Questions — AQA M2 (165 questions)

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AQA M2 2010 January Q1
3 marks Easy -1.2
1 An inextensible rope is attached to a sledge which is at rest on a horizontal surface. A constant force of magnitude 40 newtons at an angle of \(30 ^ { \circ }\) to the horizontal is applied to the sledge, as shown in the diagram. \includegraphics[max width=\textwidth, alt={}, center]{06b431ca-d3a8-46d6-b9f8-bac08d3fd51e-2_312_1086_664_466} Calculate the work done by the force as the sledge is moved 5 metres along the surface.
AQA M2 2010 January Q2
6 marks Moderate -0.8
2 A piece of modern art is modelled as a uniform lamina and three particles. The diagram shows the lamina, the three particles \(A , B\) and \(C\), and the \(x\) - and \(y\)-axes. \includegraphics[max width=\textwidth, alt={}, center]{06b431ca-d3a8-46d6-b9f8-bac08d3fd51e-2_875_1004_1414_502} The lamina, which is fixed in the \(x - y\) plane, has mass 10 kg and its centre of mass is at the point (12, 9). The three particles are attached to the lamina.
Particle \(A\) has mass 3 kg and is at the point (15, 6).
Particle \(B\) has mass 1 kg and is at the point ( 7,14 ).
Particle \(C\) has mass 6 kg and is at the point ( 8,7 ).
Find the coordinates of the centre of mass of the piece of modern art.
AQA M2 2010 January Q3
8 marks Moderate -0.8
3 A uniform plank, of length 8 metres, has mass 30 kg . The plank is supported in equilibrium in a horizontal position by two smooth supports at the points \(A\) and \(B\), as shown in the diagram. A block, of mass 20 kg , is placed on the plank at point \(A\). \includegraphics[max width=\textwidth, alt={}, center]{06b431ca-d3a8-46d6-b9f8-bac08d3fd51e-3_193_1216_477_404}
  1. Draw a diagram to show the forces acting on the plank.
  2. Show that the magnitude of the force exerted on the plank by the support at \(B\) is \(19.2 g\) newtons.
  3. Find the magnitude of the force exerted on the plank by the support at \(A\).
  4. Explain how you have used the fact that the plank is uniform in your solution.
AQA M2 2010 January Q4
12 marks Standard +0.3
4 A particle moves so that at time \(t\) seconds its velocity \(\mathbf { v } \mathrm { m } \mathrm { s } ^ { - 1 }\) is given by $$\mathbf { v } = \left( 4 t ^ { 3 } - 12 t + 3 \right) \mathbf { i } + 5 \mathbf { j } + 8 t \mathbf { k }$$
  1. When \(t = 0\), the position vector of the particle is \(( - 5 \mathbf { i } + 6 \mathbf { k } )\) metres. Find the position vector of the particle at time \(t\).
  2. Find the acceleration of the particle at time \(t\).
  3. Find the magnitude of the acceleration of the particle at time \(t\). Do not simplify your answer.
  4. Hence find the time at which the magnitude of the acceleration is a minimum.
  5. The particle is moving under the action of a single variable force \(\mathbf { F }\) newtons. The mass of the particle is 7 kg . Find the minimum magnitude of \(\mathbf { F }\).
AQA M2 2010 January Q5
13 marks Standard +0.3
5 A golf ball, of mass \(m \mathrm {~kg}\), is moving in a straight line across smooth horizontal ground. At time \(t\) seconds, the golf ball has speed \(v \mathrm {~m} \mathrm {~s} ^ { - 1 }\). As the golf ball moves, it experiences a resistance force of magnitude \(0.2 m v ^ { \frac { 1 } { 2 } }\) newtons until it comes to rest. No other horizontal force acts on the golf ball. Model the golf ball as a particle.
  1. Show that $$\frac { \mathrm { d } v } { \mathrm {~d} t } = - 0.2 v ^ { \frac { 1 } { 2 } }$$
  2. When \(t = 0\), the speed of the golf ball is \(16 \mathrm {~ms} ^ { - 1 }\). Show that \(v = ( 4 - 0.1 t ) ^ { 2 }\).
  3. Find the value of \(t\) when \(v = 1\).
  4. Find the distance travelled by the golf ball as its speed decreases from \(16 \mathrm {~ms} ^ { - 1 }\) to \(1 \mathrm {~ms} ^ { - 1 }\).
