IMPORTANT QUESTIONS

SR-INTER – PHYSICS

Short Answer Type questions

1. Derive the equation for equivalent capacitance (Capacity) When a number of

capacitors are connected in parallel.
Ans : 1) If number of condensers are connected in such a way that the potential difference
between the plates of every one of them is same, then the condensers are said to be
connected in parallel.

2) Let three condensers of capacities C1 , C2 and C3 be connected in parallel as shown in

figure
3) The potential difference across each condenser is same and it is equal to V
4) Let q1 , q2 and q3 be the charges on the plates of the condensers of capacities
C1 , C2 and C3 respectively
q = q1 + q2 + q3
5) But q1 = C1V : q2 = C2V : q3 = C3V
6) If C is the equivalent capacity of the combination, then
q
C = ⇒ q = CV ;
V
∴ q = q1 + q2 + q3
CV = C1V + C2V + C3V
or C = C1 + C2 + C3
7) The equivalent capacity of the combination is equal to the sum of the capacities of the
combination
2. Write short notes on the working of a thermopile.
Ans : Thermopile : The instrument which consists of a series of thermo couples is thermopile.
Construction :
1) A large number of metal strips of antimony and bismuth are arranged alternatively and
joined at their ends to form a number of Sb – Bi thermocouples in series as shown in
figure.
2) The junctions on one side (B) are coated with lamp black and are exposed to heat
radiation and junctions on the other side are kept cold.
3) Cold junctions are maintained at constant temperature by covering them with brass cap.
The two ends of thermopile are connected to a sensitive voltmeter (V).

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3. Define a) Intensity of electric field E, b) Potential difference between two points
V. Derive the relation between them.
Ans : Electric field : - The space around an electric charge where its influence is felt is called
electric field.
Electric Field Strength (E): Electric field strength at any point in an electric field is
defined as the force experienced by a unit positive charge placed at that point.
Electric Potential : - The Electrostatic potential at a point in an electric field is defined as
the work done in moving a unit positive charge from infinity to that point against the electric
field.
Potential Difference:- Potential difference between two points in an electric field is defined
as the work done to move a unit positive charge between those two points.
Relation between E and V:

(∵θ=180 ) 0

1) Consider a point charge +q placed at A. Let B be a point at a distance ‘r’ from A and the
electric field strength at B due to charge +q at A is E.
2) Let VB and VC are the potential at points B and C respectively.
3) The work done in moving a test charge q0 from C to B through an infinitesimal distance
dr against the electric field is
dw=E.dr
= ( q 0 E ) .dr
q 0 E dr cosθ ∵ 0=1800 
= − q 0 Edr
dW
∴ dV=VB-VC=
q0
 dV 
dV=-E dr or E=-  
 dr 
Electric intensity is the negative gradient of the potential.

4. What is Compton Effect? Explain.

Ans : When X-rays are scattered by any substance, then, the wavelength of some of the
scattered X – rays is greater than the wavelength of incident X – rays. This
phenomenon is known as Compton Effect.

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 Compton effect can be explained by Quantum theory. When a photon having energy
E = hv is incident on a substance and makes an elastic collision with a free electron
in it, the incident Photon gives up some of its energy to the free electron and the
remaining energy is scattered as Photon of energy E1 . ( )
( )
The energy of scattered photon E1 is less than the energy of incident photon (E).

( )
Hence the wavelength of scattered photon λ1 is greater than the wavelength of
incident photon ( λ )
h
The Compton shift ∆λ = λ1 − λ = (1 − cos φ )
m0 c
λ1 → wavelength of scattered X – ray
λ → wavelength of incident X – ray
m0 → rest mass of electron
h → Planck’s constant
c → velocity of light air or vaccum
φ → angle of scattering
h
Compton wavelength = 0.024 ×10−10 m
m0 c
' ∆λ ' depends only on angle of scattering φ
' ∆λ ' is independent of incident X – ray wavelength λ and nature of scattering
substance.

