Mathematics SM0015

PBL 1 : MECHANICS
_________________________________________________________________________________________MAD

PBL 1 : MECHANICS

READ THESE INSTRUCTIONS FIRST

1- Please write your Matric number and full name on the given cover page.

2- Report must be written using a computer. Do not write in blue or any colored pen and pencil.

3- You may use a soft pencil for any diagrams or graphs.

4- Do not use highlighters, glue or correction fluid.

5- Answer all the questions.

6- Show all your workings. No mark will be given for the missing steps.

7- 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.

8- The use of an electronic calculator is expected, where appropriate.

9- You are reminded of the need for clear presentation method/steps in your answers.

10- Fasten all your work securely together.

11- Hand in your report before starting your presentation.

12- Verify and understand in terms of “−”, “+”, “×” and other Mathematics signs in used formula.

13- Examiner will ask you to justify the chosen formula used in your answers.

14- Presentations must be done with a computer generated slide presentations (Power Point or any
presentation tools) and presented in English.

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 Mathematics SM0015
PBL 1 : MECHANICS
_________________________________________________________________________________________MAD

PBL 1 : MECHANICS

1.

Two light strings are attached to a block of mass 30kg. The block is in equilibrium on a horizontal surface 𝐴𝐵
with the strings taut. The strings make angles of 60° and 30° with the horizontal, on either side of the block,
and the tensions in the strings are 𝑇 N and 75N respectively (see diagram).

(i) Given that the surface is smooth, find the value of 𝑇 and the magnitude of the contact force acting on
the block.

(ii) It is given instead that the surface is rough and that the block is on the point of slipping. The frictional
force on the block has magnitude 20N and acts towards 𝐴. Find the coefficient of friction between the
block and the surface.

2. A particle P of mass 0.5 kg is projected vertically upwards with speed 5.2 ms −1 from a point O which is 6.2 m
above the ground. Air resistance acts on P so that its deceleration is 10.4 ms −2 when P is moving upwards, and
its acceleration is 9.2 ms−2 when P is moving downwards. Find

(i) the greatest height above the ground reached by P,

(ii) the speed with which P reaches the ground,

(iii) the total work done on P by the air resistance.

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 Mathematics SM0015
PBL 1 : MECHANICS
_________________________________________________________________________________________MAD

3.

Particles A and B are attached to the ends of a light inextensible string which passes over a smooth pulley. The
system is held at rest with the string taut and its straight parts vertical. Both particles are at a height of 0.36 m
above the floor (see diagram). The system is released and A begins to fall, reaching the floor after 0.5 s.

(i) Find the acceleration of A as it falls.

The mass of A is 0.55 kg. Find

(ii) the tension in the string while A is falling,

(iii) the mass of B,

(iv) the maximum height above the floor reached by B.

4.

A particle P of mass 1.6kg is attached to one end of each of two light elastic strings. The other ends of the
strings are attached to fixed points A and B which are 2 m apart on a smooth horizontal table. The string
attached to A has natural length 0.2m and modulus of elasticity 4N, and the string attached to B has natural
length 0.2m and modulus of elasticity 8N. The particle is held at the mid-point M of AB (see diagram).

(i) Find the tensions in the strings.

(ii) Show that the total elastic potential energy in the two strings is 19.2J.

P is released from rest and in the subsequent motion both strings remain taut. The displacement of P from M is
denoted by x m. Find

(iii) the initial acceleration of P,

(iv) the non-zero value of x at which the speed of P is zero.

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 Mathematics SM0015
PBL 1 : MECHANICS
_________________________________________________________________________________________MAD

5.

A uniform rigid wire AB is in the form of a circular arc of radius 1.5m with centre O. The angle AOB is a right
angle. The wire is in equilibrium, freely suspended from the end A. The chord AB makes an angle of θ° ◦ with
the vertical (see diagram).

(i) Show that the distance of the centre of mass of the arc from O is 1.35m, correct to 3 significant figures

(ii) Find the value of θ.