THE UNIVERSE

The universe is commonly defined as the totality of everything that exists

including all physical matter and energy, the planets, stars, galaxies and the
contents of intergalactic space

Big Steady State Theory

 Theories of the universe form a  The Steady State theory (also
discipline known as cosmology. known as the infinite Universe
 Einstein was the first truly theory of continuous creation) is a
modern cosmologist. model developed in 1948 by Fred
 An evolving universe was first Hoyle, Thomas Gold and
discussed in the 1920s by Hermann Bondy and others as
Aleksandr Fried Mann, an alternative to the Big Bang
Georges Lemaitre and others. theory.
 In steady state views, new matter
Pulsating Theory is continuously created as the
 The total mass of the universe is universe was expands.
more them a certain value the
Measuring Distances In
expansion stopped by the Astronomy
gravitational pull. Then the  Light year is the distance that light
universe may again contract. travels in a year. Since light travels
 At Present the Universe is at 3 Lakhs kilometres a second,
expanding  It goes about 9.467 x 1015 m in a
year.

Astronomical Objects: In 1924, Edwin Hubble first demonstrated existence of

galaxies beyond Milk Way.

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 THE UNIVERSE

Galaxies
The Galactic Year :
 Galaxies are giant assemblies of
The galactic year also known as a
stars, gases, and dust into which
cosmic year is the duration of time
most of the visible matter in the
required for the solar system to
universe is concentrated. orbit once around the centre of the
 The majority of the galaxies close milky way galaxy. Estimates of the
enough to be observed in any length of orbit range from 225 to
250 million terrestrial years.
detail can be divided into three
broad categories elliptical, spiral
and irregular. Nebula
 The nearest outside galaxies to  A nebula is a cloud of interstellar
our own (the Milky Way) are the gas and dust that can be
large and small clouds of observed either as a luminous
Magellan (about 100,000 light patch of light "a bright nebula"
years distant from us). Another or as "a dark hole or band
well-known galaxy is against a brighter background" a
Andromeda, the largest of the dark nebula.
nearby galaxies.
Stars

The Milky Way  A star is a celestial body,

 It is the giant star system to consisting of a large, self-

which the sun belongs. The luminous mass of hot gases held

Galaxy has a spiral structure and, together by its own gravity.

like other spiral galaxies, is  The composition by weight of an

highly flattened. average star is about 70%

 The diameter of the galactic disc hydrogen, 28% helium, 1.5%

is 100,000 light years and the carbon, nitrogen, neon 0.5 iron

sun is situated at a distance of group and heavier elements.

27,000 light years from the  The star contains by far the

centre. largest fraction of the mass of the

Sun spots are the magnetic storms on the surface of the sun.

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 THE UNIVERSE

universe. Stars are born, produce supernova explosion will

nuclear energy, evolve, and compress the core of the star to
eventually die. nuclear densities giving rise to a
 The smallest stars are only about neutron star.
one-tenth the size of the sun.  The mass of a neutron star is less
 The largest are several hundred than 2 solar masses and its
times larger. They look small radius is about 10 kilometres.
only because they are far away. Neutron stars have large
magnetic fields. If the magnetic
Clusters
axis is inclined to the axis of
 Groups of star held by mutual
rotation, the star emits pulses at
gravitational force in the galaxy
regular intervals, the periods of
are called star clusters.
which range from 30 milli
 A group of 100 to 1000 stars is
seconds to 3 seconds. These are
called galactic cluster.
pulsars the first of which was
 A group of about 10,000 stars is
discovered by the radio
called globular cluster.
astronomers in 1967.

1. Dwarf:
 If the original mass of the star is 3. Black Hole:

less than about 2 solar masses  If the original mass of the star

we get a dense white dwarf or was more than 5 solar masses,

less than 1.2 solar mass. the back kick of the supernova

 As there is no nuclear fuel left in explosion is so violent that the

the white drawf it just cools off core continues to contract

slowly changing its colour from indefinitely, giving rise to a black

white to yellow, to red and finally hole.

becomes a dark body.  As the contraction proceeds, the

radius decreases continuously
2. Neutron Star:
and acceleration due to gravity g,
 If the original mass of the star
at the surface goes on increasing.
was between 2 and 5 solar
masses, the back kick of the
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 THE UNIVERSE

 Finally a stage comes when the g No Hypothesis Pro pounder

value is so large that even the 1. Gaseous Kant
photon cannot escape from the hypothesis
surface of the body. 2. Nebular Laplace
hypothesis
Constellation: 3. Planetesimal Chamber line
 On a clear night, here and there hypothesis and Moultan
groups of stars seem to form 4. Tidal Sir James jeans
special shapes. Such a group or hypothesis and Harold
shape is called a constellation. Jeffreys
5. Binary star HN Russell
The Solar System Hypothesis
 The solar system is a group of 6. Supernova F Hoyte
celestial bodies comprising the Hypothesis
sun and the large number of 7. Inter stellar Otto schmidt
bodies that are bound dust hypothesis
gravitationally to the sun and 8. Electromagnetic HAIFVEN
revolve around it. hypothesis
 The latter include the planets, 9. Protoplanet G kuiper
asteroids, comets etc. hypothesis
 Various theories were given to 10. Nebular cloud Dr.Von
explain the origin of the solar hypothesis Weisacker
system

 It is the nearest star to the earth.

Sun As a star it is a rather ordinary
 The sun is the star at the centre one, of average size. Many other
of the solar system. stars are bigger, heavier, hotter
and brighter.
 The next nearest star, Alpha
Centauri,

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 THE UNIVERSE

SUN and shines only by the light it

Diameter : 1,392,000km reflects.
Volume : 1,304,000
times, Earth's; The Terrestrial Planets:
Gravitational  Next to the Sun, the most
Pull : 28 x Earth's important members of the solar
Relative Density : 1.4 kg/m3 system are the planets.
Temperature : 6000°C at  Of the nine planets, the nearest
surface and four to the Sun namely Mercury,
15,000,000°C Venus, Earth and Mars are called
at the centre the terrestrial planets because
their structure is similar to the
 The sun atmosphere
earth.
1. Photosphere - 14 x 106k
 The common features of these
2. Chromosphere - 6000k
planets are:
1. a thin rocky crust,
 Sun Produces energy by fusion
2. a mantle rich in iron and
Two sets of Fusion reactions
magnesium and
(hydrogen into helium)
3. a core of molten metal’s.
1. Proton Proton Chain
 The terrestrial planets have very
2. CN cycles (minor amount to the
few moons. These planets have
energy) Four hydrogen nuclei
thin atmospheres.
combine to a helium nucleus.
This mass difference converted
The Jovian Planets:
to energy.
 The planets outside the orbit of
(E = mc2) This energy which
Mars are much farther off than
keeps the sun shining.
the terrestrial planets.
PLANETS  The planets outside the orbit of
 A planet is a heavenly body that Mars are called Jovian planets

orbits the sun or another star because their structure is similar

to that of Jupiter.

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 THE UNIVERSE

 These are all gaseous bodies. Important Facts

They have ring systems around
Biggest planet Jupiter
them and have large number of
Biggest satellite Gannymede
moons.
Blue Planet Earth
Green planet Uranus
MERCURY
Brightest planet Venus
 Mercury is the inner most and
Brightest star Sirius
smallest planet in the solar
(Dog star)
system orbiting the sun once
Closest star of solar Alpha
every 87.969 Earth days.
system centauri
 It is nearly of the same size as
Coldest planet Neptune
the moon and is much smaller
Evening star Venus
compared to the earth with an
Farthest planet Neptune
equatorial radius of 2,439.7 km.
from sun
 The Mercury usually becomes
visible in September and October Planet with Jupiter

just before sunrise in the eastern maximum number

sky as a morning star. of satellites

 Mercury too has no atmosphere Fastest revolution Mercury

and its surface is rocky and in solar system

mountainous too. Hottest planet Venus

VENUS  The mass of the atmosphere of

 Venus or Shukra is the second Venus is 96.5% co2, with of the

planet in terms of its distance remaining 3.5% being nitrogen.

from the sun orbiting it every Venus has no moon or satellite of

224.7 Earth days. its own.

 It is a planet, which our elders

often called an evening or a THE EARTH

morning star.  Earth is the third planet in term

of distance from the sun.

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 THE UNIVERSE

MARS  Its mass is more than the

 The next planet in terms of combined mass of all other
distance from the sun is the Mars planets.
or Mongol. It appears reddish
and therefore it is also called the SATURN (SHANI)
red planet.  Saturn is the most distant planet
known to the early astronomers.
Important Facts
Its distance from the sun is
Importance Planet almost two times that of Jupiter.
Den sect planet Earth  Saturn is its beautiful rings that
Fastest rotation in Jupiter encircle the planet.
solar system  There are three distinct rings
Moring star Venus that surround the planet.
Nearest planet to Venus  These rings are not visible with
earth the naked eyes and can be

Nearest planet to sun Mercury observed only with the help of a

Red planet Mars telescope.

Slowest revolution in Neptune

solar system URANUS
 Uranus was the first planet to be
Slowest rotation in Venus
discovered with the help of a
solar system
telescope.
Smallest planet Mercury
 William Herchel discovered the
Smallest satellite Deimos
planet in 1781.
Earth’s twin Venus
 Hydrogen and methane have
Only satellite with an Titan
been detected in the atmosphere
atmosphere like
of Uranus.
earth

NEPTUNE
JUPITER
 Neptune is the eighth planet in
 Jupiter is the largest of all the
terms of its distance from the
planets.
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 THE UNIVERSE

sun. This is the second planet

Escape speed of earth is 11.2 km/s
that was discovered with the help
The escape speed is ve =
of telescope.
Mercury = 4 km/s
Albedo : Jupiter = 60 km/s
 The ratio of the amount of moon = 2.5 km/s
solar energy reflected by Sun =620 km/s
planet to that incident in it is (Escape speed very high)
known as albedo.
 The Albedo of Earth - 0.37.
Kepler’s laws
 The Albedo of Venus is 85. Its
Motion of the planets around the
reflects 85% light. So its
sun Johannes Kepler (1571 – 1630)
contain high density
obtained the following three laws
atmosphere.
known as Kepler’s Laws).
 Mercury albedo is 6%. So it
Law - I : the planets revolve around
not contain atmosphere.
the sun in the elliptical
 There are two factors which orbits with sun at one of
determine whether the planets the focus.
have atmosphere or not,
i. acceleration due to gravity on it Law - II : The radius vector sweeps
surface out equal area in equal
ii. the surface temperature of the interval of time. This
planet. law may be derived from
 The value of g for moon is very law of conservation of
small (1/6th of the earth). angular momentum.
 Mercury has larger value of g The Kinetic energy of the planet is
than moon. There is no maximum when it is closest to the sun.
atmosphere because its very
close to the sun and it Law - III: The square of the period of
temperature is high. revolution of a planet around the sun is
directly proportional to the cube of the

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 THE UNIVERSE

Comets
 A comet is a member of the solar
system that travels around the sun
in an orbit that generally is much
more eccentric than the orbits of
planets.
 Typical comets have three parts:
the nucleus, coma, and comet tail.
 A comet cannot move in a circle.
mean distance between the planet and
 Thus, all periodic comets must
the sun.
move in ellipses.
T2 r3  The comets approaches the sun, it
is heated by the sun radiant energy
T – Planet revolution time vapourises and forms a leaf of
R – Mean distance between the planet about 10,000 km in diameter. The
and sun. comets also develops a tail pointing
away from the sun. Halley’s comets
Asteroids is a Periodic comet which made its
 Asteroids or minor planets circle appearance in 1910 and in 1986. It
in a broad belt between the would appear again in 2062 years.
orbits of Mars and Jupiter.
Meteors and Meteorites
 They are chunks of rock covered
 The comets break into pieces as
in frozen gases. The largest is
they approach very close to the sun.
ceres.
When the earths orbits cross the
 Today more than one thousand
orbit of comet these broken pieces
of these small bodies have been
fall on the earth, Most of the pieces
discovered and it is estimated
are burnt. They are called shooting
that there are more than 50,000
stars. (Meteors)
in all. The orbits of some extend
 Some bigger size fully not burnt
beyond the Mars-Jupiter space.
this called Meteorites.

Page 9
 GENERAL SCIENTIFIC LAWS

1. Universal Gravitation (1666) that electricity and magnetism are

 Isaac Newton came to the related. During the lecture, an
conclusion that all objects in the experiment demonstrated the
universe, from apples to planets, velocity of his theory in front of the
exert gravitational attraction on whole class.
each other. 4. Special Relativity (1905)
 Albert Einstein overthrew basic
2. Laws of Motion (1687)
assumptions about time and space
 The relationship between an
by describing how clocks tick
object's mass (m), its acceleration
slower and distances appear to
(a) and the applied force (F) is F =
stretch as objects approach the
ma.
speed of light.
 For every action there is an equal
5. E = mc2 (1905)
and opposite reaction.
 Albert Einstein's famous formula
3. Electromagnetism
proves that mass and energy are
(1807 -1873)
different manifestations of the
 Pioneering experiments uncover
same thing, and that a very small
the relationship between electricity
amount of mass can be converted
and magnetism and lead to a set of
into a very large amount of energy.
equations that express the basic
 One profound implication of his
laws governing them.
discovery is that no object with
 One of those experiments
mass can ever go faster the speed of
unexpectedly yield results in a
light
classroom. In 1820
6. Quantum Leap (1900 -1935)
 Danish physicist Hans Christian
 To describe the behaviour of
Oersted was delivery his speach to
subatomic particles, a new set of
the students about the possibility

Page 1
 PHYSICS

natural law was developed by Max Superconductors (1911-1986)

Planck, Albert Einstein, Werner  The unexpected discovery that
Heisenberg and Erwin some materials have no resistance
Schrodinger. to the flow of electricity promises
 A quantum leap is defined as the to revolutionize industry and
change of an electron within an technology.
atom from one energy state to  Superconductivity occurs in a
another. This change happens at wide variety of materials,
once, not gradually. including simple elements like tin
and aluminium, various metallic
7. Nature of Light (1704 - 1905)
alloys and certain ceramic
 Thought and experimentation by
compounds.
Isaac Newton, Thomas young and
Albert Einstein lead to an 8. Quarks (1962)
understanding of what light is, how  Murray Gell-Mann proposed the
it behaves and how it is existence of fundamental particles
transmitted. that combine to form composite
 Newton used a prism to split white objects such as protons and
light into its constituent colours neutrons.
and another prism to mix the  A quark has both an electric and a
colours into white light, proving at "strong" charge. Protons and
coloured light mixed together neutrons each contain three
makes white light. quarks.
 Young established that light is a 9. Nuclear Forces (1666-1957)
wave and that wavelength  Discoveries of the basic forces at
determines colour. work on the subatomic level lead to
 Finally, Einstein recognized that the realization that all interactions
light always travels at a constant in the universe are the result of four
speed, no matter what is the speed fundamental forces of nature-the
of the measure. strong and weak nuclear forces, the
electromagnetic force and
gravitation.
Page 2
 SCIENTIFIC INSTRUMENTS

Air Cooler An apparatus for cooling the air. Here air is blown
through water and atmosphere cooled.

