International Physics Olympiad

IPhO 1982

Malente, Federal Republic of Germany · 3 theory problems with complete solutions

  1. Problem 1: Fluorescent lamp

    An alternating voltage of 50 Hz frequency is applied to the fluorescent lamp shown in the accompanying circuit diagram.

    Figure 1

    The following quantities are measured:

    overall voltage (main voltage) \(U = 228.5\ \mathrm{V}\)
    electric current \(I = 0.6\ \mathrm{A}\)
    partial voltage across the fluorescent lamp \(U' = 84\ \mathrm{V}\)
    ohmic resistance of the series reactor \(R_{\mathrm d} = 26.3\ \Omega\)

    The fluorescent lamp itself may be considered as an ohmic resistor in the calculations.

    a) What is the inductance \(L\) of the series reactor?

    b) What is the phase shift \(\varphi\) between voltage and current?

    c) What is the active power \(P_{\mathrm w}\) transformed by the apparatus?

    d) Apart from limiting the current the series reactor has another important function. Name and explain this function!

    Hint: The starter

    Figure 2

    includes a contact which closes shortly after switching on the lamp, opens up again and stays open.

    e) In a diagram with a quantitative time scale sketch the time sequence of the luminous flux emitted by the lamp.

    f) Why has the lamp to be ignited only once although the applied alternating voltage goes through zero in regular intervals?

    g) According to the statement of the manufacturer, for a fluorescent lamp of the described type a capacitor of about \(4.7\ \mu\mathrm{F}\) can be switched in series with the series reactor. How does this affect the operation of the lamp and to what intent is this possibility provided for?

    h) Examine both halves of the displayed demonstrator lamp with the added spectroscope. Explain the differences between the two spectra. You may walk up to the lamp and you may keep the spectroscope as a souvenir.

    Official English text of the problem.

  2. Problem 2: Oscillating coat hanger

    A (suitably made) wire coat hanger can perform small amplitude oscillations in the plane of the figure around the equilibrium positions shown. In positions a) and b) the long side is horizontal. The other two sides have equal length. The period of oscillation is the same in all cases.

    What is the location of the center of mass, and how long is the period?

    Figure 1

    The figure does not contain any information beyond the dimensions given. Nothing is known, e.g., concerning the detailed distribution of mass.

    Official English text of the problem.

  3. Problem 3: Hot-air-balloon

    Consider a hot-air balloon with fixed volume \(V_{\mathrm B} = 1.1\ \mathrm{m^3}\). The mass of the balloon-envelope, whose volume is to be neglected in comparison to \(V_{\mathrm B}\), is \(m_{\mathrm H} = 0.187\ \mathrm{kg}\).

    The balloon shall be started, where the external air temperature is \(\vartheta_1 = 20\ ^\circ\mathrm C\) and the normal external air pressure is \(p_{\mathrm o} = 1.013\cdot 10^5\ \mathrm{Pa}\). Under these conditions the density of air is \(\rho_1 = 1.2\ \mathrm{kg/m^3}\).

    a) What temperature \(\vartheta_2\) must the warmed air inside the balloon have to make the balloon just float?

    b) First the balloon is held fast to the ground and the internal air is heated to a steady-state temperature of \(\vartheta_3 = 110\ ^\circ\mathrm C\). The balloon is fastened with a rope.

    Calculate the force on the rope.

    c) Consider the balloon being tied up at the bottom (the density of the internal air stays constant). With a steady-state temperature \(\vartheta_3 = 110\ ^\circ\mathrm C\) of the internal air the balloon rises in an isothermal atmosphere of \(20\ ^\circ\mathrm C\) and a ground pressure of \(p_0 = 1.013\cdot 10^5\ \mathrm{Pa}\). Which height \(h\) can be gained by the balloon under these conditions?

    d) At the height \(h\) the balloon (question c)) is pulled out of its equilibrium position by \(10\ \mathrm m\) and then is released again.

    Find out by qualitative reasoning what kind of motion it is going to perform!

    Official English text of the problem.