3.04b Equilibrium: zero resultant moment and force

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Edexcel M2 2013 January Q3
9 marks Standard +0.3
3. \begin{figure}[h]
\includegraphics[alt={},max width=\textwidth]{ad18c22c-2fc5-4844-99b8-492f758bb24e-05_876_757_125_589} \captionsetup{labelformat=empty} \caption{Figure 1}
\end{figure} A ladder, of length 5 m and mass 18 kg , has one end \(A\) resting on rough horizontal ground and its other end \(B\) resting against a smooth vertical wall. The ladder lies in a vertical plane perpendicular to the wall and makes an angle \(\alpha\) with the horizontal ground, where \(\tan \alpha = \frac { 4 } { 3 }\), as shown in Figure 1. The coefficient of friction between the ladder and the ground is \(\mu\). A woman of mass 60 kg stands on the ladder at the point \(C\), where \(A C = 3 \mathrm {~m}\). The ladder is on the point of slipping. The ladder is modelled as a uniform rod and the woman as a particle. Find the value of \(\mu\).
Edexcel M2 2004 June Q6
12 marks Challenging +1.2
6. A uniform ladder \(A B\), of mass \(m\) and length \(2 a\), has one end \(A\) on rough horizontal ground. The coefficient of friction between the ladder and the ground is 0.6 . The other end \(B\) of the ladder rests against a smooth vertical wall. A builder of mass 10 m stands at the top of the ladder. To prevent the ladder from slipping, the builder's friend pushes the bottom of the ladder horizontally towards the wall with a force of magnitude \(P\). This force acts in a direction perpendicular to the wall. The ladder rests in equilibrium in a vertical plane perpendicular to the wall and makes an angle \(\alpha\) with the horizontal, where \(\tan \alpha = \frac { 3 } { 2 }\).
  1. Show that the reaction of the wall on the ladder has magnitude 7 mg .
  2. Find, in terms of \(m\) and \(g\), the range of values of \(P\) for which the ladder remains in equilibrium.
Edexcel M2 2007 June Q5
9 marks Standard +0.3
5. \begin{figure}[h]
\includegraphics[alt={},max width=\textwidth]{778a0276-6738-40e6-90b2-a536ce5abe6a-08_376_874_205_525} \captionsetup{labelformat=empty} \caption{Figure 3}
\end{figure} A uniform beam \(A B\) of mass 2 kg is freely hinged at one end \(A\) to a vertical wall. The beam is held in equilibrium in a horizontal position by a rope which is attached to a point \(C\) on the beam, where \(A C = 0.14 \mathrm {~m}\). The rope is attached to the point \(D\) on the wall vertically above \(A\), where \(\angle A C D = 30 ^ { \circ }\), as shown in Figure 3. The beam is modelled as a uniform rod and the rope as a light inextensible string. The tension in the rope is 63 N . Find
  1. the length of \(A B\),
  2. the magnitude of the resultant reaction of the hinge on the beam at \(A\).
Edexcel M2 2008 June Q5
11 marks Standard +0.3
5. \begin{figure}[h]
\includegraphics[alt={},max width=\textwidth]{a2738ce4-4dc5-4cd1-ac3d-0c3fcf21ea71-07_501_918_274_502} \captionsetup{labelformat=empty} \caption{Figure 2}
\end{figure} A plank rests in equilibrium against a fixed horizontal pole. The plank is modelled as a uniform rod \(A B\) and the pole as a smooth horizontal peg perpendicular to the vertical plane containing \(A B\). The rod has length \(3 a\) and weight \(W\) and rests on the peg at \(C\), where \(A C = 2 a\). The end \(A\) of the rod rests on rough horizontal ground and \(A B\) makes an angle \(\alpha\) with the ground, as shown in Figure 2.
  1. Show that the normal reaction on the rod at \(A\) is \(\frac { 1 } { 4 } \left( 4 - 3 \cos ^ { 2 } \alpha \right) W\). Given that the rod is in limiting equilibrium and that \(\cos \alpha = \frac { 2 } { 3 }\),
  2. find the coefficient of friction between the rod and the ground.
