The direction of motion
The left hand rule
Use Fleming’s left-hand rule to remember the direction of motion in an electric motor. It is shown in the following diagram.
The Forefinger points in the direction of the magnetic Field. The seCond finger points in the direction of the Current and is at a right angle to the field. The thuMb points in the direction of the Movement. Remember to use your left hand, not your right!
The motor effect
A current-carrying wire or coil can exert a force on a permanent magnet. This is called the motor effect. The wire could also exert a force on another nearby current-carrying wire or coil.
If the current-carrying wire is placed in a magnetic field (whose lines of force are at right angles to the wire) then it will experience a force at right angles to both the current direction and the magnetic field lines.
The force increases if the strength of the magnetic field and/or current increases.