HKPhO 2011 (Junior Level) - Suggested Solutions

Hong Kong Physics Olympiad 2011 (Junior Level)

2011 ()
Suggested Solutions

Multiple Choice Questions

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20
b e e d e b a e a b d a b b e c d e b c

MC1
We may consider the wedge and the object as one system.
N
By using Newtons 2nd law of motion, we have m
(m + M)gsin = (m+M)a
M (m+M)g
a = gsin

Consider the object: N

mg N = ma sin

sub (1) into (2), we have m

mg N = m(g sin) sin = mg sin2
N = mg mg sin2 = mg cos2
a
Answer: (b)
mg

MC2
In the frame rotated by an angle we can consider only the horizontal component of the
gravitational force that accelerates the ball forward. In the vertical motion, the ball bounces
elastically with an effective acceleration gcos. To find the distance between the first and the
last bounce, say the fourth, we should also account for the velocity the ball acquires before
the first hit:

gsin

gcos
Hcos

d
Denote vo as the horizontal component of the initial velocity of the ball before the first hit
with respect to the inclined, t01 as the time between releasing the ball and the first hit and t14
as the time between the first to the fourth hit.

The horizontal component of the initial velocity of the ball before the first hit is given by
vo g sin t 01 (1)

2 H cos 2H
The time t01: t 01 (2)
g cos g

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 HKPhO 2011 (Junior Level) - Suggested Solutions

Since the ball makes 3 hits and each hit takes 2 times of t01, therefore,

2H 2H
t14 2 3 6 (3)
g g

The total distance between the first and the last hit, d, is

( g sin ) 2
d v0 t14 t14 .(4)
2

By substituting equation (1), (2) and (3) into (4), we have

2
2 H 2 H ( g sin ) 2 H
d g sin 6
6
g g 2 g
12 H sin 36 H sin Answer: (e)
48 H sin

MC3*
Using Newtons law of universal gravitation and Newtons second law for circular orbits,
M R 3 / T 2 . Comparing with Earths orbit, where M = 1 solar mass, R = 1 AU and T = 1
2
98
year, R 3 1.5 0.48 AU . Answer: (e)
365

MC4
Let the x axis points in the direction along the plane, and the y axis is normal to the plane. Let
m be the mass of the ball. Let u be the velocity of the ball immediately before it touches the
surface. Then the impulse of the impact is given by
I x mvx mu cos
I y mvy mu sin
Due to the presence of friction, I x I y
Hence mvx mu cos (mvy mu sin )
vx u (cos sin ) v y (1)
Balance of energy:
1 2 1 2 f 5
mvx mv y mu 2 where f
2 2 2 16
vx v y fu
2 2 2

Substituting (1),
[u(cos sin ) v y ]2 v y2 fu 2
we arrive at a quadratic equation in vy:
(1 2 )v y2 2 (cos sin )uvy u 2 (cos sin )2 fu 2 0
2
5 vy 1 vy 1
0
4 u 2 u 16

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 HKPhO 2011 (Junior Level) - Suggested Solutions

u u
vy vx
2 4
vy
Angle with the x axis: tan 1 tan 1 2 63o Answer: (d)
vx

MC5
Consider the motion of the center of mass of the sand. At t = 0, the center of mass starts to
move downwards. Hence there is a downward acceleration. Using Newtons second law, the
reaction force of the balance on the hourglass should decrease, so that it cannot completely
cancel the weight of the sand, and the net force on the sand is downward. Throughout the
dripping process, the center of mass of the sand is moving downwards at a constant velocity.
There is no acceleration and hence the reaction force stays at the equilibrium value. At the
end of the dripping process, the downward motion of the center of mass is stopped. There is a
deceleration and the reaction force increases momentarily. Answer: (e)

