Coplanar forces in equilibrium

A question is this type if and only if it involves finding unknown forces or angles when multiple coplanar forces acting at a point are in equilibrium, typically requiring resolution of forces in two perpendicular directions.

27 questions · Standard +0.6

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CAIE P1 2012 June Q3
5 marks Standard +0.3
3 \includegraphics[max width=\textwidth, alt={}, center]{4d8fcc3d-a2da-4d98-8500-075d10847be3-2_584_659_575_742} In the diagram, \(A B C\) is an equilateral triangle of side 2 cm . The mid-point of \(B C\) is \(Q\). An arc of a circle with centre \(A\) touches \(B C\) at \(Q\), and meets \(A B\) at \(P\) and \(A C\) at \(R\). Find the total area of the shaded regions, giving your answer in terms of \(\pi\) and \(\sqrt { } 3\).
CAIE M1 2021 June Q3
6 marks Moderate -0.3
3 \includegraphics[max width=\textwidth, alt={}, center]{ba29ddb2-3558-4be1-a8a8-134e27a70149-04_456_767_260_689} Four coplanar forces act at a point. The magnitudes of the forces are \(20 \mathrm {~N} , 30 \mathrm {~N} , 40 \mathrm {~N}\) and \(F \mathrm {~N}\). The directions of the forces are as shown in the diagram, where \(\sin \alpha ^ { \circ } = 0.28\) and \(\sin \beta ^ { \circ } = 0.6\). Given that the forces are in equilibrium, find \(F\) and \(\theta\).
CAIE M1 2022 March Q5
7 marks Standard +0.3
5 \includegraphics[max width=\textwidth, alt={}, center]{19a41291-2692-48f4-86af-bb4930353959-08_645_611_258_767} Four coplanar forces act at a point. The magnitudes of the forces are \(10 \mathrm {~N} , F \mathrm {~N} , G \mathrm {~N}\) and \(2 F \mathrm {~N}\). The directions of the forces are as shown in the diagram.
  1. Given that the forces are in equilibrium, find the values of \(F\) and \(G\).
  2. Given instead that \(F = 3\), find the value of \(G\) for which the resultant of the forces is perpendicular to the 10 N force.
CAIE M1 2010 June Q1
4 marks Standard +0.3
1 \includegraphics[max width=\textwidth, alt={}, center]{dafc271d-a77b-4401-9170-e13e484d6e5f-2_582_751_255_696} Three coplanar forces act at a point. The magnitudes of the forces are \(5.5 \mathrm {~N} , 6.8 \mathrm {~N}\) and 7.3 N , and the directions in which the forces act are as shown in the diagram. Given that the resultant of the three forces is in the same direction as the force of magnitude 6.8 N , find the value of \(\alpha\) and the magnitude of the resultant.
CAIE M1 2016 June Q4
6 marks Standard +0.3
4 \includegraphics[max width=\textwidth, alt={}, center]{099c81e0-a95a-4f98-801c-32d905ef7c7d-2_446_752_1521_699} Coplanar forces of magnitudes \(50 \mathrm {~N} , 48 \mathrm {~N} , 14 \mathrm {~N}\) and \(P \mathrm {~N}\) act at a point in the directions shown in the diagram. The system is in equilibrium. Given that \(\tan \alpha = \frac { 7 } { 24 }\), find the values of \(P\) and \(\theta\).
CAIE M1 2016 June Q3
6 marks Moderate -0.3
3 \includegraphics[max width=\textwidth, alt={}, center]{aaf655c6-47f0-4f17-9a57-58aaf48728df-2_586_611_1171_767} The coplanar forces shown in the diagram are in equilibrium. Find the values of \(P\) and \(\theta\).
