SPS SPS SM Mechanics 2023 January — Question 6 12 marks

Exam BoardSPS
ModuleSPS SM Mechanics (SPS SM Mechanics)
Year2023
SessionJanuary
Marks12
TopicNewton's laws and connected particles
TypeParticle on incline, hanging counterpart
DifficultyStandard +0.3 This is a standard connected particles problem on an inclined plane with friction. Part (a) requires setting up two force equations (one for each particle) and solving simultaneously—routine A-level mechanics. Part (b) tests understanding of limiting friction when the particle is at rest. Part (c) is a standard modeling question. The given angle (tan α = 5/12) simplifies to sin α = 5/13, cos α = 12/13, making calculations straightforward. This is slightly easier than average due to its textbook structure and helpful numerical setup.
Spec3.03d Newton's second law: 2D vectors3.03k Connected particles: pulleys and equilibrium3.03o Advanced connected particles: and pulleys3.03r Friction: concept and vector form3.03t Coefficient of friction: F <= mu*R model3.03u Static equilibrium: on rough surfaces

6. \begin{figure}[h]
\includegraphics[alt={},max width=\textwidth]{4109fba0-077e-472b-b37f-7ac2e45aacc7-14_334_787_212_680} \captionsetup{labelformat=empty} \caption{Figure 1}
\end{figure} Two blocks, \(A\) and \(B\), of masses \(2 m\) and \(3 m\) respectively, are attached to the ends of a light string. Initially \(A\) is held at rest on a fixed rough plane.
The plane is inclined at angle \(\alpha\) to the horizontal ground, where \(\tan \alpha = \frac { 5 } { 12 }\) The string passes over a small smooth pulley, \(P\), fixed at the top of the plane.
The part of the string from \(A\) to \(P\) is parallel to a line of greatest slope of the plane.
Block \(B\) hangs freely below \(P\), as shown in Figure 1.
The coefficient of friction between \(A\) and the plane is \(\frac { 2 } { 3 }\) The blocks are released from rest with the string taut and \(A\) moves up the plane.
The tension in the string immediately after the blocks are released is \(T\).
The blocks are modelled as particles and the string is modelled as being inextensible.
  1. Show that \(T = \frac { 12 m g } { 5 }\) After \(B\) reaches the ground, \(A\) continues to move up the plane until it comes to rest before reaching \(P\).
  2. Determine whether \(A\) will remain at rest, carefully justifying your answer.
  3. Suggest two refinements to the model that would make it more realistic. \section*{BLANK PAGE FOR WORKING}

6.

\begin{figure}[h]
\begin{center}
  \includegraphics[alt={},max width=\textwidth]{4109fba0-077e-472b-b37f-7ac2e45aacc7-14_334_787_212_680}
\captionsetup{labelformat=empty}
\caption{Figure 1}
\end{center}
\end{figure}

Two blocks, $A$ and $B$, of masses $2 m$ and $3 m$ respectively, are attached to the ends of a light string.

Initially $A$ is held at rest on a fixed rough plane.\\
The plane is inclined at angle $\alpha$ to the horizontal ground, where $\tan \alpha = \frac { 5 } { 12 }$\\
The string passes over a small smooth pulley, $P$, fixed at the top of the plane.\\
The part of the string from $A$ to $P$ is parallel to a line of greatest slope of the plane.\\
Block $B$ hangs freely below $P$, as shown in Figure 1.\\
The coefficient of friction between $A$ and the plane is $\frac { 2 } { 3 }$\\
The blocks are released from rest with the string taut and $A$ moves up the plane.\\
The tension in the string immediately after the blocks are released is $T$.\\
The blocks are modelled as particles and the string is modelled as being inextensible.
\begin{enumerate}[label=(\alph*)]
\item Show that $T = \frac { 12 m g } { 5 }$

After $B$ reaches the ground, $A$ continues to move up the plane until it comes to rest before reaching $P$.
\item Determine whether $A$ will remain at rest, carefully justifying your answer.
\item Suggest two refinements to the model that would make it more realistic.

\section*{BLANK PAGE FOR WORKING}
\end{enumerate}

\hfill \mbox{\textit{SPS SPS SM Mechanics 2023 Q6 [12]}}