4.0 VECTOR MULTIPLICATION

While it is easy to do vector addition and subtraction, multiplication of vectors is quite complicated. With the variety of inclination of spatial forces, multiplication requires a different approach.

There are two methods of vector multiplication with specific uses:

• Dot product which yields scalar answers
• Cross product which results to vector answers

DOT PRODUCT

"The Dot Product of two vectors is always scalar."

Dot product is the vector operation which is used when you are required to find the following:

1. The angle between two vectors
2. The projection of a point

CROSS PRODUCT

"The Cross Product of two vectors is always a vector."

Cross product is the method used for the following requirements:

1. The shortest distance from a point to a line
2. The common perpendicular of two vectors
3. Torque of a force applied to a rotating system
4. The curling up of the vector field

4.1. INTRODUCTION TO DOT PRODUCT

4.2. INTRODUCTION TO CROSS PRODUCT