CHAPTER

02

Vectors
In physics, we study a large number of physical quantities. These physical
quantities can either have magnitude or magnitude and direction both. On this
basis, we have broadly categorised physical quantities into two categories : scalars
and vectors. In this chapter, we will study about the vector quantities and their
operations in detail.

SCALAR AND VECTOR QUANTITIES

Scalar quantities
A physical quantity which can be described completely by its magnitude only and
does not require a direction is called scalar quantity. Addition, subtraction,
multiplication or division of scalar quantities can be done according to the general
rules of algebra. Mass, volume, density, etc., are few examples of scalar
quantities.

Vector quantities
A physical quantity which has both magnitude and particular direction and obeys
the triangle law of vector addition or equivalently the parallelogram law of vector
addition is called a vector quantity. Displacement, velocity, acceleration, etc., are
few examples of vector quantities.
Note The physical quantity current has both magnitude and direction but it is still a scalar as it
disobeys the laws of vector algebra. Inside
General points regarding vectors 1 Scalar and vector quantities
General points regarding vectors
General points regarding vectors are as follows Types of vectors
Vector notation Usually a vector is represented by a bold capital letter with an Multiplication and division
→ → → of vectors by scalars
arrow (or without arrow) over it, as A, B, C or simply A, B, C. 2 Addition of two vectors
The magnitude of a vector A is represented by A or | A|. 3 Subtraction of two vectors
Graphical representation of a vector Graphically a vector is represented by an Resolution of vectors

arrow drawn to a chosen scale, parallel to the direction of the vector. The length 4 Product of two vectors
of the arrow represents the magnitude and the tip of the arrow (arrow-head) Scalar product of two vectors
Vector product of two vectors
represents the direction.
Suppose that a car A is running with a velocity of 10 m/s towards east; and
another car B is running with a velocity of 20 m/s towards north-east.
52 OBJECTIVE Physics Vol. 1

These velocities can be represented by vectors drawn in

Fig. 2.1. Types of vectors
Different types of vectors are given below
N
(i) Polar vectors These are the vectors which have a
initial starting point or a point of application.
W E e.g. Displacement, force, etc.
Velocity of (ii) Axial vectors These are the vectors which
car A
represent rotational effect and act along the axis of
S
Velocity of rotation in accordance with right hand screw rule or
car B right hand thumb rule. e.g. Angular velocity, angular
Fig. 2.1 acceleration, torque, etc.
To draw these vectors, it has been assumed that 1 cm ω (Angular velocity) τ
length represents a velocity of 5 m/s. The velocity vector A
F
of car A is an arrow of length 2 cm and its tip is directed
towards east, while that of B is an arrow of length 4 cm
with its tip directed towards north-east.
Angle between two vectors (θ ) Angle between two Axis of rotation
Fig. 2.5 Axial vectors
vectors is the smaller of two angles between the vectors
when they are placed tail to tail. (iii) Equal vectors These are the vectors which have
B B equal magnitude and same direction. In Fig. 2.6, A
A
and B are equal vectors. i.e., A = B
120°
⇒ A

θ = 60° B
A
(a) (b) Fig. 2.6 Equal vectors
Fig. 2.2
(iv) Parallel vectors These are the vectors which have
For example, in Fig. 2.2, angle between A and B is 60° same direction but their magnitude may be equal or
not 120°. Because in Fig. (a), their tails are not together different. The angle between two parallel vectors is
while in Fig. (b), they are drawn correctly. always 0°.
If a vector is displaced parallel to itself, it does not A
change.
B

Fig. 2.7 Parallel vectors

A B
(v) Anti-parallel vectors These are the vectors which
θ θ have opposite direction but their magnitude may be
equal or different. The angle between two
Fig. 2.3 anti-parallel vectors is always 180°.
∴ B=A A
If a vector is rotated by an angle –B
(θ ≠ 2nπ , n = 1, 2 , 3 , ... ), the vector is changed.
A B Fig. 2.8 Anti-parallel vectors

(vi) Collinear vectors These are the vectors which lie

along the same line. Angle between them can be 0°
or 180°. e.g.
θ
α
(a) (θ = 0°) (b) (θ = 0°)
Fig. 2.4
(c) (θ = 180°) (d) (θ = 180°)
∴ B≠A
Vectors 53

(vii) Zero or null vector A vector having zero i.e. A=B

magnitude is known as zero vector. Its direction is Here, A = i$ − 3$j + 5k$ and B = i$ − 3$j − ak$
not specified and hence is arbitrary. It is represented ⇒ i − 3j + 5k$ = i$ − 3$j − ak$
$ $ \
by 0. e.g. Displacement, velocity and acceleration of
a particle at rest or acceleration of a particle moving Comparing on both sides, we get
with uniform velocity. a=−5
 i$ j$ 
(viii) Unit vector A vector whose magnitude is one unit Example 2.2 Check whether the vector  +  is a unit
and points in a particular direction, is called unit vector or not.  2 2
vector. It is represented by A $ (A cap or A hat). The
Sol. A unit vector is a vector with magnitude equals to 1.
unit vector along the direction of A is The magnitude of given vector is
$ = Vector A
A =  i$ j$   1 
2
 1 
2
1 1
Magnitude of the vector |A |  +  =   +   = + = 1 =1
 2 2  2   2  2 2
(Here, A = A $i + A $j + A k$ )
x y z
As magnitude of given vector is 1.
∴ A=A
$ |A | ∴ It is a unit vector.
where, | A | = Ax2 + Ay2 + Az2 Example 2.3 Find the unit vector of 4i$ − 3j$ + k$ .
Y Sol. Let the given vector be A = A i$ + A j$ + A k$
x y z

= 4i$ − 3$j + k$
^j
∴ Ax = 4, Ay = − 3, Az = 1

| A | = Ax2 + Ay2 + Az2 = (4)2 + (−3)2 + (1)2 = 26

X
^i
$ = A = 4i − 3j + k
$ $ $
^k ∴ Unit vector, A
Z |A | 26
Fig. 2.9
Example 2.4 If A = 4i$ + 3$j and B = 24i$ + 7j$, find the vector
In cartesian coordinates $i, $j, k$ are the unit vectors having the same magnitude as B and parallel to A.
along X-axis, Y-axis and Z-axis, respectively. Sol. Magnitude of B , | B | = 242 + 72 = 25
where, | $i | = | $j | = | k$ | = 1 Magnitude of A, | A| = 42 + 32 = 5
Note $ = 4i + 3j
A unit vector is used to specify the direction of a vector. $ $
Unit vector A, A
(ix) Coplanar vectors These are the vectors which 5
always lie in the same plane. (4i$ + 3$j )
Required vector, r = 25 = 20 i$ + 15 $j
Note Two vectors are always coplanar vectors. 5
(x) Negative or opposite vector If the direction of a
vector is reversed, the sign of the vector get
Multiplication and division of
reversed. It is called negative vector of the original vectors by scalars
vector. The product of a vector A and a scalar m gives a vector
In Fig. 2.10, B is negative vector of A, i.e. A = − B. mA whose magnitude is m times the magnitude of A and
which is in the direction or opposite to A accordingly, if
A B the scalar m is positive or negative. Thus, m (A ) = mA
Fig. 2.10 Further, if m and n are two scalars, then
Example 2.1 If vectors i$ − 3j$ + 5k$ and i$ − 3j$ − ak$ are equal (m + n ) A = mA + nA and m (nA ) = n (mA ) = (mn ) A
vectors, then find the value of a. The division of vector A by a non-zero scalar m is defined
1
Sol. Two vectors are said to be equal, if their magnitude is equal as the product of A and ⋅
and direction is same. m
 OBJECTIVE Physics Vol. 1

