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Maxwell’s Right-hand Thumb Rule is a simple way to find the direction of the magnetic field around a current-carrying conductor. You can understand the working of this rule with the example given below:
“If you hold a straight conductor (like a wire) in your right hand such that your thumb points in the direction of the electric current, then the curl of your fingers shows the direction of the magnetic field lines around the conductor.”
Let’s understand it in a better way:
- Use your right hand, not the left.
- Point your thumb in the direction of the current (conventional current, from positive to negative).
- Your fingers will naturally curl in the direction of the magnetic field created by the current.
Why is this Rule Important?
Whenever current flows through a conductor, it generates a magnetic field around it. This magnetic field forms circular loops around the wire. But how do we know in which direction this field circles?
That’s where Maxwell’s Right-hand Thumb Rule comes in to help. It helps students and scientists visualise the orientation of the magnetic field. This is very important in understanding electromagnetism and the working of devices like motors, solenoids, and generators.
Angle Between Magnetic Field and Current
In most cases, especially for a straight conductor, the magnetic field lines are perpendicular (90°) to the direction of the current. This is because the field forms concentric circles around the conductor. So, the answer to the second part of the question is:
“The angle between the direction of the current and the magnetic field is 90 degrees.”
This perpendicular relationship is also very important when calculating the magnetic force on a moving charge or a current-carrying wire using formulas in electromagnetism.
Common Doubts of Physics:
