LEFT hand for motors (force on a conductor). The thumb gives you the direction of the force!

Practice questions for The Motor Effect

What is the motor effect?

  • A. A force experienced by a current-carrying conductor placed in a magnetic field
  • B. The generation of a voltage when a conductor moves through a magnetic field
  • C. The heating of a wire when a large current flows through it
  • D. The attraction between two permanent magnets
1 markfoundation

Explain how Fleming's left-hand rule is used to find the direction of the force on a current-carrying conductor in a magnetic field.

2 marksstandard

Quick recall flashcards

Left hand: thumb =?
Motion/Force
Fleming's Left Hand: for?
Motors (force on current-carrying conductor)

19 questions on The Motor Effect — practise free

Instant marking, adaptive difficulty and spaced-repetition flashcards — all aligned to your exam board.

Start revising free →