Solutions to problems in Leighton and Vogts textbook

"Exercises in Introductory Physics" (Addison-Wesley, 1969)

Pier F. Nali
(Revised April 10, 2016)

CHAPTER 1
Atoms in Motion
B-3

Solutions to problems in Leighton and Vogts Exercises in Introductory Physics

a)

nG

N0
6.025 1023 molecules / mole

1019 molecules/cm3 .
3
3
Molar_vol._at_STP
22.4110 cm / mole

nL liquid _ air _ density

1.0 g cm 3

103 nL 1022 molecules/cm3 .

3
nG
air _ density
0.001 g cm
b)

air _ density
0.001 g cm 3

10 23 g/molecule .
nG
2.7 1019 molecules / cm3

c)
Said the (approx.) diameter of an air molecule the inverse of the mean free path is
1
1
2 nG , where 3
107 cm , assuming for a rough estimate that the molecules are condensed

nL
in liquid air in such a way that each molecule occupies a cubic cell of side . Thus
2
1
(10 7 cm ) 1019 molecules/cm3 105 cm 1 or, calculating the reciprocal, the mean free path

 105 cm .
From P : P (

d)

STP )

nG : nG( STP ) ( STP ) :  ,

P ( STP ) 1 atm,
( STP ) 105 cm,
 1 m,
one gets P 107 atm .

B-4

Said P the pressure of argon (A) gas spread in a layer of volume V (at constant temperature), we have
P
P(

STP )

Molar_vol._at_STP
P ( STP ) Molar_vol._at_STP 760 mm Hg 22.41103cm 3 /mole
V =
=
=
V
P
6.0 104 mm Hg

= 2.839 1010 cm3 /mole

Solutions to problems in Leighton and Vogts Exercises in Introductory Physics

and

number _ density A _ atoms _ per _ cm3 =

N 0 6.025 1023 atoms/mole

=
= 2.123 1013 atoms / cm 3 .
V
2.839 1010 cm3 /mole

Said A a constant of proportionality representing the effective target area per A atom and expressing (on
experimental basis) the percent intensity reduction of the atomic beam of K atoms as
A number _ density thickness = 3.0 % one gets

A=

3.0 %
3.0 102
=
1.4 1014 cm 2 /atom .
number _ density thickness 2.123 1013 atoms/cm3 101 cm

B-5

2 x interatomic spacing s

Cl

Cl.

Cl

Cl
Na

Na

Na.

Na

( N 1) ( N 1) ( N 1) spacings between nearest

3
neighbours (Cl and Na ions in alternance). Then lattice _ vol. = ( N 1) s 3 N 3 s 3 (for large N ) and
The cubic lattice has N N N points and

N3
1
1
1
number _ density atoms / A 3 3 = 3 =
=
cm 3 .
3
24

N
s
s
22.4258

10

2.820 A

Since the NaCl molecule is diatomic

1 number _ density molecular _ weight _ of _ NaCl
density _ of _ NaCl = 2
,
N0

Solutions to problems in Leighton and Vogts Exercises in Introductory Physics

where:
density _ of _ NaCl = 2.165 g/cm3 ,
molecular _ weight _ of _ NaCl = 58.454 g/mole,
and hence
1

N0 =

number _ density molecular _ weight _ of _ NaCl

= 6.02 1023 molecules/mole .
density _ of _ NaCl

B-6

The number of helium atoms expelled per second by one gram of radium in equilibrium with its
disintegration products is 13.6 1010 atoms g 1 s 1 = 117.504 1014 atoms g 1 day 1 . The corresponding
volume
of
helium
produced
per
day
by
one
gram
of
radium
is
3
3
1
0.0824 10 cm day
= 4.291104 cm3 g 1 day 1 and thus the number density of helium atoms at STP
3
192 10 g
is
a)

( STP )
nHe
=

117.504 1014 atoms g 1 day 1

2.7 1019 atoms/cm3
4.291104 cm3 g 1 day 1

and the calculated Avogadros number

b)
( STP )
N 0 = nHe
Molar_vol._at_STP 2.7 1019 atoms cm 3 22.41 103 cm3 /mole 6.1 1023 atoms/mole .

Solutions to problems in Leighton and Vogts Exercises in Introductory Physics

C-1

The molecular weight of H(CH2)18COOH is approximately 298 g/mole and the molar volume is

molecular _ weight 298 g mole 1

372.5 cm 3 /mole .
3
density
0.8 g cm
The volume of oil is deduced by dividing 0.81 mg by its density, i.e.

0.81103 g
1.0 103 cm 3 .
0.8 g cm 3

The surface area over which this volume of oil is spread is 14 842 cm 2 5.542 103 cm 2 , so the
thickness of the oil film (calculated as if its density were the same as in non spread state) is
0.8110 3 g 0.8 g cm 3
1.0 10 3 cm3
l

0.2 106 cm .
2
2
3
2
1
5.542 10 cm
4 84 cm
If the oil molecules were arranged in linear chains 20 atoms high ( thickness l of the oil film) 4
atoms wide ( 15 l ) so that a molecule occupies a volume roughly estimated (assuming in liquid state a
rotational
degree
of
motion
around
the
main
axis
of
the
chain)
as

0.2 106 cm
l3
1
1
l 5l 5l =

25
25

3.2 10 22 cm3 .

N0
. So
Molar _ vol.
N 0 0.3 1022 molecules/cm3 Molar _ vol. 0.3 1022 mol./cm3 372.5 cm 3 /mole 10 24 molecules/mole.

