Question of The Day:

Questions and Solutions

Physics Olympiad Discord Sever

December 31, 2021

Contents
1 Season 2 2
1.1 Gravity×2021 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
1.2 Falling ladder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
1.3 Gonna Cry? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
1.4 Oscillating Coil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
1.5 Center on a circle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
1.6 A Magnetic Dipole . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
1.7 Quasistatic analysis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
1.8 Weather Forecast . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
1.9 Bubble Trouble . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
1.10 Coating error . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
1.11 Two ball collision . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
1.12 Physical Oscillations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
1.13 Pizza Time . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
1.14 Doc Ock finds ur mom’s age . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
1.15 Black Cube . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
1.16 Boom, Headshot! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
1.17 YEET . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
1.18 Proton Flux . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
1.19 La Llorona’s Game . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
1.20 Weight on a plate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
1.21 Indestructible Box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
1.22 Lenses, a lot of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
1.23 Bot’s Tube . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
1.24 One push is all it takes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
1.25 Falling particle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
1.26 Reflecting pulses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
1.27 It’s Peter Time . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
1.28 Asteroid’s Path . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Question of The Day PhODS (Updated December 31, 2021)

1 Season 2
1.1 Gravity×2021

Source: Princeton University Physics Competition

Proposer: Ashmit#001 (601989603754508299)
Solution: Ashmit#001 (601989603754508299)

Consider a ring of 2021 evenly spaced point masses of mass 1 kg. The gravitational field
at the center of the ring is 0; that is, a mass placed at point P in the center of the ring
will experience no net force (the distance from the center to one of the masses on the
end is 1 m). Now suppose you remove one of the masses. What is the magnitude of the
gravitational field at point P ? Answer in nanonewtons per kilogram.

Solution. Use superposition theorem. The gravitational field is given as ⃗g = Gm r2

. When you
remove one of the masses, you can essentially say that you add a negative mass −m along with
the mass m. Since the initial gravitational field is 0, then we only have the intial mass and the
negative mass, which means the answer is g = G. □
Question of The Day PhODS (Updated December 31, 2021)

1.2 Falling ladder

Source: Unknown
Proposer: Abhiram#1893 (598591688184823809)
Solution: Ashmit#001 (601989603754508299), Abhiram#1893 (598591688184823809)

A force F is applied on a ladder resting in equilibrium on a wall at an angle θ = 45◦ from

vertical. For a certain value of force F at an angle ϕ = 30◦ from the vertical the ladder
looses contact with the bottom rough floor. For the same value of F and ϕ what should
be the minimum value of coefficient of friction µ of the wall so that the rod doesnt slip on
the wall.

30◦
45◦
µ

Solution. The first thing to notice is that since the rod looses contact with the floor there won’t
be any reaction forces by the wall on it. Balance horizontal forces:

N = F sin ϕ

Balance vertical forces forces:

mg = F cos ϕ + f
Balance torque about top of ladder:
mgl sin θ
= F l sin(θ − ϕ)
2
Solving all these equations we get:

f |2 tan ϕ − tan θ| √
µ≥ = =2− 3
N tan ϕ tan θ
□
Question of The Day PhODS (Updated December 31, 2021)

1.3 Gonna Cry?

Source: Original
Proposer: faraz#2875 (810411426299904000)
Solution: Ashmit#001 (601989603754508299), faraz#2875 (810411426299904000)

Harry tries to rescue Tobey who was captured by Bully Maguire. He attaches an ideal
rope to Tobey, which goes through an ideal pulley, and hangs from the rope. Bully
Maguire decides to apply a potential difference of U = 90 V across Tobey and a magnetic
field B to prevent Tobey from escaping.

Assume Tobey to be an ideal resistive element with a length L = 2 m, resistivity ρ =

0.16 Ωm−1 and a varying radius r(x), where x is the distance along Tobey, given by
0.2
r(x) = √     .
π(1 + cos π2 x sin π2 x )

7
The friction coefficient between Tobey and ground is µ = 24

To pay his rents on time Bully Maguire must use the minimum B possible, Find the value
of this minimum B. Do not consider any rotational motion.
After applying the magnetic field Tobey remains at rest such that any further increase in
the magnetic field would mean he shifts towards Bully Maguire. For force calculations,
assume Tobey’s body to be a 1D rod. Both Harry and Tobey have a mass of m = 60 kg

Solution. Assume that the minimum B acts at an angle α. We can draw a FBD. The force of
gravity will be directed downwards while a force of F m = BIL acts upwards perpendicular to
the direction of B. In the horizontal directions, there is a frictional force f and a tension force
of T . Balancing forces in the horizontal direction yields
µmg − T
BIL sin α = µ(mg − BIL cos α) − T =⇒ B = .
IL(sin α + µ cos α)
√
Given that a function f (x) = A cos x + B sin x, the maximum
√ value for f (x) is: A2 + B 2 which
shows that the maximum value of sin α + µ cos α = 1 + µ2 . We now need to find the value
ρddx
of I. This is simple but requires some math. First, the resistance will be given as dR = πr(x) 2.

Thus, Z R Z L
ρ
R= dR = (1 + 12 sin πx)2 = 9Ω.
0 0 0.04

By Ohm’s law, I = U/R. Thus, our answer is

µmg − T
Bmin = √ .
IL 1 + µ2
□
Question of The Day PhODS (Updated December 31, 2021)

1.4 Oscillating Coil

Source: RuPhO
Proposer: Stefan_Zorkovsky#3516 (830834311476543519)
Solution: Ashmit#001 (601989603754508299), Stefan_Zorkovsky#3516 (830834311476543519)

Near the north pole of a vertically magnetized rod (permanent magnet), there is a thin
circular coil of mass m = 10 g (Fig.). The coil can move freely along vertical axis z. If the
coil is forced to oscillate in a harmonically near this position with amplitude A = 0.4 mm
and frequency ν = 105 2π
Hz, an alternating voltage with amplitude E0 = 0.01 V will appear
at its open ends. What magnitude of current I should be passed through the coil to make
it hang in its initial position?

