International Physics Olympiad · Year 1998
Problems
- Problem 1A mass m on a frictionless surface is attached to spring stiffness k, displaced by A and released. Find period, maximum speed, and energy. 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
- Problem 2A point charge q is in vacuum. Find field and potential at distance r, with potential zero at infinity; kₑ=1/(4πε₀). 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
- Problem 3A stationary sound source emits frequency f; an observer approaches at speed u in a medium where sound speed is c (u<c). Find heard frequency. 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