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GATE 2018 Solution

Section: General Aptitude
Q1. – Q5. carry one mark each.
Q1. “When she fell down the _________, she received many _______ but little help”.
The words that best fill the blanks in the above sentence are
(a) Stairs, stares (b) Stairs, stairs
(c) Stares, stairs (d) Stares, stares
Ans. : (a)
Solution: stairs means steps while stares means to look someone continuously.
Q2. “In spite of being warned repeatedly, he failed to correct his__________ behavior”
The word that best fills the blank in the above sentence is
(a) Rational (b) Reasonable (c) Errant (d) Good
Ans. : (c)
Solution: The most suitable option is errant as errant means irregular.
Q3. For 0  x  2 , sin x and cos x are both decreasing functions in the interval________

     3   3 
(a)  0,  (b)  ,   (c)   ,  (d)  , 2 
 2 2   2   2 
Ans.: (b)
Solution: Graph of sin x and cos x is shown in the figure below
sin x cos x

3 / 2  /2 x
0  /2  2 x 0 3 / 2 2

From the graph we see that sin x and cos x are both decreasing function in the interval
 
 , 
2 

Q4. The area of an equivalent triangle is 3 . What is the perimeter of the triangle?
(a) 2 (b) 4 (c) 6 (d) 8
Ans. : (c)

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3 2
Solution: Let the side of equilateral triangle  a ,and the area  a
4

3 2
or a  3 or a 2  4 or a  2
4
Hence, the perimeter of the equilateral triangle  3a  3  2  6
Q5. Arrange the following three-dimensional objects in the descending order of their volumes:
(i) A cuboid with dimensions 10 cm, 8 cm and 6 cm
(ii) A cube of side 8cm
(iii) A cylinder with base radius 7 cm and height 7 cm
(iv) A sphere of radius 7 cm
(a) (i), (ii), (iii), (iv) (b) (ii), (i), (iv), (iii)
(c) (iii), (ii), (i), (iv) (d) (iv), (iii), (ii), (i)
Ans. : (d)
Solution: The volume of cuboid  10cm  8cm  6cm  480cm3
The volume of cube  8cm  8cm  8cm  512cm3
22
The volume of cylinder   r 2 h   7  7  7cm3  1078cm3
7
4 4 22
The volume of sphere   r 3    7  7  7  1437.3cm3
3 3 7
Hence the descending orders of volume will be 1437.3cm3 , 1078cm3 ,512cm3 and 480cm3
Q6. – Q10. carry two marks each.
Q6. An automobile travels from city A to city B and returns to city A by the same route. The speed
of the vehicle during the onward and return journeys were constant at 60 km / h and 90 km / h ,
respectively. What is the average speed in km / h for the entire journey?
(a) 72 (b) 73 (c) 74 (d) 75
Ans.: (a)
Solution: Let the distance between A and B is xkm. Then
Total distance 2 xkm 360
Average speed    2x  km / h  72km / h
Total time  x x  10 x
   hour
 60 90 

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Q7. A set of 4 parallel lines intersect with another set of 5 parallel lines. How many parallelograms
are formed?
(a) 20 (b) 48 (c) 60 (d) 72
Ans. (c)
Solution: Any two parallel lines in one direction and any two parallel lines in the other direction can
form parallelograms.
So, number of parallelogram formed
5! 4! 4  5 3 4
 5C2  4C2      10  6  60
2!3! 2!2! 2 2
Q8. To pass a test, a candidate needs to answer at least 2 out of 3 questions correctly. A total of
6,30,000 candidates appeared for the test. Question A was correctly answered by 3,30,000
candidates. Question B was answered correctly by 2,50,000 candidates. Question C was
answered correctly by 2,60,000 candidates. Both questions A and B were answered correctly by
1,00,000 candidates. Both questions B and C were answered correctly by 90,000 candidates.
Both questions were A and C were answered correctly by 80,000 candidates. If the number of
students answering all questions correctly is the same as the number answering none, how
many candidates failed to clear the test?
(a) 30,000 (b) 2,70,000 (c) 3,90,000 (d) 4,20,000
Ans. (d)
Solution: Let n  0  denote the number of students answering none of the questions and n  3 be the

number of students answering all questions, then

n  A  B  C   n  0   n  A   n  B   n  C   n  A  B   n  B  C   n  A  C   n  3

6,30, 000  n  0   3,30, 000  2,50, 000  2, 60, 000  1, 00, 000  90, 000  80, 000  n  3

 6,30, 000  n  0   5, 70, 000  n  3 A

B
Since, n  0   n  3

Hence, 2n  0   60, 000  n  0   30, 000

1, 80, 000
70, 000
90, 000
Using this fact and the information given, one fill the Venn- 30, 000
50, 000
diagram. 60, 000

It is obvious that the number of failed students will be, the 1, 20, 000
sum of number the students who only passed in one subject C

