PEP 2021 Phase 2 Selection Test 6

B2 Date: 7 February 2022

Time: 14:00 – 17:00
arallel plate capacitor with the plates vertical. The plates of the capacitor are rigidly
1. [30pts]between
he distance Consider a parallel plate capacitor
the plates is d.withThethe square
platesplateshave
vertical. The plates
height h ofand
the capacitor
area A d2
are rigidly supported in place. The distance between the plates is 𝑑. The plates have length ℎ and ℎ ≫ 𝑑.
this problem that the
Assume throughout this force
problemofthatair resistance
the force maymay
of air resistance bebeneglected; however,
neglected; however, the force the
of force
gravity
glected. cannot be
Neglect neglected.
any edge Neglect
e↵ects anyasedge effects
well asasanywell magnetic
as any magnetic effects.
e↵ects.
d/2
d

Rigid Support
String
L
h
h

h/2

l metal(a)ball
A small metalaball
with masswith aM mass 𝑀 and
and charge 𝑞 is
a acharge q suspended from a string
is suspended fromof length 𝐿 that isoftied
a string to a
length Lt
rigid support. When the capacitor is not charged, the metal ball is located at the center of the capacitor—
gid support. When
at a distance theboth
𝑑/2 from capacitor
plates and atis not ℎ/2
a height charged,
above thethe
bottommetal
edge ofball is located
the plates. If instead at
a the cen
or— atconstant potentiald/2
a distance from𝑉!both
difference is applied acrossand
plates the plates,
at atheheight
string will
h/2 make an angle
above 𝜃! bottom
the to the edge of
vertical when the metal ball is in equilibrium.
ad a constant potential di↵erence V0 is applied across the plates, the string will mak
he verticali. [2]
when the 𝜃metal
Determine ! in termsball
of theisgiven
in equilibrium.
quantities and fundamental constants.

etermine ii.✓0[4]inTheterms
metal ball
of isthe
thengiven
lifted until and𝜃fundamental
it makes an angle
quantities to the vertical where 𝜃 is only slightly
constants.
greater than 𝜃! . The metal ball is then released from rest. Show that the resulting motion is simple
he metal harmonic
ball ismotion
thenand lifted
find theuntil
period it makes
of the an inangle
oscillations terms of ✓ the
togiven
thequantities
vertical and where ✓ is on
fundamental constants.
eater than ✓0 . The metal ball is then released from rest. Show that the resulting
mple harmonic motion
iii. [4] When the ball and find
is at rest in thethe periodposition
equilibrium of the oscillations
𝜃! , the in terms
string is cut. What of the given
is the maximum
value for 𝑉constants.
nd fundamental ! so that the ball will not hit one of the plates before exiting? Express your answer in terms
of the given quantities and fundamental constants.

(b) [10] Now the ball of mass 𝑀 and charge 𝑞 is released from rest at a point halfway between the plates
by cutting the string at a time 𝑡 = 0. An AC potential difference 𝑉(𝑡) = 𝑉! sin 𝜔𝑡 is also applied across
the capacitor. The ball©2008
Copyright may hit oneAmerican
of the plates before it falls (under
Association ofthePhysics
influence of gravity) out of the
Teachers
region between the plates. If 𝑉! is sufficiently large, this will only occur for some range of angular
( (
frequencies 𝜔"#$ < 𝜔 < 𝜔"%& . You may assume that 𝜔"#$ ≪ 7) and 𝜔"%& ≫ 7) . Making these
assumptions, find expressions for 𝜔"#$ and 𝜔"%& in terms of the given quantities and fundamental
constants.
(c) Assume that the region between the plates is not quite a vacuum, but instead humid air with a uniform
resistivity 𝜌. Ignore any effects because of the motion of the ball, and assume that the humid air doesn’t
change the capacitance of the original system.

i. [3] Determine the resistance between the plates.

ii. [3] If the plates are originally charged by a constant potential source 𝑉! , and then the potential
source is removed, how much time is required for the potential difference between the plates to
decrease to a value of 𝑉! /𝑒, where ln 𝑒 = 1?

iii. [4] If the plates are instead connected to an AC potential source so that the potential difference
across the plates is 𝑉! sin 𝜔𝑡, determine the amplitude 𝐼! of the alternating current through the
potential source.

