M5 June 2017 Q3

EdexcelOld spec15 marksMomentsVectors

3. The position vectors of the points \(P\) and \(Q\) on a rigid body are \((\mathbf{i} - 2\mathbf{j} + 3\mathbf{k})\) m and \((\mathbf{i} - \mathbf{j} + \mathbf{k})\) m respectively, relative to a fixed origin \(O\). A force \(\mathbf{F}_1\) of magnitude 6 N acts at \(P\) in the direction \((\mathbf{i} - 2\mathbf{j} + 2\mathbf{k})\). A force \(\mathbf{F}_2\) of magnitude 14 N acts at \(Q\) in the direction \((3\mathbf{i} - 6\mathbf{j} + 2\mathbf{k})\). When a force \(\mathbf{F}_3\) acts at \(O\), which is also a point on the rigid body, the system of three forces is equivalent to a couple of moment \(\mathbf{G}\)

(a) Find \(\mathbf{F}_3\) (5)
(b) Find \(\mathbf{G}\) (3)

When an additional force \(\mathbf{F}_4 = (\mathbf{i} + 3\mathbf{j} + 4\mathbf{k})\) N also acts at \(O\), the system of four forces is equivalent to a single force \(\mathbf{R}\).

(c) Write down \(\mathbf{R}\). (1)
(d) Find an equation of the line of action of \(\mathbf{R}\) in the form \(\mathbf{r} = \mathbf{a} + t\mathbf{b}\), where \(\mathbf{a}\) and \(\mathbf{b}\) are constant vectors and \(t\) is a parameter. (6)