Edexcel M2 2019 January — Question 6 11 marks

Exam BoardEdexcel
ModuleM2 (Mechanics 2)
Year2019
SessionJanuary
Marks11
PaperDownload PDF ↗
Mark schemeDownload PDF ↗
TopicMoments
TypeRod on peg or cylinder
DifficultyStandard +0.8 This is a challenging M2 equilibrium problem requiring resolution of forces in two directions, taking moments about a strategic point, and applying limiting friction at two contact points simultaneously. The geometry with the pole contact and the need to find both normal reaction and coefficient of friction requires careful systematic work across multiple equations, making it harder than standard single-contact equilibrium problems.
Spec3.03u Static equilibrium: on rough surfaces3.04a Calculate moments: about a point3.04b Equilibrium: zero resultant moment and force

6. \begin{figure}[h]
\includegraphics[alt={},max width=\textwidth]{b4065fe1-55fa-4a01-8ae2-006e0d529c50-16_449_974_237_445} \captionsetup{labelformat=empty} \caption{Figure 2}
\end{figure} A plank \(A B\) rests in equilibrium against a fixed horizontal pole. The plank has length 4 m and weight 20 N and rests on the pole at \(C\), where \(A C = 2.5 \mathrm {~m}\). The end \(A\) of the plank rests on rough horizontal ground and \(A B\) makes an angle \(\theta\) with the ground, as shown in
Figure 2. The coefficient of friction between the plank and the ground is \(\frac { 1 } { 4 }\).
The plank is modelled as a uniform rod and the pole as a rough horizontal peg that is perpendicular to the vertical plane containing \(A B\). Given that \(\cos \theta = \frac { 4 } { 5 }\) and that the friction is limiting at both \(A\) and \(C\),
  1. find the magnitude of the normal reaction on the plank at \(C\),
  2. find the coefficient of friction between the plank and the pole.