CAIE FP2 2014 June Q4
Standard +0.3
4 \includegraphics[max width=\textwidth, alt={}, center]{f8961f84-c080-4407-a178-45b76f200111-3_561_606_260_767} A uniform rod \(A B\) has mass \(m\) and length \(2 d\). The rod rests in equilibrium on a smooth peg \(C\), with the end \(A\) resting on a rough horizontal plane. The distance \(A C\) is \(2 a\) and the angle between \(A B\) and the horizontal is \(\alpha\), where \(\cos \alpha = \frac { 3 } { 5 }\). A particle of mass \(\frac { 1 } { 2 } m\) is attached to the rod at \(B\) (see diagram). Find the normal reaction at \(A\) and deduce that \(d < \frac { 25 } { 6 } a\). The coefficient of friction between the rod and the plane is \(\mu\). Show that \(\mu \geqslant \frac { 8 d } { 25 a - 6 d }\).
CAIE M1 2017 June Q2
5 marks Moderate -0.3
2 \includegraphics[max width=\textwidth, alt={}, center]{3d7f53af-dbf2-499b-9966-ae85514cef02-03_522_604_262_769} The four coplanar forces shown in the diagram are in equilibrium. Find the values of \(P\) and \(\theta\).
CAIE M1 2014 November Q2
5 marks Moderate -0.8
2 \includegraphics[max width=\textwidth, alt={}, center]{c7133fc4-9a14-43fd-b5ed-788da72291cd-2_666_953_662_596} Three coplanar forces act at a point. The magnitudes of the forces are \(20 \mathrm {~N} , 25 \mathrm {~N}\) and 30 N , and the directions in which the forces act are as shown in the diagram, where \(\sin \alpha = 0.28\) and \(\cos \alpha = 0.96\), and \(\sin \beta = 0.6\) and \(\cos \beta = 0.8\).
  1. Show that the resultant of the three forces has a zero component in the \(x\)-direction.
  2. Find the magnitude and direction of the resultant of the three forces.
  3. The force of magnitude 20 N is replaced by another force. The effect is that the resultant force is unchanged in magnitude but reversed in direction. State the magnitude and direction of the replacement force.
CAIE M1 2015 November Q1
5 marks Moderate -0.3
1 \includegraphics[max width=\textwidth, alt={}, center]{48f66bd5-33c1-4ce9-85f9-69faf10e871c-2_558_529_258_808} Four horizontal forces act at a point \(O\) and are in equilibrium. The magnitudes of the forces are \(F \mathrm {~N}\), \(G \mathrm {~N} , 15 \mathrm {~N}\) and \(F \mathrm {~N}\), and the forces act in directions as shown in the diagram.
  1. Show that \(F = 41.0\), correct to 3 significant figures.
  2. Find the value of \(G\).
CAIE M1 2016 November Q4
6 marks Moderate -0.3
4 \includegraphics[max width=\textwidth, alt={}, center]{a92f97e2-343f-4cac-ae38-f18a4ad49055-2_334_832_1617_660} Three coplanar forces of magnitudes \(F \mathrm {~N} , 2 F \mathrm {~N}\) and 15 N act at a point \(P\), as shown in the diagram. Given that the forces are in equilibrium, find the values of \(F\) and \(\alpha\).
Edexcel M2 2014 June Q4
9 marks Standard +0.3
  1. A truck of mass 1800 kg is towing a trailer of mass 800 kg up a straight road which is inclined to the horizontal at an angle \(\alpha\), where \(\sin \alpha = \frac { 1 } { 20 }\). The truck is connected to the trailer by a light inextensible rope which is parallel to the direction of motion of the truck. The resistances to motion of the truck and the trailer from non-gravitational forces are modelled as constant forces of magnitudes 300 N and 200 N respectively. The truck is moving at constant speed \(v \mathrm {~m} \mathrm {~s} ^ { - 1 }\) and the engine of the truck is working at a rate of 40 kW .
    1. Find the value of \(v\).
    As the truck is moving up the road the rope breaks.
