Q. Given that $\overrightarrow{A} + \overrightarrow{B} + \overrightarrow{C} = 0$. Out of three vectors, two are equal in magnitude and the magnitude of third vector is $\sqrt{2}$ times that of either of the two having equal magnitude. Then the angles between vectors are given by

A) 45${^\circ},45{^\circ},90{^\circ}$
B) 90${^\circ},135{^\circ},135{^\circ}$
C) 30${^\circ},60{^\circ},90{^\circ}$
D) 45${^\circ},60{^\circ},90{^\circ}$
Explanation

(b) If $\left| \overrightarrow{A} \right| = \left| \overrightarrow{B} \right| = x,$ then $\left| \overrightarrow{C} \right| = \sqrt{2}x$
Now, $\overrightarrow{A} + \overrightarrow{B} = - \overrightarrow{C}$
or $\left( \overrightarrow{A} + \overrightarrow{B} \right) \bullet \left( \overrightarrow{A} + \overrightarrow{B} \right) = ( - \overrightarrow{C}) \bullet ( - \overrightarrow{C})$
or cos$\theta = 0$ or $\theta = 90{^\circ}$
or $\overrightarrow{A} \bullet \overrightarrow{A} + \overrightarrow{C} \bullet \overrightarrow{C} + 2\overrightarrow{A} \bullet \overrightarrow{C} = B^{2}$
or $x^{2} + 2x^{2} + 2x^{2}\sqrt{2}cos\theta = x^{2}$
or $cos\theta = - \frac{1}{\sqrt{2}}$
$\therefore$ or $\theta = 135{^\circ}$
Again, $\overrightarrow{B} + \overrightarrow{C} = - \overrightarrow{A}$
or ($\overrightarrow{B} + \overrightarrow{C}$)$\bullet \left( \overrightarrow{B} + \overrightarrow{C} \right) = - ( - \overrightarrow{A}) \bullet ( - \overrightarrow{A})$
or $x^{2} + 2x^{2} + 2x^{2}\sqrt{2}cos\theta = x^{2}$
or $cos\theta = - \frac{2x^{2}}{2x^{2}\sqrt{2}cos\theta} = - \frac{1}{2}$ or $\theta = 135{^\circ}$

Dr. Abubacker
Reviewed by Dr. Abubacker

Physics Educator & NEET/JEE Specialist

Ph.D. in Physics with 19+ years of teaching experience.