9709 P41 - Jun 2022 - Q3
A crate of mass 300 kg is at rest on rough horizontal ground. The coefficient of friction between the crate and the ground is 0.5. A force of magnitude \(X\) N, acting at an angle \(\alpha\) above the horizontal, is applied to the crate, where \(\sin \alpha = 0.28\).
Find the greatest value of \(X\) for which the crate remains at rest.
9709 P43 - Nov 2020 - Q3
A string is attached to a block of mass 4 kg which rests in limiting equilibrium on a rough horizontal table. The string makes an angle of 24° above the horizontal and the tension in the string is 30 N.
(a) Draw a diagram showing all the forces acting on the block. [1]
(b) Find the coefficient of friction between the block and the table. [5]
9709 P42 - Nov 2014 - Q4
Forces of magnitude \(X \text{ N}\) and \(40 \text{ N}\) act on a block \(B\) of mass \(15 \text{ kg}\), which is in equilibrium in contact with a horizontal surface between points \(A\) and \(C\) on the surface. The forces act in the same vertical plane and in the directions shown in the diagram. (i) Given that the surface is smooth, find the value of \(X\). (ii) It is given instead that the surface is rough and that the block is in limiting equilibrium. The frictional force acting on the block has magnitude \(10 \text{ N}\) in the direction towards \(A\). Find the coefficient of friction between the block and the surface.
9709 P43 - Jun 2014 - Q1
A block B of mass 7 kg is at rest on rough horizontal ground. A force of magnitude X N acts on B at an angle of 15° to the upward vertical (see diagram).
(i) Given that B is in equilibrium find, in terms of X, the normal component of the force exerted on B by the ground. [2]
(ii) The coefficient of friction between B and the ground is 0.4. Find the value of X for which B is in limiting equilibrium. [3]
9709 P42 - Nov 2011 - Q4
A particle P has weight 10 N and is in limiting equilibrium on a rough horizontal table. The forces shown in the diagram represent the weight of P, an applied force of magnitude 4 N acting on P in a direction at 30° above the horizontal, and the contact force exerted on P by the table (the resultant of the frictional and normal components) of magnitude C N.
(i) Find the value of C.
(ii) Find the coefficient of friction between P and the table.
9709 P42 - Nov 2010 - Q1
A block of mass 400 kg rests in limiting equilibrium on horizontal ground. A force of magnitude 2000 N acts on the block at an angle of 15° to the upwards vertical. Find the coefficient of friction between the block and the ground, correct to 2 significant figures.
9709 P4 - Jun 2007 - Q7
Two light strings are attached to a block of mass 20 kg. The block is in equilibrium on a horizontal surface AB with the strings taut. The strings make angles of 60° and 30° with the horizontal, on either side of the block, and the tensions in the strings are T N and 75 N respectively (see diagram).
(i) Given that the surface is smooth, find the value of T and the magnitude of the contact force acting on the block.
(ii) It is given instead that the surface is rough and that the block is on the point of slipping. The frictional force on the block has magnitude 25 N and acts towards A. Find the coefficient of friction between the block and the surface.
9709 P42 - Nov 2023 - Q4
A particle P of mass 0.2 kg lies at rest on a rough horizontal plane. A horizontal force of 1.2 N is applied to P.
(a) Given that P is in limiting equilibrium, find the coefficient of friction between P and the plane.
(b) Given instead that the coefficient of friction between P and the plane is 0.3, find the distance travelled by P in the third second of its motion.
9709 P42 - Nov 2016 - Q1
A particle of mass 2 kg is initially at rest on a rough horizontal plane. A force of magnitude 10 N is applied to the particle at 15° above the horizontal. It is given that 10 s after the force is applied, the particle has a speed of 3.5 m s-1.
(i) Show that the magnitude of the frictional force is 8.96 N, correct to 3 significant figures.
(ii) Find the coefficient of friction between the particle and the plane.
9709 P42 - Mar 2016 - Q4
A particle P of mass 0.8 kg is placed on a rough horizontal table. The coefficient of friction between P and the table is \(\mu\). A force of magnitude 5 N, acting upwards at an angle \(\alpha\) above the horizontal, where \(\tan \alpha = \frac{3}{4}\), is applied to P. The particle is on the point of sliding on the table.
(i) Find the value of \(\mu\).
(ii) The magnitude of the force acting on P is increased to 10 N, with the direction of the force remaining the same. Find the acceleration of P.
9709 P41 - Nov 2013 - Q4
Particles P and Q are moving in a straight line on a rough horizontal plane. The frictional forces are the only horizontal forces acting on the particles.
- Find the deceleration of each of the particles given that the coefficient of friction between P and the plane is 0.2, and between Q and the plane is 0.25.
At a certain instant, P passes through the point A and Q passes through the point B. The distance AB is 5 m. The velocities of P and Q at A and B are 8 m s-1 and 3 m s-1, respectively, both in the direction of AB.
- Find the speeds of P and Q immediately before they collide.
9709 P43 - Jun 2013 - Q6
A small box of mass 40 kg is moved along a rough horizontal floor by three men. Two of the men apply horizontal forces of magnitudes 100 N and 120 N, making angles of 30° and 60° respectively with the positive x-direction. The third man applies a horizontal force of magnitude F N making an angle of α° with the negative x-direction (see diagram). The resultant of the three horizontal forces acting on the box is in the positive x-direction and has magnitude 136 N.
(i) Find the values of F and α.
