The term "cross product" refers to a mathematical operation used in vector algebra to calculate the vector that is orthogonal (perpendicular) to two given vectors. In phonetic transcription, this term can be spelled as /krɒs ˈprɒdʌkt/, with the stress on the first part of the word. The "cross" part is pronounced with the "o" sound as in "hot" and the "ss" as in "less", while "product" is pronounced with the "o" sound as in "lot" and the stress on the second syllable.
The cross product is a mathematical operation in vector algebra that encompasses two vectors in a three-dimensional space. It is also referred to as the vector product or the cross multiplication. The resulting quantity obtained from the cross product is itself a vector and is orthogonal to both of the initial vectors.
To compute the cross product, one needs two vectors, let's call them vector A and vector B. The cross product is calculated by multiplying the magnitudes of both vectors, their sine of the angle between them, and the direction. The direction of the resulting cross product vector is determined by the right-hand rule, where the thumb points in the direction of the cross product vector.
An essential characteristic of the cross product is that it does not follow the commutative law, meaning that the order of the vectors matters. The resulting vector will have a different direction depending on the order in which the vectors are multiplied.
The cross product is employed in various fields such as physics, engineering, and computer graphics. It finds application in determining torque, angular momentum, determining plane equations, calculating magnetic forces, and finding the perpendicular vector required for normalizing surfaces, among other areas.
The word "cross product" originated from the mathematical concept of the same name. The etymology of the term can be traced back to the Latin word "crux" meaning "cross". In mathematics, the cross product is a binary operation that produces a vector perpendicular to both input vectors, hence forming a "cross" shape. The name "cross product" was likely chosen to reflect this geometric interpretation.