| 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 | ||
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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 |
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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. |
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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. |
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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 | |||
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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. |
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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. |
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