MC6
Using Archimedes principle, volume of water displaced Vdis (mstone iceVice ) / water .
Suppose a volume of Vice melts, then the volume of water displaced decreases by
iceVice / water . At the same time, since mass is conserved, the volume of water increases by
iceVice / water . Hence there is no change in the water level. However, when all ice melts and
the stone sinks to the bottom, the volume of water displaced is mstone / stone mstone / water .
Hence the water level falls. Answer: (b)

MC7
The key is the conservation of energy. The electrical energy generated by the turbines comes
from the kinetic energy of the wind, which in turn comes from the kinetic energy of the trains.
Hence no energy is saved, and the air resistance experienced by the trains will increase.
Answer: (a)

MC8
Sol. 1
O r C B

N T

m1 g

T m2 g , 90 0 .
2

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 HKPhO 2011 (Junior Level) - Suggested Solutions

Fy 0, T sin N sin m1 g 0 , N sin m1 g m2 g sin (i)

Fx 0, T cos N cos 0 , N cos m2 g cos (ii)
m tan
(i)(ii): 1 = 3 . Answer: (e)
m2 2(1 cos )

MC9
The force which is responsible for restoring the liquid levels in two arms of the tube is
F = - pA = - (h1 + h2)gA, where p is the pressure difference and h1 & h2 being the rise
and fall of liquid levels in the two arms in vertical direction respectively.

Denote x as the change in length of the liquid along the tube. (note: the change in length of
the liquid in both arms, either rise or fall, is the same)

Using this restoring force can enable us to have the following equation:
F = - (xsin1 + xsin2)gA = - gA(sin1 + sin2)x = ma
gA(sin 1 sin 2 )
a x 2 x
m
By using S.H.M. equation, we have
1 gA(sin 1 sin 2 ) 1 g (sin 1 sin 2 )
f Answer: (a)
2 2 A( L1 L2 ) 2 L1 L2
where mass of liquid in the tube m = V = A(L1 + L2)

MC10
For simple harmonic motion, x A cost and v A sin t . Substituting into the
expression of the total energy,
1 1 1 1
E av2 bx2 bA2 (a 2 b) A sin 2 t .
2 2 2 2
b 1 b
For energy to conserve, we have 2 and f . Answer: (b)
a 2 2 a

MC11
Denote the friction force and normal force acting on each blade as Ff and N, respectively. At
the critical angle the static friction force should reach its maximal value which is F = N.

The condition for the wire not to move is when all components of the forces adding up equal
to zero. As shown in the force diagram acting on the wire,

/2
/2
/2
/2

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 HKPhO 2011 (Junior Level) - Suggested Solutions

the vertical components cancel each other by symmetry, and the horizontal components
sin
cancel if 2 F f cos 2 N .
2 2

Thus, from the condition of the critical angle we obtain: tan . Answer: (d)
2
Note that the angle in the question is twice the angle here.

MC12
Let M be the mass of the box.
If the box is not sliding, we have F < Mg (1)
If the box tips over, it will happen at the lower right hand corner, so it is better to measure
torques about this point. For tipping, clockwise moment must exceed counterclockwise
moment:
MgL
i.e. FH . (2)
2
Combining (1) and (2), we have (tipping before sliding)
MgL
F Mg
2H
L

2H
L
Thus, the critical condition in this case ( > ) is o Answer: (a)
2H

MC13
Let v be the velocity of the particle of mass m. Kinetic energy of the compound pendulum:
2
1 1 v 3
K mv 2 (2m) mv 2
2 2 2 4
Potential energy of the compound pendulum:
L
U mgL cos 2mg cos 2mgL cos
2
2
For small oscillations, U 2mgL1 cosntant mgL 2
2
For small oscillations, we can approximate the linear displacement by x = L.
mg 2
Hence U x
L
3 2mg
Using the result of MC12, we can substitute a m , b and
2 L
1 2mg / L 1 4g
f . Answer: (b)
2 3m / 2 2 3L

