NEET : Physics

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Vector
Representation of Vectors - Symbolic and Geometrical
Physical Quantities
Those physical quantities which are used to define law of physics is known as physical quantities.
On the basis of directions, there are mainly two types of physical quantities.
(1) Scalar (2) Vector
(1) Scalar Quantities
A physical quantity which can be described completely by its magnitude only and does not require a
direction is known as a scalar quantity.
It obeys the ordinary rules of algebra.
Ex : Distance, mass, time, speed, density, volume, temperature, electric current etc.
(2) Vector Quantities
A physical quantity which requires magnitude and a particular direction, when it is expressed.
(a) has a specified direction.
(b) obeys parallelogram law of vector addition, then only it is said to be a vector.
If any of the above conditions is not satisfied the physical quantity cannot be a vector.
If a physical quantity is a vector it has a direction, but the converse may or may not be true, i.e. if a physical
quantity has a direction, it may or may not be a vector. e.g. time, pressure, Electric Current etc. have
directions but are not vectors because they do not obey parallelogram law of vector addition. Example of
vector quantity : Displacement, velocity, acceleration, force etc.

Representation of vector
Geometrically, the vector is represented by a line with an arrow indicating the direction of vector as
Tail Head

Length  Magnitude

Mathematically, vector is represented by A

Important points
If a vector is displaced parallel to itself it does not change (see Figure)

Translation of a vector
parallel to itself

If a vector is rotated through an angle other than multiple of 2 (or 360°) it changes (see Figure)


Rotation of a vector

Angle between the vectors

Angle between two vectors means smaller of the two angles between the vectors when they are placed tail
to tail by displacing either of the vectors parallel to itself (i.e. 0    ).
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(I) (II)


  180–


Angle between vectors is  Angle between vectors is 180-

Illustration 1:
Find angle between the vector.

43° 30°
45° 120°
30°

(a) (b) (c) (d) (e)

Solution:
(a)  = 43° (b)  = 30°
Head to head are matching tail to tail are matching
(c)  = 135° (d)  = 60°

180°-45°=135° 180°-120°=60°
(c)
(d)
(e)  = 30°
tail to tail are matching
Illustration 2.
Find angle between all the vectors : 60°

Solution:
90° 30°
(a) angle between P and Q = 150

(b) angle between Q and R = 60

(c) angle between P and R = 90

Types of vector
• Parallel vectors : Those vectors which have same direction are called
parallel vectors. Angle between two parallel vectors is always 0°
• Equal Vectors : Vectors which have equal magnitude and same direction
are called equal vectors.
A =B
• Anti–parallel Vectors : Those vectors which have opposite direction are called anti–parallel vector.

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Angle between two anti–parallel vectors is always 180°
P Q
Negative (or Opposite) Vectors : Vectors which have equal magnitude but
P Q
opposite direction are called negative vectors of each other.
PQ and QP are negative vectors ; PQ = −QP
Co-initial vector :
Co-initial vectors are those vectors which have the same initial point.

In figure a, b and c are co-initial vectors.

Collinear Vectors :
The vectors lying in the same line are known as collinear vectors.
Angle between collinear vectors is either 0° or 180°
Example. (i)   ( = 0°) (ii) → → ( = 0°) (iii)  → ( = 180°) (iv) →  ( = 180°)
Coplanar Vectors : Vectors located in the same plane are called coplanar vectors.
Note : Two vectors are always coplanar.
Concurrent vectors : Those vectors which pass through a common point are
called concurrent vectors.
In figure a,b andc are concurrent vectors
Null or Zero Vector : A vector having zero magnitude is called null vector.
Note : Sum of two vectors is always a vector so, (A) + (−A) = 0

0 is a zero vector or null vector.

Unit Vector : A vector having unit magnitude is called unit vector. It is used to specify direction. A unit
vector is represented by  (Read as A cap or A hat or A caret).
A  Vector 
Unit vector in the direction of A is  =  unit vector = 
|A|  Magnitude of the vector 

A = AAˆ =| A| Aˆ
Note : A unit vector is used to specify the direction of a vector. Y

Base vectors
In an XYZ co-ordinate frame there are three unit vectors ˆi, ˆj andkˆ , these are X
used to indicate X, Y and Z direction respectively. Z
These three unit vectors are mutually perpendicular to each other.
Axial Vector
These vectors are used in rotational motion to define rotational effects. Axis
Direction of these vectors is always along the axis of rotation in accordance with
right hand screw rule or right hand thumb rule.
Ex. : Infinitesimal angular displacement (d) , Angular velocity, () , Angular momentum (J) , Angular

acceleration ( ) and Torque ( )

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Illustration 3: A
(1) A & C are parallel B
(2) A & B and B&C are antiparallel C

(3) C&D are coinitial vectors
(4) A,B,C,D are coplanar D
Solution:
All are correct
Illustration 4.
Which one is true or false :
(a) |F2 |=|F1 | (b) F1 = F2 (c) F1 ⊥ F2 F1 = 10N

(d) ˆi = ˆj (e) | ˆi|=| ˆj| (f) F2 = F1

(g) |F1 |=|F2 | F2 = 10N
Solution:
Here F1 = 10jˆ N and F2 = 10iˆ N  F1 = F2 = 10 N  ˆi = ˆj = 1

(a) True (b) False (c) True (d) False (e) True (f) False (g) True

Addition of Vectors-Graphical Method

Addition of two vectors
Vector addition can be performed by using following methods
(i) Graphical methods (ii) Analytical methods
Addition of two vectors is quite different from simple algebraic sum of two numbers.
Triangle law of addition of two vectors
If two vectors are represented by two sides of a triangle in same order then their sum or 'resultant vector'
is given by the third side of the triangle taken in opposite order of the first two vectors.

