Vector

Physics Scholar’s Academy/ Vector/ 1
INTRODUCTION
In physics, various quantities are broadly classified into two categories:
1. Scalars
2. Vectors.
SCALARS
Scalars are those physical quantities which have magnitude only but no direction. For example:
mass, length, time, work, etc.
VECTORS
Vectors are those physical quantities which have both magnitude and direction. For example: velocity,
acceleration, momentum, force, etc.
 NOTE:
A vector is meaningful only if we know both magnitude and direction of a vector. Without knowing
direction, the description of a vector quantity is incomplete
REPRESENTATION OF VECTOR
A vector is represented by a directed line segment, with an arrow head. For example, a vector is
represented by a directed line PQ
Q
F
P
Fig. 2.1
Point P is called tail or origin of the vector. Point Q, the end point of vector, is called tip, head or
terminal point of the vector.
1. The length of the line represents the magnitude of the vector.
2. The arrow head represents the direction of the vector.
SYMBOLIC NOTATION OF VECTOR

 Vectors are represented in either of the following two ways.
 
 Either as r, PQ , etc. (arrow on the head)
 or as r, PQ, etc. (bold letters)
West Delhi: A-4/44, Ist Floor, Paschim Vihar, New Delhi-110063 | Phone: 011-45534316 (100 lines) ONLINE SUPPORT
SCHOLAR’S North Delhi: 10, Kapil Vihar, II Floor, Opp. Metro Pillar No.349, Near Kohat Enclave Metro Station, Delhi-34
ACADEMY Uttar Pradesh: Plot No.7, Krishna Complex, Near C.L. Gupta Institute Turn, Ram ganga Vihar, Phase-II www.scholarsiitjee.com
MIT-Vivekanand Road, Moradabad-244001
2 Scholar’s Academy/ Vector Physics
MAGNITUDE OF A VECTOR
 Magnitude (also called modules or mod values) is the LENGTH of the vector.
 Magnitude of vectors are represented by normal alphabets, e.g.
   
 Magnitude of r , or PQ = r or r , PQ or PQ .
INTRODUCTION OF DIFFERENT TYPES OF VECTOR

COLLINEAR VECTORS
The vectors which either act along the same line or along the parallel lines are called collinear
vectors. These vectors may act either in the same direction or in the opposite direction.
PARALLEL VECTORS
Two collinear vectors having the same direction are called parallel or like vectors. Angle between
them is 0°.
or x y
y
Fig. 2.2
ANTIPARALLEL VECTORS
Two collinear vectors acting in opposite directions are called antiparallel or opposite vectors . The
angle between them is 180° or π-radian.
→
x
y x
or
→
y
Fig. 2.3
EQUAL VECTORS
Two vectors are
 said 
to be equal vectors if they have equal magnitude and same direction. Two
equal vectors A and B are represented by two equal and parallel lines having arrow heads in the
same direction.
→
A
 
→ A=B
B
Fig. 2.4
NEGATIVE OF A VECTOR
A negative vector of a given vector is a vectorhaving same magnitude
 with the direction opposite to
that of given vector. The negative vector of A is represented by – A .
−A
Fig. 2.5
COPLANAR VECTORS
  
These are vectors which the lie in the same plane. A , B and C are acting in the same plane, i.e. XY
plane, so they are coplanar vectors
→ →
A C
→
B
X
O
Fig. 2.6
UNIT VECTORS
Unit vectors are vectors whose magnitude is one unit.
 
If a is an unit vector then a = 1
 
and if a = 1 then a is an unit vector
Symbolic notation of a unit vector : â

â general arrow
â could be in any direction
read as a-cap, a-hat, or as a-caret
TYPES OF UNIT VECTORS

Unit vectors are further categorised into 2 categories:
1. Fundamental unit Vectors
2. Composite unit Vectors.
FUNDAMENTAL UNIT VECTORS
^
1↑ j 
 
^ ^
k → 1i

Fig. 2.7
Fundamental unit vectors are the one who specifically point along the standard co-ordinate axes
i.e.either specifically along x or y or z.
Composite unit vector are the ones which are pointing in some random directions and have
contribution of 2 or more than 2 direction vectors.
4 jˆ= 
4 units
En = –K/n2 → + y-axis.
Example - 1 Represent the following statement vectorally.

Sol. A car moves with the speed of 10 m/s along x-axis
y
i v
x
10 units
Fig. 2.8
COMPOSITE VECTOR
Composite unit vector are the ones which are pointing in some random directions and have
contribution of 2 or more than 2 direction vectors.
For example: If we move three units on x-axis and four units on y-axis then we get a vector as
3i + 4 j
y
3i + 4 j
4 units
4j
3i
x
3 units
Fig. 2.9
Example - 2 Represent the following vector :

(1) 7i + 8 j (2) 7i − 8 j (3) −7i + 8 j (d) −7i − 8 j
j
− 7i + 8 j 7i + 8 j
–i i
− 7i − 8j 7i − 8 j
–j
Fig. 2.10
MAGNITUDE OF VECTOR

If we have a vector P
= ai + b j and we want to find the magnitude of this vector then we will use

P= ai + b j

P = ai + b j = a 2 + b2
∴ pythagoras theorem
3i + 4 j
4 units
4j
3i
x
3 units
Fig. 2.11
For example : If we have a vector 2i − 3 j
then its magnitude is given by
2i − 3 j = 22 + 32 = 13
COMPOSITE UNIT VECTOR

Now, we are interested in finding the composite unit vector along its direction. To find that we

would decide the a and we will get a .

a
a = 
⇒ a
We want to find a unit vector of vector.

So in our example,

a= 3i + 4 j

a = 32 + 42 = 5

a 3i + 4 j 3 4
a
= =

a 5 = 5i + 5 j
Example - 3 Find unit vectors along those following vectors:
(i) 3i + 4 j + 5k
 (ii) i + 2 j − 3k


Sol. (i) a = 3i + 4 j + 5k

a= 32 + 4 2 + 52 = 5 2
1
a
∴=
5 2
(3i + 4 j + 5k )

(ii) a =+
i 2 j − 3k
 2
a
= 12 + 22 + ( −3)= 14

1
∴ a
a =  =
a 14
(i + 2j − 3k )
1. A car is moving with 20 m/s along ‘y’ axis. Write the velocity in vector form.
2. A boy moved from to origin to (3, 6) coordinate. Write its position vector.
3. Find the magnitude of following vectors and check if they are unit vectors.
 5 1  1  5 2 1
(a) 2i + 3 j (b)  i + j + k (c) i + j (d) −i + 2 j − k
6 3 2 2  7 7 4
MAGNITUDE OF VECTOR
The following operations can be performed on vectors
1. Addition
2. Subtraction
3. Multiplication
a) Dot Product
b) Cross Product
ADDITION OF VECTORS
We cannot add vectors like scalars. We have two different approach for addition.
(i) Theoretically (ii) Graphically
THEORETICAL ANALYSIS
We have two vectors

a = x1 i + y1 j + z1 k

and b = x2 i + y2 j + z2 k
 
Then a + b implies adding components that are along same direction.
 
