Level M Mecanics 1 Top 60 Questions

1.

A car moves with constant acceleration along a straight horizontal road. The car
passes the point A with speed 5 m/s and 4 s later it passes the point B, where AB =
50 m.

(a)

The acceleration of the car, in m/s2 to two decimal places, is

A car moves with constant acceleration along a straight horizontal road. The car
passes the point A with speed 5 m/s and 4 s later it passes the point B, where AB =
40 m. It can be found that the acceleration of the car is 2.5 m/s2. When the car
passes the point C, it has speed 30 m/s.

(b)

The distance AC, to the nearest m, is

2.

A stone is thrown vertically upwards with speed 16 m/s from a point h meters above
the ground. The stone hits the ground 4 s later. Use g = 10 m/s2.

(a)

The value of h, to the nearest m, is

(b)

The speed of the stone as it hits the ground, to the nearest m/s, is

3.

In this question, the unit vectors i and j are due east and north respectively.
A ship S is moving with constant velocity (2.5i + 6j) km/h. At time 12:00, the
position vector of S relative to a fixed origin O is (16i + 5j) km. Find

(a)

the speed of S,

(b)

the bearing on which S is moving,

The ship is heading directly towards a submerged rock R. A radar tracking station
calculates that, if S continues on the same course with the same speed, it will hit R
at the time 15:00.

(c)

Find the position vector of R.

The tracking station warns the ships captain of the situation. The captain maintains
S on its course with the same speed until the time 14:00. He then changes course so
that S moves due north at a constant speed of 5 km/h. Assuming that S continues to
move with this new constant velocity, find

(d)

an expression for the position vector of the ship t hours after 14:00,

(e)

the time when S will be due east of R,

Level M Mecanics 1 Top 60 Questions

(f)

the distance of S from R at the time 16:00.

4.

v0
A

B
120 m

A golf ball P is projected with speed v0 from a point A on a cliff above the
horizontal ground. The angle of projection is to the horizontal. The ball moves
freely under gravity and hits the ground at the point B, as shown in the figure above.
Use g = 10 m/s2.

1
3
,sin 53 0.8, cos 53 0.6
sin 30 , cos 30
2
2

(a)

Given = 30 and v0 = 40 m/s, the greatest height of P above the level of A, to the
nearest m, is
The horizontal distance from A to B is 120 m, = 53 and v0 = 20 m/s.

(b)

The height of A above the ground, to the nearest m, is

(c)

Assume the height of A above the ground is 25 m. The speed of P as it hits the
ground, to the nearest m/s, is

Level M Mecanics 1 Top 60 Questions

5.
A

30

(a)

(b)

60

C
A particle of weight W newtons is attached at C to the ends of two light inextensible
strings AC and BC. The other ends of the strings are attached to two fixed points A
and B on a horizontal ceiling. The particle hangs in equilibrium with AC and BC
inclined to the horizontal at 30 and 60 respectively, as shown in the figure above.
The tension in AC is given to be 50 N.
Choose the xaxis and the yaxis horizontally and vertically respectively.
The tension in BC is in the form a 3 N . The value of a, to the nearest whole
number, is
Assume the value of a in the previous question is 40. The value of W, to the nearest
N, is

1
3
sin 30 cos 60 , cos 30 sin 60

2
2

6.
D

0.5 m
A uniform beam of mass 1.6 kg is freely hinged at one end A to a vertical wall. The
beam is held in equilibrium in a horizontal position by a rope which is attached to a
point C on the beam, where AC = 0.5 m. The rope is attached to the point D on the
wall vertically above A, where ACD tan 1 , as shown in the figure above.
4
3

Level M Mecanics 1 Top 60 Questions

The beam is modeled as a uniform rod and the rope as a light inextensible string.
The tension in the rope is 60 N. Use g = 10 m/s2.
(a)

The length of AB, in m to one decimal place, is

(b)

H and V are the magnitudes of the horizontal and the vertical components
respectively of the resultant reaction of the hinge on the beam at A. The ratio H to
V, as a fraction in lowest terms, is

7.

3a
A

2a

A uniform lamina ABCD is made by taking a uniform sheet of metal in the form of
a rectangle ABED, with AB = 3a and AD = 2a, and removing the triangle BCE,
where C lies on DE and CE = a, as shown in the figure above.
(a)

The distance of the center of mass of the lamina from AD is ka. The value of k, as a
fraction in lowest terms, is
The lamina has mass M. A particle of mass m is attached to the lamina at B. When
the loaded lamina is freely suspended from the midpoint of AB, it hangs in
equilibrium with AB horizontal.

(b)

Assume that the distance of the center of mass of the lamina from AD is 1.2a. M =
pm; the value of p, to the nearest whole number, is

8.

A particle P of mass 2 kg is moving under the action of a constant force F newtons.

