Two jointed rods in equilibrium

A question is this type if and only if it involves two uniform rods freely jointed together in a vertical plane, requiring moments and force resolution to find reactions, angles, or friction coefficients.

16 questions · Challenging +1.2

3.04b Equilibrium: zero resultant moment and force6.04e Rigid body equilibrium: coplanar forces
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Edexcel M2 2014 June Q3
9 marks Standard +0.3
3. \begin{figure}[h]
\includegraphics[alt={},max width=\textwidth]{d5f79f83-ccfb-47a5-8100-88db81fd0862-05_1102_732_118_651} \captionsetup{labelformat=empty} \caption{Figure 1}
\end{figure} A uniform \(\operatorname { rod } A B\) of weight \(W\) is freely hinged at end \(A\) to a vertical wall. The rod is supported in equilibrium at an angle of \(60 ^ { \circ }\) to the wall by a light rigid strut \(C D\). The strut is freely hinged to the rod at the point \(D\) and to the wall at the point \(C\), which is vertically below \(A\), as shown in Figure 1. The rod and the strut lie in the same vertical plane, which is perpendicular to the wall. The length of the rod is \(4 a\) and \(A C = A D = 2.5 a\).
  1. Show that the magnitude of the thrust in the strut is \(\frac { 4 \sqrt { 3 } } { 5 } W\).
  2. Find the magnitude of the force acting on the \(\operatorname { rod }\) at \(A\).
CAIE FP2 2010 June Q11 EITHER
Challenging +1.2
\includegraphics[max width=\textwidth, alt={}]{f6887893-66c5-40df-ba8d-9439a5c268eb-5_456_615_1210_765}
Two uniform rods \(A B\) and \(A C\) have lengths \(2 a\) and \(4 a\) and weights \(W\) and \(2 W\) respectively. They are freely hinged together at \(A\) and rest in equilibrium in a vertical plane with \(B\) and \(C\) in contact with two rough parallel vertical walls. The plane containing the rods is perpendicular to the walls. The rods \(A B\) and \(A C\) each make an angle \(\beta\) with the vertical (see diagram). Show that the magnitude of the frictional force acting on \(A B\) at \(B\) is \(\frac { 5 } { 4 } W\). Given that the coefficient of friction at \(B\) and at \(C\) is \(\mu\), find the set of possible values of \(\mu\) in terms of \(\beta\).
CAIE FP2 2011 June Q3
12 marks Challenging +1.2
3 \includegraphics[max width=\textwidth, alt={}, center]{3daca234-9b7f-41d4-bbaa-d35615a120fc-2_419_1102_1859_520} The diagram shows two uniform rods \(B A\) and \(A C\), smoothly hinged at \(A\). The rod \(B A\) has length \(8 a\) and weight \(W\); the rod \(A C\) has length \(6 a\) and weight \(2 W\). The rods are in equilibrium in a vertical plane with \(B\) and \(C\) resting on a rough horizontal floor and angle \(C A B\) equal to \(90 ^ { \circ }\). Show that the normal contact force at \(B\) is \(\frac { 26 } { 25 } W\). The coefficient of friction between each rod and the floor is \(\mu\). Find the least possible value of \(\mu\).
CAIE FP2 2012 November Q3
9 marks Challenging +1.8
3 \includegraphics[max width=\textwidth, alt={}, center]{bcd7ee99-e382-4cb6-aa39-d8b385b01319-2_506_623_977_760} Two uniform rods \(A B\) and \(B C\), each of length \(2 a\) and mass \(m\), are smoothly hinged at \(B\). They rest in equilibrium with \(C\) in contact with a smooth vertical wall and \(A\) in contact with a rough horizontal floor. The rods are in a vertical plane perpendicular to the wall. The rods \(A B\) and \(B C\) make angles \(\alpha\) and \(\beta\) respectively with the horizontal (see diagram). Show that
  1. the reaction at \(C\) has magnitude \(\frac { 1 } { 2 } m g \cot \beta\),
  2. \(\tan \alpha = 3 \tan \beta\). The coefficient of friction at \(A\) is \(\mu\). Given that \(\alpha = 60 ^ { \circ }\), find the least possible value of \(\mu\).
