Introduction

In this Section we describe how to find the vector product of two vectors. Like the scalar product, its definition may seem strange when first met but the definition is chosen because of its many applications. When vectors are multiplied using the vector product the result is always a vector.

Prerequisites

• know that a vector can be represented as a directed line segment
• know how to express a vector in Cartesian form
• know how to evaluate $3\times 3$ determinants

Learning Outcomes

• use the right-handed screw rule
• calculate the vector product of two given vectors
• use determinants to calculate the vector product of two vectors given in Cartesian form