Just as for the magnetic force on a moving charged particle, a right-hand rule tells you the direction of the magnetic force on a current-carrying wire. Extend the fingers of your right hand in the direction of the current, and orient your hand so that the palm is facing the magnetic field vector \(\vec{B}\). With your right thumb extended, swivel your hand as though you were slapping the magnetic field vector with your open palm.Your outstretched thumb points in the direction of the magnetic field exerted on the wire (Figure 19-10).
Equation 19-5 says that there is no magnetic force on the wire if the axis of the wire lies along the direction of the magnetic field \(\vec{B}\).: that is, if \(\vec{B}\) points either in the samedirection as the current (\(\theta = 0\)) or in the direction opposite to the current (\(\theta = 180\deg\)). In either case, \(\sin{\theta} = 0\) and \(F = 0\). For a given magnetic field of magnitude \(B\), the force is greatest if \(\vec{B}\). points perpendicular to the current so \(\theta = 90^{\circ}\) and \(\sin{\theta} = \sin{90}^{\circ} = 1\).