⇒ a + b= ( x1 + x2 ) i + ( y1 + y2 ) j + ( z1 + z2 ) k
Let us add :

a = 4i + 2 j + 3k

b =i + 6 j + 5 k
 
a + b = ( 4 + 1) i + ( 4 + 6) j + ( 3 + 5) k
= 5i + 10j + 8 k
We can apply this method for addition of more than 2 vectors.
Graphically Analysis (Tip to Tail Method)
1. Draw the two vectors by arrow head lines using the same suitable scale.
2. Put the second vector such that its tail coincides with the head or tip of the first vector.
3. Now, draw a single vector from the tail of the first vector to the head of the second vector.
This single vector represents the resultant of the two vectors.
Let us discuss some cases:
 
1. When two vectors are acting in the same direction Let the two vectors x and y be acting in the
same direction.
x y
x
R= x + y R=x+y
y
(a) (b) (c )
Fig. 2.12
2. When two vectors are acting in opposite directions:
 
To find the resultant, in this case, coincide the head of x on the tail of y and then draw a single
   
vectors R from the tail of x to the head of y . The vector R gives the resultant of
 
vectors x and y
x y x y R = x + (− y )
(a) (b) (c )
Fig. 2.13
The direction of the resultant vector is the same as that of bigger vector.
3. When two vectors are acting at some angle:
 
First join the tail of y with the head of x and then, to find the resultant in this case, draw a
   
vector R from the tail of x it to the head of y . This single vector R drawn is the resultant vector as
shows
R
y
y
x x
Fig. 2.14
     
R represents the resultant of x and y both in magnitude and direction. So, R = x + y .
TRIANGLE LAW OF VECTOR ADDITION
If two vectors can be represented both in magnitude and direction by the two sides of a triangle
taken in the same order, then their resultant is represented by the third side of the triangle (both
in magnitude and direction) taken in reverse direction. as shows
R
y
y
x x
Fig. 2.15
 
Suppose x and y are two vectors acting on a particle at the same time. They are represented as
  
two sides of a triangle and R represents the third side .Thus, R represents the resultant of x and
   
y both in magnitude and direction. So, we can write: R= x + y
PARALLELOGRAM LAW OF VECTOR ADDITION
It states that if two vectors can be represented both in magnitude and direction by two adjacent
sides of a parallelogram, then the resultant is represented completely both in magnitude and
direction by the corresponding diagonal of the parallelogram.
 
(i) Consider two vectors x and y as shown.
x
(a)
Fig. 2.16
 
(ii) Draw these two vectors x and y from a common point O.
y
A
x
(b)
Fig. 2.17
(iii) Now complete the  gm as shown.
B C
y
O A
x
(c)
Fig. 2.18
        
(iv) Draw the diagonal OC which represents resultant of x and y . OC
= OA + OB So, R= x + y
B C
R
y
O A
x
(d)
Fig. 2.19
POLYGON LAW OF VECTOR ADDITION

For this, we can use following steps:
1. Represent these vectors by arrow head lines using the same suitable scale.
2. Put these vectors in such a way that the head of one coincides with the tail of second and so
on to the last vector.
3. Then, draw a single vector from the tail of first vector to the head of the last vector.
4. This single vector represents the resultant of all the vectors.
The above mentioned process may be known as polygon law of vector addition. It states that if any
number of vectors acting on a particle at the same time are represented in magnitude and direction
by the sides of an open polygon taken in order, then their resultant is represented both in magnitude
   
and direction by the closing side of the polygon. Consider four vectors w, x , y, z as shown
x x w
z
w R y
y
z
(a) (b)
Fig. 2.20
        
Then, R = x + w + y + z , (b), represents the resultant of w, x , y, and z .
MAGNITUDE OF RESULTANT OF TWO VECTORS
Here, we will treat both triangle law and the parallelogram law of vector addition analytically to
find the resultant of two vectors.
 
1. By Triangle Law of Vector Addition: Let us consider two vectors P and Q acting
simultaneously on a particle and inclined at an angle θ . Let these vectors be represented both
 
in magnitude and direction by the two sides OA and AC of ∆OAC taken in same order. Then,

the third side OC represents the resultant (taken in opposite order)
C
R
Q
β θ
O N
P A
Fig. 2.21
Draw CN ⊥ ON (extended).
From the right angled ∆CNO
2
OC 2 =R2 =ON 2 + NC 2 =(OA + AN ) + NC 2
2
⇒ R2 =
( P + AN ) + NC 2
In right-angled ∆ANC ,
NC AN
sin θ = ⇒ NC = Q sin θ and cos θ =
Q Q
⇒ AN = Q cos θ
( P + Q cos θ )2 + Q 2 sin2 θ
From equation (i): R2 =
2
⇒ R= P 2 + Q 2 cos2 θ + 2PQ cos θ + Q 2 sin 2 θ
⇒ R2 =+ (
P 2 Q 2 cos2 θ + sin 2 θ + 2PQ cos θ )
⇒ R2 = P 2 + Q 2 + 2PQ cos θ  cos2 θ + sin 2 θ =
1
 
⇒ R= P 2 + Q 2 + 2PQ cos θ
The equation of the magnitude of the resultant vector can be written in either of the
following two ways.
  2  2  
1. R= P + Q + 2 P Q cosθ
   2  2  
2. P + Q= P + Q + 2 P Q cosθ
  NC NC Q sin θ
Let β be the angle which R makes with P . Then. tan
= β = =
ON OA + AN P + Q cos θ

 Q sin θ   Q sin θ 
−1
∴ β =tan −1
 P + Q cos θ  = tan    
   P + Q cos θ 
 
Which gives the direction of the resultant vector.
 
2. By Parallelogram Law of Vector Addition: Let us consider two vectors P and Q acting
simultaneously at a point and let us further assume that they can be represented both in
 
magnitude and direction by the two adjacent sides of a parallelogram OA and OB inclined at
an angle θ w.r.t. each other. Draw CN ⊥ ON (extended) . Remaining procedure is same as above
in triangle law.
B C
Q R
θ
β θ
O P A N
Fig. 2.22
 SPECIAL CASES:
CASE I. When the given vector act in the same direction (θ = 0º)
So, R= P 2 + Q 2 + 2PQ cos 0° [From equation (ii)]

  
= P 2 + Q 2 + 2PQ = ( P + Q )2 =P + Q [ cos 0° =1] or R= P +Q
which represents the magnitude of the resultant.

