Ch. 1: Vector 1.
1.1. Introduction:
Physical quantity having magnitude, direction and obeying laws of
vector addition are called vectors.
Example: Displacement, velocity, acceleration, momentum, force,
impulse, torque, angular momentum etc.
If a physical quantity has magnitude and direction both, then it does
not always imply that it is a vector. For it to be a vector the third
condition of obeying laws of vector algebra has to be satisfied.
Example: the physical quantity current has magnitude and direction
but is still a scalar as it disobeys the laws of vector algebra
Representation of a vector:
A vector quantity is represented by a
line segment with an arrowhead over it.
The length of the line segment gives the
magnitude of the vector and the arrow
head gives the direction.
Equal vector:
Two vectors (having same nature) are said to
be equal vectors if they have equal
magnitude and same direction.
Two equal vectors A⃗ and B⃗ are represented
by two equal and parallel lines having arrow
heads in the same direction. Here 𝐴⃗ = 𝐵⃗
Opposite Vector:
Two vectors (having same nature) are said to
be opposite vectors if they have equal
magnitude but
direction opposite.
Unit vector:
A vector of length or magnitude 1 is called a unit vector. By
convention, unit vectors are taken to be dimensionless. A unit vector
is used to denote a direction in space. Any vector 𝑎⃗ can be
represented as the product of its magnitude (|𝑎⃗|) and a unit vector
along its direction denoted by 𝑎.
1.4 Ch.1: Vector
⃗
Then we have: 𝑎⃗ = |𝑎⃗| 𝑎 or 𝑎 = | ⃗|
1.2. Area vector:
Usually you think of area as a scalar
quantity. However, in many applications in
physics (e.g. in fluid mechanics or in
electrostatics or magneto statics while
calculating flux), we also want to know the
orientation of the surface of a given area.
So we treat area of a surface as a vector quantity whose direction is
along the outward normal to the surface and is given by the right-
hand rule. The physical quantity, area is a pseudo vector.
The area vector S⃗ of a surface which has surface area S can be written
as S⃗ = S n Where n is the unit vector in the direction along outward
normal to the surface.
Note: For a curved surface vector related to total area is meaning less
because normal at different points are oriented in different directions.
However differential area vector like 𝒅𝑺⃗ as discussed are meaningful.
JAM-2018
Ch. 1: Vector 1.5
Example: A curve is given by 𝑟⃗ (𝑡) = 𝑡 𝚤̂ + 𝑡 𝚥̂ + 𝑡 𝑘. The unit vector
of the tangent to the curve at 𝑡 = 1 is
̂ ̂ ̂ ̂ ̂ ̂ ̂ ̂
a) b) c) d)
√ √ √
Ans: (d)
Solution: Let n be a unit vector tangent to the curve at t
dr⃗
ı̂ + 2 tȷ̂ + 3tk
n = dt =
dr⃗ √1 + 4t + 5t
dt
ı̂ + 2 ȷ̂ + 3 k
𝐴𝑡 t = 1, n =
√14
Question: Find a unit vector tangent to the curve y = x2 at the point (2,
4)
1 4
Ans: 𝚤̂ + 𝚥̂
√17 √17
Question: A co-
ordinate system
consisting of X-Y axis,
is rotated by an angle 𝜃
in anticlockwise
direction in the
same plane. The unit
vector along new set of
axes 𝑋′ and Y’ are respectively.
(i)𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃 𝚤̂ + sin𝜃 𝚥̂ & 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃 𝚤̂ - cos𝜃 𝚥̂
(ii) 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃 𝚤̂ + sin𝜃 𝚥̂ & - 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃 𝚤̂ + cos𝜃 𝚥̂
(iii) 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃 𝚤̂ + sin𝜃 𝚥̂ & 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃 𝚤̂ + cos𝜃 𝚥̂
(𝑖𝑣)𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃 𝚤̂ + cos 𝚥̂ & 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃 𝚤̂ + sin𝜃 𝚥̂
Question: A point P lies in the x-y plane. Its position can be specified
by its x, y coordinates or by a radially directed vector 𝑟⃗ = 𝑥 𝚤̂ + 𝑦 𝚥̂
making an angle 𝜃 with the x-axis. Find a vector 𝚤̂ of unit magnitude
in the direction of vector 𝑟⃗ and a vector 𝚤̂ of unit magnitude normal
to the vector 𝚤̂ and lying in the x-y plane.
1.6 Ch.1: Vector
1.3. Triangle law of vector addition:
If two similar vectors are represented both in
magnitude and direction by two sides of a
triangle taken in the same order, then the third
side of the triangle taken in the opposite order,
represents the resultant of the two vectors (both
in magnitude and direction).
i.e. R⃗ = P⃗ + Q⃗
1.4. Parallelogram law of vector addition:
It states that if two similar vectors acting simultaneously at a point
can be represented both in magnitude and direction by the two
adjacent sides of a parallelogram, then the resultant is represented
(both in magnitude and direction) by the diagonal of the
parallelogram passing through that point.
