UG SYLLABUS FOR PHYSICS

(CBCS)
Sister Nivedita University

Credit Distribution
Course type Total Credits
Core Courses (CC) 84
Discipline Specific Elective (DSE) 24
General Elective (GE) 16
Skill Enhancement Course (SEC) 6
Ability Enhancement Compulsory Courses 4
(AECC)
University Specified Course (USC) 4
Total 138

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 Three-year Syllabus Structure
Physics Honours
Semester Core Generic Ability Skill Discipline- University Total Total
Course Elective Enhancement Enhancement specific Specified Course Credit
(CC) (GE) Compulsory Course course Course
Course (SEC) (DSE) (USC)
(AECC)
Credit 6 4 2 2 6 2 - -

I 2 1 1 1 1 1 7 28
II 2 1 1 0 1 1 6 26
III 3 1 0 1 1 0 5 30
IV 3 1 0 0 0 0 4 22
V 2 0 0 0 0 0 2 12
VI 2 0 0 0 1 0 4 18
Total 14 4 2 3 4 2 29 136
Courses

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 Semester-wise Syllabus

B.Sc. Physics (Hons)1st Semester

Category Course Name Credit Teaching Scheme
L T P
CC-1 Mechanics 117211 6 4 0 4
CC-2 Mathematical Methods 117212 6 4 0 4
DSE-1 Fundamentals of Chemistry 116211 6 4 0 4
GE-1 Generic Elective * 4 3 1 0
AECC-1 Communicative English 121115 2 2 0 0
SEC-1 Mentored Seminar-1 117311 2 2 0 0
USC-1 Foreign Language-1 (German/ Spanish/Japanese) 127111/ 2 2 0 0
127112/
127113
Total Credit 28

B.Sc. Physics (Hons) 2nd Semester

Category Course Name Credit Teaching Scheme
L T P
CC-3 Electricity and Magnetism 117221 6 4 0 4
CC-4 Waves and Optics 117222 6 4 0 4
DSE-2 Mathematics-II 119121 6 5 1 0
GE-2 Generic Elective * 4 3 1 0
AECC-2 Environmental Science 115124 2 2 0 0
USC-2 Foreign Language-2 (German/ Spanish/Japanese) 127121/ 2 2 0 0
127122/
127123
Total Credit 26

B.ScPhysics (Hons) 3rd Semester

Category Course Name Credit Teaching Scheme
L T P
CC-5 Thermal Physics 117231 6 4 0 4
CC-6 Statistical Mechanics 117232 6 4 0 4
DSE-3 Biophysics 115233 6 4 0 4
GE-3 Generic Elective * 4 3 1 0
SEC-2 Mentored Seminar – II 117331 2 2 0 0
Total Credit 24

B.Sc. Physics (Hons) 4th Semester

Category Course Name Credit Teaching Scheme
Sl. No. L T P

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 CC-7 Electronics and Applications 117241 6 4 0 4
CC-8 Condensed Matter Physics 117242 6 4 0 4
CC-9 Quantum Mechanics and Elements of Modern Physics 117243 6 4 0 4

GE-4 Generic Elective * 4 3 1 0

Total Credit 22

B.Sc. Physics (Hons) 5th Semester

Category Course Name Credit Teaching Scheme
L T P
CC-10 History of Science and Evolution of Physics 117251 6 4 0 4
CC-11 Nuclear and Particle Physics 117252 6 4 0 4
CC-12 Project 117353 6 0 0 12

Total Credit 18

B.Sc. Physics (Hons) 6th Semester

Category Course Name Credit Teaching Scheme
L T P
CC-13 Elements of Astrophysics and 117161 6 5 1 0
Space Science
CC-14 Quantum Computation & Information Theory 117262 6 4 0 4
DSE-4 Biostatistics 6 4 0 4
TRO
Total Credit 18

CORE COURSE (HONOURS IN PHYSICS)

Semester I

4
 Course CC1: CLASSICAL MECHANICS
Credit 6: (4L-0T-2P)

Component: Theory

Unit 1: Fundamentals of Dynamics

Reference frames. Inertial frames; Galilean transformations; Galilean invariance. Review of Newton’s
Laws of Motion. Dynamics of a system of particles. Centre of Mass. Principle of conservation of
momentum. Impulse. Momentum of variable-mass system: motion of rocket.

Unit 2: Collisions Elastic and inelastic collisions between particles. Centre of Mass and
Laboratory frames.

Unit 3: Rotational Dynamics

System of particles and rigid bodies ; Angular momentum of a particle and system of particles.
Torque. Principle of conservation of angular momentum. Rotation about a fixed axis. Moment of
Inertia. Calculation of moment of inertia for rectangular, cylindrical and spherical bodies. Kinetic
energy of rotation. Motion involving both translation and rotation.

Unit 4: Elasticity
Relation between Elastic constants. Twisting torque on a Cylinder or Wire.

Unit 5: Fluid Motion Kinematics of Moving Fluids: Poiseuille’s Equation for Flow of a
Liquid through a Capillary Tube.

Unit 6: Gravitation and Central Force Motion

Law of gravitation. Gravitational potential energy. Inertial and gravitational mass. Potential
and field due to spherical shell and solid sphere.

Motion of a particle under a central force field. Two-body problem and its reduction to one-
body problem and its solution. The energy equation and energy diagram. Kepler’s Laws.
Satellite in circular orbit and applications. Geosynchronous orbits. Weightlessness. Basic idea
of global positioning system (GPS). Physiological effects on astronauts.

Unit 7: Non-Inertial Systems

Non-inertial frames and fictitious forces. Uniformly rotating frame. Laws of Physics in rotating
coordinate systems. Centrifugal force. Coriolis force and its applications. Components of Velocity and
Acceleration in Cylindrical and Spherical Coordinate Systems.

Unit 8: Classical Mechanics of Point Particles

Generalised coordinates and velocities. Hamilton's Principle, Lagrangian and Euler-Lagrange
equations. Applications to simple systems such as coupled oscillators. Canonical momenta &
Hamiltonian. Hamilton's equations of motion. Applications: Hamiltonian for a harmonic oscillator,
particle in a central force field. Poisson brackets. Canonical transformations.

Unit 9: Special Theory of Relativity

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 Postulates of Special Theory of Relativity. Lorentz Transformations. Minkowski space. The
invariant interval, light cone and world lines. Space-time diagrams. Time-dilation, length contraction
& twin paradox. Four-vectors: space-like, time-like & light-like. Four-velocity and acceleration. The
Metric tensors; Four-momentum and energy-momentum relation; Doppler effect from a four vector
perspective ; Concept of four-force; Conservation of four-momentum; Relativistic kinematics;
Application to two-body decay of an unstable particle. The Electromagnetic field tensor and its
transformation under Lorentz transformations: relation to known transformation properties of E and
B. Electric and magnetic fields due to a uniformly moving charge. Equation of motion of charged
particle & Maxwell's equations in tensor form. Motion of charged particles in external electric and
magnetic fields.

References

 Lectures in Physics, Vol.1 by R. P. Feynman

 Mechanics, Berkeley Physics, vol.1, C.Kittel, W.Knight, et.al. 2007, Tata McGraw-Hill.
 Mechanics by Simons
 Introduction to Special Relativity, R. Resnick, 2005, John Wiley and Sons.

Component: Practical
PHYSICS LAB-I
1. Measurements of length (or diameter) using vernier caliper, screw gauge and travelling microscope.
2. To study the random error in observations.
3. To determine the height of a building using a Sextant.
4. To study the Motion of Spring and calculate (a) Spring constant, (b) g and (c) Modulus of rigidity.
5. To determine the Moment of Inertia.
6. To determine Coefficient of Viscosity of water by Capillary Flow Method (Poiseuille’s method).
7. To determine the Young's Modulus of a Wire by Optical Lever Method.
8. To determine the Modulus of Rigidity of a Wire by Maxwell’s needle.
9. To determine the elastic Constants of a wire by Searle’s method.
10. To determine the value of g using Bar Pendulum.
11. To determine the value of g using Kater’s Pendulum.

