Tentative Solutions of Indian National Physics Olympiad –

2020
Date: 02 February 2020 Roll Number: 2 0 0 0 - 0 0 0 0 - 0 0 0 0
Time : 09:00-12:00 (3 hours) Maximum Marks: 80

Extra sheets attached : 0 INO Centre (e.g. Ranchi)

(Do not write below this line)

==================================================
Instructions

1. This booklet consists of 17 pages (excluding this page) and total of 5 questions.
2. This booklet is divided in two parts: Questions with Summary Answer Sheet and Detailed
Answer Sheet. Write roll number at the top wherever asked.
3. The final answer to each sub-question should be neatly written in the box provided below
each sub-question in the Questions & Summary Answer Sheet.
4. You are also required to show your detailed work for each question in a reasonably neat and coherent
way in the Detailed Answer Sheet. You must write the relevant Question Number(s) on each of
these pages.

0
5. Marks will be awarded on the basis of what you write on both the Summary Answer Sheet and the
C2
Detailed Answer Sheet. Simple short answers and plots may be directly entered in the Summary
Answer Sheet. Marks may be deducted for absence of detailed work in questions involving longer
calculations. Strike out any rough work that you do not want to be considered for evaluation.
6. Adequate space has been provided in the answersheet for you to write/calculate your answers. In
case you need extra space to write, you may request additional blank sheets (maximum two) from the
invigilator. Write your roll number on the extra sheets and get them attached to your answersheet and
indicate number of extra sheets attached at the top of this page.
HB

7. Non-programmable scientific calculators are allowed. Mobile phones cannot be used as calculators.
8. Use blue or black pen to write answers. Pencil may be used for diagrams/graphs/sketches.
9. This entire booklet must be returned at the end of the examination.

Table of Constants Question Marks Score

Speed of light in vacuum c 3.00 × 108 m·s−1
Planck’s constant h 6.63 × 10−34 J·s 1 13
–
h h/2π
−2
Universal constant of Gravitation G 6.67 × 10−11 N·m2 ·kg 2 12
Magnitude of electron charge e 1.60 × 10−19 C
Rest mass of electron me 9.11 × 10−31 kg 3 15
Value of 1/4π0 9.00 × 109 N·m2 ·C−2
Avogadro’s number NA 6.022 ×1023 mol−1 4 20
Acceleration due to gravity g 9.81 m·s−2
Universal Gas Constant R 8.31 J· K−1 ·mol−1 5 20
R 0.0821 l·atm·mol−1 ·K−1
Permeability constant µ0 4π × 10−7 H·m−1 Total 80

HOMI BHABHA CENTRE FOR SCIENCE EDUCATION

Tata Institute of Fundamental Research
V. N. Purav Marg, Mankhurd, Mumbai, 400 088
INPhO 2020 Page 1 Questions & Summary Answers
Please note that alternate/equivalent methods and different way of expressing final
solutions may exist.

1. A certain gas obeys the equation of state U (S, V , N ) = aS 7 /V 4 N 2 , where a is a dimensioned

constant. Here U represents the internal energy of the gas, S the entropy, V the volume and N
the fixed number of particles of the system.
(a) Let such a gas be filled in a box of volume V and the internal energy of the system be U . A [3]
partition is placed to divide the box into two equal parts, each having volume V /2. For each
part, the internal energy is now αU and the dimensioned constant be βa. Obtain α and β.

α= β=

Solution: An extensive parameter of the system gets halved if the size of the system is
halved, while an intensive parameter remains unchanged. The internal energy and the
entropy, both are extensive parameters. Thus α = 1/2, β = 1.

(b) The temperature T can be expressed in terms of the derivative of internal energy as [2]

dU
 
T =
dS

0 V ,N

where the subscripts indicate that the differentiation has been carried out keeping V and N
C2
constant. In a similar way, express pressure P in terms of a derivative of the internal energy.

