1.10b Vectors in 3D: i,j,k notation

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Edexcel M1 2009 June Q8
13 marks Moderate -0.8
[In this question \(\mathbf{i}\) and \(\mathbf{j}\) are horizontal unit vectors due east and due north respectively.] A hiker \(H\) is walking with constant velocity \((1.2\mathbf{i} - 0.9\mathbf{j})\) m s\(^{-1}\).
  1. Find the speed of \(H\). [2]
\includegraphics{figure_3} A horizontal field \(OABC\) is rectangular with \(OA\) due east and \(OC\) due north, as shown in Figure 3. At twelve noon hiker \(H\) is at the point \(Y\) with position vector \(100\mathbf{j}\) m, relative to the fixed origin \(O\).
  1. Write down the position vector of \(H\) at time \(t\) seconds after noon. [2]
At noon, another hiker \(K\) is at the point with position vector \((9\mathbf{i} + 46\mathbf{j})\) m. Hiker \(K\) is moving with constant velocity \((0.75\mathbf{i} + 1.8\mathbf{j})\) m s\(^{-1}\).
  1. Show that, at time \(t\) seconds after noon, $$\overrightarrow{HK} = [(9 - 0.45t)\mathbf{i} + (2.7t - 54)\mathbf{j}] \text{ metres.}$$ [4]
Hence,
  1. show that the two hikers meet and find the position vector of the point where they meet. [5]
Edexcel M2 2010 January Q8
17 marks Standard +0.3
[In this question \(\mathbf{i}\) and \(\mathbf{j}\) are unit vectors in a horizontal and upward vertical direction respectively] A particle \(P\) is projected from a fixed point \(O\) on horizontal ground with velocity \(u(\mathbf{i} + c\mathbf{j}) \text{ ms}^{-1}\), where \(c\) and \(u\) are positive constants. The particle moves freely under gravity until it strikes the ground at \(A\), where it immediately comes to rest. Relative to \(O\), the position vector of a point on the path of \(P\) is \((x\mathbf{i} + y\mathbf{j})\) m.
  1. Show that $$y = cx - \frac{4.9x^2}{u^2}.$$ [5]
Given that \(u = 7\), \(OA = R\) m and the maximum vertical height of \(P\) above the ground is \(H\) m,
  1. using the result in part (a), or otherwise, find, in terms of \(c\),
    1. \(R\)
    2. \(H\).
    [6]
Given also that when \(P\) is at the point \(Q\), the velocity of \(P\) is at right angles to its initial velocity,
  1. find, in terms of \(c\), the value of \(x\) at \(Q\). [6]
AQA C4 2010 June Q7
12 marks Standard +0.3
The point \(A\) has coordinates \((4, -3, 2)\). The line \(l_1\) passes through \(A\) and has equation \(\mathbf{r} = \begin{bmatrix} 4 \\ -3 \\ 2 \end{bmatrix} + \lambda \begin{bmatrix} 2 \\ 0 \\ 1 \end{bmatrix}\). The line \(l_2\) has equation \(\mathbf{r} = \begin{bmatrix} -1 \\ 3 \\ 4 \end{bmatrix} + \mu \begin{bmatrix} 1 \\ -2 \\ -1 \end{bmatrix}\). The point \(B\) lies on \(l_2\) where \(\mu = 2\).
  1. Find the vector \(\overrightarrow{AB}\). [3 marks]
    1. Show that the lines \(l_1\) and \(l_2\) intersect. [4 marks]
    2. The lines \(l_1\) and \(l_2\) intersect at the point \(P\). Find the coordinates of \(P\). [1 mark]
  2. The point \(C\) lies on a line which is parallel to \(l_1\) and which passes through the point \(B\). The points \(A\), \(B\), \(C\) and \(P\) are the vertices of a parallelogram. Find the coordinates of the two possible positions of the point \(C\). [4 marks]
Edexcel C4 Q8
13 marks Standard +0.3
Referred to an origin \(O\), the points \(A\), \(B\) and \(C\) have position vectors \((\mathbf{9i} - \mathbf{2j} + \mathbf{k})\), \((\mathbf{6i} + \mathbf{2j} + \mathbf{6k})\) and \((\mathbf{3i} + p\mathbf{j} + q\mathbf{k})\) respectively, where \(p\) and \(q\) are constants.
