Square a Vector: Magnitude x Vector

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the concept of "squaring" a vector, exploring the mathematical operations applicable to vectors, particularly in the context of vector magnitudes and the dot product. Participants are examining the implications of these operations and their results.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions how to square a vector, suggesting it might involve multiplying the magnitude of the vector by the vector itself.
  • Another participant asserts that you cannot "square" a vector in the traditional sense, explaining that the dot product serves as a form of multiplication for vectors, leading to the squared norm when a vector is dotted with itself.
  • A follow-up inquiry seeks clarification on whether squaring a vector means summing the squares of its components, expressing confusion over a discrepancy in results that involves a missing factor of sin($).
  • There is a suggestion that providing the specific question and attempts could help in addressing the confusion.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach consensus on the concept of squaring a vector, with differing interpretations of the operations involved and the results obtained.

Contextual Notes

There are unresolved aspects regarding the definitions of vector operations and the specific context of the problem being discussed, including missing assumptions related to the factor of sin($.

MrLobster
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How do you sqaure a vector?

Is it the magnitude of the vector times the vector?
 
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You can't "square" a vector, because there's no distinct "multiply" operation defined for vectors.

The dot product is a generalization of multiplication to vectors, and you can certain take the dot product of a vector with itself. The resulting quantity is the squared norm of the vector.

- Warren
 
chroot said:
You can't "square" a vector, because there's no distinct "multiply" operation defined for vectors.

The dot product is a generalization of multiplication to vectors, and you can certain take the dot product of a vector with itself. The resulting quantity is the squared norm of the vector.

- Warren

would this mean just the square of each term added together?

ive tried this but then end upwith an answer different to the one given, i have a factor of sin($) missing.
 
UniPhysics90 said:
would this mean just the square of each term added together?

ive tried this but then end upwith an answer different to the one given, i have a factor of sin($) missing.

Maybe if you state the question, and your attempts at the question, then it may be possible to answer you.
 

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