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CAIE A-Level Further Math 3.3 Circular motion Question Bank

Practise circular motion by resolving forces, using v = rω and applying energy to particles in horizontal and vertical circles.

Syllabus
2028–2030
Course
Further Mathematics 9231
Level
AS

Exam points

  • resolve tension, weight and reaction towards the centre to form circular-motion equations
  • use energy between points in a vertical circle to find speeds, tensions or reactions
  • convert angular speed into revolutions per minute when a rotating disc or particle is given

3.3 Circular motion question 1

[Maximum number: 11]

A particle P of mass m is attached to one end of a light inextensible rod of length 3 a. An identical particle Q is attached to the other end of the rod. The rod is smoothly pivoted at a point O on the rod, where O Q=x. The system, of rod and particles, rotates about O in a vertical plane.

At an instant when the rod is vertical, with P above Q, the particle P is moving horizontally with speed u. When the rod has turned through an angle of 6060^{\circ} from the vertical, the speed of P is 2ag2 \sqrt{a g}, and the tensions in the two parts of the rod, OP and OQ, have equal magnitudes.

Question (a)

(a)

Show that the speed of Q when the rod has turned through an angle of 6060^{\circ} from the vertical is

2x3axag.\frac{2 x}{3 a-x} \sqrt{a g} .
[ 2 ]

Question (b)

(b)

Find x in terms of a.

[ 5 ]

Question (c)

(c)

Find u in terms of a and g.

Additional page

If you use the following page to complete the answer to any question, the question number must be clearly shown.

[ 4 ]

3.3 Circular motion question 2

[Maximum number: 4]

One end of a light inextensible string of length a is attached to a fixed point O. The other end of the string is attached to a particle of mass m. The string is taut and makes an angle θ\theta with the downward vertical through O, where cosθ=23\cos \theta=\frac{2}{3}. The particle moves in a horizontal circle with speed v.

Find v in terms of a and g.

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