Question:hard

If \(|\overset{̄}{a}| = |\overset{̄}{b}| = 1,|\overset{̄}{c}| = 2\) and \(\overset{̄}{a}\times (\overset{̄}{a}\times \overset{̄}{c})+\overset{̄}{b} = \overset{̄}{0}\), then the acute angle between \(\overset{̄}{a}\) and \(\overset{̄}{c}\) is \(\ldots\)

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Expand the triple product to (a.c)a - c, then take magnitudes of b = c - (a.c)a.
Updated On: Oct 1, 2026
  • \(\frac{π}{2}\)
  • \(\frac{π}{3}\)
  • \(\frac{π}{4}\)
  • \(\frac{π}{6}\)
Show Solution

The Correct Option is D

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Geometric reading:
$\bar a\times(\bar a\times\bar c)$ equals $-\bar c_{\perp}$, minus the part of $\bar c$ perpendicular to $\bar a$ (since $\bar a$ is a unit vector). So $\bar b = \bar c_\perp$.

Step 2: Magnitudes:
$|\bar c_\perp| = |\bar c|\sin\theta = 2\sin\theta$. Given $|\bar b| = 1$, $\sin\theta = \frac12$.

Step 3: Angle:
The acute angle with $\sin\theta = \frac12$ is $\theta = \frac\pi6$.

Step 4: Check with option (D):
$\cos\frac\pi6 = \frac{\sqrt3}2$, so $\bar a\cdot\bar c = \sqrt3$ and $t^2 = 3$, matching the algebraic result.

Final Answer:
Option (D). \[ \boxed{\frac{\pi}{6} \text{ (D)}} \]
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