3.03m Equilibrium: sum of resolved forces = 0

379 questions

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CAIE M1 2020 June Q3
6 marks Moderate -0.3
3 \includegraphics[max width=\textwidth, alt={}, center]{55090630-1413-45cd-8201-4d58662db6bd-04_586_1003_260_571} Four coplanar forces of magnitudes \(40 \mathrm {~N} , 20 \mathrm {~N} , 50 \mathrm {~N}\) and \(F \mathrm {~N}\) act at a point in the directions shown in the diagram. The four forces are in equilibrium. Find \(F\) and \(\alpha\).
CAIE M1 2021 June Q4
6 marks Standard +0.8
4 A particle of mass 12 kg is stationary on a rough plane inclined at an angle of \(25 ^ { \circ }\) to the horizontal. A pulling force of magnitude \(P \mathrm {~N}\) acts at an angle of \(8 ^ { \circ }\) above a line of greatest slope of the plane. This force is used to keep the particle in equilibrium. The coefficient of friction between the particle and the plane is 0.3 . Find the greatest possible value of \(P\).
CAIE M1 2021 June Q3
6 marks Moderate -0.3
3 \includegraphics[max width=\textwidth, alt={}, center]{ba29ddb2-3558-4be1-a8a8-134e27a70149-04_456_767_260_689} Four coplanar forces act at a point. The magnitudes of the forces are \(20 \mathrm {~N} , 30 \mathrm {~N} , 40 \mathrm {~N}\) and \(F \mathrm {~N}\). The directions of the forces are as shown in the diagram, where \(\sin \alpha ^ { \circ } = 0.28\) and \(\sin \beta ^ { \circ } = 0.6\). Given that the forces are in equilibrium, find \(F\) and \(\theta\).
CAIE M1 2021 June Q7
10 marks Standard +0.3
7 \includegraphics[max width=\textwidth, alt={}, center]{ba29ddb2-3558-4be1-a8a8-134e27a70149-10_220_609_260_769} A particle \(P\) of mass 0.3 kg rests on a rough plane inclined at an angle \(\theta\) to the horizontal, where \(\sin \theta = \frac { 7 } { 25 }\). A horizontal force of magnitude 4 N , acting in the vertical plane containing a line of greatest slope of the plane, is applied to \(P\) (see diagram). The particle is on the point of sliding up the plane.
  1. Show that the coefficient of friction between the particle and the plane is \(\frac { 3 } { 4 }\).
    The force acting horizontally is replaced by a force of magnitude 4 N acting up the plane parallel to a line of greatest slope.
  2. Find the acceleration of \(P\).
  3. Starting with \(P\) at rest, the force of 4 N parallel to the plane acts for 3 seconds and is then removed. Find the total distance travelled until \(P\) comes to instantaneous rest.
    If you use the following lined page to complete the answer(s) to any question(s), the question number(s) must be clearly shown.
CAIE M1 2023 June Q3
6 marks Standard +0.3
3 \includegraphics[max width=\textwidth, alt={}, center]{e5ee28f2-5876-4149-9a77-18c5792c1bd8-04_442_636_264_758} Coplanar forces of magnitudes \(30 \mathrm {~N} , 15 \mathrm {~N} , 33 \mathrm {~N}\) and \(P \mathrm {~N}\) act at a point in the directions shown in the diagram, where \(\tan \alpha = \frac { 4 } { 3 }\). The system is in equilibrium.
  1. Show that \(\left( \frac { 14.4 } { 30 - P } \right) ^ { 2 } + \left( \frac { 28.8 } { P + 30 } \right) ^ { 2 } = 1\).
  2. Verify that \(P = 6\) satisfies this equation and find the value of \(\theta\).
CAIE M1 2023 June Q3
5 marks Standard +0.3
3 \includegraphics[max width=\textwidth, alt={}, center]{2a680bda-4ba2-44eb-8592-95b4e1aed263-04_337_661_262_740} A smooth ring \(R\) of mass 0.2 kg is threaded on a light string \(A R B\). The ends of the string are attached to fixed points \(A\) and \(B\) with \(A\) vertically above \(B\). The string is taut and angle \(A B R = 90 ^ { \circ }\). The angle between the part \(A R\) of the string and the vertical is \(60 ^ { \circ }\). The ring is held in equilibrium by a force of magnitude \(X \mathrm {~N}\), acting on the ring in a direction perpendicular to \(A R\) (see diagram). Calculate the tension in the string and the value of \(X\).