Edexcel M2 2009 June Q4
11 marks Standard +0.3
4. \begin{figure}[h]
\includegraphics[alt={},max width=\textwidth]{8e220b8a-46f1-4b9b-88a4-f032c7fbda50-05_568_956_205_516} \captionsetup{labelformat=empty} \caption{Figure 1}
\end{figure} A uniform rod \(A B\), of length 1.5 m and mass 3 kg , is smoothly hinged to a vertical wall at \(A\). The rod is held in equilibrium in a horizontal position by a light strut \(C D\) as shown in Figure 1. The rod and the strut lie in the same vertical plane, which is perpendicular to the wall. The end \(C\) of the strut is freely jointed to the wall at a point 0.5 m vertically below \(A\). The end \(D\) is freely joined to the rod so that \(A D\) is 0.5 m .
  1. Find the thrust in \(C D\).
  2. Find the magnitude and direction of the force exerted on the \(\operatorname { rod } A B\) at \(A\).
Edexcel M2 2012 June Q3
8 marks Standard +0.3
3. \begin{figure}[h]
\includegraphics[alt={},max width=\textwidth]{12cd7355-f632-4a84-825f-a269851c6ec4-04_374_798_255_559} \captionsetup{labelformat=empty} \caption{Figure 1}
\end{figure} A uniform rod \(A B\), of mass 5 kg and length 4 m , has its end \(A\) smoothly hinged at a fixed point. The rod is held in equilibrium at an angle of \(25 ^ { \circ }\) above the horizontal by a force of magnitude \(F\) newtons applied to its end \(B\). The force acts in the vertical plane containing the rod and in a direction which makes an angle of \(40 ^ { \circ }\) with the rod, as shown in Figure 1.
  1. Find the value of \(F\).
  2. Find the magnitude and direction of the vertical component of the force acting on the rod at \(A\).
Edexcel M2 2013 June Q5
13 marks Standard +0.3
5. \begin{figure}[h]
\includegraphics[alt={},max width=\textwidth]{cf960066-46b8-42a3-8a8b-d8deb76e7c70-09_522_997_276_477} \captionsetup{labelformat=empty} \caption{Figure 3}
\end{figure} A uniform rod \(A B\), of mass \(m\) and length \(2 a\), is freely hinged to a fixed point \(A\). A particle of mass \(m\) is attached to the rod at \(B\). The rod is held in equilibrium at an angle \(\theta\) to the horizontal by a force of magnitude \(F\) acting at the point \(C\) on the rod, where \(A C = b\), as shown in Figure 3. The force at \(C\) acts at right angles to \(A B\) and in the vertical plane containing \(A B\).
  1. Show that \(F = \frac { 3 a m g \cos \theta } { b }\).
  2. Find, in terms of \(a , b , g , m\) and \(\theta\),
    1. the horizontal component of the force acting on the rod at \(A\),
    2. the vertical component of the force acting on the rod at \(A\). Given that the force acting on the rod at \(A\) acts along the rod,
  3. find the value of \(\frac { a } { b }\).
Edexcel M2 2014 June Q3
10 marks Standard +0.3
3. \begin{figure}[h]
\includegraphics[alt={},max width=\textwidth]{82cadc37-4cb0-455e-9531-e09ec0c19533-05_617_604_226_678} \captionsetup{labelformat=empty} \caption{Figure 1}
\end{figure} A non-uniform rod, \(A B\), of mass \(m\) and length 2l, rests in equilibrium with one end \(A\) on a rough horizontal floor and the other end \(B\) against a rough vertical wall. The rod is in a vertical plane perpendicular to the wall and makes an angle of \(60 ^ { \circ }\) with the floor as shown in Figure 1. The coefficient of friction between the rod and the floor is \(\frac { 1 } { 4 }\) and the coefficient of friction between the rod and the wall is \(\frac { 2 } { 3 }\). The rod is on the point of slipping at both ends.
  1. Find the magnitude of the vertical component of the force exerted on the rod by the floor. The centre of mass of the rod is at \(G\).