5. Define NAND and NOR gates. Give their truth tables.

Ans : NAND Gate : It has two input terminal and output terminal. The output of a NAND
gate is an inversion of the output of an AND gate. If A and B are the inputs of the
NAND gate its output is not (A and B)
Truth Table of NAND gate Input Output
A B Q
0 0 1
1 0 1
0 1 1
1 1 0
The logical functions shown by the truth table is written as A NAND B. The output
Q=A.B and the symbol used for the logic gate is

NOR Gate : It has two input terminals and one output terminal. If A and B are the
input of NOR gate its output is NOT (A or B)
Truth Table of NAND gate Input Output
A B Q
0 0 1
1 0 0
3
 0 1 0
1 1 0
NOR Gate :

NOR Gate is inversion of OR gate and diagram in terms of OR gate is

NOR gate = OR gate + NOT gate

6. Describe the construction and working of an optical fibre. State its uses.
Ans : Optical Fibre : It is a transmission medium to carry the optical signal without any
appreciable loss.
Description:

Optical Fiber
An optical fiber is a long, hair thin, transparent cylindrical rod made up of glass (or)
plastic. It consists of three parts.
(i) Guiding core (ii) Cladding core (iii) Coating or buffer
Optical fiber has two coaxial regions. The inner region is called light guiding core. It
is made up of quartz or glass and its refractive index is µ1 = 1.7 . The outer region is
called cladding core. Its refractive index µ2 = 1.6 is slightly less than that of guiding
core. So guiding core acts as a denser medium and cladding core acts as rarer
medium. The cladding core is covered with a layer called coating or buffer to
protect the optical fiber.
Principle:

A light ray (AO) is incident at one end of the guiding core at angle iL known as
launching angle. The light ray enters the guiding core at O by refraction and strikes
the interface of guiding core and cladding core at B at an angle (i) greater than

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 critical angle. Then the light ray undergoes total internal reflection at B and travels
along BC and again it undergoes total internal reflection at C. This action continues
at the points D, E, F …. Etc and the light traversed from one end of the optical fibre
to the other end. As the light ray does not enter the cladding core there is no loss of
energy due to refraction.
Uses of optical fibers :
(i) Optical fibers are flexible, light weight and non corrosive. So these are used in
communication network.
(ii) These are used in medical equipments such as Laparoscope and endoscope to
observe the unreachable parts in the human body.
(iii) These are used as sensors in industry to measure temperature, pressure etc.
7. Describe Young’s double slit experiment and give the necessary theory to
explain formation of dark and bright interference pattern.
Ans : Young’s double slit experiment : In Young’s double slit experiment light coming from a
monochromatic source is made to fall on a opaque screen. The screen consists of two pin
holes which are equidistant from the source. The light coming from the source will fall on
this screen. The two pin holes will act as coherent sources of light. A screen is placed
parallel to these coherent sources. On this screen we can observe interference pattern i.e. ,
dark and bright bands.
Theory of the experiment : In figure the pin holes A and B will act as coherent sources of
light . These two coherent waves will interfere and interference pattern is observed at point
‘P’ on the screen. Let Y1 and Y2 are the displacements produced by the coherent waves at
any instant at ‘P’ . The coherent waves can be represent by the equations.
Y1 = a sin ωt and Y2 = a sin (ωt + δ ) .......... (1)
Where a = amplitude,
ω = Angular frequency and
δ = Phase difference between the waves.
When the two waves Y1 and Y2 are super imposed at ‘P’
Let their resultant displacement is Y (say)
∴Y = Y1 + Y2 ⇒ Y = a sin ωt + a sin (ω t + δ ) ..... ( 2 )
∴Y = a sin ωt + a ( sin ω t cos δ + cos ωt sin δ )
Y = [ a sin ωt + a sin ωt cos δ ] + a cos ωt sin δ
Y = a sin ωt (1 + cos δ ) + a cos ωt sin δ .......(3)
Let a (1 + cos δ ) = R cos θ ...... ( 4 )
a sin δ = R sin θ ........ ( 5 ) by using the equations, (4) and (5) in equation (3)
Y = R cos θ sin ωt + R sin θ cos ωt
∴Y = R sin (ωt + θ ) . So the resultant is also a wave with new amplitude R and with a new
phase θ .
Determination of New amplitude R : By squaring and adding equation (4) and (5) we get
a 2 (1 + cos δ ) + a 2 sin 2 δ = R 2 cos 2 θ + R 2 sin 2 θ
2

