ELECTROSTATICS

1. State and explain Coulomb's law in vector form. Prove that Coulomb's law in electrostatics follows
Newton's third law of motion.

2. Define electric lines of force. State the properties of electric lines of force.

3. Derive an expression for the electric field intensity due to an electric dipole at a point on the axial line.
(end on position)

4. With the help of a labelled diagram, obtain an expression for the electric field intensity 'E' at a point P'
in broad side on position (i.e., equatorial plane) of an electric dipole.
OR
Show that intensity of electric field at a point in broadside position of an electric dipole is given by:
1 𝑝
𝐸=( ) 3
4𝜋𝜀0
(𝑟 2 + 𝑙 2 )2
Where terms have their usual meaning.

5. An electric dipole is placed in a uniform external electric field 𝐸⃗ . Show that the torque acting on the
dipole is given by 𝜏 = 𝐸⃗ × 𝑝 where 𝑝 is the dipole moment.

6. State and prove Gauss's law in electrostatics.

7. Derive Coulomb's law from Gauss' law

8. Use Gauss's law to derive an expression for electric field at a point due to a uniformly charged spherical
shell.

9. Derive an expression for the capacitance of a parallel plate capacitor in terms of the areas of the plates
and the distance between them. Assume there is a vacuum in between the plates with the electric field
between the plates, E = σ/ε0 (where the symbols have their usual meaning.)

10. Obtain an expression for equivalent capacitance when three capacitors of capacities C₁, C₂ and C 3 are
connected in parallel.

11. Obtain an expression for equivalent capacitance C, when three capacitors having capacitance C1, C2
and C3 are connected in series.

12. When two charged conductors having different capacities and different potential are joined together,
show that there is always a loss of energy.

13. A parallel plate air capacitor is connected toa battery. The charge, capacitance, potential difference,
electric field and stored energy associated with this capacitor are q0, C0, V0, E0 and U0 respectively. A
dielectric slab (constant K) is inserted to fill the space between the plates, the battery still remains
connected. Find how the new corresponding quantities q, C, V, E and U are related to the previous ones.
14. Deduce an expression for the capacitance of a parallel plate capacitor. How will the capacitance change
when:
(i) A dielectric slab, and
(ii) A conducting slab is inserted between the plates.

15. Compare the electric field between plates of a parallel plate capacitor in terms of its capacity with and
without the presence of dielectrics between plates.

CURRENT ELECTRICITY

1. The current flowing through a conductor is given by I = neAvd.

(i) Identify each term in the equation.
(ii) Obtain an expression for vd, if the current flowing through the conductor of length l has its ends
maintained at a potential difference of V volts.
2. State Ohm’s law. Does the relation hold for non-ohmic conductors? Also explain physical conditions.
3. Using the concept of drift velocity, derive Ohm’s law.
4. Derive an expression for the resistivity of a wire in terms of its material parameters i.e., number density
of free electrons and collision time.
5. Figure shows a cell with e.m.f. E and internal resistance r, connected to a voltmeter V and a variable
resistance R. Deduce the relationship between V, E, R and r. How will the value of V vary when R is
reduced?
6. The figure shows a cell with e.m.f. E and internal resistance r, connected to a voltmeter V and two
resistances R₁ and R2 with a switch S. Deduce the relationship between V, E, R1 and r when the switch
is in position 1. How will the value of V vary when the switch S is in position 2 (where R2 > R1)?

7. ‘n’ cells, each of e.m.f. ‘e’ and internal resistance ‘r’ are joined in series to form a row. ‘m’ such rows
are connected in parallel to form a battery of N = mn cells. This battery is connected to an external
resistance ‘R’.
(i) What is the e.m.f. of this battery and how much is its internal resistance?
(ii) Show that current ‘I’ flowing through the external resistance ‘R’ is given by:
𝑁𝑒
𝐼=
𝑛𝑟 + 𝑚𝑅
8. State and explain Kirchhoff’s law for electric circuits. What are the conservation laws implied in each
law? State the sign convention for current and e.m.f. Use the fig. given below for your explanation.

9. Obtain the balancing condition for the Wheatstone bridge arrangement as shown in Figure below:

10. Explain with neat circuit diagram, how will you determine the unknown resistance by using a meter
bridge.
11. What is a potentiometer? Mention its uses.
OR
Explain the principle of a potentiometer? Explain how will you use it to measure the internal resistance
of a cell.
12. Distinguish between potentiometer and voltmeter.
13. State the advantages of potentiometer over voltmeter.
14. Explain with circuit diagram how a potentiometer can be used to compare e.m.f.’s of two cells.
OR
Explain how a potentiometer may be used to compare the e.m.f.’s of two cells.

MAGNETIC EFFECTS OF CURRENT & ELECTRICITY

1. A charged particle of mass m and charge q revolves with a velocity v in a uniform magnetic field. Show
that the radius of curvature 'r is proportional to its momentum. Also prove that the frequency of
revolution of the particle is independent of its speed.
2. Obtain the formula, I = kθ for a moving coil galvanometer, given the deflecting torque 𝜏 = 𝑚 ⃗,
⃗⃗ × 𝐵
where m is the magnetic dipole moment of the coil placed in the magnetic field B, I is the current in
the galvanometer and θ is the deflection.
3. What is a solenoid? With a neat labelled diagram describe the magnetic field produced by a current
carrying solenoid.
4. Apply Biot-Savart's law to calculate the magnetic field; (i) at the centre of a circular coil carrying
current and (ii) on the axis of circular coil carrying current.
5. Obtain an expression for the force acting on the current carrying conductor placed in a uniform
magnetic field.
6. Derive an expression for the force acting between two parallel current carrying conductors.
7. Hence, define one ampere.
8. Using Ampere's circuital law, obtain expression for magnetic flux density 'B a point near an infinitely
long and straight conductor, carrying a current I.

EMI & AC
1. By calculating magnetic Lorentz force on a conductor moved in a transverse magnetic field, deduce
Faraday’s law.
𝑑𝜑
𝐸=−
𝑑𝑡
2. Define and explain self induction and mutual induction.
3. With the help of a neatly drawn labelled diagram, prove that the magnitude of motional e.m.f. ‘e’
is given by e = Bvl, where ‘T’ is the length of a metallic rod and ‘v’ is the velocity with which it is
pulled in a transverse magnetic field ‘B’.
4. Define self-inductance. Obtain the expression for the self-inductance of a solenoid explaining steps
with the help of a diagram.
5. Describe briefly the principle, construction and working of a transformer.
6. Show that the r.m.s. value of current is given by 𝐼0 /√2 where 𝐼0 is the peak value of current.
2𝐼
7. Show that the average value of A.C. over a complete cycle is zero while for a half cycle, it is 𝜋0
where 𝐼0 is the peak value of current.
8. A capacitor C is connected to an A.C. voltage source V = V0 sin ωt. Draw a circuit diagram for the
given arrangement. Obtain an expression for the current I flowing in the circuit. Express it as a sine
function. What is the phase difference between current I and voltage V? What is the reactance of
the capacitor?
OR
Prove that in a purely capacitive A.C. circuit current leads the voltage by π/2.
9. Obtain the relation for the current i = i0 sin (ωt – π/2) for a pure inductor across which an alternating
e.m.f. E = E0 sin ωt of is applied.
10. Draw a circuit diagram showing a series LCR circuit and derive an equation for its resonant
frequency.
OR
Obtain an expression for resonant frequency of a series LCR circuit.
11. What do you mean by the impedance of LCR circuit? Derive an expression for it.
12. Define power in an A.C. circuit and derive an expression for it in LCR circuit. What is the power
factor and wattless current?
13. Show that the average power dissipated per cycle in an LCR circuit is given by P = Veff Ieff cos φ,
where φ is the angle of lead or lag.
14. Explain the construction and principle of a choke. Where is it used? Explain why is it preferred to
resistance in A.C. circuits.
15. Draw a labelled diagram of an a.c. generator. State its principle and explain its working.

EMW

1. What do you mean by displacement current? Explain with characteristics.

2. What are electromagnetic waves? Give some characteristics of electromagnetic waves.
3. Give the classification of electromagnetic spectrum.
4. Give the uses of electromagnetic spectrum.