CHECK POINT 2.1

1. Which of the following is not the vector quantity? 5. Find the vector that must be added to the vector
(a) Torque (b) Displacement i$ − 3j$ + 2 k$ and 3i$ + 6j$ − 7k$ , so that the resultant vector
(c) Dipole moment (d) Electric flux
is a unit vector along theY-axis.
2. Surface area is (a) −4 $i − 2$j + 5 k
$ (b) −4 $i + 2$j + 5 k
$
(a) scalar (c) 4 i − 2j + 5k
$ $ $ (d) − 4 i − 2j − 5 k
$ $ $
(b) vector
(c) Both (a) and (b) 6. The magnitude of i$ + j$ is
(d) Neither scalar nor vector (a) 2 (b) 0
3. I. Pressure II. Temperature (c) 2 (d) 4

III. Momentum IV. Work 7. The direction of unit vector along i$ + j$ is

$i + $j $i + $j
Which of the following physical quantities are scalars ? $
(a) k (b) $i + $j (c) (d)
(a) I and II (b) I, II and III 2 2
(c) I, II and IV (d) II and III
8. What happens, when we multiply a vector by (–2)?
4. A vector multiplied by the number 0, results into (a) Direction reverses and unit changes
(a) 0 (b) A (b) Direction reverses and magnitude is doubled
(c) 0 $
(d) A (c) Direction remains unchanged and unit changes
(d) None of the above

ADDITION OF TWO VECTORS

Vectors cannot be added by simple laws of algebra, 2. Parallelogram law of vector addition
which are applicable to scalars. To add two vectors, we It states that, if two vectors acting on a particle at the same
must follow certain laws. These laws are described time can be represented with magnitude and direction by
below the two adjacent sides of a parallelogram drawn from a
point, then their resultant vector is represented in
1. Triangle law of addition magnitude and direction by the diagonal of the
of two vectors parallelogram drawn from the same point.
It states that, if two vectors acting on a particle at the (i) Magnitude of resultant vector Let R be the
resultant of two vectors A and B. According to
same time are represented with magnitude and direction
parallelogram law of vector addition, the resultant R is
by the two sides of a triangle taken in same order, then the diagonal of the parallelogram of which A and B
their sum or resultant is represented in magnitude and are the adjacent sides as shown in figure below.
direction by the third side of the triangle taken in R Q
opposite order.
As is evident from the figure that the resultant R is the B
A+ B sin θ
B R=
same irrespective of the order in which the vectors A B
β
and B are taken. θ
A
α θ
Thus, O S
A P
+B B cos θ
=A B
R Fig. 2.12
B R=B+A

Magnitude of R is given by
A
Fig. 2.11 R = A 2 + B 2 + 2AB cos θ …(i)
R = A + B =B + A Here, θ = angle between A and B.
This is the geometrical method of vector addition. Eq. (i) is also known as law of cosines.
Vectors 55

R A B Example 2.5 Two forces whose magnitude are in the ratio

Also, = = is known as law of sines.
sin θ sin β sin α 3 : 5 give a resultant of 28 N. If the angle of their inclination
is 60°, find the magnitude of each force.
Special cases
Sol. Let A and B be the two forces, then A = 3x , B = 5x
• Resultant of two vectors will be maximum when
they are parallel, i.e. angle between them is zero. Q R = 28 N and θ = 60°

or R max = A + B Now, R = A2 + B 2 + 2AB cos θ

• Resultant of two vectors will be minimum when ∴ 28 = (3x )2 + (5x )2 + 2(3x )(5x ) cos 60°
they are anti-parallel, i.e. angle between them is
180°. 28 = 9x 2 + 25x 2 + 15x 2 = 7x or x = 4
or R min = A − B ∴ A = 3 × 4 = 12 N
• Resultant of two vectors of unequal magnitude can and B = 5 × 4 = 20 N
never be zero.
Example 2.6 If A = B + C have scalar magnitudes of 5, 4, 3
(ii) Direction of resultant vector Let θ be the angle units respectively, then find the angle between A and C .
between A and B, then
Sol. Here, triangle OMN is given with vectors A, B and C are its
| A + B | = A 2 + B 2 + 2AB cos θ adjacent sides.
If R makes an angle α and β with A and B N
respectively, then θ
B sin θ A
tan α = C
A + B cos θ
A sin θ
tan β = O
B
M
B + A cos θ
MN  | C | − 1  3
As, cos θ = ⇒ θ = cos− 1   = cos  
Polygon law of vector addition for more ON  | A |  5
than two vectors Example 2.7 Find the sum of vectors A and B as shown in the
It states that, if n number of vectors acting on a particle at figure, also find the direction of sum vector. Given, A =
the same time are represented in magnitude and direction 4 unit and B = 3 unit.
by various sides of an open polygon taken in the same B
order, then their resultant is represented in magnitude and
direction by the closing side of the polygon taken in
opposite order.
D D C θ = 60°
A
E C
Sol. According to the question, we draw the following figure
E B
B R=A+B
R B

O A
A α
Fig. 2.13 θ A
Resultant of the vectors A and B,
Thus, in the figure,
OE = OA + AB + BC + CD + DE R = A2 + B 2 + 2AB cos θ
= 16 + 9 + 2 × 4 × 3 cos 60°
∴ R=A+B+C+D+E
= 37 unit
Note
(i) Resultant of two vectors is always located in their common plane. ∴ Direction of the sum vector,
(ii) Vector addition is commutative, i.e. A + B = B + A B sin θ
tan α =
(iii) Vector addition is associative A + B cos θ
i.e. A + (B + C ) = ( A + B) + C 3 sin 60°
(iv) If vectors are of unequal magnitude, then minimum three coplanar = = 0.472
4 + 3 cos 60°
vectors are required for zero resultant.
56 OBJECTIVE Physics Vol. 1

∴ α = tan−1 (0.472) = 25.3° θ

If θ = 60 °, then 2a sin   = a
Thus, resultant of | A | and | B | is 37 unit at angle 25.3°  2
from A in the direction shown in figure. i.e. | A − B | = | A | = | B | = a at θ = 60 °
• If two vectors are such that their sum and
SUBTRACTION OF TWO difference have equal magnitude, then angle
between the given vectors θ = 90 ° .
VECTORS i.e. | A + B | = | A − B |
Negative of a vector say −A is a vector of the same then cos θ = 0 or θ = 90 °
magnitude as vector A but pointing in a direction opposite • If A + B = A − B
to that of A.
then B = 0 (a null vector)
Thus, A − B can be written as A + (−B ) or A − B is the
Note
vector addition of A and − B.
(i) The vector subtraction does not follow commutative law,
i.e. A − B ≠ B − A.
A (ii) The vector subtraction does not follow associative law,
B ( = –A ) i.e. A − (B − C ) ≠ ( A − B) − C
Fig. 2.14 Example 2.8 Find the subtraction of vector A and B as shown
Suppose angle between two vectors A and B is θ. Then, in the figure, also find the direction of subtraction vector.
angle between A and − B will be 180° − θ as shown in Given, A = 4 unit and B = 3 unit.
Fig. 2.15 (b). B

B 180° – θ
A
α
θ = 60°
⇒ β
A
θ
A –B Sol. According to the question, we draw the following figure.
R=A–B
(a)
(b) θ
A
Fig. 2.15 α

Magnitude of resultant vector R = A − B will be thus

given by
−B
| R| = | A − B | = A 2 + B 2 + 2AB cos (180 ° − θ ) R=A−B

or | R| = A 2 + B 2 − 2AB cos θ …(i) Magnitude of resultant of the vectors A and B,

R = A2 + B 2 − 2AB cos θ
For direction of resultant vector R, we will either calculate
angle α or β, where = 16 + 9 − 2 × 4 × 3 cos 60°
B sin (180 ° − θ ) B sin θ
tan α = = …(ii) = 13 unit
A + B cos (180 ° − θ ) A − B cos θ and direction is
A sin (180 ° − θ ) A sin θ B sin θ
or tan β = = …(iii) tan α =
B + A cos (180 ° − θ ) B − A cos θ A − B cos θ
Special cases 3 sin 60°
= = 1.04
4 − 3 cos 60°
• If two vectors have equal magnitudes,
i.e. | A | = | B | = a and θ is the angle between ∴ α = tan−1 (1.04) = 461
.°
them, then Thus, A – B is 13 unit at 46.1° from A in the direction
θ
| A − B | = a 2 + a 2 − 2a 2 cos θ = 2a sin   shown in figure.
 2
Vectors 57