Altimeter An instrument used in aircrafts for measuring altitudes

Ammeter An instrument used for measuring electric current.

Anemometer An instrument to measure the speed and pressure of the wind.

Audiometer It measures intensity of sound

Beaufort scale It is used to measure wind force.

Barograph: An instrument which registers automatically the altitude

reached by an aeroplane.

Barometer An instrument to measure atmospheric conditions and changes.

Binocular It is used to view distance objects

Callipers A compass with legs for measuring the inside or outside

diameter of bodies.

Calorimeter An instrument used for measuring quantities of heat.

Carburettor An apparatus for charging air with petrol vapours in an internal

combustion engine

Cinematograph An apparatus for projecting pictures on the screen in so rapid a

succession that picture seems to be in motion.

Cresco graph An instrument for recording electrically the response of living

matter to various kinds of stimuli.

Cardiograph Is a medical instrument for tracing heart movements.

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 PHYSICS

Chronometer Is a clock to determine longitude of a vessel at sea.

Cyclotron It is an apparatus for smashing atoms.

Computers These are data-processing machines, which provide the

information according to the requirements

Dictaphone A trade name for a tape recorder.

Dynamo A machine used for transforming mechanical energy into

electrical energy.

Dynamometer It measures electrical powers

Electric Motor Machine for using electricity as a motive power.

Electrometer An instrument for measuring electrical potential differences.

Epidiascope For projecting films as well as images of opaque articles on a

screen

Eudiometer It is a glass tube for measuring volumes changes in the

chemical reactions between gases.

Endoscope It examines internal parts of the body

Fathometer Is an instrument used for measuring depth of the ocean-

Gramophone A machine for reproducing recorded sound

Hydrophone An instrument for measuring the density of liquids with that of

water,

hygrometer An apparatus for measuring the humidity of air.

Internal An engine in which heat energy added the air within the
Combustion working cylinder and converted into mechanical work through
Engine the medium of a piston or by a turbine rotator

Lactometer A typical hygrometer for testing pure milk.

Laser A device to throw a thin beam of light that is carried over great
distances.

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 SCIENTIFIC INSTRUMENT

Water Meter For measuring gallons of water consumed.

Volta meter For measuring electricity consumed.

Magneto A part of the motor car that converts mechanical energy into
electrical energy.

Manometer For determining the pressure of a gas

Micrometer An instrument for measuring distance of angles

Microphone An instrument which intensifies and renders audibly the

faintest possible sound

Microscope An optical instrument for producing greatly magnified images

of very small objects.

Odometer It is an instrument by which the distance covered by wheeled

vehicles is measured

Periscope Optical instrument used in trench warfare and in submarines

for enabling an observer to see surrounding objects from a
lower level.

Phonograph Is an instrument used for reproducing sound

Photometer Is an apparatus used to compare the illuminating power of two

sources of light.

Pipette It is a glass tube with the aid of which a definite volume of

liquid may be transferred.

Pyrometer Is an instrument for measuring high temperatures.

Radar An instrument to detect the presence of enemy aircraft,

submarine, etc., and also to determine its direction, distance
and speed.

Radiogram A combined radio and gramophone

Refract meter It is an instrument to measure refractive indices

Page 3
 PHYSICS

Radiometer An instrument for measuring the radiant energy of light and

heat.

Samaphore System of signalling between two places generally ships

Seismometer It is an apparatus for measuring the origin of earthquakes.

Sextant An instrument for measuring angle

Spark Plug Device for producing an electric spark to set off combustion in
the cylinder of a petrol engine.

Stethoscope A doctor's tool to listen to the beat of the heart

Stereoscope A binocular optical instrument through which a double

Photograph taken from two slightly different angles by two
lenses cameras is viewed.

Speedometer An instrument which registers the speed of the vehicle

Telephone A device by virtue of which two persons at two different places

can communicate. It consists of two main parts (i) a
microphone and (ii) a receiver.

Telstar It is a space communication satellite developed by Bell for

overseas communications. It was launched on July 10, 1962
from Cape Kennedy (U.S.A.). Telstar, in addition to telephone
calls, enables television microwave transmissions to be made
from and to any country with a receiving and transmitting
station.

Telemeter Is an apparatus for recording physical events happening at a

distance

Theodolite An instrument for use in land surveying for measuring vertical

and horizontal angles.

Thermometer It is an instrument to measure the temperature.

Thermionic Used in wireless telegraphy and radio broadcasting.

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 SCIENTIFIC INSTRUMENT

valve

Thermostat It is an instrument which controls temperature automatically. It

is used in refrigerators, air- conditioners, geysers etc.

Transformer It is an electric apparatus which is used to convert high voltage

to low and vice versa.

Tachometer An instrument for measuring the speed of aeroplanes, motors,

etc.

Television It is the transmission of images of moving objects by radio

waves.

Telescope An instrument designed to view the distant object easily.

Tele printer An instrument which prints automatically messages sent from

one place to another on telegraph lines.

Viscometer Is an instrument to measure viscosity.

Voltmeter It is an instrument to measure the potential difference across

two points of an electrical circuit.

Volta meter It is an apparatus for producing electrolysis in liquids

Wattmeter Is an instrument for the direct measurement of power in watt of

an electrical circuit.

Page 5
 INVENTIONS AND DISCOVERIES

DISCOVERIES
c500 BC Static electricity Thales of Miletus, Greece
c240 BC How things float Archimedes, Greece
c150 Earth-centred universe Claudius Ptolemy, Greece
1304 Cause of rainbow Nicolaus Copernicus, Poland
1600 Earth's magnetism William Gilbert, England
1604 How objects fall Galileo Galilei, Italy
1609 How the planets move Johannes Kepler, Germany
1609 Moons of Jupiter Galileo Galiei, Italy
1616 Chemical element defined Robert Boyle, Ireland
1643 Air Pressure Evangelista Torricelli, Italy
1662 Law of gases Robert Boyle, Ireland
1666 Nature of white light Isaac Newton, England
1666 Gravity Isaac Newton, England
1687 Laws of motion Isaac Newton, England
1690 Wave theory of light Christian Huygens, Holland
1718 Fahrenheit temperature scale Gabriel Fahrenheit, Germany
1742 Centigrade temperature scale Anders Celsius, Sweden
1752 The nature of lightning Benjamin Franklin, USA
1772 Nature of Combustion Antonie Lavoisier, France
1774 Preparation of Oxygen Joseph Priestley, England
1791 Metric system of Units France
1798 Nature of heat Count Rumford, England

Page 1
 INVENSIONS AND DISCOVERIES

1800 Wave nature of light Thomas Young, England

1800 Electric current Alessandro Volta, Italy
1802 Atomic theory John Dalton, England
1807 Discovery of new Humphry Davy, elements using
electricity England
1808 How gases combine Joseph Gay-Lussac, France
1811 Molecules in gases Amedeo Avogadro, Italy
1820 Electromagnetism Hans Oersted, Denmark
1820 Force between current carrying
wires Andre Ampere, France
1827 Law of electric current George Ohm, Germany
1831 Electromagnetic induction Michael Faraday, England
1833 Laws of Electrolysis Michael Faraday, England
1841 Heat and work James Joule, England
1855 Prediction of radio-waves James Maxwell, Scotland
1869 Periodic table of elements Dimitri Mendelev USSR
1887 Radio waves discovered Heinrich Hertz, Germany
1887 Speed of light Albert Michelson, USA
1894 Noble gases William Ramsey, Scotland
1895 X-rays Wilhelm Rontgen, Germany
1896 Radioactivity Antoine Becquerel" France
1897 Electron Joseph John Thomson,
England
1898 Radium Pierre and Marie Curie, France
1899 Alpha and Beta particles Ernest Rutherford, New Zealand
1900 Quantum theory Max Planck, Germany

Page 2
 PHYSICS

1903 Theory of radioactivity Ernest Rutherford (New

Zealand) and Frederick Soddy
(England)
1905 Relativity Albert Einstein, Germany
1905 Photoelectric effect Albert Einstein, Germany
1911 Atomic nucleus Ernest Rutherford, New Zealand
1911 Superconductors Heike Kammerlingh Onnes,
Holland
1913 Structure of the atom Niels Bohr, Denmark
1915 General relativity Albert Einstein, Germany
1919 Proton Ernest Rutherford, New Zealand
1926 Wave nature of matter Erwin Schroedinger, Austria
1927 Uncertainty principle Werner Heisenberg, Germany
1929 Expanding universe Edwin Hubble, USA
1932 Neutron James Chadwick, England
1938 Nuclear Fission Otto Hahn, Germany
1939 Chemical bonding Linus Pauling. USA
1964 Quark Murray Gell-Mann, USA
1974 Black hole Stephen Hawking, England
1984 Polymerase chain Kary Mullis reaction
1986 High-temperature Alex Muller (Switzerland) and
superconductors George Bednorz (West
Germany)

INVENTIONS
c4000 BC Wheel Asia
c4000 BC Weighing instruments Mesopotamia
c3500 BC Potters wheel Mesopotamia
236 BC Screw for lifting water Archimedes,Greece
600 BC Cast iron China

Page 3
 INVENSIONS AND DISCOVERIES

c1000 Gunpowder China

1088 Water-powered clock Han Kung-Lien, China
1267 Magnifying glass Roger Bacon, England
1280 Spectacles Sadi Popozo, Italy
c1450 Printing Press Johannes Gutenberg, Germany
c1590 Microscope Zacharias Janseen, Holland
c1593 Thermometer Galileo Galilei, Italy
c1608 Lens telescope Hans Lippershey, Holland
1642 Adding machine Blaise Pascal, France
1643 Mercury barometer Evangelista Torricelli, Italy
1657 Pendulum clock Christiaan Huygens, Holland
1668 Reflecting telescope Issac Newton, England
1674 Calculating machine Gottfried von Leibniz. Germany
1698 Steam engine Thomas Savery, England
1764 Spinning machine James Hargreaves, Eng and
1712 Steam-driven pump Thomas Newcomen, England
1733 Mechanical loom John Kay,England
1752 Lightening conductor Benjamin Franklin, USA
1769 Efficient steam engine James Watt, England
1769 Steam-driven carriage Nicolas Cugnot, France
1775 Submarine David Bushnell, USA
1786 Steam boat John Fitch USA
1783 Hot-air Balloon Etienne and Joseph Montgolfier,
France
1800 Electric battery Alessandro Volta, Italy
1803 Steam train Richard Trevithick, England
1820 Electromagnet Hans Oersted, Denmark
1822 Photograph Josephe Niepce, France
Page 4
 PHYSICS

1831 Transformer Michael Faraday, England

1831 Dynamo Michael Faraday, England
1831 Electric motor Michael Faraday, England
1835 Photographic negative William Fox Talbot, England
1837 Electric telegraph William Cooke and Charles
Wheatstone (England)
1838 Morse code Samuel Morse, USA
1839 Bicycle Kirkpatrick Macmillan, Scotland
1843 Aneroid barometer Lucien Vidi, France
1843 Iron-pulled ship Isambard Brunei,
1843 Analytical engine Charles Babbage, England
1852 Steam-powered airship Henri Giffard, France
1856 Steel furnace Henry Bessemer, England
1856 Synthetic dyes William Perkin, England
1859 Spectroscope Gutav Kirchoff and Robert
Bunsen, Germany
1860 Gas-burning engine Etienne Lenoir, Belgium
1862 Plastics Alexander Parkes, England
1866 Dry cell battery Georges Leclanche, France
1867 Dynamite Alfred Nobel, Sweden
1876 Telephone Alexander Graham Bell, USA
1876 Four-stroke gas engine Nikolaus Otto
1877 Phonograph Thomas Edison, USA
1879 Electric Light Thomas Edison, USA
1879 Refrigerator Karl Von Linde, Germany
1882 Sewing machine Waiter Hunt, USA
1883 Petrol engine Gottlieb Daimler, Germany
1884 Steam turbine Charles Parsons, England

Page 5
 INVENSIONS AND DISCOVERIES

1885 Motorcycle Gottlieb Daimler, Germany

1885 Motor car Karl Benz, Germany
1888 Pneumatic cycle tyre John Dunlop, Scotland
1889 Telephone exchange Almon Strowger, USA
1891 Moving pictures Thomas Edison, USA
1891 Electrical storage-battery Gaston Plant, France
1892 Oil-burning engine Rudolf Diesel, Germany
1894 Radio transmitter Guglielmo Marconi, Italy
1897 Cathode-ray tube Ferdinand Braun, Germany
1898 Tape recorder Valdemar Poulsen, Denmark
1900 Hydrofoil boat E. Forlanini, Italy
1903 Aeroplane Wilbur and Orville Wright, USA
1904 Diode valve John Ambrose Fleming, England
1907 Helicopter Paul Cornu, France
1908 Geiger counter Hans Geiger, Germany
1918 Sonar Paul Lengevin, France
1925 Television John Logie Baird, Scotland
1926 Liquid-fuelled rocket Robert Goddard, USA
1930 Jet engine Frank Whittle, England
1931 Electron microscope Max Knoll and Ernst Ruska,
Germany
1931 Cyclotron Ernest Lawrence, USA
1935 Nylon Wallace Carothers, USA
1935 Radar Robert Watson-Watt, England
1937 Radio telescope Grote Reber, USA
1938 Scanning electron M.Von Ardenne, Germany
microscope
1942 Nuclear reactor Enrico Fermi, USA

Page 6
 PHYSICS

1947 Transistor John Bardeen, Wiliam Schokley

and Waiter Brattain, USA
1947 Instant Camera Edwin Land, USA
1948 Computer Fredric Williams and Tom
Kilburn, England
1948 Hologram Denis Gabor, Hungary
1949 Rotary engine Felix Wankel, Germany
1954 Communication satellite Arthur Clarke, England
1955 Ultrasound scanning I. Donald, England
1956 Video recorder A. Poniatoff, USA
1957 First artificial satellite USSR
1958 Integrated circuit Jack Kilby, USA
1960 Laser Theodore Maiman, USA
1961 First man in space Yuri Gagarin, USSR
1962 First communication USA
satellite launched
1966 Optical fibres K. Kao and G.Hockham, England
1969 First men on Moon Neil Armstrong and Edwin
Aldrin, USA
1971 Microprocessor Ted Hoff, USA
1971 First space station USSR
1981 Space Shuttle USA
1980 Hepatitis B Baruch
Vaccine invented Blumberg (USA)
1981 MS-DOS invented Tim Paterson and Gary
1st IBM-PC invented Kindall (USA)
scanning tunneling Gred Karl Binning and
microscope Heinrich Rohrer
1985 Windows Program Microsoft USA

Page 7
 INVENSIONS AND DISCOVERIES

1991 WWW (World Wide Web) Tim Berner Lee

2001 iPod Tony Fadell (USA)
Self contained artificial Heart Alain F. Carpentier,
2005 You Tube - The online Steve Chen, Chad and Jawed
Video Sharing Community Karim
2008 Large Hadron Colloider CERN French-Swiss border

NOBEL PRIZE IN PHYSICS

Year 2016
1. David J. Thouless
2. F. Duncan M. Haldane
3. John. M. Kosterlitz
 For theoretical discoveries of topological phase transitions and topological
phase of matter.

