Lecture questions on Forces on 19 July 2012 (Thu)

SSQ: SAJC Prelim/2011/II /Q1 (11m) 1 (a) State the conditions for equilibrium of an object which is acted on by a number of forces. [2]

The vector sum of the forces is zero. The vector sum of the torques about a point due to the forces is zero.
(b) A uniform block is standing on the floor of a moving trailer that is moving towards the right at an acceleration a of 2.00 m s-2 as shown in Fig. 1.1. a = 2.00 m s-2 block Block Trailer

Fig. 1.1

Fig. 1.2 shows the block on the floor of the moving trailer. The dimensions of the block are 25.0 cm by 12.0 cm and its mass is 0.800 kg. Only three forces act on the block : the normal contact force N on the block by the floor (not drawn in the figure), the frictional force F on the block by the floor, and the weight W of the block .

The centre of mass of the block is indicated by O .

12.0 cm

25.0 cm

Floor of moving trailer

W Fig.1.2 Using one of Newton's Laws, explain why the frictional force F acts in the direction as indicated in Fig. 1.2. [2]

Assume the block is dragged at its base by the trailer. When the trailer moves, it drags the block with it. By Newtons second law, there must be a net force acting on the block in the direction of the acceleration. As the acceleration is to the right, the net force, i.e. F = ma, must be acting in the same direction.

(i)

Determine the value of F.

Fnet = ma F = ma = (0.800) (2.0) = 1.6 N

F = .. N [1]
(iii) 1. By considering moments about O for each of the forces shown in Fig. 1.2, explain why the line of action of the normal contact force N cannot pass through the centre of mass of the block in order that it does not topple. [2]

12.0 cm

25.0 cm

W Fig.1.2

The block tends to rotate about its centre of gravity (CG) which is at O. Thus, if by taking moments about the CG, and N passes through O, there will be a resultant anticlockwise moment due to F [B1] about the point O. The block will then topple. [B1]

As the block does not topple, N cannot pass through O in order to make the net moment equals to zero.
2. Sketch on Fig. 1.2 a labelled arrow to represent the normal contact force N. [1]

Note that the length of arrow of N is the same as that of W. Note : Taking moments abt O, the net moment or torque is zero. N must be on the left of O.
(iv) If the acceleration is increased gradually, the block will finally topple backwards about the point P. Explain why that happens. [3]

N is a constant value (as W is constant). The clockwise moment of N about point O is maximum when N is at P. [B1] As acceleration increases, the value of F will increase. [B1] Thus, if the anticlockwise moment of F about O exceed the clockwise moment due to N, the block will topple. [B1] The anticlockwise moment of F will cause the block to fall backwards.

SRJC Prelim/2011/II / 4 (6m)

Let the cross-sectional area of piston be A. Let x be the increase in height of tank. By conservation of volume of water. volume (of piston) = volume (of tank) A (2.0cm) = 4A x x = 0.50 cm Difference in water level = 2.0 + 0.5 = 2.5 cm (sorry I made a mistake earlier in lecture.)

Hydrostatic pressure difference due to water = hg Pressure on the piston, P = F / A F / A = hg mg = Ahg m = Ah m = (0.01) (2.5 x 10-2) (1000) = 0.25 kg

Friction aids in holding a cup up [B1] by providing a force opposite to its weight. [B1] There is no dissipation of energy as there is no displacement, i.e. Work Done = Force x displacement = 0. Another example is a car making a circular motion. Friction provides the centripetal acceleration. Because the centripetal force is perpendicular to the displacement, there is no work done and no energy dissipated even as friction acts.

YJC Prelim/2011/II /Q2 (6m)

2 Fig. 2.1 shows a buoy anchored to the sea-bed by a rope. The rope is tilted at 30 to the horizontal due to water currents flowing rightwards, which give rise to a push force P acting on the buoy as seen in Fig. 2.2, the force diagram for the buoy.

Sea-water Buoy Fig. 2.1 Rope 30

Upthrust U

Push P Fig. 2.2

Weight W Tension T (a) If the buoy has a mass of 0.42 kg and P has a magnitude of 120 N, find the magnitudes of T and U.

W = mg = (0.42)(9.81) = 4.12 N The diagram shows the buoy at equilibrium (even though it is not mentioned in the question) Resolving forces horizontally; P = T cos 30o, 120 = T cos 30o, T = 139 N Resolving forces vertically, U = T sin 30o + W, U = 139 sin 30o + 4.12 = 73.4 N 8

T = ... N[2]

U = N[2]

(b)

After a while, the water currents stop and the rope suddenly breaks. Briefly describe and explain the buoys subsequent motion.

Free body diagram 1

73.4 N

4.12 N P = 0 and T =0 There are only two forces acting (U and W). Net Force = U W = 69.3 N (vertically upwards) As there is a net force acting on the buoy due to the upthrust being greater than the weight, the buoy will move from rest upwards. It will travel with decreasing acceleration due to the fact that water resistance is increasingly acting against the motion as it speeds up. [B1] When the buoy attains terminal velocity, it travels with a constant velocity upwards. [B1]

AJC Prelim/2011/I/7 (p28) Free body diagram Tension

upthrust (a force)

weight

Answer A is correct if The balance reading (W U) will be the same if the cube is lowered further into the water. (upthrust remains the same) Answer B is correct if The balance reading (W U) during immersion corresponds to the difference in the weight (W) and upthrust (U) on the cube. Answer C is correct if The forces acting (perpendicularly) on the vertical sides of the cube do not contribute to the change in the balance reading. (the forces will cancel each other out) Answer D is correct
10

NJC Prelim/2011/I/9 (p29)

Upthrust = weight of displaced fluid = mf g = f Vf g where mf is the mass of fluid displaced, f and Vf are the density of the fluid and volume of the displaced fluid respectively. Answer A is correct (because the density is the same, the net weights of either bags are the same. Answer B is a correct statement but is not a factor in the value of the weighing scale value. Answer C is incorrect as the volume of flat bag is less than volume of inflated bag. Upthrust of flat bag is less than upthrust of inflated bag. Answer D is incorrect as the apparent weight of the inflated plastic bag is the sum of the weight of flat plastic bag and the weight of the trapped air.

11