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\includegraphics[max width=\textwidth, alt={}, center]{083d3e44-1e42-461f-aa8d-a1a22047a47e-10_501_416_262_861} Particles \(P\) and \(Q\) have masses \(m \mathrm {~kg}\) and \(2 m \mathrm {~kg}\) respectively. The particles are initially held at rest 6.4 m apart on the same line of greatest slope of a rough plane inclined at an angle \(\alpha\) to the horizontal, where \(\sin \alpha = 0.8\) (see diagram). Particle \(P\) is released from rest and slides down the line of greatest slope. Simultaneously, particle \(Q\) is projected up the same line of greatest slope at a speed of \(10 \mathrm {~m} \mathrm {~s} ^ { - 1 }\). The coefficient of friction between each particle and the plane is 0.6 .

1. Show that the acceleration of \(Q\) up the plane is \(- 11.6 \mathrm {~m} \mathrm {~s} ^ { - 2 }\).
2. Find the time for which the particles are in motion before they collide.
3. The particles coalesce on impact. Find the speed of the combined particle immediately after the impact.
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