CHAPTER

2 Vector and Scalar

Chapter Outline
■ Scalars and Vectors ■ Scalar and Vector Products or Dot and Cross Products
■ Vector Addition and Subtraction ■ Unit Vector
■ Zero Vector ■ Resolution of Vector in Two and Three Dimensions

UNITS AND MEASUREMENT B R

1. Physical Quantities: The quantities which can be

measured are called physical quantities. θ
β
2. Scalar Quantity: A physical quantity which is com- α
A
pletely known by its magnitude only, i.e., a physical
quantity which has only magnitude and has no direc- 7. Vector Addition of More Than Two Vectors: The above
tion, is called a scalar quantity or simply a scalar. method can be applied for only two vectors, and the com-
For example: Mass, length, volume, density, time, ponent method or polygon law of vector addition can be
temperature, pressure, speed, work, etc. applied for resultant of two or more than two vectors.
3. Vector Quantity: A vector is that kind of physical 
a. Vector addition is commutative, i.e., if a and b be
   
quantity which is completely known only when its any two vectors, then a + b = b + a .
magnitude and direction are known and obeys the laws   
b. Vector addition is associative, i.e., if a , b and c be
for vectors.    
any three vectors, then a + (b + c ) = ( a + b ) + c .
For example: Force, acceleration, displacement,  
c. Vector addition is distributive, i.e., if a and b be
momentum, etc.   
4. Localized Vector: A vector is said to be a localized any two vectors, then m( a + b ) = ma + mb .
vector, if it passes through a fixed point in space. Thus, 8. Vector Subtraction: Vector subtraction is not a new
a localized vector cannot be shifted parallel to itself. kind of vector operation, but it is also the resultant of
5. Free Vector: A vector is said to be free vector, if it is not 1st vector and reverse of 2nd vector.
   
localized. Thus, a free vector can be taken anywhere in If S = A − B and S = |S | ,
space. all vectors will be considered as free vectors.   
6. Vector Addition of Two Vectors: Law of paral- then S = A + ( − B), S = A2 + B 2 − 2 AB cos θ .
lelogram of  vector
  addition or triangle law of vector 9. Null Vector: It is a vector which has zero magnitude
addition, R = A + B , and an arbitrary direction. It is represented by 0 and, is
also known as zero vector:
R= A2 + B 2 + 2 AB cos θ The concept of zero vector:
a. Makes vector algebra complete.
B sin θ A sin θ b. Represents physical quantities in a number of
tan α = and tanβ = situations.
A + B cos θ B + A cos θ
2.2 ■ Chapter 2

10. Physical Meaning of Zero Vector:

a. It represents the position vector of the origin. •   A  vector  can  have  only  two  rectangular  components  in 
plane and only three rectangular components in space.
b. It represents the displacement vector of a stationary
particle. •   A vector can have any number, even infinite components. 
c. It represents the acceleration vector of a particle (minimum two components)
moving with uniform velocity. •   Scalars are added, subtracted or divided algebraically.
11. Rotation of a Vector: •   Vectors are added and subtracted geometrically.
a. If the frame of reference is rotated or translated, the •   Division of vectors is not allowed as directions cannot be 
given vector does not change. The components of divided.
the vector may, however, change. •   Unit vector gives the direction of vector.
b. If a vector is rotated through an angle θ, which is not
•   Unit vector has no unit.
an integral multiple of 2π, then the vector changes.

Dot Product of Two Vectors 14. Vector component of A perpendicular to
 
  A⋅ B 
It is the multiplication of two  vectors,
 such that the field is B = A−  2 B
a scalar quantity, and it is, A ⋅ B = AB cosθ, where θ is the | B|
 
angle between A and B.  A⋅ B 
  15. Angle between two vectors, θ = cos −1  .
A ⋅ B = AxBx + AyBy + AzBz  AB 
 
Condition for two vectors to be parallel: If a and b are
Properties of Dot Product ax a y az
    parallel, then = = .
1. It is commutative, i.e., A ⋅ B = B ⋅ A. bx by bz
2. It is distributive over addition, i.e.,
       Position Vector and Displacement Vector:
A ⋅ (B + C) = A ⋅ B + A ⋅ C 1. If coordinates of point A are (x1, y1, z1) and coor-
        
3. A ⋅ ( − B ) = − A ⋅ B , ( A + B) 2 = A2 + B 2 + 2 A ⋅ B dinates of point B are (x2, y2, z2). Then rA = Position
      
( A − B) 2 = | A − B|2 = A2 + B 2 − 2 A ⋅ B, vector of A = x1iˆ + y1 ˆj + z1kˆ , rB = Position vector of
      B = x2 iˆ + y2 ˆj + z2 kˆ
( A + B) ⋅ ( A − B) = A2 − B 2 = A2 − B 2   
4. Ordinary algebraic laws are true for a dot product. r = rB - rA = ( x2 - x1 )iˆ + ( y2 - y1 ) ˆj + ( z2 - z1 )kˆ
= Displacement vector from A to B.
5. If θ is acute, dot product is positive. If θ is obtuse, dot
product is negative and; if θ is 90 °, dot product is zero. y
S
B
Hence, dot product of two perpendicular vectors is A
r
zero.   rA B
6. The scalar product of two identical vectors, A ⋅ A = A2
7. iˆ ⋅ iˆ = ˆj ⋅ ˆj = kˆ ⋅ kˆ = 1, iˆ ⋅ ˆj = ˆj ⋅ kˆ = iˆ ⋅ kˆ = 0
x
8. The scalar product of two non-zero orthogonal (i.e., O
perpendicular) vectors is zero.   2. Position vector of the middle point of the line segment
9. The scalar product of two vectors A and B varies from AB is given by,
AB to (–AB).  
   α +β
  A⋅ B r=
10. Scalar component of A along B = A cos θ = 2
B m W n
  A B
   A⋅ B 
11. Vector component of A along B =   Bˆ
 B 
 
  A⋅ B r
12. Scalar component of B along A = B cos θ = α
A β
 
   A⋅ B 
13. Vector component of B along A =   Aˆ
 A  O
 Vector and Scalar ■ 2.3

Cross Product of Two Vectors iˆ ˆj kˆ

The cross product of two vectors is multiplication of two  
13. a × b = ax ay az
vectors, such that the yield is a vector quantity. bx by bz
   
Let C = A × B, then C = | C | = AB sin θ , where θ is the angle
  = ( a y bz - by az )iˆ + (bx az - bz ax ) ˆj + ( ax by - bx a y )kˆ
between A andB .  
Direction of C is perpendicular to both A and B given by
the Right Hand Law. We can Lami’s Theorem
 also say
 that C is perpendicu-
lar to the plane containing A and B. If a body is in equilibrium under three coplanar concurrent
Properties of Cross Product: forces, then each force is proportional to ‘sine’ of the angle
1. Vector product between remaining two forces. That is,
  is not  commutative.
 It is anticommuta-
F1 F2 F3
tive, i.e., A × B = − B × A. = = = k.
2. Cross product of two vectors of given magnitudes has sin α1 sin α 2 sin α 3
maximum value when they act at 90 °. F2 F1
3. Cross product of two parallel or antiparallel vectors is a α3
null vector. A vector whose magnitude is zero, and has
α1 α2
any arbitrary direction, is called as null vector or zero
vector.
4. iˆ × ˆj = kˆ, ˆj × kˆ = iˆ, kˆ × iˆ = ˆj , iˆ × kˆ = − ˆj , kˆ × ˆj = −iˆ,
F3
ˆj × iˆ = −kˆ, iˆ × iˆ = ˆj × ˆj = kˆ × kˆ =A null vector.
i
UNIT VECTOR
A vector whose magnitude is unity is called a unit vector.

