3.02i Projectile motion: constant acceleration model

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OCR MEI Further Mechanics Major 2021 November Q9
15 marks Challenging +1.2
9 A small ball P is projected with speed \(5 \mathrm {~m} \mathrm {~s} ^ { - 1 }\) at an angle of elevation of \(( \alpha + \theta )\) from a point O at the bottom of a plane inclined at \(\alpha\) to the horizontal. P subsequently hits the plane at a point R , where OR is a line of greatest slope, as shown in the diagram. \includegraphics[max width=\textwidth, alt={}, center]{17e92314-d7df-49b8-a441-8d18c91dbbb0-07_456_862_406_242}
  1. By deriving an expression, in terms of \(\theta\), \(\alpha\) and \(g\), for the time of flight of P , show that the distance OR, in metres, is $$\frac { 50 \sin \theta \cos ( \theta + \alpha ) } { g \cos ^ { 2 } \alpha }$$
  2. By using the identity \(2 \sin \mathrm {~A} \cos \mathrm {~B} \equiv \sin ( \mathrm {~A} + \mathrm { B } ) - \sin ( \mathrm { B } - \mathrm { A } )\), determine, in terms of \(g\) and \(\sin \alpha\), an expression for the maximum range of P up the plane, as \(\theta\) varies.
  3. Given that OR is the maximum range of P up the plane and is equal to 1.8 m , determine the value of \(\theta\). \includegraphics[max width=\textwidth, alt={}, center]{17e92314-d7df-49b8-a441-8d18c91dbbb0-08_625_1180_255_239} A rigid wire ABC is fixed in a vertical plane. The section AB of the wire, of length \(b\), is straight and horizontal. The section BC of the wire is smooth and in the form of a circular arc of radius \(a\) and length \(\frac { 1 } { 2 } a \pi\). The centre of the arc is O , which is vertically above B . A bead P of mass \(m\) is threaded on the wire and projected from B with speed \(u\) towards C . The angle BOP when P is between B and C is denoted by \(\theta\), as shown in the diagram.
OCR MEI M1 2007 January Q8
18 marks Standard +0.3
8 In this question the value of \(\boldsymbol { g \) should be taken as \(\mathbf { 1 0 } \mathbf { m ~ s } ^ { \mathbf { - 2 } }\).} As shown in Fig. 8, particles A and B are projected towards one another. Each particle has an initial speed of \(10 \mathrm {~m} \mathrm {~s} ^ { - 1 }\) vertically and \(20 \mathrm {~m} \mathrm {~s} ^ { - 1 }\) horizontally. Initially A and B are 70 m apart horizontally and B is 15 m higher than A . Both particles are projected over horizontal ground. \begin{figure}[h]
\includegraphics[alt={},max width=\textwidth]{52d6c914-b204-4587-a82e-fbab6693fcf8-6_476_1111_518_475} \captionsetup{labelformat=empty} \caption{Fig. 8}
\end{figure}
  1. Show that, \(t\) seconds after projection, the height in metres of each particle above its point of projection is \(10 t - 5 t ^ { 2 }\).
  2. Calculate the horizontal range of A . Deduce that A hits the horizontal ground between the initial positions of A and B .
  3. Calculate the horizontal distance travelled by B before reaching the ground.
  4. Show that the paths of the particles cross but that the particles do not collide if they are projected at the same time. In fact, particle A is projected 2 seconds after particle B .
  5. Verify that the particles collide 0.75 seconds after A is projected.
OCR MEI M1 Q2
18 marks Standard +0.3
2 In this question the value of \(g\) should be taken as \(10 \mathrm {~m \mathrm {~s} ^ { 2 }\).} As shown in Fig. 8, particles A and B are projected towards one another. Each particle has an initial speed of \(10 \mathrm {~m} \mathrm {~s} ^ { 1 }\) vertically and \(20 \mathrm {~m} \mathrm {~s} { } ^ { 1 }\) horizontally. Initially A and B are 70 m apart horizontally and B is 15 m higher than A . Both particles are projected over horizontal ground. \begin{figure}[h]
\includegraphics[alt={},max width=\textwidth]{362d5995-bd39-4b07-b6a4-63eb1dd3e69d-2_461_1114_464_505} \captionsetup{labelformat=empty} \caption{Fig. 8}
\end{figure}
  1. Show that, \(t\) seconds after projection, the height in metres of each particle above its point of projection is \(10 t - 5 t ^ { 2 }\).
