May/June 2026 Paper 41

Three particles $A$, $B$ and $C$ have masses $3\mathrm{kg}$, $1.5\mathrm{kg}$ and $m\mathrm{kg}$ respectively, where $m>1.5$. Particles $A$ and $B$ are attached to the ends of a light inextensible string that passes over a smooth fixed pulley. Particle $C$ is attached to particle $B$. The system is held at rest with the string taut and the hanging parts of the string vertical (see diagram).