Cross Product of i x -i: Answer?

In summary, the cross product of i x -i is 0 because the two vectors are parallel and do not have a perpendicular component. This is calculated using the formula a x b = |a| |b| sin(theta) n, where theta is the angle between the two vectors and n is the unit vector perpendicular to both a and b. The result being 0 indicates that the vectors lie on the same line and cannot be used for calculating area or volume. It cannot be a negative value due to the properties of the cross product. Some real-world applications of this specific cross product include demonstrating parallel vectors and simplifying calculations in theoretical math and physics.
  • #1
Dudealadude
1
0

Homework Statement


cross product of i x -i


Homework Equations


i x i =0, i x j = k, etc.

The Attempt at a Solution


I'm guessing it would be zero, just making sure because I keep getting the question I'm working on wrong.
 
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  • #2
It is zero. You might want to start a new thread with more details on the problem if you're still having trouble.
 

FAQ: Cross Product of i x -i: Answer?

What is the cross product of i x -i?

The cross product of i x -i is 0. This is because the cross product of two vectors is a vector that is perpendicular to both vectors, and since i and -i are parallel, their cross product is 0.

How do you calculate the cross product of i x -i?

To calculate the cross product of i x -i, you can use the formula:
a x b = |a| |b| sin(theta) n
where a and b are the two vectors, theta is the angle between them, |a| and |b| are their magnitudes, and n is the unit vector perpendicular to both a and b. In this case, since i and -i are parallel, theta is 0 and sin(0) is 0, making the cross product 0.

What is the significance of the result being 0?

The result of the cross product being 0 indicates that the two vectors, i and -i, are parallel and lie on the same line. This means that they do not have a perpendicular component to each other, and therefore do not form a plane. This also means that the cross product is not useful for calculating the area of a parallelogram or the volume of a parallelepiped, which are typical applications of the cross product.

Can the cross product of i x -i be a negative value?

No, the cross product of i x -i cannot be a negative value. This is because the magnitude of a cross product is always positive, and since the angle between i and -i is 0, the sine of 0 is 0, making the cross product 0. Therefore, it is not possible for the cross product of i x -i to be a negative value.

What are some real-world applications of the cross product of i x -i?

Since the cross product of i x -i is 0, it does not have many real-world applications. However, it can be used to demonstrate the concept of parallel vectors and the properties of the cross product, such as the fact that it is perpendicular to both vectors. It can also be used in theoretical math and physics equations to simplify calculations or as a special case in more complex problems.

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