3.03v Motion on rough surface: including inclined planes

384 questions

Sort by: Default | Easiest first | Hardest first
OCR M1 2013 January Q3
10 marks Standard +0.3
3 \includegraphics[max width=\textwidth, alt={}, center]{f5085265-5258-45d4-8233-6bd68f8e9034-2_300_501_799_790} A particle \(P\) of mass 0.25 kg moves upwards with constant speed \(u \mathrm {~ms} ^ { - 1 }\) along a line of greatest slope on a smooth plane inclined at \(30 ^ { \circ }\) to the horizontal. The pulling force acting on \(P\) has magnitude \(T \mathrm {~N}\) and acts at an angle of \(20 ^ { \circ }\) to the line of greatest slope (see diagram). Calculate
  1. the value of \(T\),
  2. the magnitude of the contact force exerted on \(P\) by the plane. The pulling force \(T \mathrm {~N}\) acting on \(P\) is suddenly removed, and \(P\) comes to instantaneous rest 0.4 s later.
  3. Calculate \(u\).
OCR M1 2013 January Q6
15 marks Moderate -0.8
6 Particle \(P\) of mass 0.3 kg and particle \(Q\) of mass 0.2 kg are 3.6 m apart on a smooth horizontal surface. \(P\) and \(Q\) are simultaneously projected directly towards each other along a straight line. Before the particles collide \(P\) has speed \(4 \mathrm {~m} \mathrm {~s} ^ { - 1 }\) and \(Q\) has speed \(5 \mathrm {~m} \mathrm {~s} ^ { - 1 }\).
  1. Given that the particles coalesce in the collision, calculate their common speed after they collide.
  2. It is given instead that one particle is at rest immediately after the collision.
    1. State which particle is in motion after the collision and find the speed of this particle.
    2. Find the time taken after the collision for the moving particle to return to its initial position.
    3. On a single diagram sketch the \(( t , v )\) graphs for the two particles, with \(t = 0\) as the instant of their initial projection. \(7 \quad A\) and \(B\) are two points on a line of greatest slope of a plane inclined at \(45 ^ { \circ }\) to the horizontal and \(A B = 2 \mathrm {~m}\). A particle \(P\) of mass 0.4 kg is projected from \(A\) towards \(B\) with speed \(5 \mathrm {~ms} ^ { - 1 }\). The coefficient of friction between the plane and \(P\) is 0.2 .
      1. Given that the level of \(A\) is above the level of \(B\), calculate the speed of \(P\) when it passes through the point \(B\), and the time taken to travel from \(A\) to \(B\).
      2. Given instead that the level of \(A\) is below the level of \(B\),
        (a) show that \(P\) does not reach \(B\),
        (b) calculate the difference in the momentum of \(P\) for the two occasions when it is at \(A\).
OCR M1 2011 June Q3
10 marks Moderate -0.3
3 A block \(B\) of mass 0.8 kg is pulled across a horizontal surface by a force of 6 N inclined at an angle of \(60 ^ { \circ }\) to the upward vertical. The coefficient of friction between the block and the surface is 0.2 . Calculate
  1. the vertical component of the force exerted on \(B\) by the surface,
  2. the acceleration of \(B\). The 6 N force is removed when \(B\) has speed \(4.9 \mathrm {~m} \mathrm {~s} ^ { - 1 }\).
  3. Calculate the time taken for \(B\) to decelerate from a speed of \(4.9 \mathrm {~m} \mathrm {~s} ^ { - 1 }\) to rest.
OCR M1 2011 June Q5
10 marks Standard +0.3
5 \includegraphics[max width=\textwidth, alt={}, center]{ce4c43e6-da4f-4c02-ab0f-01a21717949c-3_362_1065_258_539} Three particles \(P , Q\) and \(R\) lie on a line of greatest slope of a smooth inclined plane. \(P\) has mass 0.5 kg and initially is at the foot of the plane. \(R\) has mass 0.3 kg and initially is at the top of the plane. \(Q\) has mass 0.2 kg and is between \(P\) and \(R\) (see diagram). \(P\) is projected up the line of greatest slope with speed \(3 \mathrm {~m} \mathrm {~s} ^ { - 1 }\) at the instant when \(Q\) and \(R\) are released from rest. Each particle has an acceleration of \(2.5 \mathrm {~m} \mathrm {~s} ^ { - 2 }\) down the plane.
