It has been suggested that this article or section be merged into Right-hand rule. (Discuss)

Prediction of direction of field (B), given that the current I flows in the direction of the thumb.

For the related yet different principle relating to vectors in 3 dimensions, see right-hand rule.

The right hand grip rule is a physics principle applied to electric current passing through a solenoid, resulting in a magnetic field. When you wrap your right hand around the solenoid with your fingers in the direction of the conventional current, your thumb points in the direction of the magnetic north pole. It can also be applied to electricity passing through a straight wire: here, the thumb points in the direction of the conventional current (from positive to negative), and the fingers point in the direction of the magnetic lines of flux.

The principle is also used to determine the direction of the torque vector. If you grip the imaginary axis of rotation of the rotational force so that your fingers point in the direction of the force, then the extended thumb points in the direction of the torque vector.

The right hand grip rule is a convention derived from the right-hand rule convention for vectors. When applying the rule to current in a straight wire for example, the direction of the magnetic field (counterclockwise instead of clockwise when viewed from the tip of the thumb) is a result of this convention and not an underlying physical phenomenon.

[edit] See also

• Right hand rule, a related yet different principle
• Ampère's circuital law

[edit] References

• GCSE Physics
• Oxford University Press (China)