CAIE M1 2020 March Q5
8 marks Standard +0.3
5 \includegraphics[max width=\textwidth, alt={}, center]{9ac08732-e825-473a-943c-8ad8e9e0bc17-08_572_572_262_790} Coplanar forces, of magnitudes \(F \mathrm {~N} , 3 \mathrm {~N} , 6 \mathrm {~N}\) and 4 N , act at a point \(P\), as shown in the diagram.
  1. Given that \(\alpha = 60\), and that the resultant of the four forces is in the direction of the 3 N force, find \(F\).
  2. Given instead that the four forces are in equilibrium, find the values of \(F\) and \(\alpha\).
CAIE M1 2021 March Q3
5 marks Moderate -0.8
3 \includegraphics[max width=\textwidth, alt={}, center]{a96ca3b4-6d35-4512-a0a1-3f28443fd051-05_518_616_255_767} A particle \(Q\) of mass 0.2 kg is held in equilibrium by two light inextensible strings \(P Q\) and \(Q R . P\) is a fixed point on a vertical wall and \(R\) is a fixed point on a horizontal floor. The angles which strings \(P Q\) and \(Q R\) make with the horizontal are \(60 ^ { \circ }\) and \(30 ^ { \circ }\) respectively (see diagram). Find the tensions in the two strings.
CAIE M1 2022 March Q5
7 marks Standard +0.3
5 \includegraphics[max width=\textwidth, alt={}, center]{19a41291-2692-48f4-86af-bb4930353959-08_645_611_258_767} Four coplanar forces act at a point. The magnitudes of the forces are \(10 \mathrm {~N} , F \mathrm {~N} , G \mathrm {~N}\) and \(2 F \mathrm {~N}\). The directions of the forces are as shown in the diagram.
  1. Given that the forces are in equilibrium, find the values of \(F\) and \(G\).
  2. Given instead that \(F = 3\), find the value of \(G\) for which the resultant of the forces is perpendicular to the 10 N force.
CAIE M1 2020 November Q3
5 marks Moderate -0.8
3 \includegraphics[max width=\textwidth, alt={}, center]{fcc3d739-5c36-48ad-9c34-f69b28a06dba-05_446_851_260_646} A block of mass \(m \mathrm {~kg}\) is held in equilibrium below a horizontal ceiling by two strings, as shown in the diagram. One of the strings is inclined at \(45 ^ { \circ }\) to the horizontal and the tension in this string is \(T \mathrm {~N}\). The other string is inclined at \(60 ^ { \circ }\) to the horizontal and the tension in this string is 20 N . Find \(T\) and \(m\).
CAIE M1 2020 November Q3
6 marks Moderate -0.8
3 A string is attached to a block of mass 4 kg which rests in limiting equilibrium on a rough horizontal table. The string makes an angle of \(24 ^ { \circ }\) above the horizontal and the tension in the string is 30 N .
  1. Draw a diagram showing all the forces acting on the block.
  2. Find the coefficient of friction between the block and the table.
CAIE M1 2021 November Q3
6 marks Moderate -0.3
3 \includegraphics[max width=\textwidth, alt={}, center]{e1b91e54-a3ae-436c-a4f7-7095891f7034-04_519_616_260_762} Coplanar forces of magnitudes \(24 \mathrm {~N} , P \mathrm {~N} , 20 \mathrm {~N}\) and 36 N act at a point in the directions shown in the diagram. The system is in equilibrium. Given that \(\sin \alpha = \frac { 3 } { 5 }\), find the values of \(P\) and \(\theta\).
CAIE M1 2021 November Q6
8 marks Standard +0.3
6 \includegraphics[max width=\textwidth, alt={}, center]{083d3e44-1e42-461f-aa8d-a1a22047a47e-08_412_588_260_776} A block of mass 5 kg is held in equilibrium near a vertical wall by two light strings and a horizontal force of magnitude \(X \mathrm {~N}\), as shown in the diagram. The two strings are both inclined at \(60 ^ { \circ }\) to the vertical.
  1. Given that \(X = 100\), find the tension in the lower string.
  2. Find the least value of \(X\) for which the block remains in equilibrium in the position shown. [4]
CAIE M1 2021 November Q2
7 marks Moderate -0.3
2 A particle of mass 8 kg is suspended in equilibrium by two light inextensible strings which make angles of \(60 ^ { \circ }\) and \(45 ^ { \circ }\) above the horizontal.
