CBSE Class 12

Physics (Theory)
Previous Year Question Paper 2016
Series: ONS Code no. 55/1/N

● Please check that this question paper contains 4 printed pages.

● Code number given on the right-hand side of the question paper should be
written on the title page of the answer-book by the candidate.

● Please check that this question paper contains 27 questions.

● Please write down the Serial Number of the question before attempting
it.

● 15 minutes of time has been allotted to read this question paper. The question
paper will be distributed at 10.15 a.m. From 10.15 a.m. to 10.30 a.m., the
students will read the question paper only and will not write any answer on the
answer script during this period.

PHYSICS (Theory)

Time Allowed: 3 hours Maximum Marks: 70

General Instructions:

1. The question paper is divided into two parts: Part-A and Part-B.

2. All questions are compulsory.

3. The answer to one Mark question should be 30 words. Answers to two Marks

questions should be 60 words, three Marks answers should be 90 words, and

five Marks answers should be 150-200 words.

Class XII Physic www.vedantu.com 1

 SECTION-A

1. What is the amount of work done in moving a point charge Q around a

circular arc of radius ‘r’ at the centre of which another point charge ‘q’ is
located? 1 Mark

Ans: The total work done in moving a body along a circular arc of radius r is
zero, because the total displacement is zero. We know that a circular path implies
that the initial and final points are the same. Hence zero work has to be done in
moving the charge ‘Q’ around the circular path.

2. Define mobility of a charge carrier. What is its relation with relaxation

time? 1 Mark

Ans: Mobility of a charge carrier is defined as the drift velocity per unit electric
field of the charge carrier.

Mobility of a charge carrier is given by:

vdrift
μ=
E
qτ
Relaxation time and the mobility is dependent by the relationship μ=
m
Where τ is the relaxation time. The relaxation time and the mobility of a charge
carrier is directly proportional to each other.

3. What can be the cause of helical motion of a charged particle? 1 Mark

Ans: When a charged particle enters a magnetic field at angles that are not right
angles, then one of the two components of velocity undergoes linear motion and
the other component undergoes a circular motion. The resulting motion will be
helical.

4. Why can’t we clearly see through fog? Name the phenomenon responsible
for it. 1 Mark

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Ans: We are unable to see clearly through fog because of the scattering of light
that takes place by the rain droplets.

The phenomenon responsible for fog is a type of scattering known as back

scattering.

5. A signal of 5kHz frequency is amplitude modulated on a carrier wave of

frequency 2MHz the frequencies of the sidebands produced? 1 Mark

Ans: Let the signal frequency be fm and the carrier wave frequency is fc:

f r =f c +f m =2000kHz+5kHz=2005kHz

f r =f c -f m =2000kHz-5kHz=1995kHz

The sidebands produced will have frequencies 1995kHz and 2005kHz

SECTION-B

6. When a potential of 5V is applied across a wire of length 0.1m the drift

velocity of electrons is 2.5×10-4m/s if the electron density in the wire is
8×1028m -3 , calculate the value of resistivity. 2 Marks

Ans:

Given,

The potential applied across a wire = 5V

The length of wire the wire = 0.1 m

The drift velocity of the electrons = vd = 2.5×10-4 m/s

The electron density in the wire = n = 8×1028m -3

Now, we are asked to determine the value of resistivity, we know that the
resistivity can be found using the formula given below:

V 5V
ρ= = 28 -19 -4
=1.53×10-5Ωm
l×nevd 0.1×8×10 ×1.6×10 ×2.5×10

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7. A proton and an alpha particle are accelerated through the same potential
difference. Which one of the two has (i) greater de-Broglie wavelength (ii)
less kinetic energy? Justify your answer 2 Marks

h
Ans: (i) The formula for de-Broglie wavelength is λ=
2meV

Since all of the other factors are constant for both the cases, the only variable we
have to compare for both proton and an alpha particle is the mass, and we get the
relation as,

1
λ∝
em

λp m α eα 4m p ×2
= = = 8
λα m pep m pep

This means that the proton has a greater de-Broglie wavelength.

(ii)We know that the de Broglie wavelength is given by:

h
λ=
2mK

where, m is the mass of the particle, K is the K.E energy of the particle.

