The operation used to obtain a scalar from two vectors is ______a)Cros...
Dot product of two vectors gives a scalar quantity as the output. Cross product gives a vector as the output. It is also known as scalar product.
The operation used to obtain a scalar from two vectors is ______a)Cros...
Understanding the Dot Product
The operation used to obtain a scalar from two vectors is known as the dot product. This is a fundamental concept in vector mathematics, especially in physics and engineering.
Definition of Dot Product
- The dot product of two vectors A and B is calculated as the sum of the products of their corresponding components.
- Mathematically, if A = (a1, a2, a3) and B = (b1, b2, b3), then the dot product A · B = a1*b1 + a2*b2 + a3*b3.
Characteristics of Dot Product
- Result: The result of a dot product is a scalar quantity, which means it has magnitude but no direction.
- Angle Dependency: The dot product can also be expressed in terms of the angle θ between the two vectors: A · B = |A| |B| cos(θ). This shows how the angle influences the result.
Applications of Dot Product
- Projection: The dot product helps in finding the projection of one vector onto another.
- Work Calculation: In physics, the dot product is used to calculate work done when a force is applied along a distance.
Why Other Options Are Incorrect
- Cross Product: Produces a vector, not a scalar.
- Simple Product: Typically refers to multiplication of numbers, not vectors.
- Complex Product: Involves complex numbers, not relevant to the scalar output from vectors.
In summary, the dot product is the correct operation to obtain a scalar from two vectors due to its definition, properties, and applications in various fields.