1.10c Magnitude and direction: of vectors

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Edexcel M2 2014 June Q2
7 marks Moderate -0.3
  1. A ball of mass 0.4 kg is moving in a horizontal plane when it is struck by a bat. The bat exerts an impulse \(( - 5 \mathbf { i } + 3 \mathbf { j } ) \mathrm { N }\) s on the ball. Immediately after receiving the impulse the ball has velocity \(( 12 \mathbf { i } + 15 \mathbf { j } ) \mathrm { m } \mathrm { s } ^ { - 1 }\).
Find
  1. the speed of the ball immediately before the impact,
  2. the size of the angle through which the direction of motion of the ball is deflected by the impact.
Edexcel M2 2018 June Q6
14 marks Standard +0.3
  1. A particle \(P\) of mass 0.5 kg moves under the action of a single force \(\mathbf { F }\) newtons. At time \(t\) seconds, \(t \geqslant 0 , P\) has velocity \(\mathbf { v } \mathrm { m } \mathrm { s } ^ { - 1 }\), where
$$\mathbf { v } = \left( 4 t - 3 t ^ { 2 } \right) \mathbf { i } + \left( t ^ { 2 } - 8 t - 40 \right) \mathbf { j }$$
  1. Find
    1. the magnitude of \(\mathbf { F }\) when \(t = 3\)
    2. the acceleration of \(P\) at the instant when it is moving in the direction of the vector \(- \mathbf { i } - \mathbf { j }\). When \(t = 1 , P\) is at the point \(A\). When \(t = 2 , P\) is at the point \(B\).
  2. Find, in terms of \(\mathbf { i }\) and \(\mathbf { j }\), the vector \(\overrightarrow { A B }\).
Edexcel M2 Q6
9 marks Standard +0.3
6. At time \(t\) seconds the acceleration, a \(\mathrm { m } \mathrm { s } ^ { - 2 }\), of a particle \(P\) relative to a fixed origin \(O\), is given by \(\mathbf { a } = 2 \mathbf { i } + 6 t \mathbf { j }\). Initially the velocity of \(P\) is \(( 2 \mathbf { i } - 4 \mathbf { j } ) \mathrm { m } \mathrm { s } ^ { - 1 }\).
  1. Find the velocity of \(P\) at time \(t\) seconds. At time \(t = 2\) seconds the particle \(P\) is given an impulse ( \(3 \mathbf { i } - 1.5 \mathbf { j }\) ) Ns. Given that the particle \(P\) has mass 0.5 kg ,
  2. find the speed of \(P\) immediately after the impulse has been applied.
Edexcel M2 Specimen Q1
5 marks Moderate -0.3
  1. The vectors \(\mathbf { i }\) and \(\mathbf { j }\) are perpendicular unit vectors in a horizontal plane. A ball of mass 0.5 kg is moving with velocity \(- 20 \mathbf { i } \mathrm {~m} \mathrm {~s} ^ { - 1 }\) when it is struck by a bat. The bat gives the ball an impulse of \(( 15 \mathbf { i } + 10 \mathbf { j } )\) Ns.
Find, to 3 significant figures, the speed of the ball immediately after it has been struck.
(5)
OCR C4 2006 January Q9
13 marks Standard +0.3
9 Two lines have vector equations $$\mathbf { r } = \left( \begin{array} { r } 4 \\ 2 \\ - 6 \end{array} \right) + t \left( \begin{array} { r } - 8 \\ 1 \\ - 2 \end{array} \right) \quad \text { and } \quad \mathbf { r } = \left( \begin{array} { r } - 2 \\ a \\ - 2 \end{array} \right) + s \left( \begin{array} { r } - 9 \\ 2 \\ - 5 \end{array} \right) ,$$ where \(a\) is a constant.
