3.03d Newton's second law: 2D vectors

381 questions

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Edexcel AS Paper 2 2022 June Q4
6 marks Moderate -0.8
4. \begin{figure}[h]
\includegraphics[alt={},max width=\textwidth]{278a61e9-e27f-4fd5-895a-db01886aadfe-14_545_314_248_877} \captionsetup{labelformat=empty} \caption{Figure 1}
\end{figure} A vertical rope \(P Q\) has its end \(Q\) attached to the top of a small lift cage.
The lift cage has mass 40 kg and carries a block of mass 10 kg , as shown in Figure 1.
The lift cage is raised vertically by moving the end \(P\) of the rope vertically upwards with constant acceleration \(0.2 \mathrm {~m} \mathrm {~s} ^ { - 2 }\) The rope is modelled as being light and inextensible and air resistance is ignored.
Using the model,
  1. find the tension in the rope \(P Q\)
  2. find the magnitude of the force exerted on the block by the lift cage.
Edexcel AS Paper 2 2023 June Q4
7 marks Moderate -0.3
4. \begin{figure}[h]
\includegraphics[alt={},max width=\textwidth]{d9615c4f-d8fa-4e44-978a-cf34b2b1c0b5-10_211_1527_294_269} \captionsetup{labelformat=empty} \caption{Figure 2}
\end{figure} A car of mass 1200 kg is towing a trailer of mass 400 kg along a straight horizontal road using a tow rope, as shown in Figure 2.
The rope is horizontal and parallel to the direction of motion of the car.
  • The resistance to motion of the car is modelled as a constant force of magnitude \(2 R\) newtons
  • The resistance to motion of the trailer is modelled as a constant force of magnitude \(R\) newtons
  • The rope is modelled as being light and inextensible
  • The acceleration of the car is modelled as \(a \mathrm {~m} \mathrm {~s} ^ { - 2 }\)
The driving force of the engine of the car is 7400 N and the tension in the tow rope is 2400 N . Using the model,
  1. find the value of \(a\) In a refined model, the rope is modelled as having mass and the acceleration of the car is found to be \(a _ { 1 } \mathrm {~ms} ^ { - 2 }\)
  2. State how the value of \(a _ { 1 }\) compares with the value of \(a\)
  3. State one limitation of the model used for the resistance to motion of the car.
Edexcel AS Paper 2 2024 June Q3
5 marks Moderate -0.3
  1. \hspace{0pt} [In this question, \(\mathbf { i }\) and \(\mathbf { j }\) are perpendi cular unit vectors in a horizontal plane]
A particle P is moving on a smooth horizontal surface under the action of two forces.
Given that
  • the mass of P is 2 kg
  • the two forces are \(( 2 \mathbf { i } + 4 \mathbf { j } ) \mathrm { N }\) and \(( \mathbf { i } - 2 \mathbf { j } ) \mathrm { N }\), where C is a constant
  • the magnitude of the acceleration of P is \(\sqrt { 5 } \mathrm {~m} \mathrm {~s} ^ { - 2 }\) find the two possible values of C .
Edexcel AS Paper 2 2024 June Q4
12 marks Moderate -0.8
4. \begin{figure}[h]
\includegraphics[alt={},max width=\textwidth]{34fc8023-cf31-420a-bb92-a31735fe5bdb-08_225_1239_280_413} \captionsetup{labelformat=empty} \caption{Figure 2}
\end{figure} Figure 2 shows a car towing a trailer along a straight horizontal road.
The mass of the car is 800 kg and the mass of the trailer is 600 kg .
The trailer is attached to the car by a towbar which is parallel to the road and parallel to the direction of motion of the car and the trailer. The towbar is modelled as a light rod.
The resistance to the motion of the car is modelled as a constant force of magnitude 400 N .
The resistance to the motion of the trailer is modelled as a constant force of magnitude R newtons. The engine of the car is producing a constant driving force that is horizontal and of magnitude 1740 N. The acceleration of the car is \(0.6 \mathrm {~ms} ^ { - 2 }\) and the tension in the towbar is T newtons.
