ISC Class 11 Syllabus 2027 Physics

ISC YEAR 2027

INDIAN SCHOOL CERTIFICATE
EXAMINATION

PHYSICS
(861)

February 2025
____________________________________________________________________________________________

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MISSION STATEMENT

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Examinations is committed to serving the nation's
children, through high quality educational
endeavours, empowering them to contribute towards
a humane, just and pluralistic society, promoting
introspective living, by creating exciting learning
opportunities, with a commitment to excellence.

ETHOS OF CISCE

Trust and fair play.
Minimum monitoring.
Allowing schools to evolve their own niche.
Catering to the needs of the children.
Giving freedom to experiment with new ideas
and practices.
Diversity and plurality - the basic strength for
evolution of ideas.
Schools to motivate pupils towards the
cultivation of:
Excellence - The Indian and Global
experience.
Values - Spiritual and cultural - to be the bedrock
of the educational experience.
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aspirations.

PHYSICS (861)

Aims
1. To enable candidates to acquire knowledge and to develop an understanding of the terms, facts, concepts,
definitions, fundamental laws, principles and processes in the field of physics.
2. To develop the ability to apply the knowledge and understanding of physics to unfamiliar situations.
3. To develop a scientific attitude through the study of physical sciences.
4. To develop skills in -
(a) the practical aspects of handling apparatus, recording observations and
(b) Drawing diagrams, graphs, etc.
5. To develop an appreciation of the contribution of physics towards scientific and technological developments
and towards human happiness.
6. To develop an interest in the world of physical sciences.

CLASS XI
There will be two papers in the subject:
Paper II: Practical - 3 hours ... 15 marks
Paper I: Theory - 3 hours ... 70 marks
Project Work … 10 marks
Practical File … 5 marks

PAPER I- THEORY: 70 Marks
S. NO. UNIT TOTAL WEIGHTAGE
1. Physical World and Measurement
2. Kinematics 23 Marks
3. Laws of Motion
4. Work, Energy and Power 17 Marks
5. Motion of System of Particles and Rigid Body
6. Gravitation
7. Properties of Bulk Matter 20 Marks
8. Heat and Thermodynamics
9. Behaviour of Perfect Gases and Kinetic Theory of Gases
10. Oscillations and Waves 10 Marks
TOTAL 70 Marks

PAPER I -THEORY – 70 Marks and subtraction, (b) multiplication/
division; ‘rounding off’ the uncertain
Note: (i) Unless otherwise specified, only S. I. Units digits; order of magnitude as statement
are to be used while teaching and learning, as well as of magnitudes in powers of 10; examples
for answering questions. from magnitudes of common physical
(ii) All physical quantities to be defined as and when quantities - size, mass, time, etc.
they are introduced along with their units and (c) Dimensions of physical quantities;
dimensions.
dimensional formula; express
(iii) Numerical problems are included in all topics derived units in terms of base units
except where they are specifically excluded or where (N = kg m/s2); use symbol […] for
only qualitative treatment is required. dimensions of or base unit of; e.g.:
dimensional formula of force in terms of
1. Physical World and Measurement
fundamental quantities written as
Units and Measurements [F] = [MLT–2]. Principle of homogeneity
Measurement: need for measurement; units of of dimensions. Expressions in terms of SI
measurement; systems of units: fundamental base units and dimensional formula may
and derived units in SI; measurement of be obtained for all physical quantities as
length, mass and time; errors in measurement; and when new physical quantities are
significant figures. introduced.
Dimensional formulae of physical quantities and (d) Use of dimensional analysis to (i) check
constants, dimensional analysis and its the dimensional correctness of a
applications. formula/ equation; (ii) to obtain the
dimensional formula of any derived
(a) Importance of measurement in scientific physical quantity including constants;
studies; physics is a science of (iii) to convert units from one system to
measurement. Unit as a reference another; limitations of dimensional
standard of measurement; essential analysis.
properties. Systems of units; CGS, FPS,
MKS, MKSA, and SI; the seven base 2. Kinematics
units of SI selected by the General (i) Motion in a Straight Line
Conference on Weights and Measures in
1971 and their definitions, list of Frame of references, Motion in a straight line
fundamental, supplementary and derived (one dimension): Position-time graph, speed
physical quantities; their units and and velocity.
symbols (strictly as per rule); subunits Elementary concepts of differentiation and
and multiple units using prefixes for integration for describing motion, uniform
powers of 10 (from atto for 10-18 to tera and non- uniform motion, average speed,
for 1012); other common units such as velocity, average velocity, instantaneous
fermi, angstrom (now outdated), light velocity and uniformly accelerated motion,
year, astronomical unit and parsec. A velocity - time and position - time graphs.
new unit of mass used in atomic physics
Relations for uniformly accelerated motion
is unified atomic mass unit with symbol u
(graphical treatment).
(not amu); rules for writing the names of
units and their symbols in SI (upper Frame of reference, concept of point mass,
case/lower case.) Derived units (with rest and motion; distance and displacement,
correct symbols); special names speed and velocity, average speed and
wherever applicable; expression in terms average velocity, uniform velocity,
of base units (e.g.: N= kg m/s2). instantaneous speed and instantaneous
(b) Significant figures; their significance; velocity, acceleration, instantaneous
rules for counting the number of acceleration, s-t, v-t and a-t graphs for
significant figures; rules for (a) addition uniform acceleration and conclusions drawn

