# Physics (Theory) Class 12 ISC (Arts) CISCE Topics and Syllabus

CISCE Syllabus For Class 12 Physics (Theory): Knowing the Syllabus is very important for the students of Class 12. Shaalaa has also provided a list of topics that every student needs to understand.

The CISCE Class 12 Physics (Theory) syllabus for the academic year 2023-2024 is based on the Board's guidelines. Students should read the Class 12 Physics (Theory) Syllabus to learn about the subject's subjects and subtopics.

Students will discover the unit names, chapters under each unit, and subtopics under each chapter in the CISCE Class 12 Physics (Theory) Syllabus pdf 2023-2024. They will also receive a complete practical syllabus for Class 12 Physics (Theory) in addition to this.

## CISCE Class 12 Physics (Theory) Revised Syllabus

CISCE Class 12 Physics (Theory) and their Unit wise marks distribution

## Syllabus

### CISCE Class 12 Physics (Theory) Syllabus for Electrostatics

1.1 Electric Charges and Fields

Electric charges; conservation and quantisation of charge, Coulomb's law; 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, Gauss’s theorem in Electrostatics and its applications to find field due to infinitely long straight wire, uniformly charged infinite plane sheet and uniformly charged thin spherical shell

• Coulomb's law, S.I. unit of charge; permittivity of free space and of dielectric medium. Frictional electricity, electric charges (two types); repulsion and attraction; simple atomic structure - electrons and ions; conductors and insulators; quantization and conservation of electric charge; Coulomb's law in vector form; (position coordinates r1, r2 not necessary). Comparison with Newton’s law of gravitation; Superposition principle (vecF_1=vecF_12+vecF_13+vecF_14+ ....)
• Concept of electric field and its intensity; examples of different fields;gravitational, electric and magnetic; Electric field due to a point charge vecE =
• Electric charges; conservation and quantisation of charge, Coulomb's law; 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, Gauss’s theorem in Electrostatics and its applications to find field due to infinitely long straight wire, uniformly charged infinite plane sheet and uniformly charged thin spherical shell
• Coulomb's law, S.I. unit of charge; permittivity of free space and of dielectric medium. Frictional electricity, electric charges
(two types); repulsion and attraction; simple atomic structure - electrons and ions; conductors and insulators; quantization and conservation of electric charge; Coulomb's law in vector form; (position coordinates r1, r2 not necessary). Comparison with Newton’s law of gravitation; Superposition principle (vecF_1=vecF_12+vecF_13+vecF_14+ ....)
• Concept of electric field and its intensity; examples of different fields;gravitational, electric and magnetic; Electric field due to a point charge vecE = vecF/qo (q0 is a test charge) vecE for
a group of charges (superposition principle); a point charge q in an electric field E experiences an electric force vecF_E = qvecE. Intensity due to a
continuous distribution of charge i.e. linear, surface and volume.
• Electric lines of force: A convenient way to visualize the electric field; properties of lines of force; examples of the lines of force due to (i) an
isolated point charge (+ve and - ve); (ii) dipole, (iii) two similar charges at a small distance;(iv) uniform field between two oppositely charged parallel plates
• Electric dipole and dipole moment; derivation of the vecE at a point, (1) on the axis (end on position) (2) on the perpendicular bisector (equatorial i.e. broad side on position) of a dipole,
also for r>> 2l (short dipole); dipole in a uniform electric field; net force zero, torque on an electric dipole: vect = vecpxxvecE and its derivation.
• Gauss’ theorem: the flux of a vector field; Q=vA for velocity vector vecv||vecA, vecA is area vector. Similarly for electric field vecE , electric flux ΦE = EA for vecE||vecA and phi_EvecE.vecA for uniform vecE. For non-uniform field phi_E = intdphi = intvecE.dvecA. Special cases for  = 0º, 90º and 180º. Gauss’ theorem, statement: ΦE =q/∈or phi_E = intvecE.dvecA = q/epsilon_0 where  ΦE is for a closed surface; q is the net charge enclosed, ∈o is the permittivity of free space. Essential properties of a Gaussian surface.
• Applications: Obtain expression for vecE due to 1. an infinite line of charge, 2. a uniformly charged infinite plane thin sheet, 3. a thin hollow spherical shell (inside, on the surface and outside). Graphical variation of E vs r for a thin spherical shell
1.2 Electrostatic Potential, Potential Energy 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, energy stored in a capacitor

Concept of potential, potential difference and potential energy. Equipotential surface and its properties. Obtain an expression for
electric potential at a point due to a point charge; graphical variation of E and V vs r, VP=W/q0; hence VA -VB =
WBA/ q0 (taking q0 from B to A) = (q/40)(1/rA - 1/rB); derive this equation; also VA = q/40 .1/rA ; for
q>0, VA>0 and for q<0, VA < 0. For a collection of charges V = algebraic sum of the potentials due to each charge; potential due to a dipole on its axial line and equatorial line; also at any point for r>>2l (short dipole). Potential energy of a point charge (q)
in an electric field E , placed at a point P where potential is V, is given by U =qV and U =q (VA-VB). The
electrostatic potential energy of a system of two charges = work done W21=W12 in assembling the system; U12
or U21 = (1/4piepsilon_0 ) q1q2/r12. For a system of 3 charges U123 = U12 + U13 + U23 = 1/4pielipson_0((q_1q_2)/r_12+(q_1q_3)/r_13+(q_2q_3)/r_23).

