REG_Q01=ADV_Q01

Semester 1, Y2011
Question 1

A large wooden turntable in the shape of a flat uniform disk is freely rotating about a vertical
axis through its centre. A parachutist descends vertically and makes a soft landing on the
turntable, without slipping, at a point near its outer rim.
(a)

Will the angular speed of the turntable increase or decrease after the parachutist lands?
Briefly justify your answer.

(b)

Will the kinetic energy of the system (turntable + parachutist) increase or decrease in the
process? Briefly explain your answer.
(5 marks)

Solution

(a)
Angular momentum L = I will be conserved in the process. The addition of the parachutist
will increase I and hence will decrease.
(2 marks)
(b)
We have

I1 1 = I 2 2
where, I1 is the initial moment of inertia of the turntable and 1 is its angular velocity, I 2 is the
moment of inertia of the turntable plus parachutist and 2 is its angular velocity.
Therefore
I
2 = 1 1 < 1 since I 2 > I1.
I2
The kinetic energy is
1
1 I2
1
I
K 2 = I 2 22 = I 2 1 2 12 = I112 1
2
2 I2
2
I2
.
I1
= K1
I2
So
K 2 < K1 since I 2 > I1.
Hence kinetic energy decreases. Friction will do net negative work on the system (turntable +
parachutist) in the process of accelerating the parachutist in the horizontal direction. The friction
would in reality most likely arise from slipping between the parachutist and the turntable. But it
could also arise from deformation of the parachutist as he/she is accelerated to the velocity of
the turntable. Energy is lost as a result.
(3 marks)

REG_Q02
Semester 1, Y2011
Question 2
A ball of mass m at the end of a light string is swung so that it moves in a vertical circle as
shown in the diagram. The length of the string is R . At the top of its motion the ball has
velocity v.

(a)

Draw free-body diagrams showing all the forces acting on the ball when the ball is in
each of the positions
(i)

(ii)

(iii)

C.

(b)

What is the direction of the net force on the ball when it is in position C? Briefly explain
your answer.

(c)

What is the minimum velocity of the ball at position A necessary to keep the ball moving
in a circle of radius R ?
(5 marks)

Solution
(a)

( mark for T in each diagram, mark for weight force=2 marks)

(b)
Net force on ball at Position C must be upwards towards the centre of the circle in which the ball
is being swung. This is needed to keep the ball moving in a circle. Hence:
F =T m g.
(1 mark)
(c)
At position A
F =T + m g = ma
where a is the radial acceleration towards the centre of the circle of radius R . If the ball is
travelling in circular motion with velocity v at point A then we have
v2
a= .
R
Hence
m v2
T +mg =
.
R
The minimum value of v occurs when T = 0 and so
m v2
mg =
v= gR.
R
v2
( mark for force equation, mark for using a = , mark for T = 0 , mark for correct
R
answer)

REG_Q03
Semester 1, Y2011
Question 3

1
M R 2 ) rolling
2
without slipping on a surface. The disk has a constant centre of mass velocity vCoM and angular
speed .

Consider a solid disk with mass M and radius R (moment of inertia I =

(a)

Draw a free-body diagram showing the forces on the disk.

(b)

Write down an equation relating vCoM and . Briefly explain your relation.

(c)

If K trans is the kinetic energy of the disk due to its translational motion and K rot is the
kinetic energy due to its rotation, show that the ratio K trans / K rot is independent of the
mass and radius of the disk. Briefly explain all steps in your derivation.
(5 marks)

Solution
(a)

(1 mark)
(b)
Since the disk is rolling without slipping the contact point is instantaneously at rest with respect
to the ground. The centre of mass speed is vCoM so that the point at the rim must have a linear
speed vCoM = R for its velocity of rotation to be equal and opposite to its translational velocity
when it is in the contact position.
(2 marks)
(c)
The kinetic energy due to translation motion is
1
2
K tran = M vCoM
2
The kinetic energy due to rotation is
1
K rot = I 2
2
1

where I is the moment of inertia for a solid disk I = M R 2 .

