right-hand rule

English

Use of the right-hand rule for vectors illustrated.

Noun

right-hand rule

1. A common mnemonic for understanding notation conventions for vectors in three dimensions.
   • 1920, Chester Laurens Dawes, A Course in Electrical Engineering, page 218:

     A very convenient method for determining this relation is the Fleming right-hand rule. In this rule the fingers of the right hand are utilized as follows […]

2. The systematic use of right-hand turnings to solve a maze.
   • 1989, William Poundstone, Labyrinths of Reason: Paradox, Puzzles, and the Frailty of Knowledge:

     Worse yet, the right-hand rule does not work for all mazes.

Derived terms

• Fleming's right-hand rule

Translations

common mnemonic for understanding notation conventions for vectors in three dimensions

• Finnish: oikean käden sääntö
• German: Rechte-Hand-Regel f, Drei-Finger-Regel f
• Polish: reguła prawej dłoni f
• Portuguese: regra da mão direita f

systematic use of right-hand turnings to solve a maze

• Finnish: oikean käden sääntö