Physics Olympiad

Second Round
online, 19 January 2021

Part 1 : 3 problems
Duration : 120 minutes
Total : 48 points (3 × 16)
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Deutschschweizerische Physikkommission VSMP / DPK
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Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne
ETH Zurich Department of Physics
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Ernst Göhner Stiftung, Zug
Hasler Stiftung, Bern
Metrohm Stiftung, Herisau
neue kantonsschule aarau
Neue Kantonsschule Aarau
Novartis
Société Valaisanne de Physique
Swiss Academy of Engineering Sciences SATW
Swiss Academy of Sciences
Swiss Physical Society
Università della Svizzera italiana
Universität Bern FB Physik/Astronomie
Universität Zürich FB Physik Mathematik

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Natural constants

Caesium hyperfine frequency ∆νCs 9.192 631 770 ×109 s−1

Speed of light in vacuum c 2.997 924 58 ×108 m · s−1
Planck constant h 6.626 070 15 ×10−34 kg · m2 · s−1
Elementary charge e 1.602 176 634 ×10−19 A·s
Boltzmann constant kB 1.380 649 ×10−23 K−1 · kg · m2 · s−2
Avogadro constant NA 6.022 140 76 ×1023 mol−1
Luminous efficacy of radiation Kcd 6.83 ×102 cd · kg−1 · m−2 · s3 · sr
Magnetic constant µ0 1.256 637 062 12(19) ×10−7 A−2 · kg · m · s−2
Electric constant ε0 8.854 187 812 8(13) ×10−12 A2 · kg−1 · m−3 · s4
Gas constant R 8.314 462 618… K−1 · kg · m2 · mol−1 · s−2
Stefan-Boltzmann constant σ 5.670 374 419… ×10−8 K−4 · kg · s−3
Gravitational constant G 6.674 30(15) ×10−11 kg−1 · m3 · s−2
Electron mass me 9.109 383 701 5(28) ×10−31 kg
Neutron mass mn 1.674 927 498 04(95) ×10−27 kg
Proton mass mp 1.672 621 923 69(51) ×10−27 kg
Standard acceleration of gravity gn 9.806 65 m · s−2
Physics Olympiad: Second Round 19.01.2021

Theoretical Problems

Duration: 120 minutes

Marks: 48 points (3 × 16)

Start each problem on a new sheet in order to ease the correction.

Label the sheets with your name and the number of the problem. Furthermore, number your sheets.

General hint: The problems consist of partially independent problem parts, so if you get stuck, it is a good
idea to read further ahead and to continue with an easier part.

Problem 1.1: Model of inelastic collision ii. (1 pt.) What are the instantaneous velocities
(16 points) vBCM and v CM of the bodies B and C in the center
C
In this problem we will consider a model of an in- of mass reference frame at the moment when A and
elastic collision. The system (shown in figure 1.1.1) B make contact? Express your answer through v1
consists of three bodies A (of mass M ), B and C and m.
(both of mass m), where B and C are connected by iii. (3 pt.) At the moment of contact between
a spring with spring constant k. The body A will A and B, the spring is in its equilibrium position.
initially be moving with velocity V and will even- What is the energy E CM and amplitude A (see fig-
tually collide with the initially stationary system ure 1.1.2) of the ensuing oscillations in the center
B+C. of mass system? Express your answer in terms of
v1 , m and k.

Figure 1.1.1: Setup of the problem. Figure 1.1.2: Definition of the amplitude of the
Part A. First contact (5 points) oscillations.
First we examine the elastic collision between the
Part C. Lost energy (6 points)
bodies A and B.
Going back to the reference frame that is fixed to
i. (1 pt.) What conserved quantities are relevant
the ground, we take a look at the collision between
for such a collision?
the body A and the composite system B+C with
ii. (3 pt.) What is the instantaneous velocity V 0
mass 2m and velocity vCM . The total kinetic energy
of body A right after the collision?
is the sum of the kinetic energy of body A and the
iii. (1 pt.) What is the instantaneous velocity v1
kinetic energy of the composite system.
of body B right after the collision?
Part B. In the center of mass frame (5 points) i. (2.5 pt.) What is the difference Q in the total ki-
From here on you can assume that the body A has netic energy before and after the collision? Express
no further interaction with the bodies B and C. Now your answer in terms of V , m and M .
we will analyze the motion of the B+C system. This ii. (1 pt.) Prove that the “lost” energy Q is equal
system will undergo both translational motion and to the energy of the internal motion of the system
oscillatory motion. Thus, it is easiest to examine the B+C in the center of mass reference frame of B+C.
B+C system in its center of mass reference frame. iii. (1 pt.) We define q as the ratio between the
i. (1 pt.) Find the velocity vCM of the center of “lost” energy Q and the initial kinetic energy of A.
mass of the system B+C just after A and B made Express q in terms of the ratio α = M m.
contact. This velocity of the center of mass will iv. (1.5 pt.) For which value of α is the fraction q
not change in the subsequent motion. Express your the highest?
answer through v1 and m.
Part 1 - 1/15
Physics Olympiad: Second Round 19.01.2021

