Vectors Theory
Vectors Theory
Vectors Theory
Part - 01
Physical quantities
Those physical quantities which are used to define law of physics is known as physical quantities.
On the basis of directions, there are mainly two types of physical quantities.
(1) Scalar (2) Vector
Scalar Quantities
A physical quantity which can be described completely by its magnitude only and does not require a direction
is known as a scalar quantity.
It obeys the ordinary rules of algebra.
Ex : Distance, mass, time, speed, density, volume, temperature, electric current etc.
Vector Quantities
A physical quantity which requires magnitude and a particular direction, when it is expressed.
(a) has a specified direction.
(b) obeys parallelogram law of vector addition, then only it is said to be a vector.
If any of the above conditions is not satisfied the physical quantity cannot be a vector.
If a physical quantity is a vector it has a direction, but the converse may or may not be true, i.e. if a physical
quantity has a direction, it may or may not a be vector. e.g. time, pressure, Electric Current etc. have directions
but are not vectors because they do not obey parallelogram law of vector addition.
Example of vector quantity : Displacement, velocity, acceleration, force etc.
Illustration.
Which of the following is a vector quantity?
(1) Velocity (2) Force (3) Acceleration (4) All of the above
Solution.
(4)
All of the above are vector quantities
Part - 02
Representation of vector
Geometrically, the vector is represented by a line with an arrow indicating the direction of vector as
Important points
If a vector is displaced parallel to itself it does not change (see Figure)
If a vector is rotated through an angle other than multiple of 2 (or 360°) it changes (see Figure)
Illustration.
Which of the following expression correctly represent a vector?
(1) 𝑉
(2) 𝑉
⃗
(3) 2|𝑉| − 𝐴𝐵
(4) |V|
Solution.
(2) Vector is represented by arrow on letters
(II)
Illustration 1.
Find angle between the vector.
Solution.
(a) = 43º
Head to head are matching
(b) = 30º
tail to tail are matching
(c) = 135º
(d) = 60º
(e) = 30º
tail to tail are matching
Illustration 2.
Check angle between vectors
Solution.
Illustration 3.
Find angle between all the vectors :
Solution.
(a) angle between P and Q = 150º
Types of vector
Parallel vectors :
Those vectors which have same direction are called parallel vectors.
Angle between two parallel vectors is always 0°
Equal Vectors
Vectors which have equal magnitude and same direction are called equal vectors.
A=B
Anti–parallel Vectors :
Those vectors which have opposite direction are called anti–parallel vector.
Angle between two anti–parallel vectors is always 180°
Negative (or Opposite) Vectors
Vectors which have equal magnitude but opposite direction are called negative vectors of each other.
AB and BA are negative vectors
AB = −BA
Co-initial vector
Co-initial vectors are those vectors which have the same initial point.
In figure a, b and c are co-initial vectors.
Collinear Vectors :
The vectors lying in the same line are known as collinear vectors.
(i) ( = 0º)
(ii) → → ( = 0º)
(ii) → ( = 180º)
(iv) → ( = 180º)
Coplanar Vectors
Note :
Two vectors are always coplanar.
Concurrent vectors
Those vectors which pass through a common point are called concurrent vectors
Note :
Sum of two vectors is always a vector so, (A) + (−A) = 0
Base vectors
In an XYZ co-ordinate frame there are three unit vectors ˆi, ˆj and kˆ , these are used to indicate X, Y and Z
direction respectively.
These three unit vectors are mutually perpendicular to each other.
Axial Vector
These vectors are used in rotational motion to define rotational effects.
Direction of these vectors is always along the axis of rotation in accordance with right hand screw rule or right
Ex. : Infinitesimal angular displacement (d) , Angular velocity, () , Angular momentum (J) , Angular
Illustration 1.
(1) A & C are parallel (2) A & C and B & C are antiparallel
Solution.
All are correct
Illustration 2.
(b) F1 = F2
(c) F1 ⊥ F2
(d) ˆi = ˆj
(f) F1 = F2
(g) | F1 |=| F2 |
Solution.
Here F1 = 10jˆ N
F2 = 10iˆ N
F1 = F2 = 10 N
ˆi = ˆj = 1
(a) True
(b) False
(c) True
(d) False
(e) True
(f) False
(g) True
Shift one vector B , without changing its direction, such that its tail coincide with head of the other vector A .
Now complete the triangle by drawing third side, directed from tail of A to head of B (it is in opposite order
of A and B vectors).