When t = 0, P has velocity (3i + 2j) m/s and at time t = 4 s, P has velocity (15i 4j)
m/s. Find

(a)

the acceleration of P in terms of i and j,

(b)

the magnitude of F,

Level M Mecanics 1 Top 60 Questions

(c)

the velocity of P at time t = 6 s.

9.

A lorry of mass 1500 kg moves along a straight horizontal road. The resistance to
the motion of the lorry has magnitude 750 N and the lorrys engine is working at a
rate of 36 kW. Use g = 10 m/s2.

(a)

The acceleration of the lorry when its speed is 20 m/s, in m/s2 to one decimal place,
is
The lorry comes to a hill inclined at an angle to the horizontal, where sin

1
.
10

The magnitude of the resistance to motion from nongravitational forces remains

750 N. The lorry moves up the hill at a constant speed of 20 m/s.
(b)

The rate at which the lorrys engine is now working, to the nearest kW, is

10. The masses of two particles A and B are 0.5 kg and m kg respectively. The particles
are moving on a smooth horizontal table in opposite directions and collide directly.
Immediately before the collision the speed of A is 5 m/s and the speed of B is 3 m/s.
In the collision, the magnitude of the impulse exerted by B on A is 3.6 Ns. As a
result of the collision the direction of motion of A is reversed.
(a)

The speed of A immediately after the collision, in m/s to one decimal place, is
Assume that the speed of A immediately after the collision is 1 m/s. The speed of B
immediately after the collision is also 1 m/s.

(b)

The two possible values of m in ascending order, as fractions in lowest terms, are

11. A particle P of mass 1 kg is moving under the action of a single force F newtons. At
3

time t seconds the velocity of P, v m/s, is given by v t 2 2 i 4t j .

2

(a)

The magnitude of F when t = 1, to the nearest N, is

(b)

When t = 0, P is at the point A. The position vector of A with respect to a fixed

origin O is i 2 j m . When t = 2, P is at the point B.
The distance of B from O is d m. The value of d2, to the nearest whole number, is

Level M Mecanics 1 Top 60 Questions

12. A racing car moves with constant acceleration along a straight horizontal road. It
passes the point O with speed 12 m/s. It passes the point A 4 s later with speed 60
m/s.
(a)

The distance OA, to the nearest m, is

The point B is between O and A such that OB = 18 m.

(b)

The speed of the car when it passes B, to the nearest m/s, is

13. A ball is projected vertically upwards with speed 20 m/s from a point A, which is 25
m above the ground. After projection, the ball moves freely under gravity until it
reaches the ground. The ball is modeled as a particle. Use g = 10 m/s2.
(a)

The greatest height above A reached by the ball, to the nearest m, is

(b)

The speed of the ball as it reaches the ground, to the nearest m/s, is

(c)

The time between the instant when the ball is projected from A and the instant when
the ball reaches the ground, to the nearest s, is

14. In this question, the unit vectors i and j are due east and north respectively.
A model boat A moves on a lake with constant velocity (i + 6j) m/s. At time t = 0,
A is at the point with position vector (2i 10j) m. Find
(a)

the speed of A,

(b)

the direction in which A is moving, giving your answer as a bearing.

At time t = 0, a second boat B is at the point with position vector (26i + 4j) m.
Given that the velocity of B is (3i + 4j) m/s,

(c)

show that A and B will collide at a point P and find the position vector of P.
Given instead that B has speed 8 m/s and moves in the direction of the vector (3i +
4j),

(d)

find the distance of B from P when t = 7 s.

Level M Mecanics 1 Top 60 Questions

15. A vertical cliff is 70 m high. Two stones A and B are projected simultaneously. A is
projected horizontally from the top of the cliff with speed 28 m/s. B is projected
from the bottom of the cliff with speed 35 m/s at an angle above the horizontal.
The stones move freely under gravity in the same vertical plane and collide in mid
air.
(a)

Consider the horizontal motion of each stone. The value of cos , to one decimal
place, is

(b)

Consider the vertical motion of each stone and assume = 30. The time which
elapses between the instant when the stones are projected and the instant when they
collide, to the nearest s, is

16.

12 N
P
A particle P is attached to one end of a light inextensible string. The other end of
the string is attached to a fixed point O. A horizontal force of magnitude 12 N is
applied to P. P is in equilibrium with the string taut and OP making an angle with
the downward vertical, where tan , as shown in the figure above.
3
4

(a)

The tension in the string, to the nearest N, is

(b)

Assume the tension in the string is 25 N. The weight of P, to the nearest N, is

Level M Mecanics 1 Top 60 Questions

17.