  2. Find the acceleration of the truck immediately after the rope breaks.
OCR M1 2012 June Q6
13 marks Standard +0.3
6 \includegraphics[max width=\textwidth, alt={}, center]{f0813713-d677-4ed7-87e1-971a64bdb6ff-4_328_698_255_657} A particle \(P\) lies on a slope inclined at \(30 ^ { \circ }\) to the horizontal. \(P\) is attached to one end of a taut light inextensible string which passes through a small smooth ring \(Q\) of mass \(m \mathrm {~kg}\). The portion \(P Q\) of the string is horizontal and the other portion of the string is inclined at \(40 ^ { \circ }\) to the vertical. A horizontal force of magnitude \(H \mathrm {~N}\), acting away from \(P\), is applied to \(Q\) (see diagram). The tension in the string is 6.4 N , and the string is in the vertical plane containing the line of greatest slope on which \(P\) lies. Both \(P\) and \(Q\) are in equilibrium.
  1. Calculate \(m\).
  2. Calculate \(H\).
  3. Given that the weight of \(P\) is 32 N , and that \(P\) is in limiting equilibrium, show that the coefficient of friction between \(P\) and the slope is 0.879 , correct to 3 significant figures. \(Q\) and the string are now removed.
  4. Determine whether \(P\) remains in equilibrium.
OCR MEI M1 Q3
4 marks Standard +0.3
3 Fig. 3 shows a system in equilibrium. The rod is firmly attached to the floor and also to an object, P. The light string is attached to P and passes over a smooth pulley with an object Q hanging freely from its other end. \begin{figure}[h]
\includegraphics[alt={},max width=\textwidth]{bf477f61-9f8f-418a-86d8-392bc30323b1-2_519_629_370_745} \captionsetup{labelformat=empty} \caption{Fig. 3}
\end{figure}
  1. Why is the tension the same throughout the string?
  2. Calculate the force in the rod, stating whether it is a tension or a thrust.
OCR MEI M2 2008 June Q3
18 marks Standard +0.8
3 \begin{enumerate}[label=(\alph*)] \item Fig. 3.1 shows a framework in a vertical plane constructed of light, rigid rods \(\mathrm { AB } , \mathrm { BC } , \mathrm { AD }\) and BD . The rods are freely pin-jointed to each other at \(\mathrm { A } , \mathrm { B }\) and D and to a vertical wall at C and D. There are vertical loads of \(L \mathrm {~N}\) at A and \(3 L \mathrm {~N}\) at B . Angle DAB is \(30 ^ { \circ }\), angle DBC is \(60 ^ { \circ }\) and ABC is a straight, horizontal line. \begin{figure}[h]
\includegraphics[alt={},max width=\textwidth]{130d0f63-83ac-484f-9c0b-a633e0d87743-4_538_617_497_804} \captionsetup{labelformat=empty} \caption{Fig. 3.1}
\end{figure}
  1. Draw a diagram showing the loads and the internal forces in the four rods.
  2. Find the internal forces in the rods in terms of \(L\), stating whether each rod is in tension or in thrust (compression). [You may leave answers in surd form. Note that you are not required to find the external forces acting at C and at D.]
\item Fig. 3.2 shows uniform beams PQ and QR , each of length 2 lm and of weight \(W \mathrm {~N}\). The beams are freely hinged at Q and are in equilibrium on a rough horizontal surface when inclined at \(60 ^ { \circ }\) to the horizontal. You are given that the total force acting at Q on QR due to the hinge is horizontal. This force, \(U \mathrm {~N}\), is shown in Fig. 3.3. \begin{figure}[h]
\includegraphics[alt={},max width=\textwidth]{130d0f63-83ac-484f-9c0b-a633e0d87743-4_428_566_1699_536} \captionsetup{labelformat=empty} \caption{Fig. 3.2}
\end{figure} \begin{figure}[h]
\includegraphics[alt={},max width=\textwidth]{130d0f63-83ac-484f-9c0b-a633e0d87743-4_296_282_1699_1407} \captionsetup{labelformat=empty} \caption{Fig. 3.3}
\end{figure} Show that the frictional force between the floor and each beam is \(\frac { \sqrt { 3 } } { 6 } W \mathrm {~N}\).
