OCR H240/03 — Question 13 8 marks

Exam BoardOCR
ModuleH240/03 (Pure Mathematics and Mechanics)
Marks8
PaperDownload PDF ↗
TopicPulley systems
TypeParticle on rough incline connected to particle on horizontal surface or other incline
DifficultyStandard +0.3 This is a standard A-level mechanics pulley problem requiring resolution of forces on two inclined planes, application of F=ma to a connected system, and use of a kinematic equation. While it involves multiple steps and careful bookkeeping with the given angles (requiring sin/cos from tan inverse), it follows a completely routine template with no novel insight required. The 'show that' format and specific numerical answers make it slightly easier than average.
Spec3.03l Newton's third law: extend to situations requiring force resolution3.03o Advanced connected particles: and pulleys3.03v Motion on rough surface: including inclined planes

13 Particle \(A\), of mass \(m \mathrm {~kg}\), lies on the plane \(\Pi _ { 1 }\) inclined at an angle of \(\tan ^ { - 1 } \frac { 3 } { 4 }\) to the horizontal.
Particle \(B\), of \(4 m \mathrm {~kg}\), lies on the plane \(\Pi _ { 2 }\) inclined at an angle of \(\tan ^ { - 1 } \frac { 4 } { 3 }\) to the horizontal.
The particles are attached to the ends of a light inextensible string which passes over a smooth pulley at \(P\).
The coefficient of friction between particle \(A\) and \(\Pi _ { 1 }\) is \(\frac { 1 } { 3 }\) and plane \(\Pi _ { 2 }\) is smooth.
Particle \(A\) is initially held at rest such that the string is taut and lies in a line of greatest slope of each plane. This is shown on the diagram below. \includegraphics[max width=\textwidth, alt={}, center]{ec83c2c5-f8f8-4357-abfa-d40bc1d026b4-10_398_844_868_306}
  1. Show that when \(A\) is released it accelerates towards the pulley at \(\frac { 7 g } { 15 } \mathrm {~m} \mathrm {~s} ^ { - 2 }\).
  2. Assuming that \(A\) does not reach the pulley, show that it has moved a distance of \(\frac { 1 } { 4 } \mathrm {~m}\) when its speed is \(\sqrt { \frac { 7 g } { 30 } } \mathrm {~m} \mathrm {~s} ^ { - 1 }\).
    [0pt] [2]

13 Particle $A$, of mass $m \mathrm {~kg}$, lies on the plane $\Pi _ { 1 }$ inclined at an angle of $\tan ^ { - 1 } \frac { 3 } { 4 }$ to the horizontal.\\
Particle $B$, of $4 m \mathrm {~kg}$, lies on the plane $\Pi _ { 2 }$ inclined at an angle of $\tan ^ { - 1 } \frac { 4 } { 3 }$ to the horizontal.\\
The particles are attached to the ends of a light inextensible string which passes over a smooth pulley at $P$.\\
The coefficient of friction between particle $A$ and $\Pi _ { 1 }$ is $\frac { 1 } { 3 }$ and plane $\Pi _ { 2 }$ is smooth.\\
Particle $A$ is initially held at rest such that the string is taut and lies in a line of greatest slope of each plane.

This is shown on the diagram below.\\
\includegraphics[max width=\textwidth, alt={}, center]{ec83c2c5-f8f8-4357-abfa-d40bc1d026b4-10_398_844_868_306}
\begin{enumerate}[label=(\alph*)]
\item Show that when $A$ is released it accelerates towards the pulley at $\frac { 7 g } { 15 } \mathrm {~m} \mathrm {~s} ^ { - 2 }$.
\item Assuming that $A$ does not reach the pulley, show that it has moved a distance of $\frac { 1 } { 4 } \mathrm {~m}$ when its speed is $\sqrt { \frac { 7 g } { 30 } } \mathrm {~m} \mathrm {~s} ^ { - 1 }$.\\[0pt]
[2]
\end{enumerate}

\hfill \mbox{\textit{OCR H240/03  Q13 [8]}}