from these graphs; kinematic equations of (b) Addition: use displacement as an
motion for objects in uniformly accelerated example; obtain triangle law of addition;
rectilinear motion derived using graphical, graphical and analytical treatment;
calculus or analytical method, motion of an Discuss commutative and associative
object under gravity, (one dimensional properties of vector addition (Proof not
motion). required). Parallelogram Law; sum and
Differentiation as rate of change; examples difference; derive expressions for
from physics – speed, acceleration, velocity magnitude and direction from
gradient, etc. Formulae for differentiation of parallelogram law; special cases;
simple functions: xn, sinx, cosx, ex and ln x. subtraction as special case of
Simple ideas about integration – mainly. addition with direction reversed; use of
Triangle Law for subtraction also; if
∫ xn.dx. Both definite and indefinite integrals      
to be mentioned (elementary calculus not to
a + b = c ; c - a = b ; In a parallelogram,
be evaluated). if one diagonal is the sum, the other
diagonal is the difference; addition and
(ii) Motion in a Plane subtraction with vectors expressed in
Scalar and Vector quantities with examples. terms of unit vectors î , ĵ , k̂ ;
Position and displacement vectors,
multiplication of a vector by a real
general vectors and their notations;
number.
equality of vectors, addition and subtraction
of vectors, Unit vector; resolution of a (c) Use triangle law of addition to
vector in a plane, rectangular components, express a vector in terms of its
Scalar and Vector product of two vectors.   
components. If a + b = c is an
Projectile motion and uniform circular   
motion. addition fact, c = a + b is a resolution;
  
(a) General Vectors and notation, position a and b are components of c .
and displacement vector. Vectors Rectangular components, relation
explained using displacement as a between components, resultant and
prototype - along a straight line (one angle between them. Dot (or scalar)
 
dimensional), on a plane surface product of vectors a . b = abcosθ;
(two dimensional) and in an open space  
example W = F . S = FS Cosθ . Special
not confined to a line or a plane (three
case of θ = 0o, 90 o and 1800. Vector (or
dimensional); symbol and  
representation; a scalar quantity, its cross) product a × b = [absinθ] n̂ ;
  
representation and unit, equality of example: torque τ = r × F ; Special
vectors. Unit vectors denoted  
cases using unit vectors iˆ , ĵ , k̂ for a . b
by î , ĵ , k̂ orthogonal unit vectors along  
and a × b .
x, y and z axes respectively. Examples of
 (d) Various terms related to projectile
one dimensional vector V 1 =a î or b ĵ or motion; obtain equations of trajectory,
c k̂ where a, b, c are scalar quantities or time of flight, maximum height,
 horizontal range, instantaneous velocity,
numbers; V 2 = a î + b ĵ is a two [projectile motion on an inclined plane

dimensional or planar vector, V 3 = a î + not included]. Examples of projectile
motion.
b ĵ + c k̂ is a three dimensional or space
(e) Examples of uniform circular motion:
vector. Concept of null vector and co-
details to be covered in unit 3 (d).
planar vectors.