(ii) Given that the box is moving with constant speed, state the magnitude of the frictional force acting on the box and hence find the coefficient of friction between the box and the floor.
9709 P42 - Jun 2013 - Q1
A string is attached to a block of weight 30 N, which is in contact with a rough horizontal plane. When the string is horizontal and the tension in it is 24 N, the block is in limiting equilibrium.
(i) Find the coefficient of friction between the block and the plane.
The block is now in motion and the string is at an angle of 30° upwards from the plane. The tension in the string is 25 N.
(ii) Find the acceleration of the block.
9709 P41 - Jun 2013 - Q1
A block is at rest on a rough horizontal plane. The coefficient of friction between the block and the plane is 1.25.
(i) State, giving a reason for your answer, whether the minimum vertical force required to move the block is greater or less than the minimum horizontal force required to move the block.
A horizontal force of continuously increasing magnitude \(P\) N and fixed direction is applied to the block.
(ii) Given that the weight of the block is 60 N, find the value of \(P\) when the acceleration of the block is 4 m s\(^{-2}\).
9709 P43 - Jun 2011 - Q5
A small block of mass 1.25 kg is on a horizontal surface. Three horizontal forces, with magnitudes and directions as shown in the diagram, are applied to the block. The angle \(\theta\) is such that \(\cos \theta = 0.28\) and \(\sin \theta = 0.96\). A horizontal frictional force also acts on the block, and the block is in equilibrium.
- Show that the magnitude of the frictional force is 7.5 N and state the direction of this force.
- Given that the block is in limiting equilibrium, find the coefficient of friction between the block and the surface.
- The force of magnitude 6.1 N is now replaced by a force of magnitude 8.6 N acting in the same direction, and the block begins to move. Find the magnitude and direction of the acceleration of the block.
9709 P4 - Jun 2006 - Q1
A car of mass 1200 kg travels on a horizontal straight road with constant acceleration \(a \text{ m s}^{-2}\).
(i) Given that the car’s speed increases from 10 \(\text{m s}^{-1}\) to 25 \(\text{m s}^{-1}\) while travelling a distance of 525 m, find the value of \(a\).
The car’s engine exerts a constant driving force of 900 N. The resistance to motion of the car is constant and equal to \(R \text{ N}\).
(ii) Find \(R\).
9709 P4 - Nov 2005 - Q4
A stone slab of mass 320 kg rests in equilibrium on rough horizontal ground. A force of magnitude \(X \text{ N}\) acts upwards on the slab at an angle of \(\theta\) to the vertical, where \(\tan \theta = \frac{7}{24}\) (see diagram).
(i) Find, in terms of \(X\), the normal component of the force exerted on the slab by the ground. [3]
(ii) Given that the coefficient of friction between the slab and the ground is \(\frac{3}{8}\), find the value of \(X\) for which the slab is about to slip. [3]
9709 P4 - Jun 2003 - Q6
A small block of mass 0.15 kg moves on a horizontal surface. The coefficient of friction between the block and the surface is 0.025.
- Find the frictional force acting on the block.
- Show that the deceleration of the block is 0.25 m/s-2.
The block is struck from a point A on the surface and, 4 s later, it hits a boundary board at a point B. The initial speed of the block is 5.5 m/s-1.
- Find the distance AB.
The block rebounds from the board with a speed of 3.5 m/s-1 and moves along the line BA. Find
- the speed with which the block passes through A,
- the total distance moved by the block, from the instant when it was struck at A until the instant when it comes to rest.
9709 P43 - Jun 2023 - Q2
A car of mass 1500 kg is towing a trailer of mass \(m\) kg along a straight horizontal road. The car and the trailer are connected by a tow-bar which is horizontal, light and rigid. There is a resistance force of \(F\) N on the car and a resistance force of 200 N on the trailer. The driving force of the car’s engine is 3200 N, the acceleration of the car is 1.25 m/s\(^2\) and the tension in the tow-bar is 300 N.
Find the value of \(m\) and the value of \(F\).
9709 P42 - Nov 2021 - Q2
A van of mass 3600 kg is towing a trailer of mass 1200 kg along a straight horizontal road using a light horizontal rope. There are resistance forces of 700 N on the van and 300 N on the trailer.
(a) The driving force exerted by the van is 2500 N. Find the tension in the rope.
The driving force is now removed and the van driver applies a braking force which acts only on the van. The resistance forces remain unchanged.
(b) Find the least possible value of the braking force which will cause the rope to become slack.
9709 P42 - Mar 2021 - Q5
A block of mass 5 kg is being pulled along a rough horizontal floor by a force of magnitude X N acting at 30° above the horizontal (see diagram). The block starts from rest and travels 2 m in the first 5 s of its motion.
(a) Find the acceleration of the block. [2]
(b) Given that the coefficient of friction between the block and the floor is 0.4, find X. [4]
The block is now placed on a part of the floor where the coefficient of friction between the block and the floor has a different value. The value of X is changed to 25, and the block is now in limiting equilibrium.
(c) Find the value of the coefficient of friction between the block and this part of the floor. [3]
9709 P42 - Mar 2020 - Q2
A particle P of mass 0.4 kg is on a rough horizontal floor. The coefficient of friction between P and the floor is \(\mu\). A force of magnitude 3 N is applied to P upwards at an angle \(\alpha\) above the horizontal, where \(\tan \alpha = \frac{3}{4}\). The particle is initially at rest and accelerates at 2 m/s\(^2\).
(a) Find the time it takes for P to travel a distance of 1.44 m from its starting point.