3a
4a

A horizontal uniform rod AB has mass m and length 4a. The end A rests against a
rough vertical wall. A particle of mass 2m is attached to the rod at the point C,
where AC = 3a. One end of a light inextensible string BD is attached to the rod at B
and the other end is attached to the wall at a point D, where D is vertically above A.
The rod is in equilibrium in a vertical plane perpendicular to the wall. The string is
inclined at an angle to the horizontal, where tan , as shown in the figure
3
4

above.
(a)

The tension in the string is kmg. The value of k, as a fraction in lowest terms, is

(b)

Assume the tension in the string is 2.5mg. Given that the rod is in limiting
equilibrium, the coefficient of friction between the wall and the rod, to two decimal
place, is

Level M Mecanics 1 Top 60 Questions

18.

W 2a
12a

O
X

Z
2a

8a

The figure above shows a template made by removing a square WXYZ from a
uniform triangular lamina ABC. The lamina is isosceles with CA = CB and AB =
12a. The midpoint of AB is N and NC = 8a. The center O of the square lies on NC
and ON = 2a. The sides WX and ZY are parallel to AB and WZ = 2a. The center of
mass of the template is at G.
(a)

NG = pa; the value of p, as a fraction in lowest terms, is

The template has mass M. A small metal stud of mass kM is attached to the template
at C. The center of mass of the combined template and stud lies on YZ. The stud is
modeled as a particle. Assume that NG = 2.6a.
(b)

k can be written in the form

n
100

. The value of n, to the nearest whole number, is

PN

20

Level M Mecanics 1 Top 60 Questions

19.

A box of mass 30 kg is being pulled along rough horizontal ground at a constant

speed using a rope. The rope makes an angle of 20 with the ground, as shown in
the figure above. The coefficient of friction between the box and the ground is 0.4.
The box is modeled as a particle and the rope as a light, inextensible string. The
tension in the rope is P newtons.
(a)

Find the value of P.

The tension in the rope is now increased to 150 N.

(b)

Find the acceleration of the box.

20. A van of mass 1500 kg is driving up a straight road inclined at an angle to the
horizontal, where sin . The resistance to motion due to nongravitational
1
6

forces is modeled as a constant force of magnitude 1000 N. It is given that the

initial speed of the van is 30 m/s and that the vans engine is working at a rate of 60
kW. Use g = 10 m/s2.
(a)

The initial deceleration of the van, to the nearest m/s2, is

When traveling up the same hill, the rate of working of the vans engine is
increased to 70 kW. Use the model for the resistance due to nongravitational
forces.

(b)

The constant speed which can be sustained by the van at this rate of working, to the
nearest m/s, is

(c)

Which of the following is a valid reason why the use of this model for resistance
may mean that the answer to the previous question is too high?

Level M Mecanics 1 Top 60 Questions

21. A railway truck P of mass 2000 kg is moving on a straight horizontal track with
speed 10 m/s. P collides with a truck Q of mass 3000 kg, which at rest on the same
track. Immediately after the collision Q moves with speed 5 m/s.
(a)

The speed of P immediately after the collision, in m/s, to one decimal place, is

(b)

The magnitude of the impulse exerted by P on Q during the collision, to the nearest
kNs, is

22. The velocity v m/s of

by v 3t 2 i 5t j .
(a)

particle

at

time

seconds

is

given

The acceleration of P is a. The value of a2, to the nearest whole number, is

At t = 0, the position vector of P relative to a fixed origin O is 3i m.

(b)

The distance of P from O when t = 2 is d. The value of d2, to the nearest whole
number, is

23. In taking off, an aircraft moves on a straight runway AB of length 1.2 km. The
aircraft moves from A with initial speed 2 m/s. It moves with constant acceleration
and 20 s later it leaves the runway at C with speed 74 m/s.
(a)

The acceleration of the aircraft, in m/s2 to one decimal place, is

(b)

The distance BC, to the nearest m, is

24. A competitor makes a dive from a high springboard into a diving pool. She leaves
the springboard vertically with a speed of 2 m/s upwards. When she leaves the
springboard, she is 7 m above the surface of the pool. The diver is modeled as a
particle moving vertically under gravity alone and it is assumed that she does not hit
the springboard as she descends. Use g = 10 m/s2.
(a)

Her speed when she reaches the surface of the pool, to the nearest m/s, is

(b)

The time taken to reach the surface of the pool, in s to one decimal place, is

(c)

Which of the following physical factors have been ignored in the model?
1.

Air resistance

Level M Mecanics 1 Top 60 Questions

2.
3.
4.
5.

Height of diver
Horizontal component of velocity
Spin
Diver does not hit board again

25. In this question, the unit vectors i and j are due east and north respectively.
At time t = 0, a football player kicks a ball from the point A with position vector (2i
+ j) m on a horizontal football field. The motion of the ball is modeled as that of a
particle moving horizontally with constant velocity (5i + 8j) m/s. Find
(a)

the speed of the ball,

(b)

the position vector of the ball after t seconds.

