6.01d Unknown indices: using dimensions

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AQA Further AS Paper 2 Mechanics 2020 June Q6
5 marks Standard +0.3
6 The magnitude of the gravitational force \(F\) between two planets of masses \(m _ { 1 }\) and \(m _ { 2 }\) with centres at a distance \(d\) apart is given by $$F = \frac { G m _ { 1 } m _ { 2 } } { d ^ { 2 } }$$ where \(G\) is a constant.
6
  1. Show that \(G\) must have dimensions \(L ^ { 3 } M ^ { - 1 } T ^ { - 2 }\), where \(L\) represents length, \(M\) represents mass and \(T\) represents time.
    6
  2. The lifetime \(t\) of a planet is thought to depend on its mass \(m\), its radius \(r\), the constant \(G\) and a dimensionless constant \(k\) such that $$t = k m ^ { a } r ^ { b } G ^ { c }$$ where \(a , b\) and \(c\) are constants.
    Determine the values of \(a , b\) and \(c\).
AQA Further AS Paper 2 Mechanics Specimen Q3
4 marks Moderate -0.3
3 A tank full of liquid has a hole made in its base.
Two students, Sarah and David, propose two different models for the speed, \(v\), at which liquid exits the tank. David thinks that \(v\) will depend on the height of the liquid in the tank, \(h\), the acceleration due to gravity, \(g\), and the density of the liquid, \(\rho\), such that \(v \propto g ^ { a } h ^ { b } \rho ^ { c }\) where \(a\), \(b\) and \(c\) are constants. Sarah thinks that \(v\) will not depend on the density of the liquid and suggests the model \(v \propto g ^ { a } h ^ { b }\) 3
  1. By considering dimensions, explain which student's model should be rejected.
    [0pt] [2 marks]
    3
  2. Find the values of the constants in order for the model that you did not reject in part (a) to be dimensionally consistent.
    [0pt] [2 marks]
OCR Further Mechanics AS 2018 June Q3
8 marks Standard +0.3
3 A particle moves in a straight line with constant acceleration. Its initial and final velocities are \(u\) and \(v\) respectively and at time \(t\) its displacement from its starting position is \(s\). An equation connecting these quantities is \(s = k \left( u ^ { \alpha } + v ^ { \beta } \right) t ^ { \gamma }\), where \(k\) is a dimensionless constant.
  1. Use dimensional analysis to find the values of \(\alpha , \beta\) and \(\gamma\).
  2. By considering the case where the acceleration is zero, determine the value of \(k\).
OCR Further Mechanics AS 2019 June Q4
11 marks Moderate -0.5
4 A student is studying the speed of sound, \(u\), in a gas under different conditions. He assumes that \(u\) depends on the pressure, \(p\), of the gas, the density, \(\rho\), of the gas and the wavelength, \(\lambda\), of the sound in the relationship \(u = k p ^ { \alpha } \rho ^ { \beta } \lambda ^ { \gamma }\), where \(k\) is a dimensionless constant. (The wavelength of a sound is the distance between successive peaks in the sound wave.)
  1. Use the fact that density is mass per unit volume to find \([ \rho ]\).
  2. Given that the units of \(p\) are \(\mathrm { Nm } ^ { - 2 }\), determine the values of \(\alpha , \beta\) and \(\gamma\).
  3. Comment on what the value of \(\gamma\) means about how fast sounds of different wavelengths travel through the gas. The student carries out two experiments, \(A\) and \(B\), to measure \(u\). Only the density of the gas varies between the experiments, all other conditions being unchanged. He finds that the value of \(u\) in experiment \(B\) is double the value in experiment \(A\).
  4. By what factor has the density of the gas in experiment \(A\) been multiplied to give the density of the gas in experiment \(B\) ? \includegraphics[max width=\textwidth, alt={}, center]{74bada9e-60cf-4ed4-abd0-4be155b7cf81-4_659_401_269_251} As shown in the diagram, \(A B\) is a long thin rod which is fixed vertically with \(A\) above \(B\). One end of a light inextensible string of length 1 m is attached to \(A\) and the other end is attached to a particle \(P\) of mass \(m _ { 1 } \mathrm {~kg}\). One end of another light inextensible string of length 1 m is also attached to \(P\). Its other end is attached to a small smooth ring \(R\), of mass \(m _ { 2 } \mathrm {~kg}\), which is free to move on \(A B\). Initially, \(P\) moves in a horizontal circle of radius 0.6 m with constant angular velocity \(\omega _ { \text {rads } } { } ^ { - 1 }\). The magnitude of the tension in string \(A P\) is denoted by \(T _ { 1 } \mathrm {~N}\) while that in string \(P R\) is denoted by \(T _ { 2 } \mathrm {~N}\).