(b) Find \(\mu\).
9709 P43 - Nov 2019 - Q1
A crate of mass 500 kg is being pulled along rough horizontal ground by a horizontal rope attached to a winch. The winch produces a constant pulling force of 2500 N and the crate is moving at constant speed. Find the coefficient of friction between the crate and the ground.
9709 P42 - Nov 2019 - Q6
A block of mass 3 kg is initially at rest on a rough horizontal plane. A force of magnitude 6 N is applied to the block at an angle of \(\theta\) above the horizontal, where \(\cos \theta = \frac{24}{25}\). The force is applied for a period of 5 s, during which time the block moves a distance of 4.5 m.
- Find the magnitude of the frictional force on the block.
- Show that the coefficient of friction between the block and the plane is 0.165, correct to 3 significant figures.
- When the block has moved a distance of 4.5 m, the force of magnitude 6 N is removed and the block then decelerates to rest. Find the total time for which the block is in motion.
9709 P43 - Nov 2018 - Q2
A block is pushed along a horizontal floor by a force of magnitude 50 N which acts at an angle of 20° to the horizontal (see diagram). The coefficient of friction between the block and the floor is 0.3. Given that the speed of the block is constant, find the mass of the block.
9709 P41 - Nov 2018 - Q1
A particle of mass 0.2 kg moving in a straight line experiences a constant resistance force of 1.5 N. When the particle is moving at speed 2.5 m s-1, a constant force of magnitude F N is applied to it in the direction in which it is moving. Given that the speed of the particle 5 seconds later is 4.5 m s-1, find the value of F.
9709 P41 - Nov 2011 - Q5
A block of mass 2 kg is at rest on a horizontal floor. The coefficient of friction between the block and the floor is \(\mu\). A force of magnitude 12 N acts on the block at an angle \(\alpha\) to the horizontal, where \(\tan \alpha = \frac{3}{4}\). When the applied force acts downwards as in Fig. 1 the block remains at rest.
- Show that \(\mu \geq \frac{6}{17}\).
When the applied force acts upwards as in Fig. 2 the block slides along the floor.
- Find another inequality for \(\mu\).
9709 P43 - Jun 2010 - Q7
Two rectangular boxes A and B are of identical size. The boxes are at rest on a rough horizontal floor with A on top of B. Box A has mass 200 kg and box B has mass 250 kg. A horizontal force of magnitude P N is applied to B (see diagram). The boxes remain at rest if P \leq 3150 and start to move if P > 3150.
- Find the coefficient of friction between B and the floor.
- Given that P > 3150 and that no sliding takes place between the boxes, show that the acceleration of the boxes is not greater than 2 \text{ m s}^{-2}.
- Find the maximum possible value of P.
9709 P4 - Nov 2004 - Q6
Two identical boxes, each of mass 400 kg, are at rest, with one on top of the other, on horizontal ground. A horizontal force of magnitude P newtons is applied to the lower box (see diagram). The coefficient of friction between the lower box and the ground is 0.75 and the coefficient of friction between the two boxes is 0.4.
(i) Show that the boxes will remain at rest if P ≤ 6000.
The boxes start to move with acceleration a m/s².
(ii) Given that no sliding takes place between the boxes, show that a ≤ 4 and deduce the maximum possible value of P.
9709 P41 - Nov 2019 - Q5
A small ring P is threaded on a fixed smooth horizontal rod AB. Three horizontal forces of magnitudes 4.5 N, 7.5 N and F N act on P (see diagram).
(i) Given that these three forces are in equilibrium, find the values of F and \(\theta\).
(ii) It is given instead that the values of F and \(\theta\) are 9.5 and 30 respectively, and the acceleration of the ring is 1.5 m s-2. Find the mass of the ring.
9709 P41 - Nov 2017 - Q1
A block of mass 3 kg is initially at rest on a smooth horizontal floor. A force of 12 N, acting at an angle of 25° above the horizontal, is applied to the block. Find the distance travelled by the block in the first 5 seconds of its motion.
9709 P41 - Nov 2015 - Q5
A small bead Q can move freely along a smooth horizontal straight wire AB of length 3 m. Three horizontal forces of magnitudes F N, 10 N, and 20 N act on the bead in the directions shown in the diagram. The magnitude of the resultant of the three forces is R N in the direction shown in the diagram.
(i) Find the values of F and R.
(ii) Initially the bead is at rest at A. It reaches B with a speed of 11.7 m s-1. Find the mass of the bead.
9709 P41 - Jun 2013 - Q6
A particle P of mass 0.5 kg lies on a smooth horizontal plane. Horizontal forces of magnitudes F N, 2.5 N, and 2.6 N act on P. The directions of the forces are as shown in the diagram, where \(\tan \alpha = \frac{12}{5}\) and \(\tan \beta = \frac{7}{24}\).
(i) Given that P is in equilibrium, find the values of F and \(\tan \theta\).
(ii) The force of magnitude F N is removed. Find the magnitude and direction of the acceleration with which P starts to move.
9709 P42 - Jun 2023 - Q5
A particle of mass 0.6 kg is placed on a rough plane which is inclined at an angle of 35° to the horizontal. The particle is kept in equilibrium by a horizontal force of magnitude \(P\) N acting in a vertical plane containing a line of greatest slope (see diagram). The coefficient of friction between the particle and plane is 0.4.
Find the least possible value of \(P\).