  2. Calculate the horizontal range of A . Deduce that A hits the horizontal ground between the initial positions of A and B .
  3. Calculate the horizontal distance travelled by B before reaching the ground.
  4. Show that the paths of the particles cross but that the particles do not collide if they are projected at the same time. In fact, particle A is projected 2 seconds after particle B .
  5. Verify that the particles collide 0.75 seconds after A is projected.
OCR Further Mechanics 2018 March Q7
12 marks Challenging +1.2
7 A smooth track \(A B\) is in the shape of an arc of a circle with centre \(O\) and radius 1.4 m . The track is fixed in a vertical plane with \(A\) above the level of \(B\) and a point \(C\) on the track vertically below \(O\). Angle \(A O C\) is \(60 ^ { \circ }\) and angle \(C O B\) is \(30 ^ { \circ }\). Point \(C\) is 2.5 m vertically above the point \(F\), which lies in a horizontal plane. A particle of mass 0.4 kg is placed at \(A\) and projected down the track with an initial velocity of \(0.8 \mathrm {~m} \mathrm {~s} ^ { - 1 }\). The particle first hits the plane at point \(H\) (see diagram). \includegraphics[max width=\textwidth, alt={}, center]{a8c9d007-e67f-4637-9e74-630ba9a91442-5_767_1265_488_415}
  1. Find the magnitude of the contact force between the particle and the track when the particle is at \(B\). [5]
  2. Find the distance \(F H\).
OCR Further Mechanics 2018 December Q5
11 marks Challenging +1.2
5 One end of a light inextensible string of length 0.8 m is attached to a fixed point, \(O\). The other end is attached to a particle \(P\) of mass \(1.2 \mathrm {~kg} . P\) hangs in equilibrium at a distance of 1.5 m above a horizontal plane. The point on the plane directly below \(O\) is \(F\). \(P\) is projected horizontally with speed \(3.5 \mathrm {~ms} ^ { - 1 }\). The string breaks when \(O P\) makes an angle of \(\frac { 1 } { 3 } \pi\) radians with the downwards vertical through \(O\) (see diagram). \includegraphics[max width=\textwidth, alt={}, center]{493f11f4-e25c-4eeb-a0ab-20ec6d7a7a7d-3_776_910_1242_244}
  1. Find the magnitude of the tension in the string at the instant before the string breaks.
  2. Find the distance between \(F\) and the point where \(P\) first hits the plane.
OCR H240/03 2018 September Q10
14 marks Standard +0.3
10 A small ball \(P\) is projected with speed \(5 \mathrm {~ms} ^ { - 1 }\) at an angle \(\theta\) above the horizontal from a point \(O\) and moves freely under gravity. The horizontal and vertically upwards displacements of the ball from \(O\) at any subsequent time \(t\) seconds are \(x \mathrm {~m}\) and \(y \mathrm {~m}\) respectively. The ball is modelled as a particle and the acceleration due to gravity is taken to be \(10 \mathrm {~ms} ^ { - 2 }\).
  1. Show that the equation of the trajectory of \(P\) is $$y = x \tan \theta - \frac { x ^ { 2 } } { 5 } \left( 1 + \tan ^ { 2 } \theta \right)$$ It is given that \(\tan \theta = 3\).
  2. Using part (i), find the maximum height above the level of \(O\) of \(P\) in the subsequent motion.
  3. Find the values of \(t\) when \(P\) is moving at an angle \(\alpha\) to the horizontal, where \(\tan \alpha = \frac { 1 } { 3 }\).