  1. Find, in vector form, an equation of the line \(l\) which passes through \(A\) and \(B\). [2]
Given that \(C\) lies on \(l\),
  1. find the value of \(p\) and the value of \(q\), [2]
  2. calculate, in degrees, the acute angle between \(OC\) and \(AB\). [3]
The point \(D\) lies on \(AB\) and is such that \(OD\) is perpendicular to \(AB\).
  1. Find the position vector of \(D\). [6]
OCR C4 2005 June Q5
7 marks Moderate -0.3
\(ABCD\) is a parallelogram. The position vectors of \(A\), \(B\) and \(C\) are given respectively by $$\mathbf{a} = 2\mathbf{i} + \mathbf{j} + 3\mathbf{k}, \quad \mathbf{b} = 3\mathbf{i} - 2\mathbf{j}, \quad \mathbf{c} = \mathbf{i} - \mathbf{j} - 2\mathbf{k}.$$
  1. Find the position vector of \(D\). [3]
  2. Determine, to the nearest degree, the angle \(ABC\). [4]
OCR MEI C4 2011 June Q7
18 marks Standard +0.3
A piece of cloth ABDC is attached to the tops of vertical poles AE, BF, DG and CH, where E, F, G and H are at ground level (see Fig. 7). Coordinates are as shown, with lengths in metres. The length of pole DG is \(k\) metres. \includegraphics{figure_7}
  1. Write down the vectors \(\overrightarrow{AB}\) and \(\overrightarrow{AC}\). Hence calculate the angle BAC. [6]
  2. Verify that the equation of the plane ABC is \(x + y - 2z + d = 0\), where \(d\) is a constant to be determined. Calculate the acute angle the plane makes with the horizontal plane. [7]
  3. Given that A, B, D and C are coplanar, show that \(k = 3\). Hence show that ABDC is a trapezium, and find the ratio of CD to AB. [5]
OCR MEI C4 2013 June Q5
6 marks Standard +0.3
The points A, B and C have coordinates \(A(3, 2, -1)\), \(B(-1, 1, 2)\) and \(C(10, 5, -5)\), relative to the origin O. Show that \(\overrightarrow{OC}\) can be written in the form \(\lambda\overrightarrow{OA} + \mu\overrightarrow{OB}\), where \(\lambda\) and \(\mu\) are to be determined. What can you deduce about the points O, A, B and C from the fact that \(\overrightarrow{OC}\) can be expressed as a combination of \(\overrightarrow{OA}\) and \(\overrightarrow{OB}\)? [6]
Edexcel C4 Q4
9 marks Standard +0.3
Relative to a fixed origin, two lines have the equations $$\mathbf{r} = (7\mathbf{i} - 4\mathbf{k}) + s(4\mathbf{i} - 3\mathbf{j} + \mathbf{k}),$$ and $$\mathbf{r} = (-7\mathbf{i} + \mathbf{j} + 8\mathbf{k}) + t(-3\mathbf{i} + 2\mathbf{k}),$$ where \(s\) and \(t\) are scalar parameters.
  1. Show that the two lines intersect and find the position vector of the point where they meet. [5]
  2. Find, in degrees to 1 decimal place, the acute angle between the lines. [4]
Edexcel M1 Q7
17 marks Standard +0.3
Two trains \(S\) and \(T\) are moving with constant speeds on straight tracks which intersect at the point \(O\). At 9.00 a.m. \(S\) has position vector \((-10\mathbf{i} + 24\mathbf{j})\) km and \(T\) has position vector \(25\mathbf{j}\) km relative to \(O\), where \(\mathbf{i}\) and \(\mathbf{j}\) are unit vectors in the directions due east and due north respectively. \(S\) is moving with speed 52 km h\(^{-1}\) and \(T\) is moving with speed 50 km h\(^{-1}\), both towards \(O\).
  1. Show that the velocity vector of \(S\) is \((20\mathbf{i} - 48\mathbf{j})\) km h\(^{-1}\) and find the velocity vector of \(T\). \hfill [5 marks]
  2. Find expressions for the position vectors of \(S\) and \(T\) at time \(t\) minutes after 9.00 a.m. \hfill [5 marks]
  3. Show that the bearing of \(T\) from \(S\) remains constant during the motion, and find this bearing. \hfill [5 marks]
  4. Show that if the trains continue at the given speeds they will collide. \hfill [2 marks]
Edexcel M1 Q6
12 marks Moderate -0.3
Two trains \(A\) and \(B\) leave the same station, \(O\), at 10 a.m. and travel along straight horizontal tracks. \(A\) travels with constant speed \(80 \text{ km h}^{-1}\) due east and \(B\) travels with constant speed \(52 \text{ km h}^{-1}\) in the direction \((5\mathbf{i} + 12\mathbf{j})\) where \(\mathbf{i}\) and \(\mathbf{j}\) are unit vectors due east and due north respectively.