  1. Draw a diagram showing the forces acting on the particle.
  2. Find the tensions in the strings.
CAIE M1 2021 November Q6
12 marks Standard +0.3
6 \includegraphics[max width=\textwidth, alt={}, center]{cb2cec83-6f8d-4c13-90a1-03bbf4e4452f-10_451_1315_258_415} The diagram shows a particle of mass 5 kg on a rough horizontal table, and two light inextensible strings attached to it passing over smooth pulleys fixed at the edges of the table. Particles of masses 4 kg and 6 kg hang freely at the ends of the strings. The particle of mass 6 kg is 0.5 m above the ground. The system is in limiting equilibrium.
  1. Show that the coefficient of friction between the 5 kg particle and the table is 0.4 .
    The 6 kg particle is now replaced by a particle of mass 8 kg and the system is released from rest.
  2. Find the acceleration of the 4 kg particle and the tensions in the strings.
  3. In the subsequent motion the 8 kg particle hits the ground and does not rebound. Find the time that elapses after the 8 kg particle hits the ground before the other two particles come to instantaneous rest. (You may assume this occurs before either particle reaches a pulley.)
    If you use the following lined page to complete the answer(s) to any question(s), the question number(s) must be clearly shown.
CAIE M1 2022 November Q3
6 marks Standard +0.3
3 \includegraphics[max width=\textwidth, alt={}, center]{4a2bad7c-6720-414c-b336-060afb2255e9-05_610_591_257_778} A ring of mass 4 kg is threaded on a smooth circular rigid wire with centre \(C\). The wire is fixed in a vertical plane and the ring is kept at rest by a light string connected to \(A\), the highest point of the circle. The string makes an angle of \(25 ^ { \circ }\) to the vertical (see diagram). Find the tension in the string and the magnitude of the normal reaction of the wire on the ring.
CAIE M1 2024 November Q4
6 marks Standard +0.3
4 \includegraphics[max width=\textwidth, alt={}, center]{145d93bd-7f56-4e8c-a646-938330511347-06_389_1134_258_468} The diagram shows two particles, \(A\) and \(B\), of masses 0.2 kg and 0.1 kg respectively. The particles are suspended below a horizontal ceiling by two strings, \(A P\) and \(B Q\), attached to fixed points \(P\) and \(Q\) on the ceiling. The particles are connected by a horizontal string, \(A B\). Angle \(A P Q = 45 ^ { \circ }\) and \(B Q P = \theta ^ { \circ }\). Each string is light and inextensible. The particles are in equilibrium.
  1. Find the value of the tension in the string \(A B\). \includegraphics[max width=\textwidth, alt={}, center]{145d93bd-7f56-4e8c-a646-938330511347-06_2715_44_110_2006} \includegraphics[max width=\textwidth, alt={}, center]{145d93bd-7f56-4e8c-a646-938330511347-07_2721_34_101_20}
  2. Find the value of \(\theta\) and the tension in the string \(B Q\).
CAIE M1 2004 June Q1
5 marks Moderate -0.8
1 \includegraphics[max width=\textwidth, alt={}, center]{e060fc3b-ae93-46b5-b476-dcecb14d6d06-2_200_588_267_781} A ring of mass 1.1 kg is threaded on a fixed rough horizontal rod. A light string is attached to the ring and the string is pulled with a force of magnitude 13 N at an angle \(\alpha\) below the horizontal, where \(\tan \alpha = \frac { 5 } { 12 }\) (see diagram). The ring is in equilibrium.
  1. Find the frictional component of the contact force on the ring.
  2. Find the normal component of the contact force on the ring.
  3. Given that the equilibrium of the ring is limiting, find the coefficient of friction between the ring and the rod.
CAIE M1 2006 June Q3
6 marks Moderate -0.3
3 \includegraphics[max width=\textwidth, alt={}, center]{b5873699-d207-4cad-9518-1321dc429c15-2_508_1011_1096_568} A particle \(P\) is in equilibrium on a smooth horizontal table under the action of horizontal forces of magnitudes \(F\) N, \(F\) N, \(G\) N and 12 N acting in the directions shown. Find the values of \(F\) and \(G\). [6]
CAIE M1 2006 June Q5
8 marks Standard +0.3
5 \includegraphics[max width=\textwidth, alt={}, center]{b5873699-d207-4cad-9518-1321dc429c15-3_305_599_1717_774} Particles \(P\) and \(Q\) are attached to opposite ends of a light inextensible string. \(P\) is at rest on a rough horizontal table. The string passes over a small smooth pulley which is fixed at the edge of the table. \(Q\) hangs vertically below the pulley (see diagram). The force exerted on the string by the pulley has magnitude \(4 \sqrt { } 2 \mathrm {~N}\). The coefficient of friction between \(P\) and the table is 0.8 .