Solution:

(ai) The electric field between he plates is 𝐸 = 𝑉! /𝑑. In equilibrium, the horizontal and vertical
components of the tension balance the electrostatic and gravitational force. Consequently,

𝑞𝑉!
tan 𝜃! =
𝑀𝑔𝑑

(aii) The simplest way to see this is to note that the electric field acts like an effective extra horizontal
contribution to the gravitational field. The system is thus a simple pendulum experiencing by a tilted
-. ,
gravity 𝑔*++ = 7𝑔, + B /0!C . And the period of the SHM is given by

𝐿 𝐿 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃!
𝑇 = 2𝜋G = 2𝜋 = 2𝜋G𝐿
𝑔*++ H , 𝑔
7𝑔, + B𝑞𝑉! C
𝑀𝑑

(aiii) Upon cutting the string the ball will move in a straight line, tangent to the angle the string
originally made. So it will leave the region between the plates at a distance

ℎ
𝑥 = M𝐿 + N tan 𝜃!
2
0
Away from the center line. Setting this equal to , and solving for 𝑉! gives

𝑀𝑔𝑑 ,
𝑉! =
(2𝐿 + ℎ)𝑞

(b) The ball will experience an oscillating force in the 𝑥 direction,

𝑞𝑉!
𝐹1 = sin 𝜔𝑡
𝑑

Hence the 𝑥 component of the acceleration will be

𝑞𝑉!
𝑎& = sin 𝜔𝑡
𝑀𝑑
The ball is released from rest, so this can be directly integrated to give the 𝑥 component f the velocity,

𝑞𝑉!
𝑣& = (1 − cos 𝜔𝑡)
𝑀𝑑𝜔

And hence the displacement is

𝑞𝑉! 1
𝑥= M𝑡 − sin 𝜔𝑡N
𝑀𝑑𝜔 𝜔
0
The ball hits one of the plates if this value exceeds , while it is still in the region between the plates. It
)
exits this region when 𝑇 = 7(.

To get 𝜔"#$ , we may perform a small angle approximation,

1
sin 𝜔𝑡 ≈ 𝜔𝑡 − 𝜔2 𝑡 2
6

To hit the plate, we have

𝑞𝑉! 1 𝑑 1 𝑀𝑑 , 𝜔 3𝑀𝑑 , 3𝑀𝑑 , 𝑔2

M𝑇 − sin 𝜔𝑇N > ⇒ 𝜔, 𝑇 2 > ⇒𝜔> = G
𝑀𝑑𝜔 𝜔 2 6 2𝑞𝑉! 𝑞𝑉! 𝑇 2 𝑞𝑉! ℎ2

3𝑀𝑑 , 𝑔2
⇒ 𝜔"#$ = G
𝑞𝑉! ℎ2

345 67
To get 𝜔"%& , we may neglect 6
term and

𝑞𝑉! 𝑑 2𝑞𝑉! ℎ
𝑇> ⇒𝜔< G
𝑀𝑑𝜔 2 𝑀𝑑 , 𝑔

2𝑞𝑉! ℎ
⇒ 𝜔"%& = G
𝑀𝑑 , 𝑔

(ci) The resistance between the plates is given by

𝜌𝑑
𝑅=
ℎ,
80 9! ) "
(cii) This is an RC circuit, with characteristic time 𝜏 = 𝑅𝐶 = )"
× 0
= 𝜌𝜖!

(ciii) The AC circuit is effectively a capacitor in parallel with a resistor. The impedance of the circuit
is

1 1
= + 𝑖𝜔𝐶
𝑍 𝑅
 And

𝑉b (𝑡) = 𝑍𝐼c(𝑡)

Hence the amplitude of the current is

𝑉! 1 1 𝑉!
𝐼! = = 𝑉! e + 𝑖𝜔𝐶e = 𝑉! G , + 𝜔 , 𝐶 , = f1 + (𝜔𝜌𝜖! ),
|𝑍| 𝑅 𝑅 𝑅

2. [30 points] Green Revolution

In this problem, we will investigate a simple thermodynamic model for the conversion of solar energy
into wind. Consider a planet of radius 𝑅, and assume that it rotates so that the same side always faces the
Sun. The bright side facing the Sun has a constant uniform temperature 𝑇: , while the dark side has a
constant uniform temperature 𝑇, . The orbit radius of the planet is 𝑅! , the Sun has temperature 𝑇; , and the
radius of the Sun is 𝑅< . Assume that outer space has zero temperature, and treat all objects as ideal
blackbodies.

