What is Meant By The Triple Product of Vector
Vector Triple Product is a concept in vector algebra that involves taking the cross product of three vectors. To find its value, you calculate the cross product of one vector with the cross product of the other two vectors. The result is a new vector. When we simplify this process, we get the BAC-CAB identity.
To make sense of the vector triple product, let's break it down:
Cross Product: The cross product of two vectors, a × b, yields a vector perpendicular to both a and b with its magnitude representing the area of the parallelogram formed by the two vectors. This concept lays the foundation for understanding the triple product.
Double Cross: In the triple product, a × (b × c) involves performing the cross product twice. Imagine taking the first cross product, b × c, which generates a vector lying in the plane defined by b and c. Then, we perform the second cross product with a, effectively "projecting" this intermediate vector onto a plane perpendicular to a. This final result, the vector triple product, lies in the plane containing a and the original cross product b × c.
Important Formulas:
This cross-product generates a vector quantity as a result. After the simplification of the vector triple product, BAC – CAB identity name can be obtained from the result.
BAC - CAB Identity:
Let, \[\vec{a}, \vec{b}, \vec{c}\] are the three vectors. Their Vector triple product can be defined as the cross product of vector a with the cross product of the vectors \[\vec{b} and \vec{c}\]
Mathematically \[\vec{a}\times (\vec{b}\times \vec{c})\]
In this vector triple product \[\vec{a}\times (\vec{b}\times \vec{c})\]
The vectors \[\vec{b} and \vec{c}\] are being coplanar with the triple product.
The triple product is also perpendicular to \[\vec{a}\]
The mathematical form is: a × (b × c) = (a.c)b - (a.b)c
where a.b and a.c are the dot products of a with b and c, respectively. This provides a powerful alternative to directly calculating the triple product.
Do you Know About the Scalar Triple Product?
The definition for the scalar triple product can be explained as it is the dot product of one of the vectors with the cross product of the other two vectors. This is also termed as the box product or mixed product.
We can explain the scalar triple product geometrically
a. (b × c)
It is the volume of the parallelepiped distinct by the three vectors shown.
Here, the parentheses may be omitted without causing uncertainty, since the dot product cannot be estimated first.
If it were, it would leave the cross product of a scalar and a vector, which is not defined.
Vector Triple Product Diagram
$\vec{D} = \vec{B} \times \vec{C}$ Perpendicular to plane PQRS
Let D and A be in plane EFGH
EFGH is Perpendicular to PQRS
$\vec{U} = \vec{A} \times \vec{D} = \vec{A} \times (\vec{B} \times \vec{C}) $ is in the plane of $\vec{A} \times (\vec{B} \times \vec{C}) $ is in the plane of $\vec{B} $ and $ \vec{C}$
Vector Triple Product Proof
We need to prove that the vector triple product is the right result generated from the cross product of
\[\vec{a}, \vec{b} and \vec{c}\]
\[\vec{a}\times (\vec{b}\times \vec{c})\]
This product can be written as the linear combination of vectors \[\vec{a} and \vec{b}\]
The product can be written as \[(\vec{a}\times \vec{b})\times \vec{c}=x \vec{a} + y \vec{b}\]
\[\vec{c}.(\vec{a}\times \vec{b})\times \vec{c}=\vec{c}. (x\vec{a}+y\vec{b})\]
\[x.(\vec{c}.\vec{a}) + y.(\vec{c}.\vec{b})\]
\[x.(\vec{a}.\vec{c}) + y.(\vec{b}.\vec{c}=0\]
\[\frac{x}{\vec{b}.\vec{c}}=-\frac{y}{\vec{a}.\vec{c}}=\lambda \]
So, \[x = \lambda (\vec{b}.\vec{c})\] and \[y = \lambda (\vec{a}.\vec{c})\]
Now, we have \[(\vec{a}\times \vec{b}) \times \vec{c} = x \vec{a} + y \vec{b}\]......(1)
Let’s just substitute the value of x and y in the above equation (1)
\[(\vec{a} \times \vec{b}) \times \vec{c} = (\lambda \vec{b}. \vec{c}) \vec{a} + (-\lambda \vec{a}. \vec{c}) \vec{b} = (\lambda \vec{b}. \vec{c}) \vec{a}-(\lambda \vec{a}. \vec{c}) \vec{b}\]
The product is for each value of \[\vec{a},\vec{b} and \vec{c}\]
The reason is each of them has an identity.
