Edexcel FM1 Specimen — Question 7

Exam BoardEdexcel
ModuleFM1 (Further Mechanics 1)
SessionSpecimen
TopicWork, energy and Power 2

  1. A particle \(P\) of mass \(m\) is attached to one end of a light elastic string of natural length \(a\) and modulus of elasticity \(3 m g\).
The other end of the string is attached to a fixed point \(O\) on a ceiling.
The particle hangs freely in equilibrium at a distance \(d\) vertically below \(O\).
  1. Show that \(d = \frac { 4 } { 3 } a\). The point \(A\) is vertically below \(O\) such that \(O A = 2 a\).
    The particle is held at rest at \(A\), then released and first comes to instantaneous rest at the point \(B\).
  2. Find, in terms of \(g\), the acceleration of \(P\) immediately after it is released from rest.
  3. Find, in terms of \(g\) and \(a\), the maximum speed attained by \(P\) as it moves from \(A\) to \(B\).
  4. Find, in terms of \(a\), the distance \(O B\).