Course CC2: MATHEMATICAL METHODS

Credit 6: (4L-0T-2P)

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Component: Theory

Unit 1: Calculus
Recapitulation: Limits, continuity, average and instantaneous quantities, differentiation. Plotting
functions. Intuitive ideas of continuous, differentiable, etc. functions and plotting of curves.
Approximation: Taylor and binomial series (statements only). First Order Differential Equations and
Integrating Factor.

Second Order Differential equations: Homogeneous Equations with constant coefficients. Wronskian
and general solution. Statement of existence and Uniqueness Theorem for Initial Value Problems.
Particular Integral.

Calculus of functions of more than one variable: Partial derivatives, exact and inexact differentials.
Integrating factor, with simple illustration. Constrained Maximization using Lagrange Multipliers.

Unit 2: Vector Calculus

Recapitulation of vectors: Properties of vectors under rotations. Scalar product and its invariance
under rotations. Vector product, Scalar triple product and their interpretation in terms of area and
volume respectively. Scalar and Vector fields.

Vector Differentiation: Directional derivatives and normal derivative. Gradient of a scalar field and its
geometrical interpretation. Divergence and curl of a vector field. Del and Laplacian operators. Vector
identities, Gradient, divergence, curl and Laplacian in spherical and cylindrical coordinates.

Vector Integration: Ordinary Integrals of Vectors. Multiple integrals, Jacobian. Notion of infinitesimal
line, surface and volume elements. Line, surface and volume integrals of Vector fields. Flux of a
vector field. Gauss' divergence theorem, Green's and Stokes Theorems and their applications (no
rigorous proofs).

Unit 3: Orthogonal Curvilinear Coordinates

Orthogonal Curvilinear Coordinates. Derivation of Gradient, Divergence, Curl and Laplacian in
Cartesian, Spherical and Cylindrical Coordinate Systems.

Unit 4: Dirac Delta function and its properties

Definition of Dirac delta function. Representation as limit of a Gaussian function and rectangular
function. Properties of Dirac delta function.

Unit 5: Fourier Series, Fourier transforms and Laplace transforms

Periodic functions. Orthogonality of sine and cosine functions, Dirichlet Conditions (Statement only).
Expansion of periodic functions in a series of sine and cosine functions and determination of Fourier
coefficients. Complex representation of Fourier series. Expansion of functions with arbitrary period.
Expansion of non-periodic functions over an interval. Even and odd functions and their Fourier
expansions. Application. Summing of Infinite Series. Term-by-Term differentiation and integration of
Fourier Series. Parseval Identity.

Fourier Transforms: Fourier Integral theorem. Fourier Transform. Examples. Fourier transform of
trigonometric,Gaussian, finite wave train & other functions. Representation of Dirac delta function as
a Fourier Integral. Fourier transform of derivatives, Inverse Fourier transform, Convolution theorem.
Properties of Fourier transforms (translation, change of scale, complex conjugation, etc.). Three

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 dimensional Fourier transforms with examples. Application of Fourier Transforms to differential
equations: One dimensional Wave and Diffusion/Heat Flow Equations.
Laplace Transforms: Laplace Transform (LT) of Elementary functions. Properties of LTs: Change of
Scale Theorem, Shifting Theorem. LTs of Derivatives and Integrals of Functions, Derivatives and
Integrals of LTs. LT of Unit Step function, Dirac Delta function, Periodic Functions. Convolution
Theorem. Inverse LT. Application of Laplace Transforms to Differential Equations: Damped
Harmonic Oscillator, Simple Electrical Circuits.

Unit 6:Frobenius Method and Special Functions

Singular Points of Second Order Linear Differential Equations and their importance. Frobenius
method and its applications to differential equations. Basic ideas on Legendre, Bessel, Hermite and
Laguerre Differential Equations.

Unit 7: Partial Differential Equations

Solutions to partial differential equations, using separation of variables: Laplace's Equation in
problems of rectangular, cylindrical and spherical symmetry. Wave equation and its solution for
vibrational modes of a stretched string, rectangular and circular membranes.

Unit 8: Complex Analysis

Functions of Complex Variables. Analyticity and Cauchy-Riemann Conditions. Examples of analytic
functions. Cauchy’s Residue Theorem and simple contour integrations.

Unit 9: Theory of Errors

Systematic and Random Errors. Propagation of Errors. Normal Law of Errors. Standard and Probable
Error.

References

 Mathematical Methods for Physicists: Arfken, Weber, 2005, Harris, Elsevier.

 Fourier Analysis by M.R. Spiegel, 2004, Tata McGraw-Hill.
 Mathematical Methods for Physicists, G.B. Arfken, H.J. Weber, F.E. Harris, 2013, 7th Edn.,
Elsevier.
 Mathematical Tools for Physics, James Nearing, 2010, Dover Publications.

Component: Practical

PHYSICS LAB II : PYTHON

Topics Description
Introduction and Overview Computer architecture and organization, memory and Input / output
devices
Basics of scientific computing Binary and decimal arithmetic, Floating point numbers, algorithms,
Sequence, Selection and Repetition, single and double precision arithmetic,
underflow & overflow emphasize the importance of making equations in
terms of dimensionless variables, Iterative methods
Errors and error Analysis Truncation and round off errors, Absolute and relative
errors, Floating point computations.
Review of Python Programming Statements and comments, Python variables, python datatypes, Python

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Fundamentals I/O and import.
Python if..else, for loop, while loop, break and continue, Pass statement,
Looping technique.
Python function, function argument, python recursion, anonymous
function, Python global and local variable, Python modules, Python
packages.
Python numbers, python list, python tuple, string, set, dictionary, arrays,
matrix.
File operation, python directory
Python packages and applications Numpy
Scipy
Sympy
Matplotlib

Topics Description with Applications

Introduction to Numerical Introduction to Scilab, Advantages and disadvantages, Scilab
computation environment, Command window, Figure window, Edit window,
software Scilab Variables and arrays, Initialising variables in Scilab, Multidimensional
arrays, Subarray, Special values, Displaying output data, data file,
Scalar and array operations, Hierarchy of operations, Built in Scilab
functions, Introduction to plotting, 2D and 3D plotting (2), Branching
Statements and program design,
Relational & logical operators, the while loop, for loop, details of
loop operations, break & continue statements, nested loops, logical
arrays and vectorization (2) User defined functions, Introduction to
Scilab functions, Variable passing in Scilab, optional arguments,
preserving data between calls to a function, Complex
and Character data, string function, Multidimensional arrays (2) an
introduction to Scilab file processing, file opening and closing, Binary
I/o functions, comparing binary and formatted functions, Numerical
methods and developing the skills of writing a program (2).
Curve fitting, Least square fit, Ohms law to calculate R, Hooke’s law to calculate spring
Goodness of fit, standard Constant
deviation
Solution of Linear system of Solution of mesh equations of electric circuits (3 meshes)
equations by Gauss
elimination method and Gauss Solution of coupled spring mass systems (3 masses)
Seidal method.
Diagonalization of
matrices, Inverse of a matrix,
Eigen vectors, eigen values
problems
Solution of ODE First order differential equation
First order Differential
equation Euler, modified Euler • Radioactive decay
and Runge-Kutta second order • Current in RC, LC circuits with DC source
methods • Newton’s law of cooling
• Classical equations of motion

9
 Second order differential
equation Second order Differential Equation
Fixed difference method
• Harmonic oscillator (no friction)
• Damped Harmonic oscillator
• Over damped
• Critical damped
• Oscillatory
• Forced Harmonic oscillator
• Transient and
• Steady state solution
• Apply above to LCR circuits also
Using Scicos / xcos • Generating square wave, sine wave, saw tooth wave
• Solution to harmonic oscillator
• Study of beat phenomenon
• Phase space plots

Semester II
Course CC3: ELECTRICITY AND MAGNETISM
Credit 6: (4L-0T-2P)

Unit 1: Maxwell’s Equations

Invariance of Maxwell’s equations under Lorentz Transformations;

Displacement Current. Vector and Scalar Potentials; Gauge Transformations; Lorentz and Coulomb
Gauge; Boundary Conditions at Interface between Different Media; Wave Equations ; Plane Waves
in Dielectric Media; Poynting Theorem and Poynting Vector ; Electromagnetic Energy Density,
Momentum Density and Angular Momentum Density.