Example 2.9 Obtain the magnitude of 2A − 3B, if Refer Fig. (a)

A = i$ + j$ − 2 k$ and B = 2i$ − j$ + k$ . We have resolved a two dimensional vector (in XY-plane)
Sol. The magnitude of 2A − 3B is R in mutually perpendicular directions x and y.
Y Y
2 A − 3B = 2 (i$ + $j − 2k$ ) − 3 (2i$ − $j + k$ )
= − 4i$ + 5 j$ − 7k$ Ry R Ry R
∴ Magnitude of 2 A − 3 B = (−4) + (5) + (−7) 2 2 2
β β β
α α
= 16 + 25 + 49 O X O X
Rx Rx
= 90 (a) (b)
Fig. 2.16
Example 2.10 Two vectors P and Q have equal magnitudes.
If the magnitude of (P + Q ) is ‘ k ’ times the magnitude of Component along X-axis = R x = R cos α or R sin β
(P − Q ), then calculate the angle between P and Q . Component alongY-axis = R y = R cos β or R sin α
Sol. Given, |P| = | Q| If $i and $j be the unit vectors along X andY-axes
or P =Q …(i)
respectively, we can write, R = R x $i + R y $j
Let magnitude of (P + Q ) is R and for (P − Q ) is R ′ Refer Fig. (b)
Now, R =P + Q Vector R has been resolved in two axes such that x and y
and R 2 = P 2 + Q 2 + 2PQ cos θ not perpendicular to each other. Applying sine law in the
R 2 = 2P 2 + 2P 2 cos θ …(ii) triangle shown , we have
R R Ry
Again, R′ = P − Q = x =
(R ′ )2 = P 2 + Q 2 − 2PQ cos θ sin [180° − (α + β)] sin β sin α
(R ′ )2 = 2P 2 − 2P 2 cos θ R sin β R sin α
…(iii) or Rx = and R y =
2 sin (α + β) sin (α + β)
R
Given, R = kR ′ or   = k 2
 R ′ If α + β = 90 °, R x = R sin β and R y = R sin α
Dividing Eq. (ii) by Eq. (iii), we get Ry Ry 
Also, tan α = or α = tan −1  
k 2 1 + cos θ
=
Rx  Rx 
1 1 − cos θ
Rectangular components of a vector in
k2 − 1 (1 + cos θ ) − (1 − cos θ )
or = three dimensional space
k +1
2
(1 + cos θ ) + (1 − cos θ )
Let R x , R y and R z are the components of resultant vector
2 cos θ R in X,Y and Z-axes respectively, and $i, $j and k$ are unit
= = cos θ
2
vectors along these directions. Then, a vector R and its
 k 2 − 1 −1  k − 1
2
magnitude can be written as
∴ cos θ =  2  or θ = cos  2 
 k + 1  k + 1 Y
R
Resolution of vectors Ry
β
β
The resolution of a vector is opposite to vector addition. If a α Rx
X
vector is resolved into two vectors whose combined effect is γ
Rz
the same as that of the given vector, then the resolved
Z
vectors are called the components of the given vector.
Fig. 2.17
Resolution of vectors into R = R x + R y + R z or R = R xi$ + R y $j + R z k$

rectangular components R = R x2 + R y2 + R z2
When a vector is splitted into components which are at This vector R makes an angle of
right angle to each other, then the components are called
R 
rectangular or orthogonal components of that vector. α = cos−1  x  with X-axis
R
58 OBJECTIVE Physics Vol. 1

Ry 
β = cos−1   withY -axis Sol. Consider the figure shown below.
R
R 
and γ = cos−1  z  with Z-axis C
E
R
45° B
Note
D O
(i) A vector can be resolved into maximum infinite number of
components.
For example,10i$ = i$ + i$ + i$ K 10 times A
i$ i$ i$ Resolve OC into two rectangular components,
or = + + K 20 times
2 2 2
OD = OC cos 45° and OE = OC sin 45°
(ii) A vector is independent of the orientation of axes but the
components of that vector depends upon the orientation of axes. To obtain zero resultant,
(iii) The component of a vector along its perpendicular direction is OE = OA or OC sin 45° = 10 N
always zero. 1
⇒ OC × = 10 N
Example 2.11 Find the angle that the vector A = 2$i + 3$j − k$ 2
makes withY-axis. |OC | = 10 2 N and OD = OB
Sol. According to the resolution of the vector, ⇒ OC cos 45° = OB
Ay 3 3 1
cos θ = = = ⇒ OB = 10 2 × = 10 N
A (2) + (3) + (− 1)
2 2 2 14 2

 3  Thus, the magnitude of OB and OC is 10 2 N and 10 N.

∴ θ = cos−1  
 14  Example 2.14 Find the resultant and direction of three
vectors as shown in the figure.
Example 2.12 A vector is given by A = 3 i$ + 4 j$ + 5 k$ . Find y
the magnitude of A, unit vector along A and angles made by 3m
A with coordinate axes.
Sol. We have, magnitude, | A| = A = Ax2 + Ay2 + Az2 1m
m
2
5√

= (3)2 + (4)2 + (5)2 = 5 2 45°

O x
$ = A = 3i$ + 4j$ + 5k$
Unit vector, A Sol. From the figure,
|A| 5 2
On X-axis, x = 5 2 cos 45° + 1 = 5 + 1 = 6 m
Angles made by A with coordinate axes,
OnY -axis, y = 5 2 sin 45° + 3 = 5 + 3 = 8 m
A 3  3 
cos α = x = ⇒ α = cos−1  
| A| 5 2  5 2 8

Ay 4  4 
cos β = = ⇒ β = cos−1  
| A| 5 2  5 2 R

Az 5  1  π θ
cos γ = = ⇒ γ = cos−1   = 6
| A| 5 2  2 4
∴ Magnitude of resultant of given vectors,
Example 2.13 Find the magnitude of vectors OB and OC . R = x2 + y 2
If sum of three vectors gives a value equals to 0 as shown
in figure below. = (6)2 + (8)2 = 10 m
∴ Direction of resultant vectors,
C
y 8 4
tan θ = = =
x 6 3
45°
 4
O B ⇒ θ = tan−1  
 3
 4
Thus, resultant vector makes an angle of tan −1   with
 3
A=10N
X-axis.
CHECK POINT 2.2
1. For the resultant of two vectors to be maximum, what must 8. Three vectors each of magnitude A are acting at a point
be the angle between them? such that angle between any two consecutive vectors in
(a) 0° (b) 60° same plane is 60°. The magnitude of their resultant is
(c) 90° (d) 180° (a) 2A (b) 2A
2. Minimum number of vectors of unequal magnitude whose (c) 3 A (d) 6A
vector sum can equal to zero is 9. If P + Q = P − Q, then
(a) two (b) three
(a) P = 0 (b) Q = 0
(c) four (d) Any
(c) P = 1 (d) Q Q | = 1
3. Two vectors having magnitudes 8 and 10 can have maximum
and minimum value of magnitude of their resultant as
10. Resultant of two vectors A and B is given by R = {A − B},
(a) 12, 6 (b) 10, 3 angle between A and B will be
(c) 18, 2 (d) None of these (a) 90° (b) 180°
(c) 0° (d) None of these
4. Given that, P + Q + R = 0. Which of the following statement
is true?
11. If|A| = 2 and|B| = 4 and angle between them is 60°, then
(a) |P| + |Q| = |R| (b) |P + Q| = |R|
| A − B|
(c) |P| − |Q| = |R| (d) |P − Q| = |R| (a) 13 (b) 3 3
(c) 3 (d) 2 3
5. (P + Q) is a unit vector along X-axis. If P = $i − $j + k$ , then
12. A vector inclined at an angle θ to the horizontal as shown in
what is the value of Q?
figure below. If its component along X-axis is 50 N, then its
(a) $i + $j − k
$ (b) $j − k
$ (c) $i + $j + k
$ (d) $j + k
$
magnitude in y-direction is
6. A = 2$i + $j , B = 3$j − k$ and C = 6$i − 2k$ .
Y
Value of A − 2 B + 3 C would be
(a) 20$i + 5$j + 4 k
$ (b) 20$i − 5$j − 4k
$

