Vectors

1. Physical Quantities
In physics we deal with two type of physical quantity one is scalar and other is vector. Each
scalar quantity has magnitude.
Example : mass, speed, distance etc.
Scalar quantities can be added, subtracted and multiplied by simple laws of algebra.
1.1 Vector
If a physical quantity in addition to magnitude -
• has a specified direction.
• Obey commutative law of addition
   
A +B =B+ A
• Obeys the law of parallelogram of addition, and then only it is said to be a vector.
If any of the above conditions is not satisfied the physical quantity can not 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 a be vector. e.g. time, pressure,
surface tension or current etc. have directions but are not vectors.
 
The magnitude of a vector (A) is the absolute value of a vector and is indicated by | A | or A.
Example
Displacement, velocity, acceleration, force etc.
1.2 Representation of vector
Geometrically, the length of a vector is proportional to its
magnitude and arrow represents direction of the vector. Tail Head
 Length
Symbolically, vector is represented by A (magnitude)
Key Points
• If a vector is displaced parallel to itself it does not change (see Figure)
𝐴𝐴⃗ = 𝐵𝐵
�⃗ = 𝐶𝐶⃗
𝐶𝐶⃗ Transition of a vector
parallel to itself
𝐴𝐴⃗
�⃗
𝐵𝐵

• If a vector is rotated through an angle other than multiple of 2π (or 360°) it changes (see
Figure).
�⃗
𝐵𝐵 𝐴𝐴⃗

𝐴𝐴⃗ ≠ 𝐵𝐵
�⃗ Rotation of a vector

• Two vectors are called equal if their magnitudes and directions are same, and they represent
values of same physical quantity.

1.3 Angle between two vectors

• Angle between two vectors means smaller of the two   
B B B
angles between the vectors when they are placed tail to
tail by displacing either of the vectors parallel to itself ⇒
θ  θ θ
(i.e. 0 ≤ θ ≤ π). A 
A

A
2. Types of Vector
2.1 Unit Vector
Unit vector is a vector which has a unit magnitude and points in a
 y
particular direction. Any vector (A) can be written as the product
of unit vector (A) ˆ in that direction and magnitude of the given
vector. 𝑗𝑗̂

 A î
A = A  or  = x
A
𝑘𝑘�
A unit vector has no dimensions and unit. Unit vectors along the
positive x, y and z-axis of a rectangular coordinate system are z
j | | kˆ=| 1
denoted by î , ˆj and k̂ respectively such that | ˆi=| | ˆ=

2.2 Null (Zero) Vectors

By definition, a null(zero) vectors has magnitude “zero” and has an arbitrary direction. This
will be clear in the following example:
F1 F2

→ O → ����⃗
F1 = – ����⃗
F2
𝐹𝐹1 𝐹𝐹2
 
When two persons push an object with equal and opposite force F1 and F2 , the resultant force
   
is F = F1 + F2 = 0 Therefore the object does not accelerate. Since, the particle’s acceleration is
zero, logically we can say that it is impossible to define the direction of acceleration. In other
words we can say that, the direction of a null vector is arbitrary (not specific).

The examples of null vector.

1. Velocity of a stationary object
2. Two people pulling a rope in opposite directions with equal force.
3. Displacement when an object is thrown upwards and then again returns at the same position.
4. The velocity of a train standing still on a platform.
5. Acceleration of a car going at uniform velocity.

2.3 Collinear Vectors

  
If two or more vectors A , B and C etc., are parallel to the same straight line, they are said to
be collinear vectors.
Angle between collinear vectors is either 0° or 180°
(1) ← ← (θ = 0°)
(2) ← → (θ = 180°)

2.4 Coplanar Vectors

  
If two or more vectors A , B and C say lie in the same plane, they are
   𝐴𝐴⃗
said to be coplanar. Here A , B and C are coplanar as they act (lie) in the
plane of the paper.
   �⃗
The coplanar vectors A , B and C lie in the plane of the paper. 𝐶𝐶⃗ 𝐵𝐵

2.5 Concurrent Vectors

If line of action of all vectors passes through same point then vectors are called concurrent
vector.
3. Multiplication of a Vector by a Scalar
  
Multiplying a vector A with a positive number λ gives a vector B(= λA) whose magnitude is
 
changed by the factor λ but the direction is the same as that of A . Multiplying a vector A by a
 
negative number λ gives a vector B whose direction is opposite to the direction of A and

whose magnitude is λ times | A | .

Example 1:
      
Three vectors A , B , C are shown in the figure. Find angle between (i) A and B , (ii) B and C , (iii)
 
A and C .
x x
𝐴𝐴⃗ 30o 45o
�⃗
𝐵𝐵 𝐶𝐶⃗
30o
x

Solution: To find the angle between two vectors we connect the tails of the two
   
vectors. We can shift B such that tails of A , B and C are connected as shown in figure.
y 
A

30o x
o
o 30
45
�⃗
𝐵𝐵
𝐶𝐶⃗
   
Now we can easily observe that angle between A and B is 60°, B and C is 15° and between
 
A and C is 75°.

Example 2:
5
A unit vector along East is defined as î . A force of 10 dynes acts West wards. Represent the
force in terms of î .
Solution:
 5
F = – 10 î dynes

Example 3:
Find a vector that has the same direction as the position vector of the point (–2, 4, 2) and has
length 6.
Solution:
–2iˆ + 4ˆj + 2kˆ
Direction vector is = then
2 6
–2iˆ + 4ˆj + 2kˆ
vector is = 6 ×
2 6
= 6 ( –iˆ + 2ˆj + kˆ )

Example 4:
  
A physical quantity (m = 3 kg) is multiplied by a vector a such that F = ma . Find the magnitude

and direction of F if
 2  2
(i) a = 3 m/s East wards (ii) a = –4 m/s North wards
Solution:
  –2
(i) F = ma = 3 × 3 ms East wards = 9 N East wards
 
(ii) F = ma = 3 × (–4) N North wards
= –12N North wards = 12 N South wards
 Concept Builder-1

Q.1 If A is a vector of magnitude 5 units due East. What is the magnitude and direction of vector

–5 A ?
  
