INDIAN ASSOCIATION OF PHYSICS TEACHERS

NATIONAL STANDARD EXAMINATION IN PHYSICS 2009-2010

Total time : 120 minutes (A-1, A-2 & B)
PART - A
(Total Marks : 180)
SUB-PART A-1
Q.1

Sol.

Q.2

Sol.

Q.3

The Schrodinger equation for a free electron of

mass m and energy E written in terms of the
d 2 \ 8S 2 mE

= 0. The
wavefunction \ is
dx 2
h2
dimensions of the coefficient of \ in the second
term must be (A) [M1 L1]
(B) [L2]
2
(C) [L ]
(D) [M1 L 1T1]
[C]
By dimensional analysis the dimensions of each
term in an equation must be the same. In the first
term the second derivative with respect to
distance x indicates the dimensions of the
coefficient of I to be [L2] and hence the answer.

In an experiment to verify poiseullie's law

S/pa 4
K

where the symbols have their

8lV

usual meanings, the maximum error that enters

in calculating the coefficient of K is due to
measurement of (A) pressure difference 'p
(B) length of the tube l
(C) volume rate of flow V
(D) radius of the tube a.
[D]
Since a is raised to the power 4, it has the largest
contribution to the total error.
A uniform rope of length L and mass M partly
lies on a horizontal table and partly hangs from
the edge of the table. If is the coefficient of
friction between the rope and the surface of the
table (neglecting the friction at the edge), the
maximum fraction of the length of the rope that
overhangs from the edge of the table without
sliding down is :
1

(A)
(B)

1
1
(C) 1
(D)
1

Sol.

[B]
If l is the length of the hanging part of the rope,
M
its weight is l g and hence the weight of
L

M
(L l)g which is
L
also equal to the normal reaction N. Then, the
M
force of friction is N = (L l) g.
L
Equating this to the weight of the hanging part of
the rope, we get the answer.
the rope on the table is

Q.4

A thin uniform rod XY of length 2l is hinged

at one end X to the floor and stands vertical.
When allowed to fall, the angular speed with
which the rod strikes the floor is 3g
3g
(A)
(B)
4l
2l
(C)

Sol.

3g
l

(D)

g
2l

[B]
The moment of inertia of the rod about a
horizontal axis passing through point X is

1
4 2
m(2l)2 + ml2 =
ml where m is the
12
3
mass of the rod. Now, since centre of gravity
falls through a height l, the change in
gravitational potential energy (mgl) of the rod
can be equated to the rotational energy
1
2
I x Y where Y is the angular speed.
2

Ix =

Q.5

A 60 cm metal rod M1 is joined to another 100

cm metal rod M2 to form an L shaped single
piece. This piece is hung on a peg at the joint.
The two rods are observed to be equally
inclined to the vertical. If the two rods are
equally thick, the ratio of density of M1 to that
of M2 is
(A) 5/3
(B) 3/5
(C) 25/9
(D) 9/25

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Sol.

Q.6

Sol.

[C]
The angle made by each rod with the vertical is
45. Applying the law of moments, we get the
ratio of weights and hence that of masses to be
5
. Then, using mass = volume density, we get
3
the ratio of densities as 25 : 9.

Sol.

[B]
The change in potential energy can be equated to
the gain of total kinetic energy :
Gmm Gmm
1
2

2 mv
r

2
2R

Q.8

A nonviscous liquid of density U is filled in a

tube with A as the area of cross section, as
shown in the figure. If the liquid is slightly
depressed in one of the arms, the liquid
column oscillates with a frequency

The string of a simple pendulum is replaced by

a thin uniform rod of mass M and length l. The
mass of the bob is m. If it is allowed to oscillate
with small amplitude, the period of oscillation
is
(A) 2S

2(M  3m)L
3(M  2m)L
(B) 2S
3(M  2m)g
2(M  3m)g

(C) 2S

( M  2m ) L
(M  3m)g

[A]
The

restoring

torque

(D) 2S

can

T1

2(M  m)L
3(M  2m)g
be

written

T  T2
UgA sin 1

1
2
(A)
2S
m
as

Mg sin T  mgL sin T which reduces to

2

L
(M + 2m)g T if T is small. This is equated
2
to ID where the moment of inertia
I =

1
L2
ML2 + mL2 =
(M + 3m). After
3
3

Sol.

