Force on a current carrying conductor in a magnetic field


To study the force on a current-carrying straight conductor in a magnetic field and to verify that the motion of the conductor is according to Fleming’s left-hand rule.


A current carrying conductor placed in a magnetic field experiences a force. If the direction of the field and that of current are mutually perpendicular to each other, then the force acting on the conductor will be perpendicular to both and that can be determined using the Fleming’s left-hand rule. When current establishes in the conductor, it gets displaced which verifies the existence of a force on the conductor.  

                 Fig. (1) -  A current-carrying rod, AB, experiences a force perpendicular to its length and the magnetic field

                          Source: NCERT class X lab manual  

Fleming's Left Hand Rule:

                                  Fig. (2) -  Fleming’s left hand rule.

      Source: NCERT class X lab manual  

Hold the thumb and the first two fingers of your left hand mutually at right angles to each other as shown in Fig. (2). Then if the Forefinger points in the direction of the Field, and the second finger in the direction of the Current, the thumb will point in the direction of Force.

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