Q.2 A physical quantity (m = 5 kg) is multiplied by a vector v such that p = mv . Find magnitude

and direction of p if v = 8 m/sec in East direction.

4. Addition of Vectors
Addition of vectors is done by parallelogram law or the triangle law :

4.1 Parallelogram law

 
If two vectors A and B are represented by two adjacent sides of a parallelogram both
pointing outwards (and their tails coinciding) as shown. Then the diagonal drawn through the
 
intersection of the two vectors represents the resultant (i.e., vector sum of A and B ).
R= A2 + B2 + 2ABcos θ O
  M
The direction of resultant vector R from A is given by
MN MN B sin θ �⃗
𝐵𝐵 𝑅𝑅�⃗ �⃗sinθ
𝐵𝐵
tan φ = = =
PN PQ + QN A + Bcos θ θφ Q
P
 B sin θ  𝐴𝐴⃗ N
φ =tan–1   �⃗cosθ
𝐵𝐵
 A + Bcos θ 

4.2 Triangle law

 
To add two vectors A and B shift any of
C 𝐶𝐶⃗
the two vectors parallel to itself until �⃗
𝐷𝐷
  �⃗ 𝐸𝐸�⃗
the tail of B is at the head of A . The 𝑅𝑅 �⃗
𝐵𝐵
  B �⃗
𝐵𝐵
sum A + B is a vector drawn from the A ⃗ 𝑅𝑅�⃗
    𝐴𝐴
tail of A to the head of B , i.e., A + B = 𝐴𝐴⃗ + 𝐵𝐵
�⃗ = 𝑅𝑅�⃗ 𝐴𝐴⃗

R . As the figure formed is a triangle, �⃗
𝑅𝑅 = ⃗
𝐴𝐴 + �⃗ + 𝐶𝐶⃗ + 𝐷𝐷
𝐵𝐵 �⃗ + 𝐸𝐸�⃗
this method is called ‘triangle method’ of addition of vectors. If
the ‘triangle method’ is extended to add any number of vectors in one operation as shown.
Then the figure formed is a polygon and hence the name Polygon Law of addition of vectors is
given to such type of addition.

5. Subtraction of Vectors
 
The vector – b is vector with the same magnitude as b but in opposite direction.
Adding the two vectors.
  
b + (–b) =
0
• Subtraction of a vector from other vector is the
addition of negative vector, i.e., 𝐴𝐴⃗ θ
    o
A – B = A + (– B ) �⃗
𝐵𝐵  180 –θ
  𝐴𝐴⃗ −B
From figure it is clear that A – B is equal to addition 𝐴𝐴⃗– 𝐵𝐵
�⃗
 
of A with reverse of B
  2 2 1/2
= | A – B | = [(A) + (B) + 2AB cos (180° − θ)]
 
= | A – B | = A2 + B2 – 2ABcos θ
 Change in a vector physical quantity means subtraction of initial vector from the final vector.

 
Vfinal –Vinitial

 
 ⇒ ∆V Vfinal
Vinitial

Key Points
2 2 1/2
• As R = [A + B + 2AB cosθ] so R will be maximum when, cos θ = max = 1, i.e., θ = 0°, i.e.
vectors are like or parallel and Rmax = A + B.
• The resultant will be minimum if, cos θ = min = –1, i.e., θ = 180°, i.e. vectors are antiparallel and
Rmin = |A – B|
• If the vectors A and B are orthogonal,
i.e., θ = 90°, R =A2 + B2
• Minimum number of unequal coplanar vectors whose sum can be zero is three.
• The resultant of three non-coplanar vectors can never be zero, or minimum number of non-
coplanar vectors whose sum can be zero is four.
• Addition of two vectors having equal magnitude (A0) and angle θ between them
θ
R = 2A0 cos
2
• Subtraction of two vector having equal magnitude (A0) and angle θ between them
θ
S = 2A0 sin
2

Example 5:
Find the resultant of two forces each having magnitude F0, and angle between them is θ.
Solution:
2
FRe sul tan t
= F02 + F02 + 2 F02 cos θ

= 2 F02 (1 + cos θ)

2 θ
= 2 F02 (1 + 2 cos – 1)
2
2 θ
= 2 F02 × 2 cos
2
θ
Fresultant = 2F0 cos
2

Example 6:
       
Two non zero vectors A and B are such that | A + B | =| A – B |. Find angle between A and B ?
Solution:
   
| A + B| = | A –B |
2 2 2 2
⇒ A + B + 2AB cos θ = A + B – 2AB cos θ
⇒ 4AB cos θ = 0
π
⇒ cos θ = 0 ⇒ θ =
2
Example 7:
If the sum of two unit vectors is also a unit vector. Find the magnitude of their difference?
Solution:
Let  and B̂ are the given unit vectors and R̂ is their resultant then
ˆ +B
| R̂ | = | A ˆ |
θ
⇒ 2 cos = 1 ; θ = 120°
2

| R| = | A ˆ –Bˆ |
 θ
⇒ | R | = 2 sin = 3
2
Example 8:
 
Find out magnitude of resultant of a and b by parallelogram law.


b  
| a | = 6, | b | = 10
60º

a
Solution:
R= a2 + b2 + 2abcos θ  
2 2 b R  
R= 6 + 10 + 2 × 6 × 10 × cos 60° b b sin 60º
1 60º 60º
R= 62 + 102 + 2 × 6 × 10 ×  
2 a b cos 60º
= 196 14
=

Concept Builder-2

Q.1 (a) Two force of 50 N act at a body at an angle 60°. Find resultant of that forces.
→ → →
(b) If A, B and C are the vertices of a triangle, find AB+ BC+ CA .