Then the ratio of kinetic energies of proton and an alpha particle is:
2
Kp m α λ α 2 4m p λ α 1
= 2Þ 2
=
K α m p λ p m p ×8λ a 2

This means that the alpha particle has greater kinetic energy

8. When is H α line in the emission spectrum of hydrogen atom obtained?

Calculate the frequency of the photon emitted during this transition.
2 Marks

Ans: H α line in the emission spectrum of hydrogen atom obtained when the
transition of an atom took place from 3 → 2 :

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  1 1   1 1  1 1
ΔE=h  2 - 2  ⇒ h  2 - 2  =
−13.6  - 
 ni nf   ni nf  9 4

Therefore, the frequency of the photon emitted during this transition is:

ΔE 13.6×5×1.6×10-19
f= = -34
=4.57×1014 Hz
h 36×6.6×10

Or

Calculate the wavelength of radiation emitted when electron in a

hydrogen atom jumps from n = ∞ to n=1 2 Marks

Ans: We know that energy of an hydrogen atom is given by:

Z2 k e 2e 4 m e 1
E n =- =-13.6
2hn 2 n

1 1
E=
−13.6  − 2  =
13.6eV
∞ 1 

hc
λ= =91.17nm
E
Therefore, the wavelength of the radiation emitted is 91.17nm or 912A0

9. Why is the base band signal not transmitted directly? Give two reasons
2 Marks

Ans: The base band signal can not be transmitted directly because:

(i) The length of the transmitting antenna must be massive because of the low
signal frequency and this is practically not possible.

(ii) Even though there are interferences happening, the bandwidth of the base
band signal tends to infinity

10. A ray PQ incident on the refractive surface BA is refracted in the prism

BAC as shown in the figure and emerges from the other refracting surface

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 AC as RS such that AQ=AR. If the angle of the prism is A=60° and the
refractive index of the material of the prism is 3 , Calculate angle θ
2 Marks

Ans: It is given that, AQ=AR it implies that the ray QR is parallel to the base BC
of the prism BAC, therefore the prism BAC is in the position of minimum
deviation. Then the refractive index of the material of the prism is given by the
following equation:

sin
( A+θ ) sin ( 60+θ )
=n = 2 2
A 60
sin sin
2 2
Where, A is the angle of the prism

Now, it is given that n= 3, A=600 ,

Substituting the value of refractive index n and angle of prism in the above
equation we get:

3×sin30=sin
( 60+θ )
2
60+θ=120
θ=60°

SECTION-C

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11. Find the electric field intensity due to a uniformly charge spherical shell
at a point (a) outside the shell and (b) inside the shell. Plot the graph of
electric field with distance from the centre of the shell. 3 Marks

Ans:

(a) We have,

q
∫ E.ds= ε0

The electric field is constant and perpendicular hence it can be taken out of the
integral and we get

q
E ( 4πr 2 ) =
ε0

This shows us that the value of the electric field outside the shell will be the same
as that on the surface.

q
(b) We have ∫ E.ds=
ε0

But the charge enclosed inside the shell is zero and this quantity becomes zero as
well.

Class XII Physic www.vedantu.com 7

The graph of electric field and distance from the centre will be as follows:

12. Two identical cells of emf 1.5V each joined in parallel supply energy to
an external circuit consisting of two resistors of 7Ω each joined in parallel.
A very high resistance voltmeter read the terminal voltage of the cells to be
1.4V calculate the internal resistance of each cell. 3 Marks

E 
Ans: internal resistance is given by r=R  -1
V 

7×7 49
The effective external resistance can be found by=R = Ω
7+7 14

49  1.5 
r= × -1 =0.25Ω
14  1.4 

This is the effective internal resistance. In order to find the individual internal
resistance,

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 r1×r2
r=
r1 +r2

r2
0.25=
2r
r=0.5Ω is the individual internal resistance of the cells.

13. State ampere’s circuital law. Use this law to find the magnetic field due
to infinite current carrying wire. How are the magnetic field lines different
from electrostatic field lines? 3 Marks

Ans: Ampere’s circuital law states that the line integral of magnetic field through
a closed loop is the product of total current through the loop and permeability of
free space.

