Motor (left)

This topic focuses on Fleming's Left-Hand Rule as applied to electric motors. An electric motor converts: electrical energy → mechanical energy A current-carrying coil placed in a magnetic field experiences forces on opposite sides. These forces form a turning effect, or torque, that rotates the coil.

First finger → magnetic field. Second finger → current. Thumb → force/motion.

In a simple d.c. motor, a split-ring commutator reverses current in the coil every half-turn. This allows the turning effect to continue in the same rotational direction.

Carbon brushes maintain electrical contact with the rotating commutator.

Torque can be increased by: increasing current; using a stronger magnetic field; increasing number of coil turns; increasing coil area.