The right hand rule is used to determine the direction of a vector in a three-dimensional coordinate system. It is also used to determine the orientation of a coordinate system, with the thumb representing the positive direction of the z-axis, the index finger representing the positive direction of the x-axis, and the middle finger representing the positive direction of the y-axis.
To apply the right hand rule, place your hand with your fingers in the positive direction of the x-axis and curl your fingers towards the positive direction of the y-axis. Your thumb will then point in the positive direction of the z-axis, indicating the direction of the vector or orientation of the coordinate system.
No, the right hand rule is only applicable for right-handed coordinate systems. For left-handed coordinate systems, the left hand rule must be used, where the thumb points in the negative direction of the z-axis.
The right hand rule is used to determine the direction of the resulting vector when performing a cross product. The order in which the vectors are crossed determines whether the resulting vector points in the positive or negative direction of the z-axis.
Yes, the right hand rule is also used in electromagnetism to determine the direction of the magnetic field around a current-carrying wire. It is also used in mechanics to determine the direction of torque in a rotating object.