δ
or New amplitude of the resultant wave, R = 2a.cos ....... ( 6 )
2
Determination of New Phase θ : By dividing equation (5) with (4)
δ δ
2sin cos
R sin θ a.sin δ
= ⇒ tan θ = 2 2
R cos θ a (1 + cos δ ) 2 cos 2δ
2

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 δ δ
∴ tan θ = tan or New Phase for less angles, θ = ….. (7)
2 2
δ
Formation of Dar and Bright bands : Intensity I = KR 2 = 4a 2 cos 2
2
δ
The intensity is maximum when = 0, π , 2π ....or
2
When phase difference δ = 0, 2π , 4π .... even multiples or π the intensity is maximum.
I max = 4a 2 . This is called bright band.
δ δ π 3π 5π
For intensity to be zero cos =0 ∴ =
, , ........ or
2 2 2 2 2
When phase difference δ = π ,3π ,5π ........ odd multiples of π intensify is zero. This is
called dark band.

8. Derive an expression for the period of oscillation of a bar magnet in vibration

magnetometer.
Ans : Principle : The vibration magnetometer is based on the principle that when a bar
magnet is suspended freely in a uniform magnetic field B is displaced from its
equilibrium position, it starts vibrating and executes angular simple harmonic motion
about the equilibrium position
Consider that a magnet of magnetic moment M is freely suspended in Earth’s
magnetic field BH = B. In equilibrium position it will point in the North-South direction .
if the magnet is displaced through an angle θ with the direction of the magnetic field then
the restoring couple R acting on the magnet is given by
R = MB sin θ ........ (1)
R tries to bring the magnet to the field direction
Deflecting couple = Iα ....... ( 2 )
This produces an angular acceleration α . If I is the moment of inertia of the rectangular bar
magnet then
MB sin θ
Iα = − MB sin θ ........ ( 3) ∴α = − ........ ( 4 )
I
When θ is very small sin θ = θ in radians and the equation .(4) becomes
MB θ
α =− ........ ( 5 )
I
Since the angular acceleration α is proportional to the angular displacement θ , the magnet
performs simple harmonic motion
But for a body executing angular S.H.M
α = −ω 2θ ......... ( 6 )
Comparing e3quations (5) and (6)
MB
ω2
I
MB
ω= ....... ( 7 )
I
2π MB
∴ =
T I
I
Hence T = 2π = ……..(8)
MB
T is the time period of oscillation of the magnet

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9. Applying Gauss’s law derive the expression for electric intensity due to a
charged conducting spherical shall at
(i) A point outside the shell,
(ii) A point on the surface of the shell and
(iii) A point inside the shell.
Ans : Consider a uniformly charged thin spherical shell of radius R and total charge q. Its
q
surface charge density, σ = The direction of E will be long the radius
4π r 2
Electric intensity at a point outside the shell

1) Let us consider a point P at a distance ‘r’ from the centre of the centre of the shell
2) The point P os outside the shell. That is r > R
3) Let us consider our Gaussian surface with ‘p’ on it and concentric to the charged shell
4) on the Gaussian surface, E and ds are in same direction
Hence , everywhere on the Gaussian sphere E.ds = E.ds
5) E will be the same every where on the Gaussian surface as it is at a distance r from O and
the shell is uniformly charged
= ES
E.ds = E.ds = E ( 4π r 2 )

d
6) According to gauss theorem E.ds =
ε0
E ( 4π r 2 ) =
q
ε0
1 q
7) thus, for a point outside a uniformly charged spherical shell, E =
4πε 0 r 2
In terms of surface charge density 'σ ', q = ( 4π r 2 ) σ
4π R 2σ σ  R2 
∴E = , or E =
4πε 0 r 2 ε 0  r 2 
The direction of E is radially along OP
(ii) Electric intensity at a point on the shell
1) If the point P lies on the surface of the charged shell, r =R then the electric intensity at a
1 q
point on the shell E =
4πε 0 r 2
It terms of surface charge density O,q = ( 4π r 2 ) σ
4π R 2σ σ
E= =
4πε 0 R 2 ε 0
The direction of E will be radially outward normal to the surface
(iii) Elecric intensity at a point inside the shell

