AllPrelim PDF

Princeton University
Department of Physics
Graduate Preliminary Examination
Preparation & Study Guide
Ben Olsen
August 25, 2011
Contents
I Classical Mechanics 3
May 2010 4
M10M.1 - Bead sliding on a rotating wire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
M10M.2 - Rope friction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
M10M.3 - Space hotel (rotating space station with articial gravity) . . . . . . . . . . 6
January 2010 7
J10M.1 - Rod on a Rail (M93M.2) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
J10M.2 - Orbiting Mass on a String (J00M.3) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
J10M.3 - Slab on Rotating Rollers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
May 2009 10
M09M.1 - Bubble in an Incompressible Fluid (J07M.3, J94M.1) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
M09M.2 - Shape of a Suspended Rope (M93M.3) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
M09M.3 - Automobile Crankshaft (J94M.3) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
January 2009 13
J09M.1 - Coupled Pendula . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
J09M.2 - Minimizing Drag . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
J09M.3 - Falling Rod . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
May 2008 16
M08M.1 - Bead on a Hoop . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
M08M.2 - Springs and Blocks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
M08M.3 - Gravitational Capture of Dark Matter Particles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
January 2008 19
J08M.1 - Pendulum on a Sled . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
J08M.2 - Sphere in a Pipe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
J08M.3 - Fluid Flow . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
May 2007 22
M07M.1 - Planetary Orbits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
M07M.2 - Particle in an Ellipsoid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
M07M.3 - Mass on a Massive String . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
January 2007 25
J07M.1 - Ball on a Turntable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
J07M.2 - Inverted T Pendulum . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
J07M.3 - Bubble in an Incompressible Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
2
CONTENTS CONTENTS
May 2006 28
M06M.1 - Point Mass in a Sphere . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
M06M.2 - Huygens Pendulum (M92M.1) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
M06M.3 - Hanging Spring . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
January 2006 31
J06M.1 - Gyroscope . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
J06M.2 - Displaced Circular Orbit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
J06M.3 - Bead on a Rotating Wire (J04M.1) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
May 2005 35
M05M.1 - Vibration Damping With a Piston . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
M05M.2 - Suspension Bridge Shape . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
M05M.3 - Satellite Orientation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
January 2005 38
J05M.1 - Rope Around a Cylinder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
J05M.2 - Planet Moving Through Dust Cloud . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
J05M.3 - Waves in a Series of Pendula . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
May 2004 41
M04M.1 - Particles on a Line . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
M04M.2 - Coupled Pendula . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
M04M.3 - Panels in Space . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
January 2004 44
J04M.1 - Bead on a Wire (J06M.3) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
J04M.2 - Power Law Central Force (J06M.2) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
J04M.3 - Falling Stick . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
May 2003 47
M03M.1 - Lagrange points and WMAP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
M03M.2 - Rolling Sphere . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
M03M.3 - Helmholtz Resonator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
January 2003 50
J03M.1 - Scattering from an Attractive Potential . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
J03M.2 - Disk with Three Springs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
J03M.3 - Orbits in a Central Potential . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
May 2002 53
M02M.1 - Particle in a Cone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
M02M.2 - Mass on a String . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
M02M.3 - The Coriolis Eect . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
3
CONTENTS CONTENTS
January 2002 56
J02M.1 - Flapping Toy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56
J02M.2 - Slingshot Orbit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
J02M.3 - Stretching Cable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
May 2001 59
M01M.1 - Massive Spring . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59
M01M.2 - Particle in an Anharmonic Potential . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60
M01M.3 - Particle in Gravitational and Magnetic Fields . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61
January 2001 62
J01M.1 - Particle on a Torus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62
J01M.2 - Free Precession of a Planet - 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63
J01M.3 - Free Precession of a Planet - 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64
May 2000 65
M00M.1 - Precession of the Perihelion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65
M00M.2 - Ladder on a Wall . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66
M00M.3 - Bead on a Hoop . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67
January 2000 68
J00M.1 - Shape of an Arch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68
J00M.2 - Linked Rods Falling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69
J00M.3 - Orbiting Mass on a String . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70
May 1999 71
M99M.1 - Ball Rolling in a Cylinder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71
M99M.2 - Two Repulsive Particles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72
M99M.3 - Drum Head . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73
January 1999 74
J99M.1 - Rolling Disk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74
J99M.2 - Particle Rolling on a Hyperboloid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75
J99M.3 - Rod Orbiting the Sun . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76
May 1998 77
M98M.1 - Mass on a Rope and Cylinder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77
M98M.2 - Masses Connected by a Spring . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78
M98M.3 - Fluid Dynamics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79
January 1998 80
J98M.1 - Hanging Rope . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80
J98M.2 - Pucks on a Spring . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81
J98M.3 - Ice Skate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82
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CONTENTS CONTENTS
May 1997 83
M97M.1 - Flyball Governor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83
M97M.2 - The Sun Orbiting the Earth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84
M97M.3 - Radiofrequency Quadrupole . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85
January 1997 86
J97M.1 - Scattering from Constant Spherical Potentials . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86
J97M.2 - Holes in Soap Bubbles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87
J97M.3 - Wheel With Teeth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88
May 1996 89
M96M.1 - Stack of Bricks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89
M96M.2 - Charge Orbiting a Dipole . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90
M96M.3 - Electronic String Plucking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91
January 1996 92
J96M.1 - Bead on a String . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92
J96M.2 - Rod in a Hemispherical Cavity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93
J96M.3 - Modied Gravity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94
May 1995 95
M95M.1 - Scattering From a Central Potential . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95
M95M.2 - Ball on a Rotating Disk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96
M95M.3 - Particle in a Hollow Sphere . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97
January 1995 98
J95M.1 - Scattering From a Gaussian Potential . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98
J95M.2 - The Variational Principle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99
J95M.3 - Innite Coupled Pendula . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100
May 1994 102
M94M.1 - Mass and Two Springs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102
M94M.2 - Analytical Dynamics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103
M94M.3 - Bead on a Hoop (M08M.1) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104
January 1994 105
J94M.1 - Bubble in an Incompressible Fluid (J07M.3, M09M.1) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105
J94M.2 - Falling Rod . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106
J94M.3 - Automobile Crankshaft (M83M.2, M09M.3) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107
May 1993 108
M93M.1 - Fluid Flow Near a Wall . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108
M93M.2 - Bead on a Rod (O83M.2) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109
M93M.3 - Shape of a Suspended Rope (M09M.2) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110
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CONTENTS CONTENTS
January 1993 111
J93M.1 - Tidal Forces . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111
J93M.2 - Bending Beam . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 112
J93M.3 - Forced Pendulum . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113
May 1992 114
M92M.1 - COBE Satellite . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 114
M92M.2 - Inverse Cube Force . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 115
M92M.3 - Atom-Ion Interaction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 116
January 1992 117
J92M.1 - Huygens Pendulum (M06M.2) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 117
J92M.2 - Masses and Springs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 118
J92M.3 - Water Meniscus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 119
May 1991 120
M91M.1 - Flat Disk Galaxy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120
M91M.2 - Light Rays and the Atmosphere . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 121
M91M.3 - Dry Ice on Epoxy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 122
January 1991 123
J91M.1 - String With Minimum Moment of Inertia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 123
J91M.2 - Riding a Bike on a Rotating Platform . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 124
J91M.3 - Satellite Wobble . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125
September 1990 126
S90M.1 - Frequency of Oscillation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 126
S90M.2 - Rotor on an Axle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 127
S90M.3 - Three Coupled Masses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 128
May 1990 129
M90M.1 - Acoustic Ray . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 129
M90M.2 - Many Coupled Pendulums . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 130
M90M.3 - Masses and Pulleys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 131
October 1989 132
O89M.1 - Rocket in the Atmosphere . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 132
O89M.2 - Gravity Wave Detector . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 133
O89M.3 - Swinging Door . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 134
May 1989 135
M89M.1 - Buckling Beam . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 135
M89M.2 - Rod on a String . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 136
M89M.3 - Ringworld . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 137
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CONTENTS CONTENTS
October 1988 138
O88M.1 - Massive Spring . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 138
O88M.2 - Baseball in Space . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 139
O88M.3 - Bead on a Rotating Wire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 140
May 1988 141
M88M.1 - WIMPS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 141
M88M.2 - Rolling Coin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 142
M88M.3 - Flyball Governor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 143
October 1987 144
O87M.1 - Scattering o a Paraboloid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 144
O87M.2 - Bead on a Loop (M08M.1, M94M.3) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 145
O87M.3 - The Runge-Lenz Vector . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 146
May 1987 147
M87M.1 - Rolling Cylinders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 147
M87M.2 - Soap Film . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 148
M87M.3 - Triple Pendulum . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 149
October 1986 150
O86M.1 - Gyroscope . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 150
O86M.2 - Kinetic Theory of Scattering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 151
O86M.3 - Changing Spring Constant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 152
May 1986 153
M86M.1 - Wham-O Super-Ball . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 153
M86M.2 - A Comet in Earths Orbit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 154
M86M.3 - Water Waves . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 155
October 1985 156
O85M.1 - String with a Bead . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 156
O85M.2 - Falling Rod (J94M.2) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 157
O85M.3 - Earths Quadrupole Moment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 158
May 1985 159
M85M.1 - Damped Platform and Putty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 159
M85M.2 - Rotating Pendulum . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 160
M85M.3 - Soap Film . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 161
October 1984 162
O84M.1 - Car Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 162
O84M.2 - Hanging Rope . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 163
O84M.3 - Maximizing Rocket Velocity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 164
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CONTENTS CONTENTS
May 1984 165
M84M.1 - Bending Beam . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 165
M84M.2 - Ball on a Turntable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 166
M84M.3 - Three Coupled Masses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 167
October 1983 168
O83M.1 - Skyhook . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 168
O83M.2 - Particle on a Rod . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 169
O83M.3 - Symmetric Top . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 170
May 1983 171
M83M.1 - Beer Can Orbiting a Space Station . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 171
M83M.2 - Crankshaft . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 172
M83M.3 - Cylinder on a Ribbon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 173
October 1982 174
O82M.1 - Beam on a Wall . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 174
O82M.2 - Modied Force Law Orbits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 175
O82M.3 - Rolling Tape Paradox . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 176
May 1982 177
M82M.1 - Three Coupled Masses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 177
M82M.2 - Oscillators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 178
M82M.3 - Planetary Orbits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 179
October 1981 180
O81M.1 - Spaceship in Dust . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 180
O81M.2 - Tidal Friction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 181
O81M.3 - Rotating Disk with Springs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 182
May 1981 183
M81M.1 - Orbits in a Central Potential . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 183
M81M.2 - Falling in a Cloud . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 184
M81M.3 - Jacks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 185
October 1980 186
O80M.1 - Central Forces . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 186
O80M.2 - Spinning Top . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 187
O80M.3 - Massive Spring . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 188
May 1980 189
M80M.1 - Fluid in a Rotating Pipe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 189
M80M.2 - Central Potential Motion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 190
M80M.3 - Falling Hinged Beams . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 191
8
CONTENTS CONTENTS
October 1979 192
O79M.1 - Rod Suspended by Two Springs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 192
O79M.2 - Particle in a Cone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 193
O79M.3 - String on a Rotating Rod . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 194
May 1979 195
M79M.1 - Rotating Rectangular Plate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 195
M79M.2 - Clock Governor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 196
M79M.3 - Precession of the Perihelion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 197
October 1978 198
O78M.1 - INSERT DESCRIPTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 198
May 1978 201
M78M.1 - INSERT DESCRIPTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 201
October 1977 204
May 1977 207
October 1976 210
May 1976 213
October 1975 216
9
CONTENTS CONTENTS
May 1975 219
October 1974 222
May 1974 225
October 1973 228
May 1973 231
October 1972 234
May 1972 237
II Electricity & Magnetism 240
May 2010 241
M10E.1 - Birefringent material . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 241
M10E.2 - Square loop antenna . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 242
M10E.3 - Torque produced by an AC induction motor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 243
January 2010 244
J10E.1 - Oscillating Dipole Near a Conducting Plane . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 244
J10E.2 - Rotating Sphere in a Magnetic Field . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 245
10
CONTENTS CONTENTS
J10E.3 - Rectangular Waveguide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 246
May 2009 247
M09E.1 - Cavity Dynamics (J94E.1) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 247
M09E.2 - Pulsar (J94E.2) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 248
M09E.3 - Charge and Conducting Sphere (J94E.3) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 249
January 2009 250
J09E.1 - Motion in EM Fields . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250
J09E.2 - Ion Source . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 251
J09E.3 - Magnetic Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 252
May 2008 253
M08E.1 - Wiggler . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 253
M08E.2 - Accelerating Point Charge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 254
M08E.3 - Electromagnet with an Iron Core . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 255
January 2008 256
J08E.1 - Radiation from an Antenna . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 256
J08E.2 - Rotating Disk in a Magnet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 257
J08E.3 - Parallel Plate Diode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 258
May 2007 259
M07E.1 - Point Charge and Conducting Sphere . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 259
M07E.2 - Noise in a Circular Ring . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 260
M07E.3 - Plane Wave in a Conductor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 261
January 2007 262
J07E.1 - Point Charge and Conducting Sphere . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 262
J07E.2 - Rotating Shell of Charge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 263
J07E.3 - Negative Dielectric Constant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 264
May 2006 265
M06E.1 - Metal Sphere in a Uniform Electric Field . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 265
M06E.2 - Superconducting Loop . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 266
M06E.3 - Radiation from a Falling Electron . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 267
January 2006 268
J06E.1 - Dielectric Cylinder in an Electric Field . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 268
J06E.2 - Half Rings of Magnetic Material . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 269
J06E.3 - Harmonic Oscillator Radiation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 270
May 2005 271
M05E.1 - Periodic Surface Charge and Magnetization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 271
M05E.2 - Coaxial Cable Motion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 272
M05E.3 - Electron Orbit Decay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 273
11
CONTENTS CONTENTS
January 2005 274
J05E.1 - Spherical Half-Filled Capacitor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 274
J05E.2 - Light Incident on a Medium . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 275
J05E.3 - Dielectric Sphere in a Laser Beam . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 276
May 2004 277
M04E.1 - Conducting Sphere Coated with Dielectric . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 277
M04E.2 - Classical Radiation from a Hydrogen Atom . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 278
M04E.3 - Penny Thrown into a Solenoid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 279
January 2004 280
J04E.1 - Rotating Cylindrical Capacitor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 280
J04E.2 - Mass Spectrometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 281
J04E.3 - Thomson Scattering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 283
May 2003 284
M03E.1 - Force Between Current Carrying Wires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 284
M03E.2 - The Method of Images . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 285
M03E.3 - Electromagnetic Wave in a Plasma . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 286
January 2003 287
J03E.1 - Waves in Aluminum . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 287
J03E.2 - Image Charges . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 288
J03E.3 - Rotating Charged Rod . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 289
May 2002 290
M02E.1 - Iron Ring with a Gap . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 290
M02E.2 - Dielectric Cylinder in an Electric Field . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 291
M02E.3 - Current in a Cylindrical Wire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 292
January 2002 293
J02E.1 - Coaxial Transmission Line . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 293
J02E.2 - Rotating Dielectric Cylinder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 295
J02E.3 - Levitating Frog . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 296
May 2001 297
M01E.1 - Non-parallel Plate Capacitor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 297
M01E.2 - Radio Waves in a Gas of Charged Particles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 298
M01E.3 - Charged Rotating Cylindrical Shells . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 299
January 2001 301
J01E.1 - Resistance Between Two Points on a Disk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 301
J01E.2 - Betatron . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 302
J01E.3 - Electromagnetic Wave on a Slab of Dielectric . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 303
12
CONTENTS CONTENTS
May 2000 304
M00E.1 - Emitted Flux Density . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 304
M00E.2 - Particle Above a Conducting Plane . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 305
M00E.3 - Toroidal Solenoids . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 306
January 2000 307
J00E.1 - A Two-Wire Transmission Line . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 307
J00E.2 - Pitching Pennies into a Magnet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 308
J00E.3 - A Phased Antenna Array . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 310
May 1999 311
M99E.1 - Radiation from a Rotating Sphere . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 311
M99E.2 - 5-Spoke Wheel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 312
M99E.3 - Dielectric Cylinder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 313
January 1999 314
J99E.1 - Charged Particle Trap . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 314
J99E.2 - Transverse Momentum from an Electromagnetic Wave . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 315
J99E.3 - Magnetic Field at a Pulsar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 316
May 1998 317
M98E.1 - Field of a Wire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 317
M98E.2 - Cylindrical Magnet and a Steel Sheet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 318
M98E.3 - Magnetic Field of the Earth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 319
January 1998 320
J98E.1 - Electromagnetic Wave Incident on a Lossy Dielectric . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 320
J98E.2 - Rotating Charged Rod . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 321
J98E.3 - Conducting Hemispheres . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 322
May 1997 323
M97E.1 - Spherical Shell of Dielectric . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 323
M97E.2 - Plane Currents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 324
M97E.3 - Astrophysics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 325
January 1997 326
J97E.1 - Leaking Current in a Transmission Line . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 326
J97E.2 - Cylindrical Ferromagnet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 327
J97E.3 - Stopping a Rotating Charged Cylinder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 328
May 1996 329
M96E.1 - Resonant Circuit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 329
M96E.2 - Non-parallel Plate Capacitor (?) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 330
M96E.3 - Toroidal Solenoid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 331
13
CONTENTS CONTENTS
January 1996 332
J96E.1 - Wire Inside a Cylinder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 332
J96E.2 - Electron in Electric and Magnetic Fields . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 333
J96E.3 - Radio Pulses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 334
May 1995 335
M95E.1 - Capacitor with Spatially Non-uniform Dielectric . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 335
M95E.2 - Rotating Loop Radiating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 336
M95E.3 - Levitating Superconducting Sphere . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 337
January 1995 338
J95E.1 - Rotating Capacitor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 338
J95E.2 - TEM modes in Coaxial Cable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 339
J95E.3 - Radiation From a Square Loop . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 340
May 1994 341
M94E.1 - Current in a Loop . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 341
M94E.2 - Electron-Proton Scattering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 342
M94E.3 - High-Permeability Torus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 343
January 1994 344
J94E.1 - Cavity Dynamics (M09E.1) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 344
J94E.2 - Pulsar (M09E.2) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 345
J94E.3 - Charge and Conducting Sphere (M09E.3) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 346
May 1993 347
M93E.1 - Rotating Loop in a Magnetic Field . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 347
M93E.2 - Rotating Charged Cylinder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 348
M93E.3 - Rotating Charged Sphere . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 349
January 1993 350
J93E.1 - Spinning Disk in a Capacitor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 350
J93E.2 - Radiating Antenna . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 351
J93E.3 - Pulsar Signals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 352
May 1992 353
M92E.1 - Rectangular Cavity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 353
M92E.2 - Plane Wave Incident on a Dielectric . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 354
M92E.3 - Magnetic Monopole . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 355
January 1992 356
J92E.1 - Silver Ring in a Magnet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 356
J92E.2 - Two Innite Wires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 357
J92E.3 - Alkali Metal Radiative Lifetime . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 358
14
CONTENTS CONTENTS
May 1991 359
M91E.1 - Superconducting Square Loop . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 359
M91E.2 - LEP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 360
M91E.3 - Light Propagation in a Dielectric . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 361
January 1991 362
J91E.1 - Scattering from a Rotating Dipole . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 362
J91E.2 - Particle in an Accelerator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 363
J91E.3 - Magnetic Damping of the Moon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 364
September 1990 365
S90E.1 - The Amp-Clamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 365
S90E.2 - Distance to a Pulsar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 366
S90E.3 - Noisy Background . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 367
May 1990 368
M90E.1 - Disk in a Solenoid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 368
M90E.2 - Junkyard Magnets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 369
M90E.3 - Linear Antenna . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 370
October 1989 371
O89E.1 - Polarized Insulator in a Capacitor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 371
O89E.2 - Magnetized Sphere . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 372
O89E.3 - Radiating Antenna . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 373
May 1989 374
M89E.1 - Innite Plane Current . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 374
M89E.2 - Waveguide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 375
M89E.3 - Waves Incident on a Dielectric Slab . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 376
October 1988 377
O88E.1 - Dielectric Cylinder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 377
O88E.2 - Birefringent Material . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 378
O88E.3 - Spinning Ball of Charge in a Magnetic Field . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 379
May 1988 380
M88E.1 - Magnetic Monopoles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 380
M88E.2 - Anisotropic Dielectric . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 381
M88E.3 - Current in a Wire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 382
October 1987 383
O87E.1 - Alternating Potential Strips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 383
O87E.2 - Charged Particle Passing Through a Material . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 384
O87E.3 - Electron Falling towards a Nucleus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 385
15
CONTENTS CONTENTS
May 1987 386
M87E.1 - Neutral K Meson Decay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 386
M87E.2 - Wiggler Magnets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 387
M87E.3 - Rectangular Waveguide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 388
October 1986 389
O86E.1 - Double-Gap Capacitor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 389
O86E.2 - Vacuum Photodiode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 390
O86E.3 - Electron-Positron Collider . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 391
May 1986 392
M86E.1 - Split Cylinder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 392
M86E.2 - Orbiting Charges . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 393
M86E.3 - Gas Ions in an Accelerator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 394
October 1985 395
O85E.1 - Sticking Bar Magnet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 395
O85E.2 - Method of Images . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 396
O85E.3 - Photographing Electromagnetic Waves . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 397
May 1985 398
M85E.1 - Dipole Near a Permeable Material . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 398
M85E.2 - Innite Conducting Plane . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 399
M85E.3 - Dipole Antenna . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 400
October 1984 401
O84E.1 - Spherical Void in a Dielectric . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 401
O84E.2 - Transmission Line . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 402
O84E.3 - Charged Particle Collision . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 403
May 1984 404
M84E.1 - Accelerating Charges . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 404
M84E.2 - Rotating Wheel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 405
M84E.3 - Magnetic Shield . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 406
October 1983 407
O83E.1 - Magnetized Cylinder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 407
O83E.2 - Charge Above a Bulging Conductor(J03E.2) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 408
O83E.3 - Dipole Radiator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 409
May 1983 410
M83E.1 - Instantaneous Signal Transmission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 410
M83E.2 - Capacitance of Two Spheres . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 411
M83E.3 - Frequency Doubling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 412
16
CONTENTS CONTENTS
October 1982 413
O82E.1 - Binary Pulsar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 413
O82E.2 - Scattering by a Gas of Dipoles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 414
O82E.3 - Defect in a Resistor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 415
May 1982 416
M82E.1 - Londons Equations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 416
M82E.2 - Triangular Waveguide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 417
M82E.3 - Coulomb Scattering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 418
October 1981 419
O81E.1 - Dielectric Cylinder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 419
O81E.2 - Betatron . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 420
O81E.3 - Wave Incident on a Plasma . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 421
May 1981 422
M81E.1 - Falling Penny . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 422
M81E.2 - Rotating Charges . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 423
M81E.3 - Semiconducting Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 424
October 1980 425
O80E.1 - Optical Transition Linewidths . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 425
O80E.2 - X-ray Reection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 426
O80E.3 - Toroidal Inductor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 427
May 1980 428
M80E.1 - Coaxial Cable (J02E.1) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 428
M80E.2 - Angular Momentum of Concentric Spheres . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 429
M80E.3 - Wire Moving in a Waveguide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 430
October 1979 431
O79E.1 - Classical Hydrogen Atom . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 431
O79E.2 - Coaxial Cable Cavity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 432
O79E.3 - Rotating Sphere in a Magnetic Field . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 433
May 1979 434
M79E.1 - Charged Dielectric Sphere . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 434
M79E.2 - Plane Wave Scattering o of a Sphere . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 435
M79E.3 - Transformer Circuit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 436
October 1978 437
O78E.1 - INSERT DESCRIPTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 437
17
CONTENTS CONTENTS
May 1978 440
M78E.1 - INSERT DESCRIPTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 440
October 1977 443
May 1977 446
October 1976 449
May 1976 452
October 1975 455
May 1975 458
October 1974 461
May 1974 464
18
CONTENTS CONTENTS
October 1973 467
May 1973 470
October 1972 473
May 1972 476
19
Part I
Classical Mechanics
20
May 2010
M10M.1 - Bead sliding on a rotating wire
Problem
A bead with mass m slides without friction on a U-shaped wire which lies in a plane parallel to
the z-axis, and follows a path
z =
r
4
a
3
where r is the distance from the z-axis to a point on the wire at height z. The downwards acceleration
g due to gravity is parallel to the z-axis.
The wire is now constrained to rigidly rotate about the z-axis with constant angular frequency .
a) Derive the equation of motion of the bead in terms of its radial distance r(t) from the z-axis.
b) Find the equilibrium points r
eq
of the radial motion (i.e., motion where r(t) = r
eq
, constant).
c) Find the frequencies of small radial oscillations about those equilibrium points that are stable.
21
Part I - Mechanics M10M.2 - Rope friction
M10M.2 - Rope friction
Problem
A heavy mass M and a light mass m are joined by a rope which is passed across a xed horizontal
cylindrical rod of radius R, so the masses hang downwards under the action of gravity g. The heavy
mass M has been carefully chosen so it falls with a constant speed v (and the light mass rises with
the same speed). The mass of the rope is negligible.
What information about the coecients of friction between the rope and the cylinder can be deduced
from this observation?
22
Part I - Mechanics M10M.3 - Space hotel (rotating space station with articial gravity)
M10M.3 - Space hotel (rotating space station with arti-
cial gravity)
Problem
In the design of a space station to be used as a space hotel for astronauts to live in, it is proposed
to make it spin to produce an articial gravity eect. The hotel consists of four living-quarter
pods which can each be modeled as a hollow spherical shell with a mass m = 3 10
4
kg and
a radius r = 10 m. These are coupled together with rigid beams of negligible mass so that their
centers are at the vertices of a d h = 120 m50 m rectangle.
a) Compute the moments of inertia I
1
, I
2
, I
3
(relative to the center of mass A of the structure) for
the three orthogonal principal axes of the moment-of-inertia tensor, chosen so that I
1
< I
2
< I
3
.
Identify these three axes on a sketch of the hotel. (Note that 5
2
+ 12
2
= 13
2
.)
In the design, the hotel rotates about the I
2
principal axis with a frequency f
g
so that an astronaut
at the center of a pod experiences the equivalent of 1/5 of the Earths gravity at sea level. This
centrifugal force is directed away from the axis of rotation.
b) What is the value of f
g
required to generate this apparent gravity?
The hotel is constructed, and made to rotate as described above. Unfortunately, the connecting
beams are slightly exible, which allows damped small vibrational modes of the structure to become
excited and dissipate rotational kinetic energy as heat, while conserving the angular momentum L
of the rotating hotel.
c) Estimate the characteristic time scale for the exponential growth of
3
, the angular frequency
of rotation about the axis with moment of inertia I
3
. Explain why the rotational motion
about the axis with moment of inertia I
2
is not stable with respect to dissipation of the total
rotational kinetic energy.
23
January 2010
J10M.1 - Rod on a Rail (M93M.2)
Problem
s
g
x
z
A uniform rod of length and mass m moves in the x-z plane. One end of the rod is suspended
from a straight rail that slopes downwards with an angle relative to the horizontal; the connection
point is free to move along the rail without friction, and the rod is able to swing freely in the x-z
plane. Uniform gravity acts downwards.
a) Construct the Lagrangian of this system in terms of generalized coordinates s (the distance the
connection point has moved along the rail) and (the angle the rod makes with the vertical
direction).
b) Using your Lagrangian, nd a solution to the equation of motion where the rod moves with
xed as s increases.
c) Explain how your solution is consistent with (and can be derived from) the equivalence prin-
ciple.
24
Part I - Mechanics J10M.2 - Orbiting Mass on a String (J00M.3)
J10M.2 - Orbiting Mass on a String (J00M.3)
Problem
A hockey puck with mass m can move without friction or air resistance on the smooth horizontal
surface of a table. A massless string attached to the puck passes through a hole in the table (through
which it can slide without friction) and a mass M is suspended from its other end. Gravity acts
uniformly in the downward direction. Treat the puck as a point mass.
a)
Given the masses m and M, plus the initial displacement

R
0
of the puck relative to the hole,
and its initial velocity v
0
in the plane of the table surface, nd the equation that determines
the maximum and minimum radial distances of the puck from the hole during its orbit. (Dont
bother to solve this equation!)
b) Find the frequency of oscillations of the radial distance when the orbit is close to being circular.
25
Part I - Mechanics J10M.3 - Slab on Rotating Rollers
J10M.3 - Slab on Rotating Rollers
Problem
d
g
M
x
A uniform rigid slab of mass M is supported by two rapidly counter-rotating parallel horizontal
rollers, with axes a distance d apart, with surfaces that brush past the slab in the directions shown
in the gure. The coecient of kinetic friction between each roller and the slab is
k
.
At time t = 0, the center of mass of the slab is initially displaced horizontally by x(0) = x
0
(where
[x
0
[ < d/2) relative to the midpoint between the rollers, and the slab is initially at rest, x(0) = 0.
a) Write down the equation of motion for x(t), and solve it for t > 0 with the given initial
conditions.
Now consider the case where the directions of the rollers are reversed, as shown below:
b) Calculate x(t) for t > 0 for the same initial conditions, in this second case.
26
May 2009
M09M.1 - Bubble in an Incompressible Fluid (J07M.3, J94M.1)
Problem
An ideal incompressible uid of density contains a bubble of radius R(t). The uid pressure is
held constant at P. Take the bubble to be empty (no pressure within the bubble), neglect surface
tension and gravity, and take the motion of the uid as the bubble collapses to be radial.
R(t)
P,
Find the rate of change dR/dt of the bubble radius after it has collapsed from rest by a factor of
two in radius.
27
Part I - Mechanics M09M.2 - Shape of a Suspended Rope (M93M.3)
M09M.2 - Shape of a Suspended Rope (M93M.3)
Problem
An ideal perfectly exible rope of length 2L and xed mass per unit length is hanging at rest
in a uniform gravitational eld, g. The rope is held at its ends by supports at the same level and
separated by distance 2X.
2X
g
x
y(x)
a) Find the shape, y(x), assumed by the rope.
b) Find the tension, T
0
, of the rope at its midpoint in the limit where X L.
28
Part I - Mechanics M09M.3 - Automobile Crankshaft (J94M.3)
M09M.3 - Automobile Crankshaft (J94M.3)
Problem
As a model for an automobile crankshaft, consider a plane rigid body made of eight rods each of
mass m and length l, as shown in the gure.
l
l
l
l
l
l
A
B
The bearings A and B constrain the crankshaft to rotate around a xed axis at angular velocity .
Find the instantaneous force on one of the bearings. Ignore gravity and friction.
29
January 2009
J09M.1 - Coupled Pendula
Problem
Two simple pendula, each of length l and mass m, are coupled by a spring of force constant k. The
spring is attached to the rods of the pendula, which are massless and inextensible, at their half-way
points, as shown. Throughout, assume the angles
1
and
2
are small and that motion is conned
to the 2D plane.
l
g
a) What are the normal frequencies of the system, and the corresponding normal mode vectors?
b) Consider now the case of weak couplingi.e., the case when k is small. With respect to
what is k small?
At t = 0 the lefthand pendulum is displaced by an angle
1
(0) =
0
and released from rest; the
righthand pendulum is at rest with
2
(0) = 0. Find expressions for
1
(t) and
2
(t) for t > 0.
How long will it take before the lefthand mass stop swinging and the righthand mass achieves
maximum amplitude?
30
Part I - Mechanics J09M.2 - Minimizing Drag
J09M.2 - Minimizing Drag
Problem
The goal of this problem is to determine the optimum shape of a body in order to minimize the
drag from a constant ow of air. Suppose that the body has cylindrical symmetry (that is, it is
invariant under rotations around the z axis), and has a height L. If its radius is given by r(z), a
good approximation to the drag is the expression
D = a
_
L
0
r(z)
_
dr
dz
_
3
dz ,
where a > 0 is some constant.
a) If r(0) = 0 and r(L) = d, what is the optimal shape of the body in order to minimize D?
b) Suppose, in addition, that the body has a xed volume V . How would you nd the optimal
shape under this constraint? Find a rst order dierential equation that the optimizing r(z)
will satisfy.
31
Part I - Mechanics J09M.3 - Falling Rod
J09M.3 - Falling Rod
Problem
A massive uniform rod of length l starts to slide away from a frictionless vertical wall onto the
frictionless horizontal oor. Assume that the bottom of the rod starts at rest in the corner, i.e.,
the rod is intitially vertical. Calculate the angle the rod makes with the wall when it rst loses
contact with a surface.
32
May 2008
M08M.1 - Bead on a Hoop
Problem
A bead of mass m slides without friction on a circular loop of radius a and mass M. The loop lies
in a vertical plane and rotates about a vertical diameter with angular velocity .
a
m
a) Initially, prepare the system in a state such that = constant and the bead is at some stable
equilibrium point
0
(). Find
0
().
b) Now assume
2
> g/a, and move the bead from
0
by a small amount . Suppose the bead
then undergoes small oscillations around
0
. Find the condition under which we can treat the
angular velocity approximately as constant.
c) Find the frequency of small oscillations.
33
Part I - Mechanics M08M.2 - Springs and Blocks
M08M.2 - Springs and Blocks
Problem
A coupled spring-block system hanging from the ceiling is shown in the gure below. The blocks
are constrained to undergo only one dimensional vertical movement without rotation.
m
1
m
2
K
1
K
2
K
3
Suppose the system is oscillatiing around its equilibrium conguration. Find the normal modes.
34
Part I - Mechanics M08M.3 - Gravitational Capture of Dark Matter Particles
M08M.3 - Gravitational Capture of Dark Matter Particles
Problem
a) A particle of mass m is in a circular orbit around the sun at the radius of the Earths orbit,
traveling at a speed v
= 29.8 km/s. Neglecting the Earths gravitational potential, compute

the escape speed v
esc
from the solar system at the radius of the orbit. Compute the escape
velocity in the frame of the Sun.
b) What is the minimum speed v
min
of a particle just escaping the solar system computed in a
frame corotating with the particles original circular orbit. Here, the corotating frame is the
frame moving with the orbital velocity of the Earth. Neglect Earths gravitational potential.
c) Now assume that the particle is at rest in the bottom of the potential well of the Earth. If
the escape speed from the Earth at the Earths surface is v
esc
(R
= 11.2 km/s, what is the

escape speed v
esc
(0) from the Earth for a particle at its center, computed in the Earths frame?
Assume the Earth is a sphere of uniform density. Here the Earths radius is denoted R
.
d) A particle of mass m has a velocity v relative to the Earth as it traverses the solar system
at the orbital radius of the Earth around the Sun. The initial velocity v is the value far
enough outside the gravitational well of Earth that the Earths gravitational eects need to be
accounted for in what follows.
The particle takes a trajectory that passes through the center of the Earth, and at the very
center elastically scatters o of an iron atom, having a mass m
Fe
= 52 GeV/c
2
. What is
the maximum particle mass m that a particle can have and still be able to be gravitationally
captured by the Earth subsequent to elastically scattering o of an iron atom at the center of
the Earth? To compute m, assume the particle has the minimum velocity v such that it is not
bound to the solar system.
35
January 2008
J08M.1 - Pendulum on a Sled
Problem
A plane pendulum consists of a bob of mass m suspended by a massless rigid rod of length l that is
hinged to a sled of mass M. The sled slides without friction on a horizontal rail. Gravity acts with
the ususal downward acceleration g.
g
M
m
l
x
a) Taking x and as generalized coordinates, write the Lagrangian for the system.
b) Derive the equations of motion for the system.
c) Find the frequency for small oscillations of the bob about the vertical.
d) At time t = 0 the bob and the sled, which had previously been at rest, are set in motion by a
sharp tap delivered to the bob. The tap imparts a horizontal impulse P = Ft to the bob.
Find expressions for the values of

and x just after the impulse.
36
Part I - Mechanics J08M.2 - Sphere in a Pipe
J08M.2 - Sphere in a Pipe
Problem
A cylindrical pipe of interior radius R lies horizontally on the ground. A solid sphere of radius R/2
is placed inside the pipe. What is the frequency of small oscillations of the sphere? Assume that
the axis of rotation of the sphere is always parallel to the symmetry axis of the pipe, and the sphere
rolls without slipping.
37
Part I - Mechanics J08M.3 - Fluid Flow
J08M.3 - Fluid Flow
Problem
When we derive Newtons equations of motion from a Lagrangian or Hamiltonian, the equations are
invariant under time reversal, so that if x(t) is a solution, so is x(t). If we add terms correspond-
ing to damping or viscosity, the invariance is broken, and motions become obviously irreversible.
Strangely, a form of reversibility is restored for uid motion in the limit that viscosities are very
large.
Consider a uid with viscosity and density , and assume that it is incompressible. The equations
of motion are the Navier-Stokes equations,
_
v
t
+ (v