3(M  2m)g
substitution, we get D =
T.
2(M  3m)L
Comparing with a = (Y2)T, expression for
angular frequency and hence period can be
obtained.
Q.7

Two stars each of mass m and radius R

approach each other to collide head-on.
Initially the stars are at a distance r (>> R).
Assuming their speeds to be negligible at this
distance of separation, the speed with which the
stars collide is
(A)

1 1
Gm
R r

(B)

1 1
Gm

2R r

(C)

1 1
Gm 
R r

(D)

1 1
Gm

2R r

T2

Q.9

(B)

1 UgA(sin T1 sin T 2 )
2S
m

(C)

1 UgA(sin T1 sin T 2 )
2S
m

T T2
UgA sin 1

1
2
(D)
2S
m
[C]
The force that is responsible for restoring the
liquid levels in the two arms of the tube is
'pA = (h1 + h2) UgA where 'p is the pressure
difference and A is the area of cross section of
the tube, h1 and h2 being the rise and fall of
liquid levels in the two arms in vertical direction
respectively. Note that the change in length of
the liquid thread along the tube will be the same,
say x. Using this the force can further be written
as { (x sin T1 + x sin T2)UgA}.
Writing force as mass times acceleration, we get
expression for period and then for frequency.

A wax candle floats vertically in a liquid of

density twice that of wax. The candle burns at
the rate of 4 cm/hr. Then, with respect to the
surface of the liquid the upper end of the
candle will
(A) fall at the rate of 4 cm/hr
(B) fall at the rate of 2 cm/hr
(C) rise at the rate of 2 cm/hr
(D) remain at the same height

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Sol.

[B]
Let the decrease
outside the liquid
diameter and L
respectively, after
floatation gives
2

Q.12
in the height of the candle
be x. Now, if d denotes the
the length of the candle
one hour applying thelaw of
2

d
d L

S ( L 4)U wax S x Uliq . Note

2
2
2

1
that Uwax = Uliq makes only half of the candle of
2
stand outside the liquid. Solving the equation one
gets the answer.
Q.10

Sol.

Q.11

Sol.

A mass hangs at the end of a massless spring

and oscillates up and down at its natural
frequency f. If the spring is cut at the midpoint
and the mass reattached at the end, the
frequency of oscillation is :
(A) 2f (B) 2f
(C) f/2
(D) f/ 2
[A]
If k is the spring constant for the original spring
and k c that for the half-cut spring, we have
k c = 2k. Use the expression for frequency
1 k
to get the answer.
f=
2S m

The density of a solid at normal pressure is U.

When the solid is subjected to an excess
pressure U. The density changed to Uc. If the
Uc
bulk modulus of the solid is k, then the ratio
U
is
p
k
(B) 1 +
(A) 1 +
k
p
p
k
(D)
(C)
pk
pk
[A]
m
so as to get
We use expression for density U =
V
dU
dV

. Substituting this in the expression for

U
V
p
. Since
bulk modulus, we get k =
dV

V
increase of pressure increases the density,
Uc U p
dU = Uc U. Using this we get
and
U
k
hence the answer

Sol.

Q.13

Sol.

Q.14
Sol.

A metal ball B1 (density 3.2 g / cc) is dropped

in water, while another metal ball B2 (density
6.0 g / cc) is dropped in a liquid of density 1.6
g / cc. If both the balls have the same diameter
and attain the same terminal velocity, the ratio
of viscosity of water to that of the liquid is :
(A) 2.0
(B) 0.5
(C) 4.0
(D) indeterminate due to insufficient data
[B]
Use the expression for terminal velocity of a body
2 r 2 (U V)g
falling in a viscous liquid v =
9
K
where symbols have their usual meanings.
A thin copper rod rotates about an axis passing
through its end and perpendicular to its length
with an angular speed Z0. The temperature of
the copper rod is increased by 100C. If the
coefficient of linear expansion of copper is
2 10 5 / C, the percentage change in the
angular speed of the rod is
(A) 2%
(B) 4%
(C) 0.2 %
(D) 0.4 %
[D]
ml 2
. Let
The moment of inertial of the rod is
3
I0, Y0 denote the initial moment of inertia and
initial angular velocity respectively and I, Y be
the corresponding quantities after heating the rod.
Applying conservation of angular momentum, we
mI 02

Y0

I0Y0
3

get Y
2
I
ml0 (1  DT) 2

= Y0 (1 2DT) = 0.996 Y0.

