Q. The distance between the line: $\overrightarrow{r} = 2\widehat{i} - 2\widehat{j} + 3\widehat{k} + \lambda(\widehat{i} - \widehat{j} + 4\widehat{k})$ and the plane $\overrightarrow{r} \bullet \left( \widehat{i} + 5\widehat{j} + \widehat{k} \right) = 5$ is

A) $\frac{10}{3\sqrt{3}}$
B) $\frac{10}{9}$
C) $\frac{10}{3}$
D) $\frac{3}{10}$
Explanation

(a)
It is obvious that the given line and plane are parallel
Given point on the line is $A(2,\ - 2,\ 3)$
$B(0,\ 0,\ 5)$ is a point on the plane
$\therefore\ \overrightarrow{AB} = (2 - 0)\widehat{i} + ( - 2 - 0)\widehat{j} + (3 - 5)\widehat{k}$
Then distance of $B$ from the plane = projection of $\overrightarrow{AB}$ on vector $\widehat{i} + 5\widehat{j} + \widehat{k}$
$p = \left| \frac{\left( 2\widehat{i} - 2\widehat{j} - 2\widehat{k} \right) \bullet (\widehat{i} + 5\widehat{j} + \widehat{k})}{\sqrt{1 + 25 + 1}} \right|$
$= \left| \frac{2 - 10 - 2}{\sqrt{27}} \right| = \frac{10}{3\sqrt{3}}$

Dr. Abubacker
Reviewed by Dr. Abubacker

Physics Educator & NEET/JEE Specialist

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