z axis

Solution. For the coil to stay in place, the magnetic force Fm must equal to the gravitational
force Fg . Thus, using the fact that Fm = BIl, then
2πRIB sin θ = mg.
Here, R is the radius of the rod and θ is taking into account that the magnetic field is not directly
perpendicular. Note that the magnetic field near a dipole can be characterized as B ≈ rC2 . If
the coil is a height h above the rod, then
RIBC R
2π · = mg.
h2 h
We need to find the constant C which characterizes the field strength. To do so, we can use the
fact that the coil performs simple harmonic oscillation and use initial conditions. As
! !
dΦ dΦ dz
E0 = − =− ,
dt dz dt
we must find the flux Φ and z ′ (0). It is simple to see that z ′ (0) = 2πAν from the fact that
z(t) = z0 + A sin(2πνt), so we must find Φ now. The flux can be written as
Z R Z 2π
2zCπR2
Φ(z) = Br cos θdθdr = − .
0 0 (z 2 + R2 )3/2
Question of The Day PhODS (Updated December 31, 2021)
2
Therefore, Φ′ (z) = − 2CπR
h3
. Substituting yields

2CπR2 E0 h3
E0 = Φ′ (0)z ′ (0) = − 2πAν =⇒ C =
h3 4π 2 R2 Aν
Going back to our intial expression, one can find

IR2 mgh3 2πmgAν

2π 3
C = mg =⇒ I = 2
= .
h 2πBCR E0
□
Question of The Day PhODS (Updated December 31, 2021)

1.5 Center on a circle

Source: Cahn Nadgorny

Proposer: Abhiram#1893 (598591688184823809)
Solution: Abhiram#1893 (598591688184823809)

A particle of mass m moves in a circular orbit of radius R under the action of a central
force F (r). The center of the force F (r) lies at a point on the circle (see figure).

If the magnitude of force F (r) can be represented as k ·Ra Lb mc rd where L is the magnitude
of angular momentum of planet about C at some arbitrary time. Report the value of
k·a·b·c·d

Solution. There are many ways of solving this question, you could destroy the question by dimen-
sional analysis or you could solve differential equations from conservation of angular momentum,
but I would like to use the binet equation as it would be elegant (you can read it on wikipedia):

r = 2R cos θ
1 1
Let us make the classic substitution u = r
= 2Rcosθ
Substitute this into the binet equation:
!
−1 2 2 d2 u 8R2 L2
F (u ) = −mL u + u = −
dθ2 mr5
Note that
d2 u 1 1 + sin2 θ + cos2 θ
+ u = = 8R2 u3
dθ2 2R cos3 θ
□
Question of The Day PhODS (Updated December 31, 2021)

1.6 A Magnetic Dipole

Source: Unknown
Proposer: MikejR#6188 (286824915653361664)
Solution: MikejR#6188 (286824915653361664)

An infinitely large plane (in y and z direction) with uniform and constant surface current
density K breaks in half such that one of the ends from each plane are joint to make
a system of two semi-infinite plane with an angle α < π2 . The surface current density
of both planes is still uniform and constant K. A magnetic dipole with moment m is
placed between the two planes at a distance a and b from each plane, see figure. Find the
magnitude of the torque acting on the dipole when the dipole points to +y direction. Take
a = 1 m, b = 0.634 m, α = π6 , K = 9 × 1012 A/m, and m = 7π 2
× 10−3 A · m2 .

Solution. The magnitude of magnetic field experienced by any point due to an infinite plane
with uniform and constant surface current density K is B = µ0 K2 . To derive this, one may use
the magnetic√field produced by a single infinite wire located at x to a point with separation
distance r = x2 + z 2 , with z being the perpendicular distance of the point to the plane, by the
relation B = µ2πr
0I
ϕ̂. We can sum up all contributions from all wires in the plane, note that the
current transforms into an infinitesimal current dI = Kdx and project it into the x-direction.

+ =
1

≡ 4 B1 + B4 = µ0 K2
K
y 2 π−α
α 3
x
O
α

B2 + B3 = µ0 K π−α
2π
Question of The Day PhODS (Updated December 31, 2021)

To find the magnetic field just divide it into four segments, two of them are 1/2 of infinite plate
so that the total contribution is B1 + B4 = 1/2(µ0 K/2) × 2 = µ0 K/2. And the other two can be
gotten by adding three additional solenoids with two straight planes perpendicular to the plates
so that it wouldn’t contribute to the magnetic field, and also a circular solenoid with angle π −α.
The magnetic field inside any solenoid with arbitrary shape is µ0 K, however, in this case we have
a circular long cylinder, thus contribution from any point in the surface to the center is equal.
By creating an Amperian loop we have that B2 + B3 − µ0 K π−α 2π
= 0 → B2 + B3 = µ0 K( 12 − 2πα
).
α
Add those together and we get total B = B1 + B2 + B3 + B4 = µ0 K(1 − 2π ). Note that α can
be any angle, even zero, where the situation would be a point inside a very long and straight
solenoid which is true given by B = µ0 K.The total torque experienced by the dipole is

⃗ = mŷ × µ0 K 1 − α (−ẑ) = −µ0 mK 1 − α x̂

   
⃗ ×B
⃗τ = m
2π 2π
 
α
The magnitude of the torque is thus τ = µ0 mK 1 − 2π
= 942.857 N · m . □
Question of The Day PhODS (Updated December 31, 2021)

1.7 Quasistatic analysis

Source: Pathfinder
Proposer: Abhiram#1893 (598591688184823809)
Solution: Abhiram#1893 (598591688184823809)

The pressure of a container with a constant volume 1 m3 is increased from an initial

pressure of 1.5 atm to a final pressure of 4 atm with the same ambient temperature. The
mechanism of this is hypothesized to be adiabatic, the temperature and pressure increases
to a maximum Tmax and Pmax before the container cools down to temperature T0 and final
pressure P .
This is accomplished by a hand pumping mechanism, a handpump of working volume
V ≪ 1m3 pumps air constantly into the container, the handpump is at an ambient
pressure of P0 = 1 atm initially. What is the total work done in this process, answer in
kilo-joules.

Assume the gas to be diatomic.