AQA M2 2010 January Q6
7 marks Moderate -0.3
6 A particle, of mass 4 kg , is attached to one end of a light inextensible string of length 1.2 metres. The other end of the string is attached to a fixed point \(O\). The particle moves in a horizontal circle at a constant speed. The angle between the string and the vertical is \(\theta\). \includegraphics[max width=\textwidth, alt={}, center]{06b431ca-d3a8-46d6-b9f8-bac08d3fd51e-4_529_554_1580_737}
  1. Find the radius of the horizontal circle in terms of \(\theta\).
  2. The angular speed of the particle is 5 radians per second. Find \(\theta\).
AQA M2 2010 January Q7
10 marks Standard +0.3
7 A smooth hemisphere, of radius \(a\) and centre \(O\), is fixed with its plane face on a horizontal surface. A particle, of mass \(m\), can move freely on the surface of the hemisphere. The particle is placed at the point \(A\), the highest point of the hemisphere, and is set in motion along the surface with speed \(u\).
  1. While the particle is in contact with the hemisphere at a point \(P , O P\) makes an angle \(\theta\) with the upward vertical. \includegraphics[max width=\textwidth, alt={}, center]{06b431ca-d3a8-46d6-b9f8-bac08d3fd51e-5_366_1246_715_395} Show that the speed of the particle at \(P\) is $$\left( u ^ { 2 } + 2 g a [ 1 - \cos \theta ] \right) ^ { \frac { 1 } { 2 } }$$
  2. The particle leaves the surface of the hemisphere when \(\theta = \alpha\). Find \(\cos \alpha\) in terms of \(a , u\) and \(g\).
AQA M2 2010 January Q8
16 marks Standard +0.3
8 A bungee jumper, of mass 49 kg , is attached to one end of a light elastic cord of natural length 22 metres and modulus of elasticity 1078 newtons. The other end of the cord is attached to a horizontal platform, which is at a height of 60 metres above the ground. The bungee jumper steps off the platform at the point where the cord is attached, and falls vertically. The bungee jumper can be modelled as a particle. Assume that Hooke's Law applies whilst the cord is taut and that air resistance is negligible throughout the motion. When the bungee jumper has fallen \(x\) metres, his speed is \(v \mathrm {~ms} ^ { - 1 }\).
  1. By considering energy, show that, when \(x\) is greater than 22, $$5 v ^ { 2 } = 318 x - 5 x ^ { 2 } - 2420$$
  2. Explain why \(x\) must be greater than 22 for the equation in part (a) to be valid. ( 1 mark)
  3. Find the maximum value of \(x\).
    1. Show that the speed of the bungee jumper is a maximum when \(x = 31.8\).
    2. Hence find the maximum speed of the bungee jumper.
AQA M2 2008 June Q1
8 marks Easy -1.2
1 A particle moves in a straight line and at time \(t\) seconds has velocity \(v \mathrm {~m} \mathrm {~s} ^ { - 1 }\), where $$v = 6 t ^ { 2 } + 4 t - 7 , \quad t \geqslant 0$$
  1. Find an expression for the acceleration of the particle at time \(t\).
  2. The mass of the particle is 3 kg . Find the resultant force on the particle when \(t = 4\).
  3. When \(t = 0\), the displacement of the particle from the origin is 5 metres. Find an expression for the displacement of the particle from the origin at time \(t\).
AQA M2 2008 June Q2
7 marks Moderate -0.8
2 A uniform plank, of length 6 metres, has mass 40 kg . The plank is held in equilibrium in a horizontal position by two vertical ropes attached to the plank at \(A\) and \(B\), as shown in the diagram. \includegraphics[max width=\textwidth, alt={}, center]{03994596-21ad-4201-8d64-ba2d7b7e0a77-2_323_1162_1464_440}
  1. Draw a diagram to show the forces acting on the plank.
  2. Show that the tension in the rope attached to the plank at \(B\) is \(21 g \mathrm {~N}\).
  3. Find the tension in the rope that is attached to the plank at \(A\).
  4. State where in your solution you have used the fact that the plank is uniform.
AQA M2 2008 June Q3
4 marks Easy -1.2
3 Three particles are attached to a light rectangular lamina \(O A B C\), which is fixed in a horizontal plane. Take \(O A\) and \(O C\) as the \(x\) - and \(y\)-axes, as shown. Particle \(P\) has mass 1 kg and is attached at the point \(( 25,10 )\).