  1. Show that the tension in the string is 4 N and state the mass of \(Q\).
  2. Given that \(P\) is on the point of slipping, find its mass. A particle of mass 0.1 kg is now attached to \(Q\) and the system starts to move.
  3. Find the tension in the string while the particles are in motion.
CAIE M1 2007 June Q7
11 marks Standard +0.3
7 \includegraphics[max width=\textwidth, alt={}, center]{f7a22c07-44e3-4891-be60-cbab772f45df-4_414_865_1512_641} Two light strings are attached to a block of mass 20 kg . The block is in equilibrium on a horizontal surface \(A B\) with the strings taut. The strings make angles of \(60 ^ { \circ }\) and \(30 ^ { \circ }\) with the horizontal, on either side of the block, and the tensions in the strings are \(T \mathrm {~N}\) and 75 N respectively (see diagram).
  1. Given that the surface is smooth, find the value of \(T\) and the magnitude of the contact force acting on the block.
  2. It is given instead that the surface is rough and that the block is on the point of slipping. The frictional force on the block has magnitude 25 N and acts towards \(A\). Find the coefficient of friction between the block and the surface.
CAIE M1 2008 June Q3
5 marks Moderate -0.5
3 \includegraphics[max width=\textwidth, alt={}, center]{ee138c3f-51e1-4a69-9750-9eb49ac87e22-2_520_565_1009_792} Three horizontal forces of magnitudes \(F \mathrm {~N} , 13 \mathrm {~N}\) and 10 N act at a fixed point \(O\) and are in equilibrium. The directions of the forces are as shown in the diagram. Find, in either order, the value of \(\theta\) and the value of \(F\).
CAIE M1 2010 June Q7
9 marks Standard +0.3
7 \includegraphics[max width=\textwidth, alt={}, center]{dafc271d-a77b-4401-9170-e13e484d6e5f-4_246_665_253_739} Two rectangular boxes \(A\) and \(B\) are of identical size. The boxes are at rest on a rough horizontal floor with \(A\) on top of \(B\). Box \(A\) has mass 200 kg and box \(B\) has mass 250 kg . A horizontal force of magnitude \(P\) N is applied to \(B\) (see diagram). The boxes remain at rest if \(P \leqslant 3150\) and start to move if \(P > 3150\).
  1. Find the coefficient of friction between \(B\) and the floor. The coefficient of friction between the two boxes is 0.2 . Given that \(P > 3150\) and that no sliding takes place between the boxes,
  2. show that the acceleration of the boxes is not greater than \(2 \mathrm {~m} \mathrm {~s} ^ { - 2 }\),
  3. find the maximum possible value of \(P\).
CAIE M1 2011 June Q3
6 marks Moderate -0.5
3 \includegraphics[max width=\textwidth, alt={}, center]{d5acfe31-8614-4508-ac5b-865e15a1f539-2_661_565_1069_790} A small smooth ring \(R\) of weight 8.5 N is threaded on a light inextensible string. The ends of the string are attached to fixed points \(A\) and \(B\), with \(A\) vertically above \(B\). A horizontal force of magnitude 15.5 N acts on \(R\) so that the ring is in equilibrium with angle \(A R B = 90 ^ { \circ }\). The part \(A R\) of the string makes an angle \(\theta\) with the horizontal and the part \(B R\) makes an angle \(\theta\) with the vertical (see diagram). The tension in the string is \(T \mathrm {~N}\). Show that \(T \sin \theta = 12\) and \(T \cos \theta = 3.5\) and hence find \(\theta\).
CAIE M1 2011 June Q4
8 marks Moderate -0.3
4
[diagram]
The three coplanar forces shown in the diagram act at a point \(P\) and are in equilibrium.
  1. Find the values of \(F\) and \(\theta\).
  2. State the magnitude and direction of the resultant force at \(P\) when the force of magnitude 12 N is removed.