A small bead \(P\), of mass \(m\) kg, can slide on a smooth circular ring, with centre \(O\) and radius \(r\) m, which is fixed in a vertical plane. \(P\) is projected from the lowest point \(L\) of the ring with speed \(\sqrt{(3gr)}\) ms\(^{-1}\). When \(P\) has reached a position such that \(OP\) makes an angle \(\theta\) with the downward vertical, as shown, its speed is \(v\) ms\(^{-1}\).
\includegraphics{figure_5}
- Show that \(v^2 = gr(1 + 2 \cos \theta)\). [5 marks]
- Show that the magnitude of the reaction \(RN\) of the ring on the bead is given by
$$R = mg(1 + 3 \cos \theta).$$ [4 marks]
- Find the values of \(\cos \theta\) when
- \(P\) is instantaneously at rest,
- the reaction \(R\) is instantaneously zero. [2 marks]
- Hence show that the ratio of the heights of \(P\) above \(L\) in cases (i) and (ii) is \(9:8\). [3 marks]