P =
HB

Solution:
dU
 
P =−
dV S,N

(c) Find the equation of state of the given system relating P , T , and V . [1]

P =

Solution: From the definition of temperature,

7aS 6
T =
N 2V 4
From part (b)
4aS 7
P =
V 5N 2
INPhO 2020 Page 2 Questions & Summary Answers Last four digits of Roll No.:

Eliminating S yields
T 7/6
P =C
V 1/3
4N 1/3
where C =
77/6 a1/6

(d) One mole of this gas executes a Carnot cycle P [7]

ABCDA between reservoirs at temperatures T1 and
A
T2 (T1 > T2 ). Obtain the heat change in the pro-
cess AB (QAB ) and work done by the system in
the processes AB and BC (WAB , WBC ) of the cycle. B
Express your answers only in terms of temperatures
T1 , T2 , volumes VA , VB , and the other constants.

D
C
V

0 VA VB
C2
QAB =
HB

WAB =

WBC =

Solution:

7 PV PV
S= , U=
4 T 4
Leg AB: A → B (isothermal)⇒ T1 = constant
Z B
QAB = T1 dS (1.1)
A
7
= ( PB V B − PA V A ) (1.2)
4
INPhO 2020 Page 3 Questions & Summary Answers

Using equation of state,

7C 2
 2 7

QAB = VB3 − VA3 T16
4

Z B Z B
WAB = P dV = c V −1/3 T17/6 dV (1.3)
A A

3C 7/6 2 2
 
WAB = T1 VB3 − VA3
2
Leg BC is isentropic/adiabatic ⇒ Q = 0 or S = constant. From first law,

aS 7 1 1
" #
WBC = −∆U = 2 4 − 4 (1.4)
N VB VC
" #
a S7 S7
= 2 4 − 4 (1.5)
N VB VC

Also, S = 7C 2/3 1/6

4 V T

7C
7 
a
 

0
2 7 2 7
WBC = 2 VB T1 − VC T2
3 6 3 6
(1.6)
N 4
C2
a 7C
 7 2 1
WBC = VB3 T16 [T1 − T2 ]
N2 4

Detailed answers can be found on page numbers:

HB

2. An insulating uniformly charged cylindrical shell [12]

of radius a lies with its axis along the z axis. The
shell’s moment of inertia per unit length about the
z axis and the surface charge density are I and σ
respectively. The cylinder is placed in an external
uniform magnetic field Bex ẑ, and is initially at rest.
Starting at t = 0 the external magnetic field is
slowly reduced to zero. What is the final angular
velocity ω of the cylinder?

ω=

Detailed answers can be found on page numbers:

Solution: As the magnetic field drops, its time derivative results in an induced electric field,
INPhO 2020 Page 4 Questions & Summary Answers Last four digits of Roll No.:

in azimuthal direction.
rḂz
Eφ (r ) = − (2.1)
2
This field acts on the charged cylindrical shell to produce azimuthal torque (per unit length).

τφ = aEφ (a)2πaσ (2.2)

dω
τφ = I (2.3)
dt
σπa3
dω = − dBz (2.4)
I
σπa3 Bf
Z
ω=− dBz (2.5)
I Bi
σπa3
= ( Bi − Bf ) (2.6)
I

Bi = Bex and Bf is the non-zero magnetic field produced by the rotating charged cylinder.
For the rotating cylinder, compare with solenoid,the magnetic field will be along z axis and
equal to

0
B~f = µ0 niẑ
= µ0 jφ ẑ
(2.7)
(2.8)
C2
where jφ = aσω is azimuthal current per unit length. Thus

B~f = µ0 aσω ẑ

σπa3
ω= (Bex − µ0 aσω ) (2.9)
HB

I
!−1
σπa3 µ0 σ 2 a4 π
ω= 1+ Bex (2.10)
I I

3. Consider the Bohr model of the hydrogen atom. Let me and e be the mass and magnitude of the
charge of the electron respectively. Let a0 be the ground state radius (Bohr radius).
(a) Obtain an expression for the ionisation energy IH of the ground state of the hydrogen atom [1]
in terms of a0 and constants.

