Physics 9702 · AS & A Level · Equilibrium of forces

Equilibrium of forces — practice question

(a)[1]

State what the centre of gravity of an object means.

(b)

A uniform beam $AB$ is joined to a vertical wall by a frictionless hinge at end $A$. As shown in Fig. 3.1, a metal wire $CD$ keeps the beam horizontal. The beam has length $0.96\,\text{m}$ and weight $23\,\text{N}$. A block of weight $W$ sits on the beam $0.20\,\text{m}$ from $B$. The wire is fixed to the beam at point $D$, which is $0.40\,\text{m}$ from $B$. The wire exerts a force of $45\,\text{N}$ on the beam at an angle of $37^\circ$ to the horizontal. The beam is in equilibrium.

(b(i))[1]

Calculate the vertical component of the force exerted by the wire on the beam.

(b(ii))[3]

Using moments about A, determine the block's weight W.

(b(iii))[1]

The hinge applies a force on the beam at end $A$. Calculate this force's horizontal component.

(b(iv))[1]

The block is now moved nearer to point $D$ on the beam. State whether the tension in the wire increases, decreases or stays unchanged.

(b(v))[2]

The stress in the wire is $5.3 \times 10^7\,\text{Pa}$. It is replaced by another wire whose radius is three times the original radius. The tension stays the same. Calculate the stress in the second wire.

(c(iii))[1]

The hinge applies a force on the beam at end A. Calculate the horizontal part of this force.

(c(iv))[1]

The block is now moved nearer to point D on the beam. State whether the tension in the wire increases, decreases or has no effect.

(c(v))[2]

The stress in the wire is $5.3 \times 10^7\,\text{Pa}$. It is replaced by another wire whose radius is three times the original radius. The tension stays the same. Calculate the stress in the second wire.

Worked solution & mark scheme

This 13-mark question has a full step-by-step worked solution and mark scheme. One marking point: the point at which the whole weight of an object is considered to act

  • Full mark scheme, point by point
  • Step-by-step worked solution
  • Write your answer & get it marked instantly by AI