  4. Give two possible reasons why the values of \(t\) found in part (iii) may not be accurate. \includegraphics[max width=\textwidth, alt={}, center]{28beb431-45d5-4300-88fe-00d05d78790b-09_435_714_267_678} Two particles \(P\) and \(Q\), with masses 2 kg and 8 kg respectively, are attached to the ends of a light inextensible string. The string passes over a small smooth pulley which is fixed at a point on the intersection of two fixed inclined planes. The string lies in a vertical plane that contains a line of greatest slope of each of the two inclined planes. Plane \(\Pi _ { 1 }\) is inclined at an angle of \(30 ^ { \circ }\) to the horizontal and plane \(\Pi _ { 2 }\) is inclined at an angle of \(\theta\) to the horizontal. Particle \(P\) is on \(\Pi _ { 1 }\) and \(Q\) is on \(\Pi _ { 2 }\) with the string taut (see diagram). \(\Pi _ { 1 }\) is rough and the coefficient of friction between \(P\) and \(\Pi _ { 1 }\) is \(\frac { \sqrt { 3 } } { 3 }\). \(\Pi _ { 2 }\) is smooth.
    The particles are released from rest and \(P\) begins to move towards the pulley with an acceleration of \(g \cos \theta \mathrm {~m} \mathrm {~s} ^ { - 2 }\).
  1. Show that \(\theta\) satisfies the equation $$4 \sin \theta - 5 \cos \theta = 1 .$$
  2. By expressing \(4 \sin \theta - 5 \cos \theta\) in the form \(R \sin ( \theta - \alpha )\), where \(R > 0\) and \(0 < \alpha < 90 ^ { \circ }\), find, correct to 3 significant figures, the tension in the string.
Edexcel M1 Q8
Moderate -0.3
  1. \hspace{0pt} [In this question, the unit vectors \(\mathbf { i }\) and \(\mathbf { j }\) are horizontal vectors due east and north respectively.]
AQA M1 Q5
Moderate -0.8
5 A golf ball is projected from a point \(O\) with initial velocity \(V\) at an angle \(\alpha\) to the horizontal. The ball first hits the ground at a point \(A\) which is at the same horizontal level as \(O\), as shown in the diagram. \includegraphics[max width=\textwidth, alt={}, center]{6151e6ab-30af-4d1c-ab4a-e7dbad170cbf-005_227_602_484_735} It is given that \(V \cos \alpha = 6 u\) and \(V \sin \alpha = 2.5 u\).
  1. Show that the time taken for the ball to travel from \(O\) to \(A\) is \(\frac { 5 u } { g }\).
  2. Find, in terms of \(g\) and \(u\), the distance \(O A\).
  3. Find \(V\), in terms of \(u\).
  4. State, in terms of \(u\), the least speed of the ball during its flight from \(O\) to \(A\).
AQA M1 2006 January Q5
9 marks Moderate -0.8
5 A golf ball is projected from a point \(O\) with initial velocity \(V\) at an angle \(\alpha\) to the horizontal. The ball first hits the ground at a point \(A\) which is at the same horizontal level as \(O\), as shown in the diagram. \includegraphics[max width=\textwidth, alt={}, center]{c220e6c4-2676-4022-8301-7d720dc082b2-4_227_602_484_735} It is given that \(V \cos \alpha = 6 u\) and \(V \sin \alpha = 2.5 u\).
  1. Show that the time taken for the ball to travel from \(O\) to \(A\) is \(\frac { 5 u } { g }\).
  2. Find, in terms of \(g\) and \(u\), the distance \(O A\).
  3. Find \(V\), in terms of \(u\).
  4. State, in terms of \(u\), the least speed of the ball during its flight from \(O\) to \(A\).
AQA M1 2010 January Q7
14 marks Moderate -0.8
7 A ball is projected horizontally with speed \(\mathrm { V } \mathrm { m } \mathrm { s } ^ { - 1 }\) at a height of 5 metres above horizontal ground. When the ball has travelled a horizontal distance of 15 metres, it hits the ground. \includegraphics[max width=\textwidth, alt={}, center]{fe8c1ea4-cf4d-4741-8af5-03e8c2c88559-4_433_1296_1674_338}
  1. Show that the time it takes for the ball to travel to the point where it hits the ground is 1.01 seconds, correct to three significant figures.
