This mathematics problem involves applying core mathematical principles and formulas. Below you will find a complete step-by-step solution with detailed explanations for each step, helping you understand not just the answer but the method behind it.
ScanSolve AI Answer
To determine the unit vector in the y-z plane that is perpendicular to $\vec{A} = \hat{i} + \hat{j} + \hat{k}$, let the required unit vector be $\vec{u}$.
Step 1: Define the vector $\vec{u}$ based on the given conditions.
Since the vector is in the y-z plane, its x-component must be 0.
Let $\vec{u} = y\hat{j} + z\hat{k}$.
Step 2: Use the condition that $\vec{u}$ is a unit vector.
The magnitude of a unit vector is 1.
$$|\vec{u}| = \sqrt{y^2 + z^2} = 1$$
Squaring both sides gives:
$$y^2 + z^2 = 1 \quad (*)$$
Step 3: Use the condition that $\vec{u}$ is perpendicular to $\vec{A}$.
If two vectors are perpendicular, their dot product is 0.
$$\vec{u} \cdot \vec{A} = 0$$
$$(0\hat{i} + y\hat{j} + z\hat{k}) \cdot (\hat{i} + \hat{j} + \hat{k}) = 0$$
$$(0)(1) + (y)(1) + (z)(1) = 0$$
$$y + z = 0$$
This implies:
$$z = -y \quad (**)$$
Step 4: Solve the system of equations.
Substitute equation $(*)$ into equation $()$:
$$y^2 + (-y)^2 = 1$$
$$y^2 + y^2 = 1$$
$$2y^2 = 1$$
$$y^2 = \frac{1}{2}$$
$$y = \pm \sqrt{\frac{1}{2}} = \pm \frac{1}{\sqrt{2}} = \pm \frac{\sqrt{2}}{2}$$
Step 5: Find the corresponding values for $z$ and the unit vectors.
Case 1: If $y = \frac{\sqrt{2}}{2}$
Using $z = -y$, we get $z = -\frac{\sqrt{2}}{2}$.
So, the unit vector is $\vec{u}_1 = \frac{\sqrt{2}}{2}\hat{j} - \frac{\sqrt{2}}{2}\hat{k}$.
Case 2: If $y = -\frac{\sqrt{2}}{2}$
Using $z = -y$, we get $z = -(-\frac{\sqrt{2}}{2}) = \frac{\sqrt{2}}{2}$.
So, the unit vector is $\vec{u}_2 = -\frac{\sqrt{2}}{2}\hat{j} + \frac{\sqrt{2}}{2}\hat{k}$.
Both vectors satisfy the given conditions.
The unit vectors are $\boxed{\frac{\sqrt{2}}{2}\hat{j} - \frac{\sqrt{2}}{2}\hat{k} \text{ and } -\frac{\sqrt{2}}{2}\hat{j} + \frac{\sqrt{2}}{2}\hat{k}}$.
Define the vector u based on the given conditions.
|Mathematics
Define the vector u based on the given conditions.
ScanSolve AI Answer
To determine the unit vector in the y-z plane that is perpendicular to A=i^+j^+k^, let the required unit vector be u.
Step 1: Define the vector u based on the given conditions.
Since the vector is in the y-z plane, its x-component must be 0.
Let u=yj^+zk^.
Step 2: Use the condition that u is a unit vector.
The magnitude of a unit vector is 1.
∣u∣=y2+z2=1
Squaring both sides gives:
y2+z2=1(∗)
Step 3: Use the condition that u is perpendicular to A.
If two vectors are perpendicular, their dot product is 0.
u⋅A=0(0i^+yj^+zk^)⋅(i^+j^+k^)=0(0)(1)+(y)(1)+(z)(1)=0y+z=0
This implies:
z=−y(∗∗)
Step 4: Solve the system of equations.
Substitute equation (∗∗) into equation (∗):
y2+(−y)2=1y2+y2=12y2=1y2=21y=±21=±21=±22
Step 5: Find the corresponding values for z and the unit vectors.
Case 1: If y=22
Using z=−y, we get z=−22.
So, the unit vector is u1=22j^−22k^.
Case 2: If y=−22
Using z=−y, we get z=−(−22)=22.
So, the unit vector is u2=−22j^+22k^.
Both vectors satisfy the given conditions.
The unit vectors are 22j^−22k^and−22j^+22k^.
Need help with your own homework?
Get instant step-by-step solutions to any question. Free to start.