Calculating resultant torque using cross product

AI Thread Summary
The discussion focuses on calculating the resultant torque using the cross product of a lever arm vector A (2.0i + 3.0j) and a force vector B (3.0i - 4.0j). Participants express confusion about the absence of an angle in the torque calculation, as traditional formulas often include sinθ. The correct results for the cross products A x B, B x A, and 2A x 3B are confirmed through algebraic interpretation of the cross product. Clarifications are provided regarding the absence of a z-component, which simplifies the calculations. The conversation concludes with an understanding that the resultant vector is perpendicular to the plane formed by the original vectors.
steffercakes
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1."In this exercise, you will be finding the resultant torque from the cross product of a lever arm with a force vector. The lever arm vector is A=2.0i+3.0j. The force vector is B=3.0i-4.0j.
Find A x B
B x A
and 2A x 3B




2.My teacher has been sick the past few days so hasnt taught us anything about torque yet, but the homework is still due. I'm not sure where to start because every formula I've read about how to do these says to include sinθ, but an angle was not given.



3. is it just: 6i-12j+1k
-6i+12j-1k
and 36i-72j+6k? Someone please help me understand how these are done.
 
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steffercakes said:
1."In this exercise, you will be finding the resultant torque from the cross product of a lever arm with a force vector. The lever arm vector is A=2.0i+3.0j. The force vector is B=3.0i-4.0j.
Find A x B
B x A
and 2A x 3B




2.My teacher has been sick the past few days so hasnt taught us anything about torque yet, but the homework is still due. I'm not sure where to start because every formula I've read about how to do these says to include sinθ, but an angle was not given.



3. is it just: 6i-12j+1k
-6i+12j-1k
and 36i-72j+6k? Someone please help me understand how these are done.

There are two interpretations of the cross-product:

Geometrical Interpretation:

\vec{A}x\vec{B} = |A||B|\sin \theta \hat{n}

Algebraic Interpretation:

\vec{A} = A_x i + A_y j + A_z k
\vec{B} = B_x i + B_y j + B_z k
\vec{A}x\vec{B} = (A_y B_z-A_z B_y)i + (A_z B_x - A_x B_z)j + (A_x B_y - A_y B_x)k
 
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Or you can learn from this video also.
 
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CKOMETTER said:
There are two interpretations of the cross-product:

Geometrical Interpretation:

\vec{A}x\vec{B} = |A||B|\sin \theta \hat{n}

Algebraic Interpretation:

\vec{A} = A_x i + A_y j + A_z k
\vec{B} = B_x i + B_y j + B_z k
\vec{A}x\vec{B} = (A_y B_z-A_z B_y)i + (A_z B_x - A_x B_z)j + (A_x B_y - A_y B_x)k

ohhh okay, I see now. and if there's no Z (z=0), that makes that direction 0? So in this case the i and j are 0?
 
steffercakes said:
ohhh okay, I see now. and if there's no Z (z=0), that makes that direction 0? So in this case the i and j are 0?

Yes, the cross-product of two vectors results in a vector that it's perpendicular to the plane that contains both vectors: in this case the Z direction.
 
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