Edexcel M1 2007 January — Question 7

Exam BoardEdexcel
ModuleM1 (Mechanics 1)
Year2007
SessionJanuary
TopicPulley systems

7. \begin{figure}[h]
\captionsetup{labelformat=empty} \caption{Figure 4} \includegraphics[alt={},max width=\textwidth]{7edcbe3d-dd90-41b4-9b87-fccae38927c7-12_465_1182_301_420}
\end{figure} Figure 4 shows two particles \(P\) and \(Q\), of mass 3 kg and 2 kg respectively, 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 light pulley \(A\) fixed at the top of the plane. The part of the string from \(P\) to \(A\) is parallel to a line of greatest slope of the plane. The particle \(Q\) hangs freely below \(A\). The system is released from rest with the string taut.
  1. Write down an equation of motion for \(P\) and an equation of motion for \(Q\).
  2. Hence show that the acceleration of \(Q\) is \(0.98 \mathrm {~m} \mathrm {~s} ^ { - 2 }\).
  3. Find the tension in the string.
  4. State where in your calculations you have used the information that the string is inextensible. On release, \(Q\) is at a height of 0.8 m above the ground. When \(Q\) reaches the ground, it is brought to rest immediately by the impact with the ground and does not rebound. The initial distance of \(P\) from \(A\) is such that in the subsequent motion \(P\) does not reach \(A\). Find
  5. the speed of \(Q\) as it reaches the ground,
  6. the time between the instant when \(Q\) reaches the ground and the instant when the string becomes taut again.