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Vector Algebra
DPP-2

Product of two vectors

1. (a. 𝐢)𝐢 + (𝐚 ⋅ 𝐣)𝐣 + (𝐚 ⋅ 𝐤)𝐤 =
(a) 𝐚
(b) 2𝐚
(c) 3𝐚
(d) 0

Solution: (a) Let 𝐚 = 𝑎1 𝐢 + 𝑎2 𝐣 + 𝑎3 𝐤

∴ 𝐚 ⋅ 𝐢 = (𝑎1 𝐢 + 𝑎2 𝐣 + 𝑎3 𝐤) ⋅ 𝐢 = 𝑎1 , 𝐚 ⋅ 𝐣 = 𝑎2 , 𝐚 ⋅ 𝐤 = 𝑎3

∴ (𝐚. 𝐢)𝐢 + (𝐚. 𝐣)𝐣 + (𝐚. 𝐤)𝐤 = 𝑎1 𝐢 + 𝑎2 𝐣 + 𝑎3 𝐤 = 𝐚.

2. If |𝐚| = 3, |𝐛| = 4 then a value of 𝜆 for which 𝐚 + 𝜆𝐛 is perpendicular to 𝐚 −

𝜆𝐛 is

(a) 9/16
(b) 3/4
(c) 3/2
(d) 4/3

Solution: (b) 𝐚 + 𝜆𝐛 is perpendicular to 𝐚 − 𝜆𝐛

∴ (𝐚 + 𝜆𝐛) ⋅ (𝐚 − 𝜆𝐛) = 0 ⇒ |𝐚|2 − 𝜆(𝐚 ⋅ 𝐛) + 𝜆(𝐛. 𝐚) − 𝜆2 |𝐛|2 = 0

|𝐚| 3
⇒ |𝐚|2 − 𝜆2 |𝐛|2 = 0 ⇒ 𝜆 = ± =±
|𝐛| 4

3. A unit vector in the plane of the vectors 2𝐢 + 𝐣 + 𝐤, 𝐢 − 𝐣 + 𝐤 and

orthogonal to 5𝐢 + 2𝐣 + 6𝐤 is
6𝐢−5𝐤
(a)
√61
3𝐣−𝐤
(b)
√10
2𝐢−5𝐣
(c)
√29
2𝐢+𝐣−2𝐤
(d)
3
 Div & curl of vector fields 2

Solution: (b) Let a unit vector in the plane of 2𝐢 + 𝐣 + 𝐤 and 𝐢 − 𝐣 + 𝐤 be

𝐚ˆ = 𝛼(2𝐢 + 𝐣 + 𝐤) + 𝛽(𝐢 − 𝐣 + 𝐤) = (2𝛼 + 𝛽)𝐢 + (𝛼 − 𝛽)𝐣 + (𝛼 + 𝛽)𝐤

As 𝐚ˆ is unit vector, we have

= (2𝛼 + 𝛽)2 + (𝛼 − 𝛽)2 + (𝛼 + 𝛽)2 = 1

⇒ 6𝛼 2 + 4𝛼𝛽 + 3𝛽2 = 1

As 𝐚ˆ is orthogonal to 5𝐢 + 2𝐣 + 6𝐤, we get 5(2𝛼 + 𝛽) + 2(𝛼 − 𝛽) + 6(𝛼 +

𝛽) = 0 ⇒ 18𝛼 + 9𝛽 = 0 ⇒ 𝛽 = −2𝛼
1 2
From (i), we get 6𝛼 2 − 8𝛼 2 + 12𝛼 2 = 1 ⇒ 𝛼 = ± ⇒𝛽=∓ . Thus 𝐚ˆ =
√10 √10
3 1
±( 𝐣− 𝐤)
√10 √10

4. If 𝜃 be the angle between the vectors 𝐚 = 2𝐢 + 2𝐣 − 𝐤 and 𝐛 = 6𝐢 − 3𝐣 +

2𝐤, then
4
(a) cos 𝜃 =
21
3
(b) cos 𝜃 =
19
2
(c) cos 𝜃 =
19
5
(d) cos 𝜃 =
21

𝐚⋅𝐛
Solution: (a) Angle between 𝐚 and 𝐛 is given by, cos 𝜃 = =
|𝐚||𝐛|
(2𝐢+2𝐣−𝐤)⋅(6𝐢−3𝐣+2𝐤) 12−6−2 4
= =
√22 +22 +(−1)2 ⋅√62 +(−3)2 +22 3.7 21

5. Let 𝑎⃗, 𝑏⃗⃗, and 𝑐⃗ be vectors with magnitudes 3,4 , and 5 respectively, and
𝑎⃗ + 𝑏⃗⃗ + 𝑐⃗ = 0. Find the value of 𝑎⃗ ⋅ 𝑏⃗⃗ + 𝑏⃗⃗ ⋅ 𝑐⃗ + 𝑐⃗ ⋅ 𝑎⃗ :
(a) 47
(b) 25
(c) 50
(d) -25