For a dipole in a uniform electric field, derive an expression of the electric potential energy UE = -vecp .vecE , special cases for Φ=0º, 90º and 180º.

Capacitance of a conductor C = Q/V; obtain the capacitance of a parallelplate capacitor (C = ∈0A/d) and equivalent capacitance for capacitors in series and parallel combinations. Obtain an expression for energy stored (U = 1/2CV^2=1/2QV=1/2Q^2/C^2) and enery density.

Dielectric constant K = C'/C; this is also called relative permittivity K = ∈r = ∈/∈o; elementary ideas of polarization of matter in a uniform electric field qualitative discussion; induced surface charges weaken the original field; results in reduction in E and hence, in pd, (V);
for charge remaining the same Q = CV = C' V' = K. CV'; V' = V/K; and E' =  E/K; if the Capacitor is kept connected with the source of emf, V is kept constant V = Q/C = Q'/C' ; Q'=C'V = K. CV= K. Q increases; For a parallel plate capacitor with a dielectric in between, C' = KC = K.∈o . A/d = ∈r .∈o .A/d. Then C' = (∈_0A)/(d/∈_r). for a capacitor partially filled dielectric, capacitance C'= ∈_0A/(d-t+t/∈r)

### CISCE Class 12 Physics (Theory) Syllabus for Current Electricity

Mechanism of flow of current in conductors. Mobility, drift velocity and its relation with electric current; Ohm's law and its proof, resistance and resistivity and their relation to drift velocity of electrons; V-I characteristics (linear and non-linear), electrical energy and power, electrical resistivity and conductivity. Carbon resistors, colour code for carbon resistors; series and parallel combinations of resistors; temperature dependence of resistance and resistivity

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. Potentiometer - principle and its applications to measure potential difference, to compare emf of two cells; to measure internal resistance of a cell.

Free electron theory of conduction; acceleration of free electrons, relaxation timeτ ; electric current I = Q/t; concept of drift velocity and electron mobility. Ohm's law, current density J = I/A; experimental verification, graphs and slope, ohmic and non-ohmic conductors; obtain the relation I=vdenA. Derive σ = ne2t/m and ρ = m/ne2 τ ; effect of temperature on resistivity and resistance of conductors and semiconductors and graphs. Resistance R= V/I; resistivity ρ, given by R = ρ.l/A; conductivity and conductance; Ohm’s law as J = σvecE ; colour coding of resistance.

Electrical energy consumed in time t is E=Pt= VIt; using Ohm’s law E = (V2/R)t = I2Rt. Potential difference V = P/ I; P = V I; Electric power consumed P = VI = V2 /R = I2 R; commercial units; electricity consumption and billing. Derivation of equivalent resistance for
combination of resistors in series and parallel; special case of n identical resistors; Rs = nR and Rp = R/n. Calculation of equivalent resistance of mixed grouping of resistors (circuits).

The source of energy of a seat of emf (such as a cell) may be electrical, mechanical, thermal or radiant energy. The emf of a source is defined as the work done per unit charge to force them to go to the higher point of potential (from -ve terminal to +ve terminal inside the cell) so, ∈ = dW /dq; but dq = Idt; dW = ∈dq = ∈Idt . Equating total work done to the work done across the external resistor R plus the work done across the internal resistance r; Idt=I2R dt + I2rdt;  =I (R + r); I=/( R + r ); also IR +Ir = ∈ or V=- Ir where Ir is called the back emf as it acts against the emf ; V is the terminal pd. Derivation of formulae for combination for identical cells in series, parallel and mixed grouping. Parallel combination of two cells of unequal emf. Series combination of n cells of unequal emf.

Statement and explanation of Kirchhoff's laws with simple examples. The first is a
conservation law for charge and the 2nd is law of conservation of energy. Note change
in potential across a resistor ΔV=IR<0 when we go ‘down’ with the current (compare with flow of water down a river), and ΔV=IR>0 if we go up against thecurrent across the resistor. When we go through a cell, the -ve terminal is at a lower level and the +ve terminal at a higher level, so going from -ve to +ve through the cell, we are going up and
ΔV=+∈ and going from +ve to -ve terminal through the cell, we are going down, so ΔV
= -∈ . Application to simple circuits. Wheatstone bridge; right in the beginning
take Ig=0 as we consider a balanced bridge, derivation of R1/R2 = R3/R4
[Kirchhoff’s law not necessary]. Metre bridge is a modified form of Wheatstone
bridge, its use to measure unknown resistance. Here R3 = l1 and R4=l2; R3/R4=l1/l2. Principle of Potentiometer: fall in potential ΔV α Δl; auxiliary emf ∈1 is balanced against the fall in potential V1 across length l1. ∈1 = V1 =Kl1 ; ∈1/∈2 = l1/l2; potentiometer as a voltmeter. Potential gradient and sensitivity of potentiometer.Use of potentiometer: to compare emfs of two cells, to determine internal resistance of a cell.

