Sri Venkateswara University, Tirupati

ANDHRA PRADESH STATE COUNCIL OF HIGHER EDUCATION

Programme: B.Sc. Honours in Physics (Major)

w.e.f. AY 2023-24

COURSE STRUCTURE

No. of
No. of
Year Semester Course Title of the Course Hrs
Credits
/Week
Essentials and Applications of
1 Mathematical, Physical andChemical 3+2 4
I Sciences
Advances in Mathematical, Physical and
2 3+2 4
Chemical Sciences
I
Mechanics and Properties of Matter 3 3
3 Mechanics and Properties of Matter
2 1
II Practical Course
Waves and Oscillations 3 3
4
Waves and Oscillations Practical Course 2 1
5 Optics 3 3
Optics Practical Course 2 1
6 Heat and Thermodynamics 3 3
Heat and Thermodynamics Practical
2 1
Course
III 7 Electronic Devices and Circuits 3 3
Electronic Devices and Circuits
2 1
Practical Course
8 Analog and Digital Electronics 3 3
Analog and Digital Electronics Practical
II 2 1
course
9 Electricity and Magnetism 3 3
Electricity and Magnetism Practical
2 1
Course
10 Modern Physics 3 3
IV Modern Physics Practical Course 2 1
11 Introduction to Nuclear and Particle
3 3
Physics
Introduction to Nuclear and Particle
2 1
Physics Practical Course
 No. of
No. of
Year Semester Course Title of the Course Hrs
Credits
/Week
Applications of Electricity & Electronics 3 3
12 Applications of Electricity & Electronics
2 1
Practical Course
Electronic Instrumentation 3 3
13 Electronic Instrumentation Practical
2 1
Course
Optical Instruments and Optometry 3 3
14 A Optical Instruments and Optometry
2 1
Practical Course
OR
III V Optical Imaging and Photography 3 3
14 B Optical Imaging and Photography
2 1
Practical Course
Low Temperature Physics &
3 3
Refrigeration
15 A
Low Temperature Physics &
2 1
Refrigeration Practical Course
OR
Solar Energy and Applications 3 3
15 B Solar Energy and Applications Practical
2 1
Course
VI Internship
VII Courses will be available in due course
of time
VIII Courses will be available in due course
of time
 SEMESTER-II
COURSE 3: MECHANICS AND PROPERTIES OF MATTER
Theory Credits: 3 3 hrs/week

COURSE OBJECTIVE:

The course on Mechanics and Properties of Matter aims to provide students with a fundamental
understanding of the behaviour of physical systems, both in terms of mechanical motion and in terms of the
properties of matter

LEARNING OUTCOMES:

1. Students will be able to understand and apply the concepts of scalar and vector fields, calculate the
gradient of a scalar field, determine the divergence and curl of a vector field.
2. Students will be able to apply the laws of motion, solve equations of motion for variable mass
systems
3. Students will be able to define a rigid body and comprehend rotational kinematic relations, derive
equations of motion for rotating bodies, analyze the precession of a top and gyroscope, understand
the precession of the equinoxes
4. Students will be able to define central forces and provide examples, understand the characteristics
and conservative nature of central forces, derive equations of motion under central forces.
5. Students will be able to differentiate between Galilean relativity and the concept of absolute frames,
comprehend the postulates of the special theory of relativity, apply Lorentz transformations,
understand and solve problems

UNIT-I VECTOR ANALYSIS

Scalar and vector fields, gradient of a scalar field and its physical significance. Divergence and curl of a
vector field with derivations and physical interpretation. Vector integration (line, surface and volume),
Statement and proof of Gauss and Stokes theorems.
UNIT-II MECHANICS OF PARTICLES

Laws of motion, motion of variable mass system, Equation of motion of a rocket. Conservation of
energy and momentum, Collisions in two and three dimensions, Concept of impact parameter, scattering
cross-section, Rutherford scattering-derivation.

UNIT-III MECHANICS OF RIGID BODIES AND CONTINUOUS MEDIA

Definition of rigid body, rotational kinematic relations, equation of motion for a rotating body,
Precession of a top, Gyroscope, Precession of the equinoxes. Elastic constants of isotropic solids and
their relations, Poisson's ratio and expression for Poisson's ratio. Classification of beams, types of
bending, point load, distributed load.
UNIT-IV CENTRAL FORCES

Central forces, definition and examples, characteristics of central forces, conservative nature of central
forces, conservative force as a negative gradient of potential energy, equations of motion under a .
Derivation of Kepler’s laws. Motion of satellites

UNIT-V SPECIAL THEORY OF RELATIVITY

Galilean relativity, Absolute frames. Michelson-Morley experiment, The negative result. Postulates of
special theory of relativity. Lorentz transformation, time dilation, length contraction, addition of
velocities, mass-energy relation.
REFERENCE BOOKS:
1. BSc Physics -Telugu Akademy, Hyderabad
2. Mechanics - D.S. Mathur, Sulthan Chand & Co, New Delhi
3. Mechanics - J.C. Upadhyaya, Ramprasad & Co., Agra
4. Properties of Matter - D.S. Mathur, S.Chand & Co, New Delhi ,11th Edn., 2000
5. Physics Vol. I - Resnick-Halliday-Krane ,Wiley, 2001
6. Properties of Matter – Brijlal & Subrmanyam, S. Chand &Co. 1982
7. Dynamics of Particles and Rigid bodies– Anil Rao, Cambridge Univ Press, 2006
8. Mechanics-EM Purcell, Mc Graw Hill
9. University Physics-FW Sears, MW Zemansky & HD Young, Narosa Publications, Delhi
10. College Physics-I. T. Bhima sankaram and G. Prasad. Himalaya Publishing House.
11. Mechanics, S. G. Venkata chalapathy, Margham Publication, 2003.

