1.10d Vector operations: addition and scalar multiplication

424 questions

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Edexcel M1 2018 Specimen Q5
10 marks Moderate -0.8
  1. Two forces, \(\mathbf { F } _ { 1 }\) and \(\mathbf { F } _ { 2 }\), act on a particle \(A\). \(\mathbf { F } _ { 1 } = ( 2 \mathbf { i } - 3 \mathbf { j } ) \mathrm { N }\) and \(\mathbf { F } _ { 2 } = ( p \mathbf { i } + q \mathbf { j } ) \mathrm { N }\), where \(p\) and \(q\) are constants.
    Given that the resultant of \(\mathbf { F } _ { 1 }\) and \(\mathbf { F } _ { 2 }\) is parallel to ( \(\mathbf { i } + 2 \mathbf { j }\) ),
    1. show that \(2 p - q + 7 = 0\)
    Given that \(q = 11\) and that the mass of \(A\) is 2 kg , and that \(\mathbf { F } _ { 1 }\) and \(\mathbf { F } _ { 2 }\) are the only forces acting on \(A\),
  2. find the magnitude of the acceleration of \(A\). \includegraphics[max width=\textwidth, alt={}, center]{6ab8838f-d6f8-4761-8def-1022d97d4e82-15_2255_51_314_36}
Edexcel M1 2009 January Q6
14 marks Standard +0.3
6. Two forces, \(( 4 \mathbf { i } - 5 \mathbf { j } ) \mathrm { N }\) and \(( p \mathbf { i } + q \mathbf { j } ) \mathrm { N }\), act on a particle \(P\) of mass \(m \mathrm {~kg}\). The resultant of the two forces is \(\mathbf { R }\). Given that \(\mathbf { R }\) acts in a direction which is parallel to the vector ( \(\mathbf { i } - 2 \mathbf { j }\) ),
  1. find the angle between \(\mathbf { R }\) and the vector \(\mathbf { j }\),
  2. show that \(2 p + q + 3 = 0\). Given also that \(q = 1\) and that \(P\) moves with an acceleration of magnitude \(8 \sqrt { } 5 \mathrm {~m} \mathrm {~s} ^ { - 2 }\), (c) find the value of \(m\).
OCR MEI M1 2010 January Q3
8 marks Moderate -0.8
3 In this question, \(\mathbf { i }\) is a horizontal unit vector and \(\mathbf { j }\) is a unit vector pointing vertically upwards.
A force \(\mathbf { F }\) is \(- \mathbf { i } + 5 \mathbf { j }\).
  1. Calculate the magnitude of \(\mathbf { F }\). Calculate also the angle between \(\mathbf { F }\) and the upward vertical. Force \(\mathbf { G }\) is \(2 a \mathbf { i } + a \mathbf { j }\) and force \(\mathbf { H }\) is \(- 2 \mathbf { i } + 3 b \mathbf { j }\), where \(a\) and \(b\) are constants. The force \(\mathbf { H }\) is the resultant of forces \(4 \mathbf { F }\) and \(\mathbf { G }\).
  2. Find \(\mathbf { G }\) and \(\mathbf { H }\).
OCR MEI M1 2012 January Q5
8 marks Moderate -0.8
5 The vectors \(\mathbf { p }\) and \(\mathbf { q }\) are given by $$\mathbf { p } = 8 \mathbf { i } + \mathbf { j } \text { and } \mathbf { q } = 4 \mathbf { i } - 7 \mathbf { j } .$$
  1. Show that \(\mathbf { p }\) and \(\mathbf { q }\) are equal in magnitude.
  2. Show that \(\mathbf { p } + \mathbf { q }\) is parallel to \(2 \mathbf { i } - \mathbf { j }\).
  3. Draw \(\mathbf { p } + \mathbf { q }\) and \(\mathbf { p } - \mathbf { q }\) on the grid. Write down the angle between these two vectors.
