Featherstone High School

MECHANICS EXAM QUESTIONS

Q1.          The figure below shows a motorcycle and rider. The motorcycle is in contact with the road at A
and B.

Calculate the moment of the rider’s weight about B. Give an appropriate unit

The motorcycle has a weight of 1100 N and the rider’s weight is 780 N.

(a)     State the Principle of Moments.

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(2)

(b)     Calculate the moment of the rider’s weight about B. Give an appropriate unit.

answer = ......................................
(2)

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(c)     By taking the moments about B, calculate the vertical force that the road exerts on the front
tyre at A. State your answer to an appropriate number of significant figures.

answer = ................................. N
(4)

(d)     Calculate the vertical force that the road exerts on the rear tyre at B.

answer = ................................. N
(1)

(e)     The maximum power of the motorcycle is 7.5 kW and it has a maximum speed of
26 m s–1, when travelling on a level road.

Calculate the total horizontal resistive force for this speed.

answer = ................................. N
(2)
(Total 11 marks)

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Q2.          Heavy duty coil springs are used in vehicle suspensions. The pick-up truck shown in the
diagram below has a weight of 14 000 N and length of 4.5 m. When carrying no load, the centre of
mass is 2.0 m from the rear end. The part of the vehicle shown shaded in grey is supported by four
identical springs, one near each wheel.

(a)     (i)      Define the moment of a force about a point.

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(2)

(ii)     State and explain which pair of springs, front or rear, will be compressed the most.

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(2)

(iii)     By taking moments about axle B, calculate the force exerted on the truck by each rear
spring.

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answer = ...................................... N
(4)

(b)     The spring constant for each of these springs is 100 000 N m –1.

          Calculate the distance that each of these rear springs is compressed by this vehicle as
shown in the diagram above.

answer = ..................................... m
(2)

(c)     The springs must not be compressed by more than an additional 0.065 m. Calculate the
maximum load that could be placed at point X, which is directly above the centre of the rear
axle A, as shown in the diagram above.

answer = ...................................... N
(2)
(Total 12 marks)

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Q3.          The figure below shows a supermarket trolley.

The weight of the trolley and its contents is 160 N.

(a)     Explain what is meant by centre of gravity.

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(2)

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(b)     P and Q are the resultant forces that the ground exerts on the rear wheels and front wheels
respectively. Calculate the magnitude of

(i)      force P,

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(ii)     force Q.

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(3)

(c)     Calculate the minimum force that needs to be applied vertically at A to lift the front wheels off
the ground.

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(2)

(d)     State and explain, without calculation, how the minimum force that needs to be applied
vertically at A to lift the rear wheels off the ground compares to the force you calculated in
part (c).

You may be awarded marks for the quality of written communication in your answer.

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(3)
(Total 10 marks)

Q4.          (a)     Define the moment of a force about a point.

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(2)

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(b)     The diagram shows a trailer attached to the towbar of a stationary car. The weight of the
trailer is 1800 N and is shown acting through its centre of gravity.
F is the force exerted by the towbar on the trailer. FR is the total normal reaction force
experienced by the trailer. When stationary all forces acting on the trailer are vertical.

(i)      Explain what is meant by centre of gravity.

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(ii)     Calculate the force, F, exerted by the towbar on the trailer.

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(3)

(iii)     Calculate FR.

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(2)

(c)     The car starts to move forwards. State and explain what happens to the magnitude and
direction of force, F.

You may be awarded marks for the quality of written communication in your answer.

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(3)
(Total 10 marks)

Q5.          (a)     Define the moment of a force.

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(2)

(b)     The diagram shows a uniform diving board of weight, W, that is fixed at A. The diving board
is supported by a cylinder at C, that exerts an upward force, P, on the board.

(i)      By considering moments about A, explain why the force P must be greater than
the weight of the board, W.

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(ii)     State and explain what would be the effect on the force P of a girl walking along the
board from A to B.

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(4)

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(Total 6 marks)

Q6.          A waiter holds a tray horizontally in one hand between fingers and thumb as shown in the
diagram.

P, Q and W are the three forces acting on the tray.

(a)     (i)      State two relationships between the forces that must be satisfied if the tray is to remain
horizontal and in equilibrium.

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(ii)     If the mass of the tray is 0.12 kg, calculate the magnitude of the force W.

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(iii)     Calculate the magnitudes of forces P and Q.

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(6)

(b)     The waiter places a glass on the tray. State and explain where the glass should be
positioned on the tray if the force, P, is to have the same value as in part (a).

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(2)
(Total 8 marks)

Q7.          (a)     State the principle of moments.

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(3)

(b)     (i)      Draw a labelled diagram of the apparatus you would use to verify the principle of
moments.

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(ii)     Describe the procedure that would be used and state what measurements are taken.

You may be awarded marks for the quality of written communication in your answer.

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(iii)     Explain how the results would be used to verify the principle of moments.

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(7)
(Total 10 marks)

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