AP Physics B & C - Multiple Choice Practice Questions on Magnetic Fields due to Current Carrying Conductors

A few multiple choice questions (for practice) related to magnetic fields produced by current carrying wires are given below. You may solve them yourself and check your answers by

referring to the solution given below the set of questions.

Question No.1: A plane square loop of wire (Fig.) carrying a current is oriented with its plane horizontal. On viewing from above, the current in the loop flows in clockwise direction. If the magnitude of the magnetic flux density at the centre of the loop due to each side is B, the resultant magnetic flux density at the centre of the loop is (a) directed horizontally leftwards and has magnitude 2B (b) directed horizontally rightwards and has magnitude 2B (c) directed vertically upwards and has magnitude 4B (d) directed vertically downwards and has magnitude 4B (e) zero

Question No.2:

A straight infinitely long wire carrying a current I is given a 90 bend at theposition O (Fig.) near its middle. What is the magnetic flux density at the point P (shown in the figure) at distance d from the bend? (a) 0I/2d, directed normally into theplane of the figure, away from the reader (b) 0I/4d, directed normally into the plane of the figure, away from the reader (c) 0I/2d, directed normal to the plane of the figure, towards the reader (d) 0I/4d, directed normal to the plane of the figure, towards the reader (e) Zero Question No.3: Two coplanar concentric circular coils P and Q of 20 turns each carry currents of 1A and 2 A respectively in opposite directions. If their radii are 10 cm and 20 cm respectively, what is the magnitude of the resultant magnetic flux density at their common centre? (a) 100 (b) 200 (c) 500 (d) 1000 (e) Zero Question No.4: If the coils in question no.3 carry the same current of 2A (in opposite directions), what will be the magnitude of the resultant magnetic flux density at their common centre? (a) 100 (b) 200 (c) 1000 (d) 2000 (e) Zero The above questions are meant for AP Physics B as well as AP Physics C.

The following questions (5 and 6) are meant specifically for AP Physics C.

Question No.5: An infinitely long coaxial cable has an inner central cylindrical conductor of radius a and an outer conducting cylindrical pipe of inner radius b and outer radius c (A portion of the coaxial cable is shown in the adjoining figure). It carries equal and opposite currents of magnitude I on the inner an outer conductors. What is the magnitude of themagnetic flux density at a point P outsie the coaxial cable at distance r from the axis? (a) Zero (b) (0I/2r)[(c2 r2) /(c2 b2)] (c) (0I/2r)[(c2 b2) /(c2 r2)] (d) 0I/2r (e) (0I/2r)[(c2 b2) /(c2 a2)] Question No.6: In the case of the coaxial cable of question no.5 above, what is the magnitude of themagnetic flux density at a point P in between the central conductor and the outer pipe, if the distance of the point P from the axis is r? (a) Zero (b) 0I/2r (c) (0I/2r)[(c2 b2) /(c2 r2)]

(d) (0I/2r)[(c2 r2) /(c2 b2)] (e) (0I/2r)[(c2 b2) /(c2 a2)] Answers to the above questions are given below: Answer to Question No.1: The magnetic fields due to all the four sides of the loop act vertically downwards at the centre of the loop and they add up to produce a resultant field of magnitude 4B [Option (d)].

Answer to Question No.2: The magnetic field at P due to the horizontal portion of the conductor is zero since the point P is lying on the straight line indicating the direction of flow of the current. [The magnitude B of the magnetic field at a point P due to a finite length of straight conductor is generally given by B = (0I/4r) (sin1 sin2) where 1 and 2 are shown in the adjoining figure The straight lines joining the point P to the ends of the conductor make the same angles (1 = 2 = /2) so that sin1 sin2 = 0. Thus B = 0]. The vertical portion of the conductor in the problem produces a magnetic field of magnitude0I/4r directed normally into the plane of the figure [Option (b)]. [B = (0I/4r) (sin1 sin2) = (0I/4r) (sin /2 sin 0) = 0I/4r] Answer to Question No.3:

The magnetic flux ensity at the centre of a circular current carrying coil is directed along the axis and has magnitude 0nI/2a where 0 is the permeabitity of free space, n is the number of turns in the coil and a is the radius of the coil. Since the currents in the coils are in opposite directions, the magnetic fields are in opposite directions and the magnitude B of the resultant magnetic field at the common centre of the coils is given by B = 0n1I1/2a1 0n2I2/2a2 = (0201)/(20.1) (0202)/(20.2) = 0 Answer to Question No.4: The resultant magnetic field at the common centre of the coils is given by B = 0n1I/2a1 0n2I/2a2 = (0202)/(20.1) (0202)/(20.2) = 1000 Answer to Question No.5: This question can be worked out easily using Amperes circuital law which states that the line integral of magnetic flux density B over any closed curve is equal to 0 times the total current I passing through the surface enclosed by the closed curve. This is stated mathematically as B. d = 0I (The integration is over the closed path) [Amperes circuital law as modified by Maxwell to accommodate the displacement current flowing through dielectrics and free space is B. d = 0 [I + 0 (dE/dt)], where 0 (dE/dt) is the displacement current resulting from the rate of change of electric flux E. 0 is the permittivity of free space]. We imagine a circle of radius r, with its centre at the axis of the coaxial cable, as the closed curve for the integration. Since this circular path encloses two equal currents in opposite directions, the total current I passing through the surface enclosed by the closed curve is zero. Therefore the magnitude B of the magnetic flux density at a point P outsie the coaxial cable must be zero. Answer to Question No.6: In orer to find the magnetic flux density at a point P in between the central conductor and the outer pipe, we imagine a circle of radius r, with its centre at the axis of the coaxial cable. Since this circular path encloses the entire current I passing through the central conductor, we have (from Amperes circuital law) B. d = 0I where B is the magnetic flux density at point P at distance r . The direction of the magnetic field coincides with the circular path of integration since the magnetic field lines

due to a straight conductor are in the form of concentric circles. The line integral on the left hand side of the above equation therefore simplifies to B2r an we have B2r = 0I Therefore B = 0I /2r The correct option is (b).
Posted by MV at 3:52 AM 0 comments Links to this post Labels: Amperes circuital law, magnetic fiel, magnetic flux density
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2011

