Question 1 16 marks

(a) A particle is travelling along a flat frictionless surface with a velocity described
by the equation 2𝑖̂ + 3𝑡2𝑗̂. Initially at 𝑡 = 0, it has a position of (0,0).

(i) Calculate the speed of the particle at time 𝑡 = 3.0 s.

𝒗(𝑡) = 2𝒊 + 3𝑡2𝒋 @ 𝑡 = 0, 𝑥 = (0,0)

𝑣(3) = 2𝑖̂ + 3(33)𝑗̂ = 2𝒊 + 27𝒋

(ii) Calculate, using (𝑖̂, 𝑗̂) notation, the acceleration of the particle at 𝑡 = 3.0 s.
𝑑𝑣(𝑡)
𝑎(𝑡) = = 2𝑖̂ + 6𝑡𝑗̂
𝑑𝑡
𝑎(3) = 6(3)𝒋 = 18𝒋

(iii) Calculate, using (𝑖̂, 𝑗̂) notation, the position of the particle at time 𝑡 = 3.0 s.

𝒙(𝑡) = ∫ 𝒗(𝑡)𝑑𝑡 = 2𝑡𝒊 + 𝑡3𝒋 + 𝑐

→ 𝑐 = 0 ∴ 𝒙(𝑡) = 2𝑡𝒊 + 𝑡3𝒋
𝑥(3) = 2(3)𝒊 + (3) 𝒋 = 6𝒊 + 27𝒋
3

(b) In the movie Skyscraper, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, jumps from a crane into a
burning skyscraper to save his family.

(i) Let’s first consider a practice jump on land. Calculate the “take-off” speed,
𝑣0, of The Rock if he jumps at 45° degrees above the horizontal and lands 8.0
m away. Ignore the effects of air resistance.

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 In y-direction, at peak/max height:
y: 𝑣𝑖̂ = 𝑣0 sin 45° ms−1
𝑣𝑓 = 0 ms−1

𝑎 = −𝑔 = −9.8 ms−2
𝑦𝑖̂ = 0
𝑦𝑓 =?

In x-direction: 𝑣0 cos 45° x 𝑡𝑝𝑒𝑎𝑘 = 4

4
𝑡𝑝𝑒𝑎𝑘 = vo 𝑐𝑜𝑠 45

Subsituting into constant acceleration equation

𝑣𝑓 = 𝑣𝑖̂ + 𝑎𝑡
𝑣𝑜 4√2
0= − 9.8 ( 𝑣𝑜 )
√2

Rearranging to find 𝑣0 = 8.85 𝐦𝐬−𝟏

(ii) In the movie, The Rock jumps a gap of 10.0 m between the crane and the
open window of a skyscraper, which is 3.0 m vertically below. If he jumps at
45° with the speed calculated in (i), how far long, or short, of the
skyscraper window will he be at the level of the window? Ignore the
effects of air resistance.

At x = 8m, |𝑣0| = 8.85 ms−1

𝑣0𝑦 = −6.26 ms−1, 𝑣0𝑥 = 6.26 ms−1
Δx = 2m, Δ 𝑣0𝑥 = 0 ∴ t = 2/6.26 = 0.319s

Using 𝑦𝑓 = 𝑦𝑖 + 𝑣𝑦𝑖 𝑡 + 𝑎𝑦 𝑡 2 /2

= -2.50m

∴ 0.50m higher than window

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 (iii) If there is wind opposing the motion of The Rock that provides a
horizontal acceleration of -1.0 𝑚/𝑠2, what initial speed would he need
to reach the window?
Looking at components in x- and y- directions:

𝑣𝑓 =? 𝑣𝑓 =?
𝑥 = 10 𝑚 𝑥 = −3 𝑚
𝑎 = −9.8 𝑚𝑠−2
𝑡 =? 𝑡 =?
In y-direction: 𝑦𝑓 = 𝑦𝑖 + 𝑣𝑦𝑖 𝑡 + 𝑎𝑦 𝑡 /2 2

𝑣0
-3 = 𝑡 − 4.9𝑡2
√2

In x-direction 𝑥𝑓 = 𝑥𝑖 + 𝑣𝑥𝑖 𝑡 + 𝑎𝑥 𝑡 2 /2
𝑣0
10 = 𝑡 − 0.5𝑡2
√2

Solving simultaneously, we get t = 1.72s and v0 = 9.44 m/s

[(2 + 3 + 3) + (3 + 2 + 3) = 16 marks]

Q2. A lecturer cyclist does a left turn at constant speed without slipping on a horizontal road by following
a circular path of radius 25 m.