  1. \(P\) and \(Q\) collide 0.4 s after being set in motion. Immediately after the collision \(Q\) moves up the plane with speed \(3.2 \mathrm {~m} \mathrm {~s} ^ { - 1 }\). Find the speed and direction of motion of \(P\) immediately after the collision.
  2. 0.6 s after its collision with \(P , Q\) collides with \(R\) and the two particles coalesce. Find the speed and direction of motion of the combined particle immediately after the collision
OCR M1 2012 June Q4
10 marks Moderate -0.8
4 A block \(B\) of weight 28 N is pulled at constant speed across a rough horizontal surface by a force of magnitude 14 N inclined at \(30 ^ { \circ }\) above the horizontal.
  1. Show that the coefficient of friction between the block and the surface is 0.577 , correct to 3 significant figures. The 14 N force is suddenly removed, and the block decelerates, coming to rest after travelling a further 3.2 m .
  2. Calculate the speed of the block at the instant the 14 N force was removed.
OCR M1 2013 June Q7
15 marks Standard +0.8
7 \includegraphics[max width=\textwidth, alt={}, center]{b7f05d10-9d3c-4098-846d-ca6511c75c5d-4_310_579_255_721} A block \(B\) is placed on a plane inclined at \(30 ^ { \circ }\) to the horizontal. A particle \(P\) of mass 0.6 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 pulley fixed to the top of the plane. A particle \(Q\) of mass 0.5 kg is attached to the other end of the string. The portion of the string attached to \(P\) is parallel to a line of greatest slope of the plane, the portion of the string attached to \(Q\) is vertical and the string is taut. The particles are released from rest and start to move with acceleration \(1.4 \mathrm {~ms} ^ { - 2 }\) (see diagram). It is given that \(B\) is in equilibrium while \(P\) moves on its upper surface.
  1. Find the tension in the string while \(P\) and \(B\) are in contact.
  2. Calculate the coefficient of friction between \(P\) and \(B\).
  3. Given that the weight of \(B\) is 7 N , calculate the set of possible values of the coefficient of friction between \(B\) and the plane.
OCR M1 2015 June Q5
11 marks Moderate -0.3
5 A particle \(P\) of mass 0.4 kg is at rest on a horizontal surface. The coefficient of friction between \(P\) and the surface is 0.2 . A force of magnitude 1.2 N acting at an angle of \(\theta ^ { \circ }\) above the horizontal is then applied to \(P\). Find the acceleration of \(P\) in each of the following cases:
  1. \(\theta = 0\);
  2. \(\theta = 20\);
  3. \(\theta = 70\);
  4. \(\theta = 90\).
OCR M1 2015 June Q7
15 marks Standard +0.3
7 \includegraphics[max width=\textwidth, alt={}, center]{8b79facc-e37f-45c3-95c0-9f2a30ca8fe4-4_392_1192_255_424} \(A B\) and \(B C\) are lines of greatest slope on a fixed triangular prism, and \(M\) is the mid-point of \(B C . A B\) and \(B C\) are inclined at \(30 ^ { \circ }\) to the horizontal. The surface of the prism is smooth between \(A\) and \(B\), and between \(B\) and \(M\). Between \(M\) and \(C\) the surface of the prism is rough. A small smooth pulley is fixed to the prism at \(B\). A light inextensible string passes over the pulley. Particle \(P\) of mass 0.3 kg is fixed to one end of the string, and is placed at \(A\). Particle \(Q\) of mass 0.4 kg is fixed to the other end of the string and is placed next to the pulley on \(B C\). The particles are released from rest with the string taut. \(P\) begins to move towards the pulley, and \(Q\) begins to move towards \(M\) (see diagram).
