For three vectors $\vec u, \vec v, \vec w$ which of the following expressions is not equal to any of the remaining three?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 3
We have,
$\vec u.(\vec v×\vec w)=(\vec v×\vec w).\vec u$ [∵ Dot product is commutative]
So, expression in options (1) and (2) are equal.
Since the positions of dot and cross can be interchanged in scalar triple product. Therefore,
$(\vec u×\vec v).\vec w=\vec u.(\vec v×\vec w)$
So, expression in options (1) and (4) are equal.
But, $\vec v.(\vec u×\vec w) = (\vec u×\vec w). \vec v = \vec u. (\vec w×\vec v) = - \vec u. (\vec v×\vec w)$
Hence, expression in (3) is not equal to the remaining three.