(i) Draw a clearly labelled free-body diagram showing all forces acting on the bicycle as it
follows the circular path. (Draw two diagrams using both the rear and the top view of the
bicycle.)

𝑵
𝑭𝒇𝒓𝒊𝒄𝒕𝒊𝒐
𝒏

𝑭𝒇𝒓𝒊𝒄𝒕𝒊𝒐
𝑭𝒇𝒓𝒊𝒄𝒕𝒊𝒐
𝒏
𝑾= 𝒏
𝒎𝒈

𝑹𝒐𝒍𝒍𝒊𝒏𝒈
"𝒇𝒓𝒊𝒄𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏"

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 (i) If the coefficient of static friction is 𝜇𝑠 = 0.7, how fast can the bicycle travel
without slipping? Give your answer in units of km/hour.

𝑚𝑣2
𝜇𝑠 = 0.7 → 𝐹𝑓𝑟𝑖̂𝑐𝑡𝑖̂𝑜𝑛 = 𝜇𝑠𝑁 = 𝜇𝑠𝑚𝑔 ≡ 𝐹𝑐𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑟𝑖̂𝑝𝑒𝑡𝑎𝑙 = [1]
𝑟
→ 𝑣 = √𝜇𝑔𝑟[1] = 13.1 𝑚𝑠−1 × 3.6 = 𝟒𝟕. 𝟏 𝒌𝒎. 𝒉−𝟏

(ii) To allow for high speed turns special cycling paths or velodromes are
designed to have a sloped surface. Determine the angle of the slope, 𝜃, that
will allow bicycles to go around corners at a speed of 50 km/hour without
slipping, even if the surface is wet. Assume the path has the same radius
above.

𝑚𝑣2 𝑚𝑔
𝐹 = ≡ 𝑁 sin 𝜃 = ( ) sin 𝜃 = 𝑚𝑔 tan 𝜃
𝑐 𝑟 cos 𝜃
𝑣2
→ 𝜃 = tan−1 ( )
𝑟𝑔
(50 / 3.6)2
𝜃 = tan−1 ( ) = 𝟑𝟖. 𝟐°
25 × 9.8

(b) A 3.0 kg object has the following two forces acting on it:

⃗𝐹⃗1 = (16𝑖̂ + 12𝑗̂)𝑁,

⃗𝐹⃗2 = (−10𝑖̂ + 22𝑗̂)𝑁.

If the object is initially at rest, determine its velocity 𝑣 at 𝑡 = 3.0 𝑠.

Σ𝐹 = (16 − 10)𝒊 + (12 + 22)𝒋

∴ 𝐹 = 6𝒊 + 34𝒋
𝐹
∴ 𝑎 = = 2𝒊 + 11.33𝒋
𝑚
As Δ𝑣 = 𝑎 × Δ𝑡 and 𝑣𝑖̂ = 0[1], 𝑣(3) = 6𝒊 + 24𝒋 ms−1

[(3 + 3 + 4) + 5 = 15 marks]

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 Q3. (a) The figure shows the potential energy diagram for a 50 g particle that
is released from rest at 𝑥 = 0.5 m.

(i) Will the particle move in the positive or negative x-direction? Explain
your answer.

Movement begins in the +ve x direction, as a decrease in U leads to

corresponding increase in KE (moving energy).

(ii) What is the maximum speed of the particle?

Establish KE(max) ➔Δ𝐺𝑃𝐸 = Δ𝑈 = 6 − 1.5 = 4.5 J
1
→ 4.5 = × 0.05 × 𝑣2
2
9
√ = 𝑣 = 𝟏𝟑. 𝟒𝟐 𝐦𝐬−𝟏
0.050

(iii) What is the speed of the particle at 𝑥 = 3.5 m?