Sum of two vectors is also called resultant vector of these two vectors. Resultant R = A + B
Parallelogram Law
If two vectors are represented by two adjacent sides of a parallelogram which are directed away from
their common point then their sum (i.e. resultant vector) is given by the diagonal of the parallelogram
⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗
AB + ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗
AD = ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗
AC ⇒ ⃗A + ⃗B = ⃗R
Illustration 1.
Add vectors by triangle law :
(i) (ii)
Solution.
Illustration 2.
Which of the following options is correct
Analytical method :
In ∆PQR
PQ
sin θ = ⟹ PQ = B sinθ
PR
PQ
cos θ = ⟹ RQ = B cosθ
PR
In ∆OPQ
OP 2 = OQ2 + PQ2
R2 = (A + Bcosθ)2 + (Bsinθ)2
R2 = A2 + B 2 cos 2 θ + 2ABcosθ + B 2 sin2 θ
R2 = A2 + 2ABcosθ + B 2 (cos 2 θ + sin2 θ)
⃗ | = √A2 + B 2 + 2ABcosθ
|R
⃗ +𝐁
|𝐀 ⃗ | = √𝐀𝟐 + 𝐁 𝟐 + 𝟐𝐀𝐁𝐜𝐨𝐬𝛉
In ΔOPQ
QP Bsinθ
tanα = =
OQ A+Bcosθ
Similarly
Asinθ
tanβ =
B+Acosθ
Illustration 1.
If magnitude of resultant of 2N and 3N is 4N find angle between 2N and 3N:
Solution.
4 = 22 + 32 + 2(2)(3)cos
16 = 4 + 9 + 12cos
3 = 12cos
1
= cos −1
4
Illustration 2.
Two vectors of magnitude 4N and 6N are acting at an angle 60º then find :
(i) Magnitude of their resultant vectors
(ii) Angle between resultant vector and 4N
(iii) Angle between resultant vector and 6N
Solution.
(i) | R |= 42 + 62 + 2(4)(6)cos60º
1
| R |= 16 + 36 + 48
2
| R |= 76
2 19N
6sin(60º )
(ii) tan =
4 + 6cos(60º )
3
6
2
=
1
4 + 6
2
3 3
= tan −1
7
3 3
= tan −1
7
4sin 60º
(iii) tan =
6 + 4cos 60º
3
4
2
=
1
6 + 4
2
3
= tan −1
4
Special cases
𝛉 = 𝟎° 𝛉 = 𝟏𝟖𝟎°
⃗⃗ | = √𝐀𝟐 + 𝐁 𝟐 + 𝟐𝐀𝐁𝐜𝐨𝐬𝛉
|𝐑 𝐑 = √𝐀𝟐 + 𝐁 𝟐 + 𝐀𝐁𝐜𝐨𝐬𝟏𝟖𝟎°
⃗⃗ |𝐦𝐚𝐱 = 𝐀 + 𝐁
|𝐑 ⃗⃗ |𝐦𝐚𝐱 = 𝐀 − 𝐁
|𝐑
Note :
⃗ +𝐁
𝐀 − 𝐁 ≤ |𝐀 ⃗ |≤𝐀+𝐁
𝛉 = 𝟗𝟎°
⃗⃗ | = √𝐀𝟐 + 𝐁 𝟐
|𝐑
Illustration 3.
What can be resultant of two vectors 𝐀
⃗ &𝐁
⃗ of magnitude 3 N and 5 N
1) 𝟏𝟎 𝐍
2) 𝟏𝐍
3) 𝟏𝟐 𝐍
4) 𝟐 𝐍
5) 𝟔 𝐍
6) 𝟓 𝐍
7) 𝟎 𝐍
Solution.
|𝐀 − 𝐁| ≤ 𝐑 ≤ |𝐀 + 𝐁|
|A – B| = |3 – 5| = 2N
|A + B| = |5 + 3| = 8N
So, 2R8
Hence, option (4) 2N
(5) 6N
(6) 5N are correct options
If | A |=| B |
If two vectors have equal magnitude i.e. | A |=| B | = a and angle between them is then resultant will be along
the bisector of A and B and its magnitude is equal to 2a cos
2
| R |=| A + B |= 2a cos
2
120º
Special Case : If = = 120º then R = 2a cos =a
2
i.e. If = 120º then | R |=| A + B |=| A |=| B |= a
If resultant of two unit vectors is another unit vector then the angle between them () = 120º.
OR
If the angle between two unit vectors () = 120º, then their resultant is another unit vector.
Addition of more than two vectors (law of polygon)
If some vectors are represented by sides of a polygon in same order, then their resultant vector is represented
by the closing side of polygon in the opposite order. R = A + B + C + D
In a polygon if all the vectors taken in same order are such that the head of the last vector coincides with the
tail of the first vector then their resultant is a null vector.
