Q. The simple sum of two co-initial vectors is 10 units. Their vector sum is 8 units. The resultant of the vectors is perpendicular to the smaller vector. The magnitudes of the two vectors are

A) 2 units and 14 units
B) 4 units and 12 units
C) 6 units and 10 units
D) 8 units and 8 units
Explanation

(c) $P + Q = 16$ (i)
$P^{2} + Q^{2} + 2PQcos\theta = 64$ (ii)
tan$90{^\circ} = \frac{Qsin\theta}{P + Qcos\theta}$
$\infty = \frac{Qsin\theta}{P + Qcos\theta}$
$\Rightarrow \ \ \ \ P + Qcos\theta = 0\ $ or $Qcos\theta = - P$
From Eq. (ii)
$P^{2} + Q^{2} + 2P( - P) = 64$ or $Q^{2} - P^{2} = 64$
or $(Q - P)(Q + P) = 64$
or $Q - P = \frac{64}{16} = 4$ (iii)
Adding Eq. (i) and (iii), we get
$2Q = 20$ or $Q = 10$ units
From (i), $P + 10 = 16$ or $P = 6$ units

Dr. Abubacker
Reviewed by Dr. Abubacker

Physics Educator & NEET/JEE Specialist

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