Solution:
Given:

|𝑎⃗| = 3, |𝑏⃗⃗| = 4, |𝑐⃗| = 5

𝑎⃗ + 𝑏⃗⃗ + 𝑐⃗ = 0

2
 Div & curl of vector fields 3

To find 𝑎⃗ ⋅ 𝑏⃗⃗ + 𝑏⃗⃗ ⋅ 𝑐⃗ + 𝑐⃗ ⋅ 𝑎⃗, we start by squaring both sides of the equation 𝑎⃗ +
𝑏⃗⃗ + 𝑐⃗ = 0 :

(𝑎⃗ + 𝑏⃗⃗ + 𝑐⃗) ⋅ (𝑎⃗ + 𝑏⃗⃗ + 𝑐⃗) = 0

Expanding the dot product:

𝑎⃗ ⋅ 𝑎⃗ + 𝑏⃗⃗ ⋅ 𝑏⃗⃗ + 𝑐⃗ ⋅ 𝑐⃗ + 2(𝑎⃗ ⋅ 𝑏⃗⃗ + 𝑏⃗⃗ ⋅ 𝑐⃗ + 𝑐⃗ ⋅ 𝑎⃗) = 0

Substituting the magnitudes:

|𝑎⃗|2 + |𝑏⃗⃗|2 + |𝑐⃗|2 + 2(𝑎⃗ ⋅ 𝑏⃗⃗ + 𝑏⃗⃗ ⋅ 𝑐⃗ + 𝑐⃗ ⋅ 𝑎⃗) = 0

32 + 42 + 52 + 2(𝑎⃗ ⋅ 𝑏⃗⃗ + 𝑏⃗⃗ ⋅ 𝑐⃗ + 𝑐⃗ ⋅ 𝑎⃗) = 0
9 + 16 + 25 + 2(𝑎⃗ ⋅ 𝑏⃗⃗ + 𝑏⃗⃗ ⋅ 𝑐⃗ + 𝑐⃗ ⋅ 𝑎⃗) = 0
50 + 2(𝑎⃗ ⋅ 𝑏⃗⃗ + 𝑏⃗⃗ ⋅ 𝑐⃗ + 𝑐⃗ ⋅ 𝑎⃗) = 0

Solving for 𝑎⃗ ⋅ 𝑏⃗⃗ + 𝑏⃗⃗ ⋅ 𝑐⃗ + 𝑐⃗ ⋅ 𝑎⃗ :

2(𝑎⃗ ⋅ 𝑏⃗⃗ + 𝑏⃗⃗ ⋅ 𝑐⃗ + 𝑐⃗ ⋅ 𝑎⃗) = −50

𝑎⃗ ⋅ 𝑏⃗⃗ + 𝑏⃗⃗ ⋅ 𝑐⃗ + 𝑐⃗ ⋅ 𝑎⃗ = −25
Answer:
(d) -25

6. The vectors 𝑎⃗ = 2𝜆2 𝑖ˆ + 4𝜆𝑗ˆ + 𝑘ˆ and 𝑏⃗⃗ = 7𝑖ˆ − 2𝑗ˆ + 𝜆𝑘ˆ make an obtuse
𝜋
angle, whereas the angle between 𝑏⃗⃗ and 𝑘ˆ is acute and less than .
6
Determine the domain of 𝜆 :
1
(a) 0 < 𝜆 <
2
(b) 𝜆 > √159
1
(c) − < 𝜆 < 0
2
(d) Null set

Solution:
Given the vectors:

𝑎⃗ = 2𝜆2 𝑖ˆ + 4𝜆𝑗ˆ + 𝑘ˆ
𝑏⃗⃗ = 7𝑖ˆ − 2𝑗ˆ + 𝜆𝑘ˆ

3
 Div & curl of vector fields 4

Condition 1: 𝑎⃗ ⋅ 𝑏⃗⃗ < 0 (angle between 𝑎⃗ and 𝑏⃗⃗ is obtuse)

Calculate the dot product:

𝑎⃗ ⋅ 𝑏⃗⃗ = (2𝜆2 )(7) + (4𝜆)(−2) + (1)(𝜆)

= 14𝜆2 − 8𝜆 + 𝜆
= 14𝜆2 − 7𝜆

For the angle to be obtuse, 𝑎⃗ ⋅ 𝑏⃗⃗ < 0 :

14𝜆2 − 7𝜆 < 0
𝜆(14𝜆 − 7) < 0
𝜆(2𝜆 − 1) < 0
The solution to this inequality is:
1
0<𝜆<
2
7. The vectors 𝑎⃗ = 2𝜆2 𝑖ˆ + 4𝜆𝑗ˆ + 𝑘ˆ and 𝑏⃗⃗ = 7𝑖ˆ − 2𝑗ˆ + 𝜆𝑘ˆ make an obtuse
𝜋
angle, whereas the angle between 𝑏⃗⃗ and 𝑘ˆ is acute and less than .
6
Determine the domain of 𝜆 :
1
(a) 0 < 𝜆 <
2
(b) 𝜆 > √159
1
(c) − < 𝜆 < 0
2
(d) Null set