OCR Further Mechanics AS 2022 June Q6
10 marks Standard +0.8
6 A particle moves in a straight line with constant acceleration \(a\). Its initial velocity is \(u\) and at time \(t\) its velocity is \(v\). It is assumed that \(v\) depends only on \(u , a\) and \(t\).
  1. Assuming that this dependency is of the form \(\mathrm { u } ^ { \alpha } \mathrm { a } ^ { \beta } \mathrm { t } ^ { \gamma }\), use dimensional analysis to find \(\alpha\) and \(\gamma\) in terms of \(\beta\).
  2. By noting that the graph of \(v\) against \(t\) must be a straight line, determine the possible values of \(\beta\). You may assume that the units of the given quantities are the corresponding SI units.
  3. By considering \(v\) when \(t = 0\) seconds and when \(t = 1\) second, derive the equation of motion \(\mathrm { v } = \mathrm { u } + \mathrm { at }\), explaining your reasoning.
OCR Further Mechanics AS 2020 November Q5
9 marks Standard +0.3
5 A particle of mass \(m\) moves in a straight line with constant acceleration \(a\). Its initial and final velocities are \(u\) and \(v\) respectively and its final displacement from its starting position is \(s\). In order to model the motion of the particle it is suggested that the velocity is given by the equation \(\mathrm { v } ^ { 2 } = \mathrm { pu } ^ { \alpha } + \mathrm { qa } ^ { \beta } \mathrm { s } ^ { \gamma }\) where \(p\) and \(q\) are dimensionless constants.
  1. Explain why \(\alpha\) must equal 2 for the equation to be dimensionally consistent.
  2. By using dimensional analysis, determine the values of \(\beta\) and \(\gamma\).
  3. By considering the case where \(s = 0\), determine the value of \(p\).
  4. By multiplying both sides of the equation by \(\frac { 1 } { 2 } m\), and using the numerical values of \(\alpha , \beta\) and \(\gamma\), determine the value of \(q\).
OCR Further Mechanics AS 2021 November Q5
10 marks Standard +0.3
5 The escape speed of an unpowered object is the minimum speed at which it must be projected to escape the gravitational influence of the Earth if it is projected vertically upwards from the Earth's surface. A formula for the escape speed \(U\) of an unpowered object of mass \(m\) is \(U = \sqrt { \frac { 2 G m } { r } }\) where \(r\) is the radius of the Earth and \(G\) is a constant.
  1. Show that the dimensions of \(G\) are \(\mathrm { M } ^ { - 1 } \mathrm {~L} ^ { 3 } \mathrm {~T} ^ { - 2 }\). A rocket is a powered object. A rocket is launched with a given launch speed and is then powered by engines which apply a constant force for a period of time after the launch. A student wishes to apply the formula given above to a rocket launch. They wish to model the minimum launch speed required for a rocket to escape the Earth's gravitational influence. They realise that the given formula is for unpowered objects and so they include an extra term in the formula to obtain \(V = \sqrt { \frac { 2 G m } { r } } - \mathrm { kP } ^ { \alpha } \mathrm { W } ^ { \beta } \mathrm { t } ^ { \gamma }\). In their modified formula, \(G\) and \(r\) are the same as before. The other variables are defined as follows.
OCR Further Mechanics 2019 June Q2
10 marks Standard +0.3
2 A solenoid is a device formed by winding a wire tightly around a hollow cylinder so that the wire forms (approximately) circular loops along the cylinder (see diagram). \includegraphics[max width=\textwidth, alt={}, center]{9bc86277-9e6b-41f6-a2c3-94c85e7b1360-2_161_691_1681_246} When the wire carries an electrical current a magnetic field is created inside the solenoid which can cause a particle which is moving inside the solenoid to accelerate. A student is carrying out experiments on particles moving inside solenoids. His professor suggests that, for a particle of mass \(m\) moving with speed \(v\) inside a solenoid of length \(h\), the acceleration \(a\) of the particle can be modelled by a relationship of the form \(a = \mathrm { km } ^ { \alpha } \mathrm { v } ^ { \beta } \mathrm { h } ^ { \gamma }\), where \(k\) is a constant. The professor tells the student that \([ k ] = \mathrm { MLT } ^ { - 1 }\).
