Revised PHYSICS

Class XI-XII (Code N. 042)

(2020-21)

Senior Secondary stage of school education is a stage of transition from general

education to discipline-based focus on curriculum. The present updated syllabus keeps
in view the rigour and depth of disciplinary approach as well as the comprehension level
of learners. Due care has also been taken that the syllabus is comparable to the
international standards. Salient features of the syllabus include:

 Emphasis on basic conceptual understanding of the content.

 Emphasis on use of SI units, symbols, nomenclature of physical quantities and

formulations as per international standards.

 Providing logical sequencing of units of the subject matter and proper placement of
concepts with their linkage for better learning.

 Reducing the curriculum load by eliminating overlapping of concepts/content within

the discipline and other disciplines.

 Promotion of process-skills, problem-solving abilities and applications of Physics

concepts.

Besides, the syllabus also attempts to

 Strengthen the concepts developed at the secondary stage to provide firm

foundation for further learning in the subject.

 Expose the learners to different processes used in Physics-related industrial and

technological applications.

 Develop process-skills and experimental, observational, manipulative, decision

making and investigatory skills in the learners.

 Promote problem solving abilities and creative thinking in learners.

 Develop conceptual competence in the learners and make them realize and
appreciate the interface of Physics with other disciplines.

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 CLASS XII (2020-21) (THEORY)

Time: 3 hrs. Max Marks: 70

No. of Periods Marks

Unit–I Electrostatics
Chapter–1: Electric Charges and Fields
23
Chapter–2: Electrostatic Potential and 16
Capacitance
Unit-II Current Electricity
15
Chapter–3: Current Electricity
Unit-III Magnetic Effects of Current and Magnetism
Chapter–4: Moving Charges and Magnetism 16
Chapter–5: Magnetism and Matter 17
Unit-IV Electromagnetic Induction and Alternating
Currents
19
Chapter–6: Electromagnetic Induction
Chapter–7: Alternating Current
Unit–V Electromagnetic Waves
2
Chapter–8: Electromagnetic Waves
Unit–VI Optics 18
Chapter–9: Ray Optics and Optical Instruments 18
Chapter–10: Wave Optics
Unit–VII Dual Nature of Radiation and Matter
7
Chapter–11: Dual Nature of Radiation and Matter
Unit–VIII Atoms and Nuclei 12
Chapter–12: Atoms 11
Chapter–13: Nuclei
Unit–IX Electronic Devices
Chapter–14: Semiconductor Electronics: 7
Materials, Devices and Simple Circuits
7
Total 118 70

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Unit I: Electrostatics 23 Periods

Chapter–1: Electric Charges and Fields

Electric Charges; Conservation of charge, Coulomb's law-force between two-point

charges, forces between multiple charges; superposition principle and continuous
charge distribution.

Electric field, electric field due to a point charge, electric field lines, electric dipole,
electric field due to a dipole, torque on a dipole in uniform electric field.

Electric flux, statement of Gauss's theorem and its applications to find field due to
infinitely long straight wire, uniformly charged infinite plane sheet

Chapter–2: Electrostatic Potential and Capacitance

Electric potential, potential difference, electric potential due to a point charge, a dipole
and system of charges; equipotential surfaces, electrical potential energy of a system of
two point charges and of electric dipole in an electrostatic field.

Conductors and insulators, free charges and bound charges inside a conductor.
Dielectrics and electric polarisation, capacitors and capacitance, combination of
capacitors in series and in parallel, capacitance of a parallel plate capacitor with and
without dielectric medium between the plates, energy stored in a capacitor.

Unit II: Current Electricity 15 Periods

Chapter–3: Current Electricity

Electric current, flow of electric charges in a metallic conductor, drift velocity, mobility
and their relation with electric current; Ohm's law, electrical resistance, V-I
characteristics (linear and non-linear), electrical energy and power, electrical resistivity
and conductivity; temperature dependence of resistance.

Internal resistance of a cell, potential difference and emf of a cell, combination of cells
in series and in parallel, Kirchhoff's laws and simple applications, Wheatstone bridge,
metre bridge(qualitative ideas only)

Potentiometer - principle and its applications to measure potential difference and for
13
comparing EMF of two cells; measurement of internal resistance of a cell(qualitative
ideas only)

Unit III: Magnetic Effects of Current and Magnetism 16 Periods

Chapter–4: Moving Charges and Magnetism

Concept of magnetic field, Oersted's experiment.