Using the model,
  1. show that \(\mathrm { R } = 500\)
  2. find the value of T . At the instant when the speed of the car and the trailer is \(12.5 \mathrm {~m} \mathrm {~s} ^ { - 1 }\), the towbar breaks.
    The trailer moves a further distance d metres before coming to rest.
    The resistance to the motion of the trailer is modelled as a constant force of magnitude 500 N. Using the model,
  3. show that, after the towbar breaks, the deceleration of the trailer is \(\frac { 5 } { 6 } \mathrm {~ms} ^ { - 2 }\)
  4. find the value of d. In reality, the distance d metres is likely to be different from the answer found in part (d).
  5. Give two different reasons why this is the case.
Edexcel Paper 3 2022 June Q3
9 marks Standard +0.3
  1. \hspace{0pt} [In this question, \(\mathbf { i }\) and \(\mathbf { j }\) are horizontal unit vectors.]
A particle \(P\) of mass 4 kg is at rest at the point \(A\) on a smooth horizontal plane.
At time \(t = 0\), two forces, \(\mathbf { F } _ { 1 } = ( 4 \mathbf { i } - \mathbf { j } ) \mathrm { N }\) and \(\mathbf { F } _ { 2 } = ( \lambda \mathbf { i } + \mu \mathbf { j } ) \mathrm { N }\), where \(\lambda\) and \(\mu\) are constants, are applied to \(P\) Given that \(P\) moves in the direction of the vector ( \(3 \mathbf { i } + \mathbf { j }\) )
  1. show that $$\lambda - 3 \mu + 7 = 0$$ At time \(t = 4\) seconds, \(P\) passes through the point \(B\).
    Given that \(\lambda = 2\)
  2. find the length of \(A B\).
OCR PURE Q9
4 marks Standard +0.3
9 In this question the horizontal unit vectors \(\mathbf { i }\) and \(\mathbf { j }\) are in the directions east and north respectively.
A model ship of mass 2 kg is moving so that its acceleration vector \(\mathbf { a m s } ^ { - 2 }\) at time \(t\) seconds is given by \(\mathbf { a } = 3 ( 2 t - 5 ) \mathbf { i } + 4 \mathbf { j }\). When \(t = T\), the magnitude of the horizontal force acting on the ship is 10 N . Find the possible values of \(T\).
OCR PURE Q9
2 marks Moderate -0.8
9 Two forces \(( 3 \mathbf { i } + 2 \mathbf { j } ) \mathrm { N }\) and \(\mathbf { F N }\) act on a particle \(P\) of mass 4 kg .
Given that the acceleration of \(P\) is \(( - 2 \mathbf { i } + 3 \mathbf { j } ) \mathrm { ms } ^ { - 2 }\), calculate \(\mathbf { F }\).
OCR PURE Q11
13 marks Challenging +1.2
11 Two balls \(P\) and \(Q\) have masses 0.6 kg and 0.4 kg respectively. The balls are attached to the ends of a string. The string passes over a pulley which is fixed at the edge of a rough horizontal surface. Ball \(P\) is held at rest on the surface 2 m from the pulley. Ball \(Q\) hangs vertically below the pulley. Ball \(Q\) is attached to a third ball \(R\) of mass \(m \mathrm {~kg}\) by another string and \(R\) hangs vertically below \(Q\) (see diagram). \includegraphics[max width=\textwidth, alt={}, center]{8c0b68bd-2257-4994-b444-def0b3f64334-7_419_945_493_246} The system is released from rest with the strings taut. Ball \(P\) moves towards the pulley with acceleration \(3.5 \mathrm {~ms} ^ { - 2 }\) and a constant frictional force of magnitude 4.5 N opposes the motion of \(P\). The balls are modelled as particles, the pulley is modelled as being small and smooth, and the strings are modelled as being light and inextensible.