CASE II. When the given vectors act in opposite directions (=
θ 180° ) .
So, R= P 2 + Q 2 + 2PQ cos180°
= P 2 + Q 2 − 2PQ
= ( P − Q )2 [ cos180° = − 1]
  
R = ± ( P − Q ) =P − Q or Q − P or R
= P −Q
which represents the magnitude of the resultant.

 
CASE III. When the given vectors P and Q act at right angle to each other (θ= 90° ) .
R
∴= P 2 + Q 2 + 2PQ cos 90
= ° P 2 + Q2 [ cos 90° =0]
  2  2 Q sin 90°
or=
R P + Q and tan β = [ sin= 90°= 1] or tan β = Q .
p + Q cos 90° P
SUBTRACTION OF TWO VECTORS

   
Suppose we have to subtract a vector B from A . So, we have to find A − B . It can also be written
    
( )
as A + − B . Hence, subtraction of a vector B from A becomes as the addition of vectors A and

–B
S= A 2 + B 2 + 2 AB cos (180 − θ ) B
B sin (180 − θ )
2 2 tan β = θ
⇒ S= A + B − 2 AB cos θ A + B cos (180 − θ ) A
B sin θ β
⇒ tan β =
A − B cos θ B
180 − θ
θ S
β A 180 − θ −B
Fig. 22
S −B
Fig. 2.23
Example - 4 Two forces of 10 N and 15 N are acting at a point at an angle of 45° with each
other. Find out the magnitude and the direction of their resultant force.
Sol. Given A = 10 N, B = 15 N, θ = 45º

Magnitude of resultant force : R = A 2 + B 2 + 2 AB cos θ
= 102 + 152 + 2 × 10 × 15 × cos 45 = 23.76 N
α θ = 45°
A
Fig. 2.24
B sin θ 15 sin 45

Direction
= : tan α = = 0.5147
A + B cos θ 10 + 15 cos 45
α= tan −1 ( 0.5147=
) 27°
Example - 5 Two forces of equal magnitude are acting at a point. The magnitude of their
resultant is equal to magnitude of the either. Find the angle between the force vectors.
Sol. Given R = A = B. Using R2 = A2 + B2 + 2AB cos θ.
A2 = A2 + A2 + 2AA cos θ
1
⇒ cos θ = − ⇒ θ = 120°
2
Condition for Zero Resultant Vectors
1. The resultant of two vectors can only be zero if they are equal in magnitude and opposite in
direction.
A
B= –A
B
A + B= 0
Fig. 2.25
2. The resultant of three or more vectors can be zero if they constitute a close figure when taken
in same order
D
C
C B A+B+C+D+E=0
A+B+C=0 E
B
A
A
Fig. 2.26
  
 , Q = i − 3j + 5k
Example - 6 Show that the vectors P = 3i − 2j + k  and R = 2i + j − 4k
 form a right-
angled triangle.
2
Sol. P
= 32 + ( −2) + 1=
2
14
2
Q
= 12 + ( −3) + 5=
2
35
Q
R
P
Fig. 2.27
2
and R
= 22 + 12 + ( −4 )= 21
   2
We see that P= Q + R and Q= P 2 + R2 is satisfied. Hence, they will form a right-angled
  
triangle, with Q as hypotenuse and P and R the other two sides as shown in the figure.
Lami’s Theorem
It states that if the resultant of three vectors is zero, then magnitude of a vector is directly
proportional to the sine of angle between the other two vectors (see in the figure). Or it can be
stated as if the resulant of three vectors is zero, then the ratio of magnitude of a vector to the
sine of angle between the other two vectors is constant, i.e.,
A B C
= =
sin α sin β sin γ
B
α
1 γ
C B α A
β
3 γ
2
β A
C
Fig. 2.28
   
Example - 7 Given that A + B + C = 0 . Out of three vectors two are equal in magnitude and the
magnitude of the third vector is 2 times that of either of the two having equal
magnitude. Find the angles between the vectors.
Sol. Given A = B, C = 2A= 2 B = B. From the figure
α = β and α + β +=
γ 180° γ 180° − 2α
⇒=
A C
Apply Lami’s theorem : =
sin α sin y
A 2A
⇒ =
sin α sin (180 − 2α )
1 2
⇒ =
sin α sin 2α
1 2 1
⇒ = ⇒ cos α = ⇒ α= 45°
sin α 2 sin α cos α 2
⇒ β =45 and=γ 180 −=
2α 90
α
C B
β γ
A
Fig. 2.29
   
Angle between A and= − γ 90 , and between B and=
B 180 = − α 135 angle
C 180 =
   
between C and =A 180° − =
B 135 ° C and =A 180° − =
B 135 °
1. ( ) ( )
A force of 2i + 3 j + k N and another force of i + j + k N are acting on a body. What is the magnitude
of total force acting on the body?
  
2. = 3i + 4 j and =
If a b 7i + 24 j , then find the vector having the same magnitude as that of b and

parallel to a .
 
3. In the vector diagram given below in the figure, what is the angle between A and B ? (Given :
B
C= )
2
B
C
A
Fig. 2.30
4. What is the angle made by 3i + 4 j with x-axis?
 
5. ( ) ( )

Three forces A = i + j + k , B = 2i − j + 3k , and C are acting on a body which is kept equilibrium.

Find C .
6. At what angle should the two force vectors 2F and 2 F act so that the resultant force is 10 F.?
7. Two forces while acting on a particle in opposite directions, have the resultant of 10 N. If they act
at right angles to each other, the resultant is found to be 50 N. Find the two forces.
8. Two forces each equal to F/2 act at right angle. Their effect may be neutralized by a third force
acting along their bisector in the opposite direction. What is the magnitude of that third force?
9. The resultant of two forces has magnitude 20 N. One of the forces is of magnitude 20 3 N and
makes angle of 30° with the resultant. What is the magnitude of the other force?
10. The sum of the magnitude of two vectors is 18. The magnitude of their resultant is 12. If the
resultant is perpendicular to one of the vectors, then find the magnitudes of the two vectors.
RECTANGULAR COMPONENTS OF AVECTOR IN TWO DIMENSIONS (RESOLVING OF AVECTOR)

When a vector is split into two mutually perpendicular directions in a plane, the component vectors
are called rectangular components of the given vector in a plane.
 