BOS Chairman
 SEMESTER-II
COURSE 3: MECHANICS AND PROPERTIES OF MATTER

Practical Credits: 1 2hrs/week

COURSE OBJECTIVE:

To develop practical skills in the use of laboratory equipment and experimental techniques for measuring
properties of matter and analyzing mechanical systems.

LEARNING OUTCOMES:

1. Mastery of experimental techniques: Students should become proficient in using laboratory

equipment and experimental techniques to measure properties of matter and analyze mechanical
systems.
2. Application of theory to practice: Students should be able to apply theoretical concepts learned in
lectures to real-world situations, and understand the limitations of theoretical models.
3. Accurate recording and analysis of data: Students should be able to accurately record and analyze
experimental data, including understanding the significance of error analysis and statistical methods.
4. Critical thinking and problem solving: Students should be able to identify sources of error,
troubleshoot experimental problems, and develop critical thinking skills in experimental design and
analysis.
5. Understanding of physical principles: Students should develop an understanding of the physical
principles governing mechanical systems and the properties of matter, including elasticity, viscosity,
and thermal expansion.

Minimum of 6 experiments to be done and recorded

1. Viscosity of liquid by the flow method (Poiseuille’s method)

2. Young’s modulus of the material of a bar (scale) by uniform bending
3. Young’s modulus of the material a bar (scale) by non- uniform bending
4. Surface tension of a liquid by capillary rise method
5. Determination of radius of capillary tube by Hg thread method
6. Viscosity of liquid by Searle’s viscometer method
7. Bifilar suspension –moment of inertia of a regular rectangular body.
8. Determination of moment of inertia using Fly-wheel
9. Determination of the height of a building using a sextant.
10. Rigidity modulus of material of a wire-dynamic method (torsional pendulum)
STUDENT ACTIVITIES

Unit I: Vector Analysis

Activity: Field Mapping

Students can choose a physical field (e.g., temperature, magnetic field) and create a field map by taking
measurements at different points. They can then calculate the gradient of the field and analyse the variations.
This activity helps them understand the concept of gradient in a scalar field.
Unit II: Mechanics of Particles
Activity: Collision Experiments

Students can set up simple collision experiments using marbles, carts, or other objects. They can measure the
initial and final velocities, masses, and analyze the momentum conservation. By varying the conditions (e.g.,
masses, initial velocities), they can observe the effects on the collision outcomes.

Unit III: Mechanics of Rigid Bodies and Continuous Media

Activity: Balancing Act

Students can experiment with balancing various objects (e.g., rulers, books) on different points to understand
the concept of center of mass and stability. They can analyse the equilibrium conditions and explore how the
position of the center of mass affects the stability.

Unit IV: Central Forces

Activity: Pendulum Motion

Students can investigate the motion of a simple pendulum by varying its length and measuring the time
period. They can analyze the relationship between the period and the length, and discuss the concept of
centripetal force and its role in circular motion.

Unit V: Special Theory of Relativity

Activity: Time Measurement

Students can perform a time measurement experiment using simple devices like water clocks or sand timers.
They can compare the measured time between two events at different relative speeds and discuss the concept
of time dilation

BOS Chairman

SEMESTER-II
COURSE 4: WAVES AND OSCILLATIONS
Theory Credits: 3 3hrs/week

COURSE OBJECTIVE:

This course provides students with a broad understanding of the physical principles of the oscillations, to
help them develop critical thinking and quantitative reasoning skills, to empower them to think creatively
and critically about scientific problems and experiments.

LEARNING OUTCOMES:

The student should be able

1. To describe the basic characteristics of waves such as frequency, wavelength, amplitude, period,
and speed.
2. To utilize mathematical relationships related to wave characteristics.
3. To compare particle motion and wave motion in different types of waves.
4. To distinguish between Longitudinal and Transverse waves.
5. To get the knowledge about how to construct and analysis the square waves, saw tooth waves,
etc. from Fourier analysis

UNIT-I Simple Harmonic oscillations

Simple harmonic oscillator and solution of the differential equation-Physical characteristics of SHM,
torsion pendulum-measurements of rigidity modulus, compound pendulum- measurement of ‘g’,
Principle of superposition, beats, combination of two mutually perpendicular simple harmonic
vibrations of same frequency and different frequencies. Lissajous figures.