Let 𝑃⃗ and 𝑄⃗ are two vectors
inclined to each other at an
angle 𝜃 and 𝑅⃗ is their
resultant and it makes an
angle 𝜃 with 𝑃⃗, then
magnitude of resultant vector
𝑅⃗ is
𝑅⃗ = |𝑃| + |𝑄| + 2 𝑃⃗ 𝑄⃗ 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃
⃗
Direction of resultant vector 𝑡𝑎𝑛𝛽 = ⃗ ⃗
Note: In practical cases two vectors need not be acting on a common
point. In that case vector are to be translated to a common point
(mainly in the case of a rigid body).
Ch. 1: Vector 1.7
1.5. Polygon Law of Vector Addition:
" If number of vectors of
same kind acting at a point
in the same plane in
different directions are
represented both in
magnitude and direction by
the sides of an open polygon
taken in same order, then
the closing side taken in the
reverse order will give the
resultant both in magnitude and direction".
From the figure, we can say resultant of 𝐴⃗, 𝐵⃗ , 𝐶⃗, 𝐷⃗ 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝐸⃗ 𝑣𝑒𝑐𝑡𝑜𝑟 𝑖𝑠 𝑅⃗ .
So 𝑅⃗ = 𝐴⃗ + 𝐵⃗ + 𝐶⃗ + 𝐷⃗ + 𝐸⃗
If many vectors form a closed n sided polygon with all the sides in the
same order then their resultant is zero.
1.6. Position Vector:
A vector which gives position of a
point w.r.t. an origin of the
coordinate system is called
position vector.
If P (x, y, z) be the coordinate of a
point in space, then its position
vector 𝑟⃗ = 𝑥𝚤̂ + 𝑦 𝚥̂ + 𝑧 𝑘 and
|𝑟⃗| = 𝑥 + 𝑦 + 𝑧
Proof: From the figure
𝑂𝐴⃗ = 𝑥 𝚤̂, 𝑂𝐵⃗ = 𝑦 𝚥̂, 𝐶𝑃⃗ = 𝑧 𝑘
Using parallelogram law, we get 𝑂𝐶⃗ = 𝑂𝐴⃗ + 𝑂𝐵⃗
= 𝑥 𝚤̂ + 𝑦 𝚥̂
Again using triangle law, we get 𝑂𝑃⃗ = 𝑂𝐶⃗ + 𝐶𝑃⃗
𝑂𝑟 𝑟⃗ = 𝑥 𝚤 + 𝑦 𝚥̂ + 𝑧 𝑘
1.8 Ch.1: Vector
Question: The position vector of a particle is r =(t2 – 1) iˆ + 2 t ĵ
.Locus of the particle is
Ans: parabola
1.7. Displacement vector:
If coordinates of two points
P and Q be (x1, y1, z1) and
(x2, y2, z2) then position
vector of P and Q be 𝑂𝑃⃗ =
𝑥 𝚤̂+𝑦 𝚥̂ + 𝑧 𝑘 and 𝑂𝐵⃗ =
𝑥 𝚤̂+𝑦 𝚥̂ + 𝑧 𝑘 then
displacement vector
𝑃𝑄⃗ = 𝑂𝑄⃗ − 𝑂𝑃⃗
(Using triangle law)
= (𝑥 − 𝑥 )𝚤̂ + (𝑦 − 𝑦 )𝚥̂ + (𝑧 − 𝑧 ) 𝑘
And 𝑃𝑄⃗ = (𝑥 − 𝑥 ) + (𝑦 − 𝑦 ) + (𝑧 − 𝑧 )
Example : In the cube of side ‘a’ shown in the figure, the vector from
the central point of the face ABOD to the central point of the face
BEFO will be:
Ans: (𝚥̂ − 𝚤̂)
Solution:
From figure,
𝑂𝐺⃗ = 𝚤̂ + 𝑘
𝑎 𝑎
𝑂𝐻⃗ = 𝚥̂ + 𝑘
2 2
From triangle law, 𝑂𝐺⃗ + 𝐺𝐻⃗ = 𝑂𝐻⃗
Or 𝐺𝐻⃗ = 𝑂𝐻⃗ - 𝑂𝐺⃗ = (𝚥̂ − 𝚤̂)
Ch. 1: Vector 1.9
1.8. Scalar Product of two Vectors (dot product):
There are many physical quantities which
are scalar but are related to two vectors.
For example, the physical quantity ‘work’
is defined using two vector quantities –
displacement and force. The vector
operation involved in such cases is known as scalar product.
The scalar product or dot product of two vectors 𝑎⃗ and 𝑏⃗ is denoted
by 𝑎⃗ . 𝑏⃗ and is defined as
𝑎⃗ . 𝑏⃗ = |𝑎⃗| 𝑏⃗ 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃 = 𝑎 𝑏 cosθ
Where 𝜃 is the angle between 𝑎⃗ and 𝑏⃗
We can give a geometric interpretation for the dot product as
𝑎⃗ . 𝑏⃗ = 𝑎 𝑏 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃 = (𝑎 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃) 𝑏
Here 𝑎 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃 = projection (i.e. component) of 𝑎⃗ in the direction of 𝑏⃗
Therefore 𝑎⃗ . 𝑏⃗ is the product of magnitude of 𝑏⃗ and the component of
𝑎⃗ in the direction of 𝑏⃗
Similarly, we can also write
𝑎⃗ . 𝑏⃗ = 𝑎 ( 𝑏 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃) = (𝑚𝑎𝑔𝑛𝑖𝑡𝑢𝑑𝑒 𝑜𝑓 𝑎⃗ ) × projection of 𝑏⃗ in the
direction of 𝑎⃗
So, the scalar product of two vectors a and b is the product of the
magnitude of any one vector and the projection (or component) of
the other vector onto (or along) the first vector.