Unit 2: Electricity and Maxwell’s Equations

Electric Field and Electric Potential

Electric field lines. Electric flux. Gauss’ Law with applications to charge distributions with spherical,
cylindrical and planar symmetry.

Conservative nature of Electrostatic Field. Electrostatic Potential. Laplace’s and Poisson equations.
The Uniqueness Theorem. Potential and Electric Field of a dipole. Force and Torque on a dipole.

Electrostatic energy of system of charges.

Homework Problems: Electrostatic energy of a charged sphere. Conductors in an electrostatic Field.

Surface charge and force on a conductor. Capacitance of a system of charged conductors. Parallel-
plate capacitor. Capacitance of an isolated conductor. Method of Images and its application to: (1)
Plane Infinite Sheet and (2) Sphere.

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Unit 3: Dielectric Properties of Matter
Electric Field in matter. Polarization, Polarization Charges. Electrical Susceptibility and Dielectric
Constant. Capacitor (parallel plate, spherical, cylindrical) filled with dielectric. Displacement vector
D. Relations between E, P and D. Gauss’ Law in dielectrics.

Unit 4. Magnetism and Maxwell’s Equations

Magnetic force between current elements and definition of Magnetic FieldB. Biot-Savart’s Law and
its simple applications:

Homework Problems: (1)straight wire and circular loop. Current Loop as a Magnetic Dipole and its
Dipole Moment (Analogy with Electric Dipole).
(2) Ampere’s Circuital Law and its application to (a) Solenoid and (b) Toroid.
(3)Properties of B: curl and divergence.

Vector Potential.

Homework Problems: Magnetic Force on (1) point charge (2) current carrying wire (3) between
current elements. Torque on a current loop in a uniform Magnetic Field.

Unit 5: Magnetic Properties of Matter

Magnetization vector (M). Magnetic Intensity(H). Magnetic Susceptibility and permeability. Relation
between B, H, M. Ferromagnetism. B-H curve and hysteresis.

Unit 6. Electromagnetic Induction and Maxwell’s Equations

Faraday’s Law. Lenz’s Law. Self Inductance and Mutual Inductance. Reciprocity Theorem. Energy
stored in a Magnetic Field. Introduction to Maxwell’s Equations. Charge Conservation and
Displacement current.

Unit 7: EM Wave Propagation in Unbounded Media

Plane EM waves through vacuum and isotropic dielectric medium, transverse nature of plane EM
waves, refractive index and dielectric constant, wave impedance. Propagation through conducting
media, relaxation time, skin depth. Wave propagation through dilute plasma, electrical conductivity of
ionized gases, plasma frequency, refractive index, skin depth, application to propagation through
ionosphere.

Unit 8: EM Wave in Bounded Media

Boundary conditions at a plane interface between two media. Reflection & Refraction of plane waves
at plane interface between two dielectric media-Laws of Reflection & Refraction. Fresnel's Formulae
for perpendicular & parallel polarization cases, Brewster's law. Reflection & Transmission
coefficients. Total internal reflection, evanescent waves. Metallic reflection (normal Incidence)

Unit 9: Polarization of Electromagnetic Waves:

Description of Linear, Circular and Elliptical Polarization. Propagation of E.M. Waves in Anisotropic
Media. Symmetric Nature of Dielectric Tensor. Fresnel’s Formula. Uniaxial and Biaxial Crystals.
Light Propagation in Uniaxial Crystal. Double Refraction. Polarization by Double Refraction. Nicol
Prism. Ordinary & extraordinary refractive indices. Production & detection of Plane, Circularly and
Elliptically Polarized Light. Phase Retardation Plates: Quarter-Wave and Half-Wave Plates. Babinet
Compensator and its Uses. Analysis of Polarized Light

11
Rotatory Polarization: Optical Rotation. Biot’s Laws for Rotatory Polarization. Fresnel’s Theory of
optical rotation. Calculation of angle of rotation. Experimental verification of Fresnel’s theory.
Specific rotation. Laurent’s half-shade polarimeter.

Unit 10: Wave Guides:

Planar optical wave guides. Planar dielectric wave guide. Condition of continuity at interface. Phase
shift on total reflection. Eigenvalue equations. Phase and group velocity of guided waves. Field
energy and Power transmission.

Unit 11: Optical Fibres:

Numerical Aperture. Step and Graded Indices (Definitions Only). Single and Multiple Mode Fibres
(Concept and Definition Only).

References

 Lev Landau and EM Leifshitz : Courses in Theoretical Physics, Vol:2, The Classical Theory
of Fields
 Electricity and magnetism by JD Jackson

• Introduction to Electrodynamics, D.J. Griffiths, 3rd Edn., 1998, Benjamin Cummings.

• Electricity and Magnetism, J.H.Fewkes & J.Yarwood. Vol. I, 1991, Oxford Univ. Press.
• Elements of Electromagnetics, M.N.O. Sadiku, 2001, Oxford University Press.
• Introduction to Electromagnetic Theory, T.L. Chow, 2006, Jones & Bartlett Learning
• Electromagnetic field Theory, R.S. Kshetrimayun, 2012, Cengage Learning
• Electromagnetic Field Theory for Engineers & Physicists, G. Lehner, 2010, Springer
• Electromagnetics, J.A. Edminster, Schaum Series, 2006, Tata McGraw Hill.
• Electromagnetic field theory fundamentals, B. Guru and H. Hiziroglu, 2004, Cambridge University
Press

Component: Practical

These should be discussed in the experimental / practical classes.

Electrical Circuits
AC Circuits: Kirchhoff’s laws for AC circuits. Complex Reactance and Impedance. Series LCR
Circuit: (1) Resonance, (2) Power Dissipation and (3) Quality Factor, and (4) Band Width. Parallel
LCR Circuit.

Network theorems
Ideal Constant-voltage and Constant-current Sources. Network Theorems: Thevenin theorem,
Norton theorem, Superposition theorem, Reciprocity theorem, Maximum Power Transfer
theorem. Applications to dc circuits.

Ballistic Galvanometer
Torque on a current Loop. Ballistic Galvanometer: Current and Charge Sensitivity.
Electromagnetic damping. Logarithmic damping. CDR.
Physics Lab III

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1. Use a Multimeter for measuring (a) Resistances, (b) AC and DC Voltages, (c) DC Current, (d)
Capacitances, and (e) Checking electrical fuses.
2. To study the characteristics of a series RC Circuit.
3. To determine an unknown Low Resistance using Potentiometer.
4. To determine an unknown Low Resistance using Carey Foster’s Bridge.
5. To compare capacitances using De’Sauty’s bridge.
6. Measurement of field strength B and its variation in a solenoid (determine dB/dx)
7. To verify the Thevenin and Norton theorems.
8. To verify the Superposition, and Maximum power transfer theorems.
9. To determine self inductance of a coil.
10. To study response curve of a Series LCR circuit and determine its (a) Resonant frequency, (b)
Impedance at resonance, (c) Quality factor Q, and (d) Band width.
11. To study the response curve of a parallel LCR circuit and determine its (a) Antiresonant frequency
and (b) Quality factor Q.
12. To determine self-inductance of a coil by Rayleigh’s method.
13. To determine the mutual inductance of two coils by Absolute method.

14. To verify the law of Malus for plane polarized light.

15. To determine the specific rotation of sugar solution using Polarimeter.
16. To analyze elliptically polarized Light by using a Babinet’s compensator.
17. To study dependence of radiation on angle for a simple Dipole antenna.
18.To determine the wavelength and velocity of ultrasonic waves in a liquid (Kerosene Oil, Xylene,
etc.) by studying the diffraction through ultrasonic grating.
19. To study the reflection, refraction of microwaves
20.To study Polarization and double slit interference in microwaves.
21.To determine the refractive index of liquid by total internal reflection using Wollaston’s air-film.
22.To determine the refractive Index of (1) glass and (2) a liquid by total internal reflection using a
Gaussian eyepiece.
23. To study the polarization of light by reflection and determine the polarizing angle for air-glass
interface.
24. To verify the Stefan`s law of radiation and to determine Stefan’s constant.
25. To determine the Boltzmann constant using V-I characteristics of PN junction diode.