The unit vector in the direction of A, is denoted by  and is

k j A 
given =
by, Aˆ = or A AAˆ .
A

5. The magnitude
 of the vector product of two vectors A Properties of Unit Vector
and B varies from 0 to AB.
    1. Unit vector has no unit, but magnitude of a vector has
6. If A and B are parallel, then A × B = 0.
      unit.
7. If A ≠ 0, B ≠ 0, then A × B = 0 ⇒ A || B. 2. If iˆ and ˆj be the vector along x and y-axes respectively,
8. Angle θ between  vectors A and B is given by, then unit vector along a line which makes an angle θ
| A × B| with the positive direction of x-axis in anti-clockwise
sin θ =   .
|A|| B| direction is cos θ iˆ + sinθ ˆj .
9. The geometrical meaning of vector product or cross If θ is made in clockwise direction then unit vector is
product of two vectors is the area of the parallelogram cos θ i − sin θ j .
formed  
 by the  two vectors as its adjacent sides. 3. If α and β be the unit vectors along any two lines, then
10. If d1 and d2 are the diagonals of the parallelogram,
   
then it can be easily shown that the area of the paral- α + β and α − β are the vectors along the lines which
1   bisect the angle between these lines.
lelogram = d1 × d2 .   
2 4. A unit vector perpendicular to both A and B is C
 
11. The diagonals  of aparallelogram make four triangles A× B
d1 d =±   .
with sides and 2 and area of each triangle | A× B |
2 2
  If vectors are given in terms of iˆ, ˆj and kˆ :
1 d1 d2 1    
= × = d1 × d2 . Let a = ax iˆ + a y ˆj + az kˆ and b = bx iˆ + by ˆj + bz kˆ, then
2 2 2 8
       
12. Lagrange’s Identity: | A × B |2 + ( A ⋅ B ) 2 = | A|2 | B |2 1. | a | = a = ax2 + a y2 + az2 and | b | = b = bx2 + by2 + bz2
2.4 ■ Chapter 2

  Vector Triple Product

2. a + b = ( ax + bx )iˆ + ( a y + by ) ˆj + ( az - bz )kˆ
            
 and C are three vectors, then A × ( B × C ), B × (C × A) and × ( ×
3. a - b = ( ax - bx )iˆ + ( a y - by ) ˆj + ( az - bz )kˆ     If A, B   
×  × × C × A) and C × ( A × B ) are the examples of vector triple product.
  a ⋅b
4. Component of a along b = a cos θ =         
b A × ( B × C ) = ( A ⋅ C ) B − ( A ⋅ B )C
ax bx + a y by + az bz 1. Polar Vector: If the direction of a vector is indepen-
= dent of the co-ordinate system, it is called a polar vec-
bx2 + by2 + bz2
tor, e.g., displacement, velocity, acceleration, etc.
2. Axial or Pseudo Vector: If the direction of a vector
•   Minimum number of collinear vectors whose resultant can  changes with the change of reference frame from right-
be zero, is two. handed to left-handed frame, it is called axial or pseudo
•   Minimum  number  of  coplanar  vectors  whose  resultant  is  vector, e.g., angular displacement, angular velocity, etc.
zero, is three.
Scalar and Vector Field: Gradient,
•   Minimum number of non-coplanar vectors whose resultant 
is zero, is four.
Divergence, Curl
•   The  resultant  of  two  vectors  of  unequal  magnitude  can  1. Scalar Field: If a scalar changes from point to point in
never be a null vector. space, we say that there is a scalar field. For example, if
we heat a rod at one end, the temperature of the rod in
•   Three vectors not lying in a plane can never add up to give  the steady state will vary from point-to-point and we say
a null vector.
that there is a scalar field and that scalar is temperature.
Vector Field: If a vector changes from point-to-point
Triple Product of Vectors in space, we say that there is a vector field. For exam-
ple, velocity of liquid flowing through a tube, magnetic
Scalar Triple Product field, electric field, etc.
2. The Vector Differential Operator (del Vector): The
Ax Ay Az
    ∂ ∂ ∂
A ⋅ ( B × C ) = Bx By Bz operator defined as ∇ = iˆ + ˆj + kˆ is called
∂x ∂y ∂z
Cx Cy Cz nabla or del vector. It is attributed to all the properties
of a vector, and, at the same time, it is supposed to act
1. If three vectors are coplanar, their scalar triple product
   as an operator. The most striking property of it is that it
is zero, i.e., A ⋅ ( B × C ) = 0. remains invariant under rotation  of coordinate system.
2. Value of a scalar triple product does not change when 3. Gradient: If we operate with ∇ on a scalar φ, we obtain
cyclic order of vectors is maintained. a vector which is called the gradient of the scalar. That is,
        
Thus, A ⋅ ( B × C ) = B ⋅ (C × A) = C ⋅ ( A × B )  ∂ϕ ˆ ∂ϕ ˆ ∂ϕ
     grad ϕ = ∆ϕ = iˆ +j +k .
=
That is, [ ABC ] [= BCA] [CAB ] ∂x ∂y ∂z
   The gradient of a scalar is the rate of space variation
Also, [ ABC ] = −[ BAC ]
along the normal to the surface on which it remains
3. If two of the vectors are equal, the scalar triple product
    constant, or say, it is the directional derivative of the
is zero, i.e., [ AAB ] = [ A × A] ⋅ B = 0. scalar along normal to the surface on which it remains
n̂, where dϕ is the
4. If two vectors dϕ
 are parallel, the scalar triple product  is constant. That is, grad ϕ =
zero. Let A and B are parallel, we can have B = kA , dn dn
    derivative of φ along the normal and n̂ is the unit vector
where k is a scalar. Then, [ ABC ] = ( kA × A) B = 0.
along the normal.
5. The scalar triple product of the orthogonal vector triad
4. Divergence of a Vector: If we make ‘del dot opera-
is unity, i.e., [iˆ ˆjkˆ] = (iˆ ´ ˆj ) × kˆ = 1. tion’ on a vector, we obtain a scalar which is called the
   divergence of the vector. That is,
6. Scalar triple product A ⋅ ( B × C ) represents the volume
of parallelepiped, with the three vectors forming its    ∂A ∂Ay ∂Az
div A = ∇ ⋅ A = x + + .
three edges. ∂x ∂y ∂z