  1. By considering the motion of \(P\), find the tension in the string connecting \(P\) and \(Q\).
  2. Hence determine the value of \(m\). Give your answer correct to \(\mathbf { 3 }\) significant figures. When the balls have been in motion for 0.4 seconds the string connecting \(Q\) and \(R\) breaks.
  3. Show that, according to the model, \(P\) does not reach the pulley. It is given that in fact ball \(P\) does reach the pulley.
  4. Identify one factor in the modelling that could account for this difference.
OCR MEI AS Paper 1 2019 June Q5
3 marks Moderate -0.8
5 In this question, the unit vectors \(\mathbf { i }\) and \(\mathbf { j }\) are horizontal and vertically upwards respectively. A particle has mass 2.5 kg .
  1. Write the weight of the particle as a vector. The particle moves under the action of its weight and two external forces ( \(3 \mathbf { i } - 2 \mathbf { j }\) ) N and \(( - \mathbf { i } + 18 \mathbf { j } ) N\).
  2. Find the acceleration of the particle, giving your answer in vector form.
OCR MEI AS Paper 1 2022 June Q7
4 marks Moderate -0.3
7 In this question the unit vectors \(\mathbf { i }\) and \(\mathbf { j }\) are directed east and north respectively. A canal narrowboat of mass 9 tonnes is pulled by two ropes. The tensions in the ropes are \(( 450 \mathbf { i } + 20 \mathbf { j } ) \mathbf { N }\) and \(( 420 \mathbf { i } - 20 \mathbf { j } ) \mathbf { N }\). The boat experiences a resistance to motion \(\mathbf { R }\) of magnitude 300 N .
  1. Explain what it means to model the boat as a particle. The boat is travelling in a straight line due east.
  2. Find the equation of motion of the boat.
  3. Find the acceleration of the boat giving your answer as a vector.
OCR MEI AS Paper 1 2024 June Q10
8 marks Moderate -0.8
10 A boat pulls a water skier of mass 65 kg with a light inextensible horizontal towrope. The mass of the boat is 985 kg . There is a driving force of 2400 N acting on the boat. There are horizontal resistances to motion of 400 N and 1200 N acting on the skier and the boat respectively.
  1. Draw a diagram showing all the horizontal forces acting on the skier and the boat.
    1. Write down the equation of motion of the skier.
    2. Find the equation of motion of the boat.
  2. Find the acceleration of the skier and the boat. The driving force of the boat is increased. The skier can only hold on to the towrope when the tension is no greater than her weight.
  3. Determine her greatest acceleration, assuming that the resistances to motion stay the same.
OCR MEI AS Paper 1 2020 November Q4
5 marks Moderate -0.8
4 In this question, the \(x\) and \(y\) directions are horizontal and vertically upwards respectively.
A particle of mass 1.5 kg is in equilibrium under the action of its weight and forces \(\mathbf { F } _ { 1 } = \binom { 4 } { - 2 } \mathrm {~N}\) and \(\mathbf { F } _ { 2 }\). and \(\mathbf { F } _ { 2 }\).
  1. Find the force \(\mathbf { F } _ { 2 }\). The force \(\mathbf { F } _ { 2 }\) is changed to \(\binom { 2 } { 20 } \mathrm {~N}\).
  2. Find the acceleration of the particle.
OCR MEI AS Paper 1 2021 November Q10
10 marks Moderate -0.3
10 A rescue worker is lowered from a helicopter on a rope. She attaches a second rope to herself and to a woman in difficulties on the ground. The helicopter winches both women upwards with the rescued woman vertically below the rescue worker, as shown in the diagram. \includegraphics[max width=\textwidth, alt={}, center]{5428eabf-431d-4db1-8c25-1f2b9570d9aa-6_509_460_408_262} The model for this motion uses the following modelling assumptions:
  • each woman can be modelled as a particle;
  • the ropes are both light and inextensible;
  • there is no air resistance to the motion;
  • the motion is in a vertical line.
