Question

Which of the following correctly gives the direction of a vector product
c⃗ =a⃗ ×b⃗
?

If the right thumb points in the direction of
a⃗
and the other fingers point in the direction of
b⃗
, then the palm pushes in the opposite direction of
c⃗
If the right is held such that the curled fingers follow the rotation of
a⃗
into
b⃗
, then the extended right thumb points in the direction of
c⃗
If the left thumb points in the direction of
a⃗
and the other fingers point in the direction of
b⃗
, then the palm pushes in the direction of
−c⃗
The direction of retreat of the right-handed screw when turned from
a⃗
to
b⃗
through the smaller angle.

Answer 1

Answer on Question #52040-Physics-Quantum Mechanics

Which of the following correctly gives the direction of a vector product $c^{\rightarrow} = a^{\rightarrow} \times b^{\rightarrow}$?

If the right thumb points in the direction of $a^{\rightarrow}$ and the other fingers point in the direction of $b^{\rightarrow}$, then the palm pushes in the opposite direction of $c^{\rightarrow}$.

If the right is held such that the curled fingers follow the rotation of $a^{\rightarrow}$ into $b^{\rightarrow}$, then the extended right thumb points in the direction of $c^{\rightarrow}$.

If the left thumb points in the direction of $a^{\rightarrow}$ and the other fingers point in the direction of $b^{\rightarrow}$, then the palm pushes in the direction of $-c^{\rightarrow}$.

The direction of retreat of the right-handed screw when turned from $a^{\rightarrow}$ to $b^{\rightarrow}$ through the smaller angle.

Solution

The direction of the vector product can be visualized with the right-hand rule. If you curl the fingers of your right hand so that they follow a rotation from vector $\vec{a}$ to vector $\vec{b}$, then the thumb will point in the direction of the vector product.

**Answer**: If the right is held such that the curled fingers follow the rotation of $\vec{a}$ into $\vec{b}$, then the extended right thumb points in the direction of $\vec{c}$.

http://www.AssignmentExpert.com/