### CISCE Class 12 Physics (Theory) Syllabus for Magnetic Effects of Current and Magnetism

3.1 Moving Charges and Magnetism

Concept of magnetic field, Oersted's experiment. Biot - Savart law and its application. Ampere's Circuital 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, cyclotron. Force on a currentcarrying 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 sensitivity. Conversion of galvanometer into an ammeter and a voltmeter.

3.2 Magnetism and Matter

A current loop as a magnetic dipole, its magnetic dipole moment, magnetic dipole moment of a revolving electron, magnetic field intensity due to a magnetic dipole (bar magnet) on the axial line and equatorial line, torque on a magnetic dipole (bar magnet) in a uniform magnetic field; bar magnet as an equivalent solenoid, magnetic field lines; earth's magnetic field and magnetic elements. Diamagnetic, paramagnetic, and ferromagnetic substances, with examples. Electromagnets and factors affecting their strengths, permanent magnets.

Only historical introduction through Oersted’s experiment. [Ampere’s swimming rule not included]. Biot-Savart law and its vector form; application; derive the expression for B (i) at the centre of a circular loop carrying current; (ii) at any point on its axis. Current carrying loop as a magnetic dipole. Ampere’s Circuital law: statement and brief explanation. Apply it to obtain vecB near a long wire carrying current and for a solenoid (straight as well as torroidal). Only formula of vecB due to a finitely long conductor.

Force on a moving charged particle in magnetic field vecF_B = q(vecv xx vecB); special cases, modify this equation substituting dl / dt for v and I for q/dt to yield vecF  = I dvecl xx vecB for the force acting on a current carrying conductor placed in a magnetic field. Derive the expression for force between two long and parallel wires carrying current, hence, define ampere (the base SI unit of current)
and hence, coulomb; from Q = It. Lorentz force, Simple ideas about principle, working, and limitations of a cyclotron.

Derive the expression for torque on a current carrying loop placed in a uniform vecB, using vecF = Ivecl XX vecB and vect = vec r xx vecF
;t = NIAB sinΦ for N turns =vecm × vecB where the dipole moment vec m = NI vecA , unit: A.m2. A current carrying loop is a magnetic dipole;directions of current and vecB and vecm using right hand rule only; no other rule necessary. Mention orbital magnetic moment of an electron in Bohr model of H atom. Concept of radial magnetic field. Moving coil galvanometer; construction, principle, working, theory I= kΦ , current and voltage sensitivity. Shunt. Conversion of galvanometer into ammeter and voltmeter of given range.

Magnetic field represented by the symbol vecB is now defined by the equation vecF =qo(vecv xx vecB); vecB is not to be
defined in terms of force acting on a unit pole, etc.; note the distinction of vecB  from vecE is that vecB forms closed loops as there are no magnetic monopoles, whereas vecE lines start from +ve charge and end on -ve charge. Magnetic field lines due to a magnetic
dipole (bar magnet). Magnetic field in end-on and broadside-on positions (No derivations). Magnetic flux Φ =vecB.vecA = BA for B uniform and vecB||vecA ; i.e. area held perpendicular to For Φ = BA(VecB||vecA), B=Φ/A is the flux density [SI unit of flux is weber (Wb)]; but note that this is not correct as a defining equation as B is vector and  and /A are scalars, unit of B is tesla (T) equal
to 10-4 gauss. For non-uniform vecB field, Φ= ∫dΦ=∫B. dA . Earth's magnetic field vecBE is uniform over a limited area like that of a lab; the component of this field in the horizontal direction BH is the one effectively acting on a magnet suspended or pivoted horizontally.
Elements of earth’s magnetic field, i.e. BH, δ and Θ - their definitions and relations.

Properties of diamagnetic, paramagnetic and ferromagnetic substances; their susceptibility and relative permeability. It is better to explain the main distinction, the cause of magnetization (M) is due to magnetic dipole moment (m) of atoms, ions or molecules being 0 for dia, >0 but very small for para and > 0 and large for ferromagnetic materials; few examples; placed in external B , very small (induced) magnetization in a direction opposite to B in dia, small magnetization parallel to B for para, and large magnetization parallel to B for ferromagnetic materials; this leads to lines of B becoming less dense, more dense and much more dense in dia, para and ferro, respectively; hence, a weak repulsion for dia, weak attraction for para and strong attraction for ferro magnetic material. Also, a small bar suspended in the horizontal plane becomes perpendicular to the B field for dia and parallel to B for para and ferro. Defining equation H = (B/0)-M; the magnetic properties, susceptibility m = (M/H) < 0 for dia (as M is opposite H) and >0 for para, both very
small, but very large for ferro; hence relative permeability μr =(1+ χm) < 1 for dia, > 1 for para and >>1 (very large) for ferro; further, χm1/T (Curie’s law) for para, independent of temperature (T) for dia and depends on T in a complicated manner for
ferro; on heating ferro becomes para at Curie temperature. Electromagnet: its definition, properties and factors affecting the strength of electromagnet; selection of magnetic material for temporary and permanent magnets and core of the transformer on the basis of
retentivity and coercive force (B-H loop and its significance, retentivity and coercive force not to be evaluated

