3.03u Static equilibrium: on rough surfaces

283 questions

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CAIE M1 2023 June Q5
6 marks Standard +0.8
5 \includegraphics[max width=\textwidth, alt={}, center]{e5ee28f2-5876-4149-9a77-18c5792c1bd8-07_366_567_258_790} A particle of mass 0.6 kg is placed on a rough plane which is inclined at an angle of \(35 ^ { \circ }\) to the horizontal. The particle is kept in equilibrium by a horizontal force of magnitude \(P \mathrm {~N}\) acting in a vertical plane containing a line of greatest slope (see diagram). The coefficient of friction between the particle and plane is 0.4 . Find the least possible value of \(P\).
CAIE M1 2023 June Q7
10 marks Standard +0.3
7 \includegraphics[max width=\textwidth, alt={}, center]{2a680bda-4ba2-44eb-8592-95b4e1aed263-10_525_885_264_625} The diagram shows the vertical cross-section \(X Y Z\) of a rough slide. The section \(Y Z\) is a straight line of length 2 m inclined at an angle of \(\alpha\) to the horizontal, where \(\sin \alpha = 0.28\). The section \(Y Z\) is tangential to the curved section \(X Y\) at \(Y\), and \(X\) is 1.8 m above the level of \(Y\). A child of mass 25 kg slides down the slide, starting from rest at \(X\). The work done by the child against the resistance force in moving from \(X\) to \(Y\) is 50 J .
  1. Find the speed of the child at \(Y\).
    It is given that the child comes to rest at \(Z\).
  2. Use an energy method to find the coefficient of friction between the child and \(Y Z\), giving your answer as a fraction in its simplest form.
    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 2020 November Q6
8 marks Standard +0.3
6 A block of mass 5 kg is placed on a plane inclined at \(30 ^ { \circ }\) to the horizontal. The coefficient of friction between the block and the plane is \(\mu\).
  1. \begin{figure}[h]
    \includegraphics[alt={},max width=\textwidth]{fcc3d739-5c36-48ad-9c34-f69b28a06dba-10_424_709_392_760} \captionsetup{labelformat=empty} \caption{Fig. 6.1}
    \end{figure} When a force of magnitude 40 N is applied to the block, acting up the plane parallel to a line of greatest slope, the block begins to slide up the plane (see Fig. 6.1). Show that \(\mu < \frac { 1 } { 5 } \sqrt { 3 }\).
  2. \begin{figure}[h]
    \includegraphics[alt={},max width=\textwidth]{fcc3d739-5c36-48ad-9c34-f69b28a06dba-11_422_727_264_749} \captionsetup{labelformat=empty} \caption{Fig. 6.2}
    \end{figure} When a force of magnitude 40 N is applied horizontally, in a vertical plane containing a line of greatest slope, the block does not move (see Fig. 6.2). Show that, correct to 3 decimal places, the least possible value of \(\mu\) is 0.152 .
CAIE M1 2021 November Q4
6 marks Moderate -0.3
4 A particle of mass 12 kg is stationary on a rough plane inclined at an angle of \(25 ^ { \circ }\) to the horizontal. A force of magnitude \(P \mathrm {~N}\) acting parallel to a line of greatest slope of the plane is used to prevent the particle sliding down the plane. The coefficient of friction between the particle and the plane is 0.35 .
  1. Draw a sketch showing the forces acting on the particle.
  2. Find the least possible value of \(P\).
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 2011 June Q4
7 marks Standard +0.3
4 A block of mass 11 kg is at rest on a rough plane inclined at \(30 ^ { \circ }\) to the horizontal. A force acts on the block in a direction up the plane parallel to a line of greatest slope. When the magnitude of the force is \(2 X \mathrm {~N}\) the block is on the point of sliding down the plane, and when the magnitude of the force is \(9 X \mathrm {~N}\) the block is on the point of sliding up the plane. Find
  1. the value of \(X\),
  2. the coefficient of friction between the block and the plane.
CAIE M1 2011 June Q6
9 marks Standard +0.3
6 \includegraphics[max width=\textwidth, alt={}, center]{d3bb6702-231d-42a0-830e-9f844dca78d7-3_387_1095_1724_525} A small smooth ring \(R\), of mass 0.6 kg , is threaded on a light inextensible string of length 100 cm . One end of the string is attached to a fixed point \(A\). A small bead \(B\) of mass 0.4 kg is attached to the other end of the string, and is threaded on a fixed rough horizontal rod which passes through \(A\). The system is in equilibrium with \(B\) at a distance of 80 cm from \(A\) (see diagram).
