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A coil of wire carrying a current in a magnetic field experiences a force that tends to make it rotate. This effect can be used to make an electric motor.

Explaining an electric motor

The diagram shows a simple motor using direct current (dc).

Starting from the position shown in the diagram of the dc motor:

• the current in the left hand part of the coil causes a downward force, and current in the right hand part of the coil causes an upward force
• the coil rotates anti-clockwise because of the forces described above

When the coil is vertical, it moves parallel to the magnetic field, producing no force. This would tend to make the motor come to a stop, but two features allow the coil to continue rotating:

• the momentum of the motor causes it to continue to rotate a little
• a split-ring commutator changes the current direction every half turn

This means that the current in the left hand part of the coil still causes a downward force, and current in the right hand part of the coil still causes an upward force.

This means that the motor effect forces continue to cause anti-clockwise rotation of the coil.

Electric motors affect almost every aspect of daily life. They can be found in homes, schools and even in cars.