Determine a unit vector perpendicular to the given planes

In summary, The problem can be solved by using the cross product approach of ##A×B##, and solving for ##c_2## to get a unit vector. The book's solutions use round numbers for convenience, but the scaling factor could also be represented as ##2/7## instead of ##\sqrt 13 /2##.
  • #1
chwala
Gold Member
2,753
388
Homework Statement
see attached.
Relevant Equations
vectors
1644904407756.png


1644904443732.png


I looked at this question and i wanted to ask if we could also use; ##C## =## c_2 ##(##-\dfrac {3}{2}i## +## j - 3k)## ... cheers

This problem can also be solved by using the approach of cross product ##A×B##...
 
Last edited:
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
chwala said:
Homework Statement:: see attached.
Relevant Equations:: vectors

View attachment 297125

View attachment 297126

I looked at this question and i wanted to ask if we could also use; ##C## =## c_2 ##(##-\dfrac {3}{2}i## +## j - 3k)## ... cheers

This problem can also be solved by using the approach of cross product ##A×B##...
They're asking for a unit vector, so you will need to solve for ##c_2##. Doing so will give you exactly the same two vectors as shown in the solution.
 
  • #3
I understand that...I just wanted to be certain that we could work with any ##c_1, c_2## or ##c_3##...thanks...working to the given solution is straightforward.
 
  • #4
Mark44 said:
They're asking for a unit vector, so you will need to solve for ##c_2##. Doing so will give you exactly the same two vectors as shown in the solution.
By the way Mark what do you mean by solve for ##c_2?##...in the text they worked with ##c_3## to solution...I am assuming that you mean the same will apply for ##c_2##.
Mark44 said:
They're asking for a unit vector, so you will need to solve for ##c_2##. Doing so will give you exactly the same two vectors as shown in the solution.
 
  • #5
chwala said:
By the way Mark what do you mean by solve for ##c_2##?
Because you wrote "##C = c_2 (-\dfrac {3}{2}i + j - 3k)## and it needs to be a unit vector. There are only two values of ##c_2## that make this a unit vector: one positive and one negative.
 
  • #6
What i meant;
The unit vector in the direction of c can also be given by;
##±\dfrac{{-\frac {3}{2}}i+j-3k}{\sqrt \frac{49}{4}}...##

using either ##c_1, c_2## or ##c_3## would work as indicated in my post ##3##.
 
Last edited:
  • #7
chwala said:
What i meant;
The unit vector in the direction of c can also be given by;
##±\dfrac{{-\frac {3}{2}}i+j-3k}{\sqrt \frac{49}{4}}##
Yes, but why would you want to write it this way without simplifying it? Dividing by ##\frac{49} 4## is equivalent to multiplying by 2/7. If you do this, you get the same result as shown in the solution.
 
  • #8
Mark44 said:
Yes, but why would you want to write it this way without simplifying it? Dividing by ##\frac{49} 4## is equivalent to multiplying by 2/7. If you do this, you get the same result as shown in the solution.
Yes of course I can simplify that! ...I was just indicating to you on what I meant...we shall end up with same solution...
Cheers Mark. Thanks.
 
  • #9
Why don't you check the solution by taking the cross-product of [itex]\vec{A}[/itex] and [itex]\vec{B}[/itex] and normalizing it
 
  • #10
I did check and confirmed that the problem can also be solved by using cross- product...where ##A×B=15i-10j+30k## ...

My only query was specific on ##c_1,c_2## and ##c_3##...Cheers
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Likes WWGD
  • #11
As a side-comment, it seems you're using a book where exercise solutions use round numbers. Notice the scaling was by a nice nimber like 2/7 and not, a.g., ##\sqrt 13 /2 ##.
 
  • #12
WWGD said:
As a side-comment, it seems you're using a book where exercise solutions use round numbers. Notice the scaling was by a nice nimber like 2/7 and not, a.g., ##\sqrt 13 /2 ##.
That's true...am actually using Schaum's textbook on Vector Analysis.
 

FAQ: Determine a unit vector perpendicular to the given planes

What is a unit vector?

A unit vector is a vector with a magnitude of 1 and is often used to represent direction in a given space.

Why is it important to determine a unit vector perpendicular to given planes?

It is important to determine a unit vector perpendicular to given planes because it can help us understand the relationship between different planes and their orientations in space.

How do you determine a unit vector perpendicular to a single plane?

To determine a unit vector perpendicular to a single plane, you can use the cross product of two non-parallel vectors that lie on the plane.

What is the process for finding a unit vector perpendicular to two intersecting planes?

The process for finding a unit vector perpendicular to two intersecting planes involves finding the cross product of the normal vectors of the two planes, which will result in a vector that is perpendicular to both planes.

Can a unit vector be parallel to a given plane?

No, a unit vector cannot be parallel to a given plane because it, by definition, has a magnitude of 1 and is therefore perpendicular to any given plane.

Back
Top