Chapter I

Problems

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1 INPhO-2006
Indian National Physics Olympiad - 2006
INPhO-2006 CS m1
m2
Jan. 29, 2006
Maximum Marks: 90

o
30
Figure 1: Problem 1
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1. In the diagram shown (Fig. (1)), m1 = 1 kg, m2 = 1 kg and coefficient of
friction, both static and dynamic, between m1 and plane is µ = 0.6. The
two masses are connected by a light inextensible string passing over a light
frictionless pulley. Take g = 10 m·s−2 .

(a) Find the acceleration of the system.

(b) Find the force of friction and the magnitude of the tension in the string.

[10]

2. A block of uniform mass M is at rest on a table. A disk of mass 2M , radius R

and of the same height as the block, which is initially spinning about its axis
with angular speed ω0 , is placed on the table such that it touches the block
(see Fig. (2)). The block – disk system starts moving such that they are in
contact throughout the motion. Coefficient of friction, both kinetic and static,
between the table and block and between the table and disk is µ. Friction
between disk and the block may be ignored.

(a) Obtain an expression for the initial acceleration of the block – disk system.

9
 1 INPhO-2006 Problems

111111
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ω0 000000
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111111
Figure 2: Problem 2

(b) Obtain an expression for the time t∗ at which pure rolling (i.e. rolling
without slipping) starts.
(c) Obtain an expression for the total time ttot in which the block comes to

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the rest. Assume that pure rolling persists for t > t∗ .

[14]

3. An ideal gas goes through a reversible cycle which consists of two isobaric and
two adiabatic processes as shown in the P − V diagram (Fig. (3)).

CSP

P1

P2
a
adiabats

d
b

Figure 3: Problem 3
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(a) Obtain an expression for the efficiency of the cycle in terms of the tem-
peratures {Ta , Tb , Tc , Td }.
(b) Obtain an expression for the efficiency of the cycle in terms of the pres-
sures {P1 , P2 } and γ. Here γ is the ratio of the specific heat at constant
pressure and specific heat at constant volume.
(c) Draw the equivalent V − T diagram for this cycle.
[Note: V along y-axis and T along x-axis.]
(d) State the expression for the corresponding Carnot cycle working with the
same gas and between the highest and lowest temperatures defined by
the above cycle. Which of these two cycles has the higher efficiency?

[12]

4. A thin plano-convex lens of radius R = 10 cm, refractive index µ2 = 1.5 has

its curved surface in liquid of refractive index µ3 = 1.2 and the plane surface
exposed to air of refractive index µ1 = 1.0. √A self luminous particle oscillating
simple harmonically with small amplitude 2 cm is placed on the axis of the
lens as shown in Fig. (4). Determine the orientation, amplitude and phase

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Problems 1 INPhO-2006

µ1 µ3
o µ2
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u = 10 cm

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Figure 4: Problem 4

difference of the oscillating final image with respect to the object.

[8]

5. A thin circular disk of radius R is uniformly charged with charge σ (σ > 0) per
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unit area. The disk rotates about its axis OX with a uniform angular speed
ω (see Fig. (5)). A small magnetic dipole of moment µ
on the axis of the disk (a > 0).
1
0
0
1
0
1
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00
0
1
0
1
0
1
X
P ( a,0,0)
~ is located at P (a, 0, 0)

0
1
0
1
0
1
0
1
0
1
0
1
0
1
0
1
00000000000000
11111111111111
0
1
00000000000000
11111111111111
0
1
σ
00000000000000
11111111111111
00000000000000
11111111111111
0O
1
00000000000000
11111111111111
00000000000000
11111111111111
0
1
00000000000000
11111111111111
0
1
ω 0
1
0
1
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0
1
0
1
0
1
0
1
0
1

Figure 5: Problem 5

(a) Obtain the expression for the magnetic moment of the disk?
~ due to the rotating disk
(b) Obtain the expression for the magnetic field B
at P ?
(c) Obtain the approximate expression for B~ when a >> R.
(d) Obtain the force on the dipole placed at P given that a >> R.
~ on the axis of a circular current, namely
[Note: You can use the formula for B

~ = µ0 2iπr2
|B| ]
4π (r2 + x2 )3/2

[14]

6. A 1.00 kW cylindrical (monochromatic) laser light beam of radius δ is used

to levitate a solid aluminium sphere of radius R by focusing it on the sphere

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 1 INPhO-2006 Problems

from below (see Fig. (6)). The laser light is reflected by the aluminium sphere
without any absorption.
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θ θ

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δ

Figure 6: Problem 6

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(a) Take the momentum of each photon in the light beam to be p. Express
the force exerted on the aluminium sphere by the beam in terms of p, δ,
R, and n where n is the number of photons per unit area per unit time.
(b) Now consider the special case δ << R. Calculate the mass of the sphere,
assuming that it floats freely on the light beam?
[Hint: Part (b) can be done independently of Part (a)] [10]
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Figure 7: Demonstrations of laser levitation

7. An electron in the Li++ ion makes a transition from n = 4 to n = 3 state.

(a) Find the wavelength of emitted photon in this process. To what region
of the electro-magnetic spectrum does this wavelength belong?