∫ B.ds=μ l 0

The length can be substituted with the circumference of the loop

B ( 2πR ) =μ 0 I

μ 0I
B=
2πR

Magnetic field lines form continuous closed loops. Electrostatic field lines never
form a closed loop

Class XII Physic www.vedantu.com 9

 Or

13. State the principle of the cyclotron. Show that the time period of
revolution of particles in a cyclotron is independent of their speeds. Why is
this property necessary for the operation of the cyclotron? 3 Marks

Ans: The cyclotron works on the principle that, if the particles are moving in
circular motion due to an electric field, then the magnetic force is equal to the
centripetal force.

mv 2
=qvBsin90
R
mv
R=
qB

2πR 2πm
Time period is given by
= T =
v qB

This shows that the time period of a cyclotron is independent of its speed.

This property is important because for the cyclotron to work, for the cyclotron to
attain resonance condition, the frequency of applied voltage and the cyclotron
frequency must be equal.

14. 3 Marks

(i) When an AC source is connected to an ideal capacitor, show that the

average power supplied by the source over a complete cycle is zero.

Ans: Consider an ideal capacitor connected to a key, cell, and an AC source as

shown in the figure, then

The power supply is given by the formula P=Vrms I rms cosφ

R
cosφ =
Z

Where Vrms and Irms are the root mean square values of voltage and current.

Class XII Physic www.vedantu.com 10

For an ideal capacitor, the resistance is zero so as to let current flow through
without opposition and hence the power supplied becomes zero.

(ii) A bulb is connected in series with a variable capacitor and an AC source

as shown. What happens to the brightness of the bulb when the key is
plugged in and the capacitance of the capacitor is gradually reduced?

1
Ans: The reactance of the capacitor becomes X c =
ωC

When the capacitance reduces, the reactance increases making it harder for
current to flow through thus the bulb glows less bright.

15. How are electromagnetic waves produced? What is the source of energy
of these waves? Write mathematical expressions for electric and magnetic
fields of an electromagnetic field propagating about the z-axis. Write any
two important properties of electromagnetic waves. 3 Marks

Ans: The oscillation or vibration of charged particles are responsible for the
production of electromagnetic waves. Since they are formed by the oscillation of
charged particles, these particles are the source of energy of the electromagnetic
radiation.

If the propagation of electromagnetic wave is along the z-axis then the

mathematical expression for electric and magnetic field will be

E x =E 0sin ( kz-wt )

By =B0sin ( kz-wt )

Some properties of electromagnetic waves include:

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(a) The ratio of the magnitude of electric and magnetic fields gives the value of
the velocity of light

(b) They are transverse waves

(c) They do not need a medium for propagation

16. 3 Marks

(i) Derive the Snell’s law on the basis of Huygens wave theory when light is
travelling from a denser to rarer medium.

Ans:

From the above diagram we have

∠ADC=r
∠BAD=i
BD c1r
sini
= =
AD AD
AC c 2 r
sinr
= =
AD AD
sini c1
We divide the both and get =
sinr c 2

Where c is the speed of light through first and second media

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The RHS of the above equation is the refractive index of the second medium with
respect to the first

c1 n 2
=
c 2 n1

sini n 2
Hence = and this equation is known as the Snell's law.
sinr n1

(ii) Draw the sketches to differentiate between a plane wavefront and

spherical wavefront

Ans: Spherical wavefront:

Plane wavefront:

17. State two important properties of photon which are used to write
Einstein’s photoelectric equation. Define (i) stopping potential and (ii)

Class XII Physic www.vedantu.com 13

threshold frequency using Einstein’s equation and drawing necessary plot
between relevant quantities. 3 Marks

Ans: some important properties of photons are:

● The energy of a photon is quantized

● The energy of the photon is proportional to the frequency of light

(i) Stopping potential is the negative value of the potential at which the value of
the photoelectric effect reduces to zero.

KE
The formula for stopping potential is, Vs = max
e

(ii) Threshold frequency can be defined as the minimum frequency required for
photoelectric emission takes place

18. 3 Marks

(a) Name two important processes that occur during the formation of a pn
junction

Ans: Two important processes that occur during the formation of a pn junction
is, the formation of the potential barrier and the diffusion of charge

(b) Draw the circuit diagram of a full wave rectifier along with the input and
output waveforms. Briefly explain how the output voltage or current is
unidirectional.