In the figure shows vector A represented OP .
Y
N P
A
Ay
X
O Ax M
Fig. 2.31
Component along x-axis Ax = A cos θ (Horizontal component) (1)
Component along y-axis Ay = A sin θ (Vertical component) (2)
  
So, A = Ax + A y = Ax i + A y j
Squaring and adding equations (1) and (2), we get
2
A= 2
x + Ay (
A 2 sin 2 θ +=
cos2 θ A2 )
PM Ay
⇒=A Ax2 + A 2y and tan
= θ =
OM Ax
So, knowledge of components of a vector gives information about angle which the vector makes
with different axes.
Example - 8 A force of 10 N is inclined at an angle of 30° to the horizontal. Find the horizontal
and vertical components of the force.
Sol. Let R = 10 N. Horizontal component.
= cos 30 10
Rx R = = 3 / 2 5 3N
Vertical component : Ry = R sin 30º = 10/2 = 5 N

Example - 9 The x and y components of vector A are 4 m and 6 m, respectively. The x and y
  
components of vector A + B are 10 m and 9 m, respectively. Calculate for the vector B
 
the followings : (i) its x and y components ; (ii) its length, assuming that A and B lie in x
– y plane; and (iii) the angle it makes with the x-axis.

Sol. Given A = 4i + 6 j ...(i)
 
and A + B = 10i + 9 j ...(ii)

Substract equation (1) from (2), we get B = 6i + 3 j

1. Hence, x and y components of B are 6 and 3 m, respectively
 
2. Length of B = magnitude of B = 62 + 32 = 3 5 m

3. Let B makes an angle α with x-axis, then tan α = 3/6.
−1
⇒ α tan
= = (1 / 2) 26.6
RECTANGULAR COMPONENTS OF A VECTOR IN THREE DIMENSIONS
When a vector is split into mutually perpendicular directions in 3-D space, the component vectors
obtained are called rectangular components of the given vector in 3-D space.
 
In the figure shows vector A represented by OP .
   
Here, A = A x + A y + A z = Ax i + A y j + Az k

The magnitude of A is given by, A = Ax2 + A 2y + Az2
Y
S
Ay P
A Ax
O X
Q
Az
R T
Z
Fig. 2.32
DIRECTION COSINES
Let A is a point in space whose coordinates are (x, y, z), then its position vector w.r.t. The origin of
 
coordinate system is given by : r = OA = xi + y j + zk
And r = OA = x 2 + y2 + z 2

Angles or r with x-, y- and z-axis, respectively, are given by :
x y z
cos α= = l, cos β= = m, cos γ= = n
r r r
y
A (x,y,z)
r
y
β
α
O x
γ z
x
z
Fig. 2.33
The direction cosines l, m and n of a vector are the cosines of the angles α, β and γ which a given
vector makes with x-, y-, and z-axis, respectively.
Now, squaring and adding l, m, and n
x 2 + y2 + z 2
cos2 α + cos2 β + cos2 γ =
r2
r2
or l2 + m2 + n2 ==1
r2
It means the sum of squares of the direction cosines of a vector is always unity.
 
1. If A = 3i + 4j + 5k, then the magnitude of A is
(a) 5 10 (b) 2 5 (c) 5 2 (d) 50

 
2. The resultant of the forces F=1 4i − 3j and F=2 6i + 8j is
(a) 5 5 (b) 10i – 5j (c) 125 (d) –2i – 11j

  
3. Two vectors are given by a =−2i + j − 3k and b = 5i + 3 j − 2k Third vector C is if 3a + 2b – c = 0
(a) 4i – 9j –13k (b) –4j – 9j + 13 k (c) 4i – 9j –13k (d) none
   
4. A force F1 when added to a force F= 2 3i − 5j gives a resultant force F = –4i. Then F1 is given by
(a) 7i + 5j (b) –7i + 5j (c) 7i – 5j (d) none
5. The maximum and minimum resultants of two force are in the ratio 4 : 3. The forces are in the
ratio
(a) 7 : 1 (b) 1 :5 (c3) 4 : 7 (d) 3 : 7
6. If the angle between two vectors of equal magnitude P is θ , the magnitude of the difference of the
vectors is
θ θ θ θ
(a) 2P cos (b) 2P sin (c) P cos (d) P sin
2 2 2 2
7. Two force x and y can be replaced by a single force of 5N. If x is a force of 2N, the value of y may be
(a) 2 N (b) 2.5 N (c) 6 N (d) 8 N
8. If two vectors have magnitudes are in the ratio 5 : 8, their results has maximum and minimum
magnitudes in the ratio of
(a) 13 : 3 (b) 3 : 1 (c) 8 : 5 (d) 6 : 5
9. The resultant of two forces is perpendicular to one them. If the forces are 500gm and 250gm, the
angle between the forces is
(a) 60° (b) 120° (c) 150° (d) 0°
10. The three sides of a triangle representing three forces in equilibrium are 5cm, 4cm and 3cm
respectively. If the least force of them is 60N, the largest force of them is
(a) 60 N (b) 80 N (c) 100 N (d) 70 N
11. The square of the resultant of two forces 4N and 3N exceeds the square of the resultant of the two
forces by 12 when they are mutually perpendicular. The angle between the vectors
is
(a) 30° (b) 60° (c) 90° (d) 120°
RESOLUTION OF VECTORS
12. An aeroplane is heading north east at a speed of 141.4ms –1. The northward component of its velocity
is
(a) 141.4 ms–1 (b) 100 ms–1 (c) zero (d) 50 ms–1
13. The horizontal and vertical components of a force are 8N and 15N respectively. The force is
(a) 23 N (b) 20 N (c) 17 N (d) 7 N
14. A body weighing 4kg.wt is suspended by a string. It is pulled aside with a horizontal force 3kg wt
and held at rest. Then the tension in the string is
4
(a) 7 kgwt (b) kgwt (c) 5kgwt (d) 1 kgwt
3
15. If l, m and n are the direction cosines of a vector, then
(a) l + m + n = 1 (b) l2 + m2 + n2 = 1 (c) l2 +m2 + n2 = 0 (d) l + m + n = 0
16. If the vertical component of a vector is 60 units and the vector is making an angle 60° with the
horizontal, then the horizontal component of the vector is
20
(a) units (b) 20 3 units (c) 30 3 units (d) 60 units
3

17. If A = 2i − 3j + 4k, its components in yz plane and zx plane are respectively
(a) 13 and 5 (b) 5 and 2 5 (c) 2 5 and 13 (d) 13 and 29


18. If P =i + 2j + 6k, its direction cosines are
1 2 6 1 2 6 3 8 7
(a) , and (b) , and (c) , , (d) 1, 2 and 6
41 41 41 41 41 41 41 41 41
  
Example - 10 Given A = 5i + 2j + 4k
 . Find : (i) A and (ii) the direction cosines of vector .
A
 
Sol. (i) As A = 5i + 2 j + 4 k ⇒ A= 25 + 4 + 16= 45
x 5 y 2 z 4
(ii) cos α = l = = , cos β= m= = , cos γ = n = =
r 45 r 45 r 45
PRODUCT OF TWO VECTORS

