6.05d Variable speed circles: energy methods

134 questions

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CAIE M2 2016 November Q6
7 marks Challenging +1.2
6 \includegraphics[max width=\textwidth, alt={}, center]{0a80f46b-b37e-46ce-8907-9d10e4f62f6d-3_483_419_1800_863} The diagram shows a smooth narrow tube formed into a fixed vertical circle with centre \(O\) and radius 0.9 m . A light elastic string with modulus of elasticity 8 N and natural length 1.2 m has one end attached to the highest point \(A\) on the inside of the tube. The other end of the string is attached to a particle \(P\) of mass 0.2 kg . The particle is released from rest at the lowest point on the inside of the tube. By considering energy, calculate
  1. the speed of \(P\) when it is at the same horizontal level as \(O\),
  2. the speed of \(P\) at the instant when the string becomes slack.
CAIE M2 2017 November Q4
9 marks Challenging +1.2
4 \includegraphics[max width=\textwidth, alt={}, center]{6b220343-1d64-4dbc-a42d-77967eef9c6d-06_264_839_260_653} A light elastic string has natural length 2 m and modulus of elasticity 39 N . The ends of the string are attached to fixed points \(A\) and \(B\) which are at the same horizontal level and 2.4 m apart. A particle \(P\) of mass \(m \mathrm {~kg}\) is attached to the mid-point of the string and hangs in equilibrium at a point 0.5 m below \(A B\) (see diagram).
  1. Show that \(m = 0.9\). \(P\) is projected vertically downwards from the equilibrium position, and comes to instantaneous rest at a point 1.6 m below \(A B\).
  2. Calculate the speed of projection of \(P\).
CAIE Further Paper 3 2021 November Q6
8 marks Challenging +1.8
6 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 \(P\) moves in complete vertical circles about \(O\) with the string taut. The points \(A\) and \(B\) are on the path of \(P\) with \(A B\) a diameter of the circle. \(O A\) makes an angle \(\theta\) with the downward vertical through \(O\) and \(O B\) makes an angle \(\theta\) with the upward vertical through \(O\). The speed of \(P\) when it is at \(A\) is \(\sqrt { 5 a g }\). The ratio of the tension in the string when \(P\) is at \(A\) to the tension in the string when \(P\) is at \(B\) is \(9 : 5\).
  1. Find the value of \(\cos \theta\).
  2. Find, in terms of \(a\) and \(g\), the greatest speed of \(P\) during its motion. \includegraphics[max width=\textwidth, alt={}, center]{b10c65ef-dafd-4746-be5b-789130b7d030-12_613_718_251_676} The smooth vertical walls \(A B\) and \(C B\) are at right angles to each other. A particle \(P\) is moving with speed \(u\) on a smooth horizontal floor and strikes the wall \(C B\) at an angle \(\alpha\). It rebounds at an angle \(\beta\) to the wall \(C B\). The particle then strikes the wall \(A B\) and rebounds at an angle \(\gamma\) to that wall (see diagram). The coefficient of restitution between each wall and \(P\) is \(e\).
    1. Show that \(\tan \beta = e \tan \alpha\).
    2. Express \(\gamma\) in terms of \(\alpha\) and explain what this result means about the final direction of motion of \(P\).
      As a result of the two impacts the particle loses \(\frac { 8 } { 9 }\) of its initial kinetic energy.
    3. Given that \(\alpha + \beta = 90 ^ { \circ }\), find the value of \(e\) and the value of \(\tan \alpha\).
      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 Further Paper 3 2022 November Q5
8 marks Challenging +1.2
5 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 string is held taut with \(O P\) horizontal. The particle \(P\) is projected vertically downwards with speed \(\sqrt { \frac { 1 } { 3 } \mathrm { ag } }\) and starts to move in a vertical circle. \(P\) passes through the lowest point of the circle and reaches the point \(Q\) where \(O Q\) makes an angle \(\theta\) with the downward vertical. At \(Q\) the speed of \(P\) is \(\sqrt { \mathrm { kag } }\) and the tension in the string is \(\frac { 11 } { 6 } \mathrm { mg }\).
  1. Find the value of \(k\) and the value of \(\cos \theta\).
    At \(Q\) the particle \(P\) becomes detached from the string.