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Problems 1 INPhO-2006

(b) This photon impinges on a photoelectric sensitive metal having work

function 3.20 eV. Calculate the maximum kinetic energy and the corre-
sponding de Broglie wavelength of emitted photo-electron.
( Ionization energy of hydrogen atom = 13.60 eV) [8]
8. Lyttleton - Bondi Model for the Expansion of the Universe*
In 1959 Lyttleton and Bondi suggested that the expansion of the Universe
could be explained on the basis of Newtonian mechanics if matter carried a net
electric charge. Imagine a spherical volume of astronomical size and radius R
containing un-ionized atomic hydrogen gas of uniform density η(= 10−26 kg·m−3 ),
and assume that the proton charge ep = −(1 + y)e, where e is the electron

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charge.
(a) Obtain the value of y for which the electrostatic repulsion becomes larger
than the gravitational attraction and the gas expands.
(b) Obtain an expression for the force of repulsion on an atom which is at
a distance R from the centre of the spherical volume. Hence show that
the radial velocity is proportional to R. Let us label the proportionality
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constant as H. Assume that the density is maintained constant by the
continuous creation of matter in space. Assume also that the value of y is
larger than the equilibrium value calculated in part (a) above and hence
ignore gravity.
(c) Calculate the numerical value of H. Take the value of y to be one order of
magnitude larger than the equilibrium value calculated in part (a) above
(d) Given that at time t = 0, the volume of the Universe was V0 , obtain an
expression for the volume expansion of the Universe.
(e) Why do you think the Lyttleton - Bondi model has been largely discarded
by the scientific community?
[14]
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*Ref. R.A.Lyttleton and H.Bondi, Proceedings of Royal Society of London,
Volume A 252, page 313 - 333, (1959)

Raymond Arthur Lyttleton (7 May 1911-16 May

1995) : English mathematician and theoretical as-
tronomer who researched stellar evolution and composi-
tion. In 1939, with Fred Hoyle, he demonstrated the large
scale existence of interstellar hydrogen, refuting the ex-
isting belief that space was devoid of interstellar gas. To-
gether, in the early 1940’s, they applied nuclear physics
to explain how energy is generated by stars. In his own
monograph (1953) Lyttleton described stability of rotat-
ing liquid masses, which he extended later to explain that
the Earth had a liquid core resulting from a phase change associated with a com-
bination of intense pressure and temperature. With Hermann Bondi, in 1959, he
proposed the electrostatic theory of the expanding universe. He authored various
astronomy books. One of them “Mysteries of the Solar System”, was co-authored
with Edwin Land and was quite popular.

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 1 INPhO-2006 Problems

Sir Hermann Bondi (1 Nov.1919-10 Sept.2005) :

Austrian-born British mathematician and cosmologist
who, with Fred Hoyle and Thomas Gold, formulated the
steady-state theory of the universe (1948). Their theory
addressed a crucial problem: “How do the stars continu-
ally recede without disappearing altogether?” Their ex-
planation was that the universe is ever-expanding, with-
out a beginning and without an end. Further, they said,
since the universe must be expanding, new matter must be continually created in
order to keep the density constant, by the interchange of matter and energy. The
theory was eclipsed in 1965, when Arno Penzias and Robert Wilson discovered a

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radiation background in microwaves giving convincing support to the “big bang”
theory of creation which is now accepted.

“Sometimes I am a little unkind to all my many friends in education

... by saying that from the time it learns to talk every child makes a
dreadful nuisance of itself by asking ‘Why?’. To stop this nuisance so-
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ciety has invented a marvellous system called education which, for the
majority of people, brings to an end their desire to ask that question.
The few failures of this system are known as scientists.”
HB

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Problems 2 INPhO-2007

2 INPhO-2007
Indian National Physics Olympiad - 2007
INPhO-2007 Jan. 28, 2007
Maximum Marks: 80

1. The polar coordinates of a particle of mass m moving in a trajectory under

the influence of a force F~ are given by: r = at and θ = ωt, where a and ω are
constants. Note acceleration in polar coordinates is

ar = r̈ − rθ̇2 , aθ = rθ̈ + 2ṙθ̇

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(a) State the momentum vector p~ and the force vector F~ .
(b) Evaluate the work done ∆W = F~ · d~r explicitly if the initial radial
R

distance of the particle is negligible and the final distance is r.

(c) Sketch the trajectory. [6]

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2. A small spherical ball undergoes an elastic collision with a rough horizontal
surface. Before the collision, it is moving at an angle θ to the horizontal (see
Fig. (8)). You may assume that the frictional force obeys the law f = µN
during the contact period, where N is the normal reaction on the ball and µ
is the coefficient of friction.
y

x
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θ Surface

Figure 8: Problem 2

(a) Obtain θm (µ) so that the subsequent horizontal range of the ball after
leaving the horizontal surface is maximized.
(b) State the allowed range of θm .
[10]
3. A cylindrical block of length 0.4 m and uniform area of cross section 0.04 m2 is
placed in concentric contact with a metal disc of mass 0.4 kg and of the same
cross section (see Fig. (9)). The left face (A) of the cylinder is maintained
at a constant temperature of 400 K and the initial temperature of the disc is
θi = 280.0 K . If the thermal conductivity of the material of the cylinder is 10
W·m−1 ·K−1 and the specific heat of the material of the disc is

C = C0 [1 + α(θ − θi )]

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 2 INPhO-2007 Problems

where C0 = 600.0 J·kg−1 ·K−1 and α = 0.010 K−1 , then:

Cylinder

111
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A 000
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Figure 9: Problem 3

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(a) How long will it take for the temperature of the disc to increase to 340 K?
Assume that there is no heat loss from the disc.
(b) Repeat the exercise of part (3a) if the specific heat of the disc was C = C0 ,
i.e. temperature independent.
(c) Which process, (3a) or (3b) takes longer time? Why?

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Assume that no heat is lost by radiation or convection and that the process of
heat transfer is solely conduction. [10]

4. A transparent sphere of radius R and refractive index n is at rest on a hori-

zontal surface. A ray of light is incident parallel to the vertical diameter and
at a distance d from it.
diameter

d
ray
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Figure 10: Problem 4

(a) Obtain an expression for d in terms of refractive index n and radius R

such that the ray intersects the diameter at the point of emergence (see
Fig. (10)).
(b) What is the allowed range of n for the above possibility to occur?

[8]

5. (a) Find the electric field due to an infinite line of charge with linear charge
density λ at a distance r from the line.
(b) Using a point at perpendicular distance a from the line charge (i.e. r = a)
as a reference, find the potential at a distance r from the line.