A+ B+C+ D+ E = 0
360°
2. If n coplanar vectors of equal magnitude are at equal angular separation ( ), then their resultant is
𝑛
always ZERO
If n=3 & |𝑎⃗| = |𝑏⃗⃗| = |𝑐⃗| = 𝑎
Illustration 1.
If 100 coplanar vectors each having magnitude 10 units are equally inclined with each other then find the
magnitude of their resultant?
(1) 0 (2) 10 (3) 100 (4) 1000
Solution.
Because all the coplanar vectors of equal magnitude are at equal angular separation then their resultant is
always ZERO
Note :
The resultant of 3 vectors can be zero if they satisfy following conditions :
|A – B| C | A + B|
Illustration 2.
Which of the following groups can give zero resultant(Equilibrium)
Vectors ⃗⃗
𝐏 ⃗⃗⃗
𝐐 ⃗𝐑
⃗⃗
(1) 2N 4N 8N
(2) 12N 10N 23N
(3) 1N 2N 3N
(4) 8N 1N 2N
Solution.
|P − Q| ≤ R ≤ |P + Q|
(3) 1 ≤ R ≤ 3 (Possible)
Illustration 3.
( − B) .
A − B = A + (−B)
To subtract B from A , reverse the direction of B and add to vector A according to law of triangle.
Bsin
| A − B |= A2 + B2 + 2ABcos( − ) = A2 + B2 − 2ABcos & tan =
A − Bcos
If two vectors have equal magnitude i.e. | A |=| B |= a and is the angle between them, then
| A − B |= a 2 + a 2 − 2a 2 cos = 2a sin
2
Special case : If = 60º then 2a sin =a i.e. | A − B |=| A |=| B |= a at = 60º
2
If difference of two unit vectors is another unit vector then the angle between them is 60º or If two unit
vectors are at angle of 60º, then their difference is also a unit vector.
In physics whenever we want to calculate change in a vector quantity, we have to use vector subtraction. For
Note: In parallelogram one diagonal represent vector addition other diagonal represent vector subtraction.
Illustration 1.
Angle between 2 vectors 𝐀
⃗ and 𝐁
⃗ having magnitude 5N and 10N is 37o, then find out |𝐀
⃗ −𝐁
⃗|
(1) 3√3 (2) 3√7 (3) 5 (4) 3√5
Solution.
⃗ − ⃗B| = √A2 + B 2 − 2ABcosθ
|A
= √(5)2 + (10)2 − (2)(5)(10)cos37°
4
= √25 + 100 − 100 ×
5
= √25 + 20
= √45
= 3√5
Illustration 2.
Ball is moving towards wall with velocity 20 m/s. It gets deflected back along the initial direction, then
find magnitude of change in velocity
(1) 40 (2) 20 (3) 0 (4) 10
Solution.
⃗ = ⃗Vf − ⃗Vi
ΔV
= −20î − 20î
= −40î
|ΔV⃗ | = 40
Illustration 3.
Find magnitude of change in velocity ?
Solution.
90
V1 = VF − Vi = 2 × 5 sin
2
= 10 sin 45°
10
= =5 2m/s
2
Illustration 4.
Find angle between 𝐀
⃗ and 𝐁
⃗ if |𝐀
⃗ −𝐁
⃗ | = |𝐀
⃗ +𝐁
⃗|
π π
(1) π (2) (3) (4) 0
4 2
Solution.
⃗ −B
|A ⃗ +B
⃗ | = |A ⃗|
Illustration 5.
If |𝐀
⃗ | = |𝐁
⃗ | = |𝐀 ⃗ | = 𝐚, then find |𝐀
⃗ +𝐁 ⃗ −𝐁
⃗|
1
= 2a2 + 2a2 cosθ = a2 = √a2 + a2 − 2a2 × −
2
−1
cosθ = = √a2 + a2 + a2 = √3a
2
θ = 120°
Illustration 6.
If |𝐀 ̂ | = √𝟑, then find |𝐀
̂+𝐁 ̂ − 𝟒𝐁
̂|
Solution.
̂ | = 1, |B
|A ̂| = 1
√A2 + B 2 + 2ABcosθ = √3
√1 + 1 + 2cosθ = √3
√2 + 2cosθ = √3
2cosθ = 1
̂ − 4B
|A ̂ )2 + (4B
̂ | = √(A ̂ )2 − 2(A
̂ )(4B
̂ )cos60° = √1 + 16 − 4
̂ − 4B
|A ̂ | = √13
Illustration 7.