  1. \begin{figure}[h]
    \includegraphics[alt={},max width=\textwidth]{130d0f63-83ac-484f-9c0b-a633e0d87743-5_641_885_269_671} \captionsetup{labelformat=empty} \caption{Fig. 4}
    \end{figure} A small sphere of mass 0.15 kg is attached to one end, B, of a light, inextensible piece of fishing line of length 2 m . The other end of the line, A , is fixed and the line can swing freely. The sphere swings with the line taut from a point where the line is at an angle of \(40 ^ { \circ }\) with the vertical, as shown in Fig. 4.
    1. Explain why no work is done on the sphere by the tension in the line.
    2. Show that the sphere has dropped a vertical distance of about 0.4679 m when it is at the lowest point of its swing and calculate the amount of gravitational potential energy lost when it is at this point.
    3. Assuming that there is no air resistance and that the sphere swings from rest from the position shown in Fig. 4, calculate the speed of the sphere at the lowest point of its swing.
    4. Now consider the case where
      Calculate the speed of the sphere at the lowest point of its swing.
    5. A block of mass 3 kg slides down a uniform, rough slope that is at an angle of \(30 ^ { \circ }\) to the horizontal. The acceleration of the block is \(\frac { 1 } { 8 } g\). Show that the coefficient of friction between the block and the slope is \(\frac { 1 } { 4 } \sqrt { 3 }\).
OCR MEI M2 2010 June Q3
19 marks Challenging +1.2
3 Fig. 3 shows a framework in a vertical plane constructed of light, rigid rods \(\mathrm { AB } , \mathrm { BC } , \mathrm { CD } , \mathrm { DA }\) and BD . The rods are freely pin-jointed to each other at \(\mathrm { A } , \mathrm { B } , \mathrm { C }\) and D and to a vertical wall at A . ABCD is a parallelogram with AD horizontal and BD vertical; the dimensions of the framework, in metres, are shown. There is a vertical load of 300 N acting at C and a vertical wire attached to D , with tension \(T \mathrm {~N}\), holds the framework in equilibrium. The horizontal and vertical forces, \(X \mathrm {~N}\) and \(Y \mathrm {~N}\), acting on the framework at A due to the wall are also shown. \begin{figure}[h]
\includegraphics[alt={},max width=\textwidth]{1a605f0b-f595-4bb9-9624-f816c789ad86-4_737_860_568_641} \captionsetup{labelformat=empty} \caption{Fig. 3}
\end{figure}
  1. Show that \(T = 600\) and calculate the values of \(X\) and \(Y\).
  2. Draw a diagram showing all the forces acting on the framework, and also the internal forces in the rods.
  3. Calculate the internal forces in the five rods, indicating whether each rod is in tension or compression (thrust). (You may leave answers in surd form. Your working in this part should correspond to your diagram in part (ii).) Suppose that the vertical wire is attached at B instead of D and that the framework is still in equilibrium.
  4. Without doing any further calculations, state which four of the rods have the same internal forces as in part (iii) and say briefly why this is the case. Determine the new force in the fifth rod.
