Edexcel M5 — Question 2 6 marks

Exam BoardEdexcel
ModuleM5 (Mechanics 5)
Marks6
PaperDownload PDF ↗
TopicMoments
TypeThree-dimensional force systems: finding resultant and couple
DifficultyStandard +0.8 This M5 question requires understanding of 3D force systems, vector addition, moments about a point, and couples. While the individual calculations (vector addition, cross products) are standard, combining these concepts in 3D with the equivalence of force systems requires solid conceptual understanding and careful multi-step work. It's moderately challenging for Further Maths students but follows established techniques.
Spec1.10d Vector operations: addition and scalar multiplication1.10g Problem solving with vectors: in geometry6.03a Linear momentum: p = mv

2. Three forces, \(\mathbf { F } _ { 1 } , \mathbf { F } _ { 2 }\) and \(\mathbf { F } _ { 3 }\) act on a rigid body. \(\mathbf { F } _ { 1 } = ( 2 \mathbf { i } - \mathbf { j } + 3 \mathbf { k } ) \mathrm { N } , \mathbf { F } _ { 2 } = ( \mathbf { i } + \mathbf { j } - 4 \mathbf { k } )\) N and \(\mathbf { F } _ { 3 } = ( p \mathbf { i } + q \mathbf { j } + r \mathbf { k } ) \mathrm { N }\), where \(p , q\) and \(r\) are constants. All three forces act through the point with position vector \(( 3 \mathbf { i } - 2 \mathbf { j } + \mathbf { k } ) \mathrm { m }\), relative to a fixed origin. The three forces \(\mathbf { F } _ { 1 } , \mathbf { F } _ { 2 }\) and \(\mathbf { F } _ { 3 }\) are equivalent to a single force ( \(5 \mathbf { i } - 4 \mathbf { j } + 2 \mathbf { k }\) ) N , acting at the origin, together with a couple \(\mathbf { G }\).
  1. Find the values of \(p , q\) and \(r\).
  2. Find \(\mathbf { G }\).

2. Three forces, $\mathbf { F } _ { 1 } , \mathbf { F } _ { 2 }$ and $\mathbf { F } _ { 3 }$ act on a rigid body. $\mathbf { F } _ { 1 } = ( 2 \mathbf { i } - \mathbf { j } + 3 \mathbf { k } ) \mathrm { N } , \mathbf { F } _ { 2 } = ( \mathbf { i } + \mathbf { j } - 4 \mathbf { k } )$ N and $\mathbf { F } _ { 3 } = ( p \mathbf { i } + q \mathbf { j } + r \mathbf { k } ) \mathrm { N }$, where $p , q$ and $r$ are constants. All three forces act through the point with position vector $( 3 \mathbf { i } - 2 \mathbf { j } + \mathbf { k } ) \mathrm { m }$, relative to a fixed origin. The three forces $\mathbf { F } _ { 1 } , \mathbf { F } _ { 2 }$ and $\mathbf { F } _ { 3 }$ are equivalent to a single force ( $5 \mathbf { i } - 4 \mathbf { j } + 2 \mathbf { k }$ ) N , acting at the origin, together with a couple $\mathbf { G }$.
\begin{enumerate}[label=(\alph*)]
\item Find the values of $p , q$ and $r$.
\item Find $\mathbf { G }$.
\end{enumerate}

\hfill \mbox{\textit{Edexcel M5  Q2 [6]}}