Put \[\vec{a} = i, \vec{b} = j, \vec{c} = i\]
\[(i \times j) \times = (\lambda j . i) i - (\lambda i . i) j\]
\[j = - \lambda j\]
\[\lambda = -1\]
Therefore, \[(\vec{a} \times \vec{b}) \times \vec{c} = (\vec{a} . \vec{c}) \vec{b} - (\vec{b} . \vec{c}) \vec{a}\]
Vector Triple Product Examples
Let’s solve some vector triple product example problems.
Example – 1: There are three vectors known as \[\vec{a}, \vec{b} and \vec{c}\].
The magnitudes of these vectors are \[\left | \vec{a} \right |= 1, \left | \vec{b} \right |=2, \left | \vec{c} \right |=1\]
The equation is \[\vec{a} \times (\vec{a} \times \vec{b}) + \vec{c} = 0\].
Then, calculate the angle between \[\vec{a} and \vec{b}\].
Ans: Consider the angle between \[\vec{a} and \vec{b}\] = A
We know the relation that
\[\vec{a}.\vec{b} = \left | \vec{a} \right | \left | \vec{b} \right |cos A\]
\[= 12cos A\]
\[= 2\]
Also, \[\vec{a} \times (\vec{a} \times \vec{b}) + \vec{c} = 0\]
\[(\vec{a} . \vec{b}) \vec{a} - (\vec{a} . \vec{a}) \vec{b} + \vec{c} = 0\]
2cosA \[\vec{a} - \vec{b} + \vec{c} = 0\]
2cosA \[\vec{a} - \vec{b} = - \vec{c}\]
Lets just square both the sides
2cosA \[[\vec{a} - \vec{b}]^{2} = [-\vec{c}]^{2}\]
\[4cos^{2}A\left | \vec{a} \right |^{2} - 4cosA \vec{a} . \vec{b} + \left | \vec{b} \right |^{2} = \left | \vec{c} \right |^{2}\]
\[4cos^{2}A - 4cosA.2cosA + 4 = 1\]
\[4(1-A)=1\]
\[1=4sin^{2}A\]
Lets just apply square root on both sides, we get;
\[1= 2sin A\]
\[Sin A\frac{1}{2}\]
\[A = Sin^{-1}\frac{1}{2} = \frac{\pi}{6}\]
Example – 2 Let’s assume that the vectors \[\vec{a},\vec{b}, and \vec{c}\]
are coplanar. The question is to demonstrate that \[\vec{a} \times \vec{b}, \vec{a} \times \vec{c}, \vec{b} \times \vec{c}\]
are also coplanar.
Ans: As \[\vec{a}, \vec{b} and \vec{c}\]
are coplanar we can write them as
\[[\vec{a} \times \vec{b} \times \vec{c}]\]
\[[\vec{a} \times \vec{b} \times \vec{c}]=0\]
By squaring both the sides, we get,
\[[\vec{a} \times \vec{b} \times \vec{c}]^{2}=0\]
\[[(\vec{a} \times \vec{b})(\vec{b} \times \vec{c})(\vec{c} \times \vec{a})] = 0\]
After this result, it is proven that \[\vec{a}\times \vec{b}, \vec{a} \times \vec{c}, \vec{b} \times \vec{c}\] are also coplanar.
Example – 3: When both \[\vec{a} and \vec{c}\]
are collinear, then prove that \[(\vec{a} \times \vec{b}) \times \vec{c} = \vec{a} \times (\vec{b} \times \vec{c})\].
