A-level · Forces & Newton's laws

PulleysExam-style questions

Why a light inextensible string over a smooth pulley gives the two masses the same tension and the same size of acceleration in opposite directions, the two-equations-add method for finding a and T, and the classic twist — when one mass lands the string goes slack and the other flies on freely under gravity.

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10 questions · A-level level · mark scheme and worked solution on each · no sign-up to try

DifficultyAll Level 3 Level 4 Level 5

1
Particles $P$ (mass $5$ kg) and $Q$ (mass $3$ kg) are connected by a light inextensible string passing over a smooth fixed pulley. The system is released from rest with both particles hanging freely. Take $g = 9.8$ m s⁻².(a) Find the acceleration of the system and the tension in the string. (6 marks)
(b) Two seconds after release, the string breaks. Find the additional height that $Q$ rises after the string breaks. (3 marks)
Level 4 · 9 marksTry it