  1. Find the tension in the string.
  2. Find the frictional and normal components of the contact force acting on \(B\).
  3. Given that the equilibrium is limiting, find the coefficient of friction between the bead and the rod.
CAIE M1 2011 June Q5
9 marks Standard +0.3
5 \includegraphics[max width=\textwidth, alt={}, center]{8d64372d-0b9a-4b93-8c41-7096c813f714-4_620_623_255_760} A small block of mass 1.25 kg is on a horizontal surface. Three horizontal forces, with magnitudes and directions as shown in the diagram, are applied to the block. The angle \(\theta\) is such that \(\cos \theta = 0.28\) and \(\sin \theta = 0.96\). A horizontal frictional force also acts on the block, and the block is in equilibrium.
  1. Show that the magnitude of the frictional force is 7.5 N and state the direction of this force.
  2. Given that the block is in limiting equilibrium, find the coefficient of friction between the block and the surface. The force of magnitude 6.1 N is now replaced by a force of magnitude 8.6 N acting in the same direction, and the block begins to move.
  3. Find the magnitude and direction of the acceleration of the block.
CAIE M1 2012 June Q6
9 marks Standard +0.3
6
[diagram]
[diagram]
A block of weight 6.1 N is at rest on a plane inclined at angle \(\alpha\) to the horizontal, where \(\tan \alpha = \frac { 11 } { 60 }\). The coefficient of friction between the block and the plane is \(\mu\). A force of magnitude 5.9 N acting parallel to a line of greatest slope is applied to the block.
  1. When the force acts up the plane (see Fig. 1) the block remains at rest. Show that \(\mu \geqslant \frac { 4 } { 5 }\).
  2. When the force acts down the plane (see Fig. 2) the block slides downwards. Show that \(\mu < \frac { 7 } { 6 }\).
  3. Given that the acceleration of the block is \(1.7 \mathrm {~m} \mathrm {~s} ^ { - 2 }\) when the force acts down the plane, find the value of \(\mu\).
CAIE M1 2013 June Q1
4 marks Moderate -0.3
1 A block is at rest on a rough horizontal plane. The coefficient of friction between the block and the plane is 1.25 .
  1. State, giving a reason for your answer, whether the minimum vertical force required to move the block is greater or less than the minimum horizontal force required to move the block. A horizontal force of continuously increasing magnitude \(P \mathrm {~N}\) and fixed direction is applied to the block.
  2. Given that the weight of the block is 60 N , find the value of \(P\) when the acceleration of the block is \(4 \mathrm {~m} \mathrm {~s} ^ { - 2 }\).
CAIE M1 2013 June Q6
9 marks Moderate -0.3
6 \includegraphics[max width=\textwidth, alt={}, center]{ceb367ee-4e12-4cb2-9020-078ea5724d6e-3_703_700_255_721} A small box of mass 40 kg is moved along a rough horizontal floor by three men. Two of the men apply horizontal forces of magnitudes 100 N and 120 N , making angles of \(30 ^ { \circ }\) and \(60 ^ { \circ }\) respectively with the positive \(x\)-direction. The third man applies a horizontal force of magnitude \(F \mathrm {~N}\) making an angle of \(\alpha ^ { \circ }\) with the negative \(x\)-direction (see diagram). The resultant of the three horizontal forces acting on the box is in the positive \(x\)-direction and has magnitude 136 N .
  1. Find the values of \(F\) and \(\alpha\).
  2. Given that the box is moving with constant speed, state the magnitude of the frictional force acting on the box and hence find the coefficient of friction between the box and the floor.