3. Laws of Motion on “Connected bodies” (not involving two
General concept of force, inertia, Newton's pulleys).
first law of motion; momentum and (b) Force diagrams; resultant or net force from
Newton's second law of motion; impulse; Triangle law of Forces, parallelogram law or
Newton's third law of motion. 
resolution of forces. Apply net force ∑ F =
Law of conservation of linear momentum and its 
m a . Again for equilibrium a=0 and ∑F=0.
applications. Conditions of equilibrium of a rigid body
Equilibrium of concurrent forces. Friction: under three coplanar forces. Discuss ladder
Static and kinetic friction, laws of friction, problem.
rolling friction, lubrication. (c) Friction; classical view and modern view of
Dynamics of uniform circular motion: friction, static friction a self-adjusting force;
Centripetal force, examples of circular motion limiting value; kinetic friction or sliding
(vehicle on a level circular road, vehicle on a friction; rolling friction, examples.
banked road).
Laws of friction: Two laws of static friction;
(a) Newton's first law: Statement and (similar) two laws of kinetic friction;
explanation; concept of inertia, mass, force; coefficient of friction µs = fs(max)/N and
law of inertia; mathematically, if ∑F=0, µk = fk/N; graphs. Friction as a non-
a=0. conservative force; motion under friction, net
   force in Newton’s 2nd law is calculated
Newton's second law: p =m v ; F α ; including fk. Motion along a rough inclined
 plane – both up and down. Pulling and
F =k . Define unit of force so that k=1; pushing of a roller. Angle of friction and
 angle of repose. Lubrication, use of bearings,
F= ; a vector equation. For classical streamlining, etc.
physics with v not large and mass m (d) Angular displacement (θ), angular velocity
 
remaining constant, obtain F =m a . (ω), angular acceleration (α) and their
For v→ c, m is not constant. Then relations. Concept of centripetal
m = mo Note that F= ma is the acceleration; obtain an expression for this

1 - v2 c2 acceleration using∆ v . Magnitude and

special case for classical mechanics. It is a direction of a same as that of ∆ v ;
vector equation. || . Also, this can be Centripetal acceleration; the cause of this
resolved into three scalar equations Fx=max acceleration is a force - also called
etc. Application to numerical problems; centripetal force; the name only indicates its
introduce tension force, normal reaction direction, it is not a new type of force, motion
force. If a = 0 (body in equilibrium), F= 0. in a vertical circle; banking of road and
Statement, derivation and explanation of railway track (conical pendulum is
principle of conservation of linear excluded).
momentum. Impulse of a force: F∆t =∆p.
4. Work, Power and Energy
Newton's third law. Obtain it using Law of
Work done by a constant force and a
Conservation of linear momentum. Proof of
variable force; kinetic energy, work-energy
Newton’s second law as real law. Systematic
theorem, power.
solution of problems in mechanics; isolate a
part of a system, identify all forces acting on Potential energy, potential energy of a spring,
it; draw a free body diagram representing conservative forces: conservation of mechanical
the part as a point and representing all energy (kinetic and potential energies);
forces by line segments, solve for resultant Conservative and non-conservative forces.

