Q. A non-zero vector $\overrightarrow{\mathbf{a}}$ is parallel to the line of intersection of the plane determined by the vectors $\widehat{\dot{\mathbf{i}}},\ \widehat{\dot{\mathbf{i}}} + \widehat{\dot{\mathbf{j}}}$ and the plane determined by the vectors $\widehat{\dot{\mathbf{i}}} - \widehat{\dot{\mathbf{j}}},\ \widehat{\dot{\mathbf{i}}} + \widehat{\mathbf{k}}.$ The angle between $\overrightarrow{\mathbf{a}}$ and $\widehat{\dot{\mathbf{i}}} - 2\widehat{\dot{\mathbf{j}}} + 2\widehat{\mathbf{k}}$ is

A) $\frac{\pi}{2}$
B) $\frac{\pi}{3}$
C) $\frac{\pi}{6}$
D) $\frac{\pi}{4}$
Explanation

(d)
A vector normal to first plane is ${\overrightarrow{\mathbf{n}}}_{1} = \widehat{\dot{\mathbf{i}}} \times \left( \widehat{\dot{\mathbf{i}}} + \widehat{\dot{\mathbf{j}}} \right) = \widehat{\mathbf{k}}$
A vector normal to second plane is ${\overrightarrow{\mathbf{n}}}_{2}$
$= \left( \widehat{\dot{\mathbf{i}}} - \widehat{\dot{\mathbf{j}}} \right) \times \left( \widehat{\dot{\mathbf{i}}} + \widehat{\mathbf{k}} \right) = - \ \widehat{\dot{\mathbf{j}}} + \widehat{\mathbf{k}} - \widehat{\dot{\mathbf{i}}}$
Since, $\overrightarrow{\mathbf{a}}$ will be parallel to ${\overrightarrow{\mathbf{n}}}_{1} \times {\overrightarrow{\mathbf{n}}}_{2} = \widehat{\dot{\mathbf{i}}} - \widehat{\dot{\mathbf{j}}}$
Let θ be the angle between $\overrightarrow{\mathbf{a}}\$ and $\widehat{\dot{\mathbf{i}}} - 2\widehat{\dot{\mathbf{j}}} + 2\widehat{\mathbf{k}}$
$\therefore\cos\theta\frac{\left( \widehat{\dot{\mathbf{i}}} - \widehat{\dot{\mathbf{j}}} \right) \bullet \left( \widehat{\dot{\mathbf{i}}} - 2\widehat{\dot{\mathbf{j}}} + 2\widehat{\mathbf{k}} \right)}{\sqrt{1^{2} + 1^{2}}\ \sqrt{1^{2} + 2^{2} + 2^{2}}}$
$= \frac{1 + 2}{\sqrt{2} \bullet 3} = \frac{1}{\sqrt{2}}$
$\Longrightarrow \ \theta = \frac{\pi}{4}$

Dr. Abubacker
Reviewed by Dr. Abubacker

Physics Educator & NEET/JEE Specialist

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

Want more practice?
Practice Vector algebra MCQs