NumPy cross()
The numpy.cross() function computes the cross product of two vectors or arrays of vectors.
The cross product of two 3D vectors results in a third vector perpendicular to both. For 2D vectors, the function returns the scalar z-component of the cross product.
Syntax
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numpy.cross(a, b, axisa=-1, axisb=-1, axisc=-1, axis=None)Parameters
| Parameter | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|
a | array_like | First input vector or array of vectors. |
b | array_like | Second input vector or array of vectors. |
axisa | int, optional | Specifies the axis in a that represents the vector(s). Default is the last axis. |
axisb | int, optional | Specifies the axis in b that represents the vector(s). Default is the last axis. |
axisc | int, optional | Specifies the axis in the output array where the result should be stored. Ignored for 2D vectors. |
axis | int, optional | If provided, overrides axisa, axisb, and axisc. Specifies the axis along which vectors are defined. |
Return Value
Returns an array representing the cross product of the input vectors. If the input vectors are 3D, the result is a 3D vector. If both vectors are 2D, the function returns a scalar value representing the z-component of the cross product.
Examples
1. Computing the Cross Product of Two 3D Vectors
This example calculates the cross product of two 3D vectors.
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import numpy as np
# Define two 3D vectors
vector_a = np.array([1, 2, 3])
vector_b = np.array([4, 5, 6])
# Compute the cross product
result = np.cross(vector_a, vector_b)
# Print the result
print("Cross product of vector_a and vector_b:", result)Output:
Cross product of vector_a and vector_b: [-3 6 -3]