9709 P42 - Jun 2017 - Q5
A particle of mass 0.12 kg is placed on a plane which is inclined at an angle of 40° to the horizontal. The particle is kept in equilibrium by a force of magnitude \(P N\) acting up the plane at an angle of 30° above a line of greatest slope, as shown in the diagram. The coefficient of friction between the particle and the plane is 0.32. Find the set of possible values of \(P\).
9709 P42 - Mar 2017 - Q3
A particle of mass 0.6 kg is placed on a rough plane which is inclined at an angle of 21° to the horizontal. The particle is kept in equilibrium by a force of magnitude P N acting parallel to a line of greatest slope of the plane, as shown in the diagram. The coefficient of friction between the particle and the plane is 0.3. Show that the least possible value of P is 0.470, correct to 3 significant figures, and find the greatest possible value of P.
9709 P42 - Nov 2016 - Q5
A particle of mass m kg is resting on a rough plane inclined at 30° to the horizontal. A force of magnitude 10 N applied to the particle up a line of greatest slope of the plane is just sufficient to stop the particle sliding down the plane. When a force of 75 N is applied to the particle up a line of greatest slope of the plane, the particle is on the point of sliding up the plane. Find m and the coefficient of friction between the particle and the plane.
9709 P43 - Jun 2016 - Q4
A particle of mass 15 kg is stationary on a rough plane inclined at an angle of 20° to the horizontal. The coefficient of friction between the particle and the plane is 0.2. A force of magnitude X N acting parallel to a line of greatest slope of the plane is used to keep the particle in equilibrium. Show that the least possible value of X is 23.1, correct to 3 significant figures, and find the greatest possible value of X.
9709 P42 - Jun 2016 - Q5
A block of mass 2.5 kg is placed on a plane which is inclined at an angle of 30° to the horizontal. The block is kept in equilibrium by a light string making an angle of 20° above a line of greatest slope. The tension in the string is T N, as shown in the diagram. The coefficient of friction between the block and plane is \(\frac{1}{4}\). The block is in limiting equilibrium and is about to move up the plane. Find the value of T.
9709 P41 - Jun 2014 - Q2
A rough plane is inclined at an angle of \(\alpha^\circ\) to the horizontal. A particle of mass 0.25 kg is in equilibrium on the plane. The normal reaction force acting on the particle has magnitude 2.4 N. Find
- the value of \(\alpha\),
- the least possible value of the coefficient of friction.
9709 P43 - Nov 2013 - Q4
A box of mass 30 kg is at rest on a rough plane inclined at an angle \(\alpha\) to the horizontal, where \(\sin \alpha = 0.1\), acted on by a force of magnitude 40 N. The force acts upwards and parallel to a line of greatest slope of the plane. The box is on the point of slipping up the plane.
(i) Find the coefficient of friction between the box and the plane.
The force of magnitude 40 N is removed.
(ii) Determine, giving a reason, whether or not the box remains in equilibrium.
9709 P42 - Nov 2013 - Q4
A rough plane is inclined at an angle \(\alpha\) to the horizontal, where \(\tan \alpha = 2.4\). A small block of mass 0.6 kg is held at rest on the plane by a horizontal force of magnitude \(PN\). This force acts in a vertical plane through a line of greatest slope (see diagram). The coefficient of friction between the block and the plane is 0.4. The block is on the point of slipping down the plane. By resolving forces parallel to and perpendicular to the inclined plane, or otherwise, find the value of \(P\).
9709 P43 - Nov 2012 - Q6
The diagram shows a particle of mass 0.6 kg on a plane inclined at 25° to the horizontal. The particle is acted on by a force of magnitude \(P\) N directed up the plane parallel to a line of greatest slope. The coefficient of friction between the particle and the plane is 0.36. Given that the particle is in equilibrium, find the set of possible values of \(P\).
9709 P41 - Nov 2012 - Q3
A particle P of mass 0.5 kg rests on a rough plane inclined at angle \(\alpha\) to the horizontal, where \(\sin \alpha = 0.28\). A force of magnitude 0.6 N, acting upwards on P at angle \(\alpha\) from a line of greatest slope of the plane, is just sufficient to prevent P sliding down the plane (see diagram). Find
- the normal component of the contact force on P,
- the frictional component of the contact force on P,
- the coefficient of friction between P and the plane.
9709 P42 - Jun 2022 - Q5
A block of mass 12 kg is placed on a plane which is inclined at an angle of 24° to the horizontal. A light string, making an angle of 36° above a line of greatest slope, is attached to the block. The tension in the string is 65 N (see diagram). The coefficient of friction between the block and plane is \(\mu\). The block is in limiting equilibrium and is on the point of sliding up the plane.
Find \(\mu\).
9709 P41 - Jun 2011 - Q4
A block of mass 11 kg is at rest on a rough plane inclined at 30° to the horizontal. A force acts on the block in a direction up the plane parallel to a line of greatest slope. When the magnitude of the force is 2X N the block is on the point of sliding down the plane, and when the magnitude of the force is 9X N the block is on the point of sliding up the plane. Find
- the value of X,
- the coefficient of friction between the block and the plane.
9709 P4 - Jun 2009 - Q4
A block of mass 8 kg is at rest on a plane inclined at 20° to the horizontal. The block is connected to a vertical wall at the top of the plane by a string. The string is taut and parallel to a line of greatest slope of the plane (see diagram).
(i) Given that the tension in the string is 13 N, find the frictional and normal components of the force exerted on the block by the plane.
The string is cut; the block remains at rest, but is on the point of slipping down the plane.
