Question:medium

State the rule to determine the direction of a
  1. magnetic field produced around a straight conductor-carrying current,
  2. force experienced by a current-carrying straight conductor placed in a magnetic field which is perpendicular to it,
  3. current induced in a coil due to its rotation in a magnetic field.

Updated On: Jan 13, 2026
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Solution and Explanation

(i) Magnetic field generated by a straight current-carrying conductor: The right-hand rule (or Maxwell's corkscrew rule) determines the magnetic field direction. Align your right thumb with the conventional current flow (positive to negative); your curled fingers show the magnetic field's direction around the conductor.

(ii) Force on a straight current-carrying conductor in a perpendicular magnetic field: Fleming's left-hand rule dictates the force direction. Point your left index finger along the magnetic field, your middle finger along the current; your thumb will indicate the force acting on the conductor.

(iii) Current induced in a rotating coil within a magnetic field: Fleming's right-hand rule determines the induced current's direction in a coil rotating in a magnetic field. Orient your right thumb, forefinger, and middle finger mutually perpendicular. If the forefinger represents the magnetic field direction and the thumb represents the conductor's motion, the middle finger shows the induced current's direction.

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