Finding cross product of two vectors a,b

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the scalar and vector products of two vectors with magnitudes of 17 units and 7.4 units, differing in direction by 27°. The scalar product is computed using the formula a*b = abcos(theta), resulting in a value of 112.089. For the vector product, the correct approach involves using the formula A x B = absin(theta), yielding a magnitude of 17(7.4)(sin(27)). The right-hand rule is applied to determine the direction of the resulting vector.

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mmattson07
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Homework Statement


A vector of magnitude 17 units and another vector of magnitude 7.4 units differ in directions by 27°. Find (a) the scalar product of the two vectors and (b) the magnitude of the vector product ×.

Homework Equations



Right-hand rule, a*b=abcos(theta), A x B= absin(theta)

The Attempt at a Solution


Dot product => a*b= (17)(7.4)(cos(27))= 112.089

Just not quite sure on how to do the cross product. The right hand rule gives me a vector pointing straight up the z axis when sweeping into b but not sure what values to plug into absin(theta) Thanks.
 
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Hm. It seems the answer is just 17(7.4)(sin(27). Not sure geometrically why this is the case though.
 

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