Ans:

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The current flows through the first diode and through the load resistance we get
an output. In this cycle, the second diode does not conduct as it is reverse biased.
In the second half cycle, the second diode conducts current and the first does not.

The input and output waveforms will be

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19. 3 Marks

(i) Distinguish between a conductor and a semiconductor using the bandgap

diagram

Ans: In solids, the energy of electrons lie within a certain range. This range
conveniently forms bands and these bands have forbidden energies where no
electrons are found. This gap is known as the band gap.

Conductors are the kind of solids that have no band gap. That is, the valence band
and the conduction band overlap each other.

Semiconductor materials, the valence band and conduction band are separated by
a small band gap energy. The electrons attain this energy by absorbing energy
and moving to the conduction band.

Class XII Physic www.vedantu.com 16

(ii) The following figure shows the input waveforms (A,B) and the output
waveform (Y) of a gate. Identify the gate, write its truth table and draw its
symbol

Ans: The logic gate is NAND gate

Symbol:

Truth table:

A B Y
0 0 1
0 1 1
1 0 1
1 1 0

20. What is space wave propagation? State the factors which limit the range
of propagation. Derive an expression for the maximum line of sight distance
between two antennas for space wave propagation. 3 Marks

Ans: Space wave communication is when a signal travels from the transmitting
antenna to the receiving antenna in a straight line. The range of such waves are
greater than forty megahertz. They are used for line of sight (LOS)
communication.

Class XII Physic www.vedantu.com 17

Using the Pythagorean theorem, we have

( R+h )
2
=PA 2 +R 2

PA= h 2 +2Rh ≈ 2Rh

21. 3 Marks

Derive the mathematical expression for the law of radioactive decay for a
sample of a radioactive nucleus.

Ans: According to the decay law, the decay is proportional to the amount of
nuclei

dN
That is - ∝N
dt

dN
=-λN
dt
Integrating this, lnN=-λt+c

At zero time N=N 0

lnN=-λt+lnN 0

And N=N 0e-λt is the mathematical expression of the radioactive decay of nuclei

(b) How is the mean life of a given radioactive nucleus related to the decay
constant?

Ans: The relationship between the mean life and decay constant is given by

1
t avg =
λ
where λ is the decay constant and tavg is the mean life

22. 3 Mark

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(i) A screen is placed at a distance of 100cm from an object. The image of
the object is formed on the screen by a convex lens for two different locations
of the lens separated by 20cm . Calculate the focal length of the lens used.

Ans: We are given that a screen is placed at a distance 100cm from the given
object. The image of the given object is produced by a convex lens for two
different positions separated by 20 cm. Now, we are asked to determine the focal
length of the lens used.

The following data is given,

The distance between the screen and the object D=100 cm

The distance between two Positions/locations of the convex lens d=20cm

Now, using the formula to determine the focal length of the lens given by:

D 2 -d 2 1002 -402
f= = =24cm
4D 400

Therefore, the focal length of the given lens is 24cm.

(ii) A converging lens is kept coaxially in contact with a diverging lens - both
the lenses being of equal focal length. What is the focal length of the
combination?

Ans: It is given that the lenses both have equal focal length. Using the formula to
find the resultant focal length, using the given data the following diagram can be
drawn

Class XII Physic www.vedantu.com 19

now using the formula to find the resultant focal length we get

1 1 1
=+ = 0
F f -f
The reciprocal of the focal length is zero and thus focal length will be infinite.
That is, the focal length of the combination will be infinite.

SECTION-D

23. Seema's uncle was advised by his doctor to have an MRI (Magnetic
Resonance Imaging) scan of his brain. Her uncle felt it to be expensive and
wanted to postpone it. When Seema learnt about this, she took the help of
her family and also approached the doctor, who also offered a substantial
discount. She then convinced her uncle to undergo the test to enable the
doctor to know the condition of his brain. The information thus obtained
greatly helped the doctor to treat him properly.