force which is equal to m a . Simple problems

Concept of collision: elastic and inelastic rigid body; kinetic energy of a rigid body
collisions in one and two dimensions. rotating about a fixed axis in terms of that of the
  particles of the body; hence, define moment of
(i) Work done W= F . S =FScosθ. If F is inertia and radius of gyration; physical
    significance of moment of inertia; unit and
variable dW= F . dS and W=∫dw= ∫ F . dS ,
    dimension; depends on mass and axis of rotation;
for F ║ dS F . dS =FdS therefore, W=∫FdS it is rotational inertia; equations of rotational
is the area under the F-S graph or if F can be motions. Applications: only expression for the
expressed in terms of S, ∫FdS can be moment of inertia, I (about the symmetry axis) of:
evaluated. Example, work done in stretching (i) a ring; (ii) a solid and a hollow cylinder, (iii)
a thin rod (iv) a solid and a hollow sphere, (v) a
=
a spring W = ∫ Fdx ∫ kxdx 1 kx 2 . This
= disc - only formulae (no derivations required).
2
is also the potential energy stored in the (a) Statements of the parallel and perpendicular
stretched spring U=½ kx2. axes theorems with illustrations [derivation
not required]. Simple examples with change
Kinetic energy and its expression, of axis.
Work-Energy theorem E=W. Law of   
Conservation of Energy; oscillating spring. (b) Definition of torque (vector); τ = r x F
  
U+K = E = Kmax = Umax (for U = 0 and K = and angular momentum L = r x p for a
0 respectively); graph different forms of particle (no derivations); differentiate to
energy and their transformations. E = mc2  
 obtain d L /dt= τ ; similar to Newton’s
(no derivation). Power P=W/t; P = F .v . second law of motion (linear);hence τ =I α
(ii) Collision in one dimension; derivation of and L = Iω; (only scalar
velocity equation for general case of m1 ≠ m2 equation); Law of conservation of angular
and u1 ≠ u2=0; Special cases for m1=m2=m; momentum; simple applications.
m1>>m2 or m1<<m2. Oblique collisions i.e. Comparison of linear and rotational
collision in two dimensions. motions.
5. Motion of System of Particles and Rigid Body 6. Gravitation
Idea of centre of mass: centre of mass of a two- Kepler's laws of planetary motion, universal law
particle system, momentum conservation and of gravitation. Acceleration due to gravity (g)
centre of mass motion. Centre of mass of a rigid and its variation with altitude, latitude and
body; centre of mass of a uniform rod. depth.
Moment of a force, torque, angular momentum,
laws of conservation of angular momentum and Gravitational potential and gravitational
its applications. potential energy, escape velocity, orbital
velocity of a satellite, Geo-stationary satellites.
Equilibrium of rigid bodies, rigid body rotation
and equations of rotational motion, comparative (i) Newton's law of universal gravitation;
study of linear and rotational motions. Statement; unit and dimensional formula of
Moment of inertia, radius of gyration, universal gravitational constant, G
moments of inertia for simple geometrical [Cavendish experiment not required];
objects (no derivation). Statement of parallel gravitational acceleration on surface of the
and perpendicular axes theorems and their earth (g), weight of a body W= mg from
applications. F=ma.
Definition of centre of mass (COM), centre of (ii) Relation between g and G. Derive the
mass (cm) for a two particle system
expression for variation of g above and
m1x1+m2x2=Mxcm; differentiating, get the
below the surface of the earth; graph;
equation for vcm and acm; general equation for N
particles- many particles system; [need not go mention variation of g with latitude and
into more details];centre of gravity, principle of rotation, (without derivation).
moment, discuss ladder problem, concept of a

