Problem
Compute the vector product C = A × B where the vector A is of magnitude 8 and lies in the xy plane at an angle of 25° with the y axis, and where the vector B is of magnitude 5 and lies along the y axis.
Solution
By using the definition of the vector product, one determines that vector A must lie along the z axis, because both vectors A and B lie in the xy plane.
It must also have the magnitude:
C = AB sin θ = (8)(5) sin 25° = 16.9
The answer is then:
C = 16.9 along the positive z-axis
Therefore, two things must be determined in order to find the vector product:
• the orientation / direction
• the magnitude
Related
▪ L - Vector Product