When using the right-hand rule to determine the direction of the magnetic force on a charge, which part of the hand points in the direction that the charge is moving?

Question

palm
fingers
back
thumb

Answer 1

When using the right-hand rule to determine the direction of the magnetic force on a charge, the part of the hand that points in the direction that the charge is moving is the fingers.

Here’s how the right-hand rule works:

1. Point your fingers in the direction of the velocity of the positive charge (motion direction).
2. Curl your fingers in the direction of the magnetic field.
3. Your thumb will then point in the direction of the magnetic force acting on the positive charge.

For a negative charge, the force would be in the opposite direction of your thumb.