IH =
INPhO 2020 Page 5 Questions & Summary Answers

Solution: Centripetal acceleration is given by Coulomb force.

me v 2 Ke2 1 –
= 2 ; K= ; me vr = h (3.1)
a0 a0 4π0
–2
h
a0 = (3.2)
Kme e2
me v 2 Ke2 Ke2
Total energy = − =− (3.3)
2 a0 2a0
Ke 2
IH = (3.4)
2a0

(b) Consider a singly ionised helium atom He+ . Obtain the ground state ionisation energy IHe+ [2]
of He+ in terms of IH .

IHe+ =

Solution:

0
C2
me v 2 2Ke2 –
= and me vr = h (3.5)
r r2
–2
h a0
r= = (3.6)
2Kme 2 2
1 2Ke 2 Ke2 2Ke2
Total Energy (T.E.) = me v 2 − =− = = −4IH (3.7)
HB

2 r r a0
IHe+ = 4IH (3.8)

(c) Now consider a two electron system with arbitrary atomic number Z. Use the Bohr model [1]
to obtain the ground state radius (r (Z )) in terms of a0 and Z. Assume the two electrons
are in the same circular orbit and as far apart as possible.

r (Z ) =

Solution:
me v 2 KZe2 Ke2 –
= − and me vr = h (3.9)
r r2 (2r )2

1
 –2
h
me v 2 r = Ke2 Z − and me v 2 r = (3.10)
4 me r
–2
h a0
r=   =   (3.11)
1 1
Kme e2 Z− 4 Z− 4
INPhO 2020 Page 6 Questions & Summary Answers Last four digits of Roll No.:
(d) Derive an expression for the first ionisation energy IZth for two electron system with arbitrary [3]
Z in terms of Z and IH .

IZ =

Solution:
 
1
Ke2 Z − 4
Kinetic Energy (K.E.) = me v 2 = (3.12)
r
 2
1
Ke2 Z − 4
= (3.13)
a0
1 2
 
=2 Z− IH (3.14)
4
2KZe2 Ke2
Potential Energy (P.E.) = − + (3.15)
r 2r
=

0
−2Ke2
r

Z−
1
4

(3.16)
C2
−2Ke 2 1 2
 
= Z− (3.17)
a0 4
1
 2
= −4 Z − IH (3.18)
4
1 2
 
(T.E.)i = −2 Z − IH (3.19)
4
HB

(T.E.)f = −Z 2 IH (3.20)
1
 2
IZth = (T.E)f − (T.E)i = 2 Z − IH − Z 2 IH (3.21)
4
1
 
IZth = Z 2 − Z + IH (3.22)
8

(e) The table below contains the experimental data of IZexpt (in units of Rydberg where 1 Ryd = [8]
13.6 eV) versus Z for various two-electron systems.

Z IZexpt
H− 1 0.055
He 2 1.81
Li+ 3 5.56
Be++ 4 11.32
B3 + 5 19.07
C4 + 6 28.83
N5 + 7 40.60
O6+ 8 54.37
F7 + 9 70.15

Experimental values were not found to be equal to the theoretical predictions. This difference
arises mainly from non-inclusion of Pauli’s principle in the theoretical derivation of part (d).
It was suggested that if the value of Z was reduced by some fixed amount α (Z ∗ = Z − α)
INPhO 2020 Page 7 Questions & Summary Answers
in the final expression of IZth obtained in part (d), then IZth∗ ≈ IZexpt . Draw a suitable linear
plot and from the graph find α. Two graph papers are provided with this booklet in case
you make a mistake.

α=

Solution:
1 1
   
∆IZ = IZth − IZexpt = IZth − IZth∗ = Z2 − Z + − (Z − α )2 − (Z − α ) + IH
8 8
(3.23)
h i
∆IZ = −α2 + 2Zα − α IH (3.24)

Z (IZexpt ) IZth (IZth − IZexpt )

H −
1 0.055 0.125 0.07
He 2 1.81 2.13 0.32
Li+ 3 5.56 6.13 0.57
Be++ 4 11.32 12.13 0.81
B3 + 5 19.07 20.13 1.06
C4 +
N5+
O6+
6
7
8
28.83
40.60
54.37

0
30.13
42.13
56.13
1.30
1.53
1.76
C2
F7+ 9 70.15 72.13 1.98
A plot of ∆IZ vs Z is a linear graph.
Slope of the graph =2α = 0.24
α = 0.12
One can also linearize in the following way:
HB

1 1
 2
IZexpt = IZth∗ = Z − α − − (3.25)
2 8
1 1
r
IZexpt + = Z −α− (3.26)
8 8
q
Plot of IZexpt + 18 vs Z is a linear graph. This method gives α = 0.10. Both methods
are acceptable.
Accepted range of α is : 0.10 ≤ α ≤ 0.14.

Detailed answers can be found on page numbers:

HB
C2
0
INPhO 2020 Page 9 Questions & Summary Answers

4. A sound source S is performing uniform circular motion with time period T . It is continuously
emitting sound of a fixed frequency f0 . Two detectors 1 and 2 are placed somewhere in the same
plane as the circular trajectory of the source. The frequency f , of the sound received by the two
detectors is plotted as a function of time t as shown below (the clocks of the two detectors are
synchronized).

1300
1

2
f (Hz)

800

0
C2
0 10 20 30 40 50 60
t (s)

Take the speed of sound in the medium to be 330 m/s.

(a) Determine the time period T of the source.
HB

T =

Solution: Note the time at the peak frequencies of any of the detectors. For detector 1, first
peak is at t = 16 s and the second peak is at t = 40 s. Hence the time period of the source
T =24 s.

(b) The figure below shows the circular trajectory of the source S. Qualitatively mark the positions of both
the detectors by indicating 1 and 2. Here O denotes the centre of the trajectory. You must provide
detailed justification of your answer in the detailed answer sheet.
INPhO 2020 Page 10 Questions & Summary Answers Last four digits of Roll No.:

S
•
O
•

Solution: Couple of things can be easily seen from the graphs:

Time period of the source T =24 s.
Time difference between the maximum and minimum frequencies detected by detector 1 = 9 s.

0
Time difference between the maximum and minimum frequencies detected by detector 2 = 9 s.
Time difference between the maximum frequencies detected by detector 1 and 2 = 4 s.
C2
Maximum frequency detected by 1 = 1300 Hz.
Minimum frequency detected by 1 = 800 Hz.
Resolution of the graph is not enough to give the maximum and minimum frequencies detected by
the detector 2. Let the source S is moving in the circle of radius R. There are four possibilities:

1. Both detectors are outside the circle.

HB

2. Both detectors are inside the circle.

3. One detector is inside and other is outside the circle.

4. One detector is either inside or outside the circle, and other detector is at R.

S v
φ

D
When source is approaching the stationary detector D is at an angle φ, the frequency detected
by D is
f0
f=
1 − c cos φ
v

Here f0 is the frequency emitted by the source, and c is the speed of the sound. If we consider
fourth possibility, we should have observed a sharp change in the plot when source is crossing
the detector. Hence, we rule out this case.
When the detector Dout is outside the circle (see figure below):
INPhO 2020 Page 11 Questions & Summary Answers

R φo
v
O Dout
Do

f0
f out =
1 − cos φo
v
c

For maximum and minimum frequency, cos φ = ±1

Ao

0
C2
R

αo
O Dout
HB

Do

A0o

f0 f0
at Ao , fmax
out
= = (4.1)
1 − vc 1 − Rω
c
f0 f0
at A0o , fmin
out
= = (4.2)
1 + vc 1 + Rω
c

If both the detectors are outside, maximum and minimum frequencies detected by them are
same which is not the case if you observe the graph given in the question. Hence, we rule out
the first possibility.

When detector Din is inside the circle (see figure below):

INPhO 2020 Page 12 Questions & Summary Answers Last four digits of Roll No.:

φi
βi
R v

γi
O Din
Di

f0
f in = (4.3)
1 − cos φi
v
c
| cos φi | = | sin βi | (4.4)
sin γi sin βi
= (4.5)
R Di

0
cos φi =
Di
R
sin γi (4.6)
C2
f0
f in = (4.7)
1 − c R sin γi
v Di

Ai

R β i φi
HB

γi v
αi
O Din
Di

A0i

f in is maximum (minimum) when sin γi is 1 (−1).

f0
at Ai , fmax
in
= out
< fmax (4.8)
1 − c Ri
v Di

f0
at A0i , fmin
in
= out
< fmin (4.9)
1 + c Ri
v Di

If both the detectors are inside, again there are two possibilities: they are at the same distances
or at the different distances from the center. In the former case, their observed peak frequencies
will be same which is clearly not evident from the given graph. In the latter case, their
maximum frequencies will be different but the time difference between the maximum and
minimum frequencies will also be different. However from the graph, the time difference between
INPhO 2020 Page 13 Questions & Summary Answers

maximum and minimum frequencies for detectors 1 and 2 is

t(fmin ) − t(fmax ) = 9 s

This is possible only if one detector is inside and other detector is outside. Also, detector may
not be colinear with the center.

S
• •1
O
•

•2
In this part, marking (anywhere) 1 outside and 2 inside the circle with a correct justification
will be given full credit.

(c) Obtain the frequency f0 of the source.

f0 =

0
C2
Solution: From equations (4.1) and (4.2),

f0
= 1300 Hz (4.10)
1 − vc
f0
= 800 Hz (4.11)
1 + vc
HB

f0 ≈ 991 Hz (4.12)

(d) Calculate the distance (D) between the detectors.

D=

Solution: We have to find out Di , Do and angle θ between the detectors. From equations
(4.10) and (4.11),

v = 78.6 m/s (4.13)

2π
v = Rω = R (4.14)
24
R ≈ 300 m (4.15)
INPhO 2020 Page 14 Questions & Summary Answers Last four digits of Roll No.:

Ao

αo
O Dout
θ Do
αi

Di
Ai
Din
A0i A0o

By symmetry, Ao and A0o are equidistant from the detector 1. Similarly, Ai and A0i are equidistant
from the detector 2. It takes 9 s from Ai to A0i (Ao and A0o ). Hence

3π
2∠αo = 2∠αi = (4.16)
4

Do =

0
Di = R cos αi ≈ 115 m
R
cos αo
≈ 784 m
(4.17)

(4.18)
C2
There will be signal delay due to finite Do and Di .
Let θ be the angular separation between the detectors. Time difference between the peak
frequencies of detectors 1 and 2 is 4 seconds.
θ Ai Din Ao Dout
4=
+ − (4.19)
HB

ω c c
θ R sin αi Do sin αo
4= + − (4.20)
ω c c
π ωR sin αi ωDo sin αo
⇒θ= − + (4.21)
3 c c
= 1.4 rad (4.22)
q
The distance between the detectors = OD2in + OD2out − 2ODin .ODout . cos(1.4) ≈ 773 m

Detailed answers can be found on page numbers:

5. The following is the top view of an assembly kept on a smooth horizontal table. [2

D
θ L
y
vo

A massless inextensible string of length D lies with one end fixed, while the other is attached
INPhO 2020 Page 15 Questions & Summary Answers

to one end of a uniform rod of length L. The system is initially at rest with the rod aligned
along the x-axis and the string stretched to its natural length at an angle with the negative y-axis
θ (cos θ = 1/3). At a certain instant, a bullet of the same mass m as the rod and negligible
dimensions is fired horizontally along the positive y-direction. The bullet hits the rod at its right
end with velocity vo and gets lodged in it, the impact being nearly instantaneous. What is the
tension (T ) in the string immediately after the impact? Assume the string doesn’t break.

