Question:medium

If two vectors P = \(\hat{i} \)+2m\(\hat{j}\)+m\(\hat{k}\) & Q = 4\(\hat{i}\)-2\(\hat{j}\)+m\(\hat{k}\) are perpendicular to each other, then the value of m will be:

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For perpendicular vectors, the dot product \( \vec{A} \cdot \vec{B} = 0 \). Expand terms carefully to solve for the unknown.

Updated On: Mar 30, 2026
  • m = -3

  • m = 2

  • m = -1

  • m = 1

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The Correct Option is B

Solution and Explanation

To determine the value of \( m \) for which the vectors \( \mathbf{P} = \hat{i} + 2m \hat{j} + m \hat{k} \) and \( \mathbf{Q} = 4\hat{i} - 2\hat{j} + m\hat{k} \) are perpendicular, we need to use the concept of the dot product.

The dot product of two vectors \( \mathbf{A} = a_1 \hat{i} + a_2 \hat{j} + a_3 \hat{k} \) and \( \mathbf{B} = b_1 \hat{i} + b_2 \hat{j} + b_3 \hat{k} \) is given by:

\(\mathbf{A} \cdot \mathbf{B} = a_1b_1 + a_2b_2 + a_3b_3\)

Two vectors are perpendicular if their dot product is zero. Therefore, using the components of vectors \( \mathbf{P} \) and \( \mathbf{Q} \), we set up the equation:

\(1 \times 4 + 2m \times (-2) + m \times m = 0\)

Simplifying this equation gives:

\(4 - 4m + m^2 = 0\)

We can rearrange the equation as a quadratic in \( m \):

\(m^2 - 4m + 4 = 0\)

This can be rewritten as:

\( (m - 2)^2 = 0\)

Solving this gives:

\(m = 2\)

Thus, the value of \( m \) that makes vectors \( \mathbf{P} \) and \( \mathbf{Q} \) perpendicular is \( m = 2 \).

Conclusion: The correct answer is \( m = 2 \).

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