Cross Product
Reference from the original Physics I textbook.
- Cross Product
is a unit vector whose direction is determined by the right hand rule.Assuming and are two-dimensional vectors on the x-y plane:
- Related Glossary Terms
- Index
Chapter 1 - For Future Reference - Forces as Vectors
Glossary and deeper reading · 2 refreshers
These editorial refreshers supplement the reading. Definitions and examples are added guidance; original source wording and recorded answers remain in their original context.
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Cross product
A cross product combines two vectors to form a vector perpendicular to both. Its magnitude depends on both magnitudes and the sine of their included angle, while reversing input order reverses its direction. For example, a force whose line of action passes through the pivot gives zero torque cross product about that pivot.
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Vector
A vector is a quantity with a magnitude and a direction, represented by an arrow or by components along chosen axes. Vectors add by adding corresponding components rather than simply adding their magnitudes. For example, an eastward displacement followed by a northward displacement produces a resultant pointing northeast. The zero vector has zero magnitude and no unique direction.