Edexcel M1 2009 January — Question 4 13 marks

Exam BoardEdexcel
ModuleM1 (Mechanics 1)
Year2009
SessionJanuary
Marks13
PaperDownload PDF ↗
Mark schemeDownload PDF ↗
TopicMoments
TypeRange of equilibrium positions
DifficultyStandard +0.3 This is a standard M1 moments problem requiring taking moments about two points and solving simultaneous equations. Part (a) is routine application of equilibrium conditions, while part (b) adds a constraint (one reaction is twice the other) requiring algebraic manipulation. The setup is clear, all forces are vertical, and the method is well-practiced in M1 courses—slightly easier than average due to its straightforward structure.
Spec3.04a Calculate moments: about a point3.04b Equilibrium: zero resultant moment and force6.04b Find centre of mass: using symmetry6.04c Composite bodies: centre of mass

4. \begin{figure}[h]
\includegraphics[alt={},max width=\textwidth]{86bb11a4-b409-49b1-bffb-d0e3727d345c-05_349_869_303_532} \captionsetup{labelformat=empty} \caption{Figure 1}
\end{figure} A bench consists of a plank which is resting in a horizontal position on two thin vertical legs. The plank is modelled as a uniform rod \(P S\) of length 2.4 m and mass 20 kg . The legs at \(Q\) and \(R\) are 0.4 m from each end of the plank, as shown in Figure 1. Two pupils, Arthur and Beatrice, sit on the plank. Arthur has mass 60 kg and sits at the middle of the plank and Beatrice has mass 40 kg and sits at the end \(P\). The plank remains horizontal and in equilibrium. By modelling the pupils as particles, find
  1. the magnitude of the normal reaction between the plank and the leg at \(Q\) and the magnitude of the normal reaction between the plank and the leg at \(R\). Beatrice stays sitting at \(P\) but Arthur now moves and sits on the plank at the point \(X\). Given that the plank remains horizontal and in equilibrium, and that the magnitude of the normal reaction between the plank and the leg at \(Q\) is now twice the magnitude of the normal reaction between the plank and the leg at \(R\),
  2. find the distance \(Q X\).

Question 4:
Part (a):
AnswerMarks Guidance
Working/AnswerMarks Guidance
\(C + D = 120g\)M1 A1
\(M(Q)\): \(80g(0.8) - 40g(0.4) = D(1.6)\)M1 A1
solvingM1
\(C = 90g\); \(D = 30g\)A1 A1 (7)
Part (b):
AnswerMarks Guidance
Working/AnswerMarks Guidance
\(2F + F = 40g + 20g + 60g\)M1 A1
\(M(Q)\): \(60gx + 20g(0.8) = 40g(0.4) + F(1.6)\)M1 A1
solvingM1
\(QX = x = \frac{16}{15}\ \text{m} = 1.07\text{m}\)A1 (6) [13]
## Question 4:

### Part (a):
| Working/Answer | Marks | Guidance |
|---|---|---|
| $C + D = 120g$ | M1 A1 | |
| $M(Q)$: $80g(0.8) - 40g(0.4) = D(1.6)$ | M1 A1 | |
| solving | M1 | |
| $C = 90g$; $D = 30g$ | A1 A1 | **(7)** |

### Part (b):
| Working/Answer | Marks | Guidance |
|---|---|---|
| $2F + F = 40g + 20g + 60g$ | M1 A1 | |
| $M(Q)$: $60gx + 20g(0.8) = 40g(0.4) + F(1.6)$ | M1 A1 | |
| solving | M1 | |
| $QX = x = \frac{16}{15}\ \text{m} = 1.07\text{m}$ | A1 | **(6) [13]** |

---
4.

\begin{figure}[h]
\begin{center}
  \includegraphics[alt={},max width=\textwidth]{86bb11a4-b409-49b1-bffb-d0e3727d345c-05_349_869_303_532}
\captionsetup{labelformat=empty}
\caption{Figure 1}
\end{center}
\end{figure}

A bench consists of a plank which is resting in a horizontal position on two thin vertical legs. The plank is modelled as a uniform rod $P S$ of length 2.4 m and mass 20 kg . The legs at $Q$ and $R$ are 0.4 m from each end of the plank, as shown in Figure 1.

Two pupils, Arthur and Beatrice, sit on the plank. Arthur has mass 60 kg and sits at the middle of the plank and Beatrice has mass 40 kg and sits at the end $P$. The plank remains horizontal and in equilibrium. By modelling the pupils as particles, find
\begin{enumerate}[label=(\alph*)]
\item the magnitude of the normal reaction between the plank and the leg at $Q$ and the magnitude of the normal reaction between the plank and the leg at $R$.

Beatrice stays sitting at $P$ but Arthur now moves and sits on the plank at the point $X$. Given that the plank remains horizontal and in equilibrium, and that the magnitude of the normal reaction between the plank and the leg at $Q$ is now twice the magnitude of the normal reaction between the plank and the leg at $R$,
\item find the distance $Q X$.
\end{enumerate}

\hfill \mbox{\textit{Edexcel M1 2009 Q4 [13]}}