Q.2 Using parallelogram law of vector addition draw resultant vector for two forces 8N and 6N act
at the following angles.
(i) 30° (ii) 75° (iii) 120°

Example 9:
     
Vector A , B and C have magnitude 5, 5 2 and 5 respectively, direction of A , B and C are
towards East, North-East and North respectively. If î and ˆj are unit vectors along East and
  
North respectively. Express the sum A + B + C in terms of î , ˆj . Also Find magnitude and
direction of the resultant.
Solution:
 
A = 5 î C = 5 ˆj

B = 5 2 cos 45 î + 5 2 sin 45 ˆj = 5 î + 5 ˆj North
    
ˆ ˆ ˆ
A + B + C = 5 î + 5 î + 5 j + 5 j = 10 î + 10 j B
C
  
| A + B + C | = (10)2 + (10)2 = 10 2 East

10 A
tan θ = =1
10
⇒ θ = 45° from East
Example 10:
Which of the following sets of concurrent forces may be in equilibrium?
(A) F1=3N, F2=5N, F3=1N (B) F1=3N, F2=5N, F3=6N
(C) F1=3N, F2=5N, F3=9N (D) F1=3N, F2=5N, F3=16 N
Solution:
(B)
For equilibrium, net resultant force must be zero. These forces form a closed triangle such
that
F1~F2≤ F3 ≤ F1+F2 ⇒ 2N ≤ F3 ≤ 8N

Example 11:
The magnitude of pairs of displacement vectors are given. Which pair of displacement vectors
cannot be added to give a resultant vector of magnitude 13 cm?
(A) 4 cm, 16 cm (B) 20 cm, 7 cm (C) 1 cm, 15 cm (D) 6 cm, 8 cm
Solution: (C)
 
Resultant of two vectors A and B must satisfy A - B ≤ R ≤ A + B

6. Resolution of Vectors
A component of a vector is the projection of the vector on its axis. In this example, ax is the

component of vector a on (or along) the x axis and ay is the component along the y axis. To
find the projection of a vector along an axis, we draw perpendicular lines from the two ends
of the vector to the axis, as shown. The projection of a vector on x-axis is x component, and
similarly the projection on the y-axis is the y component. The process of finding the
components of a vector is called resolving the vector.
In general, a vector has three components, although for the case of 2D vectors the
component along the z axis is zero.
y y

 
ay a a ay
θ θ
x x
O ax ax O
(a) (b)

Resolution in three dimensions. A vector A in components along x, y and z-axis can be written
as:
   
⇒ A = A x + A y + Az y
= A xˆi + A yˆj + Azk
ˆ
A y ˆj P
⇒A= A2x + A2y + Az2 
β A A x ˆi
P
Ax = A cos α, Ay = A cos β, Az = A cos γ
O α x
where cos α, cos β and cos γ are termed as

A z kˆ γ
Direction Cosines of a given vector A . z B
Key Points
2 2 2
• cos α + cos β + cos γ = 1
   
• A can be expressed as a sum of two vectors as A = λ a + µ b (where λ and µ are real
numbers)
Example 12:
A vector makes an angle of 30° with the horizontal. If horizontal component of the vector is
250. Find magnitude of vector and its vertical component?

A

30º

Solution:

Let vector is A

0 A 3
Ax = A cos30 = = 250
2
500
⇒A=
3

A
A sin30º
30º
A cos30º

0 500 1 250
Ay = A sin30 = × =
3 2 3

Example 13:
  
A = î + 2 ˆj – 3 k̂ , when a vector B is added to A , we get a unit vector along x-axis. Find the

value of B ? Also find its magnitude.
Solution:
 
A + B = î
 
B = î – A = î – ( î + 2 ˆj – 3 k̂ )

= – 2 ˆj + 3 k̂

⇒ | B | = (2)2 + (3)2 = 13

Example 14:

In the above question find a unit vector along B ?
Solution:

B –2ˆj + 3kˆ
B̂ = =
B 13

Concept Builder-3

Q.1 Two forces of magnitude 15 N and 30 N are acting on a body. Find the range of resultant?

 
Q.2 If v lies in the first quadrant and makes an angle π/3 with the positive x-axis and | v | = 4, find

v in component form.
Example 15:
For given situation, what will be the magnitude of minimum force in newton that can be
applied in any direction so that the resultant force is along East direction?
North( ˆj)
5N
3N
37º ˆ
West East(i)
4N

South

Solution:
Let force be F so resultant is in East direction

4iˆ + 3ˆj + (5cos 37°ˆi + 5 sin37°ˆj) + F =kiˆ
 
⇒ 4iˆ + 3ˆj + 4iˆ + 3ˆj + F = kiˆ ⇒ 8iˆ + 6ˆj + F = kiˆ

⇒ F (k – 8)iˆ – 6ˆ=
= j⇒F (k – 8)2 + (6)2
For F to be minimum, (K – 8) = 0
⇒ Fmin = 6 N

Example 16:
α and β are the angle made by a vector from positive X & Y axis respectively. Which set of
α and β is not possible.
(A) 45°, 60° (B) 30°, 60° (C) 60°, 60° (D) 30°, 45°
Solution:
(D)
2 2 2
α,β must satisfy cos α + cos β + cos γ = 1

Concept Builder-4

Q.1 ˆ?
What are the direction cosines of ˆi + ˆj + k

Q.2 Find the sum of the given vectors.