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Problems 2 INPhO-2007

(c) Now two line charges, with densities λ and −λ are kept distance 2d
apart as shown in Fig. (11). Consider a plane perpendicular to the line
charges (e.g. the plane of this paper). Obtain explicit expression for the
equipotential lines in this plane.

−λ +λ

2d
Figure 11: Problem 5

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(d) Make a clear plot of these equipotential lines and comment briefly on
them. State the shape of the equipotential surfaces.
(e) Now these line charges start moving parallel to each other with speed v.
Obtain the speed at which the magnitudes of electric and magnetic forces
are equal to each other.

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6. An equilateral triangle of side S carrying a current I1 is placed with its base

at a distance a from an infinite straight wire carrying a current I2 parallel to
the base (see Fig. (12)).

I1
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(0,0) x

(0, −a) I2

Figure 12: Problem 6

(a) Find the force on the triangle.

(b) Sketch the magnitude of this force as a function of S/a.

[6]

7. A narrow beam of monochromatic light from source S of wave length 6000.0 Å

moves along the positive x-axis and is incident on mirror M. The area vector
of M is 0.04(−ı̂ + ̂) m2 . The mirror has reflectivity unity, in other words the
mirror is a perfect reflector. An electrically insulated metal surface of total
area 0.04 m2 is placed parallel to x-axis and above the mirror to receive the
reflected beam (see Fig. (13)). The work function of the metal is 1.90 eV, its
photoelectric efficiency is 10.0% and generated photoelectrons are immediately
removed from the neighbourhood. The power of the source is 60.0 W. Assume
the metal surface to be large and ignore edge effects. Find out:

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 2 INPhO-2007 Problems

y
1111
0000
Metal Surface
0000
1111

Mirror

111111111
000000000
S
000000000
111111111 x
Beam

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z

Figure 13: Problem 7

(a) The force exerted by the beam on the mirror.

(b) The surface charge density on the metal surface after 10 seconds.
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(c) The energy density due to the electric field after 10 seconds.
(d) The range of kinetic energy of emitted electrons.

8. Height of the Atmosphere

[10]

Consider a simplified model for the height to which the atmosphere extends
above the earth’s surface. In this model the atmosphere consists of the di-
atomic gases oxygen and nitrogen in the proportion 21:79 respectively. We
assume that the atmosphere is an ideal gas and air processes are adiabatic.

(a) Obtain an expression for the lapse rate Γ (change in temperature T with
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height z above the earth’s surface) in terms of γ, R, g and ma . Here γ is
the ratio of specific heat at constant pressure to specific heat at constant
volume; g, the acceleration due to gravity; R, the gas constant; and ma ,
the relevant atomic mass.
(b) What is the change in temperature when we ascend a height of one kilo-
meter?
(c) Consider the above model and express the pressure as a function of the
height z, the lapse rate Γ and the constants {ma , g, and R}. You may
assume that at z = 0, the surface temperature T = T0 and pressure
p = p0 .
(d) According to this model what is the height to which the atmosphere
extends? Take T0 = 300 K and p0 = 1 atm.

[10]

9. The Metal Detector

We consider a simple model of the metal detector with a coil (field coil) of
radius Rf and concentric and coplanar smaller coil (called the pick-up coil) of
radius Rp . The number of turns in the field and pick-up coils are Nf and Np
respectively. A sinusoidal current I(t) is passed through field coil.

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Problems 2 INPhO-2007

(a) State the magnetic field B at the centre of the set-up due to I(t).
(b) We approximate the magnetic field throughout the interior of the smaller
coil by the magnetic field calculated in part (9a). Obtain an expression
for the induced emf in the pick-up coil.
[Note that this approximation underestimates the flux by about the 10%.]
(c) Given the following values:
f = 5000 Hz
maximum current I0 = 0.5 A
maximum induced emf E0 = 0.25 V
Rp = 0.025 m

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Rf = 0.05 m.
Calculate the product Np Nf .
(d) What is the mutual inductance on the field coil due to the pick up coil?
(e) The optimization problem is to use the least amount of wire with the
given quantities in part (9c) being kept fixed. Under these constraints
determine the allowed ranges of Np and Nf individually.

i. Iron
ii. Wood
iii. Copper
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(f) Qualitatively describe what happens to the induced emf when you place
small disks of the following material at the centre of the pick-up coil:

[10]
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 2 INPhO-2007 Problems

Metal Detector: The operation of metal detectors

is based upon the principle of electromagnetic induction.
Metal detectors contain one or more inductor coils that
are used to interact with metallic elements which are of-
ten hidden or invisible. A pulsing current is applied to
the coil, which then induces a magnetic field. When the
magnetic field of the coil moves across metal, such as a
coin, the field induces electric currents (called eddy cur-
rents) in the coin. The eddy currents induce their own magnetic field which generates

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an opposite current in the coil, which in turn induces a signal indicating the presence
of metal.

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Problems 3 INPhO-2008

3 INPhO-2008
Indian National Physics Olympiad - 2008
INPhO-2008 Feb. 03, 2008
Maximum Marks: 80

1. We define three quantities as follow:

A = me c2 , B = h/me c, C = e2 /20 ch

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where me is electron mass and other symbols have their usual meanings. For
the hydrogen atom, express the radius of the nth Bohr orbit rn , the energy
level En , and the Rydberg constant R in terms of any two of {A, B, C }.
[5]

2. Consider a ball which is projected horizontally with speed u from the edge of a
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cliff of height H as shown in the Fig. (14). There is air resistance proportional
to the velocity in both x and y direction i.e. the motion in the x (y) direction
has air resistance with the deceleration given by the c vx (c vy ) where c is the
proportionality constant and vx (vy ) is the component of the instantaneous
velocity in the x (y) direction. Take the downward direction to be negative.
The acceleration due to gravity is g. Take the origin of the system to be at
the bottom of the cliff as shown in Fig. (14).