(iii) Gravitational field, intensity of gravitational (ii) Mechanical Properties of Fluids
field and potential at a point
Pressure due to a fluid column; Pascal's
in earth’s gravitational field. Vp = Wαp/m. law and its applications (hydraulic lift and
Derive expression (by integration) for hydraulic brakes), effect of gravity on fluid
the gravitational potential difference pressure.
∆V = VB-VA = G.M(1/rA-1/rB); here
Vp = V(r) = -GM/r; negative sign for Viscosity, Stokes' law, terminal velocity,
attractive force field; define gravitational streamline and turbulent flow, critical
potential energy of a mass m in the earth's velocity, Bernoulli's theorem and its
field; expression for gravitational potential applications.
energy U(r) = Wαp = m.V(r) = -G M m/r; Surface energy and surface tension, angle of
show that ∆U = mgh, for h << R. Relation contact, excess of pressure across a curved
between intensity and acceleration due to surface, application of surface tension ideas
gravity. to drops, bubbles and capillary rise.
(iv) Derive expression for the escape velocity of (a) Pressure in a fluid, Pascal’s Law and its
earth using energy consideration; ve depends applications, buoyancy (Archimedes
on mass of the earth; for moon ve is less as Principle).
mass of moon is less; consequence - no
atmosphere on the moon. (b) General characteristics of fluid flow;
equation of continuity v1a1= v2a2;
(v) Satellites (both natural (moon) and artificial) conditions; applications like use of
in uniform circular motion around the earth; nozzle at the end of a hose; Bernoulli’s
Derive the expression for orbital velocity and principle (theorem); assumptions -
time period; note the centripetal acceleration incompressible liquid, streamline
is caused (or centripetal force is provided) by (steady) flow, non-viscous and
the force of gravity exerted by the earth on irrotational liquid - ideal liquid;
the satellite; the acceleration of the satellite derivation of equation; applications of
is the acceleration due to gravity Bernoulli’s theorem- atomizer, dynamic
[g’= g(R/R+h)2; F’G = mg’]. Weightlessness; uplift, Venturimeter, Magnus effect etc.
geostationary satellites; conditions for
satellite to be geostationary; parking orbit, (c) Streamline and turbulent flow -
calculation of its radius and height; basic examples; streamlines do not intersect
concept of polar satellites and their uses. (like electric and magnetic lines of
force); tubes of flow; number of
(vi) Kepler's laws of planetary motion: explain streamlines per unit area α velocity of
the three laws using diagrams. Proof of third flow (from equation of continuity v1a1 =
law (for circular orbits only). v2a2); critical velocity; Reynolds number
(significance only), Poiseuille’s formula
7. Properties of Bulk Matter with numericals.
(i) Mechanical Properties of Solids: Elastic (d) Viscous drag; Newton's formula for
behaviour of solids, Stress-strain viscosity, co-efficient of viscosity and its
relationship, Hooke's law, Young's modulus, units.
bulk modulus, shear modulus of rigidity,
Poisson's ratio; elastic energy (qualitative Flow of fluids (liquids and gases),
treatment only). laminar flow, internal friction between
layers of fluid, between fluid and the
Elasticity in solids, Hooke’s law, Young’s solid with which the fluid is in relative
modulus and its determination, bulk modulus motion; examples; viscous drag is a
and shear modulus of rigidity, work done in force of friction; mobile and viscous
stretching a wire and strain energy, liquids.
Poisson’s ratio.

Velocity gradient dv/dx (space rate (b) Black body is now called ideal or cavity
of change of velocity); viscous drag radiator and black body radiation is
F = ηA dv/dx; coefficient of viscosity cavity radiation; Stefan’s law is now
η = F/A (dv/dx) depends on the nature of known as Stefan Boltzmann law as
the liquid and its temperature; units: Boltzmann derived it theoretically. There
Ns/m2 and dyn.s/cm2= poise.1 poise=0.1 is multiplicity of technical terms related
Ns/m2. to thermal radiation - radiant intensity I
(T) for total radiant power (energy
(e) Stoke's law, motion of a sphere falling radiated/second) per unit area of the
through a fluid, hollow rigid sphere
surface, in W/m2, I (T) =σ T4; dimension
rising to the surface of a liquid,
and SI unit of σ. For practical radiators
parachute, obtain the expression of
terminal velocity; forces acting; viscous I =∈. σ T4 where ∈ (dimension less) is
drag, a force proportional to velocity; called emissivity of the surface
Stoke’s law; ν-t graph. material; ∈=1 for ideal radiators. The
α
Spectral radiancy R(λ). I (T)= ∫ R (λ)
(f) Surface tension (molecular theory) drops 0