Year 2015
1. Takaaki kajita
2. Arthuv B. Mc Donald
 For the discovery of neutrino oscillations, which shows that neutrinos have
mass.

Year 2014
1. Isamu Akasaki
2. Hiroshi Amano Shuji Nakamuva
 For the invention of efficient blue light – emitting diodes which has enabled
bright and energy saving white light sources.

Year 2013
1. Francois Englert, Perter W.Higgs
 For the theoretical discovery of a mechanism that contributes to our
understanding of the origin of mass of subatomic particles and which recently
was confirmed through the discovery of the ATLAS and CMS experiments at
CERN’s large Hadron collider.

Page 8
 PHYSICS

Year 2012
1. Serge Haroche, David J. Wineland
 For ground breaking experimented methods that enable measuring and
manipulation of individual quantum systems.

Year 2011
1. Saul Perlmutter, Brian P. Schmidt, Adam G.Riess
 For the discovery of the accelerating expansion of the universe through
observation of distant supernovae.

Neutrino oscillation : It is a quantum mechanical phenomenon where by a

neutrino created with a specific lepton flavour (electron Muon, or tau) can later be
measured to have a different flavour.

FAMOUS SCIENTISTS AND THEIR CONTRIBUTIONS

Names Major Contributions/Discoveries Country of

Origin

Isaac Newton Universal Law of gravitation; Laws of U.K.

Motion; Reflecting Telescope

Galileo Galilei Law of inertia Italy

Archimedes Principle of Buoyancy; Principle of the Greece

lever

James Clerk Maxwell Electromagnetic theory; Light-and U.K.

electromagnetic wave

W.K. Roentgen X-rays Germany

Marie Sklodowska Curie Discovery of Radium and Polonium; Poland

Studies on natural radioactivity

Page 9
 INVENSIONS AND DISCOVERIES

Albert Einstein Law of Photoelectricity; Theory of Germany

Relativity

S.N. Bose Quantum Statistics India

James Chadwick Neutron U.K.

Niels Bohr Quantum Model of Hydrogen atom Denmark

Earnest Rutherford Nuclear model of atom Denmark

C.V. Raman Inelastic scattering of light by India

molecules

Christian Huygens Wave theory of light Holland

Michael Faraday Laws of Electromagnetic Induction U.K.

Edwin Hubble Expanding Universe U.S.A.

Homi Jehangir Bhabha Cascade process in cosmic radiation India

Abdus Salam Unification of weak and Pakistan

electromagnetic interactions

RA Millikan Measurement of electronic charge U.S.A.

Earnest Orlando Cyclotron U.S.A.

Lawrence

Wolfgang Pauli Quantum Exclusion Principles Austria

Louis victor de Broglie Wave nature of matter France

J.J. Thomson Electron U.K.

S. Chandrasekhar Chandrasekhar limit, structure and India

evolution of stars

Lev Davidovich Landau Theory of Condensed Matter; Liquid Russia

Helium

Heinrich Rudolf Hertz Electromagnetic waves Germany

Page 10
 PHYSICS

J.c. Bose Ultra short radio waves India

Hideki Yukawa Theory of Nuclear Forces Japan

Werner Heisenberg Quantum Mechanics; Uncertainty Germany

Principle

Victor Francis Hess Cosmic Radiation Austria

M.N. Saha Thermal Ionization India

G.N. Ramachandran Triple Helical Structure of Proteins India

LINK BETWEEN TECHNOLOGY AND PHYSICS

Technologies Scientific Principle(s)

Steam engine Laws of Thermodynamics

Nuclear reactor Nuclear fission

Radio and Television Propagation of electromagnetic waves

Computers Digital logic

lasers Light amplification by stimulated emission of

radiation (population inversion)

Production of ultra high Superconductivity

magnetic fields

Rocket propulsion Newton's (2nd and 3rd) laws of motion

Electric generator Faraday's laws of electromagnetic induction

Hydroelectric power Conversion of gravitational potential energy into

electrical energy

Aeroplane Bernoulli's principle in fluid dynamics

Particle accelerators Motion of charged particles in electromagnetic

Page 11
 INVENSIONS AND DISCOVERIES

fields

SONAR Reflection of ultrasonic waves

FUNDAMENTAL FORCES OF NATURE

Forces Relative Ranges Operates Among
Strength
Gravitational force 10-38 Infinite All objects in the
universe
(Gravitation)
Weak nuclear force 10-13 Very short, within Bosons
nuclear size
(~l0-15 m)
Electromagnetic force 10-2 Infinite Photons
Strong nuclear force 1 Very short, within Mesons
nuclear size
(~10-15 m)

ATOMIC INDUSTRIAL ORGANISATION

Heavy water board (HWB) Mumbai

Nuclear fuel complex ( NFC) Hyderabad

Board of radiation & isotope technology (BRIT) Mumbai

ATOMIC PUBLIC SECTORS

Nuclear power corporation of India limited (NPCIL) Mumbai

Uranium corporation of India Limited (UCIL) Jharkhand

Indian rare earth limited (IRE) Mumbai

Electronics corporation of India limited (ECIL) Hyderabad

Page 12
 PHYSICS

AUTONOMOUS NATIONAL INSTITUTES

Tata institute of fundamental institute (TIFR) Mumbai

Tata memorial centre (TMC) Mumbai

Saha institute of Nuclear physics (SINP) Kolkata

Institute of physics (IOP) Bhubaneshwar

Harish Chandra research institute (HRI) Allahabad

Institute of Mathematical sciences (IMSs) Chennai

Institute for plasma research (IPR) Ahmedabad

Page 13
 NATIONAL SCIENTIFIC LABORATORIES

LIGO - INDIGO, Lab located in Hingoli Maharashtra

LIGO - The laser interferometer gravitational wave observatory
INDIGO - Indian initiative in gravitational wave observation
Neutrino - Lab
(INO) India - Based Neutrino observatory
- Pottipuram in Bodi, Theni District, Tamilnadu.

Central building research Institute Roorkee

Central Drug research Institute Lucknow

Central Electro – chemical research institute Karaikaudi (TN)

Central Electronics Engineering research institute Pilani (Rajasthan)

Central food technological research institute Mysore

Central fuel research institute Dhanbad (Jharkhand)

Central glass and ceramic research institute Kolkata

Central institute of medical and aromatic plants Lucknow

Central leather research institute Chennai

Central Mining research station Dhanbad (jharhand)

Central salt & marine chemical research institute Bhavnagar (Gujarat)

Central scientific instrument organisation Chandigrah

Indian Institute of petroleum Dehradun

Page 1
 NATIONAL SCIENTIFIC LABORATORIES

Industrial toxicology research centre Lucknow

National Botanical research institute Lucknow

National Biological laboratory Palampur (HP)

National Environment engineering institute Nagpur

National Geophysical research institute Hyderabad

National institute of oceanography Panaji (Goa)

National metallurgical Laboratory Jamshedpur

National physical laboratory New Delhi

Pulsars research laboratory Pachmarthi (MP)

ATOMIC RESEARCH CENTRES

Bhabha atomic research centre (BARC) Mumbai - 1957

Indira Gandhi centre for atomic research (IGCAR) Kalpakkam - 1971

Centre for advanced technology (CAT) Indore - 1984

Variable energy cyclotron centre (VECC) Kolkata - 1977

Atomic minerals directorate (AMD) Hyderabad -

ATOMIC SERVICES ORGANISATION

Directors of purchase and stores (DPS) Mumbai

Construction services and estate management group (CS& EMG) Mumbai

General services organisation (GSO) Tamil Nadu

Atomic energy education society (AEES) Mumbai

Page 2
 THE UNIVERSE

NUCLEAR POWER STATIONS

Tarapur Maharashtra 1969 Two boiling water reactor (BWR)

Rawatbhata Rajasthan 1973 Pressured heavy water reactors (PHWR)

Kalpakkam TamilNadu 1984 Pressured heavy water reactors (PHWR)

Narora Uttar Pradesh 1991 Pressured heavy water reactors (PHWR)

Kakrapar Gujarat 1993 Pressured heavy water reactors (PHWR)

Kaiga Karnataka 2007 Pressured heavy water reactors (PHWR)

HEAVY WATER PRODUCTION

Nangal Punjab

Baroda Gujarat

Talcher Orissa

Tuticorin Tamil Nadu

Thal Maharashtra

Hazira Gujarat

Rawatbhata Rajasthan

Manuguru Andhra Pradesh

SPACE PROGRAMME

Vikramsarabhai space centre (VSSC) Thiruvananthapuram

ISRO satellite centre ( ISAC) Bangalore

Space applications centre (SAC) Ahmedabad

Sriharikota space centre (SSC) Andhra Pradesh

Page 3
 NATIONAL SCIENTIFIC LABORATORIES

Liquid propulsion systems centre (LPSC) Thiruvanathapuram,Bangalor

e, Mahendragiri (Tamil Nadu)

Development and Education communication unit Ahmedabad

(DECU)

ISRO telemetry tracking and command network Bangalore

(ISTRAC)

Master Control facility Karnataka

ISRO inertial system unit (IISU) Thiruvananthapuram

Physical research laboratory (PRL) Ahmedabad

National remote sensing agency (NRSA) Hyderabad

The national mesosphere stratosphere troposphere Gadanki

radar facility (NMRF)

Laboratory for electro optics systems (LEOS) Bangalore

Region remote sensing service centres (RRSSC) Bangalore

North eastern space applications Center (Ne – Sac) Meghalaya

Semic conductor laboratory (SCL) Chandigarph

The Indian institute of space science and Thiruvananthapuram

technology (IIST)

SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

Agharkar research institute Pune

Birbalshahni institute of Palaebotany Lucknow

Bose institute Kolkata

Centre for cellular and molecular biology Hyderbad

Central arid zone research institute Jodhpur (Rajasthan )

Page 4
 THE UNIVERSE

Central coconut research station Kasergod(Kerala)

Central glass and ceramic research institute New Delhi

Central inland fisheries research station Barrackpore (WB)

Central institute of fisheries technology Erankulam (Kerala)

Central jute technological research institute Kolkata

Central marine research station Chennai

Central rice research laboratory Chepuk, Chennai

Central rice research institute Cuttack (Orissa)

Central Tobacco research station Rajamundry (AP)

Centre for DNA fingerprinting and diagnostics Hyderabad

Centre for liquid crystal research Bangalore

Dr. B.R. Ambedkar national Institute of technology Jalandhur

High altitude research laboratory Gulmarg ( Kashmir)

Indian academy of sciences Bangalore

Indian agriculture research institute New Delhi

Indian cancer research centre Mumbai

Indian institute of astrophysics Bangalore

Indian institute of geomagnetism Mumbai

Indian institute of sugar technology Kanpur (UP)

Indian institute of Tropical Meteorology Pune

Indian Lac research Institute Ranchi

Indian National academy of engineering New Delhi

Indian National centre for ocean and information Hyderabad

services

Page 5
 NATIONAL SCIENTIFIC LABORATORIES

Indian national science Academy New Delhi

Institute of Bio resources and sustainable development Imphal

Institute of life sciences Bhubaneswar

Institute of Microbial technology Hyderabad

Jawaharlal Nehru centre for advanced scientific research Bangalore

Malaviya national institute of technology Jaipur

Maulanaazad national institute of technology Bhopal

Motilal Nehru national institute of technology Allahabad

National Brain research centre Manesar

National centre for Antarctic and ocean research Goa

National centre for cell sciences Pune

National centre for plant genome research New Delhi

National dairy research institute Karnal (Haryana)

National environment engineering research institute Nagpur (Maharashtra)

National institute of immunology New Delhi

National institute of ocean technology Chennai

National seismological database centre New Delhi

National sugar research institute Kanpur (UP)

Physical research laboratory Ahmedabad

Raman research institute Bangalore

S.V. national institute of technology Surat

S.N. Bose national centre for basic science Kolkatta

Seismic research centre Bangalore

Page 6
 THE UNIVERSE

Shirchitratirunal institute for medical S & T Thiruvananthapuram

The centre for maine living resource & ecology Kochi

The national centre for biological science Bangalore

The survey training institute Hyderabad

Wadia institute of Himalayan Geology Dehradum

Page 7
 GLOSSARY

 Absolute Zero: The lowest  Anode: The positive terminal

imaginable temperature, at which through which electric current goes
all the particles in a body would be into a liquid (called the electrolyte)
completely at rest. It is 273°C (- during electrolysis.
459°F).  Asteroid: Another name for a
 Acoustics: The science that studies minor planet-one of the thousands
sound and hearing. of small bodies circling around the
 Alpha Particle: One of the three Sun, measuring from a few metres
types of radiations emitted by some to a thousand kilometres.
radioactive substances, consisting of  Atmosphere : The envelope of
two protons and two neutrons. gases that surrounds the Earth (or
 Ampere : The unit used to measure any other planet, star or moon).
the size of an electric current. It is  Aurora : A display of coloured light
named after the French scientist high in the Earth's atmosphere. It is
Andre Ampere (1775-1836). caused when particles from the Sun
 Amplifier: An electronic device make the gas in the atmosphere
that increases (amplifies) the glow. This usually happens near the
strength of electric currents. Radio Earth's poles. There are two kinds of
and TV sets and record players all aurora.
use amplifier. 1. Aurora Borealis visible in the
 Amplitude: The maximum value northern hemisphere.
(or maximum height of the waves) 2. Aurora Austral is visible in the
of anything that goes back and forth southern hemisphere.
in a cycle, for example alternating  Barometer : An instrument used
current or sound waves. for measuring atmospheric or air
pressure. In the Mercury
Page 1
 PHYSICS

Barometer, the height of a column into a liquid (called the electrolyte)

of mercury indicates the pressure. during electrolysis.
In an Aneroid Barometer, the  Cathode Ray Tube: An electronic
pressure is measured by the device basically consisting of a
amount it squashes the sides of a glass tube containing a vacuum and
metal box containing a vacuum. two metal electrodes-a negative
 Beta Particles: Fast-moving cathode and a positive anode.
electrons emitted by some When the electrodes are connected
radioactive substances, more to a high voltage source of
penetrating than alpha particles, electricity, electrons stream from
but less penetrating than gamma the cathode to the anode. Using
rays. suitable deflecting devices, the
 Big Bang: The theory most electrons can be aimed at a
astronomers use to explain how the fluorescent screen on the wall of
universe began. Everything that the glass tube. This glows when
exists now was crushed into a super struck by electrons.
hot ball that exploded about 4.7  Centrifugal Force: An outward
billion years ago. force that acts on an object turning
 Binary Star: A pair of stars in a circle around a central point.
turning around each other. They  Centripetal Force: The inward
may take a few hours if they are force that keeps a body, such as a
very close, or thousands of years if satellite, moving in a circular path.
they are far apart.  Chronometer: A device for
 Black Hole : An object with such measuring time, such as a clock or
strong gravity that light waves a watch.
cannot escape from it. Anything  Comet: A mixture of crumbly rock
pulled inside a black hole is lost and ice, a few kilometres across,
forever. which travels around the Sun. If it
 Cathode : The negative terminal comes near the Sun the heat makes
through which electric current goes dust and gas pour off in a long
glowing 'tail’:

Page 2
 GLOSSARY

 Computer: An electronic device pearly halo during a total eclipse of

for storing and manipulating large the Sun.
amounts of information. Their great  Current Electricity: The
advantage is the speed with which movement of electrons along a
they do calculations and retrieve conductor that produces a flow of
information. electricity.
 Concave: Curved inwards. A  Decibel: A unit used for measuring
concave lens is thicker at the edges the loudness of sounds. A soft
than in the middle. whisper is about 0 decibels. A jet
 Conduction: The process of taking off is about 120 decibels.
passing heat from molecule to  Diffraction of Light : The way a
molecule that allows heat to be thin beam of light spreads out
transferred from one part of a around the edge of a shadow. This
substance to another. causes thin bands of light and dark
 Conductor: A substance, such as along the edges of the shadow.
copper, that will allow electricity to  Diode: An electronic tube
flow along it. containing two electrodes, one an
 Constellation: A group of stars anode, the other a cathode and
making a pattern in the sky. Some allowing current to go in one
constellations were named direction only.
thousands of years ago. There are  Direct Current: An electric
88 covering the whole sky. current that flows in one direction
 Convection: The movement of only. The current from a battery is a
heat from place to place in a flowing direct current (DC).
liquid or gas.  Doppler effect: The effect takes
 Convex: Curved outwards. A place in light and sound.. Doppler
convex lens is thinner at the edges effect in light takes place when stars
than in the middle. recedes or move towards the surface
 Corona: The outer part of the of earth. Doppler effect in sound
Sun's atmosphere that is visible as a takes place when there is a

Page 3
 PHYSICS

relative motion between the source  Electronics: The study of

and the observer or both. devices such as diodes or valves
 Elasticity: The ability of a material where electrons pass through a
to return to its original shape after it semiconductor, gas or vacuum as in
has been stretched out of shape. computers, radios or televisions.
 Electricity: Energy associated with  Electron Microscope: A
a flow of electrons or other charged microscope that magnifies with the
particles. help of streams of electrons instead
 Electrode : An electrical conductor of light rays.
through which an electric current  Electron Tube: A tube controlling
leaves or enters an electron tube or a flow of electrons, for instance a
similar device. Anodes and diode, triode or a television tube.
cathodes are electrodes.  Evaporation: The gradual turning
 Electromagnet: A device of a liquid into a vapour (gas).
consisting of many coils of wire When wet clothes dry out, the water
through which electric current can in them evaporates. Fahrenheit
flow. When the current is turned on Temperature Scales. A scale used to
there is a magnetic field. It vanishes measure temperatures in which
when the current is turned off. the freezing point of water is 320
 Electromagnetic wave: When a and the boiling point of water is
charged particle is accelerated, it 212°. The scale is named after the
produces a magnetic field in the German Scientist Gabriel Daniel
near space, the magnetic field acts Fahrenheit (1686 - 1736).
as a virtual source for the further  Fluorescence: The glow caused
production of electric field. Hence when light is absorbed at one
both of them acts as source for each wavelength and sent out at another.
other. This phenomenon gives rise In a neon-tube, ultraviolet is turned'
to electromagnetic waves. into visible light by fluorescent
 Electron : Sub-atomic particle substances in the tube.
with a negative electric charge.  Force: A push or pull that makes
an object move, or change shape or

Page 4
 GLOSSARY

direction. Examples are gravity and  Gamma Rays: A powerful type of

magnetism. electromagnetic radiation given out
 Frequency: The number of waves when certain atoms disintegrate.
or cycles that occur in one second. A  Geiger Counter: An instrument
frequency of one Hertz is one cycle which detects and measures radio-
per second. Frequency of sound activity. It is named after Hans
waves determines their pitch, Geiger {1882-1945}, the German
frequency of light waves determines Scientist who invented it.
their colour.  Generator: A machine that
 Free Fall: An object that is moving converts mechanical energy into
under the influence of gravity alone electrical energy. A dynamo
is said to be in 'free fall' A spacecraft produces direct current (D.C)
is in free fall when its rocket engine electricity. An alternator produces
is not firing. Everything in it is then alternating current (A.C.)
weightless, because everything electricity.
is moving together - sensations of  Geo-stationary Orbit: A satellite
weight occur only when the pull of orbit that follows the line of the
gravity is resisted by for example, equator 35,900 km (22,307 miles)
the ground. above the Earth's surface in the
 Friction: The force that holds back same direction in which the Earth
two surfaces that are sliding across spins. At this height the satellite
one another. Bicycle brakes for moves at the same rate as the Earth
example use friction to stop motion. spins and therefore always remains
 Fulcrum: The point about which a above the same point on the
lever turns or pivots. equator.
 Galaxy: The name given to our own  Gravity/Gravitation: Every
Milky Way or to a very remote, particle of matter attracts every
independent system of stars. other particle. This force is called
 Galvanometer: An instrument gravity. The gravitational
which detects and measures very attraction of small objects is not
small electric currents. noticeable, but the gravitational

Page 5
 PHYSICS

attraction of a mountain can be  Hydraulics: The science of using

measured. And gravitational force is liquids, such as water or oil, to
responsible for preventing the operate mechanical devices. The
oceans, atmosphere and everything word 'hydraulic' is applied to
else on Earth from escaping into such devices. A car's main brakes,
Space. for example, are hydraulic. They are
 Greenhouse Effect: The result of operated by the pressure of the
solar energy being trapped in the driver's foot on a pedal, transmitted
Earth's atmosphere causing too through oil contained in pipes.
much carbon-dioxide and raising  Inertia: Also known as Newton's
average world temperatures. 1st law of motion i.e. a body remain
 Half-life: The time it takes for the in a state of rest or in a state of
radio-active substance to decrease motion unless an external force is
to half its original value. applied.
 Heat: A form of energy due to the
Information
movement of the atoms and
 Technology: The methods of
molecules in a body. The amount of
sending, obtaining, and storing
heat in a body is usually measured
information by electronic means. It
in joules, although heat units like
involves the use of computers, data
the calorie or the British thermal
bases, and modems for connecting
unit are sometimes used.
computers together.
 Hertz: The unit used to measure
 Infra-red Radiation: Heat
frequency, equal to one cycle per
radiation-a type of invisible light
second.
with wavelength longer than the
 Hologram: A three-dimensional
wavelength of visible light. The
picture made using laser light.
infra-red radiation in sunlight can
 Hovercraft: A propeller-driven
be felt as warmth on the skin.
vehicle which moves on a cushion of
 Insulator: Either a substance that
air. Hovercraft can also travel over
will not allow heat to pass through
land or sea.
it, or one that will not allow
electricity to pass through it.
Page 6
 GLOSSARY

 Interstellar: All space outside the crystal and a little like a liquid.
solar system among the stars. When an electric voltage is applied
Integrated Circuit. A tiny mass of at any place on the liquid crystal
electronic components in or on that part of it becomes dark. That is
a small slice of semiconductor how the constantly changing letters
substance. and numbers are made. 'LCD'
 Joule: A unit used to measure the stands for 'liquid crystal diode’.
amount of energy or work done.  Lever: A simple machine used for
One joule is the work done when a lifting heavy weights. It consists of a
weight of one Newton is lifted one strong bar that turns about a pivot,
meter. It is named after James like a seesaw.
Joule (1818-89), a British physicist.  Lightning: The result of water and
 Kelvin Temperature Scale: A air molecules in clouds rubbing
scale used to measure temperatures together, making an electrical
in which absolute zero is 00 and the charge.
freezing point of water is 273.15°. It  Light Year: The distance that light
is named after the British scientist travels in one year
Lord Kelvin (1824-1907). (=9,500,000,000,000 km or
 Kinetic Energy: The energy an 6,000,000,000,000 miles).
object has because it is motion.  Load: The weight lifted or moved
 Laser : A device that produces a by a machine.
narrow powerful beam of light. A  Magnet: An object which attracts
laser is a light amplifier that iron and attracts or repels other
increases an initial weak pulse of magnets. The magnetic force is
light into an intense narrow beam. strongest at two points called the
Lasers are used in medicine and north and south poles. When free to
industry. move, a magnet turns so that the
 LCD Display: The kind of display north pole points north and the
used on most calculators and digital south pole points south, as in a

watches. It uses a thin layer of a compass.

'liquid crystal’, which is a little like a

Page 7
 PHYSICS

 Magnetic Field: The space around  Nuclear Fusion: The joining, or

a magnet or an electric current fusing, of the nuclei of two light
where its magnetic effect can be felt. atoms to make a heavier nucleus.
 Mass: The amount of matter in an This process releases large amount
object. Mass is different from of energy. The sun produces its
weight because weight depends on energy by fusing hydrogen nuclei to
gravity but mass is always the same. make helium.
 Modem: A device used to connect  Nuclear Reactor: A power station
a computer to a telephone line so producing electricity from energy
that computer information can be released by splitting the nuclei of
sent along the line. The modem atoms.
changes the computer signals,  Nucleus: The central core of the
which are called digital signals, into atom. The simplest nucleus is that
sounds that can be transmitted by of the hydrogen atom. It consists of
telephone lines. a single proton. All other nuclei
 Momentum: The impetus of a consist of neutrons and protons.
moving object. It is equal to the Electrons revolve around the
mass of the object multiplied by its nucleus. They are very light, and
speed. most of the atom's weight is in the-
 Neutron: One of the two types nucleus.
of particles that make up the atomic  Nylon: An artificial plastic and
nucleus. It is so called because it is fibre. The raw materials come from
electrically neutral-it has no electric oil or coal. Many different types of
charge. Outside the nucleus a nylon are made, including nylon
neutron survives 13 minutes on thread.
average then it breaks up into an  Ohm: A unit used to measure
electron and proton. electrical resistance. It is named
 Nuclear Fission: Fission is after G.S. Ohm (1787 -1854). a
another word for splitting. In German Physicist.
nuclear fission, the nucleus of an  Orbit: The invisible path which a
atom splits in two, releasing energy. planet follows around the sun, or a

Page 8
 GLOSSARY

satellite follows around a planet. behaves as if it was a stream of

Orbits are never perfect circles, but small particles which scientists
ellipses. call photons.
 Ozone Layer: A layer of the  Photoelectric Effect: The
earth's atmosphere containing generation of an electric current in
ozone, which protects the earth certain materials when light falls on
from too much ultra-violet them. Light meters in cameras use
radiation. the photoelectric effect to measure
 Parallel Circuit: An electrical the brightness of light.
circuit in which the components are  Physical Change: A change, such
connected side-by-side. The current as melting or boiling, that does not
flowing in the circuit is shared produce a new chemical substance.
by the components.  Physics: The science that studies
 Particle Accelerator: A large matter, the forces of nature and the
machine used by scientists to study different forms of energy, such as
the small particles that make up heat, light and motion.
atoms. It speeds up, or accelerates,  Piezoelectric Effect: The
particles such as protons or generation of an electric current in
electrons and shoots them at a certain crystals when they are
target. squeezed or stretched. When a
 Penumbra: The lighter edge of a voltage is applied to the same
shadow, where the bright object crystal it contracts (grows smaller)
(such as the Sun) is not completely or expands (grows bigger) slightly.
hidden. It is also the name for the Piezoelectric crystals are used in
lighter edge of a sunspot. watch and calculator bleepers.
 Phosphorescence: A cold glow  Plastics: Artificial material in
given out by some substances. For which the molecules are joined
example, fireflies and glow-worms together in a long chain (or
phosphors. polymer). They can be shaped by
 Photon: A packet of light energy. pressure and heat. Many types of
In some situation, a beam of light plastic are made, with different

Page 9
 PHYSICS

properties for different  Radar: (Radio detection and

purposes. ranging). A system that uses radio
 Potential Energy: The store of waves to detect the position of
energy an object has because of its objects. The radio waves are sent
position. It can be converted to out by a transmitter/receiver via a
kinetic energy if the object begins rotating aerial. The waves that are
to move. reflected by objects return to the
 Pressure: The force or weight aerial. In the receiver the distance
acting on a unit area of surface. and direction of each object is
Atmospheric pressure is the calculated using the time difference
pressure of the air on a unit between sending and receiving the
area of the earth's surface. signal and the position of the aerial.
 Primary Colours: One of the An electrical signal containing this
three colours (red, green and blue) information is sent to a device that
of light that, when mixed, can give works rather like a television and
light of any colour; or one of the the objects appear as luminous
three colours of pigment or paint 'blips' on a screen.
(red, blue and yellow) that can be  Radiation (heat) : The transfer
mixed to give paint of any colour, of heat in the form of
except white. electromagnetic waves.
 Pulsar: A fast-spinning neutron  Radioactivity: A radioactive
star sending out a beam of light element has unstable nuclei which
waves and radio waves. This beam split up and emit alpha, beta and
'pulses; like the circling beam of a gamma rays. When the nucleus of
lighthouse. an atom splits up, it produces
 Quasars: Giant galaxies with radiation in the form of rays or
centres hundreds of times brighter particles. Radiation in large doses is
than ordinary galaxies. They are Lethal.
all thousands of millions of light-  Radiocarbon dating: Discussed
years away. by Sir Willard Libby. Also called
carbon dating: a way of telling how

Page 10
 GLOSSARY

old dead matter is. All living things to do one particular job that is
give off small amounts of radiation, continually repeated.
this amount decreases after the  Satellite: A body that revolves
thing dies and so can be measured around a larger one because of its
to find how long ago it lived. gravitational attraction. The Moon
 Reflection: The bouncing back of is a satellite of the earth, and the
a sound or light wave as it hits a planets are satellites of the Sun.
surface.  Semiconductor: Material that
 Refraction: The bending of a ray conducts electricity not as well as
of light as it passes from one conductors such as copper, but
substance to another, for example, better than insulators such as
from glass to air. glass.
 Resistance: The way in which an  Series Circuit: An electric circuit
electrical circuit opposes the flow of in which the components are
electric current through it. connected end-to-end, so that the
Resistance is measured in ohms and current flows through all the
is equal to the voltage divided by the components one after the other.
current.  Solar System: The family of
 Resonance: The way in which a planets, moons and comets
small vibration can cause a large revolving around our sun. There are
effect. For example, a singer can probably countless other solar
make a glass vibrate slightly by systems around stars in our Galaxy
singing loudly, if the right note is and elsewhere in the Universe.
sung, the glass vibrates violently  Solid: A physical state of matter, in
because of resonance, and may which a substance has a definite
break. mass, volume and shape.
 Robot: Based on principle of  Solution: A liquid that contains a
artificial intelligence. A machine solid (or gaseous) substance
which can do a job that is usually completely dissolved in it.
done by a human being. Robots  Spectroscope: An instrument
are used on factory assembly-lines attached to a telescope used by

Page 11
 PHYSICS

astronomers to produce a spectrum  Transformer: A device used to

of a celestial body. change the voltage of an alternating
 Spectrum: The rainbow-coloured electric current. Transformers are
band of light produced when white used in electric power stations to
light is passed through a prism. The increase the voltage of the electricity
colours are arranged in order of the produced so that it can be sent
wavelength of their waves; red is the along high-voltage cables.
longest and violet is the shortest.  Transistor: An electronic device,
 Static Electricity: Non-moving with no moving parts, that can be
electric charge on an object, often used as a switch or to amplify an
produced by friction, for example electric signal.
shoes rubbing on a carpet.  Triode: An electron tube
 Superconductor: A substance containing a cathode, an anode and
which loses its electrical resistance grid to control the current between
at very low temperatures. them.
Superconductors are usually metals.  Ultrasound: Sound waves of very
Researchers have recently high frequency which are beyond
discovered ceramic super human hearing.
conductors that do not require such  Ultraviolet Radiation: A type of
extreme low temperatures. invisible light with wavelength
 Surface Tension: The way the shorter than the wavelength of
surface of a liquid such as water visible light. Ultraviolet light in
seems to be covered by a thin elastic sunshine causes suntan.
film. This causes small droplets to  Universe: The whole of space and
become ball-shaped. Some insects everything in it.
can walk on water because the  Vacuum: A space in which there
surface tension holds them up. are no atoms or molecules. (Perfect
 Thermodynamics: The branch of vacuums are impossible to make so
science concerned with heat and it usually means a place where the
mechanical energy, and how one pressure is much lower than that of
can be converted into the other. normal air).

