199: Right-Hand Rule
explain xkcd: It's 'cause you're dumb.
| Right-Hand Rule |
 Title text: To really expand your mind try some noncartesian porn. Edwin Abbot Abbott has nothing on "Girls on Girls in Tightly Closed Nonorientable Spaces" |
[edit] Explanation
The right-hand rule is a mathematics and physics trick to learning three dimensional Cartesian vectors. First, using your right hand, hold the thumb perpendicular to your other fingers. Then point the thumb in the direction of one axis, and the fingers in another. Curl the fingers and they will point in the direction of the third axis to make the three-dimensional figure consistent.
The joke relies on non-standard ways of measuring, which are unusual and much more impractical.
The title text refers to Edwin Abbott Abbott, author of the book Flatland, a story about a two dimensional world.
[edit] Transcript
- [Picture of a right hand with fingers curved, thumb pointed away, with axes drawn to demonstrate the right-hand rule of physics]
- Alternatives to the Right-Hand Rule in vector multiplication:
- [A slightly-open book with labeled axes drawn on.]
- Book Rule: Open the front cover along the first vector and the back cover along the second. The result vector is along the spine, out the top.
- [A handgun with axes.]
- Handgun Rule: Point the grip along the first vector and rotate it so that the second vector is on the safety latch side. Fire. The result vector is toward the nozzle.
- [A person with right arm extended.]
- Body Rule (males only): Point your right arm along the first vector and your legs along the second, then watch some porn.
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