Vector addition

 

Step (i) Step (ii)

Shift one vector B , without changing its direction, such that its tail coincide with head of the other vector
A . Now complete the triangle by drawing third side, directed from tail of A to head of B (it is in opposite
order of A and B vectors).
Sum of two vectors is also called resultant vector of these two vectors. Resultant R = A + B
Parallelogram Law
If two vectors are represented by two adjacent sides of a parallelogram which are directed away from their
common point then their sum (i.e. resultant vector) is given by the diagonal of the parallelogram passing
away through that common point.
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S R

⃗
𝐁

θ
P Q
⃗
𝐀
⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗ + PS
PQ ⃗⃗⃗⃗ = PR ⃗ +B
⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗ ⇒ A ⃗ =R
⃗

Illustration 5:
Add vectors by triangle law :

(i) (ii)

Solution:

(i) By using Triangle law (ii) By using Triangle law

Analytical method :
In ∆PQR
P
PQ
sin θ = ⟹ PQ = B sinθ
PR
Bsin
RQ 
cos θ = ⟹ RQ = B cosθ
PR  
 Q
In ∆OPQ O
R Bcos
OP2 = OQ2 + PQ2
R2 = (A + Bcosθ)2 + (Bsinθ)2
R2 = A2 + B 2 cos 2 θ + 2ABcosθ + B 2 sin2 θ
R2 = A2 + 2ABcosθ + B 2 (cos 2 θ + sin2 θ)
⃗ | = √A2 + B 2 + 2ABcosθ
|R
⃗ + ⃗B| = √A2 + B 2 + 2ABcosθ
|A
QP Bsinθ Asinθ
In ΔOPQ : tanα = = Similarly, tanβ =
OQ A+Bcosθ B+Acosθ
Illustration 6:
If magnitude of resultant of 2N and 3N is 4N find angle between 2N and 3N:
Solution:
−1  1 
4 = 22 + 32 + 2(2)(3)cos   16 = 4 + 9 + 12cos  3 = 12cos   = cos  
4

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Illustration 7:
Two vectors of magnitude 4N and 6N are acting at an angle 60° then find :
(i) Magnitude of their resultant vectors (ii) Angle between resultant vector and 4N
(iii) Angle between resultant vector and 6N
Solution:
1
(i) |R|= 42 + 62 + 2(4)(6)cos60 = 16 + 36 + 48   = 76 = 2 19N
 2
 3
6  
6sin(60)  2  3 3 
(ii) tan  = =   = tan −1 
4 + 6cos(60) 1  7 
4 + 6   
2
 3
4  
4sin60  2  −1 3
(iii) tan  = =   = tan
6 + 4cos60 1 4
6 + 4 
2
Special cases
(1) If two vectors are parallel (2) If two vectors are anti-parallel
⃗
𝐀
⃗
𝐁

⃗
𝐀 ⃗ ⃗
𝐁 𝐀
⃗
𝐁

θ = 0° , θ = 180°
⃗ | = √A2 + B 2 + 2ABcosθ ⇒ R = √A2 + B 2 + ABcos180°
|R
⃗|
|R =A+B ⃗|
|R =A−B
max min
⃗ +𝐁
Note : 𝐀 − 𝐁 ≤ |𝐀 ⃗ |≤ 𝐀+𝐁
(3) If two vectors are perpendicular
⃗
𝐀

⃗
𝐁 ⃗ | = √A2 + B 2
θ = 90° |R

Illustration 8:
What can be resultant of two vectors ⃗A & ⃗B of magnitude 3 N and 5 N
(1) 10 N (2) 1N (3) 12 N (4) 2 N (5) 6 N (6) 5 N (7) 0 N

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Solution:
|A − B| ≤ R ≤ |A + B| So, 2  R  8
Hence, option (4) 2N (5) 6N (6) 5N are correct options

Properties of vector addition

Vector addition is commutative A + B = B + A

Vector addition is associative A + (B + C) = (A + B) + C 

Resultant of two vectors A and B situated in common plane.

If | A||B|
then  < 
A,B and R are co-planar /2
/2
Resultant of two vector of equal magnitude will be at their bisector.
If | A|=|B|
But if | A||B| then angle  >  

If two vectors have equal magnitude i.e. | A|=|B| = a and angle between them
is  then resultant will be along the bisector of A and B and its magnitude

is equal to 2a cos  
2
 /2
|R |=| A + B|= 2a cos   /2
2
 120 
Special Case : If =  = 120° then R = 2a cos  =a
 2 
i.e. If  = 120° then |R|=| A + B|=| A|=|B|= a
If resultant of two unit vectors is another unit vector then the angle between them () = 120°.
OR
If the angle between two unit vectors () = 120°, then their resultant is another unit vector.
Addition of more than two vectors (law of polygon)
If some vectors are represented by sides of a polygon in same order, then their resultant vector is
represented by the closing side of polygon in the opposite order. R = A + B + C + D

In a polygon if all the vectors taken in same order are such that the head of the last
vector coincides with the tail of the first vector then their resultant is a null vector.
A +B+C+D+E =0

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 360 
2. If n coplanar vectors of equal magnitude are at equal angular separation   , then their
 n 
resultant is always ZERO

⃗ | = |c| = a
If n = 3 & |a⃗| = |b

⃗ | = |c| = |d
If n=4 & |a⃗| = |b ⃗|=a

Illustration 9:
If 100 coplanar vectors each having magnitude 10 units are equally inclined with each other then find the
magnitude of their resultant?
(1) 0 (2) 10 (3) 100 (4) 1000
Solution:
Because all the coplanar vectors of equal magnitude are at equal angular separation then their resultant is
always ZERO
Note : The resultant of 3 vectors can be zero if they satisfy following conditions :
|A – B|  C  | A + B|
Illustration 10:
Which of the following groups can give zero resultant (Equilibrium)
Vectors ⃗
𝐏 ⃗𝐐
⃗ ⃗𝐑
⃗
(1) 2N 4N 8N
(2) 12N 10N 23N
(3) 1N 2N 3N
(4) 8N 1N 2N
Solution:
|P − Q| ≤ R ≤ |P + Q|
(1) 2 ≤ R ≤ 6 (Not Possible) (2) 2 ≤ R ≤ 22 (Not Possible)
(3) 1 ≤ R ≤ 3 (Possible) (4) 7 ≤ R ≤ 9 (Not Possible)
Illustration 11:

It is regular hexagon and O is centre then find OA +OB+OC+OD+OE+OF = ?