(i) 3iˆ – ˆj , –2iˆ + 4ˆj (ii) –2iˆ – ˆj , 5iˆ + 7ˆj ˆ , –3kˆ
(iii) ˆj + 2k (iv) –iˆ + 2ˆj , 4ˆj

 
Q.3 Find 3a + 4b .
 
(i) a = –4iˆ + 3ˆj , b = 6iˆ + 2ˆj
 
(ii) a = 6iˆ + 2ˆj + 3kˆ , b = 6iˆ + 2ˆj – 3kˆ
 
(iii) a = ˆi – 2ˆj + kˆ , b = ˆj + 2k
ˆ
 https://t.me/Unacademy_NEET_lec2024

7. Multiplication of Vectors
7.1 The scalar product
 
A·B = AB cos θ {here θ is the smaller angle between the two vectors when they are arranged
with their common initial point}

Key Points
• It is always a scalar which is positive if angle between the vectors is acute (i.e. < 90°) and
negative if angle between them is obtuse (i.e. 90° < θ ≤ 180°)
   
• It is commutative, i.e., A·B = B · A
      
• It is distributive, i.e. A· (B + C) = A·B + A·C
• The angle between the vectors
 
−1  A·B 
θ = cos  
 AB 
• Scalar product of two vectors will be maximum when cos θ = max = 1, i.e., θ = 0°, i.e., vectors
 
are parallel ⇒ ( A·B )max = AB
• If the scalar product of two nonzero vectors becomes zero then the vectors are
perpendicular.
• The scalar product of a vector by itself is termed as self dot product and is given by
 2   2
( A ) = A . A = AA cosθ = AAcos0° = A

⇒ A = AA
• ˆ=ˆ ˆi=
n·n · ˆi ˆj= ˆ=
· ˆj k ˆ 1
·k

• ˆ= k
ˆi · ˆj = ˆj ·k ˆ · ˆi = 0
 
• A ·B = (Ax î + Ay ˆj + Az k̂ ) . (Bx î + By ˆj + Bz k̂ )
= [AxBx + AyBy + AzBz]

7.2 Projection of Vectors

 
A ·B = A (B cos θ) = B (A cos θ)
   
Geometrically, B cos θ is the projection of B onto A and A cos θ is the projection of A onto B
    
as shown. So A ·B is the product of the magnitude of A and the component of B along A and
vice versa.

 
B B

θ θ
 B cos θ 
A A
 
Component of B along A
 
A ·B 
= B cosθ = ˆ
= B. A
A
 
Component of A along B
 
A ·B
= A cosθ =
B

ˆ
= A ·B
7.3 Vector Product
 
A × B = AB sinθ n̂
(here θ is the smaller angle between the two vectors when they are arranged with their
common initial point and the direction n̂ is given by the right-hand-thumb rule)

Right-Hand-Thumb Rule   
  V= A × B
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  
   n
B
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
θ
direction of n̂ .

A

Properties
• Vector product of two vectors is always a vector perpendicular to the plane containing the
   
two vectors i.e. orthogonal to both the vectors A and B , though the vectors A and B may or
may not be orthogonal.
   
• Vector product of two vectors is not commutative i.e. A × B ≠ B × A
   
But | A × B |=| B × A | = AB sin θ
• The vector product is distributive when the order of the vectors is strictly maintained i.e.
      
A × (B + C) = A × B + A × C
• The magnitude of vector product of two vectors will be maximum when sinθ = max = 1, i.e,
 
θ = 90° | A × B |max = AB
i.e., magnitude of vector product is maximum if the vectors are orthogonal.
• The magnitude of vector product of two non–zero vectors will be minimum when |sinθ| =
 
minimum = 0, i.e., θ = 0° or 180° and | A × B |min = 0 i.e., if the vector product of two non–zero
vectors vanishes, the vectors are collinear.
  
• A × A = AA sin 0° n̂ = 0 .

• ˆi × ˆi = ˆj × ˆj = kˆ × kˆ = 0
ĵ
ˆi × ˆj =ˆ ˆ=
ˆj × k ˆi ĵ
• k kˆ × ˆi =ˆj
• In terms of components,
k̂ î
ˆi ˆj kˆ
  î
= A × B = Ax Ay Az
k̂ (A)
Bx By Bz (B)

Ay Az Ax Az ˆ A x Ay
= ˆi – ˆj +k
By Bz Bx Bz ByBx
 
A × B = î (AyBz – AzBy) – ˆj (AxBz – AzBx) + k̂ (AxBy – AyBx)
 
• The magnitude of area of the parallelogram formed by the adjacent sides of vectors A and B
 
equal to | A × B |
  1  
• If A & B are the diagonal of a parallelogram then the area will be | A × B |
2
  1  
• If A & B are the adjacent sides of a triangle then area of triangle = | A × B |
2
Example 17:
   
Find A ·B if A = 3iˆ + 4ˆj + 2kˆ and B ˆ
= 2iˆ + 3ˆj – k
Solution:
 
A ·B = ( 3iˆ + 4ˆj + 2kˆ ).( 2iˆ + 3ˆj – kˆ )
= 6 + 12 – 2 = 16

Example 18:
 
If the Vectors P = (a î + a ˆj + 3 k̂ ) and Q = (a î – 2 ˆj – k̂ ) are perpendicular to each other. Find
the value of a?
Solution:
 