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 Course CC4: WAVES AND OPTICS
Credit 6: (4L-0T-2P)

Unit 1: Superposition of Collinear Harmonic oscillations

Linearity and Superposition Principle. Superposition of two collinear oscillations having (1) equal
frequencies and (2) different frequencies (Beats). Superposition of N collinear Harmonic Oscillations
with (1) equal phase differences and (2) equal frequency differences

Unit 2:Superposition of two perpendicular Harmonic Oscillations

Graphical and Analytical Methods. Lissajous Figures (1:1 and 1:2) and their uses.

Unit 3: Wave Motion

Plane and Spherical Waves. Longitudinal and Transverse Waves. Plane Progressive (Travelling)
Waves. Wave Equation. Particle and Wave Velocities. Differential Equation. Pressure of a
Longitudinal Wave. Energy Transport. Intensity of Wave. Water Waves: Ripple and Gravity Waves

Unit 4:Velocity of Waves

Velocity of Transverse Vibrations of Stretched Strings. Velocity of Longitudinal Waves in a Fluid in
a Pipe. Newton’s Formula for Velocity of Sound. Laplace’s Correction.

Unit 5: Superposition of Two Harmonic Waves

Standing (Stationary) Waves in a String: Fixed and Free Ends. Analytical Treatment. Phase and
Group Velocities. Changes with respect to Position and Time. Energy of Vibrating String. Transfer of
Energy. Normal Modes of Stretched Strings. Plucked and Struck Strings. Melde’s Experiment.
Longitudinal Standing Waves and Normal Modes. Open and Closed Pipes. Superposition of N
Harmonic Waves.

Unit 6: Wave Optics

Electromagnetic nature of light. Definition and properties of wave front. Huygens Principle. Temporal
and Spatial Coherence.

Unit 7:Interference
Division of amplitude and wavefront. Young’s double slit experiment. Lloyd’s Mirror and Fresnel’s
Biprism. Phase change on reflection: Stokes’ treatment. Interference in Thin Films: parallel and
wedge-shaped films. Fringes of equal inclination (Haidinger Fringes); Fringes of equal thickness
(Fizeau Fringes). Newton’s Rings: Measurement of wavelength and refractive index.

Unit 8: Interferometer
Michelson Interferometer-(1) Idea of form of fringes (No theory required), (2) Determination of
Wavelength, (3) Wavelength Difference, (4) Refractive Index, and (5) Visibility of Fringes. Fabry-
Perot interferometer.

Unit 9: Diffraction
Kirchhoff’s Integral Theorem, Fresnel-Kirchhoff’s Integral formula and its application to rectangular
slit.

14
Unit 10: Fraunhofer diffraction
Single slit. Circular aperture, Resolving Power of a telescope. Double slit. Multiple slits. Diffraction
grating. Resolving power of grating.

Unit 11: Fresnel Diffraction

Fresnel’s Assumptions. Fresnel’s Half-Period Zones for Plane Wave. Explanation of Rectilinear
Propagation of Light. Theory of a Zone Plate: Multiple Foci of a Zone Plate. Fresnel’s Integral,
Fresnel diffraction pattern of a straight edge, a slit and a wire.

Unit 12: Geometrical Optics

Fermat’s Principle and its application, Reflection and refraction by spherical surfaces, Matrix method
in Paraxial optics, Aberrations.

References

 Waves: Berkeley Physics Course, vol. 3, Francis Crawford, 2007, Tata McGraw-Hill.
• Fundamentals of Optics, F.A. Jenkins and H.E. White, 1981, McGraw-Hill
• Optics, Ajoy Ghatak, 2008, Tata McGraw Hill

Component: Practical

Physics Lab IV
1. To determine the frequency of an electric tuning fork by Melde’s experiment and verify λ 2 –T law.
2. To investigate the motion of coupled oscillators.
3. To study Lissajous Figures.
4. Familiarization with: Schuster`s focusing; determination of angle of prism.
5. To determine refractive index of the Material of a prism using sodium source.
6. To determine the dispersive power and Cauchy constants of the material of a prism using mercury
source.
7. To determine the wavelength of sodium source using Michelson’s interferometer.
8. To determine wavelength of sodium light using Fresnel Biprism.
9. To determine wavelength of sodium light using Newton’s Rings.
10. To determine the thickness of a thin paper by measuring the width of the interference fringes
produced by a wedge-shaped Film.
11. To determine wavelength of (1) Na source and (2) spectral lines of Hg source using plane
diffraction grating.
12. To determine dispersive power and resolving power of a plane diffraction grating.

Semester III
Course CC5: THERMAL PHYSICS

15
 Credit 6: (4L-0T-2P)

Unit 1: Zeroth and First Law of Thermodynamics

Extensive and intensive Thermodynamic Variables, Thermodynamic Equilibrium, Zeroth Law of
Thermodynamics & Concept of Temperature, Concept of Work & Heat, State Functions, First Law of
Thermodynamics and its differential form, Internal Energy, First Law & various processes,
Applications of First Law: General Relation between CP and CV, Work Done during Isothermal and
Adiabatic Processes, Compressibility and Expansion Co-efficient.

Unit 2: Second Law of Thermodynamics

Reversible and Irreversible process with examples. Conversion of Work into Heat and Heat into
Work. Heat Engines. Carnot’s Cycle, Carnot engine & efficiency. Refrigerator & coefficient of
performance, 2nd Law of Thermodynamics: Kelvin-Planck and Clausius Statements and their
Equivalence. Carnot’s Theorem. Applications of Second Law of Thermodynamics: Thermodynamic
Scale of Temperature and its Equivalence to Perfect Gas Scale.

Unit 3: Entropy
Concept of Entropy, Clausius Theorem. Clausius Inequality, Second Law of Thermodynamics in
terms of Entropy. Entropy of a perfect gas. Principle of Increase of Entropy. Entropy Changes in
Reversible and Irreversible processes with examples. Entropy of the Universe. Entropy Changes in
Reversible and Irreversible Processes. Principle of Increase of Entropy. Temperature–Entropy
diagrams for Carnot’s Cycle. Third Law of Thermodynamics. Unattainability of Absolute Zero.

Unit 4: Thermodynamic Potentials

Extensive and Intensive Thermodynamic Variables. Thermodynamic Potentials: Internal Energy,
Enthalpy, Helmholtz Free Energy, Gibb’s Free Energy. Their Definitions, Properties and
Applications. Surface Films and Variation of Surface Tension with Temperature. Magnetic Work,
Cooling due to adiabatic demagnetization, First and second order Phase Transitions with examples,
Clausius Clapeyron Equation and Ehrenfest equations

Unit 5: Maxwell’s Thermodynamic Relations

Derivations and applications of Maxwell’s Relations, Maxwell’s Relations:(1) Clausius Clapeyron
equation, (2) Values of Cp-Cv, (3) Tds Equations, (4) Joule-Kelvin coefficient for Ideal and Van der
Waal Gases, (5) Energy equations, (6) Change of Temperature during Adiabatic Process.

Unit 6:Kinetic Theory of Gases Distribution of Velocities

Maxwell-Boltzmann Law of Distribution of Velocities in an Ideal Gas and its Experimental
Verification. Doppler Broadening of Spectral Lines and Stern’s Experiment. Mean, RMS and Most
Probable Speeds. Degrees of Freedom. Law of Equipartition of Energy (No proof required). Specific
heats of Gases.

Unit 7: Molecular Collisions

Mean Free Path. Collision Probability. Estimates of Mean Free Path. Transport Phenomenon in Ideal
Gases: (1) Viscosity, (2) Thermal Conductivity and (3) Diffusion. Brownian Motion and its
Significance.

Unit 8:Real Gases

Behavior of Real Gases: Deviations from the Ideal Gas Equation. The Virial Equation. Andrew’s
Experiments on CO2 Gas. Critical Constants. Continuity of Liquid and Gaseous State. Vapour and
Gas. Boyle Temperature. Van der Waal’s Equation of State for Real Gases. Values of Critical
Constants. Law of Corresponding States. Comparison with Experimental Curves. p-V Diagrams.

16
Joule’s Experiment. Free Adiabatic Expansion of a Perfect Gas. Joule-Thomson Porous Plug
Experiment. JouleThomson Effect for Real and Van der Waal Gases. Temperature of Inversion.
JouleThomson Cooling.

References

• Heat and Thermodynamics, M.W. Zemansky, Richard Dittman, 1981, McGraw-Hill.

• A Treatise on Heat, Meghnad Saha, and B.N.Srivastava, 1958, Indian Press

Component: Practical

Physics Lab V
1. To determine Mechanical Equivalent of Heat, J, by Callender and Barne’s constant flow method.
2. To determine the Coefficient of Thermal Conductivity of Cu by Searle’s Apparatus.
3. To determine the Coefficient of Thermal Conductivity of Cu by Angstrom’s Method.
4. To determine the Coefficient of Thermal Conductivity of a bad conductor by Lee and Charlton’s
disc method.
5. To determine the Temperature Coefficient of Resistance by Platinum Resistance Thermometer
(PRT).
6. To study the variation of Thermo-Emf of a Thermocouple with Difference of Temperature of its
Two Junctions.
7. To calibrate a thermocouple to measure temperature in a specified Range using (1) Null Method,
(2) Direct measurement using Op-Amp difference amplifier and to determine Neutral Temperature.

Course CC6: STATISTICAL MECHANICS

Credit 6: (4L-0T-2P)

Unit 1: Classical Statistics

Macrostate & Microstate, Elementary Concept of Ensemble, Phase Space, Entropy and
Thermodynamic Probability, Maxwell-Boltzmann Distribution Law, Partition Function,
Thermodynamic Functions of an Ideal Gas, Classical Entropy Expression, Gibbs Paradox, Sackur
Tetrode equation, Law of Equipartition of Energy (with proof) – Applications to Specific Heat and its
Limitations, Thermodynamic Functions of a Two-Energy Levels System, Negative Temperature.

Unit 2: Classical Theory of Radiation

Properties of Thermal Radiation. Blackbody Radiation. Pure temperature dependence. Kirchhoff’s
law. Stefan-Boltzmann law: Thermodynamic proof. Radiation Pressure. Wien’s Displacement law.
Wien’s Distribution Law. Saha’s Ionization Formula. Rayleigh-Jean’s Law. Ultraviolet Catastrophe.

Unit 3: Quantum Theory of Radiation:

Spectral Distribution of Black Body Radiation. Planck’s Quantum Postulates. Planck’s Law of
Blackbody Radiation: Experimental Verification. Deduction of (1) Wien’s Distribution Law, (2)
Rayleigh-Jeans Law, (3) Stefan-Boltzmann Law, (4) Wien’s Displacement law from Planck’s law.

17
Unit 4: Bose-Einstein Statistics
B-E distribution law, Thermodynamic functions of a strongly Degenerate Bose Gas, Bose Einstein
condensation, properties of liquid He (qualitative description), Radiation as a photon gas and
Thermodynamic functions of photon gas. Bose derivation of Planck’s law.

Unit 5: Fermi-Dirac Statistics

Fermi-Dirac Distribution Law, Thermodynamic functions of a Completely and strongly Degenerate
Fermi Gas, Fermi Energy, Electron gas in a Metal, Specific Heat of Metals, Relativistic Fermi gas,
White Dwarf Stars, Chandrasekhar Mass Limit.

References

• Statistical Mechanics, R.K. Pathria, Butterworth Heinemann: 2nd Ed., 1996, Oxford University
Press.
• Statistical Physics, Berkeley Physics Course, F. Reif, 2008, Tata McGraw-Hill

Component: Practical

Physics Lab VI
Use C/Python/Scilab/Octave for solving the problems based on Statistical Mechanics like

1. Plot Planck’s law for Black Body radiation and compare it with Wein’s Law and Raleigh
Jeans Law at high temperature (room temperature) and low temperature.
2. Plot Specific Heat of Solids by comparing (a) Dulong-Petit law, (b) Einstein distribution
function, (c) Debye distribution function for high temperature (room temperature) and low
temperature and compare them for these two cases
3. Plot Maxwell-Boltzmann distribution function versus temperature.
4. Plot Fermi-Dirac distribution function versus temperature.
5. Plot Bose-Einstein distribution function versus temperature.

Semester IV
Course CC7: ELECTRONICS AND APPLICATIONS
Credit 6: (4L-0T-2P)
Unit 1: Semiconductor Diodes:
P and N type semiconductors. Energy Level Diagram. Conductivity and Mobility, Concept of Drift
velocity. PN Junction Fabrication (Simple Idea). Barrier Formation in PN Junction Diode. Static and
Dynamic Resistance. Current Flow Mechanism in Forward and Reverse Biased Diode. Drift Velocity.
Derivation for Barrier Potential, Barrier Width and Current for Step Junction.

Unit 2: Two-terminal Devices and their Applications

(1) Rectifier Diode: Half-wave Rectifiers. Centre-tapped and Bridge Full-wave Rectifiers,
Calculation of Ripple Factor and Rectification Efficiency, (2) Zener Diode and Voltage
Regulation. Principle and structure of (1) LEDs, (2) Photodiode, (3) Solar Cell.

Unit 3: Bipolar Junction transistors:

18
n-p-n and p-n-p Transistors. Characteristics of CB, CE and CC Configurations. Current gains α and β
Relations between α and β. Load Line analysis of Transistors. DC Load line and Q-point. Physical
Mechanism of Current Flow. Active, Cutoff and Saturation Regions.

Unit 4: Amplifiers:
Transistor Biasing and Stabilization Circuits. Fixed Bias and Voltage Divider Bias. Transistor as 2-
port Network. h-parameter Equivalent Circuit. Analysis of a single-stage CE amplifier using
Hybrid Model. Input and Output Impedance. Current, Voltage and Power Gains.
Classification of Class A, B & C Amplifiers.

Unit 5: Operational Amplifiers (Black Box approach):

Characteristics of an Ideal and Practical Op-Amp. (IC 741) Open-loop and Closed-loop Gain.
Frequency Response. CMRR. Slew Rate and concept of Virtual ground.

Unit 6: Applications of Op-Amps

(1) Inverting and non-inverting amplifiers, (2) Adder, (3) Subtractor, (4) Differentiator, (5) Integrator,
(6) Log amplifier, (7) Zero crossing detector (8) Wein bridge oscillator

Unit7:Introduction to CRO
Block Diagram of CRO. Electron Gun, Deflection System and Time Base. Deflection Sensitivity.
Applications of CRO: (1) Study of Waveform, (2) Measurement of Voltage, Current, Frequency, and
Phase Difference.

Unit8:Integrated Circuits (Qualitative treatment only)

Active & Passive components. Discrete components. Wafer. Chip. Advantages and drawbacks of ICs.
Scale of integration: SSI, MSI, LSI and VLSI (basic idea and definitions only). Classification of ICs.
Examples of Linear and Digital lCs.

Unit9:Digital Circuits
Difference between Analog and Digital Circuits. Binary Numbers. Decimal to Binary and Binary to
Decimal Conversion. BCD, Octal and Hexadecimal numbers. AND, OR and NOT Gates (realization
using Diodes and Transistor). NAND and NOR Gates as Universal Gates. XOR and XNOR Gates and
application as Parity Checkers.

Unit10: Boolean algebra

De Morgan's Theorems. Boolean Laws. Simplification of Logic Circuit using Boolean Algebra.
Fundamental Products. Idea of Minterms and Maxterms. Conversion of a Truth table into Equivalent
Logic Circuit by (1) Sum of Products Method and (2) Karnaugh Map

References:

• Integrated Electronics, J. Millman and C.C. Halkias, 1991, Tata Mc-Graw Hill.
• Electronics: Fundamentals and Applications, J.D. Ryder, 2004, Prentice Hall.

