2 A particle \(A\) of mass 3.6 kg is attached by a light inextensible string to a particle \(B\) of mass 2.4 kg .
\(A\) and \(B\) are initially at rest, with the string slack, on a smooth horizontal surface. \(A\) is projected directly away from \(B\) with a speed of \(7.2 \mathrm {~ms} ^ { - 1 }\).

1. Calculate the speed of \(A\) after the string becomes taut.
2. Find the impulse exerted on \(A\) at the instant that the string becomes taut.
3. Find the loss in kinetic energy as a result of the string becoming taut.