5. Curl or Rotation of a Vector: If we make ‘del cross
operation’ on a vector, we get a vector which is called
the curl of the vector. That is,
iˆ ˆj kˆ
   ∂ ∂ ∂ tia, radius of gyration, refractive index, wave velocity,
curl A = ∆ × A =
∂x ∂y ∂z
Ax Ay Az
CHAPTER-END EXERCISES
BASED ON NCERT EXAMPLES
1. State for each of the following physical quantities, if it
is a scalar or a vector:
Volume, mass, speed, acceleration, density, number of
moles, velocity, angular frequency, displacement, angu-
lar velocity.
Solution: Scalar are volume, mass, speed, density,
number of moles and angular frequency.
Vector are acceleration, velocity, displacement and
angular velocity.
2. Pick out the two scalar quantities from the following
list: Force, angular momentum, work, current, linear
momentum, electric field, average velocity, magnetic
moment, reaction as per Newton’s third law, relative
velocity.
Solution: Scalar quantities are work and current.
3. Pick out the only vector quantity from the following
list: Temperature, pressure, impulse, time, power, total
path length, energy, gravitational potential, coefficient
of friction, charge.
Solution: Vector quantity is impulse.
4. Read each statement below carefully and state with rea-
sons if it is true or false:
(a) The magnitude of a vector is always a scalar.
(b) Each component of a vector is always scalar.
(c) The total path length is always equal to the magni-
tude of the displacement vector of a particle.
(d) The average speed of a particle (defined as total
path length divided by the time taken to cover the
path) is either greater or equal to the magnitude of
average velocity of the particle over the same inter-
val of time.
(e) Three vectors not lying in a plane can never add up
to give a null vector.
Vector and Scalar ■ 2.5
Tensor
1. A physical quantity which has different values in differ-
ent directions at the same point is called a tensor.
2. Pressure, stress, modulii of elasticity, moment of iner-
dielectric constant, conductivity, resistivity and density
are a few examples of tensor.
3. Magnitude of tensor is not unique.
Solution:
(a) True. Magnitude of a vector is a scalar. For example,
velocity of a car is 20 m/s. Here magnitude of the
velocity is 20 which is scalar.
(b) False. As each component of a vector is not always
scalar.
(c) False. A body moves on a circular path of radius r
returns to its original position after some time. Here
magnitude of the total path is 2πr while magnitude
of displacement is zero.
(d) True. The total path length is either greater or equal
to the magnitude of the displacement.
(e) True. As to get a null vector, the third vector should
have the same magnitude and opposite direction to
the resultant of the two vectors.
5. Establish the following vector inequalities geometri-
cally or otherwise:
(a) |a + b| ≤ |a| + |a| (b) |a + b| ≥ ||a| − |b||
(c) | a − b| ≤ | a| + |b| (d) | a − b | ≥ ||a| − |b||
When does the equality sign is applicable above?
Solution:
(a) | a + b | = | R | is given by

| R | = a 2 + b 2 + 2ab cos θ
when cos θ =1, θ = 0°, | R | = | a + b | = a 2 + b 2 + 2ab
 
= a + b =| a | + | b |
   
when cos θ <1, |a + b|<|a| + | b |
   
and, when cos θ =1, |a + b| = | a | + | b |
   
Combining the above results, | a + b | ≤ | a | + | b |
The equality sign applies when the two vectors
make an angle of 0 ° with each other or the two vec-
tors are parallel.
2.6 ■ Chapter 2

(b) Proceed as in (a) above.   

   
6. Given a + b + c + d = 0, which of the following statements
The magnitude of the resultant vector, | R | = | a + b |
  are correct?
  
= a 2 + b 2 − 2ab = a − b = | a | − | b |

(a) a , b , c and d must each be null vectors.
    
when cos θ =1, θ = 0°, | R| = |a + b| = a 2 + b 2 + 2ab The magnitude of ( a + c) equals the magnitude of
 
(b + d ) .
 
= a + b =| a | + | b |

when cos θ = − 1 or θ = 180° (c) The magnitude of a can never be greater than the
  
For all angles other than θ <108°, cos θ > −1 sum of the magnitudes of a , c and d .
       
(d) b + c must lie in the plane of a and d if a and d
 
and | a + b | − | a | − | b |
    are not collinear and in the line of a and d , if they
Thus | a + b | = || a | − | b || if θ =180° are collinear.
   
| a + b |>|| a | − | b || if θ <180°. Solution:
combining the above results, we get (a) Wrong (b) Correct
    (c) Correct (d) Correct
| a + b |≥|| a | − | b ||
7. iˆ and ĵ are units vectors along x-and y-axis respec-
The equality sign applies when the two vectors
tively. What is the magnitude and direction of the vec-
make an angle of 180 ° with each other or the two
vectors are anit-parallel. tors iˆ + ĵ and iˆ - ĵ ? What are the components of
 
(c) If instead of taking second vector as b, we take (b), vector A = 2iˆ + 3 ˆj along the direction of iˆ + ĵ and
   iˆ  - ĵ ?
The magnitude of the resultant vector | R| = |a + ( −b)|
  Solution: iˆ and ĵ a are unit vectors at right angles to
= a − b = a 2 + ( −b) 2 + 2a( −b) cos θ  
each other represented by OA and OB. Their resultant
= a 2 + b 2 − 2ab cos θ 
is given by OC is,
The minimum value of cos θ = − 1(θ = 180°) gives
Y
   
| a − b | = a 2 + b 2 + 2ab = a + b =| a | + | b |
    P
Thus we write | a − b | = | a | + | b | if θ =180°
   
| a − b | < || a | − | b || if θ <180° B C
Combining the above results, we get j
    θ
| a − b |≤| a | + | b | O X
  i A Q
The equality sign applies if the two vectors a and −b
  B′ C′
are antiparallel or a and b are parallel.
(d) Proceed as in (c) above. R = 12 + 12 + 2 × 1× 1× cos 90° = 2 and direction will
 
| a − b | = a 2 + ( −b) 2 + 2a( −b) cos θ B | ˆj |
be, tan a = = = 1 or α = 45°
A | iˆ |
= a 2 + b 2 − 2ab cos θ
  Thus magnitude and direction of the vector iˆ + ĵ is
= ( a − b) = | a | − | b | if cos θ =1 or θ = 0°
  2 along 45 ° with x-axis
> ( a − b) = | a | − | b | if cos θ <1 or θ >0° Now − ĵ can be represented by
Combining the above results, we get OB ′ Resultant iˆ and − ĵ

   
| a − b | ≥ || a | − | b || 
12 + ( −1) 2 + 2 × 1× 1× cos 90° = 2 is OC
The equality sign will apply if θ = 0° or the two vectors and direction of the resultant is at -45 ° with x-axis.
   
(ii) The vector 2iˆ + 3 ˆj can be represented by OP

a and −b are parallel or a and b are antiparallel.
 Vector and Scalar ■ 2.7

which has x-component = 2 and y component = 3. It  

(c) Will two equal vectors a and b at different loca-
makes an angle θ with the x-axis such that
tions in space necessarily have identical physical
3 3 effects? Give examples in support of your answer.
tan θ = or θ = tan −1   . The angle between A and
2 2 Solution:
i + j [between OP and OC ] = ∠POC′ = θ -45 ° (a) The answer to this query is No, vectors do not have

The angle between A and î - j is ∠POC′ = θ + 45 ° a location in space as every thing is moving and thus
  has no fixed frame of reference in space. For exam-
Now the magnitude of OP =| A | = 22 + 32 = 13 ple, Sun with its solar system is moving in the space.

The component of A along the direction of iˆ + ˆj = (b) Yes, it can vary with time. For example, velocity
component of iˆ + ˆj along AC and acceleration vectors vary withtime.