• Digital Principles and Applications, A.P. Malvino, D.P.Leach and Saha, 7th Ed., 2011, Tata
McGraw
Component: Practical

Physics Lab VII

19
1. To study V-I characteristics of PN junction diode, and Light emitting diode.
2. To study the V-I characteristics of a Zener diode and its use as voltage regulator.
3. Study of V-I & power curves of solar cells, and find maximum power point & efficiency.
4. To design a CE transistor amplifier of a given gain (mid-gain) using voltage divider bias.
5. To design a Wien bridge oscillator for given frequency using an op-amp.
6. To design a phase shift oscillator of given specifications using BJT.
7. To design a digital to analog converter (DAC) of given specifications.
8. To study the analog to digital convertor (ADC) IC.
9. To design an inverting amplifier using Op-amp (741,351) for dc voltage of given gain
10. To add two dc voltages using Op-amp in inverting and non-inverting mode
11. To design a precision Differential amplifier of given I/O specification using Op-amp.
12. To investigate the use of an op-amp as an Integrator.
13. To investigate the use of an op-amp as a Differentiator.
14. To test a Diode and Transistor using a Multimeter.
15. To design a switch (NOT gate) using a transistor.
16. To verify and design AND, OR, NOT and XOR gates using NAND gates.
17. To design a combinational logic system for a specified Truth Table.
18. To convert a Boolean expression into logic circuit and design it using logic gate ICs.
19. To minimize a given logic circuit.
20. Half Adder, Full Adder and 4-bit binary Adder.
21. Half Subtractor, Full Subtractor, Adder-Subtractor using Full Adder I.C.

Course CC8: CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS

Credit 6: (4L-0T-2P)

Unit 1: Crystal Structure: Solids

Amorphous and Crystalline Materials. Lattice Translation Vectors. Lattice with a Basis – Central and
Non-Central Elements. Unit Cell. Miller Indices. Reciprocal Lattice. Types of Lattices. Brillouin
Zones. Diffraction of X-rays by Crystals. Bragg’s Law. Atomic and Geometrical Factor.
Unit 2: Elementary Lattice Dynamics
Lattice Vibrations and Phonons: Linear Monoatomic and Diatomic Chains. Acoustical and Optical
Phonons. Qualitative Description of the Phonon Spectrum in Solids. Dulong and Petit’s Law, Einstein
and Debye theories of specific heat of solids. T3 law
Unit 3: Magnetic Properties of Matter
Dia-, Para-, Ferri- and Ferromagnetic Materials. Classical Langevin Theory of dia– and Paramagnetic
Domains. Quantum Mechanical Treatment of Paramagnetism. Curie’s law, Weiss’s Theory of
Ferromagnetism and Ferromagnetic Domains. Discussion of B-H Curve. Hysteresis and Energy Loss.

20
Unit 4: Dielectric Properties of Materials
Polarization. Local Electric Field at an Atom. Depolarization Field. Electric Susceptibility.
Polarizability. Clausius Mosotti Equation. Classical Theory of Electric Polarizability. Normal and
Anomalous Dispersion. Cauchy and Sellmeir relations. Langevin-Debye equation. Complex
Dielectric Constant. Optical Phenomena. Application: Plasma Oscillations, Plasma Frequency,
Plasmons, TO modes.

Unit 5: Ferroelectric Properties of Materials

Structural phase transition, Classification of crystals, Piezoelectric effect, Pyroelectric effect,
Ferroelectric effect, Electrostrictive effect, Curie-Weiss Law, Ferroelectric domains, PE hysteresis
loop.
Unit 6: Elementary band theory
Kronig Penny model. Band Gap. Conductor, Semiconductor (P and N type) and insulator.
Conductivity of Semiconductor, mobility, Hall Effect. Measurement of conductivity (04 probe
method) & Hall coefficient.
Unit 7: Superconductivity
Experimental Results. Critical Temperature. Critical magnetic field. Meissner effect. Type I and type
II Superconductors, London’s Equation and Penetration Depth. Isotope effect. Idea of BCS theory
(No derivation)
References
• Introduction to Solid State Physics, Charles Kittel, 8th Edition, 2004, Wiley India Pvt. Ltd.
• Solid State Physics, N.W. Ashcroft and N.D. Mermin, 1976, Cengage Learning

Component: Practical

Physics Lab VIII

Measurement of susceptibility of paramagnetic solution (Quinck`s Tube Method)
2. To measure the Magnetic susceptibility of Solids.
3. To determine the Coupling Coefficient of a Piezoelectric crystal.
4. To measure the Dielectric Constant of a dielectric Materials with frequency
5. To determine the complex dielectric constant and plasma frequency of metal using Surface
Plasmon resonance (SPR)
6. To determine the refractive index of a dielectric layer using SPR
7. To study the PE Hysteresis loop of a Ferroelectric Crystal.
8. To draw the BH curve of Fe using Solenoid & determine energy loss from Hysteresis.
9. To measure the resistivity of a semiconductor (Ge) with temperature by four-probe method (room
temperature to 150 oC) and to determine its band gap.
10. To determine the Hall coefficient of a semiconductor sample.

21
Course CC9: QUANTUM MECHANICS AND ELEMENTS OF MODERN PHYSICS
Credit 6: (4L-0T-2P)

Unit1:
Planck’s quantum hypothesis, discovery of X-rays; light as a collection of photons; Blackbody
Radiation: Quantum theory of Light ; Photo-electric effect; Compton effect ; De Broglie wavelength
and matter waves; Davisson-Germer experiment.
Unit2:
Wave-particle duality, Wave description of particles by wave packets ; Group and Phase velocities
and relation between them; Two-Slit experiment with electrons; Wave amplitude and wave functions;
conservation of probability current and the equation of continuity ; Heisenberg’s Uncertainty
Principle ; Wave Packets and the spreading of a wave packet ; Estimating minimum energy of a
confined particle using uncertainty principle
Unit3:
Double slit interference experiment with photons, atoms and particles; linear superposition principle;
Schrodinger equation for non-relativistic particles; Momentum and Energy operators; stationary
states; physical interpretation of a wave function, probabilities and normalization; Probability and
probability current densities
Unit 4:
One dimensional infinitely rigid box- energy eigenvalues and eigenfunctions, normalization; Quantum
dot as example; Quantum mechanical scattering and tunnelling in one dimension-across a step
potential & rectangular potential barrier.
Unit 5:
Radioactivity: stability of the nucleus; Law of radioactive decay; Mean life and half-life; Alpha
decay; Beta decay- energy released, spectrum and Pauli's prediction of neutrino; Gamma ray
emission, energy-momentum conservation: electron-positron pair creation by gamma photons in the
vicinity of a nucleus.
Unit 6:
Fission and fusion- mass deficit, relativity and generation of energy; Fission - nature of fragments and
emission of neutrons. Nuclear reactor: slow neutrons interacting with Uranium 235; Fusion and
thermonuclear reactions driving stellar energy (brief qualitative discussions).
Unit 7: The time dependent Schrodinger equation:
Time dependent Schrodinger equation and dynamical evolution of a quantum state; Normalization;
Linearity and Superposition Principle; Eigenvalues and Eigenfunctions ; Position, momentum and
Energy operators; commutator of position and momentum operators; Expectation values of position
and momentum. Wave Function of a Free Particle
Unit 9: Time independent Schrodinger equation
Hamiltonian, stationary states and energy eigenvalues; expansion of an arbitrary wavefunction as a
linear combination of energy eigenfunctions; General solution of the time dependent Schrodinger
equation in terms of linear combinations of stationary states.
Unit 10 :General discussion of bound states in an arbitrary potential
Continuity of wave function, boundary condition and emergence of discrete energy levels; application
to one-dimensional problem-square well potential; Quantum mechanics of simple harmonic oscillator-
energy levels and energy eigenfunctions using Frobenius method; Hermite polynomials; ground state,
zero point energy & uncertainty principle
Unit 11:Quantum theory of hydrogen-like atoms
Time independent Schrodinger equation in spherical polar coordinates; separation of variables for
second order partial differential equation; angular momentum operator & quantum numbers; Radial
wavefunctions from Frobenius method; shapes of the probability densities for ground & first excited
states; Orbital angular momentum quantum numbers l and m; s, p, d,.. shells
Unit 12 : Lasers:

22
Application of lasers in spectroscopy, in biological and medical sciences, working principle of a laser,
Einstein’s A and B coefficients. Metastable states. Spontaneous and Stimulated emissions. Optical
Pumping and Population Inversion. Three-Level and Four-Level Lasers. Ruby Laser and He-Ne
Laser.