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and the number of student answering none of the question. Hence, the number of students
failed to clear the test
 1,80, 000  1, 20, 000  90, 000  30, 000  4, 20, 000
1
Q9. If x 2  x  1  0 , what is the value of x 4  ?
x4
(a) 1 (b) 5 (c) 7 (d) 9
Ans. : (c)
1 1
Solution: Given that x 2  x  1  0  x 1  x   1  1  x   x   1 ,
x x
1 1
x2  2
 3  x4  4  9  2  7
x x
Q10. In a detailed study of annual crow births in India,
it was found that there was relatively no growth Annual sale of crackers in India

Annual crow births in India

during the period 2002 to 2004 and a sudden
spike from 2004 to 2005. In another unrelated
study, it was found that the revenue from cracker
sales in India which remained fairly flat from 2002
to 2004, saw a sudden spike in 2005 before
declining again in 2006. The solid line in the graph
below refers to annual sale of crackers and the 2001 2003 2005 2007

dashed line refers to the annual crow births in India. Choose the most appropriate inference
from the above data.
(a) There is a strong correlation between crow birth and cracker sales
(b) Cracker usage increases crow birth rate
(c) If cracker sale declines, crow birth will decline
(d) Increased birth rate of crows will cause an increase in the sale of crackers
Ans.: (a)
Solution: The growth pattern of crows and the growth in annual sales of fire crackers in nearly the
same. The two graphs are almost parallel to each other. Hence there is strong correlation
between crow birth and crackers sales.

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Section: Physics
Q1. – Q25. carry one mark each.
Q1. The eigenvalues of a Hermitian matrix are all
(a) real (b) imaginary
(c) of modulus one (d) real and positive
Topic- Mathematical Physics
Subtopic- Matrices
Ans. : (a)
Solution: Eigenvalue of Hermitian matrix and Symmteric matrix must be real.
Q2. Which one of the following represents the 3 p radial wave function of hydrogen atom? ( a0 is

the Bohr radius)

R r  R r 
(a) (b)

0 r / a0 0
r / a0

R r  R r 
(c) (d)

0 0 r / a0
r / a0

Topic- Quantum Mechanics

Subtopic- Hydrogen Atom
Ans. : (b)
Solution: 3 p radial wave function is:

 r   3a0
r

R31  r 1  e
 6a0 

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Q3. Given the following table,
Group I Group II
P: Stern-Gerlach experiment 1: Wave nature of particles
Q: Zeeman effect 2: Quantization of energy of electrons in the atoms
R: Frank-Hertz experiment 3: Existence of electron spin
S: Davisson-Germer experiment 4: Space quantization of angular momentum

Which one of the following correctly matches the experiments from Group I to their inferences
in Group II?
(a) P-2, Q-3, R-4, S-1 (b) P-1, Q-3, R-2, S-4
(c) P-3, Q-4, R-2, S-1 (d) P-2, Q-1, R-4, S-3
Topic- Experimental Methods
Subtopic- Applications
Ans. : (c)

Q4. In spherical polar coordinates  r ,  ,   , the unit vector ˆ at 10,  / 4,  / 2  is

(a) k̂ (b)
2

1 ˆ ˆ
jk  (c)
1
2

 ˆj  kˆ  (d)
2

1 ˆ ˆ
jk 
Topic- Mathematical Physics
Subtopic- Vector Analysis
Ans. : (d) z
Solution: ˆ  cos 450 ˆj  sin 450 kˆ r̂
 /4
 ˆ 
1 ˆ ˆ
2
jk   ˆ
y

Q5. The scale factors corresponding to the covariant metric tensor gi j in spherical polar

coordinates are
(a) 1, r 2 , r 2 sin 2  (b) 1, r 2 ,sin 2  (c) 1,1,1 (d) 1, r , r sin 
Topic- Mathematical Physics
Subtopic-Tensor
Ans. : (d)

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Q6. In the context of small oscillations, which one of the following does NOT apply to the normal
coordinates?
(a) Each normal coordinate has an eigen-frequency associated with it
(b) The normal coordinates are orthogonal to one another
(c) The normal coordinates are all independent
(d) The potential energy of the system is a sum of squares of the normal coordinates with
constant coefficients
Topic- Classical Mechanics
Subtopic- Small Oscillations
Ans. : (b)
Solution: Normal co-ordinate must be independent. It is not necessary that it should be orthogonal.
Q7. For the given unit cells of a two dimensional square lattice, which option lists all the primitive
cells?

1 5

4
3
2

(a) (1) and (2) (b) (1), (2) and (3)

(c) (1), (2), (3) and (4) (d) (1), (2), (3), (4) and (5)
Topic- Solid state physics
Subtopic- Crystallography
Ans. : (c)
Solution: For primitive cell, N eff should be 1.

