Motor effect: The force experienced by a current-carrying conductor in a magnetic field. Force direction given by Fleming's Left-Hand Rule.
Fleming's Left-Hand Rule: Left hand, with thumb = thrust (force), first finger = field (N to S), second finger = conventional current direction. Used for MOTORS.
Magnetic flux density (B): The strength of a magnetic field. Units: Tesla (T). Larger B = larger force on conductor.
Split-ring commutator: A device in a DC motor that reverses the direction of current through the coil every half turn, maintaining continuous rotation in the same direction.
Conventional current: Flows from positive to negative terminal (opposite to electron flow). Always use conventional current direction with Fleming's Left-Hand Rule.
This definitions covers Key Definitions 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 6 of 12 in this topic. Make sure you can use the exact wording confidently, because definition marks are often lost through vague language.
Practice questions for The Motor Effect
What is the motor effect?
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.