There are two ways of vector multiplication
1. Scalar or dot product
2. Vector or cross product.
Scalar of Dot Product
 
The scalar or dot product of two vectors A and B is defined as the product of the magnitude of two
 
vectors and the consine of the smaller angle between them in the figure. It is given by =
A ⋅ B A B cos θ
A
Fig. 2.34
 SPECIAL CASES:
 
1.=If θ 0= 
, A. B AB (maximum value) [ cos0° = 1]
 
2. If θ = 180 , A. B = − AB (negative maximum value) [  cos180°= –1]
 
3. If θ 90
= = 
, A. B 0 (minimum value) [  cos 90° = 0]
 
So, if two vectors are perpendicular, then their dot product is zero.4. If q is acute, then A. B is
+ve [  cos q is +ve when q is actute]
 
5. If θ is obtuse, then A. B is –ve. [  cos q is –ve when q is obtuse]
 NOTE:
The dot product of two vectors is always a scalar quantity.
Dot Product of Unit Vectors Along x–, y–, and z–directions

Dot product of a unit vector with itself is unity and with other perpendicular unit vectors is zero in
the figure.
y
j
x
i
k
z
Fig. 2.35
i ⋅ i = j ⋅ j = k ⋅ k = 1 and i ⋅ j = j ⋅ i = j ⋅ k
= k ⋅ j = k ⋅ i = i ⋅ k = 0
In component form, the product is expressed as:
 
Let A = Ax i + A y j + Az k , B = Bx i + B y j + Bz k . Then
 
A ⋅B = ( Ax i + Ay j + Az k ) ( Bx i + By j + Bz k )
(
= Ax iˆ ( Bx iˆ + B y jˆ) + Bz kˆ ) + A y jˆ ( Bx iˆ + By jˆ + Bz kˆ ) + Az k Bx i + B y j + Bz k )
 
So, A= ⋅B Ax Bx (i ⋅ i ) + Ax By (i ⋅ j ) + Ax Bz (i ⋅ k ) + Ay Bx ( j ⋅ i) + Ay By ( j ⋅ j) + Ay Bz ( j ⋅ k ) + Az Bx ( k ⋅ i)
+ Az B y ( k ⋅ j ) + Az Bz ( k ⋅ k ) =Ax Bx + Ay B y + Az Bz
 
or A⋅B = Ax Bx + A y B y + Az Bz
 
Example - 11 Find the dot product of two vectors A = 3i + 2 j − 4k
 and B = 2i − 3 j − 6k

 
Sol. A B = 3 × 2 + 2 × ( −3) + ( −4 ) × ( −6 ) = 24
Dot product of a vector with itself
A vector is parallel to itself. So, the angle of a vector with itself is zero.
 
∴ A⋅ A= AA cos 0 = A2 [ cos 0° =1 ]
Hence, the dot product of a vector with itself is square of its magnitude.
Geometrical Application of Dot Product
 
AB a1b1 + a2b2 + a3b3
cos
= θ =
A B a12 + a22 + a32 b12 + b22 + b32
Example - 12 If the sum of two unit vectors is a unit vector, then find the magnitude of their
difference.
Sol. Let n1 + n
 2 are the two unit vectors, then their sum is

n=  
s n1 + n2 ⇒ ns2 = n12 + n22 + 2n1n2 cos θ = 1 + 1 + 2 cos θ

Since it is given that ns is a unit vector, so ns = 1. Therefore.
1
1 = 1 + 1 + 2 cosθ ⇒ cos θ = −
2
⇒ θ = 120°
  
Now, the difference vector is n= d n1 − n 2
⇒ nd2 = n12 + n22 − 2n1n2 cosθ = 1 + 1 – 2cos (120°) = 3
⇒ nd = 3
Example - 13 Find the value of m so that the vector 3i − 2j + k

 may be perpendicular to the
.
vector 2i + 6j + mk
Sol. For the vectors to be perpendicular their dot product has to be zero.
∴ (3i − 2j + k ) ⋅ (2i + 6j + mk ) =

0
⇒ 6 – 12 + m = 0 ⇒ m – 6 = 0 ⇒ m = 6.
DOT PRODUCT
  
1. If A = 2i − 3j + k, then A, A is
(a) 14 (b) zero (c) –4 (d) 6
   
2. If A = i + j and B = j – k, then angle between A and B is
(a) 30° (b) 45° (c) 90° (d) 60°
3. The angle between the vector 2i + j – 3k and 3i + 2k
(a) 60° (b) 120° (c) 90° (d) zero
4. The angle between the vectors i + j + 2k and 2i + 3j – k is
3 3 3
(a) cos −1 (b) sin −1 (c) cos −1 (d) 90°
84 84 84
5. The angle between (i – j) and (j + k) is
(a) 60° (b) 120° (c) 90° (d) 45°
6. The angle between the vectors (2i – 3j + 4k) and (6i – 9j + 12k) is
π π π
(a) zero (b) rad (c) rad (d) rad
2 3 4
7. A vector perpendicular to the vector (3i +5j) is
(a) 5i – 3k (b) 5i + 3j (c) 3i – 5j (d) 5k
  3  
8. If A.B = AB, then A and B are
2
(a) perpendicular vectors
(b) oblique with angle between them π / 3 rad
(c) parallel vectors
(d) oblique with angle between them π / 6 rad
 
9. If A = 7i + 2j − 3k and B = i + j + 2ck are perperpendicular vectors, then value of c is
(a) –1.5 (b) 1.5 (c) 3 (d) zero
10. A vector perpendicular to the vector (i + 2j) and having magnitude 3 5 units is
(a) 3i + 6j (b) 6i – 3j (c) 4i – 2j (d) i – 2j
11. The magnitudes of two vectors are 3 and 4 units and their scalar product is 6 units.
The angle between the vectors is
π π π π
(a) rad (b) rad (c) rad (d) rad
3 6 2 4
12. The vector (i + j) makes an angle 60° with the following vector
(a) j + 2k (b) – i + k (c) j + k (d) i + 2j
VECTOR OR CROSS PRODUCT

   
Cross Product of two vectors A and B is equal to the product of the magnitude of A and B and
   is the unit vector which
sine of the shortest angle between them, i.e. A ×=B AB sin θ n . where n
   
represents the direction of A × B and it is perpendicular to the plane containing A and B . It is
given by right handed screw rule depicted by the figure. Note that n is perpendicular to both 
A


and B .
   