In cell (1), (2), (3) and (4) N eff  1 , So these are primitive cell

Whereas in cell (5), N eff  2 , So this is non-primitive cell.

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   
Q8. Among electric field ( E ), magnetic field ( B ), angular momentum ( L ) and vector potential ( A ),
which is/are odd under parity (space inversion) operation?
  
(a) E only (b) E and A only
   
(c) E and B only (d) B and L only
Topic- Particle Physics
Subtopic- Charge, Parity and time conservation
Ans. : (b)
Solution: Under parity operation r  r
V
E ; E : P  E
r
 
B  I r ; B : P  B
 
Lrp ; L : P  L

A
E ; A: P  A
t
Q9. The expression for the second overtone frequency in the vibrational absorption spectra of a
diatomic molecule in terms of the harmonic frequency e and anharmonicity constant xe is

(a) 2e 1  xe  (b) 2e 1  3 xe  (c) 3e 1  2 xe  (d) 3e 1  4 xe 

Topic- Molecular Physics

Subtopic- Vibrational Spectra
Ans. : (d)
2
 1  1
Solution:  V  e  v    e xe  v  
 2  2
Second overtone v  0  3

7 
2 2
7 1
 v   v 3   v 0  e  e xe    e  e xe    3e  12e xe  3we 1  4 xe 
2 2 2 2

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Q10. Match the physical effects and order of magnitude of their energy scales given below, where
e2
 is fine structure constant; me and m p are electron and proton mass, respectively.
4 0 c

Group I Group II
P: Lamb shift 1: ~ O  2 me c 2 

Q: Fine structure 2: ~ O  4 me c 2 

R: Bohr energy 3: ~ O  4 me2 c 2 / m p 

S: Hyperfine structure 4: ~ O  5 me c 2 

(a) P-3, Q-1, R-2, S-4 (b) P-2, Q-3, R-1, S-4
(c) P-4, Q-2, R-1, S-3 (d) P-2, Q-4, R-1, S-3
Topic- Atomic Physics
Subtopic- Spectra
Ans. : (c)
Solution:- Bohr energy E   2 me c 2

Fine structure E   4 me c 2

Lamb straight E   5 me c 2
 4 me c 2
Hyperfine structure E 
mp
Q11. The logic expression ABC  ABC  ABC  ABC can be simplified to
(a) A XOR C (b) A AND C (c) 0 (d) 1
Topic- Electronics
Subtopic- Boolean Algebra
Ans. : (a)

Solution: Y  ABC  ABC  ABC  ABC  AC  B  B   AC  B  B 

 Y  AC  AC  A XOR C
Q12. At low temperatures ( T ), the specific heat of common metals is described by (with  and 
as constants)
(a)  T   T 3 (b)  T 3 (c) exp   / T  (d)  T   T 5

Topic- Solid state physics

Subtopic- Specific heat

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Ans. : (a)
 2 N A k B2T 12 4 RT 3
Solution: C  Ce  C ph    T   T 3
2 EF 5 D3

Q13. In a 2-to-1 multiplexer as shown below, the output X  A0 if C  0 and

X  A1 if C  1 .

Which one of the following is the correct implementation of this

multiplexer?

A0 A0
(a) (b)
C X C X
A1 A1

A0 A0
(c) (d)
C X C X
A1 A1
Topic- Electronics
Subtopic- Multiplexer
Ans. : (a)
Solution: Check option (a),
X  A0C  A1C

If C  0  X  A0 , and if C  1  X  A1

Q14. The elementary particle  0 is placed in the baryon decouplet, shown below, at


Strangeness

P R

S
3rd component of isospin

(a) P (b) Q (c) R (d) S

Topic- Particle Physics
Subtopic- Elementary particle

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Ans. : (c)
 0  
0
  
 
Q
 0
 
P R


Q15. The intrinsic/permanent electric dipole moment in the ground state of hydrogen atom is ( a0 is

the Bohr radius)

(a) 3ea0 (b) zero (c) ea0 (d) 3ea0

Topic- Quantum Mechanics

Subtopic- Hydrogen Atom
Ans. : (b)
Solution: For dipole moment energy is eEr cos 
E11  eEr cos   eE r cos   0 [ cos   0 ]

Q16. The high temperature magnetic susceptibility of solids having ions with magnetic moments can
1
be described by   with T as absolute temperature and  as constant. The three
T 
behaviours i.e., paramagnetic, ferromagnetic and anti-ferromagnetic are described,
respectively, by
(a)   0,   0,   0 (b)   0,   0,   0
(c)   0,   0,   0 (d)   0,   0,   0
Topic- Solid state physics
Subtopic- Magnetism
Ans. : (c)
C
Solution: Paramagnetism:  
T
C
Ferromagnetism:  
T  TC

C
Anti-ferromagnetism:  
T  TC

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Q17. Which one of the following is an allowed electric dipole transition?
(a) 1S0  3 S1 (b) 2P3/ 2  2D5/ 2 (c) 2D5/ 2  2P1/ 2 (d) 3P0  5D0

Topic- Atomic Physics

Subtopic- Transition and Selection rule
Ans. : (b)
Solution: For electric dipole transition
L  0, 1  0  0  , J  0.  1 , S  0
Only option (b) satisfies above selection rules
Q18. In the decay,    e    e  X , what is X ?
(a)  (b)  e (c)   (d)  

Topic- Particle Physics

Subtopic- Conservation
Ans. : (d)
Solution:- u   e  e  X

Lu :  1 0 0 1

Le : 0 1 1 0

q: 1 1 0 0

So X should be   .

