Physics Enhancement Programme Phase 1

Selection Test 2 (Total 100 points)

14 December 2019
1. (15 points) An isolated plane capacitor with rectangular plates of height 𝐻 is fixed in a
vertical position. It is charged initially such that the electric field inside the capacitor is 𝐸# . Its
lower end is now in contact with a dielectric liquid and the liquid will be sucked into the
capacitor up to the height ℎ. The dielectric liquid has mass density 𝜌 and the relative electric
permittivity 𝜖' .

Determine the height ℎ of the dielectric liquid between the plates. You can assume that the
distance between the plates is much smaller than the linear dimensions of the plates and
neglect the capillarity effects.

Solution

The initial energy in the capacitor is:

* * ./0 8/ 9:
𝑊# = 𝐶# 𝑈#+ = , where 𝐶# = (1) [2]
+ + 1/ ;
𝐻 is the height of the plates, 𝑙 is the width of the capacitor’s plates, and 𝑑 is the distance
between the plates.
When the plates come into contact with the liquid’s surface, a vertical force is exerted on the
dielectric liquid. The total electric charge remains constant and there is no energy transferred
to the system from outside. The increase of the gravitational energy is compensated by the
decrease of the electrical energy on the capacitor:
Wo = W1 + W2 (2) [2]
1 Qo2 1
W1 = × , W2 = rgh 2 ld (3) [2]+ [2]
2 C 2
e e hl e (H - h )l
C = C1 + C 2 = o r + o (4) [3]
d d
Introducing (3) and (4) in equation (2) it results:
( )
(e r - 1)h 2 + Hh - Eo e o H e r - 1 = 0
2
[2]
rg
The solution is:
9 FG/0 8/ 8A B* 0
ℎ= −1 ± 1 + [2]
+ 8A B* HI9

Only the positive solution has sense.

2. (15 points) A rectangular loop of wire with dimensions 𝑙 and 𝑤 is released at 𝑡 = 0 from
rest just above a region in which the magnetic field is 𝐵# as shown in the figure. The loop has
resistance 𝑅, self-inductance 𝐿 and mass 𝑚. Consider the case that the upper edge of the loop
is in the zero field region.
 Problema €4 S o h i i o n s o n E/cclromegnelirm

that the resistance can be ignored but not the aelf-

(a) Assume
find the current and velocity of the loop that the self-inductance
as functions of can be ignored but not the resistance, find the current and
velocity of the loop as functions of time.
(MITI
(b) Assume that the resistance can be ignored but not the self-inductance, find the current and
velocity of the loop as functions of time.
E=O
x Xb[X x x l x x x
"
x x x x x x x x
x x x x x x x Y
J,
1 9 5 Bo
#
$=0
Fig. 2.37

ime stated above, we have

E = Blv , X X X X X X X
!
€ - L -dl
dt= IR,
dv
$ = $' X X X X X X X
F = mg - BIl = m- .
e results of Problem 2053, we have
dt
X X X X X X X
v = 9[I - exp (- zB212
t ) ] ,
X X X X X X X
B212
B212
I = -
Blg [
m
1-exp
( - -m R t ) ] *
Solution
We have L$ = mlv and the equation of the motion is
In the case that only the lower edge of the loop is in the magnetic field as stated above, we
dv
m-dt = mg- have BIl.
𝑉 = 𝐵# 𝑙𝑣
d2v
- +w2v = 0 , 𝑑𝑖
dt 𝑉 − 𝐿 = 𝑖𝑅
.The general solution is 𝑑𝑡
𝑑𝑣
u = c1 coswt + c2 sin wt . 𝐹 = 𝑚𝑔 − 𝐵# 𝑖𝑙 = 𝑚
𝑑𝑡
(a) 𝐿 = 0
𝐵# 𝑙𝑣 = 𝑖𝑅 [1]
;W Y/ : 0
⇒ =𝑔− 𝑣 [1]
;X Z[
𝑑𝑣
⇒ = 𝑑𝑡
𝐵# 𝑙 +
𝑔− 𝑣
𝑚𝑅
+
𝐵# 𝑙 𝐵# 𝑙 +
⇒ ln 𝑔 − 𝑣 =𝐴− 𝑡
𝑚𝑅 𝑚𝑅
`/ a 0
Y/ : 0
⇒ 𝑔 − 𝑣 = 𝐶𝑒 B bc
X
[2]
Z[
Since 𝑣 𝑡 = 0 = 0, we have
𝑔=𝐶
and
`/ a 0
ZI[
𝑣= 1 − 𝑒B bc
X
[2]
Y/ : 0
The current is
`/ a 0
Y/ : ZI
𝑖 𝑡 = 𝑣 𝑡 = 1 − 𝑒B bc
X
[2]
[ Y/ :