If vectors P and Q are perpendicular
 
⇒ P · Q =0
⇒ (a î + a ˆj + 3 k̂ ) · (a î – 2 ˆj – k̂ ) = 0
2
⇒ a – 2a – 3 = 0
2
⇒ a – 3a + a – 3 = 0
⇒ a(a – 3) + 1(a – 3) = 0
⇒ a = –1, 3

Example 19:
 
Find angle between A = 3 î + 4 ˆj and B = 12 î + 5 ˆj :
Solution:
 
A ·B (3iˆ + 4ˆj)·(12iˆ + 5ˆj)
We have cos θ = =
AB 32 + 42 122 + 52
36 + 20 56 –1 56
cos θ = = ⇒ θ = cos
5 × 13 65 65

Example 20:
Find the component of 3 î + 4 ˆj along î + ˆj :
Solution:
 
  A ·B
Component of A along B is given by hence required component
B
(3iˆ + 4ˆj)·(iˆ + ˆj) 7
= =
2 2

Example 21:
   
A is Eastwards and B is downwards. Find the direction of A × B :
Solution:
 
Applying right hand thumb rule we find that A × B is along North

Example 22:
     
If A · B = | A × B | , find angle between A and B
Solution:
   
A · B = | A × B | ⇒ AB cos θ = AB sin θ
tan θ = 1 ⇒ θ = 45°
Example 23:
 
Two vectors A and B are inclined to each other at an angle θ. Find a unit vector which is
 
perpendicular to both A and B
Solution:
 
A × B = AB sin θ n̂
 
A ×B  
⇒ n̂ = here n̂ is perpendicular to both A and B .
AB sin θ

Example 24:
   
Find A × B if A = ˆi – 2ˆj + 4kˆ and B = 3iˆ – ˆj + 2k
ˆ.
Solution:
ˆi ˆj kˆ
 
A ×B = 1 –2 4
3 –1 2

= î [–4 – (–4)] – ˆj (2 – 12) + k̂ [–1 – (–6)]

= 10 ˆj + 5 k̂

Concept Builder-5
 
Q.1 Find a ·b .
 
b 3iˆ + 6ˆj
(i) a = 4iˆ – ˆj , =
 
(ii) a = 5iˆ – 2k ˆ=, b 3iˆ – ˆj + 10kˆ
 
(iii)
= a ˆi – 2ˆj + 3kˆ , b = 5iˆ – 9kˆ

 
Q.2 Find the angle between the vectors a= ˆi + ˆj – kˆ and
= ˆ
b 5iˆ – 3ˆj + 2k

 
Q.3 = 2iˆ + 3ˆj – 6kˆ is perpendicular=
For what value of m the vector A ˆ
to B 3iˆ – mjˆ + 6k


Q.4 Find the components of vector A = 2 î + 3 ˆj along the direction of 2 î + ˆj :

   
Q.5 A is North–East and B is North wards, find the direction of A × B .

 
Q.6 Find the cross product a × b .
   
(i) a = ˆi + 2ˆj , b = 3ˆj + kˆ (ii) a = 2iˆ + ˆj – kˆ , b = ˆj + 2k
ˆ
 
(iii) a = 3iˆ + 2ˆj + 4kˆ , b = ˆi + ˆj + k
ˆ

   
Q.7 Find B × A if A = 3 î – 2 ˆj + 6 k̂ and B = î – ˆj + k̂ .
 ANSWER KEY FOR CONCEPT BUILDERS

CONCEPT BUILDER-1 CONCEPT BUILDER-4

1. 25 units due West. 1
1. cos α =
2. 40 kg m/s in East. 3
1
cos β =
CONCEPT BUILDER-2 3
1
1. (a) 50 3 N. cos γ =
3
C
2. (i) ˆi + 3ˆj (ii) 3iˆ + 6ˆj
ˆ
(iii) ˆj – k (iv) –iˆ + 4ˆj + 2kˆ

(b) 3. (i) 12iˆ + 17ˆj ˆ

(ii) 42iˆ + 14ˆj – 3k
A B
ˆ
(iii) 3iˆ – 2ˆj + 11k
  
AB + BC + CA =
0
CONCEPT BUILDER-5
 
B R 1. (i) 6 (ii) – 5
2. (i) 30º (iii) – 22
 π
A 2. θ=
2
  3. – 10
B R 7
4.
(ii) 75º 5

A N
NE

 
 R B 
A
B E
120º 5.
(iii)  
 A × B has direction outward the plane.
A
6. ˆ
(i) 2iˆ – ˆj + 3k ˆ
(ii) 3iˆ – 4ˆj + 2k

(iii) −2iˆ + ˆj + kˆ
CONCEPT BUILDER-3
 7. –4iˆ − 3ˆj + kˆ
1. 15 ≤ | R | ≤ 45

2. 2iˆ + 2 3 ˆj
 Exercise - I
Definition, Types of Vector & Angle
6. The vector joining the points A (1, 1, –1)
Between the Vectors and B (2, –3, 4) & pointing from A to B is-
1. Which one of the following statement (1) – î + 4 ˆj – 5 k̂ (2) î + 4 ˆj + 5 k̂
is false :
(3) î – 4 ˆj + 5 k̂ (4) – î – 4 ˆj – 5 k̂
(1) Mass, speed and energy are scalars
(2) Momentum, force and torque are

vectors 7. If A = 3 î + 4 ˆj then find Â
(3) Distance is a scalar while
displacement is a vector 3iˆ + 4ˆj 3iˆ – 4ˆj
(1) (2)
(4) A vector has only magnitude where 5 5
as a scalar has both magnitude and
4iˆ + 3ˆj 4iˆ – 3ˆj
direction (3) (4)
5 5
2. If n̂ is a unit vector in the direction of
 Addition & Subtraction of Vectors
the vector A , then :-
  
