Left hand rules

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Physics
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In our exploration of magnetic fields and the left hand rules, keep in mind that the right-hand rules in the textbook only apply to conventional (positive) current. In many cases, electricity often has non-conventional (non-positive) current. Non-conventional current follows the left-hand rules. In this explanation, we will only use the three left-hand rules. Additionally the following definitions will be helpful in understanding how and why the left hand rules work

[edit] Poles

A permanent magnet has two poles, a north-seeking pole and a south-seeking pole. A north pole is attracted to a south pole of any magnet and repels the north pole of any magnet. The same applies for the South Pole. The north pole of any magnet will always align itself to the Earth’s north pole (much like a compass) if suspended by a thread and left alone.

[edit] Solenoid

A solenoid is a fancy word for a long string of wire wrapped around another cylinder object. When current flows through the wire, the magnetic field goes straight through the cylinder object. The following is an image of the solenoid (the blue lines are the magnetic field lines)

[edit] The New Vectors

One of the most confusing parts about magnetic fields is that, unlike electric fields, magnetic fields require three-dimensional analysis because the field circles around a current in a wire. Up, down, left and right no longer suffice in describing the direction of the field. Now the magnetic fields can travel into the page and it could travel out of the page.

[edit] Left Hand Rule #1

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[edit] Right Hand Rule #2

Wrap your fingers around the solenoid so that your fingers are traveling the same direction as the current (I). Extend your thumb along the cylinder object. As long as the current continues to flow in the direction your fingers are curled, your thumb will always point toward the north pole. Look at the above diagram to get a sense of it, except the rod would be a solenoid and the direction the thumb is pointing is to the north pole.

[edit] Left Hand Rule #3

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