Solution:
|OA|=|OB|=|OC|=|OD|=|OE|=|OF|
All the vectors are at equal angle so their resultant will be
OA + OB + OC + OD + OE + OF = 0

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Vector Subtraction, Miscellaneous problems on Vector addition and Subtraction
Subtraction of two vectors
Let A and B are two vectors. Their difference i.e. A − B can be treated as sum of the vector A and vector
(−B) .
A − B = A + (−B)
To subtract B from A , reverse the direction of B and add to vector A according to
law of triangle.
Bsin 
| A − B|= A2 + B2 + 2ABcos(  − ) = A2 + B2 − 2ABcos  & tan  =
A − Bcos 
Where  is the angle between A and B .

Properties of vector subtraction :

Vector subtraction dos not follow commutative law i.e. A − B  B − A
Vector subtraction does not follow associative law i.e. (A − B) − C  A − (B − C)
If two vectors have equal magnitude i.e. | A|=|B|= a and  is the angle between them, then


| A − B|= a2 + a2 − 2a 2 cos  = 2a sin  
2

Special case : If  = 60° then 2a sin   =a i.e. | A − B|=| A|=|B|= a at  = 60°
2
If difference of two unit vectors is another unit vector then the angle between them is 60° or If two unit
vectors are at angle of 60°, then their difference is also a unit vector.
In physics whenever we want to calculate change in a vector quantity, we have to use vector subtraction.
For example, change in velocity, v = v2 − v1
Note: In parallelogram one diagonal represent vector addition other diagonal
represent vector subtraction.

Use of vector subtraction

Vector subtraction is used to find change in vector quantities.
Change in velocity V = V f − V i
Change in momentum P = Pf − Pi
Change in position vector  r = r f − r i
In  is angle then the major diagonal will represent the vector sum and minor diagonal represent vector
subtraction.
Illustration 12:
Angle between 2 vectors ⃗A and B ⃗ −B
⃗ having magnitude 5N and 10N is 37o, then find out |A ⃗|
Solution:

⃗ |=√A2 + B 2 − 2ABcosθ =√(5)2 + (10)2 − (2)(5)(10)cos37° =√25 + 100 − 100 × 4 =3√5

⃗ −B
|A 5

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Illustration 13:
Find magnitude of change in velocity ?
Solution:
90
V1 = VF − V i = 2 × 5 sin
2 𝐯𝐟
= 𝟓𝐦/𝐬
= 10 sin 45°
10
= =5 2m/s 𝐯𝐢 = 𝟓𝐦/𝐬
2
Illustration 14:
⃗ and B
Find angle between A ⃗ −B
⃗ if |A ⃗ +B
⃗ | = |A ⃗|
Solution:
⃗ − ⃗B| = |A
|A ⃗ + ⃗B| ⇒ √a2 + b 2 − 2abcosθ = √a2 + b 2 + 2abcosθ
On squaring both sides
a2 + b2 − 2abcosθ = a2 + b2 + 2abcosθ
π
4abcosθ = 0  θ =
2
Illustration 15:
̂+B
If |A ̂ − 4B
̂| = √3, then find |A ̂|
Solution:
̂ | = 1, |B
|A ̂| = 1
√A2 + B 2 + 2ABcosθ = √3  √1 + 1 + 2cosθ = √3  √2 + 2cosθ = √3  2cosθ = 1

̂ − 4B
|A ̂ )2 + (4B
̂| = √(A ̂)2 − 2(A
̂ )(4B
̂)cos60° = √1 + 16 − 4 = √13

Illustration 16:
If a particle moves with constant speed v on circumference, find B
magnitude of change in velocity from A to B.
Solution: 60°
A
⃗ A − ⃗VB | = 2Vsin (θ) = 2 × V × sin  60  =V
|V 2  2 

BEGINNER’S BOX-8
1. If two forces act in opposite direction then their resultant is 10N and if they act mutually
perpendicular then their resultant is 50N. Find the magnitudes of both the forces.

2. If â − bˆ = 2 then calculate the value of â + 3 bˆ .

3. ( )
If A = 3iˆ + 2jˆ and B = 2iˆ + 3jˆ − kˆ , then find a unit vector along A − B .