OCR MEI M1 2009 June Q2
7 marks Moderate -0.8
2 A small box has weight \(\mathbf { W } \mathrm { N }\) and is held in equilibrium by two strings with tensions \(\mathbf { T } _ { 1 } \mathrm {~N}\) and \(\mathbf { T } _ { 2 } \mathrm {~N}\). This situation is shown in Fig. 2 which also shows the standard unit vectors \(\mathbf { i }\) and \(\mathbf { j }\) that are horizontal and vertically upwards, respectively. \begin{figure}[h]
\includegraphics[alt={},max width=\textwidth]{d6e78f93-ac2c-4053-87e4-5e5537d6dc3d-2_259_629_1795_758} \captionsetup{labelformat=empty} \caption{Fig. 2}
\end{figure} The tension \(\mathbf { T } _ { 1 }\) is \(10 \mathbf { i } + 24 \mathbf { j }\).
  1. Calculate the magnitude of \(\mathbf { T } _ { 1 }\) and the angle between \(\mathbf { T } _ { 1 }\) and the vertical. The magnitude of the weight is \(w \mathrm {~N}\).
  2. Write down the vector \(\mathbf { W }\) in terms of \(w\) and \(\mathbf { j }\). The tension \(\mathbf { T } _ { 2 }\) is \(k \mathbf { i } + 10 \mathbf { j }\), where \(k\) is a scalar.
  3. Find the values of \(k\) and of \(w\).
OCR MEI M1 2014 June Q2
8 marks Moderate -0.8
2 The unit vectors \(\mathbf { i }\) and \(\mathbf { j }\) shown in Fig. 2 are in the horizontal and vertically upwards directions. \begin{figure}[h]
\includegraphics[alt={},max width=\textwidth]{63a2dc41-5e8b-4275-8653-ece5067c4306-2_132_145_1726_968} \captionsetup{labelformat=empty} \caption{Fig. 2}
\end{figure} Forces \(\mathbf { p }\) and \(\mathbf { q }\) are given, in newtons, by \(\mathbf { p } = 12 \mathbf { i } - 5 \mathbf { j }\) and \(\mathbf { q } = 16 \mathbf { i } + 1.5 \mathbf { j }\).
  1. Write down the force \(\mathbf { p } + \mathbf { q }\) and show that it is parallel to \(8 \mathbf { i } - \mathbf { j }\).
  2. Show that the force \(3 \mathbf { p } + 10 \mathbf { q }\) acts in the horizontal direction.
  3. A particle is in equilibrium under forces \(k \mathbf { p } , 3 \mathbf { q }\) and its weight \(\mathbf { w }\). Show that the value of \(k\) must be - 4 and find the mass of the particle.
OCR MEI M1 Q1
6 marks Moderate -0.8
1 Fig. 2 shows two forces acting at A . The figure also shows the perpendicular unit vectors \(\mathbf { i }\) and \(\mathbf { j }\) which are respectively horizontal and vertically upwards. The resultant of the two forces is \(\mathbf { F } \mathbf { N }\). \begin{figure}[h]
\includegraphics[alt={},max width=\textwidth]{94f23528-931c-47b6-89aa-4b6edd25cc30-1_264_918_584_663} \captionsetup{labelformat=empty} \caption{Fig. 1}
\end{figure}
  1. Find \(\mathbf { F }\) in terms of \(\mathbf { i }\) and \(\mathbf { j }\), giving your answer correct to three significant figures.
  2. Calculate the magnitude of \(\mathbf { F }\) and the angle that \(\mathbf { F }\) makes with the upward vertical.
OCR MEI M1 Q2
7 marks Moderate -0.8
2 Force \(\mathbf { F }\) is \(\left( \begin{array} { l } 4 \\ 1 \\ 2 \end{array} \right) \mathrm { N }\) and force \(\mathbf { G }\) is \(\left( \begin{array} { r } - 6 \\ 2 \\ 4 \end{array} \right) \mathrm { N }\).
