FBI mnemonics

Left [hand rule|thumb]
[Image:ManoLaplace.svg|thumb|Alternate representation of LHR]
The various FBI mnemonics show the direction of the force on a conductor carrying a current in a magnetic field as predicted by Fleming's [left hand rule for motors] and Faraday's law of induction.
Other mnemonics exist that use a right hand rule for predicting resulting motion from a preexisting current and field.

Configuration, using the left hand

'FBI'

The left hand is held with the thumb, first finger and second finger mutually at right angles.

The Thu'mb represents F - Thrust.
The F'irst finger represents B - Field.
The Second finger represents I or V - Current.

Configuration, using the right hand

Other sources use the right hand to predict force, though the fingers used vary:

'FIB'

Thumb = F
Index finger = I or V
Middle finger = B

'IBF'

[Image:Rechte-hand-regel.jpg|thumb|Right-handed alternate - 'IBF'.]
In this alternative, some versions recommend not extending the middle finger, but instead imagining the force coming from the palm of the hand.

Thumb = I or V
Index finger = B
Middle finger = F

Other frequently confused rules

Prediction of direction of field ('B')

[Image:Right hand rule.png|thumb|Prediction of direction of field ('B').]
The rules above are usually used to predict 'F' based upon 'B' and 'I' - the force on a moving charge when moving through a field, whether or not the charge is carried in a wire. However, this rule should not be confused with a different right hand grip rule for the prediction of the direction of a field produced by current traveling through a wire.