  1. Show that the initial acceleration of the particles is \(0.7 \mathrm {~m} \mathrm {~s} ^ { - 2 }\), and find the tension in the string. The particle \(Q\) reaches \(M 1.8 \mathrm {~s}\) after being released from rest.
  2. Find the speed of the particles when \(Q\) reaches \(M\). After \(Q\) passes through \(M\), the string remains taut and the particles decelerate uniformly. \(Q\) comes to rest between \(M\) and \(C 1.4 \mathrm {~s}\) after passing through \(M\).
  3. Find the deceleration of the particles while \(Q\) is moving from \(M\) towards \(C\).
  4. (a) By considering the motion of \(P\), find the tension in the string while \(Q\) is moving from \(M\) towards \(C\).
    (b) Calculate the magnitude of the frictional force which acts on \(Q\) while it is moving from \(M\) towards \(C\). \section*{END OF QUESTION PAPER} \section*{OCR
    Oxford Cambridge and RSA}
OCR MEI M1 2009 January Q7
17 marks Moderate -0.3
7 An explorer is trying to pull a loaded sledge of total mass 100 kg along horizontal ground using a light rope. The only resistance to motion of the sledge is from friction between it and the ground. \begin{figure}[h]
\includegraphics[alt={},max width=\textwidth]{93a5d409-ade4-418b-9c09-620d97df97de-4_327_1013_482_566} \captionsetup{labelformat=empty} \caption{Fig. 7}
\end{figure} Initially she pulls with a force of 121 N on the rope inclined at \(34 ^ { \circ }\) to the horizontal, as shown in Fig. 7, but the sledge does not move.
  1. Draw a diagram showing all the forces acting on the sledge. Show that the frictional force between the ground and the sledge is 100 N , correct to 3 significant figures. Calculate the normal reaction of the ground on the sledge. The sledge is given a small push to set it moving at \(0.5 \mathrm {~m} \mathrm {~s} ^ { - 1 }\). The explorer continues to pull on the rope with the same force and the same angle as before. The frictional force is also unchanged.
  2. Describe the subsequent motion of the sledge. The explorer now pulls the rope, still at an angle of \(34 ^ { \circ }\) to the horizontal, so that the tension in it is 155 N . The frictional force is now 95 N .
  3. Calculate the acceleration of the sledge. In a new situation, there is no rope and the sledge slides down a uniformly rough slope inclined at \(26 ^ { \circ }\) to the horizontal. The sledge starts from rest and reaches a speed of \(5 \mathrm {~m} \mathrm {~s} ^ { - 1 }\) in 2 seconds.
  4. Calculate the frictional force between the slope and the sledge.
OCR M1 2014 June Q6
14 marks Moderate -0.3
6 A particle \(P\) of weight 8 N rests on a horizontal surface. A horizontal force of magnitude 3 N acts on \(P\), and \(P\) is in limiting equilibrium.
  1. Calculate the coefficient of friction between \(P\) and the surface.
  2. Find the magnitude and direction of the contact force exerted by the surface on \(P\).
  3. \includegraphics[max width=\textwidth, alt={}, center]{66eb8290-3a80-40bf-be40-a936ed7d5a1b-4_190_579_580_598} The initial 3 N force continues to act on \(P\) in its original direction. An additional force of magnitude \(T \mathrm {~N}\), acting in the same vertical plane as the 3 N force, is now applied to \(P\) at an angle of \(\theta ^ { \circ }\) above the horizontal (see diagram). \(P\) is again in limiting equilibrium.
