Particle suspended by strings

A question is this type if and only if it involves a particle in equilibrium suspended by two or more light inextensible strings at specified angles, requiring calculation of tensions.

13 questions · Standard +0.1

Sort by: Default | Easiest first | Hardest first
CAIE M1 2021 November Q2
7 marks Moderate -0.3
2 A particle of mass 8 kg is suspended in equilibrium by two light inextensible strings which make angles of \(60 ^ { \circ }\) and \(45 ^ { \circ }\) above the horizontal.
  1. Draw a diagram showing the forces acting on the particle.
  2. Find the tensions in the strings.
CAIE M1 2014 June Q3
6 marks Standard +0.3
3 \includegraphics[max width=\textwidth, alt={}, center]{139371b7-e142-4ed6-bff3-3ca4c32b9c6b-2_657_913_1450_616} A particle \(P\) of weight 1.4 N is attached to one end of a light inextensible string \(S _ { 1 }\) of length 1.5 m , and to one end of another light inextensible string \(S _ { 2 }\) of length 1.3 m . The other end of \(S _ { 1 }\) is attached to a wall at the point 0.9 m vertically above a point \(O\) of the wall. The other end of \(S _ { 2 }\) is attached to the wall at the point 0.5 m vertically below \(O\). The particle is held in equilibrium, at the same horizontal level as \(O\), by a horizontal force of magnitude 2.24 N acting away from the wall and perpendicular to it (see diagram). Find the tensions in the strings.
[0pt] [6]
CAIE M1 2017 June Q3
6 marks Moderate -0.3
3 \includegraphics[max width=\textwidth, alt={}, center]{4941e074-2f93-4a0c-80ba-0ca96a48389e-04_442_584_255_778} Two light inextensible strings are attached to a particle of weight 25 N . The strings pass over two smooth fixed pulleys and have particles of weights \(A \mathrm {~N}\) and \(B \mathrm {~N}\) hanging vertically at their ends. The sloping parts of the strings make angles of \(30 ^ { \circ }\) and \(40 ^ { \circ }\) respectively with the vertical (see diagram). The system is in equilibrium. Find the values of \(A\) and \(B\).
CAIE FP2 2014 June Q3
Standard +0.8
3 hours
Additional Materials:
Answer Booklet/Paper
Graph Paper
List of Formulae (MF10) \section*{READ THESE INSTRUCTIONS FIRST} If you have been given an Answer Booklet, follow the instructions on the front cover of the Booklet.
Write your Centre number, candidate number and name on all the work you hand in.
Write in dark blue or black pen.
You may use an HB pencil for any diagrams or graphs.
Do not use staples, paper clips, glue or correction fluid.
DO NOT WRITE IN ANY BARCODES. Answer all the questions.
Give non-exact numerical answers correct to 3 significant figures, or 1 decimal place in the case of angles in degrees, unless a different level of accuracy is specified in the question.
Where a numerical value is necessary, take the acceleration due to gravity to be \(10 \mathrm {~m} \mathrm {~s} ^ { - 2 }\).
The use of a calculator is expected, where appropriate.
Results obtained solely from a graphic calculator, without supporting working or reasoning, will not receive credit.
You are reminded of the need for clear presentation in your answers.
At the end of the examination, fasten all your work securely together.
[0pt] The number of marks is given in brackets [ ] at the end of each question or part question.
CAIE M1 2012 November Q4
6 marks Moderate -0.3
4 \includegraphics[max width=\textwidth, alt={}, center]{631ddcd9-17c0-4a15-8671-40788c3a84d3-2_396_880_1996_630} A particle \(P\) of weight 21 N is attached to one end of each of two light inextensible strings, \(S _ { 1 }\) and \(S _ { 2 }\), of lengths 0.52 m and 0.25 m respectively. The other end of \(S _ { 1 }\) is attached to a fixed point \(A\), and the other end of \(S _ { 2 }\) is attached to a fixed point \(B\) at the same horizontal level as \(A\). The particle \(P\) hangs in equilibrium at a point 0.2 m below the level of \(A B\) with both strings taut (see diagram). Find the tension in \(S _ { 1 }\) and the tension in \(S _ { 2 }\).
CAIE M1 2013 November Q1
4 marks Moderate -0.8
1 \includegraphics[max width=\textwidth, alt={}, center]{3e58aa5a-3789-4aaf-8656-b5b98cd7f693-2_291_591_255_776} A particle \(P\) of mass 0.3 kg is attached to one end of a light inextensible string. The other end of the string is attached to a fixed point \(X\). A horizontal force of magnitude \(F \mathrm {~N}\) is applied to the particle, which is in equilibrium when the string is at an angle \(\alpha\) to the vertical, where \(\tan \alpha = \frac { 8 } { 15 }\) (see diagram). Find the tension in the string and the value of \(F\).
CAIE M1 2013 November Q3
6 marks Moderate -0.3
3 \includegraphics[max width=\textwidth, alt={}, center]{fd534430-2619-4078-ad0a-2355e656e121-2_307_857_1695_644} A particle \(P\) of mass 1.05 kg is attached to one end of each of two light inextensible strings, of lengths 2.6 m and 1.25 m . The other ends of the strings are attached to fixed points \(A\) and \(B\), which are at the same horizontal level. \(P\) hangs in equilibrium at a point 1 m below the level of \(A\) and \(B\) (see diagram). Find the tensions in the strings.
Edexcel M1 2018 June Q7
12 marks Moderate -0.3
7. \begin{figure}[h]
\includegraphics[alt={},max width=\textwidth]{c0993853-dd8f-4d14-aeed-b71ad60df09c-24_206_1040_356_443} \captionsetup{labelformat=empty} \caption{Figure 2}