Problem 1.2: Condensed water vapor In the following, we will only consider the container
(16 points) which we have cooled isobarically so far. We con-
tinue to cool this container isobarically in order to
We consider two containers of 17.5 L filled with let the water vapor condense. This means that the
n0 = 1 mol of water vapor at a pressure of 2 bar. pressure pt remains constant and therefore also the
We now want to find out how we can condense the temperature Tt is fixed by the vapor pressure curve
water vapor to liquid water by cooling it. To per- during the phase transition. During the phase tran-
form the calculations, we assume in the following sition, the liquid and gaseous phases coexist. We
that water vapor can be described as an ideal gas denote the respective volumes by Vli and Vgas . We
with three degrees of freedom. In addition, the say that the phase transition is complete when all
following measurements for water shall be given vapor has condensed to water.

i. (0.5 pt.) Let n0 be the number of gas molecules

• Molar mass of water: 18 g · mol−1
before the phase transition begins and ngas be the
• Density of water: 1000 kg · m−3 number of gas molecules during the phase transi-
tion. What is the number of molecules in the liquid
phase?
For simplicity, assume that the density of water is
independent of the pressure and temperature in the ii. (1.5 pt.) What are the volumes Vli and Vgas at
range that is relevant for this task. You are also the beginning of the phase transition?
given a separate document where a section of the
p-T phase diagram for water is plotted. iii. (1.5 pt.) What are the volumes Vli and Vgas
after the phase transition is complete?
Part A. Cooling (8 points)
iv. (1 pt.) Calculate the mechanical work exerted
i. (2 pt.) What is the temperature of the water on the gas during the phase transition.
vapor in the containers? Draw this initial state in
the attached p-T diagram. We now want to find out in more detail what hap-
pens during the phase transition.
We now want to make the water vapor in the two
containers condense. To do this, we cool one con- v. (1.5 pt.) Find a formula for the volume of the
tainer isochorically and the other isobarically until system during the phase transition as a function of
they just begin to condense. the instantaneous number of water vapor particles
ngas < n0 , the number of water vapor particles n0 at
ii. (3 pt.) Draw these two processes in the attached the beginning of the phase transition, the pressure
p-T diagram. pt , and the temperature Tt .
iii. (1 pt.) At what pressure and temperature
Part C. Isochoric phase transition (2 points)
does the water vapor in the containers begin to
condense? i. (1 pt.) Describe qualitatively what happens if
we cool isochorically instead of isobarically during
iv. (2 pt.) Calculate how much heat was extracted
the phase transition.
from the water vapor in both processes. In which
process less heat was extracted? ii. (1 pt.) Draw this phase transition process in
the p-T diagram.
Part B. Phase transition (6 points)

Part 1 - 2/15
Physics Olympiad: Second Round 19.01.2021

Problem 1.3: Electric amplifier (16 points) i. (1 pt.) What is the maximum voltage range ∆U
that can be applied at the input for the amplifier
In many electrical circuits, signals have to be am-
to still work properly?
plified. Be it the weak signal of an antenna or to
turn the music louder. In this task we want to look
at how one can set the gain of certain electrical
amplifiers to a given value.
Part A. Warm-up problem (2 points)
To prepare ourselves for the following tasks, let us
briefly review the two Kirchhoff rules. For this pur- Figure 1.3.1: The rectangle symbolizes the ampli-
pose we analyze the following circuit with three fier, the output voltage Uout is the input voltage Uin
contacts A, B and C: amplified by k0 .

C
ii. (1 pt.) If a voltage of Uin = 1 µV is applied
to the input, how much current flows through the
input (in)?

iii. (2 pt.) By adding two resistors R1 , R2  Ri ,

R3
2
R

the amplification can be set to any value k < k0 ,

R1 -1 A see Fig. 1.3.2. What is the relationship (to a good
1A approximation) between the currents I1 and I2 ?
A 30 V B

Based on measurements, we know that a current

of 1 A flows into the circuit at contact A, that a
current of 1 A flows out at contact B and that the
voltage across resistor R1 is 30 V.
i. (2 pt.) If the resistance R3 is twice as large as
R2 , what is the voltage across R2 ?
Figure 1.3.2: The amplifier with the two additional
Part B. Adjust the gain (8 points) resistors R1 and R2 . In addition, the applied voltage
In this task we consider an inverting amplifier (see U1 and the current I1 through R1 , as well as analo-
Fig. 1.3.1) and make the following assumptions: gously the voltage U2 and current I2 are drawn.

• The input voltage and output voltage have iv. (1.5 pt.) Suppose we want to achieve a gain
different signs (hence the name “inverting am- k  k0 . What is the ratio between U1 and U2 ,
plifier”). resp. what is the resulting gain as a function of R1
and R2 ?
• The input voltage Uin is amplified by a factor
k0 = −106 . v. (1 pt.) What voltage Uin is applied to the
• The amplifier is connected to a power supply amplifier?
with 12 V and −12 V (not drawn) and can
vi. (1.5 pt.) Suppose you want to amplify a weak
produce output voltages only in this range.
signal with an input voltage U1 = 20 mV by a factor
• The input resistance (internal resistance be- k = 100 so that the signal has a maximum current
tween input and ground) into the amplifier is of 10 µA. What values R1 and R2 do you choose?
very large with Ri = 10 MΩ. Does the approximation R1 , R2  Ri still apply?

