What are the different right hand rules for E&M and when should each be used?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the various right-hand rules used in electromagnetism (E&M) and the appropriate contexts for applying each rule. Participants seek clarity on how to differentiate between these rules and their specific applications in scenarios involving magnetic fields and current-carrying wires.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant requests an explanation of the different right-hand rules in E&M and their specific applications, indicating confusion over their use.
  • Another participant describes the right-hand grip rule for determining the magnetic field around a current-carrying wire, emphasizing the need to consider vector contributions from multiple currents.
  • A participant references an external source for a basic explanation of the right-hand rule, noting that in certain problems, magnetic fields from currents can either add or cancel out depending on the direction of the currents.
  • Some participants point out that the original problem presented is ill-posed due to the absence of a defined point C, suggesting it was likely a typo for point P.
  • Further clarification is provided regarding the placement of point P in relation to two right-hand wires, indicating that this affects the resultant magnetic field direction.
  • Another participant agrees with the previous point about the placement of point P, adding that the resulting magnetic field direction will be slightly south of due east.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express confusion and seek clarification on the right-hand rules, indicating a lack of consensus on their application. There are also disagreements regarding the specifics of the problem presented, particularly concerning the definition and placement of points in the scenario.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include the unclear definition of points in the problem, potential typos, and the need for further specification regarding the placement of point P relative to the currents.

Matt H
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The explanation of this question is much more important to me than just the answer (I have an answer key for this practice test).


Also, if someone could explain the different right hand rules pertaining to E&M and what situation(s) to use each in would be a HUGE help to me. I thought I had it down, but i keep confusing the hell out of myself!
 
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For this situation--the magnetic field surround a current-carrying wire--use the right-hand grip rule. Grip the wire so that your thumb points in the direction of the current--your fingers will be curling around the wire in the direction of the magnetic field.

To solve the problem, you need to add up the field contributions from each current. (Remembering that they are vectors.)
 
Doc has the basic explanation...or see here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Right-hand_rule

You'll note that in your example problem some current fields add via the right hand rule and others cancel depending on current direction...they will cancel when the currents oppose and the distance of point P from those currents are equal.
 
This is an obviously ill-posed problem. There is no point C. :p
 
Born2bwire said:
This is an obviously ill-posed problem. There is no point C. :p
:-p Yeah, I had meant to point that out, but forgot. I assume it was a typo and that they meant point P. :cool:
 
Also, they did not place point P exactly between the two right-hand wires. The result will be a small downward component to B, in addition to what is probably the intended answer.
 
Redbelly98 said:
Also, they did not place point P exactly between the two right-hand wires. The result will be a small downward component to B, in addition to what is probably the intended answer.

Quite right. The resulting magnetic field will point in the viscinity of east by southeast, using cardinal direction (a bit south of due east.)
 

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