‫فرع علوم الحياة‬

‫ بركات ناصر‬:‫تحضير‬ ‫مسابقة في مادة الفيزياء‬

‫ ساعة ونصف‬:‫المدة‬
This exam is formed of three obligatory exercises in three pages.
The use of non-programmable calculator is recommended.

Exercise 1: (7 points)
Vibration sensor in washing machines
A vibration sensor in a washing machine is a mechanical system that can sense a certain
amplitude-vibration which may cause damage to the machine itself
or displace it. The aim of this exercise is to study the effect of
changing the spring constant on such a sensor.
A vibration sensor is modeled by horizontal elastic pendulum. The
horizontal elastic pendulum, as shown in document 1, formed of a
spring of stiffness k = 52 N/m and a solid of mass m = 1.87 kg
attached to one free end of the spring while the other is fixed to a
support.
Vibration sensor in a Samsung
The center of mass G of (S) may move along a horizontal axis washing machine
(O, 𝑖⃗).
At the instant t0 = 0, G being at rest at O, (S) is shifted in the
negative direction by a distance 10 cm (x0 = – 10 cm), and then G
released without initial velocity at t0 = 0. x' x
(S) thus oscillates around O. O
Doc. 1
At an instant t, the abscissa of G is x and the algebraic value of its
𝑑𝑥
velocity is v = x′= 𝑑𝑡 .
The horizontal plane containing G is taken as the gravitational potential energy reference.
Friction can be ignored safely.
1- Show that mechanical energy of the system (pendulum, Earth) at t0 is 0.26 J.
2- The mechanical energy of the system (pendulum, Earth) is conserved, why?
3- Deduce the speed of m as it passes through the equilibrium position.
4- Write the expression of mechanical energy in terms of k, m, x, and v.
5- Establish the second order differential equation in x that describes the motion of (S).
6- Deduce the expression the proper period of this oscillation in terms of m and k and calculate its value.
7- In reality, friction can be neglected for the first 5 seconds of oscillations.
7.1) Determine the number of oscillations that (S) performs before damping occurs.
7.2) A user wants to change the spring in the machine's vibration sensor, so that it oscillates with
a vibration of frequency 2 Hz produced by the device. Calculate the stiffness constant of the
spring that should be used to fulfill this task.

Page 1 of 6
Exercise 2: (7 points) A door lamp timer

The circuit shown in document 2 represents a lighting system

used to turn a light on when a door is closed. The aim of this (1) (2) P
exercise is to study its functioning and regulate the duration of K
lighting. E + A
The circuit consists of a battery (G) delivering across its terminals a C R
G 2 L
constant voltage E = 24 V, a capacitor initially uncharged and of
capacitance C = 0.47 mF, two resistors (R1) and (R2) of resistances B
R1 = 100  and R2 = 10 k respectively, a switch (K) and an
electronic device (L) that serves as a lamp which lights as the R1 Q
Doc. 2
voltage across its terminals uPQ is greater than 12 V. Note that (L)
does not affect the circuit, but it uses the voltage across (R2) only.
The circuit functions as follows:
• When the door of the house is opened, K passes to position 1, and the capacitor charges.
• When the door is closed, K passes to position 2, and the capacitor discharges through (R2).
1) Charging the capacitor
We open the door of the house at the instant t0 = 0. At the instant t, the voltage of the capacitor
is uC = uAB and the circuit is traversed by a current i.
1.1) Apply the law of addition of voltages, prove that the differential equation that governs the
𝑑𝑢 1 𝐸
variation of uC relative to time has the form: 𝑑𝑡𝐶 + 𝑅 𝐶uC = 𝑅 𝐶 .
1 1
−𝑡
1.2) The solution of this differential equation is of the form uC = A + B𝑒 𝜏 where A, B and  are
constants. Determine A, B and  in terms of E, R1 and C.
1.3) Deduce the minimum duration for the capacitor to be totally charged.
2) Discharge of the capacitor
The door of the house is closed ((K) is moved to position (2)) at an instant t0 = 0 taken as a new
time origin. The lamp lights up directly.
2.1) Draw a figure of the new circuit by showing the direction of the discharge current i.
−𝑡
2.2) In the discharging mode, the voltage across the capacitor is uC = E𝑒 𝑅2𝐶 .
2.2.1) The lamp lights the instant (K) is switched to (2); why?
2.2.2) Calculate the voltage uC across the capacitor at t = R2 C.
2.2.3) The lamp does not light at 2 , why?
2.2.4) Prove that the lamp lights for around 3 s only.
2.3) To increase the duration of lighting of the lamp only, without modifying the charging
period, one of the following 3 options can be done:
A- increase capacitance C;
B- decrease voltage E;
C- increase resistance R2.
Specify the appropriate modification (A), (B), or (C).

Page 2 of 6
Exercise 3: (6 points)
Analyzing a car accident
A car, of mass m = 1300 kg, moves on a highway at a constant speed of 30 m/s. The driver
notices a broken truck of mass M blocking the highway at a close distance; thus, he applies the car
brakes directly to stop it. The car skids for some distance and unfortunately collides with the truck.
The aim of this exercise is to find the mass of the truck by
analyzing the accident details. (C) (T)
The car is modeled by a point mass (C) moving on a
horizontal path taken as an axis (x'x) and oriented positively x' x
→ Doc. 3
(+ 𝑖 ) in the direction of motion of the car (Doc. 3).
→ →
The car's braking force and all other resistive forces are considered as one force 𝑓 = – f 𝑖 .

1. Before the accident

The graph in document 4 shows the variation of linear
P (kg.m/s)
momentum of the car during braking. The time origin is taken at
39000
the instant of applying the brakes.
1.1) Name the forces acting on the car and represent them on a
26000
diagram (not a scale).
→
1.2) Deduce that the net force acting on the car is 𝑓 . 13000
1.3) Determine, graphically, the slope of the function P(t). t (s)
→
𝑑𝑃 → → 0 1 2 3 4
1.4) Applying Newton's second law 𝑑𝑡 = 𝐹 𝑒𝑥𝑡 , prove that 𝑓 Doc. 4
admits a constant value and calculate it.
1.5) By referring to document 4, Verify that the speed of the car right before colliding with
the truck at t = 4 s, is V1 = 10 m/s.
2. After the accident
The car collides with the stationary truck, and together they slide forward with
a velocity ⃗⃗⃗⃗
𝑉 = 4 ⃗⃗⃗𝑖⃗ (𝑚⁄𝑠) right after impact.
2.1) Determine the linear momentum of the system (car, truck) before the collision.
2.2) Deduce, applying the principle of conservation of linear momentum, that the mass of the
truck is M = 1950 kg.

Good Work

Page 3 of 6
 Answer Key

Exercise 1: Vibration sensor in washing machines (7pts) Grade

At t = 0, 𝑀𝐸 = 𝐾𝐸 + 𝐸𝑃𝐸 + 𝐺𝑃𝐸
1 1 1 1
𝑀𝐸0 = 0 + 2 𝑘𝑥 2 + 0 = 2 (52)(0.1)2 = 0.26 𝐽
ME is conserved because friction is neglected and there are no other non-
2 0.5
conservative forces.
𝑀𝐸)𝑒𝑞𝑙𝑚 𝑝𝑜𝑠𝑖𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 = 𝑀𝐸0
1
Then, 𝑚𝑉 2 + 𝐸𝑃𝐸𝑒𝑞𝑙𝑚 = 𝑀𝐸0
2
3 But, 𝐸𝑃𝐸𝑒𝑞𝑙𝑚 = 0, (elongation is 0) 1
2×0.26
Then, 𝑉 = √ ≈ 0.53 𝑚⁄𝑠
1.87
1 1
4 𝑀𝐸 = 𝑚𝑣 2 + 𝑘𝑥 2 1
2 2
𝑑𝑀𝐸
𝑑𝑡
= 0  m(vv') + k(2xx') = 0
Divide by v = x'  0  mv' + kx = 0 . But v' = x''
5 1.5
𝑘
 mx'' + kx = 0  x'' + x = 0, (2nd order DE of the form 𝑥 ′′ + 𝜔02 𝑥 = 0 which
𝑚
represents free undamped harmonic oscillation)
By comparison, the DE has the form: 𝑥 ′′ + 𝜔02 𝑥 = 0 ,
𝑘 𝑚
Then 𝜔0 = √𝑚 and period 𝑇0 = 2𝜋√ 𝑘
6 1
1.87
Then, 𝑇0 = 2𝜋√ ≈ 1.2 𝑠
52

Damping starts to be considered after 5s,

5𝑠
7 7.1- Then, SHM is performed within this time: 1.2𝑠 = 4.2 0.5
Thus, 4 complete oscillations are performed without damping
1 1
𝑓 = 2 𝐻𝑧, then 𝑇 = = = 0.5 𝑠
𝑓 2
7.2- Solving for k from the equation of period: 0.5
4𝜋2 ×𝑚 40×1.87
𝑘= 𝑇2
= 0.52
= 299 𝑁⁄𝑚

Page 4 of 6
 Exercise 2: A door lamp timer (7pts) Grade
By the law of voltage addition: 𝑢𝑅 + 𝑢𝐶 = 𝑢𝐺
Then, 𝑅1 𝑖 + 𝑢𝐶 = 𝐸
𝑑𝑞 𝑑𝑢
During charging 𝑖 = + 𝑑𝑡 = 𝐶 𝑑𝑡𝐶, (𝑖 circulates in the positive sense)
1.1- 𝑑𝑢𝐶 1.5
𝑅1 𝐶 𝑑𝑡
+ 𝑢𝐶 = 𝐸
𝑑𝑢𝐶 1 𝐸
(÷ 𝑅1 𝐶 ≠ 0); then + 𝑢 = ;
𝑑𝑡 𝑅1 𝐶 𝐶 𝑅1 𝐶
(1st order DE that represents exponential growth of uC)
t t
− duC B
uc = A + Be τ then dt
= − τ e− τ
1 𝐵 𝑡
𝐴 𝐵 𝑡
𝐸
Replace in the differential equation: − 𝜏 𝑒 −𝜏 + 𝑅 + 𝑅 𝐶 𝑒 −𝜏 = 𝑅 ,
1𝐶 1 1𝐶
𝑡 𝑡
𝐴 𝐵 − 𝐸 𝐵 −
𝑅1 𝐶
+𝑅 𝐶𝑒 𝜏 =𝑅 +𝜏𝑒 𝜏
1.2- 1 1𝐶 1.5
By identification, A = E and 𝛕 = 𝐑 𝟏 𝐂
On the other hand, at t = 0, uc = 0
Then, 𝐴 + 𝐵𝑒 0 = 0; then 𝐁 = −𝐀 = −𝐄
t
−
Hence, the solution is uc = E − Ee 𝑅1 𝐶

