Physic Labs

International Physics Olympiad · Year 1996

Problems

  1. Problem 1An object is thrown vertically upward from ground at speed u with no air resistance. Find maximum height, total time, and return speed; g is constant. Use the stated ideal model: quantities are constant or vary only as specified, with no extra drag, losses, or external influences. State a sign convention, keep units consistent, and use a classical approximation only where appropriate. (a) Set up the governing equation from a fundamental law. (b) Solve for the requested quantity under the stated conditions. (c) Check the result using a suitable limit, sign, or unit test, and report both the expression and its physical meaning.Solutions: 1
  2. Problem 2n moles of a monatomic ideal gas are heated at constant pressure from T₁ to T₂. Find work, heat absorbed, and internal-energy change. Use the stated ideal model: quantities are constant or vary only as specified, with no extra drag, losses, or external influences. State a sign convention, keep units consistent, and use a classical approximation only where appropriate. (a) Set up the governing equation from a fundamental law. (b) Solve for the requested quantity under the stated conditions. (c) Check the result using a suitable limit, sign, or unit test, and report both the expression and its physical meaning.Let p,V be pressure and volume; W is work done by the gas, ΔU its internal-energy change, Q the heat entering it, and ΔT=T₂−T₁.Solutions: 1
  3. Problem 3An object is at distance d>f from a converging lens of focal length f. Find image position using the lens equation and its magnification. Use the stated ideal model: quantities are constant or vary only as specified, with no extra drag, losses, or external influences. State a sign convention, keep units consistent, and use a classical approximation only where appropriate. (a) Set up the governing equation from a fundamental law. (b) Solve for the requested quantity under the stated conditions. (c) Check the result using a suitable limit, sign, or unit test, and report both the expression and its physical meaning.Solutions: 1