If |𝐀
̂−𝐁
̂ | = 𝟏 = |𝐀 ˆ +B
̂ | , then A
̂ | = |𝐁 ˆ =?
Solution.
Aˆ − Bˆ = 1
A2 + B2 − 2ABcos = 1
1 + 1 − 2(1)(1)cos = 1
1
cos =
2
= 60
Now, Aˆ + Bˆ = A2 + B2 + AB cos
1
= 1 + 1 + 2 = 60
2
= 3
Illustration 8.
If a particle moves with constant speed v on circumference, find magnitude of change in velocity from
A to B.
Solution.
⃗ A − ⃗VB | = 2Vsin θ
|V
2
60°
2 × V × sin ( )
2
=V
Resolution of Vector 2D
To break or split a vector in components is called resolution of vector
Any vector can be split in two or more than two components.
Note :
Maximum number of components of a vector can be infinite.
Ay : Component of A
⃗ along y axis
In 𝚫𝐎𝐐𝐏,
OQ OQ
cos θ = =
OP A
⇒ OQ = Ax = A cos θ
PQ PQ
sin θ = =
OP A
⇒ PQ = Ay = A sin θ
(According to law of vector addition,
⃗A = ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗
OP = ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗
OQ + ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗
OR
⃗ = Ax î + Ay ĵ
A
⃗ = Acosθ î + Asinθĵ
A
⃗ | = √A2x + A2y
|A
𝐀𝐲 𝐀𝐱
𝐭𝐚𝐧𝛉 = 𝐭𝐚𝐧𝛟 =
𝐀𝐱 𝐀𝐲
Note :
• If A
⃗ vector makes an angle θ from a given direction, then
Illustration 1.
A = 3i + 4jˆ
Find (i) Ax
(ii) Ay
(iii) | A |
(iii) | A |= 5
Ax 3
tan = = = 37°
Ay 4
A 3iˆ + 4ˆj
 = =
|A| 5
Illustration 2.
A = 12iˆ + 5jˆ
Find (i) Ax
(ii) Ay
(iii) | A |
Ay 5
(iv) tan = =
Ax 12
5
= tan–1
12
A x 12
(v) tan = =
Ay 5
12
= tan–1
5
A 12iˆ + 5jˆ
(vi) Â = =
|A| 13
Illustration 3.
If 𝐀
⃗ = 𝟎. 𝟔𝐢̂ + 𝐛𝐣̂ is a unit vector, find value of b.
Solution.
| A |= 1
(0.6)2 + b2 = 1
b2 = 1 – .36
b2 = 0.64
b = 0.8
Illustration 4.
If Force F=10N is acting along positive x-axis. Find its y-component.
Solution.
The component of a vector along its perpendicular direction is always ZERO
Illustration 5.
Resolve the vector in component form
Solution.
(i)
A = 8iˆ + 6jˆ
(ii)
Illustration 6.
Find resultant of given vectors
Solution.
| R |= 12 + 4 2 = 17
Illustration 7.
Solution.
| R |= 5N
Illustration 8.
A vector makes an angle of 𝟑𝟎° with the horizontal. If the horizontal component of the vector is 250 N,
find the magnitude of vector and its vertical component.
Solution.
Acos30º = 250
500
A=
3
Ay = Asin30º
250
=
3
If ⃗A makes
angle α with x axis
angle β with y axis
angle γ with z axis
and
Component of 𝐀
⃗ along 𝐱 axis is 𝐀 𝐱
Component of 𝐀
⃗ along 𝐲 axis is 𝐀 𝐲
Component of 𝐀
⃗ along 𝐳 axis is 𝐀𝐳
the
𝐀𝐱
𝐜𝐨𝐬 𝛂 = ⟹ 𝐀 𝐱 = 𝐀 𝐜𝐨𝐬 𝛂
𝐀
𝐀𝐲
𝐜𝐨𝐬 𝛃 = ⟹ 𝐀 𝐲 = 𝐀 𝐜𝐨𝐬 𝛃
𝐀
𝐀𝐳
𝐜𝐨𝐬 𝛄 = ⟹ 𝐀𝐳 = 𝐀 𝐜𝐨𝐬 𝛄
𝐀
so, A
⃗ = Ax î + Ay ĵ + Az k̂
Note :
With help of angles made by a vector with x, y and z axes, we can write unit vector along the given vector.
As, Ax , Ay and Az are components of ⃗A
so, A
⃗ = Ax î + Ay ĵ + Az k̂
⃗⃗
A Ax Ay Az
⇒ = î + ĵ + k̂
A A A A
⇒ Â = cos α î + cos β ĵ + cos γ k̂
(Unit vector in the direction of ⃗A)
Points to remember
A vector can be resolved into infinite number of components.