    1. Given that \(\theta = 0\), find \(T\).
    2. Given instead that \(\theta = 30\), calculate \(T\).
OCR M1 2014 June Q7
16 marks Standard +0.3
7 \includegraphics[max width=\textwidth, alt={}, center]{66eb8290-3a80-40bf-be40-a936ed7d5a1b-5_510_1091_269_479} \(A\) and \(B\) are points at the upper and lower ends, respectively, of a line of greatest slope on a plane inclined at \(30 ^ { \circ }\) to the horizontal. \(M\) is the mid-point of \(A B\). Two particles \(P\) and \(Q\), joined by a taut light inextensible string, are placed on the plane at \(A\) and \(M\) respectively. The particles are simultaneously projected with speed \(0.6 \mathrm {~ms} ^ { - 1 }\) down the line of greatest slope (see diagram). The particles move down the plane with acceleration \(0.9 \mathrm {~ms} ^ { - 2 }\). At the instant 2 s after projection, \(P\) is at \(M\) and \(Q\) is at \(B\). The particle \(Q\) subsequently remains at rest at \(B\).
  1. Find the distance \(A B\). The plane is rough between \(A\) and \(M\), but smooth between \(M\) and \(B\).
  2. Calculate the speed of \(P\) when it reaches \(B\). \(P\) has mass 0.4 kg and \(Q\) has mass 0.3 kg .
  3. By considering the motion of \(Q\), calculate the tension in the string while both particles are moving down the plane.
  4. Calculate the coefficient of friction between \(P\) and the plane between \(A\) and \(M\). \section*{END OF QUESTION PAPER}
CAIE M1 2024 June Q7
9 marks Standard +0.8
7 \includegraphics[max width=\textwidth, alt={}, center]{c3246fbe-6f77-48f7-98eb-19e9166008bc-10_323_1308_292_376} The diagram shows a track \(A B C D\) which lies in a vertical plane. The section \(A B\) is a straight line inclined at an angle of \(30 ^ { \circ }\) to the horizontal and is smooth. The section \(B C\) is a horizontal straight line and is rough. The section CD is a straight line inclined at an angle of \(30 ^ { \circ }\) to the horizontal and is rough. The lengths \(A B , B C\) and \(C D\) are each 2 m . A particle is released from rest at \(A\). The coefficient of friction between the particle and both \(B C\) and \(C D\) is \(\mu\). There is no change in the speed of the particle when it passes through either of the points \(B\) or \(C\).
  1. It is given that \(\mu = 0.1\). Find the distance which the particle has moved up the section \(C D\) when its speed is \(1 \mathrm {~ms} ^ { - 1 }\). \includegraphics[max width=\textwidth, alt={}, center]{c3246fbe-6f77-48f7-98eb-19e9166008bc-10_2716_33_143_2014}
  2. It is given instead that with a different value of \(\mu\) the particle travels 1 m up the track from \(C\) before it comes instantaneously to rest. Find the value of \(\mu\) and the speed of the particle at the instant that it passes \(C\) for the second time.
    If you use the following page to complete the answer to any question, the question number must be clearly shown.
Edexcel M1 Q5
12 marks Standard +0.3
5. Two small balls \(A\) and \(B\) have masses 0.6 kg and 0.2 kg respectively. They are moving towards each other in opposite directions on a horizontal table when they collide directly. Immediately before the collision, the speed of \(A\) is \(4.5 \mathrm {~m} \mathrm {~s} ^ { - 1 }\) and the speed of \(B\) is \(3 \mathrm {~m} \mathrm {~s} ^ { - 1 }\). Immediately after the collision, \(A\) and \(B\) move in the same direction and the speed of \(B\) is twice the speed of \(A\).
By modelling the balls as particles, find
  1. the speed of \(B\) immediately after the collision,
  2. the magnitude of the impulse exerted on \(B\) in the collision, stating the units in which your answer is given.
    (3 marks)
    The table is rough. After the collision, \(B\) moves a distance of 2 m on the table before coming to rest.
  3. Find the coefficient of friction between \(B\) and the table.
    (6 marks)
Edexcel M3 Q5
12 marks Standard +0.8
5. A cyclist is travelling around a circular track which is banked at \(25 ^ { \circ }\) to the horizontal. The coefficient of friction between the cycle's tyres and the track is 0.6 . The cyclist moves with constant speed in a horizontal circle of radius 40 m , without the tyres slipping. Find the maximum speed of the cyclist.
