Question

State the right-hand thumb rule for finding the direction of magnetic field associated with a current carrying conductor. Show the magnetic field lines due to a straight current carrying conductor.

Hint:

Use your right hand: Thumb shows current, fingers show the direction of the magnetic field.

Answer 1

The right-hand thumb rule states that if the right-hand thumb is held in the direction of the current in a straight conductor, the curl of the fingers shows the direction of the magnetic field around the conductor.
For a straight current-carrying wire:
- The current flows along the wire in a certain direction.
- If you hold the wire with your right hand such that the thumb points in the direction of the current, the curl of your fingers indicates the direction of the magnetic field lines around the wire.
- These magnetic field lines form concentric circles around the wire, with the direction determined by the curl of your fingers.