Question:

If the resultant of two vectors is equal to either of vectors, the angle between them is

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Three equal vectors forming a triangle ($P, Q, R$) must have interior angles of $60^{\circ}$, but the angle between the vector directions is $180^{\circ} - 60^{\circ} = 120^{\circ}$.
  • $30^{0}$
  • $60^{0}$
  • $90^{0}$
  • $120^{0}$
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The Correct Option is D

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Concept
The magnitude of the resultant $R$ of two vectors $P$ and $Q$ is $R^{2} = P^{2} + Q^{2} + 2PQ \cos \theta$.

Step 2: Meaning

Given $P = Q = R$. Substituting these into the formula gives $P^{2} = P^{2} + P^{2} + 2P^{2} \cos \theta$.

Step 3: Analysis

$P^{2} = 2P^{2} + 2P^{2} \cos \theta \implies -P^{2} = 2P^{2} \cos \theta \implies \cos \theta = -1/2$.

Step 4: Conclusion

The angle whose cosine is $-1/2$ is $120^{\circ}$. Final Answer: (D)
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