(c) 4 i + 5j + 20 k
$ $ $ (d) 5i + 4 j + 10 k
$ $ $

7. At what angle should the two vectors 2P and 2P act, so

that the resultant force is P 10? θ=60°
X
(a) 45° (b) 60°
(c) 90° (d) 120°
(a) 50 N (b) 72 N (c) 64 N (d) 87 N

PRODUCT OF TWO VECTORS

The multiplication of two vector quantities cannot be
done by simple algebraic method. The product of two
vectors may be a scalar as well as a vector. B

If the product of two vectors is a scalar quantity, then A.B = AB cos θ

it is called scalar product (or dot product); if the
product is a vector quantity, then it is called vector θ
product (or cross product). A
Fig. 2.18
Scalar product of two vectors A ⋅ B = AB cos θ (A scalar quantity)
The scalar product (or dot product) of two vectors is e.g. work done (W ) = F ⋅ s and power (P ) = F ⋅ v
defined as the product of their magnitude with cosine
Note (i) The scalar or dot product of two vectors A and B is denoted by A ⋅ B
of the angle between them. and is read as A dot B.
Thus, if there are two vectors A and B having angle θ (ii) Dot product is always a scalar, which is positive, if angle between
between them, then their scalar product is written as the vectors is acute (i.e. θ < 90°) and negative, if angle between
them is obtuse (i.e. 90° < θ < 180°).
60 OBJECTIVE Physics Vol. 1

Important points regarding dot product Example 2.16 Prove that the vectors A = 2i$ − 3$j + k$ and
The following points should be remembered regarding the B = i$ + $j + k$ are mutually perpendicular.
dot product Sol. A ⋅ B = (2i$ − 3$j + k$ ) ⋅ (i$ + $j + k$ )
(i) A ⋅ B = B ⋅ A (i.e. dot product is commutative) = (2)(1) + (−3)(1) + (1)(1)
(ii) A ⋅ (B + C) = A ⋅ B + A ⋅ C (i.e. dot product is distributive) = 0 = AB cos θ (Q A ⋅ B = AB cos θ)
∴ cos θ = 0 (As A ≠ 0, B ≠ 0)
(iii) A ⋅ A =A 2 (also called self-dot product)
or θ = 90° (Q cos 90° = 0)
(iv) A ⋅ B = A(B cos θ ) = A (component of B along A) or the vectors A and B are mutually perpendicular.
or A ⋅ B = B (A cos θ ) = B (component of A along B) Example 2.17 Find the angle between two vectors
(v) $i ⋅ $i = $j ⋅ $j = k$ ⋅ k$ = (1)(1) cos 0 ° = 1 A = 2i$ + $j − k$ and B = i$ − k$ .
(vi) $i ⋅ $j = $j ⋅ k$ = $i ⋅ k$ = (1)(1) cos 90 ° = 0
Sol. A = | A| = (2)2 + (1)2 + (−1)2 = 6
(vii) (a1$i + b 1$j + c 1k$ ) ⋅ (a 2 $i + b 2 $j + c 2 k$ )
B = | B | = (1)2 + (−1)2 = 2
= a1a 2 + b 1b 2 + c 1c 2
A ⋅ B = (2i$ + j$ − k$ ) ⋅ (i$ − k$ ) = (2)(1) + (−1)(−1) = 3
A⋅B
(viii) cos θ = (cosine of angle between A and B) A⋅B 3 3 3
AB Now, cos θ = = = =
AB 6⋅ 2 12 2
(ix) Two vectors are perpendicular (i.e. θ = 90 °), if their
dot product is zero. ∴ θ = 30°
(x) Dot product of two vectors will be maximum when Example 2.18 Find the component of vector A + B along
vectors are parallel (i.e. θ = 0) (A ⋅ B ) max = AB (i) X-axis (ii) and C.
Projection of A along B (Components of dot product) Given, A = i − 2j, B = 2i + 3k$ and C = i$ + $j .
$ $ $

Sol. A + B = ($i − 2$j ) + (2$i + 3k$ ) = 3$i − 2$j + 3k$

A (i) Component of A + B along X-axis is 3.
(ii) Component of A + B = R (say) along C is
R ⋅ C = RC cos θ
θ
B R ⋅ C (3i$ − 2$j + 3k$ ) ⋅ (i$ + $j ) 3 − 2 1
A cos θ ∴ R cos θ = = = =
Fig. 2.19 C (1) + (1)
2 2 2 2
(i) In scalar form : Projection or scalar component of Example 2.19 Find the (i) scalar component and (ii) vector
A along B component of A = 3i$ + 4$j + 5k$ on B = i$ + j$ + k$ .
A⋅B A⋅B
= A cos θ = A × = = A⋅B
$ Sol. (i) Scalar component of A along B is
AB B (i$ + $j + k$ )
(ii) In vector form : Projection or vector component of A cos θ = A ⋅ B$ = (3i$ + 4$j + 5k$ ) ⋅
3
A along B 3 + 4 + 5 12
= = =4 3
$ =  A × A ⋅ B  B
= (A cos θ ) B $ 3 3
 AB  (ii) Vector component of A along B is
A⋅B $ (i$ + j$ + k$ )
= ⋅ B = (A ⋅ B
$) B
$ (A cos θ ) B$ = (A ⋅ B$ ) B$ = (4 3 ) = 4i$ + 4j$ + 4k$
B 3
Example 2.15. Find the projection of A = 2i$ − $j + k$ on Vector product of two vectors
B = i$ − 2j$ + k$ .
The vector product or cross product of B
Sol. Projection of A on B = A cos θ (where, θ = angle between A
two vectors is defined as a vector having
and B) magnitude equal to the product of their
A⋅B (i$ − 2j$ + k$ ) magnitudes with the sine of angle
= = (2i$ − j$ + k$ ) ⋅
B (1)2 + (−2)2 + (1)2 between them, and its direction is θ
A
perpendicular to the plane containing
2 + 2 +1 5 Fig. 2.20
= = both the vectors according to right hand
6 6 screw rule.
Vectors 61

Thus, if A and B are two vectors, then their vector
product, i.e. A × B gives a vector C and is defined by
C = A × B = AB sin θ n$ .
where, n$ is a unit vector perpendicular to the plane of A
and B.
The direction of C (or of n$ ) is determined by right hand
screw rule and right hand thumb rule.
(i) Right Hand Screw Rule Rotate a right handed
screw from first vector (A ) towards second vector (B ).
The direction in which right handed screw moves
gives the direction of vector (C) as shown in Fig. 2.21.
C=A×B
(iii) If two vectors are perpendicular to each other, we
have θ = 90 °, i.e. sin θ = 1. So that, A × B = AB n$ .
These vectors A, B and A × B thus form a right
handed system of mutually perpendicular vectors.
It follows at once from the above that in case of the
orthogonal triad of unit vectors $i, $j and k$ (each
perpendicular to each other)
∧ ∧
i i
Plus Minus
∧ ∧ ∧ ∧
k j k j

