State and explain Maxwell’s right- hand thumb rule.

Maxwell's right-hand thumb rule is a simple mnemonic used to determine the direction of the magnetic field around a current-carrying conductor. It is named after the renowned physicist James Clerk Maxwell, who made significant contributions to the study of electromagnetism.

The rule states that if you grasp a current-carrying conductor with your right hand and align your thumb in the direction of the electric current (conventional current flow, from positive to negative), then your curled fingers will indicate the direction of the magnetic field lines around the conductor.

Here's how to use the right-hand thumb rule step-by-step:

Thumb: Point your thumb in the direction of the electric current flow in the conductor.

Curled Fingers: Imagine your fingers curling around the conductor. The curved path your fingers follow represents the direction of the magnetic field lines around the conductor.

Palm: The palm of your hand (the side opposite your fingers and thumb) points in the general direction of the magnetic field.

To clarify, let's consider an example. Imagine a current-carrying wire running vertically from bottom to top. If you use the right-hand thumb rule and point your thumb upward (in the direction of the current flow), your fingers will naturally curl in a circular manner around the wire. This demonstrates that the magnetic field lines around the wire form concentric circles that encircle the wire.

The strength of the magnetic field is directly proportional to the current flowing through the conductor. The more current there is, the stronger the magnetic field and vice versa.

This rule is particularly useful in understanding the behavior of magnetic fields around current-carrying conductors and is foundational to the study of electromagnetism. It has various practical applications, such as determining the direction of magnetic fields in solenoids, coils, and other devices used in electrical engineering and physics.