A   8. Given : A = 2 î + 3 ˆj and B = 5 î – 6 ˆj .
(1) n̂ =  (2) n̂ = A | A |  
|A| The magnitude of A + B is

|A|  (1) 4 units (2) 10 units
(3) n̂ =  ˆ= n
(4) n ˆ×A
A (3) 58 units (4) 61 units

3. The forces, which meet at one point  

but their lines of action do not lie in 9. Given : A = 2 î – ˆj +2 k̂ and B = – î – ˆj + k̂ .
 
one plane, are called: The unit vector of A – B is
(1) non-coplanar and non-concurrent
3iˆ + kˆ 3iˆ
forces (1) (2)
(2) coplanar and non-concurrent forces 10 10
(3) non-coplanar and concurrent forces k̂ –3iˆ – kˆ
(4) coplanar and concurrent forces (3) (4)
10 10
4. A vector is not changed if  
(1) it is displaced parallel to itself 10. Two vectors A and B lie in a plane,

(2) it is rotated through an arbitrary another vector C lies outside this
angle plane, then the resultant of these three
(3) it is cross-multiplied by a unit   
vectors i.e. A + B + C :
vector
(4) it is multiplied by an arbitrary (1) Can be zero
scalar. (2) Cannot be zero
 
(3) Lies in the plane containing A & B
 
5. The forces, each numerically equal to 5 (4) Lies in the plane containing B & C
N, are acting as shown in the Figure.
Find the angle between forces:    
11. Given that P + Q =
P – Q . This can be
true when:
5N  
60º (1) P = Q
 
5N (2) Q = 0
 
(1) 60° (2) 110° (3) Neither P nor Q is a null vector
(3) 115° (4) 120°  
(4) P is perpendicular to Q
  
12. The resultant of A and B makes an 19. Force 3 N, 4 N and 12 N act at a point
  in mutually perpendicular directions.
angle α with A and β with B , then :
The magnitude of the resultant force is:
(1) α < β
(1) 19 N (2) 13 N
(2) α < β if A < B
(3) 11 N (4) 5 N
(3) α < β if A > B
(4) α < β if A = B   
20. If vectors P , Q and R have magnitudes
  
13. The minimum number of vectors of 5, 12 and 13 units and P + Q = R , the
equal magnitude required to produce a  
angle between Q and R is :
zero resultant is :
–1 5 –1 5
(1) 2 (2) 3 (1) cos   (2) cos  
(3) 4 (4) more than 4  12   13 
–1  12  –1 2
(3) cos   (4) cos  
14. How many minimum number of  13   13 
coplanar vectors having different
magnitudes can be added to give zero 21. In vector diagram shown in figure
resultant:- 
where ( R ) is the resultant of vectors
(1) 2 (2) 3
  B
(3) 4 (4) 5 ( A ) and ( B ). If R = , the value of
2

15. How many minimum number of vectors angle θ is :

in different planes can be added to give
zero resultant:-
(1) 2 (2) 3
(3) 4 (4) 5
(1) 30° (2) 45°
16. Which of the following pair of forces (3) 60° (4) 75°
will never give resultant force of 2 N :
 
(1) 2 N and 2 N (2) 1 N and 1 N 22. The resultantof A and B is
(3) 1 N and 3 N (4) 1 N and 4 N 
perpendicular to A . What is the angle
   
17. If A + B is a unit vector along x-axis and between A and B :
  A  A
= ˆ , then what is B :
A ˆi – ˆj + k (1) cos–1   (2) cos–1  – 
B  B
ˆ
(1) ˆj + k ˆ
(2) ˆj – k
A  A
ˆ
(3) ˆi + ˆj + k (4) ˆi + ˆj – kˆ (3) sin–1   (4) sin–1  – 
B  B

18. What happens, when we multiply a  

23. When two vector a and b are added,
vector by (– 2):
(1) direction reverses and unit changes the magnitude of the resultant vector is
(2) direction reverses and magnitude is always
doubled (1) greater than (a + b)
(3) direction remains unchanged and (2) less than or equal to (a + b)
unit changes (3) less than (a + b)
(4) none of these (4) equal to (a + b)
24. Rain is falling vertically downwards 30. The sum and difference of two
with a speed 5 m/s. If unit vector along perpendicular vectors of equal lengths
upward is defined as ˆj , represent are
(1) of equal lengths and have an acute
velocity of rain in vector form.
angle between them
(1) 5ˆj (2) – 5ˆj (2) of equal length and have an obtuse
(3) 8ˆj (4) – 8ˆj angle between them
(3) also perpendicular to each other
  and are of different lengths
25. Two vectors a and b inclined at an
(4) also perpendicular to each other
angle θ w.r.t. each other have a
 and are of equal lengths
resultant c which makes an angle β
   
with a . If the directions of a and b are 31. What is the angle between A and the
interchanged, then the resultant will  
have the same (
ˆ and A – B
resultant of A + B )
ˆ : ( )
(1) magnitude –1 A
(1) 0° (2) tan  
(2) direction B
(3) magnitude as well as direction
–1 B –1  A –B 
(4) neither magnitude nor direction (3) tan   (4) tan  
A  A +B
26. A set of vectors taken in a given order
gives a closed polygon. Then the Dot Product and Cross Product
resultant of these vectors is a

