Editing 199: Right-Hand Rule
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==Explanation== | ==Explanation== | ||
| − | The {{w|right-hand rule}} is a mathematics and physics trick to learning how to find the {{w|cross product}} of two Cartesian vectors in three dimensions. First, | + | {{incomplete|This needs explanations for the individual methods. A more in-depth explanation of the title text would also be great.}} |
| + | The {{w|right-hand rule}} is a mathematics and physics trick to learning how to find the {{w|cross product}} of two Cartesian vectors in three dimensions. First, position your right arm in the direction of the first vector (in the example diagram in the comic, this is to the left). Then, curl your fingers in the direction of the second vector (out of the page/screen, in the example). Now point your thumb perpendicular to the other fingers, and it will point in the direction of the cross product of those two vectors (upwards, in the example). Note that reversing the order of the two vectors also reverses the direction of the cross product. | ||
| − | The book rule is an actual alternative to the right hand rule that might be useful to some physics students doing exercises out of their textbooks. However, | + | The book rule is an actual alternative to the right hand rule that might be useful to some physics students doing exercises out of their textbooks. However, since this is xkcd, things are going to get silly. |
| − | The gun rule also technically works, but it would be extremely impractical, expensive, and dangerous to use and fire a loaded gun every time you want to find the result vector. It would also be very awkward to hold the gun in line with the vectors | + | The gun rule also technically works, but it would be extremely impractical, expensive, and dangerous to use and fire a loaded gun every time you want to find the result vector. It would also be very awkward to hold the gun in line with the vectors. |
| − | The body rule is | + | The body rule is for males only, which is illogical for a rule that is meant to make math and physics problems easier. It doesn't even give the result vector, but instead tells you just to watch porn. It's basically just a dick joke. |
| − | The title text refers to {{w|Edwin Abbott Abbott}}, author of the book Flatland, a story about a two | + | The title text refers to {{w|Edwin Abbott Abbott}}, author of the book Flatland, a story about a two dimensional world. |
| − | {{w|Orientability}} is a property that refers to a space with continuously varying {{w|surface normal}}s, which are essentially just vectors that are perpendicular to the surface of the space. Nearly every space commonly encountered is orientable; this is likely why the porn is referred to as mind expanding and superior to Edwin | + | {{w|Orientability}} is a property that refers to a space with continuously varying {{w|surface normal}}s, which are essentially just vectors that are perpendicular to the surface of the space. Nearly every space commonly encountered is orientable; this is likely why the porn is referred to as mind expanding and superior to Edwin Abbot Abbott's work. |
==Transcript== | ==Transcript== | ||
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[[Category:Math]] | [[Category:Math]] | ||
[[Category:Physics]] | [[Category:Physics]] | ||
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