Chapter 5   Question 3
 
a. A particle P moves at a constant angular speed w in a circular path of radius A centered at the origin O. Sketch to show the net force on P, putting down its linear speed and acceleration. No mathematical proofs are required.  2 marks
 
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The speed of P is 
 wpe51.jpg (1278 bytes)
0.5
The acceleration of P is the centripetal acceleration for it to move in a circular path. a points towards O and is
 wpe52.jpg (1356 bytes) 0.5
 
b. At time t = 0, the line joining P and the origin makes an angle f with the y-axis. Q is the projection of P on the x-axis. Sketch a new diagram to show the positions of P and Q after time t. Write down the mathematical expressions for the displacement, velocity and acceleration of Q. Hence, show that the motion of Q is simple harmonic. 6 marks
 
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The equations for displacement, velocity and acceleration are
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From (3) and (5),
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Thus, the motion of Q is simple harmonic. 1
 
c. If Q represents the location of a mass attached to a horizontal spring. Discuss how the motion of the mass is started if  
i)    f = 0,  
ii)   f = p/2,  
iii)   f = p,  
iv)   f = 3p/2
4 marks
 
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i)     For f = 0, the particle is projected from the equilibrium position to the increasing direction of x. 0.5
ii)     For f = p/2, the particle is pulled to the right and then released. 0.5
iii)    For f = p, the particle is projected from the equilibrium position to the decreasing direction of x. 0.5
iv)    For f = 3p/2, the particle is pulled to the left and then released. 0.5
 
d. Discuss how the energy of Q varies with  
i)    the stiffness of the spring used,
4 marks
 
The energy of Q includes both kinetic energy and potential energy. However, it is a constant which is equal to the maximum of k.e. or maximum p.e.
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Stiffness of the spring is proportional to k
Thus, energy of Q is proportional to stiffness of the spring:
0.5
 wpe57.jpg (1263 bytes) 1
c0503d.gif (3557 bytes) 0.5
 
ii)     the amplitude of oscillation.  
    Use appropriate graphs to illustrate your answer.
 
The energy of Q is proportional to the square of the amplitude: 0.5
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