200k views
4 votes
Using the Left Hand Rule, if motion is down and the current is toward you, which way is the field?

User Vedarthk
by
4.8k points

1 Answer

2 votes

Final answer:

Using the Left Hand Rule with the motion downwards and the current towards you, the magnetic field is directed to the left.

Step-by-step explanation:

When applying the Left Hand Rule for magnetic fields and forces, one can determine the direction of the magnetic field surrounding a current-carrying wire.

If the motion of a charged particle (or in some interpretations, the force on the wire) is downward, and the current is coming towards you (source of the current), the fingers of your left hand should be pointing toward you representing the current, with your thumb pointing downwards for the direction of motion or force.

Consequently, your palm or the outstretched fingers are pointing to the direction of the magnetic field which in this case would be to your left.

Therefore, according to the Left Hand Rule, the magnetic field would be directed to the left.

User Paul Stengel
by
4.6k points