vector product


noun

Origin of vector product

First recorded in 1875–80

British Dictionary definitions for vector product

vector product

noun

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 Also called: cross product Compare scalar product

Scientific definitions for vector product

vector product

A vector c, depending on two other vectors a and b, whose magnitude is the product of the magnitude of a, the magnitude of b, and the sine of the angle between a and b. Its direction is perpendicular to the plane through a and b and oriented so that a right-handed rotation about it carries a into b through an angle not greater than 180°. The notation for c is c = a X b. Also called cross product See also right-hand rule.