Right Hand Rules:

There was a time when electricity and magnetism were studied separately and were believed to be unrelated[1]. We now know that they are, in fact, related to one another and that you can predict the direction of a conductor's electromagnetic force using its current. How would you do this? You would use the Right Hand Rules. You can use the Right Hand Rules to find either the direction of conventional current flow or the direction of the magnetic field. The only real difference between the two rules is that in RHR#1 the magnetic field is found around the conductor while in RHR#2 the magnetic field is found within the coil. Other than this small difference the Right Hand Rules are basically the same. 


How to use RHR #1 (for conductor):[2]
1. Hold the conductor with your right hand. Your thumb will point in the direction of the conventional (+) current flow. 
2. Curve your fingers around the conductor. The direction in which your fingers curve will be the direction of the magnetic field around the conductor. 

[3]

How to use RHR #2 (for coil):[2] 
1. Hold the coiled conductor with your right hand so that your curved fingers point in the direction of the conventional (+) current flow. 
2. Your thumb will point in the direction of the magnetic field within the coil, which is  the north (N) end of the electromagnet created by the coil. 

[4]

References:

[1] Electromagnetism. Print. TVOntario Video Worksheet.

[2] Nowikow, Igor, Brian Heimbecker, and Don Bosomworth. Physics: Concepts and Connections. Toronto: Irwin, 2001. Print.

[3] "File:V-1 Right Hand Thumb Rule.gif." Wikipedia. Web. <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:V-1_right_hand_thumb_rule.gif>.

[4] "New Physics at Work : Student's Corner." Oxford Science City. Web. <http://sciencecity.oupchina.com.hk/npaw/student/glossary/right_hand_grip_rule.htm>.