GCSE Combined Science (AQA)

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Right Hand Grip Rule

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Magnetism and electromagnetism The motor effect

Right Hand Grip Rule

6:08 Induced Magnetism
Spec 4.7.2.1
Previous Magnetic Field Around a Wire Next Solenoids
  • The right hand grip rule helps determine the relationship between current in a wire and the direction of the magnetic field.
  • When a wire carries a current, a circular magnetic field forms around it.
  • To use the rule, hold your right hand with your thumb pointing out and fingers curled up.
  • The thumb represents the direction of the current (denoted by the letter I), and the fingers represent the direction of the magnetic field.
  • The rule works regardless of the direction the current (thumb) is pointing: up, down, left, right, into, or out of the page.
  • In diagrams, special symbols are used to represent directions: a dot for out of the page and a cross for into the page.
  • These symbols are used to simplify diagrams and can represent directions of currents, fields, and forces.
  • Using the right hand grip rule, you can determine the direction of magnetic fields around currents represented by dot and cross symbols.
  • Example: For a wire with current out of the page, fingers curl counterclockwise; for current into the page, fingers curl clockwise.
  • The right hand grip rule is a useful method for determining the direction of the field around a wire.
  • If the direction of the field is known but not the current, the right hand grip rule can be used in reverse to determine the current direction.
  • The process involves aligning fingers with the field direction and using the thumb to find the current direction.

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