(a) [6] Find the solar power 𝑃 received by the bright side of the planet. (Hint: the Stefan-Boltzmann law
states that the power emitted by a blackbody with area 𝐴 is 𝜎𝐴𝑇 = , where 𝜎 is a constant..)

In order to keep both 𝑇: and 𝑇, constant, heat must be continually transferred from the bright side to the
dark side. By viewing the two hemispheres as the two reservoirs of a reversible heat engine, work can be
performed from this temperature difference, which appears in the form of wind power. For simplicity, we
assume all of this power is immediately captured and stored by windmills.

(b) [6] The equilibrium temperature ratio 𝑇, /𝑇: depends on the heat transfer rate between the
hemispheres., Find the minimum and maximum possible values of 𝑇, /𝑇: . In each case, what is the wind
power 𝑃> produced?
?
(c) [9] Find the wind power 𝑃> in terms of 𝑃 and the temperature ratio 𝑥 = ?" .
#

(d) [9] Estimate the maximum possible value of 𝑃@ as a fraction of 𝑃, to one significant figure. Briefly
explain how you obtained this estimate.

Solution:
The intensity of solar radiation at the surface of the sun is 𝜎𝑇<= , so the intensity at the planet’s orbit radius
is

𝑅<,
𝐼 = 𝜎𝑇<= .
𝑅!,

The area subtended by the planet is 𝜋𝑅, , so

 𝑅<, 𝑅,
𝑃 = 𝜋𝜎𝑇<=
𝑅!,

(b) The minimum value is simply zero; in this case zero heat is transferred to the dark side of the planet.
Since no heat is transferred, the heat engine can’t run, so 𝑃@ = 0. (To show this a bit more carefully, note
A
that the entropy exhausted by the heat engine is ?" ∝ 𝑇,2 by the Stefan-Boltzmann law. In the limit 𝑇, →
"
0, the entropy out goes to zero, so the entropy in and hence the heat intake also goes to zero because it is
reversible.)
?
The maximum value is ?" = 1. It cannot be any higher by the second law of thermodynamics. In this case,
#
B
there is no temperature difference, so the heat engine has zero efficiency and 𝑃> = 0. Power , is simply
transferred from the bright side to the dark side as heat.

(c) Let heat be transferred from the bright side at a rate 𝑄: and transferred from the dark side at a rate of
𝑄, . Then by conservation of energy,

𝑄: = 𝑃@ + 𝑄,

Since the two hemispheres have constant temperature, energy balance for each gives

𝑃 = 𝑄: + (2𝜋𝑅, 𝜎)𝑇:= , 𝑄, = (2𝜋𝑅, 𝜎)𝑇,=

Finally, since the energy is reversible,

𝑄: 𝑄,
Δ𝑆 = − =0
𝑇: 𝑇,
?
By combining the equations, and defining 𝑥 = ?" , we have
#

𝑃@ = 𝑄: − 𝑄, = 𝑃 − (2𝜋𝑅, 𝜎)(𝑇:= + 𝑇,= ) = 𝑃 − (2𝜋𝑅, 𝜎)𝑇:= (1 + 𝑥 = )

Also,

𝑃 − 2𝜋𝑅, 𝜎𝑇:= 2𝜋𝑅, 𝜎𝑇,=

= ⇒ 𝑃 = (2𝜋𝑅, 𝜎)(𝑇:= + 𝑇: 𝑇,2 ) = (2𝜋𝑅, 𝜎)𝑇:= (1 + 𝑥 2 )
𝑇: 𝑇,

Finally, we find

𝑃 =)
𝑥 2 (1 − 𝑥)
𝑃@ = 𝑃 − (1 + 𝑥 = 𝑃
1 + 𝑥2 1 + 𝑥2

(d) To find the maximum possible value of 𝑃@ , we need to solve,

𝑑𝑃@
=0
𝑑𝑥

3𝑥 , − 4𝑥 2 (𝑥 2 − 𝑥 = )(3𝑥 , )
⇒ − =0
1 + 𝑥2 (1 + 𝑥 2 ),

⇒ 𝑥 , (1 + 𝑥 2 )(3 − 4𝑥) − 3𝑥 C (1 − 𝑥) = 0
 ⇒ 𝑥 = 0 (corresponds to a min)

Or

(1 + 𝑥 2 )(3 − 4𝑥) − 3𝑥 2 + 3𝑥 = = 0

⇒ 3 − 4𝑥 + 3𝑥 2 − 4𝑥 = − 3𝑥 2 + 3𝑥 = = 0

⇒ 𝑥 = + 4𝑥 − 3 = 0

There are several ways to solve the equation numerically. You can use the bisection or Newton methd.

