A high-precision calibration glider of mass 0.4 kg is being manipulated on a horizontal low-friction air-table. Two magnetic actuators exert forces F1\mathbf{F}_1F1 and F2\mathbf{F}_2F2 on the glider, where:
F1=[2a1.8] N and F2=[−3b] N\mathbf{F}_1 = \begin{bmatrix} 2a \\ 1.8 \end{bmatrix} \text{ N and } \mathbf{F}_2 = \begin{bmatrix} -3 \\ b \end{bmatrix} \text{ N}F1=[2a1.8] N and F2=[−3b] N
and a,b a, b\,a,b are constants. The glider's resulting acceleration vector is given by a=[5b10a] m s−2\mathbf{a} = \begin{bmatrix} 5b \\ 10a \end{bmatrix} \text{ m s}^{-2}a=[5b10a] m s−2.
Determine the value of a a\,a and the value of bbb.
Practise Edexcel A Level Maths Further Kinematics with exam-style questions for A Level Maths. 54 questions covering Vectors in Kinematics, Vector Methods with Projectiles, Variable Acceleration in One Dimension, Differentiating Vectors, and Integrating Vectors, matched to the Edexcel A Level Maths (9MA0) specification and written in Paper 1, Paper 2 and Paper 3 style. Every question includes a full worked solution and mark scheme, so you can see where marks are awarded rather than just whether you got the answer right.