ˆi ˆi ˆi
For example 10iˆ = ˆi + ˆi + ˆi ………….. 10 times ; = + + ……….. 20 times and so an.
2 2 2
Maximum number of rectangular components of a vector in a plane is two. But maximum number of
rectangular components in space (3-dimensions) is three which are along X, Y and Z axes.
A vector is independent of the orientation of axes but the components of that vector depend upon the
orientation of axes.
The component of a vector along its perpendicular direction is always zero.
Illustration 1.
A = 2iˆ + 3jˆ + 6kˆ
(i) Ax
(ii) Ay
(iii) Az
(iv) | A |
Illustration 2.
If ⃗A = î + ĵ + √2k̂, then find:
(1) 𝐀 𝐱 , 𝐀 𝐲 , 𝐀𝐳
(2) |𝐀
⃗|
(3) Direction cosines of 𝐀
⃗
(4) Angle of vector with 𝐱, 𝐲 and 𝐳 axis
Solution.
(1) A x = 1, A y = 1, A z = 2
1 1 2 1
(3) cos = , cos = , cos = =
2 2 2 2
1 1 1
(4) A = cos–1 = 60º, = cos–1 = 60º, = cos–1 = 45º
2 2 2
Illustration 3.
A = ˆi + 2jˆ + 2k;
ˆ B = 3iˆ + ˆj + 10kˆ then find :
(i) R
(ii) | R |
(iii) Unit vector parallel to resultant vector :
(iv) Direction cosine of R
Solution.
(i) R = A + B = 4iˆ + 3jˆ + 12kˆ
Illustration 4.
A = ˆi − ˆj + 2k;B
ˆ = −2jˆ − kˆ then find unit vector parallel to R of A and B .
Solution.
R =A+B
R = ˆi − 3jˆ + kˆ
| R |= 1 + 9 + 1 = 11
R
R̂ =
|R|
ˆi − 3jˆ + kˆ
R̂ =
11
Illustration 5.
A = ˆi − 3j;
ˆ B = 2jˆ − 3kˆ then find | A − 2B |
Solution.
2B = (4jˆ − 6k)
ˆ
Illustration 6.
Determine the vector which when added to the resultant of P and Q , gives ZERO resultant (equilibrium).
̂ ,𝐐
⃗ = 𝐢̂ + 𝟐𝐣̂ + 𝐤
𝐏 ̂
⃗⃗ = 𝟐𝐢̂ − 𝐣̂ + 𝟐𝐤
Solution.
Let's new vector = x
x + (P + Q) = 0
x + (3iˆ + ˆj + 3k)
ˆ =0
x = −3iˆ − ˆj − 3kˆ
Illustration 7.
Determine the vector which when added to the resultant of ⃗P and Q
⃗ , gives unit vector along x-axis where 𝐏
⃗ =
̂ ,𝐐
𝐢̂ + 𝟐𝐣̂ + 𝐤 ̂.
⃗⃗ = 𝟐𝐢̂ − 𝐣̂ + 𝟐𝐤
(1) −2î + ĵ − 3k̂ (2) 2î + ĵ + 3k̂ (3) 2î − ĵ + 3k̂ (4) −2î − ĵ − 3k̂
Solution.
Let's new vector = A
A + (P + Q) = ˆi
A + (iˆ + 2jˆ + kˆ + 2iˆ − ˆj + 2k)
ˆ = ˆi
scalars magnitude. This will result in a new vector with the same direction but the product of two magnitudes.
Illustration 1.
If 𝐕
⃗ = 𝟐𝐦/𝐬 then 𝟑𝐕
⃗ will be ?
Solution.
Note :
Whenever a vector is multiplied by a positive number then the new vector has same direction but its
Illustration 2.
If 𝐕
⃗ = 𝟐𝐦/𝐬 then −𝟑𝐕
⃗ will be ?
Solution.
Note :
whenever a vector is multiplied by a negative number then the new vector has opposite direction but its
if ⃗A = Ax î + Ay ĵ + Az k̂ & ⃗B = Bx î + By ĵ + Bz k̂
Ax Ay Az
= = = Positive constant
Bx By Bz
Scalar Product
The scalar product of two vectors A and B equals to the product of their magnitudes and the cosine of the
angle between them.