OCR MEI M2 2014 June Q3
20 marks Standard +0.3
3
  1. Fig. 3.1 shows a framework in equilibrium in a vertical plane. The framework is made from 3 light rigid rods \(\mathrm { AB } , \mathrm { BC }\) and CA which are freely pin-jointed to each other at \(\mathrm { A } , \mathrm { B }\) and C . The pin-joint at A is attached to a fixed horizontal beam; the pin-joint at C rests on a smooth horizontal floor. BC is 2 m and angle BAC is \(30 ^ { \circ }\); BC is at right angles to \(\mathrm { AC } . \mathrm { AB }\) is horizontal. Fig. 3.1 also shows the external forces acting on the framework; there is a vertical load of 60 N at B , horizontal and vertical forces \(X \mathrm {~N}\) and \(Y \mathrm {~N}\) act at A ; the reaction of the floor at C is \(R \mathrm {~N}\). \begin{figure}[h]
    \includegraphics[alt={},max width=\textwidth]{334b2170-3708-46db-bff7-bcad7d5fab00-4_323_803_571_580} \captionsetup{labelformat=empty} \caption{Fig. 3.1}
    \end{figure}
    1. Show that \(R = 80\) and find the values of \(X\) and \(Y\).
    2. Using the diagram in your printed answer book, show all the forces acting on the pin-joints, including those internal to the rods.
    3. Calculate the forces internal to the rods \(\mathrm { AB } , \mathrm { BC }\) and CA , stating whether each rod is in tension or thrust (compression). [You may leave your answers in surd form. Your working in this part should correspond to your diagram in part (ii).]
  2. Fig 3.2 shows a non-uniform rod of length 6 m and weight 68 N with its centre of mass at G . This rod is free to rotate in a vertical plane about a horizontal axis through B , which is 2 m from A . G is 2 m from B . The rod is held in equilibrium at an angle \(\theta\) to the horizontal by a horizontal force of 102 N acting at C and another force acting at A (not shown in Fig. 3.2). Both of these forces and the force exerted on the rod by the hinge (also not shown in Fig 3.2) act in a vertical plane containing the rod. You are given that \(\sin \theta = \frac { 15 } { 17 }\). \begin{figure}[h]
    \includegraphics[alt={},max width=\textwidth]{334b2170-3708-46db-bff7-bcad7d5fab00-4_396_314_1747_852} \captionsetup{labelformat=empty} \caption{Fig. 3.2}
    \end{figure}
    1. First suppose that the force at A is at right angles to ABC and has magnitude \(P \mathrm {~N}\). Calculate \(P\).
    2. Now instead suppose that the force at A is horizontal and has magnitude \(Q \mathrm {~N}\). Calculate \(Q\).
      Calculate also the magnitude of the force exerted on the rod by the hinge.
OCR MEI Further Mechanics Minor 2019 June Q5
14 marks Standard +0.3
5 Jack and Jemima are pulling a boat along a straight level canal.
The resistance to the motion of the boat is modelled as constant and equal to 1200 N .
Jack and Jemima walk in the same direction on paths on opposite sides of the canal. They each walk forwards at the same steady speed, keeping level with each other so that the distance between them is always 6 m . Jack and Jemima each pull a long light inextensible rope attached to the boat; initially they hold their ropes so the distance from each of them to the boat is 5 m , as shown in Fig. 5.1. \begin{figure}[h]
\includegraphics[alt={},max width=\textwidth]{3b808042-95b8-4862-8355-3979c1981089-4_417_1109_605_246} \captionsetup{labelformat=empty} \caption{Fig. 5.1}
\end{figure}
  1. Explain why the tension will be the same in each rope.
  2. Find the tension in each rope. Jemima then gradually releases more rope, so that the distance between her and the boat is 7 m . Jack and Jemima continue to walk at the same steady speed along the paths, but the position of the boat changes so that Jemima's rope makes an angle of \(\theta\) with the path and Jack's rope makes an angle of \(\phi\) with the path, as shown in Fig. 5.2. \begin{figure}[h]
    \includegraphics[alt={},max width=\textwidth]{3b808042-95b8-4862-8355-3979c1981089-4_513_1109_1610_246} \captionsetup{labelformat=empty} \caption{Fig. 5.2}
    \end{figure}
  3. - Show that \(\sin \phi = \frac { 1 } { 5 }\).