At x = 3.5 m, 𝑈 ≅ 4.5 J ∴ Δ𝑈 = 6 − 4.5 = 1.5 J
1
→ 1.5 = × 0.05 × 𝑣2
2
3
√ = 𝑣 = 𝟕. 𝟕𝟓 𝐦𝐬−𝟏
0.050

(iv) At what position or positions will it change direction?

At x ≈ 3.75 m, 𝑣 = 0 𝑚𝑠−1, thus stops moving, reverses direction and

starts moving to lower potential energy/greater kinetic energy.
Also, at x = 0.5 m, where it was released, once it returns in that direction,
it will also come to a stop.

(v) At what position or positions on its trajectory will the net force on the
particle be zero?
𝜕𝑈
Σ𝐹 = 0? → 𝐹 = − = 0 ∴ gradient is zero ➔ x ≈ 2.5 m
𝜕𝑥

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 (b) A dark matter particle of mass mD and
velocity 𝑣𝐷 collides elastically with a
helium nucleus mHe (at rest initially)
whose mass is four times that of the dark
matter particle. The helium nucleus is
observed to move off at an angle 𝜃He ′ with

velocity 𝑣′𝐻𝑒, and the dark matter

particle at 𝜃′𝐷 with velocity 𝑣′𝐷 (As shown
in the diagram).

(i) By applying the relevant conservation laws, write down 3 equations

describing this collision in terms of variables 𝑚𝐷, 𝑚𝐻𝑒, 𝑣𝐷, 𝑣′𝐷, 𝑣′𝐻𝑒, 𝜃′𝐷,
𝜃′𝐻𝑒 and explain what conditions are required.
With conservation of momentum (vector, so in y and x directions), can
write:
𝑚𝐷𝑣𝐷 = 𝑚𝐻𝑒𝑣′𝐻𝑒𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃′𝐻𝑒 + 𝑚𝐷𝑣𝐷′ cos 𝜃𝐷′ ⋯ (𝐼)
0 = −𝑚𝐻𝑒𝑣 𝐻𝑒sin𝜃𝐻𝑒 + 𝑚𝐷𝑣𝐷 sin 𝜃𝐷
′ ′ ′ ′ ⋯ (𝐼𝐼)
With conservation of energy (non-vector), can write:
1 1 ′ 2 +1
𝑚𝐷 𝑣𝐷2 = 𝑚𝐻𝑒 𝑣𝐻𝑒 𝑚 𝑣′ 2 ⋯ (𝐼𝐼𝐼)
2 2 2 𝐷 𝐷
OR
Although question doesn’t specify, you could replace 𝑚𝐻𝑒 with 4𝑚𝐷, and
cancel out the mass terms:
𝑣𝐷 = 4𝑣′𝐻𝑒𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃′𝐻𝑒 + 𝑣𝐷′ cos 𝜃𝐷′ ⋯ (𝐼𝑎)
0 = −4𝑣 𝐻𝑒sin𝜃𝐻𝑒 + 𝑣𝐷 sin 𝜃𝐷
′ ′ ′ ′ ⋯ (𝐼𝐼𝑎)
2 ′2
𝑣𝐷 = 4𝑣𝐻𝑒 + 𝑣𝐷
2 ′ ⋯ (𝐼𝐼𝐼𝑎)

(ii) In a particular situation, the dark matter particle’s initial speed is

2.2 × 105 m/s, 𝜃′𝐷 = 75.96° and 𝜃′𝐻𝑒 = 45°. Determine the speeds of the
two particles, 𝑣′𝐷and 𝑣′ Heafter the collision.

Substitution & simultaneous solving the three equations (Ia), (IIa) and
(IIIa):
Ia – IIa: 𝑣𝐷 = 𝑣′𝐷(cos 𝜃′𝐷 + sin 𝜃𝐷′ )
2.2×105
𝑣′ 𝐷 = = 𝟏. 𝟖𝟏 × 𝟏𝟎𝟓 𝐦𝐬−𝟏
cos 75.96°+sin 75.96°
2 −𝑣′2 )
√(𝑣𝐷 𝐷
′
Using IIIa: 𝑣𝐻𝑒 = = 𝟔. 𝟐𝟐 × 𝟏𝟎𝟒 𝐦𝐬−𝟏
2

[(2 + 2 + 2 + 1) + (3 + 3) = 14 marks]

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Q4. Four small spheres, each of mass M kg, are placed at the vertices of a square of
side-length L metres. They are fixed in this configuration by a rigid framework of
negligible mass.
(a) What is the moment of inertia of this system with respect to rotation around an
axis that is perpendicular to the plane of the square array and which passes
through the centre of mass?