2

vCoM
Using the relationship =
we have
R
2
11
1
2 vCoM
2
K rot = M R
= M vCoM
R
22
4

1
= K tran
2
So K tran / K rot = 2
which is independent of mass M and radius R .
(2 marks)

REG_Q04
Semester 1, Y2011
Question 4
(a)

Two mercury-in-glass thermometers initially at room temperature are placed in a large

mug which is nearly full of water at 80 C . One thermometer has a large bulb and the
other a small bulb (see diagram on left below).

The figure above on the right shows the temperature change of the two thermometers in
the first minute.

(b)

(i)

Which line (A, B, C, or D) best represents the temperature of the thermometer

with the large bulb? Briefly explain your answer in terms of the physics of heat
transfer and thermal equilibrium.

(ii)

Would you use the thermometer with the large bulb to measure the temperature of
a very small amount of water that just covers the bulb? Explain your answer.

Three identical thermometers are outside and are initially at the surrounding air
temperature. Thermometer 1 is placed in the shade, thermometer 2 is placed in the sun,
and thermometer 3 is wrapped with black material and placed in the sun.
Describe the variation with time of the temperature measured by each thermometer and
explain the reasons for any differences between the response of the three thermometers.
(5 marks)

Solution
(a)(i)
Line C is the most appropriate curve for the thermometer with the large bulb.
The thermometers will rise over time from room temperature to the water temperature of 80 C .
Hence lines A and D are not correct.
( mark)
The rate of heat transfer into the mercury is proportional to the surface area of the bulb. The rate
of temperature rise proportional to the rate of heat transfer into the bulb but inversely
proportional to the mass of the mercury in the bulb. In turn the mass of mercury in the bulb is
proportional to the volume of the bulb.
Heat transfer into bulb:
dQ
= k A (TH TC )
dt

( mark)
Rate of temperature rise:
dQ
dT
dT
1 dQ
1 dQ
= mC

=
=
dt
dt
dt m c dt V c dt

( mark)
Rate of temperature rise is therefore proportional to:
dT A
4 R 2
1
=
.
3
dt V ( 4 / 3) R
R
So the thermometer with the largest radius has the slowest rise in temperature. Hence line C is
the appropriate answer.
( mark)
(a)(ii)
No.
If the bulb is large enough then thermal equilibrium is not reached. The thermometer influences
and changes what it is intended to measure.
(1 mark)
(b)
Thermometer 1 stays at air temperature. Heat transfer occurs by conduction and convection and
the thermometer is already at equilibrium with these processes.
( mark)
Thermometers 2 and 3 are not initially at equilibrium and will show a temperature rise because
the heat transfer also includes radiation from the sun.
( mark)

They will both reach the same equilibrium temperature but Thermometer 3 will have the fastest
temperature rise as a result of the black material having higher emissivity. This can be seen from
the Stefan-Boltzmann law
H = A e (Ts 4 T 4 ) ,
where Ts is the temperature of the surroundings and T is the temperature of the thermometer.
The higher value of emissivity e for Thermometer 3 means a higher value of H for the same
values of temperature.
The rate of temperature rise for Thermometer 3 will therefore be larger as seen from:
T
H
m c T = H t
=
t m c
(1 mark)

REG_Q05=ADV_Q05
Semester 1, Y2011
Question 5

The diagram above shows a wire with its left end attached to an oscillating pin that is fixed to a
table. The wire extends to the right over a frictionless pulley and is attached to a hanging weight
of mass 5.00 kg . The distance between the pin and the pulley is 1.00 m and the linear density of
the wire is 0.100 kg.m 1 . The wire is made to vibrate when the pin is connected to a frequency
generator causing it to oscillate up and down. The oscillating pin generates a sinusoidal
travelling transverse wave in the wire with a frequency of 40.0 Hz and amplitude of 0.020 m.
(a)

Calculate the speed of the wave, neglecting the mass of the wire.

(b)

Write down an equation that describes the vertical displacement of the wave y as a
function of horizontal distance x from the pin and time t . Assume a travelling wave
with no reflections. Insert numerical values for any constants in the equation.

