Edexcel M5 2004 June — Question 3

Exam BoardEdexcel
ModuleM5 (Mechanics 5)
Year2004
SessionJune
TopicMoments of inertia

3. A uniform lamina of mass \(m\) is in the shape of a rectangle \(P Q R S\), where \(P Q = 8 a\) and \(Q R = 6 a\).
  1. Find the moment of inertia of the lamina about the edge \(P Q\). \begin{figure}[h]
    \captionsetup{labelformat=empty} \caption{Figure 1} \includegraphics[alt={},max width=\textwidth]{26fef791-e6fb-45a8-89e9-16c4b4a1a4e4-3_336_772_528_642}
    \end{figure} The flap on a letterbox is modelled as such a lamina. The flap is free to rotate about an axis along its horizontal edge \(P Q\), as shown in Fig. 1. The flap is released from rest in a horizontal position. It then swings down into a vertical position.
  2. Show that the angular speed of the flap as it reaches the vertical position is \(\sqrt { \left( \frac { g } { 2 a } \right) }\).
  3. Find the magnitude of the vertical component of the resultant force of the axis \(P Q\) on the flap, as it reaches the vertical position.