CLASS:XII PHYSICS QUESTION

BANK ELECRIC CHARGES AND FIELDS

1. Define electric field intensity. Write its SI unit.
2. Define electric flux. Give its SI unit.
3. Explain Coulomb’s law in vector form.
4. What is an electric dipole ? define the term electric dipole moment . Write its unit.
5. Derive an expression for electric field at any point on the equatorial line of an electric dipole.
6. Derive an expression for electric field at any point on the axial line of an electric dipole.
7. Derive an expression for torque acting on an electric dipole in a uniform electric field.
8. State Gauss’s law in electrostatics. Find the electric field at a point due to infinitely long
straight uniformly charged wire.
9. Derive an expression for electric strength due to an infinite plane sheet of charge.
10. Find the electric field intensity due to a uniformly charged spherical shell at a point (i) outside
the shell and (ii) inside the shell. Plot the graph of electric field with distance from the centre of the
shell.

ELECTRIC POTENTIAL AND CAPACITANCE

1. Apply Gauss’s Theorem to find the electric field near a charged

Show that the electric field at the surface of a charged conductor is E =  𝒏̂ where  is surface charge
conductor. OR
𝟎
density and 𝒏̂ is a unit vector normal to the surface in the outward direction.
2. Derive an expression for electric potential due to a point charge.
3. Derive an expression for electric potential due to an electric dipole.
4. Derive an expression for total work done in rotating an electric dipole through an angle  in
unform electric field.
5. Derive an expression for capacitance of a parallel plate capacitor, whose plates are separated by
a dielectric medium.
6. If two similar plates each of are A having surface charge densities + and - are separated by a
distance d in air, write expressions for (i) the electric field at points between the two plates, (ii)
the potential difference between the plates, (iii) the capacity of the capacitor so formed.
7. A parallel plate capacitor each with plate area A and separation ‘d’ is charged to a potential
difference V. The battery used to charge it is then disconnected. A dielectric slab of thickness d and
dielectric constant K is now placed between the plates. What change if any will take place in (i) charge
on the plates, (ii) electric field intensity between the plates, (iii) capacitance of the capacitor?
8. A parallel plate capacitor is charged by a battery, which is then disconnected. A dielectric slab
is then inserted in the space between the plates. Explain what changes if any, occur in the values
of
(i) capacitance, (ii) potential difference between the plates, (iii) electric field between the plates, and
(iv) the energy stored in the capacitor.
9. A parallel plate capacitor is charged by a battery. When the battery remains connected, a
dielectric slab is inserted in the space between the plates. Explain what changes if any, occur in the
values of
i)potential difference between the plates ii) electric field strength between the plates iii) capacitance
iv) charge on the plates v) energy stored in the capacitor.
10.Derive an expression for the equivalent capacitance of three capacitors in (i) series (ii) parallel.
11. Plot a graph comparing the variation of potential V and electric field E due to a point charge Q
as a function of distance r from the point charge.
12.What is electrostatic shielding? How is this property used in actual practice?

CURRENT ELECTRICITY
1. Define relaxation time of the free electrons drifting in a conductor. How is it related to the Drift
velocity of free electrons? Use this relation to deduce the expression for the electric resistivity of
the material.
2. Two cells of emfs 1 and ε2 and internal resistance r1 ad r2 respectively are connected in
parallel. Obtain expressions for the equivalent (i) resistance and ii) emf of the combination.
3. Two cells of emfs 1 and ε2 and internal resistance r1 ad r2 respectively are connected in
series. Obtain expressions for the equivalent (i) resistance and ii) emf of the combination
4. State Kirchoff’s laws for an electrical network. Using Kirchoff’s laws, establish the balance condition
for the Wheatstone bridge network.
5. Write two differences between the emf and terminal potential difference of a cell. What is the
most important precaution that one should take while drawing current from a cell?
6. Plot a graph showing variation of voltage versus the current drawn from the cell. How can one
get information from this plot about the emf of the cell and its internal resistance?
7(a)Show on a plot variation resistivity of a (i)conductor and a (ii)semiconductor as a function of
temperature.
(b)Using the expression for the resistivity in terms of number density and relaxation time between the
collisions , explain how resistivity in the case of a conductor increases while it decreases in a
semiconductor with the rise of temperature.
8. Derive an expression for drift velocity of free electrons in a conductor in terms of relaxation time
of electrons.
9. Define drift velocity. Establish a relation between drift velocity and electric current.
10. Define the term mobility of electrons . Give its SI unit. How does the mobility of electrons in a
conductor change , if the potential difference applied across the conductor is doubled keeping
the length and temperature of the conductor constant?