(c)

What is the lowest frequency of the vibrating pin that will generate a standing wave in the
wire?
(5 marks)

Solution
(a)
The speed is given by
F

v=

where = 0.100 kg.m and F = m g = ( 5.00 )( 9.80 ) = 49.0 N.

Therefore
49
v=
= 22.1m.s 1.
0.10
1

(2 marks)
(b)

y ( x, t ) = A cos ( k x t )

For this situation we have

A = 0.020 m

= 2 f = 2 (40.0) = 251.3 = 251rad.s 1.

251.3
1
k=

22.1

= 11.4 rad.m .

And hence

y ( x, t ) = 0.020 cos (11.4 x 251t )

(student is free to use plus or minus in the cos argument as well as any additional phase/offset).
( mark for each of A, , k and also mark for correct statement of y ( x, t ) )

(c)
The fundamental frequency is given by
v
22.1
f =
=
= 11.1Hz .
2 L ( 2 )(1.0 )
(1 mark)

REG_Q06=FND_Q06
Semester 1, Y2011
Question 6
Helen and Greg are two instrument builders who are competing to see whose instrument can play
the note with lowest frequency. Helen builds a giant saxophone of length 4.0 m , which acts like
an open pipe. Greg builds a giant clarinet of length 4.0 m , which acts like a closed pipe. The
speed of sound in air is 344 m.s 1 .

(a)

Draw a sketch showing the fundamental mode for Helens saxophone.

(b)

Draw a sketch showing the fundamental mode for Gregs clarinet.

(c)

Which builder, Helen or Greg, wins the competition?

(d)

Calculate the frequency of the lowest note for the winning instrument.
(5 marks)

Solution
(a)
Helens Saxophone

(1 mark)
(b)
Gregs Clarinet

These are displacement graphs. Students could also draw graphs of pressure and should be
marked as correct.
(1 mark)

(c)
Lowest note = longest wavelength
Longest wavelength on Helens saxophone (open pipe) = 2 length = 8.0 m
Longest wavelength on Gregs clarinet (closed pipe) = 4 length = 16.0 m
Therefore Gregs clarinet is the winner of the competition.

(1 mark)

(1 mark for winner with justification)

(d)
v

344
= 21.5 Hz = 21Hz.
16
(approximately the lowest frequency the human ear can hear)

Frequency f =

(1 mark)

REG_Q07
Semester 1, Y2011
Question 7
A 70 kg skier starts at the top of a slope that is inclined at an angle of 12D to the horizontal. The
slope is 200 m long and the coefficient of kinetic friction between the slope and the skis is 0.075
.

(a)

Draw a free-body diagram showing all the forces on the skier as he slides down the slope.
Assume that he does not have ski poles, just skis on his feet.

(b)

Calculate his acceleration down the slope.

(c)

Calculate his speed when he reaches the end of the slope.

When he takes the ski tow back up the slope, the cable pulls him at a constant speed. The cable is
at an angle of 25D to the slope.

(d)

Draw a free-body diagram of the forces now acting on the skier. Assume that there is the
same coefficient of kinetic friction between the skis and the slope.

(e)

What is the tension in the cable as the skier is pulled up the slope?
(10 marks)

Solution
(a)

(1 mark)
For problem = 12D , m = 70 kg .
(b)
Resolve forces in the x direction:
Fx = m g sin f .
This is equal to m a where a is the acceleration down the slope:
m a = m g sin f .

(1)
(1 mark)

Resolve forces in the y direction:

Fy = n m g cos .
This is equal to zero as there is no acceleration in the y direction:
0 = n m g cos .

(2)
(1 mark)

The frictional force is

f = k n

( k = 0.075) .

From equation (2)

f = k m g cos .
Substitute this result into equation (1):
m a = m g sin k m g cos
a

= g sin k g cos

= ( 9.80 )( 0.208 ) ( 0.075 )( 9.80 )( 0.978 )

= 1.319 (3 sig figs 1.32 ) m.s 2 .

(1 mark)

(c)
The speed at the bottom of the slope is:
v 2 = v0 2 2 a s ( v0 = 0; a = 1.319; s = 200 ) .
So

v 2 = ( 2 )(1.319 )( 200 ) = 528

v = 23.0 (23)m.s 1.

