Edexcel M3 2015 January — Question 6

Exam BoardEdexcel
ModuleM3 (Mechanics 3)
Year2015
SessionJanuary
TopicCircular Motion 1

6. A smooth sphere, with centre \(O\) and radius \(a\), is fixed with its lowest point \(A\) on a horizontal floor. A particle \(P\) is placed on the surface of the sphere at the point \(B\), where \(B\) is vertically above \(A\). The particle is projected horizontally from \(B\) with speed \(\sqrt { \frac { a g } { 5 } }\) and moves along the surface of the sphere. When \(O P\) makes an angle \(\theta\) with the upward vertical, and \(P\) is still in contact with the sphere, the speed of \(P\) is \(v\).
  1. Show that \(v ^ { 2 } = \frac { a g } { 5 } ( 11 - 10 \cos \theta )\). The particle leaves the surface of the sphere at the point \(C\).
    Find
  2. the speed of \(P\) at \(C\) in terms of \(a\) and \(g\),
  3. the size of the angle between the floor and the direction of motion of \(P\) at the instant immediately before \(P\) hits the floor.