Is the Right Hand Rule for Magnetism Really Necessary?

  • Thread starter pray_for_mojo
  • Start date
  • Tags
    hand
In summary, the conversation discusses the use of the Right Hand Rule in magnetism and whether it would be more logical and easier to use the left hand for negative particles. The idea of using a left-hand rule is dismissed as it would be confusing to have two different rules. It is explained that the right hand rule is just a convention and that the concept of a vector and dual vector only exists in three dimensions.
  • #1
pray_for_mojo
8
0
All of the books and experience I can find offer only a Right Hand Rule for magnetism (current in a wire, particles). Since this is good for only positive particles, students must remember to switch the direction of the force when using the rule. Why not just use the left hand for negative and the right for positive? Am I missing something? It seems the easier and more logical way to go.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
Well flemming stole the left hand rule for showing the force on a current carrying conductor in a magnetic field. I presume it would just be confusing if there was an alternative for each one.
 
  • #3
I would think that with a negative particle, the vector is pointing in the opposite direction, so you really still need to apply the right hand rule.
 
  • #4
If the field and the velocity are the same the only difference is in the direction that your thumb is pointing (force). For students new to physics, is it more confusing to suggest they remember to switch the direction of the force in their minds as opposed to using their left hand? ...Fleming aside...
 
  • #5
The right hand rule is just a convention. As TheDude said, you always apply the right hand rule, even for negative particles. We could just as easily have decided to use a left-hand rule, and everything would work just the same -- theories would still make the same predictions. All that matters is that you are consistent with the convention.

The presence of such a choice is actually a rather deep characteristc of our physical universe. It turns out that the concepts of a vector and a dual vector are different in spaces of all dimension except three; the cross-product and its freedom for a convention can only exist in three dimensions.

- Warren
 

1. Why is there a Right Hand Rule but not a Left Hand Rule?

The Right Hand Rule is based on the convention of assigning the direction of current flow to positive charges. Since most people are right-handed, it is more intuitive to use the right hand for determining the direction of current flow. However, a Left Hand Rule can also be used, and it would simply result in the opposite direction of current flow.

2. Can the Left Hand Rule be used for anything?

Yes, the Left Hand Rule can also be used for determining the direction of magnetic force on a moving charge in a magnetic field. This is known as the Fleming's Left Hand Rule.

3. Why is the Left Hand Rule less commonly used in science and engineering?

As mentioned before, the majority of people are right-handed, so the Right Hand Rule is more intuitive for most individuals. Additionally, many textbooks and educational materials use the Right Hand Rule, so it has become the standard convention in science and engineering.

4. Are there any situations where the Left Hand Rule is preferred over the Right Hand Rule?

Some scientists and engineers may prefer to use the Left Hand Rule when working with negative charges, as this results in the same direction of current flow as the conventional direction for positive charges. It can also be useful in certain scenarios where the left hand is more accessible or convenient to use.

5. Is the Left Hand Rule just as accurate as the Right Hand Rule?

Yes, the Left Hand Rule is just as accurate as the Right Hand Rule. Both rules are based on the same principles of electromagnetism and can be used interchangeably. The choice between using the left or right hand is simply a matter of personal preference or convention.

Similar threads

Replies
20
Views
2K
  • Electromagnetism
Replies
2
Views
801
  • Other Physics Topics
Replies
3
Views
5K
Replies
7
Views
2K
Replies
3
Views
1K
  • Other Physics Topics
Replies
2
Views
1K
  • Electrical Engineering
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
3
Views
237
  • Other Physics Topics
Replies
10
Views
3K
  • DIY Projects
Replies
12
Views
2K
Back
Top