6.04b Find centre of mass: using symmetry

225 questions

Sort by: Default | Easiest first | Hardest first
CAIE M2 2002 June Q2
4 marks Standard +0.3
2 \includegraphics[max width=\textwidth, alt={}, center]{3e7472a8-df1e-45c4-81fb-e4397bddf5ad-2_316_1065_712_541} Two identical uniform heavy triangular prisms, each of base width 10 cm , are arranged as shown at the ends of a smooth horizontal shelf of length 1 m . Some books, each of width 5 cm , are placed on the shelf between the prisms.
  1. Find how far the base of a prism can project beyond an end of the shelf without the prism toppling.
  2. Find the greatest number of books that can be stored on the shelf without either of the prisms toppling.
CAIE M2 2003 June Q2
5 marks Standard +0.3
2 \includegraphics[max width=\textwidth, alt={}, center]{7f8646df-a7d8-4ca1-a6ee-3ceab6bb83af-2_439_608_1181_772} A uniform solid hemisphere, with centre \(O\) and radius 4 cm , is held so that a point \(P\) of its rim is in contact with a horizontal surface. The plane face of the hemisphere makes an angle of \(70 ^ { \circ }\) with the horizontal. \(Q\) is the point on the axis of symmetry of the hemisphere which is vertically above \(P\). The diagram shows the vertical cross-section of the hemisphere which contains \(O , P\) and \(Q\).
  1. Determine whether or not the centre of mass of the hemisphere is between \(O\) and \(Q\). The hemisphere is now released.
  2. State whether or not the hemisphere falls on to its plane face, giving a reason for your answer.
CAIE M2 2004 June Q2
6 marks Standard +0.3
2 \includegraphics[max width=\textwidth, alt={}, center]{835616aa-0b2b-4e8c-bbbf-60b72dc5ea3e-2_291_732_822_708} A uniform lamina \(A B C D E\) consists of a rectangular part with sides 5 cm and 10 cm , and a part in the form of a quarter of a circle of radius 5 cm , as shown in the diagram.
  1. Show that the distance of the centre of mass of the part \(C D E\) of the lamina is \(\frac { 20 } { 3 \pi } \mathrm {~cm}\) from \(C E\).
  2. Find the distance of the centre of mass of the lamina \(A B C D E\) from the edge \(A B\).
CAIE M2 2005 June Q3
6 marks Standard +0.3
3
[diagram]
\(A B C D E F\) is the L -shaped cross-section of a uniform solid. This cross-section passes through the centre of mass of the solid and has dimensions as shown in Fig. 1.
  1. Find the distance of the centre of mass of the solid from the edge \(A B\) of the cross-section.
    [diagram]
    The solid rests in equilibrium with the face containing the edge \(A F\) of the cross-section in contact with a horizontal table. The weight of the solid is \(W\) N. A horizontal force of magnitude \(P\) N is applied to the solid at the point \(B\), in the direction of \(B C\) (see Fig. 2). The table is sufficiently rough to prevent sliding.
  2. Find \(P\) in terms of \(W\), given that the equilibrium of the solid is about to be broken.
CAIE M2 2005 June Q6
8 marks Standard +0.3
6 \includegraphics[max width=\textwidth, alt={}, center]{6fe2c5e0-0496-4fb4-95d2-354b90607b5b-4_620_899_644_623} A rigid rod consists of two parts. The part \(B C\) is in the form of an arc of a circle of radius 2 m and centre \(O\), with angle \(B O C = \frac { 1 } { 4 } \pi\) radians. \(B C\) is uniform and has weight 3 N . The part \(A B\) is straight and of length 2 m ; it is uniform and has weight 4 N . The part \(A B\) of the rod is a tangent to the arc \(B C\) at \(B\). The end \(A\) of the rod is freely hinged to a fixed point of a vertical wall. The rod is held in equilibrium, with the straight part \(A B\) making an angle of \(\frac { 1 } { 4 } \pi\) radians with the wall, by means of a horizontal string attached to \(C\). The string is in the same vertical plane as the rod, and the tension in the string is \(T \mathrm {~N}\) (see diagram).