OCR M2 2007 January Q4
8 marks Standard +0.3
4 A skier of mass 80 kg is pulled up a slope which makes an angle of \(20 ^ { \circ }\) with the horizontal. The skier is subject to a constant frictional force of magnitude 70 N . The speed of the skier increases from \(2 \mathrm {~m} \mathrm {~s} ^ { - 1 }\) at the point \(A\) to \(5 \mathrm {~m} \mathrm {~s} ^ { - 1 }\) at the point \(B\), and the distance \(A B\) is 25 m .
  1. By modelling the skier as a small object, calculate the work done by the pulling force as the skier moves from \(A\) to \(B\).
  2. \includegraphics[max width=\textwidth, alt={}, center]{1fbb3693-0beb-47c8-800f-50041f105699-2_451_1019_1425_603} It is given that the pulling force has constant magnitude \(P \mathrm {~N}\), and that it acts at a constant angle of \(30 ^ { \circ }\) above the slope (see diagram). Calculate \(P\).
OCR M2 2007 January Q5
9 marks Standard +0.3
5 A model train has mass 100 kg . When the train is moving with speed \(v \mathrm {~m} \mathrm {~s} ^ { - 1 }\) the resistance to its motion is \(3 v ^ { 2 } \mathrm {~N}\) and the power output of the train is \(\frac { 3000 } { v } \mathrm {~W}\).
  1. Show that the driving force acting on the train is 120 N at an instant when the train is moving with speed \(5 \mathrm {~m} \mathrm {~s} ^ { - 1 }\).
  2. Find the acceleration of the train at an instant when it is moving horizontally with speed \(5 \mathrm {~m} \mathrm {~s} ^ { - 1 }\). The train moves with constant speed up a straight hill inclined at an angle \(\alpha\) to the horizontal, where \(\sin \alpha = \frac { 1 } { 98 }\).
  3. Calculate the speed of the train.
OCR M2 2008 January Q2
6 marks Standard +0.3
2 A particle of mass \(m \mathrm {~kg}\) is projected directly up a rough plane with a speed of \(5 \mathrm {~m} \mathrm {~s} ^ { - 1 }\). The plane makes an angle of \(30 ^ { \circ }\) with the horizontal and the coefficient of friction is 0.2 . Calculate the distance the particle travels up the plane before coming instantaneously to rest.
OCR M2 2008 January Q4
8 marks Standard +0.3
4 A car of mass 1200 kg has a maximum speed of \(30 \mathrm {~m} \mathrm {~s} ^ { - 1 }\) when travelling on a horizontal road. The car experiences a resistance of \(k v \mathrm {~N}\), where \(v \mathrm {~m} \mathrm {~s} ^ { - 1 }\) is the speed of the car and \(k\) is a constant. The maximum power of the car's engine is 45000 W .
  1. Show that \(k = 50\).
  2. Find the maximum possible acceleration of the car when it is travelling at \(20 \mathrm {~m} \mathrm {~s} ^ { - 1 }\) on a horizontal road.
  3. The car climbs a hill, which is inclined at an angle of \(10 ^ { \circ }\) to the horizontal, at a constant speed of \(15 \mathrm {~m} \mathrm {~s} ^ { - 1 }\). Calculate the power of the car's engine.
OCR M2 2009 January Q4
10 marks Standard +0.3
4 A car of mass 800 kg experiences a resistance of magnitude \(k v ^ { 2 } \mathrm {~N}\), where \(k\) is a constant and \(v \mathrm {~m} \mathrm {~s} ^ { - 1 }\) is the car's speed. The car's engine is working at a constant rate of \(P \mathrm {~W}\). At an instant when the car is travelling on a horizontal road with speed \(20 \mathrm {~m} \mathrm {~s} ^ { - 1 }\) its acceleration is \(0.75 \mathrm {~m} \mathrm {~s} ^ { - 2 }\). At an instant when the car is ascending a hill of constant slope \(12 ^ { \circ }\) to the horizontal with speed \(10 \mathrm {~m} \mathrm {~s} ^ { - 1 }\) its acceleration is \(0.25 \mathrm {~m} \mathrm {~s} ^ { - 2 }\).