1.10 Ch.1: Vector
Problem: Given 𝑎⃗ = 2 𝚤̂ + 3 𝚥̂ and 𝑏⃗ = 𝚤̂ + 𝚥̂. The component of 𝑎⃗
along 𝑏⃗ is
Ans: 5 2 ( ı̂ + ȷ).
1.9. Example of scalar product or dot product:
Following are the few examples of scalar product:
i) Work is defined as the scalar product of force (F) and
displacement (s) i.e. 𝑊 = 𝐹⃗ . 𝑆⃗
ii) Power is defined as the scalar products of force (F) and velocity
(v) i.e. 𝑃 = 𝐹⃗ . 𝑉⃗
iii) The Electric flux linked with the surface is defined as the scalar
product of electric field (E) and area vector (A) i.e. 𝜙 = 𝐸⃗ . 𝐴⃗
iv) The magnetic flux linked with the surface is defined as the
scalar product of magnetic induction (B) and area vector (A) i.e.
𝜙 = 𝐵⃗ . 𝐴⃗
v) The potential difference V between two points is given by
𝑉 = ∫ 𝐸⃗ . 𝑑𝑙⃗ Where E is the electric field strength between two
points.
vi) For a conservative field ∮ 𝐹⃗ . 𝑑𝑙⃗ = 0
vii) The current is defined as a scalar product of current density j
with
area 𝐼 = ∫ 𝐽⃗. 𝑑𝐴⃗
viii) The potential energy of a dipole of electric dipole moment P and
situated in electric field E is given by 𝑈 = −𝑃⃗. 𝐸⃗
ix) The potential energy of a dipole of magnetic dipole moment M
and situated in magnetic field B is given by
𝑈 = −𝑀⃗ . 𝐵⃗
Properties of dot product:
i) Scalar product of a vector with itself is called the square of the
vector.
𝑎⃗ . 𝑎⃗ = |𝑎⃗| |𝑎⃗| 𝑐𝑜𝑠0 = |𝑎⃗|
ii) Scalar product is commutative i.e. 𝑎⃗ . 𝑏⃗ = 𝑏⃗ . 𝑎⃗
Ch. 1: Vector 1.11
Note:
i) If 𝑎⃗ . 𝑏⃗ = 0, the two vectors are perpendicular.
ii) Angle between two vectors is obtained using the formula 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃 =
⃗.⃗
| ⃗| ⃗
1.10. Dot product in terms of components in the Cartesian
system
𝚤̂ . 𝚤̂ = |𝚤̂| |𝚤̂| 𝑐𝑜𝑠0 = 1. 1. 1 = 1
Similarly, 𝚥̂ . 𝚥̂ = 𝑘 . 𝑘 = 1
Also, 𝚤̂ . 𝚥̂ = |𝚤̂| |𝚥̂| 𝑐𝑜𝑠90 = 0
Similarly, 𝚤̂ . 𝑘 = 𝚥̂ . 𝑘 = 0
Now consider two vectors 𝑎⃗ and 𝑏⃗ expressed in their component
form as
𝑎⃗ = 𝑎 𝚤̂ + 𝑎 𝚥̂ + 𝑎 𝑘
𝑏⃗ = 𝑏 𝚤̂ + 𝑏 𝚥̂ + 𝑏 𝑘
Therefore, 𝑎⃗ . 𝑏⃗ = 𝑎 𝚤̂ + 𝑎 𝚥̂ + 𝑎 𝑘 . (𝑏 𝚤̂ + 𝑏 𝚥̂ + 𝑏 𝑘 )
=𝑎 𝑏 +𝑎 𝑏 +𝑎 𝑏
1.11. Vector form of reflected ray:
Let 𝚤̂ = unit vector along incident
ray
𝑟̂ = 𝑢𝑛𝑖𝑡 vector along reflected
ray
𝑛 = unit vector outside normal
𝑡̂= unit vector along tangential
direction
Now 𝚤̂ = 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃 𝑡̂ − 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃 𝑛
𝑟̂ = 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃 𝑡̂ + 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃 𝑛
Now 𝑟̂ − 𝚤̂ = 2 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃 𝑛
Or 𝑟̂ − 𝚤̂ = - 2 (𝚤̂ . 𝑛) 𝑛 [here 𝚤̂ . 𝑛 = cos(𝜋 − 𝜃) = −𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃]
1.12 Ch.1: Vector
So 𝑟̂ = 𝚤̂ - 2 (𝚤̂ . 𝑛) 𝑛
Question: Show that vector form of reflected ray is 𝒓 = ̂ - 2 ( ̂ . 𝒏) 𝒏
1.12. Diagonal of a rhombus intersects each other at right angles:
From parallelogram law of
vector addition
𝒅⃗𝟏 = 𝑎⃗ + 𝑏⃗
From triangle law of
vector addition
𝑏⃗ + 𝑑⃗ = 𝑎⃗
𝑜𝑟 𝒅⃗𝟐 = 𝑎⃗ − 𝑏⃗
Now 𝒅⃗𝟏 . 𝒅⃗𝟐 = (𝑎⃗ + 𝑏⃗ ) .(𝑎⃗ − 𝑏⃗ )
= 𝑎⃗ . 𝑎⃗ − 𝑎⃗ . 𝑏⃗ + 𝑏⃗ . 𝑎⃗ − 𝑏⃗ . 𝑏⃗
= 𝑎 − 𝑎⃗ . 𝑏⃗ + 𝑎⃗ . 𝑏⃗ − 𝑏
=𝑎 −𝑏
For rhombus 𝑎 = 𝑏, so 𝒅⃗𝟏 . 𝒅⃗𝟐 =0
So, we can say that diagonal of a rhombus intersects each other at
right angles.