Question 6 (Alternative - combining parts):
AnswerMarks Guidance
WorkingMark Notes
Moments about \(C\): \(20 \times 0.5\cos\theta + F \times 2.5\sin\theta = R \times 2.5\cos\theta\)M1 From (b). Dimensionally correct. Condone sin/cos confusion and sign errors
Use \(F = \frac{1}{4}R\)B1 From (b)
\(R = \frac{64}{13}\), \((R = 4.92...)\)A1 From (b)
Resolve perpendicular to rod: \(N + R\cos\theta = \mu R\sin\theta + W\cos\theta\)M1 *From (a)
\(N + R\cos\theta = \mu R\sin\theta + W\cos\theta\)A1 From (a). Correct unsimplified equation
\(N = 12.8\) (N)A1 From (a)
Resolve parallel rod: \(P + F\cos\theta + R\sin\theta = 20\sin\theta \, (= 12)\)M1 A1 Correct unsimplified equation
\(P = 12 - \frac{R}{4} \times \frac{4}{5} - R \times \frac{3}{5} = 12 - \frac{4}{5}R = 8.06...\)DM1 Dependent on preceding 2 M marks
Solve for \(\mu\): \(P = \mu N\), \(\mu = 0.630\) (0.63)DM1 A1 *Could use an alternative pair of resolutions
Total: [11]
Question 7a:
AnswerMarks Guidance
WorkingMark Notes
CLM (taking initial direction of \(P\) to be +ve): \(3m \times u - 2m \times 2u = 3mv + 2mw \, (= -mu)\)M1 A1 All terms needed. Dimensionally correct. Condone sign error(s). Correct unsimplified equation
Negative total \(\Rightarrow v < 0\) and \(w < 0\), or \(v < 0\) and \(w > 0\); because \(w < 0\) and \(v > 0\) is impossible, therefore \(v < 0\) — \(P\) has changed direction. Given answerA1 Alt: solve CLM & impact equation for \(v\left(= -\frac{u}{5}(1+6e)\right)\) and use range of possible values for \(e\) to justify given answer
Total: (3)
Question 7b:
AnswerMarks Guidance
WorkingMark Notes
Impact law: \(w - v = e(u + 2u) = 3eu\)M1 A1 Used correctly. Correct unsimplified equation. Signs consistent with CLM equation. Allow M1A1 if seen in (a) and used in (b)
Solve for \(kw\): \(v = w - 3eu \Rightarrow 3(w - 3eu) + 2w = -u\), \(5w = 9eu - u\)DM1 Dependent on preceding M1
Correct inequality for their \(w\): \(w > 0 \Rightarrow 9eu - u > 0\)DM1 Form inequality in \(e\). Dependent on preceding M1
\((1 \geq) \; e > \frac{1}{9}\)A1 Allow if upper limit not stated. A0 if upper limit incorrect. Condone \(1 > e\)
Total: (5)
Question 7c:
AnswerMarks Guidance
WorkingMark Notes
\(v\) and \(w\) in terms of \(u\): \(5w = \frac{9}{2}u - u = \frac{7}{2}u\), \(w = \frac{7}{10}u\)M1 Solve for \(v\) or \(w\)
\(v = w - \frac{3}{2}u = -\frac{8}{10}u\)A1 Both values correct
Loss in KEM1 Accept change in KE. Must be using two different masses (\(3m\) and \(2m\))
\(= \frac{1}{2} \times 3m \times (u^2 - v^2) + \frac{1}{2} \times 2m \times (4u^2 - w^2)\)A1ft Follow their \(v\), \(w\). Correct unsimplified equation
\(= \frac{3}{2}mu^2(1 - 0.64) + mu^2(4 - 0.49) = 4.05mu^2\)A1 \(\left(\frac{81}{20}mu^2 \text{ or equivalent}\right)\)
Total: (5) [13]
Question 8a:
AnswerMarks Guidance
WorkingMark Notes
Change in KE: \(\frac{1}{2} \times 3 \times (15^2 - 10^2) \, (= 187.5)\) (J)B1 One term correct unsimplified
Gain in GPE: \(3g \times 6\sin 20 \, (= 60.3...)\) (J)B1 Two terms correct unsimplified
Work done against friction: \(6F\)B1 All three terms correct unsimplified
Work-energy: \(187.5 = 6F + 18g\sin 20\)M1 A1 Dimensionally correct. All terms needed. Condone sign errors and sin/cos confusion. Correct unsimplified equation
\(F = 21.2\) (21)A1
Total: (6)
Question 8b:
AnswerMarks Guidance
WorkingMark Notes
Energy: \(\frac{1}{2} \times 3 \times 100 + 3 \times 9.8 \times 6\sin 20 = \frac{1}{2} \times 3 \times w^2\)M1 A1 Dimensionally correct. All terms needed. Condone sign errors and sin/cos confusion. Correct unsimplified equation
\(w = 11.8\) (12) (m s\(^{-1}\))A1
Direction: \(\cos\alpha = \frac{10\cos 20}{11.84...}\)M1 Use trig to find a relevant angle
\(37.5°\) (\(37°\)) below the horizontalA1
Total: (5)
Question 8b (Alternative):
AnswerMarks Guidance
WorkingMark Notes
Find components and use Pythagoras: \(w = \sqrt{(10\sin 20)^2 + 12g\sin 20 + (10\cos 20)^2}\)M1 A1 Condone sign errors and sin/cos confusion. Correct unsimplified equation \((v_x = 9.396..., \; v_y = 7.205...)\)
\(w = 11.8\) (12) (m s\(^{-1}\))A1
Direction: \(\tan\alpha = \frac{\sqrt{(10\sin 20)^2 + 12g\sin 20}}{10\cos 20}\)M1 Use trig to find a relevant angle
\(37.5°\) (\(37°\)) below the horizontalA1
Total: (5)
Question 8c:
Method 1 (suvat):
AnswerMarks Guidance
Use suvat to find height above \(B\)M1 Complete method
\((10\sin 20)^2 = 2g \times s \quad (s = 0.5968....)\)A1 Correct unsimplified equation in \(s\)
Total height \(= s + 6\sin 20\)DM1 Dependent on the preceding M1
\(= 2.65\ (2.6)\) (m)A1
(4)
Method 2 (alt - vertical component):
AnswerMarks Guidance
Vertical component of \(w\) (by trig or Pythagoras)M1
\(= 7.205..\)A1
Max ht \(= \dfrac{v^2}{2g}\)DM1 Dependent on the preceding M1
\(= \dfrac{7.205^2}{19.6} = 2.65\)A1
(4)
Method 3 (alt - conservation of energy):
AnswerMarks Guidance
Conservation of energy:M1 Using speed at max ht \(= 10\cos 20°\), need all terms, condone sign error
\(\dfrac{1}{2} \times 3 \times (10\cos 20°)^2 + 3gh = \dfrac{1}{2} \times 3w^2\)A1 Correct unsimplified equation
\(h = \dfrac{w^2 - 100\cos^2 20°}{2g}\)DM1 Substitute for \(w\) and solve for \(h\), dependent on the preceding M1
\(= 2.65\ (2.6)\) (m)A1
(4)
[15]
# Question 6 (Alternative - combining parts):

