Right-Hand Rule
Reference from the original Physics I textbook.
Glossary and deeper reading · 1 refreshers
These editorial refreshers supplement the reading. Definitions and examples are added guidance; original source wording and recorded answers remain in their original context.
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Right-hand rule
A right-hand rule is a convention for determining the direction of a vector cross product or a current-produced magnetic field. The chosen gesture must use the correct input vectors in their correct order, with reversal when a negative charge requires it. For example, the thumb-and-curl rule around a straight wire uses conventional current as the thumb direction.