Mathematics (AS & A Level) · May / June 2018 · Paper 43 · Question 4

1 P A B 0.8 kg 1.6 kg Two particles A and B, of masses 0.8 kg and 1.6 kg respectively, are connected by a light inextensible string. Particle A is placed on a smooth plane inclined at an angle 1 to the horizontal, where sin 1 = 3 5. The string passes over a small smooth pulley P fixed at the top of the plane, and B hangs freely (see diagram). The section AP of the string is parallel to a line of greatest slope of the plane. The particles are released from rest with both sections of the string taut. Use an energy method to find the speed of the particles after each particle has moved a distance of 0.5 m, assuming that A has not yet reached the pulley. [6] 7

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