CAIE M2 2013 November Q7
16 marks Challenging +1.8
\includegraphics{figure_7} A uniform solid hemisphere of mass \(M\) and radius \(a\) is placed with its curved surface on rough horizontal ground. A horizontal force \(P\) is applied to the hemisphere at the centre of its flat circular face.
  1. Find the minimum value of the coefficient of friction \(\mu\) between the hemisphere and the ground for the hemisphere to slide without toppling.
  2. Show that if \(\mu < \frac{3}{8}\), the hemisphere will topple.
  3. Find the maximum horizontal distance that the centre of mass of the hemisphere moves before toppling begins, given that \(\mu = \frac{1}{4}\) and the hemisphere starts from rest.
  4. Find the angular acceleration of the hemisphere about its point of contact with the ground at the instant when toppling begins.
[16]
CAIE M2 2014 November Q2
4 marks Standard +0.8
\includegraphics{figure_2} A uniform solid cone with height \(0.8\) m and semi-vertical angle \(30°\) has weight \(20\) N. The cone rests in equilibrium with a single point \(P\) of its base in contact with a rough horizontal surface, and its vertex \(V\) vertically above \(P\). Equilibrium is maintained by a force of magnitude \(F\) N acting along the axis of symmetry of the cone and applied to \(V\) (see diagram).
  1. Show that the moment of the weight of the cone about \(P\) is \(6\) N m. [2]
  2. Hence find \(F\). [2]
OCR MEI M2 2007 January Q2
20 marks Standard +0.8
\includegraphics{figure_2} Fig. 2 shows a framework in a vertical plane made from the equal, light, rigid rods AB, BC, AD, BD, BE, CE and DE. [The triangles ABD, BDE and BCE are all equilateral.] The rods AB, BC and DE are horizontal. The rods are freely pin-jointed to each other at A, B, C, D and E. The pin-joint at A is also fixed to an inclined plane. The plane is smooth and parallel to the rod AD. The pin-joint at D rests on this plane. The following external forces act on the framework: a vertical load of \(LN\) at C; the normal reaction force \(RN\) of the plane on the framework at D; the horizontal and vertical forces \(XN\) and \(YN\), respectively, acting at A.
  1. Write down equations for the horizontal and vertical equilibrium of the framework. [3]
  2. By considering moments, find the relationship between \(R\) and \(L\). Hence show that \(X = \sqrt{3}L\) and \(Y = 0\). [4]
  3. Draw a diagram showing all the forces acting on the pin-joints, including the forces internal to the rods. [2]
  4. Show that the internal force in the rod AD is zero. [2]
  5. Find the forces internal to AB, CE and BC in terms of \(L\) and state whether each is a tension or a thrust (compression). [You may leave your answers in surd form.] [7]
  6. Without calculating their values in terms of \(L\), show that the forces internal to the rods BD and BE have equal magnitude but one is a tension and the other a thrust. [2]
OCR MEI M2 2011 January Q3
19 marks Standard +0.8
\includegraphics{figure_3} Fig. 3 shows a framework in equilibrium in a vertical plane. The framework is made from the equal, light, rigid rods AB, AD, BC, BD and CD so that ABD and BCD are equilateral triangles of side 2 m. AD and BC are horizontal. The rods are freely pin-jointed to each other at A, B, C and D. The pin-joint at A is fixed to a wall and the pin-joint at B rests on a smooth horizontal support. Fig. 3 also shows the external forces acting on the framework: there is a vertical load of 45 N at C and a horizontal force of 50 N applied at D; the normal reaction of the support on the framework at B is \(R\) N; horizontal and vertical forces \(X\) N and \(Y\) N act at A.