  1. Calculate the acute angle between the lines.
  2. Given that these two lines intersect, find \(a\) and the point of intersection.
OCR MEI C4 2007 January Q8
16 marks Standard +0.3
8 A pipeline is to be drilled under a river (see Fig. 8). With respect to axes Oxyz, with the \(x\)-axis pointing East, the \(y\)-axis North and the \(z\)-axis vertical, the pipeline is to consist of a straight section AB from the point \(\mathrm { A } ( 0 , - 40,0 )\) to the point \(\mathrm { B } ( 40,0 , - 20 )\) directly under the river, and another straight section BC . All lengths are in metres. \begin{figure}[h]
\includegraphics[alt={},max width=\textwidth]{5dcd4f44-4c61-4384-be1b-a8d63cb6b5aa-5_744_1068_495_500} \captionsetup{labelformat=empty} \caption{Fig. 8}
\end{figure}
  1. Calculate the distance AB . The section BC is to be drilled in the direction of the vector \(3 \mathbf { i } + 4 \mathbf { j } + \mathbf { k }\).
  2. Find the angle ABC between the sections AB and BC . The section BC reaches ground level at the point \(\mathrm { C } ( a , b , 0 )\).
  3. Write down a vector equation of the line BC . Hence find \(a\) and \(b\).
  4. Show that the vector \(6 \mathbf { i } - 5 \mathbf { j } + 2 \mathbf { k }\) is perpendicular to the plane ABC . Hence find the cartesian equation of this plane.
OCR MEI C4 2008 January Q7
18 marks Standard +0.3
7 A glass ornament OABCDEFG is a truncated pyramid on a rectangular base (see Fig. 7). All dimensions are in centimetres. \begin{figure}[h]
\includegraphics[alt={},max width=\textwidth]{9a8332ec-2216-4e1f-9768-ef175c9e159b-3_632_1102_486_520} \captionsetup{labelformat=empty} \caption{Fig. 7}
\end{figure}
  1. Write down the vectors \(\overrightarrow { \mathrm { CD } }\) and \(\overrightarrow { \mathrm { CB } }\).
  2. Find the length of the edge CD.
  3. Show that the vector \(4 \mathbf { i } + \mathbf { k }\) is perpendicular to the vectors \(\overrightarrow { \mathrm { CD } }\) and \(\overrightarrow { \mathrm { CB } }\). Hence find the cartesian equation of the plane BCDE .
  4. Write down vector equations for the lines OG and AF . Show that they meet at the point P with coordinates (5, 10, 40). You may assume that the lines CD and BE also meet at the point P .
    The volume of a pyramid is \(\frac { 1 } { 3 } \times\) area of base × height.
  5. Find the volumes of the pyramids POABC and PDEFG . Hence find the volume of the ornament.
OCR MEI C4 2010 June Q7
18 marks Standard +0.3
7 A straight pipeline AB passes through a mountain. With respect to axes \(\mathrm { O } x y z\), with \(\mathrm { O } x\) due East, \(\mathrm { O } y\) due North and \(\mathrm { O } z\) vertically upwards, A has coordinates \(( - 200,100,0 )\) and B has coordinates \(( 100,200,100 )\), where units are metres.
  1. Verify that \(\overrightarrow { \mathrm { AB } } = \left( \begin{array} { l } 300 \\ 100 \\ 100 \end{array} \right)\) and find the length of the pipeline.
  2. Write down a vector equation of the line AB , and calculate the angle it makes with the vertical. A thin flat layer of hard rock runs through the mountain. The equation of the plane containing this layer is \(x + 2 y + 3 z = 320\).
  3. Find the coordinates of the point where the pipeline meets the layer of rock.
  4. By calculating the angle between the line AB and the normal to the plane of the layer, find the angle at which the pipeline cuts through the layer.
OCR MEI C4 Q4
6 marks Moderate -0.8
4 You are given that \(\mathbf { a } = \left( \begin{array} { c } 1 \\ 2 \\ - 1 \end{array} \right)\) and \(\mathbf { b } = \left( \begin{array} { c } 3 \\ - 1 \\ k \end{array} \right)\).
  1. Find the angle between \(\mathbf { a }\) and \(\mathbf { b }\) when \(k = 2\).
  2. Find the value of \(k\) such that \(\mathbf { a }\) and \(\mathbf { b }\) are perpendicular.
OCR MEI C4 Q4
7 marks Moderate -0.3
4 You are given that \(\mathbf { a } = 2 \mathbf { i } + 6 \mathbf { j } + 9 \mathbf { k }\) and \(\mathbf { b } = \mathbf { i } + 3 \mathbf { j } - \mathbf { k }\).