The reciprocal of the latter ( 0.3 1022 molecules/cm3 ) is the number density

Solutions to problems in Leighton and Vogts Exercises in Introductory Physics

C-2

.
Said m the mass of a gas molecule the gas density is ( gas ) = m N g . If one assume for sake of
simplicity that in a solid the molecules are tightly packed in cells of side then ( solid ) m 3 (1).
Thus

( gas )
1 ( gas )
N g 3 3

N g 2 3 N g
N g ( solid )
( solid )

( gas )

.
( solid )
3

(1)

For our purposes here we may ignore that in closed packaging configuration the proportion of space occupied by spherical
nr _ of _ particles _ per _ cell V( particle )

particles is =
=
74, 048% and therefore the number of particles per
V( unitcell )
3 2
unit cell is

V( unitcell )
V( particle )

= 2 particles/cell rather than 1 particle/cell, ( solid ) is

3
3 2 6

m and so on, so the subsequent results should contain

Ng

2 m rather than

in locus of N g . This is the densest packing of equal spheres

2
in three dimensions, as proved by Gauss in 1831. See Gauss, C. F. "Besprechung des Buchs von L. A. Seeber:
Intersuchungen ber die Eigenschaften der positiven ternren quadratischen Formen usw." Gttingsche Gelehrte Anzeigen
(1831, July 9) 2, 188-196, 1876 = Werke, II (1876), 188-196. For a proof of this result see, e.g., J. W. S. Cassels, An
Introduction to the Geometry of Numbers, Springer-Verlag, 1971 [Chap. II, Th. III]

Solutions to problems in Leighton and Vogts Exercises in Introductory Physics

Comparing  = 1

N g 2 = 1

2 N g 2 and =

2  = ( gas ) v

( gas ) v  one also gets

2 3 .

Comparing again the right-hand sides of latter two expressions for N g 2 and cubing the second
members one gets
2

( gas )
3
3
Ng
( gas ) v
( solid )

(54

2 3 3

and finally assuming on experimental basis(2) ( solid ) ( liquid ) -

Ng

(2)

( gas ) ( liquid ) v3
3

54 2

0.7 1019 molecules/cm3 .

This assumption is valid where we are dealing only whit orders of magnitude and is based on the observed condensation
behaviour of many substances. Unfortunately, at the times of Loschimdts work (1865) was not yet known how to liquefy
the air, so he could not directly observe condensation behaviour for air. However, the density of a substance in the
condensed state can be estimated by its chemical composition, as Loschmidt did. See Porterfield, William W., and Walter
Kruse. "Loschmidt and the Discovery of the Small.", J. Chem. Educ. , 1995, 72 (10), p 870

Solutions to problems in Leighton and Vogts textbook

"Exercises in Introductory Physics" (Addison-Wesley, 1969)
Pier F. Nali
(Revised April 10, 2016)

CHAPTER 2
Conservation of Energy, Statics

According to the principle of virtual work (PVW) the sum of the heights times the weights does not
change, said h1 and h2 the heights of the weights W1 and W2 respectively, then

(W1h1 + W2 h2 ) = W1h1 + W2 h2 = 0 .
If we assume that the weight W1 goes down h1 as the weight W2

h1 = 1 h2 W11 = W2  2 .
2

rises h2 , then

Solutions to problems in Leighton and Vogts Exercises in Introductory Physics

The sum of the heights times the weights for an arbitrary number of weights becomes Wi hi = 0
i

and considering the distances positive or negative depending on the side of the fulcrum, so that
h j

hi = i h j (or hi  i for any i, being
independent of j), it becomes thus Wi  i = 0 .
j
j
i

i j Fij iri = 0 , where the sum over j is

extended to all the n forces acting on the mass i and the sum over i is extended to all the N masses.
n
In the present case (a single body) N = 1 , so the above formula reduces to Fi ir = 0 .
i

a) For n = 1 is F ir = 0 ; so, for the arbitrariness of the choice of the vector r , F = 0 .

N

The PVW can be expressed in a more general form as

Solutions to problems in Leighton and Vogts Exercises in Introductory Physics

b) For n = 2 is ( F1 + F2 )ir = 0 and, again for the arbitrariness of the choice of the vector r , is
F1 + F2 = 0 , whence F1 = F2 ; so, the two forces are equal in magnitude, opposite in direction and
collinear.
c) For n = 3 is, again, F1 + F2 + F3 = 0 . If we consider the plane on which lie the two vectors F1 and
F2 (apart from the trivial case in which the two vectors are parallel, which degenerates to the case of

n = 2 ), F3 also lies in the same pane, being expressible as a linear combination of the other two

vectors. Let X 0 the vector joining the origin to the point of intersection of the lines of action of the
two vectors F1 and F2 and X the vector joining the origin to an arbitrary point of one or the other
line of action. Then the two lines of action are defined by the system of equations
( X X0 ) F1 = 0
.

( X X0 ) F2 = 0
By adding the latter two equation, immediately follows that X0 also lies on the line of action of F3 .
X0 defines a single point (through which the three lines pass) as each line of action cannot intersect
each other in more than one point (provided the lines are not parallel).
n
n

d) From Fi ir = Fi r cos i it follows that Fi ir = Fi cos i r = 0 , and again for the

i =1
i =1

arbitrariness of the choice of r -

F cos
i

i =1

= 0.

Solutions to problems in Leighton and Vogts Exercises in Introductory Physics

A-1

a
b

45

x
W

Suppose the weight W goes down x as the centre of mass of the plank rises y. Therefore (refer to the
above figure) y = L2 sin , x = ( c c ) and
a = a L sin ,
b = b + L (1 cos ) ,
c = a 2 + b 2 .
L L +b
So assuming small - c = c 1 2 aL
sin + 4 ( c2 ) sin 2
c2

c 1 aL
sin and x aLc sin ,
c2

where we have used the trigonometric double-angle formula 1 cos = 2 sin 2

1+ x 1+

x
for x small.
2

and the approx.

Solutions to problems in Leighton and Vogts Exercises in Introductory Physics

Being

also

c = 2 a

it

follows

L
2

sin = 2 y .

From

PVW

5
then

we

have

W( plank )
y
3
W ( x ) = W( plank ) y , whence W = W( plank ) =
=
kg-wts .
x
2
2
(note: the length of the plank doesn't affect this derivation).

