What is the Result of i X i in a Cross Product?

In summary, the conversation discusses the direction of vector B and how it relates to the J component. It is concluded that B can only have a J component and not components from other vectors in order to transform i to k. The conversation also includes a mathematical demonstration of this conclusion.
  • #1
krot
10
0
in the end of this
http://i29.tinypic.com/5fktjo.jpg

i got to the point where it asks what B is
i think that because i X J = K then b should be in the direction of J

but they have a different conclusion
why??
 
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  • #2
All you can conclude is that B has a j component.
 
  • #3
its only in j direction
it can't have a component of other vector
because in order to transform i to k
we need pure j
 
  • #4
krot said:
its only in j direction
it can't have a component of other vector
because in order to transform i to k
we need pure j
No. Let B = ai + bj + ck. When you take the cross product, each term must give a k-component or 0. We know that c must equal 0, since i X k = -j. But what about a?
 
  • #5
one vector is(1,0,0)
the result vector is (0,0,1)
i do this determinant to find the cross product
|i j k |
|1 0 0|
|x y z|
it gives us i*0 +j*z +k*-y or (0,z,-y)
but our result vector is (0,0,1)
so z=0 and y=-1

y=-1 is -j vector

there is no a here
i showed purely by math that the result is pure -j vector

there is no way to have components from other vectors
 
  • #6
krot said:
i showed purely by math that the result is pure -j vector
No you didn't. What's i X i?
 

What is a cross product?

A cross product is a mathematical operation that takes two vectors as inputs and produces a third vector as the result. It is also known as the vector product or outer product.

How is the cross product calculated?

The cross product is calculated using the determinant of a 3x3 matrix. The resulting vector is perpendicular to both of the input vectors and its direction is determined by the right-hand rule.

What is the purpose of the cross product?

The cross product is used to find a vector that is perpendicular to two given vectors. It is also useful in calculating torque, determining the direction of a magnetic field, and in 3D graphics and physics simulations.

Can the cross product be calculated for vectors in any dimension?

No, the cross product is only defined for three-dimensional vectors. For vectors in higher dimensions, the cross product does not make sense and is not defined.

What is the difference between the cross product and the dot product?

The cross product results in a vector, while the dot product results in a scalar. Additionally, the cross product is only defined for three-dimensional vectors, while the dot product can be calculated for vectors in any dimension.

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