  2. In the subsequent motion, find the greatest height reached by \(P\) above the level of the lowest point of the circle.
Edexcel M3 2016 January Q7
15 marks Challenging +1.2
7. \begin{figure}[h]
\includegraphics[alt={},max width=\textwidth]{ffe0bc72-3136-48d9-9d5b-4a364d134070-11_581_641_262_678} \captionsetup{labelformat=empty} \caption{Figure 4}
\end{figure} A particle of mass \(m\) is attached to one end of a light rod of length \(l\). The other end of the rod is attached to a fixed point \(O\). The rod can turn freely in a vertical plane about a horizontal axis through \(O\). The particle is projected with speed \(u\) from a point \(A\), where \(O A\) makes an angle \(\alpha\) with the upward vertical through \(O\), as shown in Figure 4. The particle moves in complete vertical circles. Given that \(\cos \alpha = \frac { 4 } { 5 }\)
  1. show that \(u > \sqrt { \frac { 2 g l } { 5 } }\) As the rod rotates, the least tension in the rod is \(T\) and the greatest tension is \(4 T\).
  2. Show that \(u = \sqrt { \frac { 17 } { 5 } g l }\)
    \includegraphics[max width=\textwidth, alt={}]{ffe0bc72-3136-48d9-9d5b-4a364d134070-12_2639_1830_121_121}
Edexcel M3 2018 January Q6
15 marks Standard +0.8
6. \begin{figure}[h]
\includegraphics[alt={},max width=\textwidth]{d93ae982-9395-4311-9972-be727b3ce954-18_483_730_242_609} \captionsetup{labelformat=empty} \caption{Figure 4}
\end{figure} A particle \(P\) of mass \(m\) is attached to one end of a light inextensible string of length \(l\). The other end of the string is attached to a fixed point \(O\). The particle is held at the point \(A\), where \(O A = l\) and \(O A\) is horizontal. The particle is then projected vertically downwards from \(A\) with speed \(\sqrt { 2 g l }\), as shown in Figure 4 . When the string makes an angle \(\theta\) with the downward vertical through \(O\) and the string is still taut, the tension in the string is \(T\).
  1. Show that \(T = m g ( 3 \cos \theta + 2 )\) At the instant when the particle reaches the point \(B\), the string becomes slack.
  2. Find the speed of \(P\) at \(B\).
  3. Find the greatest height above \(O\) reached by \(P\) in the subsequent motion.
Edexcel M3 2019 January Q6
16 marks Standard +0.8
6. \begin{figure}[h]
\includegraphics[alt={},max width=\textwidth]{ae189c40-0071-4a6b-91eb-8ffebe082a04-20_497_643_237_653} \captionsetup{labelformat=empty} \caption{Figure 5}
\end{figure} Figure 5 shows a hollow sphere, with centre \(O\) and internal radius \(a\), which is fixed to a horizontal surface. A particle \(P\) of mass \(m\) is projected horizontally with speed \(\sqrt { \frac { 7 a g } { 2 } }\) from the lowest point \(A\) of the inner surface of the sphere. The particle moves in a vertical circle with centre \(O\) on the smooth inner surface of the sphere. The particle passes through the point \(B\), on the inner surface of the sphere, where \(O B\) is horizontal.
  1. Find, in terms of \(m\) and \(g\), the normal reaction exerted on \(P\) by the surface of the sphere when \(P\) is at \(B\). The particle leaves the inner surface of the sphere at the point \(C\), where \(O C\) makes an angle \(\theta , \theta > 0\), with the upward vertical.
  2. Show that, after leaving the surface of the sphere at \(C\), the particle is next in contact with the surface at \(A\).
    END
Edexcel M3 2024 January Q7
13 marks Challenging +1.2
7. \begin{figure}[h]
\includegraphics[alt={},max width=\textwidth]{92131234-bfc1-4e0e-87d4-db9335fbf343-24_506_640_296_715} \captionsetup{labelformat=empty} \caption{Figure 5}
\end{figure} A thin smooth hollow spherical shell has centre \(O\) and radius \(r\). Part of the shell is removed to form a bowl with a plane circular rim. The bowl is fixed with the circular rim uppermost and horizontal. The point \(A\) is the lowest point of the bowl, as shown in Figure 5. The point \(B\) is on the rim of the bowl, with \(O B\) at an angle \(\theta\) to the upward vertical, where \(\tan \theta = \frac { 12 } { 5 }\) A small ball is placed in the bowl at \(A\). The ball is projected from \(A\) with horizontal speed \(u\) and moves in the vertical plane \(A O B\). The ball stays in contact with the bowl until it reaches \(B\). At the instant when the ball reaches \(B\), the speed of the ball is \(v\).