Here we use the method of iteration,

3 − 𝑥=
𝑥= = 𝑓(𝑥) [∗]
4

By the initial guess 𝑥! = 0.5, we iterate the equation [*] until the result converges, i.e.

𝑥$ = 𝑓(𝑥$D: )

We obtain,

𝑥! = 0.5; 𝑥: = 0.734; 𝑥, = 0.677; 𝑥= = 0.697; 𝑥C = 0.691;

Hence the maximum value 𝑃@ is

2021 USAPhO 𝑥 2 (1 − 𝑥) Part B ≈ 0.08 𝑃 3

𝑃@ = 𝑃 = 0.076658𝑃
1 + 𝑥2
?
corresponds to 𝑥 = ?" ≈ 0.7. (1 𝑠. 𝑓. ) and
#
Question B3
The Mad Hatter
3. A
[40frictionless
points] A frictionless hemisphere of radius 𝑅 is fixed on top of a flat cylinder. One end of a spring
hemisphere of radius R is fixed on top of a flat cylinder. One end of a spring with
with zero natural length and spring constant 𝑘 (i.e. the force from the spring when stretched to length l is
zero relaxed length and spring constant k (i.e. the force from the spring when stretched to length `
−𝑘𝑙) is fixed to the top of the hemisphere. Its other end is attached to a point mass of mass 𝑚.
is k`) is fixed to the top of the hemisphere. Its other end is attached to a point mass of mass m.

R
✓

a. The number and nature of the equilibrium points on the hemisphere depends on the value of
the spring constant k. Consider the semicircular arc shown above as a dashed line, which is
(a) [10] The number and nature of the equilibrium points on the hemisphere depends on the value of the
spring constant 𝑘. Consider the semi-circular arc shown above as a dashed line, which is parameterized by
parameterized by angles in the range ⇡/2  ✓  ⇡/2. Make a table indicating the number of
equilibrium points on the arc, and the number that are stable, for each range of k values. A
blank table for your reference is given below. (You may need more or fewer rows than shown.)

Range of k (kmin < k < kmax ) # of Equilibria # of Stable Equilibria

 compute mg sin ✓ ⇡ mg✓ = k2 R✓ =) k2 = mg/R.
sin ✓ ⇡ mg✓ = k2 R✓ =) k2 = mg/R.
mgtable:
We thus get the following
We thus get the following
! k values ! (k
table:
Range of
angles in the range − ≤ 𝜃 ≤ min < k < kmax ) # of Equilibria # of Stable Equilibria
. Make a table indicating the number of equilibrium points on the arc, and the
" "
Range of 0k < k < 2mg/(⇡R)
values (kmin < k < kmax ) # of Equilibria 1 # of Stable0Equilibria
number that are stable, for each of 𝑘 values. A blank table for your reference is given below.
2mg/(⇡R) <
0 < k < 2mg/(⇡R) k < mg/R 13 02
mg/R < < kk < 1
< mg/R 31 1
Range of 𝑘 (𝑘 "#$ < 𝑘 < 𝑘"%& )
2mg/(⇡R) No. of equilibria No. of 2stable equilibria
0 <the
Notice that 𝑘mg/R
< 𝑘: < isk <
system
1 1 1
symmetric under flipping ✓ ! ✓. Thus, one could incorrectly
guess that𝑘:the
< 𝑘only
< 𝑘possible
, equilibrium point is ✓ =✓ 0!by symmetry. In could
fact, when k is in
Notice that
𝑘 the
< 𝑘system
< ∞ is symmetric under flipping ✓. Thus, one incorrectly
,
guess that the only possible equilibrium point is ✓ = 0 by symmetry. In fact, when k iseach
the right range, we get a pair of new equilibrium points at opposite ✓, which map to in
other under symmetry. This kind of situation, where the overall setup
the right range, we get a pair of new equilibrium points at opposite ✓, which map to eachis still symmetric
Find 𝑘: ,but
𝑘, the
and individual
determine equilibrium
the number pointsof equilibria
are not,and number
iswhere
called theof stable equilibria
spontaneous symmetry in each region.
other under symmetry. This kind of situation, overall setup is still breaking.
symmetric
but the individual equilibrium points are not, is called spontaneous symmetry breaking.
For the rest of the problem, suppose that value of 𝑘 is such that the mass begins at stable equilibrium on
For the rest of the problem, suppose the value of k is such that the mass begins at stable equilibrium
the surface of the hemisphere at angle 𝜃! . The mass can move on the two-dimensional (curved) surface of
on the surface of problem,
the hemisphere
supposeatthe
angle ✓0 .ofThe mass that
can the
move on begins
the two-dimensional surface
theFor
hemisphere,
the rest of but
the a radially-inward external
valueforcek isprevents
such it frommass
jumping ofatthe surface.
stable equilibrium
of the
on the surface
hemisphere, of thebut a radially-inward
hemisphere at angle external
✓0 . The force
mass prevents
can moveit on
from
thejumping o↵ the surface.
two-dimensional surface
(b)ofb. 𝑡=
Atthe
At t=0, 0,thethe
hemisphere, massbut
massis is
given a speed
given 𝑣 along
a radially-inward
a speed
external force
v alonga line ofofconstant
a line
it from 𝜃jumping
preventslatitude
constant latitude =
✓=𝜃!✓.0 . o↵ the surface.
b. At t = 0, the mass is given a speed v along a line of constant latitude ✓ = ✓0 .
v
✓ = ✓0
v
✓ = ✓0

i. Indicate which of the following trajectories the mass takes for a short time after t = 0 and
(i) [5] Indicate which of the following trajectories (A, B or C) the mass takes for a short time after 𝑡 = 0
briefly explain your
thereasoning. The di↵erences
the between thefor
paths are exaggerated.
and briefly explain
i. Indicate yourofreasoning.
which The trajectories
following differences between
massthe paths
takes are exaggerated.
a short time after t = 0 and
briefly explain your reasoning. The di↵erences between the paths are exaggerated.
A
AB ✓ = ✓0
BC ✓ = ✓0
C

(ii) [5] What is the total radial force (i.e. normal to the surface of the hemisphere) on the mass at 𝑡 = 0?
Copyright ©2021 American Association of Physics Teachers
Express your answer in terms of 𝑚, 𝑣, 𝑅, 𝑔 and 𝜃! .
Copyright ©2021 American Association of Physics Teachers
(c) A cylinder of radius 𝑟 ≪ 𝑅𝜃! is placed on top of the sphere. Suppose the mass begins at stable
equilibrium on the surface of the hemisphere at angle 𝜃! . It is launched at an angle 𝛼 away from the
direction of the spring’s displacement with kinetic energy 𝐾, as shown in the figure below.

(i) [2] What is the value of 𝑘? Express the answer in terms of 𝑚, 𝑔, 𝑅 and 𝜃! .

(ii) [4] What is the initial energy 𝐸 and angular momentum 𝐿 (relative to the symmetry axis) of the mass?
Express the answers in terms of 𝐾, 𝑚, 𝑔, 𝜃! , 𝛼, 𝑟 and 𝑅

(iii) [14] What is the maximum angle 𝛼"%& at which the mass can be launched such that it can still hit the
cylinder? Express your answer in terms of 𝐾, 𝑚, 𝑔, 𝜃! , 𝑟 and 𝑅. You may assume 𝛼"%& ≪ 1 and 𝐾 is
large enough for the mass to reach the cylinder for 𝛼 = 0.
 What is the maximum angle ↵max at which the mass can be launched such that it can still hit
the cylinder? Express your answer in terms of K, m, g, ✓0 , r, and R. You may assume K is
large enough for the mass to reach the cylinder for ↵ = 0.

v
↵

(view from above)