)v
_
=

p +
2
v
v = 0 ,
where v(x, t) is the velocity of the uid element at position x at time t, and p(x, t) is the pressure.
To be concrete, imagine that we have a layer of uid between two (large) parallel plates, a distance
d apart.
a) Let one of the plates move at velocity v
0
, with the other plate held xed. Now the natural unit
of length is d, the natural unit of velocity is v
0
, and the natural unit of pressure is v
2
0
. Show
that, in these natural units, a single term in the Navier-Stokes equations becomes dominant
at large viscosity. Since viscosity has units, large means large relative to some characteristic
scale
c
, which you should determine.
b) In this limit of large viscosity (usually called the low Reynolds number limit, Re
c
/),
show that if the plate moves for a time T with velocity v
0
, and then with velocity v
0
for an
equal time T, all elements of the uid will be returned exactly to their initial locations, so
that motion is reversible. You should show this explicitly for the problem of uid between two
plates (by solving the equations), and give a more general argument (which doesnt require
solving the equations).
Notes: Recall that uid immediately adjacent to a wall must move with the velocity of the wall -
no slipping. The reversibility of motion means that if we inject a blob of dye into the uid, then
the motion of the wall at v
0
will spread the dye out (you should think about why) but then the
motion at v
0
will reassemble the original blob.
38
May 2007
M07M.1 - Planetary Orbits
Problem
A satellite in a low Earth circular orbit with Radius R
0
has an orbital period T
0
.
a) How long does it take to transfer the satellite into a new circular orbit with a larger radius R
1
using the Hohmann transfer ellipse shown in the gure?
R
1
R
0
b) Suppose a large shower of asteroids (much larger than the Earth diameter) came to Earth
from a distant source, all moving with the same initial velocity v. If the areal number density
of asteroids in the shower (the number of asteroids crossing a unit area perpendicular to the
initial velocity) is n, how many of them will hit the Earth? You can ignore the eects of other
bodies in the Solar system.
39
Part I - Mechanics M07M.2 - Particle in an Ellipsoid
M07M.2 - Particle in an Ellipsoid
Problem
Consider a point mass m constrained to move without friction on the surface of an ellipsoid. There
is no gravity in this problem. The coordinates of the mass can be parametrized by the following
equations:
x = a sin cos y = a sin sin z = b cos .
a) Write the Lagrangian using (, ,

,

) coordinates and derive the equations of motion.
b) Show that one period of the motion is given by
T(E, A) = 2
_

+
d
_
V
E,A
()
where
V
E,A
() =
ma
2
A
2
2E sin
2
msin
2
(a
2
cos
2
+ b
2
cos
2
)
and
are the two roots of the equation V

E,A
() = 0. Here E is the energy and A is the
conserved quantity A =

sin
2
.
40
Part I - Mechanics M07M.3 - Mass on a Massive String
M07M.3 - Mass on a Massive String
Problem
A point mass M is freely hanging from a string of mass m and length l in the presence of gravity.
The upper end of the string is held xed. You can assume that M m so the tension in the string
is approximately constant.
a) Write down the wave equation for small transverse oscillations of the string and the boundary
conditions at the end of the string.
b) Determine the transcendental equation whose solutions give the oscillation frequencies of the
normal modes on the string.
c) Approximately nd the rst two solutions of the transcendental equation for M m and give
their physical interpretation.
41
January 2007
J07M.1 - Ball on a Turntable
Problem
z
A spherically symmetric ball of mass m, moment of inertia I about any axis through its center,
and radius a, rolls without slipping and without dissipation on a horizontal turntable (so frictional
forces act on the ball at its point of contact with the turntable, but do no work). The turntable is
rotating about the vertical z-axis at constant angular velocity z.
Use a laboratory frame coordinate system (r, z), r = (x, y) so the center of the ball is in the plane
z = 0, and the axis of the turntable is r = 0. Distinguish the (vector) angular velocity
rot
of the
rotation of the ball about its center, and the angular velocity
cm
z of the orbit about its center,
where
cm
is scalar.
a) Find a solution of the equations of motion where the center of the ball is stationary at a point
r
0
,= 0 in the laboratory frame. What is
rot
(t) for this solution?
b) Find the general solution for the orbit r(t) of the center of the ball, when the initial center-
of-mass position and velocity are r
0
and v
0
. Show that, in the laboratory frame, the ball rolls
along a circular path (in general centered at a point r ,= 0), with an angular velocity
cm
that
is independent of the initial conditions.
c) If the ball is solid with uniform density, what is the relation of
cm
to ?
42
Part I - Mechanics J07M.2 - Inverted T Pendulum
J07M.2 - Inverted T Pendulum
Problem
g
M
m
x
L
P
Two massless rods are rigidly joined at right angles in a rigid inverted T shape, with a point mass
M attached to the junction. A second point mass m is free to slide frictionlessly along the rst rod
that forms the base of the inverted T, as shown. (Its motion is not impeded by the mass M.)
This whole arrangement is suspended in Earths gravity from a frictionless pivot P attached to the
end of the second rod (see gure), where the distance from the pivot to the junction of the rods is
L. Let be the angle of the second rod relative to the vertical, and x be the displacement of the
mobile mass m relative to the xed mass M, as shown.
a) Initially, the system is at rest with = 0 and x = 0. Analyze the linearized equations of
motion about this stationary state for small values of and x, to nd the eigenmodes. For
each eigenmode, determine whether it is stable or unstable.
b) At time t = 0 an instantaneous small horizontal impulse J is applied to the mass m, so that
immediately afterwards (t = 0
+
) it has nite velocity along the horizontal rod ( x > 0), but
= 0. Solve the linearized equations of motion for the subsequent motion x(t) and (t).
43
Part I - Mechanics J07M.3 - Bubble in an Incompressible Fluid
J07M.3 - Bubble in an Incompressible Fluid
Problem
An explosion at time t = 0 in an ideal (zero viscosity) incompressible uid produces a perfectly
spherically symmetric expanding bubble of vacuum with radius R(t) (neglect the eect of any gas
or vapor inside the bubble). The bubble expands to maximum radius R
max
and then collapses. The
pressure in the uid far from the bubble is P
, and the mass density of the uid is . Neglect any

eects of surface tension or gravity; assume the bubble remains spherically symmetric at all times,
and that the velocity eld in the uid is purely radial.
a) Obtain an expression for the velocity eld inside the uid, and hence get an expression for the
total energy (kinetic + potential) of the uid in terms of R and dR/dt.
b) Obtain an equation of motion for the bubbles radius R(t) of the form
dR
dt
= f(R)
What is the function f(R)?
c) How long does it take for the bubble to collapse after it reaches its maximum radius? Your
answer can contain a nite dimensionless integral whose value you have not obtained.
d) What is the asymptotic behavior of R(t) in the nal moments of the bubbles collapse when
R R
max
? (Do not consider the possibility of cold fusion!)
44
May 2006
M06M.1 - Point Mass in a Sphere
Problem
A point mass m slides without friction inside of a hollow sphere of mass M and radius R, that rolls
without slipping over a horizontal surface.
M
m
R
a) Find the Lagrangian of this system. Assume that the velocities of the point mass and the
sphere are always in the plane of the paper.
b) Consider small amplitude oscillations about the equilibrium position. Express the oscillation
frequency in terms of m, M, R and the gravitational constant g.
45
Part I - Mechanics M06M.2 - Huygens Pendulum (M92M.1)
M06M.2 - Huygens Pendulum (M92M.1)
Problem
To compensate for the fact that the period of a simple pendulum depends on the amplitude of
oscillation, the 17th century Dutch physicist Christian Huygens devised the following setup, depicted
in the gure below. It shows a simple pendulum consisting of a mass m and a string of length
0
whose motion is constrained by a cusp shaped piece of wood. The problem is to determine the
shape of the wooden surface so that the period of the pendulum is independent of the amplitude.
m
()
x()
y()
a) Parametrize the shape of the surface by x() and y(), as indicated in the gure. Write the
Lagrangian for the pendulum.
b) What property must the Lagrangian have in order for the period of oscillation to be indepen-
dent of the amplitude? Find the required shape (x(), y()).
46
Part I - Mechanics M06M.3 - Hanging Spring
M06M.3 - Hanging Spring
Problem
A spring has spring constant K, unstretched length L, and mass per unit length (when un-
stretched). The spring is suspended from one end in a constant gravitational eld, g, and stretches
under its own weight. For a point whose distance from the upper end of the spring is x when
unstretched, nd its distance y(x) from the upper end when the spring is stretched.
47
January 2006
J06M.1 - Gyroscope
Problem
A gyroscope, illustrated in the gures below, is free to pivot about point O under the eect of
gravity. Its total mass is M and its center of mass is located at point P at a distance R from
O. In the reference frame (O; i
1
, i
2
, i
3
) of the gyroscope (see gures), its moment of inertia tensor
about point O is

I =
_
_
I 0 0
0 I 0
0 0 I
3
_
_
. If (O; i, j, k) is the laboratory frame and n that axis at
the intersection between the plane i
2
i
3
and the plane ik, dene to be the rotation angle of the
gyroscope around i
3
, (the nutation angle) to be the angle between i
3
and n and (the precession
angle) as the angle between k and n.
R
Mg
P
O
j
i
2
n
i
3
Side View
O
i
i
1
k
n
Top View
a) Write the Lagrangian of the system and its energy in terms of the angles , , and of their
time derivatives. [Hint: In order to nd the expression for the kinetic energy
1
2

I , rst
write in the reference frame (O; i
1
, i
2
, i
3
).]
48
Part I - Mechanics J06M.1 - Gyroscope
b) Write the conservation laws for this system: energy and two projections of angular momentum.
c) From the conservation laws deduce a closed equation for in the form F(
, ) = 0.
d) At time t = 0 the gyroscope is place horizontally ( = 0) with zero nutation angular velocity
(

=

= 0) and spin angular velocity = L
0
/I
3
. Show that for 1 the previous equation
and these initial conditions admit an approximate solution =
0
(1 cos
n
t). Compute the
frequency
n
, the amplitude
0
, and the average precession velocity
. Find the condition

on the initial data (i.e. on L
0
) for which 1 remains a good approximation at all times.
49
Part I - Mechanics J06M.2 - Displaced Circular Orbit
J06M.2 - Displaced Circular Orbit
Problem
A point mass m is moving on a circular orbit of radius R under the eect of a central force directed
toward the point O on the orbit (see gure below). Its speed at point A (A is diametrically opposite
to O) is equal to v
A
.
O R A
a) Find the expression for the force generating this motion.
b) Using the convention that the potential energy vanishes innitely far from the center of at-
traction, compute the values of the energy and of the angular momentum for the circular
orbit.
c) Find the time needed for the point mass to complete the orbit.
50
Part I - Mechanics J06M.3 - Bead on a Rotating Wire (J04M.1)
J06M.3 - Bead on a Rotating Wire (J04M.1)
Problem
A bead of mass m slides without friction on a wire. At time t = 0 the wire is in the x-z plane and
has shape
z = a
_
[x[
a
_
,
with a > 0 and > 0. The wire is rotating about the z axis with a constant, nonzero angular
velocity , without changing this shape. Earths gravity causes a force mg on the bead along the
= z direction.
a) Find the equation of motion of the bead.
b) For each value of a > 0 and > 0, nd all solutions to this equation of motion where the bead
is not moving with respect to the wire.
c) For each solution you found in part b), determine whether there are nearby solutions with the
bead undergoing small amplitude harmonic motion with respect to the wire, and solve for the
frequency of those oscillations when they exist.
d) For what values of a > 0 and > 0 are there solutions where the bead starts near the z axis
with a nite speed, but then escapes to innitely far from the axis? When this happens, what
is the trajectory of the bead at long times (assuming the dynamics remains nonrelativistic)?
51
May 2005
M05M.1 - Vibration Damping With a Piston
Problem
Sometimes it is required to reduce the inuence of vertical oor vibration on experimental setups. To
accomplish this, the experimental apparatus (of mass M) is mounted on gas-lled pistons (which
have face area A and equilibrium volume V
0
). The gas pressure in the cylinder is much larger
than atmospheric pressure. The pistons are typically equipped with a mechanism to dampen their
oscillations (by immersing part of the piston in oil), so that there is a retarding force, vM/,
where v is the velocity of the piston and is the characteristic damping time.
a) Ignoring damping ( ), determine the resonance frequency
0
of the system for small
vibrations. Explain whether any changes in state of the gas are more nearly isothermal or
adiabatic.
b) Characterize the performance of this vibration-isolation system as a function of frequency by
calculating its transmission coecient, i.e. the ratio of the vibration amplitude of the apparatus
to a small vibration in the oor. Include any phase shifts and express your answer in terms of
0
and the damping time . For which frequency range do you expect this system to be useful
for isolating the vibrations of the oor?
c) How should the system parameters be chosen to provide as much vibration isolation as possible,
subject to the constraint that a sudden displacement of the oor causes no oscillations in the
system?
52
Part I - Mechanics M05M.2 - Suspension Bridge Shape
M05M.2 - Suspension Bridge Shape
Problem
Determine the equilibrium shape y(x) of the suspension cable in a bridge shown in the gure. The
length of the roadbed is L and the mass M is so large that you can neglect the weight of the
suspension cable and the and the vertical supporting cables. The lengths of the vertical cables are
adjusted so there is no shear stress in the roadway. You can also assume that the vertical cables
are close enough together that y can be approximated as an analytic function of x.
L
H
x
y
53
Part I - Mechanics M05M.3 - Satellite Orientation
M05M.3 - Satellite Orientation
Problem
The orientation of a satellite in low-Earth orbit can be stabilized with gravity gradients. Let the
satellite be a long cylinder of length L and radius a (a L). The distribution of the mass m is
uniform within the cylinder. The satellite is in a circular orbit around Earth with a period T
or
.
Express your answers to parts b), c) and d) in terms of T
or
, L and a.
v
Earth
a) What is the stable equilibrium orientation, for which the satellite appears to be at rest in a
coordinate system rotating with the same angular velocity as the orbital motion?
b) What is the period T
of small oscillations about equilibrium in the orbital plane?

c) What is the period T
of small oscillations about equilibrium perpendicular to the orbital

plane?
d) The satellite is given a small angular speed around its long axis. To rst order in , nd the
new stable-equilibrium orientation of the satellite, where the direction of the long axis appears
to be xed in the rotating coordinate system.
54
January 2005
J05M.1 - Rope Around a Cylinder
Problem
A long rope is wound around a cylinder of radius r so that a length, l, of the rope is in contact with
the cylinder. The coecient of static friction between te rope and the cylinder is
s
. A force F is
exerted on one end of the rope. For a given F, r, l and
s
, what force f must be applied to avoid
the rope slipping? Explain why a small child can hold a large ocean liner in place using a device
like this.
s
f
F
55
Part I - Mechanics J05M.2 - Planet Moving Through Dust Cloud
J05M.2 - Planet Moving Through Dust Cloud
Problem
A planet of mass M and radius R moves through a cloud of interplanetary dust at a constant
velocity v
0
. The dust particles have negligible mass. Depending on its initial position when the
planet is still far away, each dust particle will either hit or miss the planet as it moves by. When
they strike the planet, they stick. The capture cross section is dened as the transverse area
within which all dust particles are captured. Compute . Hint: it is useful to consider the capture
process in the reference frame of the planet.
R
v
0
56
Part I - Mechanics J05M.3 - Waves in a Series of Pendula
J05M.3 - Waves in a Series of Pendula
Problem
Consider wave propagation in a one-dimensional medium which consists of a large number of pendula
of mass m and length l coupled by springs of spring constant K. The distance between adjacent
masses is a
0
, which is also the natural length of the springs.
K
l
K
l
K
l
K
l
K
l
K
l
K
l
K
g
n1

n

n+1
a
0
m
a) Write the equation of motion for small horizontal displacements of the n-th mass,
n
.
b) Derive a dispersion relation for the propagating modes.
c) What is the range of frequencies (bandwidth) over which waves can propagate along the chain?
57
May 2004
M04M.1 - Particles on a Line
Problem
Two elastic spherical particles with masses m and M (m M) are constrained to move along a
straight line with an elastically reecting wall at its end. At t = 0 they are in motion as shown,
with u
0
v
0
.
m
M
d
u
0
v
0
Find the subsequent motion of M, averaged over the period of motion of m. In this approximation,
how far does M travel before turning around?
(Note: The initial location of m is irrelevant in this limit.)
58
Part I - Mechanics M04M.2 - Coupled Pendula
M04M.2 - Coupled Pendula
Problem
Two simple pendula, each of length l and mass m are coupled by a spring of force constant k which
is attached to their massless and inextensible rods at their halfway points. The spring is relaxed
when the pendula are vertical.
l
l
m
m
1
a) Write a Lagrangian for the system.
b) Find the normal modes and their frequencies for small oscillations about equilibrium.
c) At t = 0 the left pendulum is displaced by a small angle
1
(0) =
0
and released from rest
while the right pendulum is at rest with
2
(0) = 0. Find
1,2
(t).
d) How long will it be before the energy of the left pendulum is transferred completely to the
right pendulum?
59
Part I - Mechanics M04M.3 - Panels in Space
M04M.3 - Panels in Space
Problem
A set of two rigidly linked panels is placed in outer space, where it can spin about 3 dierent axes.
The panels are in the form of two thin, square, planar sections, L = 15 m on a side, each of mass
m = 3 10
4
kg. The two square sections are at a distance of d = 100 m and are connected with
low-mass rigid beams (not shown in the gure).
A
d = 100 m
m m
L = 15 m
L = 15 m
a) Compute the principal moments of inertia I
1
> I
2
> I
3
about the point A.
b) After its construction, the set of panels was set spinning about the axis with the moment of
inertia I
2
, with its angular velocity chosen so that the pseudo-gravity at the center of each
square section is g/6. Sadly, a tiny asteroid came by soon after and its impact nudged the
angular velocity a little bit away from the 2
nd
axis. Show that the resulting motion of the
panels will be perturbed strongly. What is the characteristic time for the perturbation to grow
strong?
60
January 2004
J04M.1 - Bead on a Wire (J06M.3)
Problem
A bead of mass m slides without friction on a wire whose shape is
z(r) = a
_
r
a
_
4
The wire rotates about the z axis with constant angular velocity . Earths gravity causes acceler-
ation g in the negative z direction.
a) Find the equation of motion for the bead in terms of coordinate r.
b) Find the equilibrium points. Say whether each is stable.
c) For the stable equilibria, nd the frequency of small oscillations about equilibrium.
61
Part I - Mechanics J04M.2 - Power Law Central Force (J06M.2)
J04M.2 - Power Law Central Force (J06M.2)
Problem
A particle of mass m moves in an attractive, power-law central force, F r
n
. Dene constant k
so that the potential energy is
U(r) =
k
r
n1
.
The particle is set moving from a position near the force center with such initial conditions that its
orbit is a circle of radius a which passes through the origin r() = 2a cos . The existence of this
orbit imposes conditions on the force law, the energy, and the angular momentum.
a) Find the force power law n.
b) Find the angular momentum of the particle in terms of the constants k, a and m.
c) Show that the total energy, E vanishes for this orbit.
d) How long does it take for the particle to complete a full trip from the force center and back to
it?
e) Remove the orbiting mass m to innity and give it an initial velocity v
. Find the total cross

section for the force described above to capture the particle (i.e. for the particles trajectory
to pass through the force center at r = 0).
62
Part I - Mechanics J04M.3 - Falling Stick
J04M.3 - Falling Stick
Problem
A thin stick with some arbitrary linear mass density (x) along it is initially at rest. It has one end
on a table and makes an angle
0
with the vertical. The stick-table contact point has an innite
coecient of friction.
Let m be the total mass of the stick, R be the distance from the contact point to the center of mass,
I
CM
be the moment about the center of mass, and g be the acceleration due to gravity.
R
CM
a) The stick is released from rest and allowed to fall to the table. Finad the condition that the
end of the stick initially in contact with the table does rise from the table as the stick falls.
Express the condition in terms of
0
, m, g, R, and I
CM
.
b) Now consider a specic mass distribution. Let the mass be uniformly distributed along the
length. For what range of initial angles
0
will the stick eventually lift o the table?
c) Consider a dierent mass distribution: the mass is concentrated in two points of equal mass,
one at either end of the stick. Now for what range of initial angles
0
will the stick eventually
lift o the table?
63
May 2003
M03M.1 - Lagrange points and WMAP
Problem
The Earth is ins a circular orbit of angular frequency about the Sun. The Sun is so much
more massive that the Earth that, for our purposes, it may take to sit at rest at the center of our
coordinate system. Lagrange discovered that there exist a certain number of equilibrium points at
which an articial satellite of negligible mass can orbit the Sun with the same frequency as the
Earth (while maintaining a xed distance from the Earth and the Sun). Such orbits are ideally
suited for space-based observatories of various kinds. We will explore some of the properties of the
Lagrange points in this problem.
a) Consdier points on the line that runs from the Sun through the Earth. This line is of course
stationary in the reference frame that rotates with the Earth in its orbit. Show that there is
one point on this line outside the Earths orbit where a test particle may sit at equilibrium in
the rotating frame. This point is commonly designated as the L2 Lagrange point. (There is a
similar Lagrange point, L1, inside the Earths orbit as well.)
b) Give an approximate expression, correct to leading order in the small quantity = M
e
/M
s
, for
the distance from the Earth to the L2 Lagrange point described above. Express your answer
in terms of the masses and R, the Earth-Sun distance. The Wilkinson Microwave Anisotropy
Probe (WMAP) is stationed at L2: using 310
6
and R = 1.510
8
km, nd the distance
from Earth to WMAP.
c) Determine whether the L2 equilibrium point is stable or unstable against small perturbations
in position along the Earth-Sun line.
64
Part I - Mechanics M03M.2 - Rolling Sphere
M03M.2 - Rolling Sphere
Problem
The problem of a sphere rolling without slipping directly down an inclined plane is an old chestnut
of freshman physics. In this problem, you are asked to examine more general motions of a sphere
rolling without slipping on inclined and rotating planes.
The state of motion of a sphere of mass M is specied by giving its position

R and velocity d
R/dt
with respect to a xed point and its angular velocity with respect to its center of mass. The
rolling without slipping constraint is usually expressed as d
R/dt = a n where a is the spheres

radius and n is a unit vector normal to the plane on which the sphere is rolling. There is a constant
force

f which acts in the plane to enforce the constraint and this constraint force has to be taken
into account in the equations for acceleration of the center of mass and for the time rate of change
of the angular momentum I about the center of mass.
a) Suppose that the plane is inclined to the horizontal at an angle in the Earths gravitational
eld. Show that you can eliminate the constraint force to nd an equation for the center of
mass alone and show that the center of mass experiences an acceleration of
5
7
g sin along the
downhill direction of the plane. Hence, the trajectories of this rolling sphere are parabolae.
b)
Now consider the case that the pane is not inclined, but is rotating with angular velocity

about the vertical axis. The most important modication to the calculation you have just done
is that the condition for rolling without slipping changes. Use the changed condition in your
previous analysis to show that the center of mass executes circular motion in the horizontal
inertial frame with frequency
2
7
! In other words, the rolling sphere executes Larmor orbits,
just like a charged particle in a uniform magnetic eld!
For reference, note that the moment of inertia of a homogeneous sphere is
2
5
Ma
2
.
65
Part I - Mechanics M03M.3 - Helmholtz Resonator
M03M.3 - Helmholtz Resonator
Problem
Consider a cube of size l lled with air. Air in the cube has an equilibrium pressure p
0
and density
0
.
a) Write the wave equation for small uctuations p
1
(x, t) of the pressure eld. State the relation
between uctuations
1
in the density and uctuations p
1
in the pressure (it involves the
velocity of sound c
s
). What is the equation that would allow one to infer the local velocity v
of the air uid from the gradient of the uctuating pressure eld?
b) State the proper boundary condition which must be satised by the pressure eld at the walls
of the cube and use it to derive an expression for the eigenfrequencies of oscillation of the
air in the cube. Explain why the mode which has no spatial dependence (p = p(t)) and
eigenfrequency zero is not actually in the spectrum. Note that all real modes have frequencies
that scale with the size of the cube as 1/L.
c) Now make a small hole of area S in a wall of the cube and attach an open tube of the same
area and length l so that air can ow in and out of the cube. Revisit the problem of a mode in
which the pressure is independent of position. A pressure excess inside the cube will accelerate
the air in the tube, leading to an outow of air which will then reduce the pressure inside the
cube. Write down the coupled equations of motion for the pressure p(t) in the cube and the
speed u(t) of airow in the tube. Solve to nd the oscillation frequency of this zero mode and
note that it scales as 1/L
3/2
(if l and S are held xed). This device for making low-frequency
sound is called a Helmholtz resonator.
The setup is as indicated in the following gure:
L
L
L
l
open
u
66
January 2003
J03M.1 - Scattering from an Attractive Potential
Problem
This problem is about scattering by an attractive potential.
a) Consider a particle with energy E and z < 0 approaching the z = 0 plane at an angle
1
to
the z-axis. Find the angle
2
that it makes to the z axis after passing through the z = 0 plane
if V = 0 for z < 0 and V = V
0
(constant) for z > 0.
b) Apply your result to a uniform beam of particles scattered by the attractive potential
V (r) = V
0
r < a, V (r) = 0 r > a
Determine the dierential cross section. (Recall that the denition of the dierential cross
section is
d
d
=
b
sin
db
d
, where b is the impact parameter and the scattering angle.)
67
Part I - Mechanics J03M.2 - Disk with Three Springs
J03M.2 - Disk with Three Springs
Problem
A uniform disk of mass m and radius a rests on a horizontal frictionless surface. It is symmetrically
attached to three identical, ideal, massless springs whose other ends are attached to the three
vertices of an equilateral triangle.
m
a
k
k
k
At equilibrium, the length l of the springs is greater than the relaxed length l
0
. The disk remains
in the initial horizontal plane but is otherwise free to move. (The diagram shows the view looking
down on the plane.) What are the frequencies of the normal modes of small oscillations? What
do the modes look like? Hint: You might identify the normal modes from the symmetries before
calculating the frequencies.
68
Part I - Mechanics J03M.3 - Orbits in a Central Potential
J03M.3 - Orbits in a Central Potential
Problem
Consider a particle of mass m moving in a xed central potential with angular momentum l. The
potential is V (r) = C/2r
2
where r is the distance from the center and C > 0 is a constant. Note
that the potential leads to an attractive central force, F(r) = C/r
3
. There are various kinds
of orbits in this potential depending on the particles angular momentum and energy. Determine
those values of the parameters which separate the dierent classes of orbits and give an example,
including a sketch, of each class of orbit. By orbit is meant r as a function of azimuthal angle, ,
in the plane of the orbit.
69
May 2002
M02M.1 - Particle in a Cone
Problem
A small particle of mass m is constrained to slide, without friction, on the inside of a circular cone
whose vertex is at the origin and whose axis is along the z-axis. The half angle at the apex of the
cone is and there is a uniform gravitational eld g, directed downward and parallel to the axis of
the cone.
x
y
z
g
a) Determine a set of generalized coordinates, and obtain the equations of motion in these coor-
dinates.
b) Show that a solution of the equations of motion is a circular orbit at a xed height z
0
. Obtain
an expression for the frequency, , of this motion.
c) Show that the circular motion is stable. If is the frequency of small oscillations about the
unperturbed motion, show that the ratio / depends only on . Determine this dependence.
70
Part I - Mechanics M02M.2 - Mass on a String
M02M.2 - Mass on a String
Problem
A string of length L, mass m, and tension is xed at the two extremes. A mass M is attached in
the middle, as shown in the gure. The string oscillates transversely in the plane of the gure.
M
L/2
m
L 0
a) Write down the form of the normal modes and the equations that determine their frequencies.
b) Show that the equations you derived have a family of solutions where the mass M is always
at rest.
c) List the normal mode frequencies at M = 0 and M = .
d) Sketch how the rst four frequencies interpolate between these limits.
71
Part I - Mechanics M02M.3 - The Coriolis Eect
M02M.3 - The Coriolis Eect
Problem
A particle is dropped vertically in the Earths gravitational eld at latitude . Assume it feels an
air drag F = kv
2
. Due to the Coriolis eect, it will undergo a horizontal deection.
a) Initially neglect the Earths rotation. Find an explicit equation for the vertical velocity.
b) Working at leading order in the Earths angular velocity , and using the result you just
derived, nd the horizontal velocity as a function of time.
c)
What is the velocity at t
_
m
gk
?
72
January 2002
J02M.1 - Flapping Toy
Problem
Deduce the frequency of small oscillations of the apping toy shown in the gure below, supposing
the central mass m moves only vertically, and the motion of the others masses is only in the x-y
plane.
b b
c
c
c
c
m
m/2 m/2
g
x
y
a a
The apping toy consists of the central mass m connected by two massless rods of length 2c to two
masses m/2. The centers of the two rods are suspended from a horizontal plane by massless strings
of length b, with distance 2a between the upper points of suspension. Length c is slightly larger
than a.
73
Part I - Mechanics J02M.2 - Slingshot Orbit
J02M.2 - Slingshot Orbit
Problem
A space probe is launched from Earth into a transfer orbit whose maximum radius b is slightly
larger than the distance from the Sun to Mars. The launch time is such that when the probe
reaches distance b from the Sun it has a near collision with Mars, which deects the velocity of the
probe by 180
with respect to Mars and gives a forward boost to the velocity of the probe with
respect to the Sun.
Sun
Earth
Mars
b
a
Probe
What is the largest distance from the Sun to which the probe can now travel?
As an intermediate step, calculate such parameters of the transfer orbit as its eccentricity , char-
acteristic radius r
0
, energy E, angular momentum L, and the maximum and minimum velocities v
a
and v
b
.
You may make the approximations that the orbits of Earth and Mars are circular with radii a and
b, respectively, that the masses of Earth and Mars do not aect the transfer orbit between the
two planets, that the mass of the Earth and Sun can be ignored during the near collision between
the probe and Mars, and that the masses of Earth and Mars can again be ignored after the near
collision. You may also ignore the complication that the distance of closest approach needed for
Mars to deect the probe by 180
is less than its radius.