MC14
Using Newtons second law, we find that the acceleration of the upward displacement is
v1 v12
g (sin cos ) . Hence t1 and L .
g (sin cos ) 2 g (sin cos )

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 HKPhO 2011 (Junior Level) - Suggested Solutions

The acceleration of the downward discplacement is g (sin cos ) (in the downward
1
direction). Hence the time is given by L g (sin cos )t22 . Hence
2
2L v12 sin cos
t2
2
2 t12
g (sin cos ) g (sin cos )(sin cos ) sin cos
t2 sin cos
Answer: (b)
t1 sin cos

MC15
m
Sol. mv0 (m M )v, v v0 =2m/s,
mM
1 1 1 1
Ek mv0 (m M )v 2 110 2 (1 4) 22 40 J
2

2 2 2 2
Answer: (e)

MC16
Sol. m1=1kg, m2=3kg, F=6N, v0 =2m/s, d =1m..
, , v.
m2 3
m2 v0 (m1 m2 )v, v v0 2 = 1.5 m/s.
m1 m2 1 3
T, v1 a1T v0 a2T , 6T 2 2T , T 0.25s, v 1.5m/s .
1 1 1 1
E k m2 v0 (m1 m2 )v 2 3 2 2 (1 3) 1.5 2 =1.5J Fs , s 0.25m .
2

2 2 2 2
= d s = 0.75 m. Answer: (c)

MC17
Let x be the fraction of the rod length submerged in water. Using Archimedes principle, the
buoyancy is given by waterAxLg. Taking moments about the hanging end,
x L
water AxLgL1 rod ALg
2 2
x 51 1
x1 x
2 92 3
The fraction of the rod length above the water is 2/3. Answer: (d)

MC18
1 2
Using x at , the time taken by the first carriage to pass the observer is the time difference
2
1
between x = L and x = 0, where L is the length of a carriage. Hence L at02 where t0 = 5 s.
2
The time taken by the tenth carriage to pass the observer is the time difference between x =
1 1
10L and x = 9L. Hence the time is t2 t1, where 9 L at12 and 10 L at22
2 2
t2 t1 ( 10 3)t0 0.81 s . Answer: (e)

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 HKPhO 2011 (Junior Level) - Suggested Solutions

MC19
Let T be the tension in the light string, and a the acceleration. Using Newtons second law,
F1 T m1a (1)
T F2 m2 a (2)
F F2 m F m1F2
(1) + (2): F1 F2 (m1 m2 )a a 1 and T 2 1
m1 m2 m1 m2
T m F m1F2
x 2 1 . Answer: (b)
k k (m1 m2 )

MC20
Consider the forces acting on the two piece of wood. The normal reactions are
N1 mg cos and N 2 mg cos .
Consider the vertical component of the forces acting on the triangular block.
F Mg N1 cos N2 cos Mg mg(cos2 cos2 )
Since + = 90o, F Mg mg(cos2 sin 2 ) Mg mg . Answer: (c)

Open Problems
Q1* (10 points)
Solution:
Two forces act on the sign, namely the horizontal force,
Fwind, from the wind and the force of gravity, mg, of the
sign.
If the sign turns over, it will be pivoting at the lower Fwind
right edge and there will be no longer be a force between
the ground and the lower left edge. This means we need
to balance the torques, about the lower right edge.
The force of gravity, acting from the center of mass,
provides a stabilizing torque of weight
gravity = Fwind d = (mg)(h)tan(/2) = (6 kg)(9.8)(1.0)
tan15o = 15.8 Nm d

The force from the wind acts in the center of the left board, causing a tipping torque of
h
wind Fwind ..(1)
2
By using Newtons 2nd law of motion, Fwind can be expressed as:
(mv) A(vt )
Fwind v Av 2 .(2) , where A is the cross-sectional area of the board.
t t
h
Combining equation (1) & (2), which yields gravity wind ( Av 2 )
2
This suggests the minimum speed of the wind vmin is
2 gravity 2(15.8)
vmin 7.26 m/s
Ah (1.2)(0.5)(1.0)

