Cross Product

Consider two vectors, A and B; we can define a new vector C by

C = A x B

Rotate the first vector ( A ) into the second vector ( B ) with the fingers of your right hand. Your thumb then gives the direction of the cross product, A x B.

Remember C is perpendicular to both A and B.

The magnitude of C is given by

Force on an Electric Charge

Force and the Cross Product

Return to Ch 20, Magnetism
(c) Doug Davis, 2003; all rights reserved