Q. If $\overrightarrow{A} = 2\widehat{i} + 3\widehat{j} + 6\widehat{k}$ and $\overrightarrow{B} = 3\widehat{i} - 6\widehat{j} + 2\widehat{k}$, then vector perpendicular to both $\overrightarrow{A}$ and $\overrightarrow{B}$ has magnitude $k$ times that (6$\widehat{i} + 2\widehat{j} - 3\widehat{k}$). That $k$ is equal to

A) 1
B) 4
C) 7
D) 9
Explanation

(c) Let $\overrightarrow{C}$ be a vector perpendicular to $\overrightarrow{A}\ $ and $\overrightarrow{B}$
Then as per question $k\overrightarrow{C} = \overrightarrow{A}\ \times \overrightarrow{B}$
or $k = \frac{(\overrightarrow{A}\ \times \overrightarrow{B})}{\overrightarrow{C}}$
$= \frac{\left( 2\widehat{i} + 3\widehat{j} + 6\widehat{k} \right) \times (3\widehat{i} - 6\widehat{j} + 2\widehat{k})}{(6\widehat{k} + 2\widehat{j} - 3\widehat{k})}$
$= \frac{(42\widehat{i} + 14\widehat{j} - 21\widehat{k})}{(6\widehat{i} + 2\widehat{j} - 3\widehat{k})} = 7$

Dr. Abubacker
Reviewed by Dr. Abubacker

Physics Educator & NEET/JEE Specialist

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