The point B on the field has position vector (10i + 7j) m.

(c)

Find the time when the ball is due north of B.

At time t = 0, another player starts running due north from B and moves with
constant speed v m/s. Given that he intercepts the ball,

(d)

find the value of v.

(e)

State one physical factor, other than air resistance, which would be needed in a
refinement of the model of the balls motion to make the model more realistic.

Level M Mecanics 1 Top 60 Questions

u m/s

26.

C
45 m
30 m

A particle P is projected from a point A with speed u m/s at an angle of elevation ,

where cos . The point B, on horizontal ground, is vertically below A and AB =
4
5

45 m. After projection, P moves freely under gravity passing through a point C, 30

m above the ground, before striking the ground at the point D, as shown in the
figure above.
It is given that P passes through C with speed 20 m/s. Use g = 10 m/s2.
(a)

The value of u, to the nearest m/s, is

(b)

Assume that u = 7.5 m/s. The angle which the velocity of P makes with the
horizontal as P passes through C is . The value of cos , to one decimal place, is

(c)

Assume that u = 25 m/s. The distance BD can be written in the form k 1 5 m .

The value of k, to the nearest whole number, is

Level M Mecanics 1 Top 60 Questions

27.

8N

A smooth bead B is threaded on a light inextensible string. The ends of the string
are attached to two fixed points A and C on the same horizontal level. The bead is
held in equilibrium by a horizontal force of magnitude 8 N acting parallel to AC. B
is vertically below C and BAC , as shown in the figure above. It is given
that tan .
3
4

(a)

The tension in the string, to the nearest N, is

(b)

Assume that the tension in the string is 5 N. The weight of B, to the nearest N, is

28.

2m
D

3m

A uniform steel girder AB, of mass 40 kg and length 3 m, is freely hinged at A to a

vertical wall. The girder is supported in a horizontal position by a steel cable
attached to the girder at B. The other end of the cable is attached to the point C
vertically above A on the wall, with ABC , where tan . A load of mass 60
3
4

kg is suspended by another cable from the girder at the point D, where AD = 2 m, as

shown in the figure above. The girder remains horizontal and in equilibrium. The

Level M Mecanics 1 Top 60 Questions

girder is modeled as a rod, and the cables as light inextensible strings. Use g = 10
m/s2.
(a)

The tension in the cable BC, to the nearest N, is

(b)

Assume the tension in the cable BC is 500 N. The magnitude of the reaction on the
girder at A is R newtons. R2 can be written in the form a 104. The value of a, to
the nearest whole number, is

A
29.

6 cm

3 cm

R
2 cm
4 cm

The figure above shows a decoration which is made by cutting the shape of a simple
tree from a sheet of uniform card. The decoration consists of a triangle ABC and a
rectangle PQRS. The points P and S lie on BC and M is the midpoint of both BC
and PS. The triangle ABC is isosceles with AB = AC, BC = 4 cm, AM = 6 cm, PS =
2 cm and PQ = 3 cm.
(a)

The distance of the center of mass of the decoration from BC, in cm as a fraction in
lowest terms, is
The decoration is suspended from Q and hangs freely.

Level M Mecanics 1 Top 60 Questions

(b)

Assume that the distance of the center of mass of the decoration from BC is 1 cm.
The angle between PQ and the vertical is denoted by . The value of tan , as a
fraction in lowest terms, is

30.

P (0.5 kg)

3.15 m

Q (m kg)

Two particles P and Q have mass 0.5 kg and m kg respectively, where m < 0.5. The
particles are connected by a light inextensible string which passes over a smooth,
fixed pulley. Initially P is 3.15 m above horizontal ground. The particles are
released from rest with the string taut and the hanging parts of the string vertical, as
shown in the figure above. After P has been descending for 1.5 s, it strikes the
ground. Particle P reaches the ground before Q has reached the pulley.
(a)

Find the acceleration of P as it descends.

(b)

Find the tension in the string as P descends.

(c)

Find the value of m as a fraction in lowest terms.

(d)

State how you have used the information that the string is inextensible.
When P strikes the ground, P does not rebound and the string becomes slack.
Particle Q then moves freely under gravity, without reaching the pulley, until the
string becomes taut again.

(e)

Find the time between the instant P strikes the ground and the instant when the
string becomes taut again.

Level M Mecanics 1 Top 60 Questions

31. A girl and her bicycle have a combined mass of 50 kg. She cycles up a straight
stretch of road which is inclined at an angle to the horizontal, where sin .
1
5

She cycles at a constant speed of 4 m/s. When she is cycling at this speed, the
resistance to motion from nongravitational forces has magnitude 20 N. Use g = 10
m/s2.
(a)

The rate at which the cyclist is working, to the nearest W, is

She now turns round and comes down the same road. Her initial speed is 4 m/s, and
the resistance to motion is modeled as remaining constant with magnitude 20 N.
She freewheels down the road for a distance of 15 m. Use this model.