### CISCE Class 12 Physics (Theory) Syllabus for Electromagnetic Induction and Alternating Currents

4.1 Electromagnetic Induction

Fraday's laws, induced emf and current; Lenz's Law, eddy currents. Self-induction and mutual induction. Transformer

• Electromagnetic induction, Magnetic flux, change in flux, rate of change of flux and induced emf; Faraday’s laws. Lenz's law, conservation of energy; motional emf ε = Blv, and power P = (Blv)2/R; eddy currents (qualitative);
• Self-Induction, coefficient of selfinductance, Φ= LI and L = ε/(dI/dt); henry = volt. Second/ampere, expression for coefficient ofselfinductance of a solenoid L = (mu_0N^2A)/l = mu_0n^2Axxl
• Mutual induction and mutual inductance (M), flux linked Φ2 = MI1; induced emf ε2 = (dphi_2)/dt = (MdI_1)/dtDefinition of M as M = epsilon_2/(dI_1)/dt or M = (phi_2)/I_1. SI unit henry. Expression for coefficient of mutual inductance of two coaxial solenoids M = (mu_0N_1N_2A)/l=mu_0n_1N_2A Induced emf opposes changes, back emf is set up, eddy currents.
• Transformer (ideal coupling): principle, working and uses; step up and step down; efficiency and applications including transmission of power, energy losses and their minimisation.
4.2 Alternating Current

Peak value, mean value and RMS value of alternating current/voltage; their relation in sinusoidal case; reactance and impedance; LC oscillations (qualitative treatment only), LCR series circuit, resonance; power in AC circuits, wattless current. AC generator.

Sinusoidal variation of V and I with time, for the output from an ac generator; time period, frequency and phase changes; obtain mean values of current and voltage, obtain relation between RMS value of V and I with peak values in sinusoidal cases only.

Variation of voltage and current in a.c. circuits consisting of only a resistor, only an inductor and only a capacitor (phasor representation), phase lag and phase lead. May apply Kirchhoff’s law and obtain simple differential equation (SHM type), V = Vo sin t, solution I = I0 sinωt, I0sin (ωt + π/2) and I0 sin (ωt - π/2) for pure R, C and L circuits respectively. Draw phase (or phasor)
diagrams showing voltage and current and phase lag or lead, also showingresistance R, inductive reactance XL;(XL=L) and capacitive reactance XC, (XC = 1/ωC). Graph of XL and XC vs f.

The LCR series circuit: Use phasor diagram method to obtain expression for I and V, the pd across R, L and C; and the net phase lag/lead; use the results of 4(e), V lags I by π/2 in a capacitor, V leads I by π/2 in an inductor, V and I are in phase in a resistor, I is the same in all three; hence draw phase diagram, combine VL and Vc (in opposite phase; phasors add like vectors) to give V=VR+VL+VC (phasor addition) and the max. values are related by V2 m=V2 Rm+(VLm-VCm)2 when VL>VC Substituting pd=current x
resistance or reactance, we get Z2 = R2+(XL-Xc) 2 and tan = (VL m -VCm)/VRm = (XL-Xc)/R giving I = I m sin (wt-Φ) where I m =Vm/Z etc. Special cases for RL and RC circuits. [May use Kirchoff’s law and obtain the differential equation]Graph of Z vs f and I vs f.

Power P associated with LCR circuit = 1/2VoIo cos =VrmsIrms cosΦ = Irms 2 R; power absorbed and power dissipated; electrical resonance; bandwidth of signals and Q factor (no derivation); oscillations in an LC circuit (0 = 1 sqrt(LC) ). Average power consumed
averaged over a full cycle P = (1/2) VoIo cosΦ, Power factor cos = R/Z. Special case for pure R, L and C; choke coil (analytical only), XL controls current but cos = 0, hence P =0, wattless current; LC circuit; at resonance with XL=Xc , Z=Zmin= R, power delivered to circuit by the source is maximum, resonant frequency f_0= 1/(2pisqrt(LC))

Simple a.c. generators: Principle, description, theory, working and use. Variation in current and voltage with time for a.c. and d.c. Basic differences between a.c. and d.c.