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 1) Consider a point P inside the charged spherical shell
2) Construct concentric spherical Gaussian spherical surface with centre at O and radius OP
is equal to ‘r’
3) E and ds on the Gaussian suface eill be every where parallel to each other and
E.ds = Eds and
∴
∫ E.ds = E
∫ ds
s s

= ES
= E ( 4π r 2 )
4) As P is inside the sphere, there is no charge inside the spherical shell. Hence the chage q
inside the Gaussian surface is zero

∫ E.ds = E ( 4π r 2 ) = 0
s

∴ E = 0 inside the charged shell

5) the electric intensity due to a uniformly charged spherical shell is zero at all points in side
the shell

10. What is Seebeck effect. Explain how thermo emf varies with temperature in a
thermocouple, define neutral and inversion temperature.
Ans : Seebeck effect : When two wires of dissimilar metals are joined to form a closed
circuit and a difference of temperature is established between the junctions, an emf is
developed and electric current flows through the circuit. This phenomenon is known
as seebeck effect
Relation between temperature and thermo emf :
1) In the thermocouple, one junction is kept in hot water which acts as a hot junction
and the other junction is in ice which acts as a cold junction.
2) By keeping the cold junction temperature constant and the hot junction is
maintained at different temperature and the corresponding thermo emf’s are
measured.
3) A graph is drawn between the temperature (T) of the hot junction and the thermo
emf (E). It is a parabola.
4) Thermo emf varies with temperature as e = aT + bT 2 . Where a and b are constants
for a given thermocouple and T is the temperature difference between the junctions
5) The thermo emf becomes maximum at a particular temperature of the hot junction
called the neutral temperature (Tn).
6) If the temperature of hot junction is increased further, the emf decreases till it
becomes zero.
7) The temperature of the hot junction at which the thermo emf becomes zero and
beyond that the thermo emf is reversed is called inversion temperature (Ti)
8) From graph, the difference in temperature of cold junction and neutral temperature
is equal to the difference of inversion temperature and neutral temperature.
i.e, Tn − Tc = Ti − Tn
T +T
Tn = i c
2

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 Inversion temperature (Ti) : The temperature of the hot junction at which thermo
emf in a thermo couple becomes zero or reverses in direction is called as inversion
temperature.
Neutral temperature (Tn) : The temperature of the hot junction at which the thermo
emf in a thermo couple is maximum is called neutral temperature (Tn). It depends on
the temperature of cold junction.
11. State and explain Lenz’s law with examples.
Ans : Lenz’s law : The direction of induced emf is always such that it tends to oppose the
change in the magnetic flux that caused it. Lenz’s law is a direct consequence of the
law of conservation of energy.
Explanation :
1. When a magnet is moved towards the coil, the direction of the induced current is
such that the coil repels the magnet and when the magnet moves away from the coil,
the coil attracts the magnet.
2. When viewed from the side of the magnet, if the direction of the current in the coil
is anti clock wise, a north pole is formed at the nearest face and a south pole is
formed if the current is in clockwise direction.
3. A North – pole is formed at the face of the coil facing N – pole of the magnet,
when the magnet is moved away from the coil.