(b) 𝑅 = 0.
[Remark: An alternative approach is to use the definition of the self-inductance:
𝛷 = 𝐿𝑖
𝐵# 𝑙𝑧 = 𝐿𝑖

where z is the vertical displacement. Then one can derive the differential equation for z.]
 We have
;f
𝐿 = 𝐵# 𝑙𝑣 [1]
;X
and
;W
𝑚 = 𝑚𝑔 − 𝐵# 𝑙𝑖 [1]
;X
;0W Y/ : ;f Y/0 : 0
⇒ =− =− 𝑣 [1]
;X 0 Z ;X Zg
The general
Problems solution
€4 Solriionr is
on E~ccfromognctirm

𝑣 𝑡 = 𝐴 cos 𝜔𝑡 + 𝐵 sin 𝜔𝑡 [1]

308s
and
In the circuit shown in Fig. 3.86,L1, L2,ZI and M Zare;Wthe self-inductancea
ZI Zm
𝑖 𝑡 of=a transformer,
− = − (−𝐴
the sin 𝜔𝑡 + 𝐵 cos 𝜔𝑡) [1]
mutual inductance of the windings Y/ : Y/ : ;X R1 and
Y/ : R2 Yare
/:
ding resistances, S is a switch andY 0R: 0is a resistive load in the secondary
V +==
/
where
uit. The input voltage is 𝜔 .
Vo sinwl.
Zg
(a) Calculate theAt
amplitude
𝑡 = 0, of𝑣 the
= 0current
and 𝑖 in=the
0, primary
we have winding
𝐴 = 0when and
switch S is open. 𝑚𝑔 𝑚𝜔 𝑔
(b) Calculate the amplitude of the steady-state current through =𝐵R ⇒𝐵=
en S is closed.
𝐵# 𝑙 𝐵# 𝑙 𝜔
We have

mR
(c) For an ideal transformer R1 = R2 = 0, and M I L1, L2 are I simply
ted to N1, Nz, the numbers of turns in the primary 𝑣 𝑡and=secondary
sin 𝜔𝑡 [1]
m
dings of the transformer. Putting these relations into (b), show ZI that
results of (b) reduces to that expected from the turns 𝑖 𝑡ratio
= N 2 / N11 −of cos 𝜔𝑡 [1]
Y/ :
transformer.
(CUSPEA)
3. (20 points) In the circuit, 𝐿* , 𝐿+ and 𝑀 are the self-inductances and mutual inductance of
the windings of a transformer, 𝑅* and 𝑅+ are the winding resistances, 𝑆 is a switch and 𝑅 is a
resistive load in the secondary circuit. The input voltage is 𝑉 = 𝑉# cos 𝜔𝑡.
V - !" !#
S
M secondary
primary
Fig. 3.86 winding winding
!
lution: %(') ~ )" )#
(a) When S is opened, we have

+
*
(b) With S closed we have the circuit equations
(a) Calculate the amplitude of the current in the primary winding when the switch 𝑆 is open.
(b) Calculate the amplitude of the steady-state current through 𝑅 when 𝑆 is closed.
(c) For an ideal transformer, we have 𝑅* = 𝑅+ = 0, 𝐿* = 𝑐𝑁*+ , 𝐿+ = 𝑐𝑁++ and 𝑀+ = 𝐿* 𝐿+ ,
where 𝑁* , 𝑁+ are the numbers of turns in the primary and secondary windings of the
transformer. Putting these relations into (b) and simplify the result of the steady-state current.