Solution
The initial energy of the system is given by
Solution:
1
mgR cos ✓0 + kR2 ✓02 + K.
(a) The spring force attracts the mass toward the top of2 the hemisphere, whereas the gravitational force
tends to pull it away.
Suppose the mass is launched with speed v. Then, the speed in the ✓ direction is v cos ↵
and the speed in the direction is v sin ↵, and therefore, the z-component of the angular E
small 𝑘, theofspring
For very momentum forceisis negligible compared to the gravitational force for |𝜃| < , . For these
the mass
𝑘 values, we only have one unstable equilibrium
L = mv at sin
the↵(R
top sin
of the
✓). hemisphere due to the gravitational
force being zero there.
We now compute the distance of closest approach. If the distance of closest approach is
equal to r (as it does for ↵max , then at r, the motion
E of the mass has no inward component,
For someand
large
theenough value
speed of the of 𝑘, the
object atspring forcebyatconservation
r is given ,
exactly compensates for the gravitational force –
of angular momentum:
this marks the end of the first regime. In this next regime, we still have an unstable equilibrium at the top
of the hemisphere – because mur the spring v sin ↵(R sin ✓) force for larger 𝜃.
= mv force only
sin ↵(R sin compensates
✓) =) u = for the gravitational
.
∗ E r
Additionally, we have two equilibria at 0 < |𝜃 | < , . These equilibria must be stable because for 𝜃 <
Because r ⌧force
𝜃 ∗ , the gravitational R, atisthe point than
stronger of closest approach,
the spring forcethe
andenergy
forces of
thethe system
mass 𝜃 ∗ , whereas the
is roughly
toward
opposite holds for θ > 𝜃 ∗ , and the mass is again forced toward 𝜃 ∗ . Thus, we have ! equilibria
three total
1 1 mv 2 sin2 ↵R2 sin2 ✓ ↵2 R2 sin2 ✓
(two stable, one unstable). 2
mgR + mu ⇡ mgR + 2
⇡ mgR + K 2
.
2 2 r r
Finally, for sufficiently large k the spring force is stronger than the gravitational force even for arbitrarily
Equating with the initial energy gives us
small 𝜃, and so we have just one stable equilibrium point at the top of the hemisphere in this third regime.
!
1 2 2 ↵2 R2 sin2 ✓
We now compute the two mgR
critical
cospoints
✓0 + for
2
kRus
✓0to+fill
K= outmgR
the table.
+ K The first
r2
critical
. point is given by the
E
balancing of the two forces at 𝜃 = , , so
Before finishing the calculation, we now compute the required k for the object to be at
equilibrium (since our answer cannot 𝑘contain
: 𝑅𝜋 2𝑚𝑔 kR✓0 = mg sin ✓0 gives us k =
k). Setting
𝑚𝑔 = ⇒ 𝑘: =
2 𝜋𝑅
Copyright ©2021 American Association of Physics Teachers
The second critical point is given by the balancing of the two force for 𝜃 ≪ 1, so

𝑚𝑔
𝑚𝑔 sin 𝜃 ≈ 𝑚𝑔𝜃 = 𝑘, 𝑅𝜃 ⇒ 𝑘, =
𝑅

Thus we get the following table

 Part B 10
Range of 𝑘 (𝑘"#$ < 𝑘 < 𝑘"%& ) No. of equilibria No. of stable equilibria
2𝑚𝑔 1 0
0<𝑘<
𝜋𝑅
2𝑚𝑔 Solution 𝑚𝑔 3 2
<𝑘<
𝜋𝑅 explanations
rect path is option C. Several 𝑅 would work here. Here are two.
𝑚𝑔 1 1
< 𝑘 < ∞there is an outward centrifugal
we go to the rotating frame of reference, force that
𝑅
mass experiences, pushing it down the sphere.
the mass(bi)
to The correct path is option C. Several explanations would work here. Here are two.
go in a circle around the sphere, the spring force not only has to
mpensate for the gravitational force but also must provide centripetal acceleration.
erefore, the spring must get longer.
• If we go to the rotating frame of reference, there is an outward centrifugal force that the mass
experiences, pushing it down the sphere.
he total radial force (i.e., normal to the surface of the hemisphere) on the mass at
• For the mass to go in a circle around the sphere, the spring force not only has to compensate for the
press your answer in terms of m, v, R, g, and ✓0 .
gravitational force but also must provide centripetal acceleration. Therefore, the spring must get
longer.
Solution
w a free-body diagram. It is helpful to draw the diagram in the noninertial
(bii) We draw the free-body diagram in the rotating non-inertia frame that revolves around the central axis
of the hemisphere with speed 𝑣 at the location of the mass.
e frame that revolves around the central axis of the hemisphere with speed v at
ation of the mass.
FN
kR✓0