This problem is an example of a 4-body gravitational interaction. Amusing web sites on the n-body
problem are http://www.soe.ucsc.edu/
~
charlie/3body/ and
http://www.ams.org/new-in-math/cover/orbits1.html
74
Part I - Mechanics J02M.3 - Stretching Cable
J02M.3 - Stretching Cable
Problem
Consider a cable of mass m with its upper end xed and with mass M suspended from its lower end.
When the cable is unstretched (and NOT hanging vertically) it has length l and spring constant k.
a) What is the spring constant of a segment of the cable with length L l? You may assume
that the cable has a xed cross section, and is made from a material with a constant Young
modulus.
b) Determine the amount s
0
by which the cable is stretched in the static situation when the
suspended mass M is at rest. Make sure to take in to account the eect of the mass of the
cable.
c) Deduce an expression for the possible angular frequencies of vertical oscillations of the mass
M.
d) What is the lowest frequency of oscillation for the special cases that (i) M = 0, (ii) m = 0,
and (iii) m/M 1?
75
May 2001
M01M.1 - Massive Spring
Problem
A spring has spring constant K, unstretched length L, and mass per unit length . The spring is
suspended vertically from one end in a constant gravitational eld g, and stretches under tis own
weight.
x
g = 0
s(x)
g
a) For a point whose distance from the upper end of the spring is x when unstretched, nd its
distance s(x) from its gravity-free position when the spring is stretched.
b) Suppose we suddenly turn o gravity. (This can be done for example by putting the system
in an elevator, which suddenly falls down from rest.) Find the subsequent motion s(x, t) of
the spring.
76
Part I - Mechanics M01M.2 - Particle in an Anharmonic Potential
M01M.2 - Particle in an Anharmonic Potential
Problem
A particle of mass m moves in a one-dimensional potential V (x) = ax
2
+ bx
4
with very light
damping. The particle is set in motion with a large initial velocity. Suppose now we measure the
period of the motion for each full oscillation, and call these periods T
1
, T
2
, T
3
, T
4
, and so on. It is
observed that the T
i
briey become very large for i near some i
0
.
a) Explain what makes the periods get large.
b) Obtain a scaling form for T
i
near i = i
0
, valid in the limit of small damping. (A scaling form
would be something like T [i i
0
[
for some , or T log [i i

0
[, etc). Hint: consider
rst the motion without the friction, m x = V
(x). Recalling that this motion is necessarily

periodic, derive an integral formula relating the period of oscillation to the energy and the
turning points x
and x
+
of the motion.
c) Give an approximate sketch of T
i
as a function of i.
77
Part I - Mechanics M01M.3 - Particle in Gravitational and Magnetic Fields
M01M.3 - Particle in Gravitational and Magnetic Fields
Problem
A particle of mass m and charge q moves freely in a gravitational eld g = g
j and a magnetic eld

B = B
k. At time t = 0 the particle is released from the origin O with no initial velocity. It traces
a curve in the x-y plane.
a) Find the parametric equations x = x(t), y = y(t) describing the curve. Sketch the curve on an
x-y diagram.
The above motion is idealized, because two eects have been ignored: air drag and radiation
damping.
b) Now assume that the particle also feels a drag force due to the surrounding atmosphere,
F = v. Derive the motion of the particle. What is its nal velocity?
c) Instead of air drag, suppose we include the damping eect caused by the electromagnetic
radiation emitted during its motion. Describe, qualitatively, how this modies the motion
found in part a). What is the nal velocity of the particle?
78
January 2001
J01M.1 - Particle on a Torus
Problem
Find the frequency of small oscillations about uniform circular motion of a point mass that is
constrained to move on the surface of a torus (donut) of major radius a and minor radius b whose
axis is vertical.
a b
g
79
Part I - Mechanics J01M.2 - Free Precession of a Planet - 1
J01M.2 - Free Precession of a Planet - 1
Problem
The following two problems relate to a calculation of the angular frequency of free precession of
a planet or star whose angular frequency of rotation about its axis is . The problems themselves
are independent.
Suppose that the density of the object is uniform, and that its shape can be determined by the
condition of hydrostatic equilibrium. Deduce an expression for the (small) quantity (, M, r
P
)
that relates the equatorial radius r
E
to the polar radius r
P
by the form r
E
= r
P
(1 + ), where
M 4r
3
P
/3 is the mass of the object.
80
Part I - Mechanics J01M.3 - Free Precession of a Planet - 2
J01M.3 - Free Precession of a Planet - 2
Problem
Suppose the object can be treated as a rigid body whose principal moments of inertia obey (I
P

I
E
)/I
P
= to deduce the angular frequency of free precession in terms of the angular frequency
of rotation.
The reader will note that the models of the two problems are somewhat contradictory. However,
they work fairly well for the Earth, whose observed free precession period of 430 days (Chandler,
1891) is about 1.6 times that as estimated above. The Chandler wobble is thought to be driven by
surface wind and water; see Science 289, 710 (4 Aug. 2000). First evidence for free precession of a
pulsar, PSR B1828-11, has recently been reported by Princeton Ph.D. I.H. Stairs, Nature 406, 484
(2000), with a period about 1/150 that of the above model. This discrepancy is ascribed to little
understood aspects of the superuid interior of the pulsar.
81
May 2000
M00M.1 - Precession of the Perihelion
Problem
With Newtonian mechanics, we wish to compute the rate of precession of the perihelion (point of
closest approach) of a planet in orbit around a stationary ring-shaped star of radius a and mass
M. The planet orbits in the plane of the ring and its distance R, from the center of the ring satises
R a.
a
R
Star
M Planet
The situation in this problem is a toy model for the eects of an oblate Sun. Professor Dicke (and
others) pointed out that an oblate Sun could be responsible for part of the excess precession of the
perihelion of Mercuryan eect usually attributed entirely to general relativity.
a) What is the gravitational potential of the ring in the plane of the ring? Include terms to order
(a/R)
2
.
b) What is the angular velocity,
0
, of a circular orbit of radius R, to order (a/R)
2
?
c) If the planet is given a small radial perturbation, its new orbit will oscillate about the original
circular orbit with angular frequency
r
. Find an expression for the precession of the perihelion,
= 2(
r
0
)/
0
.
82
Part I - Mechanics M00M.2 - Ladder on a Wall
M00M.2 - Ladder on a Wall
Problem
A uniform ladder leans against a frictionless vertical wall and rests on a frictionless horizontal oor.
It is released from rest, with the ladder and the oor initially making an angle . At some point,
the ladder will separate from the wall. Determine the angle the ladder makes with the oor when
this happens.
g
83
Part I - Mechanics M00M.3 - Bead on a Hoop
M00M.3 - Bead on a Hoop
Problem
A circular hoop of radius a rotates about a vertical diameter with constant angular velocity . A
small bead of mass m is constrained to slide without friction on the hoop. Consider the case when
2
= g/a. The bead can undergo small oscillations around = 0. These are not simple harmonic
oscillations! Determine the period of these small oscillations. You may leave an unevaluated denite
integral in your expression, but your solution should make it obvious how the period depends on
the amplitude of oscillation.
g
m
84
January 2000
J00M.1 - Shape of an Arch
Problem
The shape of an arch is determined by the condition that each brick is held in place by the normal
force of its neighbors, with no need for mortar or glue. To model this consider a thin course of
bricks shaped so the normal force exerted on each brick by the neighbor on either side supports the
brick against the uniform gravitational acceleration g. Then imagine the limit where the arch is a
thin line with height y = y(x) as a function of horizontal position x. The constant mass per unit
length along the line of the arch is .
x
y
2l
h
Find y(x) for an arch with horizontal width 2l and height h. Give the equations that determine the
constants in your solution, but you need not solve for the constants.
85
Part I - Mechanics J00M.2 - Linked Rods Falling
J00M.2 - Linked Rods Falling
Problem
The centers of two thin rods with mass m and length l are connected by a thread, and the two ends
are connected by a very short exible thread. The threads have negligible mass. The other ends of
the rods are free to slide without friction on a horizontal table. The plane of the rods is normal to
the table, so the gravitational acceleration g is in the plane of the rods, as shown in the drawing.
The rods are at rest, and make angle with the table. When the thread connecting the centers is
cut the rods fall vertically until they hit the table.
l
g
a) Find the speed at which the connected ends of the rods are falling immediately before they
hit the table.
b) Find the tension in the thread that connects the ends of the rods immediately before the rods
hit the table.
86
Part I - Mechanics J00M.3 - Orbiting Mass on a String
J00M.3 - Orbiting Mass on a String
Problem
A mass m
1
slides without friction on a horizontal table. The mass is tied to a string with negligible
mass that passes without friction through a small hole. A mass m
2
is tied to the other end of the
string. The uniform gravitational acceleration g is normal to the table.
r(t)
m
1
m
2
g
The orbit of m
1
is only slightly perturbed from circular. The masses m
1
and m
2
are chosen so
the orbit is closed, with one maximum and one minimum of the distance r(t) of m
1
from the hole,
when computed to rst order in the departure from a circular orbit. Find m
2
in terms of the other
parameters.
87
May 1999
M99M.1 - Ball Rolling in a Cylinder
Problem
A solid ball of radius r and mass m is rolling without slipping inside a long hollow vertical cylinder
of radius R > r under the inuence of gravity. Initially the velocity v(t = 0) is in the horizontal
direction and there is no spin perpendicular to the wall about the point of contact. (Though later
the ball may develop rotation about the point of contact.)
R
r
mg
Side view
Top view at t = 0
a) Show that there is a rotating coordinate system, with constant angular velocity along the
symmetry axis of the cylinder, with respect to which the ball moves only in the vertical
direction. What is the angular velocity of this system? (Hint: you may nd it helpful
to consider the vertical component of the angular momentum about a conveniently chosen
reference point.)
b) Find, and sketch, the trajectory of the ball as a function of time for the given initial conditions.
Write down explicit equations of motion for all three components of the angular velocity of
the ball.
You may answer the questions in any order, but make sure to write explicitly a complete set
of equations of motion, e.g., for the three components of the angular velocity of the ball.
88
Part I - Mechanics M99M.2 - Two Repulsive Particles
M99M.2 - Two Repulsive Particles
Problem
There are two particles A and B with a repulsive potential,
U(r) =
a
r
2
between them. Particle A has mass M and particle B has mass 2M. Suppose particle A is shot at
velocity v towards a stationary particle B with impact parameter b. Find the deection angle of
particle A after the collision.
Remark: the question can be solved exactly, however an answer incorporating a constant dened
by a dimensionless integral is also acceptable (explain your derivation).
89
Part I - Mechanics M99M.3 - Drum Head
M99M.3 - Drum Head
Problem
A drum can be considered to be a uniform membrane of mass per unit area , stretched on a rim
of radius R. The tension , per unit length of the membrane, is so large that it can be considered
to be constant even when the membrane is slightly deformed from its equilibrium (at) shape. (If
the membrane is imagined to be cut, then is the force which, applied to unit length on either side
of the cut will hold the membrane in its place.)
a) How far does the center of the membrane sag below the level of the rim when the drum is held
horizontal and the acceleration of gravity is g?
b) Find the lowest vibrational frequency f of the membrane. Ignore gravity in this part of the
problem.
A reasonable approximate solution will be accepted. However, you may want to know that the
rst zero of the Bessel function J
0
(x), which solves the dierential equation J
0
+
1
x
J
0
+J
0
= 0,
is J
0
(0.766) = 0.
90
January 1999
J99M.1 - Rolling Disk
Problem
A thin uniform disk of radius a and weight Mg rolls without slipping with constant speed in a circle
of radius b on a horizontal plane. The plane of the disk is inclined at an angle from the vertical.
Find the period for motion around the circle as a function of .
91
Part I - Mechanics J99M.2 - Particle Rolling on a Hyperboloid
J99M.2 - Particle Rolling on a Hyperboloid
Problem
A particle of mass m moves on the surface x
2
+ y
2
z
2
= R
2
, subject to a uniform force due to
gravity g directed along the negative z axis. Deduce the frequency of small oscillations about orbits
that lie in a plane normal to the z axis. For what values of z are such orbits unstable?
92
Part I - Mechanics J99M.3 - Rod Orbiting the Sun
J99M.3 - Rod Orbiting the Sun
Problem
A rod of length L, mass m and uniform mass density is circling in an orbit around the Sun at
distance R (between the center of the rod and the Sun). The mass of the Sun is M. Assume that
the rod is always pointed in the radial direction. Calculate the tension at the center of the rod.
93
May 1998
M98M.1 - Mass on a Rope and Cylinder
Problem
A mass m is lifted by means of a rope drawn across a cylinder as sketched in the gure. The
cylinder is xed so that it does not rotate. A steady horizontal tension T is applied, and the mass
rises vertically with no acceleration. Find an expression for T in terms of the coecient of kinetic
friction, , between the cylinder and the rope.
R
g
T
m
94
Part I - Mechanics M98M.2 - Masses Connected by a Spring
M98M.2 - Masses Connected by a Spring
Problem
Consider a system of two particles, each of mass m, in a constant gravitational eld g. Particle
P
1
moves without friction on the vertical circle of radius R. P
2
moves without friction along the
horizontal line. The two particles are connected by a perfect spring whose elastic constant is k.
The spring is prestressed so that the tension is proportional to the length, T = kr, when the spring
length is r.
R
R
P
1
P
2
m
1
g
a) What are the position(s) of equilibrium? Specify for each whether the position is stable or
unstable.
b) For each of the stable position(s), and for each normal mode of small oscillations, sketch the
motions of the particles.
c) Find the frequencies of the normal modes of small oscillations around the stable positions.
95
Part I - Mechanics M98M.3 - Fluid Dynamics
M98M.3 - Fluid Dynamics
Problem
Answer all FIVE of the following short questions. Where a numerical answer is required use accel-
eration of gravity g = 980 cm s
2
, atmospheric pressure p = 1 10
6
dynes cm
2
= 1 10
5
N m
2
,
and density of water = 1 g cm
3
.
a) Water is owing out of a hole with diameter d = 1 cm in the vertical side of a container. The
center of the hole is h = 1 m below the top of the water. The diameter of the container is
D = 10 m. Compute the speed of the water as it passes through the hole under the assumptions
that the ow is laminar, and that viscous drag is negligible.
b) A balloon lled with helium (density
He
= 2 10
4
g cm
3
) is tied to the oor of a train
car by a string of length L = 1 m. The car is accelerating forward on a level surface with
acceleration a = 1 m s
2
. Sketch the position of the balloon in the train car and give an
expression for the angle the balloons string makes with the vertical.
c) An individual is standing on a level piston that can move freely in a cylinder. The piston is
supported by water in the cylinder beneath it. The water is connected to a pipe that rises
vertically beside the person. The cylinder has a circular cross section with radius R = 1 m.
The pipe has a circular cross section with radius r = 1 cm. The individual and piston have
total mass M = 100 kg. Find the dierence between the heights of water in the cylinder and
in the pipe.
d) A spherical soap bubble of radius r = 1 cm is blown from soap which has surface tension
= 50 dynes cm
1
= 0.05 N m
1
. What is P, the pressure dierence between the inside of
the bubble and the outside?
e)
P
P = 0
P
?
Four horizontal cylindrical tubes intersect as shown in the
gure. The tubes have equal lengths L and radii R, with
L R. A uid of viscosity ows laminarly in the tubes.
The ends of two opposing tubes are held at pressure P
,
while the end of the third arm is maintained at (approx-
imately) zero pressure. The end of the fourth tube is at
pressure P
. For what values of will the ux of uid in

the fourth tube be outward from the junction?
96
January 1998
J98M.1 - Hanging Rope
Problem
A piece of thin uniform unstretchable rope has length 2L and mass M. Its ends are attached to
points at the same height separated by distance 2w, and the rope hangs between them under the
inuence of gravity (of course, w < L). Let us set up coordinates (x, y) in the plane of the rope,
so that the end points have equal values of y, and x = w. You will be asked to determine the
vertical coordinate of the rope, y, as a function of x.
a) Write down the functional of y(x) that has to be minimized. What is the form of the constraint?
b) One may think of the functional to be minimized as an action for a 1-dimensional particle with
coordinate y and time x. Find a conserved quantity.
c) For a given value of the conserved quantity, nd y(x). What is the equation relating the
conserved quantity to w and L?
97
Part I - Mechanics J98M.2 - Pucks on a Spring
J98M.2 - Pucks on a Spring
Problem
Two identical pucks of mass m can slide without friction on a horizontal table. Their centers are
connected by an ideal massless spring of equilibrium length d and spring constant k. Initially the
system is at rest. At t = 0 one of the pucks is hit sharply, which gives it velocity v
i
normal to the
spring.
d
v
i
a) Derive a dierential equation for the length of the spring as a function of time, l(t), for t > 0.
b) What is the minimum length of the spring during the motion?
c) Derive an algebraic equation for the maximum length. Find its approximate solution for small
v
i
.
98
Part I - Mechanics J98M.3 - Ice Skate
J98M.3 - Ice Skate
Problem
As a simplied model for the motion of a skate, assume that the blade experiences no friction when
it moves along itself and/or turns around its center. The blade cannot move translationally normal
to itself.
Now consider a skate moving on an icy inclined plane which makes a 30 degree angle with the
horizontal. In view of the assumption above, you may think of the blade as a thin uniform rod of
mass M moving on the plane under the inuence of gravity subject to the constraint that it cannot
move translationally normal to itself. Introduce Cartesian coordinates x and y on the plane, with
x pointing down the incline. The blade is characterized by its center of mass position (x, y), and
the angle it makes with the x-axis.
y
x
a) Write down the equations of motion including the reaction force normal to the blade.
b) Write down the constraint on the motion in terms of x, y, , and their time derivatives.
c) At time t = 0, x = y = = x = y = 0 and

= . Find the subsequent trajectory. Hint: The
reaction force normal to the blade is proportional to sin(t).
99
May 1997
M97M.1 - Flyball Governor
Problem
A yball governor consists of a vertical shaft with one or more arms connected to its apex with
hinges. The entire system is set in motion by turning the shaft at angular velocity . For large
the angle of the arms to the vertical will reach some specied value, engaging some mechanical
switch to limit further increase in the angular velocity.
Far a given value of deduce the equilibrium angle
0
and the frequency of small oscillations
about the equilibrium.
You may take the governor to have a single massless arm of length l with point mass m at its
extremity. The hinge constrains the motion of the arm to be in a vertical plane that is xed to
(rotates with) the shaft.
100
Part I - Mechanics M97M.2 - The Sun Orbiting the Earth
M97M.2 - The Sun Orbiting the Earth
Problem
The ancient Greeks considered the orbit of the Sun around the xed Earth to be a circle (say, of
radius a), but the center of the circle must be oset from the Earth (say, by distance b) to t the
facts reasonably well. Assuming the motion is as described, and that the corresponding force is a
central force, deduce the force law (or equivalently, the potential).
101
Part I - Mechanics M97M.3 - Radiofrequency Quadrupole
M97M.3 - Radiofrequency Quadrupole
Problem
A radiofrequency quadrupole is a device for focussing beams of charged particles. The electric eld
in this device can be approximated as that derived from the quasistatic potential
(x, y, t) =
E
0
2d
(y
2
x
2
) sin t,
where d is a length and is the frequency of the eld. The magnetic eld is ignored in this
approximation. While the approximate elds do not satisfy Maxwells equations, there is little
error for x, y , the wavelength of the radiofrequency waves.
Deduce the equations of motion for a particle of charge e and mass m in the radiofrequency
quadrupole. Consider solutions of the form
x(t) = f(t) + g(t) sin t
where g f and both f and g are slowly varying compared to sin t. The parameters ma be
assumed to satisfy the conditions that such solutions exist.
Complete the solution for the particular case that
x(0) = 0, x(0) = v
0
0
,
y(0) = 0, y(0) = 0,
z(0) = 0, x(0) = v
0
with
0
1. At what distance along the z-axis is the rst image of the beam spot, i.e. where the
initially diverging beam is brought back to the z-axis?
102
January 1997
J97M.1 - Scattering from Constant Spherical Potentials
Problem
Classical, non-relativistic point-like particles of mass m and velocity v scatter from xed scattering
centers. The scattering centers are spherical, of radius r, such that within r, the potential energy
of the incident particle is V
0
(V
0
> 0), whereas outside r, the potential energy is 0.
Find the total cross section for all incident particle energies. For the special case in which the
incident energy is large compared to the potential (E
0
=
1
2
mv
2
V
0
), determine the dierential
scattering cross section, making reasonable approximations.
103
Part I - Mechanics J97M.2 - Holes in Soap Bubbles
J97M.2 - Holes in Soap Bubbles
Problem
A uniform, innite, plane lm of soap is punctured. Obtain a dierential equation for the radius of
the hole that forms as a function of time. Make simplifying assumptions and ignore the eects of
air, gravity and viscosity.
Show that the radial speed at which the hole grows tends to a terminal velocity. Estimate this
velocity for a soap m whose thickness is a few wavelengths of light and whose surface tension is
= 3 10
2
N/m.
104
Part I - Mechanics J97M.3 - Wheel With Teeth
J97M.3 - Wheel With Teeth
Problem
A wheel with teeth is attached to the end of a spring with spring constant k and unstretched length
l. For x > l the wheel slips freely on the surface, but for x < l the teeth of the wheel mesh with
the teeth of the ground so that the wheel cannot slip. Assume that all the mass of the wheel is in
its rim.
x
l b
a) The wheel is pulled to x = l + b and released. How close to the wall will it come on its rst
trip.
b) How far will it go after it leaves the wall?
c) What happens when the wheel next hits the gear track?
105
May 1996
M96M.1 - Stack of Bricks
Problem
An architect who has to build an arch with bricks but without mortar consults you, a physicist or
engineer, regarding the following questions:
l L
H
g
a) What is the maximum overhang L she can get with N bricks each of length l?
b) To what value does L converge in the large-N limit?
c) Just to be practical, with bricks of thickness t = 5 cm what would be the minimum height H
of the stack if the overhang were L = 25 l?
106
Part I - Mechanics M96M.2 - Charge Orbiting a Dipole
M96M.2 - Charge Orbiting a Dipole
Problem
Find the orbits for which a point particle of mass m and electric charge q moves in the eld of a
point electric dipole p = p x at a constant radius about the dipole. Comment on the stability of
such motion.
107
Part I - Mechanics M96M.3 - Electronic String Plucking
M96M.3 - Electronic String Plucking
Problem
A conducting wire of mass m and length L is stretched between two xed points with an unknown
tension T. One could determine the tension by plucking the wire and observing the frequency of
the vibration. In case the wire is fragile, consider the following scheme for noncontact plucking.
A magnetic eld of strength B is applied transverse to the wire over a length l L around the
midpoint of the wire. A very short pulse of total charge Q passes down the wire, which therefore
starts vibrating with a small amplitude. The voltage induced between the two ends of the vibrating
wire is measured as a function of time and a fourier analysis yields the amplitudes of the various
frequencies present.
l
L
Black box that
sends charge pulses,
measures voltage
Vibrating wire Magnetic eld, perp. to page
Calculate the voltage induced at the lowest two frequencies, and relate those frequencies to the
tension in the wire. You may ignore damping eects.
108
January 1996
J96M.1 - Bead on a String
Problem
A bead of mass m is attached to the center of a string of length L and mass density . The string is
under tension T. Derive an equation for the lowest normal mode frequency and sketch its graphical
solution. How does the frequency behave for large m when all other parameters are held xed?
109
Part I - Mechanics J96M.2 - Rod in a Hemispherical Cavity
J96M.2 - Rod in a Hemispherical Cavity
Problem
A hemispherical cavity of radius R is carved into a at level table. A thin uniform rod of mass m
is in equilibrium inside the bowl. The angle it makes with the vertical is measured to be . Ignore
all sources of friction.
a) What is the length of the rod?

b) Find the frequency of small oscillations of the rod about its equilibrium position.
110
Part I - Mechanics J96M.3 - Modied Gravity
J96M.3 - Modied Gravity
Problem
In this problem you are asked to nd the eect of a correction to the gravitational central potential
on planetary motion. We will be interested in the potential of the form
V (r) = m
_
GM
r
+

r
3
_
where m is the mass of the planet and M is the mass of the star. The planet has angular momentum
L and total energy E < 0.
a) First set = 0 and nd the trajectory of the planet. It may be helpful to use the variable
u = 1/r.
b) Now is non-vanishing but small enough that it makes a tiny eect on the motion. Find the
rate of precession of the orbit.
111
May 1995
M95M.1 - Scattering From a Central Potential
Problem
A classical particle with energy E is scattered from a conservative force eld corresponding to the
potential
V (x) =
_
0 [x[ a
V
0
[x[ > a
a) Draw the force eld.
b) Explain why the scattering pattern produced by the above eld is similar to the refraction
pattern produced when a beam of light hits a sphere of radius a lled with material with
refraction index n(x). Determine the function n(x).
c) Derive an expression for the dierential cross section, (). (It will suce to express the
answer in terms of explicit expressions and equations, which need not be reduced here to
simplest form.)
d) Determine the maximal angle of deection
max
.
e) What is the total cross section?
112
Part I - Mechanics M95M.2 - Ball on a Rotating Disk
M95M.2 - Ball on a Rotating Disk
Problem
A ball of mass m and radius b is rolling without slipping on a horizontal disk which is rotating at
a xed angular velocity
0
.
a) Express the no-slip condition in terms of natural variables.
b) Show that the balls orbits are circular.
c) Describe the orbit, and calculate the radius, if the ball is found rolling radially away at speed
v
0
at a point at distance d from the disks center. (One of these parameters drops out - which
one?)
d) The disk is now tilted at an angle . Write the equation of motion in that case, and describe the
trajectories. (You may avoid the integration of the equations by drawing on your knowledge
of an analogous system.)
113
Part I - Mechanics M95M.3 - Particle in a Hollow Sphere
M95M.3 - Particle in a Hollow Sphere
Problem
A particle of mass m is sliding without friction, under the inuence of gravity, on the inner surface
of a xed hollow sphere of radius r.
a) Derive the equations of motion, and list the conserved quantities.
b) State an equation which determines the heights, h
and h
+
, of the lowest and the highest
points along the orbit, in terms of the constants of motion.
c) Characterize the values of the conserved quantities at which the orbits are periodic.
d) Determine the initial conditions for which the particle will have a horizontal orbit at height
r/2 below the spheres center.
e) Find the period of small oscillations about that horizontal orbit.
You need not evaluate the integrals, and in your answer you may invoke the inverse of any explicitly
dened function.
114
January 1995
J95M.1 - Scattering From a Gaussian Potential
Problem
Consider the classical scattering of a non-relativistic particle of mass m moving in the central
potential
V (r) = Aexp(r
2
).
Work out the dierential cross section d/d as a function of scattering angle and energy E for
small angle scattering. In the small angle regime you may adopt the impulse approximation in
which the particle is treated as continuing in straight line motion even as it picks up transverse
momentum.
115
Part I - Mechanics J95M.2 - The Variational Principle
J95M.2 - The Variational Principle
Problem
Recall that Newtons laws of motion are embodied in the Euler equations, which in turn emerge
from a variational principle involving the action functional S. In the context of one-dimensional
motion of a single particle moving in a static potential, the action associated with a trajectory x(t)
from time t = 0 to time t = T is dened by
S =
_
T
0
L(x, x) dt,
where L is the Lagrangian. The action is dened for arbitrary functions x(t), i.e., it is a functional
of x(t). The variational principle leading to the Euler equation has to do with the behavior of S
under small variations of x(t) about some true trajectory x
tr
(t), i.e., one that accords with Newtons
law.
a) State the variational principle carefully.
b) Included in the statement above will be (should be) the point that S is stationary against small
variations. This raises the question, for a particular Lagrangian and particular choice of time
T, whether S is a maximum with respect to all possible variations about x
tr
(t); a minimum;
or a saddle (i.e., some variations decrease S, others increase it).
Address this question for the case of motion in a harmonic oscillator potential of frequency .
Be alert to the possibility that the answer may depend on the values of the parameters and
T.
116
Part I - Mechanics J95M.3 - Innite Coupled Pendula
J95M.3 - Innite Coupled Pendula
Problem
A mechanical system consist of an innite array of pendula which hang from a torsional spring.
The spring runs along the horizontal x-axis. Each pendulum swings in a plane perpendicular to the
x-axis. The pendula are spaced uniformly along x with lattice spacing b (the nth pendulum is at
x = nb, n ranging over all the integers). They are acted on by uniform gravity, and in equilibrium
all hang in the downward position. Let (x
n
, t) be the angular displacement from equilibrium of
the nth pendulum (as shown in the gure).
Each pendulum has mass m, length L as measured from the center of gravity to the torsion spring
connection, and moment of inertia I about that connection point. The torsion spring constant is
(the restoring torque is times the net angular twist over a length b of spring). Let g denote the
acceleration of gravity.
b
Front view
(n 2) (n 1) (n) (n + 1) (n + 2)
n
Side view
(n)
(n + 1)
mg
L
connection to
torsional spring
a) Write down the equations of motion for the
n
variables.
b) Now specialize to the case where the disturbance is gradual, i.e., where changes very little
from one pendulum to the next. In this limit one can regard the system as a continuum, with
117
Part I - Mechanics J95M.3 - Innite Coupled Pendula
x
n
x being treated as a continuous variable and
n
(t) = (x
n
, t) (x, t) a continuous
function of x and t. Specialize further to the case of small amplitude disturbances.
On the basis of these specializations, convert the equations in a) into a single partial dierential
equation for (x, t).
Look for solutions of the form (x, t) =
0
cos(kx t) and solve for as a function of k.
118
May 1994
M94M.1 - Mass and Two Springs
Problem
A mass, m, is constrained to move linearly on a frictionless table to pas indicated by the arrows
in the gures. The mass is attached to two identical massless springs, with spring constant k and
natural length a. The other ends of the springs are attached to xed supports a distance b from
the line of motion of the mass.
Find (1) the periods of small oscillations about the stable equilibrium points and (2) the dependence
of period on amplitude for each of the three cases:
a) a < b .
b) a > b .
c) a = b .
119
Part I - Mechanics M94M.2 - Analytical Dynamics
M94M.2 - Analytical Dynamics
Problem
Consider a system with N degrees of freedom, x
k
, k = 1 . . . N, which satisfy the equations of motion
m x
i
=
k
H
ik
x
k
U
x
i
,
where H
ik
is a constant matrix and the potential energy U does not explicitly depend on time.
a) Give an example of a physical system described by these equations of motion.
b) What are the conditions on H
ik
so that these equations of motion may be derived by extrem-
izing an action? Find the time-dependent Lagrangian when it exist.
c) Assuming the Lagrangian exists, nd the Hamiltonian.
d) Take N = 2 and U = k(x
2
1
+ x
2
2
)/2. Also assume the Lagrangian exists. Find the motion of
the system in the limit m 0 with H and k xed.
e) Under the same conditions as the previous part, qualitatively describe the motion when m is
small, but non-zero. How does the motion in this case approach the motion of the previous
part when m 0?
120
Part I - Mechanics M94M.3 - Bead on a Hoop (M08M.1)
M94M.3 - Bead on a Hoop (M08M.1)
Problem
A circular hoop of radius a rotates about a vertical diameter with constant angular velocity . A
small bead of mass m slides without friction on the hoop
a
m
g
a) Find the stable equilibrium points of the bead. These might depend on .
b) Give a general description of the motion of the bead.
c) Find the frequencies of small oscillations about the stable equilibrium points found in part (a).
121
January 1994
J94M.1 - Bubble in an Incompressible Fluid (J07M.3, M09M.1)
Problem
An ideal incompressible uid of density contains a bubble of radius R(t). The uid pressure is
held constant at P. Take the bubble to be empty (no pressure within the bubble), neglect surface
tension and gravity, and take the motion of the uid as the bubble collapses to be radial.
R(t)
P,
Find the rate of change dR/dt of the bubble radius after it has collapsed from rest by a factor of
two in radius.
122
Part I - Mechanics J94M.2 - Falling Rod
J94M.2 - Falling Rod
Problem
A rigid thin straight rod of length l and uniform mass per unit length leans against a frictionless
vertical wall and on a frictionless level oor. The acceleration of gravity is g. The rod is released
from rest when its high end is at height h above the oor. Find the height of the high end when
the rod loses contact with the wall.
g
l
h
123
Part I - Mechanics J94M.3 - Automobile Crankshaft (M83M.2, M09M.3)
J94M.3 - Automobile Crankshaft (M83M.2, M09M.3)
Problem
As a model for an automobile crankshaft, consider a plane rigid body made of eight rods each of
mass m and length l, as shown in the gure.
l
l
l
l
l
l
A
B
The bearings A and B constrain the crankshaft to rotate around a xed axis at angular velocity .
Find the instantaneous force on one of the bearings. Ignore gravity and friction.
124
May 1993
M93M.1 - Fluid Flow Near a Wall
Problem
An incompressible viscous uid with mass density and viscosity lls all space to one side of an
innite plane material surface in the y-z plane. This surface executes simple harmonic motion in
its own plane, moving up and down in the y direction with velocity
V (t) = V
0
cos t .
This drives harmonic laminar ow in the uid, the uid velocity v(x, t) being a function only of
time and the distance x from the material surface.
V(t)
x
v(t)
a) Find v(x, t).
b) Find the mean rate of work per unit area expended in driving the material surface.
125
Part I - Mechanics M93M.2 - Bead on a Rod (O83M.2)
M93M.2 - Bead on a Rod (O83M.2)
Problem
A bead of mass m slides without friction on a straight wire. The wire rotates in a vertical plane at
xed angular velocity around a horizontal axle at xed perpendicular distance h from the wire.
The gravitational acceleration g is constant, and lies in the plane of rotation of the wire. The bead
is negligibly small in size.
g
q
(
t
)
= t
Let the distance of the bead from the perpendicular be q(t) as shown. Find the general solution for
q(t).
126
Part I - Mechanics M93M.3 - Shape of a Suspended Rope (M09M.2)
M93M.3 - Shape of a Suspended Rope (M09M.2)
Problem
An ideal perfectly exible rope of length 2L and xed mass per unit length is hanging at rest
in a uniform gravitational eld, g. The rope is held at its ends by supports at the same level and
separated by distance 2X.
2X
g
x
y(x)
a) Find the shape, y(x), assumed by the rope.
b) Find the tension, T
0
, of the rope at its midpoint in the limit where X L.
127
January 1993
J93M.1 - Tidal Forces
Problem
a) Calculate the dierence in the equatorial and polar radii of the Earth due to its rotation.
b) Calculate the dierence between a high and low tide on earth due to the Moon. What would
the height of tides be on the Moon if it were covered with water?
Use your calculations for a) and b) to give numerical values in meters.
Note, the mass of the Moon is about 1/80 that of the Earth, and the distance to the Moon is about
60 Earth radii.
128
Part I - Mechanics J93M.2 - Bending Beam
J93M.2 - Bending Beam
Problem
A narrow beam of length L and mass per unit length is rmly clamped at one end, and has the
other end attached to a ring which is free to rotate on a rmly held axis (perpendicular to the
page).
x
y(x)
L
x
When the beam is bent from its undisturbed position by the transverse displacement (x, t), the
energy stored is
U =
K
2
_
L
0
dx
_
x
2
_
2
.
Here K is a constant, and we are computing to the lowest nontrivial order in the small displacement
.
a) Explain what strain is taken into account in U, and what is ignored.
b) Find the dierential equation for (x, t), and state the boundary conditions appropriate for
the given beam.
c) Find the transcendental equation that determines the frequency of the lowest frequency normal
mode, and give a graphical representation of its solution.
129
Part I - Mechanics J93M.3 - Forced Pendulum
J93M.3 - Forced Pendulum
Problem
A mass m is attached at one end of a massless rod of length l. The rods other end is forced to
oscillate horizontally along the x axis, undergoing a fast motion with small amplitude:
x = Asin(t), y = z = 0, with A l,
_
g/l .
The pendulum is restricted to oscillate in the x-z plane, z being the vertical direction.
z
x
l
m
g
a) Derive the equation of motion for the (t).

b) The actual behavior of (t) is:
(t) (t) + sin(t)
with (t) a slowly varying function, and some (uniquely determined) 1. Find the value
of (we refer to it below as
0
) at which = 0 ceases to be a stable point.
c) Determine the stable points for when >
0
.
130
May 1992
M92M.1 - COBE Satellite
Problem
The COsmic Background Explorer (COBE) satellite is in a 100 minute orbit around the Earth. It
spins at 1 revolution per minute, and (to avoid Earth emission) its spin axis always points away
from the Earth.
Earth
a) Assume that thrusters (small systems that are attached to the surface and emit gas jets) are
red to precess as COBE moves around its orbit. Sketch the thrusters on a gure and explain
how they must be red.
b) Assume COBE is a uniform cylinder 5 m long, 3 m in diameter, and of mass 2300 kg. Estimate
the mass of gas needed for a one month mission. Assume that when the thrusters re, the gas
is emitted at a speed v
g
= 1 10
3
m/s.
131
Part I - Mechanics M92M.2 - Inverse Cube Force
M92M.2 - Inverse Cube Force
Problem
Find the three classes of trajectories r() for a particle moving in an inverse cube force eld:
F =
k
r
3
.
132
Part I - Mechanics M92M.3 - Atom-Ion Interaction
M92M.3 - Atom-Ion Interaction
Problem
THe interaction potential between an ion and a neutral atom is given by
V (r) =
e
2
2r
4
r > r
0
,
V (r) = r r
0
,
where is the polarizability of the atom (its value being roughly the volume of an atom), e =
4.8 10
10
statcoul is the charge on the electron, and r
0