CAIE M1 2014 June Q7
Easy -1.2
7 \includegraphics[max width=\textwidth, alt={}, center]{77976dad-c055-45fd-93fe-e37fa8e9ae22-4_333_1001_264_573} A light inextensible string of length 5.28 m has particles \(A\) and \(B\), of masses 0.25 kg and 0.75 kg respectively, attached to its ends. Another particle \(P\), of mass 0.5 kg , is attached to the mid-point of the string. Two small smooth pulleys \(P _ { 1 }\) and \(P _ { 2 }\) are fixed at opposite ends of a rough horizontal table of length 4 m and height 1 m . The string passes over \(P _ { 1 }\) and \(P _ { 2 }\) with particle \(A\) held at rest vertically below \(P _ { 1 }\), the string taut and \(B\) hanging freely below \(P _ { 2 }\). Particle \(P\) is in contact with the table halfway between \(P _ { 1 }\) and \(P _ { 2 }\) (see diagram). The coefficient of friction between \(P\) and the table is 0.4 . Particle \(A\) is released and the system starts to move with constant acceleration of magnitude \(a \mathrm {~m} \mathrm {~s} ^ { - 2 }\). The tension in the part \(A P\) of the string is \(T _ { A } \mathrm {~N}\) and the tension in the part \(P B\) of the string is \(T _ { B } \mathrm {~N}\).
  1. Find \(T _ { A }\) and \(T _ { B }\) in terms of \(a\).
  2. Show by considering the motion of \(P\) that \(a = 2\).
  3. Find the speed of the particles immediately before \(B\) reaches the floor.
  4. Find the deceleration of \(P\) immediately after \(B\) reaches the floor. \end{document}
CAIE M1 2014 June Q1
5 marks Moderate -0.8
1 \includegraphics[max width=\textwidth, alt={}, center]{139371b7-e142-4ed6-bff3-3ca4c32b9c6b-2_426_424_258_863} A block \(B\) of mass 7 kg is at rest on rough horizontal ground. A force of magnitude \(X \mathrm {~N}\) acts on \(B\) at an angle of \(15 ^ { \circ }\) to the upward vertical (see diagram).
  1. Given that \(B\) is in equilibrium find, in terms of \(X\), the normal component of the force exerted on \(B\) by the ground.
  2. The coefficient of friction between \(B\) and the ground is 0.4 . Find the value of \(X\) for which \(B\) is in limiting equilibrium.
CAIE M1 2015 June Q7
12 marks Standard +0.3
7 \includegraphics[max width=\textwidth, alt={}, center]{d5f48bef-2518-4abd-b3e1-5e48ce56cf62-4_657_618_255_760} A small ring \(R\) is attached to one end of a light inextensible string of length 70 cm . A fixed rough vertical wire passes through the ring. The other end of the string is attached to a point \(A\) on the wire, vertically above \(R\). A horizontal force of magnitude 5.6 N is applied to the point \(J\) of the string 30 cm from \(A\) and 40 cm from \(R\). The system is in equilibrium with each of the parts \(A J\) and \(J R\) of the string taut and angle \(A J R\) equal to \(90 ^ { \circ }\) (see diagram).
  1. Find the tension in the part \(A J\) of the string, and find the tension in the part \(J R\) of the string. The ring \(R\) has mass 0.2 kg and is in limiting equilibrium, on the point of moving up the wire.
  2. Show that the coefficient of friction between \(R\) and the wire is 0.341 , correct to 3 significant figures. A particle of mass \(m \mathrm {~kg}\) is attached to \(R\) and \(R\) is now in limiting equilibrium, on the point of moving down the wire.
  3. Given that the coefficient of friction is unchanged, find the value of \(m\). {www.cie.org.uk} after the live examination series. }
CAIE M1 2016 June Q4
7 marks Standard +0.3
4 A particle of mass 15 kg is stationary on a rough plane inclined at an angle of \(20 ^ { \circ }\) to the horizontal. The coefficient of friction between the particle and the plane is 0.2 . A force of magnitude \(X \mathrm {~N}\) acting parallel to a line of greatest slope of the plane is used to keep the particle in equilibrium. Show that the least possible value of \(X\) is 23.1 , correct to 3 significant figures, and find the greatest possible value of \(X\).
CAIE M1 2017 June Q7
12 marks Standard +0.3
7 \includegraphics[max width=\textwidth, alt={}, center]{4941e074-2f93-4a0c-80ba-0ca96a48389e-10_374_762_259_688} As shown in the diagram, a particle \(A\) of mass 0.8 kg lies on a plane inclined at an angle of \(30 ^ { \circ }\) to the horizontal and a particle \(B\) of mass 1.2 kg lies on a plane inclined at an angle of \(60 ^ { \circ }\) to the horizontal. The particles are connected by a light inextensible string which passes over a small smooth pulley \(P\) fixed at the top of the planes. The parts \(A P\) and \(B P\) of the string are parallel to lines of greatest slope of the respective planes. The particles are released from rest with both parts of the string taut.