(ii) Find the coefficient of friction between the block and the plane.
9709 P4 - Nov 2008 - Q2
A block of mass 20 kg is at rest on a plane inclined at 10° to the horizontal. A force acts on the block parallel to a line of greatest slope of the plane. The coefficient of friction between the block and the plane is 0.32. Find the least magnitude of the force necessary to move the block,
- given that the force acts up the plane,
- given instead that the force acts down the plane.
9709 P4 - Nov 2002 - Q5
A force, whose direction is upwards parallel to a line of greatest slope of a plane inclined at 35° to the horizontal, acts on a box of mass 15 kg which is at rest on the plane. The normal component of the contact force on the box has magnitude \(R\) newtons (see Fig. 1).
(i) Show that \(R = 123\), correct to 3 significant figures.
When the force parallel to the plane acting on the box has magnitude \(X\) newtons the box is about to move down the plane, and when this force has magnitude \(5X\) newtons the box is about to move up the plane (see Fig. 2).
(ii) Find the value of \(X\) and the coefficient of friction between the box and the plane.
9709 P41 - Nov 2021 - Q4
A particle of mass 12 kg is stationary on a rough plane inclined at an angle of 25° to the horizontal. A force of magnitude \(P\) N acting parallel to a line of greatest slope of the plane is used to prevent the particle sliding down the plane. The coefficient of friction between the particle and the plane is 0.35.
(a) Draw a sketch showing the forces acting on the particle.
(b) Find the least possible value of \(P\).
9709 P42 - Jun 2021 - Q4
A particle of mass 12 kg is stationary on a rough plane inclined at an angle of 25° to the horizontal. A pulling force of magnitude \(P\) N acts at an angle of 8° above a line of greatest slope of the plane. This force is used to keep the particle in equilibrium. The coefficient of friction between the particle and the plane is 0.3.
Find the greatest possible value of \(P\).
9709 P42 - Jun 2020 - Q3
A particle of mass 2.5 kg is held in equilibrium on a rough plane inclined at 20° to the horizontal by a force of magnitude \(T\) N making an angle of 60° with a line of greatest slope of the plane (see diagram). The coefficient of friction between the particle and the plane is 0.3.
Find the greatest and least possible values of \(T\).
9709 P41 - Nov 2019 - Q3
A block of mass 3 kg is at rest on a rough plane inclined at 60° to the horizontal. A force of magnitude 15 N acting up a line of greatest slope of the plane is just sufficient to prevent the block from sliding down the plane.
- Find the coefficient of friction between the block and the plane.
The force of magnitude 15 N is now replaced by a force of magnitude X N acting up the line of greatest slope.
- Find the greatest value of X for which the block does not move.
9709 P43 - Jun 2018 - Q5
A particle of mass 3 kg is on a rough plane inclined at an angle of 20° to the horizontal. A force of magnitude \(P N\) acting parallel to a line of greatest slope of the plane is used to keep the particle in equilibrium. The coefficient of friction between the particle and the plane is 0.35. Show that the least possible value of \(P\) is 0.394, correct to 3 significant figures, and find the greatest possible value of \(P\).
9709 P42 - Jun 2018 - Q5
A particle of mass 20 kg is on a rough plane inclined at an angle of 60° to the horizontal. Equilibrium is maintained by a force of magnitude \(P \ N\) acting on the particle, in a direction parallel to a line of greatest slope of the plane. The greatest possible value of \(P\) is twice the least possible value of \(P\). Find the value of the coefficient of friction between the particle and the plane.
9709 P42 - Mar 2018 - Q4
A particle of mass 12 kg is on a rough plane inclined at an angle of 25° to the horizontal. A force of magnitude \(P\) N acts on the particle. This force is horizontal and the particle is on the point of moving up a line of greatest slope of the plane. The coefficient of friction between the particle and the plane is 0.8. Find the value of \(P\).
9709 P42 - Mar 2023 - Q6
A block B, of mass 2 kg, lies on a rough inclined plane sloping at 30° to the horizontal. A light rope, inclined at an angle of 20° above a line of greatest slope, is attached to B. The tension in the rope is T N. There is a friction force of F N acting on B (see diagram). The coefficient of friction between B and the plane is μ.
\((a) It is given that F = 5 and that the acceleration of B up the plane is 1.2 m/s².\)
- Find the value of T.
- Find the value of μ.
\((b) It is given instead that μ = 0.8 and T = 15.\)
Determine whether B will move up the plane.
9709 P43 - Jun 2015 - Q6
A small box of mass 5 kg is pulled at a constant speed of 2.5 m s-1 down a line of greatest slope of a rough plane inclined at 10° to the horizontal. The pulling force has magnitude 20 N and acts downwards parallel to a line of greatest slope of the plane.
(i) Find the coefficient of friction between the box and the plane.
The pulling force is removed while the box is moving at 2.5 m s-1.
(ii) Find the distance moved by the box after the instant at which the pulling force is removed.
9709 P43 - Jun 2015 - Q4
A lorry of mass 12,000 kg moves up a straight hill of length 500 m, starting at the bottom with a speed of 24 m s-1 and reaching the top with a speed of 16 m s-1. The top of the hill is 25 m above the level of the bottom of the hill. The resistance to motion of the lorry is 7500 N. Find the driving force of the lorry.