  1. Show that the velocity of \(B\) is \((20\mathbf{i} + 48\mathbf{j}) \text{ km h}^{-1}\). [3 marks]
  2. Find the displacement vector of \(B\) from \(A\) at 10:15 a.m. [3 marks] Given that the trains are 23 km apart \(t\) minutes after 10 a.m.
  3. find the value of \(t\) correct to the nearest whole number. [6 marks]
OCR MEI M1 Q1
8 marks Standard +0.3
A rock of mass 8 kg is acted on by just the two forces \(-80\)k N and \((-\mathbf{i} + 16\mathbf{j} + 72\)k\()\) N, where \(\mathbf{i}\) and \(\mathbf{j}\) are perpendicular unit vectors in a horizontal plane and k is a unit vector vertically upward.
  1. Show that the acceleration of the rock is \(\left(\frac{1}{8}\mathbf{i} + 2\mathbf{j}\right)\) k\()\) ms\(^{-2}\). [2]
The rock passes through the origin of position vectors, O, with velocity \((\mathbf{i} - 4\mathbf{j} + 3\)k\()\) m s\(^{-1}\) and 4 seconds later passes through the point A.
  1. Find the position vector of A. [3]
  2. Find the distance OA. [1]
  3. Find the angle that OA makes with the horizontal. [2]
Edexcel M4 2003 January Q6
18 marks Challenging +1.8
\includegraphics{figure_2} A small ball \(Q\) of mass \(2m\) is at rest at the point \(B\) on a smooth horizontal plane. A second small ball \(P\) of mass \(m\) is moving on the plane with speed \(\frac{13}{12}u\) and collides with \(Q\). Both the balls are smooth, uniform and of the same radius. The point \(C\) is on a smooth vertical wall \(W\) which is at a distance \(d_1\) from \(B\), and \(BC\) is perpendicular to \(W\). A second smooth vertical wall is perpendicular to \(W\) and at a distance \(d_2\) from \(B\). Immediately before the collision occurs, the direction of motion of \(P\) makes an angle \(\alpha\) with \(BC\), as shown in Fig. 2, where \(\tan \alpha = \frac{5}{12}\). The line of centres of \(P\) and \(Q\) is parallel to \(BC\). After the collision \(Q\) moves towards \(C\) with speed \(\frac{5}{4}u\).
  1. Show that, after the collision, the velocity components of \(P\) parallel and perpendicular to \(CB\) are \(\frac{1}{4}u\) and \(\frac{5}{12}u\) respectively. [4]
  2. Find the coefficient of restitution between \(P\) and \(Q\). [2]
  3. Show that when \(Q\) reaches \(C\), \(P\) is at a distance \(\frac{4}{5}d_1\) from \(W\). [3]
For each collision between a ball and a wall the coefficient of restitution is \(\frac{1}{2}\). Given that the balls collide with each other again,
  1. show that the time between the two collisions of the balls is \(\frac{15d_1}{u}\). [4]
  2. find the ratio \(d_1 : d_2\). [5]
Edexcel M4 2004 January Q2
13 marks Standard +0.8
\includegraphics{figure_1} Two smooth uniform spheres \(A\) and \(B\) of equal radius have masses 2 kg and 1 kg respectively. They are moving on a smooth horizontal plane when they collide. Immediately before the collision the speed of \(A\) is 2.5 m s\(^{-1}\) and the speed of \(B\) is 1.3 m s\(^{-1}\). When they collide the line joining their centres makes an angle \(\alpha\) with the direction of motion of \(A\) and an angle \(\beta\) with the direction of motion of \(B\), where \(\tan \alpha = \frac{4}{3}\) and \(\tan \beta = \frac{12}{5}\) as shown in Fig. 1.
  1. Find the components of the velocities of \(A\) and \(B\) perpendicular and parallel to the line of centres immediately before the collision. [4]
The coefficient of restitution between \(A\) and \(B\) is \(\frac{1}{2}\).