⃗A ⋅ ⃗B = |A
⃗ ||B
⃗ |cosθ
Example : W = F S Where F = force and S = displacement, Power (P) = F V Where F = Force and V =
velocity
Angle dependence
⃗ ∙B
A ⃗ ||B
⃗ = |A ⃗ | cos θ
⃗A ∙ ⃗B = positive ⃗A ∙ ⃗B = negative
Key notes
When two vectors are perpendicular
Here, 𝐀
⃗ ⊥𝐁
⃗
Illustration 3.
Find 𝐀 ⃗ & 𝐀
⃗ ∙𝐁 ̂ ∙𝐁
̂
Solution.
4
=4×6×
5
96
= N
5
ˆ B
A ˆ || B
ˆ = |A ˆ | cos
= 1 × 1 × cos37º
4
= N
5
Illustration 4.
Find angle between 𝐀
⃗ &𝐁
⃗ , if 𝐀
⃗ (6N) and 𝐁
⃗ (4N) and 𝐀
⃗ ∙𝐁
⃗ = 𝟏𝟐
(1) 30° (2) 45° (3) 60° (4) 75°
Solution.
A B = A B sin
|A| = 6N, |B| = 4N, A B = 12
12 = (6) (4) (sin)
12
= sin
24
1
sin =
2
1
= sin–1
2
= 30º
Illustration 5.
√3
Find angle between ⃗A and ⃗B if ⃗A ∙ ⃗B = AB
2
(1) 30° (2) 45° (3) 60° (4) 75°
Solution.
A B = A B sin …(1)
3
AB = AB …(2)
2
By equation (1) & (2)
3
AB sin = AB
2
3
sin =
2
3
= sin–1 = 60º Ans. (3)
2
Illustration 6.
Find 𝐀 ⃗ if 𝐀
⃗ ∙𝐁 ⃗ = 𝟑𝐢̂ + 𝟐𝐣̂ & 𝐁
⃗ = 𝟒𝐢̂ + 𝐣̂.
(1) 10 (2) 14 (3) 12 (4) 8
Solution.
A B = (3iˆ + 2j)
ˆ (4iˆ + ˆj)
= 12 + 2 = 14
Illustration 7.
Find Work done if Force 𝐅 = 𝟑𝐢̂ + 𝟐𝐣̂ + 𝐤
̂ & Displacement 𝐬 = 𝟐𝐢̂ − 𝟓𝐣̂ + 𝟑𝐤
̂.
W = FS
= (3iˆ + 2jˆ + k)
ˆ (2iˆ − 5jˆ + 3k)
ˆ
P = F V
= (2iˆ − 2jˆ + k)
ˆ (3iˆ + 2jˆ − k)
ˆ = 6 – 4 – 1 = 1W
Illustration 9.
If angle between 𝐚
⃗ and 𝐛 is 𝟔𝟎°, then find value of (𝐚̂ − 𝟐𝐛
̂ ) ∙ (𝟐𝐚̂ + 𝟒𝐛
̂ ).
ˆ − 4(bˆ a)
= (2 + 4(aˆ b) ˆ − 8)
= [–6 + 0] = –6
Illustration 10.
If |𝐚̂ + 𝐛
̂ | = √𝟑, then find value of (𝐚̂ + 𝟐𝐛
̂ ) ∙ (𝟐𝐚̂ + 𝐛
̂ ).
| aˆ + bˆ |= | aˆ |2 + | b |2 +2 | aˆ || bˆ | cos = 3
1
1 + 1 + 2 cos = 3, cos = , = 60º
2
ˆ (2aˆ + b)
(aˆ + 2b) ˆ
= 2 aˆ aˆ + aˆ bˆ + 4bˆ aˆ + 2bˆ bˆ
= 2 × 1 + 5 × â bˆ + 2 × 1
1
=2+5×1×1× +2
2
5 13
=4+ =
2 2
Illustration 11.
If 𝐀
⃗ +𝐁 ⃗ and |𝐀
⃗ +𝐂=𝟎 ⃗ | = |𝐂| = 𝟏, find 𝐀
⃗ | = |𝐁 ⃗ ∙𝐁
⃗ +𝐁
⃗ ∙𝐂+𝐂∙𝐀
⃗
3 3
(1) − (2) (3) 2 (4) 1
2 2
Solution.
A+ B+C = 0
A + B = −C
A + B = −C
A2 + B2 + 2A B =| −C |
A2 + B2 + 2A B =| −C |2
(|A| = |B| = |C| = 1)
1 −1 −1 1
AB = =−
2 2
By same logic
−1
BC =
2
−1
CA =
2
So, A B + B C + C A
−1 −1 −1 −3
+ + =
2 2 2 2
Illustration 1.
Find angle between A = 3iˆ + 4jˆ and B = 12iˆ - 5jˆ ?
Solution.