  1. Write down a unit vector parallel to a.
  2. Find the value of \(\lambda\) such that \(\mathbf { a } + \lambda \mathbf { b }\) is parallel to \(\mathbf { k }\).
  3. Calculate the size of the angle between \(\mathbf { a }\) and \(\mathbf { b }\).
OCR C4 Q4
9 marks Standard +0.3
4. Relative to a fixed origin, \(O\), the points \(A\) and \(B\) have position vectors \(\left( \begin{array} { c } 1 \\ 5 \\ - 1 \end{array} \right)\) and \(\left( \begin{array} { c } 6 \\ 3 \\ - 6 \end{array} \right)\) respectively. Find, in exact, simplified form,
  1. the cosine of \(\angle A O B\),
  2. the area of triangle \(O A B\),
  3. the shortest distance from \(A\) to the line \(O B\).
OCR C4 Q7
12 marks Standard +0.8
7. Relative to a fixed origin, the points \(A\) and \(B\) have position vectors \(\left( \begin{array} { c } - 4 \\ 1 \\ 3 \end{array} \right)\) and \(\left( \begin{array} { c } - 3 \\ 6 \\ 1 \end{array} \right)\) respectively.
  1. Find a vector equation for the line \(l _ { 1 }\) which passes through \(A\) and \(B\). The line \(l _ { 2 }\) has vector equation $$\mathbf { r } = \left( \begin{array} { c } 3 \\ - 7 \\ 9 \end{array} \right) + t \left( \begin{array} { c } 2 \\ - 3 \\ 1 \end{array} \right)$$
  2. Show that lines \(l _ { 1 }\) and \(l _ { 2 }\) do not intersect.
  3. Find the position vector of the point \(C\) on \(l _ { 2 }\) such that \(\angle A B C = 90 ^ { \circ }\).
OCR C4 Q8
13 marks Standard +0.8
8. The line \(l _ { 1 }\) passes through the points \(A\) and \(B\) with position vectors \(( - 3 \mathbf { i } + 3 \mathbf { j } + 2 \mathbf { k } )\) and ( \(7 \mathbf { i } - \mathbf { j } + 12 \mathbf { k }\) ) respectively, relative to a fixed origin.
  1. Find a vector equation for \(l _ { 1 }\). The line \(l _ { 2 }\) has the equation $$\mathbf { r } = ( 5 \mathbf { j } - 7 \mathbf { k } ) + \mu ( \mathbf { i } - 2 \mathbf { j } + 7 \mathbf { k } )$$ The point \(C\) lies on \(l _ { 2 }\) and is such that \(A C\) is perpendicular to \(B C\).
  2. Show that one possible position vector for \(C\) is \(( \mathbf { i } + 3 \mathbf { j } )\) and find the other. Assuming that \(C\) has position vector \(( \mathbf { i } + 3 \mathbf { j } )\),
  3. find the area of triangle \(A B C\), giving your answer in the form \(k \sqrt { 5 }\).
OCR MEI C4 Q3
5 marks Standard +0.3
3 Verify that the vector \(\mathbf { d } - \mathbf { j } + 4 \mathbf { k }\) is perpendicular to the plane through the points \(\mathrm { A } ( 2,0,1 ) , \mathrm { B } ( 1,2,2 )\) and \(\mathrm { C } ( 0 , - 4,1 )\). Hence find the cartesian equation of the plane. [5]
OCR MEI C4 Q5
7 marks Standard +0.3
5 The points A , B and C have coordinates \(( 2,0 , - 1 ) , ( 4,3 , - 6 )\) and \(( 9,3 , - 4 )\) respectively.
  1. Show that AB is perpendicular to BC .
  2. Find the area of triangle ABC .
OCR MEI C4 Q1
18 marks Standard +0.3
1 A glass ornament OABCDEFG is a truncated pyramid on a rectangular base (see Fig. 7). All dimensions are in centimetres. \begin{figure}[h]
\includegraphics[alt={},max width=\textwidth]{7a52b6ce-a0cc-421d-8eae-3b6cf098e381-1_625_1109_416_522} \captionsetup{labelformat=empty} \caption{Fig. 7}
\end{figure}
  1. Write down the vectors \(\overrightarrow { \mathrm { CD } }\) and \(\overrightarrow { \mathrm { CB } }\).
  2. Find the length of the edge CD.
  3. Show that the vector \(4 \mathbf { i } + \mathbf { k }\) is perpendicular to the vectors \(\overrightarrow { \mathrm { CD } }\) and \(\overrightarrow { \mathrm { CB } }\). Hence find the cartesian equation of the plane BCDE.
