OCR M3 2007 June — Question 5

Exam BoardOCR
ModuleM3 (Mechanics 3)
Year2007
SessionJune
TopicMoments

5
\includegraphics[max width=\textwidth, alt={}, center]{a04e6d4e-2437-4761-87ee-43e6771fbbd9-3_549_447_253_849} Two uniform rods \(A B\) and \(B C\), each of length 1.4 m and weight 80 N , are freely jointed to each other at \(B\), and \(A B\) is freely jointed to a fixed point at \(A\). They are held in equilibrium with \(A B\) at an angle \(\alpha\) to the horizontal, and \(B C\) at an angle of \(60 ^ { \circ }\) to the horizontal, by a light string, perpendicular to \(B C\), attached to \(C\) (see diagram).
  1. By taking moments about \(B\) for \(B C\), calculate the tension in the string. Hence find the horizontal and vertical components of the force acting on \(B C\) at \(B\).
  2. Find \(\alpha\).
    \includegraphics[max width=\textwidth, alt={}, center]{a04e6d4e-2437-4761-87ee-43e6771fbbd9-3_691_665_1370_740} A circus performer \(P\) of mass 80 kg is suspended from a fixed point \(O\) by an elastic rope of natural length 5.25 m and modulus of elasticity \(2058 \mathrm {~N} . P\) is in equilibrium at a point 5 m above a safety net. A second performer \(Q\), also of mass 80 kg , falls freely under gravity from a point above \(P\). \(P\) catches \(Q\) and together they begin to descend vertically with initial speed \(3.5 \mathrm {~ms} ^ { - 1 }\) (see diagram). The performers are modelled as particles.