6.02i Conservation of energy: mechanical energy principle

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OCR M4 2002 January Q6
8 marks Standard +0.3
6 \includegraphics[max width=\textwidth, alt={}, center]{98647526-b52a-4316-9a09-48d756b8f599-3_117_913_251_630} An arm on a fairground ride is modelled as a uniform rod \(A B\), of mass 75 kg and length 7.2 m , with a particle of mass 124 kg attached at \(B\). The arm can rotate about a fixed horizontal axis perpendicular to the rod and passing through the point \(P\) on the rod, where \(A P = 1.2 \mathrm {~m}\).
  1. Show that the moment of inertia of the arm about the axis is \(5220 \mathrm {~kg} \mathrm {~m} ^ { 2 }\).
  2. The arm is released from rest with \(A B\) horizontal, and a frictional couple of constant moment 850 N m opposes the motion. Find the angular speed of the arm when \(B\) is first vertically below \(P\).
OCR M4 2002 January Q8
12 marks Challenging +1.2
8 \includegraphics[max width=\textwidth, alt={}, center]{98647526-b52a-4316-9a09-48d756b8f599-3_493_748_1393_708} The diagram shows a uniform rod \(A B\), of mass \(m\) and length \(2 a\), free to rotate in a vertical plane about a fixed horizontal axis through \(A\). A light elastic string has natural length \(a\) and modulus of elasticity \(\frac { 1 } { 2 } m g\). The string joins \(B\) to a light ring \(R\) which slides along a smooth horizontal wire fixed at a height \(a\) above \(A\) and in the same vertical plane as \(A B\). The string \(B R\) remains vertical. The angle between \(A B\) and the horizontal is denoted by \(\theta\), where \(0 < \theta < \pi\).
  1. Taking the reference level for gravitational potential energy to be the horizontal through \(A\), show that the total potential energy of the system is $$m g a \left( \sin ^ { 2 } \theta - \sin \theta \right) .$$
  2. Find the three values of \(\theta\) for which the system is in equilibrium.
  3. For each position of equilibrium, determine whether it is stable or unstable.
OCR M4 2003 June Q3
7 marks Standard +0.8
3 A uniform rod, of mass 0.75 kg and length 1.6 m , rotates in a vertical plane about a fixed horizontal axis through one end. A frictional couple of constant moment opposes the motion. The rod is released from rest in a horizontal position and, when the rod is first vertical, its angular speed is \(3 \mathrm { rad } \mathrm { s } ^ { - 1 }\).
  1. Find the magnitude of the frictional couple. \includegraphics[max width=\textwidth, alt={}, center]{de53978b-aa96-4fa2-a928-81a16450154e-2_584_527_1798_822} A disc is rotating about the same axis. The moment of inertia of the disc about the axis is \(0.56 \mathrm {~kg} \mathrm {~m} ^ { 2 }\). When the rod is vertical, the disc has angular speed \(4.2 \mathrm { rad } \mathrm { s } ^ { - 1 }\) in the opposite direction to that of the rod (see diagram). At this instant the rod hits a magnetic catch \(C\) on the disc and becomes attached to the disc.
  2. Find the angular speed of the rod and disc immediately after they have become attached.
OCR M4 2003 June Q7
13 marks Challenging +1.8
7 \includegraphics[max width=\textwidth, alt={}, center]{de53978b-aa96-4fa2-a928-81a16450154e-4_557_1036_278_553} A uniform rod \(A B\), of mass \(m\) and length \(2 a\), is pivoted to a fixed point at \(A\) and is free to rotate in a vertical plane. Two fixed vertical wires in this plane are a distance \(6 a\) apart and the point \(A\) is half-way between the two wires. Light smooth rings \(R _ { 1 }\) and \(R _ { 2 }\) slide on the wires and are connected to \(B\) by light elastic strings, each of natural length \(a\) and modulus of elasticity \(\frac { 1 } { 4 } m g\). The strings \(B R _ { 1 }\) and \(B R _ { 2 }\) are always horizontal and the angle between \(A B\) and the upward vertical is \(\theta\), where \(- \frac { 1 } { 2 } \pi < \theta < \frac { 1 } { 2 } \pi\) (see diagram).
  1. Taking \(A\) as the reference level for gravitational potential energy, show that the total potential energy of the system is $$m g a \left( 1 + \cos \theta + \sin ^ { 2 } \theta \right) .$$
  2. Given that \(\theta = 0\) is a position of stable equilibrium, find the approximate period of small oscillations about this position.
OCR M4 2004 June Q6
11 marks Challenging +1.8
6 \includegraphics[max width=\textwidth, alt={}, center]{fb9e4e4a-953b-4e52-858e-438b4009e79c-3_428_595_221_806} A uniform rod \(A B\), of mass \(m\) and length \(2 a\), is free to rotate in a vertical plane about a fixed horizontal axis through \(A\). A light elastic string has natural length \(a\) and modulus of elasticity \(m g\); one end is attached to \(B\) and the other end is attached to a light ring \(R\) which can slide along a smooth vertical wire. The wire is in the same vertical plane as \(A B\), and is at a distance \(a\) from \(A\). The rod \(A B\) makes an angle \(\theta\) with the upward vertical, where \(0 < \theta < \frac { 1 } { 2 } \pi\) (see diagram).
  1. Give a reason why the string \(R B\) is always horizontal.
  2. By considering potential energy, find the value of \(\theta\) for which the system is in equilibrium.
  3. Determine whether this position of equilibrium is stable or unstable.
OCR M4 2005 June Q3
7 marks Challenging +1.2
3 \includegraphics[max width=\textwidth, alt={}, center]{b86c4b97-13a9-4aaf-8c95-20fe043b4532-2_653_406_727_857} A lamina has mass 1.5 kg . Two perpendicular lines \(A B\) and \(C D\) in the lamina intersect at the point \(X\). The centre of mass, \(G\), of the lamina lies on \(A B\), and \(X G = 0.2 \mathrm {~m}\) (see diagram). The moment of inertia of the lamina about \(A B\) is \(0.02 \mathrm {~kg} \mathrm {~m} ^ { 2 }\), and the moment of inertia of the lamina about \(C D\) is \(0.12 \mathrm {~kg} \mathrm {~m} ^ { 2 }\). The lamina is free to rotate in a vertical plane about a fixed horizontal axis perpendicular to the lamina and passing through \(X\).
  1. The lamina makes small oscillations as a compound pendulum. Find the approximate period of these oscillations.
  2. The lamina starts at rest with \(G\) vertically below \(X\). A couple of constant moment 3.2 Nm about the axis is now applied to the lamina. Find the angular speed of the lamina when \(X G\) is first horizontal.
OCR M4 2008 June Q7
18 marks Challenging +1.8
7 \includegraphics[max width=\textwidth, alt={}, center]{a9e010ce-c3a8-4f95-a154-fd16ef3e5e5b-4_622_767_269_689} Particles \(P\) and \(Q\), with masses \(3 m\) and \(2 m\) respectively, are connected by a light inextensible string passing over a smooth light pulley. The particle \(P\) is connected to the floor by a light spring \(S _ { 1 }\) with natural length \(a\) and modulus of elasticity mg . The particle \(Q\) is connected to the floor by a light spring \(S _ { 2 }\) with natural length \(a\) and modulus of elasticity \(2 m g\). The sections of the string not in contact with the pulley, and the two springs, are vertical. Air resistance may be neglected. The particles \(P\) and \(Q\) move vertically and the string remains taut; when the length of \(S _ { 1 }\) is \(x\), the length of \(S _ { 2 }\) is ( \(3 a - x\) ) (see diagram).
  1. Find the total potential energy of the system (taking the floor as the reference level for gravitational potential energy). Hence show that \(x = \frac { 4 } { 3 } a\) is a position of stable equilibrium.
  2. By differentiating the energy equation, and substituting \(x = \frac { 4 } { 3 } a + y\), show that the motion is simple harmonic, and find the period.
OCR M4 2010 June Q5
11 marks Challenging +1.2
5 A uniform \(\operatorname { rod } A B\) has mass \(m\) and length \(6 a\). The point \(C\) on the rod is such that \(A C = a\). The rod can rotate freely in a vertical plane about a fixed horizontal axis passing through \(C\) and perpendicular to the rod.
  1. Show by integration that the moment of inertia of the rod about this axis is \(7 m a ^ { 2 }\). The rod starts at rest with \(B\) vertically below \(C\). A couple of constant moment \(\frac { 6 m g a } { \pi }\) is then applied to the rod.
  2. Find, in terms of \(a\) and \(g\), the angular speed of the rod when it has turned through one and a half revolutions. \includegraphics[max width=\textwidth, alt={}, center]{ea62d6d9-ac2f-44e7-8bfb-ae9aeea7109b-3_721_621_872_762} A light pulley of radius \(a\) is free to rotate in a vertical plane about a fixed horizontal axis passing through its centre \(O\). Two particles, \(P\) of mass \(5 m\) and \(Q\) of mass \(3 m\), are connected by a light inextensible string. The particle \(P\) is attached to the circumference of the pulley, the string passes over the top of the pulley, and \(Q\) hangs below the pulley on the opposite side to \(P\). The section of string not in contact with the pulley is vertical. The fixed line \(O X\) makes an angle \(\alpha\) with the downward vertical, where \(\cos \alpha = \frac { 4 } { 5 }\), and \(O P\) makes an angle \(\theta\) with \(O X\) (see diagram). You are given that the total potential energy of the system (using a suitable reference level) is \(V\), where $$V = m g a ( 3 \sin \theta - 4 \cos \theta - 3 \theta ) .$$
OCR M4 2011 June Q4
10 marks Challenging +1.8
4 \includegraphics[max width=\textwidth, alt={}, center]{337dd1f9-a691-4e99-9aa7-7a93d8bb13be-2_439_1045_1512_550} Two small smooth pegs \(A\) and \(B\) are fixed at a distance \(2 a\) apart on the same horizontal level, and \(C\) is the mid-point of \(A B\). A uniform rod \(C D\), of mass \(m\) and length \(a\), is freely pivoted at \(C\) and can rotate in the vertical plane containing \(A B\), with \(D\) below the level of \(A B\). A light elastic string, of natural length \(a\) and modulus of elasticity \(3 m g\), passes round the peg \(A\) and its ends are attached to \(C\) and \(D\). Another light elastic string, of natural length \(a\) and modulus of elasticity \(4 m g\), passes round the peg \(B\) and its ends are also attached to \(C\) and \(D\). The angle \(C A D\) is \(\theta\), where \(0 < \theta < \frac { 1 } { 2 } \pi\), so that the angle \(B C D\) is \(2 \theta\) (see diagram).
  1. Taking \(A B\) as the reference level for gravitational potential energy, show that the total potential energy of the system is $$\frac { 1 } { 2 } m g a ( 14 - 2 \cos 2 \theta - \sin 2 \theta )$$
  2. Find the value of \(\theta\) for which the system is in equilibrium.
  3. Determine whether this position of equilibrium is stable or unstable.
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.
OCR M4 2013 June Q7
14 marks Challenging +1.8
7 \includegraphics[max width=\textwidth, alt={}, center]{6e3d5f5e-7ffa-4111-903d-468fb4d20192-5_584_686_264_678} \(A B C D\) is a uniform rectangular lamina with mass \(m\) and sides \(A B = 6 a\) and \(A D = 8 a\). The lamina rotates freely in a vertical plane about a fixed horizontal axis passing through \(A\), and it is released from rest in the position with \(D\) vertically above \(A\). When the diagonal \(A C\) makes an angle \(\theta\) below the horizontal, the force acting on the lamina at \(A\) has components \(R\) parallel to \(C A\) and \(S\) perpendicular to \(C A\) (see diagram).
  1. Find the moment of inertia of the lamina about the axis through \(A\), in terms of \(m\) and \(a\).
  2. Show that the angular speed of the lamina is \(\sqrt { \frac { 3 g ( 4 + 5 \sin \theta ) } { 50 a } }\).
  3. Find the angular acceleration of the lamina, in terms of \(a , g\) and \(\theta\).
  4. Find \(R\) and \(S\), in terms of \(m , g\) and \(\theta\).
OCR M4 2014 June Q4
13 marks Challenging +1.8
4 A uniform square lamina has mass \(m\) and sides of length \(2 a\).
  1. Calculate the moment of inertia of the lamina about an axis through one of its corners perpendicular to its plane. \includegraphics[max width=\textwidth, alt={}, center]{639c658e-0aca-4161-9e77-0f4c494b0b55-3_693_640_434_715} The uniform square lamina has centre \(C\) and is free to rotate in a vertical plane about a fixed horizontal axis passing through one of its corners \(A\). The lamina is initially held such that \(A C\) is vertical with \(C\) above \(A\). The lamina is slightly disturbed from rest from this initial position. When \(A C\) makes an angle \(\theta\) with the upward vertical, the force exerted by the axis on the lamina has components \(X\) parallel to \(A C\) and \(Y\) perpendicular to \(A C\) (see diagram).
  2. Show that the angular speed, \(\omega\), of the lamina satisfies \(a \omega ^ { 2 } = \frac { 3 } { 4 } g \sqrt { 2 } ( 1 - \cos \theta )\).
  3. Find \(X\) and \(Y\) in terms of \(m , g\) and \(\theta\). \section*{Question 5 begins on page 4.}
    \includegraphics[max width=\textwidth, alt={}]{639c658e-0aca-4161-9e77-0f4c494b0b55-4_767_337_248_863}
    A pendulum consists of a uniform rod \(A B\) of length \(4 a\) and mass \(4 m\) and a spherical shell of radius \(a\), mass \(m\) and centre \(C\). The end \(B\) of the rod is rigidly attached to a point on the surface of the shell in such a way that \(A B C\) is a straight line. The pendulum is initially at rest with \(B\) vertically below \(A\) and it is free to rotate in a vertical plane about a smooth fixed horizontal axis passing through \(A\) (see diagram).
  1. Show that the moment of inertia of the pendulum about the axis of rotation is \(47 m a ^ { 2 }\). A particle of mass \(m\) is moving horizontally in the plane in which the pendulum is free to rotate. The particle has speed \(\sqrt { k g a }\), where \(k\) is a positive constant, and strikes the rod at a distance \(3 a\) from \(A\). In the subsequent motion the particle adheres to the rod and the combined rigid body \(P\) starts to rotate.
  2. Show that the initial angular speed of \(P\) is \(\frac { 3 } { 56 } \sqrt { \frac { k g } { a } }\).
  3. For the case \(k = 4\), find the angle that \(P\) has turned through when \(P\) first comes to instantaneous rest.
  4. Find the least value of \(k\) such that the rod reaches the horizontal. \includegraphics[max width=\textwidth, alt={}, center]{639c658e-0aca-4161-9e77-0f4c494b0b55-5_437_903_269_573} A uniform rod \(A B\) has mass \(m\) and length \(2 a\). 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 \(\sqrt { 3 } m g\) is attached to \(A\). The string passes over a small smooth fixed pulley \(C\), where \(A C\) is horizontal and \(A C = a\). The other end of the string is attached to the rod at its mid-point \(D\). The rod makes an angle \(\theta\) below the horizontal (see diagram).
  1. Taking \(A\) as the reference level for gravitational potential energy, show that the total potential energy \(V\) of the system is given by $$V = m g a ( \sqrt { 3 } - \sin \theta - \sqrt { 3 } \cos \theta ) .$$
  2. Show that \(\theta = \frac { 1 } { 6 } \pi\) is a position of stable equilibrium for the system. The system is making small oscillations about the equilibrium position.
  3. By differentiating the energy equation with respect to time, show that $$\frac { 4 } { 3 } a \ddot { \theta } = g ( \cos \theta - \sqrt { 3 } \sin \theta ) .$$
  4. Using the substitution \(\theta = \phi + \frac { 1 } { 6 } \pi\), show that the motion is approximately simple harmonic, and find the approximate period of the oscillations. \section*{END OF QUESTION PAPER}
OCR M4 2015 June Q6
22 marks Challenging +1.8
6 A pendulum consists of a uniform rod \(A B\) of length \(2 a\) and mass \(2 m\) and a particle of mass \(m\) that is attached to the end \(B\). The pendulum can rotate in a vertical plane about a smooth fixed horizontal axis passing through \(A\).
  1. Show that the moment of inertia of this pendulum about the axis of rotation is \(\frac { 20 } { 3 } m a ^ { 2 }\). \begin{figure}[h]
    \includegraphics[alt={},max width=\textwidth]{4b50b084-081f-48d2-ad5b-95b2c9e55dfc-4_572_86_852_575} \captionsetup{labelformat=empty} \caption{Fig. 1}
    \end{figure} \begin{figure}[h]
    \includegraphics[alt={},max width=\textwidth]{4b50b084-081f-48d2-ad5b-95b2c9e55dfc-4_582_456_842_1050} \captionsetup{labelformat=empty} \caption{Fig. 2}
    \end{figure} The pendulum is initially held with \(B\) vertically above \(A\) (see Fig.1) and it is slightly disturbed from this position. When the angle between the pendulum and the upward vertical is \(\theta\) radians the pendulum has angular speed \(\omega \mathrm { rads } ^ { - 1 }\) (see Fig. 2).
  2. Show that $$\omega ^ { 2 } = \frac { 6 g } { 5 a } ( 1 - \cos \theta ) .$$
  3. Find the angular acceleration of the pendulum in terms of \(g , a\) and \(\theta\). At an instant when \(\theta = \frac { 1 } { 3 } \pi\), the force acting on the pendulum at \(A\) has magnitude \(F\).
  4. Find \(F\) in terms of \(m\) and \(g\). It is given that \(a = 0.735 \mathrm {~m}\).
  5. Show that the time taken for the pendulum to move from the position \(\theta = \frac { 1 } { 6 } \pi\) to the position \(\theta = \frac { 1 } { 3 } \pi\) is given by $$k \int _ { \frac { 1 } { 6 } \pi } ^ { \frac { 1 } { 3 } \pi } \operatorname { cosec } \left( \frac { 1 } { 2 } \theta \right) \mathrm { d } \theta ,$$ stating the value of the constant \(k\). Hence find the time taken for the pendulum to rotate between these two points. (You may quote an appropriate result given in the List of Formulae (MF1).) \section*{END OF QUESTION PAPER}
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 M4 Q2
12 marks Challenging +1.8
2 A rigid circular hoop of radius \(a\) is fixed in a vertical plane. At the highest point of the hoop there is a small smooth pulley, P. A light inextensible string AB of length \(\frac { 5 } { 2 } a\) is passed over the pulley. A particle of mass \(m\) is attached to the string at \(\mathrm { B } . \mathrm { PB }\) is vertical and angle \(\mathrm { APB } = \theta\). A small smooth ring of mass \(m\) is threaded onto the hoop and attached to the string at A . This situation is shown in Fig. 2. \begin{figure}[h]
\includegraphics[alt={},max width=\textwidth]{5bed3ad4-0e20-4458-a37f-655faf84c31a-02_568_549_1306_758} \captionsetup{labelformat=empty} \caption{Fig. 2}
\end{figure}
  1. Show that \(\mathrm { PB } = \frac { 5 } { 2 } a - 2 a \cos \theta\) and hence show that the potential energy of the system relative to P is \(V = - m g a \left( 2 \cos ^ { 2 } \theta - 2 \cos \theta + \frac { 5 } { 2 } \right)\).
  2. Hence find the positions of equilibrium and investigate their stability.
OCR MEI M4 2006 June Q2
12 marks Challenging +1.2
2 A rigid circular hoop of radius \(a\) is fixed in a vertical plane. At the highest point of the hoop there is a small smooth pulley, P. A light inextensible string AB of length \(\frac { 5 } { 2 } a\) is passed over the pulley. A particle of mass \(m\) is attached to the string at \(\mathrm { B } . \mathrm { PB }\) is vertical and angle \(\mathrm { APB } = \theta\). A small smooth ring of mass \(m\) is threaded onto the hoop and attached to the string at A . This situation is shown in Fig. 2. \begin{figure}[h]
\includegraphics[alt={},max width=\textwidth]{c97056a9-4156-4ecd-a80e-1a82c81ab824-2_568_549_1306_758} \captionsetup{labelformat=empty} \caption{Fig. 2}
\end{figure}
  1. Show that \(\mathrm { PB } = \frac { 5 } { 2 } a - 2 a \cos \theta\) and hence show that the potential energy of the system relative to P is \(V = - m g a \left( 2 \cos ^ { 2 } \theta - 2 \cos \theta + \frac { 5 } { 2 } \right)\).
  2. Hence find the positions of equilibrium and investigate their stability.
OCR MEI M4 2006 June Q4
24 marks Challenging +1.8
4 A flagpole AB of length \(2 a\) is modelled as a thin rigid rod of variable mass per unit length given by $$\rho = \frac { M } { 8 a ^ { 2 } } ( 5 a - x ) ,$$ where \(x\) is the distance from A and \(M\) is the mass of the flagpole.
  1. Show that the moment of inertia of the flagpole about an axis through A and perpendicular to the flagpole is \(\frac { 7 } { 6 } M a ^ { 2 }\). Show also that the centre of mass of the flagpole is at a distance \(\frac { 11 } { 12 } a\) from A . The flagpole is hinged to a wall at A and can rotate freely in a vertical plane. A light inextensible rope of length \(2 \sqrt { 2 } a\) is attached to the end B and the other end is attached to a point on the wall a distance \(2 a\) vertically above A, as shown in Fig. 4. The flagpole is initially at rest when lying vertically against the wall, and then is displaced slightly so that it falls to a horizontal position, at which point the rope becomes taut and the flagpole comes to rest. \begin{figure}[h]
    \includegraphics[alt={},max width=\textwidth]{c97056a9-4156-4ecd-a80e-1a82c81ab824-4_403_365_1174_849} \captionsetup{labelformat=empty} \caption{Fig. 4}
    \end{figure}
  2. Find an expression for the angular velocity of the flagpole when it has turned through an angle \(\theta\).
  3. Show that the vertical component of the impulse in the rope when it becomes taut is \(\frac { 1 } { 12 } M \sqrt { 77 a g }\). Hence write down the horizontal component.
  4. Find the horizontal and vertical components of the impulse that the hinge exerts on the flagpole when the rope becomes taut. Hence find the angle that this impulse makes with the horizontal.
OCR MEI M4 2007 June Q1
12 marks Challenging +1.2
1 A light elastic string has one end fixed to a vertical pole at A . The string passes round a smooth horizontal peg, P , at a distance \(a\) from the pole and has a smooth ring of mass \(m\) attached at its other end B . The ring is threaded onto the pole below A . The ring is at a distance \(y\) below the horizontal level of the peg. This situation is shown in Fig. 1. \begin{figure}[h]
\includegraphics[alt={},max width=\textwidth]{8aab7e54-a204-481b-8f09-4bf4ca4e115d-2_462_275_557_897} \captionsetup{labelformat=empty} \caption{Fig. 1}
\end{figure} The string has stiffness \(k\) and natural length equal to the distance AP .
  1. Express the extension of the string in terms of \(y\) and \(a\). Hence find the potential energy of the system relative to the level of P .
  2. Use the potential energy to find the equilibrium position of the system, and show that it is stable.
  3. Calculate the normal reaction exerted by the pole on the ring in the equilibrium position.
OCR MEI M4 2008 June Q4
24 marks Challenging +1.2
4 A uniform smooth pulley can rotate freely about its axis, which is fixed and horizontal. A light elastic string AB is attached to the pulley at the end B . The end A is attached to a fixed point such that the string is vertical and is initially at its natural length with B at the same horizontal level as the axis. In this position a particle P is attached to the highest point of the pulley. This initial position is shown in Fig. 4.1. The radius of the pulley is \(a\), the mass of P is \(m\) and the stiffness of the string AB is \(\frac { m g } { 10 a }\). \begin{figure}[h]
\includegraphics[alt={},max width=\textwidth]{636e1d23-3bbb-469f-8fc9-1f64da865126-3_451_517_607_466} \captionsetup{labelformat=empty} \caption{Fig. 4.1}
\end{figure} \begin{figure}[h]
\includegraphics[alt={},max width=\textwidth]{636e1d23-3bbb-469f-8fc9-1f64da865126-3_456_451_607_1226} \captionsetup{labelformat=empty} \caption{Fig. 4.2}
\end{figure}
  1. Fig. 4.2 shows the system with the pulley rotated through an angle \(\theta\) and the string stretched. Write down the extension of the string and hence find the potential energy, \(V\), of the system in this position. Show that \(\frac { \mathrm { d } V } { \mathrm {~d} \theta } = m g a \left( \frac { 1 } { 10 } \theta - \sin \theta \right)\).
  2. Hence deduce that the system has a position of unstable equilibrium at \(\theta = 0\).
  3. Explain how your expression for \(V\) relies on smooth contact between the string and the pulley. Fig. 4.3 shows the graph of the function \(\mathrm { f } ( \theta ) = \frac { 1 } { 10 } \theta - \sin \theta\). \begin{figure}[h]
    \includegraphics[alt={},max width=\textwidth]{636e1d23-3bbb-469f-8fc9-1f64da865126-3_538_1342_1706_404} \captionsetup{labelformat=empty} \caption{Fig. 4.3}
    \end{figure}
  4. Use the graph to give rough estimates of three further values of \(\theta\) (other than \(\theta = 0\) ) which give positions of equilibrium. In each case, state with reasons whether the equilibrium is stable or unstable.
  5. Show on a sketch the physical situation corresponding to the least value of \(\theta\) you identified in part (iv). On your sketch, mark clearly the positions of P and B .
  6. The equation \(\mathrm { f } ( \theta ) = 0\) has another root at \(\theta \approx - 2.9\). Explain, with justification, whether this necessarily gives a position of equilibrium.
OCR MEI M4 2009 June Q2
12 marks Challenging +1.2
2 A uniform rigid rod AB of mass \(m\) and length \(4 a\) is freely hinged at the end A to a horizontal rail. The end B is attached to a light elastic string BC of modulus \(\frac { 1 } { 2 } m g\) and natural length \(a\). The end C of the string is attached to a ring which is small, light and smooth. The ring can slide along the rail and is always vertically above B . The angle that AB makes below the rail is \(\theta\). The system is shown in Fig. 2. \begin{figure}[h]
\includegraphics[alt={},max width=\textwidth]{9763e6c4-e372-46ef-a666-3ccb185aa5d2-2_277_707_1398_717} \captionsetup{labelformat=empty} \caption{Fig. 2}
\end{figure}
  1. Find the potential energy, \(V\), of the system when the string is stretched and show that $$\frac { \mathrm { d } V } { \mathrm {~d} \theta } = 4 m g a \cos \theta ( 2 \sin \theta - 1 )$$
  2. Hence find any positions of equilibrium of the system and investigate their stability.
OCR MEI M4 2010 June Q3
24 marks Challenging +1.2
3 A uniform rod AB of mass \(m\) and length \(4 a\) is hinged at a fixed point C , where \(\mathrm { AC } = a\), and can rotate freely in a vertical plane. A light elastic string of natural length \(2 a\) and modulus \(\lambda\) is attached at one end to B and at the other end 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 \(2 a\) above C . The string is always vertical. This system is shown in Fig. 3 with the rod inclined at \(\theta\) to the horizontal. \begin{figure}[h]
\includegraphics[alt={},max width=\textwidth]{cb86219c-e0b1-4f75-b8b2-50b5a233aa54-2_387_613_1763_767} \captionsetup{labelformat=empty} \caption{Fig. 3}
\end{figure}
  1. Find an expression for \(V\), the potential energy of the system relative to C , and show that \(\frac { \mathrm { d } V } { \mathrm {~d} \theta } = a \cos \theta \left( \frac { 9 } { 2 } \lambda \sin \theta - m g \right)\).
  2. Determine the positions of equilibrium and the nature of their stability in the cases
    (A) \(\lambda > \frac { 2 } { 9 } m g\),
    (B) \(\lambda < \frac { 2 } { 9 } m g\),
    (C) \(\lambda = \frac { 2 } { 9 } m g\). \begin{figure}[h]
    \includegraphics[alt={},max width=\textwidth]{cb86219c-e0b1-4f75-b8b2-50b5a233aa54-3_522_755_342_696} \captionsetup{labelformat=empty} \caption{Fig. 4.1}
    \end{figure}
  3. Show, by integration, that the moment of inertia of the cone about its axis of symmetry is \(\frac { 3 } { 10 } M a ^ { 2 }\). [You may assume the standard formula for the moment of inertia of a uniform circular disc about its axis of symmetry and the formula \(V = \frac { 1 } { 3 } \pi r ^ { 2 } h\) for the volume of a cone.] A frustum is made by taking a uniform cone of base radius 0.1 m and height 0.2 m and removing a cone of height 0.1 m and base radius 0.05 m as shown in Fig. 4.2. The mass of the frustum is 2.8 kg . \begin{figure}[h]
    \includegraphics[alt={},max width=\textwidth]{cb86219c-e0b1-4f75-b8b2-50b5a233aa54-3_391_517_1352_813} \captionsetup{labelformat=empty} \caption{Fig. 4.2}
    \end{figure} The frustum can rotate freely about its axis of symmetry which is fixed and vertical.
  4. Show that the moment of inertia of the frustum about its axis of symmetry is \(0.0093 \mathrm {~kg} \mathrm {~m} ^ { 2 }\). The frustum is accelerated from rest for \(t\) seconds by a couple of magnitude 0.05 N m about its axis of symmetry, until it is rotating at \(10 \mathrm { rad } \mathrm { s } ^ { - 1 }\).
  5. Calculate \(t\).
  6. Find the position of G , the centre of mass of the frustum. The frustum (rotating at \(10 \mathrm { rad } \mathrm { s } ^ { - 1 }\) ) then receives an impulse tangential to the circumference of the larger circular face. This reduces its angular speed to \(5 \mathrm { rad } \mathrm { s } ^ { - 1 }\).
  7. To reduce its angular speed further, a parallel impulse of the same magnitude is now applied tangentially in the horizontal plane through G at the curved surface of the frustum. Calculate the resulting angular speed.
OCR MEI M4 2011 June Q2
12 marks Challenging +1.2
2 A small ring of mass \(m\) can slide freely along a fixed smooth horizontal rod. A light elastic string of natural length \(a\) and stiffness \(k\) has one end attached to a point A on the rod and the other end attached to the ring. An identical elastic string has one end attached to the ring and the other end attached to a point B which is a distance \(a\) vertically above the rod and a horizontal distance \(2 a\) from the point A . The displacement of the ring from the vertical line through B is \(x\), as shown in Fig. 2. \begin{figure}[h]
\includegraphics[alt={},max width=\textwidth]{0166dd50-5069-47f4-a015-d01a9c54faf4-2_405_1063_1270_539} \captionsetup{labelformat=empty} \caption{Fig. 2}
\end{figure}
  1. Find an expression for \(V\), the potential energy of the system when \(0 < x < a\), and show that $$\frac { \mathrm { d } V } { \mathrm {~d} x } = 2 k x - k a - \frac { k a x } { \sqrt { a ^ { 2 } + x ^ { 2 } } }$$
  2. Show that \(\frac { \mathrm { d } ^ { 2 } V } { \mathrm {~d} x ^ { 2 } }\) is always positive.
  3. Show that there is a position of equilibrium with \(\frac { 1 } { 2 } a < x < a\). State, with a reason, whether it is stable or unstable.