OCR M3 Q5
10 marks Challenging +1.2
5 \includegraphics[max width=\textwidth, alt={}, center]{af1f9f1b-f6c0-4044-9864-5b9ce309d3fa-03_462_1109_283_569} Two uniform rods \(A B\) and \(B C\) have weights 64 N and 40 N respectively. The rods are freely jointed to each other at \(B\). The rod \(A B\) is freely jointed to a fixed point on horizontal ground at \(A\) and the rod \(B C\) rests against a vertical wall at \(C\). The rod \(B C\) is 1.8 m long and is horizontal. A particle of weight 9 N is attached to the rod \(B C\) at the point 0.4 m from \(C\). The point \(A\) is 1.2 m below the level of \(B C\) and 3.8 m from the wall (see diagram). The system is in equilibrium.
  1. Show that the magnitude of the frictional force at \(C\) is 27 N .
  2. Calculate the horizontal and vertical components of the force exerted on \(A B\) at \(B\).
  3. Given that friction is limiting at \(C\), find the coefficient of friction between the \(\operatorname { rod } B C\) and the wall.
OCR M3 2006 January Q5
11 marks Challenging +1.2
5 \includegraphics[max width=\textwidth, alt={}, center]{5bb3bd29-a2eb-4124-802c-fb17b68c50e4-3_462_1109_283_569} Two uniform rods \(A B\) and \(B C\) have weights 64 N and 40 N respectively. The rods are freely jointed to each other at \(B\). The rod \(A B\) is freely jointed to a fixed point on horizontal ground at \(A\) and the rod \(B C\) rests against a vertical wall at \(C\). The rod \(B C\) is 1.8 m long and is horizontal. A particle of weight 9 N is attached to the rod \(B C\) at the point 0.4 m from \(C\). The point \(A\) is 1.2 m below the level of \(B C\) and 3.8 m from the wall (see diagram). The system is in equilibrium.
  1. Show that the magnitude of the frictional force at \(C\) is 27 N .
  2. Calculate the horizontal and vertical components of the force exerted on \(A B\) at \(B\).
  3. Given that friction is limiting at \(C\), find the coefficient of friction between the \(\operatorname { rod } B C\) and the wall.
OCR M3 2010 January Q3
9 marks Challenging +1.2
3 \includegraphics[max width=\textwidth, alt={}, center]{08760a55-da6c-41f2-a88a-289ecc227f69-3_812_773_260_685} Two uniform rods \(A B\) and \(B C\), each of length \(2 a\), have weights \(2 W\) and \(W\) respectively. The rods are freely jointed to each other at \(B\), and \(B C\) is freely jointed to a fixed point at \(C\). The rods are held in equilibrium in a vertical plane by a light string attached to \(A\) and perpendicular to \(A B\). The rods \(A B\) and \(B C\) make angles \(45 ^ { \circ }\) and \(\alpha\), respectively, with the horizontal. The tension in the string is \(T\) (see diagram).
  1. By taking moments about \(B\) for \(A B\), show that \(W = \sqrt { 2 } T\).
  2. Find the value of \(\tan \alpha\).
OCR M3 2011 January Q3
9 marks Challenging +1.2
3 \includegraphics[max width=\textwidth, alt={}, center]{67af8d98-85af-42b1-9e7f-c6380a1f8a3f-2_586_1435_1537_354} A uniform \(\operatorname { rod } P Q\) has weight 72 N . A non-uniform \(\operatorname { rod } Q R\) has weight 54 N and its centre of mass is at \(C\), where \(Q C = 2 C R\). The rods are freely jointed to each other at \(Q\). The rod \(P Q\) is freely jointed to a fixed point of a vertical wall at \(P\) and the rod \(Q R\) rests on horizontal ground at \(R\). The rod \(P Q\) is 2.8 m long and is horizontal. The point \(R\) is 1.44 m below the level of \(P Q\) and 4 m from the wall (see diagram).
  1. Find the vertical component of the force exerted by the wall on \(P Q\).
  2. Hence show that the normal component of the force exerted by the ground on \(Q R\) is 90 N .
  3. Given that the friction at \(R\) is limiting, find the coefficient of friction between the rod \(Q R\) and the ground.