UNIT-II Damped and forced oscillations

Damped harmonic oscillator, solution of the differential equation of damped oscillator. Energy
considerations, comparison with un-damped harmonic oscillator, logarithmic decrement, relaxation
time, quality factor, differential equation of forced oscillator and its solution, amplitude resonance and
velocity resonance.

UNIT-III Complex vibrations 9hr

Fourier theorem and evaluation of the Fourier coefficients, analysis of periodic wave functions-square
wave, triangular wave, saw tooth wave, simple problems on evolution of Fourier coefficients.

UNIT-IV Vibrating Strings and Bars

Transverse wave propagation along a stretched string, general solution of wave equation and its
significance, modes of vibration of stretched string clamped at ends, overtones and harmonics. Energy
 transport and transverse impedance. Longitudinal vibrations in bars-wave equation and its general
solution. Special cases (i) bar fixed at both ends (ii) bar fixed at the midpoint (iii) bar fixed at one end.
Tuning fork.

UNIT-V Ultrasonics:

Ultrasonics, properties of ultrasonic waves, production of ultrasonics by piezoelectric and magneto

strictive methods, detection of ultrasonics, determination of wavelength of ultrasonic waves.
Applications and uses of ultrasonic waves.

REFERENCE BOOKS:

1. BSc Physics Vol.1, Telugu Academy, Hyderabad.

2. Fundamentals of Physics. Halliday/Resnick/Walker ,Wiley India Edition 2007.
3. Waves & Oscillations. S.Badami, V. Balasubramanian and K.R. Reddy, Orient Longman.
4. College Physics-I. T. Bhimasankaram and G. Prasad. Himalaya Publishing House.
5. Science and Technology of Ultrasonics- Baldevraj, Narosa, New Delhi,2004
6. Introduction to Physics for Scientists and Engineers. F.J. Buche. McGraw Hill.

BOS Chairman

SEMESTER-II
COURSE 4: WAVES AND OSCILLATIONS
Practical Credits: 1 2hrs/week
COURSE OBJECTIVE:

This course provides students with a broad understanding of the physical principles of the oscillations, to
help them develop critical thinking and quantitative reasoning skills, to empower them to think creatively
and critically about scientific problems and experiments.

LEARNING OUTCOMES:
1. Students are made to determine the unknown frequency of tuning fork by volume resonator
experiment
2. Students are made to determine ‘g’ by compound/bar pendulum
3. Students are made to determine the force constant of a spring by static and dynamic method.
4. Students are made to determine the elastic constants of the material of a flat spiral spring.
5. Students are made to verify the laws of vibrations of stretched string –sonometer
6. Students are made to determine the frequency of a bar –Melde’s experiment.
7. Students are made to study the damped oscillation using the torsional pendulum immersed in
liquid-decay constant and damping correction of the amplitude.
8. Students are made to form Lissajous figures using CRO.

Minimum of 6 experiments to be done and recorded

Experiments

1. Volume resonator experiment

2. Determination of ‘g’ by compound/bar pendulum
3. Simple pendulum normal distribution of errors-estimation of time period and the error of the mean by
statistical analysis
4. Determination of the force constant of a spring by static and dynamic method.
5. Determination of the elastic constants of the material of a flat spiral spring.
6. Coupled oscillators
7. Verification of laws of vibrations of stretched string –sonometer
8. Determination of frequency of a bar –Melde’s experiment.
9. Study of a damped oscillation using the torsional pendulum immersed in liquid-decay constant and
damping correction of the amplitude.
10. Formation of Lissajous figures using CRO.

STUDENT ACTIVITIES

Unit-I Simple Harmonic oscillations:

Activity: Measuring the period of a simple pendulum and verifying the relationship
between the period and the length of the pendulum. Students can use a stopwatch and a
ruler to measure the time for a fixed number of oscillations and calculate the period.

Unit-II Damped and forced oscillations:

Activity: Measuring the damping coefficient of a mass-spring system and calculating the
quality factor. Students can measure the amplitude of the system as it undergoes damped
oscillations and use the logarithmic decrement formula to calculate the damping
coefficient. They can then use the formula for the quality factor to evaluate the quality of
the system.

Unit-III Complex vibrations:

Activity: Constructing a square wave using Fourier series and analyzing its Fourier
coefficients. Students can use a software tool or a programming language to generate a
square wave and then compute the Fourier coefficients. They can then plot the magnitude
spectrum of the waveform and observe the harmonic components.

Unit-IV Vibrating Strings and Bars:

Activity: Measuring the speed of sound in a metal rod and comparing it with the theoretical
value. Students can use a microphone and an oscilloscope to measure the time delay
between two reflections of a sound pulse in the rod. They can then use the formula for the
speed of sound in a solid to calculate the speed and compare it with the theoretical value.

Unit-V Ultrasonics:

Activity: Measuring the wavelength of ultrasonic waves using the diffraction of light.
Students can use a laser and a diffraction grating to create a diffraction pattern of an
ultrasonic wave. They can then measure the distance between the diffraction fringes and
use the formula for the diffraction of light to calculate the wavelength of the ultrasonic
wave.

BOS Chairman

SEMESTER-III
COURSE 5: OPTICS