Based on the above paragraph, answer the following questions: 4 Marks

(a) What according to you are the values displayed by Seema, her family and
the doctor?

Ans: Seema was worried about her uncle and was kind and warm enough to help
her uncle out. They were helpful, kind, and considerate of his condition.

(b) What could be the possible reason for MRI test to be so expensive?

Ans: MRI scans are expensive because they use powerful magnetic fields. They
are also cooled by liquid helium. MRIs also take up a lot of electricity.

Class XII Physic www.vedantu.com 20

(c) Assuming that MRI test was performed using a magnetic field of 0.1 T.,
find the minimum and maximum values of the force that the magnetic field
could exert on a proton (charge = 1.6×10-19 C) moving with a speed of 104 m/s.

Ans: The maximum value of force will be


F =qvB=1.6×10-19 ×104 ×0.1=1.6×10-16 N
max

The minimum value of net force will be zero

SECTION-E

24. 5 Marks

(a) Distinguish, with the help of a suitable diagram, the difference in the
behaviour of a conductor and a dielectric placed in an external electric field.
How does polarised dielectric modify the original external field?

Ans:

In a dielectric material, there are no free charge carriers. When an external electric
field is applied, a dipole moment is induced in the material. This induces an
electric field in the opposite direction. The electric field which is in the opposing
direction that is induced is not strong enough to completely overpower the
external electric field. Hence a lesser amount of electric field will exist inside a
dielectric. Whereas in a conductor the electric field inside is zero.

Class XII Physic www.vedantu.com 21

(b) A capacitor of capacitance C is charged fully by connecting it to a battery
of emf E. It is then disconnected from the battery. If the separation between
the plates of the capacitor is now doubled, how will the following change?

Justify your answer in each case.

(i) charge stored by the capacitor.

Ans: Charge stored in the capacitor does not change as it is governed by the law
of conservation of charge.

(ii) field strength between the plates.

Q
Ans: The electric field inside the plates is given by E=
Aε 0

Since all of these quantities are constants, the electric field will not change as well

(iii) energy stored by the capacitor.

Q 2 Q 2d
Ans: The energy stored in a capacitor is given by =
U =
2C 2ε 0 A

Since the distance between the plates is doubled, the total value of energy stored
in a capacitor will also be doubled.

Or

24. (a) Explain why, for any charge configuration, the equipotential surface
through a point is normal to the electric field at that point.

Draw a sketch of equipotential surfaces due to a single charge (-q), depicting

the electric field lines due to the charge.

Class XII Physic www.vedantu.com 22

 5 Marks

Ans: The work done by the system is given by W=FScosθ=0

For this quantity to be zero, we need a non-zero displacement, hence we have

cosθ=0
θ=90°

hence proved that the equipotential surface is normal to the electric field.

The diagram for the equipotential surface of a negative charge is given

(b) Obtain an expression for the work done to dissociate the system of three
charges placed at the vertices of an equilateral triangle of side 'a' as shown
below.

Ans: Work done will be the sum of the negative potential energy of the system:

1  q ( -4q ) 2q ( -4q ) q ( 2q )  1  -10q  1  10q 

=U  + = +  =    
4πε 0  a a a  4πε 0  a  4πε 0  a 

25. 5 Marks

(a) When a bar magnet is pushed towards (or away) from the coil connected
to a galvanometer, the pointer in the galvanometer deflects. Identify the
phenomenon causing this deflection and write the factors on which the
amount and direction of the deflection depends. State the laws describing
this phenomenon.

Class XII Physic www.vedantu.com 23

Ans: The phenomenon causing the deflection is electromagnetic induction. The
amount of deflection depends on the rate of change of flux and movement of the
magnet.

The law describing the phenomenon is: the faradays law which states that the
magnitude of the induced emf in a circuit is equal to the rate of change of the
magnetic flux

d
ε=- φB
dt

(b) Sketch the change in flux, emf and force when a conducting rod PQ of
resistance R and length I moves freely to and fro between A and C with speed
u on a rectangular conductor placed in uniform magnetic field as shown in
the figure.

Ans:

The flux induced by the rod is φ = Blx

dφ dx
ε
The magnitude of induced emf is= = -Bl =-Blv
dt dt

db
And the magnitude ε=-Bl =0 for x in between b and 2b
dt

Class XII Physic www.vedantu.com 24

 ε Blv
The induced current will be I= =
r r

B2 l 2 v
The force required to keep the conductor moving is F=BIl=
R
The force will be zero for x in between b and 2b

Or

25. In a series LCR circuit connected to an AC source of voltage υ=υmsinωt

use phasor diagram to derive an expression for the current in the circuit.
Hence obtain the expression for the power dissipated in the circuit. Show
that power dissipated at resonance is maximum. 5 Marks

Ans: phasor diagram for LCR circuit:

I
Voltage through the capacitor VC =IX C =
ωC

Voltage through the inductor VL =IX L =IωL

Voltage through the resistor VR =IR

Voltage from the definition of impedance VS =IZ

From the phasor diagram VS2 =VR 2 + ( VL -VC )

2

Vm
I=
 2  1  
2

2  R +  ωL-  
  ωC  


Class XII Physic www.vedantu.com 25

 Vm R
We know that P=I 2 R=
 2  1  
2

2  R +  ωL-  
  ωC  


1
At resonance =ωL
ωC

V 2
Substituting this, Pmax =m
2R

26. 5 Marks

(a) Why does unpolarised light from a source show a variation in intensity
when viewed through a polaroid which is rotated? Show with the help of a
diagram, how unpolarised light from sun gets linearly polarised by
scattering.

Ans: Unpolarised light vibrates electric field in all directions. When this is passed
through a polaroid, the output wave is polarised along the direction of the
polaroid. The intensity does not change as the incident or input wave has electric
field in all directions.

Malus law states that the intensity of plane polarised light passing through an
analyser varies as the square of the angle between the analyser and polariser.
Using this relation we have

Class XII Physic www.vedantu.com 26

(b) Three identical polaroid sheets P1 , P2 and P3 are oriented so that the
pass axis of P2 and P3 are inclined at angles of 60° and 90° respectively
with the pass axis of P1 . A monochromatic source S of unpolarized light of
intensity I, is kept in front of the polaroid sheet P, as shown in the figure.
Determine the intensities of light as observed by the observer at 0, when
polaroid P3 is rotated with respect to Po at angles 0= 30° and 60°

Ans: The intensity through the second polaroid will be

I 2 =Iocos 2 ( 60 )

I
I2 = o
4
The intensity after the light passes second polaroid leads us to the point that the
maximum intensity taken should be the output value through the second polaroid

The intensity through the third polaroid will be

I3 =I 2cos 2 ( 60 )

I
I3 = o
16

The intensity after the light passes second polaroid leads us to the point that the
maximum intensity taken should be the output value through the second polaroid

hence, the intensity after the third polaroid is turned will be

I3 =I 2cos 2 ( 90 )

Class XII Physic www.vedantu.com 27

I3 =0

Or

5 Marks

(a) Derive an expression for path difference in Young's double slit

experiment and obtain the conditions for constructive and destructive
interference at a point on the screen.

Ans:

Let us assume that the path difference Δx=S2 P-S1P

 2  d 2   2  d 2 
(S2P ) - (S1P ) =  D +  x+   -  D +  x-   =2xd
2 2

  2    2 

Assuming that S2 P+S1P ≈ 2D , x<<D and d<<D

xd
Δx=
D
For constructive interference, Δx=nλ

nλD
The position for nth fringe is x n =
d

For destructive interference, Δx=

( 2n+1) λ
2

Class XII Physic www.vedantu.com 28

 ( 2n+1) λD
The position for nth fringe is x n =
2d

(b) The intensity at the central maxima in Young's double slit experiment is
λ λ
I o Find out the intensity at a point where the path difference is , and
6 4
λ
3
Ans: Resultant intensity at a point is I′=I+I+2Icosφ

λφ
Path difference is given by Δx =
2π

 Δx 
I′=I+I+2Icos  2π 
 λ 

The intensity at central maximum I0 =4I

λ 3
Δx= ⇒ I′=3I= I0
6 4

λ 1
Δx= ⇒ I′=2I= I0
4 2
λ 1
Δx= ⇒ I′=3I= I0
3 4

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