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

2421 Views

See similar Physics GCSE tutors

Related Physics GCSE answers

All answers ▸

Why is the car moving if the unbalanced force is zero?


A kettle has a 55% energy efficiency. The input energy for the kettle is 378,000 J per boil. Calculate the amount of energy dissipated in 5 boils.


I never know where to start where I get a calculation question given many values, what should I do? (e.g: finding how much energy is needed for all the ice in a glass of water to melt after the ice is dropped into warm water)


Find the speed of a wave.


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