Vector Product Direction & Magnitude Calculation

In summary, vector A has a magnitude of 2.80 m and is 60 degrees above the x axis, while vector B has a magnitude of 1.90 m and is 60 degrees below the x axis. The direction of the vector product can be determined using the right hand rule, and the magnitude of vector B times vector A can be calculated using the equation AB sin theta. The right hand rule involves placing your fingers in the direction of the first vector and curling them towards the second vector, with the resulting thumb pointing in the direction of the product vector.
  • #1
starchild75
100
1

Homework Statement


vector A has magnitude of 2.80 m, 60 degrees above x axis. vector B has magnitude of 1.90 m 60 degrees below x axis. Is the direction of the vector product positive z direction or negative z direction? What is the magnitude of vector B times vector A. I already got vector A times vector B.


Homework Equations


AB sin theta.


The Attempt at a Solution

 
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  • #2
Do you have any work or reasoning to show?
 
  • #3
Sorry, I was in a hurry to get this thing done by midnight. I got it completed, but I need help understanding the right hand rule.
 
  • #4
What is confusing you about the right hand rule? If you are confused about the procedure of it:

Place your fingers of your right hand in the direction of the first vector in the product. Then, curl your fingers towards the second vector in the product. If you can't, then flip your hand around. After you have curled your fingers, your hand should be in a "thumbs-up" formation. Your thumb is pointing in the direction of the product vector.
 

1. What is a vector product?

The vector product, also known as the cross product, is a mathematical operation that combines two vectors to produce a third vector that is perpendicular to both of the original vectors.

2. How is the direction of a vector product determined?

The direction of a vector product is determined by the right-hand rule, where the direction of the resulting vector is perpendicular to both of the original vectors and follows the direction of a right-hand screw.

3. What is the formula for calculating the magnitude of a vector product?

The magnitude of a vector product can be calculated by taking the product of the magnitudes of the two original vectors and the sine of the angle between them.

4. How can the vector product be used in physics and engineering?

The vector product is commonly used in physics and engineering to calculate torque, magnetic fields, and angular momentum. It is also used in computer graphics and 3D modeling to determine the orientation of objects and their movement.

5. Can the vector product be applied to non-geometric quantities?

No, the vector product can only be applied to geometric quantities such as displacement, velocity, and force. It cannot be applied to non-geometric quantities such as temperature or mass.

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