9709 P43 - Jun 2019 - Q4
3959
Two particles A and B, of masses 1.3 kg and 0.7 kg respectively, are connected by a light inextensible string which passes over a smooth fixed pulley. Particle A is 1.75 m above the floor and particle B is 1 m above the floor (see diagram). The system is released from rest with the string taut, and the particles move vertically. When the particles are at the same height the string breaks.
(i) Show that, before the string breaks, the magnitude of the acceleration of each particle is 3 m s-2 and find the tension in the string.
(ii) Find the difference in the times that it takes the particles to hit the ground.