  1. Show that the centre of mass \(G\) of the part \(B C\) of the rod is at a distance of 2.083 m from the wall, correct to 4 significant figures.
  2. Find the value of \(T\).
  3. State the magnitude of the horizontal component and the magnitude of the vertical component of the force exerted on the rod by the hinge. \includegraphics[max width=\textwidth, alt={}, center]{6fe2c5e0-0496-4fb4-95d2-354b90607b5b-5_579_1118_264_516} A particle \(A\) is released from rest at time \(t = 0\), at a point \(P\) which is 7 m above horizontal ground. At the same instant as \(A\) is released, a particle \(B\) is projected from a point \(O\) on the ground. The horizontal distance of \(O\) from \(P\) is 24 m . Particle \(B\) moves in the vertical plane containing \(O\) and \(P\), with initial speed \(V \mathrm {~m} \mathrm {~s} ^ { - 1 }\) and initial direction making an angle of \(\theta\) above the horizontal (see diagram). Write down
  4. an expression for the height of \(A\) above the ground at time \(t \mathrm {~s}\),
  5. an expression in terms of \(V , \theta\) and \(t\) for
    1. the horizontal distance of \(B\) from \(O\),
    2. the height of \(B\) above the ground. At time \(t = T\) the particles \(A\) and \(B\) collide at a point above the ground.
    3. Show that \(\tan \theta = \frac { 7 } { 24 }\) and that \(V T = 25\).
    4. Deduce that \(7 V ^ { 2 } > 3125\).
CAIE M2 2006 June Q2
5 marks Standard +0.3
2 A uniform solid cone has height 38 cm .
  1. Write down the distance of the centre of mass of the cone from its base. \includegraphics[max width=\textwidth, alt={}, center]{ece63d46-5e56-4668-939a-9dbbcfc1a77a-2_497_547_1224_840} The cone is placed with its axis vertical on a rough horizontal plane. The plane is slowly tilted, and the cone remains in equilibrium until the angle of inclination of the plane reaches \(31 ^ { \circ }\) (see diagram), when the cone topples.
  2. Find the radius of the cone.
  3. Show that \(\mu \geqslant 0.601\), correct to 3 significant figures, where \(\mu\) is the coefficient of friction between the cone and the plane.
CAIE M2 2006 June Q5
7 marks Standard +0.3
5 \includegraphics[max width=\textwidth, alt={}, center]{ece63d46-5e56-4668-939a-9dbbcfc1a77a-3_531_791_1633_678} A uniform lamina of weight 15 N has dimensions as shown in the diagram.
  1. Show that the distance of the centre of mass of the lamina from \(A B\) is 0.22 m . The lamina is freely hinged at \(B\) to a fixed point. One end of a light inextensible string is attached to the lamina at \(C\). The string passes over a fixed smooth pulley and a particle of mass 1.1 kg is attached to the other end of the string. The lamina is in equilibrium with \(B C\) horizontal. The string is taut and makes an angle of \(\theta ^ { \circ }\) with the horizontal at \(C\), and the particle hangs freely below the pulley (see diagram).
  2. Find the value of \(\theta\).
CAIE M2 2007 June Q1
4 marks Moderate -0.8
1 \includegraphics[max width=\textwidth, alt={}, center]{57f7ca89-f028-447a-9ac9-55f931201e6b-2_467_645_274_749} A uniform semicircular lamina has radius 5 m . The lamina rotates in a horizontal plane about a vertical axis through \(O\), the mid-point of its diameter. The angular speed of the lamina is \(4 \mathrm { rad } \mathrm { s } ^ { - 1 }\) (see diagram). Find
  1. the distance of the centre of mass of the lamina from \(O\),
  2. the speed with which the centre of mass of the lamina is moving.