MOVING CHARGES AND MAGNETISM

1. State Biot-Savart law. Derive an expression for magnetic field at any point on the axis of a circular
loop carrying current I. What is the magnetic field at the centre of the loop. Sketch the magnetic
field for a circular current loop , clearly indicating the direction of field.
2. Derive an expression for the force experienced by a current carrying straight conductor placed in
a magnetic field. Under what condition is this force maximum?
3. Derive an expression for the torque acting on a rectangular current loop in a magnetic field.
4. (a) Draw a labelled diagram of a moving coil galvanometer. Describe briefly its principle
and working.
(b) Answer the following.
i) Why is it necessary to introduce a cylindrical soft iron inside the coil of a galvanometer?
ii) increasing the current sensitivity of a galvanometer may not necessarily increase its
voltage sensitivity. Explain giving reason.
5. With the help of a circuit, show how a moving coil galvanometer can be converted into an
ammeter of a given range. Write the necessary mathematical formula.
6. With the help of a circuit, show how a moving coil galvanometer can be converted into a
voltmeter of a given range. Write the necessary mathematic formula.
7. Derive an expression for force per unit length between two long straight parallel current
carrying conductors. Hence define one ampere.
8. A deuteron and an alpha particle having same momentum are in turn are allowed to pass through
a magnetic field B, acting normal to the direction of motion of the particles . Calculate the ratio of the
radii of the circular paths described by them.
9. State Ampere’s circuital law. Using this law derive an expression for the magnetic field
due to a straight conductor carrying current .

MAGNETISM AND MATTER

1. Write an expression for torque acting on a magnetic dipole in a uniform magnetic field and
calculate the work done for rotating the dipole from and angle 1 to 2.
2. Write the differences between diamagnetic, paramagnetic and ferromagnetic substances.
3. Two identical bars , one of paramagnetic material and other of diamagnetic material are kept in a
uniform external magnetic field parallel to it. Draw the modifications in the magnetic field pattern
in each case.
4. State Gauss’s law in magnetism . How is it different from Gauss’s law in electrostatics ?
5. Write four important properties of magnetic field lines due to a bar magnet.
ELECTROMAGNETIC INDUCTION
1. Derive an expression for the mutual inductance of two long coaxial solenoids. State the factors
on which mutual inductance depends.
2. Define self-inductance of a coil. Show that magnetic energy required to build up the current I in
a coil of self-inductance L is given by ½ LI2 .
3. Describe briefly, with the help of a labelled diagram, the basic elements of an AC generator. State its
underlying principle. Show diagrammatically how an alternating emf is generated by a loop of wire
rotating in a magnetic field. Write the expression for the instantaneous value of the emf induced in
the rotating loop.
4. Derive an expression for the self inductance of a long air-cored solenoid of length l , cross
sectional area A and having number of turns N.