Q19. A spaceship is travelling with a velocity of 0.7 c away from a space station. The spaceship ejects
a probe with a velocity 0.59 c opposite to its own velocity. A person in the space station would
see the probe moving at a speed Xc , where the value of X is ___________ (up to three
decimal places).
Topic- Classical Mechanics
Subtopic- STR
Ans.: 0.187 c

Solution:   0  7c , u x  0  59 c ,

u 
Spacestation
ux  x Spaceship
u  Prob
  0 7c
1 x
c2
u x  0.59 c
0  59c  0  7c 0.11c 0.11c
ux     0.187 c
1  0  7  0  59 1  0.413 0.587
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Q20. For an operational amplifier (ideal) circuit shown below,
4k

2k 10V
V1 
V0
V2 
RL
5k
10V

If V1  1V and V2  2 V , the value of V0 is __________ V (up to one decimal place).

Topic- Electronics
Subtopic- Operational Amplifier
Ans. : 3.6
Solution: By superposition principle:
4 4
V0  V01  V02    1V   2 V
2 5
V0  2  1.6  3.6V

Q21. An infinitely long straight wire is carrying a steady current I . The ratio of magnetic energy
density at distance r1 to that at r2   2r1  from the wire is ___________.

Topic- Electromagnetic Theory

Subtopic- Energy density
Ans. : 4
B2 1 u r 2  2r 
Solution: uB   2  B1  22  21  4
2 0 r uB 2 r1 r1

Q22. A light beam of intensity I 0 is falling normally on a surface. The surface absorbs 20 % of the

intensity and the rest is reflected. The radiation pressure on the surface is given by X I 0 / c ,

where X is __________ (up to one decimal place). Here c is the speed of light.
Topic- Electromagnetic Theory
Subtopic- Radiation Pressure
Ans. : 1.8
I0  I  I
Solution: Radiation pressure    0.8 0   1.8 0
c  c c

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Q23. The number of independent components of a general electromagnetic field tensor
is__________
Topic- Electromagnetic Field
Subtopic- Tensor
Ans. : 6

Solution: In Cartesian co-ordinate, three Independent coordinate for electric field,  Ex , E y , Ez  and

three Independent co-ordinate for magnetic field  Bx , By , Bz  .

Q24. If X is the dimensionality of a free electron gas, the energy ( E ) dependence of density of
1
X Y
states is given by E 2
, where Y is_________.
Topic- Solid state physics
Subtopic- Density of states
Ans. : 1

2k 2 2mE 2m
Solution: For free electron gas: E  k , dk 
2m  2 E
For one dimension:
1
L L 2m
g  k  dk  dk  E2
  2 E
So for X  1, Y will be 1 .
OR
d 
 1
  E 2 
where d is the dimension.

Q25. For nucleus 164

Er , a J   2 state is at 90 keV . Assuming 164
Er to be a rigid rotor, the energy

of its 4 state is ___________ keV (up to one decimal place)

Topic- Nuclear Physics
Subtopic- Rotational Energy
Ans. : 300
Solution: EJ  hcBJ  J  1 _________ 4

E2  hc B 2  2  1 and E4  hc B 4  4  1 _________ 2

E4 20 20
Then,   E4   90 keV  300 keV
E2 6 6

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Q26. – Q55. carry two marks each.

     
Q26.  
Given V1  iˆ  ˆj and V2  2iˆ  3 ˆj  2kˆ , which one of the following V3 makes V1 , V2 , V3 a

complete set for a three dimensional real linear vector space?

 
(a) V3  iˆ  ˆj  4kˆ (b) V3  2iˆ  ˆj  2kˆ
 
(c) V  iˆ  2 ˆj  6kˆ
3 (d) V  2iˆ  ˆj  4kˆ
3

Topic- Mathematical Physics

Subtopic- Vector Analysis
Ans. : (d)
  
Solution: Let A be the matrix formed by taking V1 , V2 and V3 as column matrix i.e.,

 1 2 2 

A  V1 V2 V3    1 3 1   A  2 . Here V3  2iˆ  ˆj  4kˆ 
 0 2 4 
  
Since, A  0 , hence, V1 , V2 and V3 form a three dimensional real vector space.