(b)

The speed of the cyclist when she has traveled a distance of 15 m, to the nearest
m/s, is
The cyclist again moves down the same road, but this time she pedals down the
road. The resistance is now modeled as having magnitude directly proportional to
the speed of the cyclist. Her initial speed is again 4 m/s when the resistance has
magnitude 20 N.

(c)

The magnitude of the resistance to motion when the speed of the cyclist is 8 m/s, to
the nearest N, is
The cyclist works at a constant rate of 400 W still down the same road. Assume the
resistance to motion, when the speed of the cyclist is 8 m/s, is 50 N.

(d)

The magnitude of her acceleration when her speed is 8 m/s, to the nearest m/s2, is

32. Two small balls A and B have masses 0.5 kg and 0.2 kg respectively. They are
moving towards each other in opposite directions on a smooth horizontal table
when they collide directly. Immediately before the collision, the speed of A is 3 m/s
and the speed of B is 2 m/s. The speed of A immediately after the collision is 1.5
m/s. The direction of motion of A is unchanged as a result of the collision. The balls
are modeled as particles.
(a)

The speed of B immediately after the collision, in m/s as a fraction in lowest terms,
is

(b)

The magnitude of the impulse exerted on B in the collision, in Ns as a fraction in

lowest terms, is

Level M Mecanics 1 Top 60 Questions

33. A particle P of mass 1 kg is moving under the action of a single force F newtons. At
time t seconds, the velocity of P, v m/s, is given by v 6t 4 i t 2 3t j . When t
= 0, P is at the point with position vector 3i 4 j m . When t = 1, P is at the point
S.
(a)

The square of the magnitude of F when t = 1, to the nearest whole number, is

(b)

The ycomponent of the position vector of S is the number in mixed numerals p

where

p
,
q

p
is a fraction in lowest terms. The values of p and q, respectively are
q

34. A train moves along a straight track with constant acceleration. Three telegraph
poles are set beside the track at points A, B and C, where AB = 45 m and BC = 55
m. The front of the train passes A with speed 20 m/s, and 2 s later it passes B.
The speed of the front of the train when it passes C is vC m/s and the time that
elapses from the instant the front of the train passes B to the instant it passes C is T
s. The values of vC and T, to the nearest whole numbers, respectively are
35. A ball is projected vertically upwards with speed u m/s from a point A which is 15
m above the ground. The ball moves freely under gravity until reaches the ground.
The greatest height attained by the ball is 45 m above A. Use g = 10 m/s2.
(a)

The value of u, to the nearest m/s, is

The ball reaches the ground T seconds after it has been projected from A. Assume
that u = 10 m/s.
(b)

The value of T, to the nearest s, is

The ground is soft and the ball sinks 2.4 cm into the ground before coming to rest.
The mass of the ball is 0.6 kg. The ground is assumed to exert a constant resistive
force of magnitude F newtons. Assume that the square of the speed of the ball just
before hitting the ground is 7.52 m2/s2.
(c)

The value of F, to the nearest N, is

36. A boat B is moving with constant velocity. At noon, B is at the point with position
vector (3i 4j) km with respect to a fixed origin O. At 14:30 on the same day, B is
at the point with position vector (8i + 11j) km.

Level M Mecanics 1 Top 60 Questions

(a)

Find the velocity of B, giving your answer in the form pi + qj.

At time t hours after noon, the position vector of B is b km.

(b)

Find, in terms of t, an expression for b.

Another boat C is also moving with constant velocity. The position vector of C, c km, at
time t hours after noon, is given by c 9i 20 j t 6i j , where is a
constant. Given that C intercepts B,
(c)

find the value of ,

(d)

show that, before C intercepts B, the boats are moving with the same speed.

37.

u m/s

14 m

8m
A ball is thrown from a point 14 m above horizontal ground. The ball is projected at
an angle above the horizontal, where tan . The ball hits the ground at a point
3
4

which is a horizontal distance 8 m from its point of projection, as shown in the

figure above. The initial speed of the ball is u m/s. Use g = 10 m/s2.
(a)

The value of u, to the nearest m/s, is

As the ball hits the ground, its direction of motion makes an angle with the
horizontal.

