Edexcel M3 2020 June — Question 6

Exam BoardEdexcel
ModuleM3 (Mechanics 3)
Year2020
SessionJune
TopicSimple Harmonic Motion

6. A light elastic string has natural length \(a\) and modulus of elasticity \(\frac { 3 } { 4 } \mathrm { mg }\). A particle \(P\) of mass \(m\) is attached to one end of the string. The other end of the string is attached to a fixed point \(A\). Particle \(P\) hangs freely in equilibrium at the point \(O\), vertically below \(A\).
  1. Find the distance \(O A\). The particle \(P\) is now pulled vertically down to a point \(B\), where \(A B = 3 a\), and released from rest.
  2. Show that, throughout the subsequent motion, \(P\) performs only simple harmonic motion, justifying your answer. The point \(C\) is vertically below \(A\), where \(A C = 2 a\).
    Find, in terms of \(a\) and \(g\),
  3. the speed of \(P\) at the instant that it passes through \(C\),
  4. the time taken for \(P\) to move directly from \(B\) to \(C\). \includegraphics[max width=\textwidth, alt={}, center]{ace84823-db30-463e-b24b-f0cd7df73746-17_2255_50_314_34}
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