1/3
.
a) Sketch the eective potential for the interaction.
b) Find an expression for the classical cross section (E
0
) as a function of E
0
= E(r = ) for an
atom-ion pair to collide and reach the position r = r
0
.
c) Estimate this cross section for atoms and ions at room temperature.
133
January 1992
J92M.1 - Huygens Pendulum (M06M.2)
Problem
To compensate for the fact that the period of a simple pendulum depends on the amplitude of
oscillation, the 17th century Dutch physicist Christian Huygens devised the following setup, depicted
in the gure below. It shows a simple pendulum consisting of a mass m and a string of length
0
whose motion is constrained by a cusp shaped piece of wood. The problem is to determine the
shape of the wooden surface so that the period of the pendulum is independent of the amplitude.
m
()
x()
y()
a) Parametrize the shape of the surface by x() and y(), as indicated in the gure. Write the
Lagrangian for the pendulum.
b) What property must the Lagrangian have in order for the period of oscillation to be indepen-
dent of the amplitude? Find the required shape (x(), y()).
134
Part I - Mechanics J92M.2 - Masses and Springs
J92M.2 - Masses and Springs
Problem
Two equal masses m are free to move without friction along a rail as shown in the gure. The
masses are connected by springs with equal elastic constants k. Assume that at the equilibrium
positions (indicated by arrows) all springs are relaxed.
k k k m m
l l l
a) Write down the Lagrangian of the system and derive the equations of motion for the masses.
b) Find the normal modes and normal frequencies of the system.
c) Describe the motion corresponding to each normal mode.
d) Suppose the rst mass is held at its equilibrium position while the second mass is given a
displacement of magnitude d to the right of its equilibrium position. The masses are then
released. Find the position of each mass at a later time t.
135
Part I - Mechanics J92M.3 - Water Meniscus
J92M.3 - Water Meniscus
Problem
Consider the surface of water near a wall as in the gure below.
x
h
0
h(x)
0
a) If the uid has density , surface tension , and contact angle
0
(measured from the wall as
in the gure), nd a dierential equation for the shape of the meniscus. One of th boundary
conditions on the function h(x) is that h(x = ) = 0. What is the other boundary condition
that the function h(x) satises at the wall?
b) The dierential equation and boundary conditions can be rescaled in terms of the variables
H = h/ and X = x/. Determine the length scale such that the dierential equation and
boundary conditions are explicitly independent of the material properties and , and of g.
c) Assume that
0
45
and use your everyday experience to estimate roughly the surface tension
of water against air.
136
May 1991
M91M.1 - Flat Disk Galaxy
Problem
A simple (but incorrect) model of a galaxy is a uniform, at disk of mass M and radius a. Let a
star of mass m be initially at rest at a distance h above the plane of the disk and on the symmetry
axis. The mass m is released from rest and falls through a small hole of negligible radius, as shown
in the sketch.
a
M
h
m
a) Find the period of oscillation for arbitrary h. You may leave your answer as a denite integral
if you do not know how to evaluate the integral.
b) Give an analytic expression for the period of small oscillations.
137
Part I - Mechanics M91M.2 - Light Rays and the Atmosphere
M91M.2 - Light Rays and the Atmosphere
Problem
Consider the propagation of light rays in the atmosphere of a planet, and assume that the index of
refraction n(r) is a function only of the distance r from the center of the planet.
a) Using Fermats principle of least time, nd the equation of motion for a light ray in the
equatorial plane in terms of r and the azimuthal angle .
b) If n(r) r
m
nd the value of m for which light rays can have circular orbits about the center
of the planet.
138
Part I - Mechanics M91M.3 - Dry Ice on Epoxy
M91M.3 - Dry Ice on Epoxy
Problem
Epoxy is placed in a container and spun about a vertical axis at an angular speed in a uniform
gravitational eld g. The time scale of hardening of the epoxy is much longer than the time it takes
the uid to co-rotate with the container. During this spinning, the surface takes on a characteristic
shape before it hardens.
a) Find the shape of the hardened epoxy.
b) After the surface has hardened and while the epoxy is still spinning at speed , a chip of dry
ice is placed a distance r from the rotation axis. The chip is initially co-rotating with the
epoxy.The dry ice chip is now given a small tangential velocity v = v
, where

is a unit
vector along the azimuthal direction.
The subliming CO
2
from the dry ice allows the chip to slide with negligible friction on the
surface. Describe the path traced upon the epoxy surface by the chip, and prove your answer.
139
January 1991
J91M.1 - String With Minimum Moment of Inertia
Problem
Find the shape of a string lying in a plane and described by a curve, r(), with xed endpoints such
that its moment of inertia about an axis perpendicular to the plane and through a xed origin is
a minimum. The string has constant, uniform linear density. Constants of integration need not be
evaluated in terms of r
1
,
1
and r
2
,
2
. Assume the length of the string is not xed.
r
2
,
2
r
1
,
1
string
plane
axis
140
Part I - Mechanics J91M.2 - Riding a Bike on a Rotating Platform
J91M.2 - Riding a Bike on a Rotating Platform
Problem
A man of mass M rides a massless bicycle on a large platform that rotates at a constant angular
frequency . He starts from rest at the center of the platform, and rides radially outward, exerting
a constant torque on the pedals that results in a force f
r
= constant. If the coecient of friction
between the bicycle wheel and the platform is , determine the time t
0
when the bicycle begins to
skid and determine the direction of its skid. Express your answers in terms of M, f
r
, , , g (the
local gravitational acceleration), and t
0
. (Assume that any torques that tend to tilt the bicycle with
respect to the platform are conterbalanced by a change in the location of the mans center of mass
with respect to the point of contact of the bike on the platform; hence such torques can be ignored.)
141
Part I - Mechanics J91M.3 - Satellite Wobble
J91M.3 - Satellite Wobble
Problem
A satellite consists of two equal point masses on the ends of a massless rod of length 2l. The
satellite is in a circular orbit about the Earth with angular velocity
0
. Find the frequency of small
oscillations of the orientation of the rod, supposing the rod always lies in the plan of the orbit.
142
September 1990
S90M.1 - Frequency of Oscillation
Problem
Find the frequency of oscillation about equilibrium of a particle of mass m subject to the potential
V (x) = ax
2
+
b
x
2
a, b > 0 ,
for oscillations of any amplitude, large or small.
143
Part I - Mechanics S90M.2 - Rotor on an Axle
S90M.2 - Rotor on an Axle
Problem
Two masses m are attached to the ends of a massless rod of length 2l. The rod is attached at its
midpoint to an axle, and both are constrained to rotate with xed angular velocity about the
axis of the axle. The rod makes an angle to the plane perpendicular to the axle. Ignore gravity
in this problem.
bearings
d
d
l
l
m
m
a) If the angle is free to vary, what is the frequency of small oscillations of the system?
b) Now suppose that is xed at some nonzero value, and that the axle is supported by two
bearings each at distance d from the center of the point of attachment of the rod to the axle.
Find the magnitude and direction of the force on the bearings.
144
Part I - Mechanics S90M.3 - Three Coupled Masses
S90M.3 - Three Coupled Masses
Problem
Three (unequal) masses m
1
, m
2
, m
3
are joined together by springs of force constants k
1
,= k
2
.
m
1
m
2
m
3
k
1
k
2
a) If they slide without friction on a horizontal surface as shown, nd the frequencies of the
normal modes of vibration.
b) For this part of the problem assume m
1
= m
2
= m
3
, and k
1
= k
2
. For this simple case describe
the geometrical nature of the modes.
c) For the simple case of part b) above, at t = 0 the two leftmost masses are at rest at equilibrium;
the rightmost mass is also at rest, but displaced a distance A to the right of its equilibrium
position. Find the positions of the masses for t > 0.
145
May 1990
M90M.1 - Acoustic Ray
Problem
An acoustic ray enters an axially symmetric solid medium on axis (r = 0) at an angle such that
tan() =
3. The mass density of the medium decreases as you move away from the central axis
according to
(r) =
0
(1 r
2
) ,
where
0
is the on-axis mass density.
r
z
initial direction of
acoustic ray
solid medium (z > 0)
Derive an expression z(r) for the path the acoustical ray follows in this medium. Assume the bulk
modulus is constant. Make a sketch of the trajectory of the ray in the medium.
146
Part I - Mechanics M90M.2 - Many Coupled Pendulums
M90M.2 - Many Coupled Pendulums
Problem
Consider a long series of masses m each hung from a rigid, massless rod of length l and in a uniform
gravitational eld with local acceleration g. Each adjacent pair of masses is connected by a spring
of spring constant A and rest length d, the equilibrium spacing between the masses.

l
d
g
x
If the leftmost mass is shaken horizontally, wave motion may ensue. Derive the equation of motion
(in the plane of the paper) for the small displacement, s
i
of mass i(s
i
l).
Then take the continuum limit of this equation, introducing = m/d (the linear mass density) and
any other relevant parameters.
By examining the dispersion relation, = (k), for waves in this system, deduce a minimum
possible frequency. What happens to the system if we attempt to drive it with a frequency lower
than the critical value?
147
Part I - Mechanics M90M.3 - Masses and Pulleys
M90M.3 - Masses and Pulleys
Problem
A rope wraps around two xed cylinders as shown in the gure. The cylinders are mad out of
dierent materials, so their coecients of friction are dierent with
1
>
2
. Cylinder 1 has a
radius R
1
= 2 cm and cylinder 2 has a radius R
2
= 7 cm. A mass m
2
= 54 kg hangs from the end
of the rope attached to cylinder 2 and a mass m
1
= 1 kg hangs from the end attached to cylinder
1. Find the condition on the coecients of friction
1
,
2
such that the masses do not slip. Note:
the relations you use must be derived!
g
m
2
= 54 kg
m
1
= 1 kg
R
1
= 2 cm
R
2
= 7 cm
2
148
October 1989
O89M.1 - Rocket in the Atmosphere
Problem
A rocket has an eective frontal area A and blasts o with a constant acceleration a straight up
from the surface of the Earth.
a) Use either dimensional analysis or an elementary derivation to nd out how the atmospheric
drag on the rocket should vary as some powers of the area A, the rocket velocity v and the
atmospheric density rho.
b) Assume that the atmosphere is isothermal with temperature T. Derive the variation of the
atmospheric density with height x. Assume that the gravitational acceleration g is a constant,
and that the density at sea level is
0
.
c) Find the height h
0
at which the drag on the rocket is at a maximum.
149
Part I - Mechanics O89M.2 - Gravity Wave Detector
O89M.2 - Gravity Wave Detector
Problem
Consider a gravity wave detector such as a Weber bar. It is a right circular cylinder of cross-sectional
area A and length L. The cylinder is made of a material of Youngs modulus Y and mass density
. Assume that the material can simply stretch without lateral shrinkage or expansion.
a) Derive the wave equation for longitudinal waves in a medium of youngs modulus Y and mass
density . What is the speed of sound in such a material?
b) Let the cylinder be xed rigidly at one ned, and let the other end be free, as shown in the
gure. What is the frequency
0
of the lowest longitudinal compressional normal mode parallel
to the axis if the cylinder?
c) Let Y = 7 10
11
erg/cm
3
, L = 350 cm, A = 1 m
2
. If the detector has 10
14
erg of energy
stored in the lowest normal mode, what is the amplitude of the movement at the free end of
the bar?
L
150
Part I - Mechanics O89M.3 - Swinging Door
O89M.3 - Swinging Door
Problem
A thin door, of height H, width D, and mass M, is mounted so that the door hinge axis z
makes
an angle with respect to the vertical, z.
Find the frequency of small swinging oscillations around the z
axis.
z
z
D
H
g
151
May 1989
M89M.1 - Buckling Beam
Problem
A tall, slender beam of length L has a rectangular cross section a b, with a < b < L. If a large
enough load force F is applied, the beam will assume an equilibrium shape roughly as sketched
- the beam has buckled. Deduce the shape of the buckled beam and the minimum force F for
buckling, in terms of a, b, L and the Youngs modulus E. You may ignore compression of the beam.
The ends of the beam are free to rotate.
a
b
L
F
152
Part I - Mechanics M89M.2 - Rod on a String
M89M.2 - Rod on a String
Problem
A uniform rod of mass m and length 2d is suspended from one end by a massless string of length l.
The rod and the string are constrained to swing in one vertical plane. For small oscillations, nd
the normal-mode frequencies and the corresponding normal-mode coordinates.
l
2d
g
153
Part I - Mechanics M89M.3 - Ringworld
M89M.3 - Ringworld
Problem
A futureologist has suggested that a good place to live would be on a large circular ring (or band)
whose center is at the Sun. The ring would rotate about its center of mass to provide an apparent
gravity pointing away from the sun. Analyze the stability of ringworld against radial displacements
r between the sun and the center of mass of the ring. Consider both cases that the center of mass
has a) zero and b) nonzero angular momentum about the Sun. You may assume r R where R is
the radius of the ring.
R
r
Sun
154
October 1988
O88M.1 - Massive Spring
Problem
A spring has spring constant K, unstretched length L, and mass per unit length (when un-
stretched). The spring is suspended from one end in a gravitational eld, g, and stretches under its
own weight. For a point whose distance from the upper end of the spring is x when the spring is
unstretched, nd its distance y(x) from the upper end when the spring is stretched.
155
Part I - Mechanics O88M.2 - Baseball in Space
O88M.2 - Baseball in Space
Problem
On Earth a baseball player can hit a ball 120 meters if he gives it an initial angle of 45
to the
horizontal. Take the acceleration due to gravity as g = 10 m/s
2
. Suppose the man repeats this
exercise in a space habitat that has the form of a circular cylinder of radius r = 10 km, and which
has an angular velocity about the axis of the cylinder sucient to give an apparent gravity g at
radius r. The man stands on the inner surface of the habitat (at radius r) and hits the ball in
the same way as on Earth (i.e. at 45
to the surface), in a plane perpendicular to the axis of the

cylinder. What is the furthest distance he can hit the ball, as measured along the surface of the
habitat?
156
Part I - Mechanics O88M.3 - Bead on a Rotating Wire
O88M.3 - Bead on a Rotating Wire
Problem
A bead slides without friction on a wire whose shape is
z(r) =
r
4
a
3
.
The wire is constrained to rotate about the z axis with constant angular velocity . The acceleration,
g, due to gravity is along the z axis.
a) Derive the equation of motion of the bead in terms of coordinate r (rather than z).
b) Find the equilibrium points, and nd the frequencies for small oscillations about those equi-
librium points that are stable.
z
g
r
157
May 1988
M88M.1 - WIMPS
Problem
If the Solar System were immersed in a uniformly dense spherical cloud of weakly-interacting massive
particles (WIMPS), then objects in the Solar System would experience gravitational forces from
both the Sun and the cloud of WIMPS such that
F
r
=
k
r
2
br .
Assume that this extra force is very small (i.e. b k/r
3
).
a) Find the frequency of radial oscillations for a nearly circular orbit and the rate a precession of
the perihelion of this orbit.
b) Describe the shapes of the orbits when r is large enough so that F
r
br.
158
Part I - Mechanics M88M.2 - Rolling Coin
M88M.2 - Rolling Coin
Problem
A coin, idealized as a uniform disk of radius a with negligible thickness, rolls in a circle. The radius
of the path of the point of contact is b, and the axis of the coin is tilted at an angle with respect
to the horizontal. Find the angular velocity of the motion of the center of mass of the coin.
159
Part I - Mechanics M88M.3 - Flyball Governor
M88M.3 - Flyball Governor
Problem
A simple version of a mechanical governor (used to stabilize the speed of an engine) is shown below:
m
1
m
2
L
m
1
It consists of point masses m
1
and m
2
which are connected by massless rods of length L that are
free to pivot at all connecting points. Thus as the masses m
1
pivot about the point A, m
2
slides
freely along the central axle. The whole device rotates at an angular speed .
a) What is the minimum required for a stable orientation of the masses at some angle
0
> 0?
b) What are the frequencies of small oscillations about the equilibrium positions?
160
October 1987
O87M.1 - Scattering o a Paraboloid
Problem
A beam of particles traveling in the positive z direction scatters elastically from the hard surface of
a paraboloid of revolution, whose radius as a function of z is r = az
1/2
.
r
b
z
Z
0
incident beam
traveling in +z
direction
paraboloid of revolution
with r = az
1/2
scattered
beam particle
a) Derive an expression for the impact parameter b in terms of the scattering angle .
b) Derive an expression for the dierential scattering cross section, d/d in terms of the scat-
tering angle, .
c) What is the total scattering cross section, , for a paraboloid of nite length Z
0
?
161
Part I - Mechanics O87M.2 - Bead on a Loop (M08M.1, M94M.3)
O87M.2 - Bead on a Loop (M08M.1, M94M.3)
Problem
A bead of mass m slides without friction on a circular loop of radius a. The loop lies in a vertical
plane and rotates about a vertical diameter with constant angular velocity .
a
m
a) For angular velocities greater than some critical angular velocity
c
, the bead can undergo
small oscillations about some stable equilibrium point
0
. Find
c
and
0
().
b) Obtain the equations of motion for the small oscillations about
0
as a function of and nd
the period of the oscillation.
162
Part I - Mechanics O87M.3 - The Runge-Lenz Vector
O87M.3 - The Runge-Lenz Vector
Problem
One special feature of motion in an inverse square law force eld
F =
k
r
2
r
is the existence of a conserved vector in addition to the angular momentum

L. This vector was
discovered by Laplace and is termed the Runge-Lenz vector. It is given by
R = v
L k r
where v is the velocity and r is a radial unit vector.
a)
Verify that

R is conserved.
b) Use the results of a) to deduce that the orbits are conic sections. If the orbit is an ellipse,
what is the eccentricity in terms of

R? (Hint: Consider the direction of

R.)
r
r
+
=
1
1 +
r
r
+
c) If a small perturbation 2h r/r
3
is added to the force law, what is the angular speed of precession
of the elliptical orbit? You may assume that the eccentricity is close to zero. Express your
answer in terms of h, k, the mass of the orbiting body, and the angular momentum. You may
use the Runge-Lenz vector in your solution or you may use any other method you choose.
163
May 1987
M87M.1 - Rolling Cylinders
Problem
A uniform cylinder of radius a rolls around a xed cylinder of radius B(> a) under the inuence
of gravity. The axes of both cylinders are horizontal. The coecient of static friction between the
cylinders is and the coecient of sliding friction is zero. The smaller cylinder starts at rest at the
top of the larger cylinder.
a
b
g
a) If is large enough the cylinder will roll without slipping until it loses contact with the larger
cylinder. Find the Angle from the vertical to the point at which the small cylinder loses
contact.
b) If is small enough the cylinder will roll without slipping initially, but will then slide freely
on the larger cylinder and nally will lose contact with the larger. Find the angle at which the
smaller cylinder begins to slide.
164
Part I - Mechanics M87M.2 - Soap Film
M87M.2 - Soap Film
Problem
A soap lm is stretched between two coaxial circular rings of equal radii R. The distance between
the rings is d. You may ignore gravity. Find the shape of the soap lm.
165
Part I - Mechanics M87M.3 - Triple Pendulum
M87M.3 - Triple Pendulum
Problem
A triple pendulum consists of masses m, m, and m attached to a single light string at distances
a, 2a, and 3a respectively from its point of suspension.
a
a
a
m
m
m
g
a) Determine the value of such that one of the normal frequencies of this system will equal the
frequency of a simple pendulum of length a/2 and mass m. You may assume the displacements
of the masses from equilibrium are small.
b) Find the mode corresponding to this frequency and sketch it.
166
October 1986
O86M.1 - Gyroscope
Problem
Consider a gyroscope mounted so that it experiences no gravitational torque. Additionally, the axis
of rotation is constrained to lie in the horizontal plane. Show that the axis will oscillate about the
local north and nd the frequency for small oscillations as a function of latitude and the moments
of inertia of the gyro.
Earths Axis
Equator
North
East
Plane of
motion
of gyro
axis
167
Part I - Mechanics O86M.2 - Kinetic Theory of Scattering
O86M.2 - Kinetic Theory of Scattering
Problem
James Clerk Maxwells rst paper on kinetic theory always used molecules interacting with a re-
pulsive potential
V =

r
4
,
because then the collision dynamics has a special scaling property.
a) Consider collisions with a specied impact parameter b and incoming relative velocity v
0
to
show how the kinetic-theory cross sections
n
= 2
_
b db (1 cos
n
)
scale with v
0
where is the scattering angle. Use the dimensionless scaled parameter R = r/b,
or otherwise.
V
0
b
b) How does the rate of momentum loss to a scatterer from a beam of incoming molecules vary
with the velocity v
0
?
c) Deduce a simple result for the conductivity of charged particles scattering against xed 1/r
4
centers.
168
Part I - Mechanics O86M.3 - Changing Spring Constant
O86M.3 - Changing Spring Constant
Problem
A mass m slides on a horizontal frictionless track. It is connected to a spring fastened to a wall.
Initially, the amplitude of the oscillations is A
1
and the spring constant of the spring is k
1
. The
spring constant then decreases adiabatically at a constant rate until the value k
2
is reached. For
example, suppose the spring was being dissolved by nitric acid. What is the new amplitude?
169
May 1986
M86M.1 - Wham-O Super-Ball
Problem
A Wham-O Super-Ball
is a hard spherical ball of radius a. The bounces of a Super-Ball on a

surface with friction are essentially elastic and non-slip at the point of contact. How should you
throw a Super-Ball if you want it to bounce back and forth as shown?
g
170
Part I - Mechanics M86M.2 - A Comet in Earths Orbit
M86M.2 - A Comet in Earths Orbit
Problem
Find the longest time that a comet following a parabolic trajectory about the Sun can remain within
the Earths orbit. Assume the Earths orbit is circular, and that the comet moves in the plane of
the Earths orbit.
171
Part I - Mechanics M86M.3 - Water Waves
M86M.3 - Water Waves
Problem
Water waves travel on the surface of a large lake of depth d. The lake has a perfectly smooth
bottom and the waves are propagating purely in the +z direction (the wave fronts are straight lines
parallel to the x axis).
z
x
y
d
wave motion
Find (a) an expression for the waters velocity v(y, z, t) and (b) the corresponding dispersion relation.
You may assume that the ow of the water is irrotational (v = 0), that the amplitude of the
waves is small
1
, that surface tension eects are not important, and that water is incompressible.
1
In practice this means v
2
gh, where h is the height of the waves.
172
October 1985
O85M.1 - String with a Bead
Problem
A string of length l, mass per unit length , and tension is xed at both ends. A small mass
(m l) is attached to the string a distance l/4 from one end. What are the eigenfrequencies of
the string for small oscillations?
173
Part I - Mechanics O85M.2 - Falling Rod (J94M.2)
O85M.2 - Falling Rod (J94M.2)
Problem
A uniform rod of length l starts to slide away from a frictionless wall onto the frictionless oor.
Assume the bottom of the rod starts at rest against the corner (x = 0, y = 0) and slides out from
the wall. Calculate the angle at which the rod rst loses contact with the surface.
g
174
Part I - Mechanics O85M.3 - Earths Quadrupole Moment
O85M.3 - Earths Quadrupole Moment
Problem
The Earth is slightly aspherical due to its rotation; hence, the Earth has a non-zero quadrupole
moment
q
2,0
=
_
d
3
r (r)r
2
Y
2,0
(, ) ,
where (r) is the mass density of Earth and (r, , ) are polar coordinates. Estimate the quadrupole
moment in terms of relevant physical parameters, and give a numerical value for this quantity.
Assume the Earth is a uid of constant density.
Useful information:
Y
2,0
=
_
5
16
_
3 cos
2
1
_
175
May 1985
M85M.1 - Damped Platform and Putty
Problem
A blob of putty of mass m fall from height h onto a massless platform which is supported by a spring
of constant k. A dashpot provides damping. The relaxation time of the putty is short compared to
that of putty plus platform (the putty instantaneously hits and sticks).
a) Sketch the displacement of the platform as a function of time under the given initial conditions
when the platform with putty attached is critically damped.
b) Determine the amount of damping such that, under the given initial conditions, the platform
settles to its nal position the most rapidly without overshoot.
176
Part I - Mechanics M85M.2 - Rotating Pendulum
M85M.2 - Rotating Pendulum
Problem
The bearing of a rigid pendulum of mass m is forced to rotate uniformly with angular velocity .
The angle between the rotation axis and the pendulum is called . Neglect the inertia of the bearing
and of the rod connecting it to the mass. Neglect friction. Include the eects of the uniform force
of gravity.
g
a) Find the dierential equation for .
b) At what rotation rate
c
does the stationary point at = 0 become unstable?
c) For >
c
what is the stable equilibrium value of ?
d) What is the frequency of small oscillations about this point?
177
Part I - Mechanics M85M.3 - Soap Film
M85M.3 - Soap Film
Problem
Consider a vertical soap bubble or lm stretched across a frame. the lm has the vertical plane of
symmetry shown as the dashed line in the gure and the half-width x(h) is a function of altitude
h only. The soap lm can be modeled as a uid with constant density in hydrostatic equilibrium
in a uniform gravitational eld g and between membranes with xed surface tension .
h
x(h)
g
Find the general solution for x(h) under the approximation [dx/dh[ 1.
178
October 1984
O84M.1 - Car Tire
Problem
As a simple model for an automobile tire that satises static but not dynamic balance tests, treat
the tire as a homogeneous disc of mass M, radius R and width W, with two point-like masses m
xed to diagonally opposite edges of the disc.
m
m
R
M
W
The tire spins as a free body (without applied torques) about a line tilted at an angle to the
normal of the disc. Find to the lowest non-trivial order in m/M.
179
Part I - Mechanics O84M.2 - Hanging Rope
O84M.2 - Hanging Rope
Problem
An ideal perfectly exible and inextensible rope of length 2L and mass per unit length is held
at its two ends by supports at the same level in a uniform gravitational eld g. The supports are
separated by 2X. It will be recalled that the rope assumes the shape y cosh(x constant).
X
L
g
T
0
a) Obtain the transcendental equation for the tension T
0
at the midpoint of the rope.
b) Find the solution for T
0
in elementary functions in the lowest non-trivial order for X L.
180
Part I - Mechanics O84M.3 - Maximizing Rocket Velocity
O84M.3 - Maximizing Rocket Velocity
Problem
A rocket has mass m when empty. It is supplied with mass M
0
in propellant to the initial net mass
is m+M
0
. It has energy E available to eject the propellant. The propellant is ejected continuously
rather than in lumps, so the energy available and the propellant mass remaining are continuous
functions of time, E(t) and M(t). The propellant is ejected with velocity v(t) relative to the rocket,
and v(t) is adjusted to maximize the nal rocket velocity.
Find the relation v(M) between the propellant velocity and the propellant mass remaining that
maximizes the nal rocket velocity. All velocities are nonrelativistic and the rocket starts from rest
in zero gravitational eld.
181
May 1984
M84M.1 - Bending Beam
Problem
A narrow beam of length L and mass per unit length is held at both ends by supports that allow
rotation. The beam is slightly bent by its own weight and by the mass M suspended at the middle
point. The energy stored in the beam when bent is
U =
K
2
_
L/2
L/2
_
d
2
y
dx
2
_
2
dx ,
where K is a constant.
L
M
g
Find the deection of the beam at the middle point.
182
Part I - Mechanics M84M.2 - Ball on a Turntable
M84M.2 - Ball on a Turntable
Problem
A uniform density ball rolls without slipping and without rolling friction on a turntable rotating in
the horizontal plane at angular velocity . The ball moves in a circle of radius r centered on the
pivot of the turntable. Find the angular velocity of motion of the ball around the pivot.
r
r
g
183
Part I - Mechanics M84M.3 - Three Coupled Masses
M84M.3 - Three Coupled Masses
Problem
Three equal masses are separated by three identical massless springs with spring constant k and
unstretched length L. The system oats in free space without rotating. Find the normal modes
and frequencies of vibration at small amplitude.
k k
k
m
m m
184
October 1983
O83M.1 - Skyhook
Problem
The science ction writer R. A. Heinlein describes a skyhook satellite that consists of a long rope
placed in orbit at the equator, aligned along a radius from the center of the Earth, and moving
so that the rope appears suspended in space above a xed point on the equator. The bottom of
the rope hangs free just above the surface of the Earth (radius r
E
). Assuming that the rope has
uniform mass per unit length (and that the rope could be strong enough to resist breaking!) nd
the length of the rope.
r
E
185
Part I - Mechanics O83M.2 - Particle on a Rod
O83M.2 - Particle on a Rod
Problem
A particle of mass m can slide freely along the wire AB shown in the gure. The gravitational eld
g is uniform, constant, and points down. The perpendicular distance h from the wire to the origin
is constant. The line OC rotates at constant angular velocity, = t. The wire and O are in a
xed vertical plane. The particle is at a distance q(t) from C.
O
h
= t
A
B
C
q(t)
m
g
xed hinge
a) Find the general solution for q(t).
b) Find the constraints on the initial conditions q(0) and dq/dt(0) at t = 0 (when = 0) such
that the particle in the future remains at a bounded distance from O.
186
Part I - Mechanics O83M.3 - Symmetric Top
O83M.3 - Symmetric Top
Problem
A symmetric top is fabricated from a thin hoop of mass M, radius a, and attached to the end of
an axle of length b by a set of spokes. Assume that the axle and spokes are eectively massless.
This top is set into steady rotational motion about the axle with angular velocity , and precesses
steadily around the vertical axis with angular velocity , whilst inclined at an angle to the vertical.
Find the minimum value that must have, in terms of g, a, b, and .
b
g
a
187
May 1983
M83M.1 - Beer Can Orbiting a Space Station
Problem
A space station is in a circular orbit about the Earth at a radius r
0
. An astronaut on a space walk
happens to be a distance from the station on the line joining the station and the center of the
Earth. With practice the astronaut can throw a beer can so that it appears to orbit the space
station , in the plane of motion of the space station about the Earth according to an observer on
the station.
a) In what direction and with what velocity relative to the station should the beer can be thrown?
b) What is the period, size, and shape of the beer cans orbit, relative to the space station?
Note: You may disregard the gravitational attraction between the beer can and the station.
r
0
Earth
Space Station
Astronaut
Beer Can
188
Part I - Mechanics M83M.2 - Crankshaft
M83M.2 - Crankshaft
Problem
z
A
B
a
a
a
a a
a
a
a
y
x
An automobile crankshaft is a planar rigid body made of 8 rods each of mass m and length a,
welded together as shown. Suppose the crankshaft rotates about the z axis with angular velocity
. Find the directions and magnitudes of the forces on the two bearings A and B at a moment
when the crankshaft lies in the x-z plane as shown. The bearings are located on the ends of the
two rods which lie along the x axis.
Ignore gravity.
189
Part I - Mechanics M83M.3 - Cylinder on a Ribbon
M83M.3 - Cylinder on a Ribbon
Problem
g
A massless, inextensible, exible ribbon is supporting a cylinder against gravity. Assume the radius
of the cylinder is small compared to the length of the ribbon. If the cylinder slides without friction
on the ribbon, nd an expression for the period of its oscillations. If the amplitude of the oscillations
is small, what is the period? How does the period change if the cylinder rolls without slipping?
190
October 1982
O82M.1 - Beam on a Wall
Problem
t
m
m x
y
A mass m is suspended from the end of a horizontal beam also of mass m. The beam is of uniform
composition, thickness t, width w, and length . The end of the beam is glued to a wall. Youngs
modulus (for stress/strain) is } N/m
2
.
a) What is the force exerted by the wall on the beam? What is the torque exerted by the wall
on the beam about the origin? (The x axis bisects the beam, and the y axis lies in the plane
of the wall) Neglect the bending and shearing of the beam.
b) WHat pressure must the glue be able to sustain (in units of mg/wt
2
) in order to hold the
beam? Assume a linear variation in pressure with height.
c) Compute the deection of the beam, neglecting shearing, but not bending.
191
Part I - Mechanics O82M.2 - Modied Force Law Orbits
O82M.2 - Modied Force Law Orbits
Problem
Consider a force law of the form
F(r) =
k
r
2
e
(r/a)
.
Investigate the radial stability of circular orbits in this eld and give the frequency of radial oscil-
lations for small perturbations about a circular orbit for the stable cases.
192
Part I - Mechanics O82M.3 - Rolling Tape Paradox
O82M.3 - Rolling Tape Paradox
Problem
Consider the following paradox: A roll of frictionless tape is initially siting motionless on a friction-
less table. The tape begins to unroll until it is all lying at on the table, as in the diagram.
R
The paradox is that the initial potential energy mgR has disappeared.
a) To help resolve this paradox, consider the simpler case of a spool of radius R containing a
length of tape of vanishing thickness. If this spool is sitting on an inclined plane with initial
height h, solve for the velocity of the spool if the tape unrolls and sticks to the incline. Let
the tape have a mass per unit length of .
R
h
b) From your solution can you describe what happens in the original paradox?
193
May 1982
M82M.1 - Three Coupled Masses
Problem
Three identical objects, each of mass m, are connected by springs, of spring constant k, as shown
in the gure.
m
B
m
A
m
C
k k
The motion is conned to one dimension.
At t = 0 the masses are at rest at their equilibrium positions. Mass A is then subjected to an
external driving force with the time dependence
F(t) = f cos t , t > 0 .
Calculate the motion of mass C.
194
Part I - Mechanics M82M.2 - Oscillators
M82M.2 - Oscillators
Problem
a) Consider a damped, driven harmonic oscillator (in one dimension) with the equation of motion
m x = m
2
0
x x + cos t .
What is the time-averaged rate of energy dissipation?
b) Consider an anharmonic oscillator with the equation of motion
m x = m
2
0
x +x
2
+ cos t ,
where is a small constant.
At time t = 0, x = 0 and x = 0. Solve for the subsequent motion, including terms of rst
order in .
195
Part I - Mechanics M82M.3 - Planetary Orbits
M82M.3 - Planetary Orbits
Problem
a) A planet of mass m is orbiting a star of mass M. The planet experiences a small drag force
F = v due to motion through the stars dense atmosphere. Assuming an essentially circular
orbit with radius r = r
0
at t = 0, calculate the time dependence of the radius.
b) Now ignore the drag force. Assume that in addition to the Newtonian gravitational potential,
the planet experiences a small additional potential so that its potential energy is actually
V (r) =
GMm
r
+

r
2
where is a small constant.
Calculate the rate of precession of the planetary perihelion, to lowest order in . You may
assume the orbit is almost circular. In other words, you are to calculate the angle sketched
in the gure.
r
max
r
min
196
October 1981
O81M.1 - Spaceship in Dust
Problem
Suppose a spacecraft of mass m
0
and cross-sectional area A is coasting with velocity v
0
when it
encounters a stationary dust cloud of density .
v
dust
= 0
= density of dust v
0
A
If the dust sticks to the spacecraft, solve for the subsequent motion of the spacecraft. Assume A is
constant over time.
197
Part I - Mechanics O81M.2 - Tidal Friction
O81M.2 - Tidal Friction
Problem
A moon of mass m orbits with angular velocity around a planet of mass M. Assume m M. The
rotation of the moon can be neglected but the planet rotates about its axis with angular velocity
. The axis of rotation of the planet is perpendicular to the plane of the orbit. Let
I = moment of inertia of the planet about its axis,
D = distance from the moon to the center of the planet.
a) Find expressions for the total angular momentum, L, of the system about its center of mass,
and for the total energy E. Eliminate D from both of these expressions.
b) In general, the two angular velocities and are unequal. Suppose there is a mechanism
such as tidal friction which can reduce E if ,= , but conserves angular momentum. By
examining the behavior of E as a function of , show there is a range of initial conditions so
that eventually = and a stable nal conguration is obtained.
Famous examples of this eect occur in the orbits of the moon, Mercury, and Venus. (However,
it is the lighter body whose rotation is relevant in these examples.)
198
Part I - Mechanics O81M.3 - Rotating Disk with Springs
O81M.3 - Rotating Disk with Springs
Problem
A thin disk of mass M and radius A is connected by two springs of spring constant K to two xed
points on a frictionless table top. The disk is free to rotate but it is constrained to move in a plane.
A
Each spring has an unstretched length of l
0
, and initially both are stretched to length l > l
0
in the
equilibrium position.
What are the frequencies of the normal modes of oscillation for small vibrations? Sketch the motion
for each mode.
199
May 1981
M81M.1 - Orbits in a Central Potential
Problem
A particle of mass m moves under the inuence of an attractive central force f(r).
a) Show that by a proper choice of initial conditions, a circular orbit can result.
The circular orbit is now subjected to a small radial perturbation.
b) Determine the relation that must hold among f(r), r, and
f
r
, for this orbit to be stable.
Now assume that the force law is of the form f(r) =
k
r
n
.
c) Determine the maximum value of n for which the circular orbit can be stable.
200
Part I - Mechanics M81M.2 - Falling in a Cloud
M81M.2 - Falling in a Cloud
Problem
A spherical dust particle falls through a water mist cloud of uniform density such that the accretion
rate onto the droplet is proportional to the volume of the mist cloud swept out by the droplet per
unit time. If the droplet starts from rest in the cloud, nd the value of the acceleration of the drop
for large times.
201
Part I - Mechanics M81M.3 - Jacks
M81M.3 - Jacks
Problem
perspective side or top view
The game of Jacks is played with metal pieces that can be approximated by the above gure: six
masses on orthogonal axes of length 2l with total mass M.
a) If you spin the Jack around one of the axes so that there is a steady precession around the
vertical, what is the relation between the spin velocity, S, the precession rate, and the angle
between the vertical and the rotation axis of the Jack?
b) What must the spin velocity be for the Jack to spin stably around a vertical axis (i.e. = 0)?
S
202
October 1980
O80M.1 - Central Forces
Problem
a) Find the central force which results in the following orbit for a particle:
r = a(1 + cos )
b) A particle of mass m is acted on by an attractive force whose potential is given by U r
4
.
Find the total cross section for capture for the particle coming from innity with an initial
velocity v
.
Note: Parts a) and b) may refer to dierent forces.
203
Part I - Mechanics O80M.2 - Spinning Top
O80M.2 - Spinning Top
Problem
A top consists of two massless rods each of length 2r which are rigidly attached to each other at
their centers, making an angle with each other. One rod is supported in the vertical orientation
by bearings at its ends. The other rod has a mass m at each end.
m
m
bearing
bearing
Throughout this problem, the center of mass remains xed. Ignore gravity.
a) The system is set into rotation with angular velocity about the vertical axis. What forces,
if any, must the bearings provide to maintain this motion?
b) At a certain time, the vertical rod breaks free of the bearings. Calculate the precession period.
c) The rod is restored to the condition of part i), but at a certain moment the joint between the
rods becomes a pivot, so that becomes variable. The vertical rod continues to be driven with
angular velocity . Derive the resulting equation of motion and solve it for small variations in
.
204
Part I - Mechanics O80M.3 - Massive Spring
O80M.3 - Massive Spring
Problem
A spring of rest length X and force constant k has a mass m. one end is xed and the other end is
attached to a mass M. The orientation os horizontal, and M moves on a frictionless surface.
M
a) Derive a wave equation for longitudinal oscillations of this system.
b) Find the frequency of the lowest mode as a function of m for the case where M and k are nite
and m M.
205
May 1980
M80M.1 - Fluid in a Rotating Pipe
Problem
a
, p
a
h
L
A device consisting of a thin vertical tube and wide horizontal tube joined together in the way
shown is immersed in a uid of density
f
. The density and pressure of the external atmosphere are
a
and p
a
respectively. The end of the horizontal tube is then sealed, and subsequently the device
is rotated as shown with constant angular velocity . You may treat the air everywhere as an ideal
gas at xed temperature, and you may ignore the variation of density with altitude. Finally, ignore
capillarity and surface friction.
Find the height h to which the uid rises in the vertical tube, to second order in .
206
Part I - Mechanics M80M.2 - Central Potential Motion
M80M.2 - Central Potential Motion
Problem
a) A particle of mass m moves in the potential V (r) =
k
r
2
, k > 0. Consider motion in the x-y
plane, letting r and be the polar coordinates in that plane, and solve for r as a function of
, angular momentum , and energy E.
b) Use the result of part a) to discuss (classical) scattering in this potential. Let be the scattering
angle. Relate the impact parameter to and E and thereby compute the dierential cross
section as a function of and E.
207
Part I - Mechanics M80M.3 - Falling Hinged Beams
M80M.3 - Falling Hinged Beams
Problem

