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\includegraphics[max width=\textwidth, alt={}, center]{a9e010ce-c3a8-4f95-a154-fd16ef3e5e5b-4_622_767_269_689} Particles \(P\) and \(Q\), with masses \(3 m\) and \(2 m\) respectively, are connected by a light inextensible string passing over a smooth light pulley. The particle \(P\) is connected to the floor by a light spring \(S _ { 1 }\) with natural length \(a\) and modulus of elasticity mg . The particle \(Q\) is connected to the floor by a light spring \(S _ { 2 }\) with natural length \(a\) and modulus of elasticity \(2 m g\). The sections of the string not in contact with the pulley, and the two springs, are vertical. Air resistance may be neglected. The particles \(P\) and \(Q\) move vertically and the string remains taut; when the length of \(S _ { 1 }\) is \(x\), the length of \(S _ { 2 }\) is ( \(3 a - x\) ) (see diagram).

1. Find the total potential energy of the system (taking the floor as the reference level for gravitational potential energy). Hence show that \(x = \frac { 4 } { 3 } a\) is a position of stable equilibrium.
2. By differentiating the energy equation, and substituting \(x = \frac { 4 } { 3 } a + y\), show that the motion is simple harmonic, and find the period.