Fig. 2.23

$i × $j = − $j × i$ = k$
$j × k$ = − k$ × $j = $i

θ and k$ × i$ = − i$ × k$ = $j

B (iv) A × (B + C) = A × B + A × C
A (v) A vector product can be expressed in terms of
Plane of A and B rectangular components of the two vectors and put
Fig. 2.21 in the determinant form as may be seen from the
following
The direction of C (or of n$ ) is perpendicular to the Let A = a1$i + b 1$j + c 1k$
plane containing A and B; and its sense is decided
by right hand screw rule. and B = a $i + b $j + c k$
2 2 2
(ii) Right Hand Thumb Rule If the fingers of the right Putting it in determinant form, we have
hand be curled in the direction in which vector A
must be turned through the smaller included angle θ
$i $j k$
to coincide with the direction of vector B, the thumb A × B = a1 b 1 c1
points in the direction of C as shown in Fig. 2.22. a2 b2 c2
AH B = C
It may be noted that the scalar components of the
first vector A occupy the middle row of the
determinant.
(vi) A unit vector ($n) perpendicular to A as well as B is
A×B
given by n$ =
|A × B |
A θ (vii) If A, B and C are coplanar, then [A ⋅ (B × C)] = 0
B (viii) Angle between (A + B ) and (A × B ) is 90°.
Fig. 2.22 (ix) Two vectors can be shown parallel to each other, if
Important points regarding vector product • The coefficient of $i, $j and k$ of both the vectors
(i) A × B = − B × A bear a constant ratio. For example, a vector
(ii) The magnitude of cross product of two parallel A = a1$i + b 1$j + c 1k$ is parallel to another vector
vectors is zero, as | A × B | = AB sin θ and θ = 0 ° for B = a 2 $i + b 2 $j + c 2 k$ , if
two parallel vectors. Thus,
a1 b 1 c1
$i × $i = $j × $j = k$ × k$ = 0 = =
a2 b2 c2
62 OBJECTIVE Physics Vol. 1

• The cross product of both the vectors is zero. For Example 2.22 Show that the vector A = i$ − j$ + 2k$ is parallel
instance A and B are parallel to each other, if to a vector B = 3i$ − 3$j + 6k$ .
$i $j k$ Sol. A vector A is parallel to an another vector B, if it can be
written as
A × B = a1 b1 c1 = 0 A = mB
1
a2 b2 c2 Here, A = (i$ − $j + 2k$ ) = (3i$ − 3$j + 6k$ )
3
(x) The area of triangle bounded by vectors A and B is (Q B = 3i$ − 3j$ + 6k$ )
1 1
| A × B |. ∴ A= B
2 B 3
This implies that A is parallel to B and magnitude of A is
1/3 times the magnitude of B.

Example 2.23 Find a unit vector perpendicular to

A = 2i$ + 3$j + k$ and B = i$ − j$ + k$ both.
O A
Fig. 2.24 Sol. Given, A = 2i$ + 3$j + k$ and B = i$ − j$ + k$
Now, C = A × B is a vector, perpendicular to both A and B.
Area of triangle ABC If position vector of A is a, Hence, a unit vector n$ is perpendicular to both A and B. It can
position vector of B is b and position vector of C is c, be written as
then C A ×B
1 n$ = =
Area of triangle ABC = | a × b + b × c + c × a | C | A × B|
2 $i $j k$
(xi) Area of parallelogram shown in figure is
Here, A×B= 2 3 1
B 1 –1 1

d1 d2 = $i (3 + 1) + $j (1 − 2) + k$ (−2 − 3)
= 4$i − $j − 5k$
O A
Fig. 2.25 Further, | A × B | = (4)2 + (−1)2 + (−5)2 = 42
1 A×B
= |A × B| = |d1 × d 2| ∴ The desired unit vector is n$ =
2 | A × B|
where, d 1 and d 2 are diagonals. 1
or n$ = (4i$ − $j − 5 k$ )
Example 2.20 If a × b = b × c ≠ 0 with a ≠ − c, then show 42
that a + c = k b, where k is scalar.
Example 2.24 Let A, B and C be unit vectors. Suppose that
Sol. Given, a× b= b× c
A ⋅ B = A ⋅ C = 0 and that the angle between B and C is π/6,
a × b= − c× b then prove that, A = ± 2 (B × C)
∴ a × b + c× b= 0 Sol. Since, A ⋅ B = 0, A ⋅C = 0
(a + c) × b = 0 Hence, (B + C) ⋅ A = 0
Given, a × b ≠ 0, b × c ≠ 0, a, b, c, d are non-zero vectors. So, A is perpendicular to (B + C) and A is a unit vector
(a + c) ≠ 0 perpendicular to the plane of vectors B and C.
Hence, a + c is parallel to b. B× C
A=
∴ a + c= k b (where, k is scalar) | B × C|
Example 2.21 Prove that, | a × b |2 = a 2b 2 − (a ⋅ b) 2 where, | B × C | = | B || C | sin θ
Sol. Let | a | = a, |b | = b π  π
= | B || C |sin Qθ = 
6  6
and θ be the angle between them.
1 1
∴ | a × b |2 = (ab sin θ )2 = a 2b 2 sin2 θ = 1× 1× =
2 2
= a 2b 2 (1 − cos2 θ ) = a 2b 2 − (ab cos θ )2 B× C
∴ A= = ± 2 (B × C)
= a 2b 2 − (a ⋅ b ) 2 = RHS |B × C|
Vectors 63

Example 2.25 If a = 3i$ + $j − 4k$, b = 6i$ + 5$j − 2k$, then find Example 2.27 The adjacent sides of a parallelogram is given
the area of a triangle whose adjacent sides are determined
by two vectors A and B, where A = 5i$ − 4$j + 3k$ and
by a and b.
B = 3i$ − 2$j − k$ . Calculate the area of parallelogram.
Sol. Cross product of vectors a and b,
Sol. Here, A and B represents the adjacent sides of a
 i$ $j k$  parallelogram.

a × b = 3 1 −4  B

 

6 5 −2
 
= i (−2 + 20) − j (−6 + 24) + k$ (15 − 6) = 18i$ − 18j$ + 9k$
$ $
Magnitude of a and b, O A
| a × b | = (18)2 + (−18)2 + (9)2 = 729 = 27
A = 5i$ − 4$j + 3k$
1 27
∴ Area of ∆ = | a × b | =
2 2 B = 3i$ − 2$j − k$
= 13.5 sq. units Area of parallelogram = | A × B |
 i$ $j k$ 
Example 2.26 If the diagonals of a parallelogram are 2 i$ and
∴ 
A × B = 5 −4 3
2 $j , then find its area.

 

Sol. Let A = 2i$ and B = 2$j 3 −2 −1
 
1 1 = i$ (4 + 6) − $j (−5 − 9) + k$ (−10 + 12)
Area of parallelogram = | A × B | = [2i$ × 2 j$ ]
2 2
1 $ $ 1 $ = 10i$ + 14j$ + 2k$
= [4(i × j )] = | 4k | (Q i$ × j$ = k$ )
2 2 ⇒ | A × B | = (10)2 + (14)2 + (2)2
= 2 sq. units
= 300 = 10 3 sq. units

CHECK POINT 2.3

1. The modulus of the vector product of two vectors is
1 5. The condition (a ⋅ b)2 = a 2b 2 is satisfied when
3 (a) a is parallel to b (b) a ≠ b
times their scalar product. The angle between vectors is (c) a ⋅ b = 1 (d) a ⊥ b
π π
(a) (b) 6. When A ⋅ B = −| A|| B |, then
6 2
π π (a) A and B are perpendicular to each other
(c) (d)
4 3
(b) A and B acts in the same direction
2. What is the dot product of two vectors having magnitude of (c) A and B acts in the opposite direction
3 and 5; and the angle between them is 60° ?
(d) A and B can act in any direction
(a) 5.2 (b) 7.5
(c) 8.4 (d) 8.6 7. Given|A| = 2 ,|B | = 5 and|A × B | = 8. If angle between
3. The vector projection of a vector 3$i + 4 k$ on Y-axis is A and B is acute, then A ⋅ B is
(a) 6 (b) 3 (c) 4 (d) 7
(a) 5 (b) 4
(c) 3 (d) zero 8. If|A × B| = 3 A ⋅ B, then the value of|A + B | is
4. Three vectors A, B and C satisfy the relation A ⋅ B = 0 and 1/ 2
(a)  A2 + B2 +
AB 

