| Chapter | Marks Weightage | Your Proficiency |
|---|---|---|
| Electrostatics | 08 | Medium |
| Current Electricity | 07 | High |
| Magnetism & M.E.C. | 08 | Low |
| EM Induction & AC | 08 | Medium |
| Optics | 14 | High |
| Dual Nature & Modern Physics | 12 | Low |
| Communication Systems | 03 | Medium |
Source: CBSE Sample Paper & your latest mock results
Electric Charges & Fields – Tough Spot
Using Gauss’s theorem, derive the electric field \(E(r)\) at a distance \(r\) from an infinitely long straight wire with uniform linear charge density \( \lambda \).
Magnitude and direction of \( E(r) \) using Gauss theorem.
Exploit symmetry; field constant on curved surface, zero through caps.
Integrate Coulomb’s law along wire; confirms \(E \propto 1/r\).
Verify units and \(1/r\) dependence for linear charge distributions.
Infinite length ⇒ field radial, depends only on \(r\).
Choose cylinder of radius \(r\) and length \(L\).
Flux \( \Phi = E(2\pi rL) \); caps contribute zero.
Set \( \Phi = Q_{\text{enc}}/ \varepsilon_0 = \lambda L / \varepsilon_0\).
Radius \(r\), length \(L\), axis along wire.
Caps perpendicular to field ⇒ no flux. Curved surface gives \( \Phi = E\,2\pi rL \).
Set \( E\,2\pi rL = \lambda L/\varepsilon_0 \) ⇒ \( E(r) = \dfrac{\lambda}{2\pi \varepsilon_0 r} \) radially outward.
Gauss theorem turns a difficult integral into one line when symmetry exists.
For linear charge distributions, \(E \propto 1/r\), not \(1/r^{2}\).
Exclude end-caps in flux; including them doubles the result—common error.
CBSE Grade 12 • Physics
An electron moves in a uniform magnetic field \( \mathbf{B} \). It describes a circle of radius \( r_0 \) with period \( T_0 \). Its speed is suddenly doubled to \( 2v_0 \).
After the speed doubles, calculate the new orbit radius \( r \) and time period \( T \).
a) Radius \( r=? \)
b) Period \( T=? \)
\( r=\frac{mv}{qB} \); radius is proportional to speed.
Cyclotron period \( T=\frac{2\pi m}{qB} \) is independent of speed.
Doubling \( v \) ⇒ \( r=2r_0 \) while \( T \) remains \( T_0 \).
Alternating Current – LCR Surprise
A series LCR circuit has \(V_R = V_L = V_C = 10\text{ V}\) at the supply frequency. If the capacitor is short-circuited, determine the new voltage across the inductor.
Voltage \(V_L'\) across the inductor after the capacitor is shorted.
Use phasor triangle: find new current with \(Z_{RL}\) then compute \(V_L' = I'X_L\).
Treat circuit as RL series: \(Z = \sqrt{R^{2}+X_L^{2}}\); derive \(I'\) from Ohm’s law.
Recognise that removing \(X_C\) raises impedance by \(\sqrt{2}\); hence current and \(V_L\) fall by \(\sqrt{2}\).
At resonance: \(I = V/R\) and \(X_L = R\).
With \(X_C\) removed, only \(X_L\) opposes \(R\).
\(Z_{RL} = \sqrt{R^{2}+X_L^{2}} = R\sqrt{2}\).
\(I' = V/Z_{RL} = I/\sqrt{2}\).
Equal voltages give \(R = X_L\).
After shorting \(C\): \(Z_{RL}=R\sqrt{2}\).
\(V_L' = I'X_L = \dfrac{10}{\sqrt{2}}\text{ V} \approx 7.1\text{ V}\).
At resonance, reactive voltages cancel but each can exceed supply voltage.
Removing the capacitor raises impedance by \(\sqrt{2}\) in a series RL network.
Phasor relations let us quickly recalculate voltages after circuit changes.
Wave Optics – First Common Dark Fringe
In Young’s double-slit experiment, two monochromatic beams of wavelengths \( \lambda_1 = 400\,\text{nm}\) and \( \lambda_2 = 600\,\text{nm}\) illuminate the same slits. Find the smallest distance \(y\) from the central maximum where both wavelengths produce a dark fringe simultaneously.
Nearest common dark-fringe position \(y\) (express in \(D\) and \(d\)).
Set a single \( \delta\) satisfying dark-fringe conditions for both wavelengths and solve for \(y\).