CAIE M2 2009 June Q1
4 marks Standard +0.3
1 A uniform lamina is in the form of a sector of a circle with centre \(O\), radius 0.2 m and angle 1.5 radians. The lamina rotates in a horizontal plane about a fixed vertical axis through \(O\). The centre of mass of the lamina moves with speed \(0.4 \mathrm {~m} \mathrm {~s} ^ { - 1 }\). Show that the angular speed of the lamina is \(3.30 \mathrm { rad } \mathrm { s } ^ { - 1 }\), correct to 3 significant figures.
CAIE M2 2011 June Q2
6 marks Standard +0.3
2 \includegraphics[max width=\textwidth, alt={}, center]{18398d27-15eb-4515-8210-4f0f614d5b28-2_406_483_431_829} \(A O B\) is a uniform lamina in the shape of a quadrant of a circle with centre \(O\) and radius 0.6 m (see diagram).
  1. Calculate the distance of the centre of mass of the lamina from \(A\). The lamina is freely suspended at \(A\) and hangs in equilibrium.
  2. Find the angle between the vertical and the side \(A O\) of the lamina.
CAIE M2 2011 June Q2
7 marks Challenging +1.2
2 A uniform lamina \(A B C D\) consists of a semicircle \(B C D\) with centre \(O\) and diameter 0.4 m , and an isosceles triangle \(A B D\) with base \(B D = 0.4 \mathrm {~m}\) and perpendicular height \(h \mathrm {~m}\). The centre of mass of the lamina is at \(O\).
  1. Find the value of \(h\).
  2. \includegraphics[max width=\textwidth, alt={}, center]{1d2e8f3a-dab6-4306-bc4a-d47805947cd2-2_680_627_1466_797} The lamina is suspended from a vertical string attached to a point \(X\) on the side \(A D\) of the triangle (see diagram). Given the lamina is in equilibrium with \(A D\) horizontal, calculate \(X D\).
CAIE M2 2013 June Q3
7 marks Standard +0.3
3 \includegraphics[max width=\textwidth, alt={}, center]{d6cb7a28-e8d7-4239-b9d3-120a284d7353-2_373_759_1119_694} A uniform object \(A B C\) is formed from two rods \(A B\) and \(B C\) joined rigidly at right angles at \(B\). The rod \(A B\) has length 0.3 m and the rod \(B C\) has length 0.2 m . The object rests with the end \(A\) on a rough horizontal surface and the \(\operatorname { rod } A B\) vertical. The object is held in equilibrium by a horizontal force of magnitude 4 N applied at \(B\) and acting in the direction \(C B\) (see diagram).
  1. Find the distance of the centre of mass of the object from \(A B\).
  2. Calculate the weight of the object.
  3. Find the least possible value of the coefficient of friction between the surface and the object.
CAIE M2 2013 June Q2
6 marks Standard +0.3
2 A uniform semicircular lamina of radius 0.25 m has diameter \(A B\). It is freely suspended at \(A\) from a fixed point and hangs in equilibrium.
  1. Find the distance of the centre of mass of the lamina from the diameter \(A B\).
  2. Calculate the angle which the diameter \(A B\) makes with the vertical. The lamina is now held in equilibrium with the diameter \(A B\) vertical by means of a force applied at \(B\). This force has magnitude 6 N and acts at \(45 ^ { \circ }\) to the upward vertical in the plane of the lamina.
  3. Calculate the weight of the lamina.
CAIE M2 2019 June Q6
7 marks Standard +0.3
6 \(A B C\) is a uniform lamina in the form of a triangle with \(A B = 0.3 \mathrm {~m} , B C = 0.6 \mathrm {~m}\) and a right angle at \(B\) (see diagram).
  1. State the distances of the centre of mass of the lamina from \(A B\) and from \(B C\). Distance from \(A B\) Distance from \(B C\) \(\_\_\_\_\) The lamina is freely suspended at \(B\) and hangs in equilibrium.
  2. Find the angle between \(A B\) and the horizontal.
    A force of magnitude 12 N is applied along the edge \(A C\) of the lamina in the direction from \(A\) towards \(C\). The lamina, still suspended at \(B\), is now in equilibrium with \(A B\) vertical.