A-2

Let W the weight of the ball, FP and FW the forces exerted on the ball by the plane and by the wall
n

respectively and made use of PVW in the form

F cos
i

= 0.

i =1

Thus, with respect to an horizontal line joining the point in which the ball touches the wall with the
centre of mass of the ball, Fw cos ( 0 ) + FP cos ( 2 + ) = 0 , that is Fw FP sin = 0 ; and, with respect to
a vertical line lying in the plane of the sheet and passing through the centre of mass of the ball,
FW cos 2 + W cos + FP cos = 0 , that is W + FP cos = 0 .
So
W
FP =
,
cos
FW = W tan ,
and the forces on the planes are
1
FP =
kg-wt,
cos
FW = tan kg-wt.

Solutions to problems in Leighton and Vogts Exercises in Introductory Physics

A-3

Again make use of PVW, this time in the form

W h = 0 .
i i

i =1

Without the loads: (WC + WAACD ) AP = WBBGH PB , that is WC + WAACD = 2WBBGH .

With the loads, assume the weight W1 goes down x as the weight W2 rises y, being x =

Thus

(WC + WAACD + W1 ) ( x ) = (WBBGH + W2 ) y ,

that is WC + WAACD + W1 = 2 (WBBGH

subtracting to this equation the one without the loads above one gets

1
y.
2
+ W2 ) , and

W1 = 2W2 , so

1
2

W2 = W1 = 0.25 kg-wts .

A-4
L
l1
xA

yA l2

y A

Solutions to problems in Leighton and Vogts Exercises in Introductory Physics

The weight A can move both vertically and horizontally.

Vertical displacement of A (assumed downwards): WA ( y A ) = W1 kg y1 kg + WB yB .
-

Horizontal displacement of A (assuming B rises

yB

as A moves to the left):

W1 kg y1 kg = WB yB
Case 1 vertical displacement
For the flattened triangle  (l1, y A , l1 + l1 ), using Carnots theorem and assuming y A small,

l1 + l1 = l12 + 2l1y A cos ( 2 + ) + y A2 = l12 + 2l1y A ( sin ) + y A2 = l1 1 2

Neglecting

the

l1 + l1 l1 1 2
sin =

term

of

order

( ) sin l (1
y A
l1

y A
l1

y A2

and

and

sin

using

the

y A
l1

y 2A
l12

1 + x 1 + 12 x ,

approx.

( ) sin +

l1 l1 1 ly1 A sin l1 y A sin ,

then
where

yA
y
y
A . So l1 y A A .
l1 + l1 l1
l1

Similarly, for the triangle (not shown)  (l2, y A , l2 + l2 ),

l2 y A

yA
. But l1 = y1 kg and
l2

l2 = y B , whence

WA ( y A ) W1 kg ( y A )

yA
y
y
y
+ WB ( y A ) A WA W1 kg A + WB A =
l1
l2
l1
l2

= W1 kg sin 30 + WB sin 45 = 12 W1 kg +

1
2

WB = 12 +

1
2

WB .

Case 2 horizontal displacement

In the same way, for the triangle (not even shown as well)  ( l1 l1

( ) cos 30 l (1 +
x A
l1

x A
l1

x A , l1 ) with x A small,

( ) cos 30 + , and, with the above approximations,

cos 30 ) l l l (1 + cos 30 ) x cos 30 .

l1 l1 = l12 + 2l1x A cos 30 + x A2 = l1 1 + 2

l1 l1 l1 1 + 2

x A2

x A
l1

l12

x A
l1

xA
x
in the above expressions one gets l1 x A A , and similarly, for triangle
l1
l1
L xA
 ( l2 + l2 , x A , l2 ): l2 x A cos 45 = x A
.
l2
So from PVW

Substituting cos 30 =

Solutions to problems in Leighton and Vogts Exercises in Introductory Physics

W1 kg y1 kg = WB yB W1 kg ( l1 ) = WB l2 W1 kg xA
W1 kg

xA
L xA
= WB
W1 kg cos 30 = WB cos 45 W1 kg
l1
l2
3
2

WB =

WB =

1
2

3
2

3
2

xA
L xA
= WB x A
l1
l2
3
2

= WB

2
2

W1 kg .

Whence finally WA 12 +

WA =

1
2

WB = 12 +

3
2

W1 kg . In summary:

) kg-wts,

kg-wts.

A-5

From the PVW (in the form Fi cos i = 0 ):

i =1

Case 1 vertical fixed line:

T1 cos + T2 cos + W cos = 0 (T1 + T2 ) cos = W (T1 + T2 ) 1 sin 2 = W

(T1 + T2 )

( )
AB

2
AC

=W

1
2

(T1 + T2 ) = W .

Case 2 horizontal fixed line:

T1 cos ( 2 ) + T2 cos ( 2 ) + W cos 2 = 0 T1 = T2 .
Thus T1 = T2 =

W
50
=
lb-wts
2
2

Solutions to problems in Leighton and Vogts Exercises in Introductory Physics

A-7

Let V the reaction force of the edge in contact with the wheel and assume null the reaction force of the
n

wall at the ground soon as the force F is applied to the axle. Then from PVW

F cos
i

= 0:

i =1

Rh
=W .
R

Case 1 vertical fixed line: V cos + W cos = 0 V cos = W V

Case 2 horizontal fixed line: F cos ( 0 ) + V cos ( 2 + ) + W cos 2 = 0 F = V sin = V

2

where x = R 2 ( R h ) = h ( 2 R h ) .
Thus F = W

x
=W
Rh

h ( 2 R h) )
Rh

x
,
R

Solutions to problems in Leighton and Vogts Exercises in Introductory Physics

10

A-9

Fx

Using

F cos
i

= 0 we have:

i =1

horizontal line AB :
FO cos ( + 45 ) + FP cos 2 + FQ cos 0 + Fx cos ( + ) = 0 F cos 45 + F Fx cos = 0 ,
vertical line OP :
FO cos ( 2 + 45 ) + FP cos 0 + FQ cos 2 + Fx cos ( 2 + ) = 0 F sin 45 + F Fx sin = 0 ;
and confronting:
cos = sin , whence = 45 or = 225 .
Fx is positive when = 45 therefore it is parallel to, and has the same direction of, FO . Its magnitude
is Fx = F

2 1 = 20.7 N , 45 down from AB .