  2. Find the distance \(A G\).
Edexcel M2 2014 June Q7
12 marks Standard +0.3
7. \begin{figure}[h]
\includegraphics[alt={},max width=\textwidth]{47420c50-c232-41e9-8c4d-a890d86ea933-12_837_565_226_694} \captionsetup{labelformat=empty} \caption{Figure 3}
\end{figure} A uniform rod \(A B\) of weight \(W\) has its end \(A\) freely hinged to a point on a fixed vertical wall. The rod is held in equilibrium, at angle \(\theta\) to the horizontal, by a force of magnitude \(P\). The force acts perpendicular to the rod at \(B\) and in the same vertical plane as the rod, as shown in Figure 3. The rod is in a vertical plane perpendicular to the wall. The magnitude of the vertical component of the force exerted on the rod by the wall at \(A\) is \(Y\).
  1. Show that \(Y = \frac { W } { 2 } \left( 2 - \cos ^ { 2 } \theta \right)\). Given that \(\theta = 45 ^ { \circ }\)
  2. find the magnitude of the force exerted on the rod by the wall at \(A\), giving your answer in terms of \(W\).
Edexcel M2 2015 June Q4
9 marks Standard +0.3
  1. A ladder \(A B\), of weight \(W\) and length \(2 l\), has one end \(A\) resting on rough horizontal ground. The other end \(B\) rests against a rough vertical wall. The coefficient of friction between the ladder and the wall is \(\frac { 1 } { 3 }\). The coefficient of friction between the ladder and the ground is \(\mu\). Friction is limiting at both \(A\) and \(B\). The ladder is at an angle \(\theta\) to the ground, where \(\tan \theta = \frac { 5 } { 3 }\). The ladder is modelled as a uniform rod which lies in a vertical plane perpendicular to the wall.
Find the value of \(\mu\).
Edexcel M2 2017 June Q5
11 marks Standard +0.3
5. \begin{figure}[h]
\includegraphics[alt={},max width=\textwidth]{64b0abc9-4021-44e6-8bf7-1a5862617085-16_606_1287_260_331} \captionsetup{labelformat=empty} \caption{Figure 3}
\end{figure} A uniform rod \(A B\), of mass 5 kg and length 8 m , has its end \(B\) resting on rough horizontal ground. The rod is held in limiting equilibrium at an angle \(\alpha\) to the horizontal, where \(\tan \alpha = \frac { 3 } { 4 }\), by a rope attached to the rod at \(C\). The distance \(A C = 1 \mathrm {~m}\). The rope is in the same vertical plane as the rod. The angle between the rope and the rod is \(\beta\) and the tension in the rope is \(T\) newtons, as shown in Figure 3. The coefficient of friction between the rod and the ground is \(\frac { 2 } { 3 }\). The vertical component of the force exerted on the rod at \(B\) by the ground is \(R\) newtons.
  1. Find the value of \(R\).
  2. Find the size of angle \(\beta\).
Edexcel M2 2018 June Q4
10 marks Standard +0.3
4. \begin{figure}[h]
\includegraphics[alt={},max width=\textwidth]{88731f1c-5177-4096-841b-cd9c3f87782b-12_510_1082_269_438} \captionsetup{labelformat=empty} \caption{Figure 3}
\end{figure} A uniform rod \(A B\), of mass \(m\) and length \(2 a\), rests with its end \(A\) on rough horizontal ground. The rod is held in limiting equilibrium at an angle \(\theta\) to the horizontal by a light string attached to the rod at \(B\), as shown in Figure 3. The string is perpendicular to the rod and lies in the same vertical plane as the rod. The coefficient of friction between the ground and the rod is \(\mu\).
Show that \(\mu = \frac { \cos \theta \sin \theta } { 2 - \cos ^ { 2 } \theta }\)
Edexcel M2 Q2
6 marks Standard +0.3
2. \begin{figure}[h]
\includegraphics[alt={},max width=\textwidth]{9126ebb1-eaa7-4a40-953f-5dc819c9f479-3_631_581_744_769} \captionsetup{labelformat=empty} \caption{Fig. 1}
\end{figure} A uniform ladder \(A B\) has one end \(A\) on smooth horizontal ground. The other end \(B\) rests against a smooth vertical wall. The ladder is modelled as a uniform rod of mass \(m\) and length 4a. The ladder is kept in equilibrium by a horizontal force \(F\) acting at a point \(C\) of the ladder where \(A C = a\). The force \(F\) and the ladder lie in a vertical plane perpendicular to the wall. The ladder is inclined to the horizontal at an angle \(\theta\), where \(\tan \theta = 2\), as shown in Fig. 1. Find \(F\) in terms of \(m\) and \(g\).
