Peter
Project Title
Right-Hand Rules
Author
Images & Exploration Peter Rapp '99
Idea by Physics Faculty
Updated 8/28/99

Issue:
    Whenever you are dealing with electricity / magnetism problems, there are often three dimensions involved. This can be very confusing to visualize, unless you use some sort of trick to remember how to resolve direction. There are three common "Right Hand Rules" to help you remember some important concepts for E&M problems.

Discussion:
Simple Series Circuit      The first right hand rule deals with the force applied by a magnetic field to a positive charge that is moving perpendicularly through that field.
     In this case, the three fingers represent the direction of the magnetic field, the index finger represents the direction in which the charge is moving. Orient your hand according to these guidelines, and your thumb will tell you the direction of the force!
     The second right hand rule deals with the magnetic field that is induced by current moving through a wire. Take your right hand, and wrap your fingers around the wire, with your thumb pointing in the direction that the current is flowing.
     Your fingers now represent the direction of the lines of magnetic force!
Simple Parallel Circuit
Simple Series Circuit      The third right hand rule helps your remember the behavior of a solenoid. (a wire coiled around a core) Wrap your fingers around the solenoid in the direction of current flow through the wire.
     Your thumb represents the "North" direction of the induced magnetic field!