Class CBSE Class 12 Mathematics Vector Algebra Q #567
KNOWLEDGE BASED
APPLY
1 Marks 2025 AISSCE(Board Exam) MCQ SINGLE
Let \(\vec{p}\) and \(\vec{q}\) be two unit vectors and \(\alpha\) be the angle between them. Then \((\vec{p}+\vec{q})\) will be a unit vector for what value of \(\alpha\)?
(A) \(\frac{\pi}{4}\)
(B) \(\frac{\pi}{3}\)
(C) \(\frac{\pi}{2}\)
(D) \(\frac{2\pi}{3}\)
Correct Answer: D
Explanation
\(\frac{2\pi}{3}\)

AI Tutor Explanation

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Step-by-Step Solution

  1. Given that \(\vec{p}\) and \(\vec{q}\) are unit vectors, we have \(|\vec{p}| = 1\) and \(|\vec{q}| = 1\).

  2. We are given that \((\vec{p} + \vec{q})\) is a unit vector. Therefore, \(|\vec{p} + \vec{q}| = 1\).

  3. We know that \(|\vec{p} + \vec{q}|^2 = (\vec{p} + \vec{q}) \cdot (\vec{p} + \vec{q}) = |\vec{p}|^2 + 2(\vec{p} \cdot \vec{q}) + |\vec{q}|^2\).

  4. Since \(|\vec{p} + \vec{q}| = 1\), we have \(|\vec{p} + \vec{q}|^2 = 1^2 = 1\).

  5. Also, \(\vec{p} \cdot \vec{q} = |\vec{p}| |\vec{q}| \cos{\alpha} = (1)(1) \cos{\alpha} = \cos{\alpha}\).

  6. Substituting the values, we get \(1 = 1^2 + 2\cos{\alpha} + 1^2\), which simplifies to \(1 = 1 + 2\cos{\alpha} + 1\).

  7. This gives us \(2\cos{\alpha} = -1\), so \(\cos{\alpha} = -\frac{1}{2}\).

  8. The angle \(\alpha\) for which \(\cos{\alpha} = -\frac{1}{2}\) is \(\alpha = \frac{2\pi}{3}\).

Correct Answer: \(\frac{2\pi}{3}\)

AI Suggestion: Option D

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Pedagogical Audit
Bloom's Analysis: This is an APPLY question because the student needs to apply the concepts of vectors and unit vectors to solve the problem. They need to use the formula for the magnitude of the sum of two vectors.
Knowledge Dimension: PROCEDURAL
Justification: The question requires the student to follow a specific procedure to find the angle, involving the magnitude of the sum of two vectors and solving the resulting equation.
Syllabus Audit: In the context of CBSE Class 12, this is classified as KNOWLEDGE. The question directly tests the student's understanding and application of vector algebra concepts as covered in the textbook.