30
30
hinge
thread
Two thin beams of mass M and length are connected by a frictionless hinge and a thread. The
system rests on a smooth surface in the way shown. At t = 0 the thread is cut. In the following
you may neglect the thread and the mass of the hinge.
a) Find the speed of the hinge when it hits the oor.
b) Find the time it takes for the hinge to hit the oor, expressing this time in terms of a concrete
integral which you need not evaluate explicitly.
208
October 1979
O79M.1 - Rod Suspended by Two Springs
Problem
L
k
1
k
2
gravity, g
A uniform, thin cylindrical rod of length L and mass m is sup-
ported at its ends by two massless springs, with spring con-
stants k
1
and k
2
. In equilibrium the rod is horizontal, as shown.
You are asked to consider small amplitude motions about equi-
librium, under circumstances where the springs can move only
vertically.
a) First consider the special case k
1
= k
2
. Find the eigenfre-
quencies of the normal modes and describe the correspond-
ing normal mode motions. Here you might well be guided
by intuitive reasoning.
b) Now consider the general case, k
1
and k
2
not necessarily
equal. Find the normal mode eigenfrequencies.
209
Part I - Mechanics O79M.2 - Particle in a Cone
O79M.2 - Particle in a Cone
Problem
g
A particle of mass m is constrained to move on the frictionless

inner surface of a cone of half-angle , as shown.
a) Find the restrictions on the initial conditions such that the
particle moves in a circular orbit about the vertical axis.
b) Determine whether this kind of orbit is stable.
210
Part I - Mechanics O79M.3 - String on a Rotating Rod
O79M.3 - String on a Rotating Rod
Problem
L
A thin string of length L and mass per unit length rotates with
angular frequency (radians/sec) in a horizontal plane about
a vertical pole (gravity is to be neglected). At the same time
the string undergoes small amplitude oscillations in the vertical
direction. Compute the normal frequencies (radians/sec).
HINT: You may wish to recall that the Legendre polynomials
P
(cos ) satisfy the equation:

d
d cos
_
sin
2
dP
d cos
_
= ( + 1)P
, = 0, 1, 2, . . .
211
May 1979
M79M.1 - Rotating Rectangular Plate
Problem
A thin, at rectangular plate of mass M, and sides a by 2a, rotates with constant angular velocity
about an axle through 2 diagonal corners, as shown. The axle is supported at the corners of
the plate by bearings which can exert forces only on the axle. Ignoring gravitational and frictional
forces, nd the force exerted by each bearing on the axle as a function of time.
a
2a
bearing bearing
212
Part I - Mechanics M79M.2 - Clock Governor
M79M.2 - Clock Governor
Problem
A clockwork governor employs a vibrating weight on the end of a horizontal y wheel driven (i.e. uni-
formly rotating) shaft, as shown. The at spring has a spring constant k and can neither twist nor
bend except in a direction perpendicular to its (relaxed) at side. The angular velocity of the
shaft, externally driven, gradually increases until a resonance occurs, resonance here meaning
that the weight swings in a circular orbit. Air friction (proportional to the velocity of the weight)
dissipates the input energy and this limits the resonance to a nite amplitude. You may assume
the spring deviation to be so small that the spring is always in its linear regime. For this problem
you need not explicitly include the air friction.
a) Show that there are two dierent angular frequencies at which a resonance can occur. What
are the frequencies?
b) Describe the orbit of the weight for each of the two resonant frequencies (i.e. draw a picture
of what the orbit looks like).
c) At the lower frequency resonance, write down an equation for the steady state shaft torque as
a function of and time.
d) Show that there is an upper bound on the shaft torque at the lower resonance. What happens
if the driving clock spring yields a torque greater than this upper bound?
213
Part I - Mechanics M79M.3 - Precession of the Perihelion
M79M.3 - Precession of the Perihelion
Problem
Consider a planet of mass m moving in a nearly circular orbit of radius R around a star of mass
M. There is, in addition to gravitation, a repulsive force on the planet proportional to the distance
r from the star,

F = r. Compute the angular velocity of precession of the perihelion (the point of
closest approach to the star).
214
October 1978
O78M.1 - INSERT DESCRIPTION
Problem
A bowling ball of uniform density is thrown along a horizontal alley with initial velocity v
0
in such
a way that it initially slides without rolling. The ball has mass m, coecient of static fraction
s
and coecient of sliding friction
d
with the oor. Ignore the eect of air friction.
Compute the velocity of the ball when it begins to roll without sliding.
215
Part I - Mechanics O78M.2 - INSERT DESCRIPTION
Problem
INSERT PROBLEM
216
Problem
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217
May 1978
M78M.1 - INSERT DESCRIPTION
Problem
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218
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Problem
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219
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220
October 1977
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221
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222
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May 1977
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October 1976
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May 1976
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October 1975
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May 1975
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October 1974
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May 1974
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October 1973
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May 1973
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October 1972
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256
Part II
Electricity & Magnetism
257
May 2010
M10E.1 - Birefringent material
Problem
A birefringent (doubly-refracting) crystalline material is a material with an anisotropic dielectric
tensor, so its index of refraction depends on the plane of polarization of incident electromagnetic
waves.
For a certain material, the dielectric tensor is given by
ij
=
_
_
1 0
1 0
0 0 1
_
_
where , are real, and 0 < < 1
1
, which means that the constitutive relations of the
material are
D
i
=
0
ij
E
j
, B
i
=
0
H
i
,
where
0
and
0
are the vacuum permittivity and permeability.
a) Find the two possible frequencies
(k) and corresponding polarization directions (of E

0
) of a
plane wave
E =

E
0
cos(kz
(k)t)
propagating parallel to the z-axis inside the material with a given wavevector k = (0, 0, k).
b) The plane z = 0 is the surface between the vacuum (z < 0) and the birefringent material
(z > 0). A plane wave with wavenumber k = (0, 0, k
0
), frequency , and with linear polar-
ization along the x-axis, coming from the vacuum, is normally incident on the surface of the
birefringent material. What is the direction of polarization of the reected wave?
Note: you may nd it convenient to change to a dierent Cartesian coordinate system in which the
dielectric tensor is diagonal.
258
Part II - E & M M10E.2 - Square loop antenna
M10E.2 - Square loop antenna
Problem
A square conducting loop with sides of length 2a is in the x-y plane, concentric with the origin,
with its sides parallel to the coordinate axes. The current in the loop is I
0
cos(t), where a w/c.
The loop is surrounded by vacuum.
a) What is the electric eld in the radiation zone (i.e., in the limit of distances r /c from the
origin)? Characterize the type of radiation this represents.
b) How does the total power P radiated by the loop depend on ? What is its precise value?
An innite, perfectly-conducting plane is now placed at z = b, where b c/.
c) What type of radiation eld is now seen for r /c, and how does its radiated power depend
on frequency in this case?
(Note that you are only asked about the frequency-dependence of the power, not for an
elaborate calculation which would be needed to nd the precise value of the radiated power in
(c)).
259
Part II - E & M M10E.3 - Torque produced by an AC induction motor
M10E.3 - Torque produced by an AC induction motor
Problem
An induction motor consists of two components. The stator produces a time-dependent magnetic
eld with a direction that rotates with angular frequency
s
, determined by the frequency of the
AC current source. Take it to be
(B
x
(t), B
y
(t), B
z
(t)) = B
0
(cos
s
t, sin
s
t, 0) .
The second component is the rotor, which in one design resembles a cylindrical cage that is free
to rotate about its axis (the z-axis), formed by N > 1 equally-spaced conducting bars of length ,
each with resistance R, connected by a metal ring of radius r at each end of the cylinder (which
has negligible resistance).
Electrical currents in the cage may be described as N independent current loops, each one dened
by two adjacent bars, connected by the rings at each end of the cage. Assume the self-inductance
and mutual inductances of these loops are negligible (much smaller than R/
s
). The positions of
the bars are dened by the line segments
(x, y, z) = (r cos
j
, r sin
j
, z), 0 < z < , j = 1, 2, . . . , N
with
j
= 2j/N +
r
t (the rotor rotates with angular velocity
r
,=
s
).
a) As a function of time, what is the induced emf across bar j?
b) Find the time-averaged torque exerted on the rotor as a function of
s
.
260
January 2010
J10E.1 - Oscillating Dipole Near a Conducting Plane
Problem
d
0
oscillating dipole
conducting plane
p
0
cos
0
t
An electric dipole is forced to oscillate with frequency
0
and amplitude p
0
, so p(t) = p
0
cos t. It
is placed in vacuum at a distnace d c/
0
=
0
away from an innite perfectly-conducting plane,
with p
0
parallel to the plane. The physical dimensions of the dipole are innitesimal compared to
compared to d, and it can be treated as a point dipole.
At distances from the dipole that are large compared to
0
:
a)
Find the steady-state electromagnetic elds

E(r, t) and

B(r, t).
b) Find the angular distribution of the radiated power of the emitted radiation.
261
Part II - E & M J10E.2 - Rotating Sphere in a Magnetic Field
J10E.2 - Rotating Sphere in a Magnetic Field
Problem
B
0
A solid metallic sphere of radius a has nite conductivity, carries no net electric charge, and is free
to rotate without friction about a vertical axis through its center. The region outside the sphere is
vacuum. There is a uniform magnetic eld with ux density

B
0
parallel to the axis.
The sphere is given an impulse that starts it spinning around the axis and there is some initial
Ohmic dissipation. After the dissipation has ceased, the sphere is in a steady state of rigid rotation
with constant angular velocity
.
In steady state, to lowest order in both B
0
and
, nd:
a)
The electric eld

E(r) and electric potential (r) in the interior of the sphere, r < a. (Give
these in the non-rotating laboratory frame.)
b) The electric potential outside the sphere. (Express your answer in spherical coordinates
(r, , ).) State the nature of the electric eld it describes (i.e., monoole, dipole, quadrupole,
etc.).
c) The induced bulk and surface charge density distributions in the conductor that give rise to
this potential.
Note: By working to lowest order in B
0
and
, you can ignore both the mechanical deformation of

the metal sphere due to rotation and the magnetic elds generated by currents in the metal (therse
are negligibly small relative to B
0
).
262
Part II - E & M J10E.3 - Rectangular Waveguide
J10E.3 - Rectangular Waveguide
Problem
b
a
y
x
z
A transverse electric (T.E.) wave is propagating in an innitely long rectangular waveguide with
perfectly conducting walls. The waveguide is lled with a dielectric (dielectric constant and
relative magnetic permeability mu = 1). The electric eld inside it is
E
x
= E
0
sin
_
y
b
_
e
i(kzt)
, E
y
= 0 .
a)
Find the corresponding

B eld.
Suppose now that the dielectric is removed from the region z > 0 inside the waveguide, so it is
vacuum. The region z < 0 remains lled with dielectric, as before, and the electric eld of the
incident wave in the region z < 0 is that given above.
b)
Find the transmitted

E eld in the vacuum region z > 0.
c) For what range of will there be no transmitted propagating wave in the vacuum region
z > 0?
263
May 2009
M09E.1 - Cavity Dynamics (J94E.1)
Problem
A cavity with perfectly conducting walls is formed by the planes x = y = z = 0, x = y = 3a, z = 2a.
This cavity is sawed in two along the plane z = a. The cavity is excited in one of the modes which
has the lowest frequency in view of the cut.
a) Identify this mode and give its frequency.
b) Calculate the average force tending to separate the two halves in terms of the maximum electric
eld E
0
.
a
a
3a
3a
264
Part II - E & M M09E.2 - Pulsar (J94E.2)
M09E.2 - Pulsar (J94E.2)
Problem
Approximate a pulsar to be a magnetized sphere of radius a. The pulsar has moment of inertia
I and rotates about the z axis with angular velocity . The magnetization, /, is uniform and
perpendicular to the z axis. In the sense that a c, the sphere is rotating slowly. As a result of
the rotation the star is radiating.
Assuming I, / and a to be constant, calculate the time rate of change of .
265
Part II - E & M M09E.3 - Charge and Conducting Sphere (J94E.3)
M09E.3 - Charge and Conducting Sphere (J94E.3)
Problem
A point charge Q
1
is located a distance d from the center of a thin, conducting spherical shell of
radius R (d > R).
a) If the conducting sphere were temporarily grounded, what would be the magnitude Q
and
distance from the origin d
of the image charge?

b) Now the ground connection is removed and the conducting sphere is insulated from the ground,
leaving the total net charge Q
distributed on the surface. If an additional amount of charge

Q = Q Q
is placed on the surface of the conducting sphere, how will the excess charge
distribute itself on the surface?
c) What must the net charge on this shell Q be so that there is no net force between the point
charge Q
1
and the shell?
Q
1
d
R
266
January 2009
J09E.1 - Motion in EM Fields
Problem
In a large region of space there is a uniform magnetic eld B in the z-direction and a uniform
electric eld E in the x-direction. A particle of mass m and charge q is initially at rest at the origin.
The equation of motion is
m
dU
d
= qF
where is the proper time of the particle and U
= dx
/d is its four-velocity. The eld strength

tensor is F
, where A
is the 4-vector potential (its time component A

0
is the
electric potential ). Note that in this problem we use units where the speed of light c = 1.
a) Solve for U
as a function of the proper time of the particle assuming that B

2
> E
2
. What is
the average 4-velocity of the particle?
b) Solve for the particle position x
as a function of the proper time.

267
Part II - E & M J09E.2 - Ion Source
J09E.2 - Ion Source
Problem
Consider two innite parallel plates separated by a distance a and with the gap between the plates
lled with charged ions in vacuum. Assume that the motion of the ions is a one-dimensional laminar
ow in the direction of the applied electric eld. In the space-charge dominated limit, the electric
eld between the anode and the cathode is maximally shielded by the ion charge. Assume that the
ions are initially emitted at the cathode s = 0 and travel to the anode at s = a where they leave the
plates through small negligible holes in the anode plate. The ion emission at the cathode maintains
a static, steady state charge distribution between the plates and therefore a constant current at the
anode plate. Let V (s) be the electric potential at the position s between the plates.
a) In the non-relativistic limit with laminar ow, write down the Poisson equation in terms of
the current density J of the ions, the charge e and the mass m of the ion.
b) For a space-charge dominated ion source, the condition of maximum space-charge shielding is
equivalent to V = 0 and dV/ds = 0 at s = 0. What is the maximum current density J
max
for
a given extraction voltage V
0
at the anode in the space-charge dominated ion source?
c) What is the ratio of the maximum ion current density extracted for singly ionized gold atoms
(A = 79) versus a proton ion source with the same extraction voltage V
0
in the space-charge
dominated limit? Please estimate.
268
Part II - E & M J09E.3 - Magnetic Pressure
J09E.3 - Magnetic Pressure
Problem
Consider an innite cylinder of conducting material with an axial current density J
z
= J(r) and
a resulting azimuthal magnetic eld B
= B(r). The coordinate r is the radial coordinate with

respect to the axis of the cylinder. Assume the current is conned within the nite radius R of the
cylinder. The integral of the current density over the cross-sectional area of the cylinder is the total
current I.
a) Use Amp`eres law to determine B
= B(r) for r R in terms of I and r.

b) Assume the current density is constant within the cylinder. Find B(r) for r < R.
c) The Lorentz forces on the current will pinch the material of the conductor and try to squeeze
it radially inward. These pinching forces are balanced by non-magnetic pressure gradient forces
(for example, elastic forces for a solid metal, or compressed-gas pressures for a plasma). Find an
expression for the pressure, p = p(r), inside the conductor for the uniform current distribution
of part b), and sketch the dependence of p on r. You can assume that the pressure is zero at
the surface of the conductor.
d) Calculate and sketch the pressure for the case that the current ows in a very thin, uniform
layer along the surface of the cylinder.
269
May 2008
M08E.1 - Wiggler
Problem
A wiggler magnet is constructed of alternating N-S dipole magnets.
N
z
N
S S
S S
N
N
N
N
S S
S S
S S
N
N
N
N
An electron beam traveling in vacuum through the magnet in the z-direction and exactly on-axis
(x = 0, y = 0) is wiggled by a magnetic eld having components:
B
x
(0, 0, z) = B
0
cos kz ,
B
y
(0, 0, z) = B
0
sin kz ,
B
z
(0, 0, z) = 0 .
Compute the o-axis B-eld components, B
x
(x, y, z), B
y
(x, y, z), B
z
(x, y, z), within the vacuum
region.
270
Part II - E & M M08E.2 - Accelerating Point Charge
M08E.2 - Accelerating Point Charge
Problem
A particle with charge e starting at rest is given uniform acceleration, a, for a time t to non-
relativistic energies.
a) Compute the power radiated per unit solid angle by the electric charge as a function of the
angle measured with respect to its direction of acceleration.
b) Assume the time t is innitesimally short. Compute the total energy radiated per unit
wavelength as a function of the nal velocity v and wavelength of the radiated electromagnetic
waves.
271
Part II - E & M M08E.3 - Electromagnet with an Iron Core
M08E.3 - Electromagnet with an Iron Core
Problem
A long solenoid is made from N = 1000 turns of wire, wound at 10 turns per cm. Recall that
0
= 4 10
7
Tm/A.
a) Give the approximate value in Tesla of the magnitude of the B-eld at the center of the solenoid
for I = 100 A of current.
b) Insert a soft-iron core through the solenoid and bend the two ends together leaving a uniform
gap distance of 30 cm. The total length L of the core is 3 meters and it has a constant
cross-sectional area A
core
= 400 cm
2
. The relative permeability of the soft-iron is
r
= 400.
Compute the magnitude of the B-eld in the core B
core
, and in the gap, B
gap
, for a current
I = 100 A. Assume that the B-eld is uniform in the gap and there is no hysteresis.
30 cm
c) Assume the maximum value of B
core
= 1.5 T. New pole-faces are added to the gap that shorten
the cap to 10 cm, but increase the cross-sectional area at the gap to A
pole
= 1600 cm
2
. The
cross-sectional area of the core is unchanged. Compute the maximum value of B
gap
given the
constraint on B
core
and the new pole-face geometry. Assume that the B-eld is uniform in the
gap and there is no hysteresis.
10 cm
272
January 2008
J08E.1 - Radiation from an Antenna
Problem
An antenna consists of a circular wire loop of radius R, centered in the x-y plane of a Cartesian
coordinate system. The current has the same amplitude, I = I(t), at all locations in the wire at
a given time t. There is no net electrical charge on the wire. Assuming that

I, the rate of change
of the current, is slow enough that magnetic dipole radiation dominates any higher multipoles,
calculate:
a)
the vector potential

A =

A(r, t) and scalar potential at the location r and time t when
r cI/

I (specify your choice of gauge);
b)
the magnetic and electric elds,

B and

E, at r and t;
c) the energy ux, S = S(, ), as a function of the polar angles and ;
d) the total radiated power P =
_
S sin d d.
Retain enough terms of any expansion in powers of 1/r to account for radiation. Insofar as possible,
express your answers in terms of the magnetic dipole moment, m = R
2
I/c, and its time derivatives.
273
Part II - E & M J08E.2 - Rotating Disk in a Magnet
J08E.2 - Rotating Disk in a Magnet
Problem
x
y
B
(Top view)
An aluminum disk of radius R, thickness d, conductivity , and mass density is mounted on a
frictionless vertical axis. It passes between the poles of a magnet near its rim which produces a
B-eld perpendicular to the plane of the disk over a small area A of the disk. The initial speed of
the disk is (t = 0) =
0
.
a) An observer on the disk, moving between the pole pieces of the magnet would feel an electric
eld. Give the direction and magnitude of this eld in terms of R,
0
, and

B (assume the
angular speed is small enough so that 1). This results in a current density.
b) Calculate the torque due to the Lorentz force produced on this current density by the vecB-eld
of the magnet.
c) Given the moment of inertia of the disk around its axis (I =
1
2
MR
2
), write out the equation of
motion of the disk and calculate the number of revolutions of the disk before it comes to rest.
274
Part II - E & M J08E.3 - Parallel Plate Diode
J08E.3 - Parallel Plate Diode
Problem
x
0 d
V = 0 V = V
0
J
u
C
a
t
h
o
d
e
A
n
o
d
e
e
-
Consider an ideal parallel plate diode in a vacuum tube. A constant potential dierence, V
0
> 0,
is maintained between the cathode and the anode which are separated by a distance d. Electrons
are assumed to be released from the cathode at zero potential with negligible velocity, but are
accelerated to the anode. The region between the plates is a vacuum except for the electrons that
are emitted into it, leading to a nite space charge density, (x), where x is the distance away form
the cathode (see gure). Under steady state conditions, is independent of time, and the continuity
equation implies that the current density J = u is independent of x.
a) Use Poissons equation to nd the potential V (x) as a function of x.
b) Find an explicit expression for the current density J in terms of V
0
(the Child-Langmuir law).
275
May 2007
M07E.1 - Point Charge and Conducting Sphere
Problem
A solid sphere of radius R is uncharged and isolated in space. A point charge q is slowly brought
from far away and held a distance d from the center of the sphere.
a) What is the force between the point charge and the sphere?
b) What is the distribution of charges on the sphere?
276
Part II - E & M M07E.2 - Noise in a Circular Ring
M07E.2 - Noise in a Circular Ring
Problem
A circular ring of radius a is made from copper wire. The ring is held at a temperature T. The
wire diameter is d and its electrical conductivity is .
a) What is the voltage noise across the ends of the wire if the ring is open? State your result
in terms of root mean square voltage V
n
in a frequency bandwidth f. Use V
n
in subsequent
parts if you are uncertain about its value.
b) Suppose the ends of the ring are shorted. What is the r.m.s. magnetic eld noise in a bandwidth
f at the center of the ring at very low frequencies?
c) Consider the r.m.s. magnetic noise in a narrow bandwidth f around a central frequency
f. The magnetic eld noise is constant up to some critical frequency f
c
and drops as f
p
for
frequencies much higher than f
c
. There are two eects which are responsible for this decrease
of the magnetic noise in the radio-frequency range, where the electrical conductivity is nearly
constant. What are these eects? Give a rough estimate of f
c
, which is approximately the
same for both eects, and nd the power p.
277
Part II - E & M M07E.3 - Plane Wave in a Conductor
M07E.3 - Plane Wave in a Conductor
Problem
A plane electromagnetic wave with electric eld E
0
and frequency is incident at normal incidence
on a metal lm with conductivity , =
0
and =
0
.
a) Calculate the electric and magnetic elds as a function of distance x into the conductor.
b) Show that the energy lost by the electromagnetic wave in a small distance x inside the
conductor is equal to the ohmic heat deposited by the electromagnetic wave in that distance.
278
January 2007
J07E.1 - Point Charge and Conducting Sphere
Problem
A point charge Q is located at a distance r away from the center of a thin spherical conducting shell
of radius a, which has a net charge also equal to Q. Let U(r) be the total electrostatic potential
energy of this system.
a) What is U(0) U()?
b) Determine the leading behavior of U(r) U() as r a, and make a qualitatively correct
sketch showing its important features over the whole range 0 r < .
c) As r , U(r) U() Q
2
/4
0
r. Obtain the leading correction to this behavior for large
r.
d) If you have not already done so, give the explicit function U(r) U() for all r.
279
Part II - E & M J07E.2 - Rotating Shell of Charge
J07E.2 - Rotating Shell of Charge
Problem
A hollow spherical shell centered at the origin has radius a and a total electric charge Q > 0
unifromly distributed over its surface. The shell is slowly spun up to an angular velocity =
0
z
(where
0
> 0) over a period of time a/c, where c is the speed of light, so radiation eects can
be ignored.
a)
To linear order in d/dt, nd expressions for the electromagnetic elds

E(r) and

B(r) through-
out space, as functions of and d/dt. Make a qualitatively correct sketch showing the pattern
of electric eld lines in the plane z = 0. Indicate the direction of rotation of the charged shell
on your plot.
b)
After the angular velocity
0
is reached, hat is the total angular momentum

L stored in the
electromagnetic elds?
280
Part II - E & M J07E.3 - Negative Dielectric Constant
J07E.3 - Negative Dielectric Constant
Problem
Electromagnetic waves with (angular frequency can propagate without loss in a linear isotropic
medium where the (frequency-dependent) dielectric constant () and relative magnetic permeabil-
ity () are both real, and their product is positive. If and have no frequency dependence,
electromagnetic stability requires > 0 and > 0, but if they are frequency-dependent, this con-
dition becomes ()
d()/d > 0 and ()
d()/d > 0. This allows () and () to be

negative at some frequencies, if they have strong frequency dependence.
While strong frequency dependence of is common, most materials have 1 at optical frequencies.
Recently, however, articial structures where and are both negative in some frequency range
have been created.
a) Solve the Maxwell equations for an electromagnetic wave in a unifrom medium that is isotropic
and time-reversal invariant: () and () are real, even functions of in the frequency
range of interest, and c is the speed of light in vacuum. For

X =

E,

D,

B and

H, nd the
electromagnetic elds

X(r, t) =

X
0
cos(
k r t). Give the wavenumber [
k[ = k() as a
function of (angular) frequency .
b) Obtain an expression for the ratio (/k)/v
g
, where /k() is the phase velocity, and v
g
() is
the group velocity, the velocity at which energy propagates. Show that v
g
() is negative (and
antiparallel to the phase velocity) if () and () are negative.
c) A narrow beam of light from a laser operating at frequency is incident on the at surface
of an isotropic medium with negative () and () (and hence negative v
g
()) at an angle
i
relative to the normal. The wavenumber of waves with frequency in the medium is k().
What is the angle
r
made by the refracted beam in the medium? Make a diagram showing
a possible path of the incident and refracted beams. Assume that the incoming beam is
traveling in a vacuum. (You may nd it helpful to consider the relation between the incident
and refracted photon wavevectors

k
i
and

k
r
.)
281
May 2006
M06E.1 - Metal Sphere in a Uniform Electric Field
Problem
An uncharged metal sphere of radius R is placed inside an otherwise uniform electric eld

E = E
0
z.
a) Find the electrostatic potential in the region outside the sphere.
b) Find the induced charge density on the surface of the sphere.
282
Part II - E & M M06E.2 - Superconducting Loop
M06E.2 - Superconducting Loop
Problem
A current I
0
ows in a superconducting square loop of side 2 and self-inductance L. An innite
wire, initially carrying no current, is in the plane of the loop at a distance d > from its center.
When a current I is switched on in the wire, in the direction as indicated in the gure, a force
between the loop and wire results.
I
0
I
2
2
d
I
a) Find the range of values of I for which the force is attractive.
b) For which value of I is the attractive force a maximum?
c) Calculate the maximum attractive force.
283
Part II - E & M M06E.3 - Radiation from a Falling Electron
M06E.3 - Radiation from a Falling Electron
Problem
An electron is released from rest at a large distance r
0
from a nucleus of charge Ze and then falls
towards the nucleus. From what follows, assume the electrons velocity is such that v c and the
radiation reaction on the electron is negligible.
a) What is the angular distribution of the emitted radiation?
b) How is the emitted radiation polarized?
c) What is the radiated power as a function of the separation between the electron and the
nucleus?
284
January 2006
J06E.1 - Dielectric Cylinder in an Electric Field
Problem
An innitely long cylinder of radius a and dielectric constant is placed in an initially uniform
electric eld of strength E
0
. The axis of the cylinder is oriented at a right angle to the direction of
the eld.
a) Find the electric potential (r, , z) both inside and outside of the cylinder, in cylindrical
coordinates (r, , z), where the z axis is the axis of the cylinder.
b) Find the electric elds E and D inside the cylinder.
c) What is the surface polarization (bound charge) density
b
at r = a? What is the volume
polarization charge density
b
for r < a?
d) What is the electrostatic energy per unit length inside the cylinder?
285
Part II - E & M J06E.2 - Half Rings of Magnetic Material
J06E.2 - Half Rings of Magnetic Material
Problem
A ring with relative permeability
r
= 400, minor radius a = 1.5 cm, and major radius R = 50 cm
is placed on an horizontal (x-y) plane. The ring is cut transversally at two diametrically opposite
points with the same x coordinate; the rst half-ring is xed to the plane, while the second can
slide frictionlessly along the x direction (see gure below). A current I = 0.8 A (kept constant by
an external power supply) ows into a solenoidal coil with N = 800 turns tightly wound on the rst
half of the ring. A mass m can hang from am massless wire connected to the second half-ring.
The two half-rings are initially touching, then they are pulled apart to a separation of distance
s = 3mm (see gure), and two small cylindrical pieces of wood (with relative permeability
r
= 1)
are inserted into the gaps. Compute, giving numerical answers for parts c) and d):
a) The magnitudes of the magnetic elds B and H as a function of the separation s for s R,
both within the rings and within the gaps. You may assume that the elds are uniform within
the ring, and within the gap, and negligible elsewhere.
b) The total magnetic energy as a function of the separation s for s R.
c) The self-inductance of the coil after the separation (s = 3 mm).
d) The minimum value of the mass m needed to pull the second half-ring away from the wooden
cylinders.
286
Part II - E & M J06E.3 - Harmonic Oscillator Radiation
J06E.3 - Harmonic Oscillator Radiation
Problem
A classical particle of mass m and charge q moves in an isotropic three-dimensional harmonic
potential with spring constant K such that its trajectory is nearly circular at all times.
a) What is the characteristic time (time constant) for the decay of the kinetic energy of this
system due to electromagnetic radiation?
b) What condition(s) must be satised so that the fraction of the energy radiated per period of
the motion is small (i.e. so that the the quality factor of this oscillator remains high), and
hence the trajectory is indeed nearly circular?
c) Verify that this requirement implies that the radiation-reaction force is small compared to the
spring force on the particle.
287
May 2005
M05E.1 - Periodic Surface Charge and Magnetization
Problem
a) A thin sheet lies in the x-y plane and carries a periodic surface charge density given by
=
0
sin(kx). Calculate the electric eld produced by this charge distribution everywhere in
space.
b) A periodic magnetization pattern is written onto a magnetic tape of thickness w. The magneti-
zation is perpendicular to the plane of the tape (the x-y plane) and is given by M
z
= M
0
sin(kx)
for [z[ w/2 and M
z
= 0 otherwise. Calculate the magnetic eld inside and outside of the
tape for distances close to the surface of the tape. Here the edges of the tape can be considered
at innity.
288
Part II - E & M M05E.2 - Coaxial Cable Motion
M05E.2 - Coaxial Cable Motion
Problem
A long, straight coaxial cable of length L has an inner conductor of radius a and an outer conductor
of inner radius b. Assume the insulating region between the conductors has free-space values of the
electric and magnetic permittivities. One end of the cable is attached to a load resistor R. At the
other end of the cable a battery of voltage V is suddenly attached. Just before the current starts to
ow, the battery, cable and resistor are all at rest with no external forces. Their total mass is M.
After some time, a steady-state current ows along the inner conductor and returns along the outer
one. The current may be taken as uniformly distributed throughout the inner conductor, which has
conductivity . The resistance of the outer conductor can be neglected, so the return current ows
as a thin surface sheet of radius b.
a) What is the electromagnetic momentum per unit length in the coax?
b) What is the mechanical momentum of the cable with its attached battery and resistor after
the steady-state current has been established.
c) What is the charge per unit length on the outer conductor?
Possibly useful identity for cylindrical coordinates , z and :
2
=
1
+
1
2
+

2
z
2
289
Part II - E & M M05E.3 - Electron Orbit Decay
M05E.3 - Electron Orbit Decay
Problem
In the Bohr model of the hydrogen atoms ground state, the electron moves in a circular orbit of
radius a
0
= 0.53 10
10
m around the proton, which is assumed to be rigidly xed in space. Since
the electron is accelerating, a classical analysis suggests that it will continuously radiate energy,
and therefore the radius of the orbit would shrink with time.
a) Assuming that the electron is always in a nearly circular orbit and that the rate of radiation
of energy is suciently well approximated by classical, nonrelativistic electrodynamics, how
long is the fall time of the electron, i.e. the time for the electron to spiral into the origin?
b) The charge distribution of a proton has a radius of about 10
15
m, so the classical calculation
would be modied once the radius of the electrons orbit is smaller than this. But even before
this, modications may be required due to relativistic eects. Based on the analysis of part
a), at what radius of the electrons orbit would its velocity be, say 0.1c, where c is the speed
of light, such that relativistic corrections become signicant? What fraction of the electrons
fall time remains according to part a) when the velocity of the electron reaches 0.1c?
c) Do the relativistic corrections increase or decrease the fall time of the electron?
290
January 2005
J05E.1 - Spherical Half-Filled Capacitor
Problem
Two concentric conducting spheres of radii a and b carry charges +Q and Q as shown. The radial
gap between the spheres is half lled with a material of dielectric constant and half lled with
vacuum.
a
b
+Q
Q
a)
Find the electric eld

E and the displacement eld

D everywhere between the spheres.
b) What is the bound charge density on the surfaces of the dielectric?
291
Part II - E & M J05E.2 - Light Incident on a Medium
J05E.2 - Light Incident on a Medium
Problem
An electromagnetic wave of frequency propagates through vacuum along the z axis and is incident
on homogeneous medium which lls space for z 0. The medium has a magnetic permeability
and real dielectric constant . The medium has a large conductivity that is a known real function
of the frequency . Within the medium, the z dependence of the electric eld amplitude is:
E =
1
2
E
0
e
i(kzt)
+

E
0
e
i(k
zt)
a) Obtain an expression for the complex propagation constant k in terms of , and .

b) Calculate the phase of the reected wave, relative to that of the incident wave, at z = 0 in
terms of , and .
c) A conductor with = 10
16
s
1
( 10
6
Ohm
1
m
1
in SI units) reects 90% of the incident
radiation. Assume the and are the corresponding values in vacuum. What is the frequency
of the incident wave?
292
Part II - E & M J05E.3 - Dielectric Sphere in a Laser Beam
J05E.3 - Dielectric Sphere in a Laser Beam
Problem
A laser beam can be used to trap a dielectric object. Let the dielectric object have a radius a and
be immersed in an electric eld,

E. The induced dipole moment is p = a
3
E, where is the
polarizability of the material.
w
0
z
a)
The sphere is placed in a uniform static electric eld. What is the net force,

F
0
, on the sphere?
b) Now the sphere is placed in a collimated (zero divergence) laser beam of power I, diameter
w
0
, and wavelength . Assume w
0
, a. What is the net force,

