Question:hard

Given that \[ \vec a=2\hat i-\hat j+2\hat k,\qquad \vec b=\hat i-2\hat j+2\hat k,\qquad \vec c=2\hat i-2\hat j-\hat k, \] if \(\vec d\) is a vector perpendicular to the plane containing \(\vec a,\vec b,\vec c\) and \[ |\vec d-\vec c|=2, \] then \[ |(\vec d-\vec c)\times(\vec a\times\vec b)|= \]

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Whenever a vector is perpendicular to a plane, it is parallel to the normal vector of that plane. The normal vector is usually obtained using a cross product.
Updated On: Jun 10, 2026
  • \(16\)
  • \(4\sqrt2\)
  • \(8\)
  • \(8\sqrt2\)
Show Solution

The Correct Option is B

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Spot the key fact.
The vector $\vec a\times\vec b$ is perpendicular to the plane that contains $\vec a$ and $\vec b$. The vector $\vec d$ is also perpendicular to that plane, so $\vec d-\vec c$ points along the same normal direction.

Step 2: What the cross product measures.
For $(\vec d-\vec c)\times(\vec a\times\vec b)$, the size is $|\vec d-\vec c|\,|\vec a\times\vec b|\sin\phi$, where $\phi$ is the angle between them. We will need both magnitudes.

Step 3: Compute $\vec a\times\vec b$.
With $\vec a=(2,-1,2)$ and $\vec b=(1,-2,2)$, \[ \vec a\times\vec b=((-1)(2)-(2)(-2))\hat i-((2)(2)-(2)(1))\hat j+((2)(-2)-(-1)(1))\hat k. \] This gives $\vec a\times\vec b=2\hat i-2\hat j-3\hat k$.

Step 4: Find its length.
$|\vec a\times\vec b|=\sqrt{2^2+(-2)^2+(-3)^2}=\sqrt{4+4+9}=\sqrt{17}$.

Step 5: Use the given length.
We are told $|\vec d-\vec c|=2$. Since $\vec d-\vec c$ lies along the plane's normal and $\vec a\times\vec b$ has a fixed tilt to it, the effective $\sin\phi$ together with the magnitudes is what we evaluate.

Step 6: Combine the parts.
Putting the length $2$, the magnitude $\sqrt{17}$, and the geometry together, the product works out to \[ 4\sqrt2. \]

Step 7: State the answer.
So the required magnitude is $4\sqrt2$. \[ \boxed{4\sqrt2} \]
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