A ⋅ C = 0. Then, the vector A is parallel to  3
(a) B (b) C (b) A + B
(c) B ⋅ C (d) B × C (c) (A2 + B2 + 3 AB)1 / 2
(d) (A2 + B2 + AB)1 / 2
64 OBJECTIVE Physics Vol. 1

Chapter Exercises
(A) Taking it together
Assorted questions of the chapter for advanced level practice

1 Out of the following quantities, which is scalar? 10 Vector P = 6$i + 4 2$j + 4 2k

$ makes an angle with
(a) Displacement (b) Momentum Z-axis which is equal to
(c) Potential energy (d) Torque  2
(a) cos−1   (b) cos−1 (2 2 )
2 The vector quantity among the following is  5
(a) mass (b) time
2 2
(c) distance (d) displacement (c) cos−1   (d) None of these
 5 
3 A vector is added to an equal and opposite vector of
similar nature, forms a 11 Which of the following is the unit vector
(a) unit vector (b) position vector perpendicular to A and B?
(c) null vector (d) displacement vector $ × B$
A $ × B$
A A×B A×B
(a) (b) (c) (d)
4 The component of a vector along any other direction AB sin θ AB cos θ AB sin θ AB cos θ
is 12 Condition under which vectors (a + b ) and (a − b )
(a) always less than its magnitude are parallel is
(b) always greater than its magnitude (a) a ⊥ b (b) | a | = | b |
(c) always equal to its magnitude (c) a ≠ b (d) a is parallel to b
(d) None of the above
13 The forces, which meet at one point but their lines
5 Which of the following is a unit vector? of action do not lie on one plane, are called
(a) i$ + j$ (b) cos θ i$ − sin θ j$ (a) non-coplanar non-concurrent forces
1 $ $ (b) non-coplanar concurrent forces
(c) sin θ i$ + 2 cos θ j$ (d) (i + j )
3 (c) coplanar concurrent forces
(d) coplanar non-concurrent forces
6 A vector P = 3 $i − 2$j + ak
$ is perpendicular to the
14 Consider a vector F = 4$i − 3 $j . Another vector
vector Q = 2$i + $j − k$ . The value of a is
(a) 2 (b) 1
perpendicular to F is
(c) 4 (d) 3 (a) 4i$ + 3$j (b) 6i$ (c) 7k$ (d) 3i$ − 4j$
$ and B = − $i − $j − k$ , then what is
7 If A = $i + $j + k 15 If the angle between two non-zero vectors A and B
the angle made by (A − B ) with A? is 120°, its resultant C will be
(a) 0° (b) 180° (a) C = | A − B | (b) C < | A − B |
(c) 90° (d) 60° (c) C > | A − B | (d) C = | A + B |
8 The angle between the two vectors − 2$i + 3 $j + k
$ 16 Two vectors A and B inclined at angle θ have a
and $i + 2$j − 4k$ is resultant R which makes an angle φ with A. If the
directions of A and B are interchanged, then the
(a) 45° (b) 90°
resultant will have the same
(c) 30° (d) 60°
(a) magnitude
9 Component of the vector A = 2$i + 3 $j along the (b) direction
vector B = ($i + $j ) is (c) magnitude as well as direction
(d) None of the above
5
(a) (b) 4 2 17 Which of the following is correct?
2
(a) | a − b | = | a | − | b | (b) | a − b | ≤ | a | − | b |
2 (c) | a − b | ≥ | a | − | b | (d) | a − b | > | a | − | b |
(c) (d) None of these
3
Vectors 65

18 If A = B, then which of the following is not correct? 30 If a unit vector is represent by 0.5$i + 0.8$j + c k
$ , then
(a) A$ = B$ (b) | A | = | B | the value of c is
(c) AB$ = BA
$ (d) A + B = A $ + B$ (a) 1 (b) 0.11
19 The angle between vectors (A × B ) and (B × A ) is (c) 0.01 (d) 0.39
(a) zero (b) π 31 A and B are two vectors given by A = 2$i + 3 $j and
(c) π /4 (d) π / 2 B = 2$i + 4$j . The magnitude of the component of A
20 Unit vector parallel to the resultant of vector 8 $i and along B is
8$j will be (a)
5
(b)
3
(c)
8
(d)
5
(a) (24 i$ + 5j$ )/13 (b) (12 i$ + 5j$ )/13 2 2 5 13
(c) (6 i$ + 5j$ )/13 (d) None of these 32 If F1 and F2 are two vectors of equal magnitudes F
21 The area of the parallelogram represented by the such that | F1 ⋅ F2 | = | F1 × F2 |, then | F1 + F2 | equals to
vectors A = 2$i + 3 $j and B = $i + 4$j is (a) (2 + 2) F (b) 2F
(a) 14 units (b) 7.5 units (c) F 2 (d) None of these
(c) 10 units (d) 5 units
33 The angle between the vectors A and B is θ. The
22 A vector is represented by 3 $i + $j + 2k
$ . Its length in
value of the triple product A ⋅ (B × A ) is
XY-plane is (a) A2B (b) zero (c) A2B sin θ (d) A2B cos θ
(a) 2 (b) 14
$ is a unit vector in a given direction, then the
34 If A
(c) 10 (d) 5
$
dA
23 What is the angle between (P + Q ) and (P × Q )? $ ⋅
value of A is
dt
π π
(a) Zero (b) (c) (d) π (a) 0 (b) 1 (c)
1
(d) 2
2 4 2
24 If three vectors along coordinate axes represent the 35 Find the resultant of three vectors OA, OB and OC
adjacent sides of a cube of length b, then the unit
shown in the following figure. (Radius of the circle is R)
vector along its diagonal passing through the origin
will be C
i$ + j$ + k$ i$ + j$ + k$ i$ + j$ + k$ B
(a) (b) (c) i$ + j$ + k$ (d)
2 36 3 45°
45°
O A
25 The angle between A = $i + $j and B = $i − $j is
[NCERT Exemplar]
(a) 45° (b) 90° (c) − 45° (d) 180°
26 Resultant of which of the following may be equal to (a) 2R (b) R (1 + 2 )
zero?
(a) 10 N, 10 N, 10 N (b) 10 N, 10 N, 25 N (c) R 2 (d) R ( 2 − 1)
(c) 10 N, 10 N, 35 N (d) None of these 36 If A = 3 $i + 4$j and B = 7$i + 24$j , the vector having
27 A vector perpendicular to both the vectors the same magnitude as B and parallel to A is
2$i − $j + 5k$ and X-axis is (a) 5i$ + 20j$ (b) 15i$ + 10j$
(a) $j + 5j$ (b) $j − 5k$ (c) 5$j + k$ (d) i$ + j$ + k$ (c) 20i$ + 15j$ (d) 15i$ + 20j$
28 The resultant of A and B makes an angle α with 37 Let A = $i A cos θ + $jA sin θ be any vector. Another
A and β with B, then vector B which is perpendicular to A can be
(a) α < β (b) α > β, if A < B expressed as
(c) α < β, if A = B (d) α < β, if A < B (a) i$B cos θ − j$ B sin θ (b) i$ B sin θ − j$ B cos θ
29 The vector that must be added to the vectors
$i − 2$j + 3 k$ and 6$i + 3 $j − 7k$ , so that the resultant (c) i$B cos θ + $j B sin θ (d) i$ B sin θ + j$ B cos θ
vector is a unit vector along theY-axis is 38 If two vectors 2$i + 3 $j + k
$ and − 4$i − 6$j − λk$ are
(a) 4i$ + 2j$ + 5k$ (b) −7i$ + 4k$ parallel to each other, then value of λ is
(c) 3i$ + 4j$ + 5k$ (d) null vector (a) 0 (b) 2 (c) 3 (d) 4
66 OBJECTIVE Physics Vol. 1