  1. Use dimensional analysis to find \(\alpha , \beta\) and \(\gamma\).
  2. The mass of an electron is \(9.11 \times 10 ^ { - 31 } \mathrm {~kg}\) and the mass of a proton is \(1.67 \times 10 ^ { - 27 } \mathrm {~kg}\). For an electron and a proton moving inside the same solenoid with the same speed, use the model to find the ratio of the acceleration of the electron to the acceleration of the proton. [3]
  3. The professor tells the student that \(a\) also depends on the number of turns or loops of wire, \(N\), that the solenoid has. Explain why dimensional analysis cannot be used to determine the dependence of \(a\) on \(N\). [1
OCR Further Mechanics 2022 June Q4
8 marks Standard +0.3
4 When two objects are placed a distance apart in outer space each applies a gravitational force to the other. It is suggested that the magnitude of this force depends on the masses of both objects and the distance between them. Assuming that this suggestion is correct, it is further assumed that the magnitude of this force is given by a relationship of the form $$\mathrm { F } = \mathrm { Gm } _ { 1 } ^ { \alpha } \mathrm { m } _ { 2 } ^ { \beta } \mathrm { r } ^ { \gamma }$$ where
  • \(F\) is the magnitude of the force
  • \(m _ { 1 }\) and \(m _ { 2 }\) are the masses of the two objects
  • \(r\) is the distance between the two objects
  • \(G\) is a constant.
    1. Using a dimensional argument based on Newton's third law explain why \(\alpha = \beta\).
It is given that the magnitude of the gravitational force is given by such a relationship and that \(G = 6.67 \times 10 ^ { - 11 } \mathrm {~m} ^ { 3 } \mathrm {~kg} ^ { - 1 } \mathrm {~s} ^ { - 2 }\).
  • Write down the dimensions of \(G\).
  • By using dimensional analysis, determine the values of \(\alpha , \beta\) and \(\gamma\). You are given that the mass of the Earth is \(5.97 \times 10 ^ { 24 } \mathrm {~kg}\) and that the distance of the Moon from the Earth is \(3.84 \times 10 ^ { 8 } \mathrm {~m}\). You may assume that the only force acting on the Moon is the gravitational force due to the Earth.
  • By modelling the Earth as stationary and assuming that the Moon moves in a circular orbit around the Earth, determine the period of the motion of the Moon. Give your answer to the nearest day.
  • OCR Further Mechanics 2020 November Q4
    15 marks Standard +0.3
    4 The resistive force, \(F\), on a sphere falling through a viscous fluid is thought to depend on the radius of the sphere, \(r\), the velocity of the sphere, \(v\), and the viscosity of the fluid, \(\eta\). You are given that \(\eta\) is measured in \(\mathrm { N } \mathrm { m } ^ { - 2 } \mathrm {~s}\).
    1. By considering its units, find the dimensions of viscosity. A model of the resistive force suggests the following relationship: \(\mathbf { F } = 6 \pi \eta ^ { \alpha } \mathbf { r } ^ { \beta } \mathbf { v } ^ { \gamma }\).
    2. Explain whether or not it is possible to use dimensional analysis to verify that the constant \(6 \pi\) is correct.
    3. Use dimensional analysis to find the values of \(\alpha , \beta\) and \(\gamma\). A sphere of radius \(r\) and mass \(m\) falls vertically from rest through the fluid. After a time \(t\) its velocity is \(v\).
    4. By setting up and solving a differential equation, show that \(\mathrm { e } ^ { - \mathrm { kt } } = \frac { \mathrm { g } - \mathrm { kv } } { \mathrm { g } }\) where \(\mathrm { k } = \frac { 6 \pi \eta \mathrm { r } } { \mathrm { m } }\). As the time increases, the velocity of the sphere tends towards a limit called the terminal velocity.