Part 1 - 3/15
Physics Olympiad: Second Round 19.01.2021

Part C. Slew rate (6 points) can still be amplified? Note: Assume that the am-
We go back to the amplifier without additional re- plitude of the output signal is about 1 V and the
sistors, see Fig. 1.3.1. Usually amplifiers cannot input signal is sinusoidal.
boost the input voltage arbitrarily fast, but need a
certain time to react. The slew rate indicates the ii. (4 pt.) Suppose we immediately change the
maximum rate at which the voltage at the output voltage at the input (in) from 0 V to 10 µV at t = 0.
(out) of the amplifier can rise. How does the output voltage look like (use numeri-
i. (2 pt.) Assume that the slew rate is 10 V · µs−1 . cal quantities given in this task)? Make a graph.
What is approximately the maximum frequency that

Part 1 - 4/15
Physics Olympiad: Second Round 19.01.2021

Theoretical Problems: solutions

Problem 1.1: Model of inelastic collision 16 pt.

In this problem we will consider a model of an inelastic collision. The system (shown in figure
1.1.1) consists of three bodies A (of mass M ), B and C (both of mass m), where B and C
are connected by a spring with spring constant k. The body A will initially be moving with
velocity V and will eventually collide with the initially stationary system B+C.

N
Figure 1.1.1: Setup of the problem.

Part A. First contact

IO
First we examine the elastic collision between the bodies A and B.
5 pt.
T
i. What conserved quantities are relevant for such a collision? 1 pt.

The conserved quantities relevant for an elastic collision are

conservation of (linear) momentum and 0.5 pt.

LU

conservation of kinetic energy. 0.5 pt.

No points should be given if it is only stated that the energy (instead of kinetic energy) is conserved, except if
the equation for conservation of kinetic energy is written in Part Aii.

ii. What is the instantaneous velocity V 0 of body A right after the collision? 3 pt.
SO

As mentioned in the text, between the bodies A and B we have an elastic collision. This means that we have
conservation of momentum

M V = M V 0 + mv1 , (1.1.2)

1 pt.

and we also have conservation of energy

1 1 1
M V 2 = M V 02 + mv12 . (1.1.3)
2 2 2
1 pt.

We can write this system of equations as

M (V − V 0 )(V + V 0 ) = mv12
M (V − V 0 ) = mv1 (1.1.4)

Part 1 - 5/15
Physics Olympiad: Second Round 19.01.2021

which then gives

v1 = V + V 0 . (1.1.5)

Plugging back into momentum conservation we have

M −m
V0 = V. (1.1.6)
M +m
1 pt.
iii. What is the instantaneous velocity v1 of body B right after the collision? 1 pt.
Using the result of the previous section,
M −m 2M
v1 = V + V 0 = V + V = V. (1.1.7)

N
M +m M +m
1 pt.
Part B. In the center of mass frame 5 pt.

IO
From here on you can assume that the body A has no further interaction with the bodies B
and C. Now we will analyze the motion of the B+C system. This system will undergo both
translational motion and oscillatory motion. Thus, it is easiest to examine the B+C system in
its center of mass reference frame.
i. Find the velocity vCM of the center of mass of the system B+C just after A and B made
contact. This velocity of the center of mass will not change in the subsequent motion. Express
T
your answer through v1 and m. 1 pt.
In the frame fixed to the ground the instantaneous velocity of B is v1 and that of C is 0, so
LU

mv1 + m · 0 v1
vCM = = . (1.1.8)
m+m 2
1 pt.
CM and v CM of the bodies B and C in the center
ii. What are the instantaneous velocities vB C
of mass reference frame at the moment when A and B make contact? Express your answer
through v1 and m. 1 pt.
SO

Since the velocity in the reference frame fixed to the ground of B is v1 and that of C is 0 the velocities in the
reference frame fixed to their center of mass have to be

CM v1
vB = v1 − vCM = , (1.1.9)
2
0.5 pt.

CM v1
vC = 0 − vCM = − . (1.1.10)
2
0.5 pt.
iii. At the moment of contact between A and B, the spring is in its equilibrium position. What
is the energy E CM and amplitude A (see figure 1.1.11) of the ensuing oscillations in the center
of mass system? Express your answer in terms of v1 , m and k.

Part 1 - 6/15
Physics Olympiad: Second Round 19.01.2021

Figure 1.1.11: Definition of the amplitude of the oscillations.

3 pt.

After the collision the system B+C is isolated from A and thus its total energy has to be conserved. In the
center of mass frame all the energy is in the oscillatory motion of the bodies B and C. This is because by
being in the center of mass frame we have gotten rid of the translational motion. 1 pt.

N
Since we know the velocities of B and C at the moment after the collision, this gives us the energy as

mv12
 
CM m  v1 2  v1 2
E = + − = . (1.1.12)
2 2 2 4

IO
The fact that at the moment of collision the spring is at equilibrium means that at this moment the full
energy is kinetic. At the point in the oscillation cycle where the bodies reach the amplitude the full energy
will be stored in the spring. With the given definition of amplitude we have
0.5 pt.
T
mv12 1
= k(2A)2 . (1.1.13)
4 2
1 pt.
LU

Solving for A gives

r
mv12
A= . (1.1.14)
8k
0.5 pt.
SO

Part C. Lost energy 6 pt.

Going back to the reference frame that is fixed to the ground, we take a look at the collision
between the body A and the composite system B+C with mass 2m and velocity vCM . The
total kinetic energy is the sum of the kinetic energy of body A and the kinetic energy of the
composite system.

i. What is the difference Q in the total kinetic energy before and after the collision? Express
your answer in terms of V , m and M . 2.5 pt.