\end{figure} A washing line \(A B C D\) is fixed at the points \(A\) and \(D\). There are two heavy items of clothing hanging on the washing line, one fixed at \(B\) and the other fixed at \(C\). The washing line is modelled as a light inextensible string, the item at \(B\) is modelled as a particle of mass 3 kg and the item at \(C\) is modelled as a particle of mass \(M \mathrm {~kg}\). The section \(A B\) makes an angle \(\alpha\) with the horizontal, where \(\tan \alpha = \frac { 3 } { 4 }\), the section \(B C\) is horizontal and the section \(C D\) makes an angle \(\beta\) with the horizontal, where \(\tan \beta = \frac { 12 } { 5 }\), as shown in Figure 2. The system is in equilibrium.
  1. Find the tension in \(A B\).
  2. Find the tension in BC.
  3. Find the value of \(M\).
    END
OCR MEI Further Mechanics Minor 2023 June Q5
12 marks Standard +0.8
5 Fig. 5.1 shows a particle P, of mass 5 kg , and a particle Q, of mass 11 kg , which are attached to the ends of a light, inextensible string. The string is taut and passes over a small smooth pulley fixed to the ceiling. \begin{figure}[h]
\captionsetup{labelformat=empty} \caption{Fig. 5.1} \includegraphics[alt={},max width=\textwidth]{cad8805d-59f6-4ed2-81f4-9e8c749461f5-5_367_707_495_251}
\end{figure} When a force of magnitude \(H \mathrm {~N}\), acting at an angle \(\theta\) to the upward vertical, is applied to Q the particles hang in equilibrium, with the part of the string connecting the pulley to Q making an angle of \(40 ^ { \circ }\) with the upward vertical. It is given that the force acts in the same vertical plane in which the string lies.
  1. Determine the values of \(H\) and \(\theta\). Particle Q is now removed. The string is instead attached to one end of a uniform beam B of length 3 m and mass 7 kg . The other end of B is in contact with a rough horizontal floor. The situation is shown in Fig. 5.2. \begin{figure}[h]
    \captionsetup{labelformat=empty} \caption{Fig. 5.2} \includegraphics[alt={},max width=\textwidth]{cad8805d-59f6-4ed2-81f4-9e8c749461f5-5_504_978_1557_251}
    \end{figure} With B in equilibrium, at an angle \(\phi\) to the horizontal, the part of the string connecting the pulley to B makes an angle of \(30 ^ { \circ }\) with the upward vertical. It is given that the string and B lie in the same vertical plane.
  2. Determine the smallest possible value for the coefficient of friction between B and the floor.
  3. Determine the value of \(\phi\).
Pre-U Pre-U 9794/2 Specimen Q11
4 marks Challenging +1.2
11 Three light inextensible strings \(A C , C D\) and \(D B\), each of length 10 cm , are joined as shown in the diagram. \includegraphics[max width=\textwidth, alt={}, center]{85043199-527d-4105-aa0b-c913dec0e35b-5_300_670_475_699} The ends \(A\) and \(B\) are fixed to points 20 cm apart on the same horizontal level. Two heavy particles, each of mass 2 kg , are attached at \(C\) and \(D\). The system remains in a vertical plane.
  1. Determine the tension in each string.
  2. The string \(C D\) is replaced by one of length \(L \mathrm {~cm}\), made of the same material. If the tension in \(A C\) is 50 N , show that \(L = 20 - 4 \sqrt { 21 }\).
Edexcel M1 2004 January Q4
10 marks Standard +0.3
\includegraphics{figure_2} Two small rings, \(A\) and \(B\), each of mass \(2m\), are threaded on a rough horizontal pole. The coefficient of friction between each ring and the pole is \(\mu\). The rings are attached to the ends of a light inextensible string. A smooth ring \(C\), of mass \(3m\), is threaded on the string and hangs in equilibrium below the pole. The rings \(A\) and \(B\) are in limiting equilibrium on the pole, with \(\angle BAC = \angle ABC = \theta\), where \(\tan \theta = \frac{3}{4}\), as shown in Fig. 2.
  1. Show that the tension in the string is \(\frac{5}{2}mg\). [3]
  2. Find the value of \(\mu\). [7]
Pre-U Pre-U 9794/2 2011 June Q10
8 marks Standard +0.3
The points \(A\), \(B\) and \(C\) lie in a vertical plane and have position vectors \(4\mathbf{i}\), \(3\mathbf{j}\) and \(7\mathbf{i} + 4\mathbf{j}\), respectively. The unit vectors \(\mathbf{i}\) and \(\mathbf{j}\) are horizontal and vertically upwards, respectively. The units of the components are metres.
  1. Show that angle \(BAC\) is a right angle. [2]
\includegraphics{figure_10} Strings \(AB\) and \(AC\) are attached to \(B\) and \(C\), and joined at \(A\). A particle of weight 20 N is attached at \(A\) (see diagram). The particle is in equilibrium.
  1. By resolving in the directions \(AB\) and \(AC\), determine the magnitude of the tension in each string. [3]
  2. Express the tension in the string \(AB\) as a vector, in terms of \(\mathbf{i}\) and \(\mathbf{j}\). [3]
Pre-U Pre-U 9794/3 2013 November Q10
5 marks Standard +0.3
A parcel \(P\) of weight 50 N is being held in equilibrium by two light, inextensible strings \(AP\) and \(BP\). The string \(AP\) is attached to a wall at \(A\), and string \(BP\) passes over a smooth pulley which is at the same height as \(A\), as shown in the diagram. When the tension in \(BP\) is 40 N, the strings are at right angles to each other. \includegraphics{figure_10}
  1. Find the tension in string \(AP\). [4]
  2. Explain why the parcel can never be in equilibrium with both strings horizontal. [1]