Solution. Say n0 represent the number of moles transferred from the hand-pump for each pump:
Patm Vp
n0 = ≪n
RT0
Where Patm is the ambient atmospheric pressure, and T0 is the ambient temperature. So a large
of pumps say N will be required
n′ P − P0 V
N= =
n0 Patm Vp
Each pump only makes a small difference in pressure, say at the start of the i th pump, the
container has a pressure Pi−1 .
The temperature of the air in the pump increases as the pressure increases, we assume this
process is so fast it can be approximated to be quasistatic.
2/7
Pi

T ′ = T0
Patm
The rise in temperature:
2/7 !
Pi

′
∆T = T − T0 = T0 −1
Patm
Let us divide the work done into two halves the first W1 is equal to increase in internal energy:
" 2/7 #
5 Pi
W1 = n0 Cv ∆T = Patm Vp · −1
2 Patm

The second work W2 needs to be done to push the gas of volume into the container at a constant
pressure Pi .
Patm 5/7 Pi 2/7
   
W2 = Pi Vp′ = Pi Vp = Patm Vp
Pi Patm
"  2/7 #
7 Pi 5
Wi = Patm Vp −
2 Patm 2
The total internal energy added to the gass during the i th pump is given by:
Question of The Day PhODS (Updated December 31, 2021)

5 7 5/7 2/7 Vp 5
∆Ui = Wi + Patm Vp = Patm Pi = ∆Pi V
2 2 V 2
Treating this as a differential equation:
7/5
5/7 Vp

5/7
P (i) = P0 + Patm i
V
Pmax would be when N strokes are done:
" 5/7 #7/5
Patm P − P0

Pmax = P0 1 +
P0 Patm
Pmax
Tmax = T0
P
5 5
=⇒ W = Uf − Ui = Pmax V − (Patm V + N P0 Vp )
2 2

5/7 !7/5 
5 Patm P − P0 Patm P − P0 

W = P0 V  1 + − −
2 P0 Patm P0 Patm

□
Question of The Day PhODS (Updated December 31, 2021)

1.8 Weather Forecast

Source: Original
Proposer: Stefan_Zorkovsky#3516 (830834311476543519)
Solution: Ashmit#001 (601989603754508299)

One day recently a 170 km hr−1 wind was observed to be blowing from west to east at an
altitude of 14.2 km above Pilsen. What is the magnitude of the pressure gradient at 14.2
km? You may find it helpful to note that Pilsen is at a latitude of 50◦ and the density of
air at 14.2 km is ρ = 0.368 kg m−3 .

Solution. Although not stated in the problem, the rotation of the Earth contributes to the
pressure gradient created. This is because the coriolis force is given as F = 2mω × v. As
pressure is given as P = dF/dA, then dF/dV = dP/dy = 2(dm/dV )ωv = 2ρωv. At the
equator, it takes about 24 hours to make a revolution of 2π radians. At a latitude of ϕ = 50◦ ,
the rotation must be slower as the radius covered is no longer one on a great circle, but a smaller
one (the time of day must be the same). Therefore, ω ′ = ω0 sin ϕ. The pressure gradient is
hence, dP/dy = 2ρωv sin ϕ. Note that there is also a downwards gradient of dP/dh = ρg but
this was neglected in the problem. □
Question of The Day PhODS (Updated December 31, 2021)

1.9 Bubble Trouble

Source: Unknown
Proposer: Stefan_Zorkovsky#3516 (830834311476543519)
Solution: Ashmit#001 (601989603754508299)

In the phenomenon of single-bubble sonoluminescence, a water bubble of initial radius

of 40µm is observed to emit light when its radius collapses to about 0.5µm under one
atmosphere pressure.
In this problem the bubble can assumed to contain vacuum. At what radius does the
velocity of the inner surface of the bubble reach the speed of sound in water i.e, 1500m/s?

Solution. To solve this problem, let us find the velocity as a fucntion of x, where x is the radius
of the bubble at a certain moment. Let the radius of the bubble when it moves at the speed of
sound vs , be r. As area is proportional to the square of the radius, then by, v1 A1 = v2 A2 , we
have that
r2
v(x) = vs 2 .
x
The work from the atmosphere W = p∆V contributes energy to the bubble which increases its
total energy. The walls of the bubble can be characterized as a shell of radius r(x) and thickness
dx. Therefore, Z ∞
4 3 3 1
p · π(r0 − r ) = (4πx2 dx)v(x)2 = 2πρr3 vs2
3 r 2
Rearranging yields,
v
4
4 4 πp
  u
r3 2πρvs2 + πp = πpr03 =⇒ r = r0 t
u
3 3
.
3 3 2πρvs + 43 πp
2

□
Question of The Day PhODS (Updated December 31, 2021)

1.10 Coating error

Source: Unknown
Proposer: Abhiram#1893 (598591688184823809)
Solution: Abhiram#1893 (598591688184823809)

Light of wavelength 2828 Å travelling in water (µ = 1.33) enters a glass slab (µ = 1.50).
A coating is applied on the slab so that all reflections are avoided at this wavelength.
Unfortunately, during the coating process the machine makes a mistake and the thickness
of the coating becomes double of that needed for reflections to be avoided. What is the
reflectivity of the system now?

We can find the optical imedance of the coating Z = 1/n to find its refractive index.
s
q 1 1
Zcoating = Zwater Zglass = =
nwater nglass ncoating
√
ncoating = 2
Hence,
λ
d= = 5 · 10−8
4ncoating
Question of The Day PhODS (Updated December 31, 2021)

1.11 Two ball collision

Source: Mock F = ma
Proposer: Ashmit#001 (601989603754508299)
Solution: Ashmit#001 (601989603754508299)

Two glass balls of equal mass are at rest on an infinite track. There is a distance 1 m
between the two balls. At time t = 0, Ball 1 is given a constant force to the right. After
every collision, the force on the first ball is multiplied by 2. If all the collisions are elastic,
after a large number of collisions, what is the sum of the distances ball 1 travels between
subsequent collisions?