F
s
on the sphere?
c) Now the sphere is placed in a focused laser beam, so that the intensity as a function of
longitudinal distance I(z), is
I(z) =
_
P
w
2
0
_
1
1 + (
z
w
0
)
2
What is the stable position, z
s
, of a particle in this beam? Assume z
s
w
0
.
293
May 2004
M04E.1 - Conducting Sphere Coated with Dielectric
Problem
An uncharged conducting sphere of radius a is coated with a thick insulating shell of dielectric
constant
r
, out to radius b. The object is placed in an initially uniform electric eld E
0
. What is
the eld everywhere in the insulator?
294
Part II - E & M M04E.2 - Classical Radiation from a Hydrogen Atom
M04E.2 - Classical Radiation from a Hydrogen Atom
Problem
In a nave classical model of the hydrogen atoms ground state, the electron moves in a circular
orbit of radius r
0
= 0.53 10
10
m around the center of mass of the electron-proton pair. Since
the electron is accelerating, classically it will continuously radiate energy. Calculate the time it will
take the electron to spiral into the proton, assuming its orbit is always nearly circular, and that the
motion continues until the radius of the electrons orbit is reduced to that of the proton, 10
15
m.
Are relativistic eects important for this estimate?
295
Part II - E & M M04E.3 - Penny Thrown into a Solenoid
M04E.3 - Penny Thrown into a Solenoid
Problem
A penny is thrown towards a large solenoid magnet. The penny moves along the axis of the solenoid
with a frictionless constraint which keeps the plane of the penny perpendicular to the solenoid axis.
As the penny approaches the solenoid, eddy currents are induced in it and result in a repulsive
force which slows its motion. Estimate the minimal initial velocity which is needed in order for
the penny to reach the entrance of the long solenoid magnet, with internal eld of B = 1 T and
diameter D = 0.1 m. You may ignore gravity and take the mass density and resistivity of copper
to be 10
4
kg/m
3
and
R
10
6
Ohm m, respectively.
296
January 2004
J04E.1 - Rotating Cylindrical Capacitor
Problem
Consider a long cylindrical capacitor, which consists of two metallic concentric cylinders of length l.
The radii of the cylinders are a (outer) and b (inner). l a, b. The axes of the two cylinders coincide
with the z-axis. As an added bonus the cylinders are free to rotate about the z-axis independently
from each other and without friction. The voltage between the two conductors is U. Originally, at
time t = 0 there is also a magnetic eld, B
0
= B
0
e
z
in the z-direction.
a) Determine the charge on each of the cylinders at t = 0 and the electric eld, E(), (magnitude
and direction), in the volume between the cylinders as functions of the distance from the
axis. As in all parts of this exam, either MKSA or Gaussian units may be employed.
b) The magnetic eld is slowly reduced, remaining parallel to the z-axis, until it vanishes at some
moment of time, t
0
. This causes the two cylinders to start rotating. Use Faradays law to
determine the angular momenta, L
i
and L
o
of each cylinder after t
0
. YOu may ignore the
magnetic eld produced by the rotation of the cylinders. Also ignore any fringing of the elds
at the ends of the cylinders.
c) Recall that the electromagnetic elds contain a momentum density, S = E B/4c (Gaus-
sian units). Taking this fact into account, evaluate the angular momentum (magnitude and
direction) contained in the electromagnetic eld in the initial conguration. Compare it with
the total angular momentum of the capacitor in the nal conguration.
d) How will the result for the angular momentum of the two cylinders change (increase, decrease
or remain the same) if the magnetic eld of the rotating cylinders were taken into account?
297
Part II - E & M J04E.2 - Mass Spectrometer
J04E.2 - Mass Spectrometer
Problem
Let the magnetic eld, B, have the conguration which is used in mass spectrometers: B = 0 for
x < 0, while for x > 0 it is uniform, B = B
0
z. A spherical ball with radius R, total mass M and
total charge Q approaches the plane x = 0 from the left and enters the magnetic eld region x > 0
with center of mass velocity v in the x-direction. In addition, the ball rotates with angular velocity
about the x-axis. The density of the ball is distributed uniformly throughout its volume.
The ball enters the region x > 0, spends there some time t and then leaves the region.
Both the speed v and angular velocity are small, so that relativistic eects can be neglected.
The ball is so small that you can ignore all the rotational dynamics during the time 2R[v[ when it
traverses the boundary at x = 0.
v
2R
B
B = 0
y
x
O
a) Determine the time t the ball was subject to the magnetic eld.
b) Assume that the charge of the ball Q is uniformly distributed throughout its volume, as the
mass is, and evaluate the initial angular momentum and magnetic moment of the ball.
c) Determine the direction of the angular momentum after the ball comes back to the region
where B = 0.
298
Part II - E & M J04E.2 - Mass Spectrometer
d) Suppose instead that the charge Q were uniformly distributed over the surface of the ball, while
the mass remains uniform throughout the volume. What is the initial magnetic moment? How
is the nal magnetic moment directed?
299
Part II - E & M J04E.3 - Thomson Scattering
J04E.3 - Thomson Scattering
Problem
A particle of mass m and charge q moves at a constant, nonrelativistic speed [u[ in a circle of radius
a. The plane of the orbit coincides with the x-y plane This motion is caused by a plane circularly
polarized electromagnetic wave, which propagates in the z-direction. At any moment of time the
magnetic eld of the electromagnetic wave is parallel to the velocity u.
Since the acceleration of the particle u diers from zero, the particle emits radiation. For non-
relativistic particles the radiation electric eld E
rad
at point R = nr, r a can be computed
from
E
rad
=
q
rc
2
n (n u),
where n is the direction of the emission vector (The origin is at the center of the orbit).
a) Detemine the power emitted per unit solid angle in the direction at angle relative to the
z-axis.
b) What is the spectrum of the emitted radiation?
c) By relating the emitted power to incident ux of the plane electromagnetic wave nd the total
cross section for Thomson scattering of unpolarized radiation and express it in terms of m and
q.
300
May 2003
M03E.1 - Force Between Current Carrying Wires
Problem
Two innitely long parallel wires, a distance d apart, carry time-dependent currents I(t) of the
same magnitude but opposite direction, as shown in the gure:
d
I(t)
I(t)
We will consider two possible time histories of the current:
a) Suppose that the current switches on suddenly at time t = 0 and remains constant thereafter
(i.e. that I(t) = I
0
(t)). Calculate, as a function of time, the force per unit length F(t) on the
wires and sketch your result. It is not really possible to instantaneously turn on a current in
a circuit: explain how your answer reects this fact.
b) Now lets do it in a more realistic fashion by turning on a linearly increasing current at time
t = 0 which continues to increase until I
0
is reached (i.e. I(t) = bt for t < 0 < I
0
/b and I = I
0
for later times). As in the previous item, calculate the force per unit length F(t) between the
wires and plot your result.
Note the possibly useful indenite integral:
_
dy
_
y
2
a
2
= log(
_
y
2
a
2
+y)
301
Part II - E & M M03E.2 - The Method of Images
M03E.2 - The Method of Images
Problem
The method of images allows us to solve many problems involving point charges and spherical
conductors of various kinds. In this question you are asked to derive and then use this method in
some representative applications.
a) Consider a charge Q placed at a distance R > a from the center of a sphere of radius a (for
the moment, this is just a geometrical sphere, not a conductor or any other physical object).
Show that if a certain charge of opposite sign is placed inside the sphere at the appropriate
location then the spherical surface of radius a is a V = 0 equipotential surface. The result can
be used in the following applications:
b) A point charge Q is placed at a distance R > a from the center of a conducting sphere of
radius a. Find the force exerted on the sphere if the total charge on the sphere is Q.
c) Consider the distribution of the total charge Q on the surface of the sphere under the conditions
just described. Find an equation for the distance R such that surface charge density of opposite
sign to Q rst appears somewhere on the sphere.
d) Two perfectly conducting spheres of radius a are placed far apart (their centers are separated
by R 2a) and kept at the same potential V
0
(this condition could be enforced by connecting
the spheres with a ne wire). What is the charge on each sphere, correct to rst order in a/R?
e) What is the charge on the two spheres correct to second order in a/R?
302
Part II - E & M M03E.3 - Electromagnetic Wave in a Plasma
M03E.3 - Electromagnetic Wave in a Plasma
Problem
The E-vector of a plane electromagnetic wave propagating along the z-axis and having a polarization
vector e = (
x
,
y
, 0) can be written
E(r, t) = E(
x
x +
y
y)e
i(kzt)
(the polarization vector is taken to be of unit length,
= 1). In free space, the dispersion

relation is = ck and the wave propagates with both phase and group velocity equal to c.
Now let the wave propagate through a dilute plasma containing a density N of free mobile electrons
of mass m and charge e (along with a background of compensating positive charge taken to be so
massive as to be xed in place). By solving for the motion of an electron in the electric eld of
the propagating wave (i.e. ignoring the eect of the waves B-eld on the motion) one can infer
a polarization density

P

E. This in turn allows us to infer a frequency-dependent dielectric
constant via
D =
0
E +

P = ()
E.
The index of refraction of plasma is then given by n() =
_
/
0
.
a) Use this line of argument to compute the frequency dependence of the index of refraction n()
of a plasma. Turn your result into a dispersion relation (k) and nd the limiting frequency
p
as the wavelength of the wave goes to innity. This cuto frequency, below which waves
cannot propagate, is called the plasma frequency.
b) Now let the plasma be subject to a static magnetic eld B
0
z in the direction of propagation of
the wave. Also assume that the electrons have some kinetic energy so that, in the absence of
any other perturbation, they execute circular motion about the static magnetic eld lines at
the Larmor frequency
L
= [eB
0
[/m. Extend your calculation of the dielectric constant of the
plasma to this new case. The response is dierent for dierent states of circular polarization
so, for deniteness, analyze the case of right circular polarization of the propagating wave
( = ( x + i y)/
2).
c) Find the lowest frequency at which such a wave can propagate. Express your answer in terms
of
p
and
L
.
303
January 2003
J03E.1 - Waves in Aluminum
Problem
A plane wave at 90 GHz is normally incident on aluminum, a very good conductor, that lls the
space with z > 0 as shown in the gure. Most, but not all, of the eld is reected from the
surface. Aluminum has a magnetic permeability equal to that of free space and a conductivity of
= 3.5 10
17
s
1
or 3.5 10
7
1
m
1
.
z
x
Aluminum
z = 0
a) Assume the wave inside the aluminum has the form
E = E
0
exp(ikx it) e
x
.
What is the dispersion relation, k(), in the aluminum?
b) What fraction of the incident power is reected?
c) What is the numerical value of the normal emissivity ? Recall that = (the power emit-
ted)/(the power emitted by a perfect radiator at the same temperature).
304
Part II - E & M J03E.2 - Image Charges
J03E.2 - Image Charges
Problem
This problem contains three questions on electrostatics.
a) A charge Q is at x = b and a second charge q = Q
_
a
b
is at x = a. Show that the equipotential
surface corresponding to V = 0 is described by a sphere with its center at the origin. Determine
the radius R of this sphere.
x = a
x = b
x
z
q
Q
b) FInd the electric potential in cylindrical coordinates (r, , z) when a charge q is located
at (r
0
, z
0
> 0) and there is a grounded conducting plane at z = 0 that has a conducting
hemispherical boss of radius R < b =
_
r
2
0
+z
2
0
whose center is at the origin. A side view of
the boss and conducting plane is shown in the picture below.
a
b
r
z
c) What is the electrostatic force on the charge q in part b) for the case that r
0
= 0?
305
Part II - E & M J03E.3 - Rotating Charged Rod
J03E.3 - Rotating Charged Rod
Problem
A rod of length L and negligible cross sectional area carries a total charge Q uniformly distributed
along its length. It is rotated slowly with c/L in the x-y plane as shown.
a) What are the electric dipole moment and rate at which electric dipole energy is radiated?
b) What are the magnetic dipole moment and rate at which magnetic dipole energy is radiated?
306
May 2002
M02E.1 - Iron Ring with a Gap
Problem
N turns of a wire are wrapped around an iron ring in which a small gap has been cut. The radius
of the ring is a and the width of the gap is w, with w a. A current I ows in the wire. The
magnetic permeability of the iron is .
a
w
I
N
a) Find the B eld in the gap.
b) Find the force per unit area on the faces of the gap. Does the gap have the tendency to widen
or contract?
307
Part II - E & M M02E.2 - Dielectric Cylinder in an Electric Field
M02E.2 - Dielectric Cylinder in an Electric Field
Problem
A cylinder of radius a and dielectric constant is placed along the z-axis in a electric eld, whose
form is E
i
= E
0
x+E
1
[(x/a) x(y/a) y] before the cylinder is placed in the eld. Give expressions
for the total electric eld E, the displacement eld D and the polarization density P everywhere.
308
Part II - E & M M02E.3 - Current in a Cylindrical Wire
M02E.3 - Current in a Cylindrical Wire
Problem
A current I, carried by freely moving electrons, runs through a cylindrical wire with radius r
0
.
Assuming that the electrons are moving with velocity v and that the total charge per unit length
in the wire vanishes (in the lab frame), nd the radial prole of the current. What is the voltage
dierence between the center and the edge of the cylinder?
309
January 2002
J02E.1 - Coaxial Transmission Line
Problem
An innitely long coaxial transmission line made from perfect conductors lies along the z axis, as
shown below. The inner wire is of radius a, the outer wire is a cylinder of inner radius b, and the
space between is lled with a material of (relative) dielectric constant and (relative) permeability
.
a) Find the speed v of the waves down the transmission line, the magnitude of the ratio E/B of
the electric and magnetic elds, and the impedance Z = V (z, t)/I(z, t) of the transmission line
where I(z, t) is the current in each of the wires and V (z, t) is the voltage dierence between
the two wires.
As on all parts of this exam, either MKSA or Gaussian units may be employed.
b) A transmission line of impedance Z
1
for z < 0 is connected to a line of impedance Z
2
for z > 0.
A wave E
0
e
i(kzt)
is incident from z = . Derive an expression for the amplitudes of the
transmitted and reected waves.
c) Assume the answer to part a) for the impedance of the transmission line was Z. It is desired
to split the signal from the transmission line into two identical lines as shown in the Figure.
What value of R for the matching resistors will ensure that there are no reections?
310
Part II - E & M J02E.1 - Coaxial Transmission Line
311
Part II - E & M J02E.2 - Rotating Dielectric Cylinder
J02E.2 - Rotating Dielectric Cylinder
Problem
An innitely long wire with linear charge density lies along the z axis. An insulating cylindrical
shell of radius a and moment of inertia I per unit length is concentric with the wire, and can rotate
freely about the z axis. The areal charge density on the cylinder is = /2a and is uniformly
distributed.
The cylinder is immersed in an external magnetic eld B
ex
z, and is initially at rest.
Starting at t = 0 the external magnetic eld is slowly reduced to zero over a time T a/c, where
c is the speed of light. What is the nal angular velocity of the cylinder?
312
Part II - E & M J02E.3 - Levitating Frog
J02E.3 - Levitating Frog
Problem
It has proven possible to levitate objects (frogs!) on the surface of the earth in regions of high
magnetic eld gradients. This problem explores how a spherical frog might be levitated above a
permanent magnet.
a) Consider a magnetic disk of radius a and thickness h a. The magnetic material has a
constant magnetic moment/volume m oriented parallel to the axis of the disk, the z axis.
Find the magnetic eld B(z) along the z axis.
b) The spherical frog to be levitated has a radius b and mass k and (relative) diamagnetic
permeability . Assume that b a, so that the magnetic eld is roughly constant across the
frog. Find the maximum value for the mass k for there to be an equilibrium point above the
disk in terms of m, a, b, h, , and the position z
0
above the disk where that occurs.
Note: the magnetic moment M induced in a solid diamagnetic sphere of (relative) permeability
and volume V by an external magnetic eld B is given by M = ( 1)BV/4 in Gaussian
units (and M = ( 1)BV in MKSA units).
After this exam is over you may wish to show that the equilibrium point is stable against small
axial and radial perturbations provided a/
7 < z
0
<
_
2/5a.
313
May 2001
M01E.1 - Non-parallel Plate Capacitor
Problem
Two identical plates of length c and width d are separated by an angular separation of
0
as shown.
THe plate at = 0 is grounded, and the plate at =
0
is set at potential V
0
.
b
b
c
c
0
V = 0
V = V
0
a) Compute the store energy in the capacitor. Assume that the electrical potential between
the plates depends only on , and ignore fringe elds. (In which limit is this an allowed
approximation?)
Now take ten in a cylindrical arrangement, and connect them as follows:
The odd plates are all connected together with a wire. The even plates are also all connected
together. There is no direct connection between the odd and even plates. Assume a charge Q is
placed on the even plates, and a charge Q on the odd plates.
b) Compute the total capacitance of this structure.
314
Part II - E & M M01E.2 - Radio Waves in a Gas of Charged Particles
M01E.2 - Radio Waves in a Gas of Charged Particles
Problem
In this problem, we investigate the eect of electromagnetic waves traveling through a gas of charged
particles. This can happen when there is radio emission from a pulsar, and these signals propagate
through clouds of charged particles in deep space before being detected on Earth. A linearly
polarized radio wave will induce a charged current in the cloud which is proportional to the time-
dependent electric eld of the plane wave (ignore the motion of the charged particles due to the
magnetic eld of the plane wave).
a) Show that the dispersion relation between the frequency and the wave vector k for plane
waves traveling through an electron gas can be written in terms of
1
2
p
2
where
p
is the plasma frequency. Express the plasma frequency in terms of: m
e
= 9.110
28
g
(the mass of the electron), e = 4.8 10
10
esu (the electron charge), and n
e
(the volume
density of electrons in the cloud).
b) For radio wave frequencies above
p
, how signicant is the dispersion from ions (protons) in
comparison to electrons?
c) Evaluate the phase velocity /k and the group velocity d/dk and compare them to the speed
of light. Write the phase and group velocities in terms of the ratio /
p
.
The Vela pulsar is about 500 parsecs distant (1 parsec = 3 10
18
cm). It emits radio waves over a
broad band. When observations are made in narrow frequency bands, what is observed are narrow
pulses which arrive at a xed period, similar to a timing signal for synchronizing a clock.
d) The narrow pulses observed at 1660 MHz are delayed relative to the narrow pulses observed
at 1720 MHz by 6.8 ms. If this is interpreted by the dispersion in an ionized gas, what is
the mean density of free electrons between Vela and us? To simplify the caculation, you can
anticipate that
p
.
315
Part II - E & M M01E.3 - Charged Rotating Cylindrical Shells
M01E.3 - Charged Rotating Cylindrical Shells
Problem
Two long, thin concentric hollow cylindrical shells are each free to rotate around the z-axis. A
mechanical attachment (not shown) keeps them concentric. The two cylinders have the same length
, but dierent radii a and b. Each cylinder is an insulator, with a xed charge per unit area, given
by
a
and
b
, respectively.
a) Initially, both cylinders are at rest. Compute the electric eld inside, between, and outside
the cylinders. You can ignore the fringe elds at the ends of the cylinders.
b)
What is the relation between
a
and
b
such that

E = 0 outside the outer cylinder?
c) Suppose that the inner cylinder is held at rest, while the outer cylinder rotates at angular
frequency
b
. Compute the magnetic eld.
From now on assume that
a
and
b
are related such that

E = 0 outside the outer cylinder.
d)
At what frequency
a
does the inner cylinder need to rotate such that

B = 0 inside of it?
The two cylinders are attached so that they rotate together =
a
=
b
. The cylinders begin
at rest and are driven with an external torque until they reach a nal angular frequency . It is
noticed that the induced magnetic ux through the cylinders causes a back emf which opposes their
rotation.
e) Compute the additional external torque needed to overcome the back emf. (Hint: Use Fara-
days Law.)
316
Part II - E & M M01E.3 - Charged Rotating Cylindrical Shells
f) Calculate the angular momentum in the electromagnetic eld from the direct integration of
the expression (given in MKS units)
L
EM
=
0
_
x (
E

B)d
3
x.
Does this angular momentum correspond to the time integration of the torque computed in
part e)?
317
January 2001
J01E.1 - Resistance Between Two Points on a Disk
Problem
Calculate the resistance between two contacts on the rim of a disk of radius a, thickness t a, and
conductivity , when each (perfectly conducting) contact extends for a small distance around the
circumference, and the distance along the chord between the contacts is d .
The contacts set up semicircular regions of radius /2 of nearly uniform potential that extend into
the resistive disk.
a
d
318
Part II - E & M J01E.2 - Betatron
J01E.2 - Betatron
Problem
A betatron is a device in which ultrarelativistic electrons are held in a circle of xed radius R
(taken to be centered on the origin in the x-y plane) by a magnetic eld B
z
(r, t) while their energy
is increased via a changing magnetic ux d/dt = R
2
dB
z,ave
/dt through the circle. Motion of the
electrons perpendicular to the circle is prevented by means that need not be considered here.
Deduce the relation between the magnetic eld B
z
at radius R and the magnetic eld B
z,ave
averaged
over the area of the circle. Also deduce the maximum energy c to which an electron could be
accelerated by a betatron in terms of B
z
, dB
z,ave
/dt and R.
Hints: The electrons in this problem are ultrarelativistic, so it is useful to introduce the factor
= c/mc
2
1, where c is the speed of light. Recall that Newtons second law has the same form
for nonrelativistic and relativistic electrons except that in the latter case the eective mass is m.
Recall also that for circular motion the rest frame acceleration is
2
times that in the lab frame.
319
Part II - E & M J01E.3 - Electromagnetic Wave on a Slab of Dielectric
J01E.3 - Electromagnetic Wave on a Slab of Dielectric
Problem
A plane electromagnetic pulse E(z, t) = f(z/c t) is incident from vacuum at z < 0 on a dielectric
medium that extends from z = 0 to z = a. The region z > a is also vacuum. The pulse has Fourier
components only at frequencies near its central angular frequency
0
. The index of refraction n()
of the medium is near unity, so reections at the boundaries can be ignored, and the approximation
n()
0
+
d(n())
d
0
(
0
)
holds over the relevant frequency bandwidth of the waveform.
Compute the waveform E(z, t) in the dielectric region 0 < z < a, and in the vacuum region a < z.
If
0
is chosen to lie between two spectral lines of the medium, which is pumped by lasers at those
frequencies into inverted populations, then the group velocity v
g
(
0
) can be negative, as recently
demonstrated by Wang et al., Nature 406, 277 (2000). Comment on any unusual features of the
pulse propagation in this case.
Hint: rst discuss the propagation of a monochromatic wave; then consider its impli- cations for
the Fourier analysis of the pulse.
320
May 2000
M00E.1 - Emitted Flux Density
Problem
A conductor is at temperature T in a vacuum. The goal of this problem is to deduce the ux
density emitted from the conductor at angle from the normal to its surface. Recall Kirchhos
law of heat radiation (as claried by Planck):
c
= A
K(, T) = A
h
3
/c
2
e
h/kT
1
,
where A
is the unitless absorption coecient and c
is the ux density (power per area per

frequency) emitted from a body at temperature T. Specically, one can write:
A
= 1 R
= 1
E
r
E
i
2
.
Also recall Fresnels equations of reection:
E
r
E
i
=
sin(
t
i
)
sin(
t
+
i
)
,
E
r
E
i
=
tan(
t
i
)
tan(
t
+
i
)
,
where i, r, and t label the incident, reected, and transmitted waves, respectively, and and |
refer to the plane of emission.
a) Begin by nding an approximate expression for the complex wave vector k
t
as a function of
frequency for the wave transmitted into a good conductor (4/ 1, and
0
).
b) Find c
, the ux density emitted polarized perpendicular to the plane of emission.

c) Find c
, the ux density emitted polarized parallel to the plane of emission.

d) Comment briey on the polarization of the thermally emitted radiation in the grazing case
( 90
).
321
Part II - E & M M00E.2 - Particle Above a Conducting Plane
M00E.2 - Particle Above a Conducting Plane
Problem
A particle of mass m and charge q is released from rest from a distance z
0
above an innite grounded
conducting plane. Neglect relativistic eects and gravity.
a) How long will it take for the particle to hit the plane? (Neglect radiation loss.) You may leave
your answer in terms of a dimensionless integral.
b) What is the power radiated as a function of z?
Now consider the conducting plane to be replaced by a semi-innite dielectric . (That is, for
z > 0, there is a vacuum, and for z < 0, space is lled with the dielectric.)
c) Calculate the force on the charge q when it is a distance z
0
above the plane.
Hint: an image solution exists where image charges are placed at either +z
0
or z
0
.
322
Part II - E & M M00E.3 - Toroidal Solenoids
M00E.3 - Toroidal Solenoids
Problem
The sketch shows two concentric toroidal solenoids. The outer one has N
1
turns of wire, each with
square cross-section with side 3s. The inner diameter of the outer solenoid is a, as shown in the
gure. The inner solenoid has N
2
turns of wire, with square cross-section with side s. The resistance
of the outer wire is negligible, but the resistance of the inner wire is 1.
a) If an AC voltage of amplitude V
0
and angular frequency is applied to the outer wire, what is
the power dissipated in the system? You may leave your answer in terms of parameters given
and the inductances of the system.
b) Find expressions for the relevant inductances.
323
January 2000
J00E.1 - A Two-Wire Transmission Line
Problem
A transmission line consists of a pair of conducting wires each of radius a whose centers are distance
b apart. The space surrounding the wires has unit dielectric contant and permeability. Deduce the
capacitance C per unit length.
[From this you could deduce the inductance L per unit length using LC = 1/c
2
, the impedance
Z =
_
L/C = 1/cC, and the sensitivity of the impedance to an error b in the wire spacing, etc.]
324
Part II - E & M J00E.2 - Pitching Pennies into a Magnet
J00E.2 - Pitching Pennies into a Magnet
Problem
If one pitches a penny into a large magnet, eddy currents are induced in the penny, and their
interaction with the magnetic eld results in a repulsive force, according to Lenz law. Estimate the
minimum velocity needed for a penny to enter a long, solenoid magnet with central eld B = 1 T
and diameter D = 0.1 m.
You may suppose that the penny is actually a thin ring (torus) of radius a, cross-section area
b
2
where b a, mass density and conductivity . The penny moves so that its axis always
coincides with that of the magnet, as shown in the gure below. Ignore gravity. The speed of
the penny is low enough that the magnetic eld caused by the eddy currents may be neglected
compared to that of the solenoid. Equivalently, you may assume that the magnetic diusion time
is small.
325
Part II - E & M J00E.2 - Pitching Pennies into a Magnet
b
a
326
Part II - E & M J00E.3 - A Phased Antenna Array
J00E.3 - A Phased Antenna Array
Problem
Two short dipole antennas form a small phased array as shown in the gure. The second dipole
is placed a distance = /2 away from the rst along the y axis. The two dipoles are parallel to
one another and are driven 180
out of phase of one another.

Each antenna is a center-fed dipole radiator formed from two wires, each of length d/2 and
driven by a current source as shown in the gure below. The wires are aligned parallel to the z axis
( = (0, )). The current source produces a time-dependent current given by I(t) = I
0
e
it
. You
may assume that the charge that enters the wires is uniformly distributed along their lengths.
Calculate the time-averaged angular distribution of the radiated power for this arrangement in the
radiation zone as a function of and , i.e., calculate dP(, )/d.
327
May 1999
M99E.1 - Radiation from a Rotating Sphere
Problem
Electromagnetic radiation of wave length is observed to originate from a system consisting of an
electrically charged sphere of radius R placed in a uniform magnetic eld B and spinning about its
axis with a very large angular velocity . The spin axis of the sphere, which is free to move, makes
an angle with the eld direction. Assume R .
a) Explain briey why the system radiates electromagnetic energy.
b) Find in terms of the given quantities, not all of which may be necessary, the ratio Q/M of the
total charge Q to the mass M of the sphere assuming that both charge and mass are uniformly
distributed over its volume.
c) What is the polarization of the radiation eld?
328
Part II - E & M M99E.2 - 5-Spoke Wheel
M99E.2 - 5-Spoke Wheel
Problem
A 5-spoked wheel (radius r), made out of thin wire with resistance per unit length is freely
rotating with angular velocity (t) in a wedge-shaped constant magnetic eld B whose eld lines
are parallel to the axis of the wheel:
(t)
B
a) Calculate the resistance of all 10 wire segments.
b) Find the current in the bottom center spoke.
c) Determine (t) for an initial angular velocity (0) =
0
, if the wheel has moment of inertia I.
329
Part II - E & M M99E.3 - Dielectric Cylinder
M99E.3 - Dielectric Cylinder
Problem
A long uniform dielectric solid cylinder with radius R and dielectric constant (electric permittivity)
is placed in an external electric eld. Far from the cylinder the electric eld is uniform with
magnitude E
0
along a direction perpendicular to the axis of the cyclinder.
Determine the electric eld inside and outside the cylinder.
330
January 1999
J99E.1 - Charged Particle Trap
Problem
It is well known that a charged particle cannot be held at rest by purely electrostatic elds. In your
answers below, you will give a (simple) classical explanation of how a neutral atom of polarizability
can be trapped at the focus of a laser beam.
a) First, ignore magnetic interactions, and deduce that there is a (time-averaged) trapping force
dependent on the electric eld of the laser.
b) Atoms have some probability of absorbing photons from the laser beams, thereby being kicked
along the direction of the beam. This processes can be modelled classically by supposing that
the polarizability of the atom has an imaginary part: =
+ i
. Deduce the force on an

atom along the direction of propagation of a linearly polarized plane electromagnetic wave in
terms of
, the imaginary (absorptive) part of the polarizability.

c) For an idealized atom with a single natural frequency
0
, deduce the ratio
at the fre-
quency for which the real part,
, of the polarizibility is a maximum. For this, you may use

a classical model of an atom as an electron on a spring of frequency
0
, subject to a damping
force m x, where
0
is the reciprocal of the lifetime of the excited state.
In practice, the trapping force a) must be larger than the longitudinal force b). This requires the
laser beam to be tightly focused.
331
Part II - E & M J99E.2 - Transverse Momentum from an Electromagnetic Wave
J99E.2 - Transverse Momentum from an Electromagnetic
Wave
Problem
When a charged particle (of mass m and charge e) interacts with a linearly polarized plane wave
(with electric eld E
x
= E
0
cos(kz t)), the particles motion includes a transverse oscillation. In
the frame in which the particle is at rest on average, the motion is purely transverse if eE
0
/mc 1,
as may be assumed. Hence, the particle has transverse momentum, while the wave carries only
longitudinal momentum. How is Newtons 3
rd
law satised in this situation?
Hint: Demonstrate that an appropriate piece of the total eld momentum is equal and opposite to
the mechanical momentum of the particle. Give an argument based on electric and magnetic elds,
rather than, say, one based on the canonical momentum p +eA/c.
332
Part II - E & M J99E.3 - Magnetic Field at a Pulsar
J99E.3 - Magnetic Field at a Pulsar
Problem
The x-ray pulsar SGR1806-20 has recently been observed to have a period T of 7.5 s and a relatively
large spindown rate

T = 8 10
11
; C. Kouveliotou et al., Nature 393, 235 (1998). Calculate the
maximum magnetic eld at the surface of this pulsar, assuming it to be a standard neutron star of
mass 1.4M
= 2.8 10
30
kg and radius 10 km, that the mass density is uniform, that the spindown
is due to electromagnetic radiation, and that the angular velocity vector is perpendicular to the
magnetic dipole moment of the pulsar.
Give a numerical answer for the surface magnetic eld in units of the so-called QED critical eld
strength m
2
c
3
/e = 4.4 10
13
gauss.
333
May 1998
M98E.1 - Field of a Wire
Problem
A neutral wire along the z-axis carries current I that varies with time t according to
I(t) =
_
0 t 0,
t t > 0, is a constant.
Deduce the time-dependence of the electric and magnetic elds, E and B, observed at a point
(r, = 0, z = 0) in a cylindrical coordinate system about the wire. Use your expressions to discuss
the elds in the two limiting cases that ct r and ct = r + , where c is the speed of light and
r.
Fact:
_
dx
a
2
+ x
2
= ln(x +
a
2
+x
2
).
334
Part II - E & M M98E.2 - Cylindrical Magnet and a Steel Sheet
M98E.2 - Cylindrical Magnet and a Steel Sheet
Problem
A cylindrical magnet has a cross-section area A, length L and uniform magnetization M parallel
to L. The magnet is very long, L A
1/2
. It is placed on end against a steel sheet, with the
axis of the cylinder perpendicular to the surface of the steel sheet. The steel has innite magnetic
permeability. What force F is necessary to pull the magnet from the sheet? Neglect gravity.
335
Part II - E & M M98E.3 - Magnetic Field of the Earth
M98E.3 - Magnetic Field of the Earth
Problem
The magnetic eld of the Earth may be approximated as a magnetic dipole. The axis of the dipole
does not coincide with the geographic North pole, but is inclined at angle = 11
.
a) Estimate the magnetic moment of the Earth, using the fact that the magnetic eld is about
0.5 gauss at the equator.
b) Find the radiated power in Watts due to the Earths rotation under the assumption that the
Earth is isolated in empty space.
c) The Earth is actually immersed in the the solar wind. The density of the solar wind n
e
is
roughly 10 proton/cm
3
. Explain whether the radiation computed in part b) is detectable
outside the solar system.
336
January 1998
J98E.1 - Electromagnetic Wave Incident on a Lossy Dielec-
tric
Problem
A palne wave,

E = E
0
exp(ikz it) e
x
, is incident on a lossy dielectric that lls the space for z > 0
as shown in the gure. The dielectric is described by a real dielectric constant and conductivity
. The space where z < 0 is a vacuum.
z
x
,
k
a) What is the dispersion relation, k(), in the dielectric?
b) At 2.5 GHz, what is the attenuation length of such a wave in a person?
( = 1, = 50, = 2 10
10
s
1
).
337
Part II - E & M J98E.2 - Rotating Charged Rod
J98E.2 - Rotating Charged Rod
Problem
A thin uniform rod of length l and mass M has constant linear charge density . Its endpoint is
rigidly attached to a vertical axis at right angles. The rod is given angular velocity c/l about
the axis at t = 0. You may assume that the electrostatic energy stored in the rod is much smaller
than the kinetic energy of the rod. No external torques are applied for t 0.
a) What is the power radiated at t = 0 due to the electric dipole emission?
b) Estimate, up to a dimensionless constant of proportionality, the power radiated at t = 0 due
to the magnetic dipole emission.
338
Part II - E & M J98E.3 - Conducting Hemispheres
J98E.3 - Conducting Hemispheres
Problem
An insulated, uncharged, conducting, spherical shell of radius a is placed in a uniform electric
eld of magnitude E
0
. Suppose the shell is cut into two hemispheres at its equator (in the plane
perpendicular to the eld). What force is required to keep the hemispheres from separating?
339
May 1997
M97E.1 - Spherical Shell of Dielectric
Problem
A spherical shell is uniformly polarized, as shown in the gure. The electric polarization per unit
volume is P = P
k, and the inner and outer radii of the shell are a and b. Find the electric potential
on each of the three regions: r > b, a < r < b, and r < a.
a
P = P
k
b
340
Part II - E & M M97E.2 - Plane Currents
M97E.2 - Plane Currents
Problem
An innite conducting plane (taken here to be the x-y plane) is electrically neutral and carries a
uniform surface current K = K , where K = 0 for times t 0 and K = K
0
for t > 0 with K
0
equal
to a constant.
a) Find the magnitude and direction of the electric and magnetic elds at a height z above the
plane.
b) Compute the total power radiated per unit area of the x-y plane.
341
Part II - E & M M97E.3 - Astrophysics
M97E.3 - Astrophysics
Problem
a) The interstellar medium is made up of a collisionless plasma with an electron density n
0.03 cm
3
. Calculate the frequency of the longest wavelength electromagnetic wave that can
propagate through it. It might be helpful to know that: e = 4.8 10
10
esu or 1.6 10
19
C,
m
e
= 9.1 10
28
g, and m
p
= 1.67 10
24
g.
b) A pulsar emits linearly polarized radio waves. At the source, waves of all frequencies share
a common polarization direction, but at the earth a dierence in polarization angle is
observed between two radio frequencies
1
and
2
, both of which are large compared to the
plasma frequency. A magnetic eld with strength B permeates the plasma with density n as
described in part a), and has a direction parallel to the line of sight between the pulsar and
the observer; the distance between the observer and the pulsar is d. Derive an expression for
in terms of
1
,
2
, B, d, n and physical constants.
342
January 1997
J97E.1 - Leaking Current in a Transmission Line
Problem
Deduce the dierential equation for current (or voltage) in a two-conductor transmission line that
is characterized by resistance R (summed over both conductors), inductance L, capacitance C,
and leakage conductivity K, all dened per unit length. The leakage conductivity describes the
undesirable current that ows directly from one conductor to the other across the dielectric that
separates them, according to
I
leakage
= KV,
where V (x, t) is the voltage between the two conductors, taken to be along the x axis.
I
I
V
I
leakage
x
Deduce a relation among R, L, C, and K that permits distortionless waves of the form
e
x
f(x vt)
to propagate along the transmission line, for any function F. Give expressions for v and in terms
of R, L, and C.
343
Part II - E & M J97E.2 - Cylindrical Ferromagnet
J97E.2 - Cylindrical Ferromagnet
Problem
The gure shows the cross section of an innitely long cylinder of ferromagnetic material with
radius a and uniform magnetization M = M
0
x. Find expressions for B and H both inside and
outside the cylinder. Sketch B, H, and M. If the cylinder is placed in a uniform magnetic eld
B
ext
= B
0
y, what is the z component of the torque per unit length on the cylinder?
x
y
z
344
Part II - E & M J97E.3 - Stopping a Rotating Charged Cylinder
J97E.3 - Stopping a Rotating Charged Cylinder
Problem
A long, non-conducting, nonmagnetic cylinder of length d, radius b, and mass m carrying a charge
Q uniformly distributed over its curved surface is located inside a very long N-turn solenoid of
length D d, radius a, and resistance R. The cylinder is spinning (with negligible friction) at an
angular velocity about its axis parallel to the solenoid axis, as shown in the gure above. The
solenoid is connected to a variable power supply (of negligible internal resistance). Initially, the
power supply is turned o. At time t = 0 the power supply is turned on.
Power
Supply
d
D
0 V R
N turns
Find the voltage V at which you should set the power supply in order for the cylinder to slow down,
come smoothly to rest, and remain at rest.
345
May 1996
M96E.1 - Resonant Circuit
Problem
A source of current I = I
0
sin t is connected to the circuit shown below. A voltmeter reading peak
sine-wave voltage V
0
is connected between points A and B. The product L
2
C
2
> L
1
C
1
. Find an
expression for V
0
given I
0
that is valid over the entire range of . Sketch qualitatively the entire
curve of V
0
versus , identifying and explaining each distinctive feature.
I
0
sin t
A
B C
1
L
1
C
2
L
2
346
Part II - E & M M96E.2 - Non-parallel Plate Capacitor (?)
M96E.2 - Non-parallel Plate Capacitor (?)
Problem
a) A voltage dierence V is placed across the two conducting plates. Find the potential every-
where between the plates. Neglect edge eects, that is, assume l and w are much larger than
d and a.
b) The wedge is lled with oil of dielectric constant . Calculate the capacitance of the system in
terms of given constants.
347
Part II - E & M M96E.3 - Toroidal Solenoid
M96E.3 - Toroidal Solenoid
Problem
Consider a torus of rectangular cross section. (That is, the inner wall is a cylinder concentric with
the z-axis and of radius a, the outer wall is concentric with the z-axis and of radius b, and the top
and bottom walls are in the planes z = h/2. In other words, this looks like a donut except it has
a rectangular cross section (b a) h.) The torus is uniformly wrapped with N turns of wire that
carry current I. N is large enough that we can approximate the current as a surface current and
assume that magnetic eld exists only on the inside of the torus.
a) Imagine that the torus is split in half at the y-z plane, as shown in the drawing. The mechanical
force between the halves is F =
_
PdA, where P is the pressure or P the tension in the walls
of the torus, and the integral is taken over the y-z plane. Find the mechanical force of one
half torus on the second. Specify whether the force is in tension or compression.
b) Similarly, imagine the torus split in half at the x-z plane. Find the mechanical force exerted
across the x-z plane by one half torus on the second, and state whether the force is in tension
or compression.
348
January 1996
J96E.1 - Wire Inside a Cylinder
Problem
Consider a very long thin conducting cylindrical shell of radius R centered at the origin and posi-
tioned in such a way that the z-axis coincides with the shells symmetry axis. Inside the cylindrical
shell there is a very long thin wire of charge per unit length. The wire is parallel to the z-axis.
Find the magnitude and direction of the force per unit length on the wire as a function of its position
r in the x-y plane, measured from the origin
349
Part II - E & M J96E.2 - Electron in Electric and Magnetic Fields
J96E.2 - Electron in Electric and Magnetic Fields
Problem
At time t = 0, an electron (mass m and charge e) is ejected with velocity v x from an electron
gun located at the origin (v is positive). The electron subsequently moves in a uniform electric eld
E = E y and a uniform magnetic eld