(2 marks)
(d)

(1 mark)
For diagram = 12D , m = 70 kg , = 25D . The skier is moving upwards at constant speed. Note
the the coordinate system now has upwards along the slope as the positive x direction.
(e)
Resolve forces in the x direction:
Fx = T cos m g sin f .

This is equal to m a where a = 0 because the skier is moving at constant speed along the slope.
(3)
0 = T cos m g sin f .
(1 mark)
Resolve forces in the y direction:
Fy = T sin + n m g cos .
This is equal to zero as there is no acceleration in the y direction:
0 = T sin + n m g cos .

(4)
(1 mark)

The frictional force is again

f = k n ( k = 0.075) .
Multiply equation (4) by k to get:
0 = T k sin + k n k m g cos .

(5)

Add equation (3) and (5) together to get:

(T cos + kT sin ) + ( k n f ) mg ( k cos + sin ) = 0.
And therefore:

(T cos + kT sin ) = mg ( k cos + sin )

( cos + sin )
T = mg k
( cos + k sin )
( 0.075)( 0.978 ) + ( 0.208 )
= ( 70 )( 9.8 )
( 0.906 ) + ( 0.075 )( 0.423)
= 206 N.
(1 mark)

FND_Q09=REG_Q08
Semester 1, Y2011
Question 9 or 8
A 0.060 kg arrow is moving vertically upward at a speed of 50 m.s 1 just as it hits a
block of wood of mass 5.0 kg . The arrow stops in the block and the block is free to
move vertically.

(a)

What is the kinetic energy of the arrow just before the collision?

(b)

What is the momentum of the arrow just before the collision?

(c)

What is the momentum of the block (with arrow embedded in it) just after the
collision?

(d)

What is the velocity of the block just after the collision?

(e)

How much energy was lost in the collision?

(f)

How high does the block rise above its initial position?
(10 marks)

Solution
(a)
Just before the collision the kinetic energy is:
K=

1
m v 2 = (0.5)(0.06)(502 ) = 75 J.
2

(2 marks)
Answers to parts (b), (c) and (d) are vectors. Deduct 1 mark if directions are not
given
(b)
Just before the collision the magnitude of the momentum is:
p = m v = (0.06)(50) = 3.0 kg.m.s 1.
The momentum is directed upwards.
(2 marks)
(c)
Since momentum is conserved, the combined momentum of the block + arrow after
the collision is
p = pi = 3.0 kg.m.s 1.
The momentum is directed upwards.
(1 mark)
(d)
The magnitude of the momentum after the collision is:
p = ( M + m ) v f = 3.0 kg.m.s 1
3.0
= 0.59 m.s 1.
(5.0 + 0.06)
The velocity is directed upwards.
vf =

(1 mark)
(e)
The kinetic energy just after the collision is
1
K = ( m + M ) v f 2 = (0.5)(5.06)(0.592 ) = 0.88 J,
2
(or 0.89 J if all the sig figures are kept for v f ).
Hence the energy lost is:
E = 75 0.88 = 74 J (i.e. nearly all of the energy).
(1 mark for method; 1 mark for correct result)
(f)
The block will rise until all of the kinetic energy is transformed into potential energy:

K = 0.88 J = ( m + M ) g h = (5.06)(9.81) h ,
h =

0.88
= 0.018 m =1.8cm.
(5.06)(9.81)
(1 mark for method; 1 mark for correct result)

REG_Q09=ADV_Q09
Semester 1, Y2011
Question 9
A sample of 2.00 mol of Helium gas (assumed to be ideal, monatomic gas) has a volume of
0.0326 m3 , a pressure of 1.50 atm , and a temperature of 25.0 DC (State A). A physicist firstly
heats the gas at constant volume, adding 1.50 104 J of heat, to reach State B. He then continues
heating and allows the gas to expand at constant pressure to twice its original volume, reaching
State C.
Answer the following questions, in each case making it clear how you obtained your results in
terms of known parameters such as p A , VA , TA etc .
(a)

Sketch a pV diagram for the whole process showing the positions of States A, B and C.
For now, you need not calculate any unknown values for p and V .

