1996 Paper 3 Q11

Year: 1996
Paper: 3
Question Number: 11

Course: UFM Mechanics
Section: Simple Harmonic Motion

Difficulty: 1700.0 Banger: 1484.0

Problem

A smooth circular wire of radius \(a\) is held fixed in a vertical plane with light elastic strings of natural length \(a\) and modulus \(\lambda\) attached to the upper and lower extremities, \(A\) and \(C\) respectively, of the vertical diameter. The other ends of the two strings are attached to a small ring \(B\) which is free to slide on the wire. Show that, while both strings remain taut, the equation for the motion of the ring is $$2ma \ddot\theta=\lambda(\cos\theta-\sin\theta)-mg\sin\theta,$$ where \(\theta\) is the angle \( \angle{CAB}\). Initially the system is at rest in equilibrium with \(\sin\theta=\frac{3}{5}\). Deduce that \(5\lambda=24mg\). The ring is now displaced slightly. Show that, in the ensuing motion, it will oscillate with period approximately $$10\pi\sqrt{a\over91g}\,.$$

No solution available for this problem.

Rating Information

Difficulty Rating: 1700.0

Difficulty Comparisons: 0

Banger Rating: 1484.0

Banger Comparisons: 1

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Problem source
A smooth circular wire of radius $a$
is held fixed in a vertical plane with light elastic
strings of natural length $a$ and modulus $\lambda$ attached to the upper and
lower extremities, $A$ and $C$ respectively, of the vertical diameter.
The other ends of the two strings are attached to a small ring $B$ which
is free to slide on the wire. Show that, while both strings remain taut,
the equation for the motion of the ring is
$$2ma \ddot\theta=\lambda(\cos\theta-\sin\theta)-mg\sin\theta,$$
where $\theta$ is the angle $ \angle{CAB}$.
Initially the system is at rest in equilibrium with
$\sin\theta=\frac{3}{5}$. Deduce that $5\lambda=24mg$.
The ring is now displaced slightly. Show that, in the ensuing motion, it will
oscillate with period approximately
$$10\pi\sqrt{a\over91g}\,.$$