Describe the right-hand rule for determining the direction of the magnetic field in a current-carrying wire.

The right-hand rule is a helpful way to determine the direction of the magnetic field surrounding a current-carrying wire. Here’s how it works:

  • Step 1: Hold the wire with your right hand.
  • Step 2: Position your thumb in the direction of the conventional current flow (from positive to negative, or in the direction that positive charges would move).
  • Step 3: Curl your fingers around the wire. The direction in which your fingers curl represents the direction of the magnetic field lines that circle the wire.

In summary, if the current is flowing upward through the wire, your right hand’s thumb points upward, and your fingers will curl in a counterclockwise direction around the wire, indicating that the magnetic field circulates in that pattern. Similarly, if the current flows downward, the magnetic field will circulate in the opposite direction.

This rule is crucial in understanding how magnetic fields interact with electrical currents and is foundational for applications like motors, solenoids, and transformers.

Related Questions:

  1. Why are the Earth’s geographical and magnetic axes not coincident? Explain.
  2. Define and explain magnetism.
  3. What is the domain theory of magnetism? Explain.
  4. Explain magnetic field strength and magnetic shielding.
  5. Define induced magnetism. Also, explain some methods for induced magnetism.
  6. Differentiate between permanent and temporary magnets.
  7. Explain the three types of magnetic materials.
  8. Explain the Earth’s magnetic field. Also, relate Earth’s geographical and magnetic poles.
  9. Explain how birds and other migrating animals use the Earth’s magnetic field to navigate.
  10. Explain how an electric bell works using the principle of electromagnetism. An electric bell operates based on the working of an electromagnet.
  11. Describe the working principle of a galvanometer and its use in measuring electric current.
  12. What is the difference between paramagnetic and ferromagnetic materials?
  13. On what factors does the strength of the magnetic field of an electromagnet depend?
  14. Explain the magnetic field of a bar magnet and that of a solenoid, and compare them.
  15. Explain some uses of electromagnets and temporary magnets.
  16. Why does a solenoid produce a strong magnetic field inside its coil?
  17. Why is soft iron preferred for making the core of an electromagnet?
  18. What happens when a bar magnet is broken into two pieces?
  19. Why are magnets used in electric motors?
  20. How does increasing the number of turns in a solenoid affect its magnetic field strength?