    5. Find, in terms of \(g\) and \(k\), the terminal velocity of the sphere. In a sequence of experiments the sphere is allowed to fall through fluids of different viscosity, ranging from small to very large, with all other conditions being constant. The terminal velocity of the sphere through each fluid is measured.
    6. Describe how, according to the model, the terminal velocity of the sphere changes as the viscosity of the fluid through which it falls increases.
    AQA M3 2006 June Q1
    7 marks Moderate -0.5
    1 The time \(T\) taken for a simple pendulum to make a single small oscillation is thought to depend only on its length \(l\), its mass \(m\) and the acceleration due to gravity \(g\). By using dimensional analysis:
    1. show that \(T\) does not depend on \(m\);
    2. express \(T\) in terms of \(l , g\) and \(k\), where \(k\) is a dimensionless constant.
    AQA M3 2007 June Q1
    8 marks Moderate -0.5
    1 The magnitude of the gravitational force, \(F\), between two planets of masses \(m _ { 1 }\) and \(m _ { 2 }\) with centres at a distance \(x\) apart is given by $$F = \frac { G m _ { 1 } m _ { 2 } } { x ^ { 2 } }$$ where \(G\) is a constant.
    1. By using dimensional analysis, find the dimensions of \(G\).
    2. The lifetime, \(t\), of a planet is thought to depend on its mass, \(m\), its initial radius, \(R\), the constant \(G\) and a dimensionless constant, \(k\), so that $$t = k m ^ { \alpha } R ^ { \beta } G ^ { \gamma }$$ where \(\alpha , \beta\) and \(\gamma\) are constants.
      Find the values of \(\alpha , \beta\) and \(\gamma\).
    AQA M3 2008 June Q1
    6 marks Standard +0.3
    1 The speed, \(v \mathrm {~m} \mathrm {~s} ^ { - 1 }\), of a wave travelling along the surface of a sea is believed to depend on
    the depth of the sea, \(d \mathrm {~m}\),
    the density of the water, \(\rho \mathrm { kg } \mathrm { m } ^ { - 3 }\),
    the acceleration due to gravity, \(g\), and
    a dimensionless constant, \(k\) so that $$v = k d ^ { \alpha } \rho ^ { \beta } g ^ { \gamma }$$ where \(\alpha , \beta\) and \(\gamma\) are constants.
    By using dimensional analysis, show that \(\beta = 0\) and find the values of \(\alpha\) and \(\gamma\).
    AQA M3 2010 June Q1
    5 marks Moderate -0.8
    1 A tank containing a liquid has a small hole in the bottom through which the liquid escapes. The speed, \(u \mathrm {~m} \mathrm {~s} ^ { - 1 }\), at which the liquid escapes is given by $$u = C V \rho g$$ where \(V \mathrm {~m} ^ { 3 }\) is the volume of the liquid in the tank, \(\rho \mathrm { kg } \mathrm { m } ^ { - 3 }\) is the density of the liquid, \(g\) is the acceleration due to gravity and \(C\) is a constant. By using dimensional analysis, find the dimensions of \(C\).

    \includegraphics[max width=\textwidth, alt={}]{01071eb0-2c48-4028-8cd3-6021ce86d7e5-03_2484_1709_223_153}
    AQA M3 2011 June Q2
    5 marks Standard +0.3
    2 The time, \(t\), for a single vibration of a piece of taut string is believed to depend on
    the length of the taut string, \(l\),
    the tension in the string, \(F\),
    the mass per unit length of the string, \(q\), and
    a dimensionless constant, \(k\),
    such that $$t = k l ^ { \alpha } F ^ { \beta } q ^ { \gamma }$$ where \(\alpha , \beta\) and \(\gamma\) are constants.
    By using dimensional analysis, find the values of \(\alpha , \beta\) and \(\gamma\).
    AQA M3 2014 June Q2
    6 marks Standard +0.3
    2 A rod, of length \(x \mathrm {~m}\) and moment of inertia \(I \mathrm {~kg} \mathrm {~m} ^ { 2 }\), is free to rotate in a vertical plane about a fixed smooth horizontal axis through one end. When the rod is hanging at rest, its lower end receives an impulse of magnitude \(J\) Ns, which is just sufficient for the rod to complete full revolutions. It is thought that there is a relationship between \(J , x , I\), the acceleration due to gravity \(g \mathrm {~m} \mathrm {~s} ^ { - 2 }\) and a dimensionless constant \(k\), such that $$J = k x ^ { \alpha } I ^ { \beta } g ^ { \gamma }$$ where \(\alpha , \beta\) and \(\gamma\) are constants.