Hence, option (d) is correct.

Q27. An interstellar object has speed v at the point of its shortest distance R from a star of much
larger mass M . Given v 2  2GM / R , the trajectory of the object is
(a) circle (b) ellipse (c) parabola (d) hyperbola
Topic- Classical Mechanics
Subtopic- Central Motion
Ans. : (c)
J2 GMm
Solution: At shortest distance E  2

2mR R
Since, mvR  J  J 2  m 2 v 2 R 2
2GM
Now, J 2  m 2 2GMR  2GMm 2 R (Given that v 2  )
R
2GMm 2 R GMm GMm GMm
E    0
2mR 2 R R R
For Kepler’s potential, if energy is zero, then the shape is parabola.

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Q28. A particle moves in one dimension under a potential V  x    x with some non-zero total

energy. Which one of the following best describes the particle trajectory in the phase space?
p p
(a) (b)
x x

p
p
(c) (d)

x x

Topic- Classical Mechanics

Subtopic- Small Oscillations
Ans.: (a)
p2 V  x
Solution: E   x
2m
p2 x
For x  0 , E   x
2m

 p 2  2m  E   x  px
p2
For x  0 , E   x x
2m
 p 2  2m  E   x 

Q29. Consider an infinitely long solenoid with N turns per unit length, radius R and carrying a
current I  t    cos t , where  is a constant and  is the angular frequency. The magnitude

of electric field at the surface of the solenoid is

1 1
(a) 0 NR sin t (b) 0 NR cos t
2 2
(c) 0 NR sin t (d) 0 NR cos t

Topic- Electromagnetic Theory

Subtopic- Solenoid
Ans. : (a)

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   NI  t  zˆ, inside
Solution: B   0
0 , outside
By Maxwell relation:

  B 
Since,  E  dl     da
line
t
  1
 E  2 R   0 N   sin t    R 2  E  0 NR sin t
2

Q30. A constant and uniform magnetic field B  B0 k pervades all space. Which one of the following
ˆ

is the correct choice for the vector potential in Coulomb gauge?

(a)  B0  x  y  iˆ (b) B0  x  y  ˆj (c) B0 xjˆ

1

(d)  B0 xiˆ  yjˆ
2

Topic- Electromagnetic Theory
Subtopic- Coulomb gauge
Ans. : (c)
 
Solution: In Coulomb gauge condition:   A  0
  
For A  B0 xjˆ   A  0

iˆ ˆj kˆ
     
And   A   B0 kˆ  B
x y z
0 B0 x 0

Q31. If H is the Hamiltonian for a free particle with mass m , the commutator  x,  x, H  is

(a)  2 / m (b)  2 / m (c)  2 /  2m  (d)  2 /  2m 

Topic- Quantum Mechanics

Subtopic- Commutation Relation
Ans. : (b)
Solution: For free particle, potential is zero.
Px2
H 
2m
 Px2  2i
Now,  x, H    x,  Px
 2m  2m

2i i 2
 x,  x, H    x, Px    i   
2m m m

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Q32. A long straight wire, having radius a and resistance per unit length r , carries a current I . The
magnitude and direction of the Poynting vector on the surface of the wire is
(a) I 2 r / 2 a , perpendicular to axis of the wire and pointing inwards
(b) I 2 r / 2 a , perpendicular to axis of the wire and pointing outwards
(c) I 2 r /  a , perpendicular to axis of the wire and pointing inwards
(d) I 2 r /  a , perpendicular to axis of the wire and pointing outwards
Topic- Electromagnetic Theory
Subtopic- Poynting vector
Ans. : (a)
 1   1 V 0 I IR
Solution: S 
0
EB   
0 l 2 a
 
I
l 2 a

R  I 2r
V  IR, r   S 
l 2 a
Q33. Three particles are to be distributed in four non-degenerate energy levels. The possible number
of ways of distribution: (i) for distinguishable particles, and (ii) for identical Boson, respectively,
is
(a) (i) 24, (ii) 4 (b) (i) 24, (ii) 20 (c) (i) 64, (ii) 20 (d) (i) 64, (ii) 16
Topic- Statistical Mechanics
Subtopic- Number of microstats
Ans. : (c)
Solution: Number of particles, N  3
Number of state, g  4

For distinguishable particle, w  g N  43  64

N  g 1 6 6 5 4
For identical Bosons, w     20
N g 1 33 3 2

Q34. The term symbol for the electronic ground state of oxygen atom is
(a) 1S0 (b) 1D2 (c) 3P0 (d) 3P2

Topic- Atomic Physics

Subtopic- LS Coupling
Ans. : (d)

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Solution: O : 1s 2 , 2 s 2 , 2 p 4 ML  1 0 1
Here, S  1 , L  2   
According to Hund’s rule, for ground state energy
J  L  S  2  2 S 1
LJ  3 P2

