OCR MEI M4 2009 June — Question 3 24 marks

Exam BoardOCR MEI
ModuleM4 (Mechanics 4)
Year2009
SessionJune
Marks24
PaperDownload PDF ↗
TopicMoments of inertia
TypeProve MI by integration
DifficultyChallenging +1.2 This is a structured mechanics question requiring integration for moment of inertia, application of the parallel axis theorem, energy methods, and SHM analysis. While it involves multiple steps and several standard techniques (deriving I for a disc, parallel axis theorem, small angle approximations, energy-work principles), each part follows predictable patterns for A-level Further Maths mechanics. The conceptual demands are moderate—no novel insights required—but the length and need to coordinate multiple mechanics principles across five parts elevates it slightly above average difficulty.
Spec4.10f Simple harmonic motion: x'' = -omega^2 x6.04c Composite bodies: centre of mass6.04d Integration: for centre of mass of laminas/solids
3 A uniform circular disc has mass \(M\) and radius \(a\). The centre of the disc is at point C .
  1. Show by integration that the moment of inertia of the disc about an axis through C and perpendicular to the disc is \(\frac { 1 } { 2 } M a ^ { 2 }\). The point A on the disc is at a distance \(\frac { 1 } { 10 } a\) from its centre.
  2. Show that the moment of inertia of the disc about an axis through A and perpendicular to the disc is \(0.51 M a ^ { 2 }\). The disc can rotate freely in a vertical plane about an axis through A that is horizontal and perpendicular to the disc. The disc is held slightly displaced from its stable equilibrium position and is released from rest. In the motion that follows, the angle that AC makes with the downward vertical is \(\theta\).
  3. Write down the equation of motion for the disc. Assuming \(\theta\) remains sufficiently small throughout the motion, show that the disc performs approximate simple harmonic motion and determine the period of the motion. A particle of mass \(m\) is attached at a point P on the circumference of the disc, so that the centre of mass of the system is now at A .
  4. Sketch the position of P in relation to A and C . Find \(m\) in terms of \(M\) and show that the moment of inertia of the system about the axis through A and perpendicular to the disc is \(0.6 M a ^ { 2 }\). The system now rotates at a constant angular speed \(\omega\) about the axis through A .
  5. Find the kinetic energy of the system. Hence find the magnitude of the constant resistive couple needed to bring the system to rest in \(n\) revolutions.
3 A uniform circular disc has mass $M$ and radius $a$. The centre of the disc is at point C .\\
(i) Show by integration that the moment of inertia of the disc about an axis through C and perpendicular to the disc is $\frac { 1 } { 2 } M a ^ { 2 }$.

The point A on the disc is at a distance $\frac { 1 } { 10 } a$ from its centre.\\
(ii) Show that the moment of inertia of the disc about an axis through A and perpendicular to the disc is $0.51 M a ^ { 2 }$.

The disc can rotate freely in a vertical plane about an axis through A that is horizontal and perpendicular to the disc. The disc is held slightly displaced from its stable equilibrium position and is released from rest. In the motion that follows, the angle that AC makes with the downward vertical is $\theta$.\\
(iii) Write down the equation of motion for the disc. Assuming $\theta$ remains sufficiently small throughout the motion, show that the disc performs approximate simple harmonic motion and determine the period of the motion.

A particle of mass $m$ is attached at a point P on the circumference of the disc, so that the centre of mass of the system is now at A .\\
(iv) Sketch the position of P in relation to A and C . Find $m$ in terms of $M$ and show that the moment of inertia of the system about the axis through A and perpendicular to the disc is $0.6 M a ^ { 2 }$.

The system now rotates at a constant angular speed $\omega$ about the axis through A .\\
(v) Find the kinetic energy of the system. Hence find the magnitude of the constant resistive couple needed to bring the system to rest in $n$ revolutions.

\hfill \mbox{\textit{OCR MEI M4 2009 Q3 [24]}}
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