Cross product of 2 vectors of same magnitude

[Okokya]

Homework Statement

Vectors A and B both have magnitude M. Joined at the tails, they create a 30' angle. What is A x B in terms of M?

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution

0? OR M^2? Sqrt(3)M/3?

 

[Dishsoap]

Remember that the cross product of two vectors is related to their magnitudes and the sine of the angle between them. Do you remember this?

If they were parallel, the answer would be zero, since the cross product gives you the perpendicular component of one vector along the other. If they were perpendicular, the answer would be M^2.

 

[Okokya]

Remember that the cross product of two vectors is related to their magnitudes and the sine of the angle between them. Do you remember this?

If they were parallel, the answer would be zero, since the cross product gives you the perpendicular component of one vector along the other. If they were perpendicular, the answer would be M^2.

So for theta 30', ab sin 30 = (M^2)/2 ?

 

[Dishsoap]

So for theta 30', ab sin 30 = (M^2)/2 ?

Yep!