Question:medium

If \( \vec{a}, \vec{b} \) and \( \vec{c} \) are three vectors such that \( \vec{a} + \vec{b} + \vec{c} = 0 \), where \( \vec{a} \) and \( \vec{b} \) are unit vectors and \( |\vec{c}| = 2 \), then the angle between the vectors \( \vec{b} \) and \( \vec{c} \) is:

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When working with vectors, remember that the dot product \( \vec{a} \cdot \vec{b} = 0 \) implies that the vectors \( \vec{a} \) and \( \vec{b} \) are perpendicular. This property is useful in geometry and physics problems involving right-angled vectors. Also, when two vectors are opposite to each other, the angle between them is \( 180^\circ \), as they point in completely opposite directions.

Updated On: Mar 27, 2026
  • \( 60^\circ \)
  • \( 90^\circ \)
  • \( 120^\circ \)
  • \( 180^\circ \)
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The Correct Option is D

Solution and Explanation

Provided:

\[\vec{a} + \vec{b} + \vec{c} = \vec{0} \Rightarrow \vec{c} = -(\vec{a} + \vec{b})\]

Calculate the magnitude of \(\vec{c}\):

\[|\vec{c}|^2 = |\vec{a} + \vec{b}|^2\]

Expand using the vector magnitude formula:

\[|\vec{c}|^2 = |\vec{a}|^2 + |\vec{b}|^2 + 2\vec{a} \cdot \vec{b}\]

Substitute \(|\vec{a}| = |\vec{b}| = 1\) and \(|\vec{c}| = 2\):

\[2^2 = 1 + 1 + 2(\vec{a} \cdot \vec{b})\]

Simplify the equation:

\[4 = 2 + 2(\vec{a} \cdot \vec{b})\]

Solve for the dot product \(\vec{a} \cdot \vec{b}\):

\[2(\vec{a} \cdot \vec{b}) = 2 \Rightarrow \vec{a} \cdot \vec{b} = 0\]

This implies \(\vec{a}\) and \(\vec{b}\) are orthogonal.

From the relationship \(\vec{c} = -(\vec{a} + \vec{b})\):

  • Given that \(\vec{a}\) and \(\vec{b}\) are orthogonal, their sum \(\vec{a} + \vec{b}\) represents the diagonal of a square with sides of length 1.
  • The magnitude of \(\vec{a} + \vec{b}\) is determined by:

\[|\vec{a} + \vec{b}| = \sqrt{|\vec{a}|^2 + |\vec{b}|^2} = \sqrt{1^2 + 1^2} = \sqrt{2}\]

Therefore:

\[\vec{c} = -(\vec{a} + \vec{b})\]

The direction of \(\vec{c}\) is opposite to that of \(\vec{a} + \vec{b}\).

Since \(\vec{c}\) is in the opposite direction to \(\vec{a} + \vec{b}\), and \(\vec{b}\) is a component contributing to \(\vec{c}\), the angle between \(\vec{b}\) and \(\vec{c}\) is:

\[\theta = 180^\circ.\]

The resulting angle is:

\[180^\circ.\]

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