  1. Given that both planes are smooth, find the acceleration of \(A\) and the tension in the string.
  2. It is given instead that both planes are rough, with the same coefficient of friction, \(\mu\), for both particles. Find the value of \(\mu\) for which the system is in limiting equilibrium.
CAIE M1 2017 June Q7
14 marks Standard +0.3
7 \includegraphics[max width=\textwidth, alt={}, center]{3d7f53af-dbf2-499b-9966-ae85514cef02-10_336_803_258_671} Two particles \(A\) and \(B\) of masses \(m \mathrm {~kg}\) and 4 kg respectively are connected by a light inextensible string that passes over a fixed smooth pulley. Particle \(A\) is on a rough fixed slope which is at an angle of \(30 ^ { \circ }\) to the horizontal ground. Particle \(B\) hangs vertically below the pulley and is 0.5 m above the ground (see diagram). The coefficient of friction between the slope and particle \(A\) is 0.2 .
  1. In the case where the system is in equilibrium with particle \(A\) on the point of moving directly up the slope, show that \(m = 5.94\), correct to 3 significant figures.
  2. In the case where \(m = 3\), the system is released from rest with the string taut. Find the total distance travelled by \(A\) before coming to instantaneous rest. You may assume that \(A\) does not reach the pulley.
CAIE M1 2018 June Q5
7 marks Standard +0.8
5 A particle of mass 20 kg is on a rough plane inclined at an angle of \(60 ^ { \circ }\) to the horizontal. Equilibrium is maintained by a force of magnitude \(P \mathrm {~N}\) acting on the particle, in a direction parallel to a line of greatest slope of the plane. The greatest possible value of \(P\) is twice the least possible value of \(P\). Find the value of the coefficient of friction between the particle and the plane.
CAIE M1 2019 June Q4
9 marks Standard +0.3
4 A particle of mass 1.3 kg rests on a rough plane inclined at an angle \(\theta\) to the horizontal, where \(\tan \theta = \frac { 12 } { 5 }\). The coefficient of friction between the particle and the plane is \(\mu\).
  1. A force of magnitude 20 N parallel to a line of greatest slope of the plane is applied to the particle and the particle is on the point of moving up the plane. Show that \(\mu = 1.6\).
    The force of magnitude 20 N is now removed.
  2. Find the acceleration of the particle.
  3. Find the work done against friction during the first 2 s of motion.
CAIE M1 2016 March Q4
7 marks Standard +0.3
4 A particle \(P\) of mass 0.8 kg is placed on a rough horizontal table. The coefficient of friction between \(P\) and the table is \(\mu\). A force of magnitude 5 N , acting upwards at an angle \(\alpha\) above the horizontal, where \(\tan \alpha = \frac { 3 } { 4 }\), is applied to \(P\). The particle is on the point of sliding on the table.
  1. Find the value of \(\mu\).
  2. The magnitude of the force acting on \(P\) is increased to 10 N , with the direction of the force remaining the same. Find the acceleration of \(P\).
CAIE M1 2002 November Q5
8 marks Standard +0.3
5 \begin{figure}[h]
\includegraphics[alt={},max width=\textwidth]{fcd2b219-d9b4-4972-b8fe-25cf543b9054-3_245_335_580_906} \captionsetup{labelformat=empty} \caption{Fig. 1}
\end{figure} A force, whose direction is upwards parallel to a line of greatest slope of a plane inclined at \(35 ^ { \circ }\) to the horizontal, acts on a box of mass 15 kg which is at rest on the plane. The normal component of the contact force on the box has magnitude \(R\) newtons (see Fig. 1).
  1. Show that \(R = 123\), correct to 3 significant figures. \begin{figure}[h]
    \includegraphics[alt={},max width=\textwidth]{fcd2b219-d9b4-4972-b8fe-25cf543b9054-3_369_1045_1247_555} \captionsetup{labelformat=empty} \caption{Fig. 2}
    \end{figure} When the force parallel to the plane acting on the box has magnitude \(X\) newtons the box is about to move down the plane, and when this force has magnitude \(5 X\) newtons the box is about to move up the plane (see Fig. 2).
  2. Find the value of \(X\) and the coefficient of friction between the box and the plane.
  3. A particle \(P\) of mass 1.2 kg is released from rest at the top of a slope and starts to move. The slope has length 4 m and is inclined at \(25 ^ { \circ }\) to the horizontal. The coefficient of friction between \(P\) and the slope is \(\frac { 1 } { 4 }\). Find
    1. the frictional component of the contact force on \(P\),
    2. the acceleration of \(P\),
    3. the speed with which \(P\) reaches the bottom of the slope.