Q35. The energy dispersion for electrons in one dimensional lattice with lattice parameter a is given
1
by E  k   E0  W cos ka , where W and E0 are constants. The effective mass of the electron
2
near the bottom of the band is

2 2 2 2 2
(a) (b) (c) (d)
Wa 2 Wa 2 2Wa 2 4Wa 2
Topic- Solid state physics
Subtopic- Free electron Theory
Ans. : (a)
1
Solution: E  k   E0  W cos  ka 
2
dE aW d 2 E a 2W
 sin  ka   2  cos  ka 
dk 2 dk 2
2 2 2 2
 m*    [At bottom of the band, k  0 ]
d 2 E a 2W Wa 2
cos  ka 
dk 2 2
Q36. Amongst electrical resistivity    , thermal conductivity   , specific heat  C  , Young’s

modulus Y  and magnetic susceptibility    , which quantities show a sharp change at the

superconducting transition temperature?

(a)  ,  , C , Y (b)  , C ,  (c)  ,  , C ,  (d)  , Y , 
Topic- Solid state physics
Subtopic- Superconductivity
Ans. : (b)

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Q37. A quarter wave plate introduces a path difference of  / 4 y
between the two components of polarization parallel and
perpendicular to the optic axis. An electromagnetic wave with
 Optic axis
E   xˆ  yˆ  E0 ei kz t  is incident normally on a quarter wave 1350
x
plate which has its optic axis making an angle 135 with the
0

x - axis as shown.
The emergent electromagnetic wave would be
(a) elliptically polarized
(b) circularly polarized
(c) linearly polarized with polarization as that of incident wave
(d) linearly polarized but with polarization at 900 to that of the incident wave
Topic- Electromagnetic Theory
Subtopic- EM Wave
Ans. : (c)
Q38. A p - doped semiconductor slab carries a current I  100 mA in a magnetic field B  0.2 T as

shown. One measures Vy  0.25 mV and Vx  2 mV . The mobility of holes in the

semiconductor is___________ m 2V 1s 1 (up to two decimal places)

B x
Vy y t  1mm
I z
w  4mm
l  10mm
Vx Topic- Solid state physics
Subtopic- Hall effect
Ans. : 1.55

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Q39. An n - channel FET having Gate-Source switch-off voltage VGS  OFF  2V is used to invert a

0  5V square-wave signal as shown. The maximum allowed value of R would be

_________ k  (up to two decimal places).
5V
5k

Vout
5V
5V Vin R
0V
0V
1k 100

12V
Topic- Electronics
Subtopic- Field effect transistor
Ans. : 0.70
Q40. Inside a large nucleus, a nucleon with mass 939 MeVc 2 has Fermi momentum 1.40 fm 1 at
absolute zero temperature. Its velocity is Xc , where the value of X is__________ (up to two
decimal places).
( c  197 MeV -fm )
Topic- Solid state physics
Subtopic- Free electron theory
Ans. : 0.29
Solution: Here, fermi – momentum or fermi radius, k F  1.40 fm 1

k F  c  k F
Now P  mVF  k F  
m mc


197  MeV -fm 1  40fm 1 275  8c
  0.29c
939 MeVc 2  c 939
Q41. 4 MeV  - rays emitted by the de-excitation of 19
F are attributed, assuming spherical

symmetry, to the transition of protons from 1d3/ 2 state to 1d5/ 2 state. If the contribution of
 
spin-orbit term to the total energy is written as C l  s , the magnitude of C is ______ MeV

(up to one decimal place).

Topic- Atomic Physics
Subtopic- LS Coupling

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Ans. : 1.6
1 3 5
Solution: l  1, s  , ˆj1  , ˆj2 
2 2 2

   
j   l  s   j  l  s  2l  s  l  s 
2 2 2
j2  l 2  s2  
2
   j  j  1   l  1  s  s  1   2
l s 
2
   
    5  7  3  5       20   2  20  C
2
E    l  s  l s  2 2 2 2  2  
 5/ 2 3/ 2 
 8  8
20 32
E  C  4 MeV  C  MeV , C  1.6 MeV .
8 20
Q42. An  particle is emitted by a 230
90 Th nucleus. Assuming the potential to be purely Coulombic

beyond the point of separation, the height of the Coulomb barrier is________ MeV (up to two
e2
decimal places). (  1.44 MeV -fm, r0  1.30 fm )
4 0

Topic- Nuclear Physics

Subtopic- binding energy
Ans. : 25.995
Solution: The height of coulomb barrier for  particle from

90 Th 230  88 X 226  2He 4 (  - particle)

1  2 ze 2 
VC   
4 0  R 

e2
Here, R0  1.3 fm,  1.44 MeV fm and R  R0 A1 / 3
4 0

Here, we consider pure Coulombic interaction

 A1X/ 3  A1 / 3  226  4   6.09  1.58  7.67

1/ 3 1/ 3 1/ 3
ATh

R  R0 ATh
1/ 3
 1.37.67 

 e2  2  90 180  1.44 MeV

Hence, VC    
 4 0  1.37.67  1.3  7.67 fm
VC  25.995 MeV

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Q43. For the transformation

Q  2q e 1 2 cos p, P  2q e  1 sin p

(where  is a constant) to be canonical, the value of  is _________.

