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Problems for the 3rd AYPT, March 2nd - March 4th 2001, Vienna, Austria

1. Electrostatic motor

Is it possible to create a motor which works by means of an electrostatic field? If yes, suggest how it may be constructed and estimate its parameters.

3. Tuning dropper

Make the music resonator shown in the picture. Investigate the conditions that affect the pitch. Can you observe amplification of external sounds? If yes, how can you explain this?

6. Fractal diffraction

Produce, demonstrate and analyse diffraction pictures of fractal structures of different orders.

7. Cracks

When drying a starch solution, you will see cracks forming. Investigate and explain this phenomenon.

8. Speedometer

Two electrodes of different metal are immersed in an electrolyte solution. Investigate the dependence of the measured potential difference on the relative motion of electrodes and their shapes.

9. Pouring out

Investigate how to empty a bottle filled with a liquid as fast as possible, without external technical devices.

12. Reaction

Make an aqueous solution of gelatine (10g gelatine in 90ml of water), heat it to 80 degrees C in a water bath and mix it with a solution of potassium iodide. Pour the solution in a test tube and cool it. Pour a solution of copper sulphate on the surface of the gel. Find a physical explanation to the observed phenomena.

15. Bubbles in magnetie field

Observe the influence of an alternating magnetic field (50 or 60 Hz) on the kinetics of gas bubbles in a vessel filled with water. The bubbles can be generated by blowing air into the water.

16. Adhesive tape

Investigate and explain the light produced, when adhesive tape is ripped from a smooth surface.

17. Seiches

Seiching is a phenomenon known for long, narrow and deep lakes. For reasons of changes in the atmospheric pressure, the water of the lake can start moving in such a way that the water level at both ends of the lake makes periodic motions, which are identical, but out of phase. Make a model that predicts the period of seiching depending on the appropriate parameters and test its validity.