(b)

Write down an expression for the molar heat capacity of the gas at constant volume and
use it to calculate the temperature of the gas at State B.

(c)

Calculate the pressure and the temperature of the gas at State C.

(d)

Calculate the amount of work done by the gas.

(e)

Calculate the change in internal energy of the gas for the whole process from A to C.
(10 marks)

Solution
Pressure at State A is (1.50 ) (1.013 105 ) = 1.52 105 Pa.
Temperature at State A is 273.15 + 25.0 = 298.2 K
The table below shows the values (or relationships) given in the problem and those calculated
later in the solution (highlighted text).

State A

Pressure
1.520 105 Pa

State B

4.59 105 Pa

State C

Same as B
4.59 105 Pa

Volume
0.0326 m3
Same as A
0.0326 m3
Double B
0.0652 m3

Temperature
298.2 K
899.6 K
1800 K

(a)
The processes are shown in the following pV diagram. The actual values for p and V are not
required.

(1 mark)
(b)
Molar heat capacity for an ideal monatomic gas at constant volume is given by
3
CV = R.
2
(1 mark)
dQ = n CV dT

dT =

dQ
1.50 10
=
= 601.4 K
n CV ( 2.00 )(1.5 )( 8.314 )
4

So temperature at State B is 601.4 + ( 273.15 + 25.0 ) = 899.6 K

(2 marks)
(c)
Calculate the pressure at State B pB from the ideal gas law as follows:
n RTB
pB VB = n RTB pB =
VB

( 2.00 )(8.314 )(899.6 ) = 4.589 105

( 4.59 10 ) Pa.
5

0.0326
The change from State B to State C is at constant pressure and so
pC = pB = 4.59 105 Pa.

(1 mark)

Calculate the temperature at State C from the ideal gas law as follows:
p V
pC VC = n RTC TC = C C
nR

( 4.589 10 ) ( 2 )( 0.0326 ) = 1799 (1800 ) K .

=
5

( 2.00 )(8.314 )

(1 mark)

(d)
Work done by the system is given by
W = p dV
We can consider the two processes separately as follows:
State A State B
This is isochoric (constant volume) and there is no work done by the gas as dV = 0.
(1 mark)
State B State B
This is isobaric (constant pressure) and the work done bt the gas can be written

W=

VC

VC

p dV = p
B

VB

dV = pB (VC VB ) = pB VA

VB

= ( 4.589 105 ) ( 0.0326 ) = 1.496 (1.50 ) 104 J.

(1 mark)

(e)
Internal energy of an ideal gas is determined only by the change in temperature.
3
dU = n CV dT = n R (TC TA ) = (1.5 )( 2.00 )( 8.314 )(1799 298.2 )
2
4
= 3.74 10 J .
(2 marks)

REG_Q10
Semester 1, Y2011
Question 10
Two identical slightly curved metal Magdeburg plates are placed rim to rim with airtight seals
(as in the diagram) and the interior region is pumped down to a vacuum. The area of each plate is
1.5 m 2 . This assembly is initially placed in air at 400 K and at atmospheric pressure of
1.0 105 Pa .

(a)

Explain qualitatively at a microscopic level (kinetic theory) why it is difficult to pull the
plates apart.

(b)

Calculate the force necessary to pull the two plates apart, approximating the curved plates
as being flat.

A small puncture is then made through the seal and air at 400 K is allowed to expand rapidly
(adiabatically) into the region between the plates. The expanding air cools and then the metal
plates cool.
(c)

Explain physically why the expanding air cools and then the metal plates cool, referring
to the changes in internal energy, work, and heat for the (ideal) gas.

(d)

Explain why the entropy change of the expanding gas is zero.

(e)

Consider the energy interchange between the air and metal plates as they come to
equilibrium. Is the total entropy change greater than, equal to, or less than zero? Justify
your answer by calculating the entropy change for an infinitesimal amount of heat dQ
between the initially hotter plates and the air.

The entire assembly is now heated to 600 K . The thermal radiation from the assembly is then
observed and compared with the radiation observed when the temperature is 400 K .
(f)

By what factor does the overall energy flux of thermal radiation differ when T = 600 K
rather than T = 400 K. . Assume that the assembly radiates as a blackbody.
(10 marks)

Solution
(a)
The external surfaces are subject to collisions with air molecules, with each collision involving a
change in momentum and so a net force exerted inwards. In the vacuum region there are no air
molecules and so no compensating externally-directed force due to collisions. Accordingly, the
external collisions exert a net force and so pressure (= force/unit area) directed inwards. Pulling
the plates apart requires exertion of a net force greater than the inwards-directed force exerted by
air molecules via collisions.
(2 marks)
(b)
Required force is atmospheric pressure multiplied by the area of the plates. This is given by
F = pa A = (1.0 105 ) (1.5 ) = 3.0 105 N
(1 mark)
(c)
The gas expands rapidly (adiabatically) and so there is no heat transfer by definition ( dQ = 0 )
( mark) Work is done by the gas as it expands, since dW = p dV and the volume increases
( mark). Accordingly the change in internal energy dU = dQ dW < 0 . ( mark) For an
ideal gas U is a function only of temperature (for constant mass) with U increasing with
increasing T . Accordingly the gas cools. ( mark)
(d)
The change in entropy dS = dQ / T . Accordingly the entropy change of the gas is zero as dQ = 0
(adiabatic expansion) as it expands into the vacuum.
(1 mark)
(e)
The entropy change for the gas-plate system coming to equilibrium is greater than zero.
(1 mark)
Since the metal is originally at a higher temperature Tm then its change in entropy as it transfers
dQ > 0 to the gas is dQ / Tm . The entropy change for the gas is then dQ / Tg with Tg < Tm . The
1 1
total entropy change is then dQ > 0 since Tg < Tm .
T T
m
g

(2 marks)
[Partial credit could be given (1 mark) for the justification that the entropy change is greater than
zero by the Second Law, since this transition to equilibrium is not a reversible process.]

(f)
By the Stefan-Boltzmann Law the radiated power is proportional to T 4 . Accordingly the radiated
4

4
600
power will increase by a factor of
= (1.5 ) = 5.1 (5).
400

(1 mark)

REG_Q11
Semester 1, Y2011
Question 11
A block is placed on a frictionless surface and attached to a horizontal spring of negligible mass
with a force constant of k = 10.0 kg.s 2 . At time t = 0, the block is displaced 0.200 m from
equilibrium and is observed to oscillate in simple harmonic motion with a period of 8.00 s .

(a)

What is the velocity of the block 2.00 seconds after it is released? (Hint: Consider the
energy of the oscillating system)

The figure below shows the displacement of the block (relative to its equilibrium) versus time.

(b)

Copy the figure into your answer book.

appropriate numerical values.

Insert and label axes on the figure with

(c)

On your figure, mark clearly the position(s) where the horizontal acceleration of the
block is zero.

(d)

On your figure, mark clearly the position(s) where

(i)

the potential energy of the block is maximum, and

(ii)

the position(s) where the kinetic energy of the block is maximum.

(e)

The block is now placed on a rough surface that produces a frictional force that is
proportional to the speed of the block. The constant of proportionality is b = 30.0 kg.s 1 .
The block is displaced from equilibrium and released. Describe the motion of the block.
(10 marks)

Solution
(a)
The period of the SHM is T = 8.00 s . The motion starts from a point of maximum displacement
at t = 0 and thus at t = 2.00 s an interval of T / 4 has elapsed and the mass must have returned to
its equilibrium point at x = 0 .
(1 mark)
The mass of the block can be calculated from the period of the oscillation from the equation.
m
kT2
.
T = 2
m=
k
4 2
For this case we have

(10.0 )(8.00 )
m=
4 2

= 16.21(16.2 ) kg.