(1) scalar quantity (2) pseudo vector 32. = 2iˆ + 3ˆj
The angle that the vector A
(3) unit vector (4) null vector makes with y-axis is :
-1 -1
27. The vector sum of two force P and Q is (1) tan (3/2) (2) tan (2/3)
-1 -1
minimum when the angle θ between (3) sin (2/3) (4) cos (3/2)
their positive directions, is

(1)
π
(2)
π 33. A vector perpendicular to 4iˆ – 3ˆj may ( )
4 3
be :
π
(3) (4) π (1) 4iˆ + 3ˆj ˆ
(2) 7k
2
 (3) 6iˆ (4) 3iˆ – 4ˆj
28. The vector sum of two vectors A and

B is maximum, then the angle θ
between two vectors is - 34. ( )
A force 3iˆ + 2ˆj N displaces an object
(1) 0° (2) 30°
(3) 45° (4) 60°
(
through a distance 2iˆ – 3ˆj m. The work )
   done is :
29. Given : C = A + B . Also, the magnitude (1) zero (2) 12 J
  
of A , B and C are 12, 5 and 13 units (3) 5 J (4) 13 J

respectively. The angle between A and 
 35. = 5iˆ + 2ˆj – Skˆ is perpendicular
The vector B
B is

π to the vector A = 3iˆ + ˆj + 2kˆ if S =
(1) 0° (2)
4 (1) 1 (2) 4.7
π (3) 6.3 (4) 8.5
(3) (4) π
2
36. The angle between vectors (iˆ + ˆj) and 43. If î , ˆj and k̂ are unit vectors along X,
ˆ is :
(ˆj + k) Y & Z axis respectively, then tick the
wrong statement:
(1) 90° (2) 180°
(1) ˆi.iˆ = 1 (2) ˆi × ˆj =ˆ
k
(3) 0° (4) 60°
(3) ˆi.ˆj = 0 ˆ=
(4) ˆi × k –iˆ
37. The angle between two vectors given
ˆ and (7iˆ + 4ˆj + 4k)
by (6iˆ + 6ˆj – 3k) ˆ is :  
44. Two vectors P and Q are inclined to
 1  1 each other at angle θ. Which of the
(1) cos–1   (2) cos–1  
2 3 following is the unit vector perpendicular
 
 1  2 to P and Q :
(3) cos–1   (4) cos–1    
 3 3 P×Q ˆ
P̂ × Q
(1) (2)
P·Q sin θ
   
38. If P.Q = PQ, then angle between P and ˆ
P̂ × Q P̂ × Q
 (3) (4)
Q is : PQ sin θ PQ sin θ
(1) 0° (2) 30°
(3) 45° (4) 60° 45. The magnitude of the vector product of
 
two vectors A and B may not be :
39. For a body, angular velocity (1) Greater than AB (2) Less than AB
 ˆi − 2ˆj + 3kˆ
(ω) = and radius vector (3) Equal to AB (4) Equal to zero
 ˆ , then its velocity is
(r ) = ˆi + ˆj + k   
   46. If P × Q = R , then which of the following
(v = ω × r ): statements is not true :
(1) –5 î – 2 ˆj + 3 k̂    
(1) R ⊥ P (2) R ⊥ Q
     
(2) –5 î + 2 ˆj – 3 k̂ (3) R ⊥ (P + Q) (4) R ⊥ (P × Q)
(3) –5 î + 2 ˆj + 3 k̂
(4) –5 î – 2 ˆj – 3 k̂ 47. (
If the vectors ˆi + ˆj + k )
ˆ and 3iˆ form two

sides of a triangle, then area of the

40. Area of a parallelogram, whose
triangle is :
diagonals are 3iˆ + ˆj – 2kˆ and ˆi – 3ˆj + 4kˆ
(1) 3 unit (2) 2 3 unit
will be :
3
(1) 95 (2) 75 (3) unit (4) 3 2 unit
2
(3) 105 (4) 100
   
41.

A vector A points vertically downward

48. (
What is the value of A + B · A × B : ) ( )
& B points towards east, then the (1) 0
2
(2) A – B
2
  2 2
vector product A × B is (3) A + B + 2AB (4) none of these
(1) along west (2) along east
(3) zero (4) along south 49. If n̂ aiˆ + bjˆ is perpendicular to the
=

42. A vector F1 is along the positive X-axis. ( )
vector, ˆi + ˆj , then the value of a and b
If its
vector product with another may be :
 
vector F2 is zero then F2 may be : (1) 1, 0 (2) –2, 0
(1) 4 ˆj (2) – (iˆ + ˆj) 1 1
(3) 3, 0 (4) , −
ˆ 2 2
(3) (iˆ + k) ˆ
(4) (–4i)
Resolution of Vector, Projection of Vector, 53. What is the maximum number of
Miscellaneous rectangular components into which a
vector can be split in space:
50. The x and y components of a force are (1) 2 (2) 3
2 N and – 3 N. The force is (3) 4 (4) ∞
(1) 2iˆ – 3ˆj (2) 2iˆ + 3ˆj
54. The direction cosines of a vector
(3) –2iˆ – 3ˆj (4) 3iˆ + 2ˆj ˆ are:
ˆi + ˆj + 2 k

51. What is the maximum number of 1 1 1 1 1

(1) , ,1 (2) , ,
components into which a vector can be 2 2 2 2 2
split: 1 1 1 1 1 1
(3) , , (4) , ,
(1) 2 (2) 3 2 2 2 2 2 2
(3) 4 (4) ∞
55. One of the rectangular components of
52. What is the maximum number of –1 –1
a velocity of 60 km h is 30 km h .
rectangular components into which a
Find other rectangular component:
vector can be split in its own plane: –1 –1
(1) 2 (2) 3 (1) 20 3 km h (2) 30 2 km h
–1 –1
(3) 4 (4) ∞ (3) 20 2 km h (4) 30 3 km h