AP Physics B & C - Multiple Choice Practice Questions on Electromagnetic Induction

Maturity is often more absurd than youth and very frequently is more unjust to youth. Thomas A. Edison

Michael Faradays discovery of electromagnetic induction was a turning point in the history of mankind. When he made the first public announcement that the relative motion between a magnet and a coil of wire could cause the flow of a feeble electric current through the coil, he had to face this question: But what is the use? Faraday countered this with another question: What is the use of a new born baby? The baby has grown rapidly to become a very healthy youth who will remain so for many more decades! The phenomenon responsible for the generation of electric power for feeding the modern world still continues to be electromagnetic induction. Questions on electromagnetic induction are generally interesting. Click on the label electromagnetic induction below this post; you will find all posts on electromagnetic induction published so far on this site. Today we will discuss a few more multiple choice practice questions in this section. (1) Earths resultant magnetic field at California has magnitude B tesla and it makes an angle with the horizontal. Assuming that there are no other magnetic fields, what will be the voltage induced between the tips of the wings of an airplane of wing-span L flying horizontally with speed v? (a) BLv

(b) BLv sin (c) BLv cos (d) BLv/sin (e) BLv/cos

Since the airplane is flying horizontally it can cut the vertical magnetic field lines to generate a motional emf V given by V = BverticalLv where Bvertical is the vertical component of earths magnetic field at the place. With reference to the adjoining figure we have Bvertical = B sin Therefore, the voltage induced between the tips of the wings of the airplane is BLv sin . (2) A plane square loop of thin copper wire has 100 turns. Each side of the loop is 10 cm long and the loop is oriented with its plane making an angle of 30 with a uniform magnetic field of flux density 0.4 tesla. If the loop is rotated in 0.5 second so as to orient its plane at right angles to the magnetic field, what will be the magnitude of the average emf induced in the loop? (a) 0.1 volt (b) 0.2 volt (c) 0.4 volt (d) 0.8 volt (e) 2 volt The induced emf V is given by

V = d/dt where d is the change in the total magnetic flux linked with the coil and dt is the time taken for the flux change. [The negative sign is the consequence of Lenzs law by which the induced emf has to opposethe change of flux d]. Since we are required just to find the magnitude of the induced voltage, we may ignore the negative sign Since the coil has N (=100) turns, the total flux linked with the coil is N where is the flux per turn given by = BAcos where B = 0.4 tesla and A = area of the square loop = (0.1)2 m2 = 0.01 m2 The angle is the angle between the magnetic field and the area vector. [Remember that the area vector is directed perpendicular to the plane of the coil]. Since the plane of the coil makes an angle of 30 with a magnetic field, the area vector makes an angle of 60 with the magnetic field. The initial magnetic flux linkage is NBAcos 60 = 1000.40.01(1/2) = 0.2 weber. Since the area vector and the magnetic field are finally parallel (or anti-parallel), the final flux linkage is NBAcos 0 = 1000.40.01 = 0.4 The change of flux d = 0.4 0.2 = 0.2 Therefore, induced emf = (Change of flux) /(Time) = 0.2/0.5 = 0.4 volt. (3) Suppose that the resistance (R) of the loop in the above question is 10 . What will be the induced current in the loop if the loop is kept stationary and the magnetic field is steadily reduced to zero in a time of 40 millisecond? (a) 0.2 A (b) 0.5 A (c) 1 A (d) 1.5 A (e) 2 A The initial magnetic flux linked with the loop (as shown above) is NBAcos 60 = 1000.40.01(1/2) = 0.2 weber.

When the magnetic field is reduced to zero, the magnetic flux is reduced to zero. Therefore the change of magnetic flux is 0.2 weber. The emf V induced in the loop is given by V = (Change of flux) /(Time) = 0.2/(40103) volt = 5 volt. The current induced in the loop is V/R = 5/10 A = 0.5 A [Option (b)] The following question is meant specifically for AP Physics C aspirants:

(4) A straight conductor of length L and mass M can slide down along a pair of long, smooth, conducting vertical rails P and Q of negligible resistance (Fig.). A resistor of resistance R is connected between the ends of the rails as shown in the figure. A uniform magnetic field of flux density B acts perpendicularly into to the plane containing the rails and the sliding conductor. The terminal velocity of fall of the rod is (a) MgR/LB (b) mgL/B2R2 (c) B2L2/mgR (d) mgB/L2R (e) mgR/B2L2 When the rod slides down under gravity, the magnetic flux linked with the closed circuit comprising the rod, rails and the resistor R changes and a current is induced in the circuit. The induced emf is the motional emf BLv where v is the velocity of the rod. The induced current I in the circuit is BLv/R.