  2. Find \(V\).
  3. Find the speed of the ball when it hits the ground.
  4. Find the angle between the velocity of the ball and the horizontal when the ball hits the ground. Give your answer to the nearest degree.
  5. State two assumptions that you have made about the ball while it is moving.
AQA M1 2007 June Q7
12 marks Moderate -0.3
7 An arrow is fired from a point \(A\) with a velocity of \(25 \mathrm {~ms} ^ { - 1 }\), at an angle of \(40 ^ { \circ }\) above the horizontal. The arrow hits a target at the point \(B\) which is at the same level as the point \(A\), as shown in the diagram. \includegraphics[max width=\textwidth, alt={}, center]{81f3753c-f148-44be-8b35-0a8e531016dd-4_195_1093_1594_511}
  1. State two assumptions that you should make in order to model the motion of the arrow.
    (2 marks)
  2. Show that the time that it takes for the arrow to travel from \(A\) to \(B\) is 3.28 seconds, correct to three significant figures.
  3. Find the distance between the points \(A\) and \(B\).
  4. State the magnitude and direction of the velocity of the arrow when it hits the target.
  5. Find the minimum speed of the arrow during its flight.
AQA M3 2009 June Q2
10 marks Standard +0.3
2 A particle is projected from a point \(O\) on a horizontal plane and has initial velocity components of \(2 \mathrm {~m} \mathrm {~s} ^ { - 1 }\) and \(10 \mathrm {~ms} ^ { - 1 }\) parallel to and perpendicular to the plane respectively. At time \(t\) seconds after projection, the horizontal and upward vertical distances of the particle from the point \(O\) are \(x\) metres and \(y\) metres respectively.
  1. Show that \(x\) and \(y\) satisfy the equation $$y = - \frac { g } { 8 } x ^ { 2 } + 5 x$$
  2. By using the equation in part (a), find the horizontal distance travelled by the particle whilst it is more than 1 metre above the plane.
  3. Hence find the time for which the particle is more than 1 metre above the plane.
AQA M3 2009 June Q7
11 marks Challenging +1.2
7 A particle is projected from a point \(O\) on a smooth plane which is inclined at \(30 ^ { \circ }\) to the horizontal. The particle is projected down the plane with velocity \(10 \mathrm {~m} \mathrm {~s} ^ { - 1 }\) at an angle of \(40 ^ { \circ }\) above the plane and first strikes it at a point \(A\). The motion of the particle is in a vertical plane containing a line of greatest slope of the inclined plane. \includegraphics[max width=\textwidth, alt={}, center]{719b82f7-2ab5-48db-9b2a-98284096a78a-6_449_963_488_529}
  1. Show that the time taken by the particle to travel from \(O\) to \(A\) is $$\frac { 20 \sin 40 ^ { \circ } } { g \cos 30 ^ { \circ } }$$
  2. Find the components of the velocity of the particle parallel to and perpendicular to the slope as it hits the slope at \(A\).
  3. The coefficient of restitution between the slope and the particle is 0.5 . Find the speed of the particle as it rebounds from the slope.
OCR H240/03 Q12
14 marks Standard +0.3
12 A girl is practising netball.
She throws the ball from a height of 1.5 m above horizontal ground and aims to get the ball through a hoop.
The hoop is 2.5 m vertically above the ground and is 6 m horizontally from the point of projection. The situation is modelled as follows.
  • The initial velocity of the ball has magnitude \(U \mathrm {~m} \mathrm {~s} ^ { - 1 }\).
  • The angle of projection is \(40 ^ { \circ }\).
  • The ball is modelled as a particle.
  • The hoop is modelled as a point.
This is shown on the diagram below. \includegraphics[max width=\textwidth, alt={}, center]{ec83c2c5-f8f8-4357-abfa-d40bc1d026b4-09_375_1207_1119_278}
  1. For \(U = 10\), find
    1. the greatest height above the ground reached by the ball
    2. the distance between the ball and the hoop when the ball is vertically above the hoop.