and bubbles, angle of contact, work done dλ.
in stretching a surface and surface
energy, capillary rise, measurement of Graph of R(λ) vs λ for different
surface tension by capillary (uniform temperatures. Area under the graph is I
bore) rise method. Excess pressure (T). The λ corresponding to maximum
across a curved surface, application of value of R is called λmax; decreases with
surface tension for drops and bubbles. increase in temperature.
8. Heat and Thermodynamics Wien’s displacement law; Stefan’s law
and Newton’s law of cooling.
(i) Thermal Properties of Matter: Heat, [Deductions from Stefan’s law not
temperature, thermal expansion; thermal necessary].
expansion of solids, liquids and gases,
anomalous expansion of water; specific heat (ii) Thermodynamics
capacity, calorimetry; change of state, Thermal equilibrium and definition of
specific latent heat capacity. temperature (zeroth law of
Heat transfer-conduction, convection and thermodynamics), heat, work and internal
radiation, thermal conductivity, qualitative energy. First law of thermodynamics,
ideas of Blackbody radiation, Wien's isothermal and adiabatic processes.
displacement Law and Stefan's law. Second law of thermodynamics: reversible
and irreversible processes.
(a) Temperature and Heat, measurement of
temperature (scales and inter (a) Thermal equilibrium and zeroth law of
conversion). Ideal gas equation and thermodynamics: Self explanatory
absolute temperature, thermal expansion (b) First law of thermodynamics.
in solids, liquids and gases. Specific heat Concept of heat (Q) as the energy that is
capacity, calorimetry, change of state, transferred (due to temperature
latent heat capacity, steady state and difference only) and not stored; the
temperature gradient. Thermal energy that is stored in a body or system
conductivity: co-efficient of thermal as potential and kinetic energy is called
conductivity, Use of good and poor internal energy (U). Internal energy is a
conductors, Searle’s experiment, (Lee’s state property (only elementary ideas)
Disc method is not required). Convection whereas, heat is not; first law is a
with examples. statement of conservation of energy,
when, in general, heat (Q) is transferred

to a body (system), internal energy (U) of 9. Behaviour of Perfect Gases and Kinetic
the system changes and some work W is Theory of Gases
done by the system; then Q=∆U+W; also (i) Kinetic Theory: Equation of state of a perfect
W=∫pdV for working substance - an ideal gas, work done in compressing a gas. Kinetic
gas; explain the meaning of symbols theory of gases - assumptions, concept of
(with examples) and sign convention pressure. Kinetic interpretation of
carefully (as used in physics: Q>0 when temperature; rms speed of gas molecules;
added to a system, ∆U>0 when U degrees of freedom, law of equi-partition of
increases or temperature rises, and W>0 energy (statement only) and application to
when work is done by the system). specific heat capacities of gases; concept
Special cases for Q=0 (adiabatic), ∆U=0 of mean free path, Avogadro's number.
(isothermal) and W=0 (isochoric). (a) Kinetic Theory of gases; derive p=1/3
(c) Isothermal and adiabatic changes in a 2
ρ c from the assumptions and applying
perfect gas described in terms of PV Newton’s laws of motion. The average
graphs; PV = constant (Isothermal) and thermal velocity (rms value) crms=√3p/ρ;
PVγ = constant (adiabatic); joule and calculations for air, hydrogen and their
calorie relation (derivation of comparison with common speeds. Effect
PVγ = constant not required). of temperature and pressure on rms
Note that 1 cal = 4⋅186 J exactly and J speed of gas molecules.
(so-called mechanical equivalent of heat) [Note that pV=nRT the ideal gas
should not be used in equations. In equation cannot be derived from kinetic
equations, it is understood that each term theory of ideal gas. Hence, neither can
as well as the LHS and RHS are in the other gas laws; pV=nRT is an
same units; it could be all joules or all experimental result. Comparing this
calories.
with p = ⅓ ρ c 2 , from kinetic theory of
(d) Derive an expression for work done in
gases, a kinetic interpretation of
isothermal and adiabatic processes;
temperature can be obtained as
principal and molar heat capacities;
explained in the next subunit].
Cp and Cv; relation between Cp and
Cv (Cp - Cv = R). Work done as area (b) From kinetic theory for an
bounded by PV graph. ideal gas (obeying all the assumptions
(e) Second law of thermodynamics, Carnot's especially no intermolecular attraction
cycle. Some practical applications. and negligibly small size of molecules,
Only one statement each in terms of we get p = (1/3)ρ c 2 or pV = (1/3)M c 2 .
Kelvin’s impossible steam engine and (No further, as temperature is not a
Clausius’ impossible refrigerator. Brief concept of kinetic theory). From
explanation of the law. Reversible and experimentally obtained gas laws, we
irreversible processes, Heat engine; have the ideal gas equation (obeyed by
Carnot’s cycle - describe realisation some gases at low pressure and high
from source and sink of infinite thermal temperature) pV = RT for one mole.
capacity, thermal insulation, etc. Explain Combining these two results (assuming
using pV graph (isothermal process and they can be combined),
adiabatic process) expression and
numericals (without derivation) for RT=(1/3)M c 2 =(2/3).½M c 2 =(2/3)K;
efficiency η=1-T2/T1. Hence, kinetic energy of 1 mole of an
ideal gas K=(3/2)RT. Average K for 1
molecule = K/N = (3/2) RT/N = (3/2) kT
where k is Boltzmann’s constant. So,
temperature T can be interpreted as a