By Lenzs law the induced current has to oppose the motion of the rod. It is the magnetic force ILB which brings in this opposition. When the velocity of the rod increases, the opposing magnetic force also increases. When the magnitudes of the gravitational force (weight Mg of the rod) and the opposing magnetic force become equal, the rod moves with a constant (terminal) velocity. Therefore, we have ILB = Mg Substituting for I we have (BLv/R)LB = Mg Or, B2L2v/R = Mg This gives v = MgR/B2L2

AP Physics C - Multiple Choice Practice Questions involving Electric Flux and Gausss Law
Gausss law (Gauss theorem) in electrostatics is a very useful tool for calculating electrostatic field produced by a system of charges when the system has some symmetry. You might have realized how simple the calculation is if you choose a suitable Gaussian surface. You should definitely remember the statement of Gausss law: Electric flux through any closed surface S = Q/0 where Q is the total charge enclosed by the surface S and 0 is the permittivity of free space. Today we will discuss a few multiple choice practice questions involving electric flux and Gausss law: (1) A closed cubical surface of side a contains an electric dipole of moment p. The total electric flux through the cubical surface is (a) zero (b) 8a2p (c) 6a2p (d) 8p/0a (e) 6p/0a The electric dipole contains positive and negative charges of equal magnitude. Therefore the total charge inside the cubical surface is zero. By Gausss law the total electric flux through the cubical surface is zero [Option (a)]. (2) A uniform electric field E given by E = 200 NC1 exists in a certain region of space. The electric flux through a square of area A = 0.04 m2 located in this field is ( and are unit vectors along the x-direction and y-direction respectively) (a) 5000 Nm2C1 (b) 5000 Nm2C1 (c) 8 Nm2C1 (d) 8 Nm2C1

(e) zero The area vector by convention is perpendicular to the plane of the area. Since the area vector is directed along the x-axis, you know that the square lies in the yz plane. Therefore, there is no electric flux passing through the square and the correct option is (e). [In vector notation electric flux is the scalar product (dot product) of E and A. Therefore we have flux = E.A = 200 . 0.04 = 0].

(3) A cubical closed surface has N inward electric flux lines passing through one face and N outward electric flux lines passing through the opposite face as shown in the adjoining figure. The flux lines exhibit convergence and there are no flux lines passing through any other face. If the magnitude of the electric field at the centre of the cube is E, the total charge inside the cube is (a) 0N (b) 0N (c) 20N (d) 20N (e) zero Since the inward flux and the outward flux have the same value, the net flux through the closed surface is zero. By Gausss law, we have 0 = q/0 where q is the total charge inside the closed surface. Therefore q = 0.

(4) A point positive charge Q is placed at the centre of a cubical closed surface. The outward electric flux through one pair of opposite faces of the cube is (a) zero (b) Q/0 (c) 2Q/0

(d) Q/20 (e) Q/30 The total electric flux lines originating from the positive charge Q is Q/0. Since these flux lines are distributed equally among the six faces (or three pairs of faces) of the cub

of the cube is Q/30. (5) A hemispherical bowl of radius R is kept inverted on a horizontal table (so that the mouth of the bowl is in contact with the surface of the table). Assume that the surface of the table coincides with the XZ plane of a right handed Cartesian coordinate system. If a uniform electric field E directed along the negative z-direction exists in the entire region, what is the electric flux through the mouth of the hemispherical bowl? (a) R2E (b) R2E/3 (c) R2E/3 (d) R2E (e) Zero As the mouth of the bowl is lying in the XZ plane the electric field E (which is along the negative z-direction) is parallel to the plane of the mouth. The electric flux through the

e, the flux through one pair of opposite faces

mouth of the bowl is therefore zero. (6) A point charge Q is directly above the centre of a square of side a at distance a/2 from the centre (Fig.). The electric flux through the square is (a) 2Q/0 (b) Q/0 (c) Q/20 (d) Q/30 (e) Q/60

You may imagine the charge Q to be at the centre of a cube of side a. The total flux through all the six faces of the cube is Q/0 by Gausss law. Now think of the square given in the question. Since it makes one face of the cube, the flux through it will be one sixth of the total flux. So the correct option is Q/60. Now, see some useful multiple choice questions (with solution) in this section here.
Posted by MV at 8:51 AM 0 comments Links to this post Labels: electric field, electric flux, electrostatics, Gauss theorem, Gausss law
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2010

AP Physics C - Multiple Choice Practice Questions on Transients in RC and RL circuits

Nearly every man develops an idea, works it up to the point where it looks impossible, and then he gets discouraged. Thats not the place to become discouraged. Thomas A. Edison

Electric transient phenomena associated with circuits containing capacitors and resistors (CR circuits) are important from theoretical as well as practical point of view and they find place in the AP Physics C course. Transient phenomena associated with circuits containing inductors and resistors (LR circuits) are not as important as those associated with CR circuits but you should not ignore them. Today we will discuss some multiple choice practice questions in this section. It will be a good idea to get yourself equipped sufficiently for the exercise by referring to my post dated 31 March 2008 on this site. Here are the questions with their solution:

(1) In the circuit shown the the battery has emf E and internal resistance r. The switch S is closed at time t = 0. If the voltage across the capacitor is 90% of the emf E of the battery after time t, what is the value of t? (a) RC ln10 (b) e0.9/RC (c) e0.9/RC (d) (R+r)C ln(0.9) (e) (R+r)C ln10 When a capacitor of capacitance C farad is charged by connecting it in series with a resistance R ohm and a battery of emf V volt, the charge Q coulomb on the capacitor after a time t seconds is given by

Q =Q0 (1 et/RC) where Q0 is the final (maximum) charge and e is the base of natural logarithms. Since the voltage V across the capacitor is Q/C, it follows that V =V0 (1 et/RC) where V0 is the final (maximum) voltage which is the emf E of the battery. Therefore we have 0.9 E = E[1 et/(R+r)C] since the total resistance in the circuit is R+r. This gives et/(R+r)C = 0.1 Or, et/(R+r)C = 10 from which t = (R+r)C ln10

(2) The adjoining figure shows a resistance R connected in series with an inductance L and a battery of emf E through a switch S. The internal resistance of the battery is negligible. Which one of following graphs represents the nature of variation of the potential drop V across the resistance with time?

If an inductor of inductance L and a resistor of resistance R are connected in series with a battery, the current I in the circuit increases exponentially with time and is given by I = I0 (1 eRt/L) where I0 is the final (maximum) current in the circuit. This shows that the current at time t = 0 (immediately after closing the switch) is zero. As time t increases, the current increases exponentially and reaches the final maximum value I0 (= E/R) when t becomes infinite.