Magnitude of A × B : A × B= AB sin θ
   

From here, we can write : A × B = A × B n
Normal to the plane

A and B
A×B
plane of A and B
Fig. 2.36
 
A×B
 = 
⇒ n   [ This Formula is used to find a normal unit vector perpendicular to 2 vectors].
A×B
UNIT VECTORS AND THEIR CROSS PRODUCT
i, j and k are unit vectors along x-, y-, z-axis, respectively. The magnitude of each vector is 1 and
the angle between any of two unit vectors is 90°. So,

= i × j (1)(1) sin
= 
90° n  where  is a unit
n n
vector perpendicular to the plane containing vector i and j .
To find out the resultant of any two unit vectors in a cross product use the following rules in the
figure.
1. Multiplication of any two unit vectors in anticlockwise direction gives third unit vector with
positive sign.
2. Multiplication of any two unit vectors in clockwise direction gives third unit vector with negative
sign.
k i
Fig. 2.37
From these rules, we obtain the following results.
From Rule 1 :
1. i × j =k 2. j × k =i 3. k × i =j

From Rule 2 :
1. j × i =− k 2. k × j =−i 3. i × k =− j
CROSS PRODUCT METHOD 1: USING COMPONENT FORM

 
A × B= ( Ax i + Ay j + Az k ) × ( Bx i + By j + Bz k )
= Ax Bx (i × i) + A y Bx ( j × i ) + Az Bx ( k × i) + Ax By (i × j ) + A y B y ( j × j ) + Az B y ( k × j )
+ Ax Bz (i × k ) + A y Bz ( j × k ) + Az Bz ( k × k )
[As i × i= 0, j × j= 0, k × k= 0 and i × j =k , j × i =− k , k × i =j, iˆ × kˆ =− jˆ, k × j =− i ]

 
So, we have A ×= ( )
B A y Bx −k + Az Bx j + Ax Bx k + Az B y −i + Ax Bz − j + A y Bz i( ) ( ) ()
( ) (
= A y Bz − Az B y i − ( Ax Bz − Az Bx ) j + Ax B y − A y Bx k )
CROSS PRODUCT METHOD 2: DETERMINATION METHOD
 
Cross product of two vectors A and B can be obtained easily by using the following method.
 
( ) (
A × B= Ax i + A y j + Az k × Bx i + B y j + Bz k )
i j k
Ax Ay Az
=
Bx By Bz
i j k
Ax Ay Az
By Bz
Bx
Fig. 2.38
Here, we will use i, j, k one by one. When i is chosen, its corresponding row and column become
bound and remaining elements are subtracted after cross multiplication. So, i (AyBz –ByAz), is the
component along i .
Similarly, in the case of j , the row and column in which it is present become bound and remaining
elements are subtracted after cross multiplication.
( )
So, i A y Bz − B y Az − i ( Ax Bz − Bx Az ) is the component along i and j .
i j k
Ax Ay Az
Bx By Bz
Fig. 2.39
Same argument will follow for k as is for i and j
  
\ ( ) (
A × B = i A y Bz − B y Az − j ( Ax Bz − Bx Az ) + k Ax B y − Bx A y
 
)
i j k
Az
Ax Ay
Bx By Bz
Fig. 2.40
PROPERTIES OF CROSS PRODUCT

1. Anticommutative Property
The Vector product of two vectors is anticommutative.
   
A ×=  and B=
B AB sin θ n × A BA sin θ −n
( )
 
= − AB sin θnˆ =−1 ( A × B )
       
So, B × A = ( )
− A × B . It means B × A ≠ − A × B
2. Distributive Property
Vector product is distributive, i.e.,
      
( )
A × B +C = A× B + A ×C
3. Associative Property
           
( ) ( )
A + B × C + D = A ×C + A × D + B ×C + B × D
4. Cross Product of Two Parallel Vectors

Cross product of the parallel vectors is zero.
As θ = 0° (for parallel vectors), so
 
(A×B
= )
AB sin
=  0
0 n
PHYSICAL APPLICATION OF CROSS PRODUCT

1. If two vectors represent the two adjacent sides of a parallelogram, then the magnitude of the
cross product will give the area of the parallelogram. Mathematically:
 
Two vectors A and B are represented by the two adjacent sides PQ and PS, respectively, of the
parallelogram as shown in the figure.
S T
B h
θ
P N Q
A
Fig. 2.41
Now, from the magnitude of the cross product :
 
A= × B AB= sin θ Ah = base × height of parallelogram = area of parallelogram.
2. If two vectors represent the two sides of a triangle, then half the magnitude of their cross product
will give the area of the triangle.
 
Consider two vectors A and B represent by the two sides PQ and PS of triangle PQS in the
figure
 
Using cross product : A = × B AB sin θ n
 
Taking magnitude, A ×=B AB sin θ
= A(B sin θ) = A × h = base × height

B
h
θ
P Q
A
Fig. 2.42
Multiplying by 1/2 on both sides.
1   1
A × B =× base × height = area of triangle.
2 2
 
Example - 14 Calculate the area of the triangle determined by the two vectors A = 3i + 4j and
 
B = −3i + 7 j
Sol. We know that the half of magnitude of the cross product of two vectors gives the area of the
triangle.
i j k
 
A×B= 3 4 0 = i ( 0 − 0) − j ( 0 − 0 ) + k ( 21 + 12) = 33k
−3 7 0
  2 1   33
Taking magnitude A × B= 33= 33 . So, area of triangle = A × B = sq. unit.
2 2
Example - 15 Calculate the area of the parallelogram when adjacent sides are given by the
 
 and B = 2i − 3j + k
vectors A = i + 2j + 3k 
Sol. We know that the area of the parallelogram is equal to the magnitude of the cross product of
given vectors.
i j k
 
A×B= 1 2 3
Now,
2 −3 1
= i ( 2 + 9) + j ( 6 − 1) + k ( −3, −4 )
= 11i + 5 j − 7k
  2
So, area of parallelogram : A ×=B 112 + 52 + ( −7=
) 195 sq. unit
1. What is the area of a parallelogram whose adjacent sides are given by vectors
 
A =i − 2 j + 3k and B= 4i + 5 j ?
2. If the vectors 4i + j − 3k and 2mi + 6m j + k are perpendicular to each other, then find the value of
m.
3. The magnitude of the vector product of two vectors is 3 times their scalar product. What is the
angle between the two vectors?
4. What is the angle i + j + k and i ?
    
