3.03r Friction: concept and vector form

Two railway trucks \(A\) and \(B\), of masses 10 000 kg and 7 000 kg respectively, are moving towards each other along a horizontal straight track. The trucks collide, and in the collision \(A\) exerts an impulse on \(B\) of magnitude 84 000 Ns. Immediately after the collision, the trucks move together with speed 10 ms\(^{-1}\). Modelling the trucks as particles,

1. find the speed of each truck immediately before the collision. [6 marks]

When the trucks are moving together along the track, the coefficient of friction between them and the track is 0.15. Assuming that no other resisting forces act on the trucks, calculate

1. the magnitude of the resisting force on the trucks, [3 marks]
2. the time taken after the collision for the trucks to come to rest. [3 marks]

A small package \(P\), of mass 1 kg, is initially at rest on the rough horizontal top surface of a wooden packing case which is 1.5 m long and 1 m high and stands on a horizontal floor. The coefficient of friction between \(P\) and the case is 0.2. \(P\) is attached by a light inextensible string, which passes over a smooth fixed pulley, to a weight \(Q\) of mass \(M\) kg which rests against the smooth vertical side of the case. The system is released from rest with \(P\) 0.75 m from the pulley and \(Q\) 0.5 m from the pulley. \(P\) and \(Q\) start to move with acceleration 0.4 ms\(^{-2}\). Calculate

1. the tension in the string, in N, [3 marks]
2. the value of \(M\), [3 marks]
3. the time taken for \(Q\) to hit the floor. [3 marks]

Given that \(Q\) does not rebound from the floor,

1. calculate the distance of \(P\) from the pulley when it comes to rest. [6 marks]

\includegraphics{figure_2}

\includegraphics{figure_3} A small packet, of mass \(1.2\) kg, is at rest on a rough plane inclined at an angle \(\alpha\) to the horizontal. The coefficient of friction between the packet and the plane is \(\frac{1}{8}\). When a force of magnitude \(8.4\) N, acting parallel to the plane, is applied to the packet as shown, the packet is just on the point of moving up the plane. Modelling the packet as a particle,

1. show that \(7(\cos \alpha + 8 \sin \alpha) = 40\). \hfill [6 marks]

Given that the solution of this equation is \(\alpha = 38°\),

1. find the acceleration with which the packet moves down the plane when it is released from rest with no external force applied. \hfill [4 marks]

\includegraphics{figure_2} A small packet of mass 0.3 kg rests on a rough horizontal surface. The coefficient of friction between the packet and the surface is \(\frac{1}{4}\). Two strings are attached to the packet, making angles of 45° and 30° with the horizontal, and when forces of magnitude 2 N and \(F\) N are exerted through the strings as shown, the packet is on the point of moving in the direction \(\overrightarrow{AB}\). Find the value of \(F\). \hfill [7 marks]

\includegraphics{figure_5} Two small rings \(A\) and \(B\) are attached to opposite ends of a light inextensible string. The rings are threaded on a rough wire which is fixed vertically. \(A\) is above \(B\). A horizontal force is applied to a point \(P\) of the string. Both parts \(AP\) and \(BP\) of the string are taut. The system is in equilibrium with angle \(BAP = \alpha\) and angle \(ABP = \beta\) (see diagram). The weight of \(A\) is \(2\) N and the tensions in the parts \(AP\) and \(BP\) of the string are \(7\) N and \(T\) N respectively. It is given that \(\cos \alpha = 0.28\) and \(\sin \alpha = 0.96\), and that \(A\) is in limiting equilibrium.

1. Find the coefficient of friction between the wire and the ring \(A\). [7]
2. By considering the forces acting at \(P\), show that \(T \cos \beta = 1.96\). [2]
3. Given that there is no frictional force acting on \(B\), find the mass of \(B\). [3]

\includegraphics{figure_4} A block of mass \(2\) kg is at rest on a rough horizontal plane, acted on by a force of magnitude \(12\) N at an angle of \(15°\) upwards from the horizontal (see diagram).

1. Find the frictional component of the contact force exerted on the block by the plane. [2]
2. Show that the normal component of the contact force exerted on the block by the plane has magnitude \(16.5\) N, correct to 3 significant figures. [2]

It is given that the block is on the point of sliding.

