Re: [Phys-L] closed vectors

[Jeffrey Schnick <JSchnick@Anselm.Edu>]

It would be better to say that being closed under multiplications means that the cross product of any two vectors, each of which is an element of the set, is also an element of the set.

-----Original Message-----
From: Phys-l [mailto:phys-l-bounces@www.phys-l.org] On Behalf Of Jeffrey Schnick
Sent: Monday, October 06, 2014 2:40 PM
To: Phys-L@Phys-L.org
Subject: Re: [Phys-L] closed vectors

Being closed under cross multiplication means that the cross product of any two elements of the set is also an element of the set.  See http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Closure_(mathematics) .

-----Original Message-----
From: Phys-l [mailto:phys-l-bounces@www.phys-l.org] On Behalf Of Paul Lulai
Sent: Monday, October 06, 2014 2:33 PM
To: Phys-L@Phys-L.org
Subject: [Phys-L] closed vectors

Hello.
I am working through some problems and came upon a question I need some help with.
I have some basic unit vectors and I am asked if the set of unit vectors are closed when crossed.
It's been a while.  
> From what I recall, closed simply means the vectors would create an enclosed shape. 
- is this a correct interpretation? 
- if not, could you clarify?

I have no recollection of why this knowledge would be helpful for dot or cross products. Since it was asked, I imagine I am missing something. 
- what am I missing (I assume quite a bit here)?

Thanks for any insight you can provide.
Have a good one.
Paul.
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