Area vectors of oriented surfaces

[mathwizeguy]

Are area vectors of oriented surfaces always perpendicular to the surface?

[tiny-tim]

ih mathwizeguy! welcome to pf! :wink:
Are area vectors of oriented surfaces always perpendicular to the surface?

simple answer … yes! :smile:

[lugita15]

Also, you should know that the convention is for the area vector to point out of the surface.

[HallsofIvy]

Also, you should know that the convention is for the area vector to point out of the surface.
Such a convention would only hold for a closed surface. You can, more generally, refer to "upward" or "downward" normals, "inward" or "outward" normals, etc.