6.02e Calculate KE and PE: using formulae

197 questions

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OCR M2 2009 June Q4
11 marks Moderate -0.3
4 A light inextensible string of length 0.6 m has one end fixed to a point \(A\) on a smooth horizontal plane. The other end of the string is attached to a particle \(B\), of mass 0.4 kg , which rotates about \(A\) with constant angular speed \(2 \mathrm { rad } \mathrm { s } ^ { - 1 }\) on the surface of the plane.
  1. Calculate the tension in the string. A particle \(P\) of mass 0.1 kg is attached to the mid-point of the string. The line \(A P B\) is straight and rotation continues at \(2 \mathrm { rad } \mathrm { s } ^ { - 1 }\).
  2. Calculate the tension in the section of the string \(A P\).
  3. Calculate the total kinetic energy of the system.
OCR M2 2009 June Q7
14 marks Standard +0.3
7 \includegraphics[max width=\textwidth, alt={}, center]{e85c2bf4-21a8-4d9a-93c5-d5679b2a8233-4_440_657_906_744} A ball is projected with an initial speed of \(17 \mathrm {~m} \mathrm {~s} ^ { - 1 }\) at an angle of \(25 ^ { \circ }\) below the horizontal from a point on the top of a vertical wall. The point of projection is 8 m above horizontal ground. The ball hits a vertical fence which is at a horizontal distance of 9 m from the wall (see diagram).
  1. Calculate the height above the ground of the point where the ball hits the fence.
  2. Calculate the direction of motion of the ball immediately before it hits the fence.
  3. It is given that \(30 \%\) of the kinetic energy of the ball is lost when it hits the fence. Calculate the speed of the ball immediately after it hits the fence.
OCR M2 Specimen Q5
10 marks Standard +0.3
5 A cyclist and his machine have a combined mass of 80 kg . The cyclist ascends a straight hill \(A B\) of constant slope, starting from rest at \(A\) and reaching a speed of \(5 \mathrm {~m} \mathrm {~s} ^ { - 1 }\) at \(B\). The level of \(B\) is 4 m above the level of \(A\).
  1. Find the gain in kinetic energy and the gain in gravitational potential energy of the cyclist and his machine. During the ascent the resistance to motion is constant and has magnitude 70 N .
  2. Given that the work done by the cyclist in ascending the hill is 8000 J , find the distance \(A B\). At \(B\) the cyclist is working at 720 watts and starts to move in a straight line along horizontal ground. The resistance to motion has the same magnitude of 70 N as before.
  3. Find the acceleration with which the cyclist starts to move horizontally.
OCR MEI M2 2010 January Q2
19 marks Standard +0.3
2 A car of mass 1200 kg travels along a road for two minutes during which time it rises a vertical distance of 60 m and does \(1.8 \times 10 ^ { 6 } \mathrm {~J}\) of work against the resistance to its motion. The speeds of the car at the start and at the end of the two minutes are the same.
  1. Calculate the average power developed over the two minutes. The car now travels along a straight level road at a steady speed of \(18 \mathrm {~m} \mathrm {~s} ^ { - 1 }\) while developing constant power of 13.5 kW .
  2. Calculate the resistance to the motion of the car. How much work is done against the resistance when the car travels 200 m ? While travelling at \(18 \mathrm {~m} \mathrm {~s} ^ { - 1 }\), the car starts to go down a slope inclined at \(5 ^ { \circ }\) to the horizontal with the power removed and its brakes applied. The total resistance to its motion is now 1500 N .
  3. Use an energy method to determine how far down the slope the car travels before its speed is halved. Suppose the car is travelling along a straight level road and developing power \(P \mathrm {~W}\) while travelling at \(v \mathrm {~m} \mathrm {~s} ^ { - 1 }\) with acceleration \(a \mathrm {~m} \mathrm {~s} ^ { - 2 }\) against a resistance of \(R \mathrm {~N}\).
  4. Show that \(P = ( R + 1200 a ) v\) and deduce that if \(P\) and \(R\) are constant then if \(a\) is not zero it cannot be constant.
OCR MEI M2 2012 January Q1
17 marks Moderate -0.3
1 A bus of mass 8 tonnes is driven up a hill on a straight road. On one part of the hill, the power of the driving force on the bus is constant at 20 kW for one minute.
  1. Calculate how much work is done by the driving force in this time. During this minute the speed of the bus increases from \(8 \mathrm {~m} \mathrm {~s} ^ { - 1 }\) to \(12 \mathrm {~ms} ^ { - 1 }\) and, in addition to the work done against gravity, 125000 J of work is done against the resistance to motion of the bus parallel to the slope.
  2. Calculate the change in the kinetic energy of the bus.
  3. Calculate the vertical displacement of the bus. On another stretch of the road, a driving force of power 26 kW is required to propel the bus up a slope of angle \(\theta\) to the horizontal at a constant speed of \(6.5 \mathrm {~m} \mathrm {~s} ^ { - 1 }\), against a resistance to motion of 225 N parallel to the slope.
  4. Calculate the angle \(\theta\). The bus later travels up the same slope of angle \(\theta\) to the horizontal at the same constant speed of \(6.5 \mathrm {~ms} ^ { - 1 }\) but now against a resistance to motion of 155 N parallel to the slope.
  5. Calculate the power of the driving force on the bus.
OCR MEI M2 2012 June Q1
18 marks Moderate -0.3
1
  1. A stone of mass 0.6 kg falls vertically 1.5 m from A to B against resistance. Its downward speeds at A and \(B\) are \(5.5 \mathrm {~ms} ^ { - 1 }\) and \(7.5 \mathrm {~ms} ^ { - 1 }\) respectively.
    1. Calculate the change in kinetic energy and the change in gravitational potential energy of the stone as it falls from A to B .
    2. Calculate the work done against resistance to the motion of the stone as it falls from A to B .
    3. Assuming the resistive force is constant, calculate the power with which the resistive force is retarding the stone when it is at A .
  2. A uniform plank is inclined at \(40 ^ { \circ }\) to the horizontal. A box of mass 0.8 kg is on the point of sliding down it. The coefficient of friction between the box and the plank is \(\mu\).
    1. Show that \(\mu = \tan 40 ^ { \circ }\). The plank is now inclined at \(20 ^ { \circ }\) to the horizontal.
    2. Calculate the work done when the box is pushed 3 m up the plank, starting and finishing at rest.
OCR MEI M2 2014 June Q4
16 marks Standard +0.3
4
  1. A small heavy object of mass 10 kg travels the path ABCD which is shown in Fig. 4. ABCD is in a vertical plane; CD and AEF are horizontal. The sections of the path AB and CD are smooth but section BC is rough. \begin{figure}[h]
    \includegraphics[alt={},max width=\textwidth]{334b2170-3708-46db-bff7-bcad7d5fab00-5_368_1323_402_338} \captionsetup{labelformat=empty} \caption{Fig. 4}
    \end{figure} You should assume that
    • the object does not leave the path when travelling along ABCD and does not lose energy when changing direction
    • there is no air resistance.
    Initially, the object is projected from A at a speed of \(16.6 \mathrm {~m} \mathrm {~s} ^ { - 1 }\) up the slope.
    1. Show that the object gets beyond B . The section of the path BC produces a constant resistance of 14 N to the motion of the object.
    2. Using an energy method, find the velocity of the object at D . At D , the object leaves the path and bounces on the smooth horizontal ground between E and F , shown in Fig. 4. The coefficient of restitution in the collision of the object with the ground is \(\frac { 1 } { 2 }\).
    3. Calculate the greatest height above the ground reached by the object after its first bounce.
  2. A car of mass 1500 kg travelling along a straight, horizontal road has a steady speed of \(50 \mathrm {~m} \mathrm {~s} ^ { - 1 }\) when its driving force has power \(P \mathrm {~W}\). When at this speed, the power is suddenly reduced by \(20 \%\). The resistance to the car's motion, \(F \mathrm {~N}\), does not change and the car begins to decelerate at \(0.08 \mathrm {~m} \mathrm {~s} ^ { - 2 }\). Calculate the values of \(P\) and \(F\).
Edexcel M2 Q2
8 marks Moderate -0.3
2. A car of mass 1 tonne is climbing a hill inclined at an angle \(\theta\) to the horizontal where \(\sin \theta = \frac { 1 } { 7 }\). When the car passes a point \(X\) on the hill, it is travelling at \(20 \mathrm {~m} \mathrm {~s} ^ { - 1 }\). When the car passes the point \(Y , 200 \mathrm {~m}\) further up the hill, it has speed \(10 \mathrm {~ms} ^ { - 1 }\). In a preliminary model of the situation, the car engine is assumed only to be doing work against gravity. Using this model,
  1. find the change in the total mechanical energy of the car as it moves from \(X\) to \(Y\).
    (6 marks)
    In a more sophisticated model, the car engine is also assumed to work against other forces.
  2. Write down two other forces which this model might include.
    (2 marks)
OCR M3 2011 January Q2
6 marks Standard +0.3
2 A particle of mass 0.4 kg is attached to a fixed point \(O\) by a light inextensible string of length 0.5 m . The particle is projected horizontally with speed \(6 \mathrm {~m} \mathrm {~s} ^ { - 1 }\) from the point 0.5 m vertically below \(O\). The particle moves in a complete circle. Find the tension in the string when
  1. the string is horizontal,
  2. the particle is vertically above \(O\).
OCR M3 Specimen Q4
9 marks Challenging +1.2
4 For a bungee jump, a girl is joined to a fixed point \(O\) of a bridge by an elastic rope of natural length 25 m and modulus of elasticity 1320 N . The girl starts from rest at \(O\) and falls vertically. The lowest point reached by the girl is 60 m vertically below \(O\). The girl is modelled as a particle, the rope is assumed to be light, and air resistance is neglected.
  1. Find the greatest tension in the rope during the girl's jump.
  2. Use energy considerations to find
    1. the mass of the girl,
    2. the speed of the girl when she has fallen half way to the lowest point.
OCR M3 Specimen Q5
13 marks Standard +0.8
5 \includegraphics[max width=\textwidth, alt={}, center]{bfa6d51d-0992-4f43-adab-77ce893c1ca9-3_576_535_258_804} A particle \(P\) of mass 0.3 kg is moving in a vertical circle. It is attached to the fixed point \(O\) at the centre of the circle by a light inextensible string of length 1.5 m . When the string makes an angle of \(40 ^ { \circ }\) with the downward vertical, the speed of \(P\) is \(6.5 \mathrm {~m} \mathrm {~s} ^ { - 1 }\) (see diagram). Air resistance may be neglected.
  1. Find the radial and transverse components of the acceleration of \(P\) at this instant. In the subsequent motion, with the string still taut and making an angle \(\theta ^ { \circ }\) with the downward vertical, the speed of \(P\) is \(v \mathrm {~m} \mathrm {~s} ^ { - 1 }\)
  2. Use conservation of energy to show that \(v ^ { 2 } \approx 19.7 + 29.4 \cos \theta ^ { \circ }\).
  3. Find the tension in the string in terms of \(\theta\).
  4. Find the value of \(v\) at the instant when the string becomes slack. \includegraphics[max width=\textwidth, alt={}, center]{bfa6d51d-0992-4f43-adab-77ce893c1ca9-3_574_842_1640_664} A step-ladder is modelled as two uniform rods \(A B\) and \(A C\), freely jointed at \(A\). The rods are in equilibrium in a vertical plane with \(B\) and \(C\) in contact with a rough horizontal surface. The rods have equal lengths; \(A B\) has weight 150 N and \(A C\) has weight 270 N . The point \(A\) is 2.5 m vertically above the surface, and \(B C = 1.6 \mathrm {~m}\) (see diagram).
  5. Find the horizontal and vertical components of the force acting on \(A C\) at \(A\).
  6. The coefficient of friction has the same value \(\mu\) at \(B\) and at \(C\), and the step-ladder is on the point of slipping. Giving a reason, state whether the equilibrium is limiting at \(B\) or at \(C\), and find \(\mu\). \includegraphics[max width=\textwidth, alt={}, center]{bfa6d51d-0992-4f43-adab-77ce893c1ca9-4_648_227_269_982} Two points \(A\) and \(B\) lie on a vertical line with \(A\) at a distance 2.6 m above \(B\). A particle \(P\) of mass 10 kg is joined to \(A\) by an elastic string and to \(B\) by another elastic string (see diagram). Each string has natural length 0.8 m and modulus of elasticity 196 N . The strings are light and air resistance may be neglected.
  7. Verify that \(P\) is in equilibrium when \(P\) is vertically below \(A\) and the length of the string \(P A\) is 1.5 m . The particle is set in motion along the line \(A B\) with both strings remaining taut. The displacement of \(P\) below the equilibrium position is denoted by \(x\) metres.
  8. Show that the tension in the string \(P A\) is \(245 ( 0.7 + x )\) newtons, and the tension in the string \(P B\) is \(245 ( 0.3 - x )\) newtons.
  9. Show that the motion of \(P\) is simple harmonic.
  10. Given that the amplitude of the motion is 0.25 m , find the proportion of time for which \(P\) is above the mid-point of \(A B\).
OCR MEI M3 Q2
18 marks Standard +0.3
2
  1. A moon of mass \(7.5 \times 10 ^ { 22 } \mathrm {~kg}\) moves round a planet in a circular path of radius \(3.8 \times 10 ^ { 8 } \mathrm {~m}\), completing one orbit in a time of \(2.4 \times 10 ^ { 6 } \mathrm {~s}\). Find the force acting on the moon.
  2. Fig. 2 shows a fixed solid sphere with centre O and radius 4 m . Its surface is smooth. The point A on the surface of the sphere is 3.5 m vertically above the level of O . A particle P of mass 0.2 kg is placed on the surface at A and is released from rest. In the subsequent motion, when OP makes an angle \(\theta\) with the horizontal and P is still on the surface of the sphere, the speed of P is \(v \mathrm {~m} \mathrm {~s} ^ { - 1 }\) and the normal reaction acting on P is \(R \mathrm {~N}\). \begin{figure}[h]
    \includegraphics[alt={},max width=\textwidth]{e0e5580a-e1f0-46f8-9304-2a96533af186-03_746_734_705_662} \captionsetup{labelformat=empty} \caption{Fig. 2}
    \end{figure}
    1. Express \(v ^ { 2 }\) in terms of \(\theta\).
    2. Show that \(R = 5.88 \sin \theta - 3.43\).
    3. Find the radial and tangential components of the acceleration of P when \(\theta = 40 ^ { \circ }\).
    4. Find the value of \(\theta\) at the instant when P leaves the surface of the sphere.
OCR MEI M3 2006 January Q2
18 marks Standard +0.3
2
  1. A moon of mass \(7.5 \times 10 ^ { 22 } \mathrm {~kg}\) moves round a planet in a circular path of radius \(3.8 \times 10 ^ { 8 } \mathrm {~m}\), completing one orbit in a time of \(2.4 \times 10 ^ { 6 } \mathrm {~s}\). Find the force acting on the moon.
  2. Fig. 2 shows a fixed solid sphere with centre O and radius 4 m . Its surface is smooth. The point A on the surface of the sphere is 3.5 m vertically above the level of O . A particle P of mass 0.2 kg is placed on the surface at A and is released from rest. In the subsequent motion, when OP makes an angle \(\theta\) with the horizontal and P is still on the surface of the sphere, the speed of P is \(v \mathrm {~m} \mathrm {~s} ^ { - 1 }\) and the normal reaction acting on P is \(R \mathrm {~N}\). \begin{figure}[h]
    \includegraphics[alt={},max width=\textwidth]{b7f8bdfd-33dc-4453-8f3a-ddd24be17372-3_746_734_705_662} \captionsetup{labelformat=empty} \caption{Fig. 2}
    \end{figure}
    1. Express \(v ^ { 2 }\) in terms of \(\theta\).
    2. Show that \(R = 5.88 \sin \theta - 3.43\).
    3. Find the radial and tangential components of the acceleration of P when \(\theta = 40 ^ { \circ }\).
    4. Find the value of \(\theta\) at the instant when P leaves the surface of the sphere.
Edexcel M4 2002 June Q4
13 marks Challenging +1.8
4. \begin{figure}[h]
\captionsetup{labelformat=empty} \caption{Figure 2} \includegraphics[alt={},max width=\textwidth]{c68c85a1-9d80-4ced-bfb6-c7b5347e9bb8-3_424_422_1181_844}
\end{figure} Four identical uniform rods, each of mass \(m\) and length \(2 a\), are freely jointed to form a rhombus \(A B C D\). The rhombus is suspended from \(A\) and is prevented from collapsing by an elastic string which joins \(A\) to \(C\), with \(\angle B A D = 2 \theta , 0 \leq \theta \leq \frac { 1 } { 3 } \pi\), as shown in Fig. 2. The natural length of the elastic string is \(2 a\) and its modulus of elasticity is \(4 m g\).
  1. Show that the potential energy, \(V\), of the system is given by $$V = 4 m g a \left[ ( 2 \cos \theta - 1 ) ^ { 2 } - 2 \cos \theta \right] + \text { constant } .$$
  2. Hence find the non-zero value of \(\theta\) for which the system is in equilibrium.
  3. Determine whether this position of equilibrium is stable or unstable.
Edexcel M4 2003 June Q4
15 marks Challenging +1.2
4. \begin{figure}[h]
\captionsetup{labelformat=empty} \caption{Figure 2} \includegraphics[alt={},max width=\textwidth]{47e1d96b-4582-4324-a946-66989a2c66fc-3_581_826_801_648}
\end{figure} A uniform rod \(A B\), of length \(2 a\) and mass \(8 m\), is free to rotate in a vertical plane about a fixed smooth horizontal axis through \(A\). One end of a light elastic string, of natural length \(a\) and modulus of elasticity \(\frac { 4 } { 5 } \mathrm { mg }\), is fixed to \(B\). The other end of the string is attached to a small ring which is free to slide on a smooth straight horizontal wire which is fixed in the same vertical plane as \(A B\) at a height 7a vertically above \(A\). The rod \(A B\) makes an angle \(\theta\) with the upward vertical at \(A\), as shown in Fig. 2.
  1. Show that the potential energy \(V\) of the system is given by $$V = \frac { 8 } { 5 } m g a \left( \cos ^ { 2 } \theta - \cos \theta \right) + \text { constant. }$$
  2. Hence find the values of \(\theta , 0 \leq \theta \leq \pi\), for which the system is in equilibrium.
  3. Determine the nature of these positions of equilibrium.
Edexcel M4 2004 June Q4
15 marks Challenging +1.2
4. \begin{figure}[h]
\captionsetup{labelformat=empty} \caption{Figure 2} \includegraphics[alt={},max width=\textwidth]{4eb9c38d-66f4-40ba-b7cf-2c2bd19ad087-3_506_967_339_608}
\end{figure} A uniform rod \(P Q\), of length \(2 a\) and mass \(m\), is free to rotate in a vertical plane about a fixed smooth horizontal axis through the end \(P\). The end \(Q\) is attached to one end of a light elastic string, of natural length \(a\) and modulus of elasticity \(\frac { m g } { 2 \sqrt { 3 } }\). The other end of the string is attached to a fixed point \(O\), where \(O P\) is horizontal and \(O P = 2 a\), as shown in Fig. 2. \(\angle O P Q\) is denoted by \(2 \theta\).
  1. Show that, when the string is taut, the potential energy of the system is $$- \frac { m g a } { \sqrt { 3 } } ( 2 \cos 2 \theta + \sqrt { 3 } \sin 2 \theta + 2 \sin \theta ) + \text { constant } .$$
  2. Verify that there is a position of equilibrium at \(\theta = \frac { \pi } { 6 }\).
  3. Determine whether this is a position of stable equilibrium.
Edexcel M4 2015 June Q6
13 marks Challenging +1.2
6. A smooth wire, with ends \(A\) and \(B\), is in the shape of a semicircle of radius \(r\). The line \(A B\) is horizontal and the midpoint of \(A B\) is \(O\). The wire is fixed in a vertical plane. A small ring \(R\) of mass \(2 m\) is threaded on the wire and is attached to two light inextensible strings. One string passes through a small smooth ring fixed at \(A\) and is attached to a particle of mass \(\sqrt { 6 } m\). The other string passes through a small smooth ring fixed at \(B\) and is attached to a second particle of mass \(\sqrt { 6 } \mathrm {~m}\). The particles hang freely under gravity, as shown in Figure 3. The angle between the radius \(O R\) and the downward vertical is \(2 \theta\), where \(- \frac { \pi } { 4 } < \theta < \frac { \pi } { 4 }\)
  1. Show that the potential energy of the system is $$2 m g r ( 2 \sqrt { 3 } \cos \theta - \cos 2 \theta ) + \text { constant }$$
  2. Find the values of \(\theta\) for which the system is in equilibrium.
  3. Determine the stability of the position of equilibrium for which \(\theta > 0\)
Edexcel M4 2016 June Q6
16 marks Challenging +1.8
6. \begin{figure}[h]
\includegraphics[alt={},max width=\textwidth]{b01b3a41-3ed1-4104-b20d-4cfb845df4a1-11_664_786_221_587} \captionsetup{labelformat=empty} \caption{Figure 3}
\end{figure} Figure 3 shows a uniform rod \(A B\), of length \(2 l\) and mass \(4 m\). A particle of mass \(2 m\) is attached to the rod at \(B\). The rod can turn freely in a vertical plane about a fixed smooth horizontal axis through \(A\). One end of a light elastic spring, of natural length \(2 l\) and modulus of elasticity \(k m g\), where \(k > 4\), is attached to the rod at \(B\). The other end of the spring is attached to a fixed point \(C\) which is vertically above \(A\), where \(A C = 2 l\). The angle \(B A C\) is \(2 \theta\), where \(\frac { \pi } { 6 } < \theta \leqslant \frac { \pi } { 2 }\)
  1. Show that the potential energy of the system is $$4 m g l \left\{ ( k - 4 ) \sin ^ { 2 } \theta - k \sin \theta \right\} + \text { constant }$$ Given that there is a position of equilibrium with \(\theta \neq \frac { \pi } { 2 }\)
  2. show that \(k > 8\) Given that \(k = 10\)
  3. determine the stability of this position of equilibrium.
Edexcel M4 2017 June Q7
13 marks Challenging +1.8
7. \begin{figure}[h]
\includegraphics[alt={},max width=\textwidth]{23e6a9ae-bf00-45a3-b462-e18760d9af45-24_655_890_239_529} \captionsetup{labelformat=empty} \caption{Figure 2}
\end{figure} Figure 2 shows four uniform rods, each of mass \(m\) and length \(2 a\). The rods are freely hinged at their ends to form a rhombus \(A B C D\). Point \(A\) is attached to a fixed point on a ceiling and the rhombus hangs freely with \(C\) vertically below \(A\). A light elastic spring of natural length \(2 a\) and modulus of elasticity \(7 m g\) connects the points \(A\) and \(C\). A particle of mass \(3 m\) is attached to point \(C\).
  1. Show that, when \(A D\) is at an angle \(\theta\) to the downward vertical, the potential energy \(V\) of the system is given by $$V = 28 m g a \cos ^ { 2 } \theta - 48 m g a \cos \theta + \text { constant }$$ Given that \(\theta > 0\)
  2. find the value of \(\theta\) for which the system is in equilibrium,
  3. determine the stability of this position of equilibrium.
Edexcel M4 2018 June Q1
11 marks Challenging +1.8
1. \begin{figure}[h]
\includegraphics[alt={},max width=\textwidth]{e0f141c7-ecd0-4f62-bfad-76c81c2d6396-02_538_881_278_534} \captionsetup{labelformat=empty} \caption{Figure 1}
\end{figure} A uniform rod \(A B\) has mass \(m\) and length 4a. The end \(A\) of the rod is freely hinged to a fixed point. One end of a light elastic string, of natural length \(a\) and modulus \(\frac { 1 } { 4 } m g\), is attached to the end \(B\) of the rod. The other end of the string is attached to a small light smooth ring \(R\). The ring can move freely on a smooth horizontal wire which is fixed at a height \(a\) above \(A\), and in a vertical plane through \(A\). The angle between the rod and the horizontal is \(\theta\), where \(0 < \theta < \frac { \pi } { 2 }\), as shown in Figure 1. Given that the elastic string is vertical,
  1. show that the potential energy of the system is $$2 m g a \left( \sin ^ { 2 } \theta - \sin \theta \right) + \text { constant }$$
  2. Show that when \(\theta = \frac { \pi } { 6 }\) the rod is in stable equilibrium.
Edexcel M4 Q7
17 marks Challenging +1.8
7. \begin{figure}[h]
\captionsetup{labelformat=empty} \caption{Figure 2} \includegraphics[alt={},max width=\textwidth]{d57ea92a-4d6a-46bf-a6aa-bbd5083e8726-5_955_855_349_573}
\end{figure} A smooth wire \(A B\), in the shape of a circle of radius \(r\), is fixed in a vertical plane with \(A B\) vertical. A small smooth ring \(R\) of mass \(m\) is threaded on the wire and is connected by a light inextensible string to a particle \(P\) of mass \(m\). The length of the string is greater than the diameter of the circle. The string passes over a small smooth pulley which is fixed at the highest point \(A\) of the wire and angle \(R \hat { A } P = \theta\), as shown in Fig. 2.
  1. Show that the potential energy of the system is given by $$2 m g r \left( \cos \theta - \cos ^ { 2 } \theta \right) + \text { constant. }$$
  2. Hence determine the values of \(\theta , \theta \geq 0\), for which the system is in equilibrium. (6 marks)
  3. Determine the stability of each position of equilibrium. END
OCR M4 2012 June Q5
15 marks Challenging +1.3
5 A uniform rod of mass 4 kg and length 2.4 m can rotate in a vertical plane about a fixed horizontal axis through one end of the rod. The rod is released from rest in a horizontal position and a frictional couple of constant moment 20 Nm opposes the motion.
  1. Find the angular acceleration of the rod immediately after it is released.
  2. Find the angle that the rod makes with the horizontal when its angular acceleration is zero.
  3. Find the maximum angular speed of the rod.
  4. The rod first comes to instantaneous rest after rotating through an angle \(\theta\) radians from its initial position. Find an equation for \(\theta\), and verify that \(2.0 < \theta < 2.1\).
OCR M4 2012 June Q6
12 marks Challenging +1.8
6 \includegraphics[max width=\textwidth, alt={}, center]{ab760a4b-e0ec-4256-838f-ed6c762ff18b-3_716_483_890_790} Two small smooth pegs \(P\) and \(Q\) are fixed at a distance \(2 a\) apart on the same horizontal level, and \(A\) is the mid-point of \(P Q\). A light rod \(A B\) of length \(4 a\) is freely pivoted at \(A\) and can rotate in the vertical plane containing \(P Q\), with \(B\) below the level of \(P Q\). A particle of mass \(m\) is attached to the rod at \(B\). A light elastic string, of natural length \(2 a\) and modulus of elasticity \(\lambda\), passes round the pegs \(P\) and \(Q\) and its two ends are attached to the rod at the point \(X\), where \(A X = a\). The angle between the rod and the downward vertical is \(\theta\), where \(- \frac { 1 } { 2 } \pi < \theta < \frac { 1 } { 2 } \pi\) (see diagram). You are given that the elastic energy stored in the string is \(\lambda a ( 1 + \cos \theta )\).
  1. Show that \(\theta = 0\) is a position of equilibrium, and show that the equilibrium is stable if \(\lambda < 4 m g\).
  2. Given that \(\lambda = 3 m g\), show that \(\ddot { \theta } = - k \frac { g } { a } \sin \theta\), stating the value of the constant \(k\). Hence find the approximate period of small oscillations of the system about the equilibrium position \(\theta = 0\).
OCR M4 2012 June Q7
15 marks Challenging +1.2
7 \includegraphics[max width=\textwidth, alt={}, center]{ab760a4b-e0ec-4256-838f-ed6c762ff18b-4_783_783_255_641} A uniform circular disc with centre \(C\) has mass \(m\) and radius \(a\). The disc is free to rotate in a vertical plane about a fixed horizontal axis passing through a point \(A\) on the disc, where \(A C = \frac { 1 } { 2 } a\). The disc is slightly disturbed from rest in the position with \(C\) vertically above \(A\). When \(A C\) makes an angle \(\theta\) with the upward vertical the force exerted by the axis on the disc has components \(R\) parallel to \(A C\) and \(S\) perpendicular to \(A C\) (see diagram).
  1. Show that the angular speed of the disc is \(\sqrt { \frac { 4 g ( 1 - \cos \theta ) } { 3 a } }\).
  2. Find the angular acceleration of the disc, in terms of \(a , g\) and \(\theta\).
  3. Find \(R\) and \(S\), in terms of \(m , g\) and \(\theta\).
  4. Find the magnitude of the force exerted by the axis on the disc at an instant when \(R = 0\).
OCR M4 2013 June Q6
12 marks Challenging +1.2
6 \includegraphics[max width=\textwidth, alt={}, center]{6e3d5f5e-7ffa-4111-903d-468fb4d20192-4_640_608_267_715} A smooth wire forms a circle with centre \(O\) and radius \(a\), and is fixed in a vertical plane. The highest point on the wire is \(A\). A small ring \(R\) of mass \(m\) moves along the wire. A light elastic string, with natural length \(\frac { 1 } { 2 } a\) and modulus of elasticity \(2 m g\), has one end attached to \(A\) and the other end attached to \(R\). The string \(A R\) makes an angle \(\theta\) (measured anticlockwise) with the downward vertical (see diagram), and you may assume that the string does not become slack.
  1. Taking \(A\) as the reference level for gravitational potential energy, show that the total potential energy of the system is \(m g a \left( 6 \cos ^ { 2 } \theta - 4 \cos \theta + \frac { 1 } { 2 } \right)\).
  2. Show that there are two positions of equilibrium for which \(0 \leqslant \theta < \frac { 1 } { 2 } \pi\).
  3. For each of these positions of equilibrium, determine whether it is stable or unstable.