1.13. Problem related to scalar product or dot product:
1. Find the angle between the diagonal of a cube and the diagonal of
one of its faces.
2. Find the angle between the
diagonal of a cube and one of the its
faces.
3. Find the angle between the face
diagonals of a unit cube shown in
the figure.
Sol: From figure 𝐴⃗ = 𝚤̂ + 𝑘 , B⃗ = ȷ̂ + 𝑘
Therefore, angle between 𝐴⃗ and 𝐵⃗ is
Ch. 1: Vector 1.13
⃗ . ⃗
𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃 = ⃗ ⃗
= = Or 𝜃 = 60
√ .√
4. Find the angle between the body
diagonals of a unit cube.
The body diagonal 𝐴⃗ 𝑎𝑛𝑑 B⃗ are
𝐴⃗ = (𝚤̂ + 𝚥̂ ) − 𝑘 and 𝐵⃗ = 𝚤̂ + 𝚥̂ + 𝑘
Therefore, angle between 𝐴⃗ and 𝐵⃗ is
⃗ . ⃗
𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃 = ⃗ ⃗
= =
√ .√
Or 𝜃 = cos
1.14. Vector Product or Cross product:
Mathematically
𝑎⃗ × 𝑏⃗ = |𝑎⃗| 𝑏⃗ 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃 𝑛
𝑎⃗ × 𝑏⃗ = |𝑎⃗| 𝑏⃗ 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃
Now, 𝑏⃗ × 𝑎⃗ = 𝑏⃗ |𝑎⃗| 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃 (− 𝑛)
=− 𝑏⃗ |𝑎⃗| 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃 𝑛
= − (𝑎⃗ × 𝑏⃗ )
Where 𝑛 is a unit vector which is normal to the plane containing
𝑎⃗ and 𝑏⃗. The direction of 𝑛 is determined by the right hand thumb
rule or right handed screw rule. According to the right hand thumb
rule, if we curl our right hand fingers from 𝑎⃗ to 𝑏⃗ through the smaller
angle 𝜃 between them, then the stretched thumb points in the
direction of 𝑎⃗ × 𝑏⃗
1.14 Ch.1: Vector
1.15. Cross product in terms of components in the Cartesian
system
𝚤̂ × 𝚤̂ = |𝚤̂| |𝚤̂| 𝑠𝑖𝑛0 𝑛 = 1. 1. 𝑠𝑖𝑛0 𝑛 = 0
Similarly, 𝚥̂ × 𝚥̂ = 𝑘 × 𝑘 = 0
Also, 𝚤̂ × 𝚥̂ = |𝚤̂| |𝚥̂| 𝑠𝑖𝑛90 𝑛 = 1. 1.1. 𝑛 = 𝑛 = 𝑘
Similarly, 𝚥̂ × 𝑘 = 𝚤̂, 𝑘 × 𝚤̂ = 𝚥̂
But, 𝚥̂ × 𝚤̂ = −𝑘 , 𝑘 × 𝚥̂ = −𝚤̂, 𝚤̂ × 𝑘 = −𝚥̂
Now consider two vectors 𝑎⃗ and 𝑏⃗ expressed in their component
form as
𝑎⃗ = 𝑎 𝚤̂ + 𝑎 𝚥̂ + 𝑎 𝑘
𝑏⃗ = 𝑏 𝚤̂ + 𝑏 𝚥̂ + 𝑏 𝑘
Therefore, 𝑎⃗ × 𝑏⃗ = 𝑎 𝚤̂ + 𝑎 𝚥̂ + 𝑎 𝑘 × (𝑏 𝚤̂ + 𝑏 𝚥̂ + 𝑏 𝑘 )
𝚤̂ 𝚥̂ 𝑘
= 𝑎 𝑎 𝑎
𝑏 𝑏 𝑏
= 𝚤̂ 𝑎 𝑏 − 𝑎 𝑏 − 𝚥̂ (𝑎 𝑏 − 𝑎 𝑏 ) + 𝑘 (𝑎 𝑏 − 𝑎 𝑏 )
Properties of vector product:
i) The vector product of two parallel vectors is a null vector
i.e. 𝑎⃗ × 𝑏⃗ = 0 if 𝑎⃗ and 𝑏⃗ are parallel.
ii) The vector product of a vector with itself is a null vector
i.e. 𝑎⃗ × 𝑎⃗ = 0
iii) The vector product is anti-commutative
i.e. 𝑎 × 𝑏 = −(𝑏 × 𝑎 )
1.16. Example of vector product or cross product:
Following are the few examples of vector product:
i) The magnitude of vector product of
two vectors 𝐴⃗ and 𝐵⃗ gives the area of
the parallelogram formed by the vector.