    4. After reaching the bottom of the slope, \(P\) moves freely under gravity and subsequently hits a horizontal floor which is 3 m below the bottom of the slope.
      (a) Find the loss in gravitational potential energy of \(P\) during its motion from the bottom of the slope until it hits the floor.
      (b) Find the speed with which \(P\) hits the floor.
      [0pt] [1]
      [0pt] [3] \(7 \quad\) A particle \(P\) starts to move from a point \(O\) and travels in a straight line. At time \(t\) s after \(P\) starts to move its velocity is \(v \mathrm {~m} \mathrm {~s} ^ { - 1 }\), where \(v = 0.12 t - 0.0006 t ^ { 2 }\).
      1. Verify that \(P\) comes to instantaneous rest when \(t = 200\), and find the acceleration with which it starts to return towards \(O\).
      2. Find the maximum speed of \(P\) for \(0 \leqslant t \leqslant 200\).
      3. Find the displacement of \(P\) from \(O\) when \(t = 200\).
      4. Find the value of \(t\) when \(P\) reaches \(O\) again.
CAIE M1 2003 November Q6
10 marks Standard +0.3
6 \includegraphics[max width=\textwidth, alt={}, center]{5cba3e17-3979-4c22-a415-2cdd60f09289-3_579_469_1142_840} One end of a light inextensible string is attached to a fixed point \(A\) of a fixed vertical wire. The other end of the string is attached to a small ring \(B\), of mass 0.2 kg , through which the wire passes. A horizontal force of magnitude 5 N is applied to the mid-point \(M\) of the string. The system is in equilibrium with the string taut, with \(B\) below \(A\), and with angles \(A B M\) and \(B A M\) equal to \(30 ^ { \circ }\) (see diagram).
  1. Show that the tension in \(B M\) is 5 N .
  2. The ring is on the point of sliding up the wire. Find the coefficient of friction between the ring and the wire.
  3. A particle of mass \(m \mathrm {~kg}\) is attached to the ring. The ring is now on the point of sliding down the wire. Given that the coefficient of friction between the ring and the wire is unchanged, find the value of \(m\).
CAIE M1 2004 November Q6
9 marks Standard +0.3
6 \includegraphics[max width=\textwidth, alt={}, center]{38ece0f6-1c29-4e7a-9d66-16c3e2b695f9-3_330_572_1037_788} Two identical boxes, each of mass 400 kg , are at rest, with one on top of the other, on horizontal ground. A horizontal force of magnitude \(P\) newtons is applied to the lower box (see diagram). The coefficient of friction between the lower box and the ground is 0.75 and the coefficient of friction between the two boxes is 0.4 .
  1. Show that the boxes will remain at rest if \(P \leqslant 6000\). The boxes start to move with acceleration \(a \mathrm {~m} \mathrm {~s} ^ { - 2 }\).
  2. Given that no sliding takes place between the boxes, show that \(a \leqslant 4\) and deduce the maximum possible value of \(P\).
CAIE M1 2005 November Q4
6 marks Moderate -0.3
4 \includegraphics[max width=\textwidth, alt={}, center]{2026cad4-8494-4139-ad21-d8a17ac2b955-3_276_570_264_790} A stone slab of mass 320 kg rests in equilibrium on rough horizontal ground. A force of magnitude \(X \mathrm {~N}\) acts upwards on the slab at an angle of \(\theta\) to the vertical, where \(\tan \theta = \frac { 7 } { 24 }\) (see diagram).
  1. Find, in terms of \(X\), the normal component of the force exerted on the slab by the ground.
  2. Given that the coefficient of friction between the slab and the ground is \(\frac { 3 } { 8 }\), find the value of \(X\) for which the slab is about to slip.
CAIE M1 2008 November Q2
6 marks Standard +0.3
2 A block of mass 20 kg is at rest on a plane inclined at \(10 ^ { \circ }\) to the horizontal. A force acts on the block parallel to a line of greatest slope of the plane. The coefficient of friction between the block and the plane is 0.32 . Find the least magnitude of the force necessary to move the block,
  1. given that the force acts up the plane,
  2. given instead that the force acts down the plane.