# Right hand rule: Vector cross product

I couldn't figure out the direction of this specific cross product example because of the angle. I tried the right hand rule several times but I can't seem to get it right. How did the direction turn out to be like this? And how should I shape my hand?

• If you’re having a problem visualizing the right-hand-rule for $\vec{F_1}\times\vec{F_2}$ because you have to put your right hand into an awkward position, try it for $\vec{F_2}\times\vec{F_1}$, which is in the opposite direction. Or use your left hand and reverse the result. – G. Smith Dec 5 '19 at 16:59
• As far as it seems to me that $F_2$ is coming out of the paper (in z-direction) and not in $xy$ plane. – user240696 Dec 5 '19 at 17:38
• @Knight Out of the paper but not in the $z$-direction. Look at the indicated angle of 120 degrees with the $x$-axis. – G. Smith Dec 5 '19 at 17:43
• I've added the homework-and-exercises tag. In the future, please add this tag to this type of problem. This is one of the things that we ask you to do in our homework policy: physics.meta.stackexchange.com/questions/714/… – user4552 Dec 5 '19 at 21:58
• Please reference the source of this homework question. This is one of the things that we ask you to do in our homework policy: physics.meta.stackexchange.com/questions/714/… – user4552 Dec 5 '19 at 21:58

To get $$\vec{a} \times \vec{b}$$ make your fingers sweep from one vector to the other, as if you are rotating $$\vec{a}$$ to meet $$\vec{b}$$ (dashed arrow below).
In your question specifically, put the base of the fingers at $$\vec{F}_1$$ and the tips of the fingers at $$\vec{F}_2$$.