Physics Enhancement Programme Phase 1

Selection Test 1 (Total 100 points)

15 September 2018
1. (15 points) A smooth sphere of mass 𝑚 is supported in contact with a smooth vertical wall by a
string fastened to a point on its surface, the other end being attached to a point in the wall. If the
length of the string is equal to the radius of the sphere, find the angle ∠𝐿𝑁𝑂, the inclination angle 𝜃
of the string to the vertical, the tension of the string and the reaction of the wall.

L
!
N

M
O

Solution:
Since the reaction force 𝑅 and the weight 𝑚𝑔 meet at the center of mass O, the tension is also
passing through O.
→ ∠𝐿𝑁𝑂 = 180∘ [3 𝑝𝑜𝑖𝑛𝑡𝑠]
And
𝑂𝑀 1
sin 𝜃 = = [4 𝑝𝑜𝑖𝑛𝑡𝑠]
𝑂𝐿 2

Because of the equilibrium,

𝑚𝑔 2
𝑇 cos 𝜃 = 𝑚𝑔 → 𝑇 = = 𝑚𝑔 [4 𝑝𝑜𝑖𝑛𝑡𝑠]
1 3
1−
4
𝑊
𝑅 = 𝑇 sin 𝜃 = 𝑚𝑔 tan 𝜃 = [4 𝑝𝑜𝑖𝑛𝑡𝑠]
3

2. (15 points) A spacecraft is to be launched from the surface of the earth so that it will escape from
the solar system altogether.
(a) Find the speed relative to the center of the earth with which the spacecraft must be launched.
Take into consideration the gravitational effects of both the earth and the sun, and include the effects
of the earth’s orbital speed, but ignore air resistance.
 – You can ignore the kinetic energy that the spacecraft has on the
s ground due to the earth’s rotation. (b) Calculate the minimum
of amount of additional work required to move the spacecraft from low
n earth orbit to a very great distance from the earth. You can ignore the
e gravitational effects of
(b) The rotation ofthetheearth
sun,canthehelp
moon, and the achieve
this spacecraft other planets.
escape speed. Find the speed that the
s (c) Justify the statement: “In terms of energy, low earth orbit is is launched from Florida at the
spacecraft must have relative to the earth’s surface if the spacecraft
s halfwaypointto shown
the edge in the
of figure. The rotation and orbital motions of the earth are in the same direction. The
the universe.”
13.67 . A spacecraft is to be Figure P13.67
launch facilities in Florida are 28.5∘ north of the equator. (G= R_E R_ES, m_E, M_S
er
m launched from the surface of the
a earth so that it will escape from
n the solar system altogether.
ct (a) Find the speed relative to the Florida
center of the earth with which Earth
n the spacecraft must be launched. Sun
h Take into consideration the grav-
itational effects of both the earth
st and the sun, and include the
Solution:
m effects(a)ofAtthetheearth’s
escapeorbital
speed, 𝐸 speed,
= 𝑇 +but 𝑈= ignore
0, whereair resistance.
𝑈 is the total(b) The
gravitational potential energy. The
e rotation of the
escape earth
speed willcan
be help this spacecraft achieve escape speed.
er Find the1speed that 𝐺𝑚theN𝑚
spacecraft
𝐺𝑚O 𝑚 must have relative 𝑚N to𝑚the O
earth’s 𝑚
L
n 𝑚𝑣 −
surface 2if the spacecraft − is = 0
launched → 𝑣 =
from 2𝐺
Florida + at the 4.35×10Q [2 + 2 + 1 𝑝𝑜𝑖𝑛𝑡𝑠]
=point
𝑅N 𝑅NO 𝑅N 𝑅NO 𝑠
g shown in Fig. P13.67. The rotationLRS and orbital motions of the earth
The orbital speed of the earth is TU
= 2.98×10Q ms -Z where 𝑇 = 3.156×10\ 𝑠 is the orbital
al are in the same direction. The launchV facilities in Florida are 28.5°
north period. [3 𝑝𝑜𝑖𝑛𝑡𝑠]
of the equator. (c) The European Space Agency (ESA) uses
launchIf facilities
we assumeinthat French Guianaof (immediately
the direction north of
launch is the direction Brazil),
of the earth’s motion in its orbit, the speed
north of
5.15° relative the equator. What
to the center of the earth is speed relative to the earth’s sur-
face would a spacecraft need to escape 2𝜋𝑅theNO solar system 𝑚if launched
𝑣− = 1.37×10Q [2 𝑝𝑜𝑖𝑛𝑡𝑠]
from French Guiana? 𝑇 𝑠
13.68 . Gravity Inside the Earth. Find the gravitational force LRST `ab c
(b)earth
that the The speed
exertsofon a point on the mass
a 10.0-kg surfaceifof it the earth atat
is placed anthe
angle 𝜙 from the equator is 𝑣 =
follow- V
where 𝑇 = 86400 𝑠 1 𝑝𝑜𝑖𝑛𝑡𝑠 is the rotational
ing locations. Consult Fig. 13.9, and assume a constant density period of the earth.
through each of the interior regions (mantle, outer core, inner
LR d.ef×Zgh i `ab Lf.j∘ L
Hence, the rotation speed at Florida
core), but not the same density in each of these is regions. Use = 4.09×10
the 𝑚/𝑠. [2 𝑝𝑜𝑖𝑛𝑡𝑠]
fdQggk
Q
d graph The speed relative
to estimate the to the Florida
average is 1.32×10
density for each 𝑚/𝑠. [2 𝑝𝑜𝑖𝑛𝑡𝑠]
region: (a) at the
m surface of the earth; (b) at the outer surface of the molten outer
al core; (c) at the surface of the solid inner core; (d) at the center of
3. (20 points) A particle of mass 𝑚 slides down the arc of a smooth vertical circle of radius 𝑟 after
of the earth.
being slightly displaced from rest at the highest point. The vertical circle is fixed on the ground.
t, 13.69 . Kirkwood Gaps. Hundreds of thousands of asteroids
ar orbit the sun the
(a) Find within
speedthe of theasteroid whenwhich
particlebelt, angle 𝜃 onfrom
it is at extends about
the circle.
3 * 10 8
(b) Find
km the to normal
about force5 * 10 8
acts on
kmthefromparticle thewhen
sun.it is Find 𝜃.
(a)at angle the
(c) Find the angle 𝜃 where the particle will leave
orbital period (in years) of (i) an asteroid at the inside of the belt the circle.
e-
(d) Find the horizontal distance BK where the particle will strike on the ground.
et and (ii) an asteroid at the outside of the belt. Assume circular
r- orbits. (b) In 1867 the American astronomer Daniel Kirkwood
d pointed out that several gaps exist in the asteroid belt where rela-
a tively few asteroids are found. It is now understood that these
m- Kirkwood gaps are caused by the gravitational attraction of Jupiter,
ll the largest planet, which orbits the sun once every 11.86 years. As
y an example, if an asteroid has an orbital period half that of Jupiter,
or 5.93 years, on every other orbit this asteroid would be at its
d closest to Jupiter and feel a strong attraction toward the planet.
s This attraction, acting over and over on successive orbits, could
 $

