vector product

American  

noun

1. cross product.

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vector product British  

noun

1. Also called: cross product.  the product of two vectors that is a pseudovector, whose magnitude is the product of the magnitudes of the given vectors and the sine of the angle between them. Its axis is perpendicular to the plane of the given vectors. Written: A × B or A ∧ B Compare scalar product

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vector product Scientific  

1. A vector , depending on two other vectors and , whose magnitude is the product of the magnitude of , the magnitude of , and the sine of the angle between and . Its direction is perpendicular to the plane through and and oriented so that a right-handed rotation about it carries into through an angle not greater than 180°. The notation for is = × .

2. Also called cross product

3. See also right-hand rule

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Etymology

Origin of vector product

First recorded in 1875–80

Example Sentences

The mathematical distinction between torque and energy is clear: torque is the vector product of the radial 'lever arm' and the applied force.

From Nature