B = B z. Assume that the electron is non-relativistic.
a) Find x(t), y(t), z(t). Sketch the trajectory.
b) How does the power radiated by the electron depend on time? Ignore the radiation damping.
350
Part II - E & M J96E.3 - Radio Pulses
J96E.3 - Radio Pulses
Problem
A radio source 500 light years distant from the Earth simultaneously emits two pulses, one at a
frequency of 100 MHz and the second at 102 MHz. If the interstellar medium contains 1 free electron
per cm
3
what is the dierence in the arrival times, at the Earth, of the two pulses? Which of the
pulses arrives earlier?
351
May 1995
M95E.1 - Capacitor with Spatially Non-uniform Dielectric
Problem
A capacitor is constructed with two identical at perfectly conducting plates of area A separated by
distance d. The region between plates is lled with a material with resistivity
R
that is independent
of position, and dielectric constant that varies with the distance to the plates; i.e. if we dene
the z-axis to be perpendicular to the plates, then = (z). Ignore fringing eects throughout this
problem.
a) A battery of voltage V
0
is placed across the capacitor, and the circuit is allowed to reach a
steady state. Find the charge density in the capacitor.
b) A voltmeter is connected across the capcitor. At time t = 0 the battery is disconnected. Find
V (t), the voltage read on the voltmeter for times t 0, as a functional of (z).
c) Assuming (z) = (a + bz)
1
, calculate V (t), and discuss the long-time behavior of V (t). Can
one assign an eective time constant to this circuit element?
352
Part II - E & M M95E.2 - Rotating Loop Radiating
M95E.2 - Rotating Loop Radiating
Problem
A length l of wire with resistance R is bent into a circular ring, which is placed in a constant
magnetic eld B = B
0
z with its center at the origin and a diameter along the y-axis. The ring is
made to rotate with angular velocity around this diameter. You may neglect the thickness of the
wire and its self-inductance.
a) Determine, to leading order, the electric and magnetic elds in the radiation zone, in the plane
y = 0.
b) Calculate the time-averaged power radiated per unit solid angle, dP/d in any direction, and
the time-averaged total power radiated.
353
Part II - E & M M95E.3 - Levitating Superconducting Sphere
M95E.3 - Levitating Superconducting Sphere
Problem
A solid sphere of radius R is constructed from a type I superconducting material of mass density
. Type I superconductors have the property that B = 0 in their interiors.
a) The sphere is placed in a uniform magnetic eld B = B
0
z. Find the B eld outside the sphere
and the surface current density K on the surface of the sphere.
b) Calculate the dierence in energies stored in the eld of part a) with and without the sphere.
c) The sphere is placed at a height h above the center of a circular wire loop of radius b R
carrying a current I, which is held constant. Find an equation that h must satisfy in order for
the sphere to remain stationary in the presence of the gravitational eld. Discuss the number
of physical solutions and their stability with respect to vertical displacements, for all values of
I.
Hint: You may use the fact that when the sphere is moved about the position h with I kept
constant the change in energy stored in the eld (calculated in part b)) is equal in magnitude
but opposite in sign to the mechanical work which needs to be expended by non-EM forces.
354
January 1995
J95E.1 - Rotating Capacitor
Problem
A capacitor consists of two concentric cylindrical conductors; the inner conductor has radius a,
the outer has radius b. The length of the capacitor is d, which is suciently large compared to b
that fringing of the elds at the ends of the capacitor may be neglected. The space between the
conductors is lled with a non-permeable, lossless dielectric with dielectric constant 1. There is a
positive charge +q on the outer conductor and a charge q on the inner conductor. The capacitor
is free to rotate about its symmetry axis and has moment of inertia I about this axis. The capacitor
is placed in a uniform magnetic eld B parallel to the symmetry axis as shown in the diagram. The
capacitor is initially at rest (not rotating). The capacitor now develops a aw allowing current to
ow through the dielectric. After all the charge is gone, what is the angular velocity (magnitude
and direction) of the capacitor?
355
Part II - E & M J95E.2 - TEM modes in Coaxial Cable
J95E.2 - TEM modes in Coaxial Cable
Problem
Consider a TEM (transverse electric & magnetic) mode in a coaxial cable in which the inner
conductor has radius a and the outer conductor has radius b. Both may be considered perfect
conductors. The space between the conductors is lled with a non-permeable, lossless dielectric
with dielectric constant .
a) Calculate the characteristic impedance of this cable. Hint: you might start by considering the
electric and magnetic elds for a TEM wave in the cable.
b) Suppose the cable is terminated with a resistance R. A TEM mode propagating towards
the resistor is partially absorbed by the resistor and partially reected. Assume there is no
radiation at the termination and denote the impedance you calculated above by Z. What is
the fraction of the incident power absorbed in the resistor?
R
356
Part II - E & M J95E.3 - Radiation From a Square Loop
J95E.3 - Radiation From a Square Loop
Problem
A square wire loop of side 2a is in the x-y plane, concentric with the origin, with its sides parallel
to the coordinate axes. The current in the loop is I
0
cos(t) where a/c 1.
a) What is the electric eld in the radiation zone?
b) What is the total power radiated by the loop?
c) An innite, perfectly conducting plane is now placed at z = b, where b/c 1. How does
the radiated power depend on frequency in this case? Note that you are only asked for the
frequency dependence, not an elaborate calculation.
357
May 1994
M94E.1 - Current in a Loop
Problem
A current i
0
ows in a rigid circular loop of radius R and mass M, as shown in the gure. An
innitely long wire, carrying a current I
1
, is in the plane of the loop at a distance d from its center.
THe loop, which can rotate about an axis through its center parallel to the wire, is given a small
angular deviation from its equilibrium position.
a) Calculate the period of small oscillations of the loop. (Assume the self impedance of the loop
to be very large.)
b) What is the net force on the loop due to the current I
1
- when the loop is xed and in the
plane?
Answer each question for the two cases: i) R d, and ii) any R < d - in which case the integrals
may be left uncalculated.
358
Part II - E & M M94E.2 - Electron-Proton Scattering
M94E.2 - Electron-Proton Scattering
Problem
An electron with v c passes by a stationary proton with impact parameter b. The impact
parameter is large, m
e
v
2
/2 e
2
/b, so the electron is scarcely deected.
a) Determine the total energy radiated by the electron as it passes by the proton.
b) Estimate the largest frequency at which appreciable power is emitted.
c) Although the deection of the electron is small, its not zero. Calculate the angle by which
the electron is deected as it passes the proton.
359
Part II - E & M M94E.3 - High-Permeability Torus
M94E.3 - High-Permeability Torus
Problem
A wire is wrapped N times around a circular torus of radius a, and internal radius (i.e., the radius
of the cross section traced in the plane normal to the drawing) is b. Assume b a. The torus is
made of material with homogeneous isortopic magnetic permeability 1 (where

B =
H).
C
a
t
h
o
a
2b
a) Find the self-inductance across the ends of the wire.
b) The torus is cut in the direction transverse to its large circle, into two symmetric pieces. What
force is needed to hold its two halves a small distance apart, when the wire carries a current
I?
360
January 1994
J94E.1 - Cavity Dynamics (M09E.1)
Problem
A cavity with perfectly conducting walls is formed by the planes x = y = z = 0, x = y = 3a, z = 2a.
This cavity is sawed in two along the plane z = a. The cavity is excited in one of the modes which
has the lowest frequency in view of the cut.
a) Identify this mode and give its frequency.
b) Calculate the average force tending to separate the two halves in terms of the maximum electric
eld E
0
.
a
a
3a
3a
361
Part II - E & M J94E.2 - Pulsar (M09E.2)
J94E.2 - Pulsar (M09E.2)
Problem
Approximate a pulsar to be a magnetized sphere of radius a. The pulsar has moment of inertia
I and rotates about the z axis with angular velocity . The magnetization, /, is uniform and
perpendicular to the z axis. In the sense that a c, the sphere is rotating slowly. As a result of
the rotation the star is radiating.
Assuming I, / and a to be constant, calculate the time rate of change of .
362
Part II - E & M J94E.3 - Charge and Conducting Sphere (M09E.3)
J94E.3 - Charge and Conducting Sphere (M09E.3)
Problem
A point charge Q
1
is located a distance d from the center of a thin, conducting spherical shell of
radius R (d > R). What must the net charge on this shell be so that there is no net force between
the point charge Q
1
and the shell?
Q
1
d
R
363
May 1993
M93E.1 - Rotating Loop in a Magnetic Field
Problem
An aluminum wire with electrical resistivity , circular cross section of radius r, length l r, and
mass m is bent to form a continuous circular loop. The loop spins freely about a diameter in a
uniform magnetic eld B which is perpendicular to the axis of rotation.
a) Find the equation of motion for the angular velocity as a function of time in the approximation
that one neglects the magnetic eld generated by the current induced in the wire.
b) Taking the density of aluminum to be 3 g cm
3
, the electrical resistivity to be = 10
=
5 ohm
cm = 10
17
esu, and the magnetic eld to be 10 gauss = 10
3
tesla, nd the time in seconds
it takes for the rotational angular velocity to drop to 1/e of its initial value.
364
Part II - E & M M93E.2 - Rotating Charged Cylinder
M93E.2 - Rotating Charged Cylinder
Problem
An innitely long wire with charge per length lies along the z axis. A concentric plastic cylinder
which is free to rotate about the z axis has radius a, a uniform surface charge /2a, and a moment
of inertia per length of I
1
about the z axis. The cylinder is initially at rest in a constant external
magnetic eld B
0
in the z direction.
a) Compute the total angular momentum per unit length.
b) Starting at t = the eld is reduced to zero over a time that is long compared to a/c where c is
the speed of light. The cylinder begins to rotate. Find when B
ext
= 0. Show that the nal
total angular momentum is the same as your result for part (a).
365
Part II - E & M M93E.3 - Rotating Charged Sphere
M93E.3 - Rotating Charged Sphere
Problem
An electrically charged sphere of radius R has mass M and charge Q uniformly distributed through-
out its volume. The sphere, which is spinning about its axis with an angular velocity , is placed in
a uniform magnetic eld B
0
. The spin axis of the sphere, which is free to move, makes an angle
with the eld direction. The system is observed to radiate electromagnetic energy at a wavelength
. Assume R .
a) Find .
b) Calculate the rate at which electromagnetic energy is radiated.
c) What is the polarization of the radiation eld?
366
January 1993
J93E.1 - Spinning Disk in a Capacitor
Problem
Figure 1 below shows a large parallel-plate capacitor connected to a battery of voltage V . The
plates are separated by a small distance d. A thin, non-conducting, non-magnetic disk of radius
r and moment of inertia I is located between the plates with its axis perpendicular to the plates.
The disk is free to rotate about its axis with negligible friction.
Four thin permanent bar magnets of length l = r/2, cross-sectional area A, and uniform magneti-
zation M are mounted symmetrically on the disk as shown in Figure 2.
Initially the disk is motionless. At t = 0 the switch is thrown to position 2, connecting a resistor R
in series with the capacitor. The disk starts to rotate.
Calculate the nal angular velocity of the disk when the current through the resistor has decayed
to a negligible value. (Neglect the E eld due to the magnets in motion.)
1
2
V
R
d
Fig. 1 Fig. 2
N
S
N
N N
S
S S
R
Disk
367
Part II - E & M J93E.2 - Radiating Antenna
J93E.2 - Radiating Antenna
Problem
An antenna is made from a thin conducting rod of length /4 placed vertically, perpendicular to a
large conducting plane as shown. The current in the antenna is given by
I(z, t) = I
0
cos
2z
t
e
it
where = 2c/. What is the electric eld

E(r, t) far from the antenna (i.e., r )?
z
/4
368
Part II - E & M J93E.3 - Pulsar Signals
J93E.3 - Pulsar Signals
Problem
Because of dispersive propagation in the ionized interstellar medium, broadband radio signals from
pulsars arrive at the Earth at times that depend on the observing frequency. A recently discovered
pulsar has an unusually small dispersion measure, and consequently is thought to be relatively
nearby.
a) Compute the index of refraction, n, for a low-intensity electromagnetic wave propagating in
a diuse plasma containing N electrons per unit volume. Then, assuming that the local
interstellar medium has a free electron density of N = 0.02 cm
3
, compute the distance L to
the new pulsar if a particular pulse is observed to arrive at time t
1
at frequency
1
= 430 MHz,
and at a later time t
2
= t
1
+0.0014 sec at
2
= 425 MHz. YOu may nd it useful to note that
the classical electron radius is e
2
/(m
e
c
2
) = 3 10
13
cm.
b) Suppose a magnetic eld of 10
6
gauss lls space between the pulsar and Earth, and is directed
along the line of sight between the two. What would be the dierence in the arrival times of
the 425 MHz pulse for right- and left-handed circularly polarized waves?
369
May 1992
M92E.1 - Rectangular Cavity
Problem
A rectangular cavity with dimensions a a b, with a > b exists in an ideal perfect conductor. To
be specic, suppose the walls of the cavity are at x = 0, a; y = 0, a; and z = 0, b. THe cavity is
excited in its lowest frequency mode such that electromagnetic energy U
0
is stored in the cavity.
a) Obtain expressions for the electric and magnetic elds of this lowest mode. What is the
frequency of this mode?
b) Obtain expressions for the surface current density (per unit length) on all six surfaces of the
cavity.
c) In a real cavity electromagnetic energy dissipates because the conductivity of the walls is nite.
Suppose the cavity of parts (a) and (b) is made of a conductor with conductivity (large,
but not innite). Estimate the depth of penetration of the electric eld (the skin depth) .
Assume the magnetic permeability of the conductor is unity.
a
a
b
370
Part II - E & M M92E.2 - Plane Wave Incident on a Dielectric
M92E.2 - Plane Wave Incident on a Dielectric
Problem
A plane wave with frequency and wave number k is propagating in vacuum in the z direction.
The wave is linearly polarized with its electric vector at an angle 45
with respect to the x axis. At

z = 0, the wave is incident on a birefringent dielectric material. It so happens that the principal
axes of this material are aligned with the coordinate axes so that the dielectric constant for an
electric eld in the x direction is
x
and the dielectric constant for an electric eld in the y direction
is
y
, with
x
>
y
. The magnetic permeability of the dielectric is 1.
a) What is the state of polarization of the transmitted wave just inside the dielectric?
b) At what distance into the material is the polarization again in this state?
c) Give a qualitative description of the evolution of the state of polarization as the wave propa-
gates through the dielectric.
z
x
y
E
371
Part II - E & M M92E.3 - Magnetic Monopole
M92E.3 - Magnetic Monopole
Problem
A superconducting ring of self-inductance L is oriented parallel to the x-y plane. Initially, no current
is owing in the loop. A magnetic monopole of magnetic charge q, moving along the z axis at speed
v, passes through the center of the ring.
a) What is the current in the loop as a function of time?
b) What is the current in the loop long after the monopole has passed through?
c) Sketch the magnetic eld at the time when the monopole is one ring diameter past the center
of the loop.
z
x
y
B =
q r
r
2
372
January 1992
J92E.1 - Silver Ring in a Magnet
Problem
You can check your answer to this problem after the exam on the old Palmer Hall cyclotron magnet.
The magnetic eld of the magnet id 10
4
gauss. A round metal ring is stood on edge at an angle
0
of 45
to the vertical, as shown in the gure. The ring falls over without slipping. The ring is made
of silver. Silver has a conductivity = 6 10
7
sec
1
and density = 10.5 g cm
3
. The ring has a
radius R of 1 cm and a cross-sectional area A
c
, where A
1/2
c
R.
g
B = 10
4
G
45
A
c
2
R
a) Write down a dierential equation for the rotation of the ring. Show that you can ignore the
inertial term for the values of parameters given.
b) Calculate how long it takes the ring to fall over. Note that
_
d
sin
= ln[tan(/2)].
373
Part II - E & M J92E.2 - Two Innite Wires
J92E.2 - Two Innite Wires
Problem
Two innitely long parallel wires, a distance d apart, carry time-dependent currents I(t) of equal
magnitude but opposite direction, as shown in the gure.
d
+I(t)
I(t)
a) Let:
I(t) =
_
0 for t < 0
I
0
for t 0
that is, the current is instantaneously switched on. Calculate F(t), the force per unit length
between the two wires, as a function of time t and plot your expression for F(t) vs. t. Does
your expression contain any unphysical eects? Note that
_
dR
(R
2
r
2
)
1/2
= ln[(R
2
r
2
)
1/2
+R].
b) Now try a more realistic current-time relationship:
I(t) =
_
0 for t < 0
bt for t 0
Again calculate and plot F(t) vs. t.
374
Part II - E & M J92E.3 - Alkali Metal Radiative Lifetime
J92E.3 - Alkali Metal Radiative Lifetime
Problem
Consider a classical alkali metal atom. The lone valence electron of charge e and mass m is assumed,
in this model, to be in a harmonic potential with characteristic angular frequency . At t = 0 the
electron is displaced a distance A from equilibrium and released.
a) Give an expression for the rate dU/dt at which the oscillating electron radiates electromagnetic
energy averaged over many periods of the oscillation frequency .
b) Excited sodium atoms emit light strongly in the yellow part of the optical spectrum. Estimate
the radiative lifetime of excited sodium atoms in the classical approximation. Is the answer
reasonable?
375
May 1991
M91E.1 - Superconducting Square Loop
Problem
A current I
0
ows in a superconducting square loop of side 2l and self-inductance L. An innite
wire, initially carrying no current, is in the plane of the loop at a distance d > l from its center.
When a current I is switched on in the wire, in the direction shown in the sketch below, a force
between the loop and the wire results.
d
2l
2l
I
0
I
a) Find the range of values of I for which the force is attractive.
b) For which value of I is the attractive force maximum?
c) Calculate the value of the maximum attractive force.
376
Part II - E & M M91E.2 - LEP
M91E.2 - LEP
Problem
LEP, the large electron-positron collider located at CERN, consists of a circular ring, 27 km in
circumference, in which 50 GeV e
+
and 50 GeV e
circulate in opposite directions.

a) What is the magnetic eld (in kilogauss) needed?
b) How much energy (in MeV) does each particle lose per revolution?
c) Each beam current is 4 mA. How much power (in kilowatt) has to be supplied to replace that
lost by radiation?
d) The radiation pattern is a narrow forward cone, tangential to the orbit. What is the angular
opening of this cone?
e) The radiation consists of a broad spectrum of frequencies, with little power above a critical
frequency
c
. Estimate
c
.
377
Part II - E & M M91E.3 - Light Propagation in a Dielectric
M91E.3 - Light Propagation in a Dielectric
Problem
An electromagnetic wave of frequency propagates through vacuum along the z axis an is incident
on a homogeneous medium which lls space for z 0. The medium has magnetic permeability
= 1, a real dielectric constant and a real conductivity which are known functions of the
frequency .
a) Within the medium, the z-dependence of the electric eld amplitude is
1
2
Ee
i(kzt)
+E
e
i(k
zt)
.
Obtain an expression for the complex propagation constant k in terms of , and .
b) A conductor with = 10
16
sec
1
reects 90% of the incident radiation. Assume that = 1.
What is the frequency of the incident wave?
378
January 1991
J91E.1 - Scattering from a Rotating Dipole
Problem
A linear molecule is rotating with frequency at the center of a cartesian coordinate system. At
time t, the unit vector along the axis of the molecule has the orientation
n = x cos(t) + y sin(t) .
To a good approximation the dipole moment

D induced in the molecule by an external electric eld
E is
D = n( n

E)
where is the polarizability of the molecule along its axis. A laser produces an electric eld at the
molecule of the form
E = E
0
x cos(t)
with the frequency .
a) What are the polarizations and frequencies of the light scattered along the z axis?
b) What are the dierential scattering cross sections in the z direction for the frequency compo-
nents of part a)?
c) What is the total scattering cross section of the molecule?
379
Part II - E & M J91E.2 - Particle in an Accelerator
J91E.2 - Particle in an Accelerator
Problem
A particle of charge q and mass m moves in a horizontal circular orbit of radius R in a good vacuum.
The centripetal force is produced by a vertical magnetic eld

B along the path of the orbit. The
motion may be relativistic.
a) What is the magnitude of the particles momentum?
Centered in the circular orbit is a cylindrical iron core which carries magnetic ux . The ux and
the eld, B, at the orbit can be varied independently. The ux changes from an initial value
i
to a nal value
f
, and B changes appropriately to keep the radius of the orbit, R, constant.
Neglect radiation by the particle.
b) How much does the magnitude of the particles momentum change?
Suppose that the particle is an electron, charge q = 4.8 10
10
esu, which moves in an orbit of
radius R = 10 cm. The ux changes by 2 10
6
gauss cm
2
.
c) If the initial energy is negligible, what is the nal electron energy E in MeV?
380
Part II - E & M J91E.3 - Magnetic Damping of the Moon
J91E.3 - Magnetic Damping of the Moon
Problem
The magnetic eld of the Earth is well approximated by a dipole with a moment equal to 8
10
25
gauss cm
3
. The radius of the Earth is 6.4 10
8
cm and the mean Earth-Moon distance is 60
Earth radii.
a) What is the magnetic eld at the Moons position assuming its orbit lies in the magnetic
equatorial plane?
b) The Moon travels 10
5
cm/sec in orbit. Taking the Moon to be a good conductor, what will be
the distribution of electric charge on its surface?
c) If the Moon is initially rotating with an angular speed large compared with its orbital angular
speed, what will be its characteristic damping time in years? Take the conductivity of the
Moon to be 10
15
sec
1
(10
3
ohm
1
cm
1
). Its radius is 0.27 Earth radii and its mean density
is 3.34 g/cm
3
. There are 10
7
s/year. Neglect skin depth eects.
381
September 1990
S90E.1 - The Amp-Clamp
Problem
A long solenoid coil having a total of N turns each of cross sectional area r
2
is wound as shown.
The total length of the coil is L, where L r. (Note that the return lead passes down the center
of the coil.)
L
2r
A
B
The coil is then bent so as to surround a wire carrying alternating current as shown below. As
such, it becomes a useful device to measure current in the wire. In what follows, the current to be
measured is I(t) = I
0
cos t.
A
B
I(t) in wire paper
a) Find the voltage V
AB
(t) induced between the leads of the bent solenoid coil. Also show that
V
AB
(t) is independent of the exact shape of the bent coil, and independent of the position of
the current carrying wire (so long as the coil surrounds the wire).
b) For this device to be a useful current meter, the return lead passes down the axis of the coil.
Why is this construction necessary in a practical environment?
382
Part II - E & M S90E.2 - Distance to a Pulsar
S90E.2 - Distance to a Pulsar
Problem
There are several objects in our galaxy which are observed to emit short pulses of radio frequency
waves at regular intervals (on the order of 1 s apart). Suppose the space between the pulsar and
the Earth is a low-density plasma averaging N electrons per cubic centimeter. In solving this
problem, you will show that by measuring the dierence in the arrival times for dierent frequency
components of the pulse we can determine the distance to the pulsar.
a) What is the index of refraction of the plasma as a function of the angular frequency ?
b) Consider waves of frequency and + emitted simultaneously in a pulse of the pulsar.
Express the distance L as a function of t (the dierence in arrival times of the two frequency
components of the pulse) and other relevant parameters.
c) Evaluate L supposing 10
9
s
1
, / = 0.01, N = 0.03 electrons/cm
3
and t 0.003 s.
Recall that r
0
= e
2
/mc
2
= 3 10
13
cm.
383
Part II - E & M S90E.3 - Noisy Background
S90E.3 - Noisy Background
Problem
The Cosmic Microwave Background Radiation (CMBR) resulting from the Big Bang has the same
power spectrum as black-body radiation at 2.7 K. Recall that the energy density of black body
radiation, u, is given by u = BT
4
, where B = 1.9 10
15
erg cm
3
K
4
.
a) Calculate the root-mean-square electric eld strength of CMBR. Express you answer in either
esu or MKS.
b) A transmitter consists of two parallel radiating dipoles separated by a distance d. The dipoles
are in phase and each radiates an average power of 0.5 kW at a wavelength = 2d. A detector
is placed at a distance R in a direction in which the radiated power is a maximum. How
far away from the antenna would the detector have to be in order that the measured radiated
energy density be equal to that of CMBR?
384
May 1990
M90E.1 - Disk in a Solenoid
Problem
A thin, non-conducting, non-magnetic disk of radius r and moment of inertia K is placed inside a
large cylindrical solenoid. Located symmetrically around the rim of the disk are n electric charges
(charge q each). The disk is mounted so that it is free to rotate about its axis with negligible friction
losses.
A switch connects the solenoid to a battery and a current I ows through the solenoid which has
w windings per centimeter. The disk is initially motionless. At time t = 0 the switch is thrown
to position 2, connecting a resistor R in series with the solenoid. The internal resistance of the
solenoid is small compared to R and the switch is of the make before break variety (no spark
produced!). As the current decays the disk starts to rotate.
a) What is the nal angular velocity of the disk when the current has decayed to a negligible
value? (Neglect the B eld due to the charges in motion.)
b) Demonstrate that angular momentum is conserved by calculating the angular momentum of
the system at t = 0 and showing that it equals the nal angular momentum of the disk.
r
n charges (q each)
R
1
2
385
Part II - E & M M90E.2 - Junkyard Magnets
M90E.2 - Junkyard Magnets
Problem
Junkyards use cranes equipped with electromagnets to move attened cars. Shown in the gure is
a solid steel magnet of relative permeability = 4000 wound with N = 50 turns of wire that carries
a constant current I. The cross section of the magnet arm is constant, with an area A = 0.6 m
2
.
A attened car of the same material and cross section is placed against its poles, thus making the
total length of the magnetic circuit L = 5 m.
a) Calculate the current I (in amperes) necessary to lift a car for mass M = 1000 kg.
b) If an air gap of l = 5 mm exist between the attened car and the magnet poles, does the
current I change appreciably? If so, by how much?
(1 ampere = 3 10
9
statampere;
0
= 4 10
7
H/m)
N
M
I
386
Part II - E & M M90E.3 - Linear Antenna
M90E.3 - Linear Antenna
Problem
A linear antenna of length a is driven from one end. The driven end is at the origin and the antenna
lies along the positive z axis. The driving signal has a peak current I
0
and is sinusoidal such that
the wavelength of the radiation is a/2.
a) Calculate the average radiated power per solid angle far from the antenna.
b) What is the polarization of the radiation far from the antenna?
x
y
z
a
r
387
October 1989
O89E.1 - Polarized Insulator in a Capacitor
Problem
Two parallel circular conducting plates of radius R are separated by a distance d(d R). A
cylindrical piece of insulator of radius a(a < R) and height d is placed between the plates as shown.
The insulator has a uniform permanent polarization

P
0
directed along its axis. The conducting
plates carry no net charge. Neglect fringing elds.
What is the potential dierence between the conducting plates? What is the distribution of charge
on each plate?
P
0
R
a
d
388
Part II - E & M O89E.2 - Magnetized Sphere
O89E.2 - Magnetized Sphere
Problem
A sphere of radius a has uniform magnetization

M
0
along the z axis as shown below. Find explicit
expressions for

B and

H everywhere - inside and outside the sphere. Draw two diagrams, one
showing the

B eld lines and one showing the

H eld lines.
M
0
z
a
389
Part II - E & M O89E.3 - Radiating Antenna
O89E.3 - Radiating Antenna
Problem
Three conducting spheres (acting as charge reservoirs) are connected by two current-carrying wires
along the z axis as shown below. Current ows alternately away from and toward the central sphere.
The current distribution is spatially uniform along the wires. Consider only the current owing in
the wires and ignore the current on the spheres. Also, a , the wavelength of the radiation. The
current I is given by
I(z, t) =
_
I
0
e
it
+ c.c. for 0 z a
I
0
e
it
+ c.c. for a z 0 .
z
a a
I I
a)
Determine the electric eld

E() and the magnetic eld

B() produced in the far eld (r )
by the current distribution.
b) What is the angular power distribution dP/d radiated by this source?
390
May 1989
M89E.1 - Innite Plane Current
Problem
A thin innite conducting plate lies in the x-y plane. The plate has no net charge on it, but carries
a uniform, time dependent surface current K(t) y, as shown. K(t) is given by the following:
K(t) =
_
0 t 0
t t > 0 .
P(x, y, z)
x
y
z
K(t)
z
a) Find the electric and magnetic elds as a function of time at a point P which is at a height z
above the x-y plane.
b) What is the electromagnetic power per unit area as a function of time at height z?
391
Part II - E & M M89E.2 - Waveguide
M89E.2 - Waveguide
Problem
A rectangular wave guide of sides a and b as shown below is used in the transverse magnetic
(TM) mode. TM modes are modes in which the magnetic eld is perpendicular to the direction of
propagation.
a
b
a = 7.21 cm
b = 3.40 cm
Assume that the walls are perfect conductors.
a) By calculating the lowest cut-o frequency, determine whether the radiation of angular fre-
quency = 6.1 10
10
s
1
will propagate in the wave guide.
b) What is the dispersion relation (i.e. the relationship between and the wave vector k) for this
guide?
c) Find the attenuation length (i.e. the distance over which the power drops to e
1
of its starting
value) for a frequency that is half the cut-o frequency.
392
Part II - E & M M89E.3 - Waves Incident on a Dielectric Slab
M89E.3 - Waves Incident on a Dielectric Slab
Problem
A rectangular slab of dielectric shown below consists of N electrons per unit volume each bound
by a weakly anharmonic potential. Each charge e is bound under the action of a restoring force
derived from a potential of the form
U(r) =
1
2
m
2
0
r
2
+
1
3
x
3
,
where r
2
= x
2
+ y
2
+ z
2
; x, y, z are Cartesian coordinates.
x
z
A monochromatic, plane polarized electromagnetic wave of frequency with the electric eld par-
allel to the x axis is incident on the dielectric as shown. The electrons are each subjected to an
electric eld of the incident wave of the form
E
0
e
i(kzt)
x
inside the dielectric.
a) Find the x component of the polarization vector of the medium up to terms linear in .
b) What frequencies are present in the emitted radiation?
c) If the incident radiation consists of two monochromatic waves of frequency
1
and
2
, both
polarized along the x axis, what frequencies will be present in the emitted radiation?
393
October 1988
O88E.1 - Dielectric Cylinder
Problem
An innitely long circular cylinder of dielectric material of radius a, dielectric constant , is placed
with its axis along the z axis, and in an electric eld which would be uniform in the absence of the
cylinder:
E = E
0
x .
Find the electric eld at points outside and inside of the cylinder, and the bound surface charge
density.
394
Part II - E & M O88E.2 - Birefringent Material
O88E.2 - Birefringent Material
Problem
A birefringent (doubly refracting) crystalline material has a dielectric constant, and hence, an
index of refraction, which depends on polarization direction. For a certain material, the dielectric
constant is given by the tensor
=
_
_
_
1 0
1 0
0 0 1
_
_
_
,
where , are real and 0 < < 1, which means that
D
i
=
ij
E
j
D
1
= D
x
etc.
Find the polarization directions of a plane wave
E =

E
0
e
i(tkz)
which have denite values of the propagation constant k in this material. This means that

B =
c
k

E and

D =
E with
a number. A plane wave
E = E
0
x e
i(tz/c)
is incident from vacuum onto a surface of this material which is normal to the direction of propa-
gation. What is the polarization of the reected wave?
395
Part II - E & M O88E.3 - Spinning Ball of Charge in a Magnetic Field
O88E.3 - Spinning Ball of Charge in a Magnetic Field
Problem
A sphere has mass M and charge Q uniformly distributed over its volume. The sphere spins quickly
about its axis, with angular momentum S. The sphere is placed in a uniform magnetic eld

B
0
and
precesses about the magnetic eld, with an angle between the directions of the magnetic eld and
the rotation axis. What is the rate of radiation of electromagnetic energy?
396
May 1988
M88E.1 - Magnetic Monopoles
Problem
As you know, there is considerable interest in the detection of magnetic monopoles.
a) If magnetic monopoles with conserved magnetic charge were to be found, how would you
modify Maxwells equations to accommodate a magnetic charge density
m
and a magnetic
charge current

J
m
?
A possible magnetic monopole detector is a circular coil of wire (N turns) connected to an integrating
amplier, i.e. the output of the amplier is
_
t
I(t
)dt
where I(t) is the current in the coil. The

resistance of the circuit is R. Using the standard Maxwell equation (without the modication
for magnetic monopoles), the response of this detector to the passage of a magnetic monopole
through the coil can be approximated as follows. Consider a long, thin bar magnet with permanent
magnetization M parallel to the long axis of the magnet. Its length is L, its radius is r, and the
radius of the coil os such that L a r. One starts with the magnet far from the coil and the
output of the amplier reset to 0. The magnet is moved towards the coil such that one end passes
through the coil. In the nal conguration the magnet is halfway through the coil.
Coil
Amplier
Initial
State
Final State:
part c)
Final State:
part d)
Bar Magnet
b) The ends of the magnet can be thought of as oppositely charged magnetic monopoles. What
is the magnitude of this magnetic charge on either end of the magnet?
c) What is the output of the amplier when the experiment described above is performed? It
will be interesting to express your answer in terms of the magnetic charge from part b). Also,
reasonable approximations are in order.
d) Suppose that rather than stopping with the magnet halfway through the coil, the magnet
continues through the coil and winds up far away on the other side of the coil. What is the
amplier output when the magnet is in its nal state far from the coil? Why is this a useful
feature of the apparatus?
397
Part II - E & M M88E.2 - Anisotropic Dielectric
M88E.2 - Anisotropic Dielectric
Problem
A uniform, nonpermeable, but anisotropic dielectric lls the half space z > 0. The principal axes
of the dielectric are aligned with the coordinate axes so that the index of refraction is n
x
or n
y
for
electromagnetic waves propagating in the z direction and linearly polarized in the x or y directions,
respectively. Both n
x
and n
y
are real and n
y
> n
x
> 1. The region z < 0 is a vacuum and contains
a wave described by
E = 1
_
E
0
e
i(kzt)
_
where

E
0
is real and makes an angle
0
with the x axis. The wave is incident on the dielectric at
z = 0.
a) Just inside the surface of the dielectric, the transmitted wave is linearly polarized with the
electric vector making an angle with respect to the x axis. Determine as a function of
0
.
b) Suppose turns out to be 45
. The polarization of the transmitted wave varies with depth, z,

into the dielectric. Describe the polarization as a function of z.
398
Part II - E & M M88E.3 - Current in a Wire
M88E.3 - Current in a Wire
Problem
A constant current, I
0
, is started at t = 0 in an innite, straight, lamentary, conducting wire
oriented along the z axis as shown below.
z
I(t)
P
r
I
0
t = 0
t
I(t)
Calculate, as a function of time, the electric and magnetic elds at an arbitrary point P a distance
r from the wire. In particular, consider the cases r < ct, r > ct, and t . Note that you are not
asked to calculate the elds at r = ct. The elds there are singular due to the unphysical innitely
sharp step in the current.
399
October 1987
O87E.1 - Alternating Potential Strips
Problem
The x-y plane (z = 0) is divided into strips of width a parallel to the y axis. The potential on the
strips is xed at V on alternate strips. That is, the potential is +V for strips . . . , 2a < x <
a, 0 < x < a, 2a < x < 3a, . . . , and the potential is
V
for strips . . . , a < x < 0, a < x < 2a, . . ..
Aside form the x-y plane, there is nothing else in the Universe. We are interested in the potential
for z > 0.
a) The potential can be written as =
f
n
(x, y, z) where each f
n
is periodic in x. Obtain an
expression for the potential in this form. Be sure to show explicitly the form of f
n
and evaluate
any constants so that the boundary conditions at z = 0 and z = are satised.
b) What is the closed for Greens function appropriate to this problem?
c) Using the Greens function of part b), express the potential at the arbitrary point (x, y, z), z 0
as an integral over the potential specied in the x-y plane. You should be able to do the
integrals leaving your answer in the form of an innite sum.
400
Part II - E & M O87E.2 - Charged Particle Passing Through a Material
O87E.2 - Charged Particle Passing Through a Material
Problem
A material contains randomly oriented molecules, each of which has an axis of symmetry and a
single electron which is free to execute one-dimensional simple harmonic motion, with angular
frequency
0
, along the symmetry axis. Consider an extremely relativistic particle, 1, with
charge Ze, which passes through this material. Suppose it passes by a particular molecule with
impact parameter b.
Possibly useful fact:
_
+
0
dx
(1 + x
2
)
3/2
= 1
a) What are the longitudinal and transverse electric elds seen by the electron as a function
of time as the incident particle passes by? Make reasonable approximations, e.g., that the
motion of the electron during the collision is negligible, that the change in velocity of the
incident particle is negligible, etc.
b) Assuming that
0
b/c 1, what are the momentum and energy transferred to the electron for
a particular orientation of the molecule?
c) What is the average energy loss of the incident particle when it passes a molecule at impact
parameter b?
401
Part II - E & M O87E.3 - Electron Falling towards a Nucleus
O87E.3 - Electron Falling towards a Nucleus
Problem
An electron is released from rest at a large distance, r
0
, from a nucleus of charge Ze and then falls
toward the nucleus. For what follows, assume that the electrons velocity is such that v c and
the radiation reaction on the electron is negligible.
a) What is the angular distribution of the emitted radiation?
b) How is the emitted radiation polarized?
c) What is the radiated power as a function of the separation between the electron and the
nucleus?
d) What is the total energy radiated by the time the electron is a distance r < r
0
from the
nucleus?
402
May 1987
M87E.1 - Neutral K Meson Decay
Problem
A neutral K meson at rest at the origin decays to a pair of charged mesons (pions), which emerge
along the +z and z axes. Consider the electromagnetic radiation which accompanies the K decay
in a classical model. Assume that the pions are accelerated uniformly during a short interval t,
and achieve a nal velocity v c.
a) Find the total radiated energy U.
b) Find the energy radiated per unit solid angle, per unit angular frequency interval:
dU
dd
.
403
Part II - E & M M87E.2 - Wiggler Magnets
M87E.2 - Wiggler Magnets
Problem
Wiggler magnets are commonly used in synchrotron light sources to enhance the radiation of an
electron passing through the magnet. It is desired that the magnetic eld along the z-axis obeys
B
x
(0, 0, z) = B
0
cos kz,
B
y
(0, 0, z) = B
0
sin kz,
B
Z
(0, 0, z) = 0 .
a) Find magnetic-eld components B
x
(x, y, z), B
y
(x, y, z), B
z
(x, y, z) that satisfy this condition.
b) Sketch an arrangement of current-carrying coils that could produce approximately the desired
eld, at least near the z-axis.
404
Part II - E & M M87E.3 - Rectangular Waveguide
M87E.3 - Rectangular Waveguide
Problem
A rectangular waveguide of cross section a b (with a > b) is aligned along the z-axis, and is lled
with a dielectric of constant for z > 0, but contains vacuum for z < 0. A TE
1
0 wave (the simplest
transverse-electric mode) of angular frequency propagates in the +z direction. What fraction of
the power of the wave is transmitted into the dielectric-lled portion of the guide?
405
October 1986
O86E.1 - Double-Gap Capacitor
Problem
Consider a double-gap capacitor designed for use at very high voltage. The cross section looks like:
a
d
h E
high negative
voltage
breakdown
guard ring
E
The center electrode is extended a distance d beyond the ground plates, and is terminated by a
cylinder of radius a. you may assume that the capacitor is innitely long in the direction perpen-
dicular to the paper. Calculate the maximum electric eld on the guard cylinder compared to the
eld E inside the capacitor assuming that d a and d h. Approximate the boundary condition
at r = d as follows, where
0
= h/d (h is the gap height):
(r = d)
_
_
Eh(
0
)/
0
0 < <
0
0
0
< < 2
0
Eh(
0
2 +)/
0
2
0
< < 2 .
406
Part II - E & M O86E.2 - Vacuum Photodiode
O86E.2 - Vacuum Photodiode
Problem
A vacuum photodiode is constructed in the form of a parallel-plate capacitor, with plates of area
A and separation d. A battery is connected so as to maintain a potential dierence V between the
plates at all times. Assume eV mc
2
. A very short laser pulse illuminates the entire photocathode
at t = 0. The photon energy is equal to the work function of the photocathode. The laser intensity
is adjusted so the maximum charge that can be transported as a pulse is liberated. What is the
current I(t) observed in the ammeter?
d
A
V
+
laser
407
Part II - E & M O86E.3 - Electron-Positron Collider
O86E.3 - Electron-Positron Collider
Problem
In an electron-positron collider, two bunches of particles meet heat-on as shown. The velocity v
is such that = (1 v
2
/c
2
)
1/2
1. The bunch radius R is much less than the bunch length L.
Assume the N particles in each bunch are uniformly distributed over the bunch. Also assume that
the shapes of the bunches do not change signicantly. Estimate what fraction of the total energy of
the electron bunch is radiated away as it passes through the positron bunch. Ignore hard collisions
and annihilations.
N e
N e
+
v v
L
2R
408
May 1986
M86E.1 - Split Cylinder
Problem
An innitely long, thin circular cylinder of radius b is split into two halves. The upper half is xed
at potential V = +V
0
and the lower half at V = V
0
.
V = V
0
V = +V
0
b
a) Find the potential inside and outside the cylinder.
b) Calculate the charge density as a function of . If your answer is in the form of an innite
sum, calculate this sum.
c) Find the capacitance per unit length of the device when the two half cylinders are a distance
apart at the rims ( b).
409
Part II - E & M M86E.2 - Orbiting Charges
M86E.2 - Orbiting Charges
Problem
Charges +q and q are a distance d apart and orbit around each other in the x-y plane (z = 0) at
frequency (d c/).
x
y
z
d
+q
q
a) The emitted radiation is primarily conned to one multipole. Which one?
b) What is the angular distribution of the radiated power?
c) What is the total power radiated?
d) The plane z = b is now lled with a perfect conductor (b c/). Now what multipole is
radiated?
410
Part II - E & M M86E.3 - Gas Ions in an Accelerator
M86E.3 - Gas Ions in an Accelerator
Problem
A problem in the design of high current electron accelerators is the destruction of the beam by
scattering from residual gas atoms. The positively charged ions make radial oscillations through
the electron beam and can be eliminated by feeding this oscillation with RF power. Let I be the
current of an electron beam of uniform density over the cross section of diameter 2R. (The electrons
have velocity v c.) For the ions, assume non-relativistic motion and purely radial oscillations (no
or z dependence).
2R
r
e
beam
a) Compute the oscillation frequency for gas ions of mass m and charge q in the case r(t) < R,
where r is the radial position of an ion.
b) Estimate the period of the motion when the ions make excursions large compared to R.
411
October 1985
O85E.1 - Sticking Bar Magnet
Problem
A right circular cylinder of radius R, length L, and uniform mass density has a uniform magne-
tization M parallel to its axis. If it is placed below an innitely permeable at surface, it is found
to stick for some lengths L R. What is the maximum length L such that the magnetic force
prevents the cylinder from falling due to gravity?
=
M
g
L
R
412
Part II - E & M O85E.2 - Method of Images
O85E.2 - Method of Images
Problem
Calculate the electric potential everywhere outside a grounded conducting cylinder of radius a
if a thin wire located at distance d > a from the center of the cylinder carries charge q per unit
length. Interpret your answer as a prescription for an image method in two dimensions.
a
d
413
Part II - E & M O85E.3 - Photographing Electromagnetic Waves
O85E.3 - Photographing Electromagnetic Waves
Problem
In 1890 O. Weiner carried out an experiment which may be said to have photographed electromag-
netic waves.
a) A plane wave is normally incident on a perfectly reecting mirror. A glass photographic plate
is placed on the mirror so as to make a small angle to the mirror. The photographic emulsion
is almost transparent. But when it is later developed, a striped pattern is found due to the
action of the wave. Predict the position and spacing of the black stripes which appear on the
developed negative plate. Ignore any attenuation or reection due to the photographic plate
itself.
incident
light
photographic
plate
mirror
b) The experiment was repeated for incident waves making an angle 45
to the normal to the

mirror. Now what is the pattern of blackening on the negative? Distinguish the cases of light
polarized with

E parallel and perpendicular to the plane of incidence (the scattering plane).
incident
light
photographic
plate
mirror
45
414
May 1985
M85E.1 - Dipole Near a Permeable Material
Problem
A point magnetic dipole m is pointing toward and located a distance d from the plane surface of a
medium with permeability .
d
m
a)
Solve for the magnetic eld

B within the medium.
b) What is the force on the dipole?
415
Part II - E & M M85E.2 - Innite Conducting Plane
M85E.2 - Innite Conducting Plane
Problem
An innite conducting plane (the x-y plane) is divided by the line y = 0. For y > 0 the potential
on the plane is +V
0
while for y < 0 the potential is V
0
. Evaluate the potential everywhere and
sketch the equipotential surfaces.
416
Part II - E & M M85E.3 - Dipole Antenna
M85E.3 - Dipole Antenna
Problem
A short ( c), linear dipole antenna is fed at the center by a current I = I
0
e
it
. Assume the
current falls linearly to zero at the ends of the antenna.
I
I
a) What is the total radiated power, P?
b) What is the power radiated per solid angle dP/d?
c) If = 1 m and = 10
7
s
1
what is the radiation resistance of the antenna expressed in ohms?
417
October 1984
O84E.1 - Spherical Void in a Dielectric
Problem
Suppose there is a spherical void of radius R in an otherwise homogeneous dielectric . At the
center of the void is a point dipole p. Solve for the electric eld everywhere.
p
R
418
Part II - E & M O84E.2 - Transmission Line
O84E.2 - Transmission Line
Problem
Consider an innite transmission line which consists of lumped circuit elements as shown below.
l
. . . . . .
L
C
Find the dispersion relation versus ) for periodic waves traveling down this line. What is the
cut-o frequency?
419
Part II - E & M O84E.3 - Charged Particle Collision
O84E.3 - Charged Particle Collision
Problem
A particle of mass m
1
and charge q
1
approaches with velocity v and impact parameter r an initially
stationary particle with mass m
2
and charge q
2
.
r
m
1
, q
1
m
2
, q
2
Suppose v c and m
1
v
2
, m
2
v
2
q
1
q
2
/r. Calculate the total energy radiated away by the particles
in the dipole approximation.
420
May 1984
M84E.1 - Accelerating Charges
Problem
Two positive charges q follow trajectories dened by x
1
= x
2
= 0, y
1
= b, y
2
= +b, and z
1
= z
2
=
e
dt
1. Assuming the motions are nonrelativistic, derive the magnitudes of the radiation electric
and magnetic elds E and B seen by an observer at r(r b) as a function of t, for such t that the
charges appear much closer to the y axis than the distance b.
421
Part II - E & M M84E.2 - Rotating Wheel
M84E.2 - Rotating Wheel
Problem
A wheel consisting of a large number of thin conducting spokes is free to pivot about an axle. A
brush always makes electrical contact with one spoke at a time at the bottom of the wheel. A
battery of voltage V feeds current through an inductor into the axle, through a spoke, to the brush.
A permanent magnet provides a uniform magnetic eld B into the plane of the paper. At time
t = 0 a switch is closed, allowing current to ow. The radius and moment of inertia of the wheel
are R and J respectively. The inductance of the current path is L, and the wheel is initially at
rest. Neglecting friction and resistivity, calculate the current and angular velocity of the wheel as
functions of time.
L
+
V
Switch
Brush
B
422
Part II - E & M M84E.3 - Magnetic Shield
M84E.3 - Magnetic Shield
Problem
A spherical shell of high permeability material is placed in a uniform magnetic eld. Compute
the attenuation (shielding) produced by the sphere in terms of and the inner and outer radii of
the shell, a and b, respectively.
423
October 1983
O83E.1 - Magnetized Cylinder
Problem
a)
A long cylinder of radius r
0
has uniform permanent magnetization density

M perpendicular
to the axis of the cylinder. Find the elds

B and

H everywhere. Let z point along the axis of
the cylinder, and

M = M x as shown.
b) Suppose the cylinder is given uniform velocity v = v z along its axis. Find the resulting charge
density and electric eld everywhere. You may ignore eects of order (v/c)
2
.
x
y
r
0
M
424
Part II - E & M O83E.2 - Charge Above a Bulging Conductor(J03E.2)
O83E.2 - Charge Above a Bulging Conductor(J03E.2)
Problem
A conductor at potential V = 0 has the shape of an innite plane except for a hemispherical bulge
of radius a. A charge q is placed above the center of the bulge, a distance p from the plane (or pa
from the top of the bulge). What is the force on the charge?
a
q
p a
q
425
Part II - E & M O83E.3 - Dipole Radiator
O83E.3 - Dipole Radiator
Problem
y
x
z
A thin, straight, conducting wire is centered on the origin, oriented along the z axis, and carries a
current

I = zI
0
cos
0
t everywhere along its length . Dene
0

2c
0
.
a) What is the electric dipole moment of the wire?
b) What are the scalar and vector potentials everywhere outside the source regions (r )?
State your choice of gauge and make no assumption about the size of
0
.
c) Consider the potentials in the regime r
0
. Qualitatively describe the radiation pattern
and compare it to the standard dipole case, where r
0
.
426
May 1983
M83E.1 - Instantaneous Signal Transmission
Problem
A little known patent application was submitted in Bern, Switzerland in 1905, which claimed to
provide a method of instantaneous transmission of electrical signals.
Consider a very large sphere of radius R which has conductivity and dielectric constant . At
t = 0 there is uniform charge density
0
for r < a, and zero charge density for r > a. Calculate the
charge distribution, electric and magnetic elds everywhere for all t > 0.
Discuss briey whether this eect could actually be used to send signals.
427
Part II - E & M M83E.2 - Capacitance of Two Spheres
M83E.2 - Capacitance of Two Spheres
Problem
Two conducting spheres of radius R are a distance d = 6R apart. Find the capacitance of the
system to 1% accuracy.
R
R
Q +Q
d = 6R
428
Part II - E & M M83E.3 - Frequency Doubling
M83E.3 - Frequency Doubling
Problem
A circularly polarized electromagnetic plane wave of frequency is incident on a free electron.
Estimate the total cross section for production of radiation of frequency 2.
(If you prefer, you may consider a linearly polarized incident wave.)
429
October 1982
O82E.1 - Binary Pulsar
Problem
The binary pulsar PSR 1913+16 is a good system for studying general relativistic eects since two
stars of about one solar mass orbit at a separation of one solar radius. The distance to this pulsar
was found by measuring the dispersion of radio pulses due to the interstellar plasma.
a) Compute the index of refraction n for a plasma of density N electrons per unit volume.
b) The pulses of frequency and +d are emitted simultaneously, but those at +d arrive
t earlier after traveling a distance L. = 2 430 MHz, d/ = 0.01, N = 0.04 cm
3
,
t = 60 msec.
Find L. Note e
2
/mc
2
= 3 10
13
cm.
430
Part II - E & M O82E.2 - Scattering by a Gas of Dipoles
O82E.2 - Scattering by a Gas of Dipoles
Problem
A gas consists of polar molecules of dipole moment d each. Regard the molecules as rigid one-
dimensional objects, with moment of inertia I. Neglect any initial rotations of the molecules.
Calculate the average total cross section per molecule for scattering of a linearly polarized plane
wave incident on the gas. Assume that the molecule is small compared to a wavelength of the
radiation.
431
Part II - E & M O82E.3 - Defect in a Resistor
O82E.3 - Defect in a Resistor
Problem
A resistor is in the form of a solid cylinder of radius r, length L, and has conductivity
1
. At the
center of the resistor is a defect consisting of a small sphere of radius a inside which the conductivity
is
2
. The input and output currents are distributed uniformly across the at ends of the resistor.
L
r
I I
1
2a
2
a) What is the resistance of the resistor if
1
=
2
?
b) Estimate the relative change in the resistance to rst order in
1

2
if
1
,=
2
. (Make any
assumptions needed to simplify your method of estimation.)
c) Suppose L and r , but a uniform current density j
0
continues to ow across the
ends of the resistor. Calculate the current density inside the spherical defect.
432
May 1982
M82E.1 - Londons Equations
Problem
Suppose that inside a material the following equations are valid:
c
J =
H ( constant)
t
(
J) =

E ,
rather than Ohms Law

J =
E. (These are known as Londons equations.) Consider an innite

slab of this material of thickness 2d (d < z < d) outside of which is a constant magnetic eld
parallel to the surface H
x
= H
z
= 0, H
y
= H
1
for z < d and H
y
= H
2
for z > d with

E =

D = 0
everywhere. Assume no surface currents or surface charges are present.
z
y
+d d
H
2
H
1
a)
Find

H inside the slab.
b)
Find

J inside the slab.
c) Find the force per unit area on the surface of the slab.
433
Part II - E & M M82E.2 - Triangular Waveguide
M82E.2 - Triangular Waveguide
Problem
a
a
A waveguide is constructed so that the cross section of the guide
forms a triangle with sides of length a, a, and a
2. The walls
are perfect conductors and = = 1 inside the guide.
Determine the allowed modes for TE, TM, and TEM electro-
magnetic waves propagating in the guide. For allowed modes
nd

E(x, y, z, t),

B(x, y, z, t) and the cuto frequencies. If some
modes are not allowed, explain why not.
434
Part II - E & M M82E.3 - Coulomb Scattering
M82E.3 - Coulomb Scattering
Problem
A non-relativistic positron of charge e and velocity v
1
(v
1
c) impinges head-on on a xed nucleus
of charge Ze. The positron, which is coming from far away (), is decelerated until it comes to
rest and then is accelerated again in the opposite direction until it reaches a terminal velocity v
2
.
Taking radiation loss into account, (but assuming it is small) nd v
2
as a function of v
1
and Z.
What are the angular distribution and polarization of the radiation?
435
October 1981
O81E.1 - Dielectric Cylinder
Problem
A very long insulating cylinder (dielectric constant ) of length L and radius R (L R) has a
charge Q uniformly distributed over its outside surface. An external uniform electric eld is applied
perpendicular to the cylinders axis:

E = E
0
x. Ignore edge eects.
z
x
E
0
x
R
a) Calculate the electric potential everywhere (i.e. inside ad outside the cylinder).
Now the electric eld E
0
is removed and the cylinder is made to rotate with angular velocity .
b) Find the magnetic eld (magnitude and direction) inside the cylinder.
c) A single turn coil of radius 2R and resistance is wrapped around the cylinder as shown, and
the rotation of the cylinder is slowed down linearly ((t) =
0
(1 t/t
0
)) as a function of time.
What is the magnitude of the induced current in the coil? In what direction does the current
ow?
2R
d) Instead of the coil of part c), a one-turn coil is placed through the cylinder as shown, and the
cylinder is slowed as before. How much current will now ow?
b
a
436
Part II - E & M O81E.2 - Betatron
O81E.2 - Betatron
Problem
Consider the motion of electrons i an axially symmetric magnetic eld. Suppose that at z = 0 (the
median plane) the radial component of the magnetic eld is 0 so

B(z = 0) = B(r) z. Electrons
at z = 0 then follow a circular path of radius R.
a) What is the relationship between the electron momentum p and the orbit radius R?
z
R
B
In a betatron, electrons are accelerated by a magnetic eld which changes with time. Let B
av
equal the average value of the magnetic eld over the plane of the orbit (within the orbit), i.e.
B
av
=
B
/R
2
where
B
is the magnetic ux through the orbit. Let B
0
equal

B(r = R, z = 0).
b) Suppose B
av
is changed by an amount B
av
and B
0
is changed by B
0
. How must B
av
be
related to B
0
if the electrons are to remain at radius R as their momentum is increased?
c) Suppose the z component of the magnetic eld near r = R and z = 0 varies with r as
B
z
(r) = B
0
(R)(R/r)
n
. Find the equations of motion for small departures from the equilibrium
orbit in the median plane. There are two equations; one for small vertical changes and one for
small radial changes. Neglect any coupling between radial and vertical motion.
d) For what range of n is the orbit stable against both vertical and radial perturbations?
437
Part II - E & M O81E.3 - Wave Incident on a Plasma
O81E.3 - Wave Incident on a Plasma
Problem
A tenuous plasma consists of free electric charges of mass m and charge e. There are n charges
per unit volume. Assume that the density is uniform and that interactions between the charges
may be neglected. Electromagnetic plane waves (frequency , wave number k) are incident on the
plasma.
a) Find the conductivity as a function of .
b) Find the dispersion relation, i.e. nd the relation between k and .
c) Find the index of refraction as a function of . The plasma frequency is dened by
2
p
=
4ne
2
/m (if e is expressed in e.s.u. units). What happens if <
p
?
d)
Now suppose there is an external magnetic eld

B
0
. Show that the index of refraction is
dierent for right and left circularly polarized waves. (assume the

B of the traveling wave is
negligible compared to

B
0
.)
438
May 1981
M81E.1 - Falling Penny
Problem
A copper penny is placed on edge in a vertical magnetic eld B = 20 kG. It is given a slight push
to start it falling. Estimate how long it takes to fall.
Hint: THe conductivity and density of Cu are 6 10
5
cm
1
and 9 g cm
3
.
439
Part II - E & M M81E.2 - Rotating Charges
M81E.2 - Rotating Charges
Problem
l
l
v
v
t/2
x
y
Two point charges of charge e are located at the ends of a line of length 2l that rotates with a
constant angular velocity /2 about an axis perpendicular to the line and through its center as
shown.
a) Find the
i. Electric dipole moment
ii. Magnetic dipole moment
iii. Electric quadrupole moment
b) What type of radiation is emitted by this system? What is the frequency?
c) Suppose the radiation is observed far from the charges at an angle relative to the axis of
rotation. What is the polarization for = 0
, 90
, 0
< < 90
?
440
Part II - E & M M81E.3 - Semiconducting Block
M81E.3 - Semiconducting Block
Problem
A block of semiconductor (conductivity = ) has its bottom face (z = 0) attached to a metal plate
(
plate
= ) which is held at potential = 0. A wire carrying current J is attached to the center
of the top face (z = c). The sides (x = 0, x = a, y = 0, y = b) are insulated and the top is insulated
except for the wire. Assume that the charge density = 1, = 1, = 1 inside the block.
a) Write down the equations satised by (x, y, z) inside the box, and the general solution for
(x, y, z).
b) Write down the boundary conditions on all faces, and express the arbitrary constants in the
solution from a) in terms of given quantities.
a b
c
= 0
J
441
October 1980
O80E.1 - Optical Transition Linewidths
Problem
Consider the classical theory of the width of an atomic spectral line. The atom consists of an
electron of mass m and charge e in a harmonic oscillator potential. There is also a frictional damping
force, so the equation of motion for the electron is
m
x +m
2
0
x +

x = 0 .
a) Suppose that at time t = 0, x = x
0
and

x = 0. What is the subsequent motion of the electron?
A classical electron executing this motion would emit electromagnetic radiation. Determine
the intensity I() of this radiation as a function of frequency. (You need not calculate the
absolute normalization of I(), only the from of the dependence of I(). In other words, it
is enough to calculate I() up to a constant of proportionality.) Assume /m
0
.
b) Now suppose the damping force x is absent from the equation above and that the oscillation
is damped only by the loss of energy to radiation (an eect which) has been ignored above).
The energy U of the oscillator will decay as U
0
e
t
. What, under the above assumptions, is
? (You may assume that in any one oscillation the electron loses only a very small fraction
of its energy.)
c) For an atomic spectral line of 5000

A, what is the width of the spectral line, in angstroms, as
determined from the calculation of part ii)? About how many oscillations does the electron
make while losing half its energy? Rough estimates are enough.
442
Part II - E & M O80E.2 - X-ray Reection
O80E.2 - X-ray Reection
Problem
X-rays which strike a metal surface at an angle of incidence to the normal greater than a critical
angle
0
are totally reected. Assuming that a metal contains n free electrons per unit volume,
calculate
0
as a function of the frequency of the X-rays.
a) If and are such that total reection does not occur, calculate what fraction of the incident
wave is reected. You may assume, for simplicity, that the polarization vector of the X-rays is
perpendicular to the plane of incidence, as indicated in the gure.
X-rays
x
y
The metal occupies the region x > 0. The X-
rays are propagating in the x-y plane (the plane
of the picture) and their polarization vector is
in the z direction (coming out of the picture).
443
Part II - E & M O80E.3 - Toroidal Inductor
O80E.3 - Toroidal Inductor
Problem
Consider a torus of circular cross section made of a homogeneous, isotropic substance with perme-
ability . The radius of the torus is a and the cross section radius is b. Assume b a. The torus
is wrapped with N turns of wire.
a) What is the inductance of this circuit?
b) A tiny spherical bubble of radius r b forms well inside the torus. Assume that within the
bubble, the permeability is 1, but that it still equals outside the bubble. What is the change
in the inductance of the circuit due to the formation of the bubble?
b
a
r
444
May 1980
M80E.1 - Coaxial Cable (J02E.1)
Problem
A very long coaxial cable consists of an inner cylinder of radius a and electrical conductivity , and
a concentric outer cylinder of radius b. The outer shell has innite conductivity. The space between
the cylinders is empty. A uniform constant current density

j, directed along the axial coordinate
z, is maintained in the inner cylinder. Return current ows uniformly in the outer shell.
Compute the surface charge density on the inner cylinder as a function of the axial coordinates z,
with the origin z = 0 chosen to be the plane halfway between the two ends of the cable.
445
Part II - E & M M80E.2 - Angular Momentum of Concentric Spheres
M80E.2 - Angular Momentum of Concentric Spheres
Problem
Consider two concentric spherical shells of radii a and b. There is a magnetic dipole moment

M at
the center of the inner sphere. There is a charge (+q) on the inner sphere and a charge (q) on the
outer sphere. Find the angular momentum associated with the electromagnetic eld of the system.
+q
q
M
a
b
446
Part II - E & M M80E.3 - Wire Moving in a Waveguide
M80E.3 - Wire Moving in a Waveguide
Problem
x
z
y
A wave guide is formed by two innite, parallel, perfectly con-
ducting planes separated by a distance . The gap between the
planes is lled with a gas whose index of refraction is n (this is
taken to be frequency independent).
a) Consider the guided plane wave modes in which the eld
strengths are independent of the y variable (the y axis is
into the paper). For a given wave number k (k =
2
/) nd
the allowed frequencies (in radians/sec). For each such
mode nd the phase velocity v
p
and the group velocity v
g
.
v
Linear charge
density in wire =
b) A uniformly charged wire, which extends indenitely along the y direction, moves in the
midplane of the cap with velocity v > c/n. It emits Cerenkov radiation. At any xed point in
the gap this reveals itself as time-varying electric and magnetic elds. How does the magnitude
of the electric eld vary with time at a point in the midplane of the gap? Sketch the frequency
spectrum and give the principal frequency.
c) Any electromagnetic disturbance (independent of y) must be expressible as a superposition of
the wave guide modes considered in part a). What is the mode corresponding to the principal
frequency of the Cerenkov spectrum considered in part b)?
447
October 1979
O79E.1 - Classical Hydrogen Atom
Problem
A classical hydrogen atom has the electron at a radius equal to the rst Bohr radius at time t = 0.
Derive an expression for the time it takes the radius to decrease to zero due to radiation. Assume
that the energy lost per revolution is small compared to the total remaining energy of the atom.
448
Part II - E & M O79E.2 - Coaxial Cable Cavity
O79E.2 - Coaxial Cable Cavity
Problem
r
2
r
1
A
B
h
d
The cylindrical cavity at the right is symmetric about its long axis.
For the purposes of this problem, it can be approximated as a coaxial
cable (which has inductance and capacitance) shorted at one end and
connected to a parallel plate disk capacitor at the other.
a) Derive an expression for the lowest resonant frequency of the
cavity. Neglect end and edge eects (h r
2
, d r
1
).
b) Find the direction and radial dependence of the Poynting vector
S in the regions near points A and B.

449
Part II - E & M O79E.3 - Rotating Sphere in a Magnetic Field
O79E.3 - Rotating Sphere in a Magnetic Field
Problem
a
A solid conducting sphere of radius a rotates with angular ve-

locity about a diameter. A constant, uniform magnetic eld
B is parallel to the axis of rotation. The permeability =

0
(in c.g.s. = 1). The total charge on the sphere is zero. For the
steady state solution, calculate:
a)
The electric eld

E inside the sphere (use spherical coordi-
nates).
b) The charge density inside the sphere.
(To do parts c) and d) it might be useful to rst calculate the potential inside the outside of the
sphere).
c)

E outside the sphere.
d) The surface charge density .
For your information:

E =
1
r
2
r
_
r
2
E
r
_
+
1
r sin
(sin E
) +
1
r sin
E
=

r
r +
1
r
+
1
r sin

P
0
(cos ) = 1 , P
1
(cos ) = cos , P
2
(cos ) =
1
2
_
3 cos
2
1
_
,
P
3
(cos ) =
1
2
_
5 cos
3
3 cos
_
, . . .
450
May 1979
M79E.1 - Charged Dielectric Sphere
Problem
A sphere of radius a has a bound charge Q distributed uniformly over its surface. The sphere is
surrounded by a uniform uid dielectric medium with xed dielectric constant . The uid also
contains a free charge density given by
(r) = kV (r) ,
where k is a constant and V (r) is the electric potential at r relative to innity.
a) Compute the potential V (r) everywhere, letting V = 0 at r .
b) Compute the pressure as a function of r in the dielectric.
451
Part II - E & M M79E.2 - Plane Wave Scattering o of a Sphere
M79E.2 - Plane Wave Scattering o of a Sphere
Problem
A plane electromagnetic wave of wavelength is incident on an insulating sphere which has dielectric
constant and radius a. The sphere is small compared to the wavelength (a ). Compute the
scattering cross section as a function of scattering angle. Comment on the polarization of the
scattered wave as a function of the scattering direction.
452
Part II - E & M M79E.3 - Transformer Circuit
M79E.3 - Transformer Circuit
Problem
In the electrical circuit below, , R
1
, R
2
and L are xed; C and M (the mutual inductance between
the identical inductors L) can be varied. Find values of M and C which maximize the power
dissipated in resistor R
2
. What is the maximum power?
V
0
sin t
R
1
C
L L R
2
M
You may assume, if needed, R
2
> R
1
,
L
R
2
> 10.
453
October 1978
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Princeton University

= 29.8 km/s. Neglecting the Earths gravitational potential, compute

= 11.2 km/s, what is the

are the two roots of the equation V

, and the mass density of the uid is . Neglect any

. Find the condition

of small oscillations about equilibrium in the orbital plane?

of small oscillations about equilibrium perpendicular to the orbital

. Find the total cross

R/dt = a n where a is the spheres

is less than its radius.

for some , or T log [i i

(x). Recalling that this motion is necessarily

j and a magnetic eld

. For what values of will the ux of uid in

a) What is the length of the rod?

a) Derive the equation of motion for the (t).

to the surface), in a plane perpendicular to the axis of the

is a hard spherical ball of radius a. The bounces of a Super-Ball on a

A particle of mass m is constrained to move on the frictionless

(cos ) satisfy the equation:

(k) and corresponding polarization directions (of E

, you can ignore both the mechanical deformation of

of the image charge?

distributed on the surface. If an additional amount of charge

where is the proper time of the particle and U

/d is its four-velocity. The eld strength

is the 4-vector potential (its time component A

as a function of the proper time of the particle assuming that B

as a function of the proper time.

= B(r). The coordinate r is the radial coordinate with

= B(r) for r R in terms of I and r.

d()/d > 0 and ()

d()/d > 0. This allows () and () to be

k r t). Give the wavenumber [

a) Obtain an expression for the complex propagation constant k in terms of , and .

= 1). In free space, the dispersion

is the unitless absorption coecient and c

is the ux density (power per area per

, the ux density emitted polarized perpendicular to the plane of emission.

, the ux density emitted polarized parallel to the plane of emission.

out of phase of one another.

. Deduce the force on an

, the imaginary (absorptive) part of the polarizability.

, of the polarizibility is a maximum. For this, you may use

E = E y and a uniform magnetic eld

with respect to the x axis. At

circulate in opposite directions.

a number. A plane wave

where I(t) is the current in the coil. The

. The polarization of the transmitted wave varies with depth, z,

to the normal to the

E. (These are known as Londons equations.) Consider an innite

S in the regions near points A and B.

A solid conducting sphere of radius a rotates with angular ve-

B is parallel to the axis of rotation. The permeability =

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