Ans: Now, we need to assume that
\[(\vec{a} \times \vec{b}) \times \vec{c} = \vec{a} \times (\vec{b} \times \vec{c})\]
\[\Rightarrow -\vec{c} \times (\vec{a} \times \vec{b}) = \vec{a} \times (\vec{b} \times \vec{c})\]
\[\Rightarrow (-\vec{c}.\vec{b}) \vec{a} - (-\vec{c}.\vec{a}) \vec{b} = (\vec{a} - \vec{c}) \vec{b} - (\vec{a} . \vec{b}) \vec{c}\]
\[\Rightarrow (\vec{b} . \vec{c}) \vec{a} = (\vec{a} . \vec{b}) \vec{c}\]
\[\Rightarrow \vec{a} = (\frac{ \vec{a}.\vec{b}}{\vec{b}.\vec{c}}) \vec{c}\]
\[\Rightarrow \vec{a} = \lambda \vec{c}\]
Here, \[\lambda \epsilon R\]
Vector Triple Product Formula
The vector triple product formula can be written as:
\[\vec{a} \times (\vec{b} \times \vec{c}) = (\vec{a}.\vec{c}) \vec{b} - (\vec{a}.\vec{b}) \vec{c} (\vec{a} \times \vec{b}) \times \vec{c} = (\vec{a}.\vec{c}) \vec{b} - (\vec{b}.\vec{c}) \vec{a}\]
Here, \[\vec{a} \times (\vec{b} \times \vec{c}) \neq (\vec{a} \times \vec{b}) \times \vec{c}\]
Vector Triple Product Properties
Let’s assume that there are three vectors such as a, b, c. The cross-product of the vectors such as a × (b × c) and (a × b) × c is known as the vector triple product of a, b, c.
Therefore, it can be written as, a × (b × c) = (a. c) b − (a. b) c
The vector triple product a × (b × c) is a linear combination of those two vectors which are within brackets.
The ‘r’ vector r=a×(b×c) is perpendicular to a vector and remains in the b and c plane.
The expression for the vector r = a1 + λb is factual only when the vector lies external to the bracket is on the leftmost side.
When ‘r’ is not found as mentioned in the above theory, we first change it to the left via the properties of the cross-product and then put on the exact expression.
Therefore, (b × c) × a
= − {a × (b × c)}
= − {(a. c) b − (a. b) c}
= (a. b) c − (a. c) b
Vector triple product is recognized as a vector quantity.
a × (b × c) ≠ (a × b) × c
Example 5: Let a x b=c, b x c=a, and a, b, c be the moduli of the vectors a, b, c, then find a and b.
Solution: a = b × c and a × b = c
∴ a is perpendicular to b and c, and c is perpendicular to a and b.
a, b, and c are perpendicular to each other
Now, a = b × c = b × (a × b) = (b . b) a − (b . a) b or
a =b2 a − (b.a) b= b2 a, {because a⊥b}
⇒1= b,
Therefore, \[c = a × b = ab sin90^{0}ń\]
Taking the moduli of both sides, c = ab, but b = 1 ⇒ c = a.
Example 6: Given these simultaneous equations for two vectors x and y.
x + y = a …..(i)
x × y = b …..(ii)
x . a = 1 …..(iii)
Find the values of x and y.
Solution: By multiplying (i) scalarly by a, we get
a . x + a . y = a2
∴ a . y = a2 − 1 ..(iv),
{By (iii)} Again a × (x × y) = a × b or (a . y) x − (a . x) y = a × b
(a2 − 1) x − y = a × b ..(v),
Adding and subtracting (i) and (v),
we get x = [a + (a × b)] / [a2] and y = a − x
Use of Vector Triple Product
The vector triple product isn't just a mathematical curiosity; it finds practical applications in various fields:
Classical Mechanics: It helps calculate the torque acting on a rigid body and analyse the motion of charged particles in magnetic fields.
Electromagnetism: It comes in handy when dealing with electromagnetic fields and their interactions with matter.
Crystallography: It plays a crucial role in understanding the arrangement of atoms in crystals and predicting their properties.
Conclusion
The Vector Triple Product is a concept in mathematics and physics that involves the cross-product of three vectors. It is a useful tool in understanding the relationships between vectors in three-dimensional space. In simple terms, it helps us find a new vector by combining the cross product of two vectors with a third vector. This concept is essential in various fields, including engineering and physics, where understanding the direction and orientation of vectors is crucial. While it may seem complex at first, mastering the Vector Triple Product is valuable for solving problems and gaining insights into the geometry of vector spaces.
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FAQs on JEE Main Maths Vector Triple Product
1. How are vectors used in real life?
Real-life applications of vectors include situations involving force and velocity. Let's consider, for example, the forces that act on a boat crossing a river. The boat motor generates one force, and river currents create another. Both forces can be described as vectors.
2. Are you able to multiply three vectors?
One particularly useful product of three vectors is a.(b x c) = det(a b c), where the dot indicates the scalar product and the column vectors represent a, b, and c. This determinant represents the volume of a parallelepiped drawn by the three vectors.
3. What are the results of the vector triple product?
The triple product of a vector can be computed by calculating the cross product of the vector with the cross product of the two other vectors. In turn, it produces a vector. If we simplify the vector triple product, then it gives us BAC - CAB identity.
