ExamBro
ExamBro
KCET · Maths · Vector Algebra

If \(\vec{a} = 2\hat{i} + 2\hat{j} - \hat{k}, \vec{b} = \alpha\hat{i} + \beta\hat{j} + 2\hat{k}\) and \(|\vec{a} + \vec{b}| = |\vec{a} - \vec{b}|\), then \(\alpha + \beta\) is equal to

  1. A \(2\)
  2. B \(-1\)
  3. C \(0\)
  4. D \(1\)
Verified Solution

Answer & Solution

Correct Answer

(D) \(1\)

Step-by-step Solution

Detailed explanation

Given \(|\vec{a} + \vec{b}| = |\vec{a} - \vec{b}|\)

Squaring both sides:

\(|\vec{a}|^2 + |\vec{b}|^2 + 2\vec{a} \cdot \vec{b} = |\vec{a}|^2 + |\vec{b}|^2 - 2\vec{a} \cdot \vec{b}\)

\(4\vec{a} \cdot \vec{b} = 0\)

\(\vec{a} \cdot \vec{b} = 0\)

Substituting the given vectors \(\vec{a} = 2\hat{i} + 2\hat{j} - \hat{k}\) and \(\vec{b} = \alpha\hat{i} + \beta\hat{j} + 2\hat{k}\):

\((2)(\alpha) + (2)(\beta) + (-1)(2) = 0\)

\(2\alpha + 2\beta - 2 = 0\)

\(2(\alpha + \beta) = 2\)

\(\alpha + \beta = 1\)

Answer: \(1\)