axial vector

A typical vector (i.e., a vector such as the radius vector r) is transformed to its negative under inversion of its coordinate axes. Such "proper" vectors are known as polar vectors. A vector-like object which is invariant under inversion is called a pseudovector, also called an axial vector (as a result of such vectors frequently arising as vectors describing rotation; Arfken 1985, p. 128). The cross product AxB is a pseudovector, whereas the vector triple product Ax(BxC) is a polar vector.

polar vector | pseudoscalar | tensor | vector