| Working | Mark | Notes |
|---------|------|-------|
| Moments about $C$: $20 \times 0.5\cos\theta + F \times 2.5\sin\theta = R \times 2.5\cos\theta$ | M1 | From (b). Dimensionally correct. Condone sin/cos confusion and sign errors |
| Use $F = \frac{1}{4}R$ | B1 | From (b) |
| $R = \frac{64}{13}$, $(R = 4.92...)$ | A1 | From (b) |
| Resolve perpendicular to rod: $N + R\cos\theta = \mu R\sin\theta + W\cos\theta$ | M1 | *From (a) |
| $N + R\cos\theta = \mu R\sin\theta + W\cos\theta$ | A1 | From (a). Correct unsimplified equation |
| $N = 12.8$ (N) | A1 | From (a) |
| Resolve parallel rod: $P + F\cos\theta + R\sin\theta = 20\sin\theta \, (= 12)$ | M1 A1 | Correct unsimplified equation |
| $P = 12 - \frac{R}{4} \times \frac{4}{5} - R \times \frac{3}{5} = 12 - \frac{4}{5}R = 8.06...$ | DM1 | Dependent on preceding 2 M marks |
| Solve for $\mu$: $P = \mu N$, $\mu = 0.630$ (0.63) | DM1 A1 | *Could use an alternative pair of resolutions |

**Total: [11]**

---

# Question 7a:

| Working | Mark | Notes |
|---------|------|-------|
| CLM (taking initial direction of $P$ to be +ve): $3m \times u - 2m \times 2u = 3mv + 2mw \, (= -mu)$ | M1 A1 | All terms needed. Dimensionally correct. Condone sign error(s). Correct unsimplified equation |
| Negative total $\Rightarrow v < 0$ and $w < 0$, or $v < 0$ and $w > 0$; because $w < 0$ and $v > 0$ is impossible, therefore $v < 0$ — $P$ has changed direction. **Given answer** | A1 | Alt: solve CLM & impact equation for $v\left(= -\frac{u}{5}(1+6e)\right)$ and use range of possible values for $e$ to justify given answer |

**Total: (3)**

---

# Question 7b:

| Working | Mark | Notes |
|---------|------|-------|
| Impact law: $w - v = e(u + 2u) = 3eu$ | M1 A1 | Used correctly. Correct unsimplified equation. Signs consistent with CLM equation. Allow M1A1 if seen in (a) and used in (b) |
| Solve for $kw$: $v = w - 3eu \Rightarrow 3(w - 3eu) + 2w = -u$, $5w = 9eu - u$ | DM1 | Dependent on preceding M1 |
| Correct inequality for their $w$: $w > 0 \Rightarrow 9eu - u > 0$ | DM1 | Form inequality in $e$. Dependent on preceding M1 |
| $(1 \geq) \; e > \frac{1}{9}$ | A1 | Allow if upper limit not stated. A0 if upper limit incorrect. Condone $1 > e$ |

**Total: (5)**

---

# Question 7c:

| Working | Mark | Notes |
|---------|------|-------|
| $v$ and $w$ in terms of $u$: $5w = \frac{9}{2}u - u = \frac{7}{2}u$, $w = \frac{7}{10}u$ | M1 | Solve for $v$ or $w$ |
| $v = w - \frac{3}{2}u = -\frac{8}{10}u$ | A1 | Both values correct |
| Loss in KE | M1 | Accept change in KE. Must be using two different masses ($3m$ and $2m$) |
| $= \frac{1}{2} \times 3m \times (u^2 - v^2) + \frac{1}{2} \times 2m \times (4u^2 - w^2)$ | A1ft | Follow their $v$, $w$. Correct unsimplified equation |
| $= \frac{3}{2}mu^2(1 - 0.64) + mu^2(4 - 0.49) = 4.05mu^2$ | A1 | $\left(\frac{81}{20}mu^2 \text{ or equivalent}\right)$ |

