Edexcel M1 — Question 4

Exam BoardEdexcel
ModuleM1 (Mechanics 1)
TopicPulley systems

4. \(X\) and \(Y\) are two points 1 m apart on a line of greatest slope of a smooth plane inclined at \(60 ^ { \circ }\) to the horizontal. A particle \(P\) of mass 1 kg is released from rest at \(X\).
  1. Find the speed with which \(P\) reaches \(Y\).
    \(P\) is now connected to another particle \(Q\), of mass \(M \mathrm {~kg}\), by a light inextensible string. The system is placed with \(P\) at \(Y\) on the plane and \(Q\) hanging vertically at the other end of the string, which passes over a fixed pulley at the top of the plane.
    The system is released from rest and \(P\) moves up the plane with acceleration \(\frac { g } { 5 }\).
    \includegraphics[max width=\textwidth, alt={}, center]{cc75a4a5-1c3a-4e36-acfd-21f6246f2a38-1_358_321_2024_1597}
  2. Show that \(M = \frac { 5 \sqrt { } 3 + 2 } { 8 }\).
  3. State a modelling assumption that you have made about the pulley. Briefly state what would be implied if this assumption were not made. \section*{MECHANICS 1 (A) TEST PAPER 8 Page 2}