  1. Write down equations for the horizontal and vertical equilibrium of the framework. [2]
  2. Show that \(R = 135\) and \(Y = 90\). [3]
  3. On the diagram in your printed answer book, show the forces internal to the rods acting on the pin-joints. [2]
  4. Calculate the forces internal to the five rods, stating whether each rod is in tension or compression (thrust). [You may leave your answers in surd form. Your working in this part should correspond to your diagram in part (iii).] [10]
  5. Suppose that the force of magnitude 50 N applied at D is no longer horizontal, and the system remains in equilibrium in the same position. By considering the equilibrium at C, show that the forces in rods CD and BC are not changed. [2]
Edexcel M5 Q5
16 marks Challenging +1.2
Two forces \(\mathbf{F}_1 = (2i + j)\) N and \(\mathbf{F}_2 = (-2j - k)\) N act on a rigid body. The force \(\mathbf{F}_1\) acts at the point with position vector \(\mathbf{r}_1 = (3i + j + k)\) m and the force \(\mathbf{F}_2\) acts at the point with position vector \(\mathbf{r}_2 = (i - 2j)\) m. A third force \(\mathbf{F}_3\) acts on the body such that \(\mathbf{F}_1\), \(\mathbf{F}_2\) and \(\mathbf{F}_3\) are in equilibrium.
  1. Find the magnitude of \(\mathbf{F}_3\). [4]
  1. Find a vector equation of the line of action of \(\mathbf{F}_3\). [8]
The force \(\mathbf{F}_3\) is replaced by a fourth force \(\mathbf{F}_4\), acting through the origin \(O\), such that \(\mathbf{F}_1\), \(\mathbf{F}_2\) and \(\mathbf{F}_4\) are equivalent to a couple.
  1. Find the magnitude of this couple. [4]
OCR MEI Further Mechanics Major 2022 June Q12
13 marks Challenging +1.8
\includegraphics{figure_12} The diagram shows a uniform square lamina ABCD, of weight \(W\) and side-length \(a\). The lamina is in equilibrium in a vertical plane that also contains the point O. The vertex A rests on a smooth plane inclined at an angle of 30° to the horizontal. The vertex B rests on a smooth plane inclined at an angle of 60° to the horizontal. OA is a line of greatest slope of the plane inclined at 30° to the horizontal and OB is a line of greatest slope of the plane inclined at 60° to the horizontal. The side AB is inclined at an angle \(\theta\) to the horizontal and the lamina is kept in equilibrium in this position by a clockwise couple of magnitude \(\frac{1}{8}aW\).
  1. By resolving horizontally and vertically, determine, in terms of \(W\), the magnitude of the normal contact force between the plane and the lamina at B. [6]
  2. By taking moments about A, show that \(\theta\) satisfies the equation $$2(\sqrt{3} + 2)\sin\theta - 2\cos\theta = 1.$$ [5]
  3. Verify that \(\theta = 22.4°\), correct to 1 decimal place. [2]
Pre-U Pre-U 9794/3 2019 Specimen Q10
12 marks Challenging +1.8
\includegraphics{figure_10} Particles \(A\) and \(B\) of masses \(2m\) and \(m\), respectively, are attached to the ends of a light inextensible string. The string passes over a smooth fixed pulley \(P\). The particle \(A\) rests in equilibrium on a rough plane inclined at an angle \(\alpha\) to the horizontal, where \(\alpha \leqslant 45°\) and \(B\) is above the plane. The vertical plane defined by \(APB\) contains a line of greatest slope of the plane, and \(PA\) is inclined at angle \(2\alpha\) to the horizontal (see diagram).
  1. Show that the normal reaction R between A and the plane is mg(2\(\cos\alpha - \sin\alpha\)). [3]
  2. Show that R \(\geqslant \frac{1}{2}mg\sqrt{2}\). [3]
The coefficient of friction between \(A\) and the plane is \(\mu\). The particle is about to slip down the plane.
  1. Show that \(0.5 < \tan\alpha \leqslant 1\). [3]
  2. Express \(\mu\) as a function of \(\tan\alpha\) and deduce its maximum value as \(\alpha\) varies. [3]