1
𝐼 = ∑𝑖̂ 𝑚𝑖̂ 𝑟𝑖̂ 2, in each case 𝑟𝑖̂ = 𝐿
√2
1
Contribution from 1 mass = 𝑀𝐿2
2
1
 Total moment of inertia =4 × ( 𝑀𝐿2) = 2𝑀𝐿2 𝑘𝑔𝑚2
2

(b) What is the moment of inertia of this system with respect to rotation around an
axis that passes through two of the masses that are diagonally opposite one
another on the square plane?

Two of the masses now lie on the rotation axis, so the system is equivalent to
1
 𝐼 = 2 × ( 𝑀𝐿2) = 𝑀𝐿2 𝑘𝑔𝑚2
2

(c) Use the parallel axis theorem and your answer to Part (a) to determine the
moment of inertia of the system with respect to rotation around an axis that is
perpendicular to the plane of the square array and that passes through the
midpoint of one of its edges.

Two axes are parallel and the first clearly passes through the centre of mass.
(CONTINUES NEXT PAGE)

PHYC10003 Physics Semester 1, Page 8 of 18

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 𝐿 2
Hence 𝐼 = 2𝑀𝐿2 + 4𝑀 ( ) = 3𝑀𝐿2 𝑘𝑔𝑚2
2

(d) If the angular momentum for each of the rotational axes above is the same,
which one of (a), (b) or (c) would have the
(i) greatest angular speed?
1 𝐿
𝐸𝑟 = 𝐼𝜔2 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝐿 = 𝐼𝜔, 𝑠𝑜 𝜔 =
2 𝐼
If the 3 systems have the same L, then  is inversely proportional to I =>
largest I has the smallest 
Smallest I has the largest 
Hence largest  is (b)

(ii) greatest kinetic energy?

1 2 1 𝐿 2 1 𝐿2
𝐸𝑟 = 2 𝐼𝜔 = 2 𝐼 ( 𝐼 ) = 2 𝐼

If L is fixed, then largest Er has smallest I => (b)

[3 + 3 + 5 + (2 + 2) = 15 marks]

Q5. Anna is a brave volunteer who agrees to participate in a PHYC10003 lecture

demonstration. She sits on a chair that is able to swivel freely; the bearings may be
regarded as frictionless. She holds two weights in her hands with her arms outstretched
horizontally. The chair is spun until it reaches an angular speed of 1.2 revolutions per
second. Initially, the rotational inertia of the system consisting of the chair, Anna and the
weights around the rotational axis is 6.0 kg.m2. Anna then moves her arms to reduce the
moment of inertia of the system to 2.0 kg.m2.
(a) What is the new rotational speed of the system?
𝐼𝑜 = 6 𝑘𝑔𝑚2

𝐿𝑜 = 𝐼𝑜𝜔𝑜, 𝜔𝑜 = 1.2𝑟𝑒𝑣𝑜𝑙𝑢𝑡𝑖̂𝑜𝑛𝑠 𝑝𝑒𝑟 𝑠𝑒𝑐

= 1.2 × 2𝜋 𝑟𝑎𝑑𝑖̂𝑎𝑛𝑠 𝑝𝑒𝑟 𝑠𝑒𝑐
= 2.4𝜋 𝑟𝑎𝑑 𝑠−1
=> 𝐿𝑜 = 6 × 2.4 𝜋 𝑟𝑎𝑑 𝑠−1𝑘𝑔 𝑚2
= 14.4𝜋 𝑟𝑎𝑑 𝑠−1𝑘𝑔 𝑚2
After the reconfiguration 𝐼′ = 2.0 𝑘𝑔𝑚2 => 𝐿′ = 𝐿𝑜
𝐼𝑜
𝐼′𝜔′ = 𝐼 𝑜𝜔 𝑜𝑜𝑟 𝜔′ = 𝜔 𝑜= 3𝜔 𝑜= 3.6 𝑟𝑒𝑣𝑜𝑙𝑢𝑡𝑖̂𝑜𝑛𝑠 𝑝𝑒𝑟 sec
𝐼
PHYC10003 Physics Semester 1, Page 9 of 18
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 (b) What is the ratio of the rotational kinetic energies before and after Anna moves
her arms?