  1. Find, to one decimal place, the speed of each sphere after the collision. [9]
Edexcel M4 2004 January Q6
15 marks Standard +0.3
\includegraphics{figure_4} Mary swims in still water at 0.85 m s\(^{-1}\). She swims across a straight river which is 60 m wide and flowing at 0.4 m s\(^{-1}\). She sets off from a point \(A\) on the near bank and lands at a point \(B\), which is directly opposite \(A\) on the far bank, as shown in Fig. 4. Find
  1. the angle between the near bank and the direction in which Mary swims, [3]
  2. the time she takes to cross the river. [3]
\includegraphics{figure_5} A little further downstream a large tree has fallen from the far bank into the river. The river is modelled as flowing at 0.5 m s\(^{-1}\) for a width of 40 m from the near bank, and 0.2 m s\(^{-1}\) for the 20 m beyond this. Nassim swims at 0.85 m s\(^{-1}\) in still water. He swims across the river from a point \(C\) on the near bank. The point \(D\) on the far bank is directly opposite \(C\), as shown in Fig. 5. Nassim swims at the same angle to the near bank as Mary.
  1. Find the maximum distance, downstream from \(CD\), of Nassim during the crossing. [5]
  2. Show that he will land at the point \(D\). [4]
Edexcel M4 2005 January Q1
7 marks Standard +0.8
[In this question \(\mathbf{i}\) and \(\mathbf{j}\) are horizontal perpendicular unit vectors.] Two smooth uniform spheres \(A\) and \(B\) have equal radius but masses \(m\) and \(5m\) respectively. The spheres are moving on a smooth horizontal plane when they collide. Immediately before the collision, the velocities of \(A\) and \(B\) are \((\mathbf{i} + 2\mathbf{j})\) m s\(^{-1}\) and \((-\mathbf{i} + 3\mathbf{j})\) m s\(^{-1}\) respectively. Immediately after the collision, the velocity of \(A\) is \((-2\mathbf{i} + 5\mathbf{j})\) m s\(^{-1}\).
  1. By considering the impulse on \(A\), find a unit vector parallel to the line joining the centres of the spheres when they collide. [4]
  2. Find the velocity of \(B\) immediately after the collision. [3]
Edexcel M4 2005 January Q2
7 marks Standard +0.3
[In this question \(\mathbf{i}\) and \(\mathbf{j}\) are horizontal unit vectors due east and due north respectively.] A man cycling at a constant speed \(u\) on horizontal ground finds that, when his velocity is \(u\mathbf{j}\) m s\(^{-1}\), the velocity of the wind appears to be \(v(3\mathbf{i} - 4\mathbf{j})\) m s\(^{-1}\), where \(v\) is a constant. When the velocity of the man is \(\frac{u}{5}(-3\mathbf{i} + 4\mathbf{j})\) m s\(^{-1}\), he finds that the velocity of the wind appears to be \(w\mathbf{i}\) m s\(^{-1}\), where \(w\) is a constant.
  1. Show that \(v = \frac{u}{20}\), and find \(w\) in terms of \(u\). [5]
  2. Find, in terms of \(u\), the true velocity of the wind. [2]
Edexcel M4 2005 January Q3
7 marks Standard +0.8
Two ships \(A\) and \(B\) are sailing in the same direction at constant speeds of 12 km h\(^{-1}\) and 16 km h\(^{-1}\) respectively. They are sailing along parallel lines which are 4 km apart. When the distance between the ships is 4 km, \(B\) turns through 30° towards \(A\). Find the shortest distance between the ships in the subsequent motion. [7]
Edexcel M4 2005 January Q5
10 marks Standard +0.8
[In this question \(\mathbf{i}\) and \(\mathbf{j}\) are horizontal perpendicular unit vectors.] The vector \(\mathbf{n} = (-\frac{3}{5}\mathbf{i} + \frac{4}{5}\mathbf{j})\) and the vector \(\mathbf{p} = (-\frac{4}{5}\mathbf{i} + \frac{3}{5}\mathbf{j})\) are perpendicular unit vectors.
  1. Verify that \(\frac{3}{5}\mathbf{n} + \frac{4}{5}\mathbf{p} = (\mathbf{i} + 3\mathbf{j})\). [2]
A smooth uniform sphere \(S\) of mass 0.5 kg is moving on a smooth horizontal plane when it collides with a fixed vertical wall which is parallel to \(\mathbf{p}\). Immediately after the collision the velocity of \(S\) is \((\mathbf{i} + 3\mathbf{j})\) m s\(^{-1}\). The coefficient of restitution between \(S\) and the wall is \(\frac{3}{5}\).