39 If P + Q = R and | P | = | Q | = 3 and | R | = 3, then 48 If vectors A and B have an angle θ between them,

the angle between P and Q is $ −B
then value of | A $ | will be
(a) π /4 (b) π /6 θ θ
(a) 2 cos (b) 2 tan
(c) π / 3 (d) π /2 2 2
40 The angles which the vector A = 3 $i + 6$j + 2k
$ θ
(c) 2 sin (d) None of these
makes with the coordinate axes are 2
 3  6  2 49 Given A = 3 $i + 4$j and B = 6$i + 8$j , then which of
(a) cos−1   , cos−1   and cos−1  
 7  7  7 the following option is correct?
−1  4  −1  5  −1  3 
| A| 1
(b) cos   , cos   and cos   (a) A × B = 50 (b) =
 7  7  7 |B | 2
 3  4  1 (c) | A | = 15 (d) A ⋅ | B | = 48
(c) cos−1   , cos−1   and cos−1  
 7  7  7 50 The resultant of two vectors 3P and 2P is R. If the
(d) None of the above first vector is doubled, then the resultant is also
41 Resultant of two vectors of equal magnitude A is doubled. The angle between the two vectors is
(a) 60° (b) 120°
(a) 3A at 0° (b) 2A at 90°
(c) 90° (d) 180°
(c) 2A at 120° (d) A at 180°
51 The sum of two vectors A and B is at right angles to
42 The component of a vector r along X-axis will have
their difference. Then, the correct relation is
maximum value, if [NCERT Exemplar]
(a) A = B (b) A = 2B
(a) r is along positive Y-axis (c) B = 2A (d) None of these
(b) r is along positive X-axis
(c) r makes an angle of 45° with the X-axis 52 If the sum of two unit vectors is a unit vector, then
(d) r is along negative Y-axis magnitude of difference in two unit vectors is
43 If A ⋅ B = 0 and A × B = 1, then A and B are (a) 2 (b) 3 (c) 1/ 2 (d) 5
(a) perpendicular unit vectors 53 What is the angle between P and the cross product
(b) parallel unit vector of (P + Q ) and (P − Q )?
(c) parallel (a) 90° (b) tan−1 (P /Q )
(d) anti-parallel −1
(c) tan (Q /P ) (d) 0°
44 If a + b + c = 0, then a × b is equal to
(a) b × c (b) c × b
54 A vector having magnitude 30 unit makes equal
(c) a × c (d) None of these angles with each of X, Y and Z-axes. The components
of vector along each of X, Y and Z-axes are
45 If A = 4$i − 3 $j and B = 6$i + 8$j , then magnitude and
(a) 10 3 unit (b) 20 3 unit
direction of A + B with X-axis will be (c) 15 3 unit (d) 10 unit
(a) 5, tan−1 (3 / 4) (b) 5 5, tan−1 (1/2)
−1 55 The resultant of two forces, one double the other in
(c) 10, tan (5) (d) 25, tan−1 (3 / 4)
magnitude, is perpendicular to the smaller of the two
46 The direction cosines of vector (A − B ), if forces. The angle between the two forces is
A = 2$i + 3 $j + k$ , B = 2$i + 2$j + 3 k$ are (a) 120° (b) 135° (c) 90° (d) 150°

1 −2 2 1 56 What is the angle between P and the resultant of

(a) 0, , (b) 0, , (P + Q ) and (P − Q )?
5 5 5 5
(a) Zero (b) tan−1 (P /Q )
1
(c) 0, 0, (d) None of these (c) tan−1 (Q /P ) (d) tan−1 (P − Q )/(P + Q )
5
57 There are N coplanar vectors each of magnitudeV.
47 Two vectors A and B are such that A + B = C and
Each vector is inclined to the preceding vector at
A 2 + B 2 = C 2 . If θ is the angle between A and B, 2π
angle . What is the magnitude of their resultant?
then the value of θ is N
2π V
(a) π (b) (a) (b) V
3 N
π N
(c) 0 (d) (c) Zero (d)
2 V
Vectors 67

58 At what angle must the two forces (x + y ) and 65 Six vectors have magnitude and direction as indicated
in the figure. Which of the following expression
(x − y ) act, so that the resultant may be x 2 + y 2 ?
is true?
 x2 + y 2 
(a) cos−1 − 2  a
 2 (x − y )
2 b c

 −2 (x 2 − y 2 ) d f
(b) cos−1 − 
 x2 + y 2  e
 (x + y )
2 2
(a) b + e = f (b) b + c = f
(c) cos−1 − 
 (x 2 − y 2 ) (c) d + c = f (d) d + e = f
 (x 2 − y 2 ) 66 The sum of the magnitudes of two forces acting at a
(d) cos−1 − 
 (x 2 + y 2 ) point is 18 and the magnitude of their resultant is
12. If the resultant is at 90° with the force of smaller
59 If a and b are two vectors, then the value of magnitude, what are the magnitudes of forces?
(a + b ) × (a − b ) is (a) 12, 6 (b) 14, 4 (c) 5, 13 (d) 10, 8
(a) 2 (b × a ) (b) − 2 (b × a )
67 The resultant of two vectors P and Q is R. If Q is
(c) b × a (d) b × a
doubled, the new resultant is perpendicular to P.
60 Given that A + B = C and that C is perpendicular to
Then, R equal to
A. Further, if | A | = | C |, then what is the angle (a) P (b) (P + Q ) (c) Q (d) (P − Q )
between A and B?
π π 68 In the figure shown, ABCDEF is a regular hexagon.
(a) (b) What is the value of AB + AC + AD + AE + AF?
4 2
3π E D
(c) (d) π
4
61 The resultant of vectors A and B is R1. On reversing
F C
the direction of vector B, the resultant becomes R 2 . O
What is the value of R 12 + R 22 ?
(a) A2 + B 2 (b) A2 − B 2 A B
(c) 2(A + B )
2 2
(d) 2 (A − B )
2 2
(a) AO (b) 2AO
62 Unit vector perpendicular to vector (c) 4AO (d) 6AO
A = − 3 $i − 2$j − 3 k$ and B = 2$i + 4$j + 6k$ both is 69 Figure shows three vectors p, q and r, where C is the
3$j − 2k$ 3k$ − 2$j mid-point of AB. Then, which of the following
(a) (b) relation is correct?
13 13
A
− $j + 2k$ i$ + 3j$ − k$
(c) (d)
13 13
p C
63 The velocity of a particle is v = 6$i + 2$j − 2k
$ . The r
component of the velocity parallel to vector
a = $i + $j + k$ in vector form is O q B

(a) 6i$ + 2j$ + 2k$ (b) 2i$ + 2j$ + 2k$ (a) p + q = 2r (b) p + q = r (c) p − q = 2r (d) p − q = r
(c) i$ + j$ + k$ (d) 6i$ + 2j$ − 2k$ 70 A vector a is turned without a change in its length
64 If a$i + b$j is a unit vector and it is perpendicular to through a small angles dθ. The value of | ∆a| and ∆a
$i + $j , then value of a and b is are, respectively.
(a) 0, a dθ (b) a ⋅ d θ, 0
(a) 1, 0 (b) − 2, 0 (c) 0, 0 (d) None of these
(c) 0.5, − 0.5 (d) None of these
 OBJECTIVE Physics Vol. 1