4. If magnitude of sum of two unit vectors is 2 then find the magnitude of subtraction of these
unit vectors.

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Resolution of Vectors ⃗A = 10 iƸ
To break or split a vector in components is called resolution of vector
Any vector can be split in two or more than two components. iƸ iƸ iƸ iƸ iƸ iƸ iƸ iƸ iƸ iƸ
Note : Maximum number of components of a vector can be infinite.
Vector Resolution in A Plane (2D)
If the angle between components is 90°, then they are known as perpendicular/orthogonal /rectangular
components.
Ax ∶ Component of ⃗A along x axis
⃗ along y axis
Ay ∶ Component of A
In 𝚫𝐎𝐐𝐏,
OQ OQ
cos θ = =
OP A
⇒ OQ = Ax = A cos θ
PQ PQ
sin θ = =
OP A
⇒ PQ = Ay = A sin θ
(According to law of vector addition,
⃗A = ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗
OP = ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗
OQ + ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗
OR
⃗ = Acos  ˆi + Asin  ˆj
⃗ = A X ˆi + A y ˆj  A
A

⃗ | = √A2x + A2y and tanθ = Ay and tanϕ = Ax

|A A x A y

Here θ is angle between ⃗A and its x component Here ϕ is angle between ⃗A and its y component
⃗ vector makes an angle θ from a given direction, then
Note : If A
• its component along that direction will be Acosθ and
• the remaining perpendicular component is Asinθ
• The component of a vector along its perpendicular direction is always
ZERO
Illustration 17:
A = 3iˆ + 4jˆ
Find (i) Ax (ii) Ay (iii) | A| (iv) Angle of A from x-axis
(v) Angle of A from y-axis (vi) Unit vector along A
Solution:
(i) Ax = 3 (ii) Ay = 4 (iii) | A|= 5
(iv) Angle of A from x-axis
Ay 4
tan = =   = 53°
Ax 3
(v) Angle of A from y-axis (vi) Unit vector along A
Ax 3 A 3iˆ + 4jˆ
tan = =   = 37° Â = =
Ay 4 |A| 5

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Illustration 18:
If A = 0.6iˆ + bjˆ is a unit vector, find value of b.
Solution:
|A|= 1  (0.6)2 + b2 = 1  b2 = 1 – .36  b2 = 0.64  b = 0.8
Illustration 19:
If Force F=10N is acting along positive x-axis. Find its y-component.
Solution:
The component of a vector along its perpendicular direction is always ZERO
Illustration 20:

Solution:
5sin53°
7N
5sin37°
2N

5cos53° 5cos37° 3N 4N
1N

5N
5N
Illustration 21:
A vector makes an angle of 30° with the horizontal. If the horizontal component of the vector is 250 N, find
the magnitude of vector and its vertical component.
Solution:
Acos30° = 250
500 A
A=
3 30°
250
Ay = Asin30° =
3
Resolution of vectors in 3-D
⃗ makes
If A
angle α with x axis
angle β with y axis
angle γ with z axis
and

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⃗ along x axis is 𝐀 𝐱
Component of 𝐀
⃗ 𝐚𝐥𝐨𝐧𝐠 𝐲 𝐚𝐱𝐢𝐬 𝐢𝐬 𝐀 𝐲
Component of 𝐀
⃗ 𝐚𝐥𝐨𝐧𝐠 𝐳 𝐚𝐱𝐢𝐬 𝐢𝐬 𝐀𝐳
Component of 𝐀
the
𝐀𝐱 𝐀𝐲 𝐀𝐳
𝐜𝐨𝐬 𝛂 = ⟹ 𝐀 𝐱 = 𝐀 𝐜𝐨𝐬 𝛂 ; 𝐜𝐨𝐬 𝛃 = ⟹ 𝐀 𝐲 = 𝐀 𝐜𝐨𝐬 𝛃 ; 𝐜𝐨𝐬 𝛄 = ⟹ 𝐀𝐳 = 𝐀 𝐜𝐨𝐬 𝛄
𝐀 𝐀 𝐀
Here, cos α , cos β and cos γ are known as direction cosines of ⃗A
⃗
As, Ax , Ay and Az are components of A
⃗ = Ax iƸ + Ay jƸ + Az k̂ ⇒ A = √A2x + A2y + A2z
so, A

Putting values of Ax , Ay and Az

A = √A2 cos 2 α + A2 cos2 β + A2 cos2 γ
⇒ A = A√cos2 α + cos 2 β + cos2 γ
⇒ cos2 α + cos2 β + cos2 γ = 1
⇒ (1 − sin2 α) + (1 − sin2 β) + (1 − sin2 γ) = 1
⇒ sin2 α + sin2 β + sin2 γ = 2
Note : With help of angles made by a vector with x, y and z axes, we can write unit vector along the given
vector.
As, Ax , Ay and Az are components of ⃗A
⃗A
⃗ Ax Ay Az
⃗ = Ax iƸ + Ay jƸ + Az k̂ ⇒
so, A = iƸ + jƸ + k̂ ⇒ A
̂ = cos α iƸ + cos β jƸ + cos γ k̂
A A A A
(Unit vector in the direction of A ⃗)
Points to remember
 A vector can be resolved into infinite number of components.
ˆi ˆi ˆi
For example 10iˆ = ˆi + ˆi + ˆi ………….. 10 times ; = + + ……….. 20 times and so an.
2 2 2
 Maximum number of rectangular components of a vector in a plane is two. But maximum number
of rectangular components in space (3-dimensions) is three which are along X, Y and Z axes.
 A vector is independent of the orientation of axes but the components of that vector depend upon
the orientation of axes.
 The component of a vector along its perpendicular direction is always zero.
Illustration 22:
A = 2iˆ + 3jˆ + 6kˆ
(i) Ax (ii) Ay (iii) Az (iv) | A| (v) Direction cosines of A
(vi) Angle of A from x, y and z axis (vii) Unit vector along A
Solution:
(iv) | A| = (A x ) + (A y ) + (Az ) = 22 + 32 + 62 = 49 = 7
2 2 2
(i) Ax = 2 (ii) Ay = 3 (iii) Az = 6