When the plate is in equilibrium the torque, with respect to the corner O, is
Fx x sin ( ) + OP FQ + 0 FP + 0 FO = 0 Fx x sin + F OP = 0

x=

F OP
50 N 0,100 m
=
= 0, 34 m,
Fx sin 45
20.7 N 0.7071

i.e. .34 m left of O.

Solutions to problems in Leighton and Vogts Exercises in Introductory Physics

A-10

Assume W1 > W2 . Then as W1 goes down D sin the weight W2 rises + D sin . From the
conservation of energy
Thus v = 2 gD

1
2

W1 + W2 2
g v + W1 ( D sin ) + W2 D sin = 0 .

W1 W2
sin .
W1 + W2

A-11

See the previous problem. In the present case,

1 2W
v 2 + W D sin + W ( D sin ) = 0 v = gD ( sin sin ) .
2
g

11

Solutions to problems in Leighton and Vogts Exercises in Introductory Physics

12

B-1

At t = 0 ( K .E.)1 = ( K .E.)2 = 0, ( P.E.)1 = ( P.E.)2 = Mg H

, being M 1 = M 2 = M

At t > 0 ( K .E.)1 = ( K .E.)2 = 12 Mv 2 , ( P.E.)1 = Mgy, ( P.E.)2 = Mgx

Solutions to problems in Leighton and Vogts Exercises in Introductory Physics

13

H
1+ 2
2
Length of the cord on the side of M2: H x
H
Length of the cord on the side of M1:
2 1 + x
2
Height of M2: x
H
1 x
Height of M1: y = 1

2
2
2

Length of the cord:

H
1 x
Then at t > 0 ( P.E.)1 = Mgy = Mg 1
and from the conservation of energy

2
2
2
( K .E.)1,t =0 + ( K .E.)2,t =0 + ( P.E.)1,t =0 + ( P.E.)2,t =0 = ( K .E.)1,t >0 + ( K .E.)2,t >0 + ( P.E.)1,t >0 + ( P.E.)2,t >0
H
H 1
1
x
H
+ Mg = Mv 2 + Mv 2 + Mg 1 1
+ Mgx
2
2
2 2
2
2
2
H
MgH = Mv 2 + Mgx 1 1 + Mg 1 1 .
2
2
2

0 + 0 + Mg

Taking the derivative with respect to t of each member of the above expression
dx
dv 2
dv
0 = 2 Mva + Mgv 1 1 + 0 , where we used v =
and
= 2v
= 2va .
2
dt
dt
dt

1
1
a)
So the vertical acceleration of M2 at t > 0 is a = 1
g .
2
2
b)

Being a < 0 the mass M2 will move downward. The eight of M2 is x =

v ( 0 ) = 0 at t = 0 whereas x =
time t1 = H

c)

2H

H
and its velocity
2

1 2 H
at +
at t > 0 ; then it will strike the ground ( x = 0 ) at
2
2

.
1

g 1

H
1 x
H
1
Being y = 1

the height of M1, then for x = 0 is y = 1

< H ; so the
2
2
2
2
2
other mass (M1) will no strike the pulley.
a

Solutions to problems in Leighton and Vogts Exercises in Introductory Physics

14

B-2

When the boom rotates an angle (assumed small, i.e. neglecting terms of the order if ( ) or
higher) around the pivot the length y of the horizontal cable will change of y  x cos . This can be
seen using Carnots theorem and the approx.
the angle :

1 + x 1 + 12 x to find the length of the side opposite to

y = y y = x 2 + x 2 cos 2 2 x 2 cos cos ( + ) x sin

x sin

1 + 2 ctg 1  x sin ctg = x cos .

Or,
in
a
more
straightforward

y x sin ( + ) = x sin cos + x cos sin x sin + x cos

way,

y = y y x cos .
The height of the weight W changes of Z = L cos ( + ) L cos L sin and the weight w of
the boom (assumed applied to the centre of mass of the boom) moves of
z = L2 cos ( + ) L2 cos L2 sin .
Then from PVW:
T y + W Z + wz = 0 T x cos W L sin w L2 sin 0
T=

L
w
W + tan .
x
2

Solutions to problems in Leighton and Vogts Exercises in Introductory Physics

15

B-3

Let L = 10 ft the length of the ladder, r = 8 ft the initial height of the rollers at the top end and suppose
that, slightly tilting the ladder leaning against the vertical wall, the rollers would go down r .
Then (assuming r small)
2
2
L2 = ( r + r ) + ( s + s ) L2 r 2 + 2r r + s 2 + 2ss = r 2 + s 2 + 2 ( r r + ss ) = L2 + 2 ( r r + ss )

r r + ss = 0.
r
Thus s = r .
s
Furthermore, said hW , w the heights of the weights W and w, hangings from rungs at LW , w feet from the
bottom end, then hW , w =

LW ,w
L

r and hW , w =

LW , w
L

r .

W is hung l = 2.5 feet from the top end and therefore LW = L l whereas Lw =

L
.
2

Let R, H and V, respectively, the force of the roller on the wall, the horizontal and vertical forces of the
ladder on the ground, then, from PVW,
L
L
r
H s + W hW + whw = 0 H r + W W r + w w r = 0
L
L
s
H

L
L
r
s
s
L
+W W + w w = 0 H =
(WLW + wLw ) = W ( L l ) + w .
s
L
L
Lr
Lr
2

Solutions to problems in Leighton and Vogts Exercises in Introductory Physics

16

Now, from PVW in the form

F cos
i

= 0 one gets R = H and V = W + w , whence

i =1

a)

R = 45 lb-wts

b)

H = 45 lb-wts, V = 90 lb-wts

B-4

Let L = 3R the length of the plank. Then we have sin =

L
3
=
= 60 .
2R
2

( 2)

For the heights of the weights W and w one gets that hW = R R 2 L

cos ,

hw = R R cos ( ) and (for a small tilt )

( 2)

hW R 2 L

sin = R 1 L

2R )

sin = R cos sin =

R
sin ,
2

being cos = 12 , hw R sin ( ) .