### CISCE Class 12 Physics (Theory) Syllabus for Electromagnetic Waves

• Displacement Current
• Need for displacement current
• Ampere-Maxwell's circuital law
• Displacement current
• Conduction current
• Origin of electromagnetic waves
• Maxwell's equations
1) Gauss' law in electrostatics
2) Gauss' law in magnetism
3) Faraday's law of electromagnetic induction
4) Ampere - Maxwell's law
• Electromagnetic Waves
• Sources of electromagnetic waves: Hertz's experiment
• Nature of electromagnetic waves
• Speed of electromagnetic waves
• Production and properties of electromagnetic waves
• Electromagnetic Waves and Their Characteristics
1) Energy density
2) Poynting vector
3) Momentum
• Transverse Nature of Electromagnetic Waves
• Electromagnetic Spectrum
• Electromagnetic spectrum (Discovered by, Wavelength range, Production, Detection, Characteristics, applications
1. Gamma rays (γ-rays)
2. X-rays
3. Ultraviolet rays (UV rays)
4. Visible light
5. Infrared rays
6. Microwaves
• Approximate ranges of wavelength and frequency
• Properties common to all the electromagnetic waves
• Elementary Facts About Electromagnetic Wave Uses

Basic idea of displacement current. Electromagnetic waves, their characteristics, their transverse nature (qualitative ideas only). Complete electromagnetic spectrum starting from radio waves to gamma rays: elementary facts of electromagnetic waves and their uses.

Concept of displacement current, qualitative descriptions only of electromagnetic spectrum;
common features of all regions of em spectrum including transverse nature (vecE and vecB perpendicular to vec c); special features of the common classification (gamma rays, X rays, UV rays, visible light, IR, microwaves, radio and TV waves) in their production (source), detection and other properties; uses; approximate range of  or f or at least proper order of increasing f or λ..

### CISCE Class 12 Physics (Theory) Syllabus for Optics

6.1 Ray Optics and Optical Instruments

Ray Optics: Reflection of light by spherical mirrors, mirror formula, refraction of light at plane surfaces, total internal reflection and its applications, optical fibres, refraction at spherical surfaces, lenses, thin lens formula, lens maker's formula, magnification, power
of a lens, combination of thin lenses in contact, combination of a lens and a mirror, refraction and dispersion of light through a prism. Scattering of light.

Optical instruments: Microscopes and astronomical telescopes (reflecting and refracting) and their magnifying powers and their resolving powers.

• Reflection of light by spherical mirrors. Mirror formula: its derivation; R=2f for spherical mirrors. Magnification.
• Refraction of light at a plane interface,Snell's law; total internal reflectionand critical angle; total reflecting prisms and optical fibers. Total reflecting prisms: application to triangular prisms with angle of the prism 300, 450, 600 and 900 respectively; ray diagrams for Refraction through a combination of media, 1n2 X 2n33n1 = 1 , real depth and apparent depth. Simple applications.
• Refraction through a prism, minimum deviation and derivation of relation between n, A and δmin. Include explanation of i-δ graph, i1 = i2 = i (say) for δm; from symmetry r1 = r2; refracted ray inside the prism is parallel to the base of the equilateral prism. Thin prism. Dispersion; Angular dispersion; dispersive power, rainbow - ray diagram (no derivation). Simple explanation. Rayleigh’s theory of scattering of light: blue colour of sky and reddish appearance of the sun at sunrise and sunset clouds appear white.
• Refraction at a single spherical surface; detailed discussion of one case only - convex towards rarer medium, for spherical surface and real image. Derive the relation between n1, n2, u, v and R. Refraction through thin lenses: derive lens maker's formula and lens formula; derivation of combined focal length of two thin lenses in contact. Combination of lenses and mirrors (silvering of lens excluded) and
magnification for lens, derivation for biconvex lens only; extend the results to biconcave lens, plano convex lens and lens immersed in a liquid; power of a lens P=1/f with SI unit dioptre. For lenses in contact 1/F= 1/f1+1/f2 and P=P1+P2. Lens formula, formation of image with combination of thin lenses and mirrors.
• [Any one sign convention may be used in solving numericals].
• Ray diagram and derivation of magnifying power of a simple microscope with image at D (least distance of distinct vision) and infinity;
Ray diagram and derivation of magnifying power of a compound microscope with image at D. Only expression for magnifying power of
compound microscope for final image at infinity.
• Ray diagrams of refracting telescope with image at infinity as well as at D; simple explanation; derivation of magnifying power; Ray diagram of reflecting telescope with image at infinity. Advantages, disadvantages and uses. Resolving power of compound microscope and telescope.
6.2 Wave Optics

Wave front and Huygen's principle. Proof of laws of reflection and refraction using Huygen's principle. Interference, Young's double slit experiment and expression for fringe width(β), coherent sources and sustained interference of light, Fraunhofer diffraction due to a single slit, width of central maximum; polarisation, plane polarised light, Brewster's law, uses of plane polarised light and Polaroids.

