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CAIE A-Level Mathematics 4.5.3 Work-Energy Principle

Practise equating change in kinetic energy to net work by applied forces, weight and resistance, including connected particles and paths where acceleration is not constant.

Syllabus
2028–2030
Course
Mathematics 9709
Level
A2

Exam points

  • set final kinetic energy minus initial kinetic energy equal to the net external work
  • include work by driving forces, resistance and the component of weight over the displacement
  • treat connected particles as one system when internal tension work cancels from the energy balance

4.5.3—Forces question 1

[Maximum number: 3]
Figure for Question 4.5.3—Forces question 1 — CAIE A-Level Mathematics A2

A machine for driving a nail into a block of wood causes a hammerhead to drop vertically onto the top of a nail. The mass of the hammerhead is 1.2 kg and the mass of the nail is 0.004 kg (see diagram). The hammerhead hits the nail with speed v m s1v \mathrm{~m} \mathrm{~s}^{-1} and remains in contact with the nail after the impact. The combined hammerhead and nail move immediately after the impact with speed 40 m s140 \mathrm{~m} \mathrm{~s}^{-1}.

The nail is driven 4 cm into the wood.

Find the constant force resisting the motion.

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