    1. Explain what it means when the women are each 'modelled as a particle'.
    2. Explain what 'light' means in this context.
The tension in the rope to the helicopter is 1500 N . The rescue worker has a mass of 65 kg and the rescued woman has a mass of 75 kg .
  • Draw a diagram showing the forces on the two women.
  • Write down the equation of motion of the two women considered as a single particle.
  • Calculate the acceleration of the women.
  • Determine the tension in the rope connecting the two women.
  • OCR MEI Paper 1 2019 June Q11
    5 marks Moderate -0.8
    11 In this question, the unit vector \(\mathbf { i }\) is horizontal and the unit vector \(\mathbf { j }\) is vertically upwards. A particle of mass 0.8 kg moves under the action of its weight and two forces given by ( \(k \mathbf { i } + 5 \mathbf { j }\) ) N and \(( 4 \mathbf { i } + 3 \mathbf { j } ) \mathrm { N }\). The acceleration of the particle is vertically upwards.
    1. Write down the value of \(k\). Initially the velocity of the particle is \(( 4 \mathbf { i } + 7 \mathbf { j } ) \mathrm { ms } ^ { - 1 }\).
    2. Find the velocity of the particle 10 seconds later.
    OCR MEI Paper 1 2023 June Q12
    7 marks Moderate -0.8
    12 In this question the unit vectors \(\mathbf { i }\) and \(\mathbf { j }\) are horizontal and vertically upwards respectively. A particle has mass 2 kg .
    1. Write down its weight as a vector. A horizontal force of 3 N in the \(\mathbf { i }\) direction and a force \(\mathbf { F } = ( - 4 \mathbf { i } + 12 \mathbf { j } ) \mathrm { N }\) act on the particle.
    2. Determine the acceleration of the particle.
    3. The initial velocity of the particle is \(5 \mathbf { i } \mathrm {~ms} ^ { - 1 }\). Find the velocity of the particle after 4 s .
    4. Find the extra force that must be applied to the particle for it to move at constant velocity.
    OCR MEI Paper 1 2020 November Q11
    11 marks Moderate -0.3
    11 A block of mass 2 kg is placed on a rough horizontal table. A light inextensible string attached to the block passes over a smooth pulley attached to the edge of the table. The other end of the string is attached to a sphere of mass 0.8 kg which hangs freely. The part of the string between the block and the pulley is horizontal. The coefficient of friction between the table and the block is 0.35 . The system is released from rest.
    1. Draw a force diagram showing all the forces on the block and the sphere.
    2. Write down the equations of motion for the block and the sphere.
    3. Show that the acceleration of the system is \(0.35 \mathrm {~m} \mathrm {~s} ^ { - 2 }\).
    4. Calculate the time for the block to slide the first 0.5 m . Assume the block does not reach the pulley.
    OCR MEI Paper 1 2020 November Q15
    9 marks Moderate -0.8
    15 Fig. 15 shows a particle of mass \(m \mathrm {~kg}\) on a smooth plane inclined at \(30 ^ { \circ }\) to the horizontal. Unit vectors \(\mathbf { i }\) and \(\mathbf { j }\) are parallel and perpendicular to the plane, in the directions shown. \begin{figure}[h]
    \includegraphics[alt={},max width=\textwidth]{7de77679-59c0-4431-a9cb-6ab11d2f9062-09_369_536_349_246} \captionsetup{labelformat=empty} \caption{Fig. 15}
    \end{figure}
    1. Express the weight \(\mathbf { W }\) of the particle in terms of \(m , g , \mathbf { i }\) and \(\mathbf { j }\). The particle is held in equilibrium by a force \(\mathbf { F }\), and the normal reaction of the plane on the particle is denoted by \(\mathbf { R }\). The units for both \(\mathbf { F }\) and \(\mathbf { R }\) are newtons.