  1. Find the resultant of \(\mathbf { F }\) and \(\mathbf { G }\) and calculate its magnitude.
  2. Forces \(\mathbf { F }\), \(2 \mathbf { G }\) and \(\mathbf { H }\) act on a particle which is in equilibrium. Find \(\mathbf { H }\).
OCR MEI M1 Q4
7 marks Moderate -0.8
4 Fig. 4 shows forces of magnitudes 20 N and 16 N inclined at \(60 ^ { \circ }\). \begin{figure}[h]
\includegraphics[alt={},max width=\textwidth]{94f23528-931c-47b6-89aa-4b6edd25cc30-3_193_351_261_895} \captionsetup{labelformat=empty} \caption{Fig. 4}
\end{figure}
  1. Calculate the component of the resultant of these two forces in the direction of the 20 N force.
  2. Calculate the magnitude of the resultant of these two forces. These are the only forces acting on a particle of mass 2 kg .
  3. Find the magnitude of the acceleration of the particle and the angle the acceleration makes with the 20 N force.
OCR MEI M1 Q5
6 marks Moderate -0.8
5 A particle is in equilibrium when acted on by the forces \(\left( \begin{array} { r } x \\ - 7 \\ z \end{array} \right) , \left( \begin{array} { r } 4 \\ y \\ - 5 \end{array} \right)\) and \(\left( \begin{array} { r } 5 \\ 4 \\ - 7 \end{array} \right)\), where the units are newtons.
  1. Find the values of \(x , y\) and \(z\).
  2. Calculate the magnitude of \(\left( \begin{array} { r } 5 \\ 4 \\ - 7 \end{array} \right)\).
Edexcel M2 2024 January Q2
6 marks Moderate -0.8
  1. \hspace{0pt} [In this question, \(\mathbf { i }\) and \(\mathbf { j }\) are horizontal perpendicular unit vectors.]
A particle \(Q\) of mass 0.5 kg is moving on a smooth horizontal surface. Particle \(Q\) is moving with velocity \(( 3 \mathbf { i } + \mathbf { j } ) \mathrm { m } \mathrm { s } ^ { - 1 }\) when it receives an impulse of \(( 2 \mathbf { i } + 5 \mathbf { j } ) \mathrm { Ns }\).
  1. Find the speed of \(Q\) immediately after receiving the impulse. As a result of receiving the impulse, the direction of motion of \(Q\) is turned through an angle \(\theta ^ { \circ }\)
  2. Find the value of \(\theta\)
Edexcel M2 2024 January Q7
14 marks Standard +0.8
  1. Particle \(P\) has mass \(m\) and particle \(Q\) has mass \(5 m\).
The particles are moving in the same direction along the same straight line on a smooth horizontal surface. Particle \(P\) collides directly with particle \(Q\).
Immediately before the collision, the speed of \(P\) is \(6 u\) and the speed of \(Q\) is \(u\).
Immediately after the collision, the speed of \(P\) is \(x\) and the speed of \(Q\) is \(y\).
The direction of motion of \(P\) is reversed as a result of the collision.
The coefficient of restitution between \(P\) and \(Q\) is \(e\).
  1. Find the complete range of possible values of \(e\). Given that \(e = \frac { 3 } { 5 }\)
  2. find the total kinetic energy lost in the collision between \(P\) and \(Q\). After the collision, \(Q\) hits a smooth fixed vertical wall that is perpendicular to the direction of motion of \(Q\). Particle \(Q\) rebounds.
    The coefficient of restitution between \(Q\) and the wall is \(f\).
    Given that there is a second collision between \(P\) and \(Q\),
  3. find the complete range of possible values of \(f\).
Edexcel M2 2021 October Q4
6 marks Standard +0.3
4. A particle \(P\) of mass 0.75 kg is moving with velocity \(4 \mathbf { i } \mathrm {~ms} ^ { - 1 }\) when it receives an impulse \(\mathbf { J }\) Ns. Immediately after \(P\) receives the impulse, the speed of \(P\) is \(8 \mathrm {~m} \mathrm {~s} ^ { - 1 }\) Given that \(\mathbf { J } = c ( - \mathbf { i } + 2 \mathbf { j } )\), where \(c\) is a constant, find the two possible values of \(c\).
