Cross & Dot Products in Physics: A Comprehensive Guide

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The discussion clarifies the definitions and applications of the dot product and cross product in physics. The dot product, or scalar product, measures the projection of one vector onto another, resulting in a scalar quantity. In contrast, the cross product, or vector product, produces a vector that is perpendicular to the original vectors. These concepts are essential in various fields of physics, including mechanics and electromagnetism. Understanding these products is crucial for solving physics problems involving vectors.
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Can someone help me understand about the cross product and dot product? And how and where can I apply it in physics in solving problems.
 
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There isn't any dot product or cross product there?
 
The dot product is also known as the scalar product and the cross product is also know as the vector product.

~H
 
The simplest way to think of them is that a dot product gives the projection of one vector onto another. It is a scalar quantity, i.e. how much of vector A is in the same direction as vector B?

The cross product gives you a vector that is perpendicular to the original vectors.

Vectors are everywhere. Look in mechanics, electricity and magnetism...look everywhere.
 

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