FBI mnemonics

The various FBI mnemonics (for electric motors) show the direction of the force on a conductor carrying a current in a magnetic field.

Other mnemonics exist that use a right hand rule for predicting resulting motion from a preexisting current and field.

Configuration, using the left hand

'FBI'

The left hand is held with the thumb, first finger and second finger mutually at right angles.

• The Thumb represents F - Thrust (or resulting Motion).

• The First finger represents B - Field.

• The Second finger represents I or V - Current (in the classical direction, from positive to negative).

Configuration, using the right hand

Other sources use the right hand to predict force, though the fingers used vary:

'FIB'

• Thumb = F ("thrust")
• Index finger = I or V
• Middle finger ("Birdie") = B

'IBF'

In this alternative, some versions recommend not extending the middle finger, but instead imagining the force coming from the palm of the hand.

• Thumb = I or V
• Index finger = B
• Middle finger = F

Other frequently confused rules

Prediction of direction of field ('B')

The rules above are usually used to predict 'F' based upon 'B' and 'I' - the force on a moving charge when moving through a field, whether or not the charge is carried in a wire. However, this rule should not be confused with a different right hand grip rule for the prediction of the direction of a field ('B') produced by current ('I') traveling through a wire.

Symmetry

See......

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