Thus the change is 0.4% and is negative.
The internal energy of one gram of helium at
100 K and one atmospheric pressure is
(A) 100 J (B) 1200 J (C) 300 J (D) 500 J
[C]
The helium molecule is monatomic and hence
3
kT . The
internal energy per molecule is
2
3
energy per mole is therefore is RT . One gram
2
of helium is one fourth mole and hence its
1 3
energy is u
R 100 = 300 J, taking the
4 2
value of R to be approximately 8 J/mole-K.

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Q.15

Volume of a monatomic gas varies with its

temperature as shown. The ratio of work done
by the gas to the heat absorbed by it when it
undergoes a process from A to B is

Sol.

1/ 2

1/ 2
2gh
10
v
gh

1  I
mr 2
where symbols have their usual meanings. The

5
acceleration is g sin T . With this, the time

7
taken by the glass bead to roll down turns out to
14h 1
. Similarly the time to go up the
be
5g sin T1

V
B
A
O

Sol.

(A) 2/3
(B) 2/5
(C) 2/7
(D) 1/3
[B]
Since the curve passes through the origin,
V v T, the pressure being constant. Then, heat
absorbed at constant pressure is dQ = n Cp dT
whereas the change in internal energy is
dU = n Cv dT where the symbols have their usual
meanings. The work done dW = dQ dU = n (Cp
Cv)dT. This gives the ratio of work done to the

heat absorbed as 1

Q.16

14h 1
. Twice the
5g sin T 2
sum of these two times is the required time of
oscillation.

other inclined plane is

Q.17

1
and hence the result.
J

A small glass bead of mass m initially at rest

starts from a point at height h above the
horizontal and rolls down the inclined plane
AB as shown. Then it rises along the inclined
plane BC. Assuming no loss of energy, the time
period of oscillation of the glass bead is
C
A

Sol.

Q.18

T2

T1

B
(A)

(B) 2

8h
(sin T1 + sin T2)
g
14h 1
1


5g sin T1 sin T 2

(C)

8h 1
1


g sin T1 sin T 2

(D)

8h 1
1


5g sin T1 sin T 2

[B]
The speed with which a sphere rolling down an
inclined plane reaches the bottom is

Sol.

Q.19

Water at 20C (coefficient of viscosity = 0.01

poise) flowing in a tube of diameter 1 cm with
an average velocity of 10 cm/s has the
Reynold number
(A) 500
(B) 1000
(C) 2000
(D) indeterminate due to insufficient data
[B]
UvD
Reynold number is given by N =
where U
K
is the density, v is the velocity and D is the
diameter of the tube. Use this to get the answer.
A billiard ball is hit by a cue at a point
distance h above the centre. It acquires a linear
velocity v0. Let m be the mass and r be the
radius of the ball. The angular velocity
acquired by the ball is
2v 0 h
5v 0 h
2v 0 h
2v 0 h
(A)
(C)
(D)
(B)
2
2
2
2r
3r
5r
r2
[A]
Equating the angular momentum (mv0h) about
the center of mass to lZ one gets the answer.
Two pipes are each 50 cm in length. One of
them is closed at one end while the other is
open at both ends. The speed of sound in air is
340 m /s. The frequency at which both the
pipes can resonate is
(A) 680 Hz
(B) 510 Hz
(C) 85 Hz
(D) None of these

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Sol.

Q.20

[D]
A pipe open only at one end and another one of
equal length but open at both the ends have their
fundamental frequencies n and 2n respectively.
Again only odd harmonics are possible for a pipe
open at one end whereas all harmonics are
possible for a pipe open at both ends. Thus, it is
impossible to have a common frequency at which
they can resonate.

The work involved in breaking a bigger size

spherical oil drop into n smaller size identical
droplets is proportional to
(A)

Sol.

n2 1

(B)

4 3
SR
3

Sol.

R
3

Q.21

Sol.

Q.23

Two metal wires of identical dimensions are

connected in series. If V1 and V2 are the
conductivities of the metals respectively, the
effective conductivity of the combination is
V  V2
(A) V1 + V2
(B) 1
2
2V1V 2
(D)
(C) V1V 2
V1  V 2

Sol.

[D]
Use the expression for resistance in terms of
l
and note that the total
conductivity R =
VA
resistance is (R1 + R2) and total length of the
wires is 2l.

