Qualifying Examination

Dynamics and Math Physics

Monday, March 25, 2002
Answer All The Questions

I.

Evaluate

Lim
0

dx
( x a 2 i ) 3

with

a > 0.

II.

A particle of mass m and momentum p scatters elastically off an identical particle at rest,
emerging with momentum p. Assume v c such that the collision is nonrelativistic.
a.

Determine the ratio p/p as a function of the lab scattering angle .

b.

Find q/p as a function of the angle , where q and

the struck particle.

c.

Show that

d.

Assume p, p and q are all m such that the collision is relativistic. Find an expression
for p/p in terms of , to first order in m.

+

are the momentum and final angle of

= /2.


III.

A mass M lies between two masses m, and is connected to each of them by identical springs of
spring constant k. The system is constrained to move along the straight line which contains the
three masses and the two springs.
a.

Write down the Lagrangian for the system.

b.

Calculate the three possible frequencies of motion.

c.

Describe the motion associated with each of the three possible frequencies of motion.

d.

What are the three frequencies of motion when M

IV.

A sphere of mass m and moment of inertia I = 2mR2/5, is on an inclined plane of angle

mass M.

and

a.

The inclined plane is fixed to the surface on which it rests, and there is NO friction
between the sphere and the plane. What is the acceleration of the sphere as it moves
down the incline?

b.

Now suppose that there is friction between the plane and the sphere, and the sphere rolls
down the incline. What is the acceleration of the sphere?

c.

Now suppose that the inclined plane is free to move without friction on the horizontal
surface, but there is friction between the sphere and the incline so that the sphere
continues to roll down the incline. What is the acceleration of the sphere?

V.

The integer Bessel functions can be defined by a generating function as follows.

z
1
(t )
t
2

n =

a.

J n ( z )t n

Using the generating function, show that

(1) n J n ( z ) = J n ( z )

b.

Using the generating function, show that

1 = J 0 ( z) + 2
c.

n =1

J 2n ( z )

Using the generating function, show that



z=2

n =0

d.

(2n + 1) J 2 n+1 ( z )

Using the generating function, show that

2 J n ( z ) = J n1 ( z) J n+1 ( z )