How Do You Apply the Right Hand Rule in Physics?

[futurept]

Homework Statement

It's not a specific problem. I am just having trouble understanding the right hand rule itself and it's application. What variables do you take into account when you are orienting your hand to get the direction. For example, I understand your fingers point in the direction of the magnetic field, but what after that? Thanks for all the help

 

[LowlyPion]

Maybe this will be helpful to you?
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Right_hand_rule

When it comes to using the Right Hand Rule it is important to remember that the order is important when it comes to the equations and the directions that its use implies.

 

[nlightner]

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The right hand rule is a useful tool in physics and engineering for determining the direction of a vector in a three-dimensional space. There are different versions of the right hand rule, but the most commonly used ones are Right Hand Rule 1 and Right Hand Rule 2.

Right Hand Rule 1 is used to determine the direction of a magnetic field created by a current-carrying wire. It states that if you point your right thumb in the direction of the current flow, the curl of your fingers will indicate the direction of the magnetic field. This rule follows the convention of conventional current flow, where positive charge flows from the positive terminal to the negative terminal.

On the other hand, Right Hand Rule 2 is used to determine the direction of the force on a moving charge in a magnetic field. It states that if you point your right thumb in the direction of the velocity of the charge, and your fingers in the direction of the magnetic field, the palm of your hand will indicate the direction of the force on the charge. This rule follows the convention of positive charge moving in the direction of the magnetic field lines experiencing an upward force.

When using the right hand rule, it is important to consider the direction of the variables involved in the problem. For example, if you are trying to determine the direction of a magnetic field created by a current-carrying wire, you must first determine the direction of the current flow. Similarly, if you are trying to determine the direction of the force on a moving charge, you must know the direction of the charge's velocity and the direction of the magnetic field.

I hope this helps clarify the right hand rule and its application. Remember to always consider the direction of the variables involved and use the appropriate version of the right hand rule for the given problem.