M3 June 2014 Q6

EdexcelOld spec13 marksVertical Circular Motion

6. A particle \(P\) is attached to one end of a light inextensible string of length \(a\). The other end of the string is attached to a fixed point. The particle is hanging freely at rest, with the string vertical, when it is projected horizontally with speed \(U\). The particle moves in a complete vertical circle.

(a) Show that \(U \geqslant \sqrt{5ag}\) (8)

As \(P\) moves in the circle the least tension in the string is \(T\) and the greatest tension is \(kT\). Given that \(U = 3\sqrt{ag}\)

(b) find the value of \(k\). (5)