  4. Write down vector equations for the lines OG and AF . Show that they meet at the point P with coordinates (5, 10, 40). You may assume that the lines CD and BE also meet at the point P .
    The volume of a pyramid is \(\frac { 1 } { 3 } \times\) area of base × height.
  5. Find the volumes of the pyramids POABC and PDEFG . Hence find the volume of the ornament.
OCR MEI C4 Q3
18 marks Standard +0.3
3 Fig. 6 shows a lean-to greenhouse ABCDHEFG . With respect to coordinate axes Oxyz , the coordinates of the vertices are as shown. All distances are in metres. Ground level is the plane \(z = 0\). \begin{figure}[h]
\includegraphics[alt={},max width=\textwidth]{7a52b6ce-a0cc-421d-8eae-3b6cf098e381-3_796_1296_354_418} \captionsetup{labelformat=empty} \caption{Fig. 6}
\end{figure}
  1. Verify that the equation of the plane through \(\mathrm { A } , \mathrm { B }\) and E is \(x + 6 y + 12 = 0\). Hence, given that F lies in this plane, show that \(a = - 2 \frac { 1 } { 3 }\).
  2. (A) Show that the vector \(\left( \begin{array} { r } 1 \\ - 6 \\ 0 \end{array} \right)\) is normal to the plane DHC.
    (B) Hence find the cartesian equation of this plane.
    (C) Given that G lies in the plane DHC , find \(b\) and the length FG .
  3. Find the angle EFB . A straight wire joins point H to a point P which is half way between E and \(\mathrm { F } . \mathrm { Q }\) is a point two-thirds of the way along this wire, so that \(\mathrm { HQ } = 2 \mathrm { QP }\).
  4. Find the height of Q above the ground.
OCR MEI C4 Q1
18 marks Standard +0.8
1 Fig. 6 shows a lean-to greenhouse ABCDHEFG . With respect to coordinate axes \(\mathrm { O } x y z\), the coordinates of the vertices are as shown. All distances are in metres. Ground level is the plane \(z = 0\). \begin{figure}[h]
\includegraphics[alt={},max width=\textwidth]{27c27c79-9aea-45a4-a000-41aac70ff866-1_798_1296_354_418} \captionsetup{labelformat=empty} \caption{Fig. 6}
\end{figure}
  1. Verify that the equation of the plane through \(\mathrm { A } , \mathrm { B }\) and E is \(x + 6 y + 12 = 0\). Hence, given that F lies in this plane, show that \(a = - 2 \frac { 1 } { 3 }\).
  2. (A) Show that the vector \(\left( \begin{array} { r } 1 \\ - 6 \\ 0 \end{array} \right)\) is normal to the plane DHC.
    (B) Hence find the cartesian equation of this plane.
    (C) Given that G lies in the plane DHC , find \(b\) and the length FG .
  3. Find the angle EFB . A straight wire joins point H to a point P which is half way between E and \(\mathrm { F } . \mathrm { Q }\) is a point two-thirds of the way along this wire, so that \(\mathrm { HQ } = 2 \mathrm { QP }\).
  4. Find the height of Q above the ground.
OCR MEI C4 Q2
18 marks Standard +0.3
2 Fig. 7 shows a tetrahedron ABCD . The coordinates of the vertices, with respect to axes Oxyz , are \(\mathrm { A } ( - 3,0,0 ) , \mathrm { B } ( 2,0 , - 2 ) , \mathrm { C } ( 0,4,0 )\) and \(\mathrm { D } ( 0,4,5 )\). \begin{figure}[h]
\includegraphics[alt={},max width=\textwidth]{27c27c79-9aea-45a4-a000-41aac70ff866-2_805_854_385_615} \captionsetup{labelformat=empty} \caption{Fig. 7}
\end{figure}
  1. Find the length of the edges AB and AC , and the size of the angle CAB . Hence calculate the area of triangle ABC .
  2. (A) Verify that \(4 \mathbf { i } - 3 \mathbf { j } + 10 \mathbf { k }\) is normal to the plane ABC .