From PVW, remembering that hW and hw lie in opposite directions, we have W hW = whw , whence
R
W

W sin = wR sin ( ) = R sin ( ) sin = sin ( ) = = = 30.

2
2
2

Solutions to problems in Leighton and Vogts Exercises in Introductory Physics

17

B-5

y
x

From PVW we have W x sin 30 + W y sin 60 = 0 .

From the rectangular triangle shown (see problem B-3) xx + yy = 0 y =

x
x = tan x .
y

Then
W x sin 30 + W y sin 60 = 0 x sin 30 + y sin 60 = 0 x sin 30 tan x sin 60 = 0
sin 30 tan sin 60 = 0 sin 30 tan cos 30 = 0 tan =

sin 30
cos30

= tan 30,

and therefore = 30 .

B-6

L
R
r

Being L the length of the string and r the radius of the sphere, then, from Carnots theorem,

( L + r ) + L =

R 2 + ( R r ) 2 R ( R r ) cos ( + ) .

Solutions to problems in Leighton and Vogts Exercises in Introductory Physics

18

If is small ( L + r ) + L R 2 + ( R r ) 2 R ( R r ) cos + 2 R ( R r ) sin .

2

But R 2 + ( R r ) 2 R ( R r ) cos = ( L + r ) , thus

( L + r ) + L ( L + r )
(L + r) +

R(R r)

(L + r)

+ 2 R ( R r ) sin ( L + r ) 1 +

sin L 

R(R r)

(L + r)

2R ( R r )

(L + r)

sin 

sin .

Furthermore,
being
h
the
height
of
h = ( R r ) sin ( + ) ( R r ) sin ( R r ) cos .

the

Let F the strength of the string, from PVW: F L = W h F = W

centre

of

the

sphere,

h
L+r
W
cot . One also gets
L
R

R r = 49 4.5 cm=44.5cm
L + r = 40 + 4.5 cm=44.5cm
L+r
So the triangle is isosceles so that cot = 1 F W
. Let h the height of the isosceles, then
2
2h
2
L+r
44.5
22.25
2
=W
=
W  0.6W .
h = (L + r) R
= 44.52 24.52 = 1380 and F W
2
2h
2 1380
1380

( )

B-7

Solutions to problems in Leighton and Vogts Exercises in Introductory Physics

19

30

The centres of the spheres lie on the vertices of a regular tetrahedron of edge a and height

6a
, then
3

6
.
3
Let wa the component of the weight w along each edge a. From symmetry considerations
w
w
3 wa cos = w , whence wa =
=
= 2 ton-wts .
3cos
6
cos =

3
and the two
3
welds at the contact points of each sphere with the two other exert along the same direction a force
2T cos 30 = T 3 , being T the tension of each weld.
Along the horizontal surface of the tetrahedron wa has a component wa sin = wa

Then from PVW (in the form

F cos
i

= 0 ) and fixing the horizontal direction, one gets

i =1

T 3 = wa

w
3
T = a , and thus, for a factor of safety of 3, T(3) = 3 T = wa = 2 ton-wts .
3
3

B-8

Solutions to problems in Leighton and Vogts Exercises in Introductory Physics

20

Let l the length of the cord, h1 , h2 the heights of the two masses when they lie at distances c1 , c2 from
the top in downwards direction along the two legs of the right triangle.
Then from PVW T l = m1h1 + m2 h2 where:
h1 = c1 sin 30 = 12 c1
h2 = c2 sin 60 =

3
2

c2

Being
c1 = l cos
c2 = l sin
one gets c1 = l sin + cos l h1 = 2l sin + 12 cos l ,

c2 = l cos + sin l h2 =

3
2

l cos +

3
2

sin l

Thus
T l = m1h1 + m2 h2 =

1
2

m1 cos +

3
2

m2 sin l

1
2

m1 sin

3
2

m2 cos l .

l , being independent of one another, tacking l = 0 one finds that the system is in static
equilibrium when m1 sin 3m2 cos = 0 tan = 3 3 .
Reading
the
1
T = 2 m1 cos 79.1 +

3
2

tables
one
gets
m2 sin 79.1 = 265 g-wts .

= 79.1

and,

taking

= 0 ,

Solutions to problems in Leighton and Vogts Exercises in Introductory Physics

B-9

L
y

r
s
x

x
x = cot 30x .
y
But x = r cos 30 + s r cos 30 = s ( r r ) cos 30 .
Assuming s small we have r r s cos 30 .
Thus x s (1 cos 2 30 ) = s sin 2 30 .
Being L = 0 we have xx + yy = 0 y =

a)

from PVW
T s + W y = 0 T = W
T = W cos 30 sin 30 =

cot 30 sin 2 30s

y
cot 30x
= W
=
W

s
s
s

3
W.
4

21

Solutions to problems in Leighton and Vogts Exercises in Introductory Physics

b)
normal

N
T
horizontal

Using the method of the force components (FC) on cart we have:

3
T cos180 + N cos 300 = 0 T =
N (horizontal).
2
1
Using FC on W: N cos 0 + W cos 240 = 0 N = W .
2
3
W.
So T =
4

B-10

Assume the centre of the bobbin goes down H and m rises h as the bobbin rolls downwards. Then
from PVW: M H = mh .

22

Solutions to problems in Leighton and Vogts Exercises in Introductory Physics

23

For a rolling of the bobbin of L = R then M goes down H = L sin , whereas m rises (assuming
small) l r =

r
L and goes down H .
R

Thus
r

h = l H = L sin M L sin = mL sin

R

r
r
m r
M sin = m m sin ( M + m ) sin = m sin =
= 0, 5
R
R
M +m R
= 30.

B-11

h
x

If the chain rises h resting in a horizontal circle, then its radius varies of x =
of l = 2x .