  1. Show that \(k = 0.900\), correct to 3 decimal places, and find \(P\). The power is increased to \(1.5 P \mathrm {~W}\).
  2. Calculate the maximum steady speed of the car on a horizontal road.
OCR M2 2010 January Q4
10 marks Standard +0.3
4 A car of mass 700 kg is moving along a horizontal road against a constant resistance to motion of 400 N . At an instant when the car is travelling at \(12 \mathrm {~m} \mathrm {~s} ^ { - 1 }\) its acceleration is \(0.5 \mathrm {~m} \mathrm {~s} ^ { - 2 }\).
  1. Find the driving force of the car at this instant.
  2. Find the power at this instant. The maximum steady speed of the car on a horizontal road is \(35 \mathrm {~m} \mathrm {~s} ^ { - 1 }\).
  3. Find the maximum power of the car. The car now moves at maximum power against the same resistance up a slope of constant angle \(\theta ^ { \circ }\) to the horizontal. The maximum steady speed up the slope is \(12 \mathrm {~m} \mathrm {~s} ^ { - 1 }\).
  4. Find \(\theta\).
OCR H240/03 2018 June Q12
14 marks Standard +0.3
12 One end of a light inextensible string is attached to a particle \(A\) of mass \(m \mathrm {~kg}\). The other end of the string is attached to a second particle \(B\) of mass \(\lambda m \mathrm {~kg}\), where \(\lambda\) is a constant. Particle \(A\) is in contact with a rough plane inclined at \(30 ^ { \circ }\) to the horizontal. The string is taut and passes over a small smooth pulley \(P\) at the top of the plane. The part of the string from \(A\) to \(P\) is parallel to a line of greatest slope of the plane. The particle \(B\) hangs freely below \(P\) (see diagram). \includegraphics[max width=\textwidth, alt={}, center]{d5ab20c8-afd5-473e-8238-96762bd3786d-8_405_670_493_685} The coefficient of friction between \(A\) and the plane is \(\mu\).
  1. It is given that \(A\) is on the point of moving down the plane.
    1. Find the exact value of \(\mu\) when \(\lambda = \frac { 1 } { 4 }\).
    2. Show that the value of \(\lambda\) must be less than \(\frac { 1 } { 2 }\).
    3. Given instead that \(\lambda = 2\) and that the acceleration of \(A\) is \(\frac { 1 } { 4 } g \mathrm {~ms} ^ { - 2 }\), find the exact value of \(\mu\). \section*{END OF QUESTION PAPER}
Edexcel Paper 3 2019 June Q3
12 marks Standard +0.3
3. \begin{figure}[h]
\includegraphics[alt={},max width=\textwidth]{8399dae8-1b9d-4564-a95b-7ab857368b86-06_339_812_242_628} \captionsetup{labelformat=empty} \caption{Figure 1}
\end{figure} Two blocks, \(A\) and \(B\), of masses \(2 m\) and \(3 m\) respectively, are attached to the ends of a light string. Initially \(A\) is held at rest on a fixed rough plane.
The plane is inclined at angle \(\alpha\) to the horizontal ground, where \(\tan \alpha = \frac { 5 } { 12 }\) The string passes over a small smooth pulley, \(P\), fixed at the top of the plane.
The part of the string from \(A\) to \(P\) is parallel to a line of greatest slope of the plane. Block \(B\) hangs freely below \(P\), as shown in Figure 1. The coefficient of friction between \(A\) and the plane is \(\frac { 2 } { 3 }\) The blocks are released from rest with the string taut and \(A\) moves up the plane.
The tension in the string immediately after the blocks are released is \(T\).
The blocks are modelled as particles and the string is modelled as being inextensible.