By modelling the ball as a particle and ignoring air resistance,
  1. use the principle of conservation of mechanical energy to show that $$v ^ { 2 } = u ^ { 2 } - \frac { 36 } { 13 } g r$$
  2. show that \(u ^ { 2 } \geqslant \frac { 41 } { 13 } g r\) The point \(C\) is such that \(B C\) is a diameter of the rim of the bowl.
    Given that \(u ^ { 2 } = 4 g r\)
  3. use the model to show that, after leaving the inner surface of the bowl at \(B\), the ball falls back into the bowl before reaching \(C\).
Edexcel M3 2014 June Q5
15 marks Challenging +1.2
5. \begin{figure}[h]
\includegraphics[alt={},max width=\textwidth]{e5b08946-7311-4cf7-9c5f-5f309a1feed7-09_485_442_221_758} \captionsetup{labelformat=empty} \caption{Figure 3}
\end{figure} A particle \(P\) of mass \(2 m\) 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 \(O\). Initially the particle is at the point \(A\) where \(O A = a\) and \(O A\) makes an angle \(60 ^ { \circ }\) with the downward vertical. The particle is projected downwards from \(A\) with speed \(u\) in a direction perpendicular to the string, as shown in Figure 3. The point \(B\) is vertically below \(O\) and \(O B = a\). As \(P\) passes through \(B\) it strikes and adheres to another particle \(Q\) of mass \(m\) which is at rest at \(B\).
  1. Show that the speed of the combined particle immediately after the impact is $$\frac { 2 } { 3 } \sqrt { u ^ { 2 } + a g } .$$
  2. Find, in terms of \(a , g , m\) and \(u\), the tension in the string immediately after the impact. The combined particle moves in a complete circle.
  3. Show that \(u ^ { 2 } \geqslant \frac { 41 a g } { 4 }\).
Edexcel M3 2015 June Q4
12 marks Standard +0.8
4. \begin{figure}[h]
\includegraphics[alt={},max width=\textwidth]{b7cfcf0a-8f54-4350-8e07-a3b51d94d0f2-07_408_509_246_705} \captionsetup{labelformat=empty} \caption{Figure 2}
\end{figure} A particle of mass \(3 m\) 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 is held at the point \(A\), where \(O A\) is horizontal and \(O A = a\). The particle is projected vertically downwards from \(A\) with speed \(u\), as shown in Figure 2. The particle moves in complete vertical circles.
  1. Show that \(u ^ { 2 } \geqslant 3 a g\). Given that the greatest tension in the string is three times the least tension in the string, (b) show that \(u ^ { 2 } = 6 a g\).
Edexcel M3 2020 June Q7
17 marks Challenging +1.2
7. \begin{figure}[h]
\includegraphics[alt={},max width=\textwidth]{ace84823-db30-463e-b24b-f0cd7df73746-20_808_542_264_703} \captionsetup{labelformat=empty} \caption{Figure 5}
\end{figure} A particle of mass \(m\) is attached to one end of a light inextensible string of length 8a. The other end of the string is fixed to the point \(O\) on the smooth horizontal surface of a desk. The point \(E\) is on the edge of the desk, where \(O E = 5 a\) and \(O E\) is perpendicular to the edge of the desk. The particle is held at the point \(A\), vertically above \(O\), with the string taut. The particle is projected horizontally from \(A\) with speed \(\sqrt { 8 a g }\) in the direction \(O E\), as shown in Figure 5. When the particle is above the level of \(O E\) the particle is moving in a vertical circle with radius \(8 a\). Given that, when the string makes an angle \(\theta\) with the upward vertical through \(O\), the tension in the string is \(T\),
  1. show that \(T = 3 m g ( 1 - \cos \theta )\) At the instant when the string is horizontal, the particle passes through the point \(B\).