Solution:
(a) When 𝑆 is opened, we have
𝐼+ = 0
and a 𝑅𝐿 circuit in the primary coil.
;s
𝑉 = 𝐼* 𝑅* + 𝐿* t [1]
;X
Using the complex current 𝐼* 𝑡 = 𝐼*# 𝑒 and voltage 𝑉 = 𝑉# 𝑒 fmX ,
fmX
u/
𝑉# = 𝑅* 𝐼*# + 𝑖𝜔𝐿* 𝐼*# ⇒ 𝐼* = 𝑒 fmX [2]
[vfmgt
The amplitude is
u/
𝐼* = [2]
[ 0 vm 0 g0t
(b) When 𝑆 is closed, we have the circuit equations (𝑉 = 𝑉# 𝑒 fmX , 𝐼* = 𝐼*# 𝑒 fmX , 𝐼+ = 𝐼+# 𝑒 fmX )
𝑉# = 𝑅* 𝐼*# + 𝑖𝜔𝐿* 𝐼*# + 𝑖𝜔𝑀𝐼+# [3]
0 = 𝐼+# 𝑅+ + 𝑅 + 𝑖𝜔𝐿+ 𝐼+# + 𝑖𝜔𝑀𝐼*# [3]
We have two equations and two unknowns (𝐼*# and 𝐼+# ).

To get 𝐼+# , we eliminate 𝐼*# .

𝑉# − 𝑖𝜔𝑀𝐼+#
𝐼*# =
𝑅* + 𝑖𝜔𝐿*
𝑉# − 𝑖𝜔𝑀𝐼+#
⇒ 𝑅 + 𝑅+ + 𝑖𝜔𝐿+ 𝐼+# = −𝑖𝜔𝑀𝐼*# = −𝑖𝜔𝑀
𝑅* + 𝑖𝜔𝐿*
+ +
⇒ 𝑅 + 𝑅+ + 𝑖𝜔𝐿+ 𝑅* + 𝑖𝜔𝐿* + 𝜔 𝑀 𝐼+# = −𝑖𝜔𝑀𝑉#
fmwu/
⇒ 𝐼+# = − [2]
[v[0 vfmg0 [t vfmgt vm 0 w 0
The amplitude of the current is
𝜔𝑀𝑉#
𝐼+# =
| 𝑅 + 𝑅+ + 𝑖𝜔𝐿+ 𝑅* + 𝑖𝜔𝐿* + 𝜔 + 𝑀+ |
𝜔𝑀𝑉#
= +
𝑅* 𝑅 + 𝑅+ + 𝜔 𝑀 − 𝐿* 𝐿+ + 𝑖𝜔 𝑅* 𝐿+ + 𝑅𝐿* + 𝑅+ 𝐿*
mwu/
= [3]
0 0
[t [v[0 vm 0 wBgt g0 v m [t g0 v[gt v[0 gt

(c) For the ideal transformer,

mwu/ y0 u/
𝐼+# = = [4]
m[gt yt [
y0
This is just what is expected. The ideal transformer changes voltage from 𝑉# to 𝑉.
yt #

4. (15 points) We consider the three slits Young interference experiment where the width of
z
the slits are infinitesimal small. The separation between slits are 𝑑 and 𝑑 respectively. You
+
can assume the light emitted from the slits are all in phase and the separation between the
slits and screen 𝐷 is much larger than 𝑑. The wavelength of light is 𝜆.
(a) Find the angular dependence 𝐼(𝜃) of the intensity detected on the screen.
(b) Find the first positive angle 𝜃 = 𝜃* where the constructive interference occurs.
*
(c) Calculate the relative intensity 𝐼(𝜃 = 𝜃* )/𝐼(0).
+