1. Find the coefficient of friction between the block and the plane. [2]

The force of magnitude \(12\) N is now replaced by a horizontal force of magnitude \(20\) N. The block starts to move.

1. Find the acceleration of the block. [5]

A block of mass \(m\) kg is at rest on a horizontal plane. The coefficient of friction between the block and the plane is \(0.2\).

1. When a horizontal force of magnitude \(5\) N acts on the block, the block is on the point of slipping. Find the value of \(m\). [3]

1. \includegraphics{figure_5ii} When a force of magnitude \(P\) N acts downwards on the block at an angle \(\alpha\) to the horizontal, as shown in the diagram, the frictional force on the block has magnitude \(6\) N and the block is again on the point of slipping. Find
   1. the value of \(\alpha\) in degrees,
   2. the value of \(P\).
   [8]

A particle of mass \(0.1\) kg is at rest at a point \(A\) on a rough plane inclined at \(15°\) to the horizontal. The particle is given an initial velocity of \(6\) m s\(^{-1}\) and starts to move up a line of greatest slope of the plane. The particle comes to instantaneous rest after \(1.5\) s.

1. Find the coefficient of friction between the particle and the plane. [7]
2. Show that, after coming to instantaneous rest, the particle moves down the plane. [2]
3. Find the speed with which the particle passes through \(A\) during its downward motion. [6]

\includegraphics{figure_3} A block \(B\) of mass \(0.4\) kg and a particle \(P\) of mass \(0.3\) kg are connected by a light inextensible string. The string passes over a smooth pulley at the edge of a rough horizontal table. \(B\) is in contact with the table and the part of the string between \(B\) and the pulley is horizontal. \(P\) hangs freely below the pulley (see diagram).

1. The system is in limiting equilibrium with the string taut and \(P\) on the point of moving downwards. Find the coefficient of friction between \(B\) and the table. [5]
2. A horizontal force of magnitude \(X\) N, acting directly away from the pulley, is now applied to \(B\). The system is again in limiting equilibrium with the string taut, and with \(P\) now on the point of moving upwards. Find the value of \(X\). [3]

A particle \(P\) of mass \(0.5\) kg moves upwards along a line of greatest slope of a rough plane inclined at an angle of \(40°\) to the horizontal. \(P\) reaches its highest point and then moves back down the plane. The coefficient of friction between \(P\) and the plane is \(0.6\).

1. Show that the magnitude of the frictional force acting on \(P\) is \(2.25\) N, correct to 3 significant figures. [3]
2. Find the acceleration of \(P\) when it is moving
   1. up the plane,
   2. down the plane.
   [4]
3. When \(P\) is moving up the plane, it passes through a point \(A\) with speed \(4\) m s\(^{-1}\).
   1. Find the length of time before \(P\) reaches its highest point.
   2. Find the total length of time for \(P\) to travel from the point \(A\) to its highest point and back to \(A\).
   [8]

\includegraphics{figure_3} A block \(B\) of mass 0.4 kg and a particle \(P\) of mass 0.3 kg are connected by a light inextensible string. The string passes over a smooth pulley at the edge of a rough horizontal table. \(B\) is in contact with the table and the part of the string between \(B\) and the pulley is horizontal. \(P\) hangs freely below the pulley (see diagram).

1. The system is in limiting equilibrium with the string taut and \(P\) on the point of moving downwards. Find the coefficient of friction between \(B\) and the table. [5]
2. A horizontal force of magnitude \(X\) N, acting directly away from the pulley, is now applied to \(B\). The system is again in limiting equilibrium with the string taut, and with \(P\) now on the point of moving upwards. Find the value of \(X\). [3]

A particle \(P\) of mass 0.5 kg moves upwards along a line of greatest slope of a rough plane inclined at an angle of \(40°\) to the horizontal. \(P\) reaches its highest point and then moves back down the plane. The coefficient of friction between \(P\) and the plane is 0.6.

