Question

Question 18
What does the direction of thumb indicate in the right-hand thumb rule? In what way this rule is different from Fleming’s left-hand rule?

Answer 1

In right-hand thumb rule, if we imagine that we are holding a current-carrying straight conductor in our right hand such that the thumb points towards the direction of current. Then our fingers will wrap around the conductor in the direction of the field lines of the magnetic field.

In Fleming’s left-hand rule, we stretch the thumb, forefinger and middle finger of our left hand such that they are mutually perpendicular. If the first finger points in the direction of magnetic field and the second finger in the direction of current, then the thumb will point in the direction of motion or the force acting on the conductor.

The right hand thumb rule explains the magnetic field created due to a current carrying conductor. On the other hand, Fleming's left hand rule explains effect of magnetic field on a current carrying conductor.