| Exam Board | Edexcel |
|---|---|
| Module | M1 (Mechanics 1) |
| Year | 2004 |
| Session | November |
| Marks | 7 |
| Paper | Download PDF ↗ |
| Mark scheme | Download PDF ↗ |
| Topic | Pulley systems |
| Type | Variable mass or unknown mass |
| Difficulty | Moderate -0.3 This is a standard M1 pulley problem requiring Newton's second law applied to both masses and simultaneous equations. The given acceleration simplifies the algebra considerably. While it requires careful sign conventions and systematic working, it follows a well-practiced template with no conceptual surprises, making it slightly easier than average. |
| Spec | 3.03k Connected particles: pulleys and equilibrium3.03l Newton's third law: extend to situations requiring force resolution |
\includegraphics{figure_1}
The particles have mass 3 kg and $m$ kg, where $m < 3$. They are attached to the ends of a light inextensible string. The string passes over a smooth fixed pulley. The particles are held in position with the string taut and the hanging parts of the string vertical, as shown in Figure 1. The particles are then released from rest. The initial acceleration of each particle has magnitude $\frac{1}{2}g$. Find
\begin{enumerate}[label=(\alph*)]
\item the tension in the string immediately after the particles are released, [3]
\item the value of $m$. [4]
\end{enumerate}
\hfill \mbox{\textit{Edexcel M1 2004 Q2 [7]}}