  2. Calculate the value of \(U\) which allows her to hit the hoop.
  3. How appropriate is this model for predicting the path of the ball when it is thrown by the girl?
  4. Suggest one improvement that might be made to this model.
AQA Paper 2 2021 June Q18
11 marks Challenging +1.2
18 Two particles, \(P\) and \(Q\), are projected at the same time from a fixed point \(X\), on the ground, so that they travel in the same vertical plane. \(P\) is projected at an acute angle \(\theta ^ { \circ }\) to the horizontal, with speed \(u \mathrm {~ms} ^ { - 1 }\) \(Q\) is projected at an acute angle \(2 \theta ^ { \circ }\) to the horizontal, with speed \(2 u \mathrm {~m} \mathrm {~s} ^ { - 1 }\) Both particles land back on the ground at exactly the same point, \(Y\).
Resistance forces to motion may be ignored.
18
  1. Show that $$\cos 2 \theta = \frac { 1 } { 8 }$$ 18
  2. \(\quad P\) takes a total of 0.4 seconds to travel from \(X\) to \(Y\).
    Find the time taken by \(Q\) to travel from \(X\) to \(Y\).
    18
  3. State one modelling assumption you have chosen to make in this question.
    [0pt] [1 mark]
    19
    Two skaters, Jo and Amba, are separately skating across a smooth, horizontal surface of ice.
    Both are moving in the same direction, so that their paths are straight and are parallel to each other.
    Jo is moving with constant velocity \(( 2.8 \mathbf { i } + 9.6 \mathbf { j } ) \mathrm { m } \mathrm { s } ^ { - 1 }\)
    At time \(t = 0\) seconds Amba is at position ( \(2 \mathbf { i } - 7 \mathbf { j }\) ) metres and is moving with a constant speed of \(8 \mathrm {~m} \mathrm {~s} ^ { - 1 }\)
    Explain why Amba's velocity must be in the form \(k ( 2.8 \mathbf { i } + 9.6 \mathbf { j } ) \mathrm { m } \mathrm { s } ^ { - 1 }\), where \(k\) is a constant.
    [1 mark] \(\_\_\_\_\) \(\_\_\_\_\) \(\_\_\_\_\)
Edexcel Paper 3 2018 June Q10
15 marks Standard +0.3
10. \begin{figure}[h]
\includegraphics[alt={},max width=\textwidth]{65e4b254-fb7b-45c2-9702-32f034018193-32_435_1257_244_402} \captionsetup{labelformat=empty} \caption{Figure 4}
\end{figure} A boy throws a ball at a target. At the instant when the ball leaves the boy's hand at the point \(A\), the ball is 2 m above horizontal ground and is moving with speed \(U\) at an angle \(\alpha\) above the horizontal. In the subsequent motion, the highest point reached by the ball is 3 m above the ground. The target is modelled as being the point \(T\), as shown in Figure 4.
The ball is modelled as a particle moving freely under gravity.
Using the model,
  1. show that \(U ^ { 2 } = \frac { 2 g } { \sin ^ { 2 } \alpha }\). The point \(T\) is at a horizontal distance of 20 m from \(A\) and is at a height of 0.75 m above the ground. The ball reaches \(T\) without hitting the ground.
  2. Find the size of the angle \(\alpha\)
  3. State one limitation of the model that could affect your answer to part (b).
  4. Find the time taken for the ball to travel from \(A\) to \(T\).
Edexcel Paper 3 Specimen Q10
13 marks Standard +0.3
10. \begin{figure}[h]
\includegraphics[alt={},max width=\textwidth]{e678bf51-6dca-4ad7-808b-dfa31b04dc63-22_719_1333_246_365} \captionsetup{labelformat=empty} \caption{Figure 2}
\end{figure} A boy throws a stone with speed \(U \mathrm {~ms} ^ { - 1 }\) from a point \(O\) at the top of a vertical cliff. The point \(O\) is 18 m above sea level.
The stone is thrown at an angle \(\alpha\) above the horizontal, where \(\tan \alpha = \frac { 3 } { 4 }\).
The stone hits the sea at the point \(S\) which is at a horizontal distance of 36 m from the foot of the cliff, as shown in Figure 2.