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 HKPhO 2011 (Junior Level) - Suggested Solutions

Q2 (10 points)
Sol.
1 1
(1) C: 2T mg , T mg ; B: N1 mg , f1 T mg ;
2 2
1 1
A: N N1 3mg 4mg , f f1 T mg mg mg .
2 2
: f1 N1 f N
1 1 1 1
mg mg mg (4mg ) .
2 2 4 2

B
mg T1
f1
N1
f1

T a
A T
3mg T1
f
mg
mg
N

B 2a, C a.
(2) C: mg 2T ma ; (i)
B: N1 mg, T f1 2ma , f1 N1 mg , (ii)
T mg ma (iii)
1 2 2
(i)(iii), a g,T mg (iv)
5 5
A: N 4mg , f f1 T (v)
2 2 6
(ii)(iv)(v), f mg mg mg .
5 5
C A : a 0 f N
1 2 2 6 1 1 1 1
g 0 mg (4mg )
5 5 2 7 2 7

Q3 (15 points)
(a) First we calculate the position of the neutral point, where the attractive forces due to the
planet and the satellite are equal and opposite. Let x be the distance of the neutral point from
the center of sphere B. Then
GMm G 4Mm
x 2R
x 2
(6 R x ) 2
It is sufficient to send the projectile to the neutral point. Beyond the point, the projectile can
fall to the surface of sphere A under free fall. Using the conservation of energy,
1 2 GMm G 4Mm GMm G 4Mm 3GM
mvmin vmin
2 R 5R 2R 4R 5R
(b) When the projectile reaches the surface of sphere A,

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 HKPhO 2011 (Junior Level) - Suggested Solutions

GMm G 4Mm 1 2 GMm G 4Mm 27GM

mv v
2R 4R 2 5R R 5R
(c) Escape velocity:
1 2 GMm G 4Mm 18GM
mvesc 0 vesc
2 R 5R 5R

Q4 (15 points)
(a) Let be the angle between line PC and the vertical. Using the conservation of energy,
the velocity of the bob at point C:
L 1
0 mg (1 cos ) mvC2 vC gL(1 cos )
2 2
v2
Using Newtons second law, T mg cos m C 2mg (1 cos )
L/2
2
T = 0 at point C. Therefore, cos 48 o
3
gL
(b) At point C, the velocity is v gL(1 cos ) and makes an angle with the
3
horizontal. Hence after the sting becomes loose, using point P as the origin, the coordinate of
the bob is given by
L
x sin vC cost
2
L 1
y cos vC sin t gt 2
2 2
v sin
Using v y vC sin gt , the maximum height is given by vy = 0 t C
g
L v 2 sin 2 L gL / 3 5 23
y cos C L
2 2g 3 2 g 9 54
Hence the maximum height is 23L/54 above point P.
(c) At point E, x = 0. Hence
L sin
t
2vC cos
L sin 2 3 sin 2 9
y cos L L L
2 2 cos 8 cos
2
32
Hence point E is at a distance 7L/16 below point O.

Q5 (10 points)
(a) The system oscillates about the center of mass, which is at a distance of L/3 from particle
A. Let a be the acceleration of A. Using Newtons second law,
2ma qE sin .
3x
For small oscillations, sin .
L
3qE 3qE
Hence a x . This is the equation of a simple harmonic motion, with 2 .
2mL 2mL

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 HKPhO 2011 (Junior Level) - Suggested Solutions

2 2mL
Period of oscillations: T 2
3qE
L 0
(b) The amplitude of x: x0
3
L 0
The amplitude of the velocity: v0 x0
3
v2
Using Newtons second law, T qE cos 2m
L/3
6mv 2
T qE cos . Both terms are largest when = 0, where v = v0. Hence the maximum
L
6mv02
tension is Tmax qE qE qE 02
L

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