9709 P43 - Nov 2014 - Q5
A box of mass 8 kg is on a rough plane inclined at 5° to the horizontal. A force of magnitude \(P\) N acts on the box in a direction upwards and parallel to a line of greatest slope of the plane. When \(P = 7X\) the box moves up the line of greatest slope with acceleration 0.15 m/s² and when \(P = 8X\) the box moves up the line of greatest slope with acceleration 1.15 m/s². Find the value of \(X\) and the coefficient of friction between the box and the plane.
9709 P41 - Nov 2014 - Q7
A block of mass 60 kg is pulled up a hill in the line of greatest slope by a force of magnitude 50 N acting at an angle \(\alpha^\circ\) above the hill. The block passes through points A and B with speeds 8.5 m s\(^{-1}\) and 3.5 m s\(^{-1}\) respectively (see diagram). The distance \(AB\) is 250 m and \(B\) is 17.5 m above the level of \(A\). The resistance to motion of the block is 6 N. Find the value of \(\alpha\).
9709 P43 - Nov 2013 - Q1
A particle moves up a line of greatest slope of a rough plane inclined at an angle \(\alpha\) to the horizontal, where \(\sin \alpha = 0.28\). The coefficient of friction between the particle and the plane is \(\frac{1}{3}\).
- Show that the acceleration of the particle is \(-6 \text{ m s}^{-2}\).
- Given that the particle’s initial speed is \(5.4 \text{ m s}^{-1}\), find the distance that the particle travels up the plane.
9709 P41 - Nov 2013 - Q3
A cyclist exerts a constant driving force of magnitude \(F\) N while moving up a straight hill inclined at an angle \(\alpha\) to the horizontal, where \(\sin \alpha = \frac{36}{325}\). A constant resistance to motion of 32 N acts on the cyclist. The total weight of the cyclist and his bicycle is 780 N. The cyclist's acceleration is \(-0.2 \text{ m s}^{-2}\).
(i) Find the value of \(F\).
The cyclist’s speed is 7 m s-1 at the bottom of the hill.
(ii) Find how far up the hill the cyclist travels before coming to rest.
9709 P43 - Jun 2012 - Q6
A block of weight 6.1 N is at rest on a plane inclined at angle \(\alpha\) to the horizontal, where \(\tan \alpha = \frac{11}{60}\). The coefficient of friction between the block and the plane is \(\mu\). A force of magnitude 5.9 N acting parallel to a line of greatest slope is applied to the block.
(i) When the force acts up the plane (see Fig. 1) the block remains at rest. Show that \(\mu \geq \frac{4}{5}\).
(ii) When the force acts down the plane (see Fig. 2) the block slides downwards. Show that \(\mu < \frac{7}{6}\).
(iii) Given that the acceleration of the block is 1.7 m s\(^{-2}\) when the force acts down the plane, find the value of \(\mu\).
9709 P42 - Nov 2009 - Q4
A particle moves up a line of greatest slope of a rough plane inclined at an angle \(\alpha\) to the horizontal, where \(\cos \alpha = 0.96\) and \(\sin \alpha = 0.28\).
- Given that the normal component of the contact force acting on the particle has magnitude 1.2 N, find the mass of the particle.
- Given also that the frictional component of the contact force acting on the particle has magnitude 0.4 N, find the deceleration of the particle.
The particle comes to rest on reaching the point \(X\).
- Determine whether the particle remains at \(X\) or whether it starts to move down the plane.
9709 P41 - Nov 2009 - Q5
A particle P of mass 0.6 kg moves upwards along a line of greatest slope of a plane inclined at 18° to the horizontal. The deceleration of P is 4 m s-2.
(i) Find the frictional and normal components of the force exerted on P by the plane. Hence find the coefficient of friction between P and the plane, correct to 2 significant figures.
After P comes to instantaneous rest it starts to move down the plane with acceleration a m s-2.
(ii) Find the value of a.
9709 P4 - Nov 2006 - Q7
A particle of mass m kg moves up a line of greatest slope of a rough plane inclined at 21° to the horizontal. The frictional and normal components of the contact force on the particle have magnitudes F N and R N respectively. The particle passes through the point P with speed 10 m s-1, and 2 s later it reaches its highest point on the plane.
- Show that R = 9.336m and F = 1.416m, each correct to 4 significant figures.
- Find the coefficient of friction between the particle and the plane.
- After the particle reaches its highest point it starts to move down the plane. Find the speed with which the particle returns to P.
9709 P42 - Nov 2022 - Q2
A particle P of mass 0.4 kg is in limiting equilibrium on a plane inclined at 30° to the horizontal.
(a) Show that the coefficient of friction between the particle and the plane is \(\frac{1}{3} \sqrt{3}\).
A force of magnitude 7.2 N is now applied to P directly up a line of greatest slope of the plane.
(b) Given that P starts from rest, find the time that it takes for P to move 1 m up the plane.
9709 P4 - Jun 2005 - Q3
A and B are points on the same line of greatest slope of a rough plane inclined at 30° to the horizontal. A is higher up the plane than B and the distance AB is 2.25 m. A particle P, of mass m kg, is released from rest at A and reaches B 1.5 s later. Find the coefficient of friction between P and the plane.
9709 P4 - Jun 2003 - Q7
The diagram shows a vertical cross-section ABCD of a surface. The parts AB and CD are straight and have lengths 2.5 m and 5.2 m respectively. AD is horizontal, and AB is inclined at 60° to the horizontal. The points B and C are at the same height above AD. The parts of the surface containing AB and BC are smooth. A particle P is given a velocity of 8 m s-1 at A, in the direction AB, and it subsequently reaches D. The particle does not lose contact with the surface during this motion.
