Brochure with solutions (cs)

1... Cenek's saw mill

points

Cenek's saw mill is located at the junction of rivers Vydra and Kremelna in the Boheminan forest (mountains). The saw mill is named after wood retailer Cenek Bubenicek, who has built in 19th century. There is water power plant at its former place declared by state as technical monument.

Power plant uses difference of water levels above and under turbine 10 m, electrical output of power station is 96 kW. Water is distributed to the turbine using rectangular open-top canal. Its width is 1 m, and water is 1,5 m deep. The estimated water speed at the middle of surface is 1 m\cdot s^{− 1}. What is the estimated efficiency of water power station?

We will publish the solution to this problem soon.

2... crushing impact

points

Find a relation between the speed of meteorite (just before impact) and radius of created crater.

We will publish the solution to this problem soon.

3... illumination of table

points

Find such placement of fluorescence tubes at the ceiling of study room, which is 3 m above the top surface of desk, that intensity of illumination will not vary more than 0,1 %.

We will publish the solution to this problem soon.

4... how far is the Sun?

points

Let's return back to 18th century, when the value of Newton's gravitation constant was not known yet. And the distance between Sun and the Earth was unknown as well. During this times Edmond Halley (astronomer who discovered that the comet in the sky in 1682 is the same as the one in 1456, 1531 and 1607) suggested to find distance Earth-Sun by measuring time of transit of Venus over the Sun circle. Unfortunately the Venus cross the Sun irregularly, in pair each eight years and then there is century-long break. During Halley life there was no crossing.

However, the idea was not forgotten and with the next crossing was successfully resuscitated and in 1761 a next scientific experiment was prepared. Scientists went to many parts of world, including Siberia, China, South Africa and Indonesia. It was the first international scientific experiment.

After all people have returned, it was concluded that no conclusion can be made. Ironically it was due to too many contradicting observation. Successful was captain James Cook in 1769 on one summit in Tahiti. After his return the astronomers were able to calculate the average distance between the Earth and the Sun as approximately 150 millions kilometers.

It is up to you to calculate distance Earth-Sun using only data known at the time: Earth diameter and orbit time of Venus and Earth.

We will publish the solution to this problem soon.

P... shaking the tea

points

Explain why the tea in the box after it is shaken is separated such that larger pieces of tea leaves are on the surface. The solution can be enhanced using your observation.

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E... waves on the water

points

Using dimension (unit) analysis find the relation for the speed of waves on the water surface. Verify the theoretical relation and find unknown constants from measuring the speed of waves dependent on wavelength. Do not forget that there are two types of waves – one caused by gravitational field and second by surface tension.

Instructions for Experimental Tasks
We will publish the solution to this problem soon.

S... particle with 1/2 spin

points

Find such placement of fluorescence tubes at the ceiling of study room, which is 3 m above the top surface of desk, that intensity of illumination will not vary more than 0,1 %.

We will publish the solution to this problem soon.
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