    (B) Hence find the equation of this plane.
  3. Write down a vector equation for the line through D perpendicular to the plane ABC . Hence find the point of intersection of this line with the plane ABC . The volume of a tetrahedron is \(\frac { 1 } { 3 } \times\) area of base × height.
  4. Find the volume of the tetrahedron ABCD .
  5. Find a vector equation of the line \(l\) joining the points \(( 0,1,3 )\) and \(( - 2,2,5 )\).
  6. Find the point of intersection of the line \(l\) with the plane \(x + 3 y + 2 z = 4\).
  7. Find the acute angle between the line \(l\) and the normal to the plane.
OCR MEI C4 Q1
17 marks Challenging +1.2
1 With respect to cartesian coordinates Oxyz, a laser beam ABC is fired from the point \(\mathrm { A } ( 1,2,4 )\), and is reflected at point B off the plane with equation \(x + 2 y - 3 z = 0\), as shown in Fig. 8. \(\mathrm { A } ^ { \prime }\) is the point \(( 2,4,1 )\), and \(M\) is the midpoint of \(\mathrm { AA } ^ { \prime }\). \begin{figure}[h]
\includegraphics[alt={},max width=\textwidth]{b46db958-aa88-47fb-8db3-786472791577-1_562_716_464_650} \captionsetup{labelformat=empty} \caption{Fig. 8}
\end{figure}
  1. Show that \(\mathrm { AA } ^ { \prime }\) is perpendicular to the plane \(x + 2 y - 3 z = 0\), and that M lies in the plane. The vector equation of the line AB is \(\mathbf { r } = \left( \begin{array} { l } 1 \\ 2 \\ 4 \end{array} \right) + \lambda \left( \begin{array} { r } 1 \\ - 1 \\ 2 \end{array} \right)\).
  2. Find the coordinates of B , and a vector equation of the line \(\mathrm { A } ^ { \prime } \mathrm { B }\).
  3. Given that \(\mathrm { A } ^ { \prime } \mathrm { BC }\) is a straight line, find the angle \(\theta\).
  4. Find the coordinates of the point where BC crosses the Oxz plane (the plane containing the \(x\) - and \(z\)-axes)
OCR MEI C4 Q2
18 marks Standard +0.3
2 A piece of cloth ABDC is attached to the tops of vertical poles \(\mathrm { AE } , \mathrm { BF } , \mathrm { DG }\) and CH , where \(\mathrm { E } , \mathrm { F } , \mathrm { G }\) 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. \begin{figure}[h]
\includegraphics[alt={},max width=\textwidth]{b46db958-aa88-47fb-8db3-786472791577-2_916_1255_464_397} \captionsetup{labelformat=empty} \caption{Fig. 7}
\end{figure}
  1. Write down the vectors \(\overrightarrow { \mathrm { AB } }\) and \(\overrightarrow { \mathrm { AC } }\). Hence calculate the angle BAC .
  2. Verify that the equation of the plane ABC is \(x + y - 2 z + d = 0\), where \(d\) is a constant to be determined. Calculate the acute angle the plane makes with the horizontal plane.
  3. Given that \(\mathrm { A } , \mathrm { B } , \mathrm { D }\) and C are coplanar, show that \(k = 3\). Hence show that ABDC is a trapezium, and find the ratio of CD to AB .
OCR MEI C4 Q3
18 marks Standard +0.3
3 A straight pipeline AB passes through a mountain. With respect to axes \(\mathrm { O } x y z\), with \(\mathrm { O } x\) due East, Oy due North and \(\mathrm { O } z\) vertically upwards, A has coordinates \(( - 200,100,0 )\) and B has coordinates \(( 100,200,100 )\), where units are metres.
  1. Verify that \(\left. \overrightarrow { \mathrm { AB } } = \begin{array} { l } 300 \\ 100 \\ 100 \end{array} \right)\) and find the length of the pipeline.
    [0pt] [3]
  2. Write down a vector equation of the line AB , and calculate the angle it makes with the vertical.
    [0pt] [6]
    A thin flat layer of hard rock runs through the mountain. The equation of the plane containing this layer is \(x + 2 y + 3 z = 320\).
