Physics for Computing Science: Question for Unit-1 and Unit-2

UNIT I

Oscillations: Periodic motion-simple harmonic motion-characteristics of simple harmonic

motion-vibration of simple spring-mass system, damped harmonic oscillator – heavy, critical
and light damping, energy decay in a damped harmonic oscillator, forced oscillations and
resonance in mechanical and electrical systems, quality factor.
1. Differentiate between periodic motion and simple harmonic motion.
2. Define simple harmonic motion.
3. Write the characteristics of SHM
4. Derive the expression for time period of spring mass system.
5. Drive the expression for amplitude of heavily damped oscillator.
6. Drive the expression for amplitude of under damped oscillator.
7. Drive the expression for amplitude of weakly damped oscillator.
8. Derive the expression for amplitude of forced oscillator.
9. Define resonance
10. Derive expression for amplitude of forced oscillator at resonance.
11. Compare Mechanical and Electrical oscillators.
12. Define quality factor of a forced oscillator.

UNIT II
Wave Optics: Theory of interference fringes-types of Interference-Fresnel’s prism-Newton’s
rings, Diffraction-two kinds of diffraction-difference between interference and diffraction-
Fraunhofer diffraction at single slit, plane diffraction grating; temporal and spatial coherence;
Polarization - concept of production of polarized beam of light from two SHM acting at
right angle; plane, elliptical and circularly polarized light, Brewster’s law, double refraction.
1. Expression interference pattern of Fresnel’s Biprism with necessary mathematical
equations.
2. Derive the expression for radius of curvature of a planoconvex lens based on
Newton’s rings experiment.
3. Differentiate between interference and diffraction
4. Differentiate between Fraunhofer and Fresnel diffraction.
5. Explain Fraunhofer diffraction due to single slit. Derive expressions for Intensity at
principal maxima, secondary minima and secondary maxima cases.
6. Explain Fraunhofer diffraction due to multiple slits.
7. What is coherence?
8. What is temporal coherence?
9. What is spatial coherence?
10. Explain Brewster’s law.
11. What is double refraction?
12. Explain double refraction in calcite crystal.
13. Explain production of plane, circularly and elliptically polarized lights using wave
plates.