- Find the speed of P at B.
- Show that the maximum height of the cross-section, above AD, is less than 3.2 m.
- State briefly why P’s speed at C is the same as its speed at B.
- The frictional force acting on the particle as it travels from C to D is 1.4 N. Given that the mass of P is 0.4 kg, find the speed with which P reaches D.
9709 P41 - Nov 2022 - Q4
A block of mass 8 kg is placed on a rough plane which is inclined at an angle of 18° to the horizontal. The block is pulled up the plane by a light string that makes an angle of 26° above a line of greatest slope. The tension in the string is \(T\) N (see diagram). The coefficient of friction between the block and plane is 0.65.
(a) The acceleration of the block is 0.2 m/s². Find \(T\).
(b) The block is initially at rest. Find the distance travelled by the block during the fourth second of motion.
9709 P43 - Jun 2021 - Q7
A particle P of mass 0.3 kg rests on a rough plane inclined at an angle \(\theta\) to the horizontal, where \(\sin \theta = \frac{7}{25}\). A horizontal force of magnitude 4 N, acting in the vertical plane containing a line of greatest slope of the plane, is applied to P (see diagram). The particle is on the point of sliding up the plane.
(a) Show that the coefficient of friction between the particle and the plane is \(\frac{3}{4}\).
The force acting horizontally is replaced by a force of magnitude 4 N acting up the plane parallel to a line of greatest slope.
(b) Find the acceleration of P.
(c) Starting with P at rest, the force of 4 N parallel to the plane acts for 3 seconds and is then removed. Find the total distance travelled until P comes to instantaneous rest.
9709 P42 - Jun 2019 - Q4
A constant resistance to motion of magnitude 350 N acts on a car of mass 1250 kg. The engine of the car exerts a constant driving force of 1200 N. The car travels along a road inclined at an angle of \(\theta\) to the horizontal, where \(\sin \theta = 0.05\). Find the speed of the car when it has moved 100 m from rest in each of the following cases:
- The car is moving up the hill.
- The car is moving down the hill.
9709 P42 - Nov 2018 - Q2
A block of mass 5 kg is being pulled by a rope up a rough plane inclined at 6° to the horizontal. The rope is parallel to a line of greatest slope of the plane and the block is moving at constant speed. The coefficient of friction between the block and the plane is 0.3. Find the tension in the rope.
9709 P42 - Nov 2017 - Q1
A particle of mass 0.2 kg is resting in equilibrium on a rough plane inclined at 20° to the horizontal.
- Show that the friction force acting on the particle is 0.684 N, correct to 3 significant figures.
The coefficient of friction between the particle and the plane is 0.6. A force of magnitude 0.9 N is applied to the particle down a line of greatest slope of the plane. The particle accelerates down the plane.
- Find this acceleration.
9709 P41 - Jun 2017 - Q2
A particle of mass 0.8 kg is projected with a speed of 12 m s-1 up a line of greatest slope of a rough plane inclined at an angle of 10° to the horizontal. The coefficient of friction between the particle and the plane is 0.4.
(i) Find the acceleration of the particle. [4]
(ii) Find the distance the particle moves up the plane before coming to rest. [2]
9709 P42 - Mar 2016 - Q5
A car of mass 1200 kg is pulling a trailer of mass 800 kg up a hill inclined at an angle \(\alpha\) to the horizontal, where \(\sin \alpha = 0.1\). The system of the car and the trailer is modelled as two particles connected by a light inextensible cable. The driving force of the car’s engine is 2500 N and the resistances to the car and trailer are 100 N and 150 N respectively.
(i) Find the acceleration of the system and the tension in the cable.
(ii) When the car and trailer are travelling at a speed of 30 m s\(^{-1}\), the driving force becomes zero. The cable remains taut. Find the time, in seconds, before the system comes to rest.
9709 P43 - Nov 2023 - Q3
A block of mass 8 kg slides down a rough plane inclined at 30° to the horizontal, starting from rest. The coefficient of friction between the block and the plane is \(\mu\). The block accelerates uniformly down the plane at 2.4 m/s\(^2\).
(a) Draw a diagram showing the forces acting on the block.
(b) Find the value of \(\mu\).
(c) Find the speed of the block after it has moved 3 m down the plane.
9709 P42 - Jun 2013 - Q4
A particle P is released from rest at the top of a smooth plane which is inclined at an angle \(\alpha\) to the horizontal, where \(\sin \alpha = \frac{16}{65}\). The distance travelled by P from the top to the bottom is \(S\) metres, and the speed of P at the bottom is 8 m s-1.
- Find the value of \(S\) and hence find the speed of P when it has travelled \(\frac{1}{2}S\) metres.
- The time taken by P to travel from the top to the bottom of the plane is \(T\) seconds.
- Find the distance travelled by P at the instant when it has been moving for \(\frac{1}{2}T\) seconds.
9709 P42 - Nov 2012 - Q5
A, B, and C are three points on a line of greatest slope of a plane which is inclined at \(\theta^\circ\) to the horizontal, with A higher than B and B higher than C. Between A and B the plane is smooth, and between B and C the plane is rough. A particle P is released from rest on the plane at A and slides down the line ABC. At time 0.8 s after leaving A, the particle passes through B with speed 4 m s\(^{-1}\).
(i) Find the value of \(\theta\).
At time 4.8 s after leaving A, the particle comes to rest at C.
(ii) Find the coefficient of friction between P and the rough part of the plane.