5. r 4 j − 3k , then
The linear velocity of a rotating body is given by v = ω × r . If ω = i − 2 j + 2k and =

what is the magnitude of v .?
6. Find the magnitude of component of 3i − 2 j + k along the vector 12i + 3j − 4k .
Exercise - 1
Objective Type :
1. The sum and difference of two perpendicular
vectors of equal length are
R
(a) also perpendicular and of equal length B
β
(b) also perpendicular and of different 90°
A
lengths Fig. 2
(c) of equal length and have an a obtuse (a) 120° (b) 150°
angle between them
(c) 135° (d) None of these
(d) of equal length and have an acute angle
7. The ratio of maximum and minimum
between them
magnitudes of the resultant of two vectors
2. The minimum number of vectors having   
different planes which can be added to give a and b is 3 : 1. Now, a is equal to
zero resultant is  
(a) b (b) 2 b
(a) 2 (b) 3  
(c) 4 (d) 5 (c) 3 b (d) 4 b
8. Two forces, each equal to F, act as shown in
3. A vector perpendicular to iˆ + jˆ + kˆ is Fig 8.1. Their resultant is
(a) iˆ − jˆ + kˆ (b) iˆ − jˆ − kˆ
(c) −iˆ − jˆ − kˆ (d) 3iˆ + 2 jˆ − 5kˆ F

4. From Fig 4.1 the correct relation is 60°
N F
C Fig. 3
B
(a) F/2 (b) F
O
A (c) 3F (d) 5F
P

D 9. Vector A is 2 cm long and is 60° above the x-
E 
axis in the first quadrant. Vector B is 2 cm
M
long and is 60° below the
 x-axis
 in the fourth
Fig. 1 quadrant. The sum A + B is a vector of
       magnitude
(a) A + B + E = 0 (b) C + D = −A
    (a) 2 cm along + y-axis
(c) B + E − C = − D (d) All of the above (b) 2 cm along + y-axis
5. Out of the following set of forces, the (c) 2 cm along – x -axis
resultant of which cannot of zero
(d) 2 cm along – x-axis
(a) 10, 10, 10 (b) 10, 10, 20
10. What is the angle between two vector force
(c) 10, 20, 20 (d) 10, 20, 40 of equal magnitude such that the resultant
 
6. The resultant of two vectors A and B is is one-third as much as either of the original
 forces ?
perpendicular to the vector A and its
magnitude is equal to half of the magnitude −1  17  −1  1 
   (a) cos  −  (b) cos  − 
of vector B . The angle between A and B is  18   3
(c) 45° (d) 120°  

 
18. Given:
= A A cos θiˆ + A sin θ jˆ. A vector B
 
11. The angle between A + B and A × B 
which is perpendicular to A is given by
(a) 0 (b) π / 4
(a) B cos θiˆ − B sin θ jˆ
(c) π / 2 (d) p

12. The projection of a vector r = 3iˆ + jˆ + 2kˆ on (b) B sin θi − B cos θ jˆ
the x–y plane has magnitude (c) B cos θiˆ + B sin θ jˆ
(a) 3 (b) 4
(d) B sin θiˆ + B cos θ jˆ
(c) 14 (d) 10

    19. The angle which the vector A= 2iˆ + 3 jˆ
13. If A + B = A = B , then the angle between
  makes with y-axis, where iˆ and ĵ are unit
A and B is
(a) 120° (b) 60° vectors along x- and y- axes, respectively,
is
(c) 90° (d) 0°
  (a) cos −1 (3 / 5) (b) cos −1 (2 / 3)
14. If vectors A =iˆ + 2 jˆ + 4kˆ and B = 5iˆ represent
the two sides of a triangle, then the third (c) tan −1 ( 2 / 3) (d) sin −1 ( 2 / 3)
side of the triangle can have length equal to 
20. Given P = 3iˆ − 4 jˆ. Which of the following is
(a) 6 (b) 56 
perpendicular to P ?
(c) Both of the above
(d) None of the above (a) 3iˆ (b) 4 jˆ
   
15. Given= A1 2, = A 2 3 and A1 + A 2 = 3, Find (c) 4iˆ + 3 jˆ (d) 4iˆ − 3 jˆ
   
the value of ( A1 + 2 A 2 ) ⋅ (3 A1 − A2 ) 21. In going from one city to another, a car
(a) 64 (b) 60 travels 75 km north, 60 km north-west and
20 km east. The magnitude of displacement
(c) 62 (d) 61
   between the two cities is (Take 1 / 2 = 0.7 )
16. Three vectors A, B , C , satisfy the relation
(a) 170 km (b) 137 km
    
A⋅B = 0 and A ⋅ C = 0. The vector A is (c) 119 km (d) 140 km
parallel to   
22. What is the angle between A and B , if A
  
(a) B (b) C and B are the adjacent sides of a
    parallelogram drawn from a common point
(c) B ⋅ C (d) B × C
and the area of the parallelogram is AB / 2 ?
  
17. If A= B + C , and the magnitudes of (a) 15° (b) 30°
   (c) 45° (d) 60°
A , B , C are 5, 4, and 3 units, then angle  
  23. Two vectors a and b are such that
between A and C is     
a + b = a − b . What is the angle between a
3 4 
(a) cos−1   (b) cos−1   and b ?
5 5
(a) 0° (b) 90°
−1  3  π (c) 60° (d) 180°
(c) sin   (d)
4 2  
24. Given A = 4iˆ + 6 jˆ and B= 2iˆ + 3 jˆ . Which of
the following is correct ? 5 ˆ ˆ 5 ˆ ˆ

     (a) (i − j ) (b) (i + j )
(a) A × B = 0 (b) A ⋅ B = 24 2 2

A 1 (c) 5 ( iˆ − jˆ) (d) 5 ( iˆ + jˆ)
(c)  =
B 2 31. Choose the wrong statement
  (a) Three vectors of different magnitudes
(d) A and B are antiparallel
  may be combined to give zero resultant.
25. Given: A = 2iˆ + pjˆ + qkˆ and B = 5iˆ + 7 jˆ + 3kˆ. (b) Two vectors of different magnitudes can
  be combined to give a zero resultant.
If A B, then the values of p and q are,
(c) The product of a scalar and a vector is a
respectively,
vector quantity.
14 6 14 6 (d) All of the above are wrong statements.
(a) and (b) and
5 5 3 5 32. What displacement at an angle 60° to the x
6 1 3 1 axis has an x-component of 5 m? iˆ and ĵ are
(c) and (d) and
5 3 4 4 unit vectors in x and y directions,
  respectively.
26. If A is perpendicular to B , then
     (a) 5iˆ (b) 5iˆ + 5 jˆ
(a) A × B = 0 (b) A ⋅ [ A + B ] = A2
  (c) 5iˆ + 5 3 jˆ (d) All of the above
(c) A ⋅ B = AB
   33. Mark the correct statement
(d) A ⋅ [ A + B ] = A2 + AB      
  (a) a + b ≥|a |+ b (b) a + b ≤|a |+ b
27. If the angle between vectors a and b is an   
  (c) a − b ≥|a |+ b (d) All of the above
acute angle, then the difference a – b is
34. Out of the following forces, the resultant of
(a) the major diagonal of the parallelogram
which cannot be 10 N ?
(b) the minor diagonal of the parallelogram
(a) 15 N and 20 N (b) 10 N and 10 N
(c) any of the above
(c) 5 N and 12 N (d) 12 N and 1 N
(d) none of the above
    35. Which of the following pairs of forces cannot