Find the lowest common multiple of individual dark-fringe spacings.
Plot minima positions for each colour and read the first overlap.
Path difference \( \delta = \dfrac{d\,y}{D}\).
Minima when \( \delta = (n+\tfrac12)\lambda\).
Set \( (n_1+\tfrac12)\lambda_1 = (n_2+\tfrac12)\lambda_2\).
Use \( y = \delta D / d \) or \( y = \dfrac{\delta}{\lambda}\beta\).
Let integer \(m\) satisfy \( m\lambda_2 = (m+\tfrac12)\lambda_1\).
Substitute values to get \( m = 1\).
Path difference \( \delta = m\lambda_2 = 600\,\text{nm}\). Hence \( y = \dfrac{600\,\text{nm}\,D}{d}\).
Common dark fringes satisfy one shared path difference across both wavelengths.
The condition converts to a simple integer equation in \(m\).
Result: \( y = \dfrac{600\,\text{nm}\,D}{d}\); independent of chosen integer once minimal.
Nuclei – Fission vs Fusion
Using the B.E./A curve, predict which of the nuclei W (190), X (90), Y (60) and Z (30) are likely to undergo fission or fusion. Give qualitative reasons.
Process (fission/fusion) favoured by each nucleus based on nuclear stability.
Locate each mass number relative to the 56-peak.
For A > 56, fission raises B.E./A; for A < 56, fusion does.
Estimate \( \Delta E \) from change in total binding energy.
Maximum stability at A ≈ 56 (Fe, Ni).
Lower B.E./A; splitting raises stability → fission.
Lower B.E./A; combining raises stability → fusion.
\( \Delta E \propto \Delta(\text{B.E.}/A)\,A \); positive ΔE means feasible.
W 190, X 90 → far right of peak; Y 60 → near peak; Z 30 → left of peak.
A > 56 → fission favoured; A < 56 → fusion favoured; near-peak gives negligible gain.
• W 190 & X 90: fission increases binding energy.
• Z 30: fusion increases binding energy.
• Y 60: almost no change, so neither strongly favoured.
Binding-energy per nucleon curve predicts nuclear processes at a glance.
Raising B.E./A drives reactions toward greater nuclear stability.
Interpretation skill meets the learning outcome: decide fission vs fusion qualitatively.
Grade 12 Physics
A parallel-plate capacitor (area \(A\), gap \(d\)) receives a central slab of thickness \(t<d\). (i) The slab is dielectric of constant \(\kappa\). (ii) The slab is metallic. Derive the new capacitance in each case and state which configuration gives the larger value.
Capacitance \(C_d\) (dielectric), \(C_m\) (metal) and compare.
Treat air gaps and slab as capacitors in series.
Minimise stored energy for given charge.
Analyse uniform fields in each region.
Air gaps and slab share charge; voltages add.
Field weakens inside slab by factor \(\kappa\).
Acts as equipotential; eliminates \(t\) from gap.
Smaller effective separation ⇒ larger capacitance.
Two air gaps of \((d-t)/2\) each and one dielectric slab form three capacitors in series.
Metallic slab becomes part of the plates; effective separation reduces to \(d-t\).
Since \(\kappa>1\), \(d-t<d-t+\dfrac{t}{\kappa}\) ⇒ \(C_m>C_d>C_0\).
Capacitance rises when effective plate gap falls.
Dielectric insertion requires series-capacitor treatment, not parallel.
Metal slab gives greater increase than any dielectric with finite \(\kappa\).
Electromagnetic Waves – Displacement Current
A \(0.001\ \text{m}^2\) parallel-plate capacitor, plate gap \(d = 10^{-4}\ \text{m}\), is charged so that \(\frac{dV}{dt}=1\times10^{8}\ \text{V s}^{-1}\). Find the displacement current between the plates.
Displacement current \(I_d\) using Ampere-Maxwell law.
Use \(I_d=\varepsilon_0 A\,\frac{dE}{dt}\) with \(E=V/d\).
Apply \(\oint \mathbf{B}\cdot d\mathbf{l}=\mu_0(I_c+I_d)\) with \(I_c=0\).
Relate rate of change of stored energy to equivalent current.
Time-varying electric field inside a capacitor acts like a current in Ampere-Maxwell law.
\(E=\frac{V}{d}\) for uniform field between plates.
\(\frac{dE}{dt}=\frac{1}{d}\frac{dV}{dt}\).
Insert values in \(I_d=\varepsilon_0 A\,\frac{dE}{dt}\).
