M3 January 2007 Q7

EdexcelOld spec16 marksFurther Dynamics

7. A particle \(P\) of mass 0.25 kg is attached to one end of a light elastic string. The string has natural length 0.8 m and modulus of elasticity \(\lambda\) N. The other end of the string is attached to a fixed point \(A\). In its equilibrium position, \(P\) is 0.85 m vertically below \(A\).

(a) Show that \(\lambda = 39.2\). (2)

The particle is now displaced to a point \(B\), 0.95 m vertically below \(A\), and released from rest.

(b) Prove that, while the string remains stretched, \(P\) moves with simple harmonic motion of period \(\dfrac{\pi}{7}\) s. (6)
(c) Calculate the speed of \(P\) at the instant when the string first becomes slack. (3)

The particle first comes to instantaneous rest at the point \(C\).

(d) Find, to 3 significant figures, the time taken for \(P\) to move from \(B\) to \(C\). (5)