1 A particle \(P\) of mass \(m\) is placed on a fixed smooth plane which is inclined at an angle \(\theta\) to the horizontal. A light spring, of natural length \(a\) and modulus of elasticity \(3 m g\), has one end attached to \(P\) and the other end attached to a fixed point \(O\) at the top of the plane. The spring lies along a line of greatest slope of the plane. The system is released from rest with the spring at its natural length. Find, in terms of \(a\) and \(\theta\), an expression for the greatest extension of the spring in the subsequent motion.
\includegraphics[max width=\textwidth, alt={}, center]{0581e302-2fc5-46f0-b597-e5cae1f664a2-04_515_707_267_685} A particle \(P\) is attached to one end of a light inextensible string of length \(a\). The other end of the string is attached to a fixed point \(O\). The particle \(P\) is held with the string taut and making an angle \(\theta\) with the downward vertical. The particle \(P\) is then projected with speed \(\frac { 4 } { 5 } \sqrt { 5 a g }\) perpendicular to the string and just completes a vertical circle (see diagram). Find the value of \(\cos \theta\).