OCR M3 2012 January Q5
11 marks Challenging +1.2
5 \includegraphics[max width=\textwidth, alt={}, center]{43ed8ec7-67f1-418a-8d4e-ee96448647fd-3_441_450_213_808} Two uniform rods \(A B\) and \(B C\), each of length \(2 L \mathrm {~m}\) and of weight 84.5 N , are freely jointed at \(B\), and \(A B\) is freely jointed to a fixed point at \(A\). The rods are held in equilibrium in a vertical plane by a light string attached at \(C\) and perpendicular to \(B C\). The rods \(A B\) and \(B C\) make angles \(\alpha\) and \(\beta\) to the horizontal, respectively (see diagram). It is given that \(\cos \beta = \frac { 12 } { 13 }\).
  1. Find the tension in the string.
  2. Hence show that the force acting on \(B C\) at \(B\) has horizontal component of magnitude 15 N and vertical component of magnitude 48.5 N , and state the direction of the component in each case.
  3. Find \(\alpha\).
OCR M3 2013 January Q6
13 marks Challenging +1.8
6 A uniform \(\operatorname { rod } A B\), of weight \(W\) and length \(2 l\) is in equilibrium at \(60 ^ { \circ }\) to the horizontal with \(A\) resting against a smooth vertical plane and \(B\) resting on a rough section of a horizontal plane. Another uniform rod \(C D\), of length \(\sqrt { 3 } l\) and weight \(W\), is freely jointed to the mid-point of \(A B\) at \(C\); its other end \(D\) rests on a smooth section of the horizontal plane. \(C D\) is inclined at \(30 ^ { \circ }\) to the horizontal (see diagram). \includegraphics[max width=\textwidth, alt={}, center]{dfe477d4-eae6-40e1-b704-1a97485f4c7e-4_508_1075_438_495}
  1. Show that the force exerted by the horizontal plane on \(C D\) is \(\frac { 1 } { 2 } W\). Find the normal component of the force exerted by the horizontal plane on \(A B\).
  2. Find the magnitude and direction of the force exerted by \(C D\) on \(A B\).
  3. Given that \(A B\) is in limiting equilibrium, find the coefficient of friction between \(A B\) and the horizontal plane.
OCR M3 2006 June Q3
9 marks Challenging +1.2
3 \includegraphics[max width=\textwidth, alt={}, center]{09d3e8ca-0062-4f62-8453-7acaff591db5-2_661_711_918_717} Two uniform rods \(A B\) and \(A C\), of equal lengths, and of weights 200 N and 360 N respectively, are freely jointed at \(A\). The mid-points of the rods are joined by a taut light inextensible string. The rods are in equilibrium in a vertical plane with \(B\) and \(C\) in contact with a smooth horizontal surface. The point \(A\) is 2.1 m above the surface and \(B C = 1.4 \mathrm {~m}\) (see diagram).
  1. Show that the force exerted on \(A B\) at \(B\) has magnitude 240 N and find the tension in the string.
  2. Find the horizontal and vertical components of the force exerted on \(A B\) at \(A\) and state their directions.
OCR M3 2007 June Q5
11 marks Standard +0.8
5 \includegraphics[max width=\textwidth, alt={}, center]{a04e6d4e-2437-4761-87ee-43e6771fbbd9-3_549_447_253_849} Two uniform rods \(A B\) and \(B C\), each of length 1.4 m and weight 80 N , are freely jointed to each other at \(B\), and \(A B\) is freely jointed to a fixed point at \(A\). They are held in equilibrium with \(A B\) at an angle \(\alpha\) to the horizontal, and \(B C\) at an angle of \(60 ^ { \circ }\) to the horizontal, by a light string, perpendicular to \(B C\), attached to \(C\) (see diagram).
  1. By taking moments about \(B\) for \(B C\), calculate the tension in the string. Hence find the horizontal and vertical components of the force acting on \(B C\) at \(B\).
  2. Find \(\alpha\). \includegraphics[max width=\textwidth, alt={}, center]{a04e6d4e-2437-4761-87ee-43e6771fbbd9-3_691_665_1370_740} A circus performer \(P\) of mass 80 kg is suspended from a fixed point \(O\) by an elastic rope of natural length 5.25 m and modulus of elasticity \(2058 \mathrm {~N} . P\) is in equilibrium at a point 5 m above a safety net. A second performer \(Q\), also of mass 80 kg , falls freely under gravity from a point above \(P\). \(P\) catches \(Q\) and together they begin to descend vertically with initial speed \(3.5 \mathrm {~ms} ^ { - 1 }\) (see diagram). The performers are modelled as particles.