Solution. The speed of ball A as it collides with ball B the first time is given by:
s
2F d
v=
m
After they collide, ball A will initially be stationary and ball B will be travelling rightwards at a
speed v. We can switch reference frames and say that ball B is stationary and ball A is travelling
leftwards but experiencing a force 2F . The time until the next impact is given by:
2F 2
vt − t =0
2m
2mv
t1 =
2F
 
mv
Ball B will have travelled a distance d1 = v F

Next, their relative speeds upon impact is going to be v per conservation. A net work of zero
is done by moving ball A leftwards and then rightwards again to the same spot (since ball B is
stationary). Therefore in the lab frame right before the collision, ball A will be moving rightwards
with speed 2v and ball B will be moving rightwards with a speed v. In an elastic collision between
two equal masses, their velocities flip after colliding. Therefore after the collision ball A will be
moving right at a speed of v and ball B will be moving right at a speed of 2v.
This is the most important part. Notice that again if we switch into the frame of ball B, we
have ball A moving leftwards with a speed v. As with before, their relative velocities at impact
will also be v. Since this is similar to the first scenario, we can use the same results:
We have:
2mv
t2 = 2
2F
and
2mv
 
d2 = 2v
22 F
We can generalize it to:
2mv 2mv 2 n
   
dn = nv n =
2 F F 2n
∞ ∞
2mv 2 n 2mv 2 X n
X  
n
=
n=0 F 2 F n=0 2n
P∞ n
We can calculate the summation by telescoping: Let S = n=0 2n .

∞ ∞
n 1 1 2 3 4 1 1 1
X    X 
S= n
=⇒ S = + + + + ··· =⇒ S = + S+ n
n=0 2 2 2 2 4 8 2 2 n=1 2
Question of The Day PhODS (Updated December 31, 2021)
1 1
=⇒ S = + (S + 1) =⇒ S = 2
2 2
4mv 2 2F d
Therefore, the final answer is F
= 8d (because v 2 = m
). □
Question of The Day PhODS (Updated December 31, 2021)

1.12 Physical Oscillations

Source: KoMaL
Proposer: Abhiram#1893 (598591688184823809)
Solution: Ashmit#001 (601989603754508299), Abhiram#1893 (598591688184823809)

There is a a thin rigid rod of length l in the shape of a circular arc. Both ends of the
rod are attached to a thread of same length l and the other ends of the threads are fixed
at the center of the circular arc O. Say T1 is the time period of the pendulum oscillating
with a small amplitude, about O, in the plane of figure. If this rod is straightened then
the pendulum with the altered shape has a period of T2 , when it swings, about O, in the
plane of the figure, with small amplitude. What is the ratio T2 /T1 ?

O O

l l l l

Solution. Consider the first setup. The length of the arc is l and its center is at O. Thus, if the
angle subtended by the arc is α, then lα = l =⇒ α = 1 radian. We can find the center of mass
of the arc with integration
Proof The center of mass of the arc will follow
Z α/2 Z α/2
l sin(α/2)
xc lα = xdl = l cos αldα =⇒ xc = .
α/2 α/2 α/2

□
For the second case, the center of mass is located a distance of l′ = l cos(30) and the moment
of inertia is
q like a point
q mass of ml′2 . Note that the period of a physical pendulum is given
I
as T = 2π mgR ∝ RI . The moment of inertia of the circular arc is ml2 so we now know all
information needed to compare the two separate periods, giving 0.96 as the answer. □
Question of The Day PhODS (Updated December 31, 2021)

1.13 Pizza Time

Source: Unknown
Proposer: faraz#2875 (810411426299904000)
Solution: Ashmit#001 (601989603754508299), faraz#2875 (810411426299904000)

Tobey got freed from Bully Maguire somehow but his life is full of obstacles. After being
fired by Mr Aziz for delivering the pizza late for the sixth time, Tobey now follows the
teachings of Modiji’s Atmanirbhar Bharat and opens his Boiled Egg Stall.

Tobey was always a man of science since his childhood, so one day he decides to
observe his cooker. Tobey and Harry are competing in his kitchen by seeing whose
lid snaps first. Two cookers are kept in the kitchen, filled completely with gas heated
to a temperature Ttobey and Tharry . He now turns off the gas and waits for the lid to
t
snap inside the cooker. Find the ratio of times ttobey
harry
required for this. Given that the
temperature of the gas is always the same as the temperature of the cooker and the gas is
ideal, diatomic having a molar mass of M . Assume that there is no leakage of gas anywhere.

Tharry = 400 K, Ttobey = 500 C, Tsurr = 300 K, mlid = 0.5 kg, M= 28.97 g/mol.,
Vcooker = 8453.5 oz, Arealid = 61.7 nanoacres, ngas = 10 moles, Patm = 1.01 · 105 Pa

Solution. The lid snaps when,

P0 A ≥ Pgas A.
This process is isochoric, so,
Ti Tf Pi Tf Ti P0
= =⇒ Pf = ≥ P0 or, Tf = .
Pi Pf Ti Pi

Given the condiiton, we can use Newton’s law of cooling,

Tf = Tsurr + (Ti − Tsurr )e−kt .

Hence,
1 Tf − Tsurr
 
− ln = t.
k Ti − Tsurr
ttobey
Now substituting and solving will given tharry
= 4.46. □
Question of The Day PhODS (Updated December 31, 2021)

1.14 Doc Ock finds ur mom’s age

Source: Unknown
Proposer: faraz#2875 (810411426299904000)
Solution: Ashmit#001 (601989603754508299), faraz#2875 (810411426299904000)

After failing on creating a self sustaining sun, Doc Ock now plans to do something evil so
he researches pulsars. Pulsars are stars which rotate extremely fast having a large magnetic
field with a relatively small radius. He observes the time period of one of the closest pulsars
to earth, urmom to be around 33ms and a rate of change in time period to be around:
4 · 10−13 . Doc ock is confused at why the time period is increasing. But his intern Tobey
tells that it is due to the power radiated by the rotating dipole, which is of the form:
1 α β γ b
P = µ m ω c
6π 0
Tobey then calls him dumb for missing out on this. Infuriated by the insult Doc ock takes
it as a challenge on himself to find the age of urmom. Can you help him out?
Assume that when urmom was created it was rotating at its maximum possible angular
velocity.
Note that Murmom = 1.4Msun , Rurmom = 10km

Solution. Consider a tiny element rotating on the edge of the pulsar of mass dm. We then have
by balancing forces that
s
M dm 2 GM
G 2
= dmRωmax =⇒ ωmax = .
R R3
Therefore, the minimum possible value of time period (when the pulsar first started rotating) is
T = 2π/ωmax . As we know T and Ṫ , then it can be said that

T Ṫ = const.