Topic- Classical Mechanics
Subtopic- Canonical Transformation
Ans. : 2

Solution: Q  2qe 1 2 cos p, P  2qe  1.sin p

Q P Q P
Since, Q, P   1   1
q p p q

1 
 
1
 2  12  .1
 2q 2 .e 1 2 cos p  2qe  1
cos p  2qe 1 2
  sin p  . q e sin p  1
2  2

 e  2 . cos 2 p  sin 2 p   1  e0    2

Q44. Given
d 2 f  x df  x 
2
2  f  x  0 ,
dx dx
and boundary conditions f  0   1 and f 1  0 , the value of f  0.5  is __________ (up to two

decimal places) .
Topic- Mathematical Physics
Subtopic- Differential Equation
Ans. : 0.81
d 2 f  x df  x 
Solution: 2
2  f  x  0
dx dx
Auxiliary equation is,

m 2
 2m  1  0 
 m  1
2
 0  m  1,1

Hence, the solution is

f  x    c1  c2 x  e x

using boundary condition,

f  0   c1e0  c1  1 (i)

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f 1   c1  c2  e  0 (ii)

From (i) and (ii), c2  1

Hence, f  x   1  x  e x  f  0.5   1  0.5  e0.5  0.81

Q45. The absolute value of the integral

5 z 3  3z 2
 z 2  4 dz ,
over the circle z  1.5  1 in complex plane, is __________ (up to two decimal places).

Topic- Mathematical Physics

Subtopic- Complex Analysis
Ans. : 81.64
5 z 3  3z 2
Solution: f  z  
 z  2  z  2 
Pole, z  2, 2
z  2 is outside the center
2  1.5  1 So, will not be considered

Now, Re s  2   lim  z  2 
 5z  3z   52
3 2 3
 322 40  12
  13
z 2  z  2  z  2  4 4

I  2 i  residue  2 i  13  26  3.14  I  81.64

Q46. A uniform circular disc of mass m and radius R is rotating with angular speed 

 about an axis passing through its centre and making an
angle   300 with the axis of the disc. If the kinetic energy of the disc is
 m 2 R 2 , the value of  is__________ (up to two decimal places).
Topic- Classical Mechanics
Subtopic- Angular Momenta and MOI
Ans. : 0.21
Solution: The kinetic energy of the disc is,
1 
T L 
2

Where L is angular momentum and  is angular velocity

1   1 3 1  mR 2  2 3
T L  cos 300  I       
2 2 2 2 2  2

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3
T m 2 R 2  0.21 m 2 R 2   m 2 R 2  0.21 m 2 R 2
8
Hence,   0.21
Q47. The ground state energy of a particle of mass m in an infinite potential well is E0 . It changes to

 22
 
E0 1    103 , when there is a small potential pump of height V0 
50 mL2
and width

a  L /100 , as shown in the figure. The value of  is ________ (up to two decimal places).

V  x

x a
V0
Topic- Quantum Mechanics
L
Subtopic- Perturbation
Ans. : 0.81
L a L a L
Solution: 1     ,  2     , a 
 2 2  2 2 100
2 2
 2 2x
E1  V0    sin   dx
1 
L   L 
2 
V0  2 x  V  L 2 x  2

L  1  cos L  dx  L0  x 
2
sin
L 1
1

V0  L  2  L  a  2  L  a   
 a   sin  sin 
L  2  2L 2L  

V0  L L   a    a  
    sin      sin     
L 100 2   L   L  

 1
 0.0314  0.0314 
1
 V0  
100 2 
 20 
 V0  103 10  10   E0  103      E0  103  0.81 E0  103
 25 
Hence,   0.81

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Q48. An electromagnetic plane wave is propagating with an intensity I  1.0  105 Wm 2 in a medium

with  3 0 and   0 . The amplitude of the electric field inside the medium is

_________ 103 Vm 1 (up to one decimal place).

( 0  8.85  1012 C 2 N 1m 2 , 0  4  107 NA2 , c  3  108 ms 1 )

Topic- Electromagnetic Theory

Subtopic- EM Wave
Ans. : 6.6

1 2I 2I 
Solution: I  v  E2  E2    2I
2 v 1
 


0 4  107
 E 2  2  105  2  105 12
 4363.4  104
3 0 3  8.8  10

 E  66  102  6.6  103 V / m

Q49. A microcanonical ensemble consists of 12 atoms with each taking either energy 0 state, or
energy  state. Both states are non-degenerate. If the total energy of this ensemble is 4  , its
entropy will be _________ k B (up to one decimal place), where k B is the Boltzmann constant.