2 3 6 2 3 6

(v) cos = , cos = , cos = (vi)  = cos–1   ,  = cos–1   ,  = cos–1  
7 7 7 7 7 7
A 2iˆ + 3jˆ + 6kˆ
(vii) Â = =
| A| 7
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Illustration 23:
ˆ
A = ˆi +2jˆ +2k; B=3iˆ + ˆj +10kˆ then find :
(i) R (ii) |R |
(iii) Unit vector parallel to resultant vector : (iv) Direction cosine of R
Solution:
(i) R = A + B = 4iˆ + 3jˆ + 12kˆ (ii) |R|= 16 + 9 + 144 = 169 = 13
4iˆ + 3jˆ + 12kˆ 4 3 12
(iii) R̂ = (iv) cos  = ; cos  = ; cos  =
13 13 13 13
Illustration 24:
ˆ B= 2jˆ -3kˆ then find | A -2B|
A = ˆi -3j;
Solution:
ˆ  | A − 2B|= ˆi − 3jˆ − 4jˆ + 6kˆ = ˆi − 7jˆ + 6kˆ = 1 + 49 + 36 = 86
2B = (4jˆ − 6k)
Illustration 25:
Determine the vector which when added to the resultant of P and Q , gives ZERO resultant (equilibrium).
ˆ Q = 2iˆ - ˆj +2kˆ
P = ˆi +2jˆ + k,
Solution:
ˆ = 0  x = −3iˆ − ˆj − 3kˆ
Let's new vector = x  x + (P + Q) = 0  x + (3iˆ + ˆj + 3k)
Illustration 26:
Determine the vector which when added to the resultant of ⃗P and ⃗Q , gives unit vector along x-axis where
ˆ Q = 2iˆ − ˆj + 2kˆ .
P = ˆi + 2jˆ + k,
Solution:
Let's new vector = A  A + (P + Q) = ˆi
ˆ = ˆi  A = ˆi − 3iˆ − ˆj − 3kˆ = −2iˆ − ˆj − 3kˆ
 A + (iˆ + 2jˆ + kˆ + 2iˆ − ˆj + 2k)

BEGINNER’S BOX-9
1. The x and y components of vector A are 4m and 6m respectively. The x and y components of
vector A + B are 10m and 9m respectively. For the vector B calculate the following -
(a) x and y components (b) length and (c) the angle it makes with x-axis
2. ( )
Find the directional cosines of vector 5iˆ + 2jˆ + 6kˆ . Also write the value of sum of squares of

directional cosines of this vector.

3. If A = 6iˆ – 6jˆ + 5kˆ and B = ˆi + 2jˆ – kˆ , then find a unit vector parallel to the resultant of A & B .

Multiplication of Vectors by Scalar and Dot product

Multiplication of a Vector by Scalar
To multiply a vector by a scalar, simply multiply the similar components, that is the vectors magnitude by
the scalars magnitude. This will result in a new vector with the same direction but the product of two
magnitudes.
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Note : Whenever a vector is multiplied by a positive number then the new vector has same direction but
its magnitude changes depending on number.
Illustration 27:

If ⃗V = 2m/s then − 3V
⃗ will be ?
Solution:
⃗
-3V
6m/s

Note : whenever a vector is multiplied by a negative number then the new vector has opposite direction
but its magnitude changes depending on number.
How to check parallel vectors ?
A
if A = A x ˆi + A y ˆj + Az kˆ & B = Bx ˆi + By ˆj + Bz kˆ  Bx = By = Bz = Positive constant
A A
x y z

Scalar Product
The scalar product of two vectors A and B equals to the product of their magnitudes ⃗
B
and the cosine of the angle  between them.
⃗A ⋅ ⃗B = |A
⃗ ||B
⃗ |cosθ
θ
⃗
A
Example : W = F  S Where F = force and S = displacement, Power (P) = F  V Where
F = Force and V = velocity
Angle dependence
⃗
B ⃗B
𝜃
𝜃 ⃗A
⃗A

θ < 90°(Acute)θ > 90°(Obtuse)  cos θ → Positive cos θ → Negative

⃗ ∙B
A ⃗ = |A ⃗ | cos θ  A
⃗ ||B ⃗ ∙B ⃗ ∙B
⃗ = positiveA ⃗ = negative
Range of dot product
⃗⃗𝐁
⃗
𝐀 ⃗⃗𝐁 ⃗
𝐀

⃗
𝐴||𝐵 ⃗
𝐴 ↿⇂ 𝐵

⃗ ∙𝐁
−𝐀𝐁 ≤ 𝐀 ⃗⃗ ≤ 𝐀𝐁

Key notes
⃗B
When two vectors are perpendicular
Here, ⃗A ⊥ ⃗B
➢ Dot product of two perpendicular vectors is always zero
➢ If the dot product of two non-zero vectors is zero, then θ = 90° ⃗A

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Self dot product

➢ ⃗A ∙ ⃗A = A2
A
➢ ̂∙A
A ̂=1
A
➢ iƸ ∙ iƸ = jƸ ∙ jƸ = k̂ ∙ k̂ = 1
Dot product is commutative ⃗ ∙B
A ⃗ =B ⃗
⃗ ∙ A
Dot product is distributive ⃗ ∙(A
C ⃗ +B
⃗ )=C⃗ ∙A
⃗ +C
⃗ ∙B
⃗
Illustration 28:
Find ⃗A ∙ ⃗B & Â ∙ B
̂
Solution:
4 96
A  B = |A| |B| cos = 4 × 6 × cos37° = 4 × 6 × = N
5 5
θ = 37o
ˆ B ˆ ˆ
ˆ = | A||B|cos
4
A = 1 × 1 × cos37° = N
5 ⃗A = 6N
Illustration 29:
⃗ &B
Find angle between A ⃗ (6N) and B
⃗ , if A ⃗ ∙B
⃗ (4N) and A ⃗ = 12
Solution:
12 1 1
A  B = A B cos   cos  = A  B = =   = cos−1     = 60°
| A ||B| 6  4 2 2
Dot product of vectors in component form
If two vectors are given as
A = A x ˆi + A y ˆj + Az kˆ  B = Bx ˆi + By ˆj + Bz kˆ