1111111111
0000000000
0000000000
1111111111
y=H 0000000000
1111111111
0000000000
1111111111
0000000000
1111111111
0000000000
1111111111
0000000000
1111111111
0000000000
1111111111
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0000000000
1111111111
0000000000
1111111111
0000000000
1111111111
0000000000
1111111111
y

0000000000
1111111111
0000000000
1111111111 x
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Figure 14: Problem 2

(a) Obtain expressions for x(t) and y(t).

(b) Obtain the expression for the equation of trajectory.
(c) Make a qualitative, comparative sketch of the trajectories with and with-
out air resistance.
(d) Given that height of cliff is H = 500 m and c = 0.05 s−1 , obtain the ap-
proximate time in which the ball reaches the ground. Take g = 10 m·s−2 .

[12]

3. Free Standing Tower

Consider a tower of constant density (ρ) and cross sectional area (A) (see Fig.

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 3 INPhO-2008 Problems

(15)) at the earth’s equator. The tower has a counter weight at one end. It is
free standing. In other words its weight is balanced by the outward centrifugal
weight so that it exerts no force on the ground beneath it and tension in the
tower is zero at both ends. Consider the earth to be an isolated heavenly body
and ignore gravitational effects due to the other heavenly bodies such as moon.
Further assume that there is no bending of the tower.

counter weight
111
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rotation
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Earth

Figure 15: Problem 3

R

(a) Draw the free body diagram of the small element of this tower at distance
r from the centre of the earth.
(b) Let T (r) be the tensile stress (tension per unit area) in the tower. Use
Newton’s equations to write down the equation for dT (r)/dr in terms of
G, ρ, geostationary height Rg from the earth’s centre and earth’s mass
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M.
(c) Taking the boundary condition (T (R) = T (H) = 0), obtain the height
of tower H in terms of R and Rg . Note that R is the radius of earth.
Calculate the value of H.
(d) The tensile stress in the tower changes as we move from r = R to r = H.
Sketch this tensile stress T (r).
(e) Steel has density of ρ = 7.9 × 103 kg·m−3 . Its breaking tensile strength is
6.37 GPa. Calculate the maximum stress in the tower. State if a tower
made of steel would be feasible.
Note: M = 5.98×1024 kg; R = 6370 km ; Rg = 42 300 km

[12]

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Problems 3 INPhO-2008

Counterweight

Geosynchronous
orbit

Centre of mass
Cable for the elevator

Climber

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Earth

Space elevator: The space elevator seems like an idea out of a science fiction
movie. Put simply its a giant elevator from earth running up to a satellite
in space. As crazy as it sounds, a lot of people believe it could work. The
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technology is based on nanotubes, and they believe that they could create a
ribbon cable that could hold a tremendous amount of weight. A runner car
will then go up and down on this cable.

4. Two identical walls, each of width w (= 0.01 m), are separated by a distance
d (= 0.10 m) as shown in Fig. (16). Temperatures of the external face of the
walls are fixed (T1 and T2 , T2 > T1 ). Coefficient of thermal conductivity of
wall is kw = 0.72 W·m−1 ·K−1 . We define
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T1 + T2
T0 = , ∆ = T2 − T1 and δ = T 00 − T 0 (1)
2
where T 0 and T 00 are the temperatures of the internal face of the walls 1 and
2 respectively. Then δ will depend on the type of heat transfer process in
central region (of width d) between the walls i.e. on the conduction, radiation
or convection heat transfer. Assume that the heat transfer is a steady state
process.

11111
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Wall 1
1111
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Wall 2
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11111
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11111 0000
1111
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11111 T ’’ 1111
0000
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1111
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11111 0000
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T1 =270 K11111
00000
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11111 0000
1111
0000
1111T2 =298 K .

00000
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11111 0000
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11111
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11111 0000
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11111 0000
1111
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11111 0000
1111
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w d w

Figure 16: Problem 4

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 3 INPhO-2008 Problems

(a) Write down the expression for heat transfer flux qw (W·m−2 ) inside the
wall 1 in terms of kw , T1 , T 0 , and w. Similarly also write the expression
for wall 2.
(b) Rewrite qw in terms of ∆, δ, kw , and w.

As mentioned above, in the central region between the walls, heat is trans-
mitted by conduction, convection and radiation. Also due to the steady state
process, the corresponding fluxes are equal to qw . In what follows we will cal-
culate the heat transfer fluxes between the walls due to these three processes
each of these processes being considered separately.

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Radiation process will take place without the presence of material medium
in the central region between the walls. We assume that the central region
between the walls is vacuum. Let  be the emissivity of the walls and E1 and
E2 be the total heat flux due to radiation from wall 1 to 2 and vice versa. Thus
E1 = σT 0 4 + (1 − )E2 where σ is the Stefan-Boltzmann constant. Similarly
one may write the equation for E2 .

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(c) The net heat transfer is qr = E2 − E1 . Write the expression for qr in
terms of , T 00 , and T 0 .
(d) Rewrite qr in terms of {kw , ∆, T0 , σ,  and w}.
[ Hint: Eliminate δ using δ 2 << T0 2 . ]
(e) Calculate qr if  = 0.9.

In the following two parts we are considering only convection between the
walls.

(f) Now we assume that central region is filled with air of coefficient of ther-
mal conductivity ka . In this condition, convected heat transfer between
walls will take place. Equation for flux due to this process is given by
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Nu ka 00
qcv = (T − T 0 )
d
where Nu is called the Nusselt number and for the given system Nu = 6.4.
Due to the steady state nature of the process qw = qcv . Express qcv in
terms of {kw , ka , ∆, w, d, and Nu }.
(g) Calculate the value of qcv if ka = 0.026 W·m−1 ·K−1 .
(h) Instead of air, the central region is now filled with sheathing material
having coefficient of thermal conductivity ks . Hence heat transfer will
take place by conduction between walls. Express heat transfer flux qcd
in terms of {ks , kw , d, w, and ∆}. We assume that no radiation passes
through sheathing material.
(i) Taking ks = 0.05 W·m−1 ·K−1 , calculate the value of qcd .
(j) Considering all possible heat transfer process in the central region be-
tween the walls, which insulation (sheathing, air, or vacuum) is the most
efficient?

[16]

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Problems 3 INPhO-2008

5. Sunlight falls on the convex surface of the plano - convex lens of aperture
0.080 m. The radius of curvature of the convex surface of the lens is 0.100 m.
The refractive indices of the material of the lens for extreme red and violet
colours of sunlight are 1.600 and 1.700 respectively. [Given that: Radius of
the Sun = 6.96 × 108 m, Distance between Sun and Earth = 1.5 × 1011 m.]

(a) Calculate the positions of the observed image of the Sun with violet and
red centre.
(b) Calculate the sizes of the observed image of the sun with violet and red
centre.

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[10]

6. Determination of The Speed of Light:

The speed of light maybe determined by an electrical circuit using low fre-
quency ac fields only. Consider the arrangement shown in the Fig. (17). A
sinusoidally varying voltage V0 cos(2πf t) is applied to a parallel plate capaci-
CS
tor C1 of radius a and separation s and also to the capacitor C2 . The charge
flowing into and out of C2 constitutes the current in the two rings of radii b
and separation h. When the voltage is turned off the two sides (the capacitor
C1 on one side and the rings on the other) are exactly balanced. Ignore wire
resistance, inductance and gravitational effects.

h b
s a
HB
C1

C2
V0 cos2πft

Figure 17: Problem 6

(a) Obtain an expression for the time-averaged force between the plates of
C1 .
(b) Obtain an expression for the time-averaged force between the rings. The
magnetic force between the two rings maybe approximated by those due
to long straight wires since b >> h.
(c) Assume that C2 and the various distances are so adjusted that the time-
averaged downward force on the upper plate of C1 is exactly balanced
by the time-averaged downward force on the upper ring. Under these
conditions obtain an expression for the speed of light.

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 3 INPhO-2008 Problems

(d) Numerically estimate the speed of light given that: a = 0.10 m, s = 0.005
m, b = 0.50 m, h = 0.02 m, f = 60.0 Hz, C1 = 1.00 nF (nano-farad) and
C2 = 632 µF (micro-farad).
[Hint: Not all the given quantities are required to obtain the estimate.]

[12]

7. An N turn metallic ring of radius a, resistance R, and inductance L is held

~ whose magnitude
fixed with its axis along a spatially uniform magnetic field B
is given by B0 sin(ωt).

E
(a) Set up the emf equation for the current i in the ring.
(b) Assuming that in the steady state i oscillates with the same frequency ω
as the magnetic field, obtain the expression for i.
(c) Obtain the force per unit length. Further obtain its oscillatory part and
the time-averaged compressional part.
CS
(d) Calculate the time-averaged compressional force per unit length given
that B0 = 1.00 tesla, N = 10, a = 10.0 cm, ω = 1000.0 rad·s−1 , R = 10.0
Ω, L = 100.0 mH.
(e) Answer the following two questions without providing rigorous justifica-
tion:
i. For ω/2π = 60 Hz, the ring emits a humming sound. What is the
frequency of this sound?
ii. A capacitor is included in the circuit. How does this affect the force
on the ring?
[13]
HB

© HBCSE-TIFR 26
Problems 4 INPhO-2009

4 INPhO-2009
Indian National Physics Olympiad - 2009
INPhO-2009 Feb. 01, 2009
Maximum Marks: 70

Note: Questions 1-38 is a set of multiple choice questions. Only one of the given
choices is the best choice. Select this most appropriate choice.

1. A block of weight 200 N is at rest on a rough inclined plane of inclination

E
angle θ = 300 . The inclined plane is at rest in the earth’s inertial frame. Then
the magnitude of the force the plane exerts on the block is
√
(a) 100 3 N.
(b) 100 N
(c) 200 N
(d) zero.
CS
2. A spatially uniform magnetic field B~ exists in the circular region S and this
field is decreasing in magnitude with time at a constant rate (see Fig. (18)).

1111111
0000000
0000000
1111111
0000000
1111111
0000000
1111111
S
0000000
1111111
0000000
1111111
0000000
1111111 C1

C2
HB
Figure 18: Problem 2

The wooden ring C1 and the conducting ring C2 are concentric with the mag-
netic field. The magnetic field is perpendicular to the plane of the figure.
Then

(a) there is no induced electric field in C1 .

(b) there is an induced electric field in C1 and its magnitude is greater than
the magnitude of the induced electric field in C2 .
(c) there is an induced electric field in C2 and its magnitude is greater than
the induced electric field in C1 .
(d) there is no induced electric field in C2 .

3. During negative β decay, an anti-neutrino is also emitted along with the ejected
electron. Then

(a) only linear momentum will be conserved.

(b) total linear momentum and total angular momentum but not total energy
will be conserved.
(c) total liner momentum and total energy but not total angular momentum
will be conserved.

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 4 INPhO-2009 Problems

(d) total linear momentum, total angular momentum and total energy will
be conserved.

4. Five identical balls each of mass m and radius r are strung like beads at
random and at rest along a smooth, rigid horizontal thin rod of length L,
mounted between immovable supports (see Fig. (19)).

E
11111111111111
00000000000000
Figure 19: Problem 4

CS
Assume 10r < L and that the collision between balls or between balls and
supports are elastic. If one ball is struck horizontally so as to acquire a speed
v, the magnitude of the average force felt by the support is

(a)
5mv 2
L − 5r
mv 2
(b)
L − 10r
5mv 2
(c)
L − 10r
HB
mv 2
(d)
L − 5r
5. In Young’s double slit experiment, one of the slits is wider than the other, so
that the amplitude of the light from one slit is double that from the other slit.
If Im be the maximum intensity, the resultant intensity when they interfere at
phase difference φ is given by
 
Im 2 φ
(a) 1 + 2 cos
3 2
 
Im 2 φ
(b) 1 + 4 cos
5 2
 
Im 2 φ
(c) 1 + 8 cos
9 2
 
Im φ
(d) 8 + cos2
9 2

6. A point luminous object (O) is at a distance h from front face of a glass slab
of width d and of refractive index n. On the back face of slab is a reflecting
plane mirror. An observer sees the image of object in mirror (see Fig. (20)).

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Problems 4 INPhO-2009

Observer

111111111111
000000000000
000000000000
111111111111
Figure 20: Problem 6

E
Distance of image from front face as seen by observer will be
2d
(a) h +
n
(b) 2h + 2d
(c) h + d

(d) h +
d
n
CS
7. A uniform wire of diameter 0.04 cm and length 60 cm made of steel (density
8000 kg·m−3 ) is tied at both ends under a tension of 80 N. Transverse vibrations
of frequency about 700 Hz will be predominant if the wire is plucked at

(a) 15 cm and held at 30 cm.

(b) 10 cm and held at 20 cm.
(c) 30 cm.
(d) 20 cm and held at 40 cm.
HB
8. Consider a circle of radius R. A point √ charge lies at a distance a from its
centre and on its axis such that R = a 3. If electric flux passing through the
circle is φ then the magnitude of the point charge is
√
(a) 30 φ
(b) 20 φ
√
(c) 40 φ/ 3
(d) 40 φ

9. A uniform tube 60 cm long, stands vertically with lower end dipping into
water. When its length above water is 14.8 cm and successively again when it
is 48 cm, the tube resonates to a vibrating tuning fork of frequency 512 Hz.
The lowest frequency to which this tube can resonate when it is taken out of
water is nearly

(a) 275 Hz
(b) 267 Hz
(c) 283 Hz
(d) 256 Hz

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 4 INPhO-2009 Problems

10. A binary star has a period (T ) of 2 earth years while distance L between its
components having masses M1 and M2 is four astronomical units. If M1 = MS
where MS is the mass of Sun, the mass of other component M2 is
(a) 3MS
(b) 7 MS
(c) 15 MS
(d) MS
Note: The earth - sun distance is one astronomical unit.

E
11. A uniform rod of mass 2M is bent into four adjacent semicircles each of radius
r all lying in the same plane (see Fig. (21)). The moment of inertia of the
bent rod about an axis through one end A and perpendicular to plane of rod
is

(a)
(b)
22M r2
88M r2
A CS r

Figure 21: Problem 11

(c) 44M r2
(d) 66M r2

12. Two pulses on the same string are described by the following wave equations:
5 −5
HB
y1 = 2
and y2 = .
(3x − 4t) + 2 (3x + 4t − 6)2 + 2
Choose the INCORRECT statement.
(a) Pulse y1 and pulse y2 travel along +ve and -ve x axis respectively.
(b) At t = 0.75 s, displacement at all points on the string is zero.
(c) At x = 1 m displacement is zero for all times.
(d) Energy of string is zero at t = 0.75 s.
13. A ray of light enters at grazing angle of incidence into an assembly of five
isosceles right-angled prisms having refractive indices µ1 , µ2 , µ3 , µ4 and µ5
respectively (see Fig. (22)).
µ2 µ
4
µ1 µ3 µ
5

Figure 22: Problem 13

The ray also emerges out at grazing angle. Then

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Problems 4 INPhO-2009

(a) µ21 + µ23 + µ25 = 1 + µ22 + µ24

(b) µ21 + µ23 + µ25 = 2 + µ22 + µ24
(c) µ21 + µ23 + µ25 = µ22 + µ24
(d) none of the above

14. The circuit shown in Fig. (23)) is allowed to reach steady state and then a
soft iron core is quickly inserted in the coil such that the coefficient of self
inductance changes from L to nL.

E
R
+ −

Figure 23: Problem 14

(a) E/R
(b) nE/R
CS
The current in the circuit at the time of complete insertion is

(c) E/nR
(d) zero

15. Consider an infinitely extending gas cloud in space with two “rigid” spherical
vacuum cavities (see Fig. (24)).
HB
Vacuum Vacuum
cavity cavity

Figure 24: Problem 15

Consider only gravitational forces between gas molecules. Then

(a) the cavities would come closer to each other.

(b) the cavities would move away from each other.
(c) the cavities would be static.
(d) the motion of cavities would depend on the size of cavities.

Questions (16) and (17) are based on Fig. (25) and following infor-
mation.

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 4 INPhO-2009 Problems

v x
m

Figure 25: Problems 16 and 17

E
A rod of mass m and length l is hinged at one end O. A particle of mass m
travelling with speed v collides with the rod at a distance x from the centre
of mass of the rod such that the reaction force at the hinge is zero.

16. Then for the system

CS
(a) linear momentum is conserved.
(b) angular momentum is not conserved about point O.
(c) Linear momentum is not conserved and angular momentum about point
O is conserved.
(d) the mechanical energy is conserved.

17. Then

(a) x = l/6.
(b) x = l/2.
(c) x = l/3.
HB
(d) x = l/4.

18. Consider a huge charge reservoir at potential V . A spherical capacitor C1 is

brought in contact with the charge reservoir and then removed. Next another
spherical capacitor C2 is brought in contact with C1 and removed. We repeat
this process a large number of times. Assume that potential of reservoir does
not change during this exercise. Then the charge on C2 after a very long time
is

(a) C2 V
(b) C1 V
(c) C2 C1 V /(C1 + C2 )
(d) (C1 + C2 )V

19. A particle of mass 1 kg is taken along the path ABCDE from A to E (see
Fig. (26)). The two “hills” are of heights 50 m and 100 m and the horizontal
distance AE is 20 m while the path length is 400
√ m. The coefficient of friction
−2
of the surface is 0.1. Take g = 10 m·s and 3 = 1.73. The minimum work
on the mass required to accomplish this is

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Problems 4 INPhO-2009

D
B
C

1111111111111111111111111111
0000000000000000000000000000
0000000000000000000000000000
1111111111111111111111111111
0000000000000000000000000000
1111111111111111111111111111
A E

Figure 26: Problem 19

(a) 20 J
(b) 173 J
(c) 400 J

E
(d) 0J

20. Two positrons (e+ ) and two protons (p) are kept on four corners of a square
of side a as shown in Fig. (27). The mass of proton is much larger than
the mass of positron. Let q denote the charge on the proton as well as the
positron. Then the kinetic energies of one of the positrons and one of the
CS
protons respectively after a very long time will be

e+ p

p e+
Figure 27: Problem 20
HB
q2 q2
   
1 1
(a) 1+ √ , 1+ √
4π0 a 2 2 4π0 a 2 2
2 2
q q
(b) , √
2π0 a 4 2π0 a
2
q q2
(c) ,
4π0 a 4π0 a
2
q2
 
q 1
(d) 1+ √ , √
2π0 a 4 2 8 2π0 a
21. An electrostatic field line leaves at angle α from point charge q1 , and connects
with point charge −q2 at angle β (see Fig. (28)).

α β
+q −q2
1

Figure 28: Problem 21

Then the relationship between α and β is

© HBCSE-TIFR 33
 4 INPhO-2009 Problems

(a) q1 sin2 α = q2 sin2 β.

(b) q1 tan α = q2 tan β.
α β
(c) q1 sin2 = q2 sin2 .
2 2
(d) q1 cos α = q2 cos β.

22. A square metal frame in the vertical plane is hinged at O at its centre (see
Fig. (29)).

E
O
l
P N
CS Figure 29: Problem 22

A bug moves along the rod P N which is at a distance l from the hinge, such
that the whole frame is always stationary, even though the frame is free to
rotate in the vertical plane about the hinge. Then the motion of the bug will
be simple harmonic, with time period,
p
(a) 2π l/g
p
(b) 2π 2l/g
HB
p
(c) 2π 4l/g
p
(d) 2π l/2g

[ Hint: There is a frictional force between the rod and the bug. ]

23. A long flexible inextensible rope of uniform linear mass density λ is being
pulled on a rough floor with horizontal force F~ in such a way that its lower
part is at rest and upper part moves with constant speed v (see Fig. (30)).
The magnitude of F~ will be

111111111111111
000000000000000
F
000000000000000
111111111111111
000000000000000
111111111111111
Figure 30: Problem 23

(a) 2λv 2
(b) λv 2
(c) λv 2 /2
(d) some function of time and not constant.

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Problems 4 INPhO-2009

24. A particle moving with initial velocity ~vi = (3ı̂ + 5̂) m·s−1 collides with a
smooth plane wall placed at some orientation to the particle’s trajectory. The
resulting velocity of the particle is ~vf = (−2ı̂ − ̂) m·s−1 . The coefficient of
restitution for this collision is

(a) 16/33
(b) 5/34
(c) 16/45
(d) 8/45

E
25. A long straight wire is carrying current I1 in +z direction. The x-y plane con-
tains a closed circular loop carrying current I2 and not encircling the straight
wire. The force on the loop will be

(a) µ0 I1 I2 /2π.
(b) µ0 I1 I2 /4π.
(c) zero.
CS
(d) depends on the distance of the centre of the loop from the wire.

26. A uniform electric field E~ in the y-direction and uniform magnetic field B
~ in
the x-direction exists in free space. A particle of mass m and carrying charge
q is projected from the origin with speed v0 along the y-axis. The speed of
particle as a function of its y coordinate will be
r
2qEy
(a) v02 +
m
HB
r
4qEy
(b) v02 −
m
r
qEy
(c) v02 +
m
(d) v0 .

27. The atmospheric pressure on the earth’s surface is P in MKS units. A table
of area 2 m2 is tilted at 450 to the horizontal. The force on the table due to
the atmosphere is (in newtons)

(a) 2P
√
(b) 2P
√
(c) 2 2P
√
(d) P/ 2

28. The shear modulus of lead is 2 × 109 Pa. A cubic lead slab of side 50 cm is
subjected to a shearing force of magnitude 9.0 × 104 N on its narrow face (see
Fig. (31)).

© HBCSE-TIFR 35
 4 INPhO-2009 Problems

∆l

50 cm

1111111111111
0000000000000
0000000000000
1111111111111bottom is riveted to the floor .
0000000000000
1111111111111
Figure 31: Problem 28

E
The displacement of the upper edge is δl, where δl is

(a) 2 × 10−3 m
(b) 5 × 10−4 m
(c) 4 × 10−4 m
(d) 9 × 10−5 m
CS
29. In a moving coil galvanometer the number of turns N = 24, area of the coil
A = 2 × 10−3 m2 , and the magnetic field strength B = 0.2 T. To increase its
current sensitivity by 25% we

(a) Increase B to 0.30 T

(b) Decrease A to 1.5 × 10−3 m2
(c) Increase N to 30
HB
(d) None of the above.

30. Which of the following statement is TRUE ?

(a) Sound waves cannot interfere.

(b) Only light waves may interfere.
(c) The de Broglie waves associated with moving particles can interfere.
(d) The Bragg formula for crystal structure is an example of the corpuscular
nature of electromagnetic radiation.