By replacing the constant with a said variable A, it can be written that

T
1 Z Tcurr T 2  curr
T dT = Adt =⇒ t = T dT =  = 1308 yr.
A Tmin 2A Tmin

□
Question of The Day PhODS (Updated December 31, 2021)

1.15 Black Cube

Source: Kalda handouts, Physics Brawl

Proposer: Ashmit#001 (601989603754508299)
Solution: Ashmit#001 (601989603754508299)

Let there be an absolutely black cube made of a material with very good heat conductivity.
The cube is placed in front of a parallel light beam with an intensity (power per cross
section area) I. How many times larger is the maximal temperature Tmax to the minimum
temperature Tmin that the cube attains depending on its position with respect to the
direction of the radiation’s spreading?

Solution. According to Prevost’s theory of exchange, in order to maintain thermal equilibrium,

any object must emit the same energy as it receives. The power recieved is IAeff and the power
emmited is σ6s2 T 4 , where s is the sidelength of the cube. This then tells us that
s
4 IAeff
IAeff = σ6s2 T 4 =⇒ T = .
σ6s2
We now have to analyze the extremas of Aeff .

1. Aeff is minimum when the cube recieves

s the beam directly on the center of its face. This
I
means that Amin = s2 =⇒ T = .
6σ
2. The maximum is achieved when two space opposite vertices are aligned with the direction
of the beam. This would then mean that the projection is a regular hexagon. However,
the side length of this hexagon is not s because the edges are not parallel to the projection
plane. However, if you take the three vertices of the hexagon closest to you and connect
these points to make an equilateral triangle, the sides of this triangle will be parallel to the
projection
√ plane. The sides of the equilateral triangle are face diagonals and have length
s 2. The area of the hexagon is twice the area s of the equilateral triangle and therefore
√
√ √ √ 4 I 3
has area 23 (s 2)2 = s2 3. Therefore Tmax =
σ6
□
Solution. Once again, according to Prevost’s theory of exchange, in order to maintain thermal
equilibrium, any object must emit the same energy as it receives. Let the power recieved be
αIA and the power emmited is σ6s2 T 4 . We then have that
s
4 αI
αIA = σ6s2 T 4 =⇒ T = .
6σ

The projection of area A = A⃗n · ⃗i where ⃗i is unit vector in direction of incoming flux, and ⃗n is
unit vector in direction perpendicular to plane containing the mentioned area. The projection
of area is A = A⃗n · ⃗i where ⃗i is unit vector in direction of incoming flux, and ⃗n is unit vector
in direction perpendicular to plane containing the mentioned area. Therefore, we have that
α = ⃗n · ⃗i. There can be at most 3 faces with positive projections of area. Let these 3 faces
P

be in x, y, z directions. Then α = (⃗nx + ⃗ny + ⃗nz ) · ⃗i where nx = ny = nz = 1 as these are unit

vectors. Let i = ⃗ix + ⃗iy + ⃗iz ). Then α = ix + iy + iz . Since i is unit vector i2x + i2y + i2z = 1. Also,
Question of The Day PhODS (Updated December 31, 2021)

0 ≤ ix , iy , iz ≤ 0 as β 2 ≥ 0 for β ∈ R (Note that ix , iy , iz cannot be all equal to zero). Therefore,

i2x ≤ ix , i2y ≤ iy , i2z ≤ iz =⇒ i2x + i2y + i2z ≤ ix + iy + iz . We then have by power mean inequality,
!1/2
ix + iy + iz i2x + i2y + i2z
≤
3 3

This then means that

q
i2x + i2y + i2z ≤ ix + iy + iz ≤ 3(i2x + i2y + i2z )

which then tells us √

1≤α≤ 3.
Therefore, s√ s
4 3I 4 I
Tmax = and Tmin =
6σ 6σ
□
Question of The Day PhODS (Updated December 31, 2021)

1.16 Boom, Headshot!

Source: Unknown
Proposer: Stefan_Zorkovsky#3516 (830834311476543519)
Solution: Akansh#4433 (839546172603629609), Ashmit#001 (601989603754508299)

A stream of particles, each of mass m, are aimed at a rigid sphere of radius R and mass
M kg from a very large distance with a speed u parallel to each other (see figure). The
number density of the particles is n.

The trajectory of these particles is governed by the gravitational potential between

the sphere and particle, i.e, −GM m/r (Assume that the inter-particle gravitational force
is negligible). The particles collide in-elastically with the sphere, causing a increase in
mass without significantly changing the radius. Find the time required for the mass of
the sphere to increase by 1 %.

u
R

Solution. At some impact parameter b, the particles will no longer be hitting the sphere. Con-
sider the case where the particle just barely hits the sphere tangentially. By momentum conver-
sation,
ub
mub = mv0 R =⇒ v0 = .
R
By conservation of energy,
1 1 GM m 2GM
 
mu2 = mv02 − =⇒ b2 = R2 1 + 2 .
2 2 R uR
The change in mass of the sphere can now be written as
dM
= m · (number density) · u · (projected area of collisions).
dt
Rewriting shows
dM 2GM
 
= mnu × πb2 = mnuπR2 1 + 2 .
dt uR
This is a first order linear differential equation which can be solved via separation and integration
to derive a final answer of
!
u u2 R/2G + Mf
t= ln .
2πGRmn u2 R/2G + Mi
□
Question of The Day PhODS (Updated December 31, 2021)

1.17 YEET

Source: Italian Physics Olympiad

Proposer: faraz#2875 (810411426299904000)
Solution: Ashmit#001 (601989603754508299), faraz#2875 (810411426299904000)

Two infinitely long wires, having uniform charge density λ and −λ are fixed at a distance
of 2a from each other. A point charge of charge q and mass m moves in a quarter circular
loop (shown in the figure), assuming that as soon as the charge leaves the loop it becomes
electrically neutral. The charge is slightly nudged from its initial position (on ground
level) shown in the figure. The velocity of the charge at the topmost point and just after
leaving the tube is kept the same by some external means. What is the distance of the
charge from the centre of the loop when the charge strikes the ground (the level where the
wires are fixed)? λ = 0.0592 cm− 1, m = 5 kg, a = 1 m, q = 0.1µC

Also, assume that during the movement of the charge in the tube its velocity is always
along the circle.

