Cross product of two vectors Calculator

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$\bold{Table \space of \space Content}$

• 1. Introduction to the Cross product of two vectors
• 2. What is the Formulae used ?
• 3. How do I calculate the Cross product of two vectors?
• 4. Why choose our Cross product of two vectors Calculator?
• 5. A Video for explaining this concept
• 6. How to use this calculator ?
• 7. Solved Examples
• 8. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
• 9. What are the real-life applications?
• 10. Conclusion

1. Introduction to the Cross product of two vectors

The cross-product is a mathematical operation with immense significance in vectors and three-dimensional space. Whether you're a student delving into linear algebra or an engineer designing complex systems, understanding how to find the cross-product of two vectors is pivotal. In this blog, we will explore the definition of the formula at its core, provide step-by-step guidance, offer solved examples, address frequently asked questions, delve into real-life applications, and conclude with the significance of this mathematical concept.
$\bold{Definition}$
The cross product of two vectors is a vector that is perpendicular to both of the original vectors. It carries important geometric information, such as the direction of a vector perpendicular to a plane formed by the original vectors.

2. What is the Formulae used?

The formula for calculating the $\bold{Cross \space product}$ of two vectors is given by:
$\color{black}\bold{ \vec{a} \space x \space \vec{b} = |\vec{a}|.|\vec{b}|.Sin(\theta).\^{n}}$
$\bold{\vec{a} \space x \space \vec{b} =\begin{vmatrix} \^{i} & \^{j} & \^{k} \\ a_1 & a_2 & a_3 \\ b_1 & b_2 & b_3 \end{vmatrix}}$
where, $\bold{|\vec{a}| \space and \space|\vec{b}|}$ represents the $\bold{magnitude \space or \space lengths}$ of the vectors a and b respectively.
${\bold{\theta}}$ represents the $\bold{acute \space angle}$ between $\bold{\vec{a} \space and \space\vec{b}}$.
$\bold{\^{n}}$ represents the $\bold{unit \space vector}$ in the direction of the $\bold{normal}$ to the plane containing $\bold{\vec{a} \space and \space \vec{b}}$ and its direction can be determined by the $\bold{Right \space hand \space rule}$.

3. How do I calculate the Cross-Product of two vectors?

$\bold{Step\space1:}$ Calculate the magnitude or length of $\bold{\vec{a} \space and \space\vec{b}}$.
$\bold{Step\space2:}$ Calculate the angle between given vectors.
$\bold{Step\space3:}$ Apply the above-given formula to find the magnitude of the cross product.
$\bold{Step\space4:}$ or we can apply the determinant method directly to find the cross product of two vectors.

4. Why choose our Cross product of two vectors Calculator?

$\bold{Easy \space \space to \space Use}$
Our calculator page provides a user-friendly interface that makes it accessible to both students and professionals. You can quickly input your square matrix and obtain the matrix of minors within a fraction of a second.

$\bold{Time \space Saving \space By \space automation}$
Our calculator saves you valuable time and effort. You no longer need to manually calculate each cofactor, making complex matrix operations more efficient.

$\bold{Accuracy \space and \space Precision}$
Our calculator ensures accurate results by performing calculations based on established mathematical formulas and algorithms. It eliminates the possibility of human error associated with manual calculations.

$\bold{Versatility}$
Our calculator can handle all input values like integers, fractions, or any real number.

$\bold{Complementary \space Resources}$
Alongside this calculator, our website offers additional calculators related to Pre-algebra, Algebra, Precalculus, Calculus, Coordinate geometry, Linear algebra, Chemistry, Physics, and various algebraic operations. These calculators can further enhance your understanding and proficiency.

5. A video based on the concept of how to find the Cross product of two vectors.

6. How to use this calculator

This calculator will help you find the two vectors' cross-product.
In the given input boxes, you have to put the value of the ${\bold{\vec{a} \space and \space \vec{b}}}$.
After clicking on the Calculate button, a step-by-step solution will be displayed on the screen.
You can access, download, and share the solution.

