1.

Define unit vector and give its physical significance.

Answer»

Unit vector: A vector having unit magnitude in a given direction is called a unit vector in that direction.

If \(\overset\rightarrow{p}\) is a non zero vector (P ≠ 0) then the unit vector \(\hat{u}_p=\frac{\overset\rightarrow{P}}{P}\)

∴ \(\overset\rightarrow{p}=\hat{u}_p\,P\)

Significance of unit vector:

i. The unit vector gives the direction of a given vector.

ii. Unit vector along X, Y and Z direction of a rectangular (three dimensional) coordinate is represented by \(\hat{i}\)\(\hat{j}\) and \(\hat{K}\) respectively Such that \(\hat{u}_x=\hat{i}\)\(\hat{u}_y=\hat{j}\) and \(\hat{u}_z=\hat{K}\)

This gives \(\hat{i}=\frac{\overset\rightarrow{X}}{X}\)\(\hat{j}=\frac{\overset\rightarrow{Y}}{X}\) and \(\hat{K}=\frac{\overset\rightarrow{Z}}{Z}\)



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