Biot - Savart law and its application to current carrying circular loop.

Ampere's law and its applications to infinitely long straight wire. Straight and toroidal
solenoids (only qualitative treatment), force on a moving charge in uniform magnetic and
electric fields

Force on a current-carrying conductor in a uniform magnetic field, force between two

parallel current-carrying conductors-definition of ampere, torque experienced by a
current loop in uniform magnetic field; moving coil galvanometer-its current sensitivity
and conversion to ammeter and voltmeter.

Chapter–5: Magnetism and Matter

Current loop as a magnetic dipole and its magnetic dipole moment, magnetic dipole
moment of a revolving electron, bar magnet as an equivalent solenoid, magnetic field
lines; earth's magnetic field and magnetic elements.
Unit IV: Electromagnetic Induction and Alternating Currents 19 Periods

Chapter–6: Electromagnetic Induction

Electromagnetic induction; Faraday's laws, induced EMF and current; Lenz's Law,
Eddy currents. Self and mutual induction.

Chapter–7: Alternating Current

Alternating currents, peak and RMS value of alternating current/voltage; reactance and
impedance; LC oscillations (qualitative treatment only), LCR series circuit, resonance;
power in AC circuits

AC generator and transformer.

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Unit V: Electromagnetic waves 2 Periods

Chapter–8: Electromagnetic Waves

Electromagnetic waves, their characteristics, their Transverse nature (qualitative ideas

only).

Electromagnetic spectrum (radio waves, microwaves, infrared, visible, ultraviolet, X-rays,

gamma rays) including elementary facts about their uses.

Unit VI: Optics 18 Periods

Chapter–9: Ray Optics and Optical Instruments

Ray Optics: Refraction of light, total internal reflection and its applications, optical fibres,
refraction at spherical surfaces, lenses, thin lens formula, lensmaker's formula,
magnification, power of a lens, combination of thin lenses in contact, refraction of light
through a prism.

Optical instruments: Microscopes and astronomical telescopes (reflecting and refracting)

and their magnifying powers.

Chapter–10: Wave Optics

Wave optics: Wave front and Huygen's principle, reflection and refraction of plane wave
at a plane surface using wave fronts. Proof of laws of reflection and refraction using
Huygen's principle. Interference, Young's double slit experiment and expression for
fringe width, coherent sources and sustained interference of light, diffraction due to a
single slit, width of central maximum

Unit VII: Dual Nature of Radiation and Matter 7 Periods

Chapter–11: Dual Nature of Radiation and Matter

Dual nature of radiation, Photoelectric effect, Hertz and Lenard's observations;

Einstein's photoelectric equation-particle nature of light.

15
Experimental study of photoelectric effect

Matter waves-wave nature of particles, de-Broglie relation

Unit VIII: Atoms and Nuclei 11 Periods

Chapter–12: Atoms

Alpha-particle scattering experiment; Rutherford's model of atom; Bohr model, energy

levels, hydrogen spectrum.

Chapter–13: Nuclei

Composition and size of nucleus

Nuclear force

Mass-energy relation, mass defect, nuclear fission, nuclear fusion.

Unit IX: Electronic Devices 7 Periods

Chapter–14: Semiconductor Electronics: Materials, Devices and Simple Circuits

Energy bands in conductors, semiconductors and insulators (qualitative ideas only)

Semiconductor diode - I-V characteristics in forward and reverse bias, diode as a rectifier;

Special purpose p-n junction diodes: LED, photodiode, solar cell.

PRACTICALS Total Periods: 32

The record to be submitted by the students at the time of their annual examination has to
include:

 Record of at least 8 Experiments [with 4 from each section], to be performed by the

students.

 Record of at least 6 Activities [with 3 each from section A and section B], to be
demonstrated by teacher

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 Evaluation Scheme

Time Allowed: Three hours Max. Marks: 30

Two experiments one from each section 8+8 marks

Practical record [experiments and activities] 7 marks
Viva on experiments, and activities 7 marks

Total 30 marks

SECTION–A
Experiments

1. To determine resistivity of two / three wires by plotting a graph for potential difference
versus current.

2. To find resistance of a given wire / standard resistor using metre bridge.

OR

To verify the laws of combination (series) of resistances using a metre bridge.

OR

To verify the laws of combination (parallel) of resistances using a metre bridge.

3. To compare the EMF of two given primary cells using potentiometer.

OR

To determine the internal resistance of given primary cell using potentiometer.

4. To determine resistance of a galvanometer by half-deflection method and to find its figure

of merit.