The area of parallelogram = base ×
height
= 𝐴 𝐵 sin 𝜃= 𝐴⃗ × 𝐵⃗
Ch. 1: Vector 1.15
ii) The area of the triangle having two of its
sides 𝐴⃗ 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝐵⃗ is
1
∆= 𝐴 𝐵 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃
2
1
= 𝐴⃗ × 𝐵⃗
2
iii) A parallelogram is formed with a and b as the sides. If
𝑑⃗ 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑑⃗ be the diagonals of the parallelogram then a 2 + b2 = (d12
+d22 ) and area of the parallelogram= 𝑑⃗ × 𝑑⃗
iv) Let a body is moving along a circular path with angular velocity .
If 𝑣 be the linear velocity of the body, then the relation between
angular velocity and linear velocity v is given by 𝑣⃗ = 𝜔⃗ × 𝑟⃗ where
r is the radius vector of the circular path .
v) In a rotatory motion, the torque acting on the body is given by 𝜏⃗ =
𝑟⃗ × 𝐹⃗ where F is the force acting on a point in the body and 𝑟⃗ is the
radius vector of the point with respect to rotational axis .
vi) The angular momentum 𝐿⃗ and their linear momentum 𝑝⃗ are
related as 𝐿⃗ = 𝑟⃗ × 𝑝⃗ where 𝑟⃗ is the radius vector.
vii) When a charge particle with charge q moves in a magnetic field of
induction B then the force F acting on the particle is given by 𝐹⃗ =
𝑞 𝑣⃗ × 𝐵⃗ where v is the velocity of the charged particle in magnetic
field.
viii) The Lorentz force F acting on a charged particle q moving in
electromagnetic field of magnetic induction B and electric field E is
given by 𝐹⃗ = 𝑞 𝐸⃗ + 𝑞 𝑣⃗ × 𝐵⃗
ix) The force on an element dl of a current-carrying conductor in a
magnetic field B is : 𝐹⃗ = 𝑖 𝑑𝑙⃗ × 𝐵⃗ where 𝑖 is the current through the
conductor.
1.17. Problems related to cross product:
1. The area of a triangle formed by 2 𝚤̂+ 𝚥̂- 𝑘 and 𝚤̂+ 𝚥̂+ 𝑘 is a) 3 sq
unit b) 23 sq. unit c) 214 sq. unit d) 14/2 sq. unit
1.16 Ch.1: Vector
2. The area of the parallelogram whose sides are represented by
vectors 𝚥̂ + 3𝑘 and 𝚤̂+ 2𝚥̂- 𝑘 is a) 61 sq unit b) 59 sq. unit c) 49
sq. unit d) 52 sq. unit
3. The diagonal of a parallelogram are 2𝚤̂ and 2 𝚥̂ .What is the area of
the parallelograma) 0.5 sq. units b) 1 sq. units c) 2 sq . units c) 4 sq .
units
4. If 𝒆𝟏 denotes a unit
vector along an incident
ray in a medium of
refractive index 𝝁𝟏
and 𝒆𝟐 the unit vector
along the refracted ray
in a medium of
refractive index 𝝁𝟐 and
n a unit vector normal to
boundary of medium
directed towards incident medium, law of refraction is
i) (𝒆𝟏 × 𝒏) = 𝝁𝟐 (𝒆𝟐 × 𝒏)
ii)𝝁𝟏 (𝒆𝟏 × 𝒏) = 𝝁𝟐 (𝒆𝟐 × 𝒏)
iii)𝝁𝟏 (𝒆𝟏 × 𝒏) = (𝒆𝟐 × 𝒏)
iv) (𝒆𝟏 × 𝒏) = (𝒆𝟐 × 𝒏)
Ans: (ii)
Solution:
Let, 𝒆𝟏 = unit vector along incidence ray
𝒏 = unit vector along the normal
𝒆𝟐 = unit vector along the refracted ray.
