The discussion clarifies the determination of moment direction using the right-hand rule in physics. Specifically, when counterclockwise (ccw) is defined as positive, the moment vector points out of the page in the positive Z direction. Consequently, clockwise (cw) moments are negative, pointing into the page in the negative Z direction. In the examples provided, the first two moments are negative, while the last moment is positive based on this convention.
PREREQUISITESStudents studying physics, particularly those focusing on mechanics, as well as educators and anyone involved in teaching or learning about moment calculations and vector analysis.
If you take ccw as positive, then the moment vector points out of the page toward you, using the right hand rule, in the positive Z direction. It follows that cw moments are then negative, pointing in the negative Z direction into the page away from you. So the first 2 moments, being cw are negative, and the last, being ccw, is positive, per your chosen convention.engineer_dave said:
