Current and the Right Hand Rule

In summary, the right hand rule is a method used in physics to determine the direction of a magnetic field, current, or force in a three-dimensional coordinate system. It involves using your right hand and aligning your fingers in a specific way to represent the direction of the field or current and using your thumb to determine the direction of the force. Current creates a magnetic field, and the strength and direction of the field depend on the magnitude and direction of the current. The right hand rule can be used to determine the direction of the magnetic field in a wire, but in cases where the current or magnetic field is not perpendicular, a different rule, called the left hand rule, is used. Both conventional current and electron flow can be used with the
  • #1
Soaring Crane
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0

Homework Statement



Find the direction of the magnetic field at point P.
yf_Figure_28_39.jpg


Homework Equations



See below.

The Attempt at a Solution



From the right hand rule, my thumb would point in the current's direction. Thus, my fingers would curl inward, so the magnetic field would point into the page?

Thanks.
 
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  • #2
Correct-omundo.
 
  • #3
You can also use another variation. Try pointing your thumb into the page and look at where your fingers point
 

1. What is the "right hand rule" and how is it used in physics?

The right hand rule is a method used in physics to determine the direction of a magnetic field, current, or force in a three-dimensional coordinate system. It involves using your right hand and aligning your fingers in a specific way to represent the direction of the field or current and using your thumb to determine the direction of the force.

2. How does current affect a magnetic field?

Current is the movement of electric charge, and it creates a magnetic field. The strength and direction of the magnetic field depend on the magnitude and direction of the current. The larger the current, the stronger the magnetic field will be.

3. Can the right hand rule be used to determine the direction of a magnetic field in a wire?

Yes, the right hand rule can be used to determine the direction of the magnetic field in a wire. If you point your thumb in the direction of the current, your fingers will curl in the direction of the magnetic field around the wire.

4. What is the difference between conventional current and electron flow?

Conventional current is the theoretical flow of positive charge from the positive terminal of a battery to the negative terminal, even though in reality, it is the negative electrons that are moving. Electron flow is the actual flow of electrons from the negative to the positive terminal of a battery. The right hand rule can be used for both types of current.

5. Is the right hand rule applicable in all situations involving electricity and magnetism?

No, the right hand rule is only applicable in situations where the current or magnetic field is perpendicular to each other. In cases where they are not perpendicular, a different rule, called the left hand rule, is used to determine the direction of the resulting force.

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