END SEM EXAM SOLUTIONS

Q - How fast must you be driving your car to see a red light signal as green?
Take the wavelengths of red and green lights as 6300 Å and 5400 Å
respectively. Express the speed in the units of c (you have to put the value
of v/c) correctly up to three decimal places.

Sol -
Given wavelength of red light (x) = 630Nm & wavelength of green light (y) =
540Nm. Now using relativistic doppler effect of wavelength for systems
approaching each other where :

β = v / c = ( x*x - y*y ) / ( x*x + y*y ) = 0.15294 = 0.153(approx.)

Here also y = wavelength seen by the receiver and x = wavelength of the

source
- Shivam 200937

Q-An iron nail of mass 0.5 gm is dropped from a height 1 m from the level of
a sand bed. If it penetrates through a distance of 25 cm in the sand before

1
coming to rest and if g=10 m/s2, the average force (in N) exerted by the sand
on the nail will be given by

Ans- total potential energy lost by the iron nail = m*g*h

h=1.25m
total potential energy lost by the iron nail=(0.5/1000)*10*1.25=0.00625J
And the work done by the average force must be equal to loss in
potential energy of the iron nail;
Let average force experienced by iron nail be F while it is moving through
sand
And it only moves 0.25m through sand so,
|F*0.25|=0.00625
And this gives F=0.025N.

Remark- I have equated magnitude of potential energy to magnitude of work

done on the iron nail by the average resistive force by sand, please do not
get confused as one can claim that work energy theorem says that work done
equals change in kinetic energy and I have equated here with potential
energy because in this case potential energy converted into kinetic energy
and that kinetic energy is reduced to zero by the resistive force by sand so
we can equate here directly potential energy lost equals magnitude of work
done by average resistive force.

Q. The total linear momentum of a system of particles is always conserved

in the centre of mass frame. (True/False) [Aman Kumar Singh - 200100]
Ans : TRUE
In the centre of mass frame net force is zero.
𝐹 = 𝑑𝑃/𝑑𝑡 clarifies that if no external force is being applied, i.e. 𝐹 = 0
Then 𝑑𝑃/𝑑𝑡 = 0or 𝑃 = 𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑡. ( Linear momentum conserved )
Thus, the total linear momentum of a system of particles is always conserved
in the centre of mass frame.

2
Q: The total linear momentum of a system of particles is always conserved in the
centre of mass frame. (True/False)

Answer: True

A general solution to the question, applicable even when the total external force on
the system of particles may be non-zero, is as follows:

For a system S, consisting of particles mi with position vectors ri for 0≤i≤n, the CM
(Centre of Mass) is located at rCM , where

rCM = ∑𝑖 (miri)/∑𝑖 (mi)

⇔ ∑𝑖 (mirCM) =∑𝑖 (miri)

⇔ ∑𝑖 (mi(ri-rCM)) = 0

In the CM frame, the position vector of particle mi is ri’ = ri - rcm and the velocity of
particle mi is vi’ = (d/dt)(ri’), for all mi belonging to S.

Thus, we can write the above equation as

∑𝑖 (miri’) = 0

Differentiating with respect to time we get

∑𝑖 (mivi’) = 0

The quantity on the left is just the total linear momentum of the system, in the CM
frame.

3
Thus, the total linear momentum of a system of particles is always a constant in the
CM frame. (Moreover, this constant is 0) (Suyash Srivastava, Roll no.: 201031)

