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.
📖 Key Definitions
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.
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.