A2 October 2020 Q5

EdexcelCurrent spec11 marksHorizontal Circular Motion

5.

Figure 4: A vertically above O on a horizontal table with OA = 40 cm; the string AP has length 60 cm and P is on the table
Figure 4

A particle \(P\) of mass 0.75 kg is attached to one end of a light inextensible string of length 60 cm. The other end of the string is attached to a fixed point \(A\) that is vertically above the point \(O\) on a smooth horizontal table, such that \(OA = 40\) cm. The particle remains in contact with the table, with the string taut, and moves in a horizontal circle with centre \(O\), as shown in Figure 4.

The particle is moving with a constant angular speed of 3 radians per second.

(a) Find
(i) the tension in the string,
(ii) the normal reaction between \(P\) and the table. (7)

The angular speed of \(P\) is now gradually increased.

(b) Find the angular speed of \(P\) at the instant \(P\) loses contact with the table. (4)