(6)
Edexcel M2 2022 October Q3
6 marks Standard +0.3
  1. A particle \(P\) of mass 0.2 kg is moving with velocity \(( 4 \mathbf { i } - 3 \mathbf { j } ) \mathrm { ms } ^ { - 1 }\)
The particle receives an impulse \(\lambda ( \mathbf { i } + \mathbf { j } ) \mathrm { Ns }\), where \(\lambda\) is a constant.
Immediately after receiving the impulse, the speed of \(P\) is \(7 \mathrm {~m} \mathrm {~s} ^ { - 1 }\) Find the possible values of \(\lambda\)
Edexcel M2 2014 June Q2
9 marks Moderate -0.3
2. At time \(t\) seconds, where \(t \geqslant 0\), a particle \(P\) is moving on a horizontal plane with acceleration \(\left[ \left( 3 t ^ { 2 } - 4 t \right) \mathbf { i } + ( 6 t - 5 ) \mathbf { j } \right] \mathrm { m } \mathrm { s } ^ { - 2 }\). When \(t = 3\) the velocity of \(P\) is \(( 11 \mathbf { i } + 10 \mathbf { j } ) \mathrm { m } \mathrm { s } ^ { - 1 }\). Find
  1. the velocity of \(P\) at time \(t\) seconds,
  2. the speed of \(P\) when it is moving parallel to the vector \(\mathbf { i }\).
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 C4 Specimen Q4
7 marks Moderate -0.5
4 \includegraphics[max width=\textwidth, alt={}, center]{798da17d-0af5-4aa6-b731-564642dc28d5-2_428_572_861_760} As shown in the diagram the points \(A\) and \(B\) have position vectors \(\mathbf { a }\) and \(\mathbf { b }\) with respect to the origin \(O\).
  1. Make a sketch of the diagram, and mark the points \(C , D\) and \(E\) such that \(\overrightarrow { O C } = 2 \mathbf { a } , \overrightarrow { O D } = 2 \mathbf { a } + \mathbf { b }\) and \(\overrightarrow { O E } = \frac { 1 } { 3 } \overrightarrow { O D }\).
  2. By expressing suitable vectors in terms of \(\mathbf { a }\) and \(\mathbf { b }\), prove that \(E\) lies on the line joining \(A\) and \(B\).
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
8 marks Moderate -0.8
4 The points \(\mathrm { A } , \mathrm { B }\) and C are given by the position vectors \(\mathbf { a } = \binom { - 2 } { 1 } , \mathbf { b } = \binom { 0 } { 5 }\) and \(\mathbf { c } = \binom { 4 } { 3 }\). M is the midpoint of AC .
  1. Find the position vector of M .
  2. Find the vector \(\overrightarrow { B C }\).
  3. Find the position vector of the point D such that \(\overrightarrow { \mathrm { BC } } = \overrightarrow { \mathrm { AD } }\).
  4. Show that D lies on BM .
OCR MEI C4 Q9
17 marks Standard +0.3
9 Beside a major route into a county town the authorities decide to build a large pyramid. Fig. 9.1 shows this pyramid, ABCDE O is the centre point of the horizontal base BCDE . A coordinate system is defined with O as the origin. The \(x\)-axis and \(y\)-axis are horizontal and the \(z\)-axis is vertical, as shown in Fig. 9.1 The vertices of the pyramid are $$A ( 0,0,6 ) , B ( - 4 , - 4,0 ) , C ( 4 , - 4,0 ) , D ( 4,4,0 ) \text { and } E ( - 4,4,0 ) .$$ \begin{figure}[h]
\includegraphics[alt={},max width=\textwidth]{78993065-a6cd-4b77-b21f-c9ccc82fb37a-4_668_878_493_623} \captionsetup{labelformat=empty} \caption{Fig.9.1}
\end{figure} The pyramid is supported by a vertical pole OA and there are also support rods from O to points on the triangular faces \(\mathrm { ABC } , \mathrm { ACD } , \mathrm { ADE }\) and AEB . One of the rods, ON , is shown in fig.9.2 which shows one quarter of the pyramid. \begin{figure}[h]
\includegraphics[alt={},max width=\textwidth]{78993065-a6cd-4b77-b21f-c9ccc82fb37a-4_428_675_1521_831} \captionsetup{labelformat=empty} \caption{Fig. 9.2}
\end{figure} M is the mid-point of the line BC .
