Cross Product: Right-Hand Rule Explained

AI Thread Summary
In the cross product, the relationship vectorA*B = -(vectorB*A) arises from the orientation of the vectors and the right-hand rule. When vector A is rotated towards vector B, the right-hand rule indicates an upward direction for the resulting vector. Conversely, rotating vector B towards vector A results in a downward direction, confirming the negative sign in the equation. The right-hand rule is crucial for determining the direction of the resultant vector in the cross product. Understanding this concept is essential for applying the definition of cross product effectively.
hilarious
Messages
1
Reaction score
0
In the cross product, why is vectorA*B=-(vectorB*A)
How does the right-hand rule apply to this formula?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSYKSrl5ft_tg3ul7lg-nng6l3E8DPqJ7qlVL7Bif1vmCg-GMO1sg.jpg
Look at the picture. If you rotate A towards B, the right-hand rule points upwards. If you rotate B towards A, the fingers point the opposite way, so the right-hand rule points downwards.
 
hilarious said:
In the cross product, why is vectorA*B=-(vectorB*A)
Apply the definition of cross product

hilarious said:
How does the right-hand rule apply to this formula?
265px-Right_hand_rule_cross_product.svg.png

What happens to the direction of a x b when you rotate the hand to swap the directions of a and b ?
 
So I know that electrons are fundamental, there's no 'material' that makes them up, it's like talking about a colour itself rather than a car or a flower. Now protons and neutrons and quarks and whatever other stuff is there fundamentally, I want someone to kind of teach me these, I have a lot of questions that books might not give the answer in the way I understand. Thanks
Back
Top