WB SLST 2016 Physics PG Examination

WB SLST 2016 Physics PG Examination Quiz

WBSST Physics PG Examination Quiz (2016)

1. If $\vec{a}$ and $\vec{b}$ are two coplanar vectors, which of the following is correct?

Solution: The cross product of two vectors, $\vec{a} \times \vec{b}$, by definition, results in a new vector that is perpendicular to the plane containing both $\vec{a}$ and $\vec{b}$. This property is fundamental to the vector cross product. Option A and B are incorrect applications of vector calculus. Option D is true but not the most fundamental property of the cross product of two vectors, which is what the question is asking.

2. If $\vec{a}$, $\vec{b}$ and $\vec{c}$ are three vectors such that $\vec{a} + \vec{b} + \vec{c} = 0$, then they are

Solution: For the sum of three vectors to be zero, they must form a closed triangle when placed head-to-tail. A triangle is a two-dimensional shape, so all three vectors must lie in the same plane. Hence, they are co-planar.

3. The trajectory of a comet is

Solution: The trajectory of a comet is a conic section under the influence of the sun's gravitational field. The shape depends on its total energy. If the energy is negative, the orbit is elliptical. If it is zero, the orbit is parabolic. If it is positive, the orbit is hyperbolic. Since all three are possible, "All of the above" is the most comprehensive answer.

4. A body of mass $m$ is moving in a circle of radius $r$ with uniform speed $v$. The centripetal force is given by

Solution: Centripetal force is the force that acts on an object moving in a circular path and is directed towards the center of the circle. The formula for this force is $F = \frac{mv^2}{r}$.

5. In a head-on collision between a stationary particle and a moving particle of equal mass, the moving particle comes to rest and the stationary particle moves with the velocity of the first one. This is a case of

Solution: In an elastic collision, both momentum and kinetic energy are conserved. For a head-on elastic collision of two particles of equal mass, with one initially at rest, the moving particle transfers all its momentum and kinetic energy to the stationary particle and comes to rest. This is a classic characteristic of an elastic collision.

6. The force on a satellite revolving in a circular orbit around the Earth is

Solution: The gravitational force between the Earth and the satellite provides the necessary centripetal force to keep the satellite in its orbit. Without this force, the satellite would fly off in a straight line according to Newton's First Law.

7. The entropy change in a reversible process is

Solution: The Second Law of Thermodynamics states that for a reversible process, the total entropy change of the universe (system + surroundings) is zero. For an irreversible process, the total entropy of the universe increases.

8. If the sun suddenly shrinks to one half of its present radius, the new rotational period will be (Assume the sun to be a sphere of uniform density)

Solution: This is an application of the conservation of angular momentum ($L = I\omega$). Since the angular momentum is conserved, $I_{initial}\omega_{initial} = I_{final}\omega_{final}$. The moment of inertia for a solid sphere is $I = \frac{2}{5}MR^2$, and angular velocity is $\omega = \frac{2\pi}{T}$. If the radius is halved, $R_{final} = R/2$, so the new moment of inertia is $I_{final} = \frac{2}{5}M(\frac{R}{2})^2 = \frac{1}{4}I_{initial}$. Equating the initial and final angular momenta: $I_{initial}\frac{2\pi}{T_{initial}} = I_{final}\frac{2\pi}{T_{final}} \implies I_{initial}\frac{1}{T_{initial}} = \frac{1}{4}I_{initial}\frac{1}{T_{final}} \implies T_{final} = \frac{1}{4}T_{initial}$.

9. The eigenvalues of the matrix $\begin{pmatrix} 1 & 0 \\ 0 & 2 \end{pmatrix}$ are

Solution: For a diagonal matrix, the eigenvalues are simply the elements on the main diagonal. In this case, the eigenvalues are 1 and 2.

10. The momentum of a particle is doubled. Its kinetic energy will be

Solution: The relationship between kinetic energy ($K.E$) and momentum ($p$) is $K.E = \frac{p^2}{2m}$. If the momentum is doubled, $p' = 2p$. The new kinetic energy is $K.E' = \frac{(2p)^2}{2m} = \frac{4p^2}{2m} = 4 K.E$. The kinetic energy becomes four times its original value.

11. The generalized momentum conjugate to coordinate $q_i$ is defined by

Solution: In Lagrangian mechanics, the generalized momentum $p_i$ conjugate to the generalized coordinate $q_i$ is defined as the partial derivative of the Lagrangian ($L$) with respect to the generalized velocity ($\dot{q}_i$).