OCR M3 2008 June Q5
11 marks Challenging +1.2
5 \includegraphics[max width=\textwidth, alt={}, center]{85402f4a-8d55-47d8-ba48-5b837609b0f4-3_581_903_267_621} Two uniform rods \(X A\) and \(X B\) are freely jointed at \(X\). The lengths of the rods are 1.5 m and 1.3 m respectively, and their weights are 150 N and 130 N respectively. The rods are in equilibrium in a vertical plane with \(A\) and \(B\) in contact with a rough horizontal surface. \(A\) and \(B\) are at distances horizontally from \(X\) of 0.9 m and 0.5 m respectively, and \(X\) is 1.2 m above the surface (see diagram).
  1. The normal components of the contact forces acting on the rods at \(A\) and \(B\) are \(R _ { A } \mathrm {~N}\) and \(R _ { B } \mathrm {~N}\) respectively. Show that \(R _ { A } = 125\) and find \(R _ { B }\).
  2. Find the frictional components of the contact forces acting on the rods at \(A\) and \(B\).
  3. Find the horizontal and vertical components of the force exerted on \(X A\) at \(X\), stating their directions.
OCR M3 2013 June Q6
11 marks Standard +0.8
6 Two uniform rods \(A B\) and \(B C\), each of length \(2 l\), are freely jointed at \(B\). The weight of \(A B\) is \(W\) and the weight of \(B C\) is \(2 W\). The rods are in a vertical plane with \(A\) freely pivoted at a fixed point and \(C\) resting in equilibrium on a rough horizontal plane. The normal and frictional components of the force acting on \(B C\) at \(C\) are \(R\) and \(F\) respectively. The rod \(A B\) makes an angle \(30 ^ { \circ }\) to the horizontal and the rod \(B C\) makes an angle \(60 ^ { \circ }\) to the horizontal (see diagram). \includegraphics[max width=\textwidth, alt={}, center]{3e8248ca-74f1-443f-a5db-d7da532d2815-4_682_901_479_587}
  1. By considering the equilibrium of \(\operatorname { rod } B C\), show that \(W + \sqrt { 3 } F = R\).
  2. By taking moments about \(A\) for the equilibrium of the whole system, find another equation involving \(W , F\) and \(R\).
  3. Given that the friction at \(C\) is limiting, calculate the value of the coefficient of friction at \(C\).
OCR M3 2014 June Q5
11 marks Challenging +1.2
5 \includegraphics[max width=\textwidth, alt={}, center]{3243c326-a51c-462f-a57c-a150d0044ea9-3_510_716_662_676} Two uniform rods \(A B\) and \(B C\), each of length \(4 L\), are freely jointed at \(B\), and rest in a vertical plane with \(A\) and \(C\) on a smooth horizontal surface. The weight of \(A B\) is \(W\) and the weight of \(B C\) is \(2 W\). The rods are joined by a horizontal light inextensible string fixed to each rod at a point distance \(L\) from \(B\), so that each rod is inclined at an angle of \(60 ^ { \circ }\) to the horizontal (see diagram).
  1. By considering the equilibrium of the whole body, show that the force acting on \(B C\) at \(C\) is \(1.75 W\) and find the force acting on \(A B\) at \(A\).
  2. Find the tension in the string in terms of \(W\).
  3. Find the horizontal and vertical components of the force acting on \(A B\) at \(B\), and state the direction of the component in each case.
OCR MEI Further Mechanics Major 2020 November Q9
10 marks Challenging +1.2
\includegraphics{figure_9} Fig. 9 shows a uniform rod AB of length \(2a\) and weight \(8W\) which is smoothly hinged at the end A to a point on a fixed horizontal rough bar. A small ring of weight \(W\) is threaded on the bar and is connected to the rod at B by a light inextensible string of length \(2a\). The system is in equilibrium with the rod inclined at an angle \(\theta\) to the horizontal.
  1. Determine, in terms of \(W\) and \(\theta\), the tension in the string. [4] It is given that, for equilibrium to be possible, the greatest distance the ring can be from A is \(2.4a\).
  2. Determine the coefficient of friction between the bar and the ring. [6]