Solution:
Given the vectors:

𝑎⃗ = 2𝜆2 𝑖ˆ + 4𝜆𝑗ˆ + 𝑘ˆ
𝑏⃗⃗ = 7𝑖ˆ − 2𝑗ˆ + 𝜆𝑘ˆ

Condition 1: 𝑎⃗ ⋅ 𝑏⃗⃗ < 0 (angle between 𝑎⃗ and 𝑏⃗⃗ is obtuse)

Calculate the dot product:

𝑎⃗ ⋅ 𝑏⃗⃗ = (2𝜆2 )(7) + (4𝜆)(−2) + (1)(𝜆)

= 14𝜆2 − 8𝜆 + 𝜆
= 14𝜆2 − 7𝜆
For the angle to be obtuse, 𝑎⃗ ⋅ 𝑏⃗⃗ < 0 :

4
 Div & curl of vector fields 5

14𝜆2 − 7𝜆 < 0
𝜆(14𝜆 − 7) < 0
𝜆(2𝜆 − 1) < 0
The solution to this inequality is:
1
0<𝜆<
2
𝜋
Condition 2: 𝑏⃗⃗ ⋅ 𝑘ˆ > 0 (angle between 𝑏⃗⃗ and 𝑘ˆ is acute and less than )
6
Calculate the dot product:

𝑏⃗⃗ ⋅ 𝑘ˆ = 𝜆

The magnitude of 𝑏⃗⃗ is:

|𝑏⃗⃗| = √72 + (−2)2 + 𝜆2

= √49 + 4 + 𝜆2
= √53 + 𝜆2
𝜋
For the angle to be acute and less than , we need:
6

𝜆
cos 𝜃 =
|𝑏⃗⃗|
𝜆
=
√53 + 𝜆2
𝜋
Given that < :
6

𝜋
cos 𝜃 > cos
6
√3
cos 𝜃 >
2
Thus:

𝜆 √3
>
√53 + 𝜆2 2
Squaring both sides:

5
 Div & curl of vector fields 6

𝜆2 3
>
53 + 𝜆2 4
4𝜆2 > 3(53 + 𝜆2 )
4𝜆2 > 159 + 3𝜆2
𝜆2 > 159
This implies:

𝜆 > √159 or 𝜆 < −√159

Combining Conditions:
1
From condition 1: 0 < 𝜆 <
2
From condition 2: 𝜆 > √159 or 𝜆 < −√159
1
Since there is no overlap between 0 < 𝜆 < and 𝜆 > √159, the combined
2
conditions yield no valid 𝜆.

Answer:
(d) Null set

8. In Cartesian coordinates, the point 𝐴 is (𝑥1 , 𝑦1 ) where 𝑥1 = 1 on the

curve 𝑦 = 𝑥 2 + 𝑥 + 10. The tangent at 𝐴 cuts the x-axis at 𝐵. The value
⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗ ⋅ 𝐴𝐵
of the dot product 𝑂𝐴 ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗ is:
520
(a) −
3
(b) -148
(c) 140
(d) 12

Solution:
Given curve:

𝑦 = 𝑥 2 + 𝑥 + 10

When = 1 :

𝑦 = 12 + 1 + 10 = 12
Thus, point 𝐴 is:

𝐴 ≡ (1,12)

6
 Div & curl of vector fields 7

So, the position vector ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗

𝑂𝐴 is:

⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗
𝑂𝐴 = 𝑖ˆ + 12𝑗ˆ

To find the equation of the tangent at 𝐴, we first find the derivative of 𝑦 with
respect to 𝑥 :
𝑑𝑦
= 2𝑥 + 1
𝑑𝑥
At = 1 :
𝑑𝑦
| = 2(1) + 1 = 3
𝑑𝑥 (1,12)

The equation of the tangent line at 𝐴 is:

𝑦 − 12 = 3(𝑥 − 1)
𝑦 − 12 = 3𝑥 − 3
𝑦 = 3𝑥 + 9

This tangent cuts the x-axis (where = 0 ) at point 𝐵 :

0 = 3𝑥 + 9
3𝑥 = −9
𝑥 = −3
So, point 𝐵 is:

𝐵 ≡ (−3,0)
⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗ is:
Thus, the position vector 𝑂𝐵

⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗ = −3𝑖ˆ
𝑂𝐵
⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗ , we subtract 𝑂𝐴
To find the vector 𝐴𝐵 ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗ from 𝑂𝐵
⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗ :

⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗
𝐴𝐵 = 𝑂𝐵⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗ − ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗
𝑂𝐴
⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗
𝐴𝐵 = (−3𝑖ˆ) − (𝑖ˆ + 12𝑗ˆ)
⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗
𝐴𝐵 = −3𝑖ˆ − 𝑖ˆ − 12𝑗ˆ
⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗ = −4𝑖ˆ − 12𝑗ˆ
𝐴𝐵

Now, calculate the dot product ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗

𝑂𝐴 ⋅ ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗
𝐴𝐵 :

7
 Div & curl of vector fields 8

⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗
𝑂𝐴 ⋅ ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗
𝐴𝐵 = (𝑖ˆ + 12𝑗ˆ) ⋅ (−4𝑖ˆ − 12𝑗ˆ)
= (𝑖ˆ) ⋅ (−4𝑖ˆ) + (12𝑗ˆ) ⋅ (−12𝑗ˆ)
= −4 + (−144)
= −148
Answer:
(b) -148

9. If three non-zero vectors are 𝑎⃗ = 𝑎1 𝑖ˆ + 𝑎2 𝑗ˆ + 𝑎3 𝑘ˆ, 𝑏⃗⃗ = 𝑏1 𝑖ˆ + 𝑏2 𝑗ˆ + 𝑏3 𝑘ˆ,

and 𝑐⃗ = 𝑐1 𝑖ˆ + 𝑐2 𝑗ˆ + 𝑐3 𝑘ˆ, where 𝑐⃗ is a unit vector perpendicular to 𝑎⃗ and 𝑏⃗⃗,
𝑎1 𝑎2 𝑎3
𝜋
and the angle between 𝑎⃗ and 𝑏⃗⃗ is , then |𝐀| where 𝐀 = |𝑏1 𝑏2 𝑏3 |
2
6
𝑐1 𝑐2 𝑐3
is equal to:
(a) 0
3(∑𝑎12 )(∑𝑏𝑖2 )(∑𝑐12 )
(b)
4
(c) 1
(∑𝑎12 )(∑𝑏12 )
(d)
4

Solution:
Given:

 𝑐⃗ is a unit vector perpendicular to 𝑎⃗ and 𝑏⃗⃗.

𝜋
 The angle between 𝑎⃗ and 𝑏⃗⃗ is .
6

Since 𝑐⃗ is perpendicular to both 𝑎⃗ and 𝑏⃗⃗, we have:

𝑎⃗ ⋅ 𝑐⃗ = 0
𝑏⃗⃗ ⋅ 𝑐⃗ = 0
|𝑐⃗| = 1

To find ∣ 𝐀2 :
𝑎1 𝑎2 𝑎3
𝐀 = |𝑏1 𝑏2 𝑏3 |
𝑐1 𝑐2 𝑐3

8
 Div & curl of vector fields 9

𝑎1 𝑎2 𝑎3 2 𝑎1 𝑎2 𝑎3 𝑎1 𝑎2 𝑎3 𝑎12 + 𝑎22 + 𝑎32 𝑎1 𝑏1 + 𝑎2 𝑏2 + 𝑎3 𝑏3 𝑎1 𝑐1 + 𝑎2 𝑐2 + 𝑎3 𝑐3

Now, |𝑏1 𝑏2 𝑏3 | = |𝑏1 𝑏2 𝑏3 | |𝑏1 𝑏2 𝑏3 | = |𝑎1 𝑏1 + 𝑎2 𝑏2 + 𝑎3 𝑏3 𝑏12 + 𝑏22 + 𝑏32 𝑏1 𝑐1 + 𝑏2 𝑐2 + 𝑏3 𝑐3 |
𝑐1 𝑐2 𝑐3 𝑐1 𝑐2 𝑐3 𝑐1 𝑐2 𝑐3 𝑎1 𝑐1 + 𝑎2 𝑐2 + 𝑎3 𝑐3 𝑏1 𝑐1 + 𝑏2 𝑐2 + 𝑏3 𝑐3 𝑐12 + 𝑐22 + 𝑐32
|𝐚|2 𝐚⋅𝐛 𝐚⋅𝐜 |𝐚|2 𝐚 ⋅ 𝐛 0
= |𝐚 ⋅ 𝐛 |𝐛|2 𝐛. 𝐜 | = |𝐚 ⋅ 𝐛 |𝐛|2 0| ≠ 𝐚|2 |𝐛|2 − (𝐚 ⋅ 𝐛)2
𝐚⋅𝐜 𝐛. 𝐜 |𝐜|2 0 0 1
𝜋 2 3 1 1
= |𝐚|2 |𝐛|2 − (|𝐚||𝐛|cos ) = |𝐚|2 |𝐛|2 (1 − ) = |𝐚|2 |𝐛|2 = (Σ𝑎12 )(Σ𝑏12 )
6 4 4 4

⃗⃗ = 4𝑖ˆ − 𝑗ˆ + 2𝑘ˆ on 𝑣⃗ = 2𝑖ˆ + 𝑗ˆ − 𝑘ˆ is:

10.The projection of 𝑢
2
(a)
√6
5
(b)
√6
(c) √6
−1
(d)
√6

Solution:
The projection of 𝑢
⃗⃗ on 𝑣⃗ is given by:

⃗⃗ ⋅ 𝑣⃗⃗
𝑢
Proj𝑣⃗⃗ 𝑢
⃗⃗ =
∣ 𝑣⃗
Now 𝑢
⃗⃗ ⋅ 𝑣⃗ :

⃗⃗ ⋅ 𝑣⃗ = (4𝑖ˆ − 𝑗ˆ + 2𝑘ˆ) ⋅ (2𝑖ˆ + 𝑗ˆ − 𝑘ˆ)

𝑢
= (4 ⋅ 2) + (−1 ⋅ 1) + (2 ⋅ −1)
=8−1−2
=5
the magnitude of 𝑣⃗ :

|𝑣⃗| = √(2)2 + (1)2 + (−1)2

= √4 + 1 + 1
= √6
Now, we calculate the projection:

9
 Div & curl of vector fields 10

𝑢
⃗⃗ ⋅ 𝑣⃗
Proj 𝑖 𝑢
⃗⃗ =
∣ 𝑣⃗
5
=
√6
So, the projection of 𝑢
⃗⃗ on 𝑣⃗ is:
5
(b)
√6

11. Let 𝐮, 𝐯, 𝐰 be such that |𝐮| = 1, |𝐯| = 2, |𝐰| = 3. If the projection 𝐯

along 𝐮 is equal to that of 𝐰 along 𝐮 and 𝐯, 𝐰 are perpendicular to each
other then |𝐮 − 𝐯 + 𝐰| equals
(a) 14
(b) √7
(c) √14
(d) 2

Solution: (c) Without loss of generality, we can assume 𝐯 = 2𝐢 and 𝐰 = 3𝐣. Let
𝐮 = 𝑥𝐢 + 𝑦𝐣 + 𝑧𝐤, |𝐮| = 1 ⇒ 𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 + 𝑧 2 = 1

Projection of 𝐯 along 𝐮 = Projection of 𝐰 along 𝐮

⇒ 𝐯. 𝐮 = 𝐰 ⋅ 𝐮 ⇒ 2𝐢 ⋅ (𝑥𝐢 + 𝑦𝐣 + 2𝐤) = 3𝐣 ⋅ (𝑥𝐢 + 𝑦𝐣 + 𝑧𝐤) ⇒ 2𝑥 = 3𝑦

⇒ 3𝑦 − 2𝑥 = 0

Now, |𝐮 − 𝐯 − 𝐰| = |𝑥𝐢 + 𝑦𝐣 + 𝑧𝐤 − 2𝐢 + 3𝐣| = |(𝑥 − 2)𝐢 + (𝑦 + 3)𝐣 + 𝑧𝐤| =

√(𝑥 − 2)2 + (𝑦 − 3)2 + 𝑧 2

= √(𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 + 𝑧 2 ) + 2(3𝑦 − 2𝑥) + 13 = √1 + 2 × 0 + 13 = √14.

12.Let 𝐛 = 3𝐣 + 4𝐤, 𝐚 = 𝐢 + 𝐣 and let 𝐛1 and 𝐛2 be component vectors of 𝐛

3 3
parallel and perpendicular to 𝐚. If 𝐛1 = 𝐢 + 𝐣, then 𝐛2 =
2 2
3 3
(a) 𝐢 + 𝐣 + 4𝐤
2 2
3 3
(b) − 𝐢 + 𝐣 + 4𝐤
2 2

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 Div & curl of vector fields 11

3 3
(c) − 𝐢 + 𝐣
2 2
(d) None of these

Solution: (b) 𝐛 = 𝐛1 + 𝐛2
3 3 3 3
∴ 𝐛2 = 𝐛 − 𝐛1 = (3𝐣 + 4𝐤) − ( 𝐢 + 𝐣) = − 𝐢 + 𝐣 + 4𝐤
2 2 2 2
3 3
Clearly, 𝐛1 = (𝐢 + 𝐣) = 𝐚 i.e., 𝐛1 is parallel to 𝐚
2 2

3 3
𝐛2 ⋅ 𝐚 = (− 𝐢 + 𝐣 + 4𝐤) ⋅ (𝐢 + 𝐣) = 0; ∴ 𝐛2 is ⊥ 𝑟 to 𝐚.
2 2

13. A vector 𝑎⃗ has components 3𝑞 and 2 with respect to a rectangular Cartesian

system. The system is rotated through a certain angle about the origin in the anti-
clockwise sense. If 𝑎⃗ has components 𝑞 + 2 and 2 with respect to the new system,
then:

(a) 𝑞 = 0
1
(b) 𝑞 = 1 or −
2
1
(c) 𝑞 = −1 or
2
(d) 𝑞 = 2 or -2

Solution:
Given:

𝑎⃗ = 3𝑞𝑖ˆ + 2𝑗ˆ = (𝑞 + 2)𝐼ˆ + 2𝐽ˆ ( I, J are the unit vector for new rotates system.
Where:

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 Div & curl of vector fields 12

𝐼ˆ = cos 𝜃𝑖ˆ + sin 𝜃𝑗ˆ

𝐽ˆ = −sin 𝜃𝑖ˆ + cos 𝜃𝑗ˆ
From the given:

3𝑞𝑖ˆ + 2𝑗ˆ = (𝑞 + 2)(cos 𝜃𝑖ˆ + sin 𝜃𝑗ˆ) + 2(−sin 𝜃𝑖ˆ + cos 𝜃𝑗ˆ)
Simplify the right-hand side:

3𝑞𝑖ˆ + 2𝑗ˆ = (𝑞 + 2)cos 𝜃𝑖ˆ + (𝑞 + 2)sin 𝜃𝑗ˆ − 2sin 𝜃𝑖ˆ + 2cos 𝜃𝑗ˆ
3𝑞𝑖ˆ + 2𝑗ˆ = [(𝑞 + 2)cos 𝜃 − 2sin 𝜃]𝑖ˆ + [(𝑞 + 2)sin 𝜃 + 2cos 𝜃]𝑗ˆ
Equating the components:

3𝑞 = (𝑞 + 2)cos 𝜃 − 2sin 𝜃
2 = (𝑞 + 2)sin 𝜃 + 2cos 𝜃

square and add both equations to eliminate 𝜃 :

(3𝑞)2 + 22 = [(𝑞 + 2)cos 𝜃 − 2sin 𝜃]2 + [(𝑞 + 2)sin 𝜃 + 2cos 𝜃]2

Expand and simplify:

9𝑞 2 + 4 = [(𝑞 + 2)cos 𝜃 − 2sin 𝜃]2 + [(𝑞 + 2)sin 𝜃 + 2cos 𝜃]2

9𝑞 2 + 4 = (𝑞 + 2)2 (cos 2 𝜃 + sin2 𝜃) + 4(cos 2 𝜃 + sin2 𝜃)
9𝑞 2 + 4 = (𝑞 + 2)2 + 4

9𝑞 2 + 4 = 𝑞 2 + 4𝑞 + 4 + 4
9𝑞 2 + 4 = 𝑞 2 + 4𝑞 + 8
9𝑞 2 − 𝑞 2 = 4𝑞 + 8 − 4
8𝑞 2 = 4𝑞 + 4
8𝑞 2 − 4𝑞 − 4 = 0
2𝑞 2 − 𝑞 − 1 = 0
Solve the quadratic equation:

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 Div & curl of vector fields 13

2𝑞 2 − 𝑞 − 1 = 0
−(−1) ± √(−1)2 − 4 ⋅ 2 ⋅ (−1)
𝑞=
2−2
1 ± √1 + 8
𝑞=
4
1 ± √9
𝑞=
4
1+3
𝑞=
4
So:
1
𝑞 = 1 or 𝑞 = −
2
Answer:
1
(b) 𝑞 = 1 or −
2

14.A groove is in the form of a broken line 𝐴𝐵𝐶 and the position vectors of
the three points are respectively 2𝑖ˆ − 3𝑗ˆ + 2𝑘ˆ, 3𝑖ˆ + 2𝑗ˆ − 𝑘ˆ, and 𝑖ˆ + 𝑗ˆ + 𝑘ˆ.
A force of magnitude 24√3 acts on a particle of unit mass kept at point 𝐴
and moves it along the groove to point 𝐶. If the line of action of the force
is parallel to the vector 𝑖ˆ + 2𝑗ˆ + 𝑘ˆ all along, the number of units of work
done by the force is:
(a) 144√2
(b) 144√3
(c) 72√2
(d) 72√3

Solution: The force vector 𝐹⃗ is given to be of magnitude 24√3 and acts along
the direction of the vector 𝑖ˆ + 2𝑗ˆ + 𝑘ˆ.
First, we normalize the direction vector:
Direction vector = 𝑖ˆ + 2𝑗ˆ + 𝑘ˆ
Magnitude of the direction vector = √12 + 22 + 12 = √1 + 4 + 1 = √6
The unit vector in the direction of 𝑖ˆ + 2𝑗ˆ + 𝑘ˆ is:

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 Div & curl of vector fields 14

𝑖 + 2𝑗ˆ + 𝑘
√6
Now, the force vector 𝐹⃗ is:

𝑖 + 2𝑗ˆ + 𝑘ˆ
𝐹⃗ = 24√3 ⋅
√6
24√3
𝐹⃗ = (𝑖ˆ + 2𝑗ˆ + 𝑘ˆ)
√6
𝐹⃗ = 12√2(𝑖ˆ + 2𝑗ˆ + 𝑘ˆ)