__________________________________________________________
Question -
What will be the solution of the equation
x’’+2x’+5x=0 , where at t=0, x=5 and x’=−3?
Solution -
This is a second order linear homogeneous differential equation with
constant coefficients.
The characteristic equation is
2
𝑚 + 2𝑚 + 5 = 0
Roots of this are −1 ± 2𝑖
If roots of characteristic equation are 𝑎 ± 𝑏𝑖 ,then general Solution is
𝑒 𝑎𝑥 (𝑐1 𝑐𝑜𝑠 𝑏𝑥 + 𝑐2 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑏𝑥)
Hence , general solution of given equation is
−𝑡
x= 𝑒 (𝑐1 𝑐𝑜𝑠 2𝑡 + 𝑐2 𝑠𝑖𝑛 2𝑡)
Putting initial value condition (at t=0, x=5 and x’=−3)
We get,
0
5 = 𝑒 (𝑐1 ∗ 1 + 𝑐2 ∗ 0)
→ c1=5,
(Answer can be achieved here only , by noticing options)
𝑥′ = −𝑒 −𝑡 ((𝑐1 − 2 𝑐2)𝑐𝑜𝑠 2𝑡 + (𝑐2 + 2𝑐1)𝑠𝑖𝑛 2𝑡)
We get ,
−3 = −1 ∗ ((5 − 2𝑐2) ∗ 1 + (𝑐2 + 10) ∗ 0)
→ c2=1,
Hence the solution
−𝑡
x= 𝑒 (5 𝑐𝑜𝑠 2𝑡 + 𝑠𝑖𝑛 2𝑡)
(Pratham Jain,200712)
__________________________________________________________

4
Ques. The speed of light in still water is c/n where n=4/3 is the refractive
index of the water. Experiments show that speed of light in running water can
be expressed as 𝑉𝑤 = 𝑐/𝑛 + 𝛼𝑣 + 𝛽𝑣 2 where
α is called the drag coefficient and v is the velocity of water in the lab-frame.
is called the drag coefficient and v is the velocity of water in the lab-frame.
Determine the value of
α using the law of addition of velocities assuming
v<<nc.
Round off your answer correctly up to two decimal places.

Solution:

The speed of light with respect to moving water frame(in which speed
of water is zero) is c/n and the speed of moving water frame is v with respect
to the lab-frame.
From the velocity addition Law it follows that the speed of light in the
lab-frame where water is flowing with speed v (in the same direction as light)
is 𝑉𝑤 = (𝑐/𝑛 + 𝑣)/(1 + (𝑣𝑐/𝑛)/𝑐 2 ) = (c/n+v)/(1+v/nc) =(𝑐/𝑛 + 𝑣)(1 + 𝑣/
𝑐𝑛)−1 . Now v/cn<<<1. Hence using binomial expansion of the denominator
term in the above equation we get
𝛼 = 1 − 1/𝑛2 = 0.4375 = 0.44 (𝑢𝑝𝑡𝑜 2 𝑑𝑒𝑐𝑖𝑚𝑎𝑙 𝑝𝑙𝑎𝑐𝑒𝑠)
(Shreyansh Pachauri, 200954)

Q. In an arbitrary basis, the moment of inertia tensor of a two dimensional

metal sheet is given by 𝐼= If the principal moments of inertia are
given by :

What will be the value of ? (Rishabh Agrawal, 200789)

Solution:

5
𝐼=

For principal moments of inertia, we need to find the eigenvalues for the
given matrix 𝐼.
Now, let 𝜆 denote the eigenvalues, therefore to calculate the same:

𝐷𝑒𝑡(𝐼-𝐼₂)= 0, where 𝐼₂= .

Now, =0

Therefore, -(α-λ)(β+λ) - β² = 0
β² + (α-λ)(β+λ) = 0
β² + αβ + αλ - βλ - λ² = 0
λ² + βλ - αλ - αβ - β² =0
λ² + λ(β-α) - β(α+β) = 0
λ =( (α-β) ± √[ (β-α)² + 4β(α+β)])／2 ------------(i)
ATQ,
λ = 2 ± √2
Comparing with (i)
(α-β)/2 = 2 -----------------------------(ii)
(√[ (β-α)² + 4β(α+β)])/2 = 2√2 ------(iii)

From (ii) and (iii):

α=3
β = -1

Therefore, 3α + β= 10

6
7
Q. A particle of mass m moves under a central force field along a curve
r=a(1−cosθ), where a is a positive constant. If the force varies as r^n.
What will be the value of n?(Adit Thampi)

8
Q.11 What are the normal frequencies of a system where three identical
blocks of mass m oscillate between two rigid walls being connected by a total
of four identical springs of spring constant k? The frequencies are measured
in the unit of ω= root(k/m)

9
(Sanidhya Singh, 200864)
Ans:

