Find Magnitude of V1 X V2 When Vectors are Perpendicular

In summary, to find the magnitude of the cross product of two perpendicular vectors V1 and V2, use the equation V1 X V2 = |V1|*|V2|sin(Θ), where Θ is the angle between the two vectors. Since sin(90) = 1, the magnitude is simply |V1|*|V2|. Make sure to double check the input of your answer if it is marked incorrect.
  • #1
henry3369
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0

Homework Statement


V1 and V2 are different vectors with lengths V1 and V2 respectively. Find |V1 X V2| if V1 and V2 are perpendicular.

Homework Equations


V1 X V2 = |V1|*|V2|sin(Θ)

The Attempt at a Solution


Since sin(90) = 1, V1 X V2 = |V1|*|V2|.
When I input this answer it says its incorrect and the answer does not depend on V1 and V2. Is there something I'm missing?
 
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  • #2
If the answer says that, are you certain the problem says perpendicular and not parallel? As formulated, you are correct.
 
  • #3
Yes it says perpendicular. The next question asked for parallel which is zero.
 
  • #4
It's probably a problem with inputting the answer. Thank you anyways.
 

What is the formula for finding the magnitude of V1 x V2 when vectors are perpendicular?

The formula for finding the magnitude of V1 x V2 when vectors are perpendicular is |V1| x |V2|, where |V1| and |V2| represent the magnitudes of the two vectors.

How do you determine if two vectors are perpendicular?

Two vectors are perpendicular if their dot product is equal to zero. This means that the angle between the two vectors is 90 degrees.

Can you find the magnitude of V1 x V2 if the vectors are not perpendicular?

No, the magnitude of V1 x V2 can only be found when the two vectors are perpendicular. If the vectors are not perpendicular, you can still find their cross product, but the result will not represent the magnitude.

Do the order of the vectors matter when finding the magnitude of V1 x V2?

Yes, the order of the vectors does matter when finding the magnitude of V1 x V2. The cross product is not commutative, meaning that V1 x V2 may not be equal to V2 x V1. Therefore, it is important to follow the correct order when finding the magnitude.

Can the magnitude of V1 x V2 be negative?

Yes, the magnitude of V1 x V2 can be negative. The magnitude represents the length of the vector and does not have a direction associated with it. Therefore, the magnitude can be positive or negative depending on the orientation of the vectors.

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