Next, we calculate the displacement vector 𝑟⃗ from point 𝐴 to point :

𝑟⃗ = Position vector of 𝐶 − Position vector of 𝐴

𝑟⃗ = (𝑖ˆ + 𝑗ˆ + 𝑘ˆ) − (2𝑖ˆ − 3𝑗ˆ + 2𝑘ˆ)

𝑟⃗ = 𝑖ˆ + 𝑗ˆ + 𝑘ˆ − 2𝑖ˆ + 3𝑗ˆ − 2𝑘ˆ
𝑟⃗ = −𝑖ˆ + 4𝑗ˆ − 𝑘ˆ

The work done 𝑊 by the force 𝐹⃗ in moving the particle from 𝐴 to 𝐶 is given by
the dot product of 𝐹⃗ and 𝑟⃗ :

𝑊 = 𝐹⃗ ⋅ 𝑟⃗
𝑊 = 12√2(𝑖ˆ + 2𝑗ˆ + 𝑘ˆ) ⋅ (−𝑖ˆ + 4𝑗ˆ − 𝑘ˆ)
Compute the dot product:

𝑊 = 12√2[(−1 ⋅ 1) + (2 ⋅ 4) + (1 ⋅ −1)]
𝑊 = 12√2[−1 + 8 − 1]
𝑊 = 12√2[6]
𝑊 = 72√2
Answer:
(c) 72√2

15.If 𝐚 is any vector, then (𝐚 × 𝐢)2 + (𝐚 × 𝐣)2 + (𝐚 × 𝐤)2 is equal to

(a) |𝐚|2
(b) 0

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 Div & curl of vector fields 15

(c) 3|𝐚|2
(d) 2|𝐚|2

Solution: (d) Let 𝐚 = 𝑎1 𝐢 + 𝑎2 𝐣 + 𝑎3 𝐤

∴ 𝐚 × 𝐢 = (𝑎1 𝐢 + 𝑎2 𝐣 + 𝑎3 𝐤) × 𝐢 = −𝑎2 𝐤 + 𝑎3 𝐣

(𝐚 × 𝐢)2 = (𝐚 × 𝐢) ⋅ (𝐚 × 𝐢) = (−𝑎2 𝐤 + 𝑎3 𝐣) ⋅ (−𝑎2 𝐤 + 𝑎3 𝐣) = 𝑎22 + 𝑎32

Similarly (𝐚 × 𝐣)2 = 𝑎32 + 𝑎12 and (𝐚 × 𝐤)2 = 𝑎12 + 𝑎22

∴ (𝐚 × 𝐢)2 + (𝐚 × 𝐣)2 + (𝐚 × 𝐤)2 = 2(𝑎12 + 𝑎22 + 𝑎32 ) = 2|𝐚|2 .

16. (𝐚 × 𝐛)2 + (𝐚. 𝐛)2 is equal to

(a) 𝐚2 + 𝐛2
(b) 𝐚2 𝐛2
(c) 2𝐚 ⋅ 𝐛
(d) 1

Solution: (b) (𝐚 × 𝐛)2 + (𝐚. 𝐛)2 = (|𝐚||𝐛|sin 𝜃𝜼ˆ)2 + (|𝐚||𝐛|cos 𝜃)2 =

|𝐚|2 |𝐛|2 (sin2 𝜃(𝜼ˆ ⋅ 𝜼ˆ) + cos 2 𝜃) = (𝐚 ⋅ 𝐚)(𝐛 ⋅ 𝐛)(sin2 𝜃 + cos 2 𝜃) = 𝐚2 𝐛2 ⋅
1 = 𝐚2 𝐛2 .

17. The position vectors of the vertices of a quadrilateral 𝐴𝐵𝐶𝐷 are 𝐚, 𝐛, 𝐜 and 𝐝
respectively. Area of the quadrilateral formed by joining the middle points of its
sides is
1
(a) |𝐚 × 𝐛 + 𝐛 × 𝐝 + 𝐝 × 𝐚|
4

1
(b) |𝐛 × 𝐜 + 𝐜 × 𝐝 + 𝐚 × 𝐝 + 𝐛 × 𝐚|
4

1
(c) |𝐚 × 𝐛 + 𝐛 × 𝐜 + 𝐜 × 𝐝 + 𝐝 × 𝐚|
4

1
(d) |𝐛 × 𝐜 + 𝐜 × 𝐝 + 𝐝 × 𝐛|
4

Solution: (c) Let 𝑃, 𝑄, 𝑅, 𝑆 be the middle points of the sides of the quadrilateral
𝐴𝐵𝐶𝐷.
𝐚+𝐛 𝐛+𝐜 𝐜+𝐝 𝐝+𝐚
Position vector of 𝑃 = , that of 𝑄 = , that of 𝑅 = and that of 𝑆 =
2 2 2 2

𝐝+𝐚 𝐛+𝐜 1 1
Mid point of diagonal 𝑆𝑄 ≡ ( + ) 2 = 4 (𝐚 + 𝐛 + 𝐜 + 𝐝)
2 2

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 Div & curl of vector fields 16

1
Similarly mid point of 𝑃𝑅 ≡ (𝐚 + 𝐛 + 𝐜 + 𝐝)
4

As the diagonals bisect each other, 𝑃𝑄𝑅𝑆 is a parallelogram.

