1 Answers
In mathematics and physics, the right-hand rule is a common mnemonic for understanding orientation of axes in three-dimensional space.
Most of the various left-hand and right-hand rules arise from the fact that the three axes of three-dimensional space have two possible orientations. One can see this by holding one's hands outward and together, palms up, with the fingers curled, and the thumb out-stretched. The curl of the fingers represents a movement from the first to the second , then the third can point along either thumb. Left-hand and right-hand rules arise when dealing with coordinate axes. The rule can be used to find the direction of the magnetic field, rotation, spirals, electromagnetic fields, mirror images, and enantiomers in mathematics and chemistry.
The sequence is often: index finger, then middle, then thumb. However, two other sequences also work because they preserve the cycle: