Edexcel M1 2014 June — Question 7

Exam BoardEdexcel
ModuleM1 (Mechanics 1)
Year2014
SessionJune
TopicPulley systems

7. \begin{figure}[h]
\includegraphics[alt={},max width=\textwidth]{edcc4603-f006-4c4f-a4e5-063cab41da98-12_486_1257_230_347} \captionsetup{labelformat=empty} \caption{Figure 3}
\end{figure} Two particles \(P\) and \(Q\), of mass 2 kg and 3 kg respectively, are connected by a light inextensible string. Initially \(P\) is held at rest on a fixed smooth plane inclined at \(30 ^ { \circ }\) to the horizontal. The string passes over a small smooth fixed pulley at the top of the plane. The particle \(Q\) hangs freely below the pulley and 0.6 m above the ground, as shown in Figure 3. The part of the string from \(P\) to the pulley is parallel to a line of greatest slope of the plane. The system is released from rest with the string taut. For the motion before \(Q\) hits the ground,
    1. show that the acceleration of \(Q\) is \(\frac { 2 g } { 5 }\),
    2. find the tension in the string. On hitting the ground \(Q\) is immediately brought to rest by the impact.
  1. Find the speed of \(P\) at the instant when \(Q\) hits the ground. In its subsequent motion \(P\) does not reach the pulley.
  2. Find the total distance moved up the plane by \(P\) before it comes to instantaneous rest.
  3. Find the length of time between \(Q\) hitting the ground and \(P\) first coming to instantaneous rest.