Fc
mg sin ✓0
mg cos ✓0

mv 2
c = R sin ✓0is the centrifugal force, and Fr is the radial force from the hemisphere.
$% !
ces in theHere, 𝐹 = & '() * is the centrifugal force and 𝐹
radial# direction must balance for the mass +to is the radial force from the hemisphere. Thus
be constrained to the
"
of the sphere. Thus,
Fr + Fc? = mg cos ✓0 .
𝐹+ + 𝐹#, = 𝑚𝑔 cos 𝜃-
rpendicular part of the centrifugal force is Fc sin ✓0 . so we get
𝑚𝑣 "
mv 2 ⇒ 𝐹+ = 𝑚𝑔 cos 𝜃- −
Fr = mg cos ✓0 . 𝑅
R
tally, there’s simple𝑘𝑅𝜃
(ci) aSetting way - =to𝑚𝑔 sin 𝜃- , gives
understand whyusthe second term has to be exactly
Consider decomposing the total force on the mass into radial and tangential
𝑚𝑔 sin 𝜃-
The radial part simply keeps the mass on the hemisphere; 𝑘 = in the absence of a
𝑅𝜃- a tangential
ial force, the mass would travel in a great circle of radius R. Adding
eflects the mass away from this great circle trajectory, but doesn’t change the
orce required, so the net radial force always has to be mv 2 /R inward.
The phrase “total radial force” could also validly be interpreted as the net radial
(cii) The initial energy of the system is given by
Thus, we accepted both mg cos ✓0 mv 2 /R and mv 2 /R.
1 1
𝐸 = 𝑚𝑔𝑅 cos 𝜃- + 𝑘𝑅" 𝜃-" + 𝐾 = 𝑚𝑔𝑅 cos 𝜃- + 𝑚𝑔𝑅𝜃- sin 𝜃- + 𝐾
2
radius r ⌧ R✓0 is placed on top of the sphere. Suppose the mass is launched 2 at an
y from the direction of the spring’s displacement with kinetic energy K, as shown.
Suppose the mass is launched with speed 𝑣. Then the speed in the 𝜃 direction is 𝑣 cos 𝛼 (towards the top) and the
speed©2021
Copyright in the 𝜙American is 𝑣 sin 𝛼 (tangential
direction Association direction).
of Physics TeachersTherefore, the z-component of the angular momentum of
the mass is

𝐿. = 𝑚𝑣 sin 𝛼 (𝑅 sin 𝜃- ) = √2𝐾𝑚 sin 𝛼 (𝑅 sin 𝜃- )

 /
where 𝐾 = 𝑚𝑣 " is the initial kinetic energy of the mass.
"

(ciii) We now compute the distance of the closest approach. If the distance of closest approach is equal to 𝑟 (as it
does for 𝛼$01 , then at 𝑟, the motion of the mass has no inward component, and the speed of the object at 𝑟 is given
by conservation of angular momentum:

𝑣 sin 𝛼 (𝑅 sin 𝜃- )
𝑚𝑢𝑟 = 𝑚𝑣 sin 𝛼 (𝑅 sin 𝜃- ) ⇒ 𝑢 =
𝑟

Because 𝑟 ≪ 𝑅, at the point of closest approach, the energy of the system is roughly

"
1 1 𝑣 sin 𝛼 (𝑅 sin 𝜃- ) 𝛼 " 𝑅" sin" 𝜃-
𝑚𝑔𝑅 + 𝑚𝑢" ≈ 𝑚𝑔𝑅 + 𝑚 D E ≈ 𝑚𝑔𝑅 + 𝐾 D E
2 2 𝑟 𝑟"

Equating with the initial energy gives us

1 𝛼 " 𝑅" sin" 𝜃-

𝑚𝑔𝑅 cos 𝜃- + 𝑘𝑅" 𝜃-" + 𝐾 = 𝑚𝑔𝑅 + 𝐾 D E
2 𝑟"

And

1 𝛼 " 𝑅" sin" 𝜃-

𝑚𝑔𝑅 cos 𝜃- + 𝑚𝑔 sin 𝜃- 𝑅𝜃- + 𝐾 = 𝑚𝑔𝑅 + 𝐾 D E
2 𝑟"

Solving for 𝛼 gives us

1
𝑟 F 𝑚𝑔𝑅(1 − cos 𝜃- ) − 2 𝑚𝑔𝑅𝜃- sin 𝜃-
𝛼= 1−
𝑅 sin 𝜃- 𝐾

~ END OF PAPER ~