OPTICS

1. Define the focal length and radius of curvature of a spherical mirror. Deduce the relation between
them.
2. Prove the relation aμb = 1/bμa.
𝑟𝑒𝑎𝑙 𝑑𝑒𝑝𝑡ℎ
3. Deduce the relation μ = 𝑎𝑝𝑝𝑎𝑟𝑒𝑛𝑡 𝑑𝑒𝑝𝑡ℎ.
4. A light ray is incident at an angle i on a parallel sided glass slab of thickness t and refractive index
cos 𝑖
n. Show that the lateral displacement of the emergent ray is given by 𝑥 = 𝑡 sin 𝑖 [1 − 1 ]
(𝑛2 −sin2 𝑖)2
5. (a) A ray of light is normally incident on one face of an equilateral prism. Trace the course of the
ray through the prism and emerging from it.
𝑛 𝑛 𝑛 −𝑛
(b) State one assumption made in deriving the formula 𝑣2 − 𝑢1 = 2 𝑅 1 for refraction at a spherical
interface.

(c) In the figure shown, O is a point object placed in air on the axis of a spherical surface APB of a
glass block. OA is an incident ray. The direction of the refracted ray AD in the glass block is parallel
to the principal axis PC. CP = CA = R is the radius of the spherical surface. Use the formula given
𝑅
in (b)above and show that the object distance 𝑃𝑂 = 𝑢 = 𝑛 – 1 where 𝑛2 = 𝑛 and 𝑛1 = 1.
(ii) A convex lens of focal length f = 20 cm is combined with a diverging lens of power 6.5 D. What
are the power and focal length of the combination?
6. For any prism, show that refractive index of its material is given by:
𝐴+𝛿
sin ( 2 𝑚 )
𝑛 𝑜𝑟 𝜇 =
𝐴
sin ( 2 )
Where the terms have their usual meaning.
OR
For any prism, obtain a relation between angle of the prism (A), angle of minimum deviation (δm)
and refractive index of its material (μ or n).
7. Prove that in case of a prism, i + e = A + δ where the symbols have their usual meanings.
8. Derive an expression for the angle of deviation of a small prism in terms of the refractive index and
the angle of the prism. Give a proper diagram.
9. Derive the formula connecting the object distance u, image distance v and radius of curvature R of
a spherical refracting surface.
10. Derive the thin lens formula which relates object distance, image distance and the focal length of a
convex lens.
11. Derive the Lens-maker’s formula for a convex lens.
12. Draw a labelled ray diagram to show the image formation in a reflecting type telescope. Write its
two advantages over a refracting type telescope.
13. Define angular magnification of a telescope. Draw a neat ray diagram with proper arrows to show
the image formation in an astronomical refracting telescope in normal adjustment for relaxed eye.
Obtain the expression for angular magnification of the telescope in this adjustment.
14. Draw a neat labelled ray diagram to show how the image of a distant object is formed at least
distance of distinct vision by an astronomical refracting telescope. Obtain an expression for its
magnifying power.
15. Explain the working of a simple microscope and show that its angular magnification is given by
𝐷
𝑀 = 1 + ( 𝑓 ), where D is the least distance of distinct vision.
16. Draw a labelled diagram to illustrate the action of a compound microscope in normal use. Define
angular magnification and use it to find the magnification when the final image is formed at least
distance of distinct vision.
17. State different types of wave fronts with examples.
18. Explain how a plane wave front gets reflected from a plane boundary following the laws of
reflection.
19. Derive the law of reflection using Huygen’s Wave Theory.
OR
Using Huygen’s wave theory of light, show that the angle of incidence is equal to the angle of
reflection. Draw a neat and labelled diagram.
20. Discuss the refraction of a plane wavefront across a plane boundary and prove that Snell’s laws of
refraction are followed in such a case.
21. Draw a ray diagram to show how interference can take place in thin transparent films by reflected
light. Consider a monochromatic ray incident on a film of uniform thickness t and refractive index
u and derive the condition for a dark fringe when viewed from the same side of the film.
22. State one essential condition for sustained interference to take place. Derive the equation 2nd = mλ
for darkness when monochromatic light of wavelength λ is normally incident on a thin oil film of
thickness d and refractive index n.
23. In Young’s double slit experiment, deduce the conditions for constructive and destructive
interference at a point on the screen.
𝜆𝐷
24. Draw a neat labelled diagram of Young’s Double Slit experiment. Show that 𝛽 = 𝑑 where the
terms have their usual meaning (either for bright or dark fringe).
25. Draw a labelled graph of intensity of diffracted light (I) versus angle (θ) in the Fraunhofer
diffraction experiment for single slit a diffraction.
26. Draw a graph showing variation of intensity on screen of a single slit Fraunhofer diffraction
experiment against different angles of diffraction, when the slit is illuminated by monochromatic
light of wavelength λ. If the slit width is a, at what diffraction angle is the first minima obtained?
OR
Obtain the relation a sin θ = nλ. For the first minimum of the diffraction pattern of a single slit of
width a using light of wavelength λ.
27. A parallel beam of monochromatic light is incident normally on a plane diffraction grating. Explain
the action of the grating on the beam. How would you use the grating to determine the wavelength
of the monochromatic light?

