Rules for determining the Direction of the Vector Product Physics Notes
Rules for determining the Direction of the Vector Product:
1. Right-hand thumb rule: The right hand rule states that the orientation of the vector’s cross product is determined by placing \(\vec{A}\) and \(\vec{B}\) tail to tail, flattening the right hand, extending it in the direction of A and then curling the fingers in the direction that the angle makes with A The thumb then points in the direction of \(\vec{A} \times \vec{B}\).
(i) Vector Product
2. Right-Hand Screw Rule: The right-hand screw rule can be used when a direction must be determined, based upon the rotational direction or vice-versa.
The axis of the screw is placed as shown in the figure. (ii). When the screw is moved by a small
angle in the direction from \(\vec{A}\) to \(\vec{B}\), then the direction in which the screw moves forward gives the direction of the resultant vector.
(ii) Vector Product