    2. Write down an equation relating \(\mathbf { W } , \mathbf { R }\) and \(\mathbf { F }\).
    3. Given that \(\mathbf { F } = 6 \mathbf { i } + 8 \mathbf { j }\),
    OCR MEI Paper 1 2021 November Q9
    8 marks Moderate -0.8
    9 The diagram shows a toy caterpillar consisting of a head and three body sections each connected by a light inextensible ribbon. The head has a mass of 120 g and the body sections each have a mass of 90 g . The toy is pulled on level ground using a horizontal string attached to the head. The tension in the string is 12 N . There are resistances to motion of 2.5 N for the head and each section of the body. \includegraphics[max width=\textwidth, alt={}, center]{4fac72cb-85cb-48d9-8817-899ef3f80a0f-08_134_794_536_244}
      1. State the equation of motion for the toy caterpillar modelled as a single particle.
      2. Calculate the acceleration of the toy caterpillar.
    1. Draw a diagram showing all the forces acting on the head of the toy caterpillar.
    2. Calculate the tension in the ribbon that joins the head to the body.
    OCR MEI Paper 1 2021 November Q13
    13 marks Standard +0.3
    13 In this question \(\mathbf { i }\) and \(\mathbf { j }\) are unit vectors in the \(x\) - and \(y\)-directions respectively.
    The velocity of a particle at time \(t \mathrm {~s}\) is given by \(\left( 3 t ^ { 2 } \mathbf { i } + 7 \mathbf { j } \right) \mathrm { m } \mathrm { s } ^ { - 1 }\). At time \(t = 0\) the position of the particle with respect to the origin is \(( - \mathbf { i } + 2 \mathbf { j } ) \mathrm { m }\).
    1. Determine the distance of the particle from the origin when \(t = 2\).
    2. Show that the cartesian equation of the path of the particle is \(x = \left( \frac { y - 2 } { 7 } \right) ^ { 3 } - 1\).
    3. At time \(t = 2\), the magnitude of the resultant force acting on the particle is 48 N . Find the mass of the particle.
    OCR Further Pure Core 1 2020 November Q10
    13 marks Standard +0.8
    10 A particle of mass 0.5 kg is initially at point \(O\). It moves from rest along the \(x\)-axis under the influence of two forces \(F _ { 1 } \mathrm {~N}\) and \(F _ { 2 } \mathrm {~N}\) which act parallel to the \(x\)-axis. At time \(t\) seconds the velocity of the particle is \(v \mathrm {~ms} ^ { - 1 }\). \(F _ { 1 }\) is acting in the direction of motion of the particle and \(F _ { 2 }\) is resisting motion.
    In an initial model
    • \(F _ { 1 }\) is proportional to \(t\) with constant of proportionality \(\lambda > 0\),
    • \(F _ { 2 }\) is proportional to \(v\) with constant of proportionality \(\mu > 0\).
      1. Show that the motion of the particle can be modelled by the following differential equation.
    $$\frac { 1 } { 2 } \frac { d v } { d t } = \lambda t - \mu v$$
  • Solve the differential equation in part (a), giving the particular solution for \(v\) in terms of \(t\), \(\lambda\) and \(\mu\). You are now given that \(\lambda = 2\) and \(\mu = 1\).
  • Find a formula for an approximation for \(v\) in terms of \(t\) when \(t\) is large. In a refined model
  • AQA M1 2005 January Q3
    11 marks Moderate -0.3
    3 The diagram shows a rope that is attached to a box of mass 25 kg , which is being pulled along rough horizontal ground. The rope is at an angle of \(30 ^ { \circ }\) to the ground. The tension in the rope is 40 N . The box accelerates at \(0.1 \mathrm {~ms} ^ { - 2 }\). \includegraphics[max width=\textwidth, alt={}, center]{eb1f2470-aeeb-4b1d-a6c0-bdeb7048edd5-3_214_729_504_644}
    1. Draw a diagram to show all of the forces acting on the box.
    2. Show that the magnitude of the friction force acting on the box is 32.1 N , correct to three significant figures.
    3. Show that the magnitude of the normal reaction force that the ground exerts on the box is 225 N .
    4. Find the coefficient of friction between the box and the ground.
    5. State what would happen to the magnitude of the friction force if the angle between the rope and the horizontal were increased. Give a reason for your answer.