1. Show that the magnitude of the frictional force acting on \(P\) is 2.25 N, correct to 3 significant figures. [3]
2. Find the acceleration of \(P\) when it is moving
   1. up the plane,
   2. down the plane.
   [4]
3. When \(P\) is moving up the plane, it passes through a point \(A\) with speed \(4 \text{ m s}^{-1}\).
   1. Find the length of time before \(P\) reaches its highest point.
   2. Find the total length of time for \(P\) to travel from the point \(A\) to its highest point and back to \(A\).
   [8]

\includegraphics{figure_3} The diagram shows a small block \(B\), of mass \(3\) kg, and a particle \(P\), of mass \(0.8\) kg, which are attached to the ends of a light inextensible string. The string is taut and passes over a small smooth pulley. \(B\) is held at rest on a horizontal surface, and \(P\) lies on a smooth plane inclined at \(30°\) to the horizontal. When \(B\) is released from rest it accelerates at \(0.2\) m s\(^{-2}\) towards the pulley.

1. By considering the motion of \(P\), show that the tension in the string is \(3.76\) N. [4]
2. Calculate the coefficient of friction between \(B\) and the horizontal surface. [5]

A block \(B\) of weight \(10\) N is projected down a line of greatest slope of a plane inclined at an angle of \(20°\) to the horizontal. \(B\) travels down the plane at constant speed.

1. 1. Find the components perpendicular and parallel to the plane of the contact force between \(B\) and the plane. [2]
   2. Hence show that the coefficient of friction is \(0.364\), correct to \(3\) significant figures. [2]
2. \includegraphics{figure_6} \(B\) is in limiting equilibrium when acted on by a force of \(T\) N directed towards the plane at an angle of \(45°\) to a line of greatest slope (see diagram). Given that the frictional force on \(B\) acts down the plane, find \(T\). [7]

In a physics experiment, two balls \(A\) and \(B\), of mass \(4m\) and \(3m\) respectively, are travelling towards one another on a straight horizontal track. Both balls are travelling with speed 2 m s\(^{-1}\) immediately before they collide. As a result of the impact, \(A\) is brought to rest and the direction of motion of \(B\) is reversed. Modelling the track as smooth and the balls as particles,

1. find the speed of \(B\) immediately after the collision. [3 marks]

A student notices that after the collision, \(B\) comes to rest 0.2 m from \(A\).

1. Show that the coefficient of friction between \(B\) and the track is 0.113, correct to 3 decimal places. [7 marks]

A constant force acts on a particle of mass 200 grams, moving it 50 cm in a straight line on a rough horizontal surface at a constant speed. The coefficient of friction between the particle and the surface is \(\frac{1}{4}\). Calculate, in J, the work done by the force. [4 marks]

\includegraphics{figure_8} A conical shell has radius 6 m and height 8 m. The shell, with its vertex \(V\) downwards, is rotating about its vertical axis. A particle, of mass 0.4 kg, is in contact with the rough inner surface of the shell. The particle is 4 m above the level of \(V\) (see diagram). The particle and shell rotate with the same constant angular speed. The coefficient of friction between the particle and the shell is \(\mu\).

1. The frictional force on the particle is \(F\) N, and the normal force of the shell on the particle is \(R\) N. It is given that the speed of the particle is 4.5 ms\(^{-1}\), which is the smallest possible speed for the particle not to slip.
   1. By resolving vertically, show that \(4F + 3R = 19.6\). [2]
   2. By finding another equation connecting \(F\) and \(R\), find the values of \(F\) and \(R\) and show that \(\mu = 0.336\), correct to 3 significant figures. [6]
2. Find the largest possible angular speed of the shell for which the particle does not slip. [6]

A motorcyclist rides in a cylindrical well of radius 5 m. He maintains a horizontal circular path at a constant speed of 10 ms\(^{-1}\). The coefficient of friction between the wall and the wheels of the cycle is \(\mu\). \includegraphics{figure_1} Modelling the cyclist and his machine as a particle in contact with the wall, show that he will not slip downwards provided that \(\mu \geq 0.49\). [7 marks]

A particle \(P\) of mass \(0.5\) kg falls vertically from rest. After \(t\) seconds it has speed \(v\) m s\(^{-1}\). A resisting force of magnitude \(1.5v\) newtons acts on \(P\) as it falls.

