The direction of proton in a magnetic field

AI Thread Summary
In a magnetic field directed out of the page, the force on a positively charged particle can be determined using the right-hand rule. The thumb represents the velocity of the charge, while the index finger indicates the direction of the magnetic field. The resulting force direction is given by the middle finger. Confusion arises when trying to visualize the directions, but defining a coordinate system and calculating the cross product can clarify the situation. Understanding these principles is essential for solving problems involving charged particles in magnetic fields.
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Homework Statement



A positive charge is moving straight ahead in a magnetic field going out of page. What is the direction of force on the positively charged particle?

The Attempt at a Solution


I know that you use the right hand rule where fingers show direction of force. But I'm confused because my fingers keep pointing up in one direction and then down in the other so I'm very confused.
 
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So the magnetic force is \vec{F} = q\vec{v}\times \vec{B}
q is the positive charge. I do not know what straight ahed means, I assume that you have a sketch. Your thumb on the right hand shall be in the direction of the velocity and your index finger along the magnetic field, then your middle finger will give the force direction since the charge is positive.
Alternatively you could define your vectors and calculate a crossproduct i.e. define a coordinate system.
 
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