CAIE M1 2017 June — Question 7

Exam BoardCAIE
ModuleM1 (Mechanics 1)
Year2017
SessionJune
TopicMotion on a slope

7
\includegraphics[max width=\textwidth, alt={}, center]{4941e074-2f93-4a0c-80ba-0ca96a48389e-10_374_762_259_688} As shown in the diagram, a particle \(A\) of mass 0.8 kg lies on a plane inclined at an angle of \(30 ^ { \circ }\) to the horizontal and a particle \(B\) of mass 1.2 kg lies on a plane inclined at an angle of \(60 ^ { \circ }\) to the horizontal. The particles are connected by a light inextensible string which passes over a small smooth pulley \(P\) fixed at the top of the planes. The parts \(A P\) and \(B P\) of the string are parallel to lines of greatest slope of the respective planes. The particles are released from rest with both parts of the string taut.
  1. Given that both planes are smooth, find the acceleration of \(A\) and the tension in the string.
  2. It is given instead that both planes are rough, with the same coefficient of friction, \(\mu\), for both particles. Find the value of \(\mu\) for which the system is in limiting equilibrium.