Past exam of the mathematics course of the University of Cambridge 2002 ia Paper 4 12E Solution Created 2026-09-24 Updated 2026-10-14
The moment of inertia of a uniform length- rod about its transverse central axis isThe kinetic energy decomposition about the center of mass gives for center speed and rod angle .
For a falling arch with , the symmetric two hinged rods with both ends sliding on a floor have the following motion. The hinge remains vertically over the arch center. Their centers are , so each has squared speed . Total kinetic energy is , and total gravitational potential energy is . Conservation of energy from rest at angle gives . At the hinge impact , its height derivative is , givingThe floor-contact assumption is consistent: differentiating the energy relation gives , and the normal reaction on each outer endpoint is . Completing the square shows throughout the fall.