5. To convert the given galvanometer (of known resistance and figure of merit) into a
voltmeter of desired range and to verify the same.

17
 OR

To convert the given galvanometer (of known resistance and figure of merit) into an
ammeter of desired range and to verify the same.

6. To find the frequency of AC mains with a sonometer.

Activities

1. To measure the resistance and impedance of an inductor with or without iron core.

2. To measure resistance, voltage (AC/DC), current (AC) and check continuity of a

given circuit using multimeter.

3. To assemble a household circuit comprising three bulbs, three (on/off) switches, a

fuse and a power source.

4. To assemble the components of a given electrical circuit.

5. To study the variation in potential drop with length of a wire for a steady current.

6. To draw the diagram of a given open circuit comprising at least a battery,

resistor/rheostat, key, ammeter and voltmeter. Mark the components that are not
connected in proper order and correct the circuit and also the circuit diagram.

SECTION-B
Experiments

1. .To find the focal length of a convex lens by plotting graphs between u and v or
between 1/u and 1/v.
2. To find the focal length of a convex mirror, using a convex lens.
OR
To find the focal length of a concave lens, using a convex lens.
3. To determine angle of minimum deviation for a given prism by plotting a graph
between angle of incidence and angle of deviation.
4. To determine refractive index of a glass slab using a travelling microscope.
5. To find refractive index of a liquid by using convex lens and plane mirror.
6. To draw the I-V characteristic curve for a p-n junction diode in forward bias and reverse
bias.

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Activities

1. To identify a diode, an LED, a resistor and a capacitor from a mixed collection of

such items.
2. Use of multimeter to see the unidirectional flow of current in case of a diode and an
LED and check whether a given electronic component (e.g., diode) is in working
order.
3. To study effect of intensity of light (by varying distance of the source) on an LDR.
4. To observe refraction and lateral deviation of a beam of light incident obliquely on a
glass slab.
5. To observe polarization of light using two Polaroids.
6. To observe diffraction of light due to a thin slit.
7. To study the nature and size of the image formed by a (i) convex lens, (ii) concave
mirror, on a screen by using a candle and a screen (for different distances of the
candle from the lens/mirror).
8. To obtain a lens combination with the specified focal length by using two lenses
from the given set of lenses.

Practical Examination for Visually Impaired Students of

Classes XI and XII Evaluation Scheme

Time Allowed: Two hours Max. Marks: 30

Identification/Familiarity with the apparatus 5 marks

Written test (based on given/prescribed practicals) 10 marks
Practical Record 5 marks
Viva 10 marks
Total 30 marks

General Guidelines
▪
The practical examination will be of two hour duration.
▪
A separate list of ten experiments is included here.
▪
The written examination in practicals for these students will be conducted at the time
of practical examination of all other students.
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▪
The written test will be of 30 minutes duration.
▪
The question paper given to the students should be legibly typed. It should contain
a total of 15 practical skill based very short answer type questions. A student would
be required to answer any 10 questions.
▪
A writer may be allowed to such students as per CBSE examination rules.
▪
All questions included in the question papers should be related to the listed practicals.
Every question should require about two minutes to be answered.
▪
These students are also required to maintain a practical file. A student is expected to
record at least five of the listed experiments as per the specific instructions for each
subject. These practicals should be duly checked and signed by the internal
examiner.
▪
The format of writing any experiment in the practical file should include aim, apparatus
required, simple theory, procedure, related practical skills, precautions etc.
▪
Questions may be generated jointly by the external/internal examiners and used for
assessment.
▪
The viva questions may include questions based on basic theory/principle/concept,
apparatus/ materials/chemicals required, procedure, precautions, sources of erro

Class XII

A. Items for Identification/ familiarity with the apparatus for assessment in

practicals (All experiments)

Meter scale, general shape of the voltmeter/ammeter, battery/power supply, connecting

wires, standard resistances, connecting wires, voltmeter/ammeter, meter bridge, screw
gauge, jockey Galvanometer, Resistance Box, standard Resistance, connecting wires,
Potentiometer, jockey, Galvanometer, Lechlanche cell, Daniell cell [simple distinction
between the two vis-à-vis their outer (glass and copper) containers], rheostat connecting
wires, Galvanometer, resistance box, Plug-in and tapping keys, connecting wires
battery/power supply, Diode, Resistor (Wire-wound or carbon ones with two wires
connected to two ends), capacitors (one or two types), Inductors, Simple
electric/electronic bell, battery/power supply, Plug-in and tapping keys, Convex lens,
concave lens, convex mirror, concave mirror, Core/hollow wooden cylinder, insulated

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wire, ferromagnetic rod, Transformer core, insulated wire.