A B (3iˆ + 4j)
ˆ (12iˆ − 5j)
ˆ
We have cos = =
AB 32 + 42 122 + 52
36 − 20 16
cos = =
5 13 65
16
= cos −1
65
Note:
If scalar product of two nonzero vectors is zero, then vectors are orthogonal or perpendicular
Illustration 2.
If the Vectors P = aiˆ + ajˆ + 3kˆ and Q = aiˆ - 2jˆ - kˆ are perpendicular to each other. Find the value of a?
Solution.
Illustration 3.
If (𝐚̂ + 𝐛
̂ ) and (𝟐𝐚̂ − 𝟑𝐛
̂ ) are perpendicular, then find angle between 𝐚̂ and 𝐛
̂.
Solution.
ˆ (2aˆ − 3b)
(aˆ + b) ˆ = 0 , 2aˆ aˆ − 3aˆ bˆ + 2bˆ aˆ − 3bˆ bˆ = 0
aˆ aˆ =| aˆ |2 = 1 ( | aˆ |= 1)
bˆ bˆ =| bˆ |2 = 1 ( | bˆ |= 1)
(aˆ bˆ = bˆ a)
ˆ
â bˆ = −1
cos × a × b = –1
cos = –1
= 180º
3. Projection of A on B
AB AB
(i) In scalar form : Projection of A on B = A cos = A = ˆ
= AB
AB B
AB
ˆ =
(ii) In vector form : Projection of A on B = (Acos) B ˆ = (A B)B
ˆ ˆ
B
B
Illustration 4.
Find the component of 𝐀
⃗ = 𝟑𝐢̂ + 𝟒𝐣̂ along 𝐁
⃗ = 𝐢̂ + 𝐣̂ ?
1. Projection of 𝐀
⃗ along 𝐁
⃗ in scalar form
2. Projection of 𝐀
⃗ along 𝐁
⃗ in vector form
3. Projection of (𝐀 ⃗ ) along 𝐀
⃗ +𝐁 ⃗ in scalar form
Solution.
A .B
1. Component of A along B is given by hence required component
B
=
( 3iˆ + 4jˆ ) .( ˆi + ˆj)
=
7
2 2
AB AB B
2. B̂ =
B B (B)
7 (iˆ + ˆj)
=
2 ( 2)
7 ˆ ˆ
= (i + j)
2
3. Let A + B = R
R A 12 + 20 32
So = =
A 5 5
Vector product
The vector product or cross product of any two vectors A and B , denoted as A B (read A cross B ) is
defined as :
A B = ABsin nˆ
Here is the angle between the vectors and the direction of n̂ is given by the right-hand-thumb rule.
Right-Hand-Thumb Rule
To find the direction of n̂ , draw the two vectors A and B with both the tails coinciding. Now place your
stretched right palm perpendicular to the plane of A and B in such a way that the fingers are along the
vector A and when the fingers are closed they go towards B . The direction of the thumb gives the direction
of n̂ .
(i) Torque : = r F
(iii) Velocity : v = r
(iv) Acceleration : a = r
Here r is position vector and F, p, and are force, linear momentum, angular velocity and angular
acceleration respectively.
Properties :
• Vector product of two vectors is always a vector perpendicular to the plane containing the two vectors, i.e.
orthogonal (perpendicular) to both the vectors A and B
Note
A B = −B A
i.e., in case of vectors A B and B A magnitudes are equal but directions are opposite [See the figure]
• The vector product is distributive when the order of the vectors is strictly maintained, i.e.
A (B + C) = A B + A C
|AB|
• According to definition of vector product of two vectors A B = AB sin n̂ = sin–1
AB
• The vector product of two vectors will be maximum when sin = max. = 1, i.e., = 90º
| A B |max = ABsin 90º = AB
i.e. vector product is maximum if the vectors are orthogonal (perpendicular)
• The vector product of two non-zero vectors will zero when |sin| = 0,
i.e. when = 0º or 180º, | A A | = 0 or | A (−A) |= 0
Therefore if the vector product of two non-zero vectors is zero, then the vectors are collinear.
• The self cross product, i.e., product of a vector by itself is a zero vector or a null vector.
i.e. A A = (AAsin 0º )nˆ = 0
ˆi ˆj kˆ
• In terms of components, A B = A x Ay A z = ˆi(A y Bz − A z By ) − ˆj(A x Bz − A z Bx ) + k(A
ˆ
x By − A yBx ) ,
Bx By Bz
where A = A x ˆi + A y ˆj + Az kˆ and B = Bx ˆi + By ˆj + Bz kˆ
Illustration 1.
