9709 P43 - Nov 2014 - Q6
3941
Particles P and Q have a total mass of 1 kg. The particles are attached to opposite ends of a light inextensible string which passes over a smooth fixed pulley. P is held at rest and Q hangs freely, with both straight parts of the string vertical. Both particles are at a height of h m above the floor (see Fig. 1). P is released from rest and the particles start to move with the string taut. Fig. 2 shows the velocity-time graphs for P's motion and for Q's motion, where the positive direction for velocity is vertically upwards. Find
- the magnitude of the acceleration with which the particles start to move and the mass of each of the particles,
- the value of h,
- the greatest height above the floor reached by particle P.
