What is "right-hand rule"

n. 1 A common mnemonic for understanding notation conventions for vectors in three dimensions. 2 (context logic English) The systematic use of right-hand turnings to solve a maze.

In mathematics and physics, the right-hand rule is a common mnemonic for understanding orientation conventions for vectors in three dimensions.

Most of the various left- and right-hand rules arise from the fact that the three axes of 3-dimensional space have two possible orientations. This can be seen by holding your hands together, palm up, with the fingers curled. If the curl of your fingers represents a movement from the first or X axis to the second or Y axis then the third or Z axis can point either along your left thumb or right thumb. Left- and right-hand rules arise when dealing with co-ordinate axes, rotation, spirals, electromagnetic fields, mirror images and enantiomers in mathematics and chemistry.