As V = IR the potential drop V across R also increases exponentially with time as indicated by graph (a).

(3) A capacitor C charged to V0 volt is discharged through the series combination of two resistances R ohm and 2Rohm by closing the switch S (Fig.). The base of natural logarithms is e. What is the current in the circuit when 3RC seconds are elapsed after closing the switch S? (a) V0/(RC) (b) V0/(3RC) (c) V0/(3R) (d) V0/(RCe) (e) V0/(3RCe) The time constant of the circuit is 3RC and hence the voltage across the capacitor after 3RC seconds must be V0/e. You can write this if you remember how the time constant of an RC circuit is defined. The discharge current at this instant is equal to (V0/e)/(3RC) = V0/(3RCe). [The initial charge Q0 on the capacitor decays exponentially with time t as given by the equation, Q = Q0 et/3RC where Q is the charge at time t. The discharge current at timet is given by I = dQ/dt = (Q0/3RC) et/3RC The negative sign just shows that the discharge current is opposite to the charging current. Ignoring the negative sign, the discharge current when t = 3RC is Q0/3RCe. But Q0/C = V0, the initial voltage across the capacitor. Therefore I = V0/(3RCe)]. (4) In question no.3 above, the voltage across the resistance R and the current in it immediately after closing the switch S are respectively (a) 3V0, V0/(3R) (b) 2V0/3, zero (c) V0/3, V0/(3R) (d) zero, zero (e) Unpredictable This is a very simple question. But some of you will have some doubts. Initially the voltage across the capacitor is V0 and the total resistance connected across this voltage is 3R. Therefore, voltage drop across the resistor of value R must be V0/3. [Note that the initial discharge current I0 is given by I0 = dQ/dt = (Q0/3RC) e0, appropriate to t = 0. Ignoring the negative sign, I0 = (Q0/3RC) = V0/3R since Q0/C = V0 The initial voltage across R is I0R = V0/3].
Posted by MV at 8:25 AM 0 comments Links to this post Labels: electric circuits, time constant, transients

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2010

Multiple Choice Practice Questions on Heat Transfer and Thermal Expansion for AP Physics B
Genius is one percent inspiration Thomas and ninety nine A. percent perspiration Edison

Today we will discuss some practice questions (MCQ) on heat transfer and thermal expansion. You may click here to obtain the essential points you need to note in this section. Here are the questions: (1) When water is heated from 0 C to 20 C its volume (a) goes on increasing (b) goes on decreasing (c) remains constant up to 15 C and then increases (d) first decreases and then increases (e) remains constant up to 4 C and then increases This question is meant just for checking your knowledge of the behaviour of water. Water has maximum density at nearly 4 C and hence the correct option is (d). (2) 5 g of ice at 0 C is mixed with 10 g of water at 10 C. The temperature of the mixture is (a) 0 C (b) 2 C (c) 2.5 C (d) 5 C (e) 7.5 C In order to melt 5 g of ice (into water) without change of temperature 400 calories of heat are required since the latent heat of fusion for ice-water change is nearly 80 calories per gram. The heat that is released by 10 g of warm water at 10 C on cooling to 0 C is 100 calories only since the specific heat of water is 1 calorie per gram per Kelvin. So the warm water can melt just a quarter of the amount of ice and the mixture will remain at 0 C [Option (a)]. (3) Equal masses of three liquids of specific heats C1, C2 and C3 at temperatures t1, t2and t3 respectively are mixed. If there is no change of state, the temperature of the mixture is (a) (t1+ t2 + t3)/3 (b) (C1t1+ C2t2 + C3t3)/[3(C1+ C2 + C3)] (c) (C1t1+ C2t2 + C3t3)/ (C1+ C2 + C3) (d) 3(C1t1+ C2t2 + C3t3)/ (C1+ C2 + C3) (e) 3(t1+ t2 + t3) If the mass of each liquid is m, the total amount of heat (H) initially is given by H = m(C1t1+ C2t2 + C3t3) After mixing the same amount of heat is available. If the common temperature is t, we have H = mt(C1+ C2 + C3) From the above equations, t = (C1t1+ C2t2 + C3t3)/ (C1+ C2 + C3) (4) The amount of heat required to raise the temperature of one mole of an ideal mono atomic gas through 2 C at constant pressure is (universal gas constant = R) (a) 2 R

(b) 3 R (c) 5 R (d) 5R/2 (e) 7R/2 The molar specific heat of a mono atomic ideal gas at constant pressure (cp) is 5R/2 where R is the universal gas constant. [The molar specific heat of a mono atomic ideal gas at constant volume (cp) is 3R/2 and in accordance with Meyers relation, cp = cv + R]. Therefore, the amount of heat required to raise the temperature of one mole of an ideal mono atomic gas through 2 C at constant pressure is 1(5R/2) 2 = 5R.

