M4 January 2006 Q2

2. A small smooth sphere \(S\) of mass \(m\) is attached to one end of a light inextensible string of length \(2a\). The other end of the string is attached to a fixed point \(A\) which is at a distance \(a\sqrt{3}\) from a smooth vertical wall. The sphere \(S\) hangs at rest in equilibrium. It is then projected horizontally towards the wall with a speed \(\sqrt{\left(\dfrac{37ga}{5}\right)}\).

(a) Show that \(S\) strikes the wall with speed \(\sqrt{\left(\dfrac{27ga}{5}\right)}\). (4)

Given that the loss in kinetic energy due to the impact with the wall is \(\dfrac{3mga}{5}\),

(b) find the coefficient of restitution between \(S\) and the wall. (7)