Question

Hello all! I am working with induced electromotive forces, induced magnetic fields and induced currents. However, I am really struggling with how to use the right hand rule to find the direction of induced current once you have found the direction of the induced magnetic field. This all is in relation to a change in flux over time within a metal loop. I understand how to get to finding the induced magnetic field through the loop in the prescence of magnets but do not know how to use the RHR to find the induced current. I also am aware that the thumb shows direction of magnetic field and forefinger the current.

Answer 1

The right hand rule to find the direction of induced current in a loop is the one where you curl the four fingers of right hand in the direction of current(here direction is either clockwise or anti-clockwise, because we are curling the fingers) in the loop, then the thumb points towards the direction of induced magnetic field due to this current in the loop.

The right hand rule which you are follwoing is the one where we find the force on a current carrying section of a wire placed in a magnetic field, here you hold the three fingers(thumb, index and middle) of right hand perpendcular to each other. Now index finger shows the direction of current, middle finger shows the direction of magnetic field then the force is in the direction of your thumb.

I hope now your confusion is clear.