(6 marks)
Edexcel M2 Specimen Q4
9 marks Standard +0.8
4. \section*{Figure 1}
\includegraphics[max width=\textwidth, alt={}]{0d3d35b1-e3c5-47ac-b05e-78cdf1eb3083-3_714_565_262_749}
A uniform ladder, of mass \(m\) and length \(2 a\), has one end on rough horizontal ground. The other end rests against a smooth vertical wall. A man of mass \(3 m\) stands at the top of the ladder and the ladder is in equilibrium. The coefficient of friction between the ladder and the ground is \(\frac { 1 } { 4 }\), and the ladder makes an angle \(\alpha\) with the vertical, as shown in Fig. 1. The ladder is in a vertical plane perpendicular to the wall. Show that \(\tan \alpha \leq \frac { 2 } { 7 }\).
Edexcel M2 Q6
Standard +0.3
6. \begin{figure}[h]
\captionsetup{labelformat=empty} \caption{Figure 2} \includegraphics[alt={},max width=\textwidth]{173a2029-a0b8-437f-9339-5a1b6f30a8e3-010_442_689_292_632}
\end{figure} A uniform pole \(A B\), of mass 30 kg and length 3 m , is smoothly hinged to a vertical wall at one end \(A\). The pole is held in equilibrium in a horizontal position by a light rod CD. One end \(C\) of the rod is fixed to the wall vertically below \(A\). The other end \(D\) is freely jointed to the pole so that \(\angle A C D = 30 ^ { \circ }\) and \(A D = 0.5 \mathrm {~m}\), as shown in Figure 2. Find
  1. the thrust in the rod \(C D\),
  2. the magnitude of the force exerted by the wall on the pole at \(A\). The rod \(C D\) is removed and replaced by a longer light rod \(C M\), where \(M\) is the mid-point of \(A B\). The rod is freely jointed to the pole at \(M\). The pole \(A B\) remains in equilibrium in a horizontal position.
  3. Show that the force exerted by the wall on the pole at \(A\) now acts horizontally.
Edexcel M2 2016 January Q6
11 marks Standard +0.3
6. \begin{figure}[h]
\includegraphics[alt={},max width=\textwidth]{e6d100ff-dd4a-4591-a0a3-81761773045e-11_757_1269_233_331} \captionsetup{labelformat=empty} \caption{Figure 3}
\end{figure} A uniform rod \(A B\), of mass \(3 m\) and length \(2 a\), is freely hinged at \(A\) to a fixed point on horizontal ground. A particle of mass \(m\) is attached to the rod at the end \(B\). The system is held in equilibrium by a force \(\mathbf { F }\) acting at the point \(C\), where \(A C = b\). The rod makes an acute angle \(\theta\) with the ground, as shown in Figure 3. The line of action of \(\mathbf { F }\) is perpendicular to the rod and in the same vertical plane as the rod.
  1. Show that the magnitude of \(\mathbf { F }\) is \(\frac { 5 m g a } { b } \cos \theta\) The force exerted on the rod by the hinge at \(A\) is \(\mathbf { R }\), which acts upwards at an angle \(\phi\) above the horizontal, where \(\phi > \theta\).
  2. Find
    1. the component of \(\mathbf { R }\) parallel to the rod, in terms of \(m , g\) and \(\theta\),
    2. the component of \(\mathbf { R }\) perpendicular to the rod, in terms of \(a , b , m , g\) and \(\theta\).