Q.24

An alternating supply of 220 volt is applied

across a circuit with resistance 22 ohm and
impedance of 44 ohm. The power dissipated in
the circuit is
(A) 1100 watt.
(B) 550 watt.
(C) 2200 watt.
(D) (2200/3) watt
[B]
V
= 5 A and hence
The current in the circuit is
Z
the power consumed is (I2R) equal to 550 watt.

[A]
If n c represents the apparent frequency and n the
actual
one,
then
use
the
relation

(v r w )
where v is the velocity of
(v r w ) vs

n c n

sound, w is the velocity of wind and vs that of the

source. Note that in this case the observer at rest.

[D]
Use the usual lens formula. In the first case if v is
the image distance, (v + x) is the image distance
after the movement. The magnifications m1 and m2

vx
1 respectively. This can be simplified

to get the expression for f.

. If T is the surface tension, then the work

A train moving towards a hill at a speed of 72

km/hr sounds a whistle of frequency 500 Hz. A
wind is blowing from the hill at a speed of 36
km/hr. If the speed of sound in air is 340 m/s,
the frequency heard by a man on the hill is
(A) 532.5 Hz
(B) 565.0 Hz
(C) 516.5 Hz
(D) None of the above

x
(m 2 m1 )

v
1 and
f

n Sr 3 where n is
3

done will be W = (n4Sr2 4SR2) T. Substituting

for r gives the expected proportionality.

(D)

in the two cases turn out to be

the number of smaller drops. This gives

r=

A convex lens forms a real image with

magnification m1 on a screen. Now, the screen
is moved by a distance x and the object is also
moved so as to obtain a real image with
magnification m2 on the screen. The, the focal
length of the lens is
m
m
(B) 2 x
(A) 1 x
m2
m1
(C) x (m1 m2)

(D) 3 n 1
(C) 3 n 1
[D]
Note that the work involved in the process of
breaking a bigger drop into smaller drops is the
change in surface area times the surface tension.
If r is the radius of smaller drop and R that of the
bigger one, then

Q.22

Sol.

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Q.25

Sol.

Q.26

If T denotes the temperature of the gas, the

volume thermal coefficient of expansion of an
ideal gas at constant pressure is
1
1
(A) T
(B)
(D) 2
(C) T2
T
T
[B]
The volume coefficient of expansion is given by
dV
. For an ideal gas at constant pressure, we
vdT
write pdV = nRdT and substitute for p from the
usual relation pV = nRT to get the required
expression for the coefficient.

(B)

A coil having N turns is wound in the form of a

spiral with inner radius a and outer radius b
respectively. When a current I passes through
the coil, the magnetic field at the centre is :
2 0 NI
NI
(A)
(B) 0
(a  b )
ab
0 NI b
ln
(b a ) a

(D)

(D)
Sol.

0 NI
b
ln
2( b a ) a

[D]
Consider dN to be the number of turns in between

A
+
10 V

10 :

Q.29

5V
+

Sol.

(A) + 500 mA
(B) + 250 mA
(C) 250 mA
(D) 500 mA
[B]
Use superposition theorem. We get the potential
difference between A and B to be + 3.75 volt
when source of 5 volt is shorted, whereas 1.25
volt when source of 10 volt is shorted. Therefore,
when both the sources are working the net
potential difference is + 2.5 volt so that current is
250 mA from A to B.

4SH 0 a 2

(Q1 Q2)

q ( 2 1)
(Q1 Q2)
4SH 0 a

[C]
The electrostatic potential at the centre of the
first ring with charge Q1 is due to charge Q1 itself
as well as due to charge Q2 on the other ring. This

these potentials time the charge q is the required

word done.

15 :

10 :

q ( 2 1)

1 Q1
1 Q2
. Similarly

4SH0 a
4SH 0 2a
the electrostatic potential at the centre of the
centre
of
the
other
ring
is
1 Q1
1 Q2
. The difference between

4SH 0 2a 4SH0 a

N
dr.
(b a )
The magnetic induction dB due to these many
I(dN)
. After substituting
turns at the centre is 0
2r
for dN and integrating between a and b, we get
the result.
A circuit is arranged as shown. Then, the
current from A to B is :

q 2
(Q1 Q2)
4SH0 a

turns out to be

radii r and (r + dr) so that we get dN =

Q.27

Two identical thin rings, each of radius a are

placed coaxially at a distance a apart. Let
charges Q1 and Q2 be placed uniformly on the
two rings. The work done in moving a charge
q from the centre of one ring to that of the
other is
(A) zero

(C)

(C)
Sol.