(c) No, two identical vectors a and b at different lo-
= 13 cos ∠POC = 13 cos(θ − 45°) cations in space will not have identical physical ef-
= 13 [ cos θ cos 45° + sin θ sin 45°] fects. A good example is a ball thrown at moon and
at earth with same force will cover different maxi-
 2 1 3 1  1 mum heights due to the difference in gravitational
= 13  ⋅ + ⋅ =− .
 13 2 13 2  2 force at moon and earth.
10. A vector has both magnitude and direction. Does it
Note: In a right angled ΔOPQ, OP = 13, OQ = 2, mean that anything that has magnitude and direction
QP = 3. is necessarily a vector? The rotation of a body can be
3 2 specified by the direction of the axis of rotation, and
Hence, sin θ = and cos θ = .
13 13 the angle of rotation about the axis. Does that make any
 rotation a vector?
The component of A along the direction of iˆ - ĵ =
 Solution: A physical quantity that has both magnitude
The component of A along AC′
and direction does not mean that it is a vector quantity.
= 13 cos ∠POC ′ = 13 cos(θ − 45°) Finite rotation of a body about an axis is not a vector
quantity because finite rotation does not obey the com-
= 13[cos θ cos 45° + sin θ sin 45°]
mutative law of addition.
 2 1 3 1  1
= 13  ⋅ + ⋅ =− . 11. Can you associate vectors with (a) the length of a
 13 2 13 2  2 wire bent into a loop, (b) a plane area, (c) a sphere.
8. Which of the following quantities are independent of Explain.
the choice of orientation of the coordinate axes? Solution:
       
a + b , 3ax + 2by ,[a + b − c ] angle between a and c , λ a (a) We can associate a vector with the length of a wire
Solution: All the quantities except (3ax + 2by) are indepen- bent into a loop.
dent of the choice of orientation of the coordinate axis. (b) We  can
  associate  a vector  with a plane area
A = l × b , where l and b are the length and
9. A vector has magnitude and direction.
breadth vectors.
(a) Does it have a location in space?
(c) We can associate a null vector with a sphere.
(b) Can it vary with time?

PRACTICE EXERCISES (MCQS)

 
1. The (x, y, z) coordinates of two points A and B are given 2. Two vectors A1 and A2 each of magnitude A are
respectively as (0, 3, -1) and (-2, 6, 4). The displace- inclined to each other such that their resultant is equal
ment vector from A to B may be given by 
to 3 A. Then the resultant of 1 and - 2 is
A A
(a) -2 iˆ +6 ĵ +4 k̂ (b) -2 iˆ +3 ĵ + 3 k̂
(a) 2A (b) 3A
(c) -2 iˆ +3 ĵ +5 k̂ (d) 2 iˆ -3 ĵ -3 k̂ (c) 2 A (d) A
2.8 ■ Chapter 2

3. The maximum and minimum magnitude of the resul- 12. Which of the following operations make no sense in
tant of two given vectors are 17 units and 7 units respec- case of scalars and vectors?
tively. If these two vectors are at right angle to each (a) Multiplying any vector by a scalar
other, the magnitude of their resultant is (b) Adding a component of vector to the same vector
(a) 14 (b) 16 (c) Multiplying any two scalars
(c) 18 (d) 13 (d) Adding a scalar to a vector of the same dimensions

4. If vectors iˆ − 3 ˆj + 5kˆ and iˆ − 3 ˆj − akˆ are equal vectors, 13. Let A = iˆ Acos θ + ĵ Asin θ, be any vector. Another
then the value of a is vector B which is normal to A is.
(a) 5 (b) 2 (a) iˆ Bcos θ + ĵ Bsin θ (b) iˆ Bsin θ + ĵ Bcos θ
(c) -3 (d) -5 (c) iˆ Bsin θ - ĵ Bcos θ (d) iˆ Acos θ - ĵ Asin θ
   
5. Given A = iˆ + ˆj + kˆ and B = −iˆ − ˆj − kˆ. ( A − B) will 14. Which of the following is not essential for the three

make angle with A as vectors to produce zero resultant?
(a) 0 ° (b) 180 ° (a) The resultant of any two vectors should be equal
(c) 90 ° (d) 60 ° and opposite to the third vector.
     (b) They should lie in the same plane.
6. If A + B + C = 0, then A × B is
    (c) They should act along the sides of a parallelogram.
(a) B × C (b) C × B (d) It should be possible to represent them by the three
 
(c) A × C (d) None of these sides of triangle taken in order.
  
7. Two forces in the ratio 1: 2 act simultaneously on a par- 15. Given that A + B + C = 0. Which of the following
ticle. The resultant of these forces is three times the first options is correct?
     
force. The angle between them is (a) | A | + | B | = | C | (b) | A + B | = | C |
(a) 0 ° (b) 60 °      
(c) 90 ° (d) 45 ° (c) | A | − | B | = | C | (d) | A − B | = | C |
     
8. Resultant
 of two vectors A and B is of magnitude P. If 16. Given that C =  A + B and C makes an angle α with
B is reversed, then resultant is of magnitude Q. What

A and b with B . Which of the following options is
is the value of P2 + Q2? correct?
(a) 2(A2 + B2) (b) 2(A2 - B2) (a) α cannot be less than b
(c) A - B
2 2
(d) A2 + B2 (b) α < b, if A < B
9. The two vectors have magnitudes 3 and 5. If angle (c) α < b, if A > B
between them is 60 °, then the dot product of two vec- (d) α < b, if A = B
tors will be 17. Which of the following operations will not change a
(a) 7.5 (b) 6.5 vector?
(c) 8.4 (d) 7.9 (a) Rotation in its own plane
     
10. If A = B + C and the magnitudes of A, B and C are 5, 4 (b) Rotation perpendicular to its plane
  (c) Rotation about the tail
and 3 units respectively, the angle between A and C is
(d) None of these
3 4
 
(a) cos −1   (b) cos −1   18. A is directed along north and B is directed along
5 5
  
south-west. If C = A + B , then which of the following
π 3 relations are correct?
(c) (d) sin −1  
(a) C must be equal to | A + B |
⋅
 
2 4
    
(b) C must be greater than | A + B |
 
11. Two vectors A and B are such that A + B = C and
A2 + B2 = C 2. If θ is the angle between positive direc- (c) C must be greater than | A − B |
 
 
tions of A and B then mark the correct alternative
(d) C must be equal to | A − B |
 
π
(a) θ = 0 ° (b) θ = 19. What is the component of 3iˆ + 4 ˆj along iˆ + ˆj ?
2
2π 1 3
(c) θ = (d) θ = π (a) (iˆ + ˆj ) (b) (iˆ + ˆj )
3 2 2
 Vector and Scalar ■ 2.9

(b)
5 ˆ ˆ
(i + j ) (d)
7 ˆ ˆ
(i + j ) 28. If the vector aiˆ + ˆj + kˆ iˆ + bjˆ + kˆ and iˆ + ˆj + ckˆ
2 2
( a ≠ b, c ≠ 1) are coplanar, then the value of
20. Component of 3iˆ + 4iˆ perpendicular to iˆ + ˆj and in 1 1 1
+ + is
the same plane as that of 3iˆ + 4 ˆj is 1− a 1− b 1− c
(a) -1 (b) 0
1 ˆ ˆ 3 ˆ ˆ (c) 1 (d) 3
(a) ( j -i) (b) ( j -i)
2 2    
29. If u = iˆ × ( a × iˆ) + ˆj × ( a × ˆj ) + kˆ × ( a × kˆ ) then
5 ˆ ˆ 7 ˆ ˆ   
(b) ( j -i) (d) ( j -i)
2 2 (a) u is a unit vector (b) u = a + iˆ + ˆj + kˆ
  
