Year: 1994
Paper: 3
Question Number: 9
Course: UFM Mechanics
Section: Simple Harmonic Motion
No solution available for this problem.
Difficulty Rating: 1700.0
Difficulty Comparisons: 0
Banger Rating: 1500.0
Banger Comparisons: 0
A smooth, axially symmetric bowl has its vertical cross-sections determined
by $s=2\sqrt{ky},$ where $s$ is the arc-length measured from its
lowest point $V$, and $y$ is the height above $V$. A particle is
released from rest at a point on the surface at a height $h$ above
$V$. Explain why
\[
\left(\frac{\mathrm{d}s}{\mathrm{d}t}\right)^{2}+2gy
\]
is constant.
Show that the time for the particle to reach $V$ is
\[
\pi\sqrt{\frac{k}{2g}}.
\]
Two elastic particles of mass $m$ and $\alpha m,$ where $\alpha<1,$
are released simultaneously from opposite sides of the bowl at heights
$\alpha^{2}h$ and $h$ respectively. If the coefficient of restitution
between the particles is $\alpha,$ describe the subsequent motion.