9709 P42 - Nov 2011 - Q2
A block of mass 6 kg is sliding down a line of greatest slope of a plane inclined at 8° to the horizontal. The coefficient of friction between the block and the plane is 0.2.
- Find the deceleration of the block.
- Given that the initial speed of the block is 3 m s-1, find how far the block travels.
9709 P41 - Nov 2020 - Q7
Three points A, B and C lie on a line of greatest slope of a plane inclined at an angle of 30° to the horizontal, with AB = 1 m and BC = 1 m, as shown in the diagram. A particle of mass 0.2 kg is released from rest at A and slides down the plane. The part of the plane from A to B is smooth. The part of the plane from B to C is rough, with coefficient of friction μ between the plane and the particle.
\((a) Given that μ = \frac{1}{2}\sqrt{3}, find the speed of the particle at C.\)
(b) Given instead that the particle comes to rest at C, find the exact value of μ.
9709 P41 - Nov 2018 - Q6
A particle is projected from a point P with initial speed u m s-1 up a line of greatest slope PQR of a rough inclined plane. The distances PQ and QR are both equal to 0.8 m. The particle takes 0.6 s to travel from P to Q and 1 s to travel from Q to R.
- Show that the deceleration of the particle is \(\frac{2}{3}\) m s-2 and hence find u, giving your answer as an exact fraction.
- Given that the plane is inclined at 3° to the horizontal, find the value of the coefficient of friction between the particle and the plane.
9709 P43 - Nov 2017 - Q3
A particle is released from rest and slides down a line of greatest slope of a rough plane which is inclined at 25° to the horizontal. The coefficient of friction between the particle and the plane is 0.4.
- Find the acceleration of the particle.
- Find the distance travelled by the particle in the first 3 s after it is released.
9709 P41 - Nov 2016 - Q2
A particle of mass 0.1 kg is released from rest on a rough plane inclined at 20° to the horizontal. It is given that, 5 seconds after release, the particle has a speed of 2 m/s-1.
- Find the acceleration of the particle and hence show that the magnitude of the frictional force acting on the particle is 0.302 N, correct to 3 significant figures.
- Find the coefficient of friction between the particle and the plane.
9709 P41 - Nov 2015 - Q2
A particle of mass 0.5 kg starts from rest and slides down a line of greatest slope of a smooth plane. The plane is inclined at an angle of 30° to the horizontal.
(i) Find the time taken for the particle to reach a speed of 2.5 m s-1.
When the particle has travelled 3 m down the slope from its starting point, it reaches rough horizontal ground at the bottom of the slope. The frictional force acting on the particle is 1 N.
(ii) Find the distance that the particle travels along the ground before it comes to rest.
9709 P41 - Jun 2015 - Q3
A block of weight 6.1 N slides down a slope inclined at \(\arctan\left(\frac{11}{60}\right)\) to the horizontal. The coefficient of friction between the block and the slope is \(\frac{1}{4}\). The block passes through a point A with speed 2 m s\(^{-1}\). Find how far the block moves from A before it comes to rest.
9709 P42 - Nov 2014 - Q6
ABC is a line of greatest slope of a plane inclined at angle \(\alpha\) to the horizontal, where \(\sin \alpha = 0.28\) and \(\cos \alpha = 0.96\). The point A is at the top of the plane, the point C is at the bottom of the plane and the length of AC is 5 m. The part of the plane above the level of B is smooth and the part below the level of B is rough. A particle P is released from rest at A and reaches C with a speed of 2 m s-1. The coefficient of friction between P and the part of the plane below B is 0.5. Find
- the acceleration of P while moving
- from A to B,
- from B to C.
- the distance AB,
- the time taken for P to move from A to C.
9709 P43 - Jun 2013 - Q1
A straight ice track of length 50 m is inclined at 14° to the horizontal. A man starts at the top of the track, on a sledge, with speed 8 m s-1. He travels on the sledge to the bottom of the track. The coefficient of friction between the sledge and the track is 0.02. Find the speed of the sledge and the man when they reach the bottom of the track.
9709 P42 - Nov 2020 - Q6
A block of mass 5 kg is placed on a plane inclined at 30° to the horizontal. The coefficient of friction between the block and the plane is \(\mu\).
(a) When a force of magnitude 40 N is applied to the block, acting up the plane parallel to a line of greatest slope, the block begins to slide up the plane (see Fig. 6.1). Show that \(\mu < \frac{1}{5} \sqrt{3}\).
(b) When a force of magnitude 40 N is applied horizontally, in a vertical plane containing a line of greatest slope, the block does not move (see Fig. 6.2). Show that, correct to 3 decimal places, the least possible value of \(\mu\) is 0.152.
9709 P41 - Nov 2014 - Q3
A block of weight 7.5 N is at rest on a plane which is inclined to the horizontal at angle \(\alpha\), where \(\tan \alpha = \frac{7}{24}\). The coefficient of friction between the block and the plane is \(\mu\). A force of magnitude 7.2 N acting parallel to a line of greatest slope is applied to the block. When the force acts up the plane (see Fig. 1) the block remains at rest.
- Show that \(\mu \geq \frac{17}{24}\).
When the force acts down the plane (see Fig. 2) the block slides downwards.
- Show that \(\mu < \frac{31}{24}\).

























































