  3. Find the coordinates of the point where the pipeline meets the layer of rock.
  4. By calculating the angle between the line AB and the normal to the plane of the layer, find the angle at which the pipeline cuts through the layer.
OCR MEI C4 Q4
17 marks Standard +0.3
4 When a light ray passes from air to glass, it is deflected through an angle. The light ray ABC starts at point \(\mathrm { A } ( 1,2,2 )\), and enters a glass object at point \(\mathrm { B } ( 0,0,2 )\). The surface of the glass object is a plane with normal vector \(\mathbf { n }\). Fig. 7 shows a cross-section of the glass object in the plane of the light ray and \(\mathbf { n }\). \begin{figure}[h]
\includegraphics[alt={},max width=\textwidth]{b46db958-aa88-47fb-8db3-786472791577-4_689_812_341_662} \captionsetup{labelformat=empty} \caption{Fig. 7}
\end{figure}
  1. Find the vector \(\overrightarrow { \mathrm { AB } }\) and a vector equation of the line AB . The surface of the glass object is a plane with equation \(x + z = 2\). AB makes an acute angle \(\theta\) with the normal to this plane.
  2. Write down the normal vector \(\mathbf { n }\), and hence calculate \(\theta\), giving your answer in degrees. The line BC has vector equation \(\mathbf { r } = \left( \begin{array} { l } 0 \\ 0 \\ 2 \end{array} \right) + \mu \left( \begin{array} { l } - 2 \\ - 2 \\ - 1 \end{array} \right)\). This line makes an acute angle \(\phi\) with the
    normal to the plane. normal to the plane.
  3. Show that \(\phi = 45 ^ { \circ }\).
  4. Snell's Law states that \(\sin \theta = k \sin \phi\), where \(k\) is a constant called the refractive index. Find \(k\). The light ray leaves the glass object through a plane with equation \(x + z = - 1\). Units are centimetres.
  5. Find the point of intersection of the line BC with the plane \(x + z = - 1\). Hence find the distance the light ray travels through the glass object.
OCR MEI C4 Q12
Standard +0.3
\begin{figure}[h]
\includegraphics[alt={},max width=\textwidth]{ff20b83a-5e38-437e-8115-5b0a6a54fa9d-2_745_1300_256_399} \captionsetup{labelformat=empty} \caption{Fig. 7}
\end{figure} Fig. 7 illustrates a house. All units are in metres. The coordinates of A, B, C and E are as shown. BD is horizontal and parallel to AE .
  1. Find the length AE .
  2. Find a vector equation of the line BD . Given that the length of BD is 15 metres, find the coordinates of D.
  3. Verify that the equation of the plane ABC is $$- 3 x + 4 y + 5 z = 30 .$$ Write down a vector normal to this plane.
  4. Show that the vector \(\left( \begin{array} { l } 4 \\ 3 \\ 5 \end{array} \right)\) is normal to the plane ABDE . Hence find the equation of the plane ABDE .
  5. Find the angle between the planes ABC and ABDE .
Edexcel AEA 2019 June Q5
16 marks Challenging +1.8
  1. Points \(A\) and \(B\) have position vectors \(\mathbf { a }\) and \(\mathbf { b }\), respectively, relative to an origin \(O\), and are such that \(O A B\) is a triangle with \(O A = a\) and \(O B = b\).
The point \(C\), with position vector \(\mathbf { c }\), lies on the line through \(O\) that bisects the angle \(A O B\).
  1. Prove that the vector \(b \mathbf { a } - a \mathbf { b }\) is perpendicular to \(\mathbf { c }\). The point \(D\), with position vector \(\mathbf { d }\), lies on the line \(A B\) between \(A\) and \(B\).
  2. Explain why \(\mathbf { d }\) can be expressed in the form \(\mathbf { d } = ( 1 - \lambda ) \mathbf { a } + \lambda \mathbf { b }\) for some scalar \(\lambda\) with \(0 < \lambda < 1\)
  3. Given that \(D\) is also on the line \(O C\), find an expression for \(\lambda\) in terms of \(a\) and \(b\) only and hence show that $$D A : D B = O A : O B$$