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.
Practise Edexcel A Level Maths Connected Particles 2 with exam-style questions for A Level Maths. 17 questions, matched to the Edexcel A Level Maths (9MA0) specification and written in Paper 1, Paper 2 and Paper 3 style. Every question includes a full worked solution and mark scheme, so you can see where marks are awarded rather than just whether you got the answer right.