1
𝐸𝑜 = 𝐼𝑜 𝜔𝑜2
2
1
𝐸′ = 𝐼′ 𝜔′2 [recognising there is a before and after energy that are not equal]
2

𝐼𝑜𝜔𝑜2 𝐼𝑜 𝜔𝑜 1
 𝐸𝑜 = 𝑎𝑛𝑑 = 3, =
𝐸′ 𝐼′𝜔′2 𝐼′ 𝜔′ 3
𝐸𝑜 1 1
 = 3( )2 = => 𝐸′ = 3𝐸𝑜 Three times as much rotational energy
𝐸′ 3 3

(c) Where did the energy come from that has affected this change in rotational
energy?
Anna exerted force over a distance [mentioning work] (using her muscles) to bring her arms in.
Ultimately, that energy is derived from the food she ate.
(d) If Anna transferred both of the weights to one hand and outstretched her arms,
would her rotational speed be greater than, less than or equal to 1.2 revolutions
per second? Explain your answer.
Assuming that we can ignore small changes to geometry, the contribution to I is the same if the
weights are like (a) or (b)

In (d), the moment of inertia is the same due to her outstretched arms and it’s the same whether
the weights are in 2 hands or 1 hand – either way the contribution is 2ML2 from the weights.o,
to a good approximation, the moment of inertia is unchanged, so the conservation of
momentum, L=I,  must be unchanged.

[3 + 5 + 3 + 4 = 15 marks]

Q6.
(a) At what speed must a clock move if it runs at a rate which is one-half the rate of a clock at rest?
Need a gamma factor of 2
1
∴ =2
𝑣 2
√1 − 2
𝑐
𝑣2 1
1− 2 =
𝑐 4
𝑣2 3 √𝟑
2
= ∴𝒗= 𝒄 = 𝟎. 𝟖𝟕𝒄 = 𝟖𝟕%𝒄
𝑐 4 𝟐

(b) At what speed does a metre long stick move if its length as measured by a stationary observer
is only 0.5 m?
Same as above, need gamma = 2, so again 𝒗 = 𝟎. 𝟖𝟕 𝒄
PHYC10003 Physics Semester 1, Page 10 of
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 (c) The average lifetime of a charged π meson (rest mass 139.57 MeV/c2 or 2.49x10-28 kg) in its
own frame of reference is 26.0 ns.
(i) Define proper time.

Proper time is measured between two events by an observer who witnessed both events
at the same place as her clock. Or the time measured between two events in a reference
frame where both events occur at the same spatial coordinates.
Phrased differently: Proper time is measured in the inertial frame where only one clock
is needed to measure the timing of different events. In other inertial frames moving with
respect to this frame, time dilation occurs proper time
Δ𝜏
Δ𝑡 = 1
𝑣2 2
(1 − 2 )
𝑐

(ii) If the π meson moves with speed 0.95c with respect to the Earth, what is its lifetime
as measured by an observer at rest on Earth?
1
𝑡 = 𝛾𝜏0 → 𝛾 = = 3.20256
√1 − 0.952
∴ 𝑡 = 3.20256 × (2.6 × 10−9s)
𝑡 = 8.3 × 10−8 s = 𝟖𝟑 𝐧𝐬

(iii) What is the average distance it travels before decaying as measured by an observer
at rest on Earth?

Distance = velocity × time = 0.95 × 3 × 108 × 83.27 × 10−9 = 𝟐𝟑. 𝟕𝐦 = 𝟐𝟒 𝐦

(b) A train, length d, is moving in the direction shown at velocity v, with respect to the tracks.