Q.28

Sol.

An equilateral triangular loop of wire of side l

carries a current i. The magnetic field
produced at the circumcentre of the loop is
(A)

0 3 3i
4S l

(B)

0 9i
4S l

(C)

0 18i
4S l

(D)

0 6i
4S l

[C]
If l is the side of the triangle, the distance of the
circumcentre from each of the side of the triangle
carrying a current i is

0 i
(sin 60 + sin 60) =
4S r

0 6i
. Since the direction of magnetic field in
4S l
each case in the same, three times this would be
the total magnetic induction.

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Q.30

Consider a double slit interference experiment.

Let E0 be the amplitude of the electric field of

Q.33

the waves starting from the slits. If I is the

phase difference between the two waves
reaching the screen, the amplitude of resultant
electric field at a point on the screen is
(A) E0 cos I
Sol.

(B) E0 cos (I/2)

(D) 2 E0 cos I
(C) 2 E0 cos (I/2)
[C]
Consider the magnitudes of the electric fields
reaching the screen to be E0 sin Yt and E0 sin (Yt
+ I). Then, the resultant electric field at the
screen would be sum of the two, that is,

I
I
2E 0 cos sin Yt  . Note that the
2
2

Sol.

amplitude of the resultant electric field is the

coefficient of the sine function.

Q.31

In a double slit experiment, the coherent

sources are spaced 2d apart and the screen is
placed a distance D from the slits. If n th bright
fringe is formed on the screen exactly opposite
to a slit, the value of n must be
(A)

Sol.

d2
2d 2
(B)
2O D
OD

(C)

d2
OD

(D)

d2
4O D

[B]

OD
and the nth
The fringe width in this case is
2d
bright fringe is formed at a distance d away from
OD
giving the value
the centre. Therefore, d = n
2d
of n.
Q.32

Sol.

Four identical mirrors are made to stand

vertically to form a square arrangements as
shown in a top view. A ray starts from the
midpoint M of mirror AD and after two
reflections reaches corner D. Then angle T
must be
B
C

Q.34

When two sound sources of the same amplitude

but of slightly different frequencies n1 and n2
are sounded simultaneously, the sound one
hears has a frequency equal to
n  n2
(A) | n1 n2 |
(B) 1

2
(D) [n1 + n2]
(C) n1n 2
[B]
The resulting sound wave has a frequency equal
to half the sum of the individual frequencies. Note
that the resulting intensity varies at the beat
frequency equal to difference of the individual
frequencies.

T M
D
A
1
(A) tan (0.75)
(B) cot 1 (0.75)
1
(C) sin (0.75)
(D) cos 1 (0.75)
[B]
Note that the ray starting from point M at
an angle T reaches the corner D at the right
along a parallel path. Refer to the figure. Let
a be the length of the side, so that tan
x
ax
a
. Solving these equations
T=
(a / 2)
y
ay
2a
3
one gets x =
and hence cot T = .
3
4
y
ay
C
B
T
T
ax
T
T

The reflecting surfaces of two mirrors M1 and

M2 are at an angle T (angle T between 0 and
90) as shown in the figure. A ray of light is
incident on M1. The emerging ray intersects
the incident ray at an angle I. Then,

M2
I
T

Sol.

(A) I = T
(B) I = 180 T
(D) I = 180 2T
(C) I = 90 T
[D]
If x is the angle of incidence when the ray strikes
the mirror M1 and y be that for mirror M2, then ,
using simple properties of triangle one gets I =
180 2(x + y) and (Students are expected to
draw the ray diagram and check.)

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Q.35

Sol.

Q.36

An unpolarized light beam is incident on a

surface at an angle of incidence equal to
Brewster's angle. Then,
(A) the reflected and the refracted beams are
both partially polarized
(B) the reflected beam is partially polarized and
the refracted beam is completely polarized
and are at right angles to each other
(C) the reflected beam is completely polarized
and the refracted beam is partially
polarized and are at right angles to each
other
(D) both the reflected and the refracted beams
are completely polarized and are at right
angles to each other
[C]
Refer to the article on polarization by reflection
when the ray is incident at Brewster's angle from
any standard book.
Switch S is closed at t =0. After sufficiently
long time an iron rod is inserted into the
inductor L. Then, the light bulb
L
B

Sol.

[D]
When the switch is closed, 5 ohm resistance gets
shorted. Thus a current of 1 A flows from b to a.

