Why Does Angular Momentum Use a Cross Product Instead of a Dot Product?

CrazyNeutrino · Oct 20, 2012

Can someone please explain why angular momentum involves a cross product?

Why is it r x p and not r . P
Why a cross product and not a dot product?

Rajini · Oct 20, 2012

Hi,
Angular momentum involves a perpendicular direction, i.e. in general when you take direction into account, it should be a cross product. In dot product no direction.
Cheers, Rajini

Why Does Angular Momentum Use a Cross Product Instead of a Dot Product?

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Why Does Angular Momentum Use a Cross Product Instead of a Dot Product?

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