Physics 9702 · AS & A Level · Equilibrium of forces

Equilibrium of forces — practice question

(a)[2]

State the two requirements for an object to be in equilibrium.

(b(i))[1]

A uniform beam AC is fixed to a vertical wall at A. As shown in Fig. 3.1, the beam is kept horizontal by a rigid bar BD. The beam has length $0.40\,\text{m}$ and weight $W$. A bucket with weight $12\,\text{N}$ and no contents hangs from C on a light metal wire. The bar applies a force of $33\,\text{N}$ to the beam at $52^\circ$ to the horizontal. The beam is in equilibrium. Calculate the vertical component of the force applied by the bar to the beam.

(b(ii))[3]

By taking moments about A, calculate the weight $W$ of the beam.

(c(i))[2]

The metal used for the wire in (b) has a Young modulus of $2.0 \times 10^{11}\,\text{Pa}$. At first, the bucket is empty. When paint of weight $78\,\text{N}$ is added to the bucket, the strain in the wire rises by $7.5 \times 10^{-4}$. The wire follows Hooke’s law. Calculate the increase in stress in the wire caused by the paint.

(c(ii))[3]

Calculate its diameter.

Worked solution & mark scheme

This 11-mark question has a full step-by-step worked solution and mark scheme. One marking point: The resultant force is zero

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