Q.38

Two radioactive materials A and B have decay

constants 5O and O respectively. Initially both
A and B have the same number of nuclei. The
ratio of the number of nuclei of A to that of B
1
will be after a time
e
1
1
(B)
(A)
5O
4O
5
4
(D)
(C)
4O
5O
[B]
Using the law of radioactive decay, one can write
N A ( t ) N 0 exp(5Ot ) 1
. Solving this one
N B ( t ) N 0 exp(Ot ) e
gets the result.

Sol.

Q.39

Sol.

Q.37

S
(A) glows more brightly
(B) gets dimmer
(C) glows with the same brightness
(D) gets momentarily dimmer and then glows
more brightly
[B]
As the rod is inserted, inductance increases and
hence the voltage across inductor increases. This
caused a drop in the voltage across the bulb and
hence it gets dimmer.

Sol.

Q.40

In the circuit shown below, the current that

flows from a to b when the switch S is closed is :
a 10 :

5:
b
(A) 1.5 A
(C) + 1.0 A

10 V

20 :

(B) + 1.5 A
(D) 1.0 A

Sol.

The radius of the hydrogen atom in its ground

state is a0. The radius of a 'muonic hydrogen'
atom in which the electron is replaced by an
identically charged muon with mass 207 times
that of an electron. is a equal to
a
(A) 207 a0
(B) 0
207
a0
(D) a 0 207
(C)
207
[B]
Use the expression for the first Bohr radius for
hydrogen atom This expression indicates that the
radius is inversely proportional to the mass and
hence the result.
The instantaneous magnitudes of the electric
field (E) and the magnetic field (B) vectors in
an electromagnetic wave propagating in
vacuum are related as
B
(A) E
(B) E = c B
C
B
(D) E = c2 B
(C) E = 2
c
[B]
At every instant the ratio of the magnitude of the
electric field to that of the magnetic field in an
electromagnetic wave equals the speed of light.

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SUB-PART A-2
Q.41

Sol.

Q.42

Sol.

A monkey holds a light rope that passes over a

smooth pulley. A bunch of bananas of equal
mass as that of the monkey is attached to the
other end of the rope. The monkey starts
climbing the rope to get to the bananas. Then,
(A) the bananas also move up
(B) the bananas move downwards
(C) the distance between the monkey and the
bananas decreases
(D) the distance between the monkey and the
bananas remains constant.
[A, D]
Note that the masses of the monkey and the bunch
of bananas are equal and the pulley is smooth.
Consider the curve representing the MaxwellBoltzmann speed distribution of gas molecules
at some temperature. Let vrms, vavg and vmp be
the rms, the average and the most probable
speeds respectively. Then,
(A) the curve has a maximum at vmp
(B) the area under the curve gives the total
number of molecules of the gaseous
system.
(C) vrms > vavg > vmp
(D) vvg < vmp < vrms
[A, B, C]
Note that vrms

Q.43

Sol.

>

Q.44

Sol.

positive constants. Then

(A) the speed of the particle after a time 2T is
4f 0 T
3m
(B) after time interval of 3T, the particle starts
moving backwards
(C) between time instants 0 and 2T, the
acceleration first increases and then decreases.
(D) the particle stops at t = 3T

A sound wave of angular frequency Y travels

with a speed v in a medium of density U and
bulk modulus B. Let k be the propagation
constant. If p and A are the pressure amplitude
and displacement amplitude respectively, then
the intensity of sound wave is
(A)

1
YBkA 2
2

(B)

(C)

p2
2Uv

(D)

vp 2
2B
p2
2 UB

[A, B, C, D]
Intensity, by definition, is the energy flowing per
unit area per unit time. The displacement
amplitude is given by A =

P
Y
where k

Bk
v

is the propagation constant. The speed v

kT
kT
= 1.73
, vavg = 1.60
,
m
m

kT
vmp = 1.41
where the symbols have their
m
usual meanings. The most probable speed vmp is
the speed at which the curve reaches the peak.
The area under the curve is obviously the total
number of molecules.
A particle of mass m moves along a straight
line under the action of a force f varying with
t T 2
time as f = f 0 1
where f0 and T are
T

[A,B,CD]
Use the given expression for force to get an
expression for acceleration. Integrate this to get
an expression for velocity. Unless otherwise
stated about the initial conditions, the velocity
f0
turns out to be v =
3t 2 T t 3 . Use this to
2
3mT
get the required results.