21. The resultant of A + B is R1. On reversing the vec- (c) u = 2 a (d) u = 8(iˆ + ˆj + kˆ )
  
 
tor B , the resultant becomes R 2 . What is the value of 30. The vector sum of two forces is perpendicular to their
R12 + R22 ? vector difference. In that case, the forces
(a) can not be predicted
(a) A2 + B2 (b) A2 - B2
(b) are perpendicular to each other
(b) 2(A + B )
2 2
(d) 2(A2 - B2)
(c) are equal to each other in magnitude
22. A vector of length l is turned through the angle θ (d) are not equal to each other in magnitude
about its tail. What is the change in the position vector   
of its head? 31. A and B are two vectors given by A = 2iˆ + 3 ˆj and
(a) l cos (θ/2) (b) 2l sin (θ/2)
 
B = iˆ + ˆj . The magnitude of the component of A
(b) 2l cos (θ/2) (d) l sin (θ/2) 
along B is
23. The diagonals of a parallelogram are 2iˆ and 2 ĵ . What
is the area of the parallelogram? 5 3
(a) (b)
(a) 0.5 unit (b) 1 unit 2 2
(b) 2 units (d) 4 units
  7 1
24. A parallelogram  is formed with a and b as the sides. (c) (d)
 2 2
Let d 1 and d 2 be the diagonals of the parallelogram.  
Then a2 + b2 = ____. 32. If a and b are two vectors, then the value of
(a) d12 + d22 (b) d12 - d22    
( a + b) × ( a − b) is
(c) ( d12 + d22 ) / 2 (d) ( d12 − d22 ) / 2    
  (a) a × b (b) b × a
25. Resultant
 of three non-coplanar non-zero vectors a ,b    
and c (c) −2(b × a) (d) 2(b × a)
 
(a) always lies in the plane containing a + b  
33. What should be the angle between ∆ A and A so that
  ⋅

(b) always lies in the plane containing a − b

 
| ∆ A | = ∆ | A |?
(c) can be zero
(a) 0 ° (b) 30 °
(d) cannot be zero
    (c) 60 ° (d) 90 °
26. [abc] is a scalar triple product of three vectros a, b 
   34. The direction of a vector A is reversed. What are the
and c then [abc] is equal to  
values of ∆ A and ∆ | A | ?
   
⋅ ⋅ ⋅

(a) [cba] (b) [cab] (a) +2 A, 0


(b) + A, 0

  
(c) [acb] (d) [bac]
(c) −2 A, 0 (d) − A, 0
 
27. The number  of vectors ofunit length perpendicular to
vectors a = (1, 1, 0) and b = (0, 1, 1) is 35. The vector projection of a vector 3iˆ + 4 kˆ on y-axis is
(a) one (b) two (a) 5 (b) 4
(c) three (d) infinite (c) 3 (d) 0
2.10 ■ Chapter 2

36. The
 unit vector parallel to the resultant of the vectors (a) parallel vectors which have the original vector as
A = 4i + 3 j + 6 k and B = −iˆ + 3 ˆj − 8kˆ is
ˆ ˆ ˆ their resultant.
(b) mutually perpendicular vectors which have the
1 ˆ 1 ˆ
(a) (3i + 6 ˆj - 2kˆ ) (3i + 6 ˆj + 2kˆ )
(b) original vector as their resultant.
7 7 (c) arbitrary vectors which have the original vector as
1 ˆ 1 ˆ their resultant.
(c) (3i + 6 ˆj - 2kˆ ) (d) (3i - 6 ˆj + 2kˆ )
49 49 (d) It is not possible to resolve a vector
37. Two vectors are given by A = iˆ + 2 ˆj + 2kˆ and 39. Three concurrent forces of the same magnitude are in

 equilibrium. What is the angle between the forces? Also
B = 3iˆ + 6 ˆj + 2kˆ. Another vector C has the same mag-

  name the triangle formed by the forces as sides
nitude as B but has the same direction as A . Then (a) 60 °, equilateral triangle
(b) 120 °, equilateral triangle

which of the following vectors represent C
(c) 120 °, 30 °, 30 °, an isosceles triangle
7 ˆ 3 ˆ
(a) (i + 2 ˆj + 2kˆ ) (b) (i - 2 ˆj + 2kˆ ) (d) 120 °, an obtuse angled triangle
3 7
40. Two forces 3 N and 2 N are at an angle θ such that the
7 ˆ 9 resultant is R. The first force is now increased to 6 N
(c) (i - 2 ˆj + 2kˆ ) (d) (iˆ + 2 ˆj + 2kˆ )
9 7 and the resultant become 2R. The value of θ is
38. Any vector in an arbitrary direction can always be (a) 30 ° (b) 60 °
replaced by two (or three) (c) 90 ° (d) 120 °

ANSWER KEYS

1. (c) 2. (d) 3. (d) 4. (d) 5. (a) 6. (a) 7. (a) 8. (a) 9. (a) 10. (a)
11. (b) 12. (d) 13. (c) 14. (c) 15. (b) 16. (c) 17. (d) 18. (d) 19. (d) 20. (a)
21. (c) 22. (b) 23. (c) 24. (c) 25. (d) 26. (b) 27. (b) 28. (c) 29. (c) 30. (c)
31. (a) 32. (d) 33. (a) 34. (c) 35. (d) 36. (a) 37. (a) 38. (c) 39. (b) 40. (d)

HINTS AND EXPLANATIONS FOR SELECTED QUESTIONS

  
1. r A = 0ɵi + 3 ɵj − kɵ , r B = −2ɵi + 6 ɵj + 4 kɵ

3. Let P and Q be two vectors. Then according to ques-
Displacement vector from A to B is given by d
 tion, P + Q = 17 (1)
  P-Q=7 (2)
= r B − r A = ( −2ɵi + 6 ɵj + 4 kɵ ) − (0ɵi + 3 ɵj − kɵ ) = −2ɵi + 3 ɵj + 5kɵ On adding and subtracting the Eqs. (1) and (2)
Hence, the correct answer is option (c). we get, P = 12; Q = 5
  
2. Let θ be the angle between A1 and A2 . Resultant of A1 Magnitude of resultant is given by
R = [P2 + Q2 + 2PQ cos θ]1/2

and A2 is R 2 = A12 + A22 + 2 A1 A2 cos θ
or 3A2 = A2 + A2 + 2AA cosθ Given, θ = 90 °, ∴ R = [P2 + Q2]1/2 = 13.
1 Hence, the correct answer is option (d).
or cos θ = = cos 60° or θ = 60°  
2 4. Comparing vector, we get +5k = −ak ∴ a = −5 .
The angle between A1 and − A2 is (180 ° - 60 °) = 120 °
 
Hence, the correct answer is option (d).
  
R′ = [A12 + A22 + 2A1A2 cos(180 ° - 60 °)]1/2 5. A − B = 2ɵi + 2 ɵj + 2kɵ = 2 A
= [A2 + A2 + 2A2 cos 120 °]1/2 = A. i.e., A − B and A are parallel.
  
