3D Geometry
Tetrahedron and Angles
Grade 12

Question:

<p>In a regular tetrahedron, let θ be the angle between any edge and a face not containing the edge. The value of \(\cos^2 θ\) is</p>
<p>(a) 1/6</p>
<p>(b) 1/9</p>
<p>(c) 1/3</p>
<p>(d) None of these</p>

Step-by-Step Solution

Key Concept: In a regular tetrahedron, the angle between an edge and the opposite face can be found using the geometry of the tetrahedron and the centroid of a face. The ratio GA/CA gives the sine of the angle to the normal, which relates to cos θ.
Let OABC be the regular tetrahedron. Let G be the centroid of the face OAB, then \(GA = \frac{1}{3}AC\). We have \(\cos θ = \frac{GA}{CA} = \frac{1}{3}\). Therefore, \(\cos^2 θ = \frac{1}{9} \times 3 = \frac{1}{3}\). ∴ Answer is (c) 1/3.
Correct Answer: C

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