CAIE M1 2015 June — Question 2

Exam BoardCAIE
ModuleM1 (Mechanics 1)
Year2015
SessionJune
TopicPulley systems

2
\includegraphics[max width=\textwidth, alt={}, center]{543cb1dd-40e8-4d66-8ca0-4f183f83f366-2_438_903_488_623} Particles \(A\) and \(B\), of masses 0.35 kg and 0.15 kg respectively, are attached to the ends of a light inextensible string. \(A\) is held at rest on a smooth horizontal surface with the string passing over a small smooth pulley fixed at the edge of the surface. \(B\) hangs vertically below the pulley at a distance \(h \mathrm {~m}\) above the floor (see diagram). \(A\) is released and the particles move. \(B\) reaches the floor and \(A\) subsequently reaches the pulley with a speed of \(3 \mathrm {~m} \mathrm {~s} ^ { - 1 }\).
  1. Explain briefly why the speed with which \(B\) reaches the floor is \(3 \mathrm {~m} \mathrm {~s} ^ { - 1 }\).
  2. Find the value of \(h\).