  1. Write down the coordinates of M.
  2. Write down the vector \(\overrightarrow { \mathrm { AM } }\) and hence the coordinates of the point N which divides \(\overrightarrow { \mathrm { AM } }\) so that the ratio \(\mathrm { AN } : \mathrm { NM } = 2 : 1\).
  3. Show that ON is perpendicular to both AM and BC .
  4. Hence write down the equation of the plane ABC in its simplest form.
  5. Find the angle between the face ABC and the ground.
OCR C4 Q7
12 marks Standard +0.3
7. The line \(l _ { 1 }\) passes through the points \(A\) and \(B\) with position vectors ( \(3 \mathbf { i } + 6 \mathbf { j } - 8 \mathbf { k }\) ) and ( \(8 \mathbf { j } - 6 \mathbf { k }\) ) respectively, relative to a fixed origin.
  1. Find a vector equation for \(l _ { 1 }\). The line \(l _ { 2 }\) has vector equation $$\mathbf { r } = ( - 2 \mathbf { i } + 10 \mathbf { j } + 6 \mathbf { k } ) + \mu ( 7 \mathbf { i } - 4 \mathbf { j } + 6 \mathbf { k } ) ,$$ where \(\mu\) is a scalar parameter.
  2. Show that lines \(l _ { 1 }\) and \(l _ { 2 }\) intersect.
  3. Find the coordinates of the point where \(l _ { 1 }\) and \(l _ { 2 }\) intersect. The point \(C\) lies on \(l _ { 2 }\) and is such that \(A C\) is perpendicular to \(A B\).
  4. Find the position vector of \(C\).
OCR C4 Q6
11 marks Standard +0.3
6. Relative to a fixed origin, the points \(A , B\) and \(C\) have position vectors ( \(2 \mathbf { i } - \mathbf { j } + 6 \mathbf { k }\) ), \(( 5 \mathbf { i } - 4 \mathbf { j } )\) and \(( 7 \mathbf { i } - 6 \mathbf { j } - 4 \mathbf { k } )\) respectively.
  1. Show that \(A , B\) and \(C\) all lie on a single straight line.
  2. Write down the ratio \(A B : B C\) The point \(D\) has position vector \(( 3 \mathbf { i } + \mathbf { j } + 4 \mathbf { k } )\).
  3. Show that \(A D\) is perpendicular to \(B D\).
  4. Find the exact area of triangle \(A B D\).
OCR C4 Q4
9 marks Moderate -0.3
4. The line \(l _ { 1 }\) passes through the points \(P\) and \(Q\) with position vectors ( \(- \mathbf { i } - 8 \mathbf { j } + 3 \mathbf { k }\) ) and ( \(2 \mathbf { i } - 9 \mathbf { j } + \mathbf { k }\) ) respectively, relative to a fixed origin.
  1. Find a vector equation for \(l _ { 1 }\). The line \(l _ { 2 }\) has the equation $$\mathbf { r } = ( 6 \mathbf { i } + a \mathbf { j } + b \mathbf { k } ) + t ( \mathbf { i } + 4 \mathbf { j } - \mathbf { k } )$$ and also passes through the point \(Q\).
  2. Find the values of the constants \(a\) and \(b\).
  3. Find, in degrees to 1 decimal place, the acute angle between lines \(l _ { 1 }\) and \(l _ { 2 }\).
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 .