Then, ⃗A ∙ ⃗B = Ax Bx + Ay By + Az Bz
Illustration 30:
Find Work done if Force ⃗F = 3iƸ + 2jƸ + k̂ & Displacement s = 2iƸ − 5jƸ + 3k̂.
Solution:
ˆ (2iˆ − 5jˆ + 3k)
W = F  S = (3iˆ + 2jˆ + k) ˆ = 6 – 10 + 3 = –1J
Illustration 31:
Find Power if Force F = 2iˆ − 2jˆ + kˆ & velocity v = 3iˆ + 2jˆ − kˆ .
Solution:
ˆ (3iˆ + 2jˆ − k)
P = F  V = (2iˆ − 2jˆ + k) ˆ = 6 – 4 – 1 = 1W

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Illustration 32:
⃗ is 60°, then find value of (â − 2b̂) ∙ (2â + 4b̂).
If angle between a⃗ and b
Solution:
(aˆ  2aˆ + aˆ  4bˆ − 2bˆ  2aˆ − 8bˆ  b) ˆ − 4(bˆ  a)
ˆ = (2 + 4(aˆ  b) ˆ − 8) = [–6 + 0] = –6
 
Illustration 33:
If ⃗A + ⃗B + ⃗C = ⃗0 and |A
⃗ | = |B ⃗ |=1, find ⃗A ∙ ⃗B + ⃗B ∙ ⃗C + ⃗C ∙ ⃗A
⃗ | = |C
Solution:
A + B + C = 0  A + B = −C  A + B = −C

 A2 + B2 + 2A  B =| −C|  A2 + B2 + 2A  B =| −C|2
1 −1 −1 1
(|A| = |B| = |C| = 1)  A  B = =−
2 2
−1 −1
By same logic B  C = & C A =
2 2
 −1   −1   −1  −3
So, A  B + B  C + C  A =   +   +   =
 2   2   2  2
Application of DOT product
 A B 
1. According to definition A  B = ABcos  the angle between the vectors  = cos–1  
 AB 

Note: To Check Orthogonal Vectors

for  = 90°
⃗ ∙B
A ⃗ = ABcosθ = 0
If scalar product of two nonzero vectors is zero, then vectors are
orthogonal or perpendicular
Illustration 34:
If the Vectors P = aiˆ +ajˆ +3kˆ and Q = aiˆ -2jˆ - kˆ are perpendicular to each other. Find the
value of a?
Solution:
If vectors P and Q are perpendicular

 P.Q=0  (aiˆ + ajˆ + 3kˆ )  (aiˆ − 2jˆ − kˆ ) = 0

 a2 – 2a – 3 = 0  a2 – 3a + a – 3 = 0
 a(a – 3) + 1(a – 3) = 0  a = –1, 3
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Illustration 35:
If (â + b̂) and (2â − 3b̂) are perpendicular, then find angle between â and b̂.
Solution:
ˆ (2aˆ − 3b)
(aˆ + b) ˆ =0  2aˆ  aˆ − 3aˆ  bˆ + 2bˆ  aˆ − 3bˆ  bˆ = 0
aˆ  aˆ =|a|
ˆ 2 = 1 ( |a|
ˆ = 1)  bˆ  bˆ =|b|
ˆ 2 = 1 ( |b|
ˆ = 1)

(aˆ  bˆ = bˆ  a)
ˆ  2(1) – 3aˆ  bˆ + 2aˆ  bˆ − 3(1) = 0

â  bˆ = −1  cos × a × b = –1
cos = –1   = 180
3. Projection of A on B
 A B  A B ˆ
(i) In scalar form : Projection of A on B = Acos  = A 
 AB  = B = A  B
 
 A B  ˆ
(ii) In vector form : Projection of A on B = (Acos) Bˆ =  ˆ ˆ
 B  B = (A  B)B
 
Illustration 36:
Find the component of A = 3iˆ + 4jˆ along B = ˆi + ˆj ?
1. Projection of ⃗A along ⃗B in scalar form 2. Projection of ⃗A along ⃗B in vector form
3. Projection of (A⃗ + ⃗B) along ⃗A in scalar form
Solution:

1. Component of A along B is given by

A.B
hence required component =
3iˆ + 4jˆ . ˆi + ˆj(=
7 )( )
B 2 2
A B A B B 7 (iˆ + ˆj) 7 (iˆ + ˆj)
2. B̂ = = =
B B (B) 2 ( 2) 2
R  A 12 + 20 32
3. Let A + B = R = 3iˆ + 4jˆ + ˆi + ˆj = 4iˆ + 5jˆ So = =
A 5 5

BEGINNER’S BOX-10

1. If a and b are two non collinear unit vectors and |a + b| = 3 , then find the value of (a − b) .
(2a + b)
2. If A = 4iˆ − 2jˆ + 4kˆ and B = −4iˆ + 2jˆ + kˆ are perpendicular to each other then find value of  ?
3. If vector (aˆ + 2b) ˆ , then find the angle between â and bˆ .
ˆ is perpendicular to vector (5aˆ − 4b)

4. If A = 2iˆ − 2jˆ − kˆ and B = ˆi + ˆj , then :

(a) Find angle between A and B . (b) Find the projection of resultant vector of A and B on
x-axis.
5. Find the vector components of a = 2iˆ + 3jˆ along the directions of ˆi + ˆj .