  2. Find the instantaneous change in the tension in the string as the particle passes through \(B\). The particle hits the vertical side \(E F\) of the desk and rebounds. As a result of the impact, the particle loses one third of the kinetic energy it had immediately before the impact. In the subsequent motion the string becomes slack when it makes an angle \(\alpha\) with the upward vertical through \(O\).
  3. Show that \(\cos \alpha = \frac { 7 } { 12 }\) DO NOT WRITEIN THIS AREA
    VIXV SIHIANI III IM IONOOVIAV SIHI NI JYHAM ION OOVI4V SIHI NI JLIYM ION OO
    \includegraphics[max width=\textwidth, alt={}, center]{ace84823-db30-463e-b24b-f0cd7df73746-23_2255_50_314_34}
    Leave
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    Q7
Edexcel M3 2018 Specimen Q4
12 marks Standard +0.3
4. \begin{figure}[h]
\includegraphics[alt={},max width=\textwidth]{bb73b211-7629-4ed7-9b71-91841c29bb85-12_403_497_251_712} \captionsetup{labelformat=empty} \caption{Figure 2}
\end{figure} A particle of mass \(3 m\) 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 is held at the point \(A\), where \(O A\) is horizontal and \(O A = a\). The particle is projected vertically downwards from \(A\) with speed \(u\), as shown in Figure 2. The particle moves in complete vertical circles.
  1. Show that \(u ^ { 2 } \geqslant 3 a g\). Given that the greatest tension in the string is three times the least tension in the string, (b) show that \(u ^ { 2 } = 6 a g\).
    VIIIV SIHI NI JIIYM ION OCVIIVV SIHI NI JIIIAM ION OOVEYV SIHIL NI JIIIM ION OO
Edexcel M3 Q4
Challenging +1.2
4. \begin{figure}[h]
\captionsetup{labelformat=empty} \caption{Figure 2} \includegraphics[alt={},max width=\textwidth]{ab85ec29-b1fc-45a9-9343-09feb33ab6c5-006_574_510_324_726}
\end{figure} 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 point \(O\). The point \(A\) is vertically below \(O\), and \(O A = a\). The particle is projected horizontally from \(A\) with speed \(\sqrt { } ( 3 a g )\). When \(O P\) makes an angle \(\theta\) with the upward vertical through \(O\) and the string is still taut, the tension in the string is \(T\) and the speed of \(P\) is \(v\), as shown in Figure 2.
  1. Find, in terms of \(a , g\) and \(\theta\), an expression for \(v ^ { 2 }\).
  2. Show that \(T = ( 1 - 3 \cos \theta ) m g\). The string becomes slack when \(P\) is at the point \(B\).
  3. Find, in terms of \(a\), the vertical height of \(B\) above \(A\). After the string becomes slack, the highest point reached by \(P\) is \(C\).
  4. Find, in terms of \(a\), the vertical height of \(C\) above \(B\).
Edexcel M3 2003 January Q7
16 marks Challenging +1.2
7. \begin{figure}[h]
\captionsetup{labelformat=empty} \caption{Figure 4} \includegraphics[alt={},max width=\textwidth]{044c5866-0a12-4309-8ced-b463e1615fb0-5_604_596_391_760}
\end{figure} Part of a hollow spherical shell, centre \(O\) and radius \(a\), is removed to form a bowl with a plane circular rim. The bowl is fixed with the circular rim uppermost and horizontal. The point \(A\) is the lowest point of the bowl. The point \(B\) is on the rim of the bowl and \(\angle A O B = 120 ^ { \circ }\), as shown in Fig. 4. A smooth small marble of mass \(m\) is placed inside the bowl at \(A\) and given an initial horizontal speed \(u\). The direction of motion of the marble lies in the vertical plane \(A O B\). The marble stays in contact with the bowl until it reaches \(B\). When the marble reaches \(B\), its speed is \(v\).
  1. Find an expression for \(v ^ { 2 }\).
  2. For the case when \(u ^ { 2 } = 6 g a\), find the normal reaction of the bowl on the marble as the marble reaches \(B\).
  3. Find the least possible value of \(u\) for the marble to reach \(B\). The point \(C\) is the other point on the rim of the bowl lying in the vertical plane \(O A B\).