measure of the average kinetic energy of and organ pipes, fundamental mode and
the molecules of a gas. harmonics, Beats.
(c) Degrees of freedom and calculation of (a) Transverse and longitudinal waves;
specific heat capacities for all types of characteristics of a harmonic wave;
gases. Concept of the law of graphical representation of a harmonic
equipartition of energy (derivation not wave. Distinction between transverse
required). Concept of mean free path and longitudinal waves; examples;
and Avogadro’s number NA. displacement, amplitude, time period,
frequency, wavelength, derive v=fλ;
10. Oscillations and Waves graph of displacement with time/position,
(i) Oscillations: Periodic motion, time period, label time period/wavelength and
amplitude, equation of a progressive
frequency, displacement as a function of time,
harmonic (sinusoidal) wave, y = A sin
periodic functions. Simple harmonic motion
(kx±ωt) where k is a propagation factor
(S.H.M) and its equation; phase; oscillations and equivalent equations.
of a spring, restoring force and force
constant; energy in S.H.M., Kinetic and (b) Production and propagation of sound as
potential energies; simple pendulum and a wave motion; mechanical wave
derivation of expression for its time period. requires a medium; general formula for
speed of sound (no derivation).
Simple harmonic motion. Periodic motion, Newton’s formula for speed of sound in
time period T and frequency f, f=1/T; air; experimental value; Laplace’s
uniform circular motion and its projection on correction; variation of speed v with
a diameter defines SHM; displacement, changes in pressure, density, humidity
amplitude, phase and epoch, velocity, and temperature. Speed of sound in
acceleration, time period; characteristics of liquids and solids - brief introduction
SHM; Relation between linear simple only. Concept of supersonic and
harmonic motion and uniform circular ultrasonic waves.
motion. Differential equation of SHM,
(c) Principle of superposition of waves;
d2y/dt2+ω2y=0 from the nature of force
interference (simple ideas only);
acting F=-k y; solution y=A sin (ωt+φ0) dependence of combined wave form, on
where ω2 = k/m; obtain the relative phase of the interfering
expressions for velocity, acceleration, time waves; qualitative only - illustrate with
period T and frequency f. Graphical wave representations. Beats (qualitative
representation of displacement, velocity and explanation only); number of beats
acceleration. Examples, simple pendulum, a produced per second = difference in the
mass m attached to a spring of spring frequencies of the interfering waves.
constant k. Derivation of time period of Standing waves or stationary waves;
simple harmonic motion of a simple formation by two identical progressive
pendulum, mass on a spring (horizontal and waves travelling in opposite directions
vertical oscillations) Kinetic and potential (e.g., along a string, in an air column -
energy at a point in simple harmonic motion. incident and reflected waves); obtain
Total energy E = U+K (potential +kinetic) is y= y1+y2= [2 ym sin (kx)] cos (ωt) using
conserved. Draw graphs of U, K and E equations of the travelling waves;
variation of the amplitude A=2 ymsin (kx)
Versus y.
with location (x) of the particle; nodes
(ii) Waves: Wave motion, Transverse and and antinodes; compare standing waves
longitudinal waves, speed of wave motion, with progressive waves.
displacement relation for a progressive wave, (d) Laws of vibrations of a stretched string.
principle of superposition of waves, Obtain equation for fundamental
reflection of waves, standing waves in strings
frequency f0=(½l) T/m ; sonometer.

