Edexcel M3 2016 January — Question 4

Exam BoardEdexcel
ModuleM3 (Mechanics 3)
Year2016
SessionJanuary
TopicWork, energy and Power 2

4. Fixed points \(A\) and \(B\) are on a horizontal ceiling, where \(A B = 4 a\). A light elastic string has natural length \(3 a\) and modulus of elasticity \(\lambda\). One end of the string is attached to \(A\) and the other end is attached to \(B\). A particle \(P\) of mass \(m\) is attached to the midpoint of the string. The particle hangs freely in equilibrium at the point \(C\), where \(C\) is at a distance \(\frac { 3 } { 2 } a\) vertically below the ceiling.
  1. Show that \(\lambda = \frac { 5 m g } { 4 }\)
    (5) The point \(D\) is the midpoint of \(A B\). The particle is now raised vertically upwards to \(D\), and released from rest.
  2. Find the speed of \(P\) as it passes through \(C\).
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