(i)[4]
Given that $v = 0.5$, calculate the size of the force exerted on $P$ by the surface.
(ii)[3]
Find the greatest possible value of $v$ for which $P$ remains in contact with the surface.
Mathematics 9709 · AS & A Level · Probability
Probability — practice question
A light inextensible string of length $0.4\,\text{m}$ has one end fixed at point $A$, which lies above a smooth horizontal surface. The other end is attached to a particle $P$ of mass $0.6\,\text{kg}$. With the string taut and making an angle of $60^\circ$ with the horizontal (see diagram), $P$ travels in a circle on the surface at constant speed $v\,\text{m s}^{-1}$.