From PVW: W h = T l W h = T 2x = T 2

r
Wh
h T =
.
h
2 r

r
h and its length
h

Solutions to problems in Leighton and Vogts Exercises in Introductory Physics

24

B-12

lW3

lW2
lW1

lw2 l
w1

Assuming w rises hw whereas W goes down hW , being:

lW1 + lW2 + lW3 = 0 , lW1 = lW2 lW1 = 12 lW3 , lw1 + lw2 = 0 , lW3 = lw1 = lw2 ,

then hw = lw2 + lW3 = 2lw2 , hW = lW1 sin = 12 lW3 sin = 12 lw2 sin = 14 hw sin .

From PVW: whw + W hW = 0 . So whw 14 sin W hw = 0 W =

4w
.
sin

B-13

FG
DF

EF

FG

x
EG

Solutions to problems in Leighton and Vogts Exercises in Introductory Physics

25

From PVW: F1 x = F2 y , but x : 2 = y :1 F2 = 2 F1 .

Using

F cos
i

= 0 then, with respect to the vertical direction, one gets

F1 W + F2 = 0 F1 + F2 = W 3F1 = W F1 =

W
2W
, F2 =
.
3
3

Using FC at the joint G:

vertical components: F2 cos 0 + TFG cos150 = 0 F2 TFG

3
2F
= 0 TFG = 2 .
2
3

Using FC at the joint F:

-

horizontal components: TFG cos120 + TEF cos 240 + F cos 0 = 0 F =

vertical components: TFG cos 30 + TEF cos150 = 0

whence F = TFG =

2 F2 4W
=
.
3 3 3

1
2

(TFG + TEF )

3
(TFG TEF ) 00 TEF = TFG
2

Solutions to problems in Leighton and Vogts Exercises in Introductory Physics

26

B-14

a) members AB, BD, DF, FG should be rigid in order that A remains in fixed position; CD also
rigid to fix C and D. The elements that could be flexible are therefore AC, CE, EG, BC, EF, ED.

=
b) meanwhile note that cosA
F1 =

3
5

4 . From the result of the preceding problem is then

, sin A=
5

W
2W
, F2 =
.
3
3

Using FC at the joint A:

-

horizontal:

ABcos A=AC

vertical:

F = W AB = 5W
ABsin A=
1
3
12

Using FC at the joint B:

-

horizontal:

( AB+BC ) cos A=BD

Solutions to problems in Leighton and Vogts Exercises in Introductory Physics

vertical:

27

W
AB=BC BD=2ABcosA=
2

Using FC at the joint C:

-

vertical:

BC = CD

Using FC at the joint D:

-

vertical:

So BD=

DE = CD DE=CD=BC=AB=

5W
12

W
5W
, DE=
.
2
12

B-15

At its maximum swing the pendulum has zero velocity. Then from the conservation of energy
h
W hW + whw = 0 W = w w . At the maximum swing (pendulum at the ceiling) hw = 3 ,
hW
3
hW = 4 . Thus W = 4 w .

Solutions to problems in Leighton and Vogts Exercises in Introductory Physics

28

B-16

As the third mass reaches the table top, the two equal masses rise 50

2 1 cm ; when the third mass

has descended a distance h the two equal masses have risen by 50 1 +

.

50

Then, said V and v the final velocities (in module) of the third mass and of the two equal masses
respectively, v =

V
.
2

The kinetic energy varies of

2 ( mg ) 50

1
2

( 2m )V 2 + 2 12 mv 2 = m (V 2 + v 2 ) = 32 mV 2

and the potential energy of

2 1 ( 2mg ) 50 = 2mg 50 2 2 .

From the conservation of energy:

3
2

mV 2 = 2mg 50 2 2 V =

With g = 981 cm s 2 thus one obtains V = 196 cm s 1 .

200 g 2 2
3

).

Solutions to problems in Leighton and Vogts Exercises in Introductory Physics

29

B-17

Lets consider a small layer of liquid of thickness z a distance h up from the hole.
Its potential energy of position is gAz h .
The internal tension force due to the weight of the overlying liquid, gA ( H h ) , corresponds to a
pressure p = g ( H h ) and an internal energy pAz = gA ( H h ) z .

The total potential energy is the sum of the position energy and of the internal energy:

gAz h + gA ( H h ) z = gAH z (independent of h, and hence also valid for

h=0

corresponding to the hole position).

Soon

as

the

hole

is

open

the

gAH z = 12 ( Az ) v 2 v = 2 gH .

above

energy

is

converted

to

kinetic

energy,

so

Solutions to problems in Leighton and Vogts Exercises in Introductory Physics

30

C-1

W
W

X
W

+ 60 + = 90 = 30
= 60 = 30 +

60

From FC:
T cos + X cos = W

vert.

horiz. T sin = X sin

obliq. W sin = T cos 60 =

T
2

(Note that in the shown arrangement T( limit ) = 2W sin ).

In terms of cot :
X cos = X sin cot = T sin cot T cos + T sin cot = W .

Solutions to problems in Leighton and Vogts Exercises in Introductory Physics

31

But
cos = cos ( 30 + ) = cos 30 cos sin 30 sin =

3
2

cos 12 sin

sin = sin ( 30 + ) = sin 30 cos + cos 30 sin = 12 cos +

cot = ( cot 30 cot + 1) ( cot cot 30 ) =

3
2

sin

) ( cot 3 )

3 cot + 1

Thus we have

T ( cos + sin cot ) = W T

3
2

cos 12 sin +

3 cos sin sin 2 + cos sin + 3 sin 2

1
2

cos +

3
2

sin

3 cot + 1
T
=W =
2sin
cot 3

3 cot + 1
= 1.
cot 3

In terms of cot :
cot
1 + cot 2
1
sin 2 =
1 + cot 2
cos sin =

Thus

3 cot 1 cot + 3 3 cot + 1

2 3
1
+

=1
= 1 cot = 3 3 tan =
2
2
1 + cot
1 + cot cot 3
cot 3
3 3

finally = tan 1

1
3 3

= 10,9 .

and

Solutions to problems in Leighton and Vogts Exercises in Introductory Physics

32

C-2

hw
and W moves in the same
r
direction by the same distance hw due to the vertical displacement of the spool, and in the opposite
direction of a distance hW R due to the rotation of the spool.

As w moves of a (small) distance hw the spool rotates an angle

Then from PVW:

whw = W ( hW hw ) = W ( R r ) = W ( R r ) wr = W ( R r ) , whence W =

wr
.
Rr

Solutions to problems in Leighton and Vogts Exercises in Introductory Physics

C-3

Define t = tan =

B-A
A-C
4.8 103 kg-wts
, t = tan =
and w =
.
9m
9m
6

From FC at the ends of B, A, C:

B)
Horiz. 1.

T
1
=T
2
1 + t 2

Vert. 2.

T
t
=T
+w
2
1 + t 2

A)

33

Solutions to problems in Leighton and Vogts Exercises in Introductory Physics

Horiz. 3.

Vert. 4.

1
1 + t 2
t
1 + t 2

= T

= T

1
1 + t 2
t
1 + t 2

+w

C)
Horiz. 5.

Vert. 6.

1
1 + t 2
t
1 + t 2

From 3. and 4.: T

1 + t 2

From 6. and the latter: T

Thus t = t t t =

From 6. and 4.: T

= T

=w

= T

1 + t 2

1 + t 2

= T

+ w T

( t t )
1 + t 2

1 + t 2

= 2w , whence from 2.

But C = 2.00 m, so A=5 m, B=11 m.

To determine Tmax lets return back to 1. 6.:

2.

T
2T
=
+w
2
13

3.

3T 3T
=
,
13
10

= w.

Finally, from 1., 3wt = 2 w t = 23 t = 13 . Thus

T
3T
=
,
2
13

1 + t 2

t
.
2

1.

( t t )

whence T > T

whence T > T

T
= 3w .
2

B-A 2
= ,
9m 3

A-C 1
= .
9m 3

34

Solutions to problems in Leighton and Vogts Exercises in Introductory Physics

4.

2T
T
=
+ w = 2 w using 6. below, from which T = 13w
13
10

5.

3T
= T ,
10

6.

T
=w
10

Finally, therefore, Tmax = T =

whence T > T

3 2
4.8 103 kg-wts
T = 3 2w =
34 103 kg-wts .
13
2

C-4

FA

35

Solutions to problems in Leighton and Vogts Exercises in Introductory Physics


a) Given the condition FB = 0 , from PVW (in the form

W 

i i

= 0 ), with respect to A, one gets

Fh = WL F = W

L
.
h

b) From FC:


h. F = FA cos

v. W = FA sin

whence tan =

36

W h
h
= = tan 1 and
F L
L

2
2

L 1
L
L
h
L
2
1 + tan = W
1+ = W 1+ .
FA = W
=W
h cos
h
h
L
h

Solutions to problems in Leighton and Vogts textbook

"Exercises in Introductory Physics" (Addison-Wesley, 1969)
Pier F. Nali
(Revised April 10, 2016)

CHAPTER 3
Keplers Laws and Gravitation

Solutions to problems in Leighton and Vogts Exercises in Introductory Physics

In general, for a curve having parametric equations x = ( t ) ,

in the figure below

y = ( t ) , the curvilinear trapezoid area

t2

where a = ( t1 ) , b = ( t2 ) and ( t ) 0 in the interval ( t1 , t2 ) , is A = ( t ) ( t ) dt .

t1

We can use this formula to calculate the area of an ellipse having parametric equations
x = a cos , y = b sin .
From the symmetry of the ellipse we can calculate the area of a quarter ellipse between the limits
x = 0 ( = 2 ) , x = a ( = 0 ) .
b
0

Hence

2
A
= b sin ( a sin ) d = ab sin 2 d = 4 ab A= ab .
4
0
2

A-1

x=0

x=a

Solutions to problems in Leighton and Vogts Exercises in Introductory Physics

For the moon a =

1
2

(r

+ rp

) = 405, 500 km 2+ 363,300 km = 384,500 km

For the Earth sat.

a =

1
2

(r

+ rp ) =

1
2

( r + 710 km + r + 225 km ) = 12 ( d + 935 km ) =

12, 756 km + 935 km

= 6,845.5 km
2

a 2
6,845.5 km 2
d
d
Thus t = t =
27 .322 0 .065 1.6 hr
a
384,500
km

A-2

From the Keplers second law ra va = rp v p

vp
va

ra a + c 1 + e 1 + 0.0167 1.0167
=
=
=
=
= 1.033 .
rp a c 1 e 1 0.0167 0.9833

A-3

Solutions to problems in Leighton and Vogts Exercises in Introductory Physics

2

4
2

M
M
g
M R
M R
1.000 6,378 km
g = G 2 , g = G 2
=

9.80 m s 2 =

g =

g =

R
R
g M R
M R
81.3 1, 738 km
g
1.6 m s 2 
6

A-4

a)

Tcomet acomet
Tcomet 3
From the Keplers third law
=
acomet =
a . Thus
T a
T
2

acomet

2
(1986 1456 ) / 7 3
3
=
1 A.U. ( 75.7 ) A.U. 17.9 A.U. and
1
yr

racomet = 2acomet rpcomet 2 17.9 A.U. - 0.60 A.U. 35.8 A.U. - 0.60 A.U. 35.2 A.U.

b)

From the Keplers second law vmax rpcomet = vmin racomet

vmax racomet 35.2 A.U.

=
=
59 .
vmin rpcomet 0.60 A.U.

