An object that bears a negative charge moves to the east thru a magnetic field that is directed to the north.
What is the direction of the magnetic force on the object?
The direction of the magnetic force is .
OR
The direction of the magnetic force lies in the range from to to excluding the endpoints.
OR
The magnetic force has no direction because it is zero.
OR
This magnetic force cannot possibly be the result of a charge moving with this velocity through a magnetic field.
When you click the 'Reveal Answer' button in the main simulation, you will see a video of a hand demonstrating the right hand rule. Multiple versions of the right hand rule exist. Select the version below that you prefer.
Description
Video Example
Textbook
Start with straight fingers and thumb held at a right angle to fingers. Orient hand so fingers bend in the plane of the velocity and the magnetic field.
Velocity: Direction of fingers when they are held straight.
Magnetic Field: Direction of fingers after they are bent.
Magnetic Force: Direction of thumb.
OpenStax University Physics
Vincent Coletta's College Physics
Start with straight fingers and thumb held at a right angle to fingers. Orient hand so that middle, ring and little fingers bend in the plane of the velocity and magnetic field.
Velocity: Direction of index finger.
Magnetic Field: Direction of middle, ring and little fingers after they are bent.
Magnetic Force: Direction of thumb.
Hold index finger, middle finger and thumb so they are all perpendicular to each other.
Velocity: Direction of index finger.
Magnetic Field: Direction of middle finger.
Magnetic Force: Direction of thumb.
Hold fingers straight and thumb perpendicular to fingers.
Velocity: Direction of thumb.
Magnetic Field: Direction of fingers.
Magnetic Force: Direction of palm.
OpenStax College Physics
Hold index finger, middle finger and thumb so they are all perpendicular to each other.
Velocity: Direction of thumb.
Magnetic Field: Direction of index finger.
Magnetic Force: Direction of middle finger.
Randall Knight's Physics for Scientists and Engineers.
Randall Knight's College Physics.
This version either uses a 3D model (the shape in the video at right) or a 'double-L' shape piece of paper (the shape in the diagram at left) to illustrate the right hand rule.
The 'double-L' shape shown in the the diagram at left is something you can easily construct for yourself out of a piece of paper. After cutting out the shape, be sure to label the legs exactly as shown. Just in case it isn't clear, the v and B legs in the diagram point away from you. Note: never open the double-L shape beyond 180 degree or it will not give answers consistent with the right hand rule.