    Find the values of \(\alpha , \beta\) and \(\gamma\) for which this relationship is dimensionally consistent.
    [0pt] [6 marks]
    AQA M3 2015 June Q1
    6 marks Standard +0.3
    1 A formula for calculating the lift force acting on the wings of an aircraft moving through the air is of the form $$F = k v ^ { \alpha } A ^ { \beta } \rho ^ { \gamma }$$ where \(F\) is the lift force in newtons, \(k\) is a dimensionless constant, \(v\) is the air velocity in \(\mathrm { m } \mathrm { s } ^ { - 1 }\), \(A\) is the surface area of the aircraft's wings in \(\mathrm { m } ^ { 2 }\), and \(\rho\) is the density of the air in \(\mathrm { kg } \mathrm { m } ^ { - 3 }\).
    By using dimensional analysis, find the values of the constants \(\alpha , \beta\) and \(\gamma\).
    [0pt] [6 marks]
    OCR MEI M3 2006 January Q1
    18 marks Standard +0.3
    1
      1. Write down the dimensions of force. The period, \(t\), of a vibrating wire depends on its tension, \(F\), its length, \(l\), and its mass per unit length, \(\sigma\).
      2. Assuming that the relationship is of the form \(t = k F ^ { \alpha } l ^ { \beta } \sigma ^ { \gamma }\), where \(k\) is a dimensionless constant, use dimensional analysis to determine the values of \(\alpha , \beta\) and \(\gamma\). Two lengths are cut from a reel of uniform wire. The first has length 1.2 m , and it vibrates under a tension of 90 N . The second has length 2.0 m , and it vibrates with the same period as the first wire.
      3. Find the tension in the second wire. (You may assume that changing the tension does not significantly change the mass per unit length.)
    1. The midpoint M of a vibrating wire is moving in simple harmonic motion in a straight line, with amplitude 0.018 m and period 0.01 s .
      1. Find the maximum speed of M .
      2. Find the distance of M from the centre of the motion when its speed is \(8 \mathrm {~m} \mathrm {~s} ^ { - 1 }\).
    OCR MEI M3 2007 January Q1
    16 marks Moderate -0.8
    1
    1. Write down the dimensions of velocity, acceleration and force. The force \(F\) of gravitational attraction between two objects with masses \(m _ { 1 }\) and \(m _ { 2 }\), at a distance \(r\) apart, is given by $$F = \frac { G m _ { 1 } m _ { 2 } } { r ^ { 2 } }$$ where \(G\) is the universal constant of gravitation.
    2. Show that the dimensions of \(G\) are \(\mathrm { M } ^ { - 1 } \mathrm {~L} ^ { 3 } \mathrm {~T} ^ { - 2 }\).
    3. In SI units (based on the kilogram, metre and second) the value of \(G\) is \(6.67 \times 10 ^ { - 11 }\). Find the value of \(G\) in imperial units based on the pound \(( 0.4536 \mathrm {~kg} )\), foot \(( 0.3048 \mathrm {~m} )\) and second.
    4. For a planet of mass \(m\) and radius \(r\), the escape velocity \(v\) from the planet's surface is given by $$v = \sqrt { \frac { 2 G m } { r } }$$ Show that this formula is dimensionally consistent.
    5. For a planet in circular orbit of radius \(R\) round a star of mass \(M\), the time \(t\) taken to complete one orbit is given by $$t = k G ^ { \alpha } M ^ { \beta } R ^ { \gamma }$$ where \(k\) is a dimensionless constant.
      Use dimensional analysis to find \(\alpha , \beta\) and \(\gamma\).
    OCR MEI M3 2008 January Q1
    18 marks Standard +0.3
    1
      1. Write down the dimensions of force and the dimensions of density. When a wire, with natural length \(l _ { 0 }\) and cross-sectional area \(A\), is stretched to a length \(l\), the tension \(F\) in the wire is given by $$F = \frac { E A \left( l - l _ { 0 } \right) } { l _ { 0 } }$$ where \(E\) is Young's modulus for the material from which the wire is made.
      2. Find the dimensions of Young's modulus \(E\). A uniform sphere of radius \(r\) is made from material with density \(\rho\) and Young's modulus \(E\). When the sphere is struck, it vibrates with periodic time \(t\) given by $$t = k r ^ { \alpha } \rho ^ { \beta } E ^ { \gamma }$$ where \(k\) is a dimensionless constant.
      3. Use dimensional analysis to find \(\alpha , \beta\) and \(\gamma\).
    1. Fig. 1 shows a fixed point A that is 1.5 m vertically above a point B on a rough horizontal surface. A particle P of mass 5 kg is at rest on the surface at a distance 0.8 m from B , and is connected to A by a light elastic string with natural length 1.5 m . \begin{figure}[h]
      \includegraphics[alt={},max width=\textwidth]{c470e80e-b346-4335-9c08-beb5a46cc506-2_405_538_1338_845} \captionsetup{labelformat=empty} \caption{Fig. 1}
      \end{figure} The coefficient of friction between P and the surface is 0.4 , and P is on the point of sliding. Find the stiffness of the string.
    OCR MEI M3 2010 January Q1
    18 marks Standard +0.3
    1
      1. Write down the dimensions of density, kinetic energy and power. A sphere of radius \(r\) is moved at constant velocity \(v\) through a fluid.
      2. In a viscous fluid, the power required is \(6 \pi \eta r v ^ { 2 }\), where \(\eta\) is the viscosity of the fluid. Find the dimensions of viscosity.
      3. In a non-viscous fluid, the power required is \(k \rho ^ { \alpha } r ^ { \beta } v ^ { \gamma }\), where \(\rho\) is the density of the fluid and \(k\) is a dimensionless constant. Use dimensional analysis to find \(\alpha , \beta\) and \(\gamma\).
    1. A rock of mass 5.5 kg is connected to a fixed point O by a light elastic rope with natural length 1.2 m . The rock is released from rest in a position 2 m vertically below O , and it next comes to instantaneous rest when it is 1.5 m vertically above O . Find the stiffness of the rope.
    OCR MEI M3 2012 January Q1
    18 marks Moderate -0.8
    1 The surface tension of a liquid enables a metal needle to be at rest on the surface of the liquid. The greatest mass \(m\) of a needle of length \(a\) which can be supported in this way by a liquid of surface tension \(S\) is given by $$m = \frac { 2 S a } { g }$$ where \(g\) is the acceleration due to gravity.
    1. Show that the dimensions of surface tension are \(\mathrm { MT } ^ { - 2 }\). The surface tension of water is 0.073 when expressed in SI units (based on kilograms, metres and seconds).
    2. Find the surface tension of water when expressed in a system of units based on grams, centimetres and minutes. Liquid will rise up a capillary tube to a height \(h\) given by \(h = \frac { 2 S } { \rho g r }\), where \(\rho\) is the density of the liquid and \(r\) is the radius of the capillary tube. \(r\) is the radius of the capillary tube.
    3. Show that the equation \(h = \frac { 2 S } { \rho g r }\) is dimensionally consistent.
    4. Find the radius of a capillary tube in which water will rise to a height of 25 cm . (The density of water is 1000 in SI units.) When liquid is poured onto a horizontal surface, it forms puddles of depth \(d\). You are given that \(d = k S ^ { \alpha } \rho ^ { \beta } g ^ { \gamma }\) where \(k\) is a dimensionless constant.
    5. Use dimensional analysis to find \(\alpha , \beta\) and \(\gamma\). Water forms puddles of depth 0.44 cm . Mercury has surface tension 0.487 and density 13500 in SI units.
    6. Find the depth of puddles formed by mercury on a horizontal surface.
    OCR MEI M3 2013 January Q1
    18 marks Standard +0.3
    1
    1. A particle P is executing simple harmonic motion, and the centre of the oscillations is at the point O . The maximum speed of P during the motion is \(5.1 \mathrm {~ms} ^ { - 1 }\). When P is 6 m from O , its speed is \(4.5 \mathrm {~ms} ^ { - 1 }\). Find the period and the amplitude of the motion.