(5) Two identical rectangular strips, one of copper and the other of steel, are riveted as shown to form a bi-metal strip. On heating, the bi-metal strip will (a) get twisted (b) remain straight (c) bend with steel on the convex side (d) bend with steel on the concave side (e) contract On heating, the copper strip will suffer greater elongation and hence the bimetal strip will bend with the steel strip on the concave side. [Bimetal strips are widely used in thermal switching applications such as automatic electric iron]. (6) Four cylindrical rods of different radii and lengths are used to connect two heat reservoirs at fixed temperatures t1 and t2 respectively. From the following pick out the rod which will conduct the maximum quantity of heat:

(a) Radius 1 cm, length 1 m (b) Radius 1 cm, length 2 m (c) Radius 2 cm, length 4 m (d) Radius 3 cm, length 8 m (e) Radius 0.5 cm, length 0.5 m The quantity of heat conducted is directly proportional to the area of cross section andinversely proportional to the length of the rod (when the same temperature difference exists between the ends). [Remember that the quantity of heat Q = KAd/dx where K is the thermal conductivity, A is the area of cross section and d/dx is the temperature gradient]. When you compare rod (a) with rod (b) you find that rod (a) can conduct better since its length is less than that of rod (b). Rod (a) and rod (c) conduct equally since the cross section area as well as the length of rod (c) is 4 times that of rod (a). Rod (d) is better than rod (a) since its cross section area is 9 times that of rod (a) while its length is only 8 times that of rod (a). Rod (e) is worse than rod (a) since its cross section area is a quarter of that of rod (a) while its length is half that of rod (a). Therefore, the rod which will conduct the maximum quantity of heat is (d). [It is enough to compare the ratio of the area to length. The area is directly proportional to the square of the radius. Since the unit of radius is centimetre and that of length is metre in all cases, you can blindly compare the values of 12/1, 12/2, 22/4, 32/8 and (0.5)2/(0.5). The highest value is 32/8].
Posted by MV at 8:08 AM 0 comments Links to this post Labels: bimetal strip, heat, molar specific heat, temperature and heat, thermal conductivity
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2010

AP Physics B - Multiple Choice Practice Questions on Standing Waves in Stretched Strings and Air Columns
The reason a lot of people do not recognize opportunity is because it usually goes around wearing overalls looking like hard work Thomas A Edison

AP Physics B aspirants are expected to have a clear understanding of the standing wave modes for stretched strings fixed at both ends. They should also have a clear understanding of standing sound waves in pipes with either closed or open ends. A pipe closed at both ends is of no use and therefore of no interest to us. You should note that aclosed pipe means a pipe closed at one end. An open pipe means a pipe open at both ends. The following multiple choice practice questions are meant for checking your understanding basic points in respect of waves and the physics of standing waves (stationary waves) in stretched strings and air columns (in pipes). (1) Sound does not pass through (a) steel (b) diamond (c) nitrogen (d) water (e) vacuum Sound requires a material medium for its propagation. So sound does not pass through vacuum. (2) When the amplitude of a wave is increased by 50%, its intensity will be increased by (a) 50% (b) 100% (c) 125% (d) 150% (e) 200% Intensity of any wave is directly proportional to the square of the amplitude. Therefore, when the amplitude becomes 1.5 times (increment by 50%) the original value, the intensity becomes 2.25 times (1.52 times) the original intensity. The increment in intensity is 125% [Option (c)]. (3) Ultrasonic waves from a sonar undergoes refraction at the interface between water and air. Which one of the following characteristics of the wave remains unchanged? (a) Wave length (b) Speed (c) Period (d) Energy (e) None of the above The correct option is (c). The period (and of course frequency) of the wave remains unchanged. (4) A stationary sound wave is produced in a resonance column apparatus using an electrically excited tuning fork. If P and Q are consecutive nodes, which one of the following statements is correct? (a) If P is a position of condensation, Q is a position of rarefaction (b) If P is a position of condensation, Q also is a position of condensation (c) If P is a position of condensation, Q is a position of normal density (of air) (d) Both P and Q are positions of normal density (of air) (e) Both P and Q are positions of rarefaction

In a stationary wave the particles of the medium at the nodes will be always at rest. The phase of vibration of particles (of the medium) lying on one side of a node is opposite to the phase of vibration of particles lying on the opposite side. Therefore, if one node is a position of condensation, the next node is a position of rarefaction [Option (a)]. [Note that the particles at the antinodes will vibrate with maximum amplitude; but the air at the anti-node will have normal density (neither condensed nor rarefied] (5) A cylindrical pipe open at both ends has a fundamental frequency f in air. The pipe is dipped vertically in water so that half of its length is in water. The fundamental frequency of air column in this condition is (a) 4 f (b) 3 f

(c) 2 f (d) f (e) f/2 In the fundamental mode there is a node at the middle of the open pipe and the antinodes are at the ends. When half of the pipe is dipped in water, there is a node at the water surface and in the fundamental mode the neighbouring anti node is at the open end, out side water (fig.). The distance from node to the neighbouring anti-node is /4 where is the wave length of sound. Evidently /4 = half the length of the pipe so that the wave length in the fundamental mode is the same in both cases. Therefore, the fundamental frequency is unchanged on dipping half the length of the pipe in water

[Option (d)]. (6) A stationary wave of frequency 30 Hz is set up in a string of length 1.5 m fixed at both ends. The string vibrates with 3 segments as shown in the adjoining figure. The speed of the wave along the string is (a) 10 ms1 (b) 20 ms1 (c) 30 ms1 (d) 60 ms1 (e) 90 ms1

