Non-uniform rod on supports or with strings

A non-uniform rod (centre of mass not at midpoint) resting horizontally or at an angle on supports, pegs, or suspended by strings, requiring moments to find reaction forces or support positions.

5 questions · Standard +0.4

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CAIE M2 2006 November Q5
6 marks Standard +0.3
5 \includegraphics[max width=\textwidth, alt={}, center]{0cb05368-9ddf-4564-8428-725c77193a1e-3_383_1031_543_557} A non-uniform rod \(A B\) of length 2.5 m and mass 3 kg has its centre of mass at the point \(G\) of the rod, where \(A G = 1.5 \mathrm {~m}\). The rod hangs horizontally, in equilibrium, from strings attached at \(A\) and \(B\). The strings at \(A\) and \(B\) make angles with the vertical of \(\alpha ^ { \circ }\) and \(15 ^ { \circ }\) respectively. The tension in the string at \(B\) is \(T \mathrm {~N}\) (see diagram). Find
  1. the value of \(T\),
  2. the value of \(\alpha\).
Edexcel M1 Q1
6 marks Standard +0.3
1. \begin{figure}[h]
\includegraphics[alt={},max width=\textwidth]{c762bd90-5b57-428a-a7a8-291a1a643a14-2_286_933_203_452} \captionsetup{labelformat=empty} \caption{Fig. 1}
\end{figure} Figure 1 shows a non-uniform beam \(A B\) of mass 10 kg and length 6 m resting in a horizontal position on a single support 2 m from \(A\). The beam is supported at \(B\) by a vertical string. Given that the magnitude of the tension in the string is 1.5 times the magnitude of the reaction at the support, find the distance of the centre of mass of the beam from \(A\).
(6 marks)
OCR MEI M2 2012 January Q3
18 marks Standard +0.8
3 A thin rigid non-uniform beam AB of length 6 m has weight 800 N . Its centre of mass, G , is 2 m from B .
Initially the beam is horizontal and in equilibrium when supported by a small round peg at \(\mathrm { C } , 1 \mathrm {~m}\) from A , and a light vertical wire at B . This situation is shown in Fig. 3.1 where the lengths are in metres. \begin{figure}[h]
\includegraphics[alt={},max width=\textwidth]{a6297924-579e-4340-8fe6-2b43bd1a8698-4_259_460_438_431} \captionsetup{labelformat=empty} \caption{Fig. 3.1}
\end{figure} \begin{figure}[h]
\includegraphics[alt={},max width=\textwidth]{a6297924-579e-4340-8fe6-2b43bd1a8698-4_257_586_447_1046} \captionsetup{labelformat=empty} \caption{Fig. 3.2}
\end{figure}
  1. Calculate the tension in the wire and the normal reaction of the peg on the beam. The beam is now held horizontal and in equilibrium with the wire at \(70 ^ { \circ }\) to the horizontal, as shown in Fig. 3.2. The peg at C is rough and still supports the beam 1 m from A. The beam is on the point of slipping.
  2. Calculate the new tension in the wire. Calculate also the coefficient of friction between the peg and the beam. The beam is now held in equilibrium at \(30 ^ { \circ }\) to the vertical with the wire at \(\theta ^ { \circ }\) to the beam, as shown in Fig. 3.3. A new small smooth peg now makes contact with the beam at C, still 1 m from A. The tension in the wire is now \(T \mathrm {~N}\). \begin{figure}[h]
    \includegraphics[alt={},max width=\textwidth]{a6297924-579e-4340-8fe6-2b43bd1a8698-4_456_353_1484_861} \captionsetup{labelformat=empty} \caption{Fig. 3.3}
    \end{figure}
  3. By taking moments about C , resolving in a suitable direction and obtaining two equations in terms of \(\theta\) and \(T\), or otherwise, calculate \(\theta\) and \(T\).
OCR MEI M2 2007 June Q3
19 marks Standard +0.3
3 A uniform plank is 2.8 m long and has weight 200 N . The centre of mass is G.
  1. Fig. 3.1 shows the plank horizontal and in equilibrium, resting on supports at A and B . \begin{figure}[h]
    \includegraphics[alt={},max width=\textwidth]{8d4aeab2-332a-442f-b1e7-0bbf8a945f0f-5_229_1125_434_459} \captionsetup{labelformat=empty} \caption{Fig. 3.1}
    \end{figure} Calculate the reactions of the supports on the plank at A and at B .
  2. Fig. 3.2 shows the plank horizontal and in equilibrium between a support at C and a peg at D . \begin{figure}[h]
    \includegraphics[alt={},max width=\textwidth]{8d4aeab2-332a-442f-b1e7-0bbf8a945f0f-5_236_1141_993_461} \captionsetup{labelformat=empty} \caption{Fig. 3.2}
    \end{figure} Calculate the reactions of the support and the peg on the plank at C and at D , showing the directions of these forces on a diagram. Fig. 3.3 shows the plank in equilibrium between a support at P and a peg at Q . The plank is inclined at \(\alpha\) to the horizontal, where \(\sin \alpha = 0.28\) and \(\cos \alpha = 0.96\). \begin{figure}[h]
    \includegraphics[alt={},max width=\textwidth]{8d4aeab2-332a-442f-b1e7-0bbf8a945f0f-5_424_1099_1692_475} \captionsetup{labelformat=empty} \caption{Fig. 3.3}
    \end{figure}
  3. Calculate the normal reactions at P and at Q .
  4. Just one of the contacts is rough. Determine which one it is if the value of the coefficient of friction is as small as possible. Find this value of the coefficient of friction.
Pre-U Pre-U 9795/2 2017 June Q11
7 marks Standard +0.3
11 \includegraphics[max width=\textwidth, alt={}, center]{22640c3b-792f-4003-a4f8-78220efd73b0-4_280_1002_1722_568} A non-uniform \(\operatorname { rod } A B\) of mass 1.6 kg and length 1.25 m has its centre of mass at \(G\) where \(A G = 0.4 \mathrm {~m}\). The rod rests on a rough horizontal table. A force \(P \mathrm {~N}\) is applied at \(B\), acting at an angle \(\alpha\) above the horizontal, such that the rod is in equilibrium but about to rotate about \(A\) (see diagram).
  1. Assume that the rod is in contact with the table only at \(A\). By taking moments about \(A\), show that \(P \sin \alpha = 5.12\).
  2. The coefficient of friction between the rod and the table is \(\frac { 6 } { 17 }\). Show that \(P \leqslant 6.4\).