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Solution:
(a) By the conservation of energy, we have
1
𝐸 = 𝑚𝑣 L − 𝑚𝑔𝑟 1 − cos 𝜃 [2 𝑝𝑜𝑖𝑛𝑡𝑠]
2
→ 𝑣 = 2𝑔𝑟(1 − cos 𝜃) [1 𝑝𝑜𝑖𝑛𝑡𝑠]

pq
(b) The particle slide on the vertical circle with the speed 𝑣 = 𝑟 where
pr
𝑚𝑣 L
= 𝑚𝑔 cos 𝜃 − 𝑅 [2 𝑝𝑜𝑖𝑛𝑡𝑠]
𝑟
→ 𝑅 = 𝑚𝑔 cos 𝜃 − 2𝑚𝑔 1 − cos 𝜃 = 𝑚𝑔 3 cos 𝜃 − 2 [2 𝑝𝑜𝑖𝑛𝑡𝑠]

(c) The particle will leave the circle when 𝑅 = 0, [1 𝑝𝑜𝑖𝑛𝑡𝑠]

2
→ cos 𝜃 = [2 𝑝𝑜𝑖𝑛𝑡𝑠]
3

L
(d) At that angle, the speed 𝑣 = 𝑔𝑟 1 𝑝𝑜𝑖𝑛𝑡𝑠 and the position of the particle relative to point B
e
is
5 5
𝑥g , 𝑦g = 𝑟 sin 𝜃 , 𝑟 1 + cos 𝜃 =𝑟 , [1 𝑝𝑜𝑖𝑛𝑡𝑠]
3 3

