Lesson 3.03k

3.03k Equilibrium of particles: Equilibrium of particles (3.03k) Quiz: OCR Maths, Unit 18

20 questions

Written by Revision Ninja · Last reviewed 11 October 2026

In partnership with Revision Ninja

Lesson 3.03k, Equilibrium of particles: Equilibrium of particles (3.03k): 20 multiple choice questions for the OCR Maths (H240), Unit 18: Forces and Newton's Laws, written with Revision Ninja.

Host it live on the board and students join with a game code on their own devices, or revise alone with Free Play. The answers are revealed in the game.

Host this setFree Play

The 20 questions

  1. If a particle is in equilibrium, what is the sum of resolved force components in any direction?

    • Equal to gravity
    • Zero
    • Maximum
    • Equal to mass

  2. How does string tension compare on either side of a fixed smooth peg?

    • Greater on the left
    • Zero on both sides
    • Same on both sides
    • Greater on the right

  3. What primary property does an inextensible string possess in a mechanics model?

    • It has high friction
    • It has zero mass
    • It snaps easily
    • It cannot stretch

  4. What is the key modelling assumption for a smooth pulley?

    • Flexible shape
    • No friction
    • No mass
    • Fixed acceleration

  5. What must the sum of resolved forces equal for a particle in 2D equilibrium?

    • Zero
    • Weight
    • Maximum
    • Unity

  6. A particle of mass 2 kg hangs in equilibrium from a single vertical string. Taking g = 9.8 m s^-2, what is the tension in the string?

    • 9.8 N
    • 19.6 N
    • 2 N
    • 4.9 N

  7. A particle of mass 5 kg is held at rest on a smooth plane inclined at 30 degrees to the horizontal by a string parallel to the plane. Taking g = 9.8 m s^-2, what is the tension in the string?

    • 28.3 N
    • 42.4 N
    • 49.0 N
    • 24.5 N

  8. A particle of mass 2 kg rests in equilibrium on a smooth plane inclined at 30 degrees to the horizontal, held by a horizontal force P. Taking g = 9.8 m s^-2, what is P, to 1 decimal place?

    • 19.6 N
    • 9.8 N
    • 5.7 N
    • 11.3 N

  9. A particle of mass 6 kg is supported by two light strings, each making 60 degrees with the vertical. Taking g = 9.8 m s^-2, what is the tension in each string?

    • 117.6 N
    • 33.9 N
    • 29.4 N
    • 58.8 N

  10. A particle of mass 5 kg and a particle of mass 3 kg are connected by a light inextensible string over a smooth pulley, with both hanging freely. Taking g = 9.8 m s^-2, what is the acceleration of the system?

    • 4.9 m s^-2
    • 1.96 m s^-2
    • 9.8 m s^-2
    • 2.45 m s^-2

  11. For the 5 kg and 3 kg particles over a smooth pulley with acceleration 2.45 m s^-2, what is the tension in the string? Take g = 9.8 m s^-2.

    • 44.1 N
    • 36.75 N
    • 29.4 N
    • 24.5 N

  12. A train engine pulls a carriage system of total resistance 600 N at constant velocity along a straight horizontal track. What is the pulling force from the engine?

    • 0 N
    • 300 N
    • 1200 N
    • 600 N

  13. A particle is in equilibrium under forces 5 N east, 12 N north and a third force F. What is the magnitude of F?

    • 7 N
    • 13 N
    • 17 N
    • 12 N

  14. What upward force balances a 2 kg mass at rest in equilibrium?

    • 19.6 N
    • 39.2 N
    • 2 N
    • 9.8 N

  15. Forces (2i + 3j) N, (4i - j) N and (-6i + pj) N act on a particle in equilibrium. What is the value of p?

    • -2
    • -4
    • 4
    • 2

  16. A particle of mass 4 kg rests on a smooth horizontal table and is connected by a light string over a smooth pulley to a particle of mass 3 kg hanging freely. Taking g = 9.8 m s^-2, what is the tension in the string?

    • 12.6 N
    • 29.4 N
    • 16.8 N
    • 39.2 N

  17. Two 3 kg masses hang in equilibrium over a smooth pulley. What is the string tension?

    • 58.8 N
    • 0 N
    • 29.4 N
    • 14.7 N

  18. A particle of mass 5 kg rests on a smooth horizontal table and is connected over a smooth pulley to a particle of mass 3 kg hanging freely, taking g = 9.8 m s^-2. What is the acceleration of the system, to 2 decimal places?

    • 5.88 m s^-2
    • 1.84 m s^-2
    • 2.45 m s^-2
    • 3.68 m s^-2

  19. A particle is in equilibrium under forces 2i + 3j N, -4i + 2j N and F. Which expression gives F?

    • 2i - 5j N
    • 2i + 5j N
    • -2i - 5j N
    • -6i + j N

  20. A light string of tension T passes over a fixed smooth peg with masses m1 and m2 on each side. Which condition is necessary for the system to remain at rest?

    • T = 0
    • m1 = 2m2
    • m1 = m2
    • m1 + m2 = 0

All OCR Maths quizzes