EXAM 1- Classical Mechanics 2024

Question 1 (a-5p; b-2p : c-3p)

The luckless Daniel(D) is thrown into a circular arena of radius R containing

a Lion (L). Initially the lion is at the center O of the arena while Daniel is at the
perimeter. Daniel’s strategy is to run with his maximum speed u around the
perimeter. The Lion responds by running at its maximum speed V in such a way
that it remains on the (moving) radius OD.
a) Find the radial distance passed by the Lion along the radial direction.
b) If V ≥ u show that Daniel will be caught, and find how long this will take.
c) Show that the path taken by the lion is an arc of a circle. For the special
case V=u Find the point of capture.

Question 2 (a-4p ; b-2.5p ; c-3.5p)

A uniform rope of length L and mass M is held at rest with its two ends close
together and the rope hanging symmetrically below. One of the ends is then released.
a) Find the velocity of the free end when it has descendent by a distance x.
b) Determine the acceleration of the free end and show that it always exceeds
g
c) Find the Reaction R exerted by the support at the fixed when the free end
has descended a distance x.

Question 3 (a-3p; b-3p ; c-4p)

A bungee jumper is attached to one end of a long elastic rope. The other end
of the elastic rope is fixed to a high bridge. The jumper steps off the bridge and falls,
from rest, towards the river below. He does not hit the water. The mass of the jumper
is m, the unstretched length of length of the rope is L, the rope has a force constant
of k gravitational field strength is g.
a) Find the distance y dropped by the jumper before coming instantaneously
to rest for the first time.
b) Find the maximum speed v attained by the jumper during this drop.
c) The time t taken during the drop before coming to rest for the first time.
*** you may assume the jumper can be regarded as a point mass m attached to the
end of the rope.