  3. Hence, or otherwise, find the range of possible values of \(b\), giving your answer in terms of \(a\).
Edexcel M2 2005 June Q6
12 marks Standard +0.3
6. \begin{figure}[h]
\captionsetup{labelformat=empty} \caption{Figure 2} \includegraphics[alt={},max width=\textwidth]{3847deb8-d86e-4254-828f-5d62f20c186f-09_442_689_292_632}
\end{figure} A uniform pole \(A B\), of mass 30 kg and length 3 m , is smoothly hinged to a vertical wall at one end \(A\). The pole is held in equilibrium in a horizontal position by a light rod CD. One end \(C\) of the rod is fixed to the wall vertically below \(A\). The other end \(D\) is freely jointed to the pole so that \(\angle A C D = 30 ^ { \circ }\) and \(A D = 0.5 \mathrm {~m}\), as shown in Figure 2. Find
  1. the thrust in the rod \(C D\),
  2. the magnitude of the force exerted by the wall on the pole at \(A\). The rod \(C D\) is removed and replaced by a longer light rod \(C M\), where \(M\) is the mid-point of \(A B\). The rod is freely jointed to the pole at \(M\). The pole \(A B\) remains in equilibrium in a horizontal position.
  3. Show that the force exerted by the wall on the pole at \(A\) now acts horizontally.
CAIE FP2 2010 June Q2
7 marks Standard +0.8
2 A uniform \(\operatorname { rod } A B\) of weight \(W\) rests in equilibrium with \(A\) in contact with a rough vertical wall. The rod is in a vertical plane perpendicular to the wall, and is supported by a force of magnitude \(P\) acting at \(B\) in this vertical plane. The rod makes an angle of \(60 ^ { \circ }\) with the wall, and the force makes an angle of \(30 ^ { \circ }\) with the rod (see diagram). Find the value of \(P\). Find also the set of possible values of the coefficient of friction between the rod and the wall.
CAIE FP2 2013 June Q1
8 marks Standard +0.8
1 \includegraphics[max width=\textwidth, alt={}, center]{a473cbb8-877f-48df-8751-c76d96396734-2_684_714_246_717} A uniform \(\operatorname { rod } A B\), of mass \(m\) and length \(4 a\), rests with the end \(A\) on rough horizontal ground. The point \(C\) on \(A B\) is such that \(A C = 3 a\). A light inextensible string has one end attached to the point \(P\) which is at a distance \(5 a\) vertically above \(A\), and the other end attached to \(C\). The rod and the string are in the same vertical plane and the system is in equilibrium with angle \(A C P\) equal to \(90 ^ { \circ }\) (see diagram). The coefficient of friction between the rod and the ground is \(\mu\). Show that the least possible value of \(\mu\) is \(\frac { 24 } { 43 }\).
CAIE FP2 2013 June Q11 EITHER
Challenging +1.2
A uniform rod \(A B\) rests in limiting equilibrium in a vertical plane with the end \(A\) on rough horizontal ground and the end \(B\) against a rough vertical wall that is perpendicular to the plane of the rod. The angle between the rod and the ground is \(\theta\). The coefficient of friction between the rod and the wall is \(\mu\), and the coefficient of friction between the rod and the ground is \(2 \mu\). Show that \(\tan \theta = \frac { 1 - 2 \mu ^ { 2 } } { 4 \mu }\). Given that \(\theta \leqslant 45 ^ { \circ }\), find the set of possible values of \(\mu\).
CAIE FP2 2014 June Q11 EITHER
Challenging +1.8
\includegraphics[max width=\textwidth, alt={}]{ab5f2781-e5ce-4fce-bc95-9d7f55ea66d9-5_869_621_370_762}
The points \(C\) and \(D\) are at a distance \(( 2 \sqrt { } 3 ) a\) apart on a horizontal surface. A rough peg \(A\) is fixed at a vertical distance \(6 a\) above \(C\) and a smooth peg \(B\) is fixed at a vertical distance \(4 a\) above \(D\). A uniform rectangular frame \(P Q R S\), with \(P Q = 3 a\) and \(Q R = 6 a\), is made of rigid thin wire and has weight \(W\). It rests in equilibrium in a vertical plane with \(P S\) on \(A\) and \(S R\) on \(B\), and with angle \(S A C = 30 ^ { \circ }\) (see diagram).