\(E=\frac{V}{d}\) ⇒ \(\frac{dE}{dt}=\frac{1}{d}\frac{dV}{dt}\).
\(I_d=\varepsilon_0 A\,\frac{dE}{dt}\).
Compute the product.
Displacement current replaces missing conduction current in capacitors.
Ampere-Maxwell law unifies magnetic effects of both conduction and displacement currents.
Mastering this link lets you apply Maxwell’s correction inside any time-varying dielectric region.
Dual Nature – Photoelectron Wavelength
A platinum surface (\( \phi = 5.63\,\text{eV} \)) is illuminated with light of frequency \( \nu = 1.6 \times 10^{15}\,\text{Hz} \). Determine the minimum de Broglie wavelength of the emitted photoelectrons.
Shortest de Broglie wavelength \( \lambda_{\min} \) of photoelectrons
Apply \( h\nu = \phi + K_{\max} \) to find electron kinetic energy.
Convert \(\phi\) and \(K_{\max}\) from eV to joule.
Use \( \lambda = \frac{h}{\sqrt{2m_e K_{\max}}} \) to compute \( \lambda_{\min} \).
Calculate \( E = h\nu \).
Energy needed to free an electron: \( \phi \).
\( K_{\max} = E - \phi \).
\( \lambda = \frac{h}{\sqrt{2m_e K_{\max}}} \).
\( E = h\nu = 6.63 \times 10^{-34}\,\text{J s} \times 1.6 \times 10^{15}\,\text{Hz} = 1.06 \times 10^{-18}\,\text{J} \)
\( \phi = 5.63\,\text{eV} = 9.01 \times 10^{-19}\,\text{J} \)
\( K_{\max} = E - \phi = 1.06 \times 10^{-18} - 9.01 \times 10^{-19} = 1.59 \times 10^{-19}\,\text{J} \)
\( \lambda = \frac{h}{\sqrt{2m_e K_{\max}}} = \frac{6.63 \times 10^{-34}}{\sqrt{2 (9.11 \times 10^{-31})(1.59 \times 10^{-19})}} \approx 1.2 \times 10^{-9}\,\text{m} \)
Photon energy beyond the work function converts to electron kinetic energy.
Kinetic energy sets momentum, linking photoelectric effect to matter waves.
Understanding this link satisfies the learning outcome: relate photon energy to de Broglie wavelength.
Identify stages that convert AC to smooth DC.
In the chain AC → X → Y → load, name X and Y, and illustrate their output waveforms.
Stage names and corresponding waveforms at outputs of X and Y.
Identify X as single-diode rectifier; Y as capacitor across load.
Use four-diode bridge for full-wave pulses; π (C-L-C) smooths further.
Evaluate reduction from X to Y to validate correct identification.
Diode permits current one way, producing pulsating DC from AC.
Full-wave doubles pulse frequency, reducing initial ripple.
Capacitor stores charge; inductor resists change, smoothing voltage.
Proper RC/LC choice lowers \(r\) without altering frequency.
X is the rectifier: half-wave (one diode) or full-wave (bridge/center-tap).
Y is the filter circuit: RC, LC or π-section that smooths the pulsating DC.
Draw half/full-wave pulses at X; add capacitor-charged peaks to show smooth line at Y.
Rectifier (X) turns AC into unidirectional pulses using diodes.
Filter (Y) employs capacitors/inductors to cut ripple, not frequency.
Avoid calling the filter a regulator; regulation is a separate stage.
Current Electricity – Heating Element Analysis
A heater connected to a 100 V battery with internal resistance 1 Ω draws 10 A at 20 °C. After heating to 320 °C the current stabilises lower. Find the power lost inside the battery at the final temperature.
Power dissipated in the battery’s internal resistance at 320 °C.
Find heater resistance at 20 °C, scale it with \(R_T = R_0(1+\alpha\Delta T)\), then compute current and \(P = I^2 r\).
Use \(I_T/I_0 = 1/\big(1+\alpha\Delta T\big)\) to get current directly, then evaluate \(P = I_T^{2} r\).
Plot \(R\) versus \(T\) to visualise how the temperature coefficient influences current and power loss.
\(R_0 = \frac{V}{I_0} - r\)
Resistance rises linearly with \(\alpha\Delta T\).
Use \(I_T = V /(R_T + r)\).
Calculate \(P = I_T^{2} r\).
\(R_0 = \frac{100}{10} - 1 = 9\,\Omega\).
