The vector product of two vectors A and B is defined as the vector C = A×
B.
C is perpendicular to both A and B, i.e. it is perpendicular to the plane that contains
both A and B.
The direction of C can be found by using the right-hand rule.
Let the fingers of your right hand point in the direction of A.
Orient the palm of your hand so that, as you curl your fingers, you can sweep them over to point in the
direction of B.
Your thumb points in the direction of C = A × B. Practice the
right-hand rule below! Use your mouse to change the
view.
The magnitude of C is C = A B sinθ, where θ
is the smallest angle between the directions of the vectors A and B.
If A and B are parallel or anti-parallel to each other, then
C = A × B= 0, since sinθ = 0.
If A and B
are perpendicular to each other, then sinθ = 1 and C has its maximum
possible magnitude.
The components of the vector C = A× B and its magnitude can also be found algebraically, given the components of A and B.
Cx = AyBz - AzBy
Cy = AzBx - AxBz
Cz = AxBy - AyBx
|C| = (Cx2 + Cy2+ Cz2)½