Right hand rule helps find direction of third axis in right-orthogonal system. System requires three perpendicular axes (i, j, k). Cross product (A × B) always points perpendicular to both vectors
Developed by John Ambrose Fleming in late 19th century. Determines direction of induced current in electric generators. Thumb points towards conductor's motion relative to magnetic field. Forefinger points towards magnetic field direction. Middle finger points towards induced current direction
Rule originated in 19th century for identifying coordinate axes. William Rowan Hamilton introduced it for quaternions. Mainstream shifted from Hamilton's to Gibbs' three-vectors system