Science (086) — AI-generated practice question

Right-Hand Thumb Rule: Imagine holding a current-carrying straight conductor in your right hand such that the thumb points in the direction of current. Then the fingers wrap around the conductor in the direction of the magnetic field lines.

Direction of field: The current flows downward (south). Applying the right-hand thumb rule, the magnetic field at a point to the east of the wire is directed towards the south (i.e., into the page / from north to south horizontally) — specifically, at the east side, the field points towards the south.

> Using the rule: thumb points downward; fingers on the east side point southward — so the magnetic field at the east is directed towards the south.

Source: Chapter 12, Section 12.2.2

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• 1 mark for stating the rule correctly using the key phrase: thumb → current direction, fingers → field direction.
• 1 mark for correctly applying it: current downward → at a point to the east, the field is directed towards the south (curl fingers: on the east side of a downward current, field points southward).
• Examiners look for the rule stated in your own words but with the essential idea intact, followed by a clear directional answer. A common mistake is confusing east/west sides — practice by physically mimicking the hand position.