References:
• Concepts of Modern Physics, Arthur Beiser, 2002, McGraw-Hill.
• Quantum Mechanics: Theory & Applications, A.K.Ghatak & S.Lokanathan, 2004, Macmillan
• A Text book of Quantum Mechanics, P.M.Mathews and K.Venkatesan, 2nd Ed., 2010, McGraw Hill
• Quantum Mechanics, Robert Eisberg and Robert Resnick, 2nd Edn., 2002, Wiley.
• Quantum Mechanics, Leonard I. Schiff, 3rd Edn. 2010, Tata McGraw Hill.
• Quantum Mechanics, G. Aruldhas, 2nd Edn. 2002, PHI Learning of India.
• Quantum Mechanics, Bruce Cameron Reed, 2008, Jones and Bartlett Learning.

Component: Practical

Physics Lab IX
1. Measurement of Planck’s constant using black body radiation and photo-detector
2. Photo-electric effect: photo current versus intensity and wavelength of light; maximum energy of
photo-electrons versus frequency of light
3. To determine work function of material of filament of directly heated vacuum diode.
4. To determine the Planck’s constant using LEDs of at least 4 different colours.
5. To determine the wavelength of H-alpha emission line of Hydrogen atom.
6. To determine the ionization potential of mercury.
7. To determine the absorption lines in the rotational spectrum of Iodine vapour.
8. To determine the value of e/m by (a) Magnetic focusing or (b) Bar magnet.
9. To setup the Millikan oil drop apparatus and determine the charge of an electron.
10. To show the tunneling effect in tunnel diode using I-V characteristics.
11. To determine the wavelength of laser source using diffraction of single slit.
12. To determine the wavelength of laser source using diffraction of double slits.
13. To determine (1) wavelength and (2) angular spread of He-Ne laser using plane diffraction grating
Use Python/ Scilab/Octave for solving the following problems based on Quantum Mechanics like
14. Solve the s-wave Schrodinger equation for the ground state and the first excited
state of the hydrogen atom:

d2 y 2m
2
= A ( r ) u(r ), A ( r )= 2 [ V ( r )−E ]
dr ℏ

23
Where m is the reduced mass of the system (which can be chosen to be the mass of
an electron), for the screened coulomb potential

−e 2 −r / a
V ( r )= e
r
Find the energy (in eV) of the ground state of the atom to an accuracy of three significant digits. Also,
plot the corresponding wavefunction. Take e = 3.795 (eVÅ) 1/2, m = 0.511x106 eV/c2, and a = 3 Å, 5
Å, 7 Å. In these units ħc = 1973 (eVÅ). The ground state energy is expected to be above -12 eV in all
three cases.
15. Solve the s-wave radial Schrodinger equation for a particle of mass m:

d2 y 2m
2
= A ( r ) u(r ), A ( r )= 2 [ V ( r )−E ]
dr ℏ
For the anharmonic oscillator potential
1 1
V ( r )= k r 2 + b r 3
2 3
for the ground state energy (in MeV) of particle to an accuracy of three significant digits. Also, plot
the corresponding wave function. Choose m = 940 MeV/c2, k = 100 MeV fm-2, b = 0, 10, 30 MeV fm-
3
. In these units, cħ = 197.3 MeV fm. The ground state energy I expected to lie between 90 and 110
MeV for all three cases.
16. Solve the s-wave radial Schrodinger equation for the vibrations of hydrogen molecule:

d2 y 2μ
2
= A ( r ) u(r ), A ( r )= 2 [ V ( r )−E ]
dr ℏ
Where μ is the reduced mass of the two-atom system for the Morse potential

' ' r−r 0

V ( r )=D ( e
−2 a r −a r
−e ), r ' =
r
Find the lowest vibrational energy (in MeV) of the molecule to an accuracy of three significant digits.
Also plot the corresponding wave function. Take: m = 940x106eV/C2, D = 0.755501 eV, α = 1.44, ro =
0.131349 Å

Semester V
Course CC10: HISTORY OF SCIENCE AND THE EVOLUTION OF PHYSICS
Credit 6: (4L-0T-2P)

Unit 1: What is Science ; Reasoning and Explanation in Science ; Realism and Anti-realism
Unit 2 : The Methods of Science ; The cumulative tradition of science ; The natural sciences
as sources of ideas

24
Unit 3: The origins of Rational Science ; The origins of Quantitative Science
Unit 4: Science in ancient India ; Egyptian, Chinese and Mayan civilisations ; Science and
Budhism ;
Unit 5: The Iron Age; Greek Science ; Roman Empire and the decadence of classical
science ; Islamic Science
Unit 6 : Medieval Science and European civilisation
Unit 7: Birth of Modern Science ; Galileo ; The Renaissance; The Industrial Revolution and
its contribution
Unit 8 : The nineteenth century advancements of science :Thermal energy ; engineering and
metallurgy ; electricity and magnetism; chemistry ; biology
Unit 9 : Twentieth century science : the death of absolute time ; the special theory of
relativity ; the general theory of relativity ; quantum mechanics ; quantum field theory of
fundamental particles; genetics and molecular biology ; the discovery of DNA ; the Turing
machine ; computers and the digital age ; birth of inter-disciplinary sciences ; cosmology
Unit 10 : India’s contributions to science from pre-history to the present day
Unit 11 : Philosophical problems in physics, chemistry, biology and psychology
References
 Evolution of Physics by Einstein and Infeld
 Science order and creativity -D. Bohm and D. Peat
 Understanding Philosophy of Science - J. Ladyman
 Philosophy of Science: A Contemporary introduction - A. Rosenberg
 Science in History by J. D. Bernal (Vol. 1-4)
Component: Practical

Course CC11: NUCLEAR AND PARTICLE PHYSICS

Credit 6: (4L-0T-2P)

Unit 1: General Properties of Nuclei:

Size and structure of atomic nucleus and its relation with atomic weight; Impossibility of an electron
being in the nucleus as a consequence of the uncertainty principle. Nature of nuclear force;
Constituents of nucleus and their Intrinsic properties, quantitative facts about mass, radii, charge
density (matter density), binding energy, average binding energy and its variation with mass number,
main features of binding energy versus mass number curve, Liquid Drop model: semi-empirical mass
formula and binding energy, Nuclear Shell Model and magic numbers.

Unit 2: Radioactivity
(a) Alpha decay: basics of α-decay processes, theory of α- emission, Gamow factor, Geiger Nuttall
law, α-decay spectroscopy. (b) β-decay: energy kinematics for β-decay, positron emission, electron

25
capture, neutrino hypothesis. (c) Gamma decay: Gamma rays emission & kinematics, internal
conversion.
Unit 3: Interaction of Nuclear Radiation with matter
Energy loss due to ionization (Bethe-Block formula), energy loss of electrons, Cerenkov radiation.
Gamma ray interaction through matter, photoelectric effect, Compton scattering, pair production,
neutron interaction with matter.
Unit 4: Detector for Nuclear Radiations
Gas detectors: estimation of electric field, mobility of particle, for ionization chamber and GM
Counter. Basic principle of Scintillation Detectors and construction of photo-multiplier tube (PMT).
Semiconductor Detectors (Si and Ge) for charge particle and photon detection (concept of charge
carrier and mobility), neutron detector.
Unit 5: Particle Accelerators
Accelerator facility available in India: Van-de Graaff generator (Tandem accelerator), Linear
Accelerator, Cyclotron, Synchrotrons.
Unit 6 : Particle Physics
Relativistic kinematics: Mandelstamm variables; collision and decay kinematics; reaction thresholds;
phase space, cross-section and decay formulae, Types of interactions and their relative strengths,
Discovery of positron, muon, pion, neutrino and other particles, Symmetries and conservation laws;
Baryons and Leptons; Fermions and Bosons; Particles and antiparticles; quarks and antiquarks;
Strangeness; Conservation laws in particle reactions

