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Edexcel A Level Further Maths

Topic questions Mechanics Equilibrium of rigid bodies

Equilibrium of rigid bodies

14 questions · 131 marks · about 2.5 hours

Equilibrium of rigid bodies questions

Edexcel 9FM0 Equilibrium of rigid bodies 14 questions

Paper 4C: Further Mechanics 2 June 2025, Question 2 7 marks

Figure for question 2

The shaded region shown in Figure 2 is bounded by the curve with equation y = fraction, the line with equation x = 2, the line with equation x = 4, and the x-axis. This region is rotated through 360° about the x-axis to form a solid.

This solid is used to model a uniform solid pedestal of height 2 m, upper radius 0.5 m and base radius 0.25 m.

Question 2, shown as an image

Given that the volume of the pedestal is

(a)

show that the centre of mass of the pedestal is (4 – 4 ln 2) m from its base.

Figure for question 2
[4]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 2(a)
(b)

The pedestal is placed on a rough plane that is inclined at an angle α° to the horizontal. The plane base of the pedestal is in contact with the inclined plane, as shown in Figure 3. The inclined plane is sufficiently rough to prevent the pedestal from sliding.

Given that the pedestal is on the point of toppling,

find the value of α

[3]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 2(b)

Paper 4C: Further Mechanics 2 June 2025, Question 6 12 marks

A uniform semicircular lamina has radius r and the midpoint of the diameter of the lamina is at O. The distance of the centre of mass of the lamina from O is d.

(a)

Use algebraic integration to show that d = fraction

[4]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 6(a)
(b)

The uniform plane template T, shown shaded in Figure 7, is formed from a rectangle and a semicircular ring. The rectangle has AD = BC = 2a and AB = DC = 8a. The midpoint of CD is O. The semicircular ring has centre O, outer radius OD = 4a and inner radius OE = 2a. The template is modelled as a uniform lamina.

Question 6, shown as an image
Figure for question 6
Question 6, shown as an image
Question 6, shown as an image
[5]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 6(b)
(c)

The template is freely suspended from A. The weight of T is W newtons. A horizontal force is applied to T at B so that T is held in equilibrium with AB vertical. The force acts in the same vertical plane as T and has magnitude λW newtons.

Find the value of λ

[3]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 6(c)

Paper 4C: Further Mechanics 2 June 2024, Question 2 7 marks

Figure for question 2

A uniform rod of length 28a is cut into seven identical rods each of length 4a. These rods are joined together to form the rigid framework ABCDEA shown in Figure 1.

All seven rods lie in the same plane.

The distance of the centre of mass of the framework from ED is d.

(a)
Question 2, shown as an image
[4]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 2(a)
(b)

The weight of the framework is W.

The framework is freely pivoted about a horizontal axis through C.

The framework is held in equilibrium in a vertical plane, with AC vertical and A below C, by a horizontal force that is applied to the framework at A.

The force acts in the same vertical plane as the framework and has magnitude F.

Find F in terms of W.

[3]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 2(b)

Paper 4C: Further Mechanics 2 June 2024, Question 4 12 marks

Figure for question 4

A uniform lamina OAB is in the shape of the region R. Region R lies in the first quadrant and is bounded by the curve with equation fraction fraction 1, the x‑axis, and the y‑axis, as shown shaded in Figure 3.

The point A is the point of intersection of the curve and the x‑axis. The point B is the point of intersection of the curve and the y ‑axis.

One unit on each axis represents 1 m.

The area of R is 6π The centre of mass of R lies at the point with coordinates fraction fraction

(a)

Use algebraic integration to show that fraction fraction

[5]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 4(a)
(b)

Use algebraic integration to find the exact value of fraction

[4]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 4(b)
(c)

The lamina is freely suspended from A and hangs in equilibrium with OA at angle θmaths symbol to the downward vertical.

Find the value of θ

[3]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 4(c)

Paper 4C: Further Mechanics 2 June 2024, Question 6 13 marks

In this question you must show all stages of your working. Solutions relying entirely on calculator technology are not acceptable.

Figure for question 6

The shaded region, shown in Figure 4, is bounded by the x‑axis, the line with equation x = 6, the line with equation y = 2 and the y ‑axis.

This region is rotated through 360maths symbol about the x‑axis to form a solid of revolution. This solid is used to model a non‑uniform cylinder of height 6 cm and radius 2 cm.