The distance between consecutive nodes (or anti-nodes) in a stationary wave is /2 where is the wave length. Therefore we have (from the figure) /2 = 0.5 m so that = 1m. Since speed v = n where n is the frequency we have v = 301 = 30 ms1 (7) What is the fundamental frequency of vibration of the string in the above question? (a) 5 Hz (b) 10 Hz (c) 15 Hz (d) 30 Hz (e) 60 Hz The speed of waves in the string is unchanged since the tension is unchanged. Since speed v = n11 where n1 is the fundamental frequency and 1 is the wave length in the fundamental mode of vibration, we have n1 = v/1 In the fundamental mode of vibration, the entire length of the string forms a single segment (with anti-node at the middle and nodes at the ends). Therefore we have 1/2 = length of string = 1.5 m so that 1 = 3 m. Substituting, n1 = v/1 = 30/3 = 10 Hz. [You can work out this problem in no time remembering that the fundamental frequency is one third of the frequency with which the string vibrates with threesegments. If the string were originally vibrating with four segments, the fundamental frequency would be one fourth]. Let us discuss some multiple choice questions on nuclear physics which will benefit AP Physics B aspirants: (1) The ratio of the nuclear radius of 52Te125 to that of 13Al27 is (a) 4 (b) 125/17 (c) (d) 5/3 (e) 3/5 The nuclear radius of an atom of mass number A is given by R =R0A1/3 where R0 = 1.21015 m. The required ratio is therefore (125/27)1/3 which is equal to 5/3. (2) A nucleus of 92U238 gets converted into a 91Pa234 nucleus. The particles emitted during this decay are (a) one -particle and one positron (b) one -particle and one electron (c) one -particle and one antineutrino (d) one -particle and one neutrino (e) one -particle and two -particles The mass number decreases by 4 and the atomic number decreases by 1 in the above decay. When an -particle is emitted, the mass number decreases by 4 and the atomic number decreases by 2. The atomic number can be increased by one from this condition only if an electron also is emitted. The correct option therefore is (b).

(3) The de Broglie wave length of an -particle of mass m emitted by a nucleus of massM initially at rest is . The de Broglie wave length of the nucleus immediately after the-emission is (a) (b) (M m)/m (c) m/(Mm) (d) (m/M)2 (e) (M/m)2 The nucleus has a recoil momentum on emitting the -particle. Since the parent nucleus is initially at rest, its recoil momentum has the same magnitude as that of the -particle but the direction is opposite in accordance with the law of conservation of momentum. The de Broglie wave length of the -particle is given by = h/p where h is Plancks constant. Since the recoil momentum of the nucleus has the same magnitude p the de Broglie wave length of the nucleus immediately after the -emission is itself [Option (a)]. (4) Complete the following relation representing one possible fission process: 1 235 38Sr90 + ---0n + 92U 145 (a) 54Xe (b) 54Xe145 + 3 0n1 (c) 54Xe143 + 3 0n1 (d) 54Xe142 + 0n1 (e) 54Xe142 + 3 0n1 The total mass number and the total atomic number on the two sides will match only if the relation is completed with the terms given in option (c). (5) The mass m of any particle of rest mass m0 at speed v is given by Einsteins relativistic relation, m = m0/[1 (v2/c2)]1/2 where c is the speed of light in free space. The rest energy of an electron is 0.511 MeV. The increase in the energy of the electron when it is accelerated from rest to 80% of the speed of light in free space is (very nearly) (a) 0.341 MeV (b) 0.405 MeV (c) 0.511 Mev (d) 0.852 Mev (e) 0.916 Mev We have m0c2 = 0.511 Mev for the electron. The total energy at a speed of 0.8 c is m0c2/[1 (v2/c2)]1/2 = m0c2/(0.36)1/2 since v =0.8 c. But m0c2 = 0.511 Mev so that the total energy is 0.511/0.6 = 0.852 MeV nearly. The increase in the energy is 0.852 0.511 = 0.341 MeV.
Posted by MV at 6:00 AM 0 comments Links to this post Labels: de Broglie wave length, nuclear fission, nuclear physics
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2008

Nuclear Physics for AP Physics B- Equations to be Remembered

Nuclear physics is supposed to occupy just 3% of the total content of the syllabus for the AP Physics B (2009) Examination. However you need to remember the following things in this section for answering the questions within the stipulated time: (1) Mass number (A) is the number of nucleons (neutrons & protons) and is given by

A=Z+N where Z is the atomic number (number of protons in the nucleus) and N is the neutron number. Isotopes have same Z but different A. Isotones have same N. Isobars have same A but different Z Isomers have same A and same Z but different nuclear energy states (2) Nuclear radius (size) R is given by R =R0A1/3 where R0 = 1.21015 m. The volume of the nucleus which is proportional to R3 is therefore proportional to the mass number A. This means that the density of the nucleus is constant (approximately 2.31017 kgm3) and is independent of A. (3) Einsteins mass-energy equivalence relation is E = mc2 where E is the energy (in joules) obtained on annihilating a mass m kg and c is the speed of light in free space. (4) Mass defect M is the difference between the mass of the nucleus and the total mass of its constituents(nucleons): M = [Zmp + (AZ)mn] M where mp is the mass of the proton, mn is the mass of the neutron and M is the mass of the nucleus. The binding energy Eb of the nucleus is given by Eb = M c2 The binding energy per nucleon is Eb/A (5) Three types of radioactive decay occur in nature.They are: (i) -decay in which an -particle (helium nucleus 2He4) is emitted; (ii) -decay in which electrons or positrons are emitted; (ii) -decay in which -rays (high energy photons) are emitted When an -particle is emitted by a nucleus its mass number decreases by 4 and its atomic number decreases by 2. When an electron is emitted by a nucleus ( decay) its mass number is unchanged but its atomic number increases by 1. When a positron is emitted by a nucleus ( + decay) its mass number is unchanged but its atomic number decreases by 1. When a -ray photon is emitted by a nucleus its mass number and atomic number remain unchanged. In decay a neutron within the nucleus gets transformed into a proton in accordance with the relation, n p + e + where n, p, e and represent the neutron, proton, electron and the antineutrino respectively. In + decay a proton within the nucleus gets transformed into a neutron in accordance with the relation, p n + e+ + where e+ and represent the positron and the neutrino respectively. (6) In nuclear fission reaction a heavy nucleus such as 92U235 or 94Pu239 absorbs a slow neutron and breaks into two fragments of nearly equal size, releasing large amount of energy (typically about 200 Mev per fission). Two or three neutrons also are produced in the reaction. A typical example of fission reaction is

n1 + 92U235 92U236 56Ba141 + 36Kr92 + 3 0n1 Fragments other than barium and krypton can be produced in the reaction. (7) In nuclear fusion reaction two light nuclei combine to form a single larger nucleus with release of energy. A common example of nuclear fusion reaction is the one given below in which two deuterons combine to form the light isotope of helium: 2 2 3 1 1H + 1H 2He + 0n + 3.27 Mev You should remember that the total mass number on the left hand side should be the same as that on the right hand side of the equations representing the nuclear reaction. Similarly the charge numbers also should match. Questions for high lighting the above facts and the law of conservation of energy and momentum are often asked in degree entrance examinations.
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Posted by MV at 3:47 AM 0 comments Links to this post Labels: binding energy, mass defect, nuclear fission, nuclear fusion, nuclear physics
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2008

