Edexcel M2 2018 October — Question 6 10 marks

Exam BoardEdexcel
ModuleM2 (Mechanics 2)
Year2018
SessionOctober
Marks10
PaperDownload PDF ↗
Mark schemeDownload PDF ↗
TopicMoments
TypeRod with end on ground or wall supported by string
DifficultyStandard +0.8 This is a challenging M2 statics problem requiring resolution of forces in two directions, taking moments about a strategic point, and applying limiting equilibrium with friction. The geometry involves multiple angles (30°, 60°), the particle placement adds complexity, and part (b) requires combining the friction condition μR=F with earlier results. While systematic, it demands careful setup and algebraic manipulation beyond standard ladder problems.
Spec3.03u Static equilibrium: on rough surfaces3.04b Equilibrium: zero resultant moment and force6.04e Rigid body equilibrium: coplanar forces

6. \begin{figure}[h]
\includegraphics[alt={},max width=\textwidth]{99d06f7b-f5cc-4c19-ae26-8f715eda8ee8-20_755_579_267_703} \captionsetup{labelformat=empty} \caption{Figure 5}
\end{figure} A uniform rod, \(A B\), of mass \(8 m\) and length \(2 a\), has its end \(A\) resting against a rough vertical wall. One end of a light inextensible string is attached to the rod at \(B\) and the other end of the string is attached to the wall at the point \(D\), which is vertically above \(A\). The angle between the rod and the string is \(30 ^ { \circ }\). A particle of mass \(k m\) is fixed to the rod at \(C\), where \(A C = 0.5 a\). The rod is in equilibrium in a vertical plane perpendicular to the wall, and is at an angle of \(60 ^ { \circ }\) to the wall, as shown in Figure 5. The tension in the string is \(T\).
  1. Show that \(T = \frac { \sqrt { 3 } } { 4 } ( 16 + k ) m g\) The coefficient of friction between the wall and the rod is \(\frac { 2 } { 3 } \sqrt { 3 }\).
    Given that the rod is in limiting equilibrium,
  2. find the value of \(k\). \includegraphics[max width=\textwidth, alt={}, center]{99d06f7b-f5cc-4c19-ae26-8f715eda8ee8-23_67_65_2656_1886}

6.

\begin{figure}[h]
\begin{center}
  \includegraphics[alt={},max width=\textwidth]{99d06f7b-f5cc-4c19-ae26-8f715eda8ee8-20_755_579_267_703}
\captionsetup{labelformat=empty}
\caption{Figure 5}
\end{center}
\end{figure}

A uniform rod, $A B$, of mass $8 m$ and length $2 a$, has its end $A$ resting against a rough vertical wall. One end of a light inextensible string is attached to the rod at $B$ and the other end of the string is attached to the wall at the point $D$, which is vertically above $A$. The angle between the rod and the string is $30 ^ { \circ }$. A particle of mass $k m$ is fixed to the rod at $C$, where $A C = 0.5 a$. The rod is in equilibrium in a vertical plane perpendicular to the wall, and is at an angle of $60 ^ { \circ }$ to the wall, as shown in Figure 5. The tension in the string is $T$.
\begin{enumerate}[label=(\alph*)]
\item Show that $T = \frac { \sqrt { 3 } } { 4 } ( 16 + k ) m g$

The coefficient of friction between the wall and the rod is $\frac { 2 } { 3 } \sqrt { 3 }$.\\
Given that the rod is in limiting equilibrium,
\item find the value of $k$.

\includegraphics[max width=\textwidth, alt={}, center]{99d06f7b-f5cc-4c19-ae26-8f715eda8ee8-23_67_65_2656_1886}
\end{enumerate}

\hfill \mbox{\textit{Edexcel M2 2018 Q6 [10]}}