  4. Find the value of \(u\) which will enable the marble to leave the bowl at \(B\) and meet it again at the point \(C\).
Edexcel M3 2004 January Q7
14 marks Challenging +1.2
7. \begin{figure}[h]
\captionsetup{labelformat=empty} \caption{Figure 3} \includegraphics[alt={},max width=\textwidth]{c4b453e7-8a32-458b-8041-58c9e4ef9533-6_710_729_172_672}
\end{figure} 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 fixed at a point \(O\). The particle is held with the string taut and \(O P\) horizontal. It is then projected vertically downwards with speed \(u\), where \(u ^ { 2 } = \frac { 3 } { 2 } g a\). When \(O P\) has turned through an angle \(\theta\) and the string is still taut, the speed of \(P\) is \(v\) and the tension in the string is \(T\), as shown in Fig. 3.
  1. Find an expression for \(v ^ { 2 }\) in terms of \(a , g\) and \(\theta\).
  2. Find an expression for \(T\) in terms of \(m , g\) and \(\theta\).
  3. Prove that the string becomes slack when \(\theta = 210 ^ { \circ }\).
  4. State, with a reason, whether \(P\) would complete a vertical circle if the string were replaced by a light rod. After the string becomes slack, \(P\) moves freely under gravity and is at the same level as \(O\) when it is at the point \(A\).
  5. Explain briefly why the speed of \(P\) at \(A\) is \(\sqrt { } \left( \frac { 3 } { 2 } g a \right)\). The direction of motion of \(P\) at \(A\) makes an angle \(\varphi\) with the horizontal.
  6. Find \(\varphi\).
Edexcel M3 2006 January Q6
14 marks Standard +0.8
6. One end of a light inextensible string of length \(l\) is attached to a fixed point \(A\). The other end is attached to a particle \(P\) of mass \(m\) which is hanging freely at rest at point \(B\). The particle \(P\) is projected horizontally from \(B\) with speed \(\sqrt { } ( 3 g l )\). When \(A P\) makes an angle \(\theta\) with the downward vertical and the string remains taut, the tension in the string is \(T\).
  1. Show that \(T = m g ( 1 + 3 \cos \theta )\).
  2. Find the speed of \(P\) at the instant when the string becomes slack.
  3. Find the maximum height above the level of \(B\) reached by \(P\).
Edexcel M3 2007 January Q4
13 marks Standard +0.8
4. \begin{figure}[h]
\captionsetup{labelformat=empty} \caption{Figure 2} \includegraphics[alt={},max width=\textwidth]{25b3ece7-69ed-4ec4-a6c7-4cd83ec2cc5e-05_574_510_324_726}
\end{figure} 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 point \(O\). The point \(A\) is vertically below \(O\), and \(O A = a\). The particle is projected horizontally from \(A\) with speed \(\sqrt { } ( 3 a g )\). When \(O P\) makes an angle \(\theta\) with the upward vertical through \(O\) and the string is still taut, the tension in the string is \(T\) and the speed of \(P\) is \(v\), as shown in Figure 2.
  1. Find, in terms of \(a , g\) and \(\theta\), an expression for \(v ^ { 2 }\).
  2. Show that \(T = ( 1 - 3 \cos \theta ) m g\). The string becomes slack when \(P\) is at the point \(B\).
  3. Find, in terms of \(a\), the vertical height of \(B\) above \(A\). After the string becomes slack, the highest point reached by \(P\) is \(C\).
  4. Find, in terms of \(a\), the vertical height of \(C\) above \(B\).
Edexcel M3 2008 January Q6
15 marks Challenging +1.2
6. \begin{figure}[h]
\captionsetup{labelformat=empty} \caption{Figure 2} \includegraphics[alt={},max width=\textwidth]{39c2d25a-a39b-4eb9-a17b-6e741ab5ae98-09_357_606_315_717}
\end{figure} 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 \(O\). At time \(t = 0 , P\) is projected vertically downwards with speed \(\sqrt { } \left( \frac { 5 } { 2 } g a \right)\) from a point \(A\) which is at the same level as \(O\) and a distance \(a\) from \(O\). When the string has turned through an angle \(\theta\) and the string is still taut, the speed of \(P\) is \(v\) and the tension in the string is \(T\), as shown in Figure 2.