12. What is Moseley’s law? Discuss briefly its importance.

Ans : Statement : The square root of frequency of a characteristic X – ray spectral line is
directly proportional to the atomic number of the element emitting it.
v∝z
v = a ( z − b)
b is called screening constant and it depends on the series. ‘a’ depends on the
spectral line and is given by the slope of the v and z graph
v → frequency of X – ray
z → atomic number of element emitting X – ray

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 Importance of Moseley’s Law:
a) Moseley’s law helped in the rearrangement of elements in the periodic table
according to their atomic numbers instead of atomic weights.
b) It also helped in determining the atomic numbers of rare earth elements.
c) This law helped in the discovery of new elements like Masurium of atomic
number 43 and Illinium of atomic number 61.
13. Draw a diagram to show the variation of binding energy per nucleon with mass
number for different nuclei. State the reason why light nuclei usually undergo
fusion and heavy nuclei usually undergo fission.
Ans : 1) The binding energy per nucleon increases with increases of mass number and
reaches a maximum of 8.7 MeV and then decreases to 7.6 MeV.
2) Iron has maximum value 8.7 MeV, hence it is the most stable element.
3) The value of BE per nucleon is close to the maximum value for the elements of
range 28 < A < 138 .
4) In the region of smaller mass number 24 He, 126 C , and 168 O have maximum BE than
those elements 36 Li, 105 B, and 147 N which are nearby. This shows that the nuclei
having equal number of protons and neutrons are stable. The nuclei having even
numbers of protons are more stable. The nuclei having even numbers of protons are
more stable than those of odd number of protons.
5) The lighter nuclei having low binding energy per nucleon such as hydrogen
combine to form helium and attains greater stability. This results the phenomenon of
fusion reaction which is a thermo nuclear reaction and energy is liberated in this
process.

6) Consider the heavy nucleus like U – 238. This has relatively low binding energy
per nucleon, splits into nuclei of intermediate mass nuclei to attain greater stability.
This results the process called fission process liberating energy.
During these two process of fission and fusion energy is released. More stability
means more mass defect and more energy is released
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14. Define: wave front and wave normal.
State the nature of the wave fronts in the following:
i) The source is a point source of light
ii) A narrow slit is illuminated by a source of light.
Ans : Wave front: A continuous locus of all the particles in a medium which are in the
same phase of vibration, when source of light sending waves out in spce is dnown as
wave front
Wave normal: The normal at any point of the wavefront in the direction of
propagation of lights is the ray of light (or)
It is the ray of light in the direction of propagation of light at any point of the wave
front

In the figure SA, SA1 and SA11 are wave normal

1) The nature of wave front is spherical, when source is point source
2) the cylindrical wave front is obtained when narrow slit is illuminated by source of light

15. Radio waves diffract more easily than visible light waves. Give reason.
Ans : Radio waves will diffract more than visible light. For diffraction, size of obstacle ‘b’ must
be comparable to the wavelength λ of the waves. In electromagnetic waves if b = l λ then
we can observe diffraction effects when l is distance of obstacles from screen. For radio
waves wavelength λ is high. It is in the order of 3m to 3 ×104 m . As a result radio waves will
suffer diffraction even at large obstacles. So radio waves will diffract more.
For visible light, wavelength λ is less. It is in the order of 10−7 m. To observe diffraction
effects in visible light size of obstacles ‘b’ must be less. So capacity of visible light to
diffract is less.

16. How do you distinguish Dia, Para and Ferromagnetisms in matter?

Ans :
DIAMAGNETIC
SUBSTANCE
1) Those substances which
when placed in a magnetic field
are feebly magnetized in a
direction opposite to that of the
magnetizing field are called
diamagnetic substances.
2. There are feebly repelled by
a magnet.
3. When this substances placed
PARA MAGNETIC
SUBSTANCE
1) Those substances which
when placed in a magnetic
field are feebly magnetized in
the direction of the
magnetizing field are called
paramagnetic substances.
2) These are feebly attracted
by a magnetic.
3) When this substances is
FERROMAGNETIC
SUBSTANCE
1) Those substances which when
placed in a magnetic field are
strongly magnetized in the
direction of the magnetizing
field are called ferro magnetic
substances
2) These are strongly attracted
by magnet.
3) When this substances is