    2. The force \(F\) of gravitational attraction between two objects of masses \(m _ { 1 }\) and \(m _ { 2 }\) at a distance \(d\) apart is given by \(F = \frac { G m _ { 1 } m _ { 2 } } { d ^ { 2 } }\), where \(G\) is the universal gravitational constant.
      1. Find the dimensions of \(G\). Three objects, each of mass \(m\), are moving in deep space under mutual gravitational attraction. They move round a single circle with constant angular speed \(\omega\), and are always at the three vertices of an equilateral triangle of side \(R\). You are given that \(\omega = k G ^ { \alpha } m ^ { \beta } R ^ { \gamma }\), where \(k\) is a dimensionless constant.
      2. Find \(\alpha , \beta\) and \(\gamma\). For three objects of mass 2500 kg at the vertices of an equilateral triangle of side 50 m , the angular speed is \(2.0 \times 10 ^ { - 6 } \mathrm { rad } \mathrm { s } ^ { - 1 }\).
      3. Find the angular speed for three objects of mass \(4.86 \times 10 ^ { 14 } \mathrm {~kg}\) at the vertices of an equilateral triangle of side 30000 m .
    OCR MEI M3 2006 June Q1
    18 marks Moderate -0.3
    1
      1. Find the dimensions of power. In a particle accelerator operating at power \(P\), a charged sphere of radius \(r\) and density \(\rho\) has its speed increased from \(u\) to \(2 u\) over a distance \(x\). A student derives the formula $$x = \frac { 28 \pi r ^ { 3 } u ^ { 2 } \rho } { 9 P }$$
      2. Show that this formula is not dimensionally consistent.
      3. Given that there is only one error in this formula for \(x\), obtain the correct formula.
    1. A light elastic string, with natural length 1.6 m and stiffness \(150 \mathrm { Nm } ^ { - 1 }\), is stretched between fixed points A and B which are 2.4 m apart on a smooth horizontal surface.
      1. Find the energy stored in the string. A particle is attached to the mid-point of the string. The particle is given a horizontal velocity of \(10 \mathrm {~m} \mathrm {~s} ^ { - 1 }\) perpendicular to AB (see Fig. 1.1), and it comes instantaneously to rest after travelling a distance of 0.9 m (see Fig. 1.2). \begin{figure}[h]
        \includegraphics[alt={},max width=\textwidth]{5bb02383-91c0-4454-aaea-0bd6af6ba325-2_524_305_1274_639} \captionsetup{labelformat=empty} \caption{Fig. 1.1}
        \end{figure} \begin{figure}[h]
        \includegraphics[alt={},max width=\textwidth]{5bb02383-91c0-4454-aaea-0bd6af6ba325-2_524_305_1274_1128} \captionsetup{labelformat=empty} \caption{Fig. 1.2}
        \end{figure}
      2. Find the mass of the particle.
    OCR MEI M3 2008 June Q1
    18 marks Standard +0.3
    1
      1. Write down the dimensions of velocity, acceleration and force. A ball of mass \(m\) is thrown vertically upwards with initial velocity \(U\). When the velocity of the ball is \(v\), it experiences a force \(\lambda v ^ { 2 }\) due to air resistance where \(\lambda\) is a constant.
      2. Find the dimensions of \(\lambda\). A formula approximating the greatest height \(H\) reached by the ball is $$H \approx \frac { U ^ { 2 } } { 2 g } - \frac { \lambda U ^ { 4 } } { 4 m g ^ { 2 } }$$ where \(g\) is the acceleration due to gravity.
      3. Show that this formula is dimensionally consistent. A better approximation has the form \(H \approx \frac { U ^ { 2 } } { 2 g } - \frac { \lambda U ^ { 4 } } { 4 m g ^ { 2 } } + \frac { 1 } { 6 } \lambda ^ { 2 } U ^ { \alpha } m ^ { \beta } g ^ { \gamma }\).
      4. Use dimensional analysis to find \(\alpha , \beta\) and \(\gamma\).
    1. A girl of mass 50 kg is practising for a bungee jump. She is connected to a fixed point O by a light elastic rope with natural length 24 m and modulus of elasticity 2060 N . At one instant she is 30 m vertically below O and is moving vertically upwards with speed \(12 \mathrm {~m} \mathrm {~s} ^ { - 1 }\). She comes to rest instantaneously, with the rope slack, at the point A . Find the distance OA .