Standard +0.8 This M3 question requires integration of a variable force (inverse square law), application of work-energy principle, and solving a resulting equation. While the integration itself is standard, combining it with energy considerations and solving for position requires solid understanding of multiple concepts and careful algebraic manipulation across several steps for 8 marks.
3. A particle \(P\) of mass 0.5 kg moves away from the origin \(O\) along the positive \(x\)-axis under the action of a force directed towards \(O\) of magnitude \(\frac { 2 } { x ^ { 2 } } \mathrm {~N}\), where \(O P = x\) metres. When \(x = 1\), the speed of \(P\) is \(3 \mathrm {~m} \mathrm {~s} ^ { - 1 }\). Find the distance of \(P\) from \(O\) when its speed has been reduced to \(1.5 \mathrm {~m} \mathrm {~s} ^ { - 1 }\).
(8)
3. A particle $P$ of mass 0.5 kg moves away from the origin $O$ along the positive $x$-axis under the action of a force directed towards $O$ of magnitude $\frac { 2 } { x ^ { 2 } } \mathrm {~N}$, where $O P = x$ metres. When $x = 1$, the speed of $P$ is $3 \mathrm {~m} \mathrm {~s} ^ { - 1 }$. Find the distance of $P$ from $O$ when its speed has been reduced to $1.5 \mathrm {~m} \mathrm {~s} ^ { - 1 }$.\\
(8)\\
\hfill \mbox{\textit{Edexcel M3 Q3 [8]}}