Two nonparallel vectors determine a plane. Relative to the plane determined by the position vector where the force is applied and the force vector, in which direction is the torque vector about the origin?
A)perpendicular to the plane
B)in the plane, but perpendicular to both the position vector and the velocity vector
C)in the plane, but perpendicular to the velocity vector
D)in a direction dependent on the magnitudes of the velocity and position vectors
E)in the plane, but perpendicular to the position vector

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The torque vector is given by the cross product of the position vector and the force vector, which results in a vector that is perpendicular to the plane formed by these two vectors.

Two Nonparallel Vectors Determine a Plane