As the centre of the train passes stationary observer O, beside the train tracks, the observer sees
two lightning bolts strike simultaneously at each end of the train, A’ and B’.
(i) What is the length of the train as seen by the stationary observer O?
The train will be length contracted by γ.

𝐿0 𝑣2
𝐿= = 𝑑 √1 −
𝛾 𝑐2

PHYC10003 Physics Semester 1, Page 11 of

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 (ii) Explain the relativity of simultaneity.
The relativity of simultaneity is the idea that two simultaneous events in one reference
frame may not be simultaneous is another reference frame. Generally discussed in terms
of two reference frames moving relative to each other, where if one frame measures two
events to be simultaneous, the other will not. That is the idea of simultaneity - it depend s
on the reference frame you pick.
(iii) Show that the observer O’, sitting on the train at the midpoint between A’ and B’ will
see the lightning strike at A’ before B’.
The train is the primed coordinates and the observer O is the unprimed coordinates.
Since the observer O sees the events A and B occur at the same time we have:
𝑡𝐴′ = 𝑡𝐵′

We know the positions in the primed coordinates are:

𝑑
𝑥𝐴 =
2𝛾
𝑑

Therefore we can use the Lorentz transformation to find:

− )
𝑐2

− )
𝑐2
Therefore
𝑣𝑥 𝑣𝑥 2𝛾𝑣𝑥
𝑐2 𝑐2 𝑐2
Since 𝑥𝐵 is negative, this number is negative so 𝑡′ < 𝑡′ as expected if A is seen before B.

(iv) What is the time difference between the lightning strikes as observed by O’ on the
train?
−2𝛾𝑣𝑥 𝐵 𝛾𝑣𝑑 𝑣𝑑
𝑡𝐵′ − 𝑡𝐴′ = = 2 =
𝑐2 𝑐𝛾 𝑐2

[4 + 2 + (1 + 2 + 2)+ (2 + 1 + 3 + 3) = 20 marks]

PHYC10003 Physics Semester 1, Page 12 of

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Q7. An astronaut finds herself on an unknown planet and needs to calculate the
acceleration due to gravity on the planet. Using a piece of string 1.5 m long and a
mass of 50 g as a pendulum, she counts 10 complete oscillations in 40 seconds.
(a) Show that the acceleration due to gravity on the surface of the planet is 3.7 ms-2
𝑔
Start with the angular frequency of a simple pendulum 𝜔 = √ .
𝑙
𝑙
This means T= 2𝜋√ .
𝑔
Rearranging the period expression gives:

4𝜋2𝑙
𝑔= = 3.70 𝑚/𝑠2
𝑇2
With various observations (and a bit of trigonometry) the astronaut estimates the
radius of this unknown planet to be 5,000 km.
(b) Equating Newton’s second law with Newton’s law of gravitation show:

𝐺𝑀𝑝𝑙𝑎𝑛𝑒𝑡𝑚
We have 𝐹 = 𝑚𝑔 and 𝐹 = 𝑟2
where m is the mass of the object experiencing the
force and 𝑀𝑝𝑙𝑎𝑛𝑒𝑡 is the mass of the planet. Therefore:

𝑚𝑔 =
𝑟2

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(c) Using energy balance show that the escape speed is given by:

We set gravitational potential to zero as r goes to infinity. Escape velocity is the minimum velocity to
leave the gravitational field so we can set the kinetic energy to zero as r goes to infinity also.
That means the total energy (kinetic plus potential) is zero. Now take 𝑟 = 𝑅𝑝𝑙𝑎𝑛𝑒𝑡 we have:

𝐾𝐸 + 𝑃𝐸 = 0

1 𝐺𝑚𝑀𝑝𝑙𝑎𝑛𝑒𝑡
𝑚𝑣𝑒𝑠𝑐𝑎𝑝𝑒
2 − =0
2 𝑅𝑝𝑙𝑎𝑛𝑒𝑡

2𝐺𝑀𝑝𝑙𝑎𝑛𝑒𝑡
Rearranging gives 𝑣𝑒𝑠𝑐𝑎𝑝𝑒 = √ 𝑅 𝑝𝑙𝑎𝑛𝑒𝑡

(d) Hence calculate the escape speed the astronaut will need to achieve to leave the
planet.
Substituting in the solution from Part (b) with 𝑟 = 𝑅𝑝𝑙𝑎𝑛𝑒𝑡 in to equation from (c) gives:

𝑣𝑒𝑠𝑐𝑎𝑝𝑒 = √2𝑔𝑅𝑝𝑙𝑎𝑛𝑒𝑡 = 6.08 × 103 𝑚/𝑠

[4 + 2 + 2 + 1 = 9 marks]

Q8. (a) The displacement due to a transverse wave on a string, of mass per unit length
20g/m, is described by:

Determine the following:

(i) the wave amplitude
(ii) the wavelength
(iii) the period
(iv) the speed of the wave
(v) the string tension

(i) A = 0.02 m
(ii) λ = 2π/20 = 0.2π m
(iii) T =2π/400 = 0.005π sec
(iv) v = λ/T = 40 m/s
𝑟𝑒𝑠𝑡𝑜𝑟𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑓𝑜𝑟𝑐𝑒
(v) v=√ µ
so tension = v2µ=402(20/1000)=32N

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If this wave, D1, is added in superposition with another wave D2, whose equation is given
below:

(i) Find the displacement resulting from the superposition of these waves
From the summation (D1 + D2) of sine formula equation, the total displacement is:
𝜋
𝐷𝑇 = 0.04 sin (20𝑥 + ) cos(400𝑡)
4

(ii) Is the resulting wave a travelling wave? Explain your answer.

No. It is not a function of the form 𝑓(𝑘𝑥 − 𝜔𝑡) so there is no travelling component.

(iii) Find the value of the separation between adjacent maxima of the combined wave.

Adjacent maxima are a wavelength apart and same wavelength as initial wave so they are separated
2𝜋 𝜋
by 𝜆 = = = 0.31 𝑚

(b) A spring hangs from a ceiling, neither stretched nor compressed, with a spring constant of
k = 90 N/m. A mass of 5.0 kg is attached to the lower end of the spring, released and
allowed to oscillate up and down.

(i) Determine the period of oscillation of the spring-mass system.

𝜔 = √ for a mass on a spring. Therefore 𝑇 = = 2𝜋√ = 1.48 s

(ii) Determine the amplitude of the oscillation

There are a number of ways to do this, of course. Here is one of them:

When initially released, there is no spring potential energy, no kinetic energy and only
gravitational potential. At the bottom of the oscillation there is no kinetic energy, no
gravitational potential (set this as the zero point) and only spring potential. Therefore by
conservation of energy we can write:
1
𝑚𝑔Δ𝑥 = 𝑘 (Δ𝑥)2
2

The non-zero solution is:

2𝑚𝑔
Δ𝑥 = = 1.088 𝑚
𝑘

This is the distance from the top of the oscillation to the bottom so the amplitude is half of
that which is 0.54m.

[(1 + 1 + 1 + 2 + 2) + (3 + 1 + 2) + (2 + 2) = 17 marks]

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Q9.
(a) Calculate the refractive index of a material in which the speed of light is 2.012 x 108
m
n = c/v
s
-
= 3.00 x 10 /2.012 x 10
8 8

= 1.49
1

(b) A coin is placed at the bottom of a beaker under 15cm of water. The refractive index
of water is 1.333 (~4/3). Calculate the apparent depth of the coin.
(Assume the small angle approximation tanθ ≈ sinθ)

Ratio of real to apparent depth is the ratio of the refractive indices (see textbook pg 1044)
15 1.333
=
𝑥 1

So, x = 11.25 cm (or 11 cm)

(c) A light ray is emitted from a point 5m below the surface of a liquid with air above it. It
undergoes total internal reflection if it meets the surface with an angle greater than the
critical angle, 𝜃𝐶 , as shown in the
figure.
(i) Calculate the index of
refraction of the liquid.
(ii) Describe the impact of
refraction on the view of a
diver looking upwards from
5m under water.

𝜃𝐶, as shown in the figure.

(i) Calculate the index of
refraction of the liquid.

For the critical angle we have

From the triangle:

5.67
5
And applying Snell’s law – 𝑛1 sin 48.59° = 𝑛2 sin 90°
1
∴ 𝑛1 = = 1.333
sin(48.59𝑜)

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 (ii) Describe the impact of refraction on the view of a diver looking upwards from
5m under water. What would they actually see?
The entire horizon will be visible if the diver looks upwards at less than the critical
angle. Otherwise the diver will see a reflection of the bottom of the fluid’s vessel (e.g
floor of the pool) off the surface of the
water. (In a pool, this generally
resembles a rough circular region of the
ceiling surrounded by reflection of the
floor. Or why in the ocean, looking up,
why it’s a circle of light in a dark
background. Here’s an example from the
London 2012 Olympic swimming pool.)

(d) What is the focal length of a 2.0 dioptre lens used in a pair of reading glasses?

D = 1/f so f = 1/D = 0.5 m

(e) If the power of a typical human cornea (eye lens) is 40 dioptre, what is the combined
focal length of the eye and the reading glasses in part (d) together?

D = D1 + D2 = 0.5 + 40 = 40.5 dioptre

(f) The diagram shows the object and image typical of a camera.

(i) How far from the

camera lens must the
detector be, if the lens
focal length is 50 mm,
to focus on an object
75 cm away?

1 1 1
Use the lens formula: 𝑓
= 𝑠 + 𝑠′.

1 1 1
= − = 18.67 /m
𝑠′ 50 × 10−3 0.75
𝑠′ = 5.36 cm

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 (ii) Is the image real or virtual?
Real since the light rays do converge to that point. (The image is a “source of rays”.)
(iii) What is the magnification of the image?
𝑠′ 5.36
𝑚=− = − = −0.071
𝑠 75

[1 + 4 + (3 + 2) + 1 + 2 + (3 + 2 + 1) = 19 marks]

Q10. (a) Calculate the wavelengths of sounds at the (typical) extremes of the human
audible frequency range 20 - 20,000 Hz. (Use the speed of sound, vair = 343 m/s.)
𝑣
Use the standard wave equation: 𝜆 =
𝑓

343
f = 20 Hz: 𝜆= 20
= 17.2 𝑚
343
f = 20,000 Hz: 𝜆 = 20000 = 17.2 𝑚𝑚

(b) Show that if one sound is twice as intense as the another, it has a sound level
approximately 3 dB higher.

If I2 = 2I1
𝐼 2𝐼 𝐼
then 𝛽2 = 10𝑙𝑜𝑔10 𝐼2 = 10𝑙𝑜𝑔10 𝐼 1 = 10𝑙𝑜𝑔10 𝐼1 + 10𝑙𝑜𝑔10 2 = 𝛽1 + 3.01
0 0 0
So, approx 3dB higher

(c) Briefly explain the Doppler effect in the context of sound waves.
The Doppler effect is the phenomenon where the detected frequency of the sound
changes if the source or detector are moving with respect to one another. If they are
moving towards one another, the time difference between subsequent maxima will be
less than if they were stationary and thus the detected frequency is higher than the
emitted frequency. Similarly, if they are moving away from one another, the time
difference between subsequent maxima will be greater than if they were stationary
and thus the detected frequency is lower than the emitted frequency.

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 (d) If the frequency of a stationary emergency vehicle siren is 1 kHz, what is the
difference in frequency between that heard when the vehicle is approaching an
observer at 20 m/s and the frequency heard as the vehicle moves away at the same
speed?
𝑣±𝑣𝐷
Need to use the Doppler shift formula: 𝑓𝐷 = 𝑓𝑆
𝑣∓𝑣𝑆

In each case it is the source that’s moving not the detector. And we need to take the minus
on the denominator when the vehicle is approaching and the plus when it is moving away.

𝑣 343
Approaching: 𝑓𝐷 = 𝑓𝑆 = 1000 343−20 = 1062 𝐻𝑧
𝑣−𝑣𝑆

𝑣 343
Moving Away: 𝑓𝐷 = 𝑓𝑆 = 1000 343+20 = 945 𝐻𝑧
𝑣+𝑣𝑆

Hence the differenc is:

Δ𝑓𝐷 = 1062 − 945 = 117 𝐻𝑧

[ 2 + 2 + 2 + 4 = 10 marks]

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