Unsure About the Right Hand Rule? Get Help Here!

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the application of the Right Hand Rule (RHR) in determining the direction of force on a charged particle moving in a magnetic field. Participants emphasize the importance of visualizing the RHR by positioning the thumb in the direction of velocity (v) and fingers in the direction of the magnetic field (B), with the palm indicating the force (F). A specific scenario is discussed where the current flows east and the magnetic field is directed 75 degrees below the horizontal, leading to confusion about the correct geographical direction of the magnetic field. The conclusion highlights the need for clarity in understanding the conventions of magnetic field direction, particularly in relation to Earth's magnetic field.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of the Right Hand Rule (RHR)
  • Familiarity with magnetic fields and forces on charged particles
  • Basic knowledge of vector cross products
  • Awareness of Earth's magnetic field orientation
NEXT STEPS
  • Review the Right Hand Rule applications in electromagnetism
  • Study vector cross product calculations in physics
  • Explore Earth's magnetic field characteristics and its geographical implications
  • Watch instructional videos on visualizing the Right Hand Rule in 3D problems
USEFUL FOR

Students studying electromagnetism, physics educators, and anyone seeking to understand the Right Hand Rule in the context of magnetic fields and forces on charged particles.

  • #31
minimario said:
It's 75 degrees below horizontal, so why is it north instead of south?
It doesn't depend on the dip angle.
The direction of the magnetic field of a dipole is defined, by convention, to be out of its North pole into its South pole.
The North pole of a magnet is defined to be the end which is attracted to somewhere near Earth's geographic North.
But the North pole of one magnet is attracted to the South pole of another. It follows that regarding Earth as a magnet, its North pole is at its geographic South pole, and vice versa.
To put it another way, the North pole of a compass needle points in the local direction of the Earth's magnetic field, i.e., approximately geographic North.
(In the context of the question, the 75 degree dip means we're at a high northern latitude.)
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
4K
Replies
1
Views
1K
Replies
7
Views
4K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Replies
5
Views
2K
Replies
4
Views
3K
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
1K