(b)

Assume that u = 15 m/s. The value of tan , as a fraction in lowest terms, is

Level M Mecanics 1 Top 60 Questions

38.
20 N

A parcel P of mass 5 kg lies on a rough plane inclined at an angle to the

horizontal, where tan . P is held in equilibrium by the action of a horizontal
4
3

force of magnitude 20 N, as shown in the figure above. The force acts in a vertical
plane through a line of greatest slope of the plane. P is on the point of sliding down
the plane. Use g = 10 m/s2. The coefficient of friction between P and the plane, as a
fraction in lowest terms, is

39.
B

A straight rod AB has weight W and length 2a. A cable is attached to one end B of
the log. The cable lifts the end B off the ground. The end A remains in contact with
the ground, which is rough and horizontal. The log is in limiting equilibrium. The
log makes an angle to the horizontal, where tan

5
12

. The cable makes an angle

to the horizontal, as shown in the figure above. The coefficient of friction between
the log and the ground is 0.6. The log is modeled as a uniform rod and the cable as
light.
(a)

By taking moments about point B, find the normal reaction on the log. The
magnitude of the normal reaction on the log is in the form kW. The value of k, to
one decimal place, is
Assume the value of k in the previous question is 0.5.

Level M Mecanics 1 Top 60 Questions

(b)

By combining the horizontal and the vertical conditions for translational

equilibrium, find tan . The value of tan , as a fraction in lowest terms, is
Assume the value of k is 0.5 and = 60.

(c)

40.

By considering the horizontal condition for translational equilibrium find the

tension in the cable. The tension in the cable is in the form pW. The value of p, to
one decimal place, is
A

7.5 cm
5 cm
O

15 cm

6 cm
D

C
20 cm

The figure above shows a metal plate that is made by removing a circle of center O
and radius 5 cm from a uniform rectangular lamina ABCD, where AB = 20 cm and
BC = 15 cm. The point O is 7.5 cm from both AB and CD and is 6 cm from AD.
Use 3 .
(a)

(b)

The distance of the center of mass of the plate from AD, in cm as a fraction in
lowest terms, is
The plate is freely suspended from A and hangs in equilibrium.
Assume that the distance of the center of mass of the plate from AD is 12 cm. The
angle between AB and the vertical is denoted by . The value of tan , as a fraction
in lowest terms, is

41. A car is towing a trailer along a straight horizontal road by means of a horizontal
tow-rope. The mass of the car is 1400 kg. The mass of the trailer is 700 kg. The car
and the trailer are modeled as particles and the tow-rope as a light inextensible
string. The resistances to motion of the car and the trailer are assumed to be

Level M Mecanics 1 Top 60 Questions

constant and of magnitude 630 N and 280 N respectively. The driving force on the
car, due to its engine, is 2380 N. Find
(a)

the acceleration of the car,

(b)

the tension in the tow-rope.

When the car and trailer are moving at 12 m/s, the tow-rope breaks. Assuming that
the driving force on the car and the resistances to motion are unchanged,

(c)

find the distance moved by the car in the first 4 s after the tow-rope breaks.

(d)

State how you have used the modeling assumption that the tow-rope is inextensible.

42. A cyclist and his bicycle have a combined mass of 80 kg. He rides on a straight
road up a hill inclined at an angle to the horizontal, where sin

1
.
20

He works at

a constant rate of 400 W and cycles up the hill at a constant speed of 8 m/s. Use g =
10 m/s2.
The magnitude of the resistance to motion from nongravitational forces as he
cycles up the hill, to the nearest N, is

43. A particle P of mass 2 kg is moving with speed u m/s in a straight line on a smooth
horizontal plane. P collides directly with a particle Q of mass 4 kg which is at rest
on the same horizontal plane. Immediately after the collision, P and Q are moving
in opposite directions and the speed of P is onethird the speed of Q.
(a)

The speed of P immediately after the collision is ku. The value of k, to one decimal
place, is
After the collision P continues to move in the same straight line and is brought to
rest by a constant force of magnitude 1 N. The distance between the point of
collision and the point where P comes to rest is 25 m. Assume that the value of k in
the previous question is 0.1.

(b)

The value of u, to the nearest whole number, is

44. A particle P of mass 0.5 kg moves under the action of a single force F newtons. At
time t seconds, the velocity v m/s of P is given by v 3t 2 i 1 4t j .
The square of the magnitude of F when t = 2, to the nearest whole number, is

Level M Mecanics 1 Top 60 Questions

45. A train is traveling at 10 m/s on a straight horizontal track. The driver sees a red
signal 135 m ahead and immediately applies the brakes. The train immediately
decelerates with constant deceleration for 12 s, reducing its speed to 3 m/s. The
driver then releases the brakes and allows the train to travel at a constant speed of 3
m/s for a further 15 s. He then applies the brakes again and the train slows down
with constant deceleration, coming to rest as it reaches the signal.
(a)

Which of the following speedtime graphs shows the motion of the train?