(e) Modes of vibration of strings and air surface and to study its relationship with
columns (closed and open pipes); normal reaction. To determine the coefficient
standing waves with nodes and antinodes; of friction.
also in resonance with the periodic force
6. To find the acceleration due to gravity by
exerted usually by a tuning fork; sketches
measuring the variation in time period (T) with
of various modes of vibration; obtain
effective length (L) of a simple pendulum; plot
expressions for fundamental frequency
graphs of T νs √L and T2 νs L. Determine
and various harmonics and overtones;
effective length of the seconds pendulum from T2
mutual relations.
νs L graph.
7. To find the force constant of a spring and to
PAPER II study variation in time period of oscillation with
PRACTICAL WORK- 15 Marks mass m of a body suspended by the spring. To
find acceleration due to gravity by plotting a
Given below is a list of required experiments. graph of T against √m.
Teachers may add to this list, keeping in mind the 8. Boyle's Law: To study the variation in volume
general pattern of questions asked in the annual with pressure for a sample of air at constant
examinations. temperature by plotting graphs between p and
In each experiment, students are expected to record 1 and between p and V.
V
their observations in a tabular form with units at the
column head. Students should plot an appropriate 9. Cooling curve: To study the fall in temperature of
graph, work out the necessary calculations and arrive a body (like hot water or liquid in calorimeter)
at the result. with time. Find the slope of the curve at four
different temperatures of the hot body and hence,
Students are required to have completed all deduce Newton's law of cooling.
experiments from the given list (excluding 10. To study the variation in frequency of air column
demonstration experiments): with length using resonance column apparatus or
1. To measure the diameter of a spherical body a long cylindrical vessel and a set of tuning forks.
using Vernier calipers. Calculate its volume with Hence, determine velocity of sound in air at room
appropriate significant figures. Also measure its temperature.
volume using a graduated cylinder and compare 11. To determine frequency of a tuning fork using a
the two. sonometer.
2. Find the diameter of a wire using a micrometer 12. To determine specific heat capacity of a solid
screw gauge and determine percentage error in using a calorimeter.
cross sectional area.
Demonstration Experiments (The following
3. Determine radius of curvature of a spherical experiments are to be demonstrated by the teacher):
surface like watch glass by a spherometer.
1. Searle's method to determine Young modulus of
4. Equilibrium of three concurrent coplanar forces. elasticity.
To verify the parallelogram law of forces and to
determine weight of a body. 2. Capillary rise method to determine surface
tension of water.
5. (i) Inclined plane: To find the downward force
acting along the inclined plane on a roller due 3. Determination of coefficient of viscosity of a
to gravitational pull of earth and to study its given viscous liquid by terminal velocity method.
relationship with angle of inclination by
plotting graph between force and sin θ.
(ii) Friction: To find the force of limiting friction
for a wooden block placed on horizontal

PROJECT WORK AND PRACTICAL Suggested Evaluation criteria:
FILE – 15 Marks  Title and Abstract (summary)
 Introduction / purpose
Project Work – 10 Marks
 Contents/Presentation
All candidates will be required to do one project
involving some Physics related topic/s, under the  Analysis/ material aid (graph, data, structure,
guidance and regular supervision of the Physics pie charts, histograms, diagrams, etc.)
teacher. Candidates are to prepare a technical report  Originality of work
including an abstract, some theoretical discussion,
experimental setup, observations with tables of data  Conclusion/comments
collected, analysis and discussion of results,
deductions, conclusion, etc. (after the draft has been
approved by the teacher). The report should be kept Practical File – 5 Marks
simple, but neat and elegant. Teachers may assign or Teachers are required to assess students on the basis
students may choose any one project of their choice. of the Physics practical file maintained by them
during the academic year.

NOTE: For guidelines regarding Project Work,
please refer to Class XII.