CAIE M2 2015 June — Question 5

Exam BoardCAIE
ModuleM2 (Mechanics 2)
Year2015
SessionJune
TopicMoments

5
\includegraphics[max width=\textwidth, alt={}, center]{8f8492a7-8a83-4eb2-81ee-99b4a385b704-3_876_483_260_840} A uniform triangular prism of weight 20 N rests on a horizontal table. \(A B C\) is the cross-section through the centre of mass of the prism, where \(B C = 0.5 \mathrm {~m} , A B = 0.4 \mathrm {~m} , A C = 0.3 \mathrm {~m}\) and angle \(B A C = 90 ^ { \circ }\). The vertical plane \(A B C\) is perpendicular to the edge of the table. The point \(D\) on \(A C\) is at the edge of the table, and \(A D = 0.25 \mathrm {~m}\). One end of a light elastic string of natural length 0.6 m and modulus of elasticity 48 N is attached to \(C\) and a particle of mass 2.5 kg is attached to the other end of the string. The particle is released from rest at \(C\) and falls vertically (see diagram).
  1. Show that the tension in the string is 60 N at the instant when the prism topples.
  2. Calculate the speed of the particle at the instant when the prism topples.