Maximum/minimum speed in elastic motion

Find the maximum or minimum speed of a particle during elastic string motion by identifying when kinetic energy is maximum (often when acceleration is zero).

4 questions · Standard +0.7

6.02h Elastic PE: 1/2 k x^26.02i Conservation of energy: mechanical energy principle
Sort by: Default | Easiest first | Hardest first
CAIE M2 2007 June Q6
9 marks Standard +0.3
6 \includegraphics[max width=\textwidth, alt={}, center]{57f7ca89-f028-447a-9ac9-55f931201e6b-3_83_771_1978_689} \(A\) and \(B\) are fixed points on a smooth horizontal table. The distance \(A B\) is 2.5 m . An elastic string of natural length 0.6 m and modulus of elasticity 24 N has one end attached to the table at \(A\), and the other end attached to a particle \(P\) of mass 0.95 kg . Another elastic string of natural length 0.9 m and modulus of elasticity 18 N has one end attached to the table at \(B\), and the other end attached to \(P\). The particle \(P\) is held at rest at the mid-point of \(A B\) (see diagram).
  1. Find the tensions in the strings. The particle is released from rest.
  2. Find the acceleration of \(P\) immediately after its release.
  3. \(P\) reaches its maximum speed at the point \(C\). Find the distance \(A C\).
CAIE M2 2008 June Q6
11 marks Standard +0.8
6 One end of a light elastic string of natural length 1.25 m and modulus of elasticity 20 N is attached to a fixed point \(O\). A particle \(P\) of mass 0.5 kg is attached to the other end of the string. \(P\) is held at rest at \(O\) and then released. When the extension of the string is \(x \mathrm {~m}\) the speed of \(P\) is \(v \mathrm {~m} \mathrm {~s} ^ { - 1 }\).
  1. Show that \(v ^ { 2 } = - 32 x ^ { 2 } + 20 x + 25\).
  2. Find the maximum speed of \(P\).
  3. Find the acceleration of \(P\) when it is at its lowest point.
CAIE M2 2010 June Q7
11 marks Standard +0.3
7 One end of a light elastic string of natural length 3 m and modulus of elasticity 24 N is attached to a fixed point \(O\). A particle \(P\) of mass 0.4 kg is attached to the other end of the string. \(P\) is projected vertically downwards from \(O\) with initial speed \(2 \mathrm {~m} \mathrm {~s} ^ { - 1 }\). When the extension of the string is \(x \mathrm {~m}\) the speed of \(P\) is \(v \mathrm {~m} \mathrm {~s} ^ { - 1 }\).
  1. Show that \(v ^ { 2 } = 64 + 20 x - 20 x ^ { 2 }\).
  2. Find the greatest speed of the particle.
  3. Calculate the greatest tension in the string.
AQA Further AS Paper 2 Mechanics Specimen Q8
6 marks Challenging +1.2
8 In this question use \(g = 10 \mathrm {~m} \mathrm {~s} ^ { - 2 }\).
A particle, of mass 2 kg , is attached to one end of a light elastic string of natural length 0.2 metres. The other end of the string is attached to a fixed point \(O\).
The particle is pulled down and released from rest at a point 0.6 metres directly below \(O\).
The particle then moves vertically and next comes to rest when it is 0.1 metres below \(O\).
Assume that no air resistance acts on the particle.
8
  1. Find the maximum speed of the particle.
    [0pt] [6 marks]
    8
  2. Describe one way in which the model you have used could be refined.