If a vector 2i + 3j + 8k is perpendicular to the vector 4j - 4i + αk, then the…

If a vector $2\hat{i} + 3\hat{j} + 8\hat{k}$ is perpendicular to the vector $4\hat{j} - 4\hat{i} + \alpha\hat{k}$, then the value of $\alpha$ is
A $-1$
B $-\dfrac{1}{2}$
C $\dfrac{1}{2}$
D 1

Detailed Solution

Two vectors are perpendicular when their scalar (dot) product is zero.
$(2\hat{i} + 3\hat{j} + 8\hat{k})\cdot(-4\hat{i} + 4\hat{j} + \alpha\hat{k}) = 0$
$2 \times (-4) + 3 \times 4 + 8 \times \alpha = 0$
$-8 + 12 + 8\alpha = 0$
$8\alpha = -4$
$\alpha = -\dfrac{1}{2}$

Motion in a Plane in past papers

46 questions from this chapter have appeared across 17 exam years.

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Practise Motion in a Plane All 46 questions This chapter in 2005 AIPMT