ALTERNATING CURRENT
1. Draw a schematic diagram of a step-up transformer. Explain its working principle. Deduce the
expression for the secondary to primary voltage in terms of the number of turns in the two coils. In
an ideal transformer, how is this ratio related to the currents in the two coils? How is the transformer
used in large scale transmission and distribution of electric energy over long distances?
2. Explain the term inductive reactance. Show graphically the variation of inductive reactance
with frequency of the applied alternating voltage.
An ac voltage V = V0 Sin t is applied across a pure inductor of induction L. Find an expression for the
current I, flowing the circuit and show mathematically that the current flowing through it lags
behind the applied voltage by a phase angle of π/2. Also draw (i) phasor diagram (ii) graphs of V and
I versus
t of the circuit.
3. Define the term capacitive reactance. Show graphically the variation of capacitive reactance
with frequency of applied alternating voltage.
An ac voltage V = V0 Sin t is applied across a pure capacitor of capacitance C. Find an expression for
current flowing through it. Show mathematically that the current flowing through it leads the applied
voltage by angle π/2.
4.(a)What is impedance? (b) A series LCR circuit is connected to an ac source having voltage
V = V0 sin t. Derive expressions for the impedance, instantaneous current and its phase relationship
to the applied voltage. Find the expression for resonant frequency.
5. (a)Explain the term sharpness of resonance in AC circuit.
(b)In a series LCR circuit VL= VC  VR. What is the value of power factor for this circuit ?
6. In a series LCR circuit , obtain conditions under which (i) the impedance of the circuit is
minimum and (ii)wattless current flows through the circuit.
7.An electric lamp connected in series with a capacitor and an AC source is glowing with
certain brightness. How does the brightness of the lamp change on reducing the (i) capacitance
and
(ii) frequency ?
8. Find the condition for resonance in a series LCR circuit connected to an ac source of variable
frequency and voltage v =vm sin ωt. Give the factors on which the resonant frequency of a series LCR
circuit depends. Draw a plot showing the variation of current (I) with angular frequency (ω) .

ELECTROMAGNETIC WAVES
1. Write the expression for the generalized form of Ampere’s circuital law. Describe its significance
and describe how the concept of displacement current is explained through charging and discharging
of a capacitor in an electric circuit.
2.(a) Which of the following electromagnetic radiations has least frequency: UV radiations, X-rays,
Microwaves?
(b) How do you show that electromagnetic waves carry energy and momentum?
(c) Write the expression for the energy density of an electromagnetic wave propagating in free space.
3. Name the part of the electromagnetic spectrum which is (i) suitable for radar system used in
aircraft navigation (ii) used to treat muscular strain (iii) used as a diagnostic tool in medicine. Write in
brief,
how these waves can be produced.
4. Answer the following questions.
a) Name the em-waves which are produced during radioactive decay of a nucleus. Write
their frequency range.
b) Welders wear special goggles while working. Why? Explain.
c) Why are infrared waves often called as heat waves? Give their one
application. 5.(a) How does oscillating charge produce electromagnetic waves?
(b) Sketch a schematic diagram depicting oscillating electric and magnetic fields of an em-wave
propagating along +z-direction.
6. How are electromagnetic waves produced? What is the source of energy of these waves? Write
mathematical expressions for electric and magnetic fields of an electromagnetic wave
propagating along the z-axis. Write any two important properties of electromagnetic waves.
7. When an ideal capacitor is charged by a dc battery, no current flows. However, when an ac source
is used, the current flows continuously. How does one explain this based on the concept of
displacement current?

RAY OPTICS AND OPTICAL INSTRUMENTS

1.(a)With the help of a ray diagram, show how a concave mirror is used to obtain an erect and
magnified image of an object.
(b)Using the above ray diagram, obtain the mirror formula and the expression for linear magnification.
2. Define power of a lens. Write its unit. Deduce the relation 1/f = 1/f1 + 1/f2 for two thin lenses kept
in contact coaxially.
3.(a)Draw a ray diagram to show refraction of a ray of monochromatic light passing through a glass
prism.
(b)Deduce the expression for the refractive index of glass in terms of angle of prism and angle of
minimum deviation.
4. Explain briefly how the phenomenon of total internal reflection is used in fibre optics.
5. With the help of a ray diagram, show the formation of the image of a point object due to refraction
of light at a spherical surface separating two media of refractive indices n1 and n2 (n2 ˃ n1)respectively.
Using this diagram derive the relation