12. A force $\vec{F} = 3x^2\hat{i} + 4y\hat{j}$ N acts on a particle. The work done to move the particle from the origin to a point (1,1) is

Solution: The work done is calculated using the line integral $W = \int \vec{F} \cdot d\vec{r}$. The infinitesimal displacement vector is $d\vec{r} = dx\hat{i} + dy\hat{j}$. So, $\vec{F} \cdot d\vec{r} = (3x^2\hat{i} + 4y\hat{j}) \cdot (dx\hat{i} + dy\hat{j}) = 3x^2dx + 4ydy$. $W = \int_{(0,0)}^{(1,1)} (3x^2dx + 4ydy) = \int_0^1 3x^2dx + \int_0^1 4ydy = [x^3]_0^1 + [2y^2]_0^1 = (1^3 - 0^3) + (2(1^2) - 2(0^2)) = 1 + 2 = 3$ J.

13. A wire is stretched by a force of 100 N. The strain produced is $0.01$. The Young's modulus of the material of the wire is $10^{11} \text{N/m}^2$. The area of cross-section of the wire is

Solution: Young's modulus is the ratio of stress to strain, $Y = \frac{\text{Stress}}{\text{Strain}} = \frac{F/A}{\text{Strain}}$. We can rearrange this to find the area: $A = \frac{F}{Y \cdot \text{Strain}}$. Given: $F = 100$ N, $Y = 10^{11} \text{N/m}^2$, Strain = $0.01 = 10^{-2}$. $A = \frac{100}{10^{11} \cdot 10^{-2}} = \frac{10^2}{10^9} = 10^{-7} \text{m}^2$.

14. The terminal velocity of a falling raindrop depends on the radius of the drop as

Solution: Terminal velocity is reached when the downward gravitational force equals the upward viscous drag force. The gravitational force is $F_g \propto r^3$, and the viscous force according to Stokes' Law is $F_v \propto rv_t$. Equating these forces, we get $r^3 \propto rv_t$, which implies $v_t \propto r^2$.

15. The frequency of longitudinal oscillations of a mass $m$ attached to a spring of spring constant $k$ is

Solution: The angular frequency of a simple harmonic motion for a mass-spring system is $\omega = \sqrt{\frac{k}{m}}$. The linear frequency is related to the angular frequency by $f = \frac{\omega}{2\pi}$. Therefore, $f = \frac{1}{2\pi}\sqrt{\frac{k}{m}}$.

16. Which of the following equations represents a simple harmonic motion?

Solution: A simple harmonic motion is a sinusoidal oscillation with a single angular frequency. A superposition of two simple harmonic motions with the same angular frequency, like $x = a \cos(\omega t) + b \sin(\omega t)$, can be expressed in the form $x = A \sin(\omega t + \phi)$, which is the general form of SHM. Options A and B involve different frequencies and therefore do not represent a single SHM. Option D also represents SHM, but option C is a more general and common representation.

17. The change in entropy in a complete Carnot cycle is

Solution: A Carnot cycle is a completely reversible cycle. Since entropy is a state function, its net change over any closed reversible cycle is zero.

18. An object is placed at a distance of 10 cm from a convex lens. If the magnification is 2, the focal length of the lens is

Solution: We use the magnification formula $m = \frac{v}{u}$ and the lens formula $\frac{1}{v} - \frac{1}{u} = \frac{1}{f}$. Given $u = -10$ cm and $m = 2$. From magnification: $2 = \frac{v}{-10} \implies v = -20$ cm. From lens formula: $\frac{1}{-20} - \frac{1}{-10} = \frac{1}{f} \implies \frac{1}{20} = \frac{1}{f} \implies f = 20$ cm.

19. When a light wave is incident on a surface at Brewster's angle, the reflected light is

Solution: Brewster's angle (or the polarization angle) is the angle of incidence at which light with a particular polarization is perfectly transmitted through a transparent dielectric surface, with no reflection. The reflected component is completely linearly polarized.

20. The differential equation of a simple harmonic motion is $\frac{d^2x}{dt^2} + 4x = 0$. The time period of the motion is

Solution: The standard differential equation for SHM is $\frac{d^2x}{dt^2} + \omega^2x = 0$, where $\omega$ is the angular frequency. By comparing the given equation with the standard form, we find $\omega^2 = 4$, so $\omega = 2$ rad/s. The time period $T$ is given by $T = \frac{2\pi}{\omega}$. Therefore, $T = \frac{2\pi}{2} = \pi$ seconds.

