Unsure About the Right Hand Rule? Get Help Here!

Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the application of the Right Hand Rule (RHR) in a three-dimensional physics problem involving magnetic fields and moving charges. Participants express uncertainty about determining directions using the RHR, despite being able to calculate magnitudes.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Conceptual clarification

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants attempt to clarify the application of the RHR, with some asking for sketches or detailed explanations. Questions arise regarding the orientation of the right hand in relation to the problem's parameters, and whether 3D coordinates are necessary.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with various interpretations of the RHR being explored. Some participants provide guidance on how to visualize the problem, while others express frustration over the lack of clarity in the original poster's explanation. There is no explicit consensus on the correct application of the RHR in this context.

Contextual Notes

Participants note that the problem involves a magnetic field with a specific dip angle, leading to confusion about geographical directions and the conventions used in defining magnetic poles. There is also mention of an answer key that conflicts with some participants' reasoning.

minimario
Messages
95
Reaction score
2

Homework Statement


9BjIJ3c.png


Homework Equations


Right Hand Rule

The Attempt at a Solution


I can get the magnitude, but cannot get the directions from the RHR. Can somebody make video/explain?

Thanks!
 
Physics news on Phys.org
minimario said:

Homework Statement


9BjIJ3c.png


Homework Equations


Right Hand Rule

The Attempt at a Solution


I can get the magnitude, but cannot get the directions from the RHR. Can somebody make video/explain?

Thanks!

Can you post a sketch and your work please? That will help us help you figure this out. Thanks.
 
It is just the right hand rule...what "sketch" is there?
 
minimario said:
It is just the right hand rule...what "sketch" is there?

The problem statement involves a 3-dimensional problem. The solution involves a sketch with 3-d coordinates and calculations. Are you asking us to reproduce all of your work in order to help you? Please post your detailed sketch and calculations so that we can help you.
 
I don't need the magnitude part. I need the direction part... and 3d coordinates are not needed, the right hand rule is.
 
minimario said:
I don't need the magnitude part. I need the direction part... and 3d coordinates are not needed, the right hand rule is.

You are not helping. I'm out. Hopefully somebody else can help you.
 
?? What do you mean?
 
Quote the right hand rule, as it applies to a moving charge in a magnetic field.
Alternatively, quote the equation as a cross product and quote the rule as it relates to cross products.
 
minimario said:
I don't need the magnitude part. I need the direction part... and 3d coordinates are not needed, the right hand rule is.

I think you need a refresher on the right hand rule. You may find the first sentence useful.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Right-hand_rule

The right-hand rule is defined for use in 3D coordinates. Furthermore, you should generally begin any physics problem by defining a convenient set of coordinates.
 
  • #10
Right hand rule: point thumb in direction of v, fingers in direction of B, then F is direction of palm.
 
  • #11
Then what is your question?
 
  • #12
I cannot get the direction.. do you have a picture of your right hand?
 
  • #13
IMG_0037_2.jpg
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: gracy
  • #14
I meant, in the position of this problem, with thumb, fingers oriented in position
 
  • #15
minimario said:
point thumb in direction of v, fingers in direction of B, then F is direction of palm.
So point your right thumb in the direction of the current (which way is that?) and your fingers in the direction of the field (which way is that?)
 
  • #16
I cannot bend my hand so far...
 
  • #17
minimario said:
I cannot bend my hand so far...
At least answer my questions about directions, or I too will quit the thread. You are not trying very hard to help others help you.
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: uselesslemma
  • #18
Oh, I already know those ones, it's trivial. Current goes toward east, magnetic field is 75 degrees below horizontal...
 
  • #19
minimario said:
Oh, I already know those ones, it's trivial. Current goes toward east, magnetic field is 75 degrees below horizontal...
... but what direction is the magnetic field geographically?
 
  • #20
Would be 75 degrees downward
 
  • #21
minimario said:
Would be 75 degrees downward
That's not a geographical direction. N, S, E, W...?
 
  • #22
South
 
  • #23
minimario said:
South
So point your thumb E, your fingers S and 75 degrees down, with your hand flat. Which way is your palm facing?
 
  • #24
Toward the north and down?
 
  • #25
minimario said:
Toward the north and down?
Yes. Down at what angle?
 
  • #26
15 degrees below the vertical?
 
  • #27
minimario said:
15 degrees below the vertical?
Right.
 
  • #28
No, it's not right, according to the answer key: answer says 15 degrees above horizontal in the north south plane
 
  • #29
minimario said:
No, it's not right, according to the answer key: answer says 15 degrees above horizontal in the north south plane
Ah yes, I slipped up.
The direction of Earth's magnetic field is towards the North. That's the way the North pole of a magnetic compass points. This means that considering the Earth as a magnet, its North pole is in the geographic South. Confusing isn't it?
 
  • #30
It's 75 degrees below horizontal, so why is it north instead of south?
 

Similar threads

Fleming's left and right hand rule - how do they work?
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
4K
Solving Right Hand Rule Homework with Electric & Magnetic Fields
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
Electromagnetic Induction and Faraday's Law w/ Right Hand Rule
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
4K
Using the right hand rule with symbols
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
Using the right hand rule in physics
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
The right hand rule in a magnetic field
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Right-Hand Rule: Finding Induced Direction in a One Loop Wire on the Page
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
Why Does Fleming's Right Hand Rule Give an Upward Force on the Wire?
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K
Is the Right-Hand Rule Applied Correctly in Determining Magnetic Forces?
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
Direction of magnetic field problem (Right Hand Rule)
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K