CAIE FP2 2019 June — Question 11 EITHER

Exam BoardCAIE
ModuleFP2 (Further Pure Mathematics 2)
Year2019
SessionJune
PaperDownload PDF ↗
Mark schemeDownload PDF ↗
TopicOblique and successive collisions
TypePendulum particle collision at lowest point
DifficultyChallenging +1.8 This is a challenging Further Maths mechanics problem requiring energy conservation in circular motion, collision analysis with momentum/energy principles, and finding the point of loss of contact using centripetal force conditions. It involves multiple sophisticated steps across different mechanics topics, but follows standard Further Maths techniques without requiring novel geometric insight.
Spec6.02i Conservation of energy: mechanical energy principle6.03b Conservation of momentum: 1D two particles6.03k Newton's experimental law: direct impact6.05d Variable speed circles: energy methods6.05e Radial/tangential acceleration

A particle \(P\), of mass \(m\), is able to move in a vertical circle on the smooth inner surface of a sphere with centre \(O\) and radius \(a\). Points \(A\) and \(B\) are on the inner surface of the sphere and \(A O B\) is a horizontal diameter. Initially, \(P\) is projected vertically downwards with speed \(\sqrt { } \left( \frac { 21 } { 2 } a g \right)\) from \(A\) and begins to move in a vertical circle. At the lowest point of its path, vertically below \(O\), the particle \(P\) collides with a stationary particle \(Q\), of mass \(4 m\), and rebounds. The speed acquired by \(Q\), as a result of the collision, is just sufficient for it to reach the point \(B\).
  1. Find the speed of \(P\) and the speed of \(Q\) immediately after their collision.
    In its subsequent motion, \(P\) loses contact with the inner surface of the sphere at the point \(D\), where the angle between \(O D\) and the upward vertical through \(O\) is \(\theta\).
  2. Find \(\cos \theta\).

A particle $P$, of mass $m$, is able to move in a vertical circle on the smooth inner surface of a sphere with centre $O$ and radius $a$. Points $A$ and $B$ are on the inner surface of the sphere and $A O B$ is a horizontal diameter. Initially, $P$ is projected vertically downwards with speed $\sqrt { } \left( \frac { 21 } { 2 } a g \right)$ from $A$ and begins to move in a vertical circle. At the lowest point of its path, vertically below $O$, the particle $P$ collides with a stationary particle $Q$, of mass $4 m$, and rebounds. The speed acquired by $Q$, as a result of the collision, is just sufficient for it to reach the point $B$.\\
(i) Find the speed of $P$ and the speed of $Q$ immediately after their collision.\\

In its subsequent motion, $P$ loses contact with the inner surface of the sphere at the point $D$, where the angle between $O D$ and the upward vertical through $O$ is $\theta$.\\
(ii) Find $\cos \theta$.\\

\hfill \mbox{\textit{CAIE FP2 2019 Q11 EITHER}}