𝐚+𝐛 𝐝+𝐚 𝐛−𝐝 𝐜+𝐝 𝐝+𝐚 𝐜−𝐚
⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗ =
𝑆𝑃 − = ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗ =
; 𝑆𝑅 − =
2 2 2 2 2 2
𝐛−𝐝 𝐜−𝐚
⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗ × 𝑆𝑅
Area of parallelogram 𝑃𝑄𝑅𝑆 = |𝑆𝑃 ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗ | = |( )×( )|
2 2

Algebra of Vectors
1 1
= |𝐛 × 𝐜 − 𝐛 × 𝐚 − 𝐝 × 𝐜 + 𝐝 × 𝐚| = |𝐚 × 𝐛 + 𝐛 × 𝐜 + 𝐜 × 𝐝 + 𝐝 × 𝐚|.
4 4
18.The area of a triangle whose vertices are 𝐴(1, −1,2), 𝐵(2,1, −1) and
𝐶(3, −1,2) is
(a) 13 (b)
√13
(c) 6
(d) √6

Solution: (b) ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗ ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗ = (3𝐢 −

𝐴𝐵 = (2𝐢 + 𝐣 − 𝐤) − (𝐢 − 𝐣 + 2𝐤) = 𝐢 + 2𝐣 − 3𝐤, 𝐴𝐶
𝐣 + 2𝐤) − (𝐢 − 𝐣 + 2𝐤) = 2𝐢
1
⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗ | = 1 |(𝐢 + 2𝐣 − 3𝐤) × 2𝐢| = 1 | − 4𝐤 −
⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗ × 𝐴𝐶
Area of triangle 𝐴𝐵𝐶 = |𝐴𝐵
2 2 2
6𝐣| = | − 3𝐣 − 2𝐤| = √13

19.If 𝐚 = 𝐢 + 𝐣 + 𝐤, 𝐛 = 𝐢 + 3𝐣 + 5𝐤 and 𝐜 = 7𝐢 + 9𝐣 + 11𝐤, then the area

of the parallelogram having diagonals 𝐚 + 𝐛 and 𝐛 + 𝐜 is
(a) 4√6
1
(b) √21
2

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 Div & curl of vector fields 17

√6
(c)
2
(d) √6

Solution: (a) Area of the parallelogram with diagonals 𝐚 + 𝐛 and 𝐛 + 𝐜 =

1
|(𝐚 + 𝐛) × (𝐛 + 𝐜)|
2

1
= |{(𝐢 + 𝐣 + 𝐤) + (𝐢 + 3𝐣 + 5𝐤)} × {(𝐢 + 3𝐣 + 5𝐤) + (7𝐢 + 9𝐣 + 11𝐤)}|
2
1
= |{(2𝐢 + 4𝐣 + 6𝐤) × (8𝐢 + 12𝐣 + 16𝐤)}|
2
𝐢 𝐣 𝐤
= 4|(𝐢 + 2𝐣 + 3𝐤) × (2𝐢 + 3𝐣 + 4𝐤)| = 4 |1 2 3| | = 4| − 𝐢 + 2𝐣 − 𝐤|
2 3 4
= 4√6

∣𝑎×𝑏
20.If 𝜃 is the angle between the vectors 𝐚 and 𝐛, then equals:
𝑎.𝑏
(a) tan 𝜃
(b) −tan 𝜃
(c) cot 𝜃
(d) −cot 𝜃

Solution:
|𝑎×𝐛|
To find the value of , let's use the definitions of the cross product and dot
a.b
product:

1 The magnitude of the cross product |𝐚 × 𝐛| is given by:

|𝐚 × 𝐛| = |𝐚||𝐛|sin 𝜃

2 The dot product 𝐚 ⋅ 𝐛 is given by:

𝐚 ⋅ 𝐛 = |𝐚||𝐛|cos 𝜃
Substituting these into the given expression:
|𝐚 × 𝐛| |a||𝐛|sin 𝜃
=
a⋅b |a||b|cos 𝜃
Simplifying this:

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 Div & curl of vector fields 18

|𝐚|𝐛 ∣ sin 𝜃 sin 𝜃

= = tan 𝜃
|𝐚|𝐛 ∣ cos 𝜃 cos 𝜃
Therefore, the correct answer is:
(a) tan 𝜃

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Div & curl of vector fields 19

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