Use these relations

expressions.

Q.45

to

get

the

B
.
U

required

Two conducting plates A and B are placed

parallel to each other at a small distance
between them. Plate A is given a charge q1 and
plate B is given a charge q2. Then,
(A) the outer surfaces of A and B (not facing
each other) get no charge
(B) the inner surfaces of A and B (facing each
other) get all the charge
(C) the inner surfaces of A and B (facing each
other) get equal and opposite charge of
q q2
magnitude 1
2
(D) the outer surfaces of A and B (not facing
each other) get charge of the same polarity
q  q2
and of magnitude 1
2

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Sol.

Q.46

Sol.

[C, D]
Let a charge q c be present on the inner surface of
plate A so that on its outer surface the charge is
(q1 q c). Obviously a charge q c will get induced
on the inner surface of the plate B and a charge
(q2 + qc) will move to its outer surface. With these
charges, write the net electric field at a point
inside the plate and equate it to zero. This relation
can be simplified to get the value of q c and hence
the conclusions.

A man with normal vision uses a magnifying

lens focal length 10 cm. Then,
(A) magnification of any value is possible
(B) maximum magnification possible is 3.5
(C) minimum magnification possible is 2.5
(D) magnification depends upon the distance of
the lens from the eye
[B, C, D]
In case of a microscope the magnification is
D
1  when the image is formed at the
f

distance of distinct vision D. However if the

image is formed at infinity, the magnification is
D
simply
.
f

Q.47

Sol.

An electromagnetic wave is traveling through a

medium of refractive index n1 and is incident at
the boundary of a medium of refractive index
n2. If the wave reflects at the boundary,
(A) the wave undergoes a phase change of
180, if n1 < n2
(B) the wave undergoes a phase change of
180, if n1 > n2
(C) the wave undergoes no phase change, if
n1 < n2
(D) the wave undergoes no phase change, if
n1 > n2
[A, D]
Note that an electromagnetic wave undergoes a
phase change of 180 upon reflection from a
medium that has a higher index of refraction than
the one in which it is traveling. However, there is
no phase reversal if the case is opposite.

Q.48

Sol.

Q.49

Sol.

Q.50

In cyclotron (particle accelerator) an ion is

made to travel successively along semicircles
of increasing radii under the action of a
magnetic field. The angular velocity of the ion
is independent of
(A) speed of the ion (B) radius of the circle
(C) mass of the ion
(D) charge of the ion
[A, B]
Use the expression qvB = mrY2 where v = rY.
The symbols carry their usual meanings. This
indicated that angular velocity is independent of
the radius of the circular path and the speed of
the ion.
Physical quantities A and B have the same
dimensions. Then.
(A) A B must be a meaningful physical
quantity.
(B) A B may not be a meaningful physical
quantity
(C) A/B must be a dimensionless quantity
(D) both must be either scalar or vector
quantities.
[B, C]
The ratio of two quantities having the same
dimensions must necessarily be a dimensionless
quantity. However, two quantities having the
same dimensions may not add to necessarily give
a meaningful quantity; for example, work and
torque have the same dimensions but their
addition is meaningless.
A step voltage V0 is applied to a series
combination of R and C as shown. Then,

V0
10 V

VR
R 1 K:

C
1F

VC

t
t=0
(A) after sufficiently long time VR = 0
(B) as time passes VR decrease as (1/t)
(C) after 1 ms, VC = 6.3 volt (approximately)
(D) initially current through R is 10 mA

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Sol.

[A, C, D]
After sufficiently long time since the charging
current drops to zero, the drop across the

2L

resistance is zero. The time constant is 1 k: 1

F = 1ms. hence according to the definition of
time constant, the voltage across the capacitor
would be about 63% of the maximum, that is, 6.3
volt after 1 ms. Initial current is obviously (10

Sol.

