Explain how an electromagnetic motor works?

A moving current in a magnetic field produces a force according to Fleming's Left Hand Rule. When a loop of wire with a current moving through it cuts magnetic field lines, movement is induced along the wire, perpendicular to both the direction of the current and magnetic field. This means that opposite sides of the loop move in opposite directions. The commutators connecting the wires to the power source ensure that the polarity of the current remains on the correct side of the magnetic field, i.e. it switches connecting ends of the wire every half revolution. This means that the motor will turn the same way indefinitely. 

HS
Answered by Hannah S. Physics tutor

2454 Views

See similar Physics GCSE tutors

Related Physics GCSE answers

All answers ▸

How do you calculate the total resistance of two resistors, R1 and R2, when they are in series and when they are in parallel?


what is ohm's law?


Why is the sky blue?


What's the difference between distance and displacement


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2025 by IXL Learning