Cross Product

In physics, Torque can informally be thought of as “rotational force” or “angular force” which causes a change
in rotational motion.
The torque, ⃗ is a vector and it depends on three things:
(i) The distance between the axis of rotation and the point
where the force is acting ⃗
(ii) The magnitude of the applied force ⃗
(iii) The angle between ⃗ and ⃗

In a right hand system (as shown in the diagram), ⃗ is a force

which acts in a direction perpendicular to both ⃗ and ⃗
⃗ is defined as ⃗ ⃗ ⃗ (read as “ r cross F”)

The cross product, ⃗ ⃗⃗ is a third vector that is

perpendicular to both ⃗ and ⃗⃗ with a direction
following a right hand rule system.

Note that the cross product is not defined in R2

Also: ⃗ ⃗⃗ ⃗⃗ ⃗ In fact, we find that
⃗ ⃗⃗ ( ⃗⃗ ⃗)

The cross product, also called the vector product, “multiplies” two vectors
together to product a third vector, which is perpendicular to both of the
original vectors. The closer the angle between the two vectors is to the
perpendicular, the greater the cross product will be.
We encounter the cross product in discussions of magnetic fields. Magnetic
force acts perpendicular both to the magnetic field that produces the force,
and to the charged particles experiencing the force.

Magnitude of ⃗ ⃗⃗ | ⃗ ⃗⃗| ⃗ | ⃗⃗|

Therefore, we can also define the cross product at ⃗ ⃗⃗ ( ⃗ | ⃗⃗| ) ⃗⃗ where ⃗⃗ is a vector perpendicular to
both ⃗ and to ⃗⃗
Note that if ⃗ or | ⃗⃗| or if then ⃗ ⃗⃗ ⃗⃗
In other words, if the vectors are parallel (collinear), their cross product is the zero vector. ⃗ ⃗ ⃗⃗

Cross Product or Vector Product of ⃗ ( ) and ⃗⃗ ( ) is the vector

⃗ ⃗⃗ ( )
Memory Aid:
Example #1: Find the cross product of the vectors ( ) and ( )

Example #2: Find ( ) ⃗

Example #3: Find a unit vector perpendicular to both ( ) and ( )

Homework: Textbook pg 407 #1, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8a