&

!
$
3
!
2 Screen

Solution:
 %
#$

!"
%&

(a) The resultant electric field of light from 3 slits is 𝐸 where

𝐸• = 𝐸# 1 + cos 𝛿* + cos(𝛿* + 𝛿+ ) = 𝐸# 1 + cos 2𝛽 + cos 5𝛽 [1]
𝐸„ = 𝐸# sin 𝛿* + sin(𝛿* + 𝛿+ ) = 𝐸# sin 2𝛽 + sin 5𝛽 [1]
…; †‡ˆ ‰
where 𝛽 = .
Š
The magnitude of the resultant electric field,
𝐸 + = 𝐸•+ + 𝐸„+ = 𝐸#+ 3 + 2(cos 2𝛽 + cos 3𝛽 + cos 5𝛽) [1]
and the intensity
𝐼 𝜃 = 𝐼# 3 + 2(cos 2𝛽 + cos 3𝛽 + cos 5𝛽) [2]

(b) To find the maximum intensity,

;s
= −2𝐼# 2 sin 2𝛽 + 3 sin 3𝛽 + 5 sin 5𝛽 = 0 [2]
;Œ
;0s
= −2𝐼# 4 cos 2𝛽 + 9 cos 3𝛽 + 25 cos 5𝛽 < 0 [2]
;Π0
Š ;s
Hence, we get 𝛽 = 𝑛𝜋 (Equivalently, sin 𝜃 = 𝑛 ) for = 0. [2]
; ;Œ

;0s +Š
At 𝛽 = 2𝜋, < 0. Hence the first order constructive interference occurs at sin 𝜃* = .
;Π0 ;

(c) 𝐼 0 =9𝐼#
’
s( t ) *
0
= [4]
s(#) “

5. (20 points) A light ray passes through a prism with angle 𝜃 as shown in the figure. The
refractive index of the prism is 𝑛.
(a) Find the angle of deflection 𝛿 as a function of angle 𝛼, 𝛽 and 𝜃.
(b) Find the angle of deflection 𝛿 as a function of angle 𝛼′ and 𝜃. Find the angle 𝛼′ when the
deflection angle 𝛿 is minimum.
(c) The light ray is composed of two monochromatic components with refractive indices
1.515 and 1.520 respectively. Find the angular spread 𝛥𝛿 of the components of the ray after it
passes through the prism with 𝜃 = 60∘ at the minimum deflection angle 𝛿.
 "
#
! $
$′
!′

Solution:
(a) From the figure, we have
𝛿 = 𝛼 − 𝛼 ™ + 𝛽 − 𝛽™
𝜃 = 𝛼 ™ + 𝛽′
⇒𝛿 =𝛼+𝛽−𝜃 [5]
(b) From Snell’s law,
sin 𝛼 = 𝑛 sin 𝛼 ™ ⇒ 𝛼 = sinB* (𝑛 sin 𝛼′)
sin 𝛽 = 𝑛 sin 𝛽 ™ ⇒ 𝛽 = sinB* 𝑛 sin(𝜃 − 𝛼′)
The deflection angle is
𝛿 = sinB* (𝑛 sin 𝛼′) + sinB* 𝑛 sin(𝜃 − 𝛼′) − 𝜃 [4]

;š
For 𝛿 to be minimum, =0
;› œ
𝑛 cos 𝛼′ 𝑛 cos 𝜃 − 𝛼 ™
⇒ − =0
1 − 𝑛+ sin+ 𝛼′ 1 − 𝑛+ sin+ 𝜃 − 𝛼 ™
[I will give full points if you can see the answer directly from the above equation.]

