System of particles passing over a pulley

AI Thread Summary
The discussion revolves around a physics problem involving two connected masses over a pulley. The calculated acceleration of the system is 30/13 m/s², with a tension of 800/13 N in the string. There is confusion regarding the motion after the heavier mass hits the ground, leading to the assumption that the lighter mass reaches a maximum height of 10 m. Participants express uncertainty about the term "jerked into motion" and its implications for the system's behavior. Clarification on these points is sought to complete the problem-solving process.
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1. Homework Statement
Two particles of masses m1=8 kg and m2=5 kg are connected to the two ends of a light inextensible string which passes over a fixed smooth pulley. Initially each of the two particles are held at a position which is 5 m above a horizontal ground. The objects are then released from rest. Assuming that the particles never reach the pulley, and also that the particles do not rebound when they strike the ground.(g=10m/s^2)

a) find the tension in the string and the acceleration of each particle
b) find the distance above the ground of the point H, the highest point reached by the 5 kg mass
c) find the speed with which the system is jerked into motion and the impulse experienced by the string during the jerk.


2. Homework Equations
Newton's second law

3. The Attempt at a Solution
For part (a), I got a=(m1-m2)g/(m1+m2)=30/13, hence T=800/13
I'm stuck at part (b) and (c) as I don't know the motion of the system after mass 1 (the heavier one) hit the ground and T becomes zero. I assume both masses stop moving at that moment, then the maximum height reached by mass 2 is 10m. Also, I'm not able to figure out what it means by 'the system is jerked into motion'. I would appreciate a reasonable explanation to this. Thanks
 
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I agree with your answer for the acceleration and tension and, like you, I do not understand what is meant by "jerked into motion"
 
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