If you get the answer, how do you know?

The softest and hardest minerals are: softest hardest

You are given a vector a = 125i and an unknown vector b that is perpendicular to a. the cross-product of these two vectors is a × b = 98k. what is the y-component of vector b?

Asolid cylinder and a cylindrical shell have the same mass, same radius, and turn on frictionless, horizontal axles. the cylindrical shell has light-weight spokes connecting the shell to the axle. a rope is wrapped around each cylinder and tied to blocks of equal masses that are held the same height above the ground. both blocks are released simultaneously. the ropes do not slip. which block hits the ground first? or is it a tie?