Page 12
 GLOSSARY

 Volt: It is the unit of measuring

electric potential difference.
 Voltaic Cell: A type of electric cell
invented by Alessandro Volta in
800. It consists of two terminal of
different metals dipping into salt
water.
 Wavelength: The distance
between the peak of one wave and
the pea k of the next.
 Waves: Regular disturbances that
spread out from their source. Sound
waves are disturbances of the
molecules of the air caused by a
vibrating body. Electromagnetic
waves are disturbances of the
magnetic and electric fields in
space.
 Weight : It is the force exerted by
gravity.
 Work: The amount of energy used
when a force moves an object. The
amount of work done is calculated
by multiplying the force by the
distance the object moves.
 X-rays: Very short electromagnetic
waves which can cause a chemical
change on photographic plates and
are used in radiography by doctors.

Page 13
 MECHANICS & PROPERTIES OF MATTER

MECHANICS AND PROPERTIES it will not regain its original state

OF MATTER and will remain deformed. The limit
Elasticity beyond which permanent
 The property of a material to regain deformation occurs is called the
its original state when the elastic limit.
deforming force is removed is called
elasticity Hooke’s law
 Within the elastic limit, strain
Stress and strain
produced in a body is directly
 This restoring force per unit area of
proportional to the stress that
a deformed body is known as stress.
produces it. (i.e) stress α strain

Stress = =
= a constant

 Its dimensional formula is ML–1T–2.

 Strain produced in a body is defined Pascal’s law
as the ratio of change in dimension  Pascal’s law states that if the effect
of a body to the original dimension. of gravity can be neglected then the
pressure in a fluid in equilibrium is
Strain =
the same everywhere.

 Strain is the ratio of two similar

Applications of Pascal’s law
quantities. Therefore it has no unit.
(i) Hydraulic lift
Elastic limit
(ii) Hydraulic brake
 If an elastic material is stretched or
compressed beyond a certain limit,

Ball pen works on the principle of capillarity

Page 1
 MECHANICS & PROPERTIES OF MATTER

Viscosity become disorderly. At this stage, the

 Viscosity is the property of the fluid flow loses all its orderliness and is
by virtue of which it opposes called turbulent flow.
relative motion between its different
Some examples of turbulent flow
layers. Both liquids and gases
are:
exhibit viscosity but liquids are
1. After rising a short distance, the
much more viscous than gases.
smooth column of smoke from an
incense stick breaks up into
Co-efficient of viscosity
irregular and random patterns.
 The coefficient of viscosity of a
2. The flash - flood after a heavy rain.
liquid is numerically equal to the
Critical velocity of a liquid can be
viscous force acting tangentially
defined as that velocity of liquid
between two layers of liquid having
upto which the flow is streamlined
unit area of contact and unit
and above which its flow becomes
velocity gradient normal to the
turbulent.
direction of flow of liquid.
 The unit of η is Ns m–2. Its Stoke’s law (for highly viscous
dimensional formula is ML–1T–1. liquids)
1. Coefficient of viscosity η of the
Streamline flow liquid depends on
 The flow of a liquid is said to be 2. Radius a of the sphere and
steady, streamline or laminar if 3. Velocity v of the spherical body.
every particle of the liquid follows Dimensionally it can be proved that
exactly the path of its preceding F = k ηav
particle and has the same velocity of Experimentally Stoke found that
k = 6π
its preceding particle at every point
∴ F = 6π ηav
This is Stoke’s law.
Turbulent flow
Application of Stoke’s law
 When the velocity of a liquid
 Falling of rain drops: When the
exceeds the critical velocity, the
water drops are small in size, their
path and velocities of the liquid

Page 2
 PHYSICS

terminal velocities are small. writing. Fevicol, gum etc exhibit

Therefore they remain suspended in strong adhesive property.
air in the form of clouds. But as the
drops combine and grow in size, Surface tension of a liquid
their terminal velocities increase.  Surface tension is the property of
Hence they start falling as rain. the free surface of a liquid at rest to
behave like a stretched membrane
Surface tension Intermolecular in order to acquire minimum
forces surface area.
 The force between two molecules of
a substance is called intermolecular Capillarity
force.  The property of surface tension
 The intermolecular forces are of two gives rise to an interesting
types. They are (i) cohesive force phenomenon called capillarity The
and (ii) adhesive force. rise of a liquid in a capillary tube is
known as capillarity
(i) Cohesive force
 Cohesive force is the force of Illustrations of capillarity:
attraction between the molecules of (i) A blotting paper absorbs ink by
the same substance. This cohesive capillary action. The pores in the
force is very strong in solids, weak blotting paper act as
in liquids and extremely weak in capillaries.
gases. (ii) The oil in a lamp rises up the wick
through the narrow spaces
(ii) Adhesive force between the threads of the wick.
 Adhesive force is the force of (iii) A sponge retains water due to
attraction between the moelcules of capillary action.
two different substances. (iv) Walls get damped in rainy season
 For example due to the adhesive due to absorption of water by
force, ink sticks to paper while bricks.

Page 3
 MECHANICS & PROPERTIES OF MATTER

Factors affecting surface tension (iii)Cotton dresses are preferred in

Impurities present in a liquid summer because cotton dresses
appreciably affect surface tension. A have fine pores which act as
highly soluble substance like salt capillaries for the sweat.
increases the surface tension whereas
sparingly soluble substances like soap Bernoulli’s theorem
decreases the surface tension. The Streamline flow of a non-viscous and
surface tension decreases with rise in incompressible liquid, the sum of the
temperature. The temperature at which pressure energy, kinetic energy and
the surface tension of a liquid becomes potential energy per unit mass is a
zero is called critical temperature of the constant.
liquid.
+ + gh = constant
Applications of surface tension
(i) During stormy weather, oil is This equation is known as Bernoulli’s
poured into the sea around the equation
ship. As the surface tension of oil is
less than that of water, it spreads Application of Bernoulli’s

on water surface. Due to the theorem

decrease in surface tension, the (i) Lift of an aircraft wing

velocity of the waves decreases. (ii) Blowing of roofs

This reduces the wrath of the waves (iii) Bunsen burner

on the ship. (iv) Motion of two parallel boats

(ii) Lubricating oils spread easily to all

Liquids
parts because of their low surface
Liquids flow from one place to another.
tension. Detergent action is due to
They have a definite volume. They take
the reduction of surface tension of
the shape of the container. Liquids
water when soap or detergent is
show very little change in volume even
added to water
when large compressive forces are
applied. So we assume that liquids are

Water drops are spherical because of its surface tension

Page 4
 PHYSICS

incompressible. Pressure at any point

inside a liquid is P = hpg. This shows Relative density =

that pressure increases with depth.

It has no unit.
When a body floats or immerses in a
liquid, the pressure on the bottom
Laws of floatation
surface is more than that the pressure
1. The weight of the floating body is
on the top surface. Due to the
equal to the weight of the liquid
difference in pressure, an upward force
displaced by it.
acts on the body. This upward force
2. The centre of gravity of the floating
is called upthrust or buoyant
body and the centre of gravity of
force. The buoyant force is equal to
the liquid displaced (centre of
the weight of the liquid displaced.
buoyancy) are in the same vertical
Archimedes Principle line. A ship made up of iron floats
When a body is immersed in fluid in water. This is because the ship is
(liquid or gas) it experiences an hollow and contains air. The large
apparent loss of weight which is space inside the ship enables it to
equal to the weight of the fluid
displace a volume of water much
displaced.
greater than the actual volume of
Density
iron that was used in the
Density of a body is defined as the
construction. So the weight of
mass per unit volume of the body.
water displaced is greater than the
weight of the ship.
Density =
Know more:
Unit of density is Kg m-3  The density of air is 14 times
Relative density (Specific gravity) greater than that of hydrogen.
Relative density is defined as the ratio The weight of a hydrogen filled
of density of the body to the density of balloon is much less than the
water. weight of the air it displaces. The

When common salt is mixed with ice, the melting point is lowered.

Page 5
 MECHANICS & PROPERTIES OF MATTER

difference between the two densities of solids and liquids.

weights gives the lifting power of There are two types of
the balloon. Thus a hydrogen hydrometers.
filled balloon flies high in the air.  The constant immersion
hydrometer, in which the weight
Know more:
of the hydrometer is adjusted to
 Submarines float on the surface
make it sink to the same fixed
of the water and can also
mark in all liquids.
submerge below the surface of
 The variable immersion
the water. They have ballast
hydrometer in which the weight
tanks which can be filled with
of the hydrometer remains the
sea water when the submarine
same, but the depth to which it
wants to submerge.
sinks in different liquids vary A
 When it wants to surface, the
common hydrometer used to test
tanks are emptied by blowing
the purity of milk by noting its
compressed air.
specific gravity is called a
LACTOMETER.
Hydrometers
 The laws of floatation are made
use of in the construction of
hydrometers used for the
determination of the relative

When ice melts its volume will decrease

Page 6
 PHYSICAL QUANTITIES, STANDARDS & UNITS

Units and Dimension & Errors  Luminous Intensity

1. Review of Basic Concepts :  Amount of substance
 Physics is the branch of Science  In addition to these seven basic
which deals with observation, units there are two
measurement and description of supplementary units – ‘radian’
natural phenomena related to and ‘steradian’. The units of
Matter and Energy ‘Physics’ is Fundamental quantities are
also defined as the study of called ‘fundamental units’
nature and its law.  In 1960, to measure the physical
 Mechanics is one of the branches quantities, International System
of Physics which deals with the of Units abbreviated as ‘SI’ in all
studies of forces acting on the languages was introduced.
bodies.
Supplementary units
 Physical Quantities are the
quantities which can be able to Name of Name of Unit
describe the Laws of physics Quantity
Plane angle Radian
Physical quantities may be
Solid angle Steradian
divided into fundamental and
derived quantities.
Fundamental Quantities can be
 Fundamental quantities can be
defined as follows :
classified into 7 Quantities .
 The fundamental quantities
Namely :
should be independent to one
 Mass another.
 Length
 All other quantities may be
 Time
 Temperature expressed in terms of
 Electric current fundamental quantities.

Page 1
 PHYSICAL QUANTITIES, STANDARDS & UNITS

Derived Quantities and their units :

PHYSICAL QUANTITY EXPRESSION UNIT
Area Length x breadth m2
Volume area x height m3
Velocity Displacement / time ms-1
Acceleration Velocity / time ms-2
Angular velocity Angular displacement/time rad s-1
Angular acceleration Angular velocity/time rad s-2
Density Mass/ volume Kg m-3
Momentum Mass x velocity Kg m s-1
Moment of Inertia Mass x (distance) 2 Kg m2
Force Mass x acceleration Kgms-2 or N
Pressure Force x area Nm-2 or Pa
Energy (work) Force x distance Nm or J
Impulse Force x time Ns
Surface tension Force / length Nm-1
Moment of force (torque) Force x distance Nm
Electric change Current x time As
Current density Current / area Am-2
Magnetic induction Force/ [current x length] NA-1 m-1

Fundamental or Basic Quantities:

Quantity Unit Symbol Dimension
Length Metre M L
Mass Kilogram Kg M
Time Second S T
Electric current Ampere A A
Temperature Kelvin K K
Luminous Intensity Candela Cd Cd
Amount of substance Mole Mol Mol

Page 2
 PHYSICS

 Dimension of a physical quantity E.g : m for metre, kg for

are the powers to which the kilogram
fundamental quantities must be 4. No full stop or other punctuation
raised. marks should be used within or
at the end of symbols.
Derived Quantities : E.g: 50 m and not as 50m
 The quantities derived from the 5. The symbols of the units do not
fundamental quantities are take plural form.
called derived quantities. E.g: 10kg not as 10kgs
Eg. Area, Volume, Density 6. When temperature is expressed
in Kelvin, the degree sign is
Derived Units : omitted.
 The units of derived quantities E.g: 273 K not as 273K
are called derived units. 7. If expressed in Celsius scale,
degree sign to be included.
Rules and conventions for writing E.g: 100 C not 100C
SI Units and their Symbols : 8. Use of solidus is recommended
1. The units named after scientists only for indicating a division of
are not written with a capital one letter units symbol by
initial latter. another unit symbol. Not more
E.g: Newton, Henry, watt. than one solidus is used.
2. The symbols of the units named E.g: ms-1 or m/s J/K or JK-1
after scientists should be written mol-1 but not J /K /mol
by a capital letter. 9. Some space is always to be left
E.g : N for Newton, H for between the number and the
Henry, W for watt symbol of the unit and also
3. Small letters are used as symbols between the symbols for
for units not derived from a compound units such as force,
proper name. momentum etc.

Nano second means one billionth of a second

Page 3
 PHYSICAL QUANTITIES, STANDARDS & UNITS

10. Only accepted symbols should be Greatest Units

used.  1 light year = 9.46 x 1015 m
E.g: ampere is represented as A  1 parsec = 3.84 x 1016 m
not as amp. (or) am;  1 AU = 1.5 x 1011 m
second is represented as ‘s’  1 metric ton = 103 kg
and not as sec.  1 Quintal = 102 kg
11. Numerical value of any physical
quantity should be expressed of Astronomical unit :
mercury is 1.36 x 104kg m-3 and  Astronomical unit is the mean
not as 13600kg m-3 distance of the centre of the Sun
E.g: density of mercury is from the centre of the earth. 1
1.36 x 10 4 kg m-3 and not Astronomical unit = 1.496 x
as 13600kg m-3 1011m

Light Year: Expressing Larger and smaller

In order to measure very large Quantities :
distance, the following units are used.  The fundamental units are
1. Light year defined.
2. Astronomical Unit  Now it is easier to express larger
Light year is the distance and smaller units of the same
travelled by light in one year in physical quantity.
vacuum.  The table lists the standard SI
Distance travelled = velocity of prefixes, their meanings and
light x 1 year abbreviation.
 1 light year = 3 x 108 m x 1 year Power Prefix Abbreviation
(In seconds) of Ten
= 3 x 108 x 365.25 x 24 x 60 x 60 10-15 femto f
10-12 Pico p
= 9.467x 1015m
10-9 Nano n
1 light year = 9.467 x 1015 m. 10-6 micro 
10-3 milli m
10-2 centime c

Page 4
 PHYSICS

10-1 deci d Uses of Dimensional Analysis :

101 deca da  The method of dimensional
102 Hecto h
analysis is used in four
103 Kilo k
important ways :
106 Mega M
109 Giga G 1. It is used to check the
1012 Tera T dimensional correctness of a
1015 Peta P given physical equation.
2. To the physical equation
Scalar Quantities 3. Finding the dimensions of
 Physical quantities which have constants (or) variables in an
magnitude only and no equation.

direction 4. Conversion of one unit from

E.g : Mass, Speed, Volume, one system to another.

Work, Time, Power Energy

Vector Quantities Limitation of Dimensional

 Physical quantities which have Analysis :

1. If a physical quantity depends
magnitude and direction both
more than 3 quantities, the
and which obey triangle law.
dimensions cannot be applied
Eg : Displacement, Velocity,
2. The dimensional method cannot
acceleration, force, Momentum
be applied to equations involving
exponential and trigonometric

Dimensional Quantities : functions.

3. The value of dimensionless
 Constant which possess
dimensions are called constants be determined by this
method.
Dimensionless are called
‘Dimensionless quantities’
E.g : Strain, Specific Gravity etc.

Dry ice is solid carbon dioxide

Page 5
 PHYSICAL QUANTITIES, STANDARDS & UNITS

Dimensional Formulae of some derived quantities

PHYSICAL DIMENSIONAL
EXPRESSION
QUANTITY FORMULA
Area length x breadth [L2]
Density mass / volume [ML-3]
Acceleration velocity / time [LT-2]
Momentum mass x velocity [MLT-1-]
Force mass x acceleration [MLT2]
Work force x distance [ML2T-2]
Power work / time [ML2T-3]
Energy Work [ML2T-2]
Impulse force x time [MLT-1]
Radius of distance [L]
Gyration
Pressure force / area [ML-1T-2]
Surface tension force / length [MT-2]
Frequency 1 / time period [T-1]
Tension force [MLT-2]
Moment of force force x distance [ML2T-2]
(or torque]
Angular velocity angular displacement / time [T-1]
Stress force / area [ML-1T-2]
Heat energy [ML2T2]
Heat capacity heat energy / temperature [ML2T2K-1]
Charge current x time [AT]
Faraday constant Avogadro constant x elementary [AT mol-1]
charge
Magnetic force / (current x length) [MT2 A-1]
induction

Page 6
 PHYSICS

Dimensional quantities Dimensionless quantities

 Constants which possess  There are certain quantities which
dimensions are called do not possess dimensions. They
dimensional constants. Planck’s are called dimensionless
constant, universal gravitational quantities. Examples are strain,
constant are dimensional angle, specific gravity, etc. They
constants. are dimensionless as they are the
 Dimensional variables are those ratio of two quantities having the
physical quantities which same dimensional formula.
possess dimensions but do not
have a fixed value. Example −
velocity, force, etc.

Fundamental Physical Constants

Avagadro's number N = 6.022045 X 1023 molecules/mol
Boltzmann's constant k = R/N = 1.380662 x 10-23J/K
Electric permittivity of evacuated 0 = 8.85418782 x 10-12 F /m or C2 J-1 m-1
free space
Electron charge mass ratio e/me = 1.7588047 x 1011 C/kg
Elementary charge e = 1.6021892 x 10-19 C
Faraday constant F = Ne = 9.648456 x 104 C/mole
Gravitational constant, G = 6.672 X 10-11 N.m2/kg2
Magnetic permeability 0= 4 X 10-7 H/m -12.5663706 x 10-7
Wb/ A.m.
Normal acceleration due to gravity g = 9.80665 m/s2 = 9.81 m/s2
Normal atmospheric pressure P = 1.0129 X 105 N/m2
One Atomic mass unit 1 a.m.u. = 1.6605655 x 10-27 kg
Planck's constant h = 6.622176 X 10-34 j.s.
Rest mass of electron me = 9.109534 x 10-31 kg

Page 7
 PHYSICAL QUANTITIES, STANDARDS & UNITS

Rest mass of neutron Mn = 1.6749543 x 10-27 kg

Rest mass of proton mp = 1.6726485 x 10-27 kg
Rydberg constant = 1.094 x 10710-1
Solar constant = 1.388 x 103 Wm2
Stefan- Boltzmann constant = 5.67032 X 10-8 Wm-2. k-4
Universal gas constant R = 8.31 J/mole/K
Velocity of light in vacuum C = 2.9979258 X 108 m/s = 3 x108 m/s
Volume of one mole of ideal gas at V = 22.41383 X 10-3 m3/mole
NTP
Volume of one mole of ideal gas at = 0.00289782 m.k.
NTP

Least count of a venier callipers is 0.1 mm (or) 0.01 cm

Page 8
 FORCE, MOTION & ENERGY WORK

 Kinetics deals with the relationship

Motion
between the motion of bodies and
 Mechanics is one of the oldest
forces acting on them.
branches of physics. It deals with
the study of particles or bodies
Particle
when they are at rest or in motion.
 A particle is ideally just a piece
Modern research and development
or a quantity of matter, having
in the spacecraft design, its
practically no linear dimensions
automatic control, engine
but only a position.
performance, electrical machines
are highly dependent upon the basic
Rest and Motion
principles of mechanics. Mechanics
 When a body does not change its
can be divided into statics and
position with respect to time,
dynamics.
then it is said to be at rest.
 Statics is the study of objects at rest;
Motion is the change of position
this requires the idea of forces in
of an object with respect to time.
equilibrium.
To study the motion of the
 Dynamics is the study of moving
object, one has to study the
objects. It comes from the Greek
change in position (x,y,z
word dynamis which means power.
coordinates) of the object with
Dynamics is further subdivided into
respect to the surroundings.
kinematics and kinetics.
 It may be noted that the position
 Kinematics is the study of the
of the object changes even due to
relationship between displacement,
the change in one, two or all the
velocity, acceleration and time of a
three coordinates of the position
given motion, without considering
of the objects with respect to
the forces that cause the motion.

Page 1
 FORCE, MOTION & ENERGY WORK

time. Thus motion can be Motion in one dimension

classified into three types : (rectilinear motion)
 The motion along a straight line
(i) Motion in one dimension
is known as rectilinear motion.
Motion of an object is said to be
The important parameters
one dimensional, if only one of the
required to study the motion
three coordinates specifying the
along a straight line are position,
position of the object changes with
displacement, velocity, and
respect to time.
acceleration.
Example : An ant moving in a
 If an object covers equal
straight line, running
distances in equal intervals of
athlete, etc.
time, it is said to be in uniform
motion.
(ii) Motion in two dimensions
In this type, the motion is
represented by any two of the three
coordinates.
Example : A body moving in a
plane.

(iii) Motion in three dimensions

Motion of a body is said to be three
 If an object covers unequal
dimensional, if all the three
distance in equal intervals of
coordinates of the position of the
time, it is said to be in non-
body change with respect to time.
uniform motion.
Examples : Motion of a flying
 Speed is the quantity used to say
bird, motion of a kite
whether the motion is slow or
in the sky, motion of a
fast.
molecule, etc.

Water in a lake and nearby wells seeks the same level because force of gravity

Page 2
 PHYSICS

Speed
Speed is the distance travelled in one
second (or) rate of distance travelled.

Speed =

Speed is measured in m/s (or) ms-1

Velocity
Displacement  Velocity is the displacement
 The shortest distance or distance made in one second (or) rate of
travelled along a straight line is change of displacement. Rate of
known as displacement. change means change per
second.
Difference between Distance and
Displacement Velocity =
It is expressed in m/s
Distance Displacement
1. Distance is the Shortest
length of the distance Difference Between Speed and
actual path between two Velocity
followed by an points
object or body Speed Velocity
while moving 1. Change of Change of
from one point distance with displacement
to another. respect to time with respect to
2. Scalar quantity Vector quantity time
3. Measured in Measured in 2. Scalar Quantity Vector
metre in the SI metre in the SI Quantity
system system 3. Measured in Measured in
4. Not a unique Unique
m/s in the S.I. m/s in the S.I.
quantity
System System
5. Distance can Displacement is
4. Positive Positive can
either be equal either equal to
to or greater or less than the Quantity Negative
than distance. Quantity
displacement

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 FORCE, MOTION & ENERGY WORK

Uniform Velocity Non-uniformly accelerated

If equal displacements are made by a motion
body in equal intervals of time, then
the body has uniform velocity

Acceleration
Acceleration is the change in velocity of
an object per second or rate of change
of velocity.

Acceleration = Un - Accelerated Motion

The unit of acceleration is m/s2 or ms-2

Uniform Acceleration
If an object travels in a straight line
and its velocity increases or decreases
by equal amount in equal intervals of
time, then the acceleration of the object
is uniform Uniformly accelerated
motion. Equation of motion

 v = u + at
 s = ut + ½ at2
 v2 = u2 + 2as
 u - initial velocity
 v = final velocity
 t - time
 a - acceleration
 s - displacement

Page 4
 PHYSICS

Body thrown upwards displacement) is called angular

Equations can be obtained by velocity.
substituting
Angular velocity =
a = -g and s=h
we get,
ω =ө
v = u - gt It is radian / second
h = ut - ½ gt2
v2 = u2 - 2gh Relation between linear
velocity and angular velocity
For the freely falling body
v=rω
u = 0, a = g and s = h
Now, the equations will be Newton’s laws of motion
v = gt Newton’s first law of motion
h = ½ gt2 It states that everybody continues in its
v2 = 2gh state of rest or of uniform motion along
a straight line unless it is compelled by
Uniform circular Motion
an external force to change that state.
 An athlete runs along the
circumference of a circular path. Inertia
This type of motion. Inertia is that property of a body by

Angular displacement virtue of which the body is unable to

 It is the angle covered by the line change its state by itself in the absence

joining the body and the centre of external force.

of the circle (radius vector) when Inertia depends upon its mass of the
it moves from one point to other body.
in a circular path. It is measured
in radian. The inertia is of three types
(i) Inertia of rest
Angular velocity Ex- A person standing in a bus falls
 The angular displacement in one backward when the bus suddenly
second (rate of change of angular starts moving.

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 FORCE, MOTION & ENERGY WORK

(ii) Inertia of motion of mass 10 kg for a duration of 4 s. It

Ex - When a passenger gets down increases the objects velocity from 2
from a moving bus, he falls down in ms-1 to 8 m s-1 Find the magnitude of
the direction of the motion of the the applied force.
bus.
Solution:
(iii) Inertia of direction.
Given, mass of the object m = 10 kg
Ex - When a bus moving along
Initial velocity u = 2 m s-1
a straight line takes a turn to the
Final velocity v = 8 m s-1
right, the passengers are
We know, force
thrown towards left.
Momentum
F=
 P = MV
 M = Mass F= = 15 N
 V = Velocity
 It is Vector Unit Example : 2
 Unit - kg m/s. Which would require a greater
force for accelerating a 2 kg of mass at
Newton’s second law of motion
4 m s-2 or a 3 kg mass at 2 m s-2?
 The rate of change of momentum
of a body is directly proportional Solution
to the external force applied on it We know, force F = ma
and the change in momentum Given m1 = 2kg a1 = 4 ms-2
takes place in the direction of the m2 = 3 kg = 2m s-2
force. Thus, F1 = m1 a1 = 2kg × 4m s-2 = 8 N
F=ma and F2 = m2 a2 = 3kg × 2m s-2 = 6 N
 The unit of force is kg m s−2 or ⇒ F1 > F2
Newton. Its dimensional formula
Impulsive force and Impulse of a
is MLT−2.
force
Example : 1
(i) Impulsive Force
A constant force acts on an object
An impulsive force is a very great
A jet engine works under the principle of Law of conservation of Newton’s
third law linear momentum.
Page 6
 PHYSICS

force acting for a very short time on body along the radius towards the
a body, so that the change in the centre and perpendicular to the
position of the body during the velocity of the body is known as
time the force acts on it may be centripetal force
neglected.
F= (since v = rω)
(e.g.) The blow of a hammer, the
collision of two billiard balls etc. F = mrω2

(ii) Impulse of a force

Examples
The impulse J of a constant force F
1. In the case of the stone tied to the
acting for a time t is defined as the
end of a string and rotated in a
product of the force and time.
circular path, the centripetal force
(i.e) Impulse = Force × time is provided by the tension in the
J =F×t string.
2. When a car takes a turn on the road,
Impulse of a force is a vector the frictional force between the
quantity and its unit is Ns. tyres and the road provides the
centripetal force.
Newton’s third Law of motion 3. In the case of planets revolving
For every action, there is an equal round the sun or the moon
and opposite reaction. revolving around the earth, the
centripetal force is provided by the
Applications of Newton’s third gravitational force of attraction
law of motion between them
(i) Apparent loss of weight in a lift 4. For an electron revolving around
(ii) Working of a rocket and jet plane the nucleus in a circular path, the
force electro static force of attraction
between the electron and the
Centripetal Force
nucleus provides the necessary
The constant force that acts on the
centripetal force.

When a body moves with uniform velocity its acceleration is zero

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 FORCE, MOTION & ENERGY WORK

Centrifugal force each other. This force of

 The force which is equal in attraction between objects is
magnitude but opposite in called the gravitational force
direction to the centripetal force Mass
is known as centrifugal force.  Mass is the amount of matter
present in a body (or) is a
Example : While churning curd, measure of how much matter an
butter goes to the side due object has.
to centrifugal force.
Friction : Whenever a body slides Weight
over another body, a force comes into Weight is the force which a given mass
play between the two surfaces in feels due to the gravity at its place (or)
contact and this force is known as is a measure of how strongly gravity
frictional force. The frictional force pulls on that matter.
always acts in the opposite direction to
that of the motion of the body. The Mass Weights
frictional force depends on the normal 1. Fundamental Derived
reaction. (Normal reaction is a Quantity Quantity
perpendicular reactional force that acts 2. It is the amount It is the
on the body at the point of contact due of matter gravitational
to its own weight) (i.e) Frictional force contained in a pull acting on
α normal reaction F α R (or) F = μR body the body
where μ is a proportionality constant 3. It’s unit is kg It is measured
and is known as the coefficient of in newton
friction. The coefficient of friction 4. Remains the Varies from
depends on the nature of the surface same place to place
5. It is measured It is measured
Gravitation using physical using spring
 Newton concluded that all balance balance
objects in the universe attract

The energy gap of diamond is 7ev

Page 8
 PHYSICS

Example : 1
F = ( F = mg)
Mass of an object is 5 kg. What is its
mg =
weight on the earth?
Therefore,
Solution:
g =
Mass, m = 5 kg Acceleration due to
gravity, g = 9.8 m s-2
Weight, w =m×g Mass of earth
w = 5 kg × 9.8 m s-2 = 49 N From the expression g = ,
Thus the weight of the object is, 49 N the mass of the Earth can be calculated
as follows:
Example : 2
M=
Calculate the energy produced when 1
kg of substance is fully converted into M=
energy. M = 5.98 × 1024 kg.

