Why does A.A = ||A||^2 in the scalar product formula?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the relationship between the dot product of a vector with itself, denoted as A.A, and its norm, expressed as ||A||^2. Participants explore the implications of this relationship in the context of the scalar product formula A.B = ||A||||B||cos(theta) and the definitions of vector and scalar products.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions how A.A = ||A||^2 can be used in proofs of the scalar product formula, suggesting that it appears circular since A.A is derived from the dot product definition.
  • Another participant states that A.A = ||A||^2 is simply the definition of a norm.
  • There is a request for a proof of the vector product, indicating a desire to understand the underlying principles better.
  • Several participants clarify the distinction between scalar and vector products, with one emphasizing that the magnitude of the vector product A X B is equal to ||A||||B||sin(theta), while noting that this is not the same as the vector itself.
  • One participant points out that the formula for the vector product is often misrepresented, highlighting the need for clarity in definitions used in the discussion.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the definitions and implications of the scalar and vector products. There is no consensus on the appropriateness of using A.A = ||A||^2 in the context of the scalar product formula, and the discussion remains unresolved regarding the clarity of these definitions.

Contextual Notes

Participants have not reached a consensus on the definitions of scalar and vector products, which affects the clarity of the discussion. There are also unresolved questions about the proof of the vector product and its relationship to the scalar product.

prashant singh
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Why A.A = ||A||^2 , I know that from product rule we can prove this where theta =0 , I am asking this because I have seen many proves for A.B = ||A||||B||cos(theta) and to prove this they have used A.A = ||A||^2, how can they use this , this is the result of dot product formula. I havee seen every where even on Wikipedia they have used this method only
 
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prashant singh said:
Why A.A = ||A||^2
That's the definition of a norm.
 
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Okk , can u give me the proof of vector product,or tell me the about the difficulty or knowledge requires to prove this

blue_leaf77 said:
That's the definition of a norm.
 
prashant singh said:
vector product
Do you mean "scalar product"?
 
No ,vector product, A X B = ||A||||B||sin(theta)
blue_leaf77 said:
Do you mean "scalar product"?
 
prashant singh said:
No ,vector product, A X B = ||A||||B||sin(theta)
Do you want to prove that the magnitude of ##\vec{A}\times \vec{B}## is equal to ##|\vec{A}| |\vec{B}| \sin \theta##?
 
Yess
blue_leaf77 said:
Do you want to prove that the magnitude of ##\vec{A}\times \vec{B}## is equal to ##|\vec{A}| |\vec{B}| \sin \theta##?
 
The proof is tedious and might look unattractive if one were to outline it here, for this purpose I will simply refer you to this link.
 
prashant singh said:
No ,vector product, A X B = ||A||||B||sin(theta)
This formula is not correct. On the left side, A X B is a vector. On the right side ##|A||B|\sin(\theta)## is a scalar. As already noted, ##|A||B|\sin(\theta)## is equal to the magnitude of A X B; that is, |A X B|.
 
  • #10
prashant singh said:
Why A.A = ||A||^2 , I know that from product rule we can prove this where theta =0 , I am asking this because I have seen many proves for A.B = ||A||||B||cos(theta) and to prove this they have used A.A = ||A||^2, how can they use this , this is the result of dot product formula. I havee seen every where even on Wikipedia they have used this method only
http://clas.sa.ucsb.edu/staff/alex/DotProductDerivation.pdf

Above may help.
 
  • #11
prashant singh said:
Why A.A = ||A||^2 , I know that from product rule we can prove this where theta =0 , I am asking this because I have seen many proves for A.B = ||A||||B||cos(theta) and to prove this they have used A.A = ||A||^2, how can they use this , this is the result of dot product formula. I have seen every where even on Wikipedia they have used this method only
prashant singh said:
No ,vector product, (magnitude of) A X B = ||A||||B||sin(theta)
If you want to prove either:
AB = |A| |B| cos(θ)​
or
|A×B| = |A| |B| sin(θ)​
, you need to give the definitions you are using for scalar product and vector product.
 
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  • #12
I forget to write it as |A X B|
Mark44 said:
This formula is not correct. On the left side, A X B is a vector. On the right side ##|A||B|\sin(\theta)## is a scalar. As already noted, ##|A||B|\sin(\theta)## is equal to the magnitude of A X B; that is, |A X B|.
 
  • #13
prashant singh said:
I forget to write it as |A X B|
If you forget to write the absolute value symbols, you will mistake a vector for a scalar (a number).
 
  • #14
I know that

Mark44 said:
If you forget to write the absolute value symbols, you will mistake a vector for a scalar (a number).
 

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