Particle \(Q\) has mass 4 kg and is attached at the point ( 12,7 ).
Particle \(R\) has mass 5 kg and is attached at the point \(( 4,18 )\). \includegraphics[max width=\textwidth, alt={}, center]{03994596-21ad-4201-8d64-ba2d7b7e0a77-3_782_1033_703_482} Find the coordinates of the centre of mass of the three particles.
AQA M2 2008 June Q4
11 marks Moderate -0.3
4 A van, of mass 1500 kg , has a maximum speed of \(50 \mathrm {~m} \mathrm {~s} ^ { - 1 }\) on a straight horizontal road. When the van travels at a speed of \(v \mathrm {~m} \mathrm {~s} ^ { - 1 }\), it experiences a resistance force of magnitude \(40 v\) newtons.
  1. Show that the maximum power of the van is 100000 watts.
  2. The van is travelling along a straight horizontal road. Find the maximum possible acceleration of the van when its speed is \(25 \mathrm {~m} \mathrm {~s} ^ { - 1 }\).
  3. The van starts to climb a hill which is inclined at \(6 ^ { \circ }\) to the horizontal. Find the maximum possible constant speed of the van as it travels in a straight line up the hill.
    (6 marks)
AQA M2 2008 June Q5
12 marks Moderate -0.3
5 A particle moves on a horizontal plane in which the unit vectors \(\mathbf { i }\) and \(\mathbf { j }\) are directed east and north respectively. At time \(t\) seconds, the particle's position vector, \(\mathbf { r }\) metres, is given by $$\mathbf { r } = 8 \left( \cos \frac { 1 } { 4 } t \right) \mathbf { i } - 8 \left( \sin \frac { 1 } { 4 } t \right) \mathbf { j }$$
  1. Find an expression for the velocity of the particle at time \(t\).
  2. Show that the speed of the particle is a constant.
  3. Prove that the particle is moving in a circle.
  4. Find the angular speed of the particle.
  5. Find an expression for the acceleration of the particle at time \(t\).
  6. State the magnitude of the acceleration of the particle.
AQA M2 2008 June Q6
8 marks Moderate -0.5
6 A car, of mass \(m\), is moving along a straight smooth horizontal road. At time \(t\), the car has speed \(v\). As the car moves, it experiences a resistance force of magnitude \(0.05 m v\). No other horizontal force acts on the car.
  1. Show that $$\frac { \mathrm { d } v } { \mathrm {~d} t } = - 0.05 v$$
  2. When \(t = 0\), the speed of the car is \(20 \mathrm {~m} \mathrm {~s} ^ { - 1 }\). Show that \(v = 20 \mathrm { e } ^ { - 0.05 t }\).
  3. Find the time taken for the speed of the car to reduce to \(10 \mathrm {~ms} ^ { - 1 }\).
AQA M2 2008 June Q7
9 marks Standard +0.3
7 A small bead, of mass \(m\), is suspended from a fixed point \(O\) by a light inextensible string, of length \(a\). The bead is then set into circular motion with the string taut at \(B\), where \(B\) is vertically below \(O\), with a horizontal speed \(u\). \includegraphics[max width=\textwidth, alt={}, center]{03994596-21ad-4201-8d64-ba2d7b7e0a77-5_451_458_461_760}
  1. Given that the string does not become slack, show that the least value of \(u\) required for the bead to make complete revolutions about \(O\) is \(\sqrt { 5 a g }\).
  2. In the case where \(u = \sqrt { 5 a g }\), find, in terms of \(g\) and \(m\), the tension in the string when the bead is at the point \(C\), which is at the same horizontal level as \(O\), as shown in the diagram.
  3. State one modelling assumption that you have made in your solution.
AQA M2 2008 June Q8
16 marks Standard +0.3
8
  1. Hooke's law states that the tension in a stretched string of natural length \(l\) and modulus of elasticity \(\lambda\) is \(\frac { \lambda x } { l }\) when its extension is \(x\). Using this formula, prove that the work done in stretching a string from an unstretched position to a position in which its extension is \(e\) is \(\frac { \lambda e ^ { 2 } } { 2 l }\).
