Mathematics 9709 · AS & A Level · Probability

Probability — practice question

A small sphere $S$ has mass $m\,\text{kg}$ and travels inside a fixed smooth hollow cylinder with a vertical axis. $S$ moves at constant speed around a horizontal circle of radius $0.4\,\text{m}$, while remaining in contact with both the plane base and the curved surface of the cylinder (see diagram).
(i)[3]

If the horizontal and vertical forces exerted on $S$ by the cylinder are equal in magnitude, calculate the speed of $S$.

(ii)[3]

$S$ is now connected to the centre of the base of the cylinder by a horizontal light elastic string with natural length $0.25\,\text{m}$ and modulus of elasticity $13\,\text{N}$. The sphere $S$ is then set moving and describes a horizontal circle with constant angular speed $\omega\,\text{rad s}^{-1}$, while remaining in contact with both the plane base and the curved surface of the cylinder. It is given that the magnitudes of the horizontal and vertical forces exerted on $S$ by the cylinder are equal when $\omega = 8$. Calculate $m$.

(iii)[2]

Using the value of $m$ found in part (ii), determine the smallest possible value of $\omega$ for the motion.

Worked solution & mark scheme

This 8-mark question has a full step-by-step worked solution and mark scheme. One marking point: Vertical force $=10m$

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