DUAL NATURE OF RADIATION & MATTER

1. What is photoelectric effect? Describe an experimental set up to demonstrate the effect of intensity
and frequency of incident radiation.
2. Establish Einstein’s photoelectric equation. Use this equation to explain the law of photoelectric
effect.
3. Describe de-Broglie concept of matter waves Brand obtain an expression for the momentum and
wavelength of the particle.

ATOMS & NUCLEI

1. Give an account of Rutherford’s experiment of α-particle scattering. What result did it yield
regarding structure of an atom?
OR
What are the result of Rutherford’s scattering experiment on α-particles?
OR
Give an account of the consideration which led Rutherford to postulate his theory of nuclear atom.
2. What do you mean by the distance of the closest approach of an α-particle in Rutherford
experiment? Derive its expression.
3. Derive an expression for the radius of the first orbit of hydrogen atom.
4. Obtain an expression for the energy in nth stationary orbit using Bohr’s postulates.
5. Give the expression for the velocity of electron in the first orbit of hydrogen atom and for the radius
in the ground state of hydrogen atom. Hence, derive the expression for the magnetic field (𝐵 ⃗ ) at the
centre of the nucleus due to the circular motion of the electron. [Give your answer in terms of
fundamental constants].
6. Draw the energy level diagram of hydrogen atom and show the transitions responsible for:
(i) absorption lines of Lyman series.
(ii) emission lines of Balmer series.
7. Draw a sketch to show the variation of binding energy per nucleon with mass number. What special
features of this curve predict the possibility of energy release in nuclear fusion and fission
reactions?
8. Explain fission and state what is meant by fusion. What is mass defect? What light does it throw
on the binding energy of a nucleus?
OR
Define mass defect of a nucleus. How it is related to the binding energy of the nucleus.
9. The isotope uranium 92U238 decays successively to form 90Th234, 91Po234, 92U234, 90Th230 to 88Ra226.
What are the radiations emitted in these five steps?
10. Draw a labelled diagram of a nuclear reactor, stating the function of each part.

ELECTRONIC DEVICES

1. Explain the formation of energy bands in solids and also explain how are n-type and p-type
semiconductors obtained.
2. (i) Distinguish between conductors, insulators and semiconductors in terms of energy band
diagrams. Draw the diagrams.
(ii) Why do we get a small current (in μA) through a p-n junction diode under reverse bias
condition? In which direction does this current flow through the junction?
3. Explain briefly with reference to semiconductor physics, the terms:
(i) Majority carriers and minority carriers.
(ii) Intrinsic and extrinsic semiconductors.
4. Draw a labelled circuit diagram of a half wave rectifier and give its output waveform.
5. Draw a labelled diagram of a full wave rectifier circuit. Explain briefly the functions of its
components. Sketch the input and output wave forms.
6. Show by drawing labelled diagrams, the nature of output voltages in case of:
(i) A half wave rectifier.
(ii) A full wave rectifier.
(iii) An Amplifier.
(In each case, input is an a.c. voltage) Circuit diagrams of these devices are not required.
7. What do you mean by light emitting diode. Explain in detail.
8. What is a photodiode? Explain in brief. Mention some uses of photodiode.
9. Explain solar cell in brief. Give some uses of solar cells.
10. In a semiconductor diode, what is meant by potential barrier?

*The material credit goes to Mr. Salman Sir , Senior Physics Teacher from JSS international
School, Dubai

I hear, I Forget
I see, I remember
I do, I learn