Algebra of Vectors — Maths STD 12 Science — Question
Gujarat BoardEnglish MediumSTD 12 ScienceMathsAlgebra of Vectors2 Marks
Question
Write a unit vector making equal acute angles with the coordinates axes.
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Answer
Suppose $\vec{\text{r}}$ makes an angle $\alpha$ wuth each of the axis OX, OY and OZ.
Then, its direction cosines are $\text{l}=\cos\alpha,\ \text{m}=\cos\alpha,\ \text{n}=\cos\alpha$.
Now,
$\text{l}^2+\text{m}^2+\text{n}^2=1$
$\Rightarrow\ \text{l}^2+\text{l}^2+\text{l}^2=1$ $[\because\text{l = m = n}]$
$\Rightarrow\ 3\text{l}^2=1$
$\Rightarrow\ \text{l}^2=\frac{1}3$
$\Rightarrow\ \text{l}=\pm\frac{1}{\sqrt3}$
Since the angle is acute Hence, we take only positive value
Therefore, unit vector is $\Big(\frac{1}{\sqrt3}\hat{\text{i}}+\frac{1}{\sqrt3}\hat{\text{j}}+\frac{1}{\sqrt3}\hat{\text{k}}\Big)$.
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