Given: 3 identical masses attached with 4 springs having same force constant.
Writing equations of motion for all the three boxes:
𝑚𝑥᳹₁ = 𝑘𝑥₁ + 𝑘(𝑥₁ − 𝑥₂)－①
𝑚𝑥᳹₂ = −𝑘(𝑥₁ − 𝑥₂) − 𝑘(𝑥₃ − 𝑥₂)－②
𝑚𝑥᳹₃ = 𝑘(𝑥₃ − 𝑥₂) + 𝑘𝑥₃－③

Now, divide both sides by m and put √𝑘/𝑚= �:

𝑥᳹₁ = 𝜔ₒ²𝑥₁ + 𝜔ₒ²(𝑥₁ − 𝑥₂)－①
𝑥᳹₂ = −𝜔ₒ²(𝑥₁ − 𝑥₂) − 𝜔ₒ²(𝑥₃ − 𝑥₂)－②
𝑥᳹₃ = 𝜔ₒ²(𝑥₃ − 𝑥₂) + 𝜔ₒ²𝑥₃－③
Now, put 𝑥₁ = 𝐴𝑒⁻�𝑡, 𝑥₂ = 𝐵𝑒⁻�𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑥₃ = 𝐶𝑒⁻�𝑡
After solving you’ll get the following equation:

𝐴(𝜔² − 2𝜔ₒ²) + 𝐵𝜔 = 0
𝐴𝜔²ₒ + 𝐵(𝜔² − 𝜔²ₒ) + 𝐶𝜔²ₒ = 0
𝐵𝜔²ₒ + 𝐶(𝜔² − 2𝜔²ₒ) = 0

Converting it into matrix form(writing just the required matrix):

For its determinant to be zero (because of the existence of non-trivial solution):

(𝜔² − 2𝜔ₒ²)((𝜔² − 2𝜔ₒ²)² − 2𝜔ₒ²) = 0
Solving which you can get:
𝜔 = √2𝜔ₒ, √2 ± √2𝜔ₒ

Q. A solid uniform cube with each side a and mass M is lying on the positive
x, y and z axes as its three intersecting edges with the origin (0,0,0) being

10
their point of intersection. If the cube rotates along the vector (x^+y^) with a
constant angular speed ω, the angular momentum of the cube will be

Ans
Soln. (by Sourit Saha, 200998)

Q. A particle with rest mass m0and momentum m0c(in lab frame) sees
another particle approaching it with the same rest mass but a total energy (in
lab frame) which is equal to three times its rest mass energy. What is the

11
relative speed with which the first particle sees the second particle moving?
(Rajarshi Dutta, 200762)
Solution:

12
Q. The force on a particle on mass m moving in one dimension is given
by F(t) = me-t.
If the particle starts from rest with an initial displacement of 1 unit, what
will be the displacement (in the same units) after 2 seconds?

(Pranshu Gaur - 200703)

Solution : 𝑚 𝑥̈ = 𝑚 𝑒 −𝑡
Then, 𝑥̈ = 𝑒 −𝑡
The complementary solution of this equation is 𝑥𝑐 = 𝛼𝑡 + 𝛽.
Now, for the particular solution, the annihilator of RHS is D+1.
Now, 𝑥𝑝 = 𝑐𝑒 −𝑡 , putting this in the equation, 𝑐𝑒 −𝑡 = 𝑒 −𝑡 from this we get c
= 1.
So, 𝑥(𝑡) = 𝑒 −𝑡 + 𝛼𝑡 + 𝛽. To determine the coefficients, we use the given
initial conditions, x(0)=1 and v(0)=0.
Therefore, 𝑥(0) = 1 + 0 + 𝛽 = 1 ; ⇒ 𝛽 = 0.
𝑥̇ (𝑡) = −𝑒 −𝑡 + 𝛼 ⇒ 𝑥̇ (0) = −1 + 𝛼 = 0 ⇒ 𝛼 = 1.
Hence, 𝑥(𝑡) = 𝑒 −𝑡 + 𝑡 ⇒ 𝑥(2) = 𝑒 −2 + 2 = 2.135 .

