Chapter 21: Problem 108
Let \(\vec{a}, \vec{b}\) and \(\vec{c}\) be three non-zero vectors such that no two of them are collinear and \((\vec{a} \times \vec{b}) \times \vec{c}=\frac{1}{3}|\vec{b} \| \vec{c}| \vec{a}\). If \(\theta\) is the angle between vectors \(\vec{b}\) and \(\vec{c}\), then a value of \(\sin \theta\) (A) \(\frac{-\sqrt{2}}{3}\) (B) \(\frac{2}{3}\) (C) \(\frac{-2 \sqrt{3}}{3}\) (D) \(\frac{2 \sqrt{2}}{3}\)
Short Answer
Step by step solution
Understanding the Vector Product Identity
Simplify and Compare Terms
Use the Condition on \(\vec{b}\) and \(\vec{c}\)
Relate to \(\sin \theta\)
Determine \(\sin \theta\)
Select the Correct Option
Unlock Step-by-Step Solutions & Ace Your Exams!
-
Full Textbook Solutions
Get detailed explanations and key concepts
-
Unlimited Al creation
Al flashcards, explanations, exams and more...
-
Ads-free access
To over 500 millions flashcards
-
Money-back guarantee
We refund you if you fail your exam.
Over 30 million students worldwide already upgrade their learning with 91Ó°ÊÓ!
Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Vector Triple Product
- \((\vec{a} \times \vec{b}) \times \vec{c} = (\vec{c} \cdot \vec{b})\vec{a} - (\vec{a} \cdot \vec{c})\vec{b}\)
Cross Product
- \(|\vec{a} \times \vec{b}| = |\vec{a}||\vec{b}| \sin \phi\)
This operation is anti-commutative, meaning \(\vec{a} \times \vec{b} = - (\vec{b} \times \vec{a})\). The direction of the resulting vector is determined by the right-hand rule. This concept is critical in the exercise as it forms the basis of manipulating the given vector equality into something that can be solved.
Dot Product
- \(\vec{a} \cdot \vec{b} = |\vec{a}||\vec{b}| \cos \theta\)
Pythagorean Identity
- \(\sin^2 \theta + \cos^2 \theta = 1\)
The key step is substituting the known \(\cos \theta\) value into the identity to solve for \(\sin^2 \theta\), further leading to the final answer of the problem. This identity simplifies dealing with angles in vector analysis by reducing the complexity of calculations.