Write the sign conventions used . What happens to the focal length of a convex lens when it is
immersed in water?
6. Using the relation for refraction at a single spherical refracting surface, derive the lens
maker’s formula.
7.(i)What is total internal reflection? Under what conditions does it occur?
(ii) Find a relation between critical angle and refractive index.
(iii) Name one phenomenon which is based on total internal reflection.
8. Four convex lenses are given whose aperture and powers are tabulated below. Which will you
prefer for (i) eyepiece (ii) objective of an astronomical telescope?

Lens Power Aperture

L1 1D 0.1m
L2 10D 0.05 m
L3 10D 0.02 m
L4 20D 0.02 m

9. With the help of a labelled ray diagram, show the image formation by a compound microscope.
Derive an expression for its magnifying power.(Two cases :image formed at infinity and image formed
at least distance of distinct vision)
10. Draw a labelled ray diagram to obtain the real image formed by an astronomical telescope
in normal adjustment position. Derive its magnifying power.
11. . Draw a labelled ray diagram to show the image formed in a reflecting telescope. Write its
two advantages over refracting telescope.
WAVE OPTICS
1.(i)Write the necessary conditions to obtain sustained interference pattern. Also write the expression
for the fringe width .
(ii)What is the effect on interference pattern in Young’s double slit experiment due to each of the
following operations, (a) the separation between the slits is increased equally (b) the whole apparatus
is kept in a denser medium.
2. What are coherent sources? Why two independent sources can never be
coherent? 3.(i)In the experiment on diffraction due to a single slit , show that
(a) the intensity of diffraction fringes decreases as the order n increases.
(b) Angular width of the central maximum is twice that of the first order secondary maximum
4. Draw diagrams to show the behaviour of plane wavefronts as they (i)pass through a thin
prism (ii)pass through a thin convex lens and (iii)reflect by a concave mirror.
5. Draw the intensity distribution for (i) the fringes produced in interference and (ii) the
diffraction bands produced due to single slit . Write two points of difference between the
phenomena of
interference and diffraction .
6. Define the term wavefront. Using Huygen’s wave theory, verify the laws of reflection .
7. Using Huygen’s theory, draw a figure showing the propagation of a plane wave refracting at a
plane surface separating two media (Both denser to rarer and rarer to denser).Hence verify Snell’s
law of refraction.

DUAL NATURE OF MATTER AND RADIATION

1. A proton and an electron have same velocity. Which one has greater de Broglie wavelength and
why?
When electron orbiting in hydrogen atom in its ground state moves to the third excited state, show
how the de Broglie wavelength associated with it would be affected.
2. The given graph shows the variation of photo-electric current (I) with the applied voltage (V) for
two different materials and for two different intensities of the incident radiations. Identify and obtain
using Einstein’s photoelectric equation for the pair of curves that correspond to (i) different
materials but same intensity of incident radiations (ii) Different intensities but same materials.

3. Plot a graph showing the variation of stopping potential with the frequency of incident radiation
for two different photosensitive materials having work functions W1 and W2 (W1 ˃ W2). On what

4. An electromagnetic wave of wavelength 𝞴1 is incident on a photosensitive surface of negligible

factors does the (i) slope and (ii) intercept of the lines depend?

work function. If the photo-electrons emitted from this surface have the de-Broglie wavelength,

𝞴 = [2mc/h] 𝞴12.
prove that

5. A photon and a proton have the same de-Broglie wavelength 𝞴. Prove that the energy of the
photon is (2m𝞴c/h) times the kinetic energy of the proton.
6. If light of wavelength 412.5 nm is incident on each of the metals given below, which ones will
show photoelectric emission and why?

