International Physics Olympiad

IPhO 2000

Leicester, United Kingdom · 3 theory problems with complete solutions

  1. Problem 1: Five short parts: bungee jumper, heat engine, age of the Earth from U-Pb dating, uniformly charged sphere, rotating copper ring in the Earth's magnetic field

    A

    A bungee jumper is attached to one end of a long elastic rope. The other end of the elastic rope is fixed to a high bridge. The jumper steps off the bridge and falls, from rest, towards the river below. He does not hit the water. The mass of the jumper is \(m\), the unstretched length of the rope is \(L\), the rope has a force constant (force to produce 1 m extension) of \(k\) and the gravitational field strength is \(g\).

    You may assume that

    • the jumper can be regarded as a point mass \(m\) attached to the end of the rope,
    • the mass of the rope is negligible compared to \(m\),
    • the rope obeys Hooke’s law,
    • air resistance can be ignored throughout the fall of the jumper.

    Obtain expressions for the following and insert on the answer sheet:

    (a) the distance \(y\) dropped by the jumper before coming instantaneously to rest for the first time,

    (b) the maximum speed \(\upsilon\) attained by the jumper during this drop,

    (c) the time \(t\) taken during the drop before coming to rest for the first time.

    B

    A heat engine operates between two identical bodies at different temperatures \(T_{\mathrm A}\) and \(T_{\mathrm B}\) (\(T_{\mathrm A}>T_{\mathrm B}\)), with each body having mass \(m\) and constant specific heat capacity \(s\). The bodies remain at constant pressure and undergo no change of phase.

    (a) Showing full working, obtain an expression for the final temperature \(T_0\) attained by the two bodies A and B, if the heat engine extracts from the system the maximum amount of mechanical work that is theoretically possible.

    Write your expression for the final temperature \(T_0\) on the answer sheet.

    (b) Hence, obtain and write on the answer sheet an expression for this maximum amount of work available.

    The heat engine operates between two tanks of water each of volume \(2.50\ \mathrm{m^3}\). One tank is at \(350\ \mathrm K\) and the other is at \(300\ \mathrm K\).

    (c) Calculate the maximum amount of mechanical energy obtainable. Insert the value on the answer sheet.

    Specific heat capacity of water \(=4.19\times10^3\ \mathrm{J\,kg^{-1}\,K^{-1}}\)

    Density of water \(=1.00\times10^3\ \mathrm{kg\,m^{-3}}\)

    C

    It is assumed that when the earth was formed the isotopes \({}^{238}\mathrm U\) and \({}^{235}\mathrm U\) were present but not their decay products. The decays of \({}^{238}\mathrm U\) and \({}^{235}\mathrm U\) are used to establish the age of the earth, \(T\).

    (a) The isotope \({}^{238}\mathrm U\) decays with a half-life of \(4.50\times10^9\) years. The decay products in the resulting radioactive series have half-lives short compared to this; to a first approximation their existence can be ignored. The decay series terminates in the stable lead isotope \({}^{206}\mathrm{Pb}\).

    Obtain and insert on the answer sheet an expression for the number of \({}^{206}\mathrm{Pb}\) atoms, denoted \({}^{206}n\), produced by radioactive decay with time \(t\), in terms of the present number of \({}^{238}\mathrm U\) atoms, denoted \({}^{238}N\), and the half-life time of \({}^{238}\mathrm U\). (You may find it helpful to work in units of \(10^9\) years.)

    (b) Similarly, \({}^{235}\mathrm U\) decays with a half-life of \(0.710\times10^9\) years through a series of shorter half-life products to give the stable isotope \({}^{207}\mathrm{Pb}\).

    Write down on the answer sheet an equation relating \({}^{207}n\) to \({}^{235}N\) and the half-life of \({}^{235}\mathrm U\).

    (c) A uranium ore, mixed with a lead ore, is analysed with a mass spectrometer. The relative concentrations of the three lead isotopes \({}^{204}\mathrm{Pb}\), \({}^{206}\mathrm{Pb}\) and \({}^{207}\mathrm{Pb}\) are measured and the number of atoms are found to be in the ratios \(1.00:29.6:22.6\) respectively. The isotope \({}^{204}\mathrm{Pb}\) is used for reference as it is not of radioactive origin. Analysing a pure lead ore gives ratios of \(1.00:17.9:15.5\).

    Given that the ratio \({}^{238}N:{}^{235}N\) is \(137:1\), derive and insert on the answer sheet an equation involving \(T\).

    (d) Assume that \(T\) is much greater than the half lives of both uranium isotopes and hence obtain an approximate value for \(T\).

    (e) This approximate value is clearly not significantly greater than the longer half life, but can be used to obtain a much more accurate value for \(T\). Hence, or otherwise, estimate a value for the age of the earth correct to within 2%.

    D

    Charge \(Q\) is uniformly distributed in vacuo throughout a spherical volume of radius \(R\).

    (a) Derive expressions for the electric field strength at distance \(r\) from the centre of the sphere for \(r\le R\) and \(r>R\).

    (b) Obtain an expression for the total electric energy associated with this distribution of charge.

    Insert your answers to (a) and (b) on the answer sheet.

    E

    A circular ring of thin copper wire is set rotating about a vertical diameter at a point within the Earth’s magnetic field. The magnetic flux density of the Earth’s magnetic field at this point is \(44.5\ \mu\mathrm T\) directed at an angle of \(64^\circ\) below the horizontal. Given that the density of copper is \(8.90\times10^3\ \mathrm{kg\,m^{-3}}\) and its resistivity is \(1.70\times10^{-8}\ \Omega\,\mathrm m\), calculate how long it will take for the angular velocity of the ring to halve. Show the steps of your working and insert the value of the time on the answer sheet. This time is much longer than the time for one revolution.

    You may assume that the frictional effects of the supports and air are negligible, and for the purposes of this question you should ignore self-inductance effects, although these would not be negligible.

    Official English text of the problem.

  2. Problem 2: Charge-to-mass ratio of the electron (magnetic focusing in a CRT; beta particles between charged plates)

    (a) A cathode ray tube (CRT), consisting of an electron gun and a screen, is placed within a uniform constant magnetic field of magnitude \(\mathbf B\) such that the magnetic field is parallel to the beam axis of the gun, as shown in figure 2.3.

    Figure 2.3

    Figure 2.3

    The electron beam emerges from the anode of the electron gun on the axis, but with a divergence of up to \(5^\circ\) from the axis, as illustrated in figure 2.4. In general a diffuse spot is produced on the screen, but for certain values of the magnetic field a sharply focused spot is obtained.

    Figure 2.4

    Figure 2.4

    By considering the motion of an electron initially moving at an angle \(\beta\) (where \(0\leq\beta\leq5^\circ\)) to the axis as it leaves the electron gun, and considering the components of its motion parallel and perpendicular to the axis, derive an expression for the charge to mass ratio \(e/m\) for the electron in terms of the following quantities:

    the smallest magnetic field for which a focused spot is obtained,
    the accelerating potential difference across the electron gun \(V\)
    (note that \(V<2\ \mathrm{kV}\)),
    and \(D\), the distance between the anode and the screen.

    Write your expression in the box provided in section 2a of the answer sheet.

    (b) Consider another method of evaluating the charge to mass ratio of the electron. The arrangement is shown from a side view and in plan view (from above) in figure 2.5, with the direction of the magnetic field marked \(\mathbf B\). Within this uniform magnetic field \(\mathbf B\) are placed two brass circular plates of radius \(\rho\) which are separated by a very small distance \(t\). A potential difference \(V\) is maintained between them. The plates are mutually parallel and co-axial, however their axis is perpendicular to the magnetic field. A photographic film, covers the inside of the curved surface of a cylinder of radius \(\rho+s\), which is held co-axial with the plates. In other words, the film is at a radial distance \(s\) from the edges of the plates. The entire arrangement is placed in vacuo. Note that \(t\) is very much smaller than both \(s\) and \(\rho\).

    Figure 2.5

    Figure 2.5

    A point source of \(\beta\) particles, which emits the \(\beta\) particles uniformly in all directions with a range of velocities, is placed between the centres of the plates, and the same piece of film is exposed under three different conditions:

    firstly with \(B=0\), and \(V=0\),
    secondly with \(B=B_0\), and \(V=V_0\), and
    thirdly with \(B=-B_0\), and \(V=-V_0\);

    where \(V_0\) and \(B_0\) are positive constants. Please note that the upper plate is positively charged when \(V>0\) (negative when \(V<0\)), and that the magnetic field is in the direction defined by figure 2.5 when \(B>0\) (in the opposite direction when \(B<0\)). For this part you may assume the gap is negligibly small.

    Two regions of the film are labelled A and B on figure 2.5. After exposure and development, a sketch of one of these regions is given in figure 2.6. From which region was this piece taken (on your answer sheet write A or B)? Justify your answer by showing the directions of the forces acting on the electron.

    Figure 2.6

    Figure 2.6

    (c) After exposure and development, a sketch of the film is given in figure 2.6. Measurements are made of the separation of the two outermost traces with a microscope, and this distance (\(y\)) is also indicated for one particular angle on figure 2.6. The results are given in the table below, the angle \(\phi\) being defined in figure 2.5 as the angle between the magnetic field and a line joining the centre of the plates to the point on the film.

    Angle to field /degrees \(\phi\) 90 60 50 40 30 23
    Separation /mm \(y\) 17.4 12.7 9.7 6.4 3.3 End of trace

    Numerical values of the system parameters are given below:

    \[ B_0=6.91\ \mathrm{mT} \qquad V_0=580\ \mathrm V \qquad t=0.80\ \mathrm{mm} \] \[ s=41.0\ \mathrm{mm} \]

    In addition, you may take the speed of light in vacuum to be \(3.00\times10^8\ \mathrm{m\,s^{-1}}\), and the rest mass of the electron to be \(9.11\times10^{-31}\ \mathrm{kg}\).

    Determine the maximum \(\beta\) particle kinetic energy observed.

    Write the maximum kinetic energy as a numerical result in eV in the box on the answer sheet, section 2f.

    (d) Using the information given in part (f) [i.e. part (c) above], obtain a value for the charge to rest mass ratio of the electron. This should be done by plotting an appropriate graph on the paper provided.

    Indicate algebraically the quantities being plotted on the horizontal and vertical axes both on the graph itself and on the answer sheet in the boxes provided in section 2g.

    Write your value for the charge to mass ratio of the electron in the box provided on the answer sheet, section 2g.

    Please note that the answer you obtain may not agree with the accepted value because of a systematic error in the observations.

    Official English text of the problem.

  3. Problem 3: Gravitational-wave detector (Part A) and gravitational deflection of light by the Sun (Part B)

    Gravitational waves and the effects of gravity on light.

    Part A

    This part is concerned with the difficulties of detecting gravitational waves generated by astronomical events. It should be realised that the explosion of a distant supernova may produce fluctuations in the gravitational field strength at the surface of the Earth of about \(10^{-19}\ \mathrm{N\,kg^{-1}}\).

    A model for a gravitational wave detector (see figure 3.1) consists of two metal rods each 1m long, held at right angles to each other. One end of each rod is polished optically flat and the other end is held rigidly. The position of one rod is adjusted so there is a minimum signal received from the photocell (see figure 3.1).

    Figure 1

    Figure 3.1

    The rods are given a short sharp impulse by a piezoelectric device. As a result the free ends of the rods oscillate with a longitudinal displacement \(\Delta x_t\), where

    \[ \Delta x_t=ae^{-\mu t}\cos(\omega t+\phi), \]

    and \(a,\mu,\omega\) and \(\phi\) are constants.

    (a) If the amplitude of the motion is reduced by 20% during a 50s interval determine a value for \(\mu\).

    (b) Determine also a value for \(\omega\) given that the rods are made of aluminium with a density (\(\rho\)) of \(2700\ \mathrm{kg\,m^{-3}}\) and a Young modulus (\(E\)) of \(7.1\times10^{10}\ \mathrm{Pa}\).

    (c) It is impossible to make the rods exactly the same length so the photocell signal has a beat frequency of \(0.005\ \mathrm{Hz}\). What is the difference in length of the rods?

    (d) For the rod of length \(l\), derive an algebraic expression for the change in length, \(\Delta l\), due to a change, \(\Delta g\), in the gravitational field strength, \(g\), in terms of \(l\) and other constants of the rod material.

    (e) The light produced by the laser is monochromatic with a wavelength of 656nm. If the minimum fringe shift that can be detected is \(10^{-4}\) of the wavelength of the laser, what is the minimum value of \(l\) necessary if such a system were to be capable of detecting variations in \(g\) of \(10^{-19}\ \mathrm{N\,kg^{-1}}\)?

    A non-directional form of gravitational wave detector consists of a sphere of copper-alloy of mass 1168 kg, suspended in a vacuum from a vibration-reducing assembly. Transducers, containing tuned circuits, are attached to the sphere to detect changes in its dimensions. The transducers will, however, pick up all spurious vibrations due to, for example, temperature effects and noise due to electric pick up.

    (f) To reduce vibrations due to temperature effects the sphere is maintained at a temperature of 100 mK. By what factor will the amplitude of the atomic vibrations been reduced in cooling the assembly from 300 K?

    (g) The sphere is initially cooled to 4.2 K using liquid nitrogen and liquid helium. The temperature, \(T\), is further reduced to 100 mK by a refrigeration process, which removes energy from the system at an average rate of 1 mW. Given that the specific thermal capacity, \(s\), of the copper-alloy varies directly as \(T^3\) at these low temperatures, estimate the time taken for the system to cool from 4.2 K to 100 mK, given that \(s=0.072\ \mathrm{J\,kg^{-1}\,K^{-1}}\) at 4.2 K.

    Part B

    This part is concerned with the effect of a gravitational field on the propagation of light in space.

    (a) A photon emitted from the surface of the Sun (mass \(M\), radius \(R\)) is red-shifted. By assuming a rest-mass equivalent for the photon energy, apply Newtonian gravitational theory to show that the effective (or measured) frequency of the photon at infinity is reduced (red-shifted) by the factor \((1-GM/Rc^2)\).

    (b) A reduction of the photon’s frequency is equivalent to an increase in its time period, or, using the photon as a standard clock, a dilation of time. In addition, it may be shown that a time dilation is always accompanied by a contraction in the unit of length by the same factor.

    We will now try to study the effect that this has on the propagation of light near the Sun. Let us first define an effective refractive index \(n_r\) at a point \(r\) from the centre of the Sun. Let

    \[ n_r=\frac{c}{c'_r}, \]

    where \(c\) is the speed of light as measured by a co-ordinate system far away from the Sun’s gravitational influence (\(r\to\infty\)), and \(c'_r\) is the speed of light as measured by a co-ordinate system at a distance \(r\) from the centre of the Sun.

    Show that \(n_r\) may be approximated to:

    \[ n_r=1+\frac{\alpha GM}{rc^2}, \]

    for small \(GM/rc^2\), where \(\alpha\) is a constant that you determine.

    (c) Using this expression for \(n_r\), calculate in radians the deflection of a light ray from its straight path as it passes the edge of the Sun.

    Data:

    Gravitational constant, \(G=6.67\times10^{-11}\ \mathrm{N\,m^2\,kg^{-2}}\).
    Mass of Sun, \(M=1.99\times10^{30}\ \mathrm{kg}\).
    Radius of Sun, \(R=6.95\times10^8\ \mathrm{m}\).
    Velocity of light, \(c=3.00\times10^8\ \mathrm{m\,s^{-1}}\).

    You may also need the following integral:

    \[ \int_{-\infty}^{+\infty}\frac{dx}{(x^2+a^2)^{3/2}} =\frac{2}{a^2}. \]

    Official English text of the problem.