CAIE M1 2017 November — Question 4

Exam BoardCAIE
ModuleM1 (Mechanics 1)
Year2017
SessionNovember
TopicPulley systems

4 Two particles \(A\) and \(B\) have masses 0.35 kg and 0.45 kg respectively. The particles are attached to the ends of a light inextensible string which passes over a small fixed smooth pulley which is 1 m above horizontal ground. Initially particle \(A\) is held at rest on the ground vertically below the pulley, with the string taut. Particle \(B\) hangs vertically below the pulley at a height of 0.64 m above the ground. Particle \(A\) is released.
  1. Find the speed of \(A\) at the instant that \(B\) reaches the ground.
  2. Assuming that \(B\) does not bounce after it reaches the ground, find the total distance travelled by \(A\) between the instant that \(B\) reaches the ground and the instant when the string becomes taut again.