  1. Show that \(v ^ { 2 } = \frac { g a } { 2 } ( 5 + 4 \sin \theta )\).
  2. Find \(T\) in terms of \(m , g\) and \(\theta\). The string becomes slack when \(\theta = \alpha\).
  3. Find the value of \(\alpha\). The particle is projected again from \(A\) with the same velocity as before. When \(P\) is at the same level as \(O\) for the first time after leaving \(A\), the string meets a small smooth peg \(B\) which has been fixed at a distance \(\frac { 1 } { 2 } a\) from \(O\). The particle now moves on an arc of a circle centre \(B\). Given that the particle reaches the point \(C\), which is \(\frac { 1 } { 2 } a\) vertically above the point \(B\), without the string going slack,
  4. find the tension in the string when \(P\) is at the point \(C\).
Edexcel M3 2010 January Q6
14 marks Standard +0.3
6. A bend of a race track is modelled as an arc of a horizontal circle of radius 120 m . The track is not banked at the bend. The maximum speed at which a motorcycle can be ridden round the bend without slipping sideways is \(28 \mathrm {~m} \mathrm {~s} ^ { - 1 }\). The motorcycle and its rider are modelled as a particle and air resistance is assumed to be negligible.
  1. Show that the coefficient of friction between the motorcycle and the track is \(\frac { 2 } { 3 }\). The bend is now reconstructed so that the track is banked at an angle \(\alpha\) to the horizontal. The maximum speed at which the motorcycle can now be ridden round the bend without slipping sideways is \(35 \mathrm {~m} \mathrm {~s} ^ { - 1 }\). The radius of the bend and the coefficient of friction between the motorcycle and the track are unchanged.
  2. Find the value of \(\tan \alpha\).
Edexcel M3 2013 January Q6
14 marks Challenging +1.2
6. \begin{figure}[h]
\includegraphics[alt={},max width=\textwidth]{d19c7390-0332-4cab-82e5-72976bd499a2-11_412_533_258_685} \captionsetup{labelformat=empty} \caption{Figure 3}
\end{figure} A smooth hollow cylinder of internal radius \(a\) is fixed with its axis horizontal. A particle \(P\) moves on the inner surface of the cylinder in a vertical circle with radius \(a\) and centre \(O\), where \(O\) lies on the axis of the cylinder. The particle is projected vertically downwards with speed \(u\) from point \(A\) on the circle, where \(O A\) is horizontal. The particle first loses contact with the cylinder at the point \(B\), where \(\angle A O B = 150 ^ { \circ }\), as shown in Figure 3. Given that air resistance can be ignored,
  1. show that the speed of \(P\) at \(B\) is \(\sqrt { } \left( \frac { a g } { 2 } \right)\),
  2. find \(u\) in terms of \(a\) and \(g\). After losing contact with the cylinder, \(P\) crosses the diameter through \(A\) at the point \(D\). At \(D\) the velocity of \(P\) makes an angle \(\theta ^ { \circ }\) with the horizontal.
  3. Find the value of \(\theta\).
Edexcel M3 2004 June Q6
15 marks Standard +0.8
6. \begin{figure}[h]
\captionsetup{labelformat=empty} \caption{Figure 3} \includegraphics[alt={},max width=\textwidth]{b9e9b91c-7e6d-4b84-9f0e-180b626887c2-4_460_799_301_657}
\end{figure} Figure 3 represents the path of a skier of mass 70 kg moving on a ski-slope \(A B C D\). The path lies in a vertical plane. From \(A\) to \(B\), the path is modelled as a straight line inclined at \(60 ^ { \circ }\) to the horizontal. From \(B\) to \(D\), the path is modelled as an arc of a vertical circle of radius 50 m . The lowest point of the \(\operatorname { arc } B D\) is \(C\). At \(B\), the skier is moving downwards with speed \(20 \mathrm {~m} \mathrm {~s} ^ { - 1 }\). At \(D\), the path is inclined at \(30 ^ { \circ }\) to the horizontal and the skier is moving upwards. By modelling the slope as smooth and the skier as a particle, find
  1. the speed of the skier at \(C\),
  2. the normal reaction of the slope on the skier at \(C\),
  3. the speed of the skier at \(D\),
  4. the change in the normal reaction of the slope on the skier as she passes \(B\). The model is refined to allow for the influence of friction on the motion of the skier.