  1. Show that \(A B = 4 a\) and that angle \(S A B = 30 ^ { \circ }\).
  2. Show that the normal reaction at \(A\) is \(\frac { 1 } { 2 } W\).
  3. Find the frictional force at \(A\).
CAIE FP2 2014 June Q11 EITHER
Challenging +1.8
\includegraphics[max width=\textwidth, alt={}]{ae8d874a-5c1d-45bb-b853-d12006004b7f-5_871_621_370_762}
The points \(C\) and \(D\) are at a distance \(( 2 \sqrt { } 3 ) a\) apart on a horizontal surface. A rough peg \(A\) is fixed at a vertical distance \(6 a\) above \(C\) and a smooth peg \(B\) is fixed at a vertical distance \(4 a\) above \(D\). A uniform rectangular frame \(P Q R S\), with \(P Q = 3 a\) and \(Q R = 6 a\), is made of rigid thin wire and has weight \(W\). It rests in equilibrium in a vertical plane with \(P S\) on \(A\) and \(S R\) on \(B\), and with angle \(S A C = 30 ^ { \circ }\) (see diagram).
  1. Show that \(A B = 4 a\) and that angle \(S A B = 30 ^ { \circ }\).
  2. Show that the normal reaction at \(A\) is \(\frac { 1 } { 2 } W\).
  3. Find the frictional force at \(A\).
CAIE FP2 2015 June Q4
10 marks Challenging +1.2
4 \includegraphics[max width=\textwidth, alt={}, center]{baea9836-ea05-442f-9e87-a2a1480dc74c-2_338_957_1482_593} A uniform rod \(B C\) of length \(2 a\) and weight \(W\) is hinged to a fixed point at \(B\). A particle of weight \(3 W\) is attached to the rod at \(C\). The system is held in equilibrium by a light elastic string of natural length \(\frac { 3 } { 5 } a\) in the same vertical plane as the rod. One end of the elastic string is attached to the rod at \(C\) and the other end is attached to a fixed point \(A\) which is at the same horizontal level as \(B\). The rod and the string each make an angle of \(30 ^ { \circ }\) with the horizontal (see diagram). Find
  1. the modulus of elasticity of the string,
  2. the magnitude and direction of the force acting on the rod at \(B\).
CAIE FP2 2015 June Q4
10 marks Challenging +1.2
4 \includegraphics[max width=\textwidth, alt={}, center]{eb3dccaf-d151-472d-82f3-6ba215b0b7f0-2_339_957_1482_593} A uniform rod \(B C\) of length \(2 a\) and weight \(W\) is hinged to a fixed point at \(B\). A particle of weight \(3 W\) is attached to the rod at \(C\). The system is held in equilibrium by a light elastic string of natural length \(\frac { 3 } { 5 } a\) in the same vertical plane as the rod. One end of the elastic string is attached to the rod at \(C\) and the other end is attached to a fixed point \(A\) which is at the same horizontal level as \(B\). The rod and the string each make an angle of \(30 ^ { \circ }\) with the horizontal (see diagram). Find
  1. the modulus of elasticity of the string,
  2. the magnitude and direction of the force acting on the rod at \(B\).
CAIE FP2 2015 June Q4
10 marks Challenging +1.8
4 \includegraphics[max width=\textwidth, alt={}, center]{833c338f-53c1-436e-a772-0cdaf17fa72d-3_559_1303_255_422} The diagram shows a central cross-section CDEF of a uniform solid cube of weight \(W\) and with edges of length \(2 a\). The cube rests on a rough horizontal plane. A thin uniform \(\operatorname { rod } A B\), of weight \(W\) and length \(6 a\), is hinged to the plane at \(A\). The rod rests in smooth contact with the cube at \(C\), with angle \(C A D\) equal to \(30 ^ { \circ }\). The rod is in the same vertical plane as \(C D E F\). The coefficient of friction between the plane and the cube is \(\mu\). Given that the system is in equilibrium, show that \(\mu \geqslant \frac { 3 } { 25 } \sqrt { } 3\). [6] Find the magnitude of the force acting on the \(\operatorname { rod }\) at \(A\).