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Vector product
The vector product or cross product of any two vectors A and B , denoted as A  B (read A cross B ) is
defined as : A  B = ABsin  nˆ
Here  is the angle between the vectors and the direction of n̂ is given by the right-hand-thumb rule.
Right-Hand-Thumb Rule
To find the direction of n̂ , draw the two vectors A and B with both the tails coinciding.
Now place your stretched right palm perpendicular to the plane of A and B in such a
way that the fingers are along the vector A and when the fingers are closed they go
towards B . The direction of the thumb gives the direction of n̂ .
Examples of vector product
(i) Torque :  = r  F
(ii) Angular momentum : J = r  p
(iii) Velocity : v =  r
(iv) Acceleration : a =  r
Here r is position vector and F,p, and  are force, linear momentum, angular velocity and angular
acceleration respectively.
Properties :
• Vector product of two vectors is always a vector perpendicular to the plane containing the two
vectors, i.e. orthogonal (perpendicular) to both the vectors A and B

• Vector product of two vectors is not commutative i.e.

A  B  B A But |A  B|=|B A|= ABsin 
Note : A  B = −B  A i.e., in case of vectors A  B and B  A magnitudes are equal but directions are
opposite [See the figure]
• The vector product is distributive when the order of the vectors is strictly maintained, i.e.
A (B + C) = A  B + A  C
| A  B|
• According to definition of vector product of two vectors A  B = AB sin n̂   = sin–1
AB
• The vector product of two vectors will be maximum when sin = max. = 1, i.e.,  = 90°
| A  B|max = ABsin90 = AB
i.e. vector product is maximum if the vectors are orthogonal (perpendicular)

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• The vector product of two non-zero vectors will zero when |sin| = 0,
i.e. when  = 0° or 180°, |A  A| = 0 or | A (−A)|= 0
Therefore if the vector product of two non-zero vectors is zero, then the vectors are collinear.
• The self cross product, i.e., product of a vector by itself is a zero vector or a null vector.
i.e. A  A = (AAsin0)nˆ = 0

• In case of unit vector nˆ :aˆ  aˆ = 1 × 1 × sin0° n̂ = 0 so that ˆi  ˆi = 0 , ˆj  ˆj = 0 , kˆ  kˆ = 0

• In case of orthogonal unit vectors ˆi, ˆj and k̂ ; according to right hand thumb rule
ˆi  ˆj = kˆ , ˆj  kˆ = ˆi , kˆ  ˆi = ˆj and ˆj  ˆi = −kˆ , kˆ  ˆj = − ˆi , ˆi  kˆ = − ˆj

ˆi ˆj kˆ
In terms of components, A  B = A x ˆ
A z = ˆi(A y Bz − A zBy ) − ˆj(A x Bz − A zBx ) + k(A
• Ay x By − A y Bx ) ,

Bx By Bz

where A = A x ˆi + A y ˆj + Az kˆ and B = Bx ˆi + By ˆj + Bz kˆ

• If A,B and C are coplanar, then A (B C) = 0 . [ (B  C) is perpendicular to A ]

• Angle between (A + B) and (A  B) is 90° as A  B is perpendicular to plane containing A & B .
• A scalar or a vector, cannot be divided by a vector.
• Vectors of different types can be multiplied to generate new physical quantities which may be a
scalar or a vector. If, in multiplication of two vectors, the generated physical quantity is a scalar,
then their product is called scalar or dot product and if it is a vector, then their product is called
vector or cross product.
Illustration 37:
A is East wards and B downwards. Find the direction of A  B ?
Solution:
Applying right hand thumb rule we find that A  B is along North.
Illustration 38:
If A  B = | A  B| , find angle between A and B
Solution:
AB cos = AB sin
tan  = 1   = 45°

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Illustration 39:
Find A  B if A = ˆi − 2jˆ + 4kˆ and B = 2iˆ − ˆj + 2kˆ .
Solution:
ˆi ˆj kˆ
ˆ −1 − ( −6)) = 10jˆ + 5kˆ
A  B = 1 −2 4 = i( −4 − ( −4)) − ˆj(2 − 12) + k(
3 −1 2

Illustration 40:
If | A|= 2; |B|= 4 and | A  B|= 4 . Then find A  B
Solution:
4 1
⃗ × ⃗B| = ABsinθ ⇒ sinθ =
|A = ⇒ θ = 30°
8 2
√3
⃗ ⋅B
A ⃗ = ABcos30° = 2 × 4 × = 4√3
2

Application of Cross Product

1. To Find Area of Geometrical Shape
2. To Find Unit vector perpendicular to given plane
3. To Check Coplanarity ⃗
𝐁
1. To Find Area of Geometrical Shape
1 ⃗ ⃗|
Area of Triangle = |A × B 𝛉
2
⃗
𝐀
Illustration 41:
Find area of a triangle made by two vectors ⃗A = 2iƸ − jƸ + 2k̂ and ⃗B = iƸ + 2jƸ + k̂ as adjacent sides.
Solution:
iƸ jƸ k̂
⃗A × ⃗B = |2 −1 2| = iƸ(−1 − 4) − jƸ(2 − 2) + k̂(4 − (−1)) = −5iƸ + 5k̂
1 2 1
⃗ ⃗
|A × B| = √(5)2 + (5)2 = √25 + 25 = √50 ⟹ 5√2
1 ⃗ 1 5 2
Area of triangle = |A × ⃗B| = × 5√2 =
2 2 2
Area of Parallelogram
CASE 1 CASE 2
⃗ and B
If A ⃗ are sides of parallelogram ⃗ and B
If A ⃗ are diagonals of parallelogram

⃗B

⃗A

⃗ × ⃗B| 1 ⃗
Area of parallelogram = |A Area of parallelogram = |A × ⃗B|
2

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Illustration 42:
Find area of a parallelogram made by two vectors A = ˆi + ˆj + 2kˆ and B = 2jˆ + kˆ as adjacent sides.
Solution:
ˆi ˆj kˆ
ˆ − 0) = −3iˆ − ˆj + 2kˆ
A  B = 1 1 2 = ˆi(1 − 4) − ˆj(1 − 0) + k(2
0 2 1