Solution. By Gauss’s law, we have

λℓ 2kλ
E · 2πrℓ = =⇒ E = .
ε0 r
Thus, the potential difference is simply
Z rf
∆U = 2kλ ln(r) · q.
ri

So conserving energy,
Z √5a Z √5a
1
− 2kλ ln(r) · q + 2kλ ln(r) · q = mv 2 .
a 3a 2
Now, √
v· 2 · 2ag = R.
Solving will give, R = 1.6525. □
Solution. Alternatively, one can solve this problem with a straightforward force analysis.
Question of The Day PhODS (Updated December 31, 2021)

By law of cosines,
q
r1 = a2 + 4a2 − 4a2 cos(π − θ)
√
r2 = a2 + 4a2 − 4a2 cos θ
2kλ
From Gauss’s law, E = r
. Therefore, the potential is given as
Z Z
2kλ
U (r) = − E(r)dr = − dr = 2kλ ln r.
r
Thus, the potential
5 − 4θ
U (θ) = kλ ln .
5 + 4 cos θ
The force F will be given as
∂U
F = = 40kλ sin θ25 − 16 cos2 θ.
∂θ
The net force is therefore,
X 40kλ sin θ
F = − mg cos θ.
25 − 16 cos2 θ
The velocity at the end of the quarter circle will therefore be
v !
2a Z π/2 40kλ sin θ
u
u
vx = t2 · − mg cos θ dθ.
m 0 25 − 16 cos2 θ

The object will be in freefall until meeting the wire again so the time of freefall is
s
2 · 2a
t= .
g

Therefore, the distance travelled is D = vx t. Then you can plug in desmos to calculate the
integral which will give the same answer. □
Question of The Day PhODS (Updated December 31, 2021)

1.18 Proton Flux

Source: RuPhO
Proposer: Stefan Nicov#7388 (306063661620002818)
Solution: Ashmit#001 (601989603754508299), Stefan Nicov#7388 (306063661620002818)

A proton is given an initial speed v0 = 1 m/s in an non-uniform magnetic field. If at a

distance r = 1012 m the proton speed is tangent to the circle of radius r with the center
in the initial position, find the magnetic flux through this circle. The magnetic field lines
are always perpendicular to the proton trajectory.

Solution. Suppose the magnetic field varies as a function of the radial position B(r). The
strength of the induced field E at a distance r from the center of the circle can be written by
Faraday’s law as
dΦ R2 dB(r)
− = E(r) · 2πr =⇒ E(r) = −
dt 2r dt
where R is the point at which the protons speed is tangent. The magnetic flux through a circle
can be given as Φ(r) = B(r)πr2 and the electron will also experience a torque from the magnetic
field. As a result, it can be written that the change in angular momentum with respect to the
origin of the circle is given as
dL
= rqE(r).
dt
Substituting this into our equation for the electric field shows that

dL qR2 dB(r)
+ = 0.
dt 2 dt
Both these quantities must be zero as the magnetic field only depends on radial distance. As a
result, it can be written that
q 2πL
L+ Φ = const = 0 =⇒ Φ = .
2π q
This is known as the canonical angular momentum of an electromagnetic system. □
Question of The Day PhODS (Updated December 31, 2021)

1.19 La Llorona’s Game

Source: Unknown
Proposer: Ashmit#001 (601989603754508299)
Solution: Ashmit#001 (601989603754508299)

La Llorona is a ghost who mourns for her children that she drowned out of despair. In
fury, she decides to pick a new person to drown to make her feel better about herself.
Unfortunately the person turns out to be you. La Llorona decides to be fair and comes
up with a game to wager your life.

Near the icy lake where you may lose your life, La Llorona sets up three points
(A, B and C) marked on the ice, at a distance of l = 20 m (i.e, at the vertices of an
equilateral triangle). The competition is considered to be the one that can run the fastest
five times through all the points, passing them cyclically in the same order (i.e, in the
order A-B-C-A-B-C-A ...). The coefficient of friction between the legs and the ice is
µ = 0.05 and the acceleration due to gravity g = 10m/s2 .

La Llorona lets you go first and she won’t be able to go in the same trajectory as
you on her turn. What time guarantees your safety to not die?

Solution. There are two main possibilities we can consider: a triangular path or a circular path.
The maximum acceleration in both cases will be µg. For the former, we know half of the time
will be accelerating and the other half will be decelerating for each side. Thus, if t is this time,
s
l 1 t 2 l
 
= a =⇒ t = 2
2 2 2 a
Since there are 3 sides and this is repeated 5 times the total time necessary is
s
l
5 · 3 · t = 30 ≈ 192s
µg
For the circular path, considering centripetal acceleration, we have
s
v2 µgl
a = µg = →v= √
r 3
The time to finish one revolution is
v
2πR u l
u
T = = 2π t √
v 3µg
q
l
So 5 revolutions will take 5T = 10π √3µg ≈ 150s .
The quicker time, 150s from the circular path, is our answer. □
Question of The Day PhODS (Updated December 31, 2021)

1.20 Weight on a plate

Source: RuPhO
Proposer: Stefan Nicov#7388 (306063661620002818)
Solution: Ashmit#001 (601989603754508299), Stefan Nicov#7388 (306063661620002818)

Consider a square plate of side length a = 10 cm and thickness h = 2 mm on the water

surface. The plate has density ρ = 1.1 g/cm3 , water has density ρw = 1 g/cm3 and surface
tension σ = 7.3 mN/m. What is the weight the plate can support?

