Vector's Cross Product, HELP , Please

In summary, the conversation discussed the physical implications of aXb(cos\vartheta) and how it is represented on paper. It was explained that its magnitude is the projection of a onto the unit vector in the direction perpendicular to b, and its direction is perpendicular to the plane made by a and b. This definition is useful for various phenomena in physics, such as torque and angular momentum. Further elaboration was requested on the specific angle being referred to.
  • #1
asrith926
1
0
So, the other day, I was learning about Scalars and Vectors and about Dot product and Cross Product. Now, in Cross Product, I was just thinking, when my thought slipped on the following stone:
What is the physical implication of => aXb(cos[tex]\vartheta[/tex]) ?
I mean, how would you represent it on a paper?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
asrith926 said:
So, the other day, I was learning about Scalars and Vectors and about Dot product and Cross Product. Now, in Cross Product, I was just thinking, when my thought slipped on the following stone:
What is the physical implication of => aXb(cos[tex]\vartheta[/tex]) ?
I mean, how would you represent it on a paper?
Its magnitude is the projection of a onto the unit vector in the direction perpendicular to the b direction (in the plane made by a and b) multiplied by the magnitude of b. Its direction is perpendicular to the plane made by a and b.

It is defined that way because it is useful. A number of phenomena in physics have relationships that depend on component of a force or velocity perpendicular to a radial vector and proportional to the magnitude of that radius: eg. angular momentum, torque, Lorentz force.

AM
 
  • #3
What is the physical implication of => aXb(cos)

I'm sorry could you elaborate on this further?

What is the angle you are talking about?
 

FAQ: Vector's Cross Product, HELP , Please

What is a vector's cross product?

A vector's cross product is a mathematical operation used to calculate a new vector that is perpendicular to two given vectors in 3-dimensional space. It is also known as the vector product or the cross product.

How is the cross product calculated?

The cross product is calculated by taking the determinant of a 3x3 matrix composed of the unit vectors i, j, and k, along with the components of the two given vectors. The result is a new vector that is perpendicular to the original two vectors.

What is the significance of the cross product in physics?

The cross product is used in physics to calculate the torque, or rotational force, applied to an object. It is also used in electromagnetic fields to calculate the magnetic force on a charged particle.

How is the direction of the cross product determined?

The direction of the cross product is determined by the right-hand rule, where you curl the fingers of your right hand in the direction of the first vector, and the extended thumb will point in the direction of the resulting cross product vector.

Can the cross product be calculated for more than two vectors?

No, the cross product can only be calculated for two vectors at a time. However, the result of the cross product between two vectors can be used as one of the input vectors for a subsequent cross product calculation.

Similar threads

Replies
5
Views
1K
Replies
32
Views
3K
Replies
4
Views
2K
Replies
2
Views
2K
Replies
10
Views
13K
Back
Top