Two particles P P\,P of mass 4 kg and Q Q\,Q of mass 3 kg are connected by a light inextensible string. The string passes over a smooth pulley fixed at the apex of a wedge. One face of the wedge is smooth and inclined at an angle of 60∘ 60^\circ\,60∘ to the horizontal. The other face of the wedge is rough and inclined at an angle of 30∘ 30^\circ\,30∘ to the horizontal. P P\,P lies on the smooth face and the string connecting the particles is taut. The coefficient of friction between Q Q\,Q and the rough face is 0.25.
Find the tension in the string.
Find the acceleration of the system and the direction of travel.
130 exam-style questions on Edexcel A Level Maths Applications of Forces, covering 7.1 Static Particles, 7.2 Modelling with Statics, 7.3 Friction and Static Particles, 7.4 Static Rigid Bodies, 7.5 Dynamics and Inclined Planes, and 7.6 Connected Particles 2. Each one has a worked solution and a mark scheme showing where the marks go.