⃗ ×B
Area of paralleleogram = |A ⃗ | = √9 + 1 + 4 = √14 units
Illustration 43:
Find area of a parallelogram made by two vectors A = ˆi + ˆj + kˆ and B = 3iˆ + 2jˆ + kˆ as diagonals.
ˆi ˆj kˆ
ˆ − 3) = − ˆi + 2jˆ − kˆ
Solution: A  B = 1 1 1 = ˆi(1 − 2) − ˆj(1 − 3) + k(2
3 2 1

Area of parallelogram =
1 ⃗ ⃗ | = 1 √1 + 4 + 1 = 3 units
|A × B
2 2 2

2. To Find Unit vector perpendicular to both given vectors

A unit vector which is perpendicular to both given vectors ⃗A and ⃗B is given by
⃗A × ⃗B ̂×B
A ̂
n̂ = ± =±
|A⃗ ×B ⃗| sinθ
Illustration 44:
Find out a unit vector which is perpendicular to both of the following A = ˆi + 4jˆ − kˆ and B = −ˆi + 2jˆ + kˆ .
Solution:
ˆi ˆj kˆ
ˆ − (−4)) = ˆi(6) + k(6)
A  B = 1 4 −1 = ˆi(4 − (−2)) − ˆj(1 − 1) + k(2 ˆ
−1 2 1

AB 6iˆ + 6kˆ 6iˆ + 6kˆ 6iˆ + 6kˆ ˆi + kˆ

n̂ =  = = = =
AB 36 + 36 72 6 2 2

3. Condition of Coplanarity
If ⃗A , ⃗B & ⃗C are three coplanar vectors then (A
⃗ × ⃗B) ∙ ⃗C = 0 ⟹ [A
⃗ , ⃗B, ⃗C] = 0

𝐂
⃗⃗
𝐁

⃗
𝐀

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Illustration 45:
If A = 2iˆ + ˆj, B = ˆi + 2jˆ + kˆ and C = 3iˆ − ˆj + xkˆ are coplanar vectors then find value of x.
Solution:
⃗ ×B
Condition of coplanarity : (A ⃗ =0
⃗ )∙C
ˆi ˆj kˆ
ˆ − 1) = ˆi − 2jˆ + 3kˆ
A  B = 2 1 0 = ˆi(1 − 0) − ˆj(2 − 0) + k(4
1 2 1
⃗ × ⃗B) ∙ ⃗C = 0
Using the condition of coplanarity : (A
ˆ (3i − j + xk) = 0 ⇒ 3 + 2 + 3x = 0 ⟹ −5 = 3x ⟹ x = − 5
= (iˆ − 2jˆ + 3k)
3

BEGINNER’S BOX-11
1. There are two vectors A = 3iˆ + ˆj and B = ˆj + 2kˆ . For these two vectors –
(a) If A & B are the adjacent sides of a parallelogram then find the magnitude of its area.
(b) Find a unit vector which is perpendicular to both A & B .
2. If 3 A  B = A  B , then find the angle between A and B .
AB
3. If the area of a triangle of sides A & B is equal to , then find the angle between A & B .
4
4. Find A  B . if A = 2, B = 5, and A  B = 8

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 Basic Maths & Vector
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BEGINNER’S BOX ANSWERS KEY

BEGINNER'S BOX-1
1 3 1 3
1. (i) − (ii) (iii) (iv) – (v) –1 (vi) 0
3 2 2 2

4 3 4 3 5
2. sin = , cos = , tan = , cot = , cosec =
5 5 3 4 4

BEGINNER'S BOX-2
1. 2 2. 13 3. –2/3

BEGINNER'S BOX-3
7 5/2
1. (i) x (ii) –3x– 4 (iii) 1 (iv) 5x4+3x2+2x–1/2
2
1
(v) 20x3 + 9x1/2 + 9 (vi) 2ax+b (vii) 15x4 – 3 +
x2
2. 2t + 5 3. u + at 4. 30 cm2 s–1 5. 2 r
2 1 2x − x 4
6. (i) 4x + 3 (ii) – (iii) – (iv)
(2x + 1)2 (4x + 5)2 (x 3 + 1)2

BEGINNER'S BOX-4
x16 x −6
1. (i) +c (ii) – 2x–1/2 + c (iii) – + loge x + c
16 2
x2 x2 a
(iv) +2x+logex + c (v) + loge x + c (vi) – + b loge x + c
2 2 x

BEGINNER'S BOX-5

GMm 1 1 1
1. (i) (ii) kq1q2  −  (iii) M (v – u2)
R  r2 r1  2

(iv)  (v) 1 (vi) 1 (vii) 2

BEGINNER'S BOX-6
5 1 p q
1. (i) , (ii) , 2. (4)
2 5 q p

BEGINNER'S BOX-7
1. 1275 2. 385
2 2GMm
3. 4. Fnet =
3 r2

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 NEET : Physics
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BEGINNER'S BOX-8
ˆi − ˆj + kˆ
1. 40N & 30N 2. 2 3. 4. 2
3
BEGINNER'S BOX-9
1
1. (a) 6m and 3m (b) 45m (c) tan −1  
2
5 2 6 7 ˆi − 4jˆ + 4kˆ
2. , , ;1 3.
65 65 65 9
BEGINNER'S BOX-10
1
1. 2. 5 3. 60°
2
5 ˆ ˆ
4. (a) 90° (b) 3 5. (i + j)
2
BEGINNER'S BOX-11
2ˆ 6ˆ 3 ˆ
1. (a) 7 units (b) i− j+ k 2. 30°
7 7 7
3. 30° or 150° 4. A.B = ± 6

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