1. Show that \(3v = 9.8(1 - e^{-3t})\). [8]
2. Find the distance that \(P\) falls in the first two seconds of its motion. [5]

A small ball of mass \(m\) is projected vertically upwards from a point \(O\) with speed \(U\). The ball is subject to air resistance of magnitude \(mkv\), where \(v\) is the speed of the ball and \(k\) is a positive constant. Find, in terms of \(U\), \(g\) and \(k\), the maximum height above \(O\) reached by the ball. (8)

\includegraphics{figure_8} A child attempts to drag a sledge along horizontal ground by means of a rope attached to the sledge. The rope makes an angle of \(15°\) with the horizontal (see diagram). Given that the sledge remains at rest and that the frictional force acting on the sledge is 60 N, find the tension in the rope. [2]

\includegraphics{figure_10} A rectangular block \(B\) is at rest on a horizontal surface. A particle \(P\) of mass 2.5 kg is placed on the upper surface of \(B\). The particle \(P\) is attached to one end of a light inextensible string which passes over a smooth fixed pulley. A particle \(Q\) of mass 3 kg is attached to the other end of the string and hangs freely below the pulley. The part of the string between \(P\) and the pulley is horizontal (see diagram). The particles are released from rest with the string taut. It is given that \(B\) remains in equilibrium while \(P\) moves on the upper surface of \(B\). The tension in the string while \(P\) moves on \(B\) is 16.8 N.

1. Find the acceleration of \(Q\) while \(P\) and \(B\) are in contact. [2]
2. Determine the coefficient of friction between \(P\) and \(B\). [3]
3. Given that the coefficient of friction between \(B\) and the horizontal surface is \(\frac{5}{49}\), determine the least possible value for the mass of \(B\). [3]

\includegraphics{figure_11} A uniform rod \(AB\) of mass 4 kg and length 3 m rests in a vertical plane with \(A\) on rough horizontal ground. A particle of mass 1 kg is attached to the rod at \(B\). The rod makes an angle of \(60°\) with the horizontal and is held in limiting equilibrium by a light inextensible string \(CD\). \(D\) is a fixed point vertically above \(A\) and \(CD\) makes an angle of \(60°\) with the vertical. The distance \(AC\) is \(x\) m (see diagram).

1. Find, in terms of \(g\) and \(x\), the tension in the string. [3]

The coefficient of friction between the rod and the ground is \(\frac{9\sqrt{3}}{35}\).

1. Determine the value of \(x\). [4]

\includegraphics{figure_9} A block \(B\) of weight \(10 \text{N}\) lies at rest in equilibrium on a rough plane inclined at \(\theta\) to the horizontal. A horizontal force of magnitude \(2 \text{N}\), acting above a line of greatest slope, is applied to \(B\) (see diagram).

1. Complete the diagram in the Printed Answer Booklet to show all the forces acting on \(B\). [1]

It is given that \(B\) remains at rest and the coefficient of friction between \(B\) and the plane is 0.8.

1. Determine the greatest possible value of \(\tan \theta\). [5]

\includegraphics{figure_13} The diagram shows a small block \(B\), of mass \(2 \text{kg}\), and a particle \(P\), of mass \(4 \text{kg}\), which are attached to the ends of a light inextensible string. The string is taut and passes over a small smooth pulley fixed at the intersection of a horizontal surface and an inclined plane. The particle can move on the inclined plane, which is rough, and which makes an angle of \(60°\) with the horizontal. The block can move on the horizontal surface, which is also rough. The system is released from rest, and in the subsequent motion \(P\) moves down the plane and \(B\) does not reach the pulley. It is given that the coefficient of friction between \(P\) and the inclined plane is twice the coefficient of friction between \(B\) and the horizontal surface.

1. Determine, in terms of \(g\), the tension in the string. [7]

When \(P\) is moving at \(2 \text{ms}^{-1}\) the string breaks. In the \(0.5\) seconds after the string breaks \(P\) moves \(1.9 \text{m}\) down the plane.

1. Determine the deceleration of \(B\) after the string breaks. Give your answer correct to 3 significant figures. [5]