For the semicircular plate of radius l, the center

4l
of mass lies at a distance of
from the centre.
3S
Taking V to be the mass per unit area, the
position of centre of mass of the remaining piece
of the square would be at a distance of
l (3S 4)
from the centre of the original square
3 (8 S)
plate. Now, taking the centre of the original
square to the origin, the centre of mass of the
new structure can be determined. This turns out
l
to be at a distance of to the right of the origin.
3

Q.53

Consider two long parallel and oppositely

charged thick wires of radius d with their
central axes separated by a distance D apart.
Obtain an expression for the capacitance per
unit length of this pair of wires.
Note that when the two wires form a capacitor,
the charges reside only on the inner side; positive
on one and negative on the other. Let us consider
a point P distance r from the axis of one wire.
Using Gauss flux theorem, the electric field E1 at
P due to the positive charge (of surface charge
density V) on this wire of unit length is E1(2Sr) =
V(Sd )
Vd
E1 =
. The point P is at a
H0
H 0 ( 2r )
distance (D r) from the axis of the other wire
carrying negative charge. Again using Gauss
theorem, the electric field E2 can be written as E2
Vd
=
. Obviously the two fields are in
H 0 2(D r )
the same direction so that net electric field is E =
Vd 1
1

. Integrate this between the

2H 0 r D r
limits d and (D d) to get the potential
V
Dd
d ln
Then,
the
difference
.
H0
d
capacitance per unit length turns out to be
SH 0
.
Dd
ln

volt/1K:) = 10 mA.

PART B

* All questions are compulsory.

* All questions carry equal marks
Q.51

Sol.

Q.52

Marks : 60

A cube of side 10 cm is rigidly joined to a thin

rod of length 40 cm. The rod is pivoted at the
other end so that the rod along with the cube is
able to rotate freely about the pivot in a vertical
plane. A bullet of mass 50 g, moving
horizontally hits a point of the cube 5 cm from
the lower end and gets embedded into it.
Determine the speed of the bullet so that the
system just rises to a horizontal position. (mass
of the rod = 100 g, mass of the cube = 750 g)
Note that the collision between the bullet and the
cube is inelastic. Hence the kinetic energy is not
conserved but the momentum is conserved.
Equating the angular momentum of the bullet to
that of the rod together with the cube about the
pivot gives a relation angular frequency Y =
v
, where v is the speed of the bullet. Note
7.49
that, in general, the moment of inertia of the rod
1
of length l and mass m about the pivot is ml2
3
and that of the cube of mass m about an axis
1
through its centre of mass is
ma2 where a sit
6
he side of the cube. The total moment of inertia of
the bullet, the rod and the cube about the pivot
comes out to be 0.168 kg-m2 . After the collision
the system rises through a height (0.40 + 0.05) m.
The gain in gravitational potential energy can
then be equated to the loss of rotational kinetic
energy. This gives Y = 6.646 s1. From this the
speed of the bullet can be calculated to be 49.78
m/s.
Consider a uniform square plate of side 2l
made of wood. A semicircular portion is cut
and attached to the right as shown. Determine
the centre of mass of the redesigned plate.

Sol.

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Q.54

Fermat's principle states that 'when light ray

travels between two points, the path is the one
that required the least time'. Use this principle
to derive law of reflection regarding angle of
incidence and angle of reflection. You may
refer to the following figure.

Q.55

Two sample X and Y of a gas have equal

volumes and pressure. The gas in X is allowed
to expand isothermally to 1.5 times its initial
volume, while that in Y is allowed to expand
adiabatically to an equal volume. if the work
done in the first expansion is 1.5 times that in
the second, show that the ratio of specific
heats J satisfies a relation
3
( J 1) ln
2

Sol.

Sol.

T1

T2

d
Consider the total distance d to be made up of x to
the left of the point of incidence and (d x) to its
right. If n is the refractive index of the medium
and c the speed of light in vacuum, then the speed
c
in the medium under consideration is . The
n
total time of travel can be written as
(d x )  h
x2  h2
. According to

t
c
c

n
n
Fermat principle, for the least time, calculate
dt
and equate it to zero. Using simple
dx
x
= sinT1 and
geometry, we write
2
x  h2
(d x )
= sin T2, we get the law of
(d x ) 2  h 2
2

3 2
1
2 3

J 1

Let n1 and n2 be the number of moles of samples

X and Y of the gas, the initial temperatures of T1
and T2 respectively and p0 and V0 be their initial
pressure and volume. Then, p0V0 = n1RT1 =
n2RT2. Now, the work done in isothermal
3
expansion is W1 = n1RT1 ln whereas that in
2

n 2 RT2 n 2 RT2 c
.
J 1
Note that during adiabatic expansion the
temperature falls to T c. Also in case of adiabatic
process, TVJ1 = constant. Applying this, we get
adiabatic expansion is W2

1 J

3
3
T2c = T2 . Using the fact that W1 = W2 ,
2
2

we get the required expression.

reflection that the angle of incidence is equal to

the angle of reflection.

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