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[Phys-L] Re: Area vector

Parallel to the plane is not unique; can point in any 2-D direction within the plane or tangent to the surface. Perpendicular defines the plane or surface; all you have to worry about is whether it points in or out.

Cheers,

Rick

Richard E. Swanson, Ph.D.
Dean of Instruction
Physics Professor
Sandhills Community College, Pinehurst, NC 28374
swansonr@sandhills.edu (910) 695-3715

wayne@PEN.K12.VA.US 03/29/05 2:27 PM >>>
Does any one know why the "area vector" for a surface is defined as
being normal to the plane of the surface instead of parallel to the
plane of the surface?
-Tony
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
Tony Wayne
twayne@albemarle.org
http://physics.k12albemarle.org
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