greg_rack said:
That's what I meant, thank you very much!A.T. said:
From: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cross_product#Definition
But note that for negative charges the direction flips, so you can use the left hand.
Alternatively, imagine the usual ##x-y## axes, with the x-axis pointing left to right across the page and the y-axis pointing up the page, then the z-axis is upwards from the page. And ##\vec x \times \vec y = \vec z##.greg_rack said:
Note that you can cycle the fingers used. I personally find this easier to remember:greg_rack said:
The Lorentz force is a fundamental force in electromagnetism that describes the interaction between electric and magnetic fields on a charged particle. It is responsible for the motion of charged particles in a magnetic field and is an important concept in understanding the behavior of electrically charged objects.
The direction of the Lorentz force can be calculated using the right-hand rule. This rule states that if the index finger of the right hand points in the direction of the magnetic field and the middle finger points in the direction of the electric field, then the thumb will point in the direction of the Lorentz force.
The best straightforward method to calculate the direction of the Lorentz force is to use the right-hand rule. This method is widely used and is easy to apply in most situations.
Yes, there are other methods to calculate the direction of the Lorentz force, such as using vector calculus and the cross product of the electric and magnetic fields. However, these methods may be more complex and are not as commonly used as the right-hand rule.
Understanding the direction of the Lorentz force is crucial in many areas of scientific research, particularly in the fields of electromagnetism and particle physics. It is also essential in engineering applications, such as designing and operating electric motors and generators.