Question:medium

The point of intersection of \(\vec{r}\times\vec{a}=\vec{b}\times\vec{a}\) and \(\vec{r}\times\vec{b}=\vec{a}\times\vec{b}\), where \(\vec{a}=\hat{i}+\hat{j}\) and \(\vec{b}=2\hat{i}-\hat{k}\) is:

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Whenever you see a system of symmetric cross product equations like $\vec{r}\times\vec{a}=\vec{b}\times\vec{a}$ and $\vec{r}\times\vec{b}=\vec{a}\times\vec{b}$, the intersection point is always simply the vector sum of the two constant baseline vectors: $\vec{r} = \vec{a} + \vec{b}$.
Updated On: May 28, 2026
  • $3\hat{i}+2\hat{j}+\hat{k}$
  • $\hat{i}-\hat{j}-\hat{k}$
  • $4\hat{i}+2\hat{j}-\hat{k}$
  • $3\hat{i}+\hat{j}-\hat{k}$
Show Solution

The Correct Option is D

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
This problem involves vector equations of lines in 3D space. The cross product equations \( (\vec{r} - \vec{b}) \times \vec{a} = 0 \) and \( (\vec{r} - \vec{a}) \times \vec{b} = 0 \) indicate that the vector \( (\vec{r} - \vec{b}) \) is collinear with \( \vec{a} \) and the vector \( (\vec{r} - \vec{a}) \) is collinear with \( \vec{b} \). This allows us to write the position vector \( \vec{r} \) in parametric form for both equations and find their unique point of intersection.
Step 2: Key Formula or Approach:
1. For \( \vec{r} \times \vec{a} = \vec{b} \times \vec{a} \), rewrite as \( (\vec{r} - \vec{b}) \times \vec{a} = 0 \). This means \( \vec{r} - \vec{b} = \lambda \vec{a} \).
2. For \( \vec{r} \times \vec{b} = \vec{a} \times \vec{b} \), rewrite as \( (\vec{r} - \vec{a}) \times \vec{b} = 0 \). This means \( \vec{r} - \vec{a} = \mu \vec{b} \).
3. Solve the system \( \vec{b} + \lambda \vec{a} = \vec{a} + \mu \vec{b} \).
Step 3: Detailed Explanation:
From the first equation: \[ \vec{r} = \vec{b} + \lambda \vec{a} \] From the second equation: \[ \vec{r} = \vec{a} + \mu \vec{b} \] Equating the two expressions for \( \vec{r} \): \[ \vec{b} + \lambda \vec{a} = \vec{a} + \mu \vec{b} \] \[ \lambda \vec{a} - \mu \vec{b} = \vec{a} - \vec{b} \] \[ (\lambda - 1) \vec{a} + (1 - \mu) \vec{b} = 0 \] Since \( \vec{a} \) and \( \vec{b} \) are non-collinear vectors (\( \hat{i} + \hat{j} \) and \( 2\hat{i} - \hat{k} \) are not multiples of each other), the only way their linear combination is zero is if the coefficients are zero: \[ \lambda - 1 = 0 \implies \lambda = 1 \] \[ 1 - \mu = 0 \implies \mu = 1 \] Now, substitute \( \lambda = 1 \) back into the first equation: \[ \vec{r} = \vec{b} + (1)\vec{a} = \vec{a} + \vec{b} \] Given \( \vec{a} = \hat{i} + \hat{j} \) and \( \vec{b} = 2\hat{i} - \hat{k} \): \[ \vec{r} = (\hat{i} + \hat{j}) + (2\hat{i} - \hat{k}) = 3\hat{i} + \hat{j} - \hat{k} \] Step 4: Final Answer:
The point of intersection is \( 3\hat{i} + \hat{j} - \hat{k} \), which matches option (D).
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