(1 mark)
At its initial point the velocity is zero and there is no kinetic energy. All of energy is stored as
elastic potential energy. This is given by
1
U = k A2 .
2
where A = 0.200 m is the amplitude of the oscillation.
At the equilibrium point there is no stored elastic potential energy and all of the energy is in the
form of kinetic energy. This is given by
1
K = m v2 .
2
The initial and the final energies must be equal and hence
1
1
K = m v 2 = U = k A2
2
2
k
v=A
m
For this case we have
10.0
= 0.157m.s 1.
v = ( 0.200 )
16.21
(1 mark)
Note that you do not need to explicitly solve for the mass of the block but can work through
using just the period of the oscillation.
(b)
See graph below

(1 mark for correct horizontal scales and labels)

(1 mark for correct horizontal scales and labels)

(c)
See diagram below

(1 mark)

(d)
See graph below

(1 mark for potential energy)

(1 mark for kinetic energy)

(e)
For critical damping
k T (10.0 )( 8.00 )
bcritical = 2 k m =
=
= 25.5 kg.s 1 ( N.m 1.s 1 ) .

(1 mark)
The value of b for this surface is larger than the critical value and so the block will return to
equilibrium without oscillating.
(1 mark)

REG_Q12=FND_Q12=ADV_Q12
Semester 1, Y2011
Question 12
Richard wishes to test the Doppler effect for sound waves. To do so, he attaches a sound wave
generator to the arm of a large centrifuge (normally used to train astronauts and pilots to
withstand high g forces) as shown in the diagram below. The distance between the centre of
rotation and the sound generator is 10.0 m . The sound generator produces a single tone of
frequency 2000 Hz and the centrifuge is set to make a complete revolution once every 2.0s .
The speed of sound in air is 344 m.s 1 .
A sound detector is placed at rest at a large horizontal distance (much larger than the size of the
centrifuge) to the right of the centrifuge and is used to measure the frequency and wavelength of
the sound produced by the generator.

(a)

Calculate the tangential speed of the sound generator as the centrifuge rotates.

(b)

Calculate the wavelength of the sound measured by the detector before the centrifuge
begins to rotate.

(c)

The detector finds that the frequency of the sound wave is changing as the centrifuge
rotates. Explain why this occurs.

(d)

Describe how the detected sound frequency changes as the centrifuge rotates, indicating
at which point(s) (numbered 1, 2, 3, 4 in the above diagram) the frequency is highest and
at which point(s) it is lowest.

(e)

What is the value of the highest frequency measured by the detector?

(f)

What is the wavelength of the sound measured by the detector when the frequency is
highest?
(10 marks)

Solution
(a)
Circumference of the circular path of the sound generator is:
C = 2 R = 2 (10.0 ) = 62.83m.
This is covered in one rotation period of T = 2.0 s. Hence the tangential speed of the sound
generator is:
2 R
= 31.42 m.s 1 ( 2 sig figs 31m.s 1 ) .
vt =
T
(1 mark)
(b)
Frequency of the sound at rest is 2000 Hz.
Wavelength is calculated from
v
344
v= f = =
m = 0.172 m ( 2 sig figs 0.17m ) .
f 2000
(1 mark)
(c)
The velocity of the generator relative to the detector is constantly changing, so that the frequency
of the sound is Doppler-shifted, and this shift is constantly changing as the generator rotates.
(2 marks)
(d)
The frequency observed is highest when the generator is approaching the detector (position 3)
and lowest when the generator is moving directly away from the detector (position 1).
(1 mark for explanations, 1 mark for positions)
(e)
The highest frequency is observed when the generator is moving towards the detector at position
3. At this time the velocity of the generator towards the detector is that given in part (a).
v + vL
fL = fS
v vS
where v is the velocity of sound, vL is the velocity of the listener (the detector) relative to the
medium (air), and vS is the velocity of the source relative to the medium (air), and f s is the
frequency of the source.
For this situation we have
vL = 0 m.s 1
vS = +31.42 m.s 1

v = 344 m.s 1
Therefore

f L = ( 2000 )

344 + 0
Hz = 2200 Hz.
344 ( 31.42 )
(2 marks)

(f)
Wavelength is given by
v vS ( 344 31.42 )
=
= 0.156 m ( 2 sig figs 0.16m ) . .
=
2000
fS
Alternatively
v
344
m = 0.16 m.
=
=
f L 2200
(2 marks)