31. Two metallic rods AB and BC of different materials are joined together at
the junction B (see Fig. (32)). It is observed that if the ends A and C are
kept at 1000 C and 00 C respectively, the temperature of the junction B is
600 C. There is no loss of heat to the surroundings. The rod BC is replaced
by another rod BC 0 of the same material and length (BC = BC 0 ). If the
area of cross-section of BC 0 is twice that of BC and the ends A and C 0 are
maintained at 1000 C and 00 C respectively, the temperature of the junction B
will be nearly

© HBCSE-TIFR 36
Problems 4 INPhO-2009

100oC 60oC 0oC

(A) .
A B C
o o
100 C 0 C
( 2A) .
A B C
Figure 32: Problem 31

E
(a) 290 C
(b) 330 C
(c) 600 C
(d) 430 C

32. Three closed vessels A, B and C are at the same temperature (T ) and contain
CS
gases which obey the Maxwellian distribution of velocities. The vessel A con-
tains only O2 , B only N2 and C a mixture of equal quantities of O2 and N2 .
If the average speed of the N2 molecules in vessel B is V2 and that of oxygen
molecules in A is V1 , the average speed of N2 molecules in C is

(a)
(b)
(V1 + V2 )/2
(V1 − V2 )/2
(c) V
p2
(d) (V1 V2 )

33. When a system is taken from state a to state b along the path a − c − b (see
Fig. (33)), 60 J of heat flows into the system and 30 J of work are done by
the system. Along the path a − d − b, if the work done by the system is 10 J,
HB
heat flow into the system is

c b

a d

Figure 33: Problem 33

(a) 100 J
(b) 20 J
(c) 80 J
(d) 40 J

© HBCSE-TIFR 37
 4 INPhO-2009 Problems

34. Two identical piano strings, when stretched with the same tension T0 , have
a fundamental frequency of 300 Hz. The tension in one of the strings is in-
creased to (T0 + ∆ T ) and 3 beats per second occur when both strings vibrate
simultaneously. (∆ T /T0 ) × 100 is

(a) 2
(b) 3
(c) 1
(d) 4

35. The half life of a certain radioactive material (z X 100 ) is 6.93×106 s. In order to

E
have an activity of 6.0×108 disintegrations per second, the amount of material
needed is nearly

(a) 10−9 kg
(b) 10−16 kg
(c) 10−6 kg
10−4 kg
(d)
CS
36. Sound of frequency 1000 Hz from a stationary source is reflected from an object
approaching the source at 30 m·s−1 , back to a stationary observer located at
the source. The speed of sound in air is 330 m·s−1 . The frequency of the sound
heard by the observer is

(a) 1200 Hz
(b) 1000 Hz
(c) 1090 Hz
(d) 1100 Hz

37. Current (I) - applied voltage (V ) characteristics are shown in Fig. (34). Pos-
HB
sible observed plot(s) for a photoelectric setup is (are):

I
II
III

IV
(0,0) V

Figure 34: Problem 37

(a) only II.

(b) I and II.
(c) II and III.
(d) II and IV.

© HBCSE-TIFR 38
Problems 4 INPhO-2009

38. A triply ionized beryllium (Be+++ ) has the some orbital radius as the ground
state of hydrogen. Then the quantum state n of Be+++ is

(a) n = 1
(b) n = 2
(c) n = 3
(d) n = 4

39. One mole of gas undergoes a linear process as shown in Fig. (35).

E
P0

CS (0,0) V0

Figure 35: Problem 39

(a) Express P in terms of {V, V0 , P0 }.

V

(b) Assuming that the gas is ideal, obtain the expression for T in terms of
gas constant R and {V, V0 , P0 }.
(c) Obtain the expression for volume change with temperature (dV /dT ) in
terms of {R, V, V0 , P0 }.
(d) Let Tmax be the maximum temperature in the process. Express Tmax in
HB
terms of {V0 , P0 , R}.
(e) Sketch the T − V diagram. (T on y-axis and V on x-axis.)
(f) Let Cp /Cv = γ, where Cp (Cv ) is specific heat at constant pressure (vol-
ume). Express heat capacity Cv in terms of R and γ.
(g) Using the first law of thermodynamics, obtain the expression for specific
heat C for the above linear process in terms of {R, γ, V0 , V }.
(h) Suppose mixture consists of half mole of mono atomic and half mole of
diatomic gas. Obtain γ for this mixture.
(i) For the mixture described in Part (39h), obtain C in terms of {R, V, V0 }.
(j) Plot C/R (on y-axis) vs V /V0 (x-axis).

[13]

© HBCSE-TIFR 39
 4 INPhO-2009 Problems

400 years of telescope: Dutch eyeglass-maker Hans Lippershey first tried to

patent the telescope in October 1608, and his invention was soon a big hit in Eu-
rope as a tool for insider trading. Futures contracts were in vogue, and spying a
cargo ship first had financial benefits. The telescope also redefined our universe:
In 1608, Earth was the centre of God’s perfect Creation. By 1610, Galileo showed
that Jupiter had moons, Earth’s moon had mountains, and the Catholic church was
fallible. Four centuries on, we know we are a mere speck in a universe of wonders.

Focus
−incoming light is Objective lens
bent into a bright −gathers light and bends

E
point
it into focus

Pupil of the eye

Eyepiece Incoming light

CS −brings the bright image from

the focus and magnifies it to the
size of your eye’s pupil

Galileo Galilei (15 Feb.1564-8 Jan.1642) : Italian natural philosopher, astronomer,

and mathematician who applied the new techniques of the scientific method to make
significant discoveries in physics and astronomy. His great accomplishments include
perfecting (though not inventing) the telescope and consequent contributions to as-
tronomy. He studied the science of motion, inertia, the law of falling bodies, and
parabolic trajectories. His formulation of the scientific method parallels the writ-
ings of Francis Bacon. His progress came at a price, since his ideas were in conflict
with religious dogma. He believed the Earth revolved around the Sun. For this, he
was interrogated by the Inquisition, was put on trial, found guilty and sentenced
HB
to indefinite imprisonment. For renouncing his former beliefs before the Cardinals
that judged him, he was allowed to serve this time instead under house-arrest.
“In questions of science the authority of a thousand is not worth the
humble reasoning of a single individual.”

© HBCSE-TIFR 40