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in a external magnetic field the
magnetic field dinside the
substance is found to be
slightly less than the external
magnetic field
4) In non uniform magnetic
field this substances moves
from stronger part to the
weaker part of the magnetic
field.
5) This behaviour of substance
is independent of temperature
6) µr <1
7) Ex. Su, Zn, Bi, Ag, Au, Hg,
Pt, H 2 O glass marole, He,
Argon, sodium chloride etc.,
placed in an external magnetic
field the magnetic field
outside the substance is found
to be slightly greater than the
external magnetic field.
4) In non uniform magnetic
field this substances moves
from weaker part to the
stronger part of the magnetic
field.
5) Behavirour of this
substances is dependent on
temperature above a certain
temperature.
6) µr > > 1
7) Ex: Aluminium, sodium,
platinum, Ferric chloride,
copper chloride, maaganese
chromium, liquid oxygen etc,
placed in an external magnetic
field the magnetic field inside
the substance gets greatly
enhanced.
4) In non uniform magnetic field
this substances quickly moves
from weaker part to the stronger
part.
5) Behaviour of this substance
becomes temperature dependent
6) µr > > 1
7) Ex: Iron, Nickel, Cobalt,
Potassium ferro cynide etc.,

17. Derive an expression for the energy stored in a capacitor. If a dielectric is

introduced between the plates how will energy change?
Ans : 1) Let ‘q’ be the charge on the plate of a condenser and ‘V’ be the potential
difference between the plates
2) the work done dw in giving an additional charge dq to the condenser is given by
dW = Vdq → (1)
q
but capacity C =
V
q
⇒V = → ( 2)
C
3) the total work done in giving the whole charge q to the condenser is given by
q q

W = ∫ dW = ∫ Vdq  from (1) 

0 0
q
q
⇒W = ∫ dq  from ( 2 ) 
0
C
q2 1 1
⇒W = = CV 2 = qV
2C 2 2
4) this work done in charging a condenser is stored as its potential energy
q2 1 1
U= = CV 2 = qV
2C 2 2
18. A cell in open circuit has emf of 2.0 V. in closed circuit having a current of 0.05
A, the potential difference across the terminals of the cell is 1.5 V. Calculate the
internal resistance of the cell.
Ans : E.M.F, E = 2V
Potential difference, V = 1.5 V
Current, i = 0.05 A
Internal resistance, r = ?
Formula :
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 Terminal Voltage, V = E − ir
1.5 = 2 − 0.05 r

19. Define the terms work function and threshold frequency? Explain the relation
between them.
Ans : Threshold frequency ( v0 ) : The minimum frequency of incident light for a metal
surface, below which the incident light cannot eject electrons. It’s value depends on
the nature of metal
Work Function (W) : The minimum energy required to just liberate an electron
from a metal surface is defined as the work function of that particular metal.
It’s value depends on the nature of metal
Work function W = hv0
v0 → Threshold frequency
h → Planck’s constant
20. In a nuclear reactor, what is the function of (i) moderator, (ii) the control rods,
(iii) the coolant and (iv) protective shielding
Ans : 1) Moderator : The average energy of neutrons released in the fission process in 2
MeV. They are slowed down to thermal energies (0.025eV). Heavy water or graphite
are used as moderators.
2) Control rods : The fission rate in the reactor is controlled by using the neutron
absorbing materials. Cadmium or boron rods are used as control rods.
3) Shielding : During fission reactions beta, and gamma radiations are also emitted
along with neutrons. The shielding absorb the radiations and reduce their intensity to
such a low level so that they do not harm the operating personnel and protect them
Steel, lead and concrete are used as shielding.
4) Coolant : The heat generated in the fuel is removed by using a suitable coolant.
The coolant is made to flow round them.
21. Define modulation. Why is it necessary?
Ans : The process of combining audio frequency signal with high frequency signal is called
modulation.
Need for modulation: When low frequency signals are transmitted directly from
transmitting antenna, then they combine with millions of low frequency signals,
which are already present in the atmosphere and it is impossible to distinguish the
signals at the receiving end.
To separate these signals, it is necessary to convert them into different portions of the
electromagnetic spectrum and each must be given its own frequency location.
Therefore Low frequency audio signal is combined with high frequency signal to
translate the audio signal to high frequencies

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