The magnetic effect of electric current can also be easily shown by placing a magnetic compass near a wire which is carrying electric current. We see that the needle of the compass is deflecting, which proves that a magnetic field is produced near the wire. The right-hand rule dates back to the 19th century when it was implemented as a way for identifying the positive direction of coordinate axes in three dimensions. William Rowan Hamilton, recognized for his development of quaternions, a mathematical system for representing three-dimensional rotations, is often attributed with the introduction of this convention. Following a substantial debate,2 the mainstream shifted from Hamilton’s quaternionic system to Gibbs’ three-vectors system. This transition led to the prevalent adoption of the right-hand rule in the contemporary contexts.
If your thumb is the current, your fingers will be the magnetic field. With your thumb pointing toward your face, or out from your computer screen (the direction of the current), your fingers will curl in a counter-clockwise direction. With your thumb pointing away from your face, or toward your computer screen (the direction of the current), your fingers will curl in a clockwise direction. With your thumb pointing to the left (the direction of the current), your fingers will curl in a counter-clockwise direction. To understand how Lenz’s Law will affect this system, we need to first determine whether the initial magnetic field isincreasing or decreasing in strength.
Rotational Direction: Current-Carrying Wires
- The lines of magnetic flux are in the shape of concentric circles and perpendicular on the conductor (at right angle of 90o) as shown in fig.
- The hardest part of right-hand rule is imagining the different axes and envisioning how they are perpendicular to each other.
- Once a tutor clears up the basic concept for the student, it will be easier for them to understand the complex topics thereafter.
- The rule can be applied using the left hand by reversing the direction of the vectors.
- For example, when a wire carrying an electric current is placed in a magnetic field, a force is exerted on the wire due to the interaction between the magnetic field and the current.
It reveals a connection between the current and the magnetic field lines in the magnetic field that the current created. Ampère was inspired by fellow physicist Hans Christian Ørsted, who observed that needles swirled when in the proximity right hand grip rule of an electric current-carrying wire and concluded that electricity could create magnetic fields. When an electric current passes through a straight wire, it induces a magnetic field. To apply the right hand grip rule,align your thumb with the direction of the conventional current (positive to negative) and your fingers will indicate thedirection of the magnetic lines of flux. In simple words, a current carrying conductor creates a magnetic field around it.
As the magnetic north pole gets closer to the loop, it causes the existing magneticfield to increase. Since the magnetic field is increasing, the induced current and resulting induced magnetic field willoppose the original magnetic field by reducing it. This means that the primary and secondary magnetic fields will occur inopposite directions. When the existing magnetic field is decreasing, the induced current and resulting induced magneticfield will oppose the original, decreasing magnetic field by reinforcing it. Thus, the induced magnetic field will have thesame direction as the original magnetic field.
Use of Fleming’s Left Hand Rule Application
Then, curl your fingers toward the second vector listed in the cross product without moving your palm. You must rotate your hand to whatever orientation it requires for this to be possible, while keeping your thumb perpendicular to your fingers through the entire process. In the example depicted below the cross product points “out” of the page, the same direction as the thumb. The various right- and left-hand rules arise from the fact that the three axes of three-dimensional space have two possible orientations.
Positive and Negative Torques
A Danish physicist Hans Christian Orsted in 1820 discovered the relation between electricity and magnetism which states that “when current flows in a straight conductor, a magnetic field is produced in it. The polarity and density of the magnetic field depends on the direction and amount of current flowing through the conductor”. When viewed at a position along the positive z-axis, the ¼ turn from the positive x- to the positive y-axis is counter-clockwise.
However, it seems that the right hand rule is applied to other aspects of physicsas well. For example, André-Marie Ampère, a French physicist and mathematician, created a right hand rule for circuits and electric currents. This is used when a vector must be definedto represent the rotation of a body, a magnetic field, or a fluid. This right hand rule works exactly the same way as the one I have described above. Your thumb will point to the right, in the direction of the particle’s velocity.
Extend your middle finger and align it with the second vector while keeping your ring and pinkie fingers closed. This will force you to orient your hand in such a way that your thumb will point in the direction of the cross product. Since the threads of a screw are in circular shape, the same is the case for magnetic field lines (which are in circular form). The relation between current and magnetic field is shown in the following fig using cork screw rule.
One of the most common applications of the right-hand rule is in electromagnetism. For example, when a wire carrying an electric current is placed in a magnetic field, a force is exerted on the wire due to the interaction between the magnetic field and the current. The direction of this force can be determined using the right-hand rule.