  3. Calculate the weight of the lamina.
CAIE M2 2002 November Q1
3 marks Moderate -0.5
1 \includegraphics[max width=\textwidth, alt={}, center]{fcf239a6-6558-43ec-b404-70aa349af6a9-2_373_552_260_799} A uniform isosceles triangular lamina \(A B C\) is right-angled at \(B\). The length of \(A C\) is 24 cm . The lamina rotates in a horizontal plane, about a vertical axis through the mid-point of \(A C\), with angular speed \(5 \mathrm { rad } \mathrm { s } ^ { - 1 }\) (see diagram). Find the speed with which the centre of mass of the lamina is moving.
[0pt] [3]
CAIE Further Paper 3 2023 June Q3
7 marks Challenging +1.2
3 A particle \(P\) of mass \(m\) is attached to one end of a light inextensible string of length \(a\). The other end of the string is attached to a fixed point \(O\). The particle \(P\) is held at the point \(A\), where \(O A\) makes an angle \(\theta\) with the downward vertical through \(O\), and with the string taut. The particle \(P\) is projected perpendicular to \(O A\) in an upwards direction with speed \(u\). It then starts to move along a circular path in a vertical plane. The string goes slack when \(P\) is at \(B\), where angle \(A O B\) is \(90 ^ { \circ }\) and the speed of \(P\) is \(\sqrt { \frac { 4 } { 5 } \mathrm { ag } }\).
  1. Find the value of \(\sin \theta\).
  2. Find, in terms of \(m\) and \(g\), the tension in the string when \(P\) is at \(A\). \includegraphics[max width=\textwidth, alt={}, center]{454be64a-204f-4fa4-a5fc-72fd88e1289f-06_846_767_258_689} An object is formed from a solid hemisphere, of radius \(2 a\), and a solid cylinder, of radius \(a\) and height \(d\). The hemisphere and the cylinder are made of the same material. The cylinder is attached to the plane face of the hemisphere. The line \(O C\) forms a diameter of the base of the cylinder, where \(C\) is the centre of the plane face of the hemisphere and \(O\) is common to both circumferences (see diagram). Relative to axes through \(O\), parallel and perpendicular to \(O C\) as shown, the centre of mass of the object is ( \(\mathrm { x } , \mathrm { y }\) ).
CAIE M2 2011 November Q2
5 marks Standard +0.3
2 An object is made from two identical uniform rods \(A B\) and \(B C\) each of length 0.6 m and weight 7 N . The rods are rigidly joined to each other at \(B\) and angle \(A B C = 90 ^ { \circ }\).
  1. Calculate the distance of the centre of mass of the object from \(B\). The object is freely suspended at \(A\) and a force of magnitude \(F \mathrm {~N}\) is applied to the rod \(B C\) at \(C\). The object is in equilibrium with \(A B\) inclined at \(45 ^ { \circ }\) to the horizontal.
  2. (a) \begin{figure}[h]
    \includegraphics[alt={},max width=\textwidth]{a093cbad-3ba0-45ce-a617-d4ecc8cb1ec9-2_401_314_799_995} \captionsetup{labelformat=empty} \caption{Fig. 1}
    \end{figure} Calculate \(F\) given that the force acts horizontally as shown in Fig. 1.
    (b) \begin{figure}[h]
    \includegraphics[alt={},max width=\textwidth]{a093cbad-3ba0-45ce-a617-d4ecc8cb1ec9-2_503_273_1446_1014} \captionsetup{labelformat=empty} \caption{Fig. 2}
    \end{figure} Calculate \(F\) given instead that the force acts perpendicular to the rod as shown in Fig. 2.
CAIE M2 2011 November Q6
9 marks Challenging +1.2
6 A uniform solid consists of a hemisphere with centre \(O\) and radius 0.6 m joined to a cylinder of radius 0.6 m and height 0.6 m . The plane face of the hemisphere coincides with one of the plane faces of the cylinder.