21. In forced vibrations, the amplitude of oscillations is maximum when the driving frequency is equal to the

Solution: This phenomenon is known as resonance. When the frequency of the external driving force matches the natural frequency of a system, the amplitude of the oscillations becomes maximum.

22. During Joule-Thomson effect, which quantity is conserved?

Solution: The Joule-Thomson effect is an isenthalpic process, meaning it occurs at a constant enthalpy. This is because the process involves no heat exchange with the surroundings and no external work is done on the gas.

23. The power gain of an amplifier in decibels is

Solution: The power gain in decibels (dB) is defined as $10 \log_{10}(\frac{P_{out}}{P_{in}})$. The factor of 20 is used for voltage or current gain, not power gain.

24. For a transverse wave, the ratio of the maximum particle velocity to the wave velocity is

Solution: The equation for a transverse wave is $y(x,t) = A \sin(kx - \omega t)$. The particle velocity is the derivative with respect to time, $v_p = \frac{\partial y}{\partial t} = -A\omega \cos(kx - \omega t)$, so the maximum particle velocity is $A\omega$. The wave velocity is $v_w = \frac{\omega}{k}$. The ratio is $\frac{v_{p,max}}{v_w} = \frac{A\omega}{\omega/k} = Ak$.

25. Two coherent sources having intensity $I$ and $4I$ interfere. The ratio of maximum to minimum intensity is

Solution: The relationship between intensity and amplitude is $I \propto A^2$. Given $I_1 = I$ and $I_2 = 4I$, we have $A_1 \propto \sqrt{I}$ and $A_2 \propto \sqrt{4I} = 2\sqrt{I}$. The maximum intensity is due to constructive interference, $I_{max} \propto (A_1+A_2)^2 \propto (\sqrt{I} + 2\sqrt{I})^2 = (3\sqrt{I})^2 = 9I$. The minimum intensity is due to destructive interference, $I_{min} \propto (A_2-A_1)^2 \propto (2\sqrt{I} - \sqrt{I})^2 = (\sqrt{I})^2 = I$. The ratio is $\frac{I_{max}}{I_{min}} = \frac{9I}{I} = 9:1$.

26. The splitting of sodium D-lines in a magnetic field is an example of

Solution: The Zeeman effect is the phenomenon of splitting of spectral lines into several components in the presence of a static magnetic field. The Stark effect is a similar phenomenon but occurs in an electric field.

27. The spectroscopic term for the ground state of the sodium atom is

Solution: The electronic configuration of a sodium atom is $1s^2 2s^2 2p^6 3s^1$. For the valence electron in the $3s$ orbital, the orbital quantum number is $l=0$, so the total orbital angular momentum is $L=0$. The spin quantum number is $s=\frac{1}{2}$, so the total spin angular momentum is $S=\frac{1}{2}$. The total angular momentum is $J = L+S = 0+\frac{1}{2} = \frac{1}{2}$. The spin multiplicity is $2S+1 = 2(\frac{1}{2})+1 = 2$. The spectroscopic term is ${}^{2S+1}L_J = {}^2S_{1/2}$.

28. The particles that obey Bose-Einstein statistics are

Solution: Bose-Einstein statistics apply to bosons, which are particles with integer spin. Photons have a spin of 1 and are bosons. Electrons, protons, and neutrons are fermions and have a half-integer spin, so they obey Fermi-Dirac statistics.

29. The energy per unit volume of an electric field $\vec{E}$ in a medium of dielectric constant $\epsilon_r$ is

Solution: The energy density of an electric field in a medium is given by $u = \frac{1}{2}\epsilon E^2$. The permittivity of the medium is $\epsilon = \epsilon_r\epsilon_0$, where $\epsilon_r$ is the relative permittivity or dielectric constant and $\epsilon_0$ is the permittivity of free space. Substituting this, we get $u = \frac{1}{2}\epsilon_0\epsilon_r E^2$.

30. The Curie point is the temperature above which a ferromagnetic substance becomes

Solution: The Curie temperature is the temperature at which a ferromagnetic material loses its permanent magnetic properties and becomes paramagnetic. Above this temperature, the thermal energy is sufficient to disrupt the alignment of magnetic domains.

31. When a transformer is connected to a DC source, the secondary coil

Solution: A transformer works on the principle of mutual induction, which requires a constantly changing magnetic flux. A DC source provides a constant current and a constant magnetic field. Since there is no change in magnetic flux, no e.m.f. is induced in the secondary coil, and thus no current is supplied.

32. The electric field $\vec{E}$ at a point in an electric field is related to the scalar potential $V$ at that point by

Solution: The electric field is the negative gradient of the electric potential. This means that the electric field points in the direction of the steepest decrease in potential.

33. A charged particle radiates energy when it is

Solution: According to classical electromagnetism, a charged particle radiates electromagnetic energy only when it is accelerating. Constant linear velocity and being at rest do not involve acceleration. Uniform circular motion (option D) is a form of acceleration (centripetal acceleration), so it also causes radiation. However, option (C) "Moving with constant acceleration" is a more general statement covering all cases of radiation.

34. The ratio of specific heats of an ideal triatomic gas molecule is (neglecting vibrational modes)

Solution: The ratio of specific heats is given by $\gamma = 1 + \frac{2}{f}$, where $f$ is the number of degrees of freedom. For a linear triatomic gas molecule (e.g., $CO_2$) at normal temperatures, there are 3 translational and 2 rotational degrees of freedom, giving a total of $f = 5$. Thus, $\gamma = 1 + \frac{2}{5} = 1.40$.

35. If a liquid of mass $m$ is at temperature $T$ and is contained in a sphere of radius $r$ and another of radius $2r$, the ratio of the rates of cooling is

Solution: The rate of cooling is given by $\frac{dT}{dt} \propto \frac{\text{Area}}{\text{Volume}}$. For a sphere, the surface area is $A=4\pi r^2$ and the volume is $V=\frac{4}{3}\pi r^3$. The rate of cooling is proportional to the ratio of area to mass, which is $\frac{A}{m} = \frac{4\pi r^2}{\rho \cdot \frac{4}{3}\pi r^3} \propto \frac{1}{r}$. Therefore, the ratio of the rates of cooling for spheres of radius $r$ and $2r$ is $\frac{(dT/dt)_1}{(dT/dt)_2} = \frac{1/r}{1/(2r)} = \frac{2}{1}$.

36. The maximum energy of a black body radiation is at a wavelength of $\lambda_{max}$, which is proportional to

Solution: This is described by Wien's displacement law, which states that the peak wavelength of blackbody radiation is inversely proportional to the absolute temperature, $\lambda_{max} \propto T^{-1}$.

37. Which of the following is not a state function?

Solution: A state function is a property whose value depends only on the current state of the system, not on the path taken to reach that state. Work is a path function, meaning the amount of work done depends on the specific process (path) between the initial and final states. Temperature, internal energy, and entropy are state functions.

38. The angular momentum of an electron in a hydrogen atom is quantized in accordance with Bohr's hypothesis. This means that it is an integral multiple of

Solution: One of the key postulates of Bohr's atomic model is that the angular momentum of an electron in a stable orbit is quantized, and is an integral multiple of $\frac{h}{2\pi}$. The formula is $L = n\frac{h}{2\pi}$, where $n$ is the principal quantum number.

39. A particle is moving with a velocity $0.8c$. Another particle is moving in the same direction with a velocity $0.8c$ with respect to the first particle. The velocity of the second particle with respect to a stationary observer is

Solution: We use the relativistic velocity addition formula: $u' = \frac{u+v}{1 + \frac{uv}{c^2}}$. Here, $u = 0.8c$ and $v = 0.8c$. $u' = \frac{0.8c + 0.8c}{1 + \frac{(0.8c)(0.8c)}{c^2}} = \frac{1.6c}{1 + 0.64} = \frac{1.6c}{1.64} \approx 0.9756c$. This is less than the speed of light, as required by special relativity.

40. The dimension of the wave function $\psi(x)$ for a particle moving in a one-dimensional box is

Solution: The wave function is normalized, meaning $\int |\psi(x)|^2 dx = 1$. The integral on the left must be dimensionless. The dimension of the integral is (dimension of $|\psi|^2$) $\times$ (dimension of $x$). Let the dimension of $\psi(x)$ be $L^a$. Then the dimension of the integral is $(L^a)^2 \cdot L = L^{2a+1}$. For this to be dimensionless, we must have $2a+1=0$, which gives $a = -1/2$. So the dimension of $\psi(x)$ is $L^{-1/2}$.

41. The binary equivalent of the hexadecimal number $(10)_{16}$ is

Solution: The hexadecimal number is likely a typo and meant to be 'A' (which represents the decimal number 10). The binary representation of the decimal number 10 is $1010$.