Solution. The plate has volume V = a2 h, and the gravity force is Fp = ρV g. At the contact of
the plate and the water there is a height difference H (see the hint image) which gives a pressure
difference ∆P = ρ0 g(H + h) so on the bottom surface of the plate a force ∆P S acts vertically.
To find H, let’s mark a volume of water with width l in contact with the plate.
q the force acting on
σ
this volume is 2σl which is balanced by ∆Sρ0 gH/2∆S which gives H = 2 ρg (where ∆S = Hl)
Balancing all together, the weight of plate and the additional weight are balanced by F = S∆P
√
which gives W = (ρ0 − ρ)a2 gh + 2a2 σρ0 g = 0.516 Newtons. □
Question of The Day PhODS (Updated December 31, 2021)

1.21 Indestructible Box

Source: Pathfinder
Proposer: Proelectro#6496 (722398964053442580)
Solution: Ashmit#001 (601989603754508299), Proelectro#6496 (722398964053442580)

The top and bottom faces of a rigid insulating box of dimensions a×b×h (10m×5m×0.01m)
and mass m = 500kg are charged with uniform surface charge densities σ = 5C/m2 and
−σ respectively and the box is placed in a uniform cylindrical horizontal magnetic field
⃗ = 1Tĵ. Assuming free space conditions and h negligibly small as compared to the
B
dimensions a and b, find how much speed will the box acquire after the magnetic field is
switched off?
Answer in SI units.

Solution. As the magnetic field is cylindrical, the electric field will interesect with the box at
various angles ∆α as shown below. |AB| = h and |AD| = a. The plates are of length b.

The net force acting on the box will be

Z A Z C
F = E cos ασbdl + E cos α(−σ)bdl = σb(VAD + VBC ).
D B
As the magnetic field is cylindrical, VIA = 0 as the electric field acts perpendicular to it. Similarly
VIB = VIC = VID = 0. So we can say the force we must find is
F = σb(VAIB + VCID ).
By Faraday-Lenz law, we have, where S is the surface area
dΦ dB ah dB
Venclosed path = − = −S = .
dt dt 4 dt
Hence, !
dv ah dB ah dB σahbB
m = σb + =⇒ v = .
dt 4 dt 4 dt 2m
□
Question of The Day PhODS (Updated December 31, 2021)

1.22 Lenses, a lot of

Source: RuPhO
Proposer: Stefan Nicov#7388 (306063661620002818)
Solution: AoPS

The optical system consists of a large number of converging lenses with a focal length F
with a common main optical axis. Centers of adjacent lenses are at the same distance
d ≪ F from each other, while the thickness of the lens can be neglected in comparison
with d. A ray of light before refraction at the center of the first lens intersects the main
optical axis at an angle α ≪ 1, and immediately after refraction in the latter it crosses the
main optical axis at the same angle.
Find the smallest possible distance L between the outer lenses if F = 100 m and d = 1 cm.

Solution. Notation:
(Ignore the first lens; it doesn’t affect the solution significantly) Let ui , vi denote the object dis-
tance and image distance for refraction in the ith lens. (Note that ui , vi are measured along the
direction of incidence of the light ray; so they are directed lengths). Clearly, ui+1 = vi . When
the light is incident on the ith lens, suppose it has a y− coordinate hi and x− coordinate xi .
Notice that xi = li.

Solution to Problem:
Let y = f (x) denote the path of the light ray. Since l is negligible, we assume f is differentiable.
f ′ (xi ), by definiton is the slope of tangent at the point (xi , yi ). right before the ray strikes the
yi
lens i, is given by − and right before striking lens i + 1 by − yvii . From the lens formula,
ui
1 1 1
− =
vi ui f
Multiplying by yi , we have,
f (xi )
f ′ (xi+1 ) − f ′ (xi ) = −
f
f ′ (xi+1 )−f ′ (xi )
Again, since l is negligible, we get from the limit definition of the derivative, f ′′ (xi ) = xi+1 −xi
.
Using xi+1 − xi = l, and combining with our other equation, we have,

f (x)
f ′′ (x) = − , ∀x ∈ R+
lf
This is a famous double differential equation, arising in the equation of a SHM. Applying bound-
ary conditions (i.e. y = h when x = 0) we get
!
x
y = h cos √
fl

□
Question of The Day PhODS (Updated December 31, 2021)

1.23 Bot’s Tube

Source: Unknown
Proposer: botgamer123#4173 (640521844348157962)
Solution: Ashmit#001 (601989603754508299)

A cylinder of radius r = 23 cm containing an ideal gas of molar mass µ = 40 g mol−1 is

spun at a constant angular velocity ω = 670 s−1 in free space. After a long time, the gas
settles in equilibrium at a temperature T = 500 K. The density of the gas at its center is
ρ0 = 0.2279 g m−3 . Find the pressure of the gas at a radius 1 cm away from the center of
the cylinder. Take R = 8.314 J K−1 mol−1 . Answer in Pascals.

Solution. By Boltzmann’s distribution law,

p 2
p ∝ e−E/kB T ∴ = eµω r/2RT .
p0
By ideal gas law, the pressure at the center of the tube is
RT RT µω2 r/2RT
p0 = ρ0 =⇒ p = ρ0 e .
µ µ
□
Question of The Day PhODS (Updated December 31, 2021)

1.24 One push is all it takes

Source: Unknown
Proposer: faraz#2875 (810411426299904000)
Solution: Ashmit#001 (601989603754508299), faraz#2875 (810411426299904000)

A large number of masses are kept on a stair like structure as shown in the figure. All the
blocks are on the verge of slipping and all the surfaces in contact are frictionless. If the
topmost mass is given a small push such that it slips. Find the velocity of the nth block
after the collision in the limit n → ∞.

