How Does the Right Hand Rule Determine Magnetic North in Solenoids?

[rmarkatos]

Homework Statement

We need to find magnetic North and south on some different solenoid arrangements (meaning the wires are arranged in pointing in different directions)

Homework Equations

The Right Hand Rule for Solenoids

The Attempt at a Solution

In class we were told the fingers point along the direction of the current on top of the hallow cylinder and your thumb will point towards magnetic north.

I am having a problem because in a few different examples the current is traveling down the front of the solenoid. But sometimes the current going across the front is traveling down the front moving to the right while other times it is traveling down and to the left. In both situations if i point my fingers down magnetic north is to the left. I am almost positive that is not right. My teacher really did not specify.

Another question i have is that if i face my palm towards me and if i face my palm toward the page, the direction of my fingers is still pointing down with the current but my thumb will point in oppositite directions. How do i distinguish?

 

[Mitchtwitchita]

I think you got it backwards. Your thumb should point in the direction of the current flow, thus, your fingers will point in the direction of the magnetic field lines with north located at your fingertips.