Solution: Energy produced, E = mc2

Energy
Mass, m = 1 kg Velocity of light,
 Energy can be defined as the
c = 3×108 m s-1 E = 1 × (3 × 108)2
capacity to do work. Energy can
E = 9 × 1016 J
manifest itself in many forms

“In the absence of air, all bodies like mechanical energy, thermal

will fall at the same rate”. energy, electric energy, chemical

energy, light energy, nuclear
energy, etc. The energy
Acceleration due to gravity
possessed by a body due to its
The gravitational force experienced by
position or due to its motion is
the body is F = where M is the R2
called mechanical energy. The
mass of the earth. From Newton’s mechanical energy of a body
second law of motion, consists of potential energy and
Force, F = mg kinetic energy.
Equating the above two forces,
The path of a projective is parabola.

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 FORCE, MOTION & ENERGY WORK

Potential energy
 The potential energy of a body is
the energy stored in the body by
virtue of its position or the state
of strain. EP = mgh

Example : Water stored in a

reservoir, a wound spring,
compressed air, stretched
rubber chord, etc,

Kinetic energy
 The kinetic energy of a body is
the energy possessed by the body
by virtue of its motion.
Kinetic energy Ek =½ Mv2
 A falling body, a bullet fired from
a rifle, a swinging pendulum, etc.
Power
 It is defined as the rate at which
work is done.

Power =

 Its unit is watt and dimensional

formula is ML2 T–3.

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 ELECTRICITY

Electricity We know, Q = I × t
 A continuous and closed path of an = 0.75 A × 600 s
electric current is called an electric Q = 450 C
circuit.
ELECTRIC POTENTIAL AND
 Electric current is expressed by the
POTENTIAL DIFFERENCE:
amount of charge flowing through
 We define the electric potential
a particular area of cross section of
difference between two points in
a conductor in unit time.
an electric circuit carrying current
 The direction of electric current is
as the work done to move a unit
taken as opposite to the direction
charge from one point to the
of the flow of electrons.
other.
I = Q/t
V = W/Q
 The S.I unit of electric charge is
coulomb.  The S.I Unit of potential
 This is equivalent to the charge difference is volt (V)
contained in nearly  1 volt = 1joule/1coulomb
6× electrons.  One volt is the potential
difference between two points in
Example – 1: a cur- rent carrying conductor
A current of 0.75 A is drawn by a when 1 joule of work is done to
filament of an electric bulb for 10 move a charge of 1 coulomb from
minutes. Find the amount of electric one point to the other.
charge that flows through the circuit. Example – 2:
Solution: How much work is done in moving a
Given, I = 0.75 A, charge of 5 C across two points having
t = 10 minutes = 600 s a potential difference 10 V?
Page 1
 ELECTRICITY

Solution: source. What current will the heater

Given charge, Q = 5 C draw if the potential difference is
Potential difference, V = 10 V increased to 120 V?
The amount of work done in moving
the charge, W = V × Q Solution:

W = 10 V × 5C Given the potential difference,

V = 60 V
W = 50 J
Current, I=5A
 Nichrome is an alloy of Nickel, According to ohm’s law,
Chromium, Manganese and Iron R = V/I = 60 V / 5 A = 12 Ω
metals When the potential difference is in-
 Ohm’s law states that at constant creased to 120 V,
temperature the steady current the current is given by
(I) flowing through a conductor is I = V/R = 120 V / 12 Ω = 10 A
directly proportional to the
potential difference (V) between SYSTEM OF RESISTORS:
its ends. Resistors in series:
 The total potential difference
V∝ I (or) V/I = constant
across the combination of
 Resistor S.I unit is ohm, resistors in series is equal to the
represented by the Greek letter Ω. sum of potential difference across
 If the potential difference across individual resistors. That is,
the two ends of a conductor is 1 V = V1+V2+V3
volt and the current through it is 1 Rs = R1+R2+R3
ampere, then the resistance of the
conductor is 1 ohm.  The resistance of the combination
Rs is equal to the sum of their
Example – 3: individual resistances R1, R2, R3
The potential difference between the and is thus greater than any
terminals of an electric heater is 60 V individual resistance.
when it draws a current of 5 A from the

Page 2
 PHYSICS

Example – 4:  Thus the reciprocal of the

Two resistances 18 Ω and 6 Ω are equivalent resistance of a group
connected to a 6 V battery in series. of resistance joined in parallel is
Calculate (a) the total resistance of the equal to the sum of the
circuit, (b) the current through the reciprocals of the individual
circuit. resistance.

Solution: Example – 5:
(a) Given the resistance, Three resistances having the values 5
R1 = 18 Ω R2 = 6 Ω Ω, 10 Ω, 30 Ω are connected parallel
The total resistance of the circuit with each other. Calculate the total
RS = R1 + R2 RS = 18 Ω + 6 Ω = 24 Ω circuit resistance.

(b) The potential difference across the Solution: Given, R1 = 5 Ω

two terminals of the battery R2 = 10 Ω
V=6V R3 = 30 Ω
Now the current through the circuit,
I = V/ RS = 6 V / 24 Ω = 0.25 A These resistances are connected
parallel therefore,
Resistors in parallel:
 In parallel combination the
potential difference across each
resistor is the same having a value
V. The total current I is equal to
Ω
the sum of the separate currents
through each branch of the
combination. JOULES LAW OF HEATING:
 Consider a current I flowing
through a resistor of resistance R.
Let the potential difference across
it be V.

Page 3
 ELECTRICITY

(1) It has high specific resistance

P = V (Q/t) = VI
(2) It has high melting point
H = V It
(3) It is not easily oxidized
 Applying Ohm’s law we get H=I² (ii) Fuse wire:
Rt. This is known as Joule’s law Fuse wire is an alloy of lead 37%
of heating. and tin 63%. It is connected in
 The law implies that heat series in an electric circuit. It has
produced in a resistor is high resistance and low melting
(1) directly proportional to the point.
square of current for a given (iii) Electric bulb:
resistance, (2) directly Electric arc and electric welding
proportional to the resistance for also work on the principle of
a given current, and (3) directly heating effect of current.
proportional to the time for which Example – 6: A potential difference
the current flows through the 20 V is applied across a 4 Ω resistor.
resistor. Find the rate of production of heat.
Solution:
Some applications of Joule Given potential difference,
heating: V = 20 V
(i) Electric heating device: The resistance,
Electric iron, electric heater, R=4Ω
electric toaster are some of the The time,
appliances that work on the t=1s
principle of heating effect of According to ohm’s law,
current. In these appliances, I=V/R I = 20 V / 4 Ω = 5 A
Nichrome which is an alloy of
nickel and chromium is used as The rate of production of heat,
the heating element for the H = Rt H= 4×1
following reasons. H = 100J

Transformers are used to step up or step down AC voltage

Page 4
 PHYSICS

ROLE OF FUSE: device that carries 1 A of current

A common application of Joule’s when operated at a potential
heating is the fuse used in difference of 1V.
electric circuits.  Thus, 1 W = 1 volt × 1 ampere = 1
VA
DOMESTIC ELECTRIC  The unit of electric energy is,
CIRCUITS: therefore, watt hour (Wh). One
 One of the wires in the supply, watt hour is the energy consumed
usually with red insulation cover, is when one watt of power is used for
called live wire (or positive). one hour. The commercial unit of
Another wire, with black electric energy is kilowatt hour
insulation, is called neutral wire (KWh), commonly known as unit.
(or negative). In our country, the  1 kWh = 1000watt × 3600second
potential differences between the = 3.6 watt second
two are 220 V. = 3.6 joule (J)

 The earth wire which has Drift velocity and mobility:

insulation of green colour is  Drift velocity is defined as the
usually connected to a metal plate velocity with which free electrons
deep in the earth near the house. get drifted towards the positive
terminal, when an electric field is
ELECTRIC POWER: applied. If is the average time
We know already that the rate of between two successive collisions
doing work is power. This is and the acceleration experienced
also the rate of consumption of by the electron be a, then the drift
energy. This is also termed as velocity is given by,
electric power.
The power P is given by is the mobility and is defined
P = VI = P R= /R
as the drift velocity acquired per unit
 The SI unit of electric power is watt
electric field.
(W). It is the power consumed by a
 Its unit is
Page 5
 ELECTRICITY

 The drift velocity of electrons is conductors of electricity.

proportional to the electric field  They carry current without
intensity. appreciable loss of energy.
 It is very small and is of the order  Example: silver, aluminium,
of copper, iron, tungsten, nichrome,
manganin, constantan.
Current density:  The resistivity of metals increase
 Current density at a point is with increase in temperature.
defined as the quantity of charge  Insulators are substances which
passing per unit time through unit have very high resistivity of the
area, taken perpendicular to the order of .
direction of flow of charge at that  They offer very high resistance to
point. the flow of current and are termed
 The current density J for a current non−conductors.
I flowing across a conductor having  Example: glass, mica, amber,
an area of cross section A is quartz, wood, teflon, bakelite.
 In between these two classes of
materials lie the semiconductors.
 Current density is a vector They are partially conducting. The
quantity. It is expressed in resistivity of semiconductor
is .
Classification of materials in  Example: germanium, silicon.
terms of resistivity:
 The resistivity of a material is the Superconductivity:
characteristic of that particular  The ability of certain metals, their
material. The materials can be compounds and alloys to conduct
broadly classified into conductors electricity with zero resistance at
and insulators. very low temperatures is called
 The metals and alloys which have superconductivity. The materials
low resistivity of the order of which exhibit this property are
are good called superconductors.

Page 6
 PHYSICS

 The materials which exhibit this Applications of superconductors:

property are called  Superconductors form the basis of
superconductors. energy saving power systems,
 The phenomenon of namely the superconducting
superconductivity was first generators, which are smaller in size
observed by Kammerlingh Onnes and weight, in comparison with
in 1911. He found that mercury conventional generators.
suddenly showed zero resistance at  Superconducting magnets have
4.2 K. been used to levitate trains above its
 The first theoretical explanation of rails. They can be driven at high
superconductivity was given by speed with minimal expenditure of
Bardeen, Cooper and Schrieffer in energy.
1957 and it is called the BCS  Superconducting magnetic
theory. propulsion systems may be used to
 The temperature at which launch satellites into orbits directly
electrical resistivity of the material from the earth without the use of
suddenly drops to zero and the rockets.
material changes from normal  High efficiency ore–separating
conductor to a superconductor is machines may be built using
called the transition temperature superconducting magnets which
or critical temperature TC. can be used to separate tumor cells
At the transition temperature the from healthy cells by high gradient
following changes are observed : magnetic separation method.
(i) The electrical resistivity drops to  Since the current in a
zero. superconducting wire can flow
(ii) The conductivity becomes without any change in magnitude, it
infinity can be used for transmission lines.
(iii)The magnetic flux lines are  Superconductors can be used as
excluded from the material. memory or storage elements in
computers.

The heating element in an electric stove is made of Nichrome.

Page 7
 ELECTRICITY

Carbon resistors: Wheatstone’s bridge:

 Carbon resistor consists of a  An important application of
ceramic core, on which a thin layer Kirchoff’s law is the Wheatstone’s
of crystalline carbon is deposited. bridge.
 These resistors are cheaper, stable
and small in size.
Metre bridge:
Kirchoff’s law:  Metre bridge is one form of W h e a
1. Kirchoff’s first law (current law) t s t o n e’s bridge.
2. Kirchoff’s second law (voltage law)
Determination of specific
Kirchoff’s first law (current law): resistance:
 Kirchoff’s current law states that  The specific resistance of the
the algebraic sum of the currents material of a wire is determined by
meeting at any junction in a circuit knowing the resistance (P), radius
is zero. (r) and length (L) of the wire using
 The sum of the currents entering the expression
the junction is equal to the sum of
the currents leaving the junction.
Potentiometer:
 The Potentiometer is an
Kirchoff’s second law (voltage
instrument used for the
law):
measurement of potential
 Kirchoff’s voltage law states that
difference.
the algebraic sum of the products
of resistance and current in each
Chemical effect of current:
part of any closed circuit is equal to
 The passage of an electric current
the algebraic sum of the emf’s in
through a liquid causes chemical
that closed circuit. This law is a
changes and this process is called
consequence of conservation of
electrolysis.
energy.
 The conduction is possible, only in
liquids wherein charged ions can
Page 8
 PHYSICS

be dissociated in opposite sulphuric acid in a glass vessel.

directions. Such liquids are called  Anode : Copper (Cu)
electrolytes.  Cathode : Zinc (Zn)
 The plates through which current  Potential Difference : 1.08V
enters and leaves an electrolyte are  Electrolyte : H2SO4
known as electrodes.
 The electrode towards which Primary Cell:
positive ions travel is called the  The cells from which the electric
cathode and the other, towards energy is derived by irreversible
which negative ions travel is called chemical actions are called primary
anode. cells.

Faraday’s laws of electrolysis: Daniel cell:

 The factors affecting the quantities  Daniel cell is a primary cell which
of matter liberated during the cannot supply steady current for a
process of electrolysis were long time.
investigated by Faraday.
Leclanche cell:
Electric cells:  The emf of the cell is about 1.5 V,
 The starting point to the and it can supply a current of 0.25
development of electric cells is the A.
classic experiment by Luige  Anode: Carbon rod
Galvani and his wife Lucia on a  Cathode: Zinc rod
dissected frog hung from iron  Electrolyte: Ammonium chloride
railings with brass hooks.
Secondary Cells:
Voltaic cell:  Anode : Lead
 The simple cell or voltaic cell  Cathode : Lead Oxide
consists of two electrodes, one of  Electrolyte : H2SO4
copper and the other of zinc  The advantage of secondary cells is
dipped in a solution of dilute that they are rechargeable.