7. Solved Examples

$\bold{Question:1}$
Given $\bold{\vec{a}}$ = 2i + 1j + 3k, $\bold{\vec{b}}$ = 4i + 2j + 1k find the value of $\bold{\vec{a} \space x \space \vec{b}}$ and its magnitude.
$\bold{Solution:1}$
$\bold{Step \space 1:}$ We will apply the determinant method to find the cross product.
$\bold{Step \space 2:}$ $\bold{\vec{a} \space x \space \vec{b} =\begin{vmatrix} \^{i} & \^{j} & \^{k} \\ 2 & 1 & 3 \\ 4 & 2 & 1 \end{vmatrix}}$ = $\bold{\^{i}\begin{vmatrix} 1 & 3 \\ 2 & 1 \end{vmatrix}} - \bold{\^{j}\begin{vmatrix} 2 & 4 \\ 3 & 1 \end{vmatrix}} + \bold{\^{k}\begin{vmatrix} 2 & 4 \\ 1 & 2 \end{vmatrix} = -5i + 10j + 0k = -5i + 10j }$
$\bold{Step \space 3:}$ So the value of $\bold{|\vec{a} \space x \space \vec{b}|}$ = $\bold{\sqrt{(-5)^2 + (10)^2}}$ = $5\sqrt{5}$

$\bold{Question:2}$
Given $\bold{\vec{a}}$ = 3i - 1j + 2k, $\bold{\vec{b}}$ = 2i + 4j - 1k find the value of $\bold{\vec{b} \space x \space \vec{a}}$ and its magnitude.
$\bold{Solution:2}$
$\bold{Step \space 1:}$ We will apply the determinant method to find the cross product.
$\bold{Step \space 2:}$ $\bold{\vec{b} \space x \space \vec{a} =\begin{vmatrix} \^{i} & \^{j} & \^{k} \\ 3 & -1 & 2 \\ 2 & 4 & -1 \end{vmatrix}}$ = $\bold{\^{i}\begin{vmatrix} -1 & 2 \\ 4 & -1 \end{vmatrix}} - \bold{\^{j}\begin{vmatrix} 3 & 2 \\ 2 & -1 \end{vmatrix}} + \bold{\^{k}\begin{vmatrix} 3 & -1 \\ 2 & 4 \end{vmatrix} = -7i + 7j + 14k }$
$\bold{Step \space 3:}$ So the value of $\bold{|\vec{b} \space x \space \vec{a}|}$ = $\bold{\sqrt{(-7)^2 + (7)^2 + (14)^2}}$ = $7\sqrt{6}$

8. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the significance of the right-hand rule in finding the direction of the cross-product?

The right-hand rule determines the direction of the resulting vector, perpendicular to the plane formed by the original vectors. It helps establish a consistent convention.

Can the cross-product be applied to vectors in two-dimensional space?

Yes, but in that case, the z component of both vectors is considered zero.

What happens when the angle between two vectors is 0 degrees?

When two vectors are parallel, their cross product is zero, indicating no perpendicular vector exists between them.

Is the cross product commutative (A × B = B × A)?

No, the cross-product is not commutative; the order of the vectors matters.

What does a negative cross-product imply?

A negative cross-product implies that the resulting vector points in the opposite direction.

9. What are the real-life applications?

$\bold{Physics:}$ Used in physics to calculate angular momentum, magnetic fields, and torque in rotating systems.
$\bold{Engineering:}$ Applied in mechanical and electrical engineering to analyze forces, design structures, and optimize systems.
$\bold{Computer \space Graphics: }$ Used in 3D graphics to determine lighting, reflections, and shading effects.

10. Conclusion

The cross-product is a powerful mathematical tool that finds physics, engineering, and computer graphics applications. Understanding how to calculate it is essential for solving problems involving vectors in three-dimensional space. It provides valuable insights into the relationship between vectors and their geometric properties, making it a fundamental concept.

This blog is written by Neetesh Kumar

If you have any suggestions regarding the improvement of the content of this page, please write to me at My Official Email Address: [email protected]

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