Step 1: Understanding the Question:
A vector \( \vec{v} = 3\hat{i} \), initially lying along the positive x-axis, is rotated in the \( x-z \) plane through an angle \( \theta \) in the clockwise direction as seen by an observer looking down from the positive y-axis. We need to find the expression for the rotated vector.
Step 2: Key Formula or Approach:
For an observer situated at the positive y-axis looking down at the \( x-z \) plane:
- The positive x-axis (\( \hat{i} \)) points to the right.
- By the right-hand rule (\( \hat{i} \times \hat{j} = \hat{k} \)), the positive z-axis (\( \hat{k} \)) points out of the page towards the observer, which corresponds to the "down" direction on the floor.
- A clockwise rotation of the vector \( \vec{v} = 3\hat{i} \) (which initially points to the right) by an angle \( \theta \) rotates it towards the positive z-axis (downwards on the floor).
Step 3: Detailed Explanation:
Since the vector of magnitude 3 is rotated clockwise from the positive x-axis towards the positive z-axis:
- The component along the positive x-axis becomes:
\[ v_x = 3 \cos\theta \]
- The component along the positive z-axis becomes:
\[ v_z = 3 \sin\theta \]
Thus, the rotated vector \( \vec{v}' \) is given by:
\[ \vec{v}' = v_x \hat{i} + v_z \hat{k} = 3\cos\theta\hat{i} + 3\sin\theta\hat{k} \]
Step 4: Final Answer:
The rotated vector is \( 3\cos\theta\hat{i} + 3\sin\theta\hat{k} \), which corresponds to option (D).