ANSWER KEY
Que. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25
Ans. 4 1 3 1 4 3 1 3 1 2 2 3 1 2 3 4 2 2 2 3 2 2 2 2 1
Que. 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50
Ans. 4 4 1 3 4 1 2 2 1 4 4 4 1 3 2 4 4 4 2 1 4 3 1 4 1
Que. 51 52 53 54 55
Ans. 4 1 2 3 4
 Exercise - II

   
1. At what angle must the two forces (x + y) 5. If for two vector A and B . Sum ( A + B )
and (x – y) act so that the resultant is perpendicular to the difference
 
may be (x 2
)
+ y2 : (A – B) . The ratio of their magnitudes is
(1) 1 (2) 2
 –(x2 + y2 ) 
–1 (3) 3 (4) None
(1) cos  2 2

 2(x – y )    2  
( )
2
6. | A × B | + A.B =
–1  –2(x – y ) 
2 2
(2) cos   2 2
 x +y
2 2
 (1) Zero (2) A B
–1  –(x + y ) 
2 2 (3) AB (4) AB
(3) cos  2 2 
 x –y  7. A body is at rest under the action of

–1  (x – y )  three forces two of which are F1 = 4iˆ ,
2 2
(4) cos  2 2  
 x +y  F2 = 6ˆj , the third force is
   (1) 4iˆ + 6ˆj (2) 4iˆ – 6ˆj
2. Given that A + B + C =0 . Out of these
three vectors two are equal in (3) –4iˆ + 6ˆj (4) –4iˆ – 6ˆj
magnitude and the magnitude of the
third vector is 2 times as that of 8. The vector that must be added to the
either of the two having equal vector ˆi – 3ˆj + 2kˆ and 3iˆ + 6ˆj – 7kˆ so
magnitude. Then the angles between that the resultant vector is a unit
vectors are given by : vector along the y-axis is
o o o o o o
(1) 30 , 60 , 90 (2) 45 , 45 , 90 (1) 4iˆ + 2ˆj + 5kˆ ˆ
(2) –4iˆ – 2ˆj + 5k
o o o o o o
(3) 45 , 60 , 90 (4) 90 , 135 , 135 ˆ
(3) 3iˆ + 4ˆj + 5k (4) Null vector
 
3. The resultant of two vectors P and Q 9. The unit vector parallel to the resultant
  
is R . If Q is doubled then the new of the vectors A = 4iˆ + 3ˆj + 6kˆ and
 
resultant vector is perpendicular to ' P '. B –iˆ + 3ˆj – 8kˆ is
=
Then R is equal to :
1 ˆ ˆ 1 ˆ ˆ
 P2 – Q2  (1) (3i + 6ˆj – 2k) (2) (3i + 6ˆj + 2k)
(1)   (2) Q 7 7
 2PQ  1 ˆ ˆ ˆ 1 ˆ ˆ
(3) (3i + 6 j – 2k) (4) ˆ
(3i – 6 j + 2k)
P P+Q 49 49
(3) (4)
Q P–Q

10. Let A = ˆiA cos θ + ˆjA sin θ be any vector.
4. A vector of length  is turned through

Another vector B which is normal to A
the angle θ about its tail. What is the is
change in the position vector of its (1) ˆiBcos θ + ˆjB sin θ
head :
(2) ˆiB sin θ + ˆjBcos θ
(1)  cos (θ/2) (2) 2 sin (θ/2)
(3) ˆiB sin θ – ˆjBcos θ
(3) 2 cos (θ/2) (4)  sin(θ/2)
(4) ˆiBcos θ – ˆjB sin θ

ANSWER KEY
Que. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Ans. 1 4 2 2 1 2 4 2 1 3
 Exercise – III (Previous Year Question)

 
1. The vectors A and B are such that π
    (1) t = 0 (2) t =
A + B = A − B . The angle between 4ω
  π π
vectors A and B is: [AIPMT 2006] (3) t = (4) t =
2ω ω
(1) 90° (2) 60°
(3) 75° (4) 45°
5. If the magnitude of sum of two vectors
    is equal to the magnitude of difference
2. If A × B =3 A.B, then the value of
of the two vectors, the angle between
 
A + B is: [AIPMT 2007] these vectors is: [NEET 2016]
1/2
(1) 0° (2) 90°
 AB 
(1)  A2 + B2 +  (3) 45° (4) 180°
 3
(2) A + B 
6. A particle moving with velocity V is
(3) (A2 + B2 + 3AB)1/2 acted by three forces shown by the
(4) (A + B + AB)
2 2 1/2
vector triangle PQR. The velocity of the
particle will: [NEET 2019]
 
3. Six vectors, a through f have the
magnitudes and directions indicated in
the figure. Which of the following
statements is true: [AIPMT 2010]

(1) increase
(2) decrease
      (3) remain constant
(1) b + e =f (2) b + c =f
      (4) change according to the smallest
(3) d + c =f (4) d + e =f 
force QR

4 If vectors A= cos ωtiˆ + sin ωtjˆ and
7. The angle of 1' (minute of arc) in radian
 ωt ˆ ωt
=B cos i + sin ˆj are functions of is nearly equal to [NEET_Covid_2020]
2 2 –4 –4
time, then the value of t at which they (1) 2.91 × 10 rad (2) 4.85 × 10 rad
–6 –2
are orthogonal to each other is: (3) 4.80 × 10 rad (4) 1.75 × 10 rad
[AIPMT 2015]

ANSWER KEY
Que. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
Ans. 1 4 4 4 2 3 1