Fleming's left-hand rule is a useful mnemonic for understanding the direction of force, magnetic field, and current in an electric motor. Here's how you use it:
### Fleming's Left-Hand Rule
1. **Hold your left hand**:
- Extend your thumb, index finger, and middle finger so that they are all perpendicular to each other (forming a right angle).
2. **Position your fingers**:
- **Index finger**: Point it in the direction of the **magnetic field** (from North to South).
- **Middle finger**: Point it in the direction of the **current** (from positive to negative).
- **Thumb**: Will point in the direction of the **force** or motion experienced by the conductor.
### Applying the Rule
1. **Magnetic Field**: Determine the direction of the magnetic field, which is usually represented as lines going from the North pole to the South pole of a magnet.
2. **Current**: Identify the direction of the current flowing through the conductor.
3. **Force**: Use the rule to find the direction of the force exerted on the conductor. The force will be perpendicular to both the direction of the magnetic field and the current.
### Example
Imagine a conductor is placed in a magnetic field pointing from left to right (magnetic field direction). If a current flows upwards through the conductor:
- Point your **index finger** to the right (direction of the magnetic field).
- Point your **middle finger** upwards (direction of the current).
- Your **thumb** will point out of the page, indicating the direction of the force exerted on the conductor.
This rule is essential for understanding the basic operation of electric motors and the interaction between magnetic fields and electric currents.