Graphical Cross Product in 3-D
Instructions
This simulation calculates the cross product for any two vectors. A geometrical interpretation of the cross product is drawn and its value is calculated. Move the vectors A and B by clicking on them (click once to move in the xy-plane, and a second time to move in the z-direction). Each space on the grid is one unit. The display can be rotated, panned, and zoomed using the standard convention for your device.
- When is the cross product zero?
- Can you adjust A and B to make the cross product have a magnitude of 6 in the -x-direction?
- Calculate the cross product for A and B by hand and verify that it matches the work sheet.