28. Given that A + B = C. If A = 4, B = 5 and be added to give a resultant force of 4 N ?
   (a) 2 N and 8 N (b) 2 N and 2 N
C = 61. The angle between A and B is
(a) 30° (b) 60° (c) 2 N and 6 N (d) 2 N and 4 N
(c) 90° (d) 120° 36. In an equilateral triangle ABC, AL, BM, and
 CN are medians. Forces along BC and BA
29. Given vector A = 2iˆ + 3 jˆ, the angle between represented by them will have a resultant
 represented by
A and y-axis is
(a) 2AL (b) 2BM
(a) tan −1 (3 / 2) (b) tan −1 ( 2 / 3) (c) 2CN (d) AC
37. The vector sum of two forces is perpendicular
(c) sin −1 ( 2 / 3) (d) cos −1 (2 / 3)
to their vector difference. The forces are
 
b 3iˆ + 4 jˆ and a= iˆ − jˆ , the vector having
30. If = (a) equal to each other
 (b) equal to each other in magnitude
the same magnitude as that of b and parallel
 (c) not equal to each other in magnitude
to a is
(d) cannot be predicted
38. If a parallelogram is formed with two sides

 π 3π
   (a) rad (b) rad
represented by vectors a and b , then a + b 4 4
represented the
(a) major diagonal when the angle between 5π 7π
(c) rad (d) rad
vectors is acute 4 4
 
(b) minor diagonal when the angle between 40. Two forces of F 1 = 500 N due east and F 2 =
vectors is obtuse 250 N due north have their common initial
(c) both of the above  
point. F 2 − F 1 is
(d) none of the above
   (a) 250 5 N, tan −1 ( 2) W of N
39. The resultant C of A and B is perpendicular
    (b) 250 N, tan–1(2) W of N
to A . Also, A = C . The angle between A
 (c) zero
and B is (d) 750 N, tan–1 (3/4) N of W
Try it Yourself - 1 Try it Yourself - 4


1. v = 20 jˆ 2. 3iˆ + 6 jˆ 1. (a) 2. (d) 3. (c) 4. (a) 5. (b)
6. (d) 7. (d) 8. (d) 9. (b) 10. (b)
3. (a) No (b) Yes (c) No (d) No
11. (a) 12. (c)
Try it Yourself - 2
1. 3iˆ + 4 jˆ + 2kˆ 2. 15iˆ + 20 jˆ 3. π/6 Exercise - 1..

1. (a) 2. (c) 3. (d) 4. (d) 5. (d)
4. tan–1 (4/3)

(
5. c = −3iˆ − 4 kˆ ) 6. π/4
6. (b) 7. (b) 8. (b) 9. (b) 10. (a)
7. 30N, 40 N 8. F 2 9. 20 11. (c) 12. (d) 13. (a) 14. (c) 15. (a)
10. 5, 13 16. (d) 17. (a) 18. (b) 19. (c) 20. (c)
21. (c) 22. (b) 23. (b) 24. (a) 25. (a)
Try it Yourself - 3
26. (b) 27. (b) 28. (b) 29. (b) 30. (a)
1. (c) 2. (a) 3. None 4. (b) 5. (a) 31. (b) 32. (c) 33. (b) 34. (d) 35. (a)
6. (b) 7. (c) 8. (a) 9. (b) 10. (c) 36. (b) 37. (b) 38. (c) 39. (b) 40. (a)
11. (a) 12. (b) 13. (c) 15. (b) 16. (b)
17. (b) 18. (b)

Vector

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

You might also like

Vector

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Description:

Original Title

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

Vector

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Physics Scholar’s Academy/ Vector/ 1

SYMBOLIC NOTATION OF VECTOR

INTRODUCTION OF DIFFERENT TYPES OF VECTOR

Symbolic notation of a unit vector : â

TYPES OF UNIT VECTORS

FUNDAMENTAL UNIT VECTORS

Example - 1 Represent the following statement vectorally.

Example - 2 Represent the following vector :

− 7i − 8j 7i − 8 j

COMPOSITE UNIT VECTOR

We want to find a unit vector of vector.

Example - 3 Find unit vectors along those following vectors:

POLYGON LAW OF VECTOR ADDITION

So, R= P 2 + Q 2 + 2PQ cos 0° [From equation (ii)]

which represents the magnitude of the resultant.

So, R= P 2 + Q 2 + 2PQ cos180°

which represents the magnitude of the resultant.

SUBTRACTION OF TWO VECTORS

Sol. Given A = 10 N, B = 15 N, θ = 45º

= 102 + 152 + 2 × 10 × 15 × cos 45 = 23.76 N

B sin θ 15 sin 45

RECTANGULAR COMPONENTS OF AVECTOR IN TWO DIMENSIONS (RESOLVING OF AVECTOR)

(a) 5 10 (b) 2 5 (c) 5 2 (d) 50

(a) 5 5 (b) 10i – 5j (c) 125 (d) –2i – 11j

(a) 13 and 5 (b) 5 and 2 5 (c) 2 5 and 13 (d) 13 and 29

PRODUCT OF TWO VECTORS

Dot Product of Unit Vectors Along x–, y–, and z–directions

⇒ nd2 = n12 + n22 − 2n1n2 cosθ = 1 + 1 – 2cos (120°) = 3

Example - 13 Find the value of m so that the vector 3i − 2j + k

∴ (3i − 2j + k ) ⋅ (2i + 6j + mk ) =

VECTOR OR CROSS PRODUCT

Normal to the plane

UNIT VECTORS AND THEIR CROSS PRODUCT

the angle between any of two unit vectors is 90°. So,

1. i × j =k 2. j × k =i 3. k × i =j

CROSS PRODUCT METHOD 1: USING COMPONENT FORM

[As i × i= 0, j × j= 0, k × k= 0 and i × j =k , j × i =− k , k × i =j, iˆ × kˆ =− jˆ, k × j =− i ]

PROPERTIES OF CROSS PRODUCT

4. Cross Product of Two Parallel Vectors

PHYSICAL APPLICATION OF CROSS PRODUCT

= A(B sin θ) = A × h = base × height

(c) −iˆ − jˆ − kˆ (d) 3iˆ + 2 jˆ − 5kˆ F

(c) 45° (d) 120°  

the following is correct ? 5 ˆ ˆ 5 ˆ ˆ

38. If a parallelogram is formed with two sides

Try it Yourself - 1 Try it Yourself - 4

1. 3iˆ + 4 jˆ + 2kˆ 2. 15iˆ + 20 jˆ 3. π/6 Exercise - 1..

You might also like