• Huygen’s principle: wavefronts - different types/shapes of wavefronts;proof of laws of reflection and refraction using Huygen’s theory.
[Refraction through a prism and lens on the basis of Huygen’s theory not required].
• Interference of light, interference of monochromatic light by double slit. Phase of wave motion; superposition of identical waves at a point, path difference and phase difference; coherent and incoherent sources; interference: constructive and destructive, conditions for sustained interference of light waves [mathematical deduction of interference from the equations of two progressive waves with a phase
difference is not required]. Young's double slit experiment: set up, diagram, geometrical deduction of path difference Δx = dsinΘ, between waves from the two slits; using Δx=nλ for bright fringe and Δx= (n+½) for dark fringe and sin Θ = tan Θ =yn /D as y and Θ are small, obtain yn=(D/d)n and fringe width β=(D/d). Graph of distribution of intensity with angular distance.
• Single slit Fraunhofer diffraction (elementary explanation only). Diffraction at a single slit: experimental setup, diagram, diffraction pattern, obtain expression for position of minima, a sinn= n, where n = 1,2,3… and conditions for secondary maxima, asinn =(n+½)λ.; distribution of intensity with angular distance; angular width of central bright fringe.
• Polarisation of light, plane polarised electromagnetic wave (elementary idea only), methods of polarisation of light. Brewster's law; polaroids. Description of an electromagnetic wave as
• transmission of energy by periodic changes in vecE  and vecB  along the path; transverse nature as vecE  and vecB are perpendicular to vecc. These three vectors form a right handed system, so that vecE x vecB is along vecc , they are mutually perpendicular to each other.For ordinary light, vecE and vecB are in all directions in a plane perpendicular to the vecc vector - unpolarised waves. If
vec E and (hence vecB  also) is confined to a single plane only (vecc , we have linearly polarized light. The plane containing vecE  (or B) and vecc  remains fixed. Hence, a linearly polarised light is also called plane polarised light. Plane of polarisation (contains vecE and vecc); polarisation by reflection; Brewster’s law: tan ip=n; refracted ray is perpendicular to reflected ray for i= ip; ip+rp = 90° ; polaroids; use in the production and detection/analysis of polarised light, other uses. Law of Malus.

### CISCE Class 12 Physics (Theory) Syllabus for Dual Nature of Radiation and Matter

Wave particle duality; photoelectric effect, Hertz and Lenard's observations; Einstein's photoelectric equation - particle nature of light. Matter waves - wave nature of particles, de-Broglie relation; conclusion from Davisson-Germer experiment. X-rays.

Photo electric effect, quantization of radiation; Einstein's equation Emax = hv - W0; threshold frequency; work function; experimental facts of Hertz and Lenard and their conclusions; Einstein used Planck’s ideas and extended it to apply for radiation (light); photoelectric effect can be explained only assuming quantum (particle) nature of radiation. Determination of Planck’s constant (from the graph of stopping potential Vs versus frequency f of the incident light). Momentum of photon p=E/c=hv/c=h/λ.

De Broglie hypothesis, phenomenon of electron diffraction (qualitative only). Wave nature of radiation is exhibited in interference, diffraction and polarisation; particle nature is exhibited in photoelectric effect. Dual nature of matter: particle nature common in that it possesses
momentum p and kinetic energy KE. The wave nature of matter was proposed by Louis de Broglie, λ=h/p= h/mv. Davisson and Germer experiment; qualitative description of the
experiment and conclusion.

A simple modern X-ray tube (Coolidge tube) – main parts: hot cathode, heavy element anode (target) kept cool, all enclosed in a vacuum tube; elementary theory of X-ray production; effect of increasing filament current- temperature increases rate of emission of electrons (from the cathode), rate of production of X rays and hence, intensity of X rays
increases (not its frequency); increase in anode potential increases energy of each
electron, each X-ray photon and hence, Xray frequency (E=hv); maximum frequency
hmax =eV; continuous spectrum of X rays has minimum wavelength λmin=
c/vmax=hc/eV. Moseley’s law. Characteristic and continuous X rays, their origin.

### CISCE Class 12 Physics (Theory) Syllabus for Atoms and Nuclei

8.1 Atoms
• Alpha-particle Scattering and Rutherford’s Nuclear Model of Atom
• Alpha-particle Scattering Experiment and Rutherford's Model of Atom
• Alpha-particle trajectory
• Electron orbits
• Rutherford’s nuclear model of atom (mathematical theory of scattering excluded), based on Geiger - Marsden experiment on α-scattering; nuclear radius r in terms of closest approach of α particle to the nucleus,
obtained by equating ∆K = ½ mv2 of the α particle to the change in electrostatic potential energy ∆U of the system "U" = (2e xx "Ze")/(4πε_0r_0) r_0 ∼ 10^(-15) "m" = 1 fermi; atomic structure; only general qualitative ideas, including atomic number Z, Neutron number N and mass number A.
• Bohr’s Model for Hydrogen Atom
• Explanation of the line spectrum of hydrogen using Bohr theory
• Bohr's theory and atomic spectrum of hydrogen
• Ionization energy
• Energy Levels
• Hydrogen Spectrum

Alpha-particle scattering experiment; Rutherford's atomic model; Bohr’s atomic model, energy levels, hydrogen spectrum

