Right hand rule 1

Definition

The Right Hand Rule 1 is a mnemonic used to determine the direction of the magnetic force on a positive moving charge in a magnetic field. Point your thumb in the direction of the velocity (v), your fingers in the direction of the magnetic field (B), and your palm will face the direction of the force (F).

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Right Hand Rule 1 applies specifically to positive charges; for negative charges, the force direction is opposite.
2. It helps visualize the cross product involved in the Lorentz force equation: $\mathbf{F} = q(\mathbf{v} \times \mathbf{B})$.
3. The magnitude of the force can be calculated using $F = qvB\sin(\theta)$, where $\theta$ is the angle between velocity and magnetic field.
4. If either velocity or magnetic field is zero, no magnetic force acts on the charge.
5. This rule only applies to situations with uniform magnetic fields and straight-line motion.

Review Questions

Related terms

Lorentz Force:

The total electromagnetic force acting on a charged particle moving through both electric and magnetic fields, given by $\mathbf{F} = q(\mathbf{E} + \mathbf{v} \times \mathbf{B})$.

Magnetic Field ($\mathbf{B}$): A vector field surrounding magnets and electric currents that exerts a force on other nearby moving charges and magnets.

Cross Product:

A mathematical operation on two vectors producing another vector perpendicular to both, often used in physics to find torques and forces like those described by Right Hand Rule.