The unit vector along the x-axis is i = <1,0,0>, along the y-axis is j = <0,1,0>,
and along the z-axis is k = <0,0,1>. The right-hand rule for determining
the direction of the cross product C = A x B, begins by placing the vectors
concurrently, so that their tails start at the same position, then, with the fingers
of your right hand pointing in the direction of vector A, curl your fingers
towards vector B. Your thumb will naturally twist to point in the direction
of vector C. The
applet on this page will allow you to visualize the direction of C = A x B.
For example:
i x j = k
j x i = - k |
|