References
 Concepts of Modern Physics, A.Beiser
 Introduction to Atomic and Nuclear Physics, Semat and Albright, Springlink

Semester VI
Course CC13:

Credit 6: (5L-1T-0P) ELEMENTS OF ASTROPHYSICS AND SPACE SCIENCE Unit

1:

Celestial sphere
Celestial Sphere and observational astronomy
Sky coordinates and motions: Earth Rotation , Sky coordinates and seasons
Unit 2: The Moon
Phases of the Moon,the Moon's orbit and eclipses ; timekeeping (sidereal vs synodic period);
Unit 3: Planetary motions
Kepler's Laws - Gravity; Light & Energy - Telescopes - Optics - Detectors; present list of
planets
Unit 4: Planets and the Solar System
Planets and the Solar System ; types of planet ; planet atmospheres ; extrasolar planets
Unit 5: Stars

26
Measuring stellar characteristics (temperature, distance, luminosity, mass, size) ;
Hertzsprung Russell diagram; Stellar structure (equilibrium, nuclear reactions, energy
transport) ; birth , evolution and final fate of a star ; types of stars
Unit 6: Galaxies
Our Milky Way ; Galactic structure ; Galactic rotation ; Galaxy types ; Galaxy formation
Unit 7: Cosmology
The Big Bang and the Expansion of the Universe ; Redshifts ; Supernovae ;; Inflation ;
Radiation and Matter dominated phases of the universe; Evolution and history of the
Universe ; Dark Matter ; Accelerated expansion of the universe and Dark Energy ; Fate of
the Universe
Unit 8: Blackholes
Elementary introduction to blackhole physics ; astrophysical blackholes ; Observational
status of blackholes

References

1. The Physical Universe: An Introduction to Astronomy - Frank H. Shu

2. An Introduction to Astronomy and Astrophysics by Pankaj Jain
3. Astrphysics in a Nutshell by Dan Maoz

Course CC14: QUANTUM COMPUTATION AND INFORMATION THEORY

Credit 6: (4L-0T-2P)

Unit 1 : The Meaning of Computation

Unit 2 : Classical Gates
Unit 3 : The Qubit
Classical bit ; Quantum bit or Qubit ; quantum states and qubits; Bloch Sphere representation
of a qubit ; computational basis with examples
Unit 3: Quantum Gates
Fundamental difference between classical gates and quantum gates ; Hadamard gate ; Phase
shift gate ; Controlled NOT (CNOT) gate; Universality of quantum gates ; Quantum
Networks ; Quantum Circuits
Unit 4 : Quantum Algorithms
Deutsch Problem ; The Deutsch-Jozsa Algorithm ; Grover Search ; Phase Estimation and
Quantum Fourier Transform

27
 Unit 5: Entanglement
Meaning of entanglement ; Bell states ; Bell states as an orthogonal basis ; Teleportation
Unit 6 : The Problem of Measurement
Unit 7 : Devices
References:
[1] Feynman Lectures on Computation: R. P. Feynman (Edited by Tony Hey and
Robin W. Allen) , Westview Press (1999)

[2] Quantum Computation and Quantum Information: Michael A. Nielsen and

Isaac L. Chuang, Cambridge University Press (2000)

Physics Lab XIV

1. Quantum Entanglement Demonstrator
2. Nonlocality and Local Realism
3. Quantum superposition
4. Quantum Sensing

DISCIPLINE SPECIFIC ELECTIVE

SYLLABUS

PHYSICS-DSE :ESSENTIAL PHYSICS

SEMESTER III

Course DSE I: GENERAL PROPERTIES OF MATTER

Credit 6: (4L-0T-2P)

Component: Theory

Unit 1: Elasticity: Continuum model of matter: Elastic properties, Hooke’s law, Flexural
rigidity: bending of beams loaded at the centre.
Unit 2: Surface Tension: Molecular model of matter: Surface Tension, Surface energy, the
angle of contact between surfaces, capillary phenomena, excess pressure on a curved liquid
membrane, dependence of surface tension on external factors.
Unit 3: Fluid Dynamics and Viscosity: Ideal fluids: Streamlines and flowlines, equations of
continuity, Euler’s equation of motion, streamline flow, Bernoulli’s equation and its

28
application. Newtonian and non-Newtonian fluids, coefficient of viscosity, critical velocity,
Reynold’s number.
References
 General Properties of Matter, Newman and Searle
 Classical Mechanics and General Properties of Matter, D.P.Roychowdhuri and S.N.Maiti
 Elements of Properties of Matter, D. S. Mathur.

Component: Practical

1. Determination of Young’s modulus.

2. Determination of Modulus of Rigidity.
3. Determination of viscosity of liquid by Stoke’s method.

Course DSE II: ELEMENTS OF MODERN PHYSICS

Credit 6: (4L-0T-2P)

Component: Theory

Unit 1: Brief introduction to Quantum Mechanics: The limitations of existing theories of

blackbody radiation: Planck’s hypothesis and its successes, Einstein’s explanation of the
photoelectric effect – validation of the quantum nature of radiation (photon). Existence of
discrete energy states within atoms: Franck and Hertz experiments, De Broglie’s explanation.
Classical vs. Quantum Particles.
Unit 2: Nuclear Physics & Radioactivity: Nuclear Structure, Nuclear radioactivity: Alpha,
Beta and Gamma emissions. Alpha decay and spontaneous fission, nuclear reactions.
Unit 3: Laser Physics: Spontaneous and stimulated emission. Einstein’s A and B
coefficients. Basic components of a laser: active medium, optical resonator, pumping source.
Threshold condition for oscillation. Different types of laser and their operational principles.
Unit 4: Fiber Optics: Advantages of glass fibres. The coherent bundle. Numerical aperture.
Ray propagation in step-index and graded-index fibers. Effect of material dispersion.
Multimode fibers and single mode fibers.

References
 Concepts of Modern Physics, A.Beiser
 Introduction to Atomic and Nuclear Physics, Semat and Albright, Springlink

Component: Practical

29
4. Measurement of Planck’s constant using black body radiation and photo-detector.
5. Photo-electric effect: photo current versus intensity and wavelength of light; maximum
energy of photo-electrons versus frequency of light.
6. To determine work function of material of filament of directly heated vacuum diode.
7. To determine (1) wavelength and (2) angular spread of diode laser using plane diffraction
grating.
8.To study the power-current characteristics of a diode laser.

GENERIC ELECTIVE PHYSICS

SYLLABUS

PHYSICS GE I: WHERE DO WE LIVE? A JOURNEY THROUGH OUR

GORGEOUS UNIVERSE
SEMESTER I
Credit 4 (3L-1T-0P)

Component: Theory

1. Radiation from stars: spectral lines and their formation; stellar atmosphere
2. Telescopes and other detectors
3. Special relativity - Basic ideas
4. Stellar parameters; Binary stars
5. Main sequence stars and their structure; Nuclear processes in stars; End points of stellar
evolution; White dwarfs, Neutron stars and Black holes
6. Interstellar medium and star formation
7. Cluster of stars
8. Galaxies
9. Universe on large scale: an overview
10. Cosmological moles for a homogeneous and isotropic universe
11. Early Universe
References:
1.The Physical Universe: an introduction to Astronomy - Frank H. Shu
4. Cosmos - Carl Sagan
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 PHYSICS GE II: HISTORY AND PHILOSOPHY OF SCIENCE
SEMESTER II
Credit 4 (3L-1T-0P)
Component: Theory
1. What is Science?
2. Scientific Reasoning
3. Explanation in Science
4. Realism and Anti-realism
5. Scientific change and Scientific evolution
6. Philosophical problems in physics, biology and psychology
7. Science and its critics
8. Conclusions
References:
1. Science order and creativity -D. Bohm and D. Peat
2. Understanding Philosophy of Science - J. Ladyman
3. Philosophy of Science: A Contemporary introduction - A. Rosenberg

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