  1. Calculate the distance of the centre of mass of the solid from \(O\).
    [0pt] [The volume of a hemisphere of radius \(r\) is \(\frac { 2 } { 3 } \pi r ^ { 3 }\).]
  2. \includegraphics[max width=\textwidth, alt={}, center]{a093cbad-3ba0-45ce-a617-d4ecc8cb1ec9-4_547_631_593_797} A cylindrical hole, of length 0.48 m , starting at the plane face of the solid, is made along the axis of symmetry (see diagram). The resulting solid has its centre of mass at \(O\). Show that the area of the cross-section of the hole is \(\frac { 3 } { 16 } \pi \mathrm {~m} ^ { 2 }\).
  3. It is possible to increase the length of the cylindrical hole so that the solid still has its centre of mass at \(O\). State the increase in the length of the hole.
CAIE M2 2012 November Q6
8 marks Standard +0.3
6 \includegraphics[max width=\textwidth, alt={}, center]{2c6b2e42-09cb-4653-9378-6c6add7771cc-3_582_862_577_644} A uniform lamina \(O A B C D\) consists of a semicircle \(B C D\) with centre \(O\) and radius 0.6 m and an isosceles triangle \(O A B\), joined along \(O B\) (see diagram). The triangle has area \(0.36 \mathrm {~m} ^ { 2 }\) and \(A B = A O\).
  1. Show that the centre of mass of the lamina lies on \(O B\).
  2. Calculate the distance of the centre of mass of the lamina from \(O\).
CAIE M2 2012 November Q1
6 marks Standard +0.8
1 \includegraphics[max width=\textwidth, alt={}, center]{e30ba526-db21-4904-96dc-c12a1f67c81a-2_426_531_258_808} A circular object is formed from a uniform semicircular lamina of weight 12 N and a uniform semicircular arc of weight 8 N . The lamina and the arc both have centre \(O\) and radius 0.6 m and are joined at the ends of their common diameter \(A B\). The object is freely pivoted to a fixed point at \(A\) with \(A B\) inclined at \(30 ^ { \circ }\) to the vertical. The object is in equilibrium acted on by a horizontal force of magnitude \(F\) N applied at the lowest point of the object, and acting in the plane of the object (see diagram).
  1. Show that the centre of mass of the object is at \(O\).
  2. Calculate \(F\).
CAIE M2 2014 November Q7
11 marks Challenging +1.2
7 \includegraphics[max width=\textwidth, alt={}, center]{81be887c-ab01-4327-a5df-f25c68a6fdb6-3_586_527_1030_810} A uniform lamina \(A B C\) is in the form of a major segment of a circle with centre \(O\) and radius 0.35 m . The straight edge of the lamina is \(A B\), and angle \(A O B = \frac { 2 } { 3 } \pi\) radians (see diagram).
  1. Show that the centre of mass of the lamina is 0.0600 m from \(O\), correct to 3 significant figures. The weight of the lamina is 14 N . It is placed on a rough horizontal surface with \(A\) vertically above \(B\) and the lowest point of the arc \(B C\) in contact with the surface. The lamina is held in equilibrium in a vertical plane by a force of magnitude \(F \mathrm {~N}\) acting at \(A\).
  2. Find \(F\) in each of the following cases:
    1. the force of magnitude \(F \mathrm {~N}\) acts along \(A B\);
    2. the force of magnitude \(F \mathrm {~N}\) acts along the tangent to the circular arc at \(A\).
CAIE M2 2015 November Q6
9 marks Challenging +1.2
6 \includegraphics[max width=\textwidth, alt={}, center]{727412ec-d783-4392-8b84-e7d5435a3f4e-3_424_953_255_596} An object is formed by joining a hemispherical shell of radius 0.2 m and a solid cone with base radius 0.2 m and height \(h \mathrm {~m}\) along their circumferences. The centre of mass, \(G\), of the object is \(d \mathrm {~m}\) from the vertex of the cone on the axis of symmetry of the object. The object rests in equilibrium on a horizontal plane, with the curved surface of the cone in contact with the plane (see diagram). The object is on the point of toppling.
