Knowledge Organiser: The Motor Effect

Using the right hand instead of left hand: Fleming's left-hand rule applies to motors (current-carrying conductors in a magnetic field) — the right-hand rule is for generators/dynamos
Forgetting the commutator's role: The split-ring commutator reverses the current direction every half turn — without it, the coil would oscillate rather than spin continuously
Saying force is maximum when conductor is parallel to field: Force is maximum when the conductor is perpendicular to the magnetic field; force is zero when parallel to the field
Confusing the three directions in Fleming's rule: In the left-hand rule, the first finger is for field direction, the second finger for current direction and the thumb for motion (force) direction. Each finger points in a different direction
Reversing both current and field keeps force the same: Reversing both current and field direction simultaneously does not change the force direction — you must reverse only one to change the force direction

Left hand = motor effect (force on conductor). Remember: Left = Load bearing / Lifting things (motors lift and move)
Right hand grip rule = field direction around a wire
Coil (carries current)
Magnets (provide field)
Brushes (connect supply)
Split-ring commutator (reverses current)

The Motor Effect, Knowledge Organiser