The equation of motion of the particle after leaving the circle is:
𝑥 = 𝑥g + 𝑣𝑡 cos 𝜃 [1 𝑝𝑜𝑖𝑛𝑡𝑠]
1
𝑦 = 𝑦g − 𝑣𝑡 sin 𝜃 − 𝑔𝑡 L [1 𝑝𝑜𝑖𝑛𝑡𝑠]
2

And the parabolic trajectory is

1 𝑥 − 𝑥g L
𝑦 − 𝑦g = − tan 𝜃 𝑥 − 𝑥g − 𝑔 L [2 𝑝𝑜𝑖𝑛𝑡𝑠]
2 𝑣 cos L 𝜃
At the point K, the coordinate is (𝑑, 0) [1 𝑝𝑜𝑖𝑛𝑡𝑠]. Hence
1 𝑑 − 𝑥g L
−𝑦g = − tan 𝜃 𝑑 − 𝑥g − 𝑔 L [1 𝑝𝑜𝑖𝑛𝑡𝑠]
2 𝑣 cos L 𝜃
L
1 5 27 5 5 5
𝑔 𝑑 − 𝑟 + 𝑑−𝑟 − 𝑟 = 0
2 3 8𝑔𝑟 2 3 3
5
𝑑= 5 + 4 2 𝑟 = 1.462 𝑟 [2 𝑝𝑜𝑖𝑛𝑡𝑠]
27
4. (10 points) A heavy stone of mass 𝑚 is hung from the celling by a thin 8.25 − g wire that is
65.0 cm long. When you gently pluck the upper end of the wire, a pulse travels down the wire and
returns 7.84 ms later, having reflected off the lower end. The speed of sound in the room is
344 ms -1 and the stone is heavy enough to prevent the lower end of the wire from moving.
(a) What is the mass 𝑚 of the heavy stone?
(b) If the wire is vibrating in its third harmonic (second overtone), what is the wavelength of the
sound it will produce?

Solution:
g.ggfLj
The mass density of the wire is 𝜇 = = 0.0127 kg⋅m-1 [1 𝑝𝑜𝑖𝑛𝑡𝑠]and the speed of wave is
g.dj
g.dj
𝑣 = 2× = 165.816 ms -1 [1 𝑝𝑜𝑖𝑛𝑡𝑠]. We have
g.gg\fQ
𝑚𝑔
𝑣= = 165.816 → 𝑚 = 35.6 kg [2 𝑝𝑜𝑖𝑛𝑡𝑠]
𝜇
L
In the second overtone, the wavelength of the standing wave is 𝜆 = ×0.65 = 0.43 m. [2 𝑝𝑜𝑖𝑛𝑡𝑠]
e
Zdj.fZd
And the frequency produced is 𝑓 = = 382.65 Hz. [2 𝑝𝑜𝑖𝑛𝑡𝑠]
g.Qe

eQQ
The wavelength of the sound wave is = 0.899 m [2 𝑝𝑜𝑖𝑛𝑡𝑠]
efL.dj

5. (20 points) A heat engine performs a cycle 𝑎 → 𝑏 → 𝑐 → 𝑎 with 9 moles of a monoatomic ideal
gas. Path 𝑐 → 𝑎 is an adiabatic process. The temperature at points a and b are 300 𝐾 and 500 𝐾
respectively. The volume at point c is 0.2 𝑚e . Given that the gas constant is 𝑅 = 8.314 J⋅mol-1 ⋅K -1 .

P
300 K 500 K
a b

adiabatic
compression c
0.20 m)
V
(a) Calculate the pressure and volume at point a.
(b) Calculate the pressure and temperature at point c.
(c) Calculate the net work done by the gas during a complete cycle.
(d) Calculate the heat absorbed by the gas during the process a→b and b→c respectively.
(e) Calculate the thermal efficiency of the heat engine

Solution:
(a)
 𝑝† 𝑉† = 𝑛𝑅𝑇† → 𝑃‰ = 𝑃† = 1.87×10j Pa [2 𝑝𝑜𝑖𝑛𝑡𝑠]
𝑝‰ 𝑉‰ = 𝑛𝑅𝑇‰ → 𝑉‰ = 0.12 m3 [2 𝑝𝑜𝑖𝑛𝑡𝑠]
j
(b) Along the adiabatic compression, 𝑝𝑉 ‹ = 𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑠𝑡𝑛𝑎𝑡 where 𝛾 = . [1 𝑝𝑜𝑖𝑛𝑡𝑠]
e
‹ ‹
𝑝‰ 𝑉‰ = 𝑝• 𝑉• → 𝑝• = 0.798×10j Pa [2 𝑝𝑜𝑖𝑛𝑡𝑠]
𝑝• 𝑉• = 𝑛𝑅𝑇• → 𝑇• = 213 K [2 𝑝𝑜𝑖𝑛𝑡𝑠]
(c) The work done by the gas during 𝑎 → 𝑏 is
𝑊‰→† = 𝑝‰ 𝑉† − 𝑉‰ = 14965 J [2 𝑝𝑜𝑖𝑛𝑡𝑠]