    (3 marks)
  2. A particle, of mass 5 kg , is attached to one end of a light elastic string of natural length 0.6 metres and modulus of elasticity 150 N . The other end of the string is fixed to a point \(O\).
    1. Find the extension of the elastic string when the particle hangs in equilibrium directly below \(O\).
    2. The particle is pulled down and held at the point \(P\), which is 0.9 metres vertically below \(O\). Show that the elastic potential energy of the string when the particle is in this position is 11.25 J .
    3. The particle is released from rest at the point \(P\). In the subsequent motion, the particle has speed \(v \mathrm {~m} \mathrm {~s} ^ { - 1 }\) when it is \(x\) metres above \(\boldsymbol { P }\). Show that, while the string is taut, $$v ^ { 2 } = 10.4 x - 50 x ^ { 2 }$$
    4. Find the value of \(x\) when the particle comes to rest for the first time after being released, given that the string is still taut.
AQA M2 2009 June Q1
9 marks Moderate -0.5
1 A particle moves under the action of a force, \(\mathbf { F }\) newtons. At time \(t\) seconds, the velocity, \(\mathbf { v } \mathrm { m } \mathrm { s } ^ { - 1 }\), of the particle is given by $$\mathbf { v } = \left( t ^ { 3 } - 15 t - 5 \right) \mathbf { i } + \left( 6 t - t ^ { 2 } \right) \mathbf { j }$$
  1. Find an expression for the acceleration of the particle at time \(t\).
  2. The mass of the particle is 4 kg .
    1. Show that, at time \(t\), $$\mathbf { F } = \left( 12 t ^ { 2 } - 60 \right) \mathbf { i } + ( 24 - 8 t ) \mathbf { j }$$
    2. Find the magnitude of \(\mathbf { F }\) when \(t = 2\).
AQA M2 2009 June Q2
9 marks Moderate -0.8
2 A slide at a water park may be modelled as a smooth plane of length 20 metres inclined at \(30 ^ { \circ }\) to the vertical. Anne, who has a mass of 55 kg , slides down the slide. At the top of the slide, she has an initial velocity of \(3 \mathrm {~m} \mathrm {~s} ^ { - 1 }\) down the slide.
  1. Calculate Anne's initial kinetic energy.
  2. By using conservation of energy, find the kinetic energy and the speed of Anne after she has travelled the 20 metres.
  3. State one modelling assumption which you have made.
AQA M2 2009 June Q3
9 marks Standard +0.3
3 A uniform ladder, of length 6 metres and mass 22 kg , rests with its foot, \(A\), on a rough horizontal floor and its top, \(B\), leaning against a smooth vertical wall. The vertical plane containing the ladder is perpendicular to the wall, and the angle between the ladder and the floor is \(\theta\). A man, of mass 90 kg , is standing at point \(C\) on the ladder so that the distance \(A C\) is 5 metres. With the man in this position, the ladder is on the point of slipping. The coefficient of friction between the ladder and the horizontal floor is 0.6 . The man may be modelled as a particle at \(C\). \includegraphics[max width=\textwidth, alt={}, center]{9cfa110c-ee11-447a-b21a-3f436432e27d-3_707_702_742_646}
  1. Show that the magnitude of the frictional force between the ladder and the horizontal floor is 659 N , correct to three significant figures.
  2. Find the angle \(\theta\).
AQA M2 2009 June Q4
8 marks Standard +0.3
4 Two light inextensible strings each have one end attached to a particle, \(P\), of mass 6 kg . The other ends of the strings are attached to the fixed points \(B\) and \(C\). The point \(C\) is vertically above the point \(B\). The particle moves, at constant speed, in a horizontal circle, with centre 0.6 m below point \(B\), with the strings inclined at \(40 ^ { \circ }\) and \(60 ^ { \circ }\) to the vertical, as shown in the diagram. Both strings are taut. \includegraphics[max width=\textwidth, alt={}, center]{9cfa110c-ee11-447a-b21a-3f436432e27d-4_761_542_539_751}
  1. As the particle moves in the horizontal circle, the tensions in the two strings are equal. Show that the tension in the strings is 46.4 N , correct to three significant figures.