Metal Work function(eV)

Na 1.92
K 2.15
Ca 3.20
Mo 4.17
7. A proton and an alpha particle are accelerated through the same potential. Which one of the two has
(i) greater value of de-Broglie wavelength associated with it and (ii) less kinetic energy? Give reasons
to justify your answer.
8. Define the terms (i) cut-off voltage and (ii) ‘threshold frequency’ in relation to the phenomenon
of photoelectric effect.
9. Using Einstein’s photoelectric equation show how the cut-off voltage and threshold frequency for
a given photosensitive material can be determined with the help of a suitable plot/graph.
10. Write two characteristic features observed in photoelectric effect which support the
photon picture of electromagnetic radiation.
11. Draw a graph between the frequency of incident radiation (𝛎) and the maximum kinetid energy of
the electrons emitted from the surface of a photosensitive material. State clearly how this graph can
be used to determine (i) Planck’s constant and (ii) work function of the material.
12. A proton and a deuteron are accelerated through the same accelerating potential. Which one of
the two has
(i) greater value of de- Broglie wavelength associated with it, and
(ii) less momentum? Give reasons to justify your answer.
13. A proton and alpha particle have the same de-Broglie wavelength. Determine the ratio of (i)
their accelerating potentials (ii) their speeds.
14. In the study of photoelectric effect the graph between the slopping potential V and frequency 𝛎o
the incident radiation on two different metals P and Q is shown below.

i) Which one of the two has higher threshold frequency?

(ii) Determine the work function of the metal which has greater value.
(iii) Find the maximum kinetic energy of electron emitted by light of frequency 8 x 1014 Hz for
this metal.

ATOMS
1. Show that the radius of the orbit in hydrogen atom varies as n2 where n is the principal
quantum number of the atom.
2. Using Rutherford model of the atom, derive the expression for the total energy of the electron
in hydrogen atom. What is significance of total negative energy possessed by the electron?
3. In an experiment on α-particle scattering by a thin foil of gold, draw a plot showing the number
of particles scattered versus the scattering angle θ. Why is it that a very small fraction of the
particles
are scattered at θ > 90º? Write two important conclusions that can be drawn regarding the structure
of the atom from the study of this experiment.
4. When is Hα line in the emission spectrum of hydrogen atom obtained? Calculate the frequency of
the photon emitted during this transition .

NUCLEI
1. Draw the graph between binding energy per nucleon and the mass number of nuclei. Write
the conclusions about the stability.
2. Draw a graph showing the variation of potential energy between a pair of nucleons as a function
of their separation. Indicate the regions in which the nuclear force is (i) attractive, (ii) repulsive.
3. Write two important conclusions which you can draw regarding the nature of the nuclear forces.
4. Distinguish between nuclear fusion and fission with example.
SEMICONDUCTOR ELECTRONICS
1. Draw the energy band diagrams of the following substances: (a) conductor (b) n-
type semiconductor (c) P-type semiconductor (d) insulator.
2. What is an intrinsic semiconductor? What is the course of its electrical conductivity? Explain
its behavior on the basis of band theory of solids.
3. What are extrinsic semiconductors? Discuss n-type and P-type extrinsic semiconductor.
4. Explain with examples the formation of energy bands in solids. For an extrinsic
semiconductor, mark the donor and acceptor levels in the energy band diagram.
5. Discuss the crystal structure of (i) an intrinsic and (ii) an extrinsic semiconductor.
6. Describe briefly with the help at a diagram, the role of the two important processes involved in
the formation of a p-n junction.
7. Draw the arrangement for studying the V-I characteristics of a p-n junction diode (i) in forward
bias and (ii) in reverse bias. Draw the typical V-I characteristics of silicon diode. Describe briefly the
following terms: (i) “minority carrier injection” in forward bias (ii) “breakdown voltage” in reverse
bias.
8. Explain, with the help of a circuit diagram, the working of a p-n junction diode as a full
wave rectifier.
9. Draw a labelled diagram of a half wave rectifier. State its working principle. Show the input-
output waveforms.