T =

Solution: Geometry of the problem dictates that the string becomes taut during the impact and
hence exerts an impulse. We conclude:
1. Angular momentum is conserved only about P .
2. The velocity of P is perpendicular to the string right after the impact (refer to the figure).
We have two unknowns - ω and u.
y

0
C2
x

ω
θ P

CM
u
HB

We first note that the momentum of CM is preserved perpendicular to the string since the string
applies force only along its length.
( Pi ) ⊥ = ( Pf ) ⊥
mv sin θ = 2m(vf )⊥
where (vf )⊥ is the velocity of the CM perpendicular to the string. CM is located at a distance 3L
4
from P . So, (vf )⊥ = 3Lω
4 sin θ − u
3Lω vo sin θ
=⇒ sin θ − u = (5.1)
4 2
Applying conservation of angular momentum about P ,
Li = Lf
 3Lω  3L
mvo L = 2m − u sin θ + Icm ω (5.2)
4 4
Solving equations 5.1 and 5.2, we get
vo
ω= (5.3)
L
vo
u= √ (5.4)
3 2
INPhO 2020 Page 16 Questions & Summary Answers Last four digits of Roll No.:

ω
θ T P

CM
u

Designate the tension in the string immediately after the impact as T . This gives a clockwise angular
acceleration of the rod equal to
3L T cos θ 18T cos θ
α= = (5.5)
4 Icm 5mL

3Lα

T
2m
4

0
C2
θ
ω 2 3L
4
P
HB

We now calculate the acceleration of P on the rod in the direction of the string, (aP )|| (in the ground
2
frame) and set it equal to uD .
To this end, note that the acceleration of the CM in the direction of the string is equal to 2m
T
. Also,
point P is instantaneously rotating about the CM with angular velocity ω in a circle of radius 3L 4 -
this gives a centripetal acceleration of ω 2 × 3L
4 directed towards the CM. Furthermore, the tangential
acceleration of P along its trajectory is given by 3Lα 4 . Accounting for all these contributions and
taking appropriate components, we can write the acceleration of point P in the direction of the
string as

T 27T 3ω 2 L
(aP )|| = + cos2 θ − sin θ
2m 10m 4

Now we know
T 27T 3ω 2 L u2
(aP )|| = + cos2 θ − sin θ = (5.6)
2m 10m 4 D

Hence we get
5mvo2 1 1
" #
T = + √
4 18D L 2
INPhO 2020 Page 17 Questions & Summary Answers

Comment [not for grading purposes]:

We assumed above that the string is taut. This is consistent with the solution above, as we found a
non-zero answer for the tension. However, if you do not picture that the geometry of the problem
requires tension in the string, you can convince yourselves that this is the correct assumption, by
assuming that the tension is zero and arriving at a contradiction.
Assume that the string becomes slack. Let the angular velocity of the rod be ω counter-clockwise, as
seen from top, immediately after the impact. Then, noting that velocity of CM remains preserved
(because the string is assumed to go slack during the impact) and applying conservation of angular
momentum about the point of impact, one gets

Li = Lf
vo L
0 = 2m − Icm ω
2 4
mvo L
ω=
4Icm
where Icm is the moment of inertia of the rod and the bullet system about its center of mass. Now,
2 mL2 mL2 5mL2
12 + 8 + 8 = 24 , thereby yielding
Icm = mL

6vo
ω=
5L

0 y
C2
x
vo
2 ω
θ
HB

CM

The velocity of the end

 of the string
 tied to the rod (P ) immediately after the impact, therefore,
would be given by − 4 × 5L − 2 ĵ = − 2v5o ĵ. But this would mean the string would get elongated.
3L 6vo vo

Contradiction!

Detailed answers can be found on page numbers:

**** END OF THE QUESTION PAPER ****