  5. State briefly, with a reason, how the answer to part (b) would be affected by using such a model. (No further calculations are expected.)
CAIE FP2 2011 June Q4
12 marks Challenging +1.8
4 A particle \(P\) of mass \(m\) is suspended from a fixed point \(O\) by a light inextensible string of length \(a\). When hanging at rest under gravity, \(P\) is given a horizontal velocity of magnitude \(\sqrt { } ( 3 a g )\) and subsequently moves freely in a vertical circle. Show that the tension \(T\) in the string when \(O P\) makes an angle \(\theta\) with the downward vertical is given by $$T = m g ( 1 + 3 \cos \theta )$$ When the string is horizontal, it comes into contact with a small smooth peg \(Q\) which is at the same horizontal level as \(O\) and at a distance \(x\) from \(O\), where \(x < a\). Given that \(P\) completes a vertical circle about \(Q\), find the least possible value of \(x\).
CAIE FP2 2013 June Q2
8 marks Challenging +1.8
2 \includegraphics[max width=\textwidth, alt={}, center]{7fcedc6d-8dc1-4159-8a72-be0f6a3f659b-2_698_737_484_703} A particle \(P\) travels on a smooth surface whose vertical cross-section is in the form of two arcs of circles. The first arc \(A B\) is a quarter of a circle of radius \(\frac { 1 } { 8 } a\) and centre \(O\). The second arc \(B C\) is a quarter of a circle of radius \(a\) and centre \(Q\). The two arcs are smoothly joined at \(B\). The point \(Q\) is vertically below \(O\) and the two arcs are in the same vertical plane. The particle \(P\) is projected vertically downwards from \(A\) with speed \(u\). When \(P\) is on the \(\operatorname { arc } B C\), angle \(B Q P\) is \(\theta\) (see diagram). Given that \(P\) loses contact with the surface when \(\cos \theta = \frac { 5 } { 6 }\), find \(u\) in terms of \(a\) and \(g\).
CAIE FP2 2014 June Q4
10 marks Challenging +1.2
4 \includegraphics[max width=\textwidth, alt={}, center]{ab5f2781-e5ce-4fce-bc95-9d7f55ea66d9-2_515_583_1388_781} A smooth wire is in the form of an \(\operatorname { arc } A B\) of a circle, of radius \(a\), that subtends an obtuse angle \(\pi - \theta\) at the centre \(O\) of the circle. It is given that \(\sin \theta = \frac { 1 } { 4 }\). The wire is fixed in a vertical plane, with \(A O\) horizontal and \(B\) below the level of \(O\) (see diagram). A small bead of mass \(m\) is threaded on the wire and projected vertically downwards from \(A\) with speed \(\sqrt { } \left( \frac { 3 } { 10 } g a \right)\).
  1. Find the reaction between the bead and the wire when the bead is vertically below \(O\).
  2. Find the speed of the bead as it leaves the wire at \(B\).
  3. Show that the greatest height reached by the bead is \(\frac { 1 } { 8 } a\) above the level of \(O\).
CAIE FP2 2014 June Q4
10 marks Challenging +1.2
4 \includegraphics[max width=\textwidth, alt={}, center]{ae8d874a-5c1d-45bb-b853-d12006004b7f-2_519_583_1384_781} A smooth wire is in the form of an \(\operatorname { arc } A B\) of a circle, of radius \(a\), that subtends an obtuse angle \(\pi - \theta\) at the centre \(O\) of the circle. It is given that \(\sin \theta = \frac { 1 } { 4 }\). The wire is fixed in a vertical plane, with \(A O\) horizontal and \(B\) below the level of \(O\) (see diagram). A small bead of mass \(m\) is threaded on the wire and projected vertically downwards from \(A\) with speed \(\sqrt { } \left( \frac { 3 } { 10 } g a \right)\).
  1. Find the reaction between the bead and the wire when the bead is vertically below \(O\).
  2. Find the speed of the bead as it leaves the wire at \(B\).
  3. Show that the greatest height reached by the bead is \(\frac { 1 } { 8 } a\) above the level of \(O\).