\(\Delta T = 300^{\circ}\text{C}\); \(R_T = 9[1 + (3.7\times10^{-4})(300)] \approx 10\,\Omega\).
Total resistance \(= 10 + 1 = 11\,\Omega\); \(I_T = 100/11 \approx 9.09 \text{ A}\). Power loss \(P_{batt} = (9.09)^2 \times 1 \approx 83 \text{ W}\).
Temperature coefficient raises heater resistance, lowering current.
Internal power loss is governed by \(I^{2} r\), not by battery voltage directly.
Accounting for temperature-dependent resistance prevents under-estimating power loss in circuits.
Electromagnetic Induction – AC Generator Emf
Derive the instantaneous emf \( \varepsilon(t) \) of an \( N \)-turn coil of area \( A \) rotating with angular speed \( \omega \) in a uniform magnetic field \( B \).
Expression \( \varepsilon(t) = \varepsilon_0 \sin \omega t \) where \( \varepsilon_0 = N B A \omega \).
Write magnetic flux, differentiate using Faraday’s law.
Treat flux as rotating vector; emf is its vertical component.
Relate mechanical power \( \tau \omega \) to electrical power \( \varepsilon I \).
Rotation converts mechanical work into emf via changing flux.
\(\Phi = N B A \cos \theta\).
Time-varying angle \( \theta = \omega t \) gives sinusoidal flux.
Negative sign sets phase; dropping it shifts waveform by \( \pi \).
Angle between \( \mathbf{B} \) and normal is \( \theta = \omega t \).
Induced emf equals negative rate of change of flux.
Derivative of cosine gives sine; amplitude is \( N B A \omega \).
Sinusoidal emf emerges directly from rotational motion plus Faraday’s law.
Amplitude \( \varepsilon_0 = N B A \omega \) scales with turns, field, area, and speed.
Correct sign ensures correct phase; dropping it shifts the waveform by 180°.
CBSE Grade 12 Physics
Draw a neat ray diagram of a Cassegrain reflecting telescope and state any two reasons it outperforms a similar-sized refracting telescope.
Complete ray path and two performance advantages (compact length, zero chromatic aberration).
Show two reflections and final focus at eyepiece.
Label mirrors, focal points and central hole.
List reflector advantages over refractor.
Parallel light → primary mirror → convex secondary → through central hole → eyepiece.
Folded path gives long focal length inside a short, manageable tube.
All-mirror system removes chromatic dispersion found in lenses.
Eyepiece must be behind primary; include hole in primary mirror.
Draw large concave primary (with hole) and small convex secondary near its focus.
Show parallel rays reflecting at primary, converging to secondary, then passing through hole to focus.
Write: (i) No chromatic aberration (ii) Large aperture with compact length.
Reflection is wavelength-independent → no chromatic aberration.
Large parabolic mirror gathers more light than an equal-diameter lens and is lighter.
Secondary mirror folds path, giving long focal length in a short tube.
Atoms – Many Lines, One Electron
Hydrogen has only one electron, yet its emission spectrum shows many lines. Explain why.
Reason for multiple spectral lines from a one-electron atom.
Large ensemble ensures electrons occupy several excited levels simultaneously.
Each electron can drop through several energy gaps, emitting photons of different energies.
Energy difference \(E_{n_i}-E_{n_f}=h\nu\) sets a unique wavelength for every allowed pair \((n_i,n_f)\).
Different atoms act independently, adding their emissions.
Collisions lift electrons to \(n>1\) states.
Each excited electron can follow many downward paths.
Energy gaps differ, so photons have different wavelengths.
Bohr gives \(E_n=-13.6\,\text{eV}/n^2\).
Thermal or electrical collisions move electrons to higher \(n\).
When an electron drops from \(n_i\) to \(n_f\), photon energy \(h\nu = E_{n_i}-E_{n_f}\).
Multiple atoms and levels create a rich emission spectrum.
Each Bohr transition yields one precise wavelength.
Mistakes: blaming extra electrons or forgetting ensemble effects.
Recap core equations: \(v=u+at\), \(F=q(E+v\times B)\), lens & capacitor rules for instant recall.
Write \(c, h, e\) values on rough sheet. Convert units before substitution to avoid negative marking.
Read twice, underline data, decide concept, then pick a formula. This strategy cuts re-work.
60 min theory, 30 min numericals, 10 min review. Skip tough items and return—classic time-saving tip.
Box answers, show steps, draw labelled diagrams. Presentation secures method marks.
Things to remember: tally sub-parts, check sig-figs, use elimination for MCQs in the last sweep.