  2. Find the speed of the particle.
AQA M2 2009 June Q5
6 marks Moderate -0.8
5 A train, of mass 600 tonnes, travels at constant speed up a slope inclined at an angle \(\theta\) to the horizontal, where \(\sin \theta = \frac { 1 } { 40 }\). The speed of the train is \(24 \mathrm {~m} \mathrm {~s} ^ { - 1 }\) and it experiences total resistance forces of 200000 N . Find the power produced by the train, giving your answer in kilowatts.
AQA M2 2009 June Q6
12 marks Standard +0.3
6 A block, of mass 5 kg , is attached to one end of a length of elastic string. The other end of the string is fixed to a vertical wall. The block is placed on a horizontal surface. The elastic string has natural length 1.2 m and modulus of elasticity 180 N . The block is pulled so that it is 2 m from the wall and is then released from rest. Whilst taut, the string remains horizontal. It may be assumed that, after the string becomes slack, it does not interfere with the movement of the block. \includegraphics[max width=\textwidth, alt={}, center]{9cfa110c-ee11-447a-b21a-3f436432e27d-5_396_960_660_534}
  1. Calculate the elastic potential energy when the block is 2 m from the wall.
  2. If the horizontal surface is smooth, find the speed of the block when it hits the wall.
  3. The surface is in fact rough and the coefficient of friction between the block and the surface is \(\mu\). Find \(\mu\) if the block comes to rest just as it reaches the wall.
AQA M2 2009 June Q7
10 marks Standard +0.3
7 In crazy golf, a golf ball is hit so that it starts to move in a vertical circle on the inside of a smooth cylinder. Model the golf ball as a particle, \(P\), of mass \(m\). The circular path of the golf ball has radius \(a\) and centre \(O\). At time \(t\), the angle between \(O P\) and the horizontal is \(\theta\), as shown in the diagram. The golf ball has speed \(u\) at the lowest point of its circular path. \includegraphics[max width=\textwidth, alt={}, center]{9cfa110c-ee11-447a-b21a-3f436432e27d-6_739_742_719_641}
  1. Show that, while the golf ball is in contact with the cylinder, the reaction of the cylinder on the golf ball is $$\frac { m u ^ { 2 } } { a } - 3 m g \sin \theta - 2 m g$$
  2. Given that \(u = \sqrt { 3 a g }\), the golf ball will not complete a vertical circle inside the cylinder. Find the angle which \(O P\) makes with the horizontal when the golf ball leaves the surface of the cylinder.
    (4 marks)
AQA M2 2009 June Q8
12 marks Standard +0.3
8 A stone, of mass \(m\), is moving in a straight line along smooth horizontal ground.
At time \(t\), the stone has speed \(v\). As the stone moves, it experiences a total resistance force of magnitude \(\lambda m v ^ { \frac { 3 } { 2 } }\), where \(\lambda\) is a constant. No other horizontal force acts on the stone.
  1. Show that $$\frac { \mathrm { d } v } { \mathrm {~d} t } = - \lambda v ^ { \frac { 3 } { 2 } }$$ (2 marks)
  2. The initial speed of the stone is \(9 \mathrm {~m} \mathrm {~s} ^ { - 1 }\). Show that $$v = \frac { 36 } { ( 2 + 3 \lambda t ) ^ { 2 } }$$ (7 marks)
  3. Find, in terms of \(\lambda\), the time taken for the speed of the stone to drop to \(4 \mathrm {~ms} ^ { - 1 }\).
AQA M2 2014 June Q1
8 marks Moderate -0.8
An eagle has caught a salmon of mass 3 kg to take to its nest. When the eagle is flying with speed \(8 \text{ m s}^{-1}\), it drops the salmon. The salmon falls a vertical distance of 13 metres back into the sea. The salmon is to be modelled as a particle. The salmon's weight is the only force that acts on it as it falls to the sea.
  1. Calculate the kinetic energy of the salmon when it is dropped by the eagle. [2 marks]
  2. Calculate the potential energy lost by the salmon as it falls to the sea. [2 marks]
    1. Find the kinetic energy of the salmon when it reaches the sea. [2 marks]
    2. Hence find the speed of the salmon when it reaches the sea. [2 marks]