I am doing some physics work and I am confused about a certain question. It is as follows:
The dot product of two vectors
1. is a scalar
2. is 0 if the two vectors are perpendicular
3. lies perpendicular to the plane defined by the two vectors
and I have to state which statements are true. It can be 1 only, 2 only, 3 only, 1 and 2 only, or all three.
As of right now I am pretty sure that 1 and 2 are true, but I am not sure about 3. Can anyone tell me which ones are true, and if possible, explain to my why? (i am just beginning my physics studies and I find it difficult. By the way does anyone know any good websites or books that can break down this sort of thing as my textbook is kind of advanced.)
2007-08-30 13:30:48 · 1 answers · asked by Mark the man 2 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Physics
The dot product basically measures how parallel two vectors are. So if they are perpendicular the dot product is zero. It is a scalar. Since it is a scalar, it has no direction and cannot be perpendicular to the plane of the vectors forming the dot product.
So 1 and 2 are true.
2007-08-30 13:48:32 · answer #1 · answered by nyphdinmd 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