📚 Topic Summary
The right-hand rule is a handy tool in physics for determining the direction of the magnetic force acting on a moving charged particle in a magnetic field. It establishes a relationship between three vectors: the velocity of the charge ($v$), the magnetic field ($B$), and the resulting magnetic force ($F$). There are variations of the right-hand rule depending on the specifics, but the core principle remains the same: use your right hand to align your fingers with the velocity and magnetic field vectors, and your thumb will point in the direction of the force.
In this lab activity, we'll explore how to apply the right-hand rule in different scenarios to predict the direction of magnetic force. We'll also touch on calculating the magnitude of the force using the formula: $F = qvB\sin(\theta)$, where $q$ is the charge, $v$ is the velocity, $B$ is the magnetic field strength, and $\theta$ is the angle between the velocity and magnetic field vectors.
🧠 Part A: Vocabulary
Match the terms on the left with their definitions on the right:
| Term |
Definition |
| 1. Magnetic Field |
A. The amount of charge |
| 2. Velocity |
B. The region around a magnet where magnetic forces are exerted |
| 3. Right-Hand Rule |
C. A method for determining the direction of magnetic force |
| 4. Charge |
D. The speed and direction of an object |
| 5. Magnetic Force |
E. The force exerted on a moving charge in a magnetic field |
🧲 Part B: Fill in the Blanks
Use the words below to fill in the blanks in the following paragraph.
Words: direction, perpendicular, thumb, magnetic field, force
The right-hand rule helps determine the _______ of the magnetic _______. Point your fingers in the _______ of the velocity, curl them toward the _______, and your _______ will point in the direction of the _______. Note that the force is always _______ to both the velocity and the magnetic field.
💡 Part C: Critical Thinking
Imagine an electron moving eastward in a magnetic field that points downwards. What is the direction of the magnetic force acting on the electron? Explain your reasoning using the right-hand rule, remembering that electrons have a negative charge.