Challenging +1.8 This is a challenging Further Maths mechanics problem requiring calculation of moment of inertia for a composite system (rod, spherical shell, and ring) about a non-standard axis, followed by applying the period formula for small oscillations. It demands careful geometric reasoning to find distances from the axis, knowledge of standard moments of inertia, application of parallel axis theorem, and algebraic manipulation. The multi-component system and non-trivial geometry elevate this above typical A-level questions, though the techniques are standard for Further Maths.
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\includegraphics[max width=\textwidth, alt={}, center]{137d2806-f45c-4121-8ee9-bf89580e1cca-3_906_1538_248_301}
The end \(A\) of a uniform \(\operatorname { rod } A B\), of mass \(4 m\) and length \(3 a\), is rigidly attached to a point on a uniform spherical shell, of mass \(\lambda m\) and radius \(3 a\). The end \(B\) of the rod is rigidly attached to a point on a uniform ring. The ring has centre \(O\), mass \(4 m\) and radius \(\frac { 1 } { 2 } a\). The ring and the rod are in the same vertical plane. The line \(O B A\), extended, passes through the centre of the spherical shell. \(B C\) is a diameter of the ring (see diagram). Show that the moment of inertia of this system, about a fixed horizontal axis through \(C\) perpendicular to the plane of the ring, is \(( 30 + 55 \lambda ) m a ^ { 2 }\).
Given that the system performs small oscillations of period \(2 \pi \sqrt { } \left( \frac { 5 a } { g } \right)\) about this axis, find the value of \(\lambda\).
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\includegraphics[max width=\textwidth, alt={}, center]{137d2806-f45c-4121-8ee9-bf89580e1cca-3_906_1538_248_301}
The end $A$ of a uniform $\operatorname { rod } A B$, of mass $4 m$ and length $3 a$, is rigidly attached to a point on a uniform spherical shell, of mass $\lambda m$ and radius $3 a$. The end $B$ of the rod is rigidly attached to a point on a uniform ring. The ring has centre $O$, mass $4 m$ and radius $\frac { 1 } { 2 } a$. The ring and the rod are in the same vertical plane. The line $O B A$, extended, passes through the centre of the spherical shell. $B C$ is a diameter of the ring (see diagram). Show that the moment of inertia of this system, about a fixed horizontal axis through $C$ perpendicular to the plane of the ring, is $( 30 + 55 \lambda ) m a ^ { 2 }$.
Given that the system performs small oscillations of period $2 \pi \sqrt { } \left( \frac { 5 a } { g } \right)$ about this axis, find the value of $\lambda$.
\hfill \mbox{\textit{CAIE FP2 2013 Q4 [12]}}