Hence, the correct answer is option (d). Hence, the correct answer is option (a).
 Vector and Scalar ■ 2.11

      π
6. A + B + C = 0 or A + C = − B or 0 = 24 cos θ, θ=
     2 
∴ ( A + C) × B = −B × B = 0 In the right angled triangle, let the angle between A and

C be α.
   
or ( A × B) + (C × B) = 0
        C 3
or A × B = −C × B or A × B = B × C . ∴ cos α = ⇒ α = cos −1 (3 / 5).
A 5
Hence, the correct answer is option (a). Hence, the correct answer is option (a).
 
7. Let F 1 and F 2 be the two forces acting on a particle
  
11. C = A + B gives C2 = A2 + B2 + 2AB cos θ
simultaneously and θ be angle between them.
But C2 = A2 + B2
π
The resultant is R = F12 + F22 + 2 F1 F2 cos θ (1) ∴ 2 AB cos θ = 0 or cos θ = 0, θ = .
2
F1 1 Hence, the correct answer is option (b).
According to question, = or F2 = 2F1
F2 2 12. A scalar cannot be added to a vector.
and R = 3F1 Hence, the correct answer is option (d).
Substituting these values in Eq. (1), we get  
13. For normal vectors, A ⋅ B = 0. This is the case with the
(3F1)2 = F12 + (2F1)2 + 4F12 cos θ vector in option (c).
or 4cos θ = 4 or cos θ = 1 ˆ cos q + ˆjA sin q ) × (iB
ˆ sin q - ˆjB cos q )
(iA
θ = cos–1(1) = 0 °.
= AB sin q cos q - AB sin q cos q = 0.
Hence, the correct answer is option (c).
14. A parallelogram has four sides. So, if three vectors act
F2
R
along the sides of the parallelogram, their resultant can-
θ not be zero.
Hence, the correct answer is option (c).
F1       
15. Here, A + B = −C Hence, | A + B | = | −C | = | C |
Hence, the correct answer is option (a).
  Hence, the correct answer is option (b).
8. Let θ be angle between A and B .
  B sin θ sin θ
∴ Resultant of A and B is 16. tan α = =
A + B cos θ A
+ cos θ
P= A2 + B 2 + 2 AB cos θ (1) B
When B is reverse, then the angle between A and −B
  
A sin θ sin θ
and tan β = =
is (180 ° - θ). B + A cos θ B
+ cos θ
∴ Resultant of A and −B is
 
A
A B
Q= A2 + B 2 + 2 AB cos(180° − θ ) ∴ α < β when > 1, this will make < 1.
B A
Q= A2 + B 2 − 2 AB cos θ (2) Hence, the correct answer is option (c).
Squaring and adding Eqs. (1) and (2), we get 17. Rotation always changes the vector, because its direc-
P2 + Q2 = 2(A2 + B2). tion changes.
Hence, the correct answer is option (a). Hence, the correct answer is option (d).
 
1 18. Here angle between A and B is 135 °. C is equal to
 
 
9. A ⋅ B = AB cos θ = 3 × 5 × cos 60° = 3 × 5 × = 7.5.
2 A− B .
Hence, the correct answer is option (a). Hence, the correct answer is option (d).
      
10. Here A = B + C . Let angle between B and C be θ; 19. Component of A along B is
then A2 = B2 + C2 + 2BC cos θ   
 ( A × B) B
= ( A cos q ) Bˆ = ( A × Bˆ ) Bˆ =
(5)2 = 42 + 32 + 2(4)(3) cos θ B2
2.12 ■ Chapter 2

     
( A × B) = (3iˆ + 4 ˆj ) × (iˆ + ˆj ) = 7 or | F1 |2 − | F2 |2 = 0 or | F1 |2 =| F2 |2
  
B = iˆ + ˆj or B2 = 2. or | F1 | = | F2 | .
Hence, the correct answer is option (d). Hence, the correct answer is option (c).
20. Vector perpendicular to iˆ + ˆj is iˆ − ˆj  
  A⋅ B
  31. (a) Magnitude of component of A along B = 
Here A = 3iˆ + 4 ˆj and B = iˆ − ˆj |B|
 
∵ A ⋅ B = 3 − 4 = −1
(2iˆ + 3 ˆj ) × (iˆ + ˆj ) 2+3 5
 = = = .
B = iˆ − ˆj and B2 = 2. 2 2 2
Hence, the correct answer is option (a). Hence, the correct answer is option (a).
    
21. A + B = R1 i.e., A2 + B 2 + 2 AB cos θ = R12 33. A = AAˆ \ DA = ( DA) Aˆ + ( DAˆ ) A
     
and A − B = R2 i.e., A2 + B 2 − 2 AB cos θ = R22 When ∆A = 0, then DA = ( DA) Aˆ = ( D | A |) Aˆ

∴ 2( A2 + B 2 ) = R12 + R22 . \| DA |= D | Aˆ |
  
Hence, the correct answer is option (c). As ∆A = 0, hence angle between ∆A and A is zero. ⋅

  
22. ∆r = r2 − r1 , where r2 = r1 = l Hence, the correct answer is option (a).
   
34. ∆A = − A − A = −2 A
Here ∆r = r22 + r12 − 2r2 r1 cos θ
  
= 2l sin θ / 2 Now as | A | = | − A | ∴ ∆ | A | = 0°
B Hence, the correct answer is option (c).
r2
35. As the multiple of ĵ in the given vector is zero there-
Δr
fore this vector lies in xz-plane and projection of this
θ
O A vector on y-axis zero.
r1
Hence, the correct answer is option (d).
Hence, the correct answer is option (b).  
  36. Resultant of vectors A and B
23. Let the sides of the parallelogram be P and Q
R = A + B = 4iˆ + 3 ˆj + 6 kˆ − iˆ + 3 ˆj − 8kˆ
  
   
Then P + Q = 2iˆ and P − Q = 2 ˆj
R = 3iˆ + 6 ˆj − 2kˆ

 
Hence P = iˆ + ˆj , Q = iˆ − ˆj
3iˆ + 6 ˆj − 2kˆ 3iˆ + 6 ˆj − 2kˆ

Area of the parallelogram ˆ R
R =  = = .
  |R| 32 + 6 2 + ( −2) 2 7
= | P ´ Q | = | iˆ + ˆj ´ (iˆ - ˆj ) |
Hence, the correct answer is option (a).
= | -iˆ ´ ˆj + ˆj ´ iˆ | = | ( -kˆ - kˆ ) | = 2.
Hence, the correct answer is option (c).  iˆ + 2 ˆj + 2kˆ
      37. C = × 32 + 6 2 + 22
24. d1 = a + b , d2 = a − b 1+ 4 + 4

d12 = a 2 + b 2 + 2ab cos θ iˆ + 2 ˆj + 2kˆ 7

= 49 = (iˆ + 2 ˆj + 2kˆ ).
3 3
d22 = a 2 + b 2 − 2ab cos θ
Hence, the correct answer is option (a).
Hence, the correct answer is option (c).
39. If N forces of equal magnitude act on a single point and
30. As two vectors are perpendicular to each other, hence
  their resultant is zero then angle between any two forces
S ⋅D = 0 is given by,
   
or ( F1 + F2 ) ⋅ ( F1 − F2 ) = 0 360 360
  θ= = = 120°
or ( F1 ) 2 − ( F2 ) 2 = 0 N 3
 Vector and Scalar ■ 2.13

F
40. (d) A = 3, B = 2 then R = A2 + B 2 + 2 AB cos θ

R = 9 + 4 + 24 cos θ (1)
120° Now A = 6, B = 2 then
120° F
120° 2 R = 36 + 4 + 24 cos θ (2)
1
From Eqs. (1) and (2), we get cos θ = − ∴θ = 120°
F
2
Hence, the correct answer is option (b).
Hence, the correct answer is option (b).