The mass per unit volume of the cylinder at the point (x, y, z) is λ(x + 2) kg cm–3, where 0 maths symbol x maths symbol 6 and λ is a constant.

(a)

Show that the mass of the cylinder is 120λπkg.

[3]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 6(a)
(b)

Show that the centre of mass of the cylinder is 3.6 cm from O.

[4]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 6(b)
(c)

The point O is the centre of one end of the cylinder. The point A is the centre of the other end of the cylinder.

A uniform solid hemisphere of radius 3 cm has density λkg cm–3. The hemisphere is attached to the cylinder with the centre of its circular face in contact with the point A on the cylinder to form the model shown in Figure 5.

Figure for question 6

The model is placed with the end containing O on a rough inclined plane which is inclined at angle αmaths symbol to the horizontal. The plane is sufficiently rough to prevent the model from sliding. The model is on the point of toppling.

Find the value of α.

[6]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 6(c)

Paper 4C: Further Mechanics 2 June 2023, Question 3 9 marks

[ In this question you may quote, without proof, the formula for the distance of the centre of mass of a uniform circular arc from its centre.]

Figure for question 3

Five pieces of a uniform wire are joined together to form the rigid framework OABCO shown in Figure 1, where

• OA, OB and BC are straight, with OA = OB = BC maths symbol r

• arc AB is one quarter of a circle with centre O and radius r

• arc OC is one quarter of a circle of radius r

• all five pieces of wire lie in the same plane

(a)

Show that the centre of mass of arc AB is a distance fraction from OA.

[2]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 3(a)
(b)

Given that the distance of the centre of mass of the framework from OA is d,

Question 3, shown as an image
[4]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 3(b)
(c)

The framework is freely pivoted at A.

The framework is held in equilibrium, with AO vertical, by a horizontal force of magnitude F which is applied to the framework at C.

Given that the weight of the framework is W

find F in terms of W

[3]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 3(c)

Paper 4C: Further Mechanics 2 June 2023, Question 5 7 marks

Figure for question 5

A uniform lamina OAB is modelled by the finite region bounded by the x-axis, the y-axis and the curve with equation y maths symbol 9 maths symbol x2, for xmaths symbol0, as shown shaded in Figure 3. The unit of length on both axes is 1 m.

The area of the lamina is 18 m2

(a)

Show that the centre of mass of the lamina is 3.6 m from OB.

[ Solutions relying on calculator technology are not acceptable.]

[4]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 5(a)
(b)

A light string has one end attached to the lamina at O and the other end attached to the ceiling. A second light string has one end attached to the lamina at A and the other end attached to the ceiling. The lamina hangs in equilibrium with the strings vertical and OA horizontal. The weight of the lamina is W The tension in the string attached to the lamina at A is λW

Find the value of λ

[3]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 5(b)

Paper 4C: Further Mechanics 2 June 2023, Question 7 13 marks

Figure for question 7

The shaded region shown in Figure 5 is bounded by the line with equation x maths symbol a and the curve with equation x2 maths symbol y2 maths symbol 4a2

This shaded region is rotated through 180maths symbol about the x-axis to form a solid of revolution.

Question 7, shown as an image

The dome is modelled as being non-uniform with the mass per unit volume of the dome at the point x, y, z equal to fraction kg m3, where amaths symbol xmaths symbol2a and λ is a constant.

(a)

Show that the distance of the centre of mass of the dome from the centre of its

Question 7, shown as an image
[6]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 7(a)
(b)
Question 7, shown as an image

surface of the cone, as shown in Figure 6.

The weight of the cone is kW and the weight of the dome is 2W

The centre of mass of the toy is a distance d metres from the plane face of the dome.

Figure for question 7
[4]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 7(b)
(c)

The toy is suspended from a point on the circumference of the plane face of the dome and hangs freely in equilibrium with the plane face of the dome at an angle α to the downward vertical.

Question 7, shown as an image

find the exact value of k.

[3]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 7(c)

Paper 4C: Further Mechanics 2 June 2022, Question 3 7 marks

Figure for question 3

Nine uniform rods are joined together to form the rigid framework ABCDEFA, with AB = BC = DF = 3 a, BF = CD = DE = 4 a and AF = FE = CF = 5 a, as shown in Figure 1. All nine rods lie in the same plane.

