B.Sc.

I Semester Physics :: Paper I

Mechanics and Oscillations :: Imp Questions
Prepared By : Reddyvari Venugopal,

Assistant Professor of Physics

Government Degree college, Mahabubabad.

UNIT-I : Vector Analysis

Essay Questions

1. What is divergence of a vector field and obtain an expression for the divergence of a vector filed. Give
its Physical significance.
2. What is curl of a vector field derive an expression for curl of a vector filed. Give its physical
significance.
3. Define the line integral, surface integral and volume integral of a vector quantity. State and prove
Gauss divergence theorem.
4. State and prove Stoke’s theorem. By using Stoke’s theorem, prove that divergence of curl of a vector is
zero.

Short Answer Questions

1. Define scalar and vector fields. Give three examples each.

2. Explain the different types of vector fields with examples.
3. Define gradient of a scalar field. Explain its physical significance.
4. Explain the curl of a vector field and give its physical significance.
5. State and prove Green’s theorem.
UNIT-II : Mechanics of Particles

Essay Questions

1. Discuss the motion of a rocket and derive the equation for the velocity of a rocket under the influence
of gravitational field.
2. What are elastic and inelastic collisions. Explain the theory of elastic oblique collisions in two
dimensions.
3. What are the assumptions of Rutherford scattering? Derive an expression for Rutherford’s scattering
angle and impact parameter.
4. Define the terms impact parameter and scattering cross section. Obtain expressions for Rutherford’s
scattering cross section and Rutherford’s scattering formula.

Short Answer Questions

1. State and prove the principle of conservation of linear momentum. Give examples.
2. State and prove work-energy theorem.
3. Describe the motion of a variable mass system.
4. Explain the terms “impact parameter” and “scattering cross section”.
5. Distinguish between elastic and inelastic collisions with examples.
6. Explain the principle of multistage rocket.

UNIT-II : Mechanics of Rigid Bodies

 Essay Questions
1. What is meant by rigid body? Obtain the equation of motion for a rigid rotating body.
2. What is moment of inertia? Derive the inertial tensor of a rigid body rotating about a fixed point.
Discuss the properties of inertia tensor.
3. Obtain Euler’s equation of motion of a rigid body. Deduce the laws of conservation of energy and
angular momentum from Euler’s equations.
4. What is symmetric top? Derive an expression for the torque acting on symmetric top in precessional
motion.
5. What is a gyroscope? Explain the principle, construction and working of gyroscope. Give its
applications.

Short Answer Questions

1. Define torque and angular momentum. State and explain the law of conservation of angular
momentum.
2. Derive an expression for kinetic energy of a rotating rigid body.

UNIT-III : Central forces

Essay Questions

1. Solve the equation of motion of a particle in an inverse square force field.

2. What is central force? Derive the equation of motion of a particle under the action of central force.
3. State and prove Kepler’s laws of planetary motion.
4. What is Coriolis force? Discuss the effect of Coriolis force due to the rotation of the earth.

Short Answer Questions

1. What are central forces? Give three examples. Show that central forces are conservative.
2. Deduce the relation between a conservative force and the potential energy. (OR) Prove that
conservative force is equal to the negative gradient of potential energy.
3. Show that if a particle moves under a central force the areal velocity of the planet remains constant.
4. What are the consequences of the Coriolis force?

UNIT-IV : Special Theory of Relativity

Essay Questions

1. State the basic postulates of special theory of relativity. Describe the Michelson-Morley experiment
and explain the physical significance of the negative result.
2. What is frame of reference? Derive Lorentz transformation equations.
3. Explain the variation of mass with velocity. Deduce Einstein’s mass-energy relation.

Short Answer Questions

1. What is Galilean transformation? Derive Galilean transformation equations.

2. State Lorentz transformation equations and inverse Lorentz transformation equations.
3. What is length contraction? Explain briefly.
4. What is time dilation? Explain Briefly.
5. Derive relativistic law of addition of velocities.
6. Write a short note on four vector formalism.