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

Related Physics GCSE answers

All answers ▸

What is the difference between a transverse and a longitudinal wave?


Describe one method by which the distance to stars from Earth is measured, and one modern improvement to this method which increases its accuracy.


What is electricity


Give one advantage and one disadvantage of using nuclear power stations rather than gas-fired power stations to generate electricity. (2 Marks)