| Exam Board | AQA |
|---|---|
| Module | M1 (Mechanics 1) |
| Year | 2012 |
| Session | June |
| Marks | 7 |
| Paper | Download PDF ↗ |
| Topic | Forces, equilibrium and resultants |
| Type | Equilibrium of particle under coplanar forces |
| Difficulty | Moderate -0.8 This is a straightforward equilibrium problem requiring resolution of forces in two perpendicular directions and basic trigonometry. The method is standard M1 fare with no conceptual challenges—students simply resolve horizontally and vertically, then solve the resulting equations. The three-part structure guides students through the solution systematically. |
| Spec | 3.03f Weight: W=mg3.03m Equilibrium: sum of resolved forces = 03.03n Equilibrium in 2D: particle under forces3.03t Coefficient of friction: F <= mu*R model3.03u Static equilibrium: on rough surfaces |
4 A particle, of weight $W$ newtons, is held in equilibrium by two forces of magnitudes 10 newtons and 20 newtons. The 10 -newton force is horizontal and the 20 -newton force acts at an angle $\theta$ above the horizontal, as shown in the diagram. All three forces act in the same vertical plane.\\
\includegraphics[max width=\textwidth, alt={}, center]{828e8db1-efcf-4878-8292-ba5bbd80115c-3_406_608_520_717}
\begin{enumerate}[label=(\alph*)]
\item $\quad$ Find $\theta$.
\item $\quad$ Find $W$.
\item Calculate the mass of the particle.
\end{enumerate}
\hfill \mbox{\textit{AQA M1 2012 Q4 [7]}}