The work done by the gas during the adiabatic compression 𝑐 → 𝑎 is

3
𝑊•→‰ = −𝛥𝑈•→‰ = − 𝑛𝑅 𝑇‰ − 𝑇• = −9718 J [2 𝑝𝑜𝑖𝑛𝑡𝑠]
2
The net work done in one cycle is
𝑊••r = 5247 J [1 𝑝𝑜𝑖𝑛𝑡𝑠]

(d) During the process 𝑎 → 𝑏, 1st law gives

3
𝑄‰→† = 𝑊‰→† + 𝛥𝑈‰→† = 14965 + 𝑛𝑅 𝑇† − 𝑇‰ = 37413 𝐽 [2 𝑝𝑜𝑖𝑛𝑡𝑠]
2

During the process 𝑏 → 𝑐, we have

3
𝑄†→• = 𝑊†→• + 𝛥𝑈†→• = 0 + 𝑛𝑅 𝑇• − 𝑇† = −32166 J [2 𝑝𝑜𝑖𝑛𝑡𝑠]
2

(e) the thermal efficiency is

𝑊••r
𝑒= = 14% [2 𝑝𝑜𝑖𝑛𝑡𝑠]
𝑄”•

6. (20 points) Two moles of an ideal monoatomic gas of volume 𝑉g = 4×10–e 𝑚e confined within a
cylinder by a massless spring loaded with a frictionless piston of negligible mass and of cross-
sectional area 𝐴 = 4×10–e mL . The spring is initially in its equilibrium state. Now the gas is heated
by a heater for some time. During this time the gas expands and does 50 J of work in moving the
piston through a distance of 0.1 m. Given that the standard atmospheric pressure is 𝑝g = 10j Pa and
the gas constant is 𝑅 = 8.314 J⋅mol-1 ⋅K -1 .
(a) Calculate the spring constant 𝑘.
(b) Calculate the temperature of the gas after expansion.
(c) Calculate the heat supplied by the heater.
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Solution:
(a) When the gas is heated, it expands and pushes the piston up by a distance 𝑥. The spring is
compressed and the pressure exerted by the gas is
𝑘𝑥
𝑝 = 𝑝g + [2 𝑝𝑜𝑖𝑛𝑡𝑠]
𝐴
The work done is
g.Z
𝑘𝑥 1
𝑊 = ∫ 𝑝𝑑𝑉 = 𝑝g + 𝐴𝑑𝑥 = 0.1𝑝g 𝐴 + 𝑘×0.1L = 50 𝐽 [3 𝑝𝑜𝑖𝑛𝑡𝑠]
g 𝐴 2
–Z
→ 𝑘 = 2000 𝑁𝑚 [2 𝑝𝑜𝑖𝑛𝑡𝑠]
š› œ›
(b) The initial temperature of the gas is 𝑇g = = 24.06 K [2 𝑝𝑜𝑖𝑛𝑡𝑠]
•S
•ž
The final pressure of the gas is 𝑝 = 𝑝g + = 1.5×10j Pa [2 𝑝𝑜𝑖𝑛𝑡𝑠]
Ÿ
œ›
and the final volume of the gas is 𝑉 = 𝐴 + 0.1 = 0.0044 me [2 𝑝𝑜𝑖𝑛𝑡𝑠]
Ÿ
By the ideal gas law,
𝑝𝑉 𝑝g 𝑉g
= → 𝑇 = 39.69 K [3 𝑝𝑜𝑖𝑛𝑡𝑠]
𝑇 𝑇g

(c) By the 1st law, the heat supplied by the heater is equal to the heat absorbed by the gas,
𝑄 = 𝑊 + 𝛥𝑈 = 50 + 2𝐶œ 𝛥𝑇 = 440 J [2 + 2 𝑝𝑜𝑖𝑛𝑡𝑠]