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The document contains a series of exercises related to moments of forces in rigid bodies, covering various scenarios such as a pole vaulter, a uniform plank, and a see-saw. Each exercise presents a problem involving forces, weights, and equilibrium, requiring calculations to determine vertical forces, tensions, and positions of center of mass. The exercises are designed for Edexcel AL Mathematics students to enhance their understanding of the principles of moments and equilibrium.

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11 views

q2

The document contains a series of exercises related to moments of forces in rigid bodies, covering various scenarios such as a pole vaulter, a uniform plank, and a see-saw. Each exercise presents a problem involving forces, weights, and equilibrium, requiring calculations to determine vertical forces, tensions, and positions of center of mass. The exercises are designed for Edexcel AL Mathematics students to enhance their understanding of the principles of moments and equilibrium.

Uploaded by

alhalabi
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Edexcel AL Mathematics: Moments of forces

Section 1: Rigid bodies


Exercise level 2
1. A pole vaulter uses a uniform pole of length 4 m and mass 5 kg. He holds the pole
horizontally by placing one hand at the end of the pole and the other 75 cm from that
end. Find the vertical forces exerted by his hands.

2. A uniform plank AB of length 120 cm and weight 50 N rests on a fulcrum at its midpoint
M. A force of 20 N acts downwards at B and a force of 30 N acts downwards at the
point C situated 30 cm from A. A force of magnitude P is placed at A in order to keep the
plank in equilibrium. Find P and the reaction at the fulcrum.

3. A uniform bar AB of length 80 cm and weight 20 N is supported in a horizontal position


by two vertical strings, one at point C such that AC = 20 cm, and one at B. The bar
carries loads of 5 N suspended at A and 10 N suspended at D where DB = 30 cm.
Find the tensions in the strings.

4. A horizontal beam AB 4.5 m in length is supported by two vertical cables attached at the
ends. The tensions in the cables at A and B are 160 N and 200 N respectively.
Find the weight of the beam and the distance of its centre of mass from A.

5. A thin rectangular piece of card ABCD, where AB = 10 cm and AD = 8 cm, is placed on


a horizontal table. Horizontal forces act on the card as shown in the diagram.
6N
D C
5N 3N

8 cm

2N
A 10 cm B

4N

(a) Find the total moment about the point A in Nm.


(b) Describe the movement of the card under these forces.
A force is added at point A so that the resultant force on the card is zero.
(c) State the magnitude and direction of the force.
(d) What effect does the new force have on the total moment about A?

Edexcel AL Maths: Moments of forces 1 © MEI 27/08/24


Exercise level 2 page 1 of 2 integralmaths.org
6. A uniform plank ABC of weight 400 N is held in a horizontal position by a smooth
support at B and a vertical rope at C. AB = 1 m and BC = 4 m. The rope is likely to break
if the tension exceeds 750 N.
(a) Find the maximum weight that can be placed at the mid point of BC
(b) Find the maximum distance that a man of weight 800 N can safely walk from B
towards C.

7. A see-saw consists of a uniform beam of length 4 metres supported at its midpoint. Abi
of mass 27 kg sits on one end of the see-saw. Where must her brother Benjy of mass
42 kg sit if the see-saw is to balance horizontally?

8. The plank of a pirate ship is 4 metres long, uniform and of weight 25g Newtons. It is
held horizontally by a cable at one end and is balanced on the side of the ship at a
distance of 1.5 metres from that end. The cable can sustain a maximum tension of
100g Newtons downwards before snapping.
(a) Find the maximum weight that a miscreant can have if he is to successfully reach the
seaward end of the plank without being tipped into the water.
(b) How far from the side of the ship can a man of mass 75 kg walk before the plank
starts to tip?

9. A non-uniform beam PQ of length 4 m and weight 400 N is held horizontally by smooth


supports at R and S where PR = SQ = 1 m. A boy of weight 500 N can just stand at end
P without the beam overturning.
(a) Find the position of the centre of mass of the beam.
(b) The boy walks towards Q. Find his distance from Q when the beam is about to tip.

Edexcel AL Maths: Moments of forces 1 © MEI 27/08/24


Exercise level 2 page 2 of 2 integralmaths.org

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