𝐍𝐨𝐰, 𝒆𝟏 × 𝒏 = 𝟏. 𝟏. 𝒔𝒊𝒏(𝝅 − 𝒊)𝒂 = 𝒔𝒊𝒏𝒊 𝒂
Where 𝑎 is a unit vector, which is normal to the plane containing
𝑒̂ 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑛
𝒆𝟐 × 𝒏 = 𝟏. 𝟏. 𝒔𝒊𝒏(𝝅 − 𝒓)𝒂 = 𝒔𝒊𝒏𝒓𝒂
From general form of Snell’s law
𝝁𝟏 𝒔𝒊𝒏𝒊 = 𝝁𝟐 𝒔𝒊𝒏𝒓
Or 𝝁𝟏 𝒂 𝒔𝒊𝒏𝒊 = 𝝁𝟐 𝒔𝒊𝒏𝒓 𝒂
Or 𝝁𝟏 ( 𝒆𝟏 × 𝒏) = 𝝁𝟐 ( 𝒆𝟐 × 𝒏)
Ch. 1: Vector 1.17
5. A unit vector perpendicular to the plane containing 𝐴⃗ = 𝚤̂ + 𝚥̂ − 2 𝑘
and 𝐵⃗ = 2 𝚤̂ − 𝚥̂ + 𝑘 is
̂ ̂ ̂ ̂ ̂ ̂ ̂ ̂
a) b) c) d)
√ √ √ √
[JAM -2019]
Ans: (d)
Solution:
A unit vector perpendicular to the plane containing 𝐴⃗ and 𝐵⃗ is 𝑛 =
⃗×⃗
⃗×⃗
𝚤̂ 𝚥̂ 𝑘
Here, 𝐴⃗ × 𝐵⃗ = 1 1 −2 = 𝚤̂ (1 − 2) − 𝚥̂ (1 + 4) + 𝑘 (−1 − 2) =
2 −1 1
−𝚤̂ − 5 𝚥̂ − 3 𝑘
𝐴⃗ × 𝐵⃗ = √1 + 5 + 3 = √35
⃗×⃗ ̂ ̂
Therefore 𝑛 = ⃗×⃗
=
√
6. For vectors 𝑎⃗ = 𝚥̂ + 𝑘 , 𝑏⃗ = 2 𝚤̂ + 3 𝚥̂ − 5 𝑘 and 𝑐⃗ = 𝚥̂ − 𝑘 , the
vector product 𝑎⃗ × (𝑏⃗ × 𝑐⃗) is
(a) in the same direction as 𝑐⃗
(b) in the direction opposite to 𝑐⃗
(c) in the same direction as 𝑏⃗
(d) in the direction opposite to 𝑏⃗ [JAM 2014]
Sol.:
𝚤̂ 𝚥̂ 𝑘
𝑏⃗ × 𝑐⃗ = 2 3 −5 = 𝚤̂ (−3 + 5) − 𝚥̂ (−2 + 0) + 𝑘 (2 − 0) = 2 𝚤̂ +
0 1 −1
2 𝚥̂ + 2 𝑘
𝚤̂ 𝚥̂ 𝑘
𝑎⃗ × (𝑏⃗ × 𝑐⃗) = 0 1 1 = 𝚤̂ (2 − 2) − 𝚥̂ (0 − 2) + 𝑘 (0 − 2) = 2 𝚥̂ −
2 2 2
2 𝑘 = 2 𝑐⃗
So option (a) is correct.
1.18 Ch.1: Vector
7. Find the components of the unit vector 𝑛 perpendicular to the
plane shown in the figure.
Here, 𝐴⃗ = 2 𝚥̂ − 𝚤̂, 𝐵⃗ = 3 𝑘 − 𝚤̂
𝚤̂ 𝚥̂ 𝑘
𝐴⃗ × 𝐵⃗ = −1 2 0
−1 0 3
= 𝚤̂ (6 − 0) − 𝚥̂ (−3 + 0) +
𝑘 (0 + 2)
= 6 𝚤̂ + 3 𝚥̂ + 2 𝑘
𝐴⃗ × 𝐵⃗ = √6 + 3 + 2 = √49 = 7
⃗×⃗ 6 ̂ ̂
𝑛= ⃗×⃗
=
1.18. Example related to proof of some trigonometric identities:
i) Proof: 𝑖) 𝑠𝑖𝑛(𝐴 − 𝐵) = 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝐴 𝑐𝑜𝑠 𝐵 – 𝑐𝑜𝑠 𝐴 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝐵
ii) 𝑐𝑜𝑠(𝐴 − 𝐵) = 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝐴 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝐵 + 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝐴 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝐵
Solution:- Let 𝑎⃗, 𝑏⃗ be two unit
vector making angles A and B with
the X-axis.
