Describe the activity that shows that a current-carrying conductor experiences a force perpendicular to its length and the external magnetic field. How does Fleming’s left-hand rule help us to find the direction of the force acting on the current-carrying conductor?
Describe the activity that shows that a current-carrying conductor experiences a force perpendicular to its length and the external magnetic field. How does Fleming’s left-hand rule help us to find the direction of the force acting on the current-carrying conductor?

Answer:

Take a small aluminium rod (AB) and bend it in half (of about 5 cm). As shown in Fig. 1, you can suspend it horizontally from a stand by using two connecting wires.

A strong horseshoe magnet should be placed in such a way that the rod is sandwiched between the two poles and the magnetic field is directed upwards. In order to accomplish this, place the north pole of the magnet vertically below and the south pole vertically above the aluminium rod (see illustration) (Fig. 13.12).

A battery, a key, and an adjustable rheostat should be connected in series with the aluminium rod.

Flow a current through the aluminium rod from end B to end A to demonstrate the concept.

It is observed that the rod has been displaced to the left in this case. You’ll notice that the rod has been displaced slightly.

Reverse the direction of the current flowing through the rod and note the direction in which the rod is being pushed or pulled. It has shifted to the right now, as you can see.

Fleming’s left-hand rule states that the thumb, forefinger, and central finger of your left hand should be stretched so that they are mutually perpendicular to one another. If the forefinger points in the direction of the magnetic field and the middle finger points in the direction of the current, the thumb will point in the direction of the motion or force acting on the conductor, as shown in the diagram.