Understanding the Right Hand Rule: Vector (AxB)

[duplaimp]

Hi,
I have a question about how to apply the right hand rule in this vector (AxB)

I would say that it is -k (missing ^) because of the smallest angle is the one drawn in red, but it is k. Can anyone explain why?

 

[Doc Al]

Draw the vectors with their tails at the same point.

 

[duplaimp]

But the vectors are given as I draw

 

[Doc Al]

But the vectors are given as I draw

True, but you must redraw them to properly apply the right hand rule. The vectors are both applied at the same point; redraw so that the tails of the vectors emanate from that point.

By redrawing the vectors you are not changing them. You're just sliding the vector A over so that its tail coincides with that of vector B. Sliding vectors around does not change them, as long as they continue to point in the same direction.