∴ 𝑎⃗ = 𝑎 cos 𝐴 𝚤̂ + 𝑎 sin 𝐴 𝚥̂
𝑏⃗ = 𝑏 cos 𝐵 𝚤̂ + 𝑏 sin 𝐵 𝚥̂
∴ 𝑏⃗ × 𝑎⃗ = (𝑏 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝐵 𝚤̂ + 𝑏 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝐵 𝚥̂) ×
(𝑎 cos 𝐴 𝚤̂ + 𝑎 sin 𝐴 𝚥̂)
= 𝑎 𝑏 [cos 𝐵 cos 𝐴 (𝚤̂ × 𝚤̂) +
𝑐𝑜𝑠𝐵 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝐴(𝚤̂ × 𝚥̂) + sin 𝐵 𝑐𝑜𝑠 𝐴 (𝚥̂ ×
𝚤̂) + sin 𝐵 sin 𝐴 (𝚥̂ × 𝚥̂)]
Or a b sin(𝐴 − 𝐵) 𝑘 = 𝑎 𝑏[cos 𝐵 𝑆𝑖𝑛 𝐴 𝑘 − sin 𝐵𝑐𝑜𝑠 𝐴 𝑘 ]
∴ 𝐬𝐢𝐧(𝑨 − 𝑩) = 𝐬𝐢𝐧 𝑨 𝐜𝐨𝐬 𝑩 − 𝐜𝐨𝐬 𝑨 𝐬𝐢𝐧 𝑩
Now,
∴ 𝒃⃗ . 𝒂⃗ = (𝑏 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝐵 𝚤̂ + 𝑏 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝐵 𝚥̂) . (𝑎 cos 𝐴 𝚤̂ + 𝑎 sin 𝐴 𝚥̂)
= 𝑎 𝑏 [cos 𝐵 cos 𝐴 (𝚤̂ . 𝚤̂) + 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝐵 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝐴(𝚤̂. 𝚥̂) +
sin 𝐵 𝑐𝑜𝑠 𝐴 (𝚥̂. 𝚤̂) + sin 𝐵 sin 𝐴 (𝚥̂. 𝚥̂)]
Or a b cos(𝐴 − 𝐵) = 𝑎 𝑏[cos 𝐵 𝑐𝑜𝑠 𝐴 + sin 𝐵 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝐴 ]
Ch. 1: Vector 1.19
∴ 𝐜𝐨𝐬(𝑨 − 𝑩) = 𝐜𝐨𝐬 𝑨 𝐜𝐨𝐬 𝑩 + 𝐬𝐢𝐧 𝑨 𝐬𝐢𝐧 𝑩
Proof: i)Prove that 𝐬𝐢𝐧(𝐀 + 𝐁) = 𝐬𝐢𝐧 𝐀 𝐜𝐨𝐬 𝐁 + 𝐜𝐨𝐬 𝐀 𝐬𝐢𝐧 𝐁
ii) Prove that 𝐜𝐨𝐬(𝑨 + 𝑩) = 𝒄𝒐𝒔𝑨 𝒄𝒐𝒔𝑩 − 𝒔𝒊𝒏𝑨 𝒔𝒊𝒏𝑩
Solution:- Let 𝑎⃗, 𝑏⃗ be two unit vector making
angles A and B with the X-axis.
∴ 𝑎⃗ = 𝑎 cos 𝐴 𝚤̂
+ 𝑎 sin 𝐴 𝚥̂ ; 𝑏⃗
= 𝑏 cos 𝐵 𝚤̂ + 𝑏 sin 𝐵 𝚥̂
∴ 𝑎⃗ × 𝑏⃗ = (𝑎 cos 𝐴 𝚤̂ − 𝑎 sin 𝐴 𝚥̂) ×
(𝑏 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝐵 𝚤̂ + 𝑏 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝐵 𝚥̂)
= 𝑎 𝑏 [cos 𝐴 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝐵 (𝚤̂ × 𝚤̂) +
𝑐𝑜𝑠𝐴 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝐵 (𝚤̂ × 𝚥̂) − sin 𝐴 𝑐𝑜𝑠 𝐵 (𝚥̂ × 𝚤̂) −
sin 𝐴 sin 𝐵 (𝚥̂ × 𝚥̂)]
Or a b sin(𝐴 + 𝐵) 𝑘 = 𝑎 𝑏[cos 𝐴 𝑆𝑖𝑛 𝐵 𝑘 + sin 𝐴 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝐵 𝑘 ]
∴ 𝐬𝐢𝐧(𝑨 − 𝑩) = 𝐬𝐢𝐧 𝑨 𝐜𝐨𝐬 𝑩 + 𝐜𝐨𝐬 𝑨 𝐬𝐢𝐧 𝑩
Now,
∴ 𝒂⃗ . 𝒃⃗ = (𝑎 cos 𝐴 𝚤̂ − 𝑎 sin 𝐴 𝚥̂) . (𝑏 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝐵 𝚤̂ + 𝑏 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝐵 𝚥̂)
= 𝑎 𝑏 [cos 𝐴 cos 𝐵 (𝚤̂ . 𝚤̂) + 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝐴 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝐵 (𝚤̂. 𝚥̂) −
sin 𝐴 𝑐𝑜𝑠 𝐵 (𝚥̂. 𝚤̂) − sin 𝐴 sin 𝐵 (𝚥̂. 𝚥̂)]
Or a b cos(𝐴 − 𝐵) = 𝑎 𝑏[cos 𝐴 𝑐𝑜𝑠 𝐵 + sin 𝐴 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝐵 ]
Or cos(𝐴 − 𝐵) = cos 𝐴 𝑐𝑜𝑠 𝐵 + sin 𝐴 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝐵
1.19. Direction cosine of a
Vector:
If any vector 𝐴⃗ subtend angles
𝛼, 𝛽 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝛾 with X-axis, Y-axis and Z
axis respectively and its components
along these axis are Ax, Ay and Az ,
then cos𝛼 = ⃗
, cos𝛽 = ⃗
and
cos𝛾 = ⃗
cos𝛼, cos𝛽 and cos𝛾 are called direction cosine.
