WJEC Further Unit 6 2022 June — Question 6

Exam BoardWJEC
ModuleFurther Unit 6 (Further Unit 6)
Year2022
SessionJune
TopicSimple Harmonic Motion

6. The diagram shows a particle \(P\), of mass 4 kg , lying on a smooth horizontal surface. It is attached by two light springs to fixed points \(A\) and \(B\), where \(A B = 2.8 \mathrm {~m}\).
Spring \(A P\) has natural length 0.8 m and modulus of elasticity 60 N .
Spring \(P B\) has natural length 1.2 m and modulus of elasticity 30 N .
\includegraphics[max width=\textwidth, alt={}, center]{b9c63cb4-d446-4548-be42-e30b10cb4b99-5_231_1253_612_404} When \(P\) is in equilibrium, it is at the point \(C\).
  1. Show that \(A C = 1 \mathrm {~m}\).
  2. The particle \(P\) is pulled horizontally and is initially held at rest at the midpoint of \(A B\). The system is then released.
    1. Show that \(P\) performs Simple Harmonic Motion about centre \(C\) and find the period of its motion.
    2. Determine the shortest time taken for \(P\) to reach a position where there is no tension in the spring \(A P\). \section*{END OF PAPER}