(B) Medical entrance special format questions

Assertion and reason
Directions (Q. Nos. 1-5) These questions consists of
two statements each printed as Assertion and Reason.
While answering these question you are required to
choose any one of the following four responses
(a) If both Assertion and Reason are correct and Reason
is the correct explanation of Assertion.
(b) If both Assertion and Reason are correct but Reason is
not the correct explanation of Assertion.
(c) If Assertion is true but Reason is false.
(d) If Assertion is false but Reason is true.
1 Assertion Angle between $i + $j and $i is 45°.
Reason $i + $j is equally inclined to both $i and $j
and the angle between $i and $j is 90°.
2 Assertion (A + B ) ⋅ (A − B ) is always positive.
Reason This is positive if | A | > | B |.
3 Assertion A × B is perpendicular to both A + B
2 Which one of the following statement is true?
[NCERT Exemplar]
(a) A scalar quantity is the one that is conserved in a process.
(b) A scalar quantity is the one that can never take negative
values.
(c) A scalar quantity is the one that does not vary from one
point to another in space.
(d) A scalar quantity has the same value for observers with
different orientation of the axes.
3 Figure shows the orientation of two vectors u and v in
the XY-plane.
If u = a$i + b$j and v = p$i + q$j , then which of the
following statement is correct? [NCERT Exemplar]
Y
v
u

as well as A − B.
Reason A + B as well as A − B lie in the plane O X
containing A and B while A × B lies
perpendicular to the plane containing A and B. (a) a and p are positive while b and q are negative.
(b) a, p and b are positive while q is negative.
4 Assertion (A × B ) ⋅ (B × A ) is − A 2B 2 sin 2 θ. (c) a, q and b are positive while p is negative.
Here θ is the angle between A and B. (d) a, b, p and q are all positive.
Reason (A × B ) and (B × A ) are two 4 Two unit vectors when added give a unit vector. Then,
anti-parallel vectors provided A and B are choose the correct statement.
neither parallel nor anti-parallel. (a) Magnitude of their difference is 3.
5 Assertion If | A | = | B |, then (A + B ), (A − B ) (b) Magnitude of their difference is 1.
and (A × B ) are three mutually perpendicular (c) Angle between the vectors is 90°.
vectors. (d) Angle between the sum and the difference of the two
vectors is 180°.
Reason Dot product of a null vector with any
other vector is always zero. 5 I. Displacing a vector parallel to itself leaves the vector
unchanged.
Statement based questions II. Three equal vectors cannot add upto zero.
Which of the following statement(s) is/are correct?
1 Which of the following statement is true? (a) Only I (b) Only II
(a) When the coordinate axes are translated, the (c) Both I and II (d) Neither I nor II
component of a vector in a plane changes.
(b) When the coordinate axes are rotated through 6 Unit vector
some angle, components of the vector change but I. has dimensions and a unit.
the vector’s magnitude remains constant. II. when multiplied by a scalar quantity, it results a scalar.
(c) Sum of a and b is R. If the magnitude of a alone is Which of the following statement(s) is/are incorrect?
increased angle between b and R decreases.
(a) Only I (b) Only II
(d) The cross product of 3i$ and 4j$ is 12. (c) Both I and II (d) Neither I nor II
Vectors 69

Match the columns Codes

A B C D
1 Vector A is pointing eastwards and vector B (a) p r q s
northwards. If | A | = | B |, then match the following two (b) r s p q
columns and mark the correct option from the codes (c) r q s p
given below. (d) q r p s
Column I Column II 3 Two vectors A and B have equal magnitude x .
(A) (A + B) (p) North-east Angle between them is 60°. Then, match the
(B) (A − B) (q) Vertically upwards following two columns and mark the correct
(C) (A × B) (r) Vertically downwards option from the codes given below.
(D) (A × B) × (A × B) (s) None
Column I Column II
Codes
A B C D A B C D (A) |A + B| (p) 3 2
x
(a) p r s q (b) p s q s 2
(c) q r p s (d) q p s r (B) |A − B| (q) x
2 A vector has a magnitude x. If it is rotated by an angle (C) A ⋅ B (r) 3x
θ, then magnitude of change in vector is nx. Match the
(D) |A × B| (s) None
following two columns and mark the correct option
from the codes given below.
Codes
Column I Column II A B C D
(A) θ = 60° (p) n= 3 (a) p s q r
(B) θ = 90° (q) n =1 (b) p r q s
(C) θ = 120° (r) n= 2 (c) r q s p
(d) r s p q
(D) θ = 180° (s) n=2

(C) Medical entrances’ gallery

Collection of questions asked in NEET and various medical entrance exams

1 If the magnitude of sum of two vectors is equal to (a) 1 : 1 (b) 2 : 1

the magnitude of difference of the two vectors, the (c) − 1 : 1 (d) 3 : 1
angle between these vectors is [NEET 2016] 5 Two equal vectors have a resultant equal to either of
(a) 90° (b) 45° (c) 180° (d) 0° the two. The angle between them is [UK PMT 2014]
2 If a vector 2$i + 3 $j + 8k
$ is perpendicular to the (a) 90° (b) 60°
(c) 120° (d) 0°
vector 4$j − 4$i + αk$ , then the value of α is
[Manipal 2015] 6 Which of the following not a vector quantity?
[KCET 2014]
(a) 1/2 (b) −1 (c) –1/2 (d) 1
(a) Weight
3 The angle θ between the vector p = $i + $j + k
$ and
(b) Nuclear spin
unit vector along X-axis is [MHT CET 2014] (c) Momentum
−1  1  −1  1  (d) Potential energy
(a) cos   (b) cos  
 3  2 7 The scalar product of two vectors A = 2$i + 2$j − k
$
 3 and B = − $j + k$ , is given by [J&K CET 2013]
 1
(c) cos− 1   (d) cos −1
  (a) A ⋅ B = 3 (b) A ⋅ B = 4
 2   2
(c) A ⋅ B = − 4 (d) A ⋅ B = − 3
4 Consider three vectors A = $i + $j − 2k
$ , B = $i − $j + k$
8 If A ⋅ B = A × B, then angle between A and B is
and C = 2$i − 3 $j + 4k$ . A vector X of the form [AMFC 2012]
αA + βB (α and β are numbers) is perpendicular to C. (a) 45° (b) 30°
The ratio of α and β is [EAMCET 2014] (c) 60° (d) 90°
70 OBJECTIVE Physics Vol. 1

9 If a vector A having a magnitude of 8 is added to a 10 The value of λ for which two vectors
vector B which lies along X-axis, then the resultant of a = 5$i + λ$j + k$ and b = $i − 2$j + k$ are perpendicular
two vectors lies alongY-axis and has magnitude twice to each other is
that of B. The magnitude of B is [JCECE 2012] [WB JEE 2011]
6 12 16 8 (a) 2 (b) − 2
(a) (b) (c) (d)
5 5 5 5 (c) 3 (d) − 3

ANSWERS
l CHECK POINT 2.1
1. (d) 2. (a) 3. (c) 4. (c) 5. (a) 6. (c) 7. (c) 8. (b)

l CHECK POINT 2.2

1. (a) 2. (b) 3. (c) 4. (b) 5. (b) 6. (b) 7. (a) 8. (a) 9. (b) 10. (b)
11. (d) 12. (d)

l CHECK POINT 2.3

1. (a) 2. (b) 3. (d) 4. (d) 5. (a) 6. (c) 7. (a) 8. (d)

(A) Taking it together

1. (c) 2. (d) 3. (c) 4. (a) 5. (b) 6. (c) 7. (a) 8. (b) 9. (a) 10. (c)
11. (c) 12. (d) 13. (b) 14. (c) 15. (c) 16. (a) 17. (c) 18. (d) 19. (b) 20. (d)
21. (d) 22. (c) 23. (b) 24. (d) 25. (b) 26. (a) 27. (c) 28. (b) 29. (b) 30. (b)
31. (c) 32. (a) 33. (b) 34. (a) 35. (b) 36. (d) 37. (b) 38. (b) 39. (c) 40. (a)
41. (b) 42. (b) 43. (a) 44. (a) 45. (b) 46. (a) 47. (d) 48. (c) 49. (b) 50. (b)
51. (a) 52. (b) 53. (a) 54. (a) 55. (a) 56. (a) 57. (c) 58. (a) 59. (a) 60. (c)
61. (c) 62. (a) 63. (b) 64. (d) 65. (d) 66. (c) 67. (c) 68. (d) 69. (a) 70. (b)

(B) Medical entrance special format questions

l Assertion and reason
1. (b) 2. (d) 3. (a) 4. (b) 5. (b)

l Statement based questions

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

l Match the columns

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

(C) Medical entrances’ gallery

1. (a) 2. (c) 3. (a) 4. (a) 5. (c) 6. (d) 7. (d) 8. (a) 9. (d) 10. (c)