⇒ cos + 𝛼 ™ 1 − 𝑛+ sin+ 𝜃 − 𝛼 ™ = cos + 𝜃 − 𝛼 ™ 1 − 𝑛+ sin+ 𝛼 ™

⇒ (1 − sin+ 𝛼 ™ ) 1 − 𝑛+ sin+ 𝜃 − 𝛼 ™ = (1 − sin+ 𝜃 − 𝛼 ™ ) 1 − 𝑛+ sin+ 𝛼 ™
⇒ (1 − 𝑛+ ) sin+ 𝜃 − 𝛼 ™ = (1 − 𝑛+ ) sin+ 𝛼′
⇒ sin+ 𝜃 − 𝛼 ™ = sin+ 𝛼 ™
⇒ 𝜃 − 𝛼™ = 𝛼™
‰
⇒ 𝛼™ = [3]
+

‰
For minimum deflection, 𝛼 ™ = 𝛽 ™ =
+
And
𝜃
𝛼 = 𝛽 = sinB* 𝑛 sin
2
(c) Since
𝜃
sin 𝛼 = sin 𝛽 = 𝑛 sin
2
‰
𝛿 = 𝛼 + 𝛽 − 𝜃 = 2 sinB* 𝑛 sin − 𝜃 [3]
+
𝛿+𝜃 𝜃
⇒ sin = 𝑛 sin
2 2
𝛿 + 𝜃 𝛥𝛿 𝜃
⇒ cos = 𝛥𝑛 sin
2 2 2
’ ’ ’ ’
+ †‡ˆ + †‡ˆ + †‡ˆ + †‡ˆ
⇒ 𝛥𝛿 = 0
Ÿ ’ 𝛥𝑛 = 0
𝛥𝑛 = 0
𝛥𝑛 = 0
𝛥𝑛 [3]
•ž† •ž† › *B¡0 †‡ˆ0 ›™ ’
0 *B¡0 †‡ˆ0
0
When 𝜃 = 60∘ and 𝛥𝑛 = 1.520 − 1.515 = 0.005,
 *
𝛥𝛿 = 𝛥𝑛 = 0.00769 rad = 0.44∘ [2]
£0
*B
¤

6. (15 points) A spaceship is moving away from the earth at a speed 𝑣 = 0.8𝑐. When the ship
is at a distance of 6.66×10** m from earth as measured in the earth’s reference frame, a
radio signal is sent out to the spaceship by an observer on earth.

(a) How long will it take for the signal to reach the ship as measured in the earth’s reference
frame?
(b) How long will it take for the signal to reach the ship as measured in the ship’s reference
frame?
(c) Calculate the location of the spaceship when the signal is received in the earth’s reference
frame.

Solution:
(a)&(c) In the earth’s frame, the signal is sent out at
𝑡# , 𝑥# = 0
And the signal will reach the ship at time 𝑡* when
𝑐 𝑡* − 𝑡# = 6.66×10** + 𝑣(𝑡* − 𝑡# )
«.««×*#tt
⇒ 𝑡* − 𝑡# = = 1.11×10F 𝑠 [5]
¬BW
and the location of the spaceship at this instance is
𝑥* = 𝑐 𝑡* − 𝑡# = 3.33×10*+ 𝑚 [5]

(b) In the ship’s frame, the signal is sent out at

𝑡#™ , 𝑥#™
and the signal will reach the ship at
𝑡*™ , 𝑥*™ = 0
™ ™
We can obtain 𝑡# , 𝑡* using the Lorentz transformation,
𝑣
𝑡#™ = 𝛾 𝑡# − + 𝑥# = 𝛾𝑡#
𝑐
𝑣 𝑣
𝑡*™ = 𝛾 𝑡* − + 𝑥* = 𝛾 𝑡* − 𝑡* − 𝑡#
𝑐 𝑐
W
⇒ 𝑡*™ − 𝑡#™ = 𝛾 1− 𝑡* − 𝑡# = 3.7×10z s [5]
¬