PET 2026 · Science

Magnetic field and force on a current

Distinguish magnetic units and apply Fleming's left-hand rule to the motor effect

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MINDMAPS FOR UPSCPET 2026 · VISUAL REVISION

Magnetic field and force on a current

Distinguish magnetic units and apply Fleming's left-hand rule to the motor effect

Concept map
Magnetism and motor force

Magnetic flux vs flux density

  • Magnetic flux (Φ) measures total field passing through an area; SI unit is weber (Wb).
  • For a uniform field normal to a flat area: Φ = BA, so B = Φ/A.
  • 1 T = 1 Wb m⁻² = 1 N A⁻¹ m⁻¹; the CGS unit is gauss (1 T = 10⁴ gauss).

Force on a current-carrying wire

  • A current-carrying conductor can experience force in an external magnetic field.
  • For straight length L at angle θ to uniform field B, force magnitude is F = B I L sin θ.
  • Force is maximum when current is perpendicular to B (θ = 90°) and zero when parallel.

Fleming's left-hand rule

  • Stretch thumb, forefinger and middle finger of the left hand mutually perpendicular.
  • Forefinger points along Magnetic Field (B); middle finger along Current (I).
  • Thumb then indicates the direction of Force or motion (F) on the conductor.

Distinguishing the hand rules

  • Reverse current or field alone: force reverses. Reverse both: its direction stays the same.
  • Right-Hand Thumb Rule gives the circular magnetic field around a straight current.
  • Fleming's Right-Hand Rule gives induced current direction in a generator.
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Practise this concept · संबंधित प्रश्न

One visual, several questions. These links open the original paper at the matching question.

25 Oct · Shift 2 · 2026

30 Oct · Shift 1 · 2026

Sources & study notes · स्रोत

Independent revision material, linked to the paper’s concepts. The question papers and answer-key status are available on OpenPYQ.