(b)

The total time from the moment when the brakes are first applied to the moment
when the train comes to rest, to the nearest s, is

46. Two ships P and Q are traveling at night with constant velocities. At midnight, P is
at the point with position vector (20i + 10j) km relative to a fixed origin O. At the
same time, Q is at the point with position vector (14i 6j) km. Three hours later, P
is at the point with position vector (29i + 34j) km. The ship Q travels with velocity
12j km/h. At time t hours after midnight, the position vectors of P and Q are p km
and q km respectively. Find
(a)

the velocity of P, in terms of i and j,

(b)

expressions for p and q, in terms of t, i and j.

At time t hours after midnight, the distance between P and Q is d km.

(c)

By finding an expression for PQ , show that d 2 25t 2 92t 292.

Weather conditions are such that an observer on P can only see the lights on Q
when the distance between P and Q is 15 km or less. Given that when t = 1, the
lights on Q move into sight of the observer,

(d)

find the time, to the nearest minute, at which the lights on Q move out of sight of
the observer.
TN

47.

Level M Mecanics 1 Top 60 Questions

A box of mass 1.5 kg is placed on a plane which is inclined at an angle to the

horizontal, where tan . The coefficient of friction between the box and the
4
3

plane is 1 . The box is kept in equilibrium by a light string which lies in a vertical
3

plane containing a line of greatest slope of the plane. The string makes an angle
with the plane, where tan , as shown in the figure above. The box is in limiting
3
4

equilibrium and is about to move up the plane. The tension in the string is T
newtons. The box is modeled as a particle. Use g = 10 m/s2.
The value of T, to the nearest N, is

48.
B
4a
C

A
A wooden plank AB has mass 4m and length 4a. The end A of the plank lies on
rough horizontal ground. A small stone of mass m is attached to the plank at B. The
plank is resting on a small smooth horizontal peg C, where BC = a, as shown in the
figure above. The plank is in equilibrium making an angle to the horizontal,
where tan . The coefficient of friction between the plank and the ground is .
3
4

The plank is modeled as a uniform rod lying in a vertical plane perpendicular to the
peg, and the stone as a particle.
(a)

The reaction of the peg on the plank has magnitude kmg. The value of k, to one
decimal place, is

(b)

Assume the value of k in the previous question is 5 . The minimum value of , as a

3

fraction in lowest terms, is

(c)

How have you used the information that the peg is smooth?

Level M Mecanics 1 Top 60 Questions

49.
24 cm

8 cm

The figure above shows a template T made by removing a circular disc, of center X
and radius 8 cm, from a uniform circular lamina, of center O and radius 24 cm. The
point X lies on the diameter AOB of the lamina and AX = 16 cm. The center of mass
of T is at the point G.
(a)

The value of AG, to the nearest cm, is

The template T is free to rotate about a smooth fixed horizontal axis, perpendicular
to the plane of T, which passes through the midpoint of OB. A small stud of
1
4

mass m is fixed at B, and T and the stud are in equilibrium with AB horizontal. The
stud is modeled as a particle. The mass of T is M. Assume that AG = 30 cm.
(b)

M = pm; the value of p, as a fraction in lowest terms, is

Level M Mecanics 1 Top 60 Questions

50.
18 N

20
A box of mass 2 kg is pulled up a rough plane face by means of a light rope. The plane is
inclined at an angle of 20 to the horizontal, as shown in the figure above. The rope
is parallel to a line of greatest slope of the plane. The tension in the rope is 18 N.
The coefficient of friction between the box and the plane is 0.6. By modeling the
box as a particle, find
(a)

the normal reaction of the plane on the box,

(b)

the acceleration of the box.

51. A car of mass 500 kg is moving up a straight road inclined at an angle to the
horizontal, where sin

1
.
20

The resistance to motion of the car from non

gravitational forces is modeled as a constant force of magnitude R newtons. When

the car is moving at a constant speed of 15 m/s, the power developed by the cars
engine is 15 kW. Use g = 10 m/s2.
The value of R, to the nearest N, is

52. Two particles A and B have mass 0.12 kg and 0.08 kg respectively. They are
initially at rest on a smooth horizontal table. A is then given an impulse in the
direction AB so that it moves with speed 3 m/s directly towards B.
(a)

The magnitude of this impulse, in Ns to two decimal places, is

(b)

Immediately after the particles collide, the speed of A is 1.2 m/s. its direction of
motion being unchanged.
The speed of B immediately after the collision, in m/s to one decimal place, is

(c)

The magnitude of the impulse exerted on A in the collision, in Ns to three decimal

places, is

53. A particle P of mass 0.5 kg is moving under the action of a single force F newtons.
At time t seconds, the velocity v m/s of P is given by v t 2 2 i 6t j .

Level M Mecanics 1 Top 60 Questions

(a)

The magnitude of F when t = 4, to the nearest N, is

When t = 5, P receives an impulse of magnitude 4 2 Ns in the direction of the
vector i j .