42. The energy of an electron in the nth orbit of a hydrogen atom is proportional to

Solution: The energy of an electron in the nth orbit of a hydrogen atom is given by the Bohr model as $E_n = -\frac{13.6 \text{ eV}}{n^2}$. Therefore, the energy is inversely proportional to the square of the principal quantum number, $E_n \propto \frac{1}{n^2}$.

43. The energy of a photon of frequency $\nu$ is

Solution: According to Planck's relation, the energy of a photon is directly proportional to its frequency, with the constant of proportionality being Planck's constant, $h$. So, $E = h\nu$.

44. The de Broglie wavelength of an electron and a proton moving with the same velocity is

Solution: The de Broglie wavelength is given by $\lambda = \frac{h}{p} = \frac{h}{mv}$. For the same velocity, the wavelength is inversely proportional to the mass. Since a proton is much more massive than an electron ($m_p > m_e$), its de Broglie wavelength will be shorter.

45. The minimum wavelength of X-rays produced in an X-ray tube depends on

Solution: The minimum wavelength ($\lambda_{min}$) of the continuous X-ray spectrum is determined by the maximum energy of the electrons striking the target. This energy is given by $E_{max} = eV$, where $e$ is the electron charge and $V$ is the accelerating voltage. The energy of the photon is $E = \frac{hc}{\lambda}$, so $\lambda_{min} = \frac{hc}{eV}$. It depends only on the accelerating voltage.

46. In a transistor, the relationship between $\alpha$ and $\beta$ is

Solution: Alpha ($\alpha$) is the current gain for a common base configuration, and beta ($\beta$) is the current gain for a common emitter configuration. They are related by the formula $\beta = \frac{\alpha}{1-\alpha}$.

47. In a synchrotron, the magnetic field is used to

Solution: In a synchrotron, the magnetic field is used to bend the trajectory of charged particles and keep them moving in a circular path. The electric field is used to accelerate the particles, increasing their kinetic energy.

48. Which of the following is a lepton?

Solution: Leptons are a class of fundamental particles that do not undergo strong interactions. Examples of leptons are electrons, muons, and neutrinos. Protons and neutrons are baryons (hadrons), and pions are mesons (hadrons).

49. According to special relativity, time dilation is observed

Solution: Time dilation is the phenomenon where a moving clock is observed to tick more slowly than a stationary clock. It is observed in a moving frame of reference relative to a stationary observer.

50. The Boolean expression for a NAND gate is

Solution: A NAND gate is the logical inverse of an AND gate. The Boolean expression for AND is $A \cdot B$. The negation is represented by an overline. Thus, the expression for NAND is $\overline{A \cdot B}$.

51. The work function of a metal is the minimum energy required for a photon to

Solution: The work function ($\phi$) of a metal is the minimum energy needed to remove an electron from the surface of the metal. This energy must be supplied by the incident photon. Any excess energy is converted into the kinetic energy of the ejected electron.

52. The electric field inside a hollow spherical shell of radius $R$ and charge $Q$ is

Solution: According to Gauss's law, the electric flux through any closed surface is proportional to the net charge enclosed within that surface. For a hollow spherical shell with charge distributed on its surface, any closed surface inside the shell encloses no charge. Therefore, the electric field inside is zero.

53. The electric field of an electric dipole at a point on its axis at a distance $r$ from its centre is proportional to

Solution: The electric field of a dipole at a point on its axis is given by the formula $E = \frac{1}{4\pi\epsilon_0} \frac{2p}{r^3}$ for a point at a large distance $r$ from the dipole's center. Thus, the electric field is proportional to $r^{-3}$.

54. Two parallel conductors carrying current in the same direction

Solution: According to Ampere's law and the right-hand rule, two parallel conductors carrying current in the same direction will generate magnetic fields that result in an attractive force between them. The force per unit length is given by $F/L = \frac{\mu_0 I_1 I_2}{2\pi d}$.

55. An electron is moving with a velocity $\vec{v}$ in a uniform magnetic field $\vec{B}$. The force on the electron is

Solution: The magnetic force (Lorentz force) on a charged particle is given by the cross product formula $\vec{F} = q(\vec{v} \times \vec{B})$. The result of a cross product is a vector that is perpendicular to the plane containing both of the original vectors. Therefore, the force is perpendicular to both the velocity of the electron and the magnetic field.

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