The mass per unit length of each of the rods BF, CF and DF is twice the mass per unit length of each of the other six rods.

(a)

Find the distance of the centre of mass of the framework from AC

[4]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 3(a)
(b)

The mass of the framework is M. A particle of mass kM is attached to the framework at E to form a loaded framework.

When the loaded framework is freely suspended from F, it hangs in equilibrium with CE horizontal.

Find the exact value of k

[3]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 3(b)

Paper 4C: Further Mechanics 2 June 2022, Question 5 11 marks

Question 5, shown as an image
Figure for question 5
Question 5, shown as an image

The uniform plane lamina shown in Figure 3 is formed from two squares, ABCO and ODEF, and a sector ODC of a circle with centre O. Both squares have sides of length 3 a and AO is perpendicular to OF. The radius of the sector is 3 a

(a)

[In part (a) you may use, without proof, any of the centre of mass formulae given in the formulae booklet.] (a) Show that the distance of the centre of mass of the sector ODC from OC is fraction

[3]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 5(a)
(b)

Find the distance of the centre of mass of the lamina from FC

[4]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 5(b)
(c)

The lamina is freely suspended from F and hangs in equilibrium with FC at an angle θmaths symbol to the downward vertical.

Find the value of θ

[4]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 5(c)

Paper 4C: Further Mechanics 2 November 2021, Question 1 8 marks

Figure for question 1

A letter P from a shop sign is modelled as a uniform plane lamina which consists of a rectangular lamina, OABDE, joined to a semicircular lamina, BCD, along its diameter BD.

OA = ED = a, AB = 2 a, OE = 4 a, and the diameter BD = 2 a, as shown in Figure 1.

Using the model,

(a)

find, in terms of π and a, the distance of the centre of mass of the letter P,

Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 1(a)
(a)(i)

from (i) OE

(a)(ii)

OA

[6]
(b)

The letter P is freely suspended from O and hangs in equilibrium. The angle between OE and the downward vertical is α.

Using the model,

find the exact value of tan α

[2]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 1(b)

Paper 4C: Further Mechanics 2 November 2021, Question 3 6 marks

Figure for question 3

A uniform solid hemisphere H has radius 2a. A solid hemisphere of radius a is removed from the hemisphere H to form a bowl. The plane faces of the hemispheres coincide and the centres of the two hemispheres coincide at the point O, as shown in Figure 2.

The centre of mass of the bowl is at the point G.

(a)
Question 3, shown as an image
[4]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 3(a)
(b)

Figure 3 below shows a cross-section of the bowl which is resting in equilibrium with a point P on its curved surface in contact with a rough plane. The plane is inclined to the horizontal at an angle α and is sufficiently rough to prevent the bowl from slipping. The line OG is horizontal and the points O, G and P lie in a vertical plane which passes through a line of greatest slope of the inclined plane.

Figure for question 3

Find the size of α, giving your answer in degrees to 3 significant figures.

[2]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 3(b)

Paper 4C: Further Mechanics 2 October 2020, Question 2 10 marks

Figure for question 2

A uniform plane figure R, shown shaded in Figure 1, is bounded by the x-axis, the line with equation x= ln 5, the curve with equation y= 8e−x and the line with equation x = ln 2. The unit of length on each axis is one metre.

The area of R is 2.4 m2

The centre of mass of R is at the point with coordinates (fraction fraction

(a)

Use algebraic integration to show that fraction = 1.4

[4]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 2(a)
(b)

Figure 2 shows a uniform lamina ABCD, which is the same size and shape as R. The lamina is freely suspended from C and hangs in equilibrium with CB at an angle θ ° to the downward vertical.

Find the value of θ

[6]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 2(b)

Paper 4C: Further Mechanics 2 October 2020, Question 4 9 marks

Figure for question 4

A uniform solid cylinder of base radius r and height fraction r has the same density as a uniform solid hemisphere of radius r. The plane face of the hemisphere is joined to a plane face of the cylinder to form the composite solid S shown in Figure 3. The point O is the centre of the plane face of S.

(a)

Show that the distance from O to the centre of mass of S is fraction

[4]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 4(a)
(b)

The solid S is placed with its plane face on a rough horizontal plane. The coefficient of friction between S and the plane is μ. A horizontal force P is applied to the highest point of S. The magnitude of P is gradually increased.

Find the range of values of μ for which S will slide before it starts to tilt.

[5]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 4(b)

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