From the perspective of the collision of A and B+C in the reference frame fixed to the ground initially we
have the energy
1
Ei = M V 2 , (1.1.15)
2
0.5 pt.

Part 1 - 7/15
Physics Olympiad: Second Round 19.01.2021

while after the collision we have the energy

1 1
Ef = M V 02 + (2m)vCM
2
+ Q, (1.1.16)
2 2
where Q denotes the energy lost to the internal motion of the B+C composite system. 0.5 pt.
Including Q, as we did above, means that Ef − Ei = 0, from which we can find a formula for Q as
M V 2 M V 02
Q= − 2
− mvCM . (1.1.17)
2 2
0.5 pt.
Using the formulas we found in previous parts
M −m v1 MV
V0 = V, vCM = = , (1.1.18)
M +m 2 M +m

N
we get
2 !
MV 2 M V 2 2M m

2mM M −m
Q= 1− − = . (1.1.19)
2 (M + m)2 M +m 2 (M + m)2

We express E CM in terms of V , M and m and get IO

ii. Prove that the “lost” energy Q is equal to the energy of the internal motion of the system
B+C in the center of mass reference frame of B+C.

E CM =
M 2 mV 2
1 pt.
1 pt.
T
= Q. (1.1.20)
(M + m)2
1 pt.
iii. We define q as the ratio between the “lost” energy Q and the initial kinetic energy of A.
LU

Express q in terms of the ratio α = M

m. 1 pt.
From the other subtasks we have
Q 2M m
q= = , (1.1.21)
Ei (M + m)2
0.5 pt.
which we can express in terms of α
SO

2α
q= . (1.1.22)
(1 + α)2
0.5 pt.
iv. For which value of α is the fraction q the highest? 1.5 pt.
We notice that the ”lost” energy Q is equal to the translational energy of the composite system. Consequently,
the largest loss in energy is observed for the largest possible energy transfer with respect to the initial kinetic
energy, which is the case when all kinetic energy goes from A to B, i.e. M = m. 1.5 pt.
Alternatively we can calculate the derivative of q with respect to α:
dq 2 4α
= − = 0. (1.1.23)
dα (1 + α)2 (1 + α)3
Solving for α we get
α = 1. (1.1.24)

Part 1 - 8/15
Physics Olympiad: Second Round 19.01.2021

Problem 1.2: Condensed water vapor 16 pt.

We consider two containers of 17.5 L filled with n0 = 1 mol of water vapor at a pressure of 2 bar.
We now want to find out how we can condense the water vapor to liquid water by cooling it.
To perform the calculations, we assume in the following that water vapor can be described as
an ideal gas with three degrees of freedom. In addition, the following measurements for water
shall be given

• Molar mass of water: 18 g · mol−1

• Density of water: 1000 kg · m−3

For simplicity, assume that the density of water is independent of the pressure and temperature
in the range that is relevant for this task. You are also given a separate document where a

N
section of the p-T phase diagram for water is plotted.

Part A. Cooling 8 pt.

attached p-T diagram.

From the ideal gas law we have

IO
i. What is the temperature of the water vapor in the containers? Draw this initial state in the

T =
pV
nR
.
2 pt.
T
1 pt.

The numerical value is T = 147.8 ◦ C. 0.5 pt.

The point is correctly drawn in the diagram. 0.5 pt.

LU

We now want to make the water vapor in the two containers condense. To do this, we cool one
container isochorically and the other isobarically until they just begin to condense.

ii. Draw these two processes in the attached p-T diagram. 3 pt.
SO

Part 1 - 9/15
Physics Olympiad: Second Round 19.01.2021

For the isobaric process, we have a horizontal line until it crosses the saturation curve. 1 pt.

The isochoric process is a straight line with slope V .

nR
1 pt.

The isochoric process is correctly drawn in the p-T diagram. It is easiest to calculate another point at T1
with
p0
p1 = T1 ,
T0
where T0 , p0 are the initial points. Then the data points (T0 , p0 ) and (T1 , p1 ) can be connected. 1 pt.

iii. At what pressure and temperature does the water vapor in the containers begin to condense? 1 pt.

N
We take the intersection of the processes with the saturation curve and read off the corresponding temperature
and pressure.

We get Tt,V = 118 ◦ C, pt,V = 1.86 bar for the isochoric process. Tt,p has to be within ±1 ◦ C of the correct
value and pt,V has to be within ±0.03 bar.

IO
And Tt,p = 120 ◦ C, pt,p = 2 bar for the isobaric process. Tt,p has to be within ±1 ◦ C of the correct value.

iv. Calculate how much heat was extracted from the water vapor in both processes. In which
process less heat was extracted? 2 pt.
0.5 pt.

0.5 pt.
T
For the isochoric process we have
3
QV = CV ∆T = nR(T0 − Tt,V ).
LU

2
0.5 pt.

Numerical application gives QV = 373 J. 0.5 pt.

For the isobaric process we have

5
Qp = Cp ∆T = nR(T0 − Tt,p ).
SO

2
0.5 pt.

Numerical application gives Qp = 573 J. 0.5 pt.

Part B. Phase transition 6 pt.

In the following, we will only consider the container which we have cooled isobarically so far.
We continue to cool this container isobarically in order to let the water vapor condense. This
means that the pressure pt remains constant and therefore also the temperature Tt is fixed by
the vapor pressure curve during the phase transition. During the phase transition, the liquid
and gaseous phases coexist. We denote the respective volumes by Vli and Vgas . We say that
the phase transition is complete when all vapor has condensed to water.

i. Let n0 be the number of gas molecules before the phase transition begins and ngas be the
number of gas molecules during the phase transition. What is the number of molecules in the
liquid phase? 0.5 pt.

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Physics Olympiad: Second Round 19.01.2021

We cannot exchange any particles with the environment therefore the amount of particles is conserved. So
we have n0 − ngas mole molecules in the liquid phase. 0.5 pt.

ii. What are the volumes Vli and Vgas at the beginning of the phase transition? 1.5 pt.

There is no water at the beginning,

Vli,i = 0.
0.5 pt.

From the ideal gas law,

nRTt
Vgas,i = .
pt
0.5 pt.

N
The numerical result is
Vgas,i = 16.4 L.
0.5 pt.

We have
IO
iii. What are the volumes Vli and Vgas after the phase transition is complete?

Vgas,f = 0.
1.5 pt.

0.5 pt.
T
We have n0 mole particles in water. Therefore
n0 Mwater
Vli,f = .
LU

where ρ is the density. 0.5 pt.

The numerical result is

Vli,f = 18 mL.
0.5 pt.
SO

iv. Calculate the mechanical work exerted on the gas during the phase transition. 1 pt.

Since the phase transition is isobaric the mechanical work is

W = p∆V = p(Vgas,i − Vli,f ) ≈ pVgas,i .

0.5 pt.

The numerical value is

W = 3271 J.
0.5 pt.

We now want to find out in more detail what happens during the phase transition.

v. Find a formula for the volume of the system during the phase transition as a function of the
instantaneous number of water vapor particles ngas < n0 , the number of water vapor particles
n0 at the beginning of the phase transition, the pressure pt , and the temperature Tt . 1.5 pt.

Part 1 - 11/15
Physics Olympiad: Second Round 19.01.2021

The volume of the gaseous part is by ideal gas law

ngas RTt
Vgas,t = .
pt

0.5 pt.

The volume of the liquid part is

(n0 − ngas )M
Vli,t = .
ρ
0.5 pt.

We therefore get  
Tt pt

N
Vt = ngas R + M (n0 − ngas ) .
pt Tt ρ
0.5 pt.

Part C. Isochoric phase transition 2 pt.

IO
i. Describe qualitatively what happens if we cool isochorically instead of isobarically during
the phase transition. 1 pt.

The ratio between vapor and water will decrease by extracting more heat, but since we have fixed volume
there will always be some gas left filling out the container. This is possible, because the pressure decreases as
T
well and therefore the gaseous phase is less dense. 1 pt.

ii. Draw this phase transition process in the p-T diagram. 1 pt.
LU

Since we have coexistence of water and vapor we have to be on the water vapor curve. This means the
process will follow the water vapor curve. 1 pt.
SO

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Physics Olympiad: Second Round 19.01.2021

Problem 1.3: Electric amplifier 16 pt.

In many electrical circuits, signals have to be amplified. Be it the weak signal of an antenna or
to turn the music louder. In this task we want to look at how one can set the gain of certain
electrical amplifiers to a given value.

Part A. Warm-up problem 2 pt.

To prepare ourselves for the following tasks, let us briefly review the two Kirchhoff rules. For
this purpose we analyze the following circuit with three contacts A, B and C:

N
R3
2
R

A
1A

IO R1

30 V
-1
A

B
T
Based on measurements, we know that a current of 1 A flows into the circuit at contact A, that
a current of 1 A flows out at contact B and that the voltage across resistor R1 is 30 V.

i. If the resistance R3 is twice as large as R2 , what is the voltage across R2 ? 2 pt.

LU

We can look at the whole circuit as one knot. Therefore we can deduce that there is no current at point C,
from the first Kirchhoff rule. This means the current through R2 and R3 is the same. 0.5 pt.

From the second Kirchhoff rule we know that the combined voltage over R2 and R3 is equal to the voltage
over R1 . 0.5 pt.

Since there is no current flowing out in point C, R2 and R3 split the voltage with a ratio one to two. 0.5 pt.
SO

Therefore the voltage over R2 is 10 V. 0.5 pt.

Part B. Adjust the gain 8 pt.

In this task we consider an inverting amplifier (see Fig. 1.3.1) and make the following assump-
tions:

• The input voltage and output voltage have different signs (hence the name “inverting
amplifier”).

• The input voltage Uin is amplified by a factor k0 = −106 .

• The amplifier is connected to a power supply with 12 V and −12 V (not drawn) and can
produce output voltages only in this range.

• The input resistance (internal resistance between input and ground) into the amplifier is
very large with Ri = 10 MΩ.

Part 1 - 13/15
Physics Olympiad: Second Round 19.01.2021

i. What is the maximum voltage range ∆U that can be applied at the input for the amplifier
to still work properly?

Figure 1.3.1: The rectangle symbolizes the amplifier, the output voltage Uout is the input voltage Uin
amplified by k0 .

N
1 pt.

The maximal output range is 24 V. Taking the magnification k into account, the maximal input range is
∆U = 24 V/k0 = 24 µV.

IO
If only taking the output range as 12 V, only reward half the points.

ii. If a voltage of Uin = 1 µV is applied to the input, how much current flows through the input
(in)? 1 pt.
1 pt.
T
Since the input impedance is Ri = 10 MΩ, the current is I = U
R = 10 fA = 1 × 10−13 A. 1 pt.

iii. By adding two resistors R1 , R2  Ri , the amplification can be set to any value k < k0 , see
Fig. 1.3.2. What is the relationship (to a good approximation) between the currents I1 and I2 ?
LU
SO

Figure 1.3.2: The amplifier with the two additional resistors R1 and R2 . In addition, the applied voltage U1
and the current I1 through R1 , as well as analogously the voltage U2 and current I2 are drawn.

2 pt.

Since the resistance R1 , R2  Ri , we can neglect Ri for current considerations, i.e. no current flows into the
input. 0.5 pt.

Then applying Kirchoff’s current law, the current I1 flowing into the amplifier has to be the same as the one
flowing away, i.e. I2 . 1 pt.

Therefore I1 = I2 (give this point also if it is obvious from the explanation). 0.5 pt.

Part 1 - 14/15
Physics Olympiad: Second Round 19.01.2021

Applying Kirchhoff as a sum, one might also find that I1 = −I2 , which is considered here as equivalent.
iv. Suppose we want to achieve a gain k  k0 . What is the ratio between U1 and U2 , resp. what
is the resulting gain as a function of R1 and R2 ? 1.5 pt.
Making use of the currents being equal (I1 = I2 = I), we get U2
U1 IR1 = − R1 .
= − IR 2 R2
1 pt.
The amplification is therefore k = − R
R1 .
2
0.5 pt.
Note the minus sign: On one hand this is due to the inverting amplification. On the other hand it it due to
the definition of I1 and I2 , i.e. to apply Kirchhofs law.
v. What voltage Uin is applied to the amplifier? 1 pt.
There are two approaches, both are equivalent:
From a controller point of view, one can imply that the amplifier sets the output voltage given by U1 , R1 and
R2 always such that the voltage at the input Uin is zero. Alternatively from the above calculation (with right

N
signs, i.e. sgn(U1 ) = −sgn(U2 ) one sees that the voltage between the two resistors (i.e. the input energy of
the amplifier) is always zero. 1 pt.
vi. Suppose you want to amplify a weak signal with an input voltage U1 = 20 mV by a factor
k = 100 so that the signal has a maximum current of 10 µA. What values R1 and R2 do you

IO
choose? Does the approximation R1 , R2  Ri still apply?
In order not to exceed the input current of 10µA, we have to chose R1 >
On the other hand the output resistor is given by R2 = kR1 .
Since R1  R2  Ri , the approximation is still valid.
U1
I1
1.5 pt.
= 2000 Ω. 0.5 pt.
0.5 pt.
0.5 pt.
T
Part C. Slew rate 6 pt.
We go back to the amplifier without additional resistors, see Fig. 1.3.1. Usually amplifiers
cannot boost the input voltage arbitrarily fast, but need a certain time to react. The slew rate
LU

indicates the maximum rate at which the voltage at the output (out) of the amplifier can rise.
i. Assume that the slew rate is 10 V · µs−1 . What is approximately the maximum frequency
that can still be amplified? Note: Assume that the amplitude of the output signal is about 1 V
and the input signal is sinusoidal. 2 pt.
The maximal slope of a sinusoidal oscillation with angular frequency ω and amplitude 1 V is 1ωV. 1 pt.
Equating this with the given raising time leads to the maximal frequency: ω = 10 µs−1 = 1 × 10−5 s−1 . 0.5 pt.
SO

Therefore the frequency is of about f = 1.6 MHz. 0.5 pt.

Note that in the end the order of magnitude is important. So if there is a good reasoning for a different
frequency close to f = 1.6 MHz, it is also fine.
ii. Suppose we immediately change the voltage at the input (in) from 0 V to 10 µV at t = 0. How
does the output voltage look like (use numerical quantities given in this task)? Make a graph. 4 pt.
The maximal output voltage is 10 V. So for big times, it should converge to there. 0.5 pt.
Before t = 0, the output voltage is zero. 0.5 pt.
The raise of the voltage has to happen within about 1 µs. Whether the change is given by an exponential or
a straight line does not matter. 1 pt.
Labelling of x-axis 0.5 pt.
Labelling of y-axis 0.5 pt.
X-axis scaled 0.5 pt.
Y-axis scaled 0.5 pt.

Part 1 - 15/15
 Physics Olympiad
Second Round
online, 19 January 2021

Part 2 : 20 MC questions
Duration : 60 minutes
Total : 20 points (20 × 1)
Authorized material : Calculator without database
Writing and drawing material
One A4 double-sided handwritten
page of notes

Good luck!
Supported by :

Staatssekretariat für Bildung, Forschung und Innovation

Bärbel und Paul Geissbühler Stiftung
Dectris AG
DPK
Deutschschweizerische Physikkommission VSMP / DPK
EMPA - Materials Science & Technology
Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne
ETH Zurich Department of Physics
Fondation Claude & Giuliana
Ernst Göhner Stiftung, Zug
Hasler Stiftung, Bern
Metrohm Stiftung, Herisau
neue kantonsschule aarau
Neue Kantonsschule Aarau
Novartis
Société Valaisanne de Physique
Swiss Academy of Engineering Sciences SATW
Swiss Academy of Sciences
Swiss Physical Society
Università della Svizzera italiana
Universität Bern FB Physik/Astronomie
Universität Zürich FB Physik Mathematik
Natural constants

