Three particles A, B, C of masses \(m, 2 m, 3 m\) respectively lie at rest in
that order in a straight line on a smooth horizontal table. The distance
between consecutive particles is \(a .\) A slack light inelastic string of
length \(2 a\) connects \(\mathrm{A}\) and \(\mathrm{B}\). An exactly similar slack
string connects \(\mathrm{B}\) and \(\mathrm{C}\). If \(\mathrm{A}\) is projected in
the direction CBA with speed \(V\), find the time which elapses before \(C\)
begins to move. Find also the speed with which C begins to move. Show that the
ratio of the impulsive tensions in \(\mathrm{BC}\) and \(\mathrm{AB}\) when
\(\mathrm{C}\) is jerked into motion is \(3: 1 .\) Find the total loss of kinetic
energy when C has started to move.
(J.M.B.)