CAIE M2 2011 June — Question 7

Exam BoardCAIE
ModuleM2 (Mechanics 2)
Year2011
SessionJune
TopicCentre of Mass 1

7
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\(A B C D E\) is the cross-section through the centre of mass of a uniform prism resting in equilibrium with \(D E\) on a horizontal surface. The cross-section has the shape of a square \(O B C D\) with sides of length \(a \mathrm {~m}\), from which a quadrant \(O A E\) of a circle of radius 1 m has been removed (see diagram).
  1. Find the distance of the centre of mass of the prism from \(O\), giving the answer in terms of \(a , \pi\) and \(\sqrt { } 2\).
  2. Hence show that $$3 a ^ { 2 } ( 2 - a ) < \frac { 3 } { 2 } \pi - 2$$ and verify that this inequality is satisfied by \(a = 1.68\) but not by \(a = 1.67\).