What Does XKCD Teach About the Right-Hand Rule?

  • Context: High School 
  • Thread starter Thread starter neutrino
  • Start date Start date
Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the right-hand rule as depicted in an XKCD comic, exploring its implications in educational settings, particularly during tests. Participants reflect on their experiences and observations regarding the use of the right-hand rule in physics education.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested
  • Meta-discussion

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants express surprise at the usefulness of the XKCD comic in illustrating the right-hand rule.
  • There are humorous observations about the challenges faced by students, particularly freshmen, when applying the right-hand rule during tests.
  • One participant describes a scenario where students appeared confused while trying to use the right-hand rule, likening them to "doofuses."
  • Another participant shares a humorous anecdote about a test situation that escalated into an unexpected distraction involving a fellow student.
  • Concerns are raised about the difficulties faced by right-handed students when trying to visualize vector directions using their hands.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally share a humorous perspective on the challenges of using the right-hand rule, but there is no consensus on the effectiveness of the rule itself or its teaching methods.

Contextual Notes

The discussion reflects a mix of personal anecdotes and humorous commentary, with no technical analysis or resolution of the right-hand rule's educational efficacy.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be of interest to educators, students in physics, and those curious about the cultural aspects of learning physics concepts.

neutrino
Messages
2,093
Reaction score
2
http://xkcd.com/c199.html

Initially, I was quite surprised to see that XKCD had post something useful! :biggrin:
 
Physics news on Phys.org
:smile: :smile: :smile: :smile: :smile:
 
Have you ever watched a classroom full of freshman taking a test that requires the right hand rule? ...talk about looking like a bunch of doofuses! :biggrin:
 
Ivan Seeking said:
Have you ever watched a classroom full of freshman taking a test that requires the right hand rule? ...talk about looking like a bunch of doofuses! :biggrin:


AP Physics examination! :smile:

It was awesome! The proctors were wondering if we had some secret code or something to cheat :smile:
 
Pity the poor right handed fellow who is sitting there, pencil in hand, picking the vectors off of his free hand!
 
Ivan Seeking said:
Have you ever watched a classroom full of freshman taking a test that requires the right hand rule? ...talk about looking like a bunch of doofuses! :biggrin:
But it was all over when the guy at the end of the first row stood up, pointed at the sexy chick to his right and then undid his fly...
:biggrin:

(Hey, it isn't my idea, read the cartoon!)
 
Last edited:

Similar threads

Undergrad Right handed co-ordinates and Left handed co-ordinates
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K
High School What does the symbol ± mean in scientific measurements?
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
21K
Question on magnetism: Circular motion of charged particle in a Magnetic Field
  • · Replies 34 ·
2
Replies
34
Views
2K
Most commonly mispronounced scientists' names
  • · Replies 51 ·
2
Replies
51
Views
8K
Thinking about quitting teaching
  • · Replies 36 ·
2
Replies
36
Views
11K
High School What is physical significance of the direction of angular velocity?
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Studying Interested in Astronomy as a Freshman
  • · Replies 20 ·
Replies
20
Views
2K
High School Audio frequency of a humidifier
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
1K
Teaching about electromagnetic radiation & struggling
  • · Replies 39 ·
2
Replies
39
Views
8K
Math Should I Teach High School Before Pursuing a PhD?
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
4K