Q. A particle moves along the curve𝑥 = 2𝑡 2 , 𝑦 = 𝑡 2 − 4𝑡, 𝑧 = 3𝑡 − 5 where t

is the time. Find the component of its velocity at time t = 2 in the direction of
the vector 𝑖̂ − 3𝑗̂ + 2𝑘̂. Write your answer by rounding off up to two decimal
places. (Abhishek Shree, 200028)

Sol.
Here, 𝑣𝑥 = 𝑥̇ = 4𝑡, 𝑣𝑦 = 𝑦̇ = 2𝑡 − 4, 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑣𝑧 = 𝑧̇ = 3.
At t=2s, 𝑣⃗ = 8𝑖̂ + 3𝑘̂ .
̂)
(𝑖̂−3𝑗̂ +2𝑘
Therefore, 𝑣⃗ ⋅ ̂ )∥
is the component of 𝑣⃗ along 𝑖̂ − 3𝑗̂ + 2𝑘̂.
∥(𝑖̂−3𝑗̂ +2𝑘

13
∴ The dot product turns out to be √14 = 3.74

Q: As shown in the figure, a block of mass M (= 25 Kg) is kept on the floor.

Find the minimum value of the acceleration (in m/s2, up to one decimal
place) with which the monkey (m = 20 Kg) should climb up the rope to lift the
block from the floor. Consider the rope to be massless and the pulley to be
frictionless. Take g = 10 m/s2.

Answer: 2.5
Solution: For lifting the M block minimum Tension required, T=Mg

14
If the upward acceleration of the monkey is a, then
T-mg=ma
or, T=mg+ma
So, by equating the two tensions, we get
Mg = mg + ma
or, a=(M-m)g/m
By putting the values (M=25kg and m=20 kg), we get a=(25-20)*10/20
or, a=50/20
or, a=2.5 m/s2
(L Gokulnath, 200542)

Q.19 To an observer on the platform, two trains are approaching each other
with a relative speed 7c/5. An observer on one train sees the other train
approaching with a speed of 35c/37. If the platform observer sees one train
with v1 speed and the other train with v2 speed where v1>v2, what will be
v1:v2?

(- Sheshank,200930)

Answer- 4:3

Soln- Relative velocity(v1+v2)=7c/5

Observed relative velocity=35c/37

Using Velocity addition formula, we have,

35c/37=(7c/5)/(1+(v1*v2/c2))

=>25*v1*v2=12*c2

=>5*v1*(7*c-5*v1)=12c2

=>25*v12-35*v1*c+12*c2=0

=>v1=4c/5 , 3c/5

So, v1=4c/5

15
 Thus, v2=3c/5

Hence v1/v2=4:3.

(- Sheshank,200930)

Q.26 A particle of unit mass is moving in one dimension under the potential
U=x(x−3)2. If the time period of oscillation of the particle about its position of
stable equilibrium is given by T=mπ then what is the value of m? (write your
answer correctly upto two decimal places)
ANS: ⇒ U=x(x-3)²
⇒ F=-∂U/∂x=-((x-3)²+2x(x-3))
⇒ F=-3(x-3)(x-1)
⇒ ∂²U/∂x²=∂(3(x-3)(x-1))/∂x=3(2x-4)=6(x-2)
now at x=3,1 we have force=0 so they are points of equilibrium
⇒ for x=3,
∂²U/∂x²>0 hence it is point of minima or stable equilibrium
⇒ for x=1
∂²U/∂x²<0 hence it is point of maxima or unstable equilibrium
so we perform oscillation about x=3
now we change variable x->x'+3
so F=-3(x')(x'+2)
so near x=3 x' tends to zero
⇒ F=-3(x')²-6x'≌-6x’ (as x' tends to 0 so we can ignore higher order
terms)
⇒ F=-6x'

16
 ⇒ a=-(6/m)x'=-ω²x' ⇒ ω=√(6/m)=√6 (mass=1)
⇒ T=2π/ω=2π/√6≌0.82π
(HARSH TRIVEDI 200422)

Q : Find the angle (in degrees) in between the surfaces x2+y2+z2 = 9 and z
= x2+y2 -3 at the point ( 2 , -1 , 2) . Round off correctly up to three decimal
places . ( Ujwal Kumar , 201061 )

Solution :

Let A = x2+y2+z2-9 ; B = x2+y2-z- 3

⛛A = 2x 𝑖̂+ 2y 𝑗̂ + 2z 𝑘̂
⛛B = 2x 𝑖̂ + 2y 𝑗̂ - 𝑘̂
Given point : ( 2 , -1 , 2)
Gradient of A at this point : P = 4𝑖̂ - 2𝑗̂ + 4𝑘̂
Gradient of B at this point : Q = 4𝑖̂ - 2𝑗̂ - 𝑘̂
Now ,
𝑃 ⋅ 𝑄 = |𝑃| |𝑄| 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃
̂ )⋅(4𝑖̂ - 2𝑗̂ - 𝑘̂) = (√16 + 4 + 16 ) (√16 + 4 + 1 )𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃
⇒ (4𝑖̂ - 2𝑗̂ + 4𝑘
⇒ 16 = (6)(√21) 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃
⇒ 8 = 3(√21)𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃
8
⇒ 𝜃 =cos-1 ( )
3√21

17
Q. A particle of mass m moves under a central force field along a curve 𝑟 =
𝑎(1 − 𝑐𝑜𝑠 𝜃), where 𝑎is a positive constant. If the force varies as 𝑟 𝑛 , what
will be the value of n?
[Harshit Raj]

Soln:
Given,
𝑟 = 𝑎(1 − 𝑐𝑜𝑠 𝜃)
Say,
1
𝑢 =
𝑟
1
⇒𝑢 = ⋅ 1
𝑎 (1−𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃)
(𝑖)
Differentiating both side wrt 𝜃
𝑑𝑢 −𝑠𝑖𝑛(𝜃)
⇒ =
𝑑𝜃 𝑎 (𝑐𝑜𝑠(𝜃) − 1)2
Again, differentiating both side wrt 𝜃
2 2
𝑑 𝑢 (𝜃) − 𝑐𝑜𝑠2 (𝜃) + 𝑐𝑜𝑠(𝜃)
⇒ 2 = −2 𝑠𝑖𝑛 3 (𝑖𝑖)
𝑑𝜃 𝑎 (𝑐𝑜𝑠(𝜃)−1)
Using Equation (i) and (ii),
2 2
𝑑 𝑢 −1 + 2𝑐𝑜𝑠(𝜃) − 𝑐𝑜𝑠2 (𝜃) − 2 𝑠𝑖𝑛 (𝜃) − 𝑐𝑜𝑠2 (𝜃) + 𝑐𝑜𝑠(𝜃)
⇒𝑢+ 2
= 3
𝑑𝜃 𝑎 (𝑐𝑜𝑠(𝜃) − 1)
2
𝑑 𝑢 −3 + 3𝑐𝑜𝑠(𝜃)
⇒𝑢+ 2
= 3
𝑑𝜃 𝑎 (𝑐𝑜𝑠(𝜃) − 1)
2
𝑑 𝑢 3
⇒𝑢+ 2
= 2
𝑑𝜃 𝑎 (1 − 𝑐𝑜𝑠(𝜃))
Using equation (i)
2
𝑑 𝑢
⇒𝑢+ 2 = 3𝑎𝑢2 = 3𝑎
𝑟2
(iii)
𝑑𝜃

Using Binet Equation,

Where 𝑐𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑟𝑎𝑙 𝑓𝑜𝑟𝑐𝑒, 𝐹 = 𝑓(𝑟) 𝑟̂
2
𝑑 𝑢 −𝑓(𝑟) 𝑟2
⇒𝑢+ 2
= 2
𝑑𝜃 𝑚ℎ

18
 3𝑎 −𝑓(𝑟) 𝑟2
⇒ =
𝑟2 𝑚ℎ
2

⇒ 𝑓(𝑟) = 𝑘 𝑟−4
Where k is a constant
Hence, 𝑛 = −4

QUESTION: Q.1 A planar isosceles triangle with common side length L, is

placed (as shown in the figure) between two frictionless circles of radius R.
The mass density per unit area of the triangle is σ, and the radii to the points
of contact make an angle θ with the horizontal. Find the horizontal force, F,
that must be applied to the circles to keep them together (in unit N, rounding
off up to three decimal places). L = 1 cm, R = 1 cm, σ = 50 gm/cm^2, θ =
30 degrees, and g = 10 N/m^2.