  1. Find, in terms of \(\mathbf{i}\) and \(\mathbf{j}\), the velocity of \(S\) immediately before the collision. [5]
  2. Find the energy lost in the collision. [3]
Edexcel M4 2006 January Q3
12 marks Standard +0.8
Two ships \(P\) and \(Q\) are moving with constant velocity. At 3 p.m., \(P\) is 20 km due north of \(Q\) and is moving at 16 km h\(^{-1}\) due west. To an observer on ship \(P\), ship \(Q\) appears to be moving on a bearing of \(030°\) at 10 km h\(^{-1}\). Find
    1. the speed of \(Q\),
    2. the direction in which \(Q\) is moving, giving your answer as a bearing to the nearest degree,
    [6]
  1. the shortest distance between the ships, [3]
  2. the time at which the two ships are closest together. [3]
Edexcel M4 2006 January Q5
16 marks Challenging +1.2
Two smooth uniform spheres \(A\) and \(B\) have equal radii. Sphere \(A\) has mass \(m\) and sphere \(B\) has mass \(km\). The spheres are at rest on a smooth horizontal table. Sphere \(A\) is then projected along the table with speed \(u\) and collides with \(B\). Immediately before the collision, the direction of motion of \(A\) makes an angle of \(60°\) with the line joining the centres of the two spheres. The coefficient of restitution between the spheres is \(\frac{1}{2}\).
  1. Show that the speed of \(B\) immediately after the collision is \(\frac{3u}{4(k + 1)}\). [6] Immediately after the collision the direction of motion of \(A\) makes an angle arctan \((2\sqrt{3})\) with the direction of motion of \(B\).
  2. Show that \(k = \frac{1}{2}\). [6]
  3. Find the loss of kinetic energy due to the collision. [4]
Edexcel M4 2005 June Q2
5 marks Standard +0.3
A cyclist \(P\) is cycling due north at a constant speed of 20 km h\(^{-1}\). At 12 noon another cyclist \(Q\) is due west of \(P\). The speed of \(Q\) is constant at 10 km h\(^{-1}\). Find the course which \(Q\) should set in order to pass as close to \(P\) as possible, giving your answer as a bearing. [5]
OCR M4 2016 June Q2
9 marks Standard +0.3
\includegraphics{figure_2} Boat \(A\) is travelling with constant speed 7.9 m s\(^{-1}\) on a course with bearing 035°. Boat \(B\) is travelling with constant speed 10.5 m s\(^{-1}\) on a course with bearing 330°. At one instant, the boats are 1500 m apart with \(B\) on a bearing of 125° from \(A\) (see diagram).
  1. Find the magnitude and the bearing of the velocity of \(B\) relative to \(A\). [5]
  2. Find the shortest distance between \(A\) and \(B\) in the subsequent motion. [2]
  3. Find the time taken from the instant when \(A\) and \(B\) are 1500 m apart to the instant when \(A\) and \(B\) are at the point of closest approach. [2]
Edexcel M5 Q1
7 marks Standard +0.3
At time \(t = 0\), a particle \(P\) of mass \(3\) kg is at rest at the point \(A\) with position vector \((j - 3k)\) m. Two constant forces \(\mathbf{F}_1\) and \(\mathbf{F}_2\) then act on the particle \(P\) and it passes through the point \(B\) with position vector \((8i - 3j + 5k)\) m. Given that \(\mathbf{F}_1 = (4i - 2j + 5k)\) N and \(\mathbf{F}_2 = (8i - 4j + 7k)\) N and that \(\mathbf{F}_1\) and \(\mathbf{F}_2\) are the only two forces acting on \(P\), find the velocity of \(P\) as it passes through \(B\), giving your answer as a vector. [7]
Edexcel M5 Q2
11 marks Challenging +1.2
At time \(t\) seconds, the position vector of a particle \(P\) is \(\mathbf{r}\) metres, where \(\mathbf{r}\) satisfies the vector differential equation $$\frac{d^2\mathbf{r}}{dt^2} + 4\mathbf{r} = e^{2t} \mathbf{j}.$$ When \(t = 0\), \(P\) has position vector \((i + j)\) m and velocity \(2i\) m s\(^{-1}\). Find an expression for \(\mathbf{r}\) in terms of \(t\). [11]
Edexcel M5 Q1
7 marks Challenging +1.2
At time \(t = 0\), the position vector of a particle \(P\) is \(-3j\) m. At time \(t\) seconds, the position vector of \(P\) is \(\mathbf{r}\) metres and the velocity of \(P\) is \(\mathbf{v}\) m s\(^{-1}\). Given that $$\mathbf{v} - 2\mathbf{r} = 4e^t \mathbf{j},$$ find the time when \(P\) passes through the origin. [7]