  1. Show that \(d = h + \frac { 0.04 } { h }\).
  2. It is given that the cone is uniform and of weight 4 N , and that the hemispherical shell is uniform and of weight \(W \mathrm {~N}\). Given also that \(h = 0.8\), find \(W\).
CAIE M2 2019 November Q7
11 marks Challenging +1.2
7 \includegraphics[max width=\textwidth, alt={}, center]{9daebcbe-826e-4eda-afa7-c935c6ea2bfc-10_451_574_258_781} \(A B C D\) is a uniform lamina in the shape of a trapezium which has centre of mass \(G\). The sides \(A D\) and \(B C\) are parallel and 1.8 m apart, with \(A D = 2.4 \mathrm {~m}\) and \(B C = 1.2 \mathrm {~m}\) (see diagram).
  1. Show that the distance of \(G\) from \(A D\) is 0.8 m .
    The lamina is freely suspended at \(A\) and hangs in equilibrium with \(A D\) making an angle of \(30 ^ { \circ }\) with the vertical.
  2. Calculate the distance \(A G\).
    With the lamina still freely suspended at \(A\) a horizontal force of magnitude 7 N acting in the plane of the lamina is applied at \(D\). The lamina is in equilibrium with \(A G\) making an angle of \(10 ^ { \circ }\) with the downward vertical.
  3. Find the two possible values for the weight of the lamina.
    If you use the following lined page to complete the answer(s) to any question(s), the question number(s) must be clearly shown.
CAIE M2 Specimen Q6
9 marks Challenging +1.2
6 \includegraphics[max width=\textwidth, alt={}, center]{add3948c-3b45-4e67-ac84-e2ca935afd64-08_442_953_237_596} An object is formed by joining a hemispherical shell of radius 0.2 m and a solid cone with base radius 0.2 m and height \(h \mathrm {~m}\) along their circumferences. The centre of mass, \(G\), of the object is \(d \mathrm {~m}\) from the vertex of the cone on the axis of symmetry of the object. The object rests in equilibrium on a horizontal plane, with the curved surface of the cone in contact with the plane (see diagram). The object is on the point of toppling.
  1. Show that \(d = h + \frac { 0.04 } { h }\).
  2. It is given that the cone is uniform and of weight 4 N , and that the hemispherical shell is uniform and of weight \(W \mathrm {~N}\). Given also that \(h = 0.8\), find \(W\).
CAIE Further Paper 3 2020 November Q3
6 marks Standard +0.8
3 One end of a light elastic string, of natural length \(a\) and modulus of elasticity \(4 m g\), is attached to a fixed point \(O\). The other end of the string is attached to a particle of mass \(m\). The particle moves in a horizontal circle with a constant angular speed \(\sqrt { \frac { \mathrm { g } } { \mathrm { a } } }\) with the string inclined at an angle \(\theta\) to the downward vertical through \(O\). The length of the string during this motion is \(( \mathrm { k } + 1 ) \mathrm { a }\).
  1. Find the value of \(k\).
  2. Find the value of \(\cos \theta\). \includegraphics[max width=\textwidth, alt={}, center]{1c53c407-25ea-43fc-a571-74ba1fffea8f-06_584_695_264_667} The diagram shows the cross-section \(A B C D\) of a uniform solid object which is formed by removing a cone with cross-section \(D C E\) from the top of a larger cone with cross-section \(A B E\). The perpendicular distance between \(A B\) and \(D C\) is \(h\), the diameter \(A B\) is \(6 r\) and the diameter \(D C\) is \(2 r\).
    1. Find an expression, in terms of \(h\), for the distance of the centre of mass of the solid object from \(A B\).
      The object is freely suspended from the point \(B\) and hangs in equilibrium. The angle between \(A B\) and the downward vertical through \(B\) is \(\theta\).
    2. Given that \(h = \frac { 13 } { 4 } r\), find the value of \(\tan \theta\).