3.03d Newton's second law: 2D vectors

A particle \(P\) is acted upon by three forces \(\mathbf{F}_1\), \(\mathbf{F}_2\) and \(\mathbf{F}_3\) given by \(\mathbf{F}_1 = (6\mathbf{i} - 4\mathbf{j}) \text{ N}\), \(\mathbf{F}_2 = (-3\mathbf{i} + 9\mathbf{j}) \text{ N}\) and \(\mathbf{F}_3 = (a\mathbf{i} + b\mathbf{j}) \text{ N}\), where \(a\) and \(b\) are constants. Given that \(P\) is in equilibrium,

1. find the value of \(a\) and the value of \(b\). [2]

The force \(\mathbf{F}_3\) is now removed. The resultant of \(\mathbf{F}_1\) and \(\mathbf{F}_2\) is \(\mathbf{R}\).

1. Find the magnitude of \(\mathbf{R}\). [3]
2. Find the angle, to \(0.1°\), that \(\mathbf{R}\) makes with \(\mathbf{i}\). [2]

\includegraphics{figure_14} One end of a light inextensible string is attached to a particle \(A\) of mass \(2\text{kg}\). The other end of the string is attached to a second particle \(B\) of mass \(3\text{kg}\). Particle \(A\) is in contact with a smooth plane inclined at \(30°\) to the horizontal and particle \(B\) is in contact with a rough horizontal plane. A second light inextensible string is attached to \(B\). The other end of this second string is attached to a third particle \(C\) of mass \(4\text{kg}\). Particle \(C\) is in contact with a smooth plane \(\Pi\) inclined at an angle of \(60°\) to the horizontal. Both strings are taut and pass over small smooth pulleys that are at the tops of the inclined planes. The parts of the strings from \(A\) to the pulley, and from \(C\) to the pulley, are parallel to lines of greatest slope of the corresponding planes (see diagram). The coefficient of friction between \(B\) and the horizontal plane is \(\mu\). The system is released from rest and in the subsequent motion \(C\) moves down \(\Pi\) with acceleration \(a\text{ms}^{-2}\).

1. By considering an equation involving \(\mu\), \(a\) and \(g\) show that \(a < \frac{5}{9}g(2\sqrt{3} - 1)\). [7]
2. Given that \(a = \frac{1}{5}g\), determine the magnitude of the contact force between \(B\) and the horizontal plane. Give your answer correct to 3 significant figures. [4]

In this question the unit vectors \(\mathbf{i}\) and \(\mathbf{j}\) are in the directions east and north respectively. A particle of mass 0.12 kg is moving so that its position vector \(\mathbf{r}\) metres at time \(t\) seconds is given by \(\mathbf{r} = 2t^2\mathbf{i} + (5t^2 - 4t)\mathbf{j}\).

1. Show that when \(t = 0.7\) the bearing on which the particle is moving is approximately \(044°\). [3]
2. Find the magnitude of the resultant force acting on the particle at the instant when \(t = 0.7\). [4]
3. Determine the times at which the particle is moving on a bearing of \(045°\). [2]

In this question the unit vectors \(\mathbf{i}\) and \(\mathbf{j}\) are in the directions east and north respectively. Distance is measured in metres and time in seconds. A ship of mass 100 000 kg is being towed by two tug boats. • The cables attaching each tug to the ship are horizontal. • One tug produces a force of \((350\mathbf{i} + 400\mathbf{j})\) N. • The other tug produces a force of \((250\mathbf{i} - 400\mathbf{j})\) N. • The total resistance to motion is 200 N. • At the instant when the tugs begin to tow the ship, it is moving east at a speed of 1.5 m s\(^{-1}\).

1. Explain why the ship continues to move directly east. [2]
2. Find the acceleration of the ship. [2]
3. Find the time which the ship takes to move 400 m while it is being towed. Find its speed after moving that distance. [6]

Two forces \(\mathbf{F}_1\) and \(\mathbf{F}_2\) are given by $$\mathbf{F}_1 = 13\mathbf{i} + 4\mathbf{j} - 3\mathbf{k}, \quad \mathbf{F}_2 = -2\mathbf{i} + 6\mathbf{j} + \mathbf{k},$$ in which the units of the components are newtons. A third force, \(\mathbf{F}_3\), of magnitude 6 N acts parallel to the vector \(2\mathbf{i} - 2\mathbf{j} + \mathbf{k}\).

1. Find the two possible resultants of \(\mathbf{F}_1\), \(\mathbf{F}_2\) and \(\mathbf{F}_3\), and show that they have the same magnitude. [5]

A particle, \(P\), of mass 2 kg is initially at rest at the origin. The only forces acting on \(P\) are \(\mathbf{F}_1\) and \(\mathbf{F}_2\).

1. Find the magnitude of the acceleration of \(P\). [3]
2. Find the time taken for \(P\) to travel 60 m. [2]

\includegraphics{figure_12} A particle \(P\) of mass 2 kg can move along a line of greatest slope on a smooth plane, inclined at \(30°\) to the horizontal. \(P\) is initially at rest at a point on the plane, and a force of constant magnitude 20 N is applied to \(P\) parallel to and up the slope (see diagram).

1. Copy and complete the diagram, showing all forces acting on \(P\). [1]
2. Find the velocity of \(P\) in terms of time \(t\) seconds, whilst the force of 20 N is applied. [4]

After 3 seconds the force is removed at the instant that \(P\) collides with a particle of mass 1 kg moving down the slope with speed 5 m s\(^{-1}\). The coefficient of restitution between the particles is 0.2.

1. Express the velocity of \(P\) as a function of time after the collision. [6]