    AQA M1 2009 January Q6
    10 marks Moderate -0.3
    6 Two forces, \(\mathbf { P } = ( 6 \mathbf { i } - 3 \mathbf { j } )\) newtons and \(\mathbf { Q } = ( 3 \mathbf { i } + 15 \mathbf { j } )\) newtons, act on a particle. The unit vectors \(\mathbf { i }\) and \(\mathbf { j }\) are perpendicular.
    1. Find the resultant of \(\mathbf { P }\) and \(\mathbf { Q }\).
    2. Calculate the magnitude of the resultant of \(\mathbf { P }\) and \(\mathbf { Q }\).
    3. When these two forces act on the particle, it has an acceleration of \(( 1.5 \mathbf { i } + 2 \mathbf { j } ) \mathrm { m } \mathrm { s } ^ { - 2 }\). Find the mass of the particle.
    4. The particle was initially at rest at the origin.
      1. Find an expression for the position vector of the particle when the forces have been applied to the particle for \(t\) seconds.
      2. Find the distance of the particle from the origin when the forces have been applied to the particle for 2 seconds.
    AQA M1 2011 January Q3
    13 marks Moderate -0.8
    3 A car, of mass 1200 kg , tows a caravan, of mass 1000 kg , along a straight horizontal road. The caravan is attached to the car by a horizontal tow bar, as shown in the diagram. \includegraphics[max width=\textwidth, alt={}, center]{f30b02da-a41e-44cb-b45f-9e6a3a9d0528-06_277_901_484_584} Assume that a constant resistance force of magnitude 200 newtons acts on the car and a constant resistance force of magnitude 300 newtons acts on the caravan. A constant driving force of magnitude \(P\) newtons acts on the car in the direction of motion. The car and caravan accelerate at \(0.8 \mathrm {~ms} ^ { - 2 }\).
      1. Find \(P\).
      2. Find the magnitude of the force in the tow bar that connects the car to the caravan.
      1. Find the time that it takes for the speed of the car and caravan to increase from \(7 \mathrm {~m} \mathrm {~s} ^ { - 1 }\) to \(15 \mathrm {~m} \mathrm {~s} ^ { - 1 }\).
      2. Find the distance that they travel in this time.
    1. Explain why the assumption that the resistance forces are constant is unrealistic.
      (1 mark)
    AQA M1 2011 January Q8
    7 marks Standard +0.3
    8 A van, of mass 2000 kg , is towed up a slope inclined at \(5 ^ { \circ }\) to the horizontal. The tow rope is at an angle of \(12 ^ { \circ }\) to the slope. The motion of the van is opposed by a resistance force of magnitude 500 newtons. The van is accelerating up the slope at \(0.6 \mathrm {~m} \mathrm {~s} ^ { - 2 }\). \includegraphics[max width=\textwidth, alt={}, center]{f30b02da-a41e-44cb-b45f-9e6a3a9d0528-22_269_991_513_529} Model the van as a particle.
    1. Draw a diagram to show the forces acting on the van.
    2. Show that the tension in the tow rope is 3480 newtons, correct to three significant figures.
    AQA M1 2012 January Q2
    9 marks Moderate -0.8
    2 A block, of mass 4 kg , is made to move in a straight line on a rough horizontal surface by a horizontal force of 50 newtons, as shown in the diagram. \includegraphics[max width=\textwidth, alt={}, center]{d42b2e88-74ea-486b-bb47-f512eb0c185d-2_113_1075_913_486} Assume that there is no air resistance acting on the block.
    1. Draw a diagram to show all the forces acting on the block.
    2. Find the magnitude of the normal reaction force acting on the block.
    3. The acceleration of the block is \(3 \mathrm {~m} \mathrm {~s} ^ { - 2 }\). Find the magnitude of the friction force acting on the block.
    4. Find the coefficient of friction between the block and the surface.
    5. Explain how and why your answer to part (d) would change if you assumed that air resistance did act on the block.