Question:medium

Let \(\vec a,\vec b,\vec c\) be unit vectors such that \(\vec a\) is perpendicular to the plane containing \(\vec b\) and \(\vec c\), and angle between \(\vec b\) and \(\vec c\) is \(\frac{\pi}{3}\). Then \[ |\vec a+\vec b+\vec c|= \]

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If a vector is perpendicular to a plane, then it is perpendicular to every vector lying in that plane. Use dot product expansion to find magnitudes of sums of vectors.
Updated On: Jun 22, 2026
  • \(3\)
  • \(1\)
  • \(2\)
  • \(4\)
Show Solution

The Correct Option is C

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: State the given conditions.
$\vec{a}, \vec{b}, \vec{c}$ are unit vectors; $\vec{a}$ is perpendicular to the plane containing $\vec{b}$ and $\vec{c}$; angle between $\vec{b}$ and $\vec{c}$ is $\frac{\pi}{3}$.
Step 2: Use perpendicularity of $\vec{a}$.
Since $\vec{a}$ is perpendicular to the plane of $\vec{b}$ and $\vec{c}$, we have $\vec{a} \cdot \vec{b} = 0$ and $\vec{a} \cdot \vec{c} = 0$.
Step 3: Find $|\vec{a}+\vec{b}+\vec{c}|^2$.
$|\vec{a}+\vec{b}+\vec{c}|^2 = |\vec{a}|^2 + |\vec{b}|^2 + |\vec{c}|^2 + 2(\vec{a}\cdot\vec{b} + \vec{b}\cdot\vec{c} + \vec{a}\cdot\vec{c})$.
Step 4: Substitute known values.
$|\vec{a}|^2 = |\vec{b}|^2 = |\vec{c}|^2 = 1$ (unit vectors).
$\vec{a}\cdot\vec{b} = 0$, $\vec{a}\cdot\vec{c} = 0$ (perpendicularity).
$\vec{b}\cdot\vec{c} = |\vec{b}||\vec{c}|\cos\frac{\pi}{3} = 1 \cdot 1 \cdot \frac{1}{2} = \frac{1}{2}$.
Step 5: Calculate the magnitude squared.
$|\vec{a}+\vec{b}+\vec{c}|^2 = 1+1+1 + 2\left(0 + \frac{1}{2} + 0\right) = 3 + 1 = 4$.
Step 6: Find the magnitude.
$|\vec{a}+\vec{b}+\vec{c}| = \sqrt{4} = 2$. This is option (3).
\[ \boxed{2} \]
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