• Rutherford’s nuclear model of atom (mathematical theory of scattering excluded), based on Geiger - Marsden experiment on α-scattering; nuclear radius r in terms of closest approach of α particle to the nucleus, obtained by equating ΔK=½ mv2 of the α particle to the change in electrostatic potential energy ΔU of the system [U = (2exxZe)/4piepsilon_0r_0 r_0~10^(-15)m =1 fermi atomic structure; only general qualitative ideas including atomic number Z, Neutron number N and mass number A. A brief account of historical background leading to Bohr’s theory of hydrogen spectrum; formulae for wavelength in Lyman, Balmer, Paschen, Brackett and Pfund series. Rydberg constant. Bohr’s model of H atom, postulates (Z=1); expressions for orbital velocity, kinetic energy, potential energy, radius of orbit and total energy of electron. Energy level diagram, calculation of ΔE, frequency and wavelength of different lines of emission spectra;
agreement with experimentally observed values. [Use nm and not Å for unit of λ].
8.2 Nuclei

Composition and size of nucleus, Radioactivity, alpha, beta and gamma particles/rays and their properties; radioactive decay law. Mass-energy relation, mass defect; binding energy per nucleon and its variation with mass number; Nuclear reactions, nuclear fission and nuclear fusion.

• Atomic masses and nuclear density; Isotopes, Isobars and Isotones – definitions with examples of each. Unified atomic mass unit, symbol u, 1u=1/12 of the mass of 12C atom = 1.66x10-27kg). Composition of nucleus; mass defect and binding energy, BE= (Δm) c2. Graph of BE/nucleon versus mass number A, special features - less BE/nucleon for light as well as heavy elements. Middle order more stable [see fission and fusion] Einstein’s equation E=mc2. Calculations related to this equation; mass defect/binding
energy, mutual annihilation and pair production as examples
• Radioactivity: discovery; spontaneous disintegration of an atomic nucleus with the emission of α or β particles and γ radiation, unaffected by physical and chemical changes. Radioactive decay law; derivation of N = Noe-λt; half-life period T; graph of N versus t, with T marked on the X axis. Relation between half-life (T) and disintegration constant (λ); mean life ( τ) and its relation with λ. Value of T of some common radioactive elements. Examples of a few nuclear reactions with conservation of mass number and charge, concept of a neutrino.
• Changes taking place within the nucleus included. [Mathematical theory of α and β decay not included].
• Nuclear Energy: Theoretical (qualitative) prediction of exothermic (with release of energy) nuclear reaction, in fusing together two
light nuclei to form a heavier nucleus and in splitting heavy nucleus to form middle order (lower mass number) nuclei, is evident from the shape of BE per nucleon versus mass number graph. Also calculate the disintegration energy Q for a heavy nucleus (A=240) with BE/A ~ 7.6 MeV per nucleon split into two equal halves with A=120 each and BE/A~ 8.5 MeV/nucleon; Q ~ 200 MeV. Nuclear fission: Any one equation of fission reaction. Chain reaction- controlled and uncontrolled; nuclear reactor and nuclear bomb. Main parts of a nuclear reactor including their functions - fuel elements, moderator, control rods, coolant, casing; criticality; utilization of energy output - all qualitative only. Fusion, simple example of 4 1H→4He and its nuclear reaction equation; requires very high temperature ~ 106 degrees; difficult to achieve; hydrogen bomb; thermonuclear energy production in the sun and stars. [Details of chain reaction not required].

### CISCE Class 12 Physics (Theory) Syllabus for Electronic Devices

• Concept of Semiconductor Electronics: Materials, Devices and Simple Circuits
• Materials, Devices and Simple Circuits
• Energy Bands in Conductors, Semiconductors and Insulators
• Elementary ideas about electrical conduction in metals [crystal structure not included]. Energy levels (as for hydrogen atom), 1s, 2s, 2p, 3s, etc. of an isolated atom such as that of copper; these split, eventually forming ‘bands’ of energy levels, as we consider solid copper made up of a large number of isolated atoms, brought together to form a lattice; definition of energy bands - groups of closely spaced energy levels separated by band gaps called forbidden bands.
• An idealized representation of the energy bands for a conductor, insulator and semiconductor; characteristics, differences; distinction between conductors, insulators and semiconductors on the basis of energy bands, with examples; qualitative discussion only; energy gaps (eV) in typical substances (carbon, Ge, Si); some electrical properties of semiconductors.
• Intrinsic Semiconductor
• Intrinsic Semiconductors
• Holes in Semiconductors
• Extrinsic Semiconductor
• Doping
• Types of doping
1) Pentavalent dopants
2) Trivalent dopants
• Extrinsic semiconductors
• Types of Extrinsic semiconductors
1) n-type semiconductor
2) p-type semiconductor
• The conductivity of semiconductors (σ)
• Charge neutrality of extrinsic semiconductors
• Semiconductor Diode
• Semiconductor Diode
• Potential barrier at the junction diode
• Biasing of the p-n junction diode
1) Forward biasing
2) Reverse biasing
• V-I Characteristics of a p-n junction diode
1) p-n junction diode under forward bias: Cut-off or knee voltage
2) p-n junction diode under reverse bias: Breakdown voltage
3) Reverse Breakdown: Zener breakdown, Avalanche breakdown
• Dynamic Resistance
• Diode as a Rectifier
• Special Purpose P-n Junction Diodes
• Special Purpose p-n Junction Diodes: Led, Photodiode, Solar Cell and Zener Diode
• characteristics of Led, Photodiode, Solar Cell and Zener Diode
• Zener diode
• Optoelectronic junction devices - Photodiode, Light emitting diode, Solar cell
• Zener Diode as a Voltage Regulator
• Zener diode
• I-V characteristics of Zener diode
• Zener diode as voltage regulator
• Line regulation in Zener diode
• Load regulation in Zener diode
• Ratings of a Zener diode
• Junction Transistor
• Transistor: Structure and Action
• Types of Transistor
1) n-p-n transistor
2) p-n-p transistor
• Action of n-p-n transistor
• Action of p-n-p transistor
• Current in transistor
• NPN and PNP Transistor
• Transistor Action
• Transistor and Characteristics of a Transistor
• Configurations of a transistor
i) Common-base configuration (CB)
ii) Common-emitter configuration (CE)
iii) Common-collector configuration (CC)
• Types of characteristic curves
i) Input characteristics curve
ii) Output characteristics curve
iii) Transfer characteristics curve
• Transistor characteristics in CE configuration
a) Input Characteristics
b) Output characteristics of a transistor: Active region, Cut-off region, Saturation region
• Different modes of operation of a transistor
• Current-transfer Characteristics
• Transistor as a switch
• Digital Electronics and Logic Gates
• Logic Gates (OR, AND, NOT, NAND and NOR)
• Logic gates - NOT gate, OR Gate, AND Gate, NAND Gate, NOR Gate
• Basic Idea of Analog and Digital Signals
• Combination of Gates