PREVIOUS YEARS’ QUESTIONS

   
1. If | A + B | = | A | + | B | then angle between A and B will 6. If a vector 2iˆ + 3 ˆj + 8kˆ is perpendicular to the vector
be
4 ˆj − 4iˆ + α kˆ , then the value of α is
(a) 90 ° (b) 120 °
(c) 0 ° (d) 60 ° (a) 1/2 (b) -1/2
[AIPMT 2001] (c) 1 (d) -1
2. Which one is a vector quantity? [AIPMT 2005]
(a) Flux density 7. If the angle between the vectors A and B is θ , the
 
(b) Magnetic field intensity
value of the product ( B × A) ⋅ A is equal to
  
(c) Temperature
(d) Time (a) BA2 sin θ (b) BA2 cos θ
[AFMC 2003] (c) BA2 sin θ cos θ (d) zero
3. A body goes 20 km north and then 10 km due east. The [AIPMT 2005]
displacement of body from its starting point is
8. Minimum number of unequal vectors which can give
(a) 30 km (b) 25.2 km
zero resultant are
(c) 22.36 km (d) 10 km
(a) two (b) three
[AFMC 2003]
(c) four (d) more than four
4. If A × B = 3 A ⋅ B then the value of | A + B | is
     
[AFMC 2005]
12
 AB 
     
9. The vectors A and B are such that | A + B | = | A − B | .
(a) (A + B + AB) /
2 2 1 2
(b)  A2 + B 2 + 
 3 The angle between the two vectors is
(a) 45 ° (b) 90 °
(c) A + B (d) ( A2 + B 2 + 3 AB)1 2 (c) 60 ° (d) 75 °
[AIPMT 2004] [AIPMT 2006]

10. A and B are two vectors and θ is the angle between

 
5. An aeroplane flies 400 m due north and then 300 m due
south and then flies 1200 m upwards. The net displace- them, if | A × B | = 3 ( A ⋅ B) , the value of θ is
   
ment is
(a) greater than 1200 m (a) 45 ° (b) 30 °
(b) less than 1200 m (c) 90 ° (d) 60 °
(c) 1400 m [AIPMT 2007]
(d) 1500 m
[AFMC 2004]

ANSWER KEYS

1. (c) 2. (b) 3. (c) 4. (a) 5. (a) 6. (a) 7. (d) 8. (b) 9. (b) 10. (d)
HINTS AND EXPLANATIONS FOR SELECTED QUESTIONS
     
1. | A + B | = | A | + | B | if A B ⋅ θ = 0° .

If a dot product of this cross product and A is taken, as
  
Hence, the correct answer is option (c). the cross product is perpendicular to A, C × A = 0.
   
4. | A × B | = 3 A ⋅ B
  
Therefore product of ( B × A) ⋅ A = 0.
   
⇒| A || B | sin θ = 3 | A || B | cos θ Hence, the correct answer is option (d).
9. Let θ be angle between A and B
 
⇒ tan θ = 3 ⇒ θ = 60°
       
| A + B | = | A − B |, then | A − B |2 = | A − B |2
     
| A + B | = | A |2 + | B |2 +2 | A || B | cos θ
       
= ( A2 + B 2 + AB )1 2 . or ( A + B ) ⋅ ( A + B) = ( A − B) ⋅ ( A − B)
Hence, the correct answer is option (a).                
  or A ⋅ A + A ⋅ B + B ⋅ A + B ⋅ B = A ⋅ A − A ⋅ B − B ⋅ A + B ⋅B
6. a = 2iˆ + 3 ˆj + 8kˆ , b = 4 ˆj − 4iˆ + α kˆ
or 4 AB cos θ = 0 or cos θ = 0° or θ = 90°.
   
a ⋅ b = 0 if a ⊥ b Hence, the correct answer is option (b).
(2iˆ + 3 ˆj + 8kˆ ) × ( -4iˆ + 4 ˆj + a kˆ ) = 0    
10. | A × B | = 3 ( A ⋅ B)
or, −8 + 12 + 8α = 0 ⇒ 4 + 8α = 0 ⇒ α = −1 2 .
∴ AB sin θ = 3 AB cos θ
Hence, the correct answer is option (a).
   or, tan θ = 3 or θ = tan −1 ( 3 ) = 60°.
7. Let A × B = C
  Hence, the correct answer is option (d).
The cross product of A and B perpendicular to the
  
plane containing A and B i.e., perpendicular to B .

QUESTIONS FROM NCERT EXEMPLAR

1. Which one of the following statements is true?
(a) A scalar quantity is the one that is conserved in a
process.
(b) A scalar quantity is the one that can never take neg-
ative values.
(c) A scalar quantity is the one that does not vary from
one point to another in space.
(d) A scalar quantity has the same value for observers
with different orientations of the axes.
2. The component of a vector r along X-axis will have
maximum value if
(a) r is along positive Y-axis
(b) r is along positive X-axis
(c) r makes an angle of 45 ° with the X-axis
(d) r is along negative Y-axis
3. Consider the quantities, pressure, power, energy,
impulse, gravitational potential, electrical charge, tem-
perature, area. Out of these, the only vector quantities
are
(a) Impulse, pressure and area
(b) Impulse and area
(c) Area and gravitational potential
(d) Impulse and pressure
4. Three vectors A, B and C add up to zero. Find which is
false.
(a) (A × B) × C is not zero unless B, C are parallel
(b) (A × B) · C is not zero unless B, C are parallel
(c) If A, B, C define a plane, (A × B) × C is in that plane
(d) (A × B) · C = |A||B||C| → C2 = A2 + B2

ANSWER KEYS

1. (d) 2. (b) 3. (b) 4. (c)

 Vector and Scalar ■ 2.15

HINTS AND EXPLANATIONS FOR SELECTED QUESTIONS

1. A scalar quantity is independent of direction hence it
always has the same value for observer with different
orientations of axes.
Hence, the correct answer is option (d).
3. Since, impulse J = F Δt = Δp where F is force.
Here Δp is a vector quantity hence impulse is also a
vector quantity.
Hence, the correct answer is option (b).
4. These type of questions are done with hit and trial
method.
Hence, the correct answer is option (c).
2.16 ■ Chapter 2

AIIMS-ESSENTIALS

ASSERTION AND REASON

In the following questions, a statement of assertion is 4. Assertion: The magnitude of the resultant of two vec-
followed by a statement of reason. You are required to tors is always greater than magnitude of the individual
choose the correct one out of the given five responses and vectors.
mark it as Reason: It is in accordance with the laws of algebra.
(a) If both assertion and reason are true and reason is the 5. Assertion: The magnitude of the resultant of two vec-
correct explanation of the assertion.  
tors P and Q is maximum (P + Q), when the two vec-
(b) If both assertion and reason are true but reason is not
tors act in the same direction and minimum (P - Q),
correct explanation of the assertion.
when they act in opposite directions.
(c) If assertion is true, but reason is false.
Reason: The resultant of two vectors can be found by
(d) If both assertion and reason are false.
using the relation
(e) If reason is true but assertion is false.
R = P 2 + Q 2 + 2 PQ cos θ
1. Assertion: A physical quantity that has both magnitude
and direction is not necessarily a vector quantity.
     
