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We will model the oscillations in the molecule of carbon dioxide. Carbon dioxide is a linear molecule, where carbon is placed in between the two oxygen atoms, with all three atoms lying on the same line. We will only consider oscillations along this line. Assume that the small displacements can be modelled by two springs, both with the spring constant $k$, each connecting the carbon atom to one of the oxygen atoms. Let mass of the carbon atom be $M$, and mass of the oxygen atom $m$.

Construct the set of equations describing the forces acting on the atoms for small displacements along the axis of the molecule. The molecule is symmetric under the exchange of certain atoms. Express this symmetry as a matrix acting on a vector of displacements, which you also need to define. Furthermore, determine the eigenvectors and eigenvalues of this symmetry matrix. The symmetry of the molecule is not complete – explain which degrees of freedom are not taken into account in this symmetry.

Continue by constructing a matrix equation describing the oscillations of the system. By introduction of the eigenvectors of the symmetry matrix, which are extended so that they include the degrees of freedom not constrained by the symmetry, determine the normal modes of the system. Determine frequency of these normal modes and sketch the directions of motion. What other modes could be present (still only consider motion along the axis of the molecule)? If there are any other modes you can think of, determine their frequency and direction.

Consider a particle with charge $q$ and mass $m$, fixed to a spring with spring constant $k$. The other end of the spring is fixed at a single point. Assume that the particle only moves in a single plane. The whole system exists in a magnetic field of magnitude $B_0$, which is perpendicular to the plane of movement of the particle. We will try to describe possible modes of oscillation of the particle. Start by the determination of equations of motion – do not forget to include the influence of the magnetic field.

Next assume that the particle oscillates in both of the cartesian coordinates of the particle and carry out Fourier substitution – substitute derivatives by factors of $i \omega $, where $\omega $ is the frequency of the oscillations. Solve the resultant set of equations in order to determine the ration of the amplitudes of oscillations in both coordinates and the frequency of oscillations. The solution obtained in this way is quite complicated, and better physical insight can be gained in a simpler case. From now on, assume that the magnetic field is very strong, i.e. $\frac {q^2 B_0^2}{m^2} \gg \frac {k}{m}$. Determine the approximate value(s) of $\omega $ in this case, always up to the first non-zero order. Next, sketch the motion of the particle in the direct (i.e. real) space in this (strong field) case.

Consider a circuit with a coil, a capacitor, a resistor and a voltage source connected in series (i.e. they are not parallel to each other). The coil has an inductance $L$, the capacitor has a capacitance $C$ and the resistor has a resistance $R$. The voltage source creates a voltage $U = U_0 \f {\cos }{\omega t}$. Assume all devices to be ideal. Using the law of conservation of energy, write the equation relating the charge, the velocity of the charge (current $I$) and the acceleration of the charge (rate of change of the current $I$). This is an equation of a damped oscillator. Compared to the equation of damped oscillations of a mass on a spring, what are the quantities analogous to mass, stiffness of the spring and friction? Find the natural frequency of these oscillations.

Furthermore, using the quantities $L$, $R$ and $\omega $, find the capacity $C$ which causes a phase shift of the voltage on the capacitor equal to $\frac {\pi }{4}$. What is the amplitude of the voltage on the capacitor, assuming this phase shift?

Let us begin this year's serial with analysis of several mechanical oscillators. We will focus on the frequency of their simple harmonic motion. We will also revise what does an oscillator look like in the phase space.

1. Assume that we have a hollow cone of negligible mass with a stone of mass $M$ located in its vertex. We will plunge it into water (of density $\rho $) so that the vertex points downwards and the cone will float on the water surface. Find the waterline depth $h$, measured from the vertex to the water surface, if the total height of the cone is $H$ and its radius is $R$. Find the angular frequency of small vertical oscillation of the cone.
2. Let us imagine a weight of mass $m$ attached to a spring of negligible mass, spring constant $k$ and free length $L$. If we attach the spring by its second end, we will get an oscillator. Find the angular frequency of its simple harmonic motion, assuming that the length of the spring does not change during the motion. Subsequently, find a small difference in angular frequency $\Delta \omega $ between this oscillator and the one in which the spring is substituted by a stiff rod of the same length. Assume $k L \gg m g$.
3. A sugar cube with mass $m$ is located in a landscape consisting of periodically repeating parabolas of height $H$ and width $L$. Describe its potential energy as a function of horizontal coordinate and outline possible trajectories of its motion in phase space, depending on the velocity $v_0$ of the cube on the top of the parabola. Mark all important distances. Use horizontal coordinate as displacement and appropriate units of horizontal momentum. Neglect kinetic energy of cube motion in the vertical direction and assume it remains in contact with the terrain.

What period of small oscillations will water in a glass container (shown on the picture) have? The dimensions of the container and the equilibrium position of water are shown. Assume that there is room temperature and standard pressure and that water is perfectly incompressible.

Take a homogeneous rod, at least $40 \mathrm{cm}$ long. Attach two cords of the same material (e.g. thread or fishing line) to it, symmetrically with respect to its centre, and attach the other ends of the cords to some fixed body (e.g. stand, tripod) so that both cords would have the same length and they'd be parallel to each other. Measure the period of torsion oscillations of the rod depending on the distance $d$ of the cords, for multiple lengths of the cords, and find the relationship between these two variables. During torsion oscillations, the rod rotates in a horizontal plane and its centre remains still.

We have a perfectly rigid homogeneous disc with a radius $R$ and mass $m$, to which a rubber band is connected. It is fixed by one end in distance $2R$ from an edge of the disc and by the other end at the end of the disc. The rubber band behave as ideal, thin spring with stiffness $k$, rest length $2R$ and negligible mass. Disc is secured in the middle, so it is able to rotate in one axis around this point, but cannot move or change the rotation axis. Figure out relation between the magnitude of moment of force, by which the rubber band will be increasing or decreasing the rotation of disc depending on $\phi $. Also, figure out an equation of motion.

Bonus: Define the period of system's small oscillations.

Matěj was bored by common swings, which are at playgrounds because you can swing on only forward and backwards. Therefore, he has invented his own amusement ride, which will move vertically. It will consist of an elastic cord of length $l$ attached to two points separated by distance $l$ in the same height. If he sits in the middle of the attached cord, it will stretch so that the middle will displace by a vertical distance $h$. Then, he pushes himself up and starts to swing. Find the frequency of small oscillations.

Everyone has ever tried out of boredom to strum on a long ruler sticking out of the edge of a school-desk. Choose the right model of frequency versus the part of the length of the ruler which is sticking out and prove it experimentally. Also, describe other properties of the ruler.

Note: Allow vibration only for outsticking part of the ruler by fixing its position above the table.

Measure the length density of the catgut which arrived to you together with the tasks. You are forbidden to weigh the catgut.

Hint: You can try to vibrate the string.