Answers to Fre-response Pracice Questions on AP Physics B&C Work, Energy & Power
In the post dated 14-12-2008, two free-response question for practice was given to you. As promised, I give below the answers along with the questions:

(1) ABCDEF is a track which is straight and horizontal in the region BCDE but curved in the regions AB and EF. The track is smooth everywhere except over a length 1.5 m in the horizontal region CD where the coefficient of kinetic friction is 0.2. A block of massm1 = 2 kg is released from rest from position A which is at a height of 3.2 m. It slides down and collides with another stationary block of mass m2 = 3 kg placed near position C (fig.). The velocity of the 3 kg mass m2 immediately after the collision is 4 ms1. Now answer the following: (a) Determine the velocity of the 2 kg mass m1 immediately after the collision. (b) State whether this collision is elastic or inelastic. Justify your answer. (c) Calculate the kinetic energy lost by the 3 kg mass during its forward trip along the rough track CD. (d) Determine the maximum height x up to which the 3 kg mass will rise along the smooth track EF. (e) If the 2 kg mass m1 is removed (without disturbing any other thing) immediately after the collision, determine the distance from C where the 3 kg mass will finally come to rest. (a) The speed u1 of the mass m1 just before it collides with the mass m2 is given by m1gh = m1 u12, on equating the loss of gravitational potential energy to the gain of kinetic energy. Therefore, u1 = (2gh) = (2103.2) = 8 ms1.

The initial momentum of the system (of masses m1 and m2) is (m1u1 + 0) and the final momentum is (m1v1 + m2v2) where v1 and v2 are the velocities of masses m1 and m2respectively after the collision. Since the momentum is conserved, m1u1 = m1v1 + m2v2. Substituting known values, 28 = 2 v1 + 34 from which v1 = 2 ms1. (b) This collision is inelastic since the kinetic energy is not conserved as shown below: Initial kinetic energy = m1u12 + 0 = 282 = 64 J Final kinetic energy = m1v12 + m2v22 = (222 + 342) = (4+24) J = 28 J, which is less than the initial kinetic energy. (c) The kinetic energy lost by the 3 kg mass during its forward trip along the rough track CD is km2gd = 0.23101.5 = 9 J (since the coefficient of kinetic friction (k) is 0.2 and the distance moved (d) is 1.5 m. (d) The kinetic energy remaining in the 3 kg mass after its forward trip along CD is (24 J 9 J) = 15 J. The maximum height x up to which the 3 kg mass will rise along the smooth track EF is given by m2gx = 15 J Therefore, x = 15/(310) = 0.5 m. (e) Since the mass m1 is removed after the first collision there is no possibility for further collisions. The mass m2 comes down and moves backwards from D to E losing another 9 J of energy. The kinetic energy remaining in it is now 6 J only and rises up along the smooth track CBA and returns after reaching the maximum possible height. It will stop at a point distant s from C after losing its energy in doing work against traction. s is evidently given by km2gs =6 J Therefore s = 6/(0.2310) = 1 m. (2) An object A of mass 5 kg moving along the positive x-direction has displacement x given by x = 0.2 t + 0.18 t2. The force acting on the object ceases after 5 seconds and the object moves with uniform velocity. Another object B of mass 10 kg moving in the positive ydirection has kinetic energy equal to the potential energy of a spring of force constant 3000 Nm1 compressed through 0.1 m from its natural length. The objects A and B moving with their respective constant velocities collide at the origin O and stick together.

Now answer the following questions: (a) Determine the momentum and kinetic energy of object A just before collision. (b) Determine the momentum and kinetic energy of object B just before collision (c) Calculate the velocity of the combined mass (after A and B stick together). (d) Calculate the change in kinetic energy of the system because of the collision. (e) Is this collision elastic or inelastic? Justify your answer.

(a) The velocity vA of object A will be constant after 5 s since the force ceases to act. This is obtained by substituting t = 5 s in dx/dt: Therefore, vA = 0.2 + 20.18t = 0.2 + 20.185 = 2 ms1 Momentum of object A is PA = mAvA = 52 = 10 kg ms1 Kinetic energy of object A is KA = PA2/2mA = 100/10 = 10 J [Or, KA = mA vA2, if you would prefer this form]. (b) Potential energy of a compressed spring is kx2 where k is the spring constant and x is the compression. Substituting appropriate values, the energy is 3000(0.1)2 = 15 J. Since the kinetic energy KB of the object B is equal to the above energy, we have KB = 15 J. Therefore, PB2/2mB = 15 from which the momentum PB of object B is obtained as PB = (21015) = 103 kg ms1

(c) The momentum vectors PA and PB are shown in the figure. The resultant momentum P gives the momentum of the combined mass and is given by P = (PA2 + PB2) = (100+300) = 20 kg ms1 The velocity v of the combined mass is given by v = P/(mA+mB) = 20/15 = 1.333 ms1 The velocity is directed as shown, making an angle with the x-axis, given by tan = PB/PA = (103)/10 = 3 so that = 60 (d) Kinetic energy K of the combined mass after the collision is given by K = P2/2(mA+mB) = 202/2(5+10) = 13.333 J The initlal kinetic energy of the system is KA + KB = 10+15 = 25 J. Thefefore, the change in kinetic energy of the system because of the collision is 13.333 25 = 11.667 J [Negative sign shows that the kinetic energy has decreased]. (e) The collision is inelastic since the kinetic energy is not conserved.
Posted by MV at 12:48 AM 0 comments Links to this post Labels: energy, power, work, work energy and power
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2008

Fre-response Pracice Questions- AP Physics B&C- Work, Energy & Power

Two free-response questions involving work and energy are given below. The first question is meant for AP Physics B and the second question is meant for AP Physics C aspirants. If you are preparing for AP Physics C exam, you should be able to answer the questions meant for AP Physics B as well.

