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In [[physics]], the '''right hand rule''' is a technique used to find the resultant direction of a [[cross product]]. Its name comes from the fact that, by convention, Cartesian coordinate systems are defined as "right handed", and the rule therefore requires that the right hand be used to get the correct result.
In [[physics]], the '''right hand rule''' is a technique used to find the resultant direction of a [[cross product]]. Its name comes from the fact that, by convention, [[Cartesian coordinates]] are defined as "right handed", and the rule therefore requires that the right hand be used to get the correct result.
==Examples==
==Examples==
====Direction of the magnetic force on a particle====
====Direction of the magnetic force on a particle====
To find the direction of the magnetic force on a positively charged particle in a magnetic field, hold your right hand in a "thumbs up" position. Now, keeping your thumb extended, point your index finger in the direction of the particle's [[velocity]]. Your hand should now look as if you are forming a "gun." Next, keeping your index finger pointing in the same direction, extend your middle finger and rotate your hand so that your middle finger points in the direction of the magnetic field. Your thumb now points in the direction of the magnetic force.
To find the direction of the magnetic force on a positively charged particle in a [[magnetic field]], hold your right hand in a "thumbs up" position. Now, keeping your thumb extended, point your index finger in the direction of the particle's [[velocity]]. Your hand should now look as if you are forming a "gun." Next, keeping your index finger pointing in the same direction, extend your middle finger and rotate your hand so that your middle finger points in the direction of the magnetic field. Your thumb now points in the direction of the magnetic force.
Note that if the particle were negatively charged, you can still use the right hand rule, but the force is in the ''opposite'' direction (180 degrees away) from the force on the positive particle.
Note that if the particle were negatively charged, you can still use the right hand rule, but the force is in the ''opposite'' direction (180 degrees away) from the force on the positive particle.