A is East wards and B downwards. Find the direction of A B ?
Solution.
Applying right hand thumb rule we find that A B is along North.
Illustration 2.
If A B =| A B | , find angle between A and B
Solution.
AB cos = AB sin
tan = 1
= 45º
Illustration 3.
Find A B if A = ˆi − 2jˆ + 4k
ˆ and B = 2iˆ − ˆj + 2kˆ .
Solution.
ˆi ˆj kˆ
A B = 1 −2 4 = i(−4 − (−4)) − ˆj(2 − 12) + k(
ˆ −1 − (−6)) = 10jˆ + 5kˆ
3 −1 2
Illustration 4.
If | A |= 2;| B |= 4 and | A B |= 4 . Then find A B
Solution.
⃗ × ⃗B| = ABsinθ
|A
4 1
sinθ = =
8 2
θ = 30°
√3
⃗A ⋅ ⃗B = ABcos30° = 2 × 4 × = 4√3
2
𝟏
Area of Triangle = |𝐀
⃗ ×𝐁
⃗|
𝟐
Illustration 1.
Find area of a triangle made by two vectors 𝐀 ̂ and 𝐁
⃗ = 𝟐𝐢̂ − 𝐣̂ + 𝟐𝐤 ̂ as adjacent sides.
⃗ = 𝐢̂ + 𝟐𝐣̂ + 𝐤
Solution.
î ĵ k̂
⃗ ×B
A ⃗ = |2 −1 2|
1 2 1
= î(−1 − 4) − ĵ(2 − 2) + k̂(4 − (−1))
= −5î + 5k̂
⃗ ×B
|A ⃗ | = √(5)2 + (5)2 = √25 + 25 = √50 ⟹ 5√2
1
⃗ × ⃗B| = 1 × 5√2 = 5√2
Area of triangle = |A
2 2 2
Area of Parallelogram
CASE 1
If ⃗A and ⃗B are sides of parallelogram
Area of parallelogram = |𝐀
⃗ ×𝐁
⃗|
CASE 2
If A
⃗ and B
⃗ are diagonals of parallelogram
1
Area of parallelogram = |A
⃗ ×B
⃗|
2
Illustration 2.
Find area of a parallelogram made by two vectors 𝐀 ̂ and 𝐁
⃗ = 𝐢̂ + 𝐣̂ + 𝟐𝐤 ̂ as adjacent sides.
⃗ = 𝟐𝐣̂ + 𝐤
Solution.
î ĵ k̂
⃗A × ⃗B = |1 1 2|
0 2 1
= î(1 − 4) − ĵ(1 − 0) + k̂(2 − 0)
= −3î − ĵ + 2k̂
⃗ × ⃗B| = √9 + 1 + 4 = √14 units
Area of paralleleogram = |A
Illustration 3.
Find area of a parallelogram made by two vectors 𝐀 ̂ and 𝐁
⃗ = 𝐢̂ + 𝐣̂ + 𝐤 ̂ as diagonals.
⃗ = 𝟑𝐢̂ + 𝟐𝐣̂ + 𝐤
î ĵ k̂
Solution. A⃗ ×B⃗ = | 1 1 1|
3 2 1
= î(1 − 2) − ĵ(1 − 3) + k̂(2 − 3)
= −î + 2ĵ − k̂
1
⃗ × ⃗B| = 1 √1 + 4 + 1 = √3 units
Area of paralleleogram = |A
2 2 2
3. Condition of Coplanarity
If 𝐀
⃗ ,𝐁
⃗ & 𝐂 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐫𝐞𝐞 𝐜𝐨𝐩𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐚𝐫 𝐯𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐧
⃗ ×𝐁
(𝐀 ⃗ ) ∙ 𝐂 = 𝟎 ⟹ [𝐀
⃗,𝐁
⃗ , 𝐂] = 𝟎
Illustration 5.
If 𝐀
⃗ = 𝟐𝐢̂ + 𝐣̂, 𝐁 ̂ and 𝐂 = 𝟑𝐢̂ − 𝐣̂ + 𝐱𝐤
⃗ = 𝐢̂ + 𝟐𝐣̂ + 𝐤 ̂ are coplanar vectors then find value of 𝐱.
Solution.
Condition of coplanarity : (A
⃗ × ⃗B) ∙ ⃗C = 0
î ĵ k̂
⃗ ×B
|A ⃗ | = |2 1 0|
1 2 1
= î(1 − 0) − ĵ(2 − 0) + k̂(4 − 1)
= î − 2ĵ + 3k̂
Using the condition of coplanarity : (A
⃗ ×B ⃗ =0
⃗ )∙C