**Total: (5) [13]**

---

# Question 8a:

| Working | Mark | Notes |
|---------|------|-------|
| Change in KE: $\frac{1}{2} \times 3 \times (15^2 - 10^2) \, (= 187.5)$ (J) | B1 | One term correct unsimplified |
| Gain in GPE: $3g \times 6\sin 20 \, (= 60.3...)$ (J) | B1 | Two terms correct unsimplified |
| Work done against friction: $6F$ | B1 | All three terms correct unsimplified |
| Work-energy: $187.5 = 6F + 18g\sin 20$ | M1 A1 | Dimensionally correct. All terms needed. Condone sign errors and sin/cos confusion. Correct unsimplified equation |
| $F = 21.2$ (21) | A1 | |

**Total: (6)**

---

# Question 8b:

| Working | Mark | Notes |
|---------|------|-------|
| Energy: $\frac{1}{2} \times 3 \times 100 + 3 \times 9.8 \times 6\sin 20 = \frac{1}{2} \times 3 \times w^2$ | M1 A1 | Dimensionally correct. All terms needed. Condone sign errors and sin/cos confusion. Correct unsimplified equation |
| $w = 11.8$ (12) (m s$^{-1}$) | A1 | |
| Direction: $\cos\alpha = \frac{10\cos 20}{11.84...}$ | M1 | Use trig to find a relevant angle |
| $37.5°$ ($37°$) below the horizontal | A1 | |

**Total: (5)**

---

# Question 8b (Alternative):

| Working | Mark | Notes |
|---------|------|-------|
| Find components and use Pythagoras: $w = \sqrt{(10\sin 20)^2 + 12g\sin 20 + (10\cos 20)^2}$ | M1 A1 | Condone sign errors and sin/cos confusion. Correct unsimplified equation $(v_x = 9.396..., \; v_y = 7.205...)$ |
| $w = 11.8$ (12) (m s$^{-1}$) | A1 | |
| Direction: $\tan\alpha = \frac{\sqrt{(10\sin 20)^2 + 12g\sin 20}}{10\cos 20}$ | M1 | Use trig to find a relevant angle |
| $37.5°$ ($37°$) below the horizontal | A1 | |

**Total: (5)**

## Question 8c:

**Method 1 (suvat):**

Use suvat to find height above $B$ | M1 | Complete method

$(10\sin 20)^2 = 2g \times s \quad (s = 0.5968....)$ | A1 | Correct unsimplified equation in $s$

Total height $= s + 6\sin 20$ | DM1 | Dependent on the preceding M1

$= 2.65\ (2.6)$ (m) | A1 |

**(4)**

---

**Method 2 (alt - vertical component):**

Vertical component of $w$ (by trig or Pythagoras) | M1 |

$= 7.205..$ | A1 |

Max ht $= \dfrac{v^2}{2g}$ | DM1 | Dependent on the preceding M1

$= \dfrac{7.205^2}{19.6} = 2.65$ | A1 |

**(4)**

---

**Method 3 (alt - conservation of energy):**

Conservation of energy: | M1 | Using speed at max ht $= 10\cos 20°$, need all terms, condone sign error

$\dfrac{1}{2} \times 3 \times (10\cos 20°)^2 + 3gh = \dfrac{1}{2} \times 3w^2$ | A1 | Correct unsimplified equation

$h = \dfrac{w^2 - 100\cos^2 20°}{2g}$ | DM1 | Substitute for $w$ and solve for $h$, dependent on the preceding M1

$= 2.65\ (2.6)$ (m) | A1 |

**(4)**

**[15]**
6.

\begin{figure}[h]
\begin{center}
  \includegraphics[alt={},max width=\textwidth]{b4065fe1-55fa-4a01-8ae2-006e0d529c50-16_449_974_237_445}
\captionsetup{labelformat=empty}
\caption{Figure 2}
\end{center}
\end{figure}

A plank $A B$ rests in equilibrium against a fixed horizontal pole. The plank has length 4 m and weight 20 N and rests on the pole at $C$, where $A C = 2.5 \mathrm {~m}$. The end $A$ of the plank rests on rough horizontal ground and $A B$ makes an angle $\theta$ with the ground, as shown in\\
Figure 2. The coefficient of friction between the plank and the ground is $\frac { 1 } { 4 }$.\\
The plank is modelled as a uniform rod and the pole as a rough horizontal peg that is perpendicular to the vertical plane containing $A B$.

Given that $\cos \theta = \frac { 4 } { 5 }$ and that the friction is limiting at both $A$ and $C$,
\begin{enumerate}[label=(\alph*)]
\item find the magnitude of the normal reaction on the plank at $C$,
\item find the coefficient of friction between the plank and the pole.
\end{enumerate}

\hfill \mbox{\textit{Edexcel M2 2019 Q6 [11]}}