(1) ABCDEF is a track which is straight and horizontal in the region BCDE but curved in the regions AB and EF. The track is smooth everywhere except over a length 1.5 m in the horizontal region CD where the coefficient of kinetic friction is 0.2. A block of massm1 = 2 kg is released from rest from position A which is at a height of 3.2 m. It slides down and collides with another stationary block of mass m2 = 3 kg placed near position C (fig.). The velocity of the 3 kg mass m2 immediately after the collision is 4 ms1. Now answer the following: (a) Determine the velocity of the 2 kg mass m1 immediately after the collision. (b) State whether this collision is elastic or inelastic. Justify your answer. (c) Calculate the kinetic energy lost by the 3 kg mass during its forward trip along the rough track CD. (d) Determine the maximum height x up to which the 3 kg mass will rise along the smooth track EF. (e) If the 2 kg mass m1 is removed (without disturbing any other thing) immediately after the collision, determine the distance from C where the 3 kg mass will finally come to rest. The above question carries 15 points and you have about 17 minutes for answering it. (2) An object A of mass 5 kg moving along the positive x-direction has displacement xgiven by x = 0.2 t + 0.18 t2. The force acting on the object ceases after 5 seconds and the object moves with uniform velocity. Another object B of mass 10 kg moving in the positive y-direction has kinetic energy equal to the potential energy of a spring of force constant 3000 Nm1 compressed through 0.1 m from its natural length. The objects A and B moving with their respective constant velocities collide at the origin O and stick together.

Now answer the following questions: (a) Determine the momentum and kinetic energy of object A just before collision. (b) Determine the momentum and kinetic energy of object B just before collision

(c) Calculate the velocity of the combined mass (after A and B stick together). (d) Calculate the change in kinetic energy of the system because of the collision. (e) Is this collision elastic or inelastic? Justify your answer. [The above question is worth 15 points and the time at your disposal is about 15 minutes]. Try to answer these questions. Ill be back soon with model answers for your benefit.
Posted by MV at 5:47 AM 0 comments Links to this post Labels: energy, power, work, work energy and power
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2008

AP Physics B & C- Additional Practice Questions (MCQ) on Work, Energy & Power
This post has been a bit delayed because of a boot.com virus infection in my system. Fortunately I could disinfect the system without much delay. A few multiple choice questions on work energy and power were discussed in the last post. Here are a few more multiple choice questions in this section:
(1) A particle of mass 2 kg moving along the positive x-direction has a constant momentum of 6 kg ms1. If a constant force of 2 N is applied on the particle for 1 s along the negative x-direction, the change in the kinetic energy of the particle is

(a) decrease of 4 J (b) increase of 4 J (c) decrease of 8 J (d) increase of 4 J (e) decrease of 9 J The initial kinetic energy of the particle = p2/2m = 62/(22) = 9 J. The force F of 2 N actng on the particle for the time t equal to 2 s imparts a momentumFt equal to 4 kg ms1 along the negative direction. Since the initial momentum of the particle is along the positive x-direction, the resultant momentum is 6 4 = 2 kg ms1. Therefore, the final kinetic energy of the particle = 12/(22) = 1 J. The change in the kinetic energy of the particle is 1 9 = 8 J The kinetic energy of the particle is thus decreased by 8 J. (2) An elevator motor creates a tension of 5000 N in a hoisting cable and reels it at 0.8ms1. If the efficiency of the elevator system is 80%, the power input to the motor is (a) 2 kW (b) 4 kW (c) 6 kW (d) 8kW (e) 10 kW The power output (Pout) of the system is Fv = 50000.8 = 4000 W. If the power input is Pin we have efficiency h = Pout/ Pin Therefore, 80/100 = 4000/Pin so that Pin = 5000 W = 5 kW. (3) A liquid of density is being continuously pumped through a pipe of area of cross section a. If the speed of the liquid through the pipe is v, the time rate at which kinetic energy is being imparted to the liquid is

(a) av2/2 (b) av3/2 (c) av/2 (d) av3 (e) av2 The mass of liquid flowing per second is av. Therefore, the time rate at which kinetic energy is imparted to the liquid is (av)v2 = av3/2 The above questions will be beneficial for AP Physics B as well as C. The following questions are for AP Physics C aspirants: (4) A machine delivering constant power moves an object along a straight line. The displacement of the object in time t is proportional to (a) t2 (b) t3 (c) t1/2 (d) t3/2 (e) t3 Since the power is the product of force and velocity we have Fv = K where K is a constant. If m is the mas and v is the velocity of the object, the above equation can be written as M(dv/dt)v = K so that vdv = (K/m)dt Intrgrating, v2/2 = (K/m)t Therefore v t1/2. If s is the displacement, v = ds/dt so that (ds/dt) t1/2. Integrating, s t3/2 [Option (d)]. (5) The velocity v, momentum p and the kinetic energy E of a particle are related as (a) p = dv/dE (b) p = dE/dv (c) p = (dE/dv)1/2 (d) p = d2E/dv2 (e) p = (dE/dv)2 If the mass of the particle is m we have E = mv2 Differentiating, dE/dv = mv = p.