6. Assertion: If | A + B | = | A − B | , then vectors A and B
Reason: For a physical quantity to be vector, the com- must be at right angles to each other.
mutative law must hold for the addition of such two
Reason: The vectors A + B and A − B are always at
   
physical quantities.
right angles to each other.
2. Assertion: Any two vectors can be added.
7. Assertion: If A + B = A − B , then vector B must be a
    
Reason: The vectors are added by applying the laws of
algebra. zero vector.
3. Assertion: The resultant of any three vectors lying in Reason: It is because, by definition of null vector,
the same plane is zero.   
A± 0 = A
Reason: Any three vectors lying in the same plane can be
represented by the three sides of a triangle taken in order.

ANSWER KEYS

1. (a) 2. (d) 3. (d) 4. (d) 5. (b) 6. (c) 7. (a)

HINTS AND EXPLANATIONS FOR SELECTED QUESTIONS

1. Both are true.
Hence, the correct answer is option (a).
2. A vector can be added to another vector of same nature
only.
Hence, the correct answer is option (d).
3. Both are false.
Hence, the correct answer is option (d).
4. Both are false.
Hence, the correct answer is option (d).
5. When the two vectors act in the same direction, θ = 0°
and when they act in opposite directions, θ =180°. By
setting θ = 0° and θ =180°, from the relation
R = P 2 + Q 2 + 2 PQ cos θ ,
it can be obtained that the resultant is (P + Q) and
(P - Q) in the respective cases.
Hence, the correct answer is option (b).
6. The assertion is true but the reasoning is false.
Hence, the correct answer is option (c).
7. Both are true.
Hence, the correct answer is option (a).
 Vector and Scalar ■ 2.17

PREVIOUS YEARS’ QUESTIONS

SECTION - I (ASSERTION-REASON TYPE)

   
3. If | P ⋅ Q | = PQ, then the angles between P and Q is
(a) 45 ° (b) 30 °
In the following questions, a statement of assertion is
(c) 60 ° (d) 0 °
followed by a statement of reason. You are required to
[1999]
choose the correct one out of the given five responses and
mark it as 4. If vectors P = aiˆ + ajˆ + akˆ and Q = aiˆ − ajˆ − kˆ are per-
 
(a) If both assertion and reason are true and reason is the pendicular to each other, then the positive value of a is
correct explanation of the assertion. (a) 3 (b) 1
(b) If both assertion and reason are true but reason is not (c) 2 (d) 0
correct explanation of the assertion. [2002]
(c) If assertion is true, but reason is false.
(d) If both assertion and reason are false. 5. Two equal vectors have a resultant equal to either. The
(e) If reason is true but assertion is false. angle between them is
(a) 60 ° (b) 90 °
1. Assertion: Current and time both have direction as well
(c) 100 ° (d) 2 2
as magnitude but still are not considered vector.
Reason: They do not follow laws of vector addition. [2009]
[AIIMS 2000] 6. If a vector 2iˆ + 3 ˆj + 8kˆ is perpendicular to the vector
4iˆ − 4 ˆj + α kˆ, then value of α is
SECTION - II (MULTIPLE CHOICE 1
(a) -1 (b)
QUESTIONS TYPE) 2
1
1. Angle between two vectors of magnitudes 12 and 18 (c) − (d) 1
units, when their resultant is 24 units, is 2 [2013]
(a) 82 °31′ (b) 63 °51′  
(c) 89 °16′ (d) 75 °52′ 7. Two vectors A and B have equal magnitudes. If mag-
nitude of A + B is equal to n times the magnitude of
 
[1996]
A − B , then the angle between A and B is
   
2. What happens, when we multiply a vector by -2?
(a) Direction reverses and unit changes  n −1   n2 − 1 
(a) cos −1   (b) cos −1  2 
(b) Direction reverses and magnitude is doubled  n +1  n +1
(c) Direction remains unchanged but unit changes
(d) Neither direction reverses nor unit changes but the  n −1   n2 − 1 
(c) sin −1   (d) sin −1  2 
magnitude is doubled.  n +1  n +1
[1997] [2016]

ANSWER KEYS

Section - I (Assertion-Reason Type)

1. (a)

Section - II (Multiple Choice Questions Type)

1. (d) 2. (b) 3. (d) 4. (a) 5. (b) 6. (b) 7. (b)
2.18 ■ Chapter 2

HINTS AND EXPLANATIONS FOR SELECTED QUESTIONS

 
SECTION - I (ASSERTION-REASON TYPE) 4. Vector p = aiɵ + a ɵj + 3kɵ and vector Q = aiɵ − 2 ɵj − kɵ .
If two vectors are perpendicular to each other, them
1. A physical quantity to be treated as a vector, it is neces-  
P ⋅Q = 0
sary for it to have both magnitude and direction. But
this is not sufficient condition for the physical quantity or ( ai + a j + 3k ) ⋅ ( ai − 2 j − k ) = 0
to be treated as a vector. A vector quantity has to fol- or a2 - 2a - 3 = 0.
low the laws of vector addition. That’s why, even though
Solving this quadratic equation, we get a = 3 or -1.
current and time have both magnitude and direction,
they are not considered as vectors. Therefore positive value of a is 3.
Hence, the correct answer is option (a). Hence, the correct answer is option (a).
6. For perpendicular vectors.
 
SECTION - II (MULTIPLE CHOICE A⋅ B = 0
QUESTIONS TYPE) ∴ ( 2i + 3 j + 8k ) ⋅ ( 4i − 4 j + α k ) = 0
1
 first vector ( A) = 12; Magnitude
8 - 12 + 8α = 0 - 4 + 8α = 0

1. Given: Magnitude of .α=
2
of second vector ( B) = 18 and resultant of the given
Hence, the correct answer is option (b).
vectors ( R) = 24. We know that resultant

 
 7. Let θ the angle between A and B
vector | R | = 24 = A2 + B 2 + 2 AB cos θ
   
| A+ B | = n | A− B |
2 2
= (12 ) + (18) + 2 × 12 × 18 cos θ ⇒ A2 + B 2 + 2 AB cos θ
108 = n A2 + B 2 + 2 AB cos(180 − θ )
or cos θ = = 0.25 or θ = cos −1 0.25 = 75°52′.
432
| A | = | B | or A = B = x
 
Hence, the correct answer is option (d).
2. Negative sign reverses the direction. Since magnitude ⇒ 2 x 2 (1 + cos θ ) = n2 ⋅ 2 x 2 (1 − cos θ )
of the number is 2, therefore magnitude of the vector is ⇒ 1 + cos θ = n2 − n2 cos θ
doubled.
Hence, the correct answer is option (b). ⇒ (1 + n2 ) cos θ = n2 − 1

n2 − 1  n2 − 1 
 
3. | P ⋅ Q | = PQ ⇒ PQ cos θ = PQ ⇒ cos θ = ⇒ θ = cos −1  2
n +1 .
 n +1
2
⇒ cos θ = 1 ⇒ θ = 0°.
Hence, the correct answer is option (d). Hence, the correct answer is option (b).