Edexcel M3 2024 January — Question 6

Exam BoardEdexcel
ModuleM3 (Mechanics 3)
Year2024
SessionJanuary
TopicSimple Harmonic Motion

  1. The fixed point \(A\) is vertically above the fixed point \(B\), with \(A B = 3 l\)
A light elastic string has natural length \(l\) and modulus of elasticity \(4 m g\) One end of the string is attached to \(A\) and the other end is attached to a particle \(P\) of mass \(m\) A second light elastic string also has natural length \(l\) and modulus of elasticity \(4 m g\) One end of this string is attached to \(P\) and the other end is attached to \(B\). Initially \(P\) rests in equilibrium at the point \(E\), where \(A E B\) is a vertical straight line.
  1. Show that \(A E = \frac { 13 } { 8 } l\) The particle \(P\) is now held at the point that is a distance \(2 l\) vertically below \(A\) and released from rest. At time \(t\), the vertical displacement of \(P\) from \(E\) is \(x\), where \(x\) is measured vertically downwards.
  2. Show that \(\ddot { x } = - \frac { 8 g } { l } x\)
  3. Find, in terms of \(g\) and \(l\), the speed of \(P\) when it is \(\frac { 1 } { 8 } l\) below \(E\).
  4. Find the length of time, in each complete oscillation, for which \(P\) is more than \(1.5 l\) from \(A\), giving your answer in terms of \(g\) and \(l\)