The stone is modelled as a particle moving freely under gravity with \(g = 10 \mathrm {~m} \mathrm {~s} ^ { - 2 }\) Find
  1. the value of \(U\),
  2. the speed of the stone when it is 10.8 m above sea level, giving your answer to 2 significant figures.
  3. Suggest two improvements that could be made to the model.
OCR Further Mechanics 2021 June Q2
11 marks Challenging +1.2
2 One end of a light inextensible string of length 0.8 m is attached to a fixed point, \(O\). The other end is attached to a particle \(P\) of mass \(1.2 \mathrm {~kg} . P\) hangs in equilibrium at a distance of 1.5 m above a horizontal plane. The point on the plane directly below \(O\) is \(F\). \(P\) is projected horizontally with speed \(3.5 \mathrm {~ms} ^ { - 1 }\). The string breaks when \(O P\) makes an angle of \(\frac { 1 } { 3 } \pi\) radians with the downwards vertical through \(O\) (see diagram). \includegraphics[max width=\textwidth, alt={}, center]{0428f2f2-12c4-4e89-93ab-8cfe2c5aca4a-02_757_889_1482_251}
  1. Find the magnitude of the tension in the string at the instant before the string breaks.
  2. Find the distance between \(F\) and the point where \(P\) first hits the plane.
Edexcel M2 2024 October Q5
Standard +0.3
  1. The fixed points \(X\) and \(Y\) lie on horizontal ground.
At time \(t = 0\), a particle \(P\) is projected from \(X\) with speed \(u \mathrm {~ms} ^ { - 1 }\) at angle \(\theta\) to the ground. Particle \(P\) moves freely under gravity and first hits the ground at \(Y\).
  1. Show that \(X Y = \frac { u ^ { 2 } \sin 2 \theta } { g }\) The points \(A\) and \(B\) lie on horizontal ground. A vertical pole \(C D\) has length 5 m .
    The end \(C\) is fixed to the ground between \(A\) and \(B\), where \(A C = 12 \mathrm {~m}\).
    At time \(t = 0\), a particle \(Q\) is projected from \(A\) with speed \(20 \mathrm {~ms} ^ { - 1 }\) at \(60 ^ { \circ }\) to the ground.
    Particle \(Q\) moves freely under gravity, passes over the pole and first hits the ground at \(B\), as shown in Figure 4. \begin{figure}[h]
    \includegraphics[alt={},max width=\textwidth]{3e78f951-041d-4227-aa4b-e67a6ab5b4cd-14_335_1179_1032_443} \captionsetup{labelformat=empty} \caption{Figure 4}
    \end{figure}
  2. Find the distance \(C B\).
  3. Find the height of \(Q\) above \(D\) at the instant when \(Q\) passes over the pole.
Pre-U Pre-U 9795/2 2010 June Q3
11 marks Challenging +1.8
3 A particle is projected at an angle \(\theta\) above the horizontal from the foot of a plane which is inclined at \(45 ^ { \circ }\) to the horizontal. Subsequently the particle impacts on the plane at a higher point.
  1. Prove that the angle at which the particle strikes the plane is \(\phi\), where $$\tan \phi = \frac { \tan \theta - 1 } { 3 - \tan \theta }$$
  2. Find the angle to the horizontal at which the particle would have to be projected if it were to strike the plane horizontally.
Pre-U Pre-U 9795/2 2012 June Q12
12 marks Challenging +1.8
12 A projectile is launched from the origin with speed \(20 \mathrm {~m} \mathrm {~s} ^ { - 1 }\) at an angle \(\alpha\) above the horizontal.
  1. Prove that the equation of its trajectory is $$y = x \tan \alpha - \frac { x ^ { 2 } } { 80 } \left( 1 + \tan ^ { 2 } \alpha \right)$$
  2. Regarding the equation of the trajectory as a quadratic equation in \(\tan \alpha\), show that \(\tan \alpha\) has real values provided that $$y \leqslant 20 - \frac { x ^ { 2 } } { 80 }$$
  3. A plane is inclined at an angle \(\beta\) to the horizontal. The line \(l\), with equation \(y = x \tan \beta\), is a line of greatest slope in the plane. A particle is projected from a point on the plane, in the vertical plane containing \(l\). By considering the intersection of \(l\) with the bounding parabola \(y = 20 - \frac { x ^ { 2 } } { 80 }\), deduce that the maximum range up, or down, this inclined plane is \(\frac { 40 } { 1 + \sin \beta }\), or \(\frac { 40 } { 1 - \sin \beta }\), respectively.
