Questions

Q1.

A student carried out an experiment to measure the acceleration of free-fall g.

A ball bearing was released from position A. The time t for the ball bearing to fall a distance l was
measured. This was repeated for decreasing values of l.

Explain how the measurements obtained can be used to determine a value for g in m s−2.
Your answer should include a sketch on the axes below of the graph that the student would expect to
obtain.
(5)

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(Total for question = 5 marks)

Q2.

A large parasol has been set up on a windy day. The centre of gravity of the parasol is vertically above the
centre of the base. The bottom of the parasol starts to lift from the ground as shown. The weight of the
parasol is 110 N.

(a) The force of the wind is 14 N in a horizontal direction.

Explain why the parasol will topple. Your answer should include a calculation.
(4)
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(b) To prevent the parasol from toppling, a rope is attached to the parasol at 1.50 m from the ground as
shown. The rope makes an angle of 44° to the vertical.

The horizontal force from the wind is now 25 N.

Determine, by taking moments about the centre of the base, the vertical force that the base exerts on
the ground.
Assume that the force which the ground exerts on the base acts through the midpoint of the base.
(5)
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Force exerted on the ground = ...........................................................

(Total for question = 9 marks)

Q3.

A uniform plank of length 4.0 m is pivoted 0.90 m from one end. The weight of the plank is 250 N. A
person of weight 950 N stands at one end of the plank. A person of weight 650 N stands a distance x from
the pivot so that the plank is in equilibrium, as shown.
(a) Add to the diagram to show the forces acting on the plank.
(2)
(b) Calculate the distance x.
(3)
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x = ...........................................................

(Total for question = 5 marks)