CAIE FP2 2014 June — Question 11 EITHER

Exam BoardCAIE
ModuleFP2 (Further Pure Mathematics 2)
Year2014
SessionJune
PaperDownload PDF ↗
Mark schemeDownload PDF ↗
TopicMoments
TypeFramework or multiple rod structures
DifficultyChallenging +1.8 This is a challenging Further Maths mechanics problem requiring 3D spatial reasoning to establish geometry, then applying equilibrium conditions (moments and forces) to a rigid frame on two pegs. The geometric proof in part (i) demands careful coordinate work, while parts (ii-iii) require systematic resolution of forces and taking moments about appropriate points. The combination of non-trivial geometry, multiple equilibrium equations, and the framework structure places this well above average difficulty, though it follows standard statics methodology once the setup is understood.
Spec1.05b Sine and cosine rules: including ambiguous case1.05c Area of triangle: using 1/2 ab sin(C)3.03m Equilibrium: sum of resolved forces = 03.03n Equilibrium in 2D: particle under forces3.04b Equilibrium: zero resultant moment and force

\includegraphics[max width=\textwidth, alt={}]{ab5f2781-e5ce-4fce-bc95-9d7f55ea66d9-5_869_621_370_762}
The points \(C\) and \(D\) are at a distance \(( 2 \sqrt { } 3 ) a\) apart on a horizontal surface. A rough peg \(A\) is fixed at a vertical distance \(6 a\) above \(C\) and a smooth peg \(B\) is fixed at a vertical distance \(4 a\) above \(D\). A uniform rectangular frame \(P Q R S\), with \(P Q = 3 a\) and \(Q R = 6 a\), is made of rigid thin wire and has weight \(W\). It rests in equilibrium in a vertical plane with \(P S\) on \(A\) and \(S R\) on \(B\), and with angle \(S A C = 30 ^ { \circ }\) (see diagram).
  1. Show that \(A B = 4 a\) and that angle \(S A B = 30 ^ { \circ }\).
  2. Show that the normal reaction at \(A\) is \(\frac { 1 } { 2 } W\).
  3. Find the frictional force at \(A\).

\begin{center}
\includegraphics[max width=\textwidth, alt={}]{ab5f2781-e5ce-4fce-bc95-9d7f55ea66d9-5_869_621_370_762}
\end{center}

The points $C$ and $D$ are at a distance $( 2 \sqrt { } 3 ) a$ apart on a horizontal surface. A rough peg $A$ is fixed at a vertical distance $6 a$ above $C$ and a smooth peg $B$ is fixed at a vertical distance $4 a$ above $D$. A uniform rectangular frame $P Q R S$, with $P Q = 3 a$ and $Q R = 6 a$, is made of rigid thin wire and has weight $W$. It rests in equilibrium in a vertical plane with $P S$ on $A$ and $S R$ on $B$, and with angle $S A C = 30 ^ { \circ }$ (see diagram).\\
(i) Show that $A B = 4 a$ and that angle $S A B = 30 ^ { \circ }$.\\
(ii) Show that the normal reaction at $A$ is $\frac { 1 } { 2 } W$.\\
(iii) Find the frictional force at $A$.

\hfill \mbox{\textit{CAIE FP2 2014 Q11 EITHER}}