Edexcel M5 2006 January — Question 8

Exam BoardEdexcel
ModuleM5 (Mechanics 5)
Year2006
SessionJanuary
TopicMoments

8. Four uniform rods, each of mass \(m\) and length \(2 a\), are joined together at their ends to form a plane rigid square framework \(A B C D\) of side \(2 a\). The framework is free to rotate in a vertical plane about a fixed smooth horizontal axis through \(A\). The axis is perpendicular to the plane of the framework.
  1. Show that the moment of inertia of the framework about the axis is \(\frac { 40 m a ^ { 2 } } { 3 }\). The framework is slightly disturbed from rest when \(C\) is vertically above \(A\). Find
  2. the angular acceleration of the framework when \(A C\) is horizontal,
  3. the angular speed of the framework when \(A C\) is horizontal,
  4. the magnitude of the force acting on the framework at \(A\) when \(A C\) is horizontal.