1.20 Ch.1: Vector
Here 𝐴⃗ = 𝐴 𝚤̂ + 𝐴 𝚥̂ + 𝐴 𝑘
So 𝐴 = 𝐴⃗ . 𝚤̂
𝐴
𝑜𝑟 𝐴 = 𝐴⃗ 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝛼 𝑂𝑟 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝛼 =
𝐴⃗
Similarly, 𝐴 = 𝐴⃗ . 𝚥̂
𝐴
𝑜𝑟 𝐴 = 𝐴⃗ 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝛽 𝑂𝑟 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝛽 =
𝐴⃗
Similarly, 𝐴 = 𝐴⃗ . 𝑘
𝐴
𝑜𝑟 𝐴 = 𝐴⃗ 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝛾 𝑂𝑟 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝛾 =
𝐴⃗
Also 𝑐𝑜𝑠 𝛼 + 𝑐𝑜𝑠 𝛽 + 𝑐𝑜𝑠 𝛾 = 1
Direction cosines represented by 𝑙, 𝑚 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑛. So 𝑙 + 𝑚 + 𝑛 = 1
and 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝛼 + 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝛽 + 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝛾 = 2
Question: Find direction cosine of the vector 𝚤̂ − 𝚥̂ + 𝑘
1.20. Reciprocal sets of vectors:
The set of vectors 𝑎⃗, 𝑏⃗, 𝑐⃗ 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝐴⃗, 𝐵⃗ , 𝐶⃗ are called reciprocal sets or
systems of vectors if
𝑎⃗. 𝐴⃗ = 𝑏⃗ . 𝐵⃗ = 𝑐⃗. 𝐶⃗ = 1
𝐴𝑛𝑑, 𝐴⃗. 𝑏⃗ = 𝐴⃗. 𝑐⃗ = 𝐵⃗ . 𝑎⃗ = 𝐵⃗ . 𝑐⃗ = 𝐶⃗. 𝑎⃗ = 𝐶⃗. 𝑏⃗ = 0
The set of vectors 𝑎⃗, 𝑏⃗, 𝑐⃗ 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝐴⃗, 𝐵⃗ , 𝐶⃗ are called reciprocal sets or
systems of vectors if and only if
𝑏⃗ × 𝑐⃗ 𝑐⃗ × 𝑎⃗ 𝑎⃗ × 𝑏⃗
𝐴⃗ = , 𝐵⃗ = , 𝐶⃗ =
𝑎⃗ . 𝑏⃗ × 𝑐⃗ 𝑎⃗ . 𝑏⃗ × 𝑐⃗ 𝑎⃗ . 𝑏⃗ × 𝑐⃗
Where 𝑎⃗ . 𝑏⃗ × 𝑐⃗ ≠ 0
Ch. 1: Vector 1.21
1.21. Scalar triple product:
For any three vectors 𝐴⃗, 𝐵⃗ , 𝐶⃗ the scalar triple product is defined as
𝐴⃗. 𝐵⃗ × 𝐶⃗
𝚤̂ 𝚥̂ 𝑘
Now, 𝐴⃗. 𝐵⃗ × 𝐶⃗ = (𝐴 𝚤̂ + 𝐴 𝚥̂ + 𝐴 𝑘 ) . 𝐵 𝐵 𝐵
𝐶 𝐶 𝐶
= (𝐴 𝚤̂ + 𝐴 𝚥̂ + 𝐴 𝑘 ) . [ 𝚤̂ (𝐵 𝐶 − 𝐵 𝐶 ) − 𝚥̂ (𝐵 𝐶 − 𝐵 𝐶 ) +
𝑘 (𝐵 𝐶 − 𝐵 𝐶 )]
= 𝐴 (𝐵 𝐶 − 𝐵 𝐶 ) − 𝐴 (𝐵 𝐶 − 𝐵 𝐶 ) + 𝐴 (𝐵 𝐶 − 𝐵 𝐶 )
𝐴 𝐴 𝐴
=𝐵 𝐵 𝐵
𝐶 𝐶 𝐶
Changing the rows of a determinant we can write
𝐴⃗. 𝐵⃗ × 𝐶⃗ = 𝐵⃗ . 𝐶⃗ × 𝐴⃗ = 𝐶⃗. 𝐴⃗ × 𝐵⃗
Note: If any two of the three vectors 𝐴⃗, 𝐵⃗ , 𝐶⃗ are identical, the scalar
triple product vanishes.
So, 𝐴⃗. 𝐴⃗ × 𝐵⃗ = 𝐴⃗. 𝐵⃗ × 𝐴⃗ = 𝐵⃗ . 𝐴⃗ × 𝐴⃗ = 0
1.21.1. Geometrical Interpretation of Scalar Triple Product:
Let three vectors 𝐴⃗, 𝐵⃗ and 𝐶⃗ form a parallelepiped as shown in the
figure.
Area of the base of parallelepiped = B C sin𝜙 = 𝐵⃗ × 𝐶⃗
If 𝜃 is the angle made by the vector ( 𝐵⃗ × 𝐶⃗) with 𝐴⃗, then height of
the parallelepiped
ℎ = 𝐴 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃
𝑉 = 𝐵⃗ × 𝐶⃗ .h= 𝐵⃗ × 𝐶⃗ . 𝐴 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃=𝐴⃗. (𝐵⃗ × 𝐶⃗)
1.22 Ch.1: Vector
Thus we see that scalar triple product 𝐴⃗. (𝐵⃗ × 𝐶⃗) represents the
volume of parallelepiped, with the three vectors forming its three
edges.
Note: Three vectors are co-planar if 𝐴⃗. (𝐵⃗ × 𝐶⃗) =0