Q.

Let a^ be a unit vector perpendicular to the vectors b=i^2j^+3k^ and c=2i^+3j^k^, and makes an angle of cos1(13) with the vector i^+j^+k^. If a^ makes an angle of π3 with the vector i^+αj^+k^, then the value of α is :          [2025]

1 3  
2 6  
3 6  
4 3  

Ans.

(3)

Let m=i^+j^+k^

Since, b×c=|i^j^k^123231|=7i^+7j^+7k^=7(i^j^k^)

  a^ parallel to b^×c^

  a^=i^j^k^3 or i^+j^+k^3

Now, cos θ=a^·m|m|=11133=13          { cos1(13)=θ}

or cos θ=1+1+133=13 (rejected)

Hence, a^=i^j^k^3

Now, cos(π3)=a^·(i^+αj^+k^)1+α2+1  12=1α13α2+2

 3α2+2=2α  α=3(α2+2)2, i.e., α<0

 3α2+6=4α2  α=6.