Semiconductor Electronics: Materials, Devices and SimpleCircuits. Energy bands in conductors, semiconductors and insulators (qualitative ideas only).Intrinsic and extrinsic semiconductors.

Semiconductor diode: I-V characteristics in forward and reverse bias, diode as a rectifier; Special types of junction diodes: LED, photodiode, solar cell and Zener diode and its characteristics, zener diode as a voltage regulator

Junction transistor, npn and pnp transistor, transistor action, characteristics of a transistor and transistor as an amplifier (common emitter configuration).

Elementary idea of analogue and digital signals, Logic gates (OR, AND, NOT, NAND and NOR). Combination of gates.

• Energy bands in solids; energy band diagrams for distinction between conductors, insulators and semiconductors - intrinsic and extrinsic; electrons and holes in semiconductors.
• Elementary ideas about electrical conduction in metals [crystal structure not included]. Energy levels (as for hydrogen atom), 1s, 2s, 2p, 3s, etc. of an isolated atom such as that of copper; these split, eventually forming ‘bands’ of energy levels, as we consider solid copper made up of a large number of isolated atoms, brought together to form a lattice; definition of energy bands - groups of closely spaced energy levels separated by band gaps called forbidden bands. An idealized representation of the energy bands for a conductor, insulator and semiconductor; characteristics, differences; distinction between conductors, insulators and semiconductors on the basis of energy bands, with examples; qualitative discussion only; energy gaps (eV) in typical substances (carbon, Ge, Si); some electrical properties of semiconductors. Majority and minority charge carriers - electrons and holes; intrinsic and extrinsic, doping, p-type, n-type; donor and acceptor impurities.
• Junction diode and its symbol; depletion region and potential barrier; forward and reverse biasing, V-I characteristics and numericals; half wave and a full wave rectifier. Simple circuit diagrams and graphs, function of each component in the electric circuits, qualitative only. [Bridge rectifier of 4 diodes not included]; elementary ideas on solar cell,photodiode and light emitting diode (LED) as semi conducting diodes. Importance of LED’s as they save energy without causing atmosphericpollution and global warming. Zener diode, V-I characteristics, circuit diagram and working of zener diode as a voltage regulator
• Junction transistor; simple qualitative description of construction - emitter, base and collector; npn and pnp type; symbols showing direction of current in emitter-base region (one arrow only)- base is narrow; current gains in a transistor, relation between ,  and numericals related to current gain, voltage gain, power gain and transconductance; common emitter configuration only, characteristics; IB vs VBE and IC vs VCE with circuit
diagram and numericals; common emitter transistor amplifier - circuit diagram; qualitative explanation including amplification, wave form and phase reversal.
• Elementary idea of discreet and integrated circuits, analogue and digital signals. Logic gates as given; symbols, input and output, Boolean equations (Y=A+B etc.), truth table,
qualitative explanation. NOT, OR, AND, NOR, NAND. Combination of gates [Realization of gates not included]. Advantages of Integrated Circuits.

### CISCE Class 12 Physics (Theory) Syllabus for Communication Systems

Elements of a communication system (block diagram only); bandwidth of signals (speech, TV and digital data); bandwidth of transmission medium. Modes of propagation of electromagnetic waves in the atmosphere through sky and space waves, satellite communication. Modulation, types (frequency and amplitude), need for modulation and demodulation, advantages of frequency modulation over amplitude modulation. Elementary ideas about internet, mobile network and global positioning system (GPS).

Self-explanatory- qualitative only.