Page 9
 ELECTRICITY

 The chemical process of obtaining Peltier Co-efficient :

current from a secondary cell is  The amount of heat energy
called discharge. absorbed or evolved at one of the
junctions of a thermocouple when
Seebeck effect:
one ampere current flows for one
 In 1821, German Physicist Thomas
second (one coulomb) is called
Johann See beck discovered that in
Peltier coefficient.
a circuit consisting of two
 It is denoted by . Its unit is volt.
dissimilar metals like iron and
copper, an emf is developed when
Thomson effect:
the junctions are maintained at
 Thomson suggested that when a
different temperatures.
current flows through unequally
 Two dissimilar metals connected to
heated conductors, heat energy is
form two junctions is called
absorbed or evolved throughout
thermocouple.
the body of the metal.
 The emf developed in the circuit is
 Positive Thomson effect is
thermo electric emf.
observed in the case of Sb, Ag, Zn,
 The current through the circuit is
Cd, etc.
called thermoelectric current. This
 Negative Thomson effect is
effect is called thermoelectric effect
observed in the case of Pt, Bi, Co,
or Seebeck effect.
Ni, Hg, etc.
 In the case of lead, Thomson effect
Peltier effect:
is nil.
 In 1834, a French scientist Peltier
discovered that when electric
Thomson coefficient :
current is passed through a circuit
 The amount of heat energy
consisting of two dissimilar metals,
absorbed or evolved when one
heat is evolved at one junction and
ampere current flows for one
absorbed at the other junction.
second (one coulomb) in a metal
This is called Peltier effect. Peltier
between two points which differ in
effect is the converse of Seebeck
temperature by 1°C is called
effect.
Page 10
 PHYSICS

Thomson coefficient. It is denoted Cyclotron:

by .Its unit is volt per  Cyclotron is a device used to
accelerate charged particles to high
Magnetic effect of current: energies. It was devised by
 In 1820, Danish Physicist, Hans Lawrence.
Christian Oersted observed that
current through a wire caused a Force on a current carrying
deflection in a nearby magnetic conductor placed in a magnetic
needle. This indicates that field:
magnetic field is associated with a
current carrying conductor.

Magnetic induction due to Pointer type moving coil

infinitely long straight conductor galvanometer:
carrying current:  The suspended coil galvanometers
are very sensitive. They can
measure current of the order of
If the conductor is placed in a medium ampere.
of permeability, Conversion of galvanometer into
an ammeter:
 A galvanometer is a device used to
detect the flow of current in an
Tangent galvanometer: electrical circuit.
 Tangent galvanometer is a device  However, a galvanometer is
used for measuring current. converted into an ammeter by
 Since the tangent galvanometer is connecting a low resistance in
most sensitive at a deflection of parallel with it.
45°, the deflection has to be  As a result, when large current
adjusted to be between 30° and flows in a circuit, only a small
60°. fraction of the current passes
Gas lighters work on the basic principle of Piezo – electric effect

Page 11
 ELECTRICITY

through the galvanometer and the Bohr magneton:

remaining larger portion of the  The value of is called Bohr
current passes through the low
magneton.
resistance.
 By substituting the values of e, h
 The low resistance connected in
and m, the value of Bohr
parallel with the galvanometer is
magneton is found to be
called shunt resistance. The scale
9.22×
is marked in ampere.
 Ra is very low and this explains Electricity:
why an ammeter should be  AC to DC – Rectifier
connected in series. When  DC to AC – Inverter
connected in series, the ammeter  Transformer – Changes from one
does not appreciably change the voltage to another
resistance and current in the
circuit. Hence an ideal ammeter is
one which has zero resistance.

Conversion of galvanometer into

a voltmeter:
 A galvanometer can be converted
into a voltmeter by connecting a
high resistance in series with it.
The scale is calibrated in volt.
 Rv is very large, and hence a
voltmeter is connected in parallel
in a circuit as it draws the least
current from the circuit.

Page 12
 MAGNETISM

Magnetism  However, it is believed that the

 The word magnetism is derived Earth’s magnetic field is due to
from iron ore magnetite (Fe3O4), the molten charged metallic fluid
which was found in the island of inside the Earth’s surface with a
magnesia in Greece. Gilbert who core of radius about 3500 km
laid the foundation for compared to the Earth’s radius
magnetism and had suggested of 6400 km.
that Earth itself behaves as a
giant bar magnet. The field at the Basic properties of magnets
surface of the Earth is (i) When the magnet is dipped in
approximately 10-4 T and the iron filings, they cling to the ends
field extends upto a height of of the magnet. The attraction is
nearly five times the radius of maximum at the two ends of the
the Earth. magnet. These ends are called
poles of the magnet.
Causes of the Earth’s magnetism
(ii) When a magnet is freely
 The exact cause of the Earth’s
suspended, it always points
magnetism is not known even
along north-south direction. The
today. However, some important
pole pointing towards
factors which may be the cause
geographic north is called north
of Earth’s magnetism are:
pole N and the pole which points
1. Magnetic masses in the Earth.
towards geographic south is
2. Electric currents in the Earth.
called south pole S.
3. Electric currents in the upper
(iii) Magnetic poles always exist in
regions of the atmosphere.
pairs. (i.e) isolated magnetic
4. Radiations from the Sun.
pole does not exist.
5. Action of moon etc.
Page 1
 PHYSICS

(iv) The magnetic length of a Magnetic moment

magnet is always less than its  The magnetic moment of a
geometric length, because the magnet is defined as the product
poles are situated a little of the pole strength and the
inwards from the free ends of distance between the two poles.
the magnet. (But for the Magnetic moment is a vector
purpose of calculation the quantity. It is denoted by M. Its
geometric length is always unit is A m2. Its direction is from
taken as magnetic length.) south pole to north pole.
(v) Like poles repel each other and
unlike poles attract each other. Magnetic field
North pole of a magnet when  Magnetic field is the space in
brought near north pole of which a magnetic pole
another magnet, we can experiences a force or it is the
observe repulsion, but when the space around a magnet in which
north pole of one magnet is the influence of the magnet is
brought near south pole of felt.
another magnet, we observe
attraction. Magnetic induction
(vi) The force of attraction or  Magnetic induction is the
repulsion between two fundamental character of a
magnetic poles is given by magnetic field at a point. It is a
Coulomb’s inverse square law. vector quantity. It is also called
Note : In recent days, the concept of as magnetic flux density.
magnetic poles has been completely
changed. The origin of magnetism is Properties of magnetic lines of
traced only due to the flow of current. force
But anyhow, we have retained the 1. Magnetic lines of forces are
conventional idea of magnetic poles in closed continuous curves,
this chapter. Pole strength is denoted extending through the body of
by m and its unit is ampere metre. the magnet.

Page 2
 MAGNETISM

2. The direction of line of force is Magnetic properties of materials

from north pole to south pole  Classifying the materials
outside the magnet while it is depending on their magnetic
from south pole to north pole behavior Magnetising field or
inside the magnet. magnetic intensity The
3. The tangent to the magnetic line magnetic field used to magnetise
of force at any point gives the a material is called the
direction of magnetic field at Magnetising field. It is denoted
that point. (i.e) it gives the by H and its unit is A m–1.
direction of magnetic induction
Magnetic permeability
(→ B ) at that point.
 Magnetic permeability is the
4. They never intersect each other.
ability of the material to allow
5. They crowd where the magnetic
the passage of magnetic lines of
field is strong and thin out where
force through it.
the field is weak.

Magnetic flux and magnetic flux Intensity of magnetization

density  Intensity of magnetisation of a
 The number of magnetic lines of magnetic material is defined as
force passing through an area A the magnetic moment per unit
is called magnetic flux. It is volume of the material.
denoted by φ. Its unit is weber. It
I =M/V
is a scalar quantity.
Its unit is A m-1.
Tangent law
Magnetic induction
 A magnetic needle suspended, at
 When a soft iron bar is placed in
a point where there are two
a uniform magnetising field H,
crossed magnetic fields acting at
the magnetic induction inside
right angles to each other, will
the specimen B is equal to the
come to rest in the direction of
sum of the magnetic induction
the resultant of the two fields
Bo produced in vacuum due to
B1 = B2 tan θ
the magnetising field and the
Page 3
 PHYSICS

magnetic induction Bm due to 2. Susceptibility is independent of

the induced magnetisation of the temperature.
specimen. 3. The relative permeability is

B = μo (H + I) slightly less than one.

4. When placed in a non uniform
Magnetic susceptibility magnetic field they have a
 Susceptibility of a magnetic tendency to move away from the
material is defined as the ratio of field. (i.e) from the stronger part
intensity of magnetisation I to the weaker part of the field.
induced in the material to the They get magnetized in a
magnetising field H in which the direction opposite to the field as
material is placed shown.
5. When suspended freely in a
Classification of magnetic
uniform magnetic field, they set
materials
themselves perpendicular to the
 On the basis of the behaviour of
direction of the magnetic field
materials in a magnetising field,
Ex: Bi, Sb, Cu, Au, Hg, H2O, H2 etc.
the materials are generally
classified into three categories
Properties of paramagnetic
namely,
substances
(i) Diamagnetic,
Paramagnetic substances are those in
(ii) Paramagnetic
which each atom or molecule has a net
and (iii) Ferromagnetic
non-zero magnetic moment of its own.
Properties of diamagnetic
1. Susceptibility has a low positive
substances
value.
 Diamagnetic substances are
2. Susceptibility is inversely
those in which the net magnetic
proportional to absolute
moment of atoms is zero. 1
temperature (i.e) Xm x .
1. The susceptibility has a low T

negative value. (For example, for As the temperature increases

bismuth χm= – 0.00017). susceptibility decreases.

Page 4
 MAGNETISM

3. The relative permeability is of susceptibility decreases. At a

greater than one. particular temperature,
4. When placed in a non uniform ferromagnetics become
magnetic field, they have a paramagnetics. This transition
tendency to move from weaker temperature is called curie
part to the stronger part of the temperature. For example curie
field. They get magnetised in the temperature of iron is about
direction of the field When 1000 K.
suspended freely in a uniform 3. When suspended freely in
magnetic field, they set uniform magnetic field, they set
themselves parallel to the themselves parallel to the
direction of magnetic field direction of magnetic field.
Ex: Al, Pt, Cr, O2, Mn, CuSO4 etc. 4. When placed in a non uniform
magnetic field, they have a
Properties of ferromagnetic tendency to move from the
substances weaker part to the stronger part
 Ferromagnetic substances are of the field. They get strongly
those in which each atom or magnetised in the direction of
molecule has a strong the field.
spontaneous net magnetic Ex : Fe, Ni, Co and a number of
moment. These substances their alloys
exhibit strong paramagnetic
properties. Uses of ferromagnetic materials
1. The susceptibility and relative (i) Permanent magnets
permeability are very large.  The ideal material for making
(For example : μr for iron = permanent magnets should
200,000) possess high retentivity (residual
2. Susceptibility is inversely magnetism) and high coercivity

proportional to the absolute so that the magnetisation lasts

1 for a longer time. Examples of
temperature X m x . As the
T such substances are steel and
temperature increases the value alnico (an alloy of Al, Ni and Co).
Page 5
 PHYSICS

Electromagnets building a memory store in a

modern computer.
 Material used for making an
Ex: Ferrites (Fe, Fe2O, MnFe2O4 etc.).
electromagnet has to undergo
cyclic changes least hysteresis
Fleming left hand rule
loss high values of magnetic
 Stretch the thumb, fore finger and
induction B at low values of
middle finger of your left hand such
magnetising field H. Soft iron is
that they are mutually
preferred for making
perpendicular. If the forefinger
electromagnets as it has a thin
points in the direction of magnetic
hysteresis loop and low
field and the middle finger points
retentively.
in the direction of current, then the
thumb will point in the direction of
Core of the transformer
motion or the force acting on the
 A material used for making
conductor.
transformer core and choke is
subjected to cyclic changes very
Fleming’s right hand rule.
rapidly.
 Stretch the thumb, forefinger and
middle finger of right hand so that
Magnetic tapes and memory store
they are perpendicular to each
 Magnetisation of a magnet other. If the forefinger indicates the
depends not only on the direction of the magnetic field and
magnetizing field but also on the the thumb shows the direction of
cycle of magnetisation it has motion of conductor, then the
undergone. Thus, the value of middle finger will show the
magnetisation of the specimen is direction of induced current.
a record of the cycles of
magnetisation it has undergone.
Therefore, such a system can act
as a device for storing memory.
Ferro magnetic materials are
used for coating magnetic tapes
in a cassette player and for

Page 6
 HEAT AND THERMODYNAMICS

Heat Specific Latent Heat

 Temperature is the thermal state Specific Latent Heat of fusion of
of the body, that decides the any substance is the quantity of
direction of flow of heat. heat energy required to melt one
 “Heat is a form of energy kilogram of a substance without
transfer between two systems or change in temperature. The symbol
between a system and its used is L. The unit for specific
surroundings due to temperature latent heat is Joule/kilogram or
difference between them. J/kg

Specific heat capacity The Gas Laws

Specific heat capacity of a substance  Boyle’s Law
is defined as the quantity of heat “Temperature remaining
required to raise the temperature of constant, the pressure of a given
1 kg of the substance through 1K. Its mass of gas is inversely
unit is J kg–1K–1. proportional to its volume”.
[Temp remaining constant] It
 The specific heat capacity of can also be stated as PV = a
water is the highest for any constant
substance, 4180 J/kg K. It is 30
times the specific heat capacity Charles’ law
of mercury which is about  Charles’ Law
140J/kg K. States that “Pressure remaining
constant, the volume of a given
mass of gas is directly

Mercury boils at 357˚ C

Page 1
 HEAT AND THERMODYNAMICS

proportional to the absolute constant

temperature”. This is referred to
as the law of volumes. A constant Carnot engine
[Pressure remaining constant]  Heat engine is a device which
It can also be stated as V α T converts heat energy into
V/T = a constant mechanical energy.

Kelvin Scale or Absolute

Refrigerator
Temperature
 A refrigerator is a cooling device. An
 The zero of the Kelvin scale
ideal refrigerator can be regarded as
corresponds to -273°C and is
Carnot’s heat engine working in the
written as 0K (without the degree
reverse direction. Therefore, it is
symbol). One division on the Kelvin
also called a heat pump
scale has the same magnitude of
temperature as one division of the
Transfer of heat
Celsius or Centigrade scale. Thus
 There are three ways in which heat
0°C corresponds to +273K.
energy may get transferred from
Kelvin scale(K) = Celsius scale
one place to another. These are
(0°C) + 273
conduction, convection and
Celsius scale (0°C) = Kelvin scale
radiation
(K) – 273
Adiabatic process
Conduction
In Greek, adiabatic means “nothing
 Heat is transmitted through the
passes through”. The process in which
solids by the process of conduction
pressure, volume and temperature of a
system change in such a manner that
Applications
during the change no heat enters or
i. The houses of Eskimos are made
leaves the system is called adiabatic
up of double walled blocks of ice.
process. Thus in adiabatic process, the
Air enclosed in between the
total heat of the system remains
double walls prevents
Land and sea breeze are due to convection of heat

Page 2
 PHYSICS

transmission of heat from the Thermal radiation

house to the coldest surroundings.  The energy emitted by a body in the
ii. Birds often swell their feathers in form of radiation on account of its
winter to enclose air between their temperature is called thermal
body and the feathers. Air radiation.
prevents the loss of heat from the It depends on,
body of the bird to the cold (i) Temperature of the body,
surroundings. (ii) Nature of the radiating body
iii. Ice is packed in gunny bags or  The wavelength of thermal
sawdust because, air trapped in radiation ranges from 8 × 10-7m to 4
the saw dust prevents the transfer × 10-4m. They belong to infra-red
of heat from the surroundings to region of the electromagnetic
the ice. Hence ice does not melt spectrum.

Convection Properties of thermal radiations

 It is a phenomenon of transