6.02i Conservation of energy: mechanical energy principle

4 The diagram shows two particles P and Q , of masses 10 kg and 5 kg respectively, which are attached to the ends of a light inextensible string. The string is taut and passes over a small smooth pulley. The pulley is fixed at the highest point A on a smooth curved surface, the vertical cross-section of which is a quadrant of a circle with centre O and radius 2 m . Particle Q hangs vertically below the pulley and P is in contact with the surface, where the angle AOP is equal to \(\theta ^ { \circ }\). The pulley, P and Q all lie in the same vertical plane. \includegraphics[max width=\textwidth, alt={}, center]{cad8805d-59f6-4ed2-81f4-9e8c749461f5-4_499_492_559_251} Throughout this question you may assume that there are no resistances to the motion of either P or Q and the force acting on P due to the tension in the string is tangential to the curved surface at P .

1. Given that P is in equilibrium at the point where \(\theta = \alpha\), determine the value of \(\alpha\). Particle P is now released from rest at the point on the surface where \(\theta = 35\), and starts to move downwards on the surface. In the subsequent motion it is given that P does not leave the surface.
2. By considering energy, determine the speed of P at the instant when \(\theta = 45\).
3. State one modelling assumption you have made in determining the answer to part (b).

3 The diagram shows the three points A, B and C that lie along a line of greatest slope on a rough plane which is inclined at an angle of \(25 ^ { \circ }\) to the horizontal. \includegraphics[max width=\textwidth, alt={}, center]{0a790ad0-7eda-40f1-9894-f156766ae46f-3_392_1136_383_242} A block of mass 6 kg is placed at B and is projected up the plane towards C with an initial speed of \(u \mathrm {~m} \mathrm {~s} ^ { - 1 }\). The block travels 3.5 m before coming instantaneously to rest at C , before sliding back down the plane. When the block is sliding back down the plane it attains its initial speed at A , which lies \(x \mathrm {~m}\) down the plane from B . It is given that the work done against resistance throughout the motion is 4 joules per metre.

1. Use an energy method to determine the following.
   1. The value of \(u\)
   2. The value of \(x\) A student claims that half of the energy lost due to resistances is accounted for by friction between the block and the plane, and the other half by air resistance.
2. Assuming that the student's claim is correct, determine the coefficient of friction between the block and the plane.

4 A block of mass 20 kg is placed on a rough plane inclined at an angle \(30 ^ { \circ }\) to the horizontal. The block is pulled up the plane by a constant force acting parallel to a line of greatest slope.
The block passes through points A and B on the plane with speeds \(9 \mathrm {~ms} ^ { - 1 }\) and \(4 \mathrm {~ms} ^ { - 1 }\) respectively with B higher up the plane than A . The distance between A and B is \(x \mathrm {~m}\) and the coefficient of friction between the block and the plane is \(\frac { \sqrt { 3 } } { 49 }\). Use an energy method to determine the range of possible values of \(x\).

4 A child throws a ball of mass \(m \mathrm {~kg}\) vertically upwards with a speed of \(7.2 \mathrm {~m} \mathrm {~s} ^ { - 1 }\). The ball leaves the child's hand at a height of 1.6 m above horizontal ground.

1. Ignoring any possible air resistance, use an energy method to determine the maximum height reached by the ball above the ground. In fact, the ball only reaches a height of 4.1 m above the ground. For the rest of this question you should assume that the air resistance may be modelled as a constant force acting in the opposite direction to the ball's motion.
2. Show that the ball does 0.568 mJ of work against air resistance per metre travelled.
3. Calculate the speed of the ball just before it hits the ground. The ball bounces off the ground and first comes instantaneously to rest 2.8 m above the ground.
4. Determine the coefficient of restitution between the ball and the ground. In the first impact between the ball and the ground, the magnitude of the impulse exerted on the ball by the ground is 12 Ns .
5. Determine the value of \(m\).

5 A young man of mass 60 kg swings on a trapeze. A simple model of this situation is as follows. The trapeze is a light seat suspended from a fixed point by a light inextensible rope. The man's centre of mass, G , moves on an arc of a circle of radius 9 m with centre O , as shown in Fig. 5. The point C is 9 m vertically below O . B is a point on the arc where angle COB is \(45 ^ { \circ }\). \begin{figure}[h] \end{figure}

1. Calculate the gravitational potential energy lost by the man if he swings from B to C . In this model it is also assumed that there is no resistance to the man's motion and he starts at rest from B.
2. Using an energy method, find the man's speed at C . A new model is proposed which also takes into account resistance to the man's motion.
3. State whether you would expect any such model to give a larger, smaller or the same value for the man's speed at C . Give a reason for your answer. A particular model takes account of the resistance by assuming that there is a force of constant magnitude 15 N always acting in the direction opposing the man's motion. This new model also takes account of the man 'pushing off' along the arc from B to C with a speed of \(1.5 \mathrm {~m} \mathrm {~s} ^ { - 1 }\).
4. Using an energy method, find the man's speed at C .

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.

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.
   

6. The diagram shows a rollercoaster at an amusement park where a car is projected from a launch point \(O\) so that it performs a loop before instantaneously coming to rest at point \(C\). The car then performs the same journey in reverse. \includegraphics[max width=\textwidth, alt={}, center]{b430aa50-27e3-46f7-afef-7b8e75d46e1f-5_677_1733_552_166} The loop section is modelled by considering the track to be a vertical circle of radius 10 m and the car as a particle of mass \(m\) kg moving on the inside surface of the circular loop. You may assume that the track is smooth. At point \(A\), which is the lowest point of the circle, the car has velocity \(u \mathrm {~ms} ^ { - 1 }\) such that \(u ^ { 2 } = 60 g\). When the car is at point \(B\) the radius makes an angle \(\theta\) with the downward vertical.

1. Find, in terms of \(\theta\) and \(g\), an expression for \(v ^ { 2 }\), where \(v \mathrm {~ms} ^ { - 1 }\) is the speed of the car at \(B\).
2. Show that \(R \mathrm {~N}\), the reaction of the track on the car at \(B\), is given by $$R = m g ( 4 + 3 \cos \theta ) .$$
3. Explain why the expression for \(R\) in part (b) shows that the car will perform a complete loop.
4. This model predicts that the car will stop at \(C\) at a vertical height of 30 m above \(A\). However, after the car has completed the loop, the track becomes rough and the car only reaches a point \(D\) at a vertical height of 28 m above \(A\). The resistance to motion of the car beyond the loop is of constant magnitude \(\frac { m g } { 32 } \mathrm {~N}\). Calculate the length of the rough track between \(A\) and \(D\).

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 \(5 \cdot 6 \mathrm {~J}\).
   

7. One end of a light rod of length \(\frac { 5 } { 7 } \mathrm {~m}\) is attached to a fixed point \(O\) and the other end is attached to a particle \(P\), of mass \(m \mathrm {~kg}\). The particle \(P\) is projected from the point \(A\), which is vertically below \(O\), with a horizontal speed of \(u \mathrm {~ms} ^ { - 1 }\) so that it moves in a vertical circle with centre \(O\). When the rod \(O P\) is inclined at an angle \(\theta\) to the downward vertical, the speed of \(P\) is \(v \mathrm {~ms} ^ { - 1 }\) and the tension in the rod is \(T \mathrm {~N}\). \includegraphics[max width=\textwidth, alt={}, center]{ae23a093-1419-4be4-8285-951650dc5a35-16_629_593_646_735}

1. Show that $$v ^ { 2 } = u ^ { 2 } - 14 + 14 \cos \theta$$
2. Hence determine the least possible value of \(u ^ { 2 }\) for the particle to reach the highest point of the circle.
3. Given that \(u ^ { 2 } = 32 \cdot 2\),
   1. find, in terms of \(m\) and \(\theta\), an expression for \(T\),
   2. calculate the range of values of \(\theta\) such that the rod is exerting a thrust.
      State whether your answer to (c)(ii) would be different if the mass of the particle was reduced. Give a reason for your answer. Additional page, if required. Write the question number(s) in the left-hand margin. only

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 \(t \mathrm {~s}\).
2. 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.
3. 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.

6. The diagram shows a particle \(P\), of mass 4 kg , lying on a smooth horizontal surface. It is attached by two light springs to fixed points \(A\) and \(B\), where \(A B = 2.8 \mathrm {~m}\).
Spring \(A P\) has natural length 0.8 m and modulus of elasticity 60 N .
Spring \(P B\) has natural length 1.2 m and modulus of elasticity 30 N . \includegraphics[max width=\textwidth, alt={}, center]{b9c63cb4-d446-4548-be42-e30b10cb4b99-5_231_1253_612_404} When \(P\) is in equilibrium, it is at the point \(C\).

1. Show that \(A C = 1 \mathrm {~m}\).
2. The particle \(P\) is pulled horizontally and is initially held at rest at the midpoint of \(A B\). The system is then released.
   1. Show that \(P\) performs Simple Harmonic Motion about centre \(C\) and find the period of its motion.
   2. Determine the shortest time taken for \(P\) to reach a position where there is no tension in the spring \(A P\). \section*{END OF PAPER}

6. The diagram on the left shows a train of mass 50 tonnes approaching a buffer at the end of a straight horizontal railway track. The buffer is designed to prevent the train from running off the end of the track. The buffer may be modelled as a light horizontal spring \(A B\), as shown in the diagram on the right, which is fixed at the end \(A\). The train strikes the buffer so that \(P\) makes contact with \(B\) at \(t = 0\) seconds. While \(P\) is in contact with \(B\), an additional resistive force of \(250000 v \mathrm {~N}\) will oppose the motion of the train, where \(v \mathrm {~ms} ^ { - 1 }\) is the speed of the train at time \(t\) seconds. The spring has natural length 1 m and modulus of elasticity 312500 N . At time \(t\) seconds, the compression of the spring is \(x\) metres. \includegraphics[max width=\textwidth, alt={}, center]{d7f600c5-af4a-4708-bfd9-92b37a95c634-7_358_1506_824_283}

1. Show that, while \(P\) is in contact with \(B\), \(x\) satisfies the differential equation $$4 \frac { \mathrm {~d} ^ { 2 } x } { \mathrm {~d} t ^ { 2 } } + 20 \frac { \mathrm {~d} x } { \mathrm {~d} t } + 25 x = 0$$
2. Given that, when \(P\) first makes contact with \(B\), the speed of the train is \(U \mathrm {~ms} ^ { - 1 }\), find an expression for \(x\) in terms of \(U\) and \(t\).
3. When the train comes to rest, the compression of the buffer is 0.3 m . Determine the speed of the train when it strikes the buffer.
4. State which type of damping is described by the motion of \(P\). Give a reason for your answer.

6. The diagram shows a playground ride consisting of a seat \(P\), of mass 12 kg , attached to a vertical spring, which is fixed to a horizontal board. When the ride is at rest with nobody on it, the compression of the spring is 0.05 m . \includegraphics[max width=\textwidth, alt={}, center]{3efc4ef6-8a80-4267-8e95-733200e875c5-4_305_654_1032_667} The spring is of natural length 0.75 m and modulus of elasticity \(\lambda\).

1. Find the value of \(\lambda\). The seat \(P\) is now pushed vertically downwards a further 0.05 m and is then released from rest.
2. Show that \(P\) makes Simple Harmonic oscillations of period \(\frac { \pi } { 7 }\) and write down the amplitude of the motion.
3. Find the maximum speed of \(P\).
4. Calculate the speed of \(P\) when it is at a distance 0.03 m from the equilibrium position.
5. Find the distance of \(P\) from the equilibrium position 1.6 s after it is released.[3]
6. State one modelling assumption you have made about the seat and one modelling assumption you have made about the spring.

8 The diagram shows part of a water park slide, \(A B C\).
The slide is in the shape of two circular arcs, \(A B\) and \(B C\), each of radius \(r\).
The point \(A\) is at a height of \(\frac { r } { 4 }\) above \(B\).
The circular \(\operatorname { arc } B C\) has centre \(O\) and \(B\) is vertically above \(O\).
These points are joined as shown in the diagram. \includegraphics[max width=\textwidth, alt={}, center]{4fdb2637-6368-422c-99da-85b80efe31c5-12_590_1173_756_443} A child starts from rest at \(A\), moves along the slide past the point \(B\) and then loses contact with the slide at a point \(D\). The angle between the vertical, \(O B\), and \(O D\) is \(\theta\) Assume that the slide is smooth. 8

1. Show that the speed \(v\) of the child at \(D\) is given by \(v = \sqrt { \frac { g r } { 2 } ( 5 - 4 \cos \theta ) }\), where \(g\) is the acceleration due to gravity. 8
2. Find \(\theta\), giving your answer to the nearest degree.
   8
3. A refined model takes into account air resistance. Explain how taking air resistance into account would affect your answer to part (b).
   [0pt] [2 marks]
   8
4. In reality the slide is not smooth. It has a surface with the same coefficient of friction between the slide and the child for its entire length. Explain why the frictional force experienced by the child is not constant.
   [0pt] [1 mark]

9 In this question use \(g = 9.8 \mathrm {~m} \mathrm {~s} ^ { - 2 }\).
A light elastic string has one end attached to a fixed point, \(A\), on a rough plane inclined at \(30 ^ { \circ }\) to the horizontal. The other end of the string is attached to a particle, \(P\), of mass 2 kg .
The elastic string has natural length 1.3 metres and modulus of elasticity 65 N .
The particle is pulled down the plane in the direction of the line of greatest slope through \(A\).
The particle is released from rest when it is 2 metres from \(A\), as shown in the diagram. \includegraphics[max width=\textwidth, alt={}, center]{4fdb2637-6368-422c-99da-85b80efe31c5-14_549_744_861_785} The coefficient of friction between the particle and the plane is 0.6
After the particle is released it moves up the plane.
The particle comes to rest at a point \(B\), which is a distance, \(d\) metres, from \(A\). 9

1. Show that the value of \(d\) is 1.4.
   [0pt] [7 marks] 9
2. Determine what happens after \(P\) reaches the point \(B\). Fully justify your answer.
   [0pt] [3 marks]

1. A stone of mass 0.5 kg is projected vertically upwards with a speed \(U \mathrm {~ms} ^ { - 1 }\) from a point \(A\). The point \(A\) is 2.5 m above horizontal ground.

The speed of the stone as it hits the ground is \(25 \mathrm {~m} \mathrm {~s} ^ { - 1 }\) The motion of the stone from the instant it is projected from \(A\) until the instant it hits the ground is modelled as that of a particle moving freely under gravity.

1. Use the model and the principle of conservation of mechanical energy to find the value of \(U\). In reality, the stone will be subject to air resistance as it moves from \(A\) to the ground.
2. State how this would affect your answer to part (a). The ground is soft and the stone sinks a vertical distance \(d \mathrm {~cm}\) into the ground. The resistive force exerted on the stone by the ground is modelled as a constant force of magnitude 2000 N and the stone is modelled as a particle.
3. Use the model and the work-energy principle to find the value of \(d\), giving your answer to 3 significant figures.

3. \begin{figure}[h] \end{figure} Figure 1 shows part of the end elevation of a building which sits on horizontal ground. The side of the building is vertical and has height \(h\). A small stone of mass \(m\) is at rest on the roof of the building at the point \(A\). The stone slides from rest down a line of greatest slope of the roof and reaches the edge \(B\) of the roof with speed \(\sqrt { 2 g h }\) The stone then moves under gravity before hitting the ground with speed \(W\).
In a model of the motion of the stone from \(\boldsymbol { B }\) to the ground

• the stone is modelled as a particle
• air resistance is ignored

Using the principle of conservation of mechanical energy and the model,

1. find \(W\) in terms of \(g\) and \(h\). In a model of the motion of the stone from \(\boldsymbol { A }\) to \(\boldsymbol { B }\)
   Using this model,
2. find, in terms of \(m\) and \(g\), the magnitude of the frictional force acting on the stone as it slides down the roof,
3. use the work-energy principle to find \(d\) in terms of \(h\).

A small stone of mass 0.5 kg is thrown vertically upwards from a point A with an initial speed of \(25 \mathrm {~m} \mathrm {~s} ^ { - 1 }\). The stone first comes to instantaneous rest at the point B which is 20 m vertically above the point A . As the stone moves it is subject to air resistance. The stone is modelled as a particle.

1. Find the energy lost due to air resistance by the stone, as it moves from A to B The air resistance is modelled as a constant force of magnitude \(R\) newtons.
2. Find the value of R .
3. State how the model for air resistance could be refined to make it more realistic.

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 \(B\).

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 \(B\).

6. \begin{figure}[h] \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 .

6. \begin{figure}[h] \end{figure} Two blocks, \(A\) and \(B\), of masses 2 kg and 4 kg respectively are attached to the ends of a light inextensible string. Initially \(A\) is held on a fixed rough plane. The plane is inclined to horizontal ground at an angle \(\theta\), where \(\tan \theta = \frac { 3 } { 4 }\) The string passes over a small smooth light pulley \(P\) that is fixed at the top of the plane. The part of the string from \(A\) to \(P\) is parallel to a line of greatest slope of the plane. Block \(A\) is held on the plane with the distance \(A P\) greater than 3 m .
Block \(B\) hangs freely below \(P\) at a distance of 3 m above the ground, as shown in Figure 4. The coefficient of friction between \(A\) and the plane is \(\mu\) Block \(A\) is released from rest with the string taut.
By modelling the blocks as particles,

1. find the potential energy lost by the whole system as a result of \(B\) falling 3 m . Given that the speed of \(B\) at the instant it hits the ground is \(4.5 \mathrm {~m} \mathrm {~s} ^ { - 1 }\) and ignoring air resistance,
2. use the work-energy principle to find the value of \(\mu\) After \(B\) hits the ground, \(A\) continues to move up the plane but does not reach the pulley in the subsequent motion.
   Block \(A\) comes to instantaneous rest after moving a total distance of ( \(3 + d\) ) m from its point of release. Ignoring air resistance,
3. use the work-energy principle to find the value of \(d\) \includegraphics[max width=\textwidth, alt={}, center]{86a37170-046f-46e5-9c8c-06d5f98ca4fe-20_2255_50_309_1981}

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 \(2 m g\)
2. 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.
3. State one way in which this would affect your energy equation in part (b).

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 \(O B\).