(b)

The velocity of P immediately after the impact is in the form pi qj m/s . The
values of p and q, to the nearest whole numbers, are

54. A train starts from rest at a station A and moves along a straight horizontal track.
For the first 10 s, the train moves with constant acceleration 1.2 m/s2. For the next
24 s it moves with constant acceleration 0.75 m/s2. It then moves with constant
speed for T seconds. Finally it slows down with constant deceleration 3 m/s2 until it
comes to rest at a station B.
(a)

Which of the following speedtime graphs shows the motion of the train?
The distance from A to B is 3 km.

(b)

The value of T, to the nearest s, is

TN

55.

A box of mass 1.5 kg is placed on a plane which is inclined at an angle to the

horizontal, where tan . The coefficient of friction between the box and the
4
3

plane is 1 . The box is kept in equilibrium by a light string which lies in a vertical
3

plane containing a line of greatest slope of the plane. The string makes an angle
with the plane, where tan , as shown in the figure above. The box is in limiting
3
4

equilibrium and is about to move up the plane. The tension in the string is T
newtons. The box is modeled as a particle. Use g = 10 m/s2.
The value of T, to the nearest N, is

Level M Mecanics 1 Top 60 Questions

56.
C

6a

B
8a

A uniform rod AB, of length 8a and weight W, is free to rotate in a vertical plane
about a smooth pivot at A. One end of a light inextensible string is attached to B.
The other end is attached to point C which is vertically above A, with AC = 6a. The
rod is in equilibrium with AB horizontal, as shown in the figure above.
(a)

The tension in the string is kW. The value of k, as a fraction in lowest terms, is

(b)

Assume the value k in the previous question is 5 . The magnitude of the horizontal
8

component of the force exerted by the pivot on the rod is pW. The value of p, as a
fraction in lowest terms, is

57.

A (0.5 kg)
P

B (0.8 kg)

A block of wood A of mass 0.5 kg rests on a rough horizontal table and is attached
to one end of a light inextensible string. The string passes over a small smooth
pulley P fixed at the edge of the table. The other end of the string is attached to a

Level M Mecanics 1 Top 60 Questions

ball B of mass 0.8 kg which hangs freely below the pulley, as shown in the figure
above. The coefficient of friction between A and the table is . The system is
released from rest with the string taut. After release, B descends a distance of 0.4 m
in 0.5 s. Modeling A and B as particles, calculate
(a)

the acceleration of B,

(b)

the tension in the string,

(c)

the value of .

(d)

State how in your calculations you have used the information that the string is
inextensible.

58.

x
B

A particle P of mass 1 kg is projected from a point A up a line of greatest slope AB

of a fixed plane. The plane is inclined at an angle = 37 to the horizontal and AB =
x = 3 m with B above A, a shown in the figure above. The speed of P at A is 10 m/s.
Use g = 10 m/s2, sin 37 = 0.6, cos 37 = 0.8.
Assume the plane is smooth.
(a)

The speed of P at B, to the nearest m/s, is

The plane is now assumed to be rough. At A, the speed of P is 10 m/s and at B the
speed of P is 49.6 m/s .

(b)

The coefficient of friction between P and the plane, to one decimal place, is

Level M Mecanics 1 Top 60 Questions

59. Two particles A and B, of mass 3 kg and 2 kg respectively, are moving in the same
direction on a smooth horizontal table when they collide directly. Immediately
before the collision, the speed of A is 4 m/s and the speed of B is 1.5 m/s. In the
collision, the particles join to form a single particle C.
(a)

The speed of C immediately after the collision, to the nearest m/s, is

Two particles P and Q have mass 3 kg and m kg respectively. They are moving
towards each other in opposite directions on a smooth horizontal table. Each
particle has speed 4 m/s, when they collide directly. In this collision, the direction
of motion of each particle is reversed. The speed of P immediately after the
collision is 2 m/s and the speed of Q is 1 m/s.

(b)

The value of m, in kg to one decimal place, is

(c)

The magnitude of the impulse exerted on Q in the collision, to the nearest Ns, is

60. A particle P of mass 0.5 kg is moving under the action of a single force F newtons.
At time t seconds, F 1.5t 2 3 i 2t j . When t = 2, the velocity of P
is 4i 5j m/s .
(a)

The square of the speed of P when t = 3, to the nearest whole number, is

Assume that at a certain time T when the velocity of P is 9i 12 j m/s , P receives
an impulse Q Ns. Immediately after the impact the velocity of P is 3i 20 j m/s .

(b)

The magnitude of Q, to the nearest Ns, is

(c)

Assume the impulse Q 3 3i 3j Ns . The angle between Q and i , to the nearest

degree, is

1
3
,
sin 30 cos 60 , cos 30 sin 60
2
2

3
4

sin 37 cos 53 5 , cos 37 sin 53 5 ,

sin 45 cos 45 1