Topic- Statistical Mechanics

Subtopic- Number of ways
Ans. : 6.204
Solution: The number of ways having total energy 4  , out of 12 atom is
12 12 1110  9
 12C4    495
48 4  3 2

Hence, entropy, S  k B ln w  k B ln  495   k B  6.204   6.204 k B

Q50. A two-state quantum system has energy eigenvalues   corresponding to the normalized
1
states   . At time t  0 , the system is in quantum state        . The probability
2
that the system will be in the same state at t  h /  6  is _________ (up to two decimal places).

Topic- Quantum Mechanics

Subtopic- Postulates
Ans. : 0.25

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1
Solution:   0         
2
1  
it it

And   t    e   e 
 

2 

At t  ,
6
1  
ih2 ih 2
 1   i i

 t   
  e 6h
  e 6h
  
  e 3
   e 3

2  2 
Now, probability in same state

 t    0
2

2 2
1 2 1 1 1
P  e  i / 3  ei / 3  2 cos   2  0.25
  4 4 3 4 2
Q51. An air-conditioner maintains the room temperature at 27 0 C while the outside temperature is
47 0 C . The heat conducted through the walls of the room from outside to inside due to
temperature difference is 7000 W . The minimum work done by the compressor of the air-
conditioner per unit time is__________ W .
Topic- Thermodynamics
Subtopic- Refrigerator
Ans. : 466.67
Solution: Q2  W  Q1 T1  47  273  323 k

Q1

W
Q2  7000 J / S
Q2  Heat coming in room 
T2  27  273  300 k
Q
Coefficient of performance of refrigerator  AC   2
W
T2 300 7000
Also, coefficient of performance of refrigerator,   
T1  T2 47  27 W
7000  20 1400
W  J /s   466.67 W
300 3
Q52. Two solid spheres A and B have same emissivity. The radius of A is four times the radius of
B and temperature of A is twice the temperature of B . The ratio of the rate of heat radiated
from A to that from B is __________.
Topic- Statistical Mechanics
Subtopic- Black Body Radiation

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Ans. : 256
Rate of heat radiation from solid sphere  A  4 RA2TA4
Solution: 
Rate of heat radiation from solid sphere  B  4 RB2TB4

 RA  4 RB and TA  2TB

4 RA2 TA4  4 RB    2TB 

2 4

   16  16  256
4 RB2 TB4  RB   TB 
2 4

Q53. The partition function of an ensemble at a temperature T is

N
  
Z   2 cosh 
 k BT 

where k B is the Boltzmann constant. The heat capacity of this ensemble at T  is X Nk B ,
kB
where the value of X is __________ (up to two decimal places).
Topic- Statistical Mechanics
Subtopic- Canonical Ensemble
Ans. : 0.42
N
   
Solution: The partition function, z   2 cosh  
  k BT  
  ln z 
The average energy, E  k BT 2
T
       
Nk BT 2  2sinh    2 
  k BT    k BT    
   N  tanh  
    k BT 
2 cosh  
 k BT 
d E      
C   N  sec h 2   . 2 
dT  k BT   k BT 
 N 2
At T  , C  sec h 2 1  Nk sec h 2 1  0.42 Nk B
k k   / k 
2 2

Q54. An atom in its singlet state is subjected to a magnetic field. The Zeeman splitting of its 650 nm
spectral line is 0.03 nm . The magnitude of the field is ___________ Tesla (up to two decimal
places).
( e  1.60  1019 C , me  9.11 1031 kg , c  3.0  108 ms 1 )

Topic- Atomic Physics

Subtopic- Zeeman effect

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Ans. : 1.52
 2 eB
Solution:   
c 4 m
c 4 m 3 108 4  9.1 1031
B 2     
 0.03  109  1.52T
 
19
 e 650  109
2
1.6  10

Q55. The quantum effects in an ideal gas become important below a certain temperature TQ when

de Broglie wavelength corresponding to the root mean square thermal speed becomes equal to
the inter-atomic separation. For such a gas of atoms of mass 2 1026 kg and number density

6.4 1025 m 3 , TQ  ____________ 103 K (up to one decimal place).

( k B  1.38  1023 J / K , h  6.6  1034 J -s )

Topic- Quantum Mechanics

Subtopic- De-Broglie Hypothesis
Ans. : 84.2
h h h
Solution:    
2mE 3 3mkT
2m kT
2
At T  TQ ,   a

h h2
  a  TQ 
3mkTQ 3mka 2

1
where  6.4  1025 m 3  a  2.5  109 m
a3

 6.6 10 
2
34
J -s
 TQ 
 
2
3  2  1026 kg  1.38  1023 J / k  2.5  109 m

 0.0842 K  84.2  103 K

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