Find the unit vector perpendicular to a and b

In summary, to find the unit vector perpendicular to two given vectors a and b, you can use the vector (cross) product. First, find the resultant vector by taking the cross product of a and b. Then, divide the resultant vector by its magnitude to get the unit vector perpendicular to a and b. This method can be used in precalculus math and the properties of vector (cross) product should be known.
  • #1
anantchowdhary
372
0

Homework Statement


there are two vectors a and b

a=3i+2j+k
b=2i+j+2k

Find the unit vector perpendicular to a and b

Homework Equations



| A|^a=A

The Attempt at a Solution



I don't kno how to start
 
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  • #2
go to mathworld.com and find what it means to be a perpendicular vector to
2 other vectors.
 
  • #3
Well, calling the third vector c=(l,m,n), you should be able to find 3 equations. They will come from the facts that (i) a is perpendicular to c, (ii) b is perpendicular to c, and (iii) c is a unit vector.
 
  • #4
i tried to use the dot product and cross product but i still couldn't get the answer
 
  • #5
Well what did you try?
 
  • #6
anantchowdhary said:

Homework Statement


there are two vectors a and b

a=3i+2j+k
b=2i+j+2k

Find the unit vector perpendicular to a and b

Homework Equations



| A|^a=A

The Attempt at a Solution



I don't kno how to start
Do you know the properties of vector (cross) product ?
and this is precalculus math, not physics
 
  • #7
try using crossproduct,

a x b = resultant(r)
divide a x b by the magnitude of r,
u will get ur unit vector
 
  • #8
ya axb..will give us vector whose unit vector is required
 
  • #9
yea..thnx...gt the answer long ago! thnx nywyz

help much appreciated
 

1. What is a unit vector?

A unit vector is a vector with a magnitude of 1 and is often used to represent direction in a vector space.

2. How do I find the unit vector perpendicular to two given vectors?

To find the unit vector perpendicular to two given vectors, you can use the cross product. The resulting vector will be perpendicular to both original vectors and will have a magnitude of 1.

3. Can there be more than one unit vector perpendicular to a and b?

Yes, there can be more than one unit vector perpendicular to a and b. This is because the cross product will only give you one vector, but you can also use the dot product to find other unit vectors that are perpendicular to a and b.

4. Why is it important to find the unit vector perpendicular to two given vectors?

Finding the unit vector perpendicular to two given vectors is important because it allows you to represent the direction of one vector relative to the other. It is also useful in many mathematical and scientific applications, such as calculating torque and determining the orientation of objects in space.

5. Can the unit vector perpendicular to a and b be negative?

Yes, the unit vector perpendicular to a and b can have a negative direction. This is because the direction of a vector is defined by both its magnitude and its direction, and the unit vector only has a magnitude of 1.

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