● SOLUTION:

19
Q. Two events A and B are denoted in frame S by (a,0,0,a/c) and
(2a,0,0,a/2c) respectively where a is a real non-zero constant and c is the light
speed at vacuum. If these two events are simultaneous in S' frame, then the
x-velocity of S' with respect to the S-frame is ηc. If in the S' frame both the
events occur at time μa/c, then 2μ2η will be equal to
[Aditya Tanwar, 200057]

Answer: -3

Solution:
Let the velocity of S’ frame be v w.r.t. to S, 𝑖 = 𝑖𝑖,

And time of any event in S’ frame be represented by t’,

𝑖′ = 𝑖(𝑖 − 𝑖𝑖/𝑖²)

Then, as the two events are simultaneous in S’, we have,

𝑖′ = 𝑖 [(𝑖/𝑖) − (𝑖𝑖)(𝑖)/𝑖²] = 𝑖 [(𝑖/2𝑖) − (𝑖𝑖)(2𝑖)/𝑖²]
⇒ 𝑖/𝑖 − 𝑖𝑖/𝑖 = 𝑖/2𝑖 − 2𝑖𝑖/𝑖 ⇒ 𝑖/2𝑖 = −𝑖𝑖/𝑖 ⇒ 𝑖 = −1/2
So,
1
𝑖 = −𝑖/2 ⇒ 𝑖 = ⇒ 𝛾 = 2/√3
2
√1 − 𝑖2
𝑖

Now, to calculate time in S’, either of the events’ coordinates can be used, as they
are simultaneous in S’,

20
𝑖′ = 𝑖(𝑖 − 𝑖𝑖/𝑖2 ) and 𝑖′ = 𝑖𝑖/𝑖

On putting the values in, and equating them, we get,

2
𝜇𝑖/𝑖 = 2/√3[(𝑖/𝑖) − (−𝑖/2)(𝑖)/𝑖 ] ⇒ 𝑖𝑖/𝑖 = 2/√3 (3𝑖/2𝑖) ⇒ 𝑖
= √3

Finally,
2𝑖2 𝑖 = 2 ∗ (√3)2 ∗ (−1/2) = −3
Q. For torque-free motion of a light symmetric top, which combination of
the Euler angles and their time derivatives is a conserved quantity in the
body frame?
[Aditya Tanwar, 200057]

Answer: 𝜃′2 + 𝛷′2 𝛷𝛷𝛷2 𝛷

Solution: [𝑖′ denotes 𝑖𝑖/𝑖𝑖]

Euler equations for torque-free motion of a light symmetric top are,
1. 𝑖𝑖 𝑖𝑖 ′ + 𝑖𝑖 𝑖𝑖 (𝑖𝑖 − 𝑖𝑖 ) = 0
2. 𝑖𝑖 𝑖𝑖 ′ + 𝑖𝑖 𝑖𝑖 (𝑖𝑖 − 𝑖𝑖 ) = 0
3. 𝑖𝑖 𝑖𝑖 ′ + 𝑖𝑖 𝑖𝑖 (𝑖𝑖 − 𝑖𝑖 ) = 0