  1. Show that \(T = \frac { 12 m g } { 5 }\) After \(B\) reaches the ground, \(A\) continues to move up the plane until it comes to rest before reaching \(P\).
  2. Determine whether \(A\) will remain at rest, carefully justifying your answer.
  3. Suggest two refinements to the model that would make it more realistic.
Edexcel Paper 3 2022 June Q2
10 marks Standard +0.3
2. \begin{figure}[h]
\includegraphics[alt={},max width=\textwidth]{414946db-64d7-44b8-801d-2c7805ee9cc6-04_282_627_246_721} \captionsetup{labelformat=empty} \caption{Figure 1}
\end{figure} A rough plane is inclined to the horizontal at an angle \(\alpha\), where \(\tan \alpha = \frac { 3 } { 4 }\) A small block \(B\) of mass 5 kg is held in equilibrium on the plane by a horizontal force of magnitude \(X\) newtons, as shown in Figure 1. The force acts in a vertical plane which contains a line of greatest slope of the inclined plane. The block \(B\) is modelled as a particle.
The magnitude of the normal reaction of the plane on \(B\) is 68.6 N .
Using the model,
    1. find the magnitude of the frictional force acting on \(B\),
    2. state the direction of the frictional force acting on \(B\). The horizontal force of magnitude \(X\) newtons is now removed and \(B\) moves down the plane. Given that the coefficient of friction between \(B\) and the plane is 0.5
  1. find the acceleration of \(B\) down the plane.
Edexcel Paper 3 2024 June Q3
7 marks Moderate -0.3
3. \begin{figure}[h]
\includegraphics[alt={},max width=\textwidth]{184043b7-1222-44fb-bc9f-3f484f72147b-08_408_606_246_731} \captionsetup{labelformat=empty} \caption{Figure 3}
\end{figure} A particle \(P\) of mass \(m\) is held at rest at a point on a rough inclined plane, as shown in Figure 3. It is given that
  • the plane is inclined to the horizontal at an angle \(\alpha\), where \(\tan \alpha = \frac { 5 } { 12 }\)
  • the coefficient of friction between \(P\) and the plane is \(\mu\), where \(\mu < \frac { 5 } { 12 }\)
The particle \(P\) is released from rest and slides down the plane.
Air resistance is modelled as being negligible.
Using the model,
  1. find, in terms of \(m\) and \(g\), the magnitude of the normal reaction of the plane on \(P\),
  2. show that, as \(P\) slides down the plane, the acceleration of \(P\) down the plane is $$\frac { 1 } { 13 } g ( 5 - 12 \mu )$$
  3. State what would happen to \(P\) if it is released from rest but \(\mu \geqslant \frac { 5 } { 12 }\)
Edexcel Paper 3 2020 October Q1
9 marks Easy -1.2
  1. A rough plane is inclined to the horizontal at an angle \(\alpha\), where \(\tan \alpha = \frac { 3 } { 4 }\)
A brick \(P\) of mass \(m\) is placed on the plane.
The coefficient of friction between \(P\) and the plane is \(\mu\) Brick \(P\) is in equilibrium and on the point of sliding down the plane.
Brick \(P\) is modelled as a particle.
Using the model,
  1. find, in terms of \(m\) and \(g\), the magnitude of the normal reaction of the plane on brick \(P\)
  2. show that \(\mu = \frac { 3 } { 4 }\) For parts (c) and (d), you are not required to do any further calculations.
    Brick \(P\) is now removed from the plane and a much heavier brick \(Q\) is placed on the plane. The coefficient of friction between \(Q\) and the plane is also \(\frac { 3 } { 4 }\)
  3. Explain briefly why brick \(Q\) will remain at rest on the plane. Brick \(Q\) is now projected with speed \(0.5 \mathrm {~m} \mathrm {~s} ^ { - 1 }\) down a line of greatest slope of the plane.
    Brick \(Q\) is modelled as a particle.
    Using the model,
  4. describe the motion of brick \(Q\), giving a reason for your answer.