A light string that does not stretch changes from horizontal to vertical as it passes over the edge of a table. The string connects m1, a 3.20 kg block, originally at rest on the horizontal table at a height 1.27 m above the floor, to m2, a hanging 3 kg block originally a distance d = 0.990 m above the floor. Neither the surface of the table nor its edge exerts a force of kinetic friction. The blocks start to move from rest. The sliding block m1 is projected horizontally after reaching the edge of the table. The hanging block m2 stops without bouncing when it strikes the floor.

Question

anonymous · Answer

(a) Find the speed at which m1 leaves the edge of the table. (Assume m2 hits the ground before m1 leaves the table.)
(b) Find the impact speed of m1 on the floor.
(c) What is the shortest length of the string so that it does not go taut while m1 is in flight?