6.02h Elastic PE: 1/2 k x^2

406 questions

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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 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.
OCR M4 2017 June Q3
17 marks Challenging +1.2
3 \includegraphics[max width=\textwidth, alt={}, center]{57323af2-8cf3-4721-b2c8-a968264be343-2_439_444_1318_822} A uniform rod \(A B\) has mass \(m\) and length \(4 a\). The rod can rotate in a vertical plane about a smooth fixed horizontal axis passing through \(A\). One end of a light elastic string of natural length \(a\) and modulus of elasticity \(\lambda m g\) is attached to \(B\). The other end of the string is attached to a small light ring which slides on a fixed smooth horizontal rail which is in the same vertical plane as the rod. The rail is a vertical distance \(3 a\) above \(A\). The string is always vertical and the rod makes an angle \(\theta\) radians with the horizontal, where \(0 \leqslant \theta \leqslant \frac { 1 } { 2 } \pi\) (see diagram).
  1. Taking \(A\) as the reference level for gravitational potential energy, find an expression for the total potential energy \(V\) of the system, and show that $$\frac { \mathrm { d } V } { \mathrm {~d} \theta } = 2 m g a \cos \theta ( 4 \lambda ( 1 + 2 \sin \theta ) - 1 ) .$$ Determine the positions of equilibrium and the nature of their stability in the cases
  2. \(\lambda > \frac { 1 } { 12 }\),
  3. \(\lambda < \frac { 1 } { 12 }\). \includegraphics[max width=\textwidth, alt={}, center]{57323af2-8cf3-4721-b2c8-a968264be343-3_392_689_269_671} The diagram shows the curve with equation \(y = \frac { 1 } { 2 } \ln x\). The region \(R\), shaded in the diagram, is bounded by the curve, the \(x\)-axis and the line \(x = 4\). A uniform solid of revolution is formed by rotating \(R\) completely about the \(y\)-axis to form a solid of volume \(V\).
  1. Show that \(V = \frac { 1 } { 4 } \pi ( 64 \ln 2 - 15 )\).
  2. Find the exact \(y\)-coordinate of the centre of mass of the solid. \begin{figure}[h]
    \includegraphics[alt={},max width=\textwidth]{57323af2-8cf3-4721-b2c8-a968264be343-4_385_741_269_646} \captionsetup{labelformat=empty} \caption{Fig. 1}
    \end{figure} Fig. 1 shows part of the line \(y = \frac { a } { h } x\), where \(a\) and \(h\) are constants. The shaded region bounded by the line, the \(x\)-axis and the line \(x = h\) is rotated about the \(x\)-axis to form a uniform solid cone of base radius \(a\), height \(h\) and volume \(\frac { 1 } { 3 } \pi a ^ { 2 } h\). The mass of the cone is \(M\).
  1. Show by integration that the moment of inertia of the cone about the \(y\)-axis is \(\frac { 3 } { 20 } M \left( a ^ { 2 } + 4 h ^ { 2 } \right)\). (You may assume the standard formula \(\frac { 1 } { 4 } m r ^ { 2 }\) for the moment of inertia of a uniform disc about a diameter.) \begin{figure}[h]
    \includegraphics[alt={},max width=\textwidth]{57323af2-8cf3-4721-b2c8-a968264be343-4_501_556_1238_726} \captionsetup{labelformat=empty} \caption{Fig. 2}
    \end{figure} A uniform solid cone has mass 3 kg , base radius 0.4 m and height 1.2 m . The cone can rotate about a fixed vertical axis passing through its centre of mass with the axis of the cone moving in a horizontal plane. The cone is rotating about this vertical axis at an angular speed of \(9.6 \mathrm { rad } \mathrm { s } ^ { - 1 }\). A stationary particle of mass \(m \mathrm {~kg}\) becomes attached to the vertex of the cone (see Fig. 2). The particle being attached to the cone causes the angular speed to change instantaneously from \(9.6 \mathrm { rad } \mathrm { s } ^ { - 1 }\) to \(7.8 \mathrm { rad } \mathrm { s } ^ { - 1 }\).
  2. Find the value of \(m\). \includegraphics[max width=\textwidth, alt={}, center]{57323af2-8cf3-4721-b2c8-a968264be343-5_534_501_255_767} A triangular frame \(A B C\) consists of three uniform rods \(A B , B C\) and \(C A\), rigidly joined at \(A , B\) and \(C\). Each rod has mass \(m\) and length \(2 a\). The frame is free to rotate in a vertical plane about a fixed horizontal axis passing through \(A\). The frame is initially held such that the axis of symmetry through \(A\) is vertical and \(B C\) is below the level of \(A\). The frame starts to rotate with an initial angular speed of \(\omega\) and at time \(t\) the angle between the axis of symmetry through \(A\) and the vertical is \(\theta\) (see diagram).
  1. Show that the moment of inertia of the frame about the axis through \(A\) is \(6 m a ^ { 2 }\).
  2. Show that the angular speed \(\dot { \theta }\) of the frame when it has turned through an angle \(\theta\) satisfies $$a \dot { \theta } ^ { 2 } = a \omega ^ { 2 } - k g \sqrt { 3 } ( 1 - \cos \theta ) ,$$ stating the exact value of the constant \(k\).
    Hence find, in terms of \(a\) and \(g\), the set of values of \(\omega ^ { 2 }\) for which the frame makes complete revolutions. At an instant when \(\theta = \frac { 1 } { 6 } \pi\), the force acting on the frame at \(A\) has magnitude \(F\).
  3. Given that \(\omega ^ { 2 } = \frac { 2 g } { a \sqrt { 3 } }\), find \(F\) in terms of \(m\) and \(g\). \section*{END OF QUESTION PAPER}
OCR MEI Further Mechanics B AS 2019 June Q1
4 marks Easy -1.2
1 A small object of mass 5 kg is attached to one end of each of two identical parallel light elastic strings. The upper ends of both strings are attached to a horizontal ceiling.
The object hangs in equilibrium at R , with the extension of each string being 0.1 m , as shown in Fig. 1. \begin{figure}[h]
\includegraphics[alt={},max width=\textwidth]{4acb019b-e630-4766-9d7f-39bc0e174ba1-2_620_394_580_242} \captionsetup{labelformat=empty} \caption{Fig. 1}
\end{figure}
  1. Find the stiffness of each string. One of the strings is now removed and the object initially falls downwards. The object does not return to R at any point in the subsequent motion.
  2. Suggest a reason why the object does not return to \(R\).
OCR MEI Further Mechanics B AS 2022 June Q6
10 marks Standard +0.3
6 Two identical light elastic strings, each of length \(l\) and modulus of elasticity \(\lambda m g\) are attached to a particle \(P\) of mass \(m\). The other end of the first string is attached to a fixed point A , and the other end of the second string is attached to a fixed point B . The points A and B are such that A is above and to the right of B and both strings are taut. The string attached to A makes an angle of \(30 ^ { \circ }\) with the vertical, and the string attached to B makes an angle of \(\theta ^ { \circ }\) with the horizontal, as shown in the diagram. \includegraphics[max width=\textwidth, alt={}, center]{feb9a438-26b0-41d3-b044-6acd6efccde0-6_546_533_699_242} The system is in equilibrium in a vertical plane. The extension of the string attached to A is 0.9 l and the extension of the string attached to B is \(0.5 l\).
  1. Explain how you know that APB is not a straight line.
  2. Show that the elastic potential energy stored in string AP is \(k m g l\), where the value of \(k\) is to be determined correct to \(\mathbf { 3 }\) significant figures.
OCR MEI Further Mechanics B AS Specimen Q3
6 marks Standard +0.3
3 A young woman wishes to make a bungee jump. One end of an elastic rope is attached to her safety harness. The other end is attached to the bridge from which she will jump. She calculates that the stretched length of the rope at the bottom of her motion should be 20 m , she knows that her weight is 576 N and the stiffness of the elastic rope is \(90 \mathrm { Nm } ^ { - 1 }\). She has to calculate the unstretched length of rope required to perform the jump safely. She models the situation by assuming the following.
  • The rope is of negligible mass.
  • Air resistance may be neglected.
  • She is a particle.
  • She moves vertically downwards from rest.
  • Her starting point is level with the fixed end of the rope.
  • The length she calculates for the rope does not include any extra for attaching the ends.
    1. (A) Show that the greatest extension of the rope, \(X\), satisfies the equation \(X ^ { 2 } = 256\).
      (B) Hence determine the natural length of rope she needs.
    2. To remain safe she wishes to be sure that, if air resistance is taken into account, the stretched length of the rope of natural length determined in part (i) will not be more than 20 m . Advise her on this point.
OCR MEI Further Mechanics Major 2021 November Q12
18 marks Challenging +1.2
12 A particle P of mass \(m\) is fixed to one end of a light elastic string of natural length \(l\) and modulus of elasticity 12 mg . The other end of the string is attached to a fixed point O . Particle P is held next to O and then released from rest.
  1. Show that P next comes instantaneously to rest when the length of the string is \(\frac { 3 } { 2 } l\). The string first becomes taut at time \(t = 0\). At time \(t \geqslant 0\), the length of the string is \(l + x\), where \(x\) is the extension in the string.
  2. Show that when the string is taut, \(x\) satisfies the differential equation $$\ddot { \mathrm { x } } + \omega ^ { 2 } \mathrm { x } = \mathrm { g } \text {, where } \omega ^ { 2 } = \frac { 12 \mathrm {~g} } { \mathrm { I } } \text {. }$$
  3. By using the substitution \(x = y + \frac { g } { \omega ^ { 2 } }\), solve the differential equation to show that the time when the string first becomes slack satisfies the equation $$\cos \omega \mathrm { t } - \sqrt { \mathrm { k } } \sin \omega \mathrm { t } = 1$$ where \(k\) is an integer to be determined.
WJEC Further Unit 3 2019 June Q1
8 marks Standard +0.3
  1. The diagram shows a spring of natural length 0.15 m enclosed in a smooth horizontal tube. One end of the spring \(A\) is fixed and the other end \(B\) is compressed against a ball of mass \(0 \cdot 1 \mathrm {~kg}\). \includegraphics[max width=\textwidth, alt={}, center]{b430aa50-27e3-46f7-afef-7b8e75d46e1f-2_241_714_639_632}
Initially, the ball is held in equilibrium by a force of 21 N so that the compressed length of the spring is \(\frac { 2 } { 5 }\) of its natural length.
  1. Calculate the modulus of elasticity of the spring.
  2. The ball is released by removing the force. Determine the speed of the ball when the spring reaches its natural length. Give your answer correct to two significant figures.
WJEC Further Unit 3 2024 June Q2
10 marks Standard +0.3
  1. The diagram below shows a light spring of natural length 1.2 m and modulus of elasticity 84 N . One end of the spring \(A\) is fixed and the other end is attached to an object \(P\) of mass 4 kg . \includegraphics[max width=\textwidth, alt={}, center]{ae23a093-1419-4be4-8285-951650dc5a35-06_542_451_466_808}
Initially, \(P\) is held at rest with the spring stretched to a total length of 2.2 m and \(A P\) vertical.
  1. Show that the elastic energy stored in the spring is 35 J .
  2. The object \(P\) is then released. Find the speed of \(P\) at the instant when the elastic energy in the spring is reduced to \(5 \cdot 6 \mathrm {~J}\).
WJEC Further Unit 6 2019 June Q3
14 marks Standard +0.8
3. A light elastic string, of natural length \(l \mathrm {~m}\) and modulus of elasticity 14 N , is hanging vertically with its upper end fixed and a particle of mass \(m \mathrm {~kg}\) attached to the lower end. The particle is initially in equilibrium and air resistance is to be neglected.
  1. Find, in terms of \(m , g\) and \(l\), the extension, \(e\), of the string when the particle is in equilibrium. The particle is pulled vertically downwards a further distance from its equilibrium position and released. In its subsequent motion, the string remains taut. Let \(x \mathrm {~m}\) denote the extension of the string from the equilibrium position at time \(t \mathrm {~s}\).
    1. Write down, in terms of \(x , m , g\) and \(l\), an expression for the tension in the string.
    2. Hence, show that the particle is moving with Simple Harmonic Motion which satisfies the differential equation, $$\frac { \mathrm { d } ^ { 2 } x } { \mathrm {~d} t ^ { 2 } } = - \frac { 14 } { m l } x$$
    3. State the maximum distance that the particle could be pulled vertically downwards from its equilibrium position and still move with Simple Harmonic Motion. Give a reason for your answer.
  2. Given that \(m = 0.5 , l = 0.7\) and that the particle is pulled to the position where \(x = 0.2\) before being released,
    1. find the maximum speed of the particle,
    2. determine the time taken for the particle to reach \(x = 0.15\) for the first time.
Edexcel FM1 2019 June Q7
12 marks Standard +0.8
  1. A particle \(P\), of mass \(m\), is attached to one end of a light elastic spring of natural length \(a\) and modulus of elasticity kmg.
The other end of the spring is attached to a fixed point \(O\) on a ceiling.
The point \(A\) is vertically below \(O\) such that \(O A = 3 a\) The point \(B\) is vertically below \(O\) such that \(O B = \frac { 1 } { 2 } a\) The particle is held at rest at \(A\), then released and first comes to instantaneous rest at the point \(B\).
  1. Show that \(k = \frac { 4 } { 3 }\)
  2. Find, in terms of \(g\), the acceleration of \(P\) immediately after it is released from rest at \(A\).
  3. Find, in terms of \(g\) and \(a\), the maximum speed attained by \(P\) as it moves from \(A\) to \(B\).
Edexcel FM1 2020 June Q6
11 marks Challenging +1.2
  1. A light elastic string with natural length \(l\) and modulus of elasticity \(k m g\) has one end attached to a fixed point \(A\) on a rough inclined plane. The other end of the string is attached to a package of mass \(m\).
The plane is inclined at an angle \(\theta\) to the horizontal, where \(\tan \theta = \frac { 5 } { 12 }\) The package is initially held at \(A\). The package is then projected with speed \(\sqrt { 6 g l }\) up a line of greatest slope of the plane and first comes to rest at the point \(B\), where \(A B = 31\).
The coefficient of friction between the package and the plane is \(\frac { 1 } { 4 }\) By modelling the package as a particle,
  1. show that \(k = \frac { 15 } { 26 }\)
  2. find the acceleration of the package at the instant it starts to move back down the plane from the point \(B\).
Edexcel FM1 2021 June Q6
11 marks Standard +0.8
6. \begin{figure}[h]
\includegraphics[alt={},max width=\textwidth]{7f077b82-6b39-4cb5-8574-bfa308c88df3-20_401_814_246_628} \captionsetup{labelformat=empty} \caption{Figure 2}
\end{figure} A light elastic spring has natural length \(3 l\) and modulus of elasticity \(3 m g\).
One end of the spring is attached to a fixed point \(X\) on a rough inclined plane.
The other end of the spring is attached to a package \(P\) of mass \(m\).
The plane is inclined to the horizontal at an angle \(\alpha\) where \(\tan \alpha = \frac { 3 } { 4 }\) The package is initially held at the point \(Y\) on the plane, where \(X Y = l\). The point \(Y\) is higher than \(X\) and \(X Y\) is a line of greatest slope of the plane, as shown in Figure 2. The package is released from rest at \(Y\) and moves up the plane.
The coefficient of friction between \(P\) and the plane is \(\frac { 1 } { 3 }\) By modelling \(P\) as a particle,
  1. show that the acceleration of \(P\) at the instant when \(P\) is released from rest is \(\frac { 17 } { 15 } \mathrm {~g}\)
  2. find, in terms of \(g\) and \(l\), the speed of \(P\) at the instant when the spring first reaches its natural length of 31 .
Edexcel FM1 2022 June Q7
12 marks Standard +0.8
  1. A spring of natural length \(a\) has one end attached to a fixed point \(A\). The other end of the spring is attached to a package \(P\) of mass \(m\).
    The package \(P\) is held at rest at the point \(B\), which is vertically below \(A\) such that \(A B = 3 a\).
    After being released from rest at \(B\), the package \(P\) first comes to instantaneous rest at \(A\). Air resistance is modelled as being negligible.
By modelling the spring as being light and modelling \(P\) as a particle,
  1. show that the modulus of elasticity of the spring is \(2 m g\)
    1. Show that \(P\) attains its maximum speed when the extension of the spring is \(\frac { 1 } { 2 } a\)
    2. Use the principle of conservation of mechanical energy to find the maximum speed, giving your answer in terms of \(a\) and \(g\). In reality, the spring is not light.
  2. State one way in which this would affect your energy equation in part (b).
Edexcel FM1 2023 June Q4
15 marks Standard +0.8
A light elastic string has natural length \(2 a\) and modulus of elasticity \(4 m g\). One end of the elastic string is attached to a fixed point \(O\). A particle \(P\) of mass \(m\) is attached to the other end of the elastic string.
The particle \(P\) hangs freely in equilibrium at the point \(E\), which is vertically below \(O\)
  1. Find the length \(O E\). Particle \(P\) is now pulled vertically downwards to the point \(A\), where \(O A = 4 a\), and released from rest. The resistance to the motion of \(P\) is a constant force of magnitude \(\frac { 1 } { 4 } m g\).
  2. Find, in terms of \(a\) and \(g\), the speed of \(P\) after it has moved a distance \(a\). Particle \(P\) is now held at \(O\) Particle \(P\) is released from rest and reaches its maximum speed at the point \(B\). The resistance to the motion of \(P\) is again a constant force of magnitude \(\frac { 1 } { 4 } m g\).
  3. Find the distance \(O B\).
Edexcel FM1 2024 June Q5
7 marks Standard +0.8
  1. A light elastic string has natural length \(2 a\) and modulus of elasticity \(2 m g\). One end of the string is attached to a fixed point \(A\) on a horizontal ceiling. The other end is attached to a particle \(P\) of mass \(m\).
The particle \(P\) hangs in equilibrium at the point \(E\), where \(A E = 3 a\).
The particle \(P\) is then projected vertically downwards from \(E\) with speed \(\frac { 3 } { 2 } \sqrt { a g }\) Air resistance is assumed to be negligible.
Find the elastic energy stored in the string, when \(P\) first comes to instantaneous rest. Give your answer in the form kmga, where \(k\) is a constant to be found.
Edexcel FM1 Specimen Q7
14 marks Standard +0.8
  1. A particle \(P\) of mass \(m\) is attached to one end of a light elastic string of natural length \(a\) and modulus of elasticity \(3 m g\).
The other end of the string is attached to a fixed point \(O\) on a ceiling.
The particle hangs freely in equilibrium at a distance \(d\) vertically below \(O\).
  1. Show that \(d = \frac { 4 } { 3 } a\). The point \(A\) is vertically below \(O\) such that \(O A = 2 a\).
    The particle is held at rest at \(A\), then released and first comes to instantaneous rest at the point \(B\).
  2. Find, in terms of \(g\), the acceleration of \(P\) immediately after it is released from rest.
  3. Find, in terms of \(g\) and \(a\), the maximum speed attained by \(P\) as it moves from \(A\) to \(B\).
  4. Find, in terms of \(a\), the distance \(O B\).
Edexcel FM2 Specimen Q7
14 marks Challenging +1.8
  1. Two points \(A\) and \(B\) are 6 m apart on a smooth horizontal surface.
A light elastic string of natural length 2 m and modulus of elasticity 20 N , has one end attached to the point \(A\). A second light elastic string of natural length 2 m and modulus of elasticity 50 N , has one end attached to the point \(B\). A particle \(P\) of mass 3.5 kg is attached to the free end of each string.
The particle \(P\) is held at the point on \(A B\) which is 2 m from \(B\) and then released from rest.
In the subsequent motion both strings remain taut.
  1. Show that \(P\) moves with simple harmonic motion about its equilibrium position.
  2. Find the maximum speed of \(P\).
  3. Find the length of time within each oscillation for which \(P\) is closer to \(A\) than to \(B\).
OCR MEI Further Mechanics B AS Specimen Q5
7 marks Standard +0.8
  1. Find an expression for the stiffness of the spring, \(k \mathrm { Nm } ^ { - 1 }\), in terms of \(m , h\) and \(g\). The particle is pushed down a further distance from the equilibrium position and released from rest. At time \(t\) seconds, the displacement of the particle from the equilibrium position of the system is \(y \mathrm {~m}\) in the downward direction, as shown in Fig. 5.3. You are given that \(| y | \leq h\).
  2. Show that the motion of the particle is modelled by the differential equation \(\frac { \mathrm { d } ^ { 2 } y } { \mathrm {~d} t ^ { 2 } } + \frac { g y } { h } = 0\).
  3. Find an expression for the period of the motion of the particle.
  4. Would the model for the motion of the particle be valid for large values of \(m\) ? Justify your answer.
OCR Further Mechanics 2018 March Q3
10 marks Standard +0.3
3 A particle \(P\) of mass 3.5 kg is attached to one end of a light elastic string of natural length 0.8 m and modulus of elasticity 75 N . The other end of the string is attached to a fixed point \(O\). The particle rotates in a horizontal circle with a constant angular velocity of \(3 \mathrm { rad } \mathrm { s } ^ { - 1 }\). The centre of the circle is vertically below \(O\). The magnitude of the tension in the string is \(T \mathrm {~N}\) and the length of the extended string is \(L \mathrm {~m}\) (see diagram). \includegraphics[max width=\textwidth, alt={}, center]{a8c9d007-e67f-4637-9e74-630ba9a91442-3_460_424_447_817}
  1. By considering the acceleration of \(P\), show that \(T = 31.5 L\).
  2. Write down another relationship between \(T\) and \(L\).
  3. Find the value of \(T\) and the value of \(L\).
  4. Find the angle that the string makes with the downwards vertical through \(O\).
OCR Further Mechanics 2018 March Q4
7 marks Challenging +1.2
4 A ball \(B\) of mass 1.7 kg is connected to one end of a light elastic spring of natural length 1.2 m . The other end of the spring is attached to a point \(O\) on the ceiling of a large room. The modulus of elasticity of the spring is 50 N . The ball is held 3.2 m vertically below \(O\) and projected upwards with an initial speed of \(0.5 \mathrm {~ms} ^ { - 1 }\). In order to model the motion of \(B\) (before any collision with the ceiling) the following assumptions are made.
  • Air resistance is ignored.
  • \(B\) is small.
  • The fully compressed length of the spring is negligible. \begin{enumerate}[label=(\roman*)]
  • Determine whether, according to the model, \(B\) reaches \(O\).
  • Without doing any further calculations, explain whether the answer to part (i) could change in each of the following different cases.
    1. A new model is used in which air resistance is taken into account.
    2. The spring is replaced by an elastic string with the same natural length and modulus of elasticity.
    3. \(\quad B\) is initially projected downwards rather than upwards.
AQA M2 Q7
Standard +0.3
7 A particle, of mass 10 kg , is attached to one end of a light elastic string of natural length 0.4 metres and modulus of elasticity 100 N . The other end of the string is fixed to the point \(O\).
  1. Find the length of the elastic string when the particle hangs in equilibrium directly below \(O\).
  2. The particle is pulled down and held at a point \(P\), which is 1 metre vertically below \(O\). Show that the elastic potential energy of the string when the particle is in this position is 45 J .
  3. The particle is released from rest at the point \(P\). In the subsequent motion, the particle has speed \(v \mathrm {~m} \mathrm {~s} ^ { - 1 }\) when it is \(x\) metres below \(\boldsymbol { O }\).
    1. Show that, while the string is taut, $$v ^ { 2 } = 39.6 x - 25 x ^ { 2 } - 14.6$$
    2. Find the value of \(x\) when the particle comes to rest for the first time after being released, given that the string is still taut.
AQA M2 Q8
Standard +0.3
8 Two small blocks, \(A\) and \(B\), of masses 0.8 kg and 1.2 kg respectively, are stuck together. A spring has natural length 0.5 metres and modulus of elasticity 49 N . One end of the spring is attached to the top of the block \(A\) and the other end of the spring is attached to a fixed point \(O\).
  1. The system hangs in equilibrium with the blocks stuck together, as shown in the diagram. \includegraphics[max width=\textwidth, alt={}, center]{88aec6ab-af83-4d5e-84b6-5fd84c16a6c9-017_385_239_669_881} Find the extension of the spring.
  2. Show that the elastic potential energy of the spring when the system is in equilibrium is 1.96 J .
  3. The system is hanging in this equilibrium position when block \(B\) falls off and block \(A\) begins to move vertically upwards. Block \(A\) next comes to rest when the spring is compressed by \(x\) metres.
    1. Show that \(x\) satisfies the equation $$x ^ { 2 } + 0.16 x - 0.008 = 0$$
    2. Find the value of \(x\).
AQA M2 2007 January Q8
12 marks Standard +0.3
8 Two small blocks, \(A\) and \(B\), of masses 0.8 kg and 1.2 kg respectively, are stuck together. A spring has natural length 0.5 metres and modulus of elasticity 49 N . One end of the spring is attached to the top of the block \(A\) and the other end of the spring is attached to a fixed point \(O\).
  1. The system hangs in equilibrium with the blocks stuck together, as shown in the diagram. \includegraphics[max width=\textwidth, alt={}, center]{480a817d-074f-440d-829e-c8f8a9746151-8_385_239_669_881} Find the extension of the spring.
  2. Show that the elastic potential energy of the spring when the system is in equilibrium is 1.96 J .
  3. The system is hanging in this equilibrium position when block \(B\) falls off and block \(A\) begins to move vertically upwards. Block \(A\) next comes to rest when the spring is compressed by \(x\) metres.
    1. Show that \(x\) satisfies the equation $$x ^ { 2 } + 0.16 x - 0.008 = 0$$
    2. Find the value of \(x\).
AQA M2 2009 January Q9
11 marks Standard +0.3
9 A bungee jumper, of mass 80 kg , is attached to one end of a light elastic cord, of natural length 16 metres and modulus of elasticity 784 N . The other end of the cord is attached to a horizontal platform, which is at a height of 65 metres above the ground. The bungee jumper steps off the platform at the point where the cord is attached and falls vertically. The bungee jumper can be modelled as a particle. Hooke's law can be assumed to apply throughout the motion and air resistance can be assumed to be negligible.
  1. Find the length of the cord when the acceleration of the bungee jumper is zero.
  2. The cord extends by \(x\) metres beyond its natural length before the bungee jumper first comes to rest.
    1. Show that \(x ^ { 2 } - 32 x - 512 = 0\).
    2. Find the distance above the ground at which the bungee jumper first comes to rest.