Given the height of the each stair to be 3.345 meters, the coefficient of restitution of
collision between consecutive blocks is 0.3, assume the value of acceleration of gravity to
be 10m/s2

Solution. Consider the first block. By conservation of energy, its velocity before hitting the
second block is simply
1 q
mgh = mv 2 =⇒ v = 2gh.
2
As the coefficient of restitution is involved, the velocity of the second block after collision is
given as u2 = 1+e
2
v1 . Once again applying conservation of energy shows that the velocity of the
block u2 before hitting the third block is
s v
2 2 !
1+e 1+e
 u 
u
u2 = v12 + 2gh = t2gh 1+ .
2 2

Once again applying conservation of energy for the third block prior to collision shows
v
2 4 !
1+e 1+e
u  
u
v3 = t2gh 1+ + .
2 2

Hence, it can be said that the velocity of the n − 1th block is

v
n 
1 + e 2(i−1)
u 
u X
un−1 = t2gh .
i 2

In the limit of infinity, we can see that

v
1+e 1 + eu 2gh
u
lim vn = lim v n−1 =
u 2 .
2 n→∞ 2

n→∞
1 − 1+e
t
2

□
Question of The Day PhODS (Updated December 31, 2021)

1.25 Falling particle

Source: Unknown
Proposer: Abhiram#1893 (598591688184823809), Stefan_Zorkovsky#3516 (830834311476543519)
Solution: Ashmit#001 (601989603754508299)

A particle of mass 20 kg is dropped vertically from a height 10km under Earth’s gravi-
tational field at a latitude of 74.913◦ . What is the velocity of the particle in horizontal
direction i.e, eastward direction after 30 s in a right handed coordinate system. Assume
the particle experiences a air drag given by F = 10−3 v 2 .

Solution. This problem is really more of an integration exercise than actual physics. Note that
there are two factors that affect the velocity component of the ball: air resistance and the coriolis
force. Drawing a freebody diagram shows that
dż
m = −mg + k ż 2 .
dt
Separating by parts shows that
s 
dż mg kg
Z Z r
  = dt =⇒ ż = − tanh  t + c .
−g 1 − k 2
ż k m
mg

By initial boundary conditions, c = 0. The coriolis acceleration is given as

ac = −2ω × ż ẑ = ÿ ŷ.

As ω = (−ω cos λ, 0, ω sin λ) and ż = (0, 0, ż), it can thus be said that
s 
mg kg
r
ÿ = −2ω ż cos λ = 2ω tanh  t + c cos λ.
k m

Using ÿ = dẏ/dt and integrating, we can find that

 s 
m kg 
ẏ = 2ω cos λ ln cosh  t .
k m

□
Question of The Day PhODS (Updated December 31, 2021)

1.26 Reflecting pulses

Source: Original
Proposer: Prerak#9867 (926161651575693353)
Solution: Ashmit#001 (601989603754508299)

Consider the following setup:

d d
Co-incident Sound source

D3 D1 D2

I nc
line
dR
ef l
ecti
ng
S ur
f ac
e

Detectors D1 , D2 and D3 detect the reflected pulse from a source coincident with D1 after
a time 0.2s, 0.34s and 0.26s respectively, from when pulse was emitted. Calculate the
acute angle of inclination α of the reflecting surface with the Detector line (in degrees).

Solution. We can create the following triangles as shown above to establish a geometrical rela-
tionship. All that is now left is to create three separate equations, solve for k and plug back in.
This task will be given to the reader as it is mostly mathematical.

□
Question of The Day PhODS (Updated December 31, 2021)

1.27 It’s Peter Time

Source: Original
Proposer: faraz#2875 (810411426299904000)
Solution: Ashmit#001 (601989603754508299), faraz#2875 (810411426299904000)

We weren’t keeping up with the adventures of Bully Maguire and Tobey in the previous
QOTDs, but to tell you in short, Tobey captured Bully Maguire and transformed him into
a particle. He plans on taking revenge from Bully Maguire for all that he had made Tobey
go through with. It’s Peter Time now, smirks.

Tobey attaches one of Green Goblin’s motion bombs to Bully and launches him perpendic-
ular to a massive horizontal platform with speed u = 30 m/s. As he reaches its maximum
height, the platform is raised upwards by 1m. Bully now strikes the platform elastically
and again reaches its maximum possible height and the platform is raised by 1m. This
happens till Bully blows up.

Assume that the process of raising the platform is instantaneous and that it is at rest at all
times. Find the ratio of the total distance travelled by Bully (from when it is launched) with
the final displacement of Bully till he blows up. Green Goblin’s motion bomb detonates
when the wearer can no longer move. The value of acceleration due to gravity g is 10m/s2 .

Solution. Bully will stop bouncing when all of his energy becomes potential energy. By conser-
vation of energy, it can be written that

1 u2
mu2 = mgH =⇒ H = = 45 m.
2 2g
Bully will stop when the platform reaches 45 m then. Now we have to sum for distances. Note
that as the platform goes up each meter, Bully will reduce the distance travelled by a meter as
well. Therefore, the total distance travelled by Bully will be

45 + (44 + 44 + 43 + 43 + · · · + 1 + 1) = 452 .

Therefore, the ratio of total distance travelled to final displacement is 45. □

Question of The Day PhODS (Updated December 31, 2021)

1.28 Asteroid’s Path

Source: Cahn Nadgorny

Proposer: Stefan_Zorkovsky#3516 (830834311476543519)
Solution: Ashmit#001 (601989603754508299), Stefan_Zorkovsky#3516 (830834311476543519)

An asteroid of mass m is following a parabolic trajectory enters our solar system (consisting
of only the sun and the earth). Find the time spent by the asteroid within the Earth’s
orbit (in hours), if distance of closest approach of asteroid’s orbit is 0.23R, where R is the
radius of Earth’s orbit. Assume the Earth’s orbit to be in the same plane as that of the
asteroid.

Solution. Let a be the closest distance of the asteroid’s orbit to the sun. Since the asteroid has
a parabolic trajectory, its total energy is E = 0.

1 L2 GM m
E = mṙ2 + − = 0.
2 2mr2 r
where r is the position of the asteroid from the sun at any point. The angular momentum is
L = (2GM m2 a)1/2 . Which means that we get the differential equation
v !
dr u 2 L2
u
GM m
=t −
dt m r 2mr2

Separating this differential equation and integrating by parts gives the answer
√ s s
2 2 R3 2a R
 
t= 1+ 1− .
3 GM R r
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