Solutions to problems in Leighton and Vogts Exercises in Introductory Physics

A-5

From the Keplers third law

2

2
T24 h R24 h
T24 h 3
24 60 min 3
3
=

R
=

R
=

24 h
E

RE = (14.4 ) RE 5.9 RE .
100 min
T100 min RE
T100 min

B-1

Solutions to problems in Leighton and Vogts Exercises in Introductory Physics

a) The geographic latitude of P is restricted to = 0 (equator). Although a synchronous orbit

doesnt need to be equatorial, a body in a synchronous non equatorial orbit could not remain in a
fixed position with respect to P: it would appear to oscillate between the north and south of the
Earth's equator. Moreover, a body in a synchronous non circular (elliptical) orbit would appear
to oscillate East-and-West. The combination of the two latter (synchronous non-circular nonequatorial) would appear as a path in the shape of eight.
3

r 2
1
1 3
b) From the Keplers third law ts (= 1 day)= s T (= 27 days) rs = r = r .
9
27
r

B-2

T2
4 2
a) From the Keplers third law
=
,
a 3 GM

From Earth and Moon data:

rP = 1.47 1011 m, rA = 1.52 1011 m, T = 365d .242
rP = 3.63 108 m,

T a M
T 2
4 2
=
 =  .
3
a
GM 
T a 3 M

rA = 4.06 1011 m, T = 27 d .322

Solutions to problems in Leighton and Vogts Exercises in Introductory Physics

a =
a =

1
2
1
2

(r
(r

)
) = 3.84 10

+ rA = 1.50 1011 m
+ rA

M
27 d .322
Thus  =

M 365d .242

b)

T 2 4 2
,
=
a 3 GM

1.50 1011 m
5

= 3.33 10
8
3.84 10 m
2

T a
T2
4 2
M
=
=
3
a
GM
T a 3 M

a = 421,800 km, a = 384, 000km, T = 1d .769

27 d .322
M
Thus
= d

M 1 .769

421,800 km

= 318 .
384, 000 km

B-3

For elliptic orbits ma + mb =

4 2 R 3
.
GT 2

For the Earth-Sun system m + m ( m ) =

4 2 (1 A.U.)
G (1 yr )

Solutions to problems in Leighton and Vogts Exercises in Introductory Physics

Thus ma + mb =

R3
m with R expressed in A.U. and T in years.
T2

B-4

II: unchanged.
The Keplers second low says that the areal velocity is constant, i.e., said d the arc length of the
R

trajectory of m and R the distance from M :

d

dA 1 d  1
1
L
= R
= Rv =
R ( mv ) =
= const. , being L the orbital angular momentum of m .
dt 2 dt 2
2m
2m

But L remains constant for central forces, so the areal velocity also doesnt change. Indeed,

 
d L    GMm 
GMm  
= R F = R (3+ a ) R = (3+ a ) R R = 0 , being R R 0 .
dt
R
R

Thus also L cost. and

dA
so well.
dt



2
III: For a circular orbit F = m 2 R , where =
. Hence
T


GMm 
GM
4 2
GM
4 2 ( 3+ a )
2
2
2

R
m
R
T
R
=

=
.
3+ a
3+ a
3+ a
T2
GM
R( )
R( )
R( )

Solutions to problems in Leighton and Vogts Exercises in Introductory Physics

C-1

Ignoring the moons gravitation one can assume g =

Moon at zenith: g z = g

GM

( R R )

GM
.
R2

, at nadir: g n = g +

GM

( R + R )

g g n g z
M
1
1

=
=
+
.
Thus
2
2

g
g
M R

+1
1

R
R

R 3.84 108 m
But
=
,
R 6.38 106 m

R
3.90 108 m
+1 =
,
6.38 106 m
R

R
3.78 108 m M
7.34 1022 kg
1 =
,
=
, so
6.38 106 m M 5.98 1024 kg
R

2
2
g 7.34 6.38 6.38
6
6
6
=

+
10 = 1.23 ( 2.68 + 2.85 ) 10 = 1.23 5.53 10 =
g
5.98 3.90 3.78
= (approx.) 7 106 .

Solutions to problems in Leighton and Vogts Exercises in Introductory Physics

C-2

4 2 a 3
a T 2
4 2 a 3
M=
, M =
M =
.
GT 2
GT2
a  T
Being T in days and V in km s-1 ,

V=

2 a [ km ]

seconds
T [s ] = T days

day

Thus M = 86, 400 km

2 a [ km ]
T 86, 400 [s ]

2 1.50 10

a=

86, 400
TV .
2

( 365 days ) TV M
km )
2

= 1.02 10 7 TV 3 M .

10

Solutions to problems in Leighton and Vogts Exercises in Introductory Physics

C-3

For the ellipse the radius of curvature is Rc

(R R )
=
p

3
2

ab

where Ra = a (1 + e ) > R p = a (1 e ) , b = a 1 e 2 .

Thus Rc = R p (1 + e ) = Ra (1 e ) and

1 1
= (1 e cos ) .
r Rc

11

Solutions to problems in Leighton and Vogts Exercises in Introductory Physics

12

1 2 GM  1 2 GM 
v
= va
(simplifying the comet mass),
2
2
Rp
Ra

a) From the conservation of energy:

where v is the velocity at perihelion, and from the Keplers second law vR p = va Ra .
1
GM 
1 2 2
1
,
v va = GM 
= 2e

2
Rc
R p Ra

Thus

va = v

Rp
Ra

=v

e
1 e
1
v va = 2v
, v + va = 2v
,
1+ e
1+ e
1+ e

GM 
1 2 2
e
v va = 2v 2
, whence
= 2e
2
2
Rc
(1 + e )

GM
Rc = 2 
v

R
c
Rp

so

500.0 km s 1 1.00 106 km

vR p )

(
=
Rc =
GM 
1.33 1011 km 3 s 2

= 1.88 106 km .

Rp
Rp
Rc
Rc
1.00 106 km 106 km
b) 1 + e =
e=
1, a =
=
=
=
= 8.33 106
R
1.88
Rp
Rp
1 e 2 c
0.12
2
1.00
Rp

c) From the Keplers third law Tc2 =

km .

4 2 a 3
2 a a
Tc =
.
GM 
GM 

From a)
GM  =

vR p
Rc

Tc =

2 a aRc
vRp

2 8.33 106 km 8.33 106 km 1.88 106 km

=
 414, 000 s
500.0 Km s 1 1.00 106 km
1

seconds
(  ) 414, 000 s 4.8 days .
days
Tc [ days ] = Tc [s ]
= Tc [s ]
=

86, 400 s day 1

s
day