1.3- 5𝜏 = 5𝑅1 𝐶 = 5 × 100 × 0.47 × 10−3 = 0.235 𝑠 0.5

P
K

A +
C
2.1- R2 L 0.5
B

2.2.1- 𝑢𝐶 = 𝐸 = 24𝑉 and 24𝑉 > 12𝑉, the lamp glows. 0.5

2.2.2- 𝑢𝐶 = 37%𝐸 = 0.37 × 24 = 8.88 𝑉 0.5

2.2.3- 8.88 𝑉<12V , the lamp does not glow (light) 0.5
2 The lamp glows for 𝑢𝐶 > 12
2.2- 𝑡 𝑡
− −
Then, 24𝑒 𝑅2𝐶
> 12; 𝑒 𝑅2 𝐶 > 0.5
𝑡
2.2.4- Apply ln(); thus, − > −0.693 1
𝑅 2𝐶

𝑡 < 𝑅1 𝐶 × 0.5; 𝑡 < 10000 × 0.47 × 10−3 × 0.5; 𝒕 < 𝟑. 𝟑𝟑 𝒔

Thus, the lamp shines for around 3 seconds only.

To increase the duration of lighting, 𝜏2 = 𝑅2 𝐶 should be increased,

2.3- But, if C is increased, that affects the charging duration and this is not required, 0.5
Hence, the only option is to increase R2 which is choice C.

Page 5 of 6
 Exercise 3: Analyzing a Car Accident (6pts) Grade

y
→
𝒋
⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗
𝑵
→
External forces acting on the car are: 𝒊
1.1 (C) 1
⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗ 𝑁 , and ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗
𝑊 , ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗ 𝑓. x' x
⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗
𝒇
⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗
𝑾

⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗
𝐹𝑛𝑒𝑡 = ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗ 𝑁 + ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗
𝑊 + ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗ 𝑓
1.2 ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗ ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗ ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗
But, 𝑊 + 𝑁 = 0 since there is no motion along y-axis 0.5
Hence, ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗𝐹𝑛𝑒𝑡 = ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗
𝑓
1-
𝑦 −𝑦 13000−39000
1.3 Slope 𝑚 = 𝑥2 −𝑥1 = 4−0
= −6,500 (kg.m/s2) 1
2 1

𝑑𝑃⃗⃗
⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗
∑𝐹 𝑒𝑥𝑡 = 𝑑𝑡
𝑑𝑃
𝐹𝑛𝑒𝑡 = ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗
First, ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗ 𝑓 and slope 𝑑𝑡
is constant,
1.4 1
Then, ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗
𝑓 is constant
Since motion is along x-axis only, then −𝑓 = 𝑠𝑙𝑜𝑝𝑒 = −6,500 𝑁
So, f = 6,500 N and ⃗⃗⃗⃗
𝐟 = −𝟔, 𝟓𝟎𝟎 (𝐍)⃗⃗⃗𝐢

𝑃 = 𝑚𝐶 𝑉1; 13000 = 1300𝑉1 ;

1.5 13000 0.5
Hence 𝑉1 = 1300 = 10 𝑚⁄𝑠

2.1 ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗
𝑃𝑠𝑦𝑠𝑡𝑒𝑚 = ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗ 𝑃𝑐 + ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗
𝑃𝑡 = 13000⃗⃗⃗ 𝑖 = 13,000 (𝑘𝑔 ∙ 𝑚⁄𝑠)⃗⃗⃗
𝑖 + 0⃗⃗⃗ 𝑖 1

During a collision, linear momentum of the system (car, truck) is conserved,

Then, ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗
𝑃𝑠𝑦𝑠𝑡𝑒𝑚 )𝑏𝑒𝑓𝑜𝑟𝑒 = ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗
𝑃𝑠𝑦𝑠𝑡𝑒𝑚 )𝑎𝑓𝑡𝑒𝑟
2-
Then, (𝑀 + 𝑚)⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗ 𝑉 = 13000⃗⃗⃗
𝑖
2.2 1
(𝑀 + 1300)(4⃗⃗⃗) 𝑖 = 13000 ⃗⃗⃗
𝑖
13000
𝑀 + 1300 = 4 = 3250
Hence, 𝑀 = 3250 − 1300 = 1950 𝑘𝑔

Page 6 of 6