Edexcel M3 2014 June — Question 6

Exam BoardEdexcel
ModuleM3 (Mechanics 3)
Year2014
SessionJune
TopicWork, energy and Power 2

6. A particle of mass \(m\) is attached to one end of a light elastic string, of natural length \(6 a\) and modulus of elasticity 9 mg . The other end of the string is attached to a fixed point \(A\) on a ceiling. The particle hangs in equilibrium at the point \(B\), where \(B\) is vertically below \(A\) and \(A B = ( 6 + p ) a\).
  1. Show that \(p = \frac { 2 } { 3 }\) The particle is now released from rest at a point \(C\) vertically below \(B\), where \(A C < \frac { 22 } { 3 } a\).
  2. Show that the particle moves with simple harmonic motion.
  3. Find the period of this motion.
  4. Explain briefly the significance of the condition \(A C < \frac { 22 } { 3 } a\). The point \(D\) is vertically below \(A\) and \(A D = 8 a\). The particle is now released from rest at \(D\). The particle first comes to instantaneous rest at the point \(E\).
  5. Find, in terms of \(a\), the distance \(A E\).