Caesium hyperfine frequency ∆νCs 9.192 631 770 ×109 s−1

Speed of light in vacuum c 2.997 924 58 ×108 m · s−1
Planck constant h 6.626 070 15 ×10−34 kg · m2 · s−1
Elementary charge e 1.602 176 634 ×10−19 A·s
Boltzmann constant kB 1.380 649 ×10−23 K−1 · kg · m2 · s−2
Avogadro constant NA 6.022 140 76 ×1023 mol−1
Luminous efficacy of radiation Kcd 6.83 ×102 cd · kg−1 · m−2 · s3 · sr
Magnetic constant µ0 1.256 637 062 12(19) ×10−7 A−2 · kg · m · s−2
Electric constant ε0 8.854 187 812 8(13) ×10−12 A2 · kg−1 · m−3 · s4
Gas constant R 8.314 462 618… K−1 · kg · m2 · mol−1 · s−2
Stefan-Boltzmann constant σ 5.670 374 419… ×10−8 K−4 · kg · s−3
Gravitational constant G 6.674 30(15) ×10−11 kg−1 · m3 · s−2
Electron mass me 9.109 383 701 5(28) ×10−31 kg
Neutron mass mn 1.674 927 498 04(95) ×10−27 kg
Proton mass mp 1.672 621 923 69(51) ×10−27 kg
Standard acceleration of gravity gn 9.806 65 m · s−2
Physics Olympiad: Second Round 19.01.2021

Multiple Choice: answer sheet

Duration: 60 minutes
Marks: 20 points (1 point for each correct answer)

Indicate your answers in the corresponding boxes on this page.

Label the sheets with your name and the number of the problem. Furthermore, number your sheets.

- Multiple-Choice (MC) questions have several statements, of which exactly one is correct. If you mark
exactly the right answer on the answer sheet, you get one point, otherwise zero.

Last name: First name: Total:

A) B) C) D) E) F)
Question 2.1    
Question 2.2     
Question 2.3     
Question 2.4    
Question 2.5    
Question 2.6     
Question 2.7     
Question 2.8     
Question 2.9     
Question 2.10    
Question 2.11     
Question 2.12   
Question 2.13     
Question 2.14     
Question 2.15     
Question 2.16    
Question 2.17    
Question 2.18     
Question 2.19      
Question 2.20    

Part 2 - 1/6
Physics Olympiad: Second Round 19.01.2021

Multiple Choice: questions

Question 2.1 (MC) Question 2.6 (MC)
How many eggs are annually consumed by human- On which quantities does the acceleration due to
ity? gravity (g) depend?

A) 7.67 × 107 t B) 7.67 × 108 t A) On none, it is a fundamental constant.

C) 7.67 × 109 t D) 7.67 × 1010 t B) On the distance between the Sun and the Earth.
C) On the mass of the Sun.
Question 2.2 (MC) D) On the altitude.
What is the mean maximal power output of a cyclist E) On the atmospheric pressure.
(over a short time)?

A) 10 W B) 100 W C) 1000 W
Question 2.7 (MC)
D) 10 000 W E) 100 000 W A dam is to be built to protect against a flood of
Lake Biel (area 39 km2 , perimeter 45 km). What
pressure must the dam withstand to contain an
Question 2.3 (MC) overflow of 10 cm?
The temperature T of a black-hole (the so-called
Hawking radiation temperature) can essentially be A) 9.8 hPa B) 8.5 MPa C) 61 MPa
written as a function of its mass M and the fun- D) 440 MPa E) 3.8 TPa
damental constants h (Planck constant), c (speed
of light), kB (Boltzmann constant) and G (gravita-
tional constant). If we forget about any numerical Question 2.8 (MC)
constants, T is therefore proportional to: At a leisurely lunch you hear from the opposite table
A) hcG
B) hc6
C) hc2
D) kBc2
E) hc3 that a blue whale can grow up to 33 m long and
kB M G2 M 2 G2 k B GM h GkB M
weigh 200 t. What is the diameter of the whale? For
simplicity’s sake, assume that the whale is made of
Question 2.4 (MC) water and is shaped like a cylinder.
Sabrine doesn’t like ironing clothes at all. That’s A) 0.75 m B) 1.5 m C) 3 m D) 5 m E) 10 m
why she gets Maurice to help her. Knowing that it
takes her 1h30 and Maurice 3h to iron the laundry
alone, how much time do they need together to Question 2.9 (MC)
fulfill the task? The heart of our blue whale pumps up to 5000 L
of blood a minute with only about 5 heartbeats.
A) 50 min B) 60 min C) 70 min D) 80 min
The aorta has a diameter of 20 cm. How great must
the flow velocity of the blood be for this (assume a
Question 2.5 (MC) constant flow velocity over the entire cross-section)?
An ice floe (density 920 kg · m−3 ) floating in water A) 50 km · h−1 B) 10 km · h−1 C) 5 km · h−1
(density 1000 kg · m−3 ) has the shape of a vertical
D) 1 km · h−1 E) 0.5 km · h−1
cylinder. In one day it melts so much that the
part sticking out of the water is 10 cm shorter (but
still has the shape of a cylinder). How much has it
melted below the surface of the water?

A) 10 cm B) 85 cm C) 115 cm D) 230 cm

Part 2 - 2/6
Physics Olympiad: Second Round 19.01.2021

Question 2.10 (MC) Question 2.12 (MC)

As you have certainly already observed, flowers nor- Astronaut Gabriel took a Rivella with him to the
mally grow vertically upwards, regardless of whether Moon for refreshment. During the journey, however,
they grow on a surface or on a slope. Physically, this the Rivella was severely shaken. Gabriel was told
can be formulated in such a way that they always that on Earth the bottles have a burst pressure
grow opposite to the time-averaged net force acting of about 5 bar. The carbonic acid released by the
on them. We now place a flower pot on a rotating shaking increases the partial pressure of the CO2 in
plate. What is the growth form of the new flowers the bottle by 3.5 bar. Can Gabriel take the Rivella
(they were still very small when they were placed out of the spaceship through the airlock and take
on the rotating plate)? a selfie with it without getting his spacesuit dirty
(from the outside)?

A) No, the bottle will burst.

B) Yes, no problem.
C) No, the bottle will implode.

Question 2.13 (MC)

A distracted physicist has ordered 2 dm3 bread from
the bakery. The baker knows you are familiar with
thermodynamics and asks you to help him bake the
bread.
He remembers that his dough has doubled in volume
from rising and had an initial volume of 0.8 L. At
what temperature must the bread be baked for it
to reach the desired volume as closely as possible?
A) I B) II C) III D) IV Assume that the bread reaches the temperature of
the oven immediately and that the pressure in the
bread is always 1 bar. Assume all the original gas
Question 2.11 (MC) remains in the bread. Ignore the thermal expansion
Barbara has a lens with a focal length of 30 cm. She of solids.
wants to start a fire. How far away does she need A) 125 ◦ C B) 175 ◦ C C) 225 ◦ C
to hold the lens from the wood?
D) 275 ◦ C E) 325 ◦ C
A) As close as possible.
B) 15 cm Question 2.14 (MC)
C) 30 cm There is 1 kg of boiling water in an open container.
We add a piece of lead with a mass of 0.5 kg and an
D) 60 cm initial temperature of 250 ◦ C into the water. What
E) As far away as possible. can we say about the temperature Tw of the water
and Tl of the lead right after we added the piece of
lead?

A) Tw decreases and Tl remains constant.

B) Tw increases and Tl remains constant.
C) Tw increases and Tl decreases.
D) Tw remains constant and Tl decreases.
E) Tw remains constant and Tl increases.

Part 2 - 3/6
Physics Olympiad: Second Round 19.01.2021

Question 2.15 (MC) Question 2.17 (MC)

Which graph best describes the relationship between You have a resistance shaped like a snowman.
the mean kinetic energy Ek of an ideal gas molecule
and its absolute temperature T ?

A) a B) b C) c D) d E) e

Question 2.16 (MC)

What will the voltage drop look like as function of
Mathilde is building a small electric circuit to am-
distance?
plify a signal. She needs a resistor of exactly 72 mΩ.
Since she didn’t find any, she decided to create
it herself with some copper wire with diameter
0.5 mm. Knowing that copper’s conductance is
σ = 5.95 × 107 Ω−1 · m−1 , how much length of wire
does she need?

A) 5.90 × 10−1 m B) 8.40 × 10−1 m

C) 1.19 m D) 1.69 m

A) I B) II C) III D) IV

Part 2 - 4/6
Physics Olympiad: Second Round 19.01.2021

Question 2.18 (MC) Question 2.19 (MC)

A leaf electroscope is a device used to detect the In the following circuit, we know that a current of
presence of electric charges. It consists of a metallic 3 A is flowing through the 2 Ω resistor. What is the
knob and two small metallic leaves inside a vacuum voltage delivered by the voltage source?
chamber (in red) connected to the knob by a metal-
lic rod. The leaves can move freely. The picture
shows a positively charged electroscope. Now let’s
assume that we approach a positively charged glass
rod close to the knob of this electroscope, but with-
out touching it. What can we say about the knob
charge and the distance between the leaves?

A) U = 12 V B) U = 21 V C) U = 24 V
D) U = 30 V E) U = 42 V F) U = 51 V

Question 2.20 (MC)

A triangular shaped pulse of length L is completely
reflected at the fixed end of the string on which it
travels. What will be the shape of the pulse after a
A) The charge on the knob decreases and the dis- length 3L4 of the pulse has been reflected?
tance between the leaves decreases.
B) The charge on the knob decreases but the dis-
tance between the leaves increases.
C) The charge on the knob increases and the dis-
tance between the leaves increases. L L O
2
D) The charge on the knob increases but the dis-
tance between the leaves decreases.
E) Nothing changes. A) B)

3L L
4 4
O
3L L O
4 4

C) D)

3L 3L
4 8
O
3L 3L O
4 8

Part 2 - 5/6
Physics Olympiad: Second Round 19.01.2021

Multiple Choice: solutions

A) B) C) D) E) F)
Question 2.1    
Question 2.2     
Question 2.3     
Question 2.4    
Question 2.5    
Question 2.6     

N
Question 2.7     
Question 2.8     
Question 2.9     
Question 2.10
Question 2.11
Question 2.12
Question 2.13
Question 2.14










IO 













T
Question 2.15     
Question 2.16    
Question 2.17    
LU

Question 2.18     
Question 2.19      
Question 2.20    
SO

Part 2 - 6/6