Pre-U Pre-U 9794/3 2012 June Q11
13 marks Standard +0.3
11 A particle \(P\) of mass 2 kg can move along a line of greatest slope on the smooth surface of a wedge which is fixed to the ground. The sloping face \(O A\) of the wedge has length 10 metres and is inclined at \(30 ^ { \circ }\) to the horizontal (see Fig. 1). \(P\) is fired up the slope from the lowest point \(O\), with an initial speed of \(20 \mathrm {~m} \mathrm {~s} ^ { - 1 }\). \begin{figure}[h]
\includegraphics[alt={},max width=\textwidth]{f0c32e07-f3a0-4d58-bd00-c266177ceaac-5_295_1529_484_310} \captionsetup{labelformat=empty} \caption{Fig. 1}
\end{figure}
  1. Find the time taken for \(P\) to reach \(A\) and show that the speed of \(P\) at \(A\) is \(10 \sqrt { 3 } \mathrm {~m} \mathrm {~s} ^ { - 1 }\). After \(P\) has reached \(A\) it becomes a projectile (see Fig. 2). \begin{figure}[h]
    \includegraphics[alt={},max width=\textwidth]{f0c32e07-f3a0-4d58-bd00-c266177ceaac-5_424_1533_1123_306} \captionsetup{labelformat=empty} \caption{Fig. 2}
    \end{figure}
  2. Find the total horizontal distance travelled by \(P\) from \(O\) when it hits the ground.
Pre-U Pre-U 9794/3 2013 June Q8
10 marks Standard +0.3
8 A particle is projected from a point \(O\) with initial speed \(U\) at an angle \(\theta\) above the horizontal. At time \(t\) after projection the position of the particle is \(( x , y )\) relative to horizontal and vertical axes through \(O\).
  1. Write down expressions for \(x\) and \(y\) at time \(t\). Hence derive the cartesian equation of the trajectory of the particle.
  2. A player in a cricket match throws the ball with speed \(30 \mathrm {~m} \mathrm {~s} ^ { - 1 }\) to another player who is 45 metres away. Assume that the players throw and catch the ball at the same height above the ground. Show that there are two possible trajectories and find their respective angles of projection. [4]
  3. Describe briefly one advantage of each trajectory.
Pre-U Pre-U 9794/3 2015 June Q7
8 marks Standard +0.3
7 A particle is projected from the origin with initial speed \(u \mathrm {~m} \mathrm {~s} ^ { - 1 }\) at an angle \(\theta\) above the horizontal. After 2 seconds the particle is at a point which is 18 m horizontally from the origin and 4 m above it.
  1. Show that \(\tan \theta = \frac { 4 } { 3 }\) and find \(u\).
  2. Find the horizontal range of the particle.
Pre-U Pre-U 9795/2 2015 June Q12
14 marks Challenging +1.8
12 Points \(A\) and \(B\) lie on a line of greatest slope of a plane inclined at an angle \(\alpha\) to the horizontal, with \(B\) above \(A\). A particle is projected from \(A\) with speed \(u\) at an angle \(\theta\) to the plane and subsequently strikes the plane at right angles at \(B\).
  1. Show that \(2 \tan \alpha \tan \theta = 1\).
  2. In either order, show that
    1. the vertical height of \(B\) above \(A\) is \(\frac { 2 u ^ { 2 } \tan ^ { 2 } \alpha } { g \left( 1 + 4 \tan ^ { 2 } \alpha \right) }\),
    2. the time of flight from \(A\) to \(B\) is \(\frac { 2 u \sec \alpha } { g \sqrt { 1 + 4 \tan ^ { 2 } \alpha } }\).