I think the confusing part is that the rule is presented without the problem it solves.
The problem is when you take two vectors in 3d and want to find the vector orthogonal (perpendicular) to both, you have 2 valid choices.
The right hand rule is a way to pick the same one every time if you always label the two vectors you start with consistently i.e. make your thumb vector 1, pointer vector 2, then your middle finger points the direction of a perpendicular vector that matches the handedness of the hand you used.
This matters anywhere a vector cross product is used in physics, like calculating what direction an electron feels force when moving through a magnetic field. The physics doesn’t change, but you’ll have negatives in different places when comparing results calculated with a right handed convention (coordinate system) with a left handed convention.
When checking the handedness of your coordinate system, you point your thumb and pointer finger in the positive direction of any two dimensions then check if your middle finger points in the positive direction of the third dimension.
I think the confusing part is that the rule is presented without the problem it solves.
The problem is when you take two vectors in 3d and want to find the vector orthogonal (perpendicular) to both, you have 2 valid choices.
The right hand rule is a way to pick the same one every time if you always label the two vectors you start with consistently i.e. make your thumb vector 1, pointer vector 2, then your middle finger points the direction of a perpendicular vector that matches the handedness of the hand you used.
This matters anywhere a vector cross product is used in physics, like calculating what direction an electron feels force when moving through a magnetic field. The physics doesn’t change, but you’ll have negatives in different places when comparing results calculated with a right handed convention (coordinate system) with a left handed convention.
When checking the handedness of your coordinate system, you point your thumb and pointer finger in the positive direction of any two dimensions then check if your middle finger points in the positive direction of the third dimension.