4. How to calculate the product of two Vectors?
There are two ways of multiplying vectors which can be explained as the vector product and the scalar product. The vector product has a huge application in physics and astronomy.
The product of two vectors implies a vector that is perpendicular to each other. The result can be acquired by its magnitude i.e., by the product of their magnitudes by the sine of the angle in between these vectors.
5. Proof that cross product is distributive over subtraction.
There is a best and quite easy way to prove that cross product is distributive over the subtraction of two vectors.
It can also be completed by negating the components of either vector. Therefore, the cross-product is distributive over subtraction.
6. What is the result of a Cross-product; Scalar or Vector?
The first one is known as the dot product. This kind of product is a scalar product. The outcome of the dot product of two vectors is also a scalar quantity.
Another kind of product is known as the cross product. It is a vector product as it generates another vector instead of a scalar.
7. What do you mean by a Position Vector?
A position vector can be defined as a straight line having one end fixed to a body, and the other end fixed with a moving point.
A point vector is used to define the location of the point compared to the body.
8. What is meant by triple product of vector?
The triple product of vectors refers to a mathematical operation involving three vectors. It is either the scalar triple product or the vector triple product. The scalar triple product gives a scalar value, while the vector triple product results in another vector. It is widely used in geometry and physics.
9. What is a vector triple product?
Vector triple product involves the cross product of one vector with the cross product of two other vectors. It is written as $\vec{A} \times (\vec{B} \times \vec{C})$. This operation expands using specific rules to form a combination of vectors. It helps find relationships between vectors in a plane.
10. What is the vector triple product formula?
The vector triple product formula is given as $\vec{A} \times (\vec{B} \times \vec{C}) = (\vec{A} \cdot \vec{C}) \vec{B} - (\vec{A} \cdot \vec{B}) \vec{C}$. This formula simplifies calculations and shows that the result lies in the plane of $\vec{B}$ and $\vec{C}$. It is useful in various mathematical applications.
11. What are the vector triple product properties?
The main properties of the vector triple product include:
The result lies in the plane of the second and third vectors.
It is not associative, meaning $(\vec{A} \times \vec{B}) \times \vec{C} \neq \vec{A} \times (\vec{B} \times \vec{C})$.
It follows the vector triple product formula for simplification.
12. How is a vector triple product diagram useful?
A vector triple product diagram visually represents the geometric relationship between the vectors involved. It helps understand the direction and plane of the resulting vector. These diagrams often aid in solving physics and engineering problems. They simplify the visualisation of complex vector operations.
13. Can you give a vector triple product example?
Suppose $\vec{A} = \hat{i}$, $\vec{B} = \hat{j}$, and $\vec{C} = \hat{k}$. Using the formula $\vec{A} \times (\vec{B} \times \vec{C})$, we get $(\vec{A} \cdot \vec{C})\vec{B} - (\vec{A} \cdot \vec{B})\vec{C}$. Simplifying this, the result is $\vec{j}$, showing the final vector lies in the $\vec{B}$-$\vec{C}$ plane.
14. What is the use of vector triple product?
The vector triple product is used in physics to solve force problems, like torque and angular momentum. It also helps in geometry to find projections or verify vector coplanarity. Additionally, it simplifies mathematical expressions involving multiple cross-products.
15. How do you find the vector triple product proof?
The proof of the vector triple product is derived by expanding $\vec{A} \times (\vec{B} \times \vec{C})$. Using distributive and scalar properties, it simplifies to $(\vec{A} \cdot \vec{C})\vec{B} - (\vec{A} \cdot \vec{B})\vec{C}$. This proves the result lies in the plane of $\vec{B}$ and $\vec{C}$.
16. Can you explain the vector triple product derivation?
The derivation begins with $\vec{A} \times (\vec{B} \times \vec{C})$ and uses distributive rules for the cross product. By expressing the cross product in terms of components, the terms rearrange into the formula $(\vec{A} \cdot \vec{C})\vec{B} - (\vec{A} \cdot \vec{B})\vec{C}$This establishes the formula.
17. How is the vector triple product formula applied?
The vector triple product formula is applied in physics to solve torque and rotational problems. It is also used in geometry to test the coplanarity of vectors or resolve forces. Its applications simplify complex vector operations involving multiple cross-products.
