Discussion Overview
The discussion centers around the notation for a unit vector represented as \(\hat e\) and its relationship to vector operations, specifically the cross product and dot product. Participants are exploring the correct interpretation of the notation and seeking clarification on its definition and generalization.
Discussion Character
- Technical explanation
- Conceptual clarification
- Debate/contested
Main Points Raised
- Some participants question the notation \(\hat e = \frac{\overrightarrow{u}\cdot \overrightarrow{v}}{|| \overrightarrow{u}\cdot \overrightarrow{v}||}\) and suggest that it should involve cross products instead of dot products.
- A participant points out that the correct formulation involves cross products, stating that the notation should be \(\hat e = \frac{\overrightarrow{u}\times \overrightarrow{v}}{|| \overrightarrow{u}\times \overrightarrow{v}||}\).
- There is a request for clarification on the name of the definition or generalization related to this notation, indicating a lack of information on existing resources like Wikipedia.
- Another participant emphasizes that the equation is about finding a unit vector perpendicular to both vectors \(\vec u\) and \(\vec v\), referencing the property that \(\vec u \times \vec v = -(\vec v \times \vec u)\).
Areas of Agreement / Disagreement
Participants generally agree that the notation involves cross products rather than dot products, but there is no consensus on the specific name or generalization of this definition.
Contextual Notes
There are unresolved questions regarding the terminology and definitions used in the notation, as well as the absence of references in common resources.