B. List of Practicals

1. To determine the resistance per cm of a given wire by plotting a graph between

voltage and current.
2. To verify the laws of combination (series/parallel combination) of resistances by
Ohm’s law.
3. To find the resistance of a given wire / standard resistor using a meter bridge.
4. To compare the e.m.f of two given primary cells using a potentiometer.
5. To determine the resistance of a galvanometer by half deflection method.
6. To identify a resistor, capacitor, inductor and diode from a mixed collection of
such items.
7. To observe the difference between
(i) a convex lens and a concave lens
(ii) a convex mirror and a concave mirror and to estimate the likely difference
between the power of two given convex /concave lenses.
8. To design an inductor coil and to know the effect of
(i) change in the number of turns
(ii) Introduction of ferromagnetic material as its core material on the inductance
of the coil.
9. To design a (i) step up (ii) step down transformer on a given core and know the
relation between its input and output voltages.

Note: The above practicals may be carried out in an experiential manner rather than
recording observations.
Prescribed Books:

1. Physics, Class XI, Part -I and II, Published by NCERT.

2. Physics, Class XII, Part -I and II, Published by NCERT.

3. Laboratory Manual of Physics for class XII Published by NCERT.

4. The list of other related books and manuals brought out by NCERT (consider
multimedia also).

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 QUESTION PAPER DESIGN
Theory (Class: XI/XII)
Maximum Marks: 70 Duration: 3 hrs.
S Typology of Questions Total Approximate
Marks Percentage
1 Remembering: Exhibit memory of previously learned 27 38 %
material by recalling facts, terms, basic concepts, and
answers.
Understanding: Demonstrate understanding of facts and
ideas by organizing, comparing, translating, interpreting,
giving descriptions, and stating main ideas
2 Applying: Solve problems to new situations by applying 22 32%
acquired knowledge, facts, techniques and rules in a
different way.
3 Analysing : Examine and break information into parts by 21 30%
identifying motives or causes. Make inferences and find
evidence to support generalizations
Evaluating :
Present and defend opinions by making judgments about
information, validity of ideas, or quality of work based on a
set of criteria.
Creating:
Compile information together in a different way by
combining elements in a new pattern or proposing
alternative solutions.
Total Marks 70 100
Practical: 30 Marks
Note:
1. Internal Choice: There is no overall choice in the paper. However, there will be at
least 33% internal choice.
2. The above template is only a sample. Suitable internal variations may be made for
generating similar templates keeping the overall weightage to different form of questions
and typology of questions same.
22
 CLASS XII

Topis

Chapter-1 Electric charges and fields

uniformly charged thin spherical shell (field inside and outside).

Chapter-3 Current Electricity

Carbon resistors, colour code for carbon resistors; series and parallel combinations of
resistors

Chapter-4 Moving Charges and Magnetism

Cyclotron

Chapter-5 Magnetism and Matter

magnetic field intensity due to a magnetic dipole (bar magnet) along its axis and
perpendicular to its axis, torque on a magnetic dipole (bar magnet) in a uniform magnetic
field;

Para-, dia- and ferro - magnetic substances, with examples. Electromagnets and factors
affecting their strengths, permanent magnets.

Chapter-7 Alternating Current

power factor, wattless current.

Chapter 8 Electromagnetic Waves

Basic idea of displacement current,

Chapter 9 Ray Optics and Optical Instruments

Reflection of light, spherical mirrors,(recapitulation) mirror formula ,

Scattering of light - blue colour of sky and reddish appearance of the sun at sunrise and
sunset.

resolving power of microscope and astronomical telescope, polarisation, plane polarised

light, Brewster's law, uses of plane polarised light and Polaroids.

Chapter-11 Dual Nature of radiation and matter

Davisson-Germer experiment
Chapter 13 Nuclei

Radioactivity, alpha, beta and gamma particles/rays and their properties; radioactive
decay law, half life and mean life

binding energy per nucleon and its variation with mass number

Chapter 14 Semiconductor Electronics: Materials, Devices and Simple Circuits

Zener diode and their characteristics, zener diode as a voltage regulator.

Practicals: No investigatory project and Activity to be demonstrated

8 experiments ( clubbed based on skills ) in place of 12