Also, for a symmetric top, we have 𝑖𝑖 = 𝑖𝑖 = 𝑖0 , so by eq. 3, we get,

𝑖𝑖 𝑖𝑖 ′ + 0 = 0 ⇒ 𝑖𝑖 ′ = 0 ⇒ 𝑖𝑖 = 𝑖𝑖𝑖𝑖𝑖𝑖𝑖𝑖 = 𝑖0

Let [𝑖0 (𝑖𝑖 − 𝑖0 )/𝑖0 ] = 𝑖 = 𝑖𝑖𝑖𝑖𝑖𝑖𝑖𝑖, then on dividing eq. 1 and eq. 2
by 𝑖0 , we obtain,
𝜔𝑖 ′ + 𝑖𝑖𝑖 = 0 ⇒ 𝑖𝑖 ′ = −𝑖𝑖𝑖 Multiplying these two
𝜔𝑖 ′
− 𝑖𝑖𝑖 = 0 ⇒ 𝑖𝑖𝑖 = 𝑖𝑖 ′ equations together, we have,
𝑖𝑖𝑖 𝑖𝑖 ′ = −𝑖𝑖𝑖 𝑖𝑖 ′ ⇒ 𝑖(𝑖𝑖 𝑖𝑖 ′ + 𝑖𝑖 𝑖𝑖 ′) = 0 ⇒ 1/2 ∗ (𝑖𝑖 2 + 𝑖𝑖 2 )′
=0
2
⇒ 𝜔𝑖 2 + 𝑖𝑖 = 𝑖𝑖𝑖𝑖𝑖𝑖𝑖𝑖

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Now,
𝜔𝑖 = 𝑖′ 𝑖𝑖𝑖𝑖 𝑖𝑖𝑖𝑖 + 𝑖′ 𝑖𝑖𝑖𝑖 and 𝜔𝑖 = 𝑖′ 𝑖𝑖𝑖𝑖 𝑖𝑖𝑖𝑖 −
𝑖′ 𝑖𝑖𝑖𝑖
On putting the values in, and simplifying, we obtain,
2 2 2 2
𝜔𝑖 2 + 𝑖𝑖 = 𝑖′ + 𝑖′ 𝑖𝑖𝑖 𝑖

Hence,
2
+ 𝛷′2 𝛷𝛷𝛷2 𝛷 = 𝛷𝛷𝛷𝛷𝛷𝛷𝛷𝛷
𝜃′
Q. A particle is moving under a potential V=k/r and traces out an ellipse.
Which of the following is true?
[Aditya Tanwar, 200057]

Answer: 𝛷𝛷2 > 2|𝛷|𝛷2

Solution:

For unbounded motion, 𝑖 ≥ 0

For bounded motion, 𝑖 < 0
For stable circular orbit, 𝑖 = −𝑖𝑖2 /2𝛷2
Finally, for elliptical orbit, −𝑖𝑖2 /2𝛷2 < 𝛷 < 0
2 2
⇒ −𝑖𝑖 < 2𝛷𝛷 < 0
In terms of modulus, the inequality transforms to,
2
⇒ 𝑖𝑖2 > 2|𝛷|𝛷 > 0

QUE: A solid, uniform cone with semi-vertical angle 15 degree is rolling without slipping with
constant angular speed 2 units with respect to the lab frame. The movement takes place on a horizontal

22
table where the vertex of the cone is fixed at a point O on the table. The height of the cone is 2.5 units.
What will be the angular speed with which the axis of the cone rotates about the vertical direction
through the point O? (round off up to three decimal places).
[ Yusra Khan , 201168 ]
ANSWER: 0.536
SOLUTION:

Let,
OA=R units
OB= r units
Here, the cone is rolling without slipping.
So, at the point of contact (A) we have the condition

R = r/ sin(15°)

ω1 r = ω2 R …………(1)
ω1 r = (ω2 r )/ sin(15°)

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 ω1 = ω2 / sin(15°) ………….(2)

Now, the total angular velocity (say ) of the cone w.r.t. Lab frame is

=ω1 n̂ - ω2 ẑ
= (ω2 / sin(15°) ) n̂ - ω2 ẑ
Here n̂ is changing so we can write it as
n̂= sin(15°) ŷ + cos(15° ) ẑ

Now,
= {ω2 [ sin(15°) ẑ + cos(15° ) ŷ ] }/ sin(15°) - ω2 ẑ

= (ω2 / tan(15°) ) ŷ

=2 units (given)

ω2 =0.536 units

Q. In an arbitrary basis, the moment of inertia tensor of a two dimensional metal sheet is given by
I=α β
β −β
If the principal moments of inertia in are given by 2±√2, what will be the value of (3α−β)?

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Q. A rigid body with one point fixed undergoes a torque-free motion in
the lab frame. If the three principal moments of inertia of the rigid body
are related as 𝐼𝑥𝑥 + 𝐼𝑦𝑦 = 2𝐼𝑧𝑧 , which one is true for its motion?
(Bipplav Kumar Tiwari,200281)
Sol-
Using Euler’s equations for torque free motion, we have
𝑑
𝐼𝑥 (𝜔𝑥 ) + 𝜔𝑦 𝜔𝑧 (𝐼𝑧 − 𝐼𝑦 ) =0
𝑑𝑡
𝑑
𝐼𝑦 (𝜔𝑦 ) + 𝜔𝑧 𝜔𝑥 (𝐼𝑥 − 𝐼𝑧 ) =0
𝑑𝑡
𝑑
𝐼𝑧 (𝜔𝑧 ) + 𝜔𝑥 𝜔𝑦 (𝐼𝑦 − 𝐼𝑥 ) =0
𝑑𝑡
We start by multiplying the above equations by 𝜔𝑥 , 𝜔𝑦 and 𝜔𝑧 respectively
𝑑 1 𝑑
to get equations containing terms of the form ( 𝐼 𝜔2) = 𝑇 which is
𝑑𝑡 2 𝑥 𝑥 𝑑𝑡 𝑥
𝑑
just 𝐼𝑥 𝜔𝑥 (𝜔𝑥 ) (and, of course similar terms involving 𝑦and 𝑧) , So we
𝑑𝑡
finally get,
𝑑 1
( 𝐼 𝜔2 ) + 𝜔𝑥 𝜔𝑦 𝜔𝑧 (𝐼𝑧 − 𝐼𝑦 ) = 0 ……(1)
𝑑𝑡 2 𝑥 𝑥
𝑑 1
( 𝐼𝑦 𝜔𝑦2 ) + 𝜔𝑥 𝜔𝑦 𝜔𝑧 (𝐼𝑥 − 𝐼𝑧 ) = 0 ……(2)
𝑑𝑡 2
𝑑 1
( 𝐼𝑧 𝜔𝑧2 ) + 𝜔𝑥 𝜔𝑦 𝜔𝑧 (𝐼𝑦 − 𝐼𝑥 ) = 0 …....(3)
𝑑𝑡 2
Now , subtract (2) from (1) to get,
𝑑
(𝑇 − 𝑇𝑦 ) + 𝜔𝑥 𝜔𝑦 𝜔𝑧 (2𝐼𝑧 − 𝐼𝑦 − 𝐼𝑥 ) = 0
𝑑𝑡 𝑥
And since 𝐼𝑥 + 𝐼𝑦 = 2𝐼𝑧 , So the above equation reduces to ,
𝑑
⇒ 𝑑𝑡 (𝑇𝑥 − 𝑇𝑦 ) = 0 ⇒ 𝑇𝑥 − 𝑇𝑦
= 𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑡
So, The difference of the rotational kinetic energies about the principal
directions x and y is constant.

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Q. A particle of unit mass is acted upon by a central force F=−0.5r^(-7). If the
radius of the stable circular orbit is given by r0=2 units, what will be the
magnitude of the angular momentum? Write the answer rounded off up to two
decimal places.
[Ans = 0.18]

Solution :-

[Solution by - Mayank Mishra 200570]

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Q. What will be the maximum amplitude of a damped and forced oscillator
having equation:
𝛷2 𝛷 𝛷𝛷
2
+ 0.4 + 𝛷 = 0.6𝛷𝛷𝛷(0.959𝛷)
𝛷𝛷 𝛷𝛷
Write the answer correct up to two decimal places.
[Soham Samaddar, 200990]

Answer: 1.53

Solution:

Since the damped portion of the oscillation dies out very quickly, the maximum
amplitude comes exclusively from the forcing term, whose amplitude is given by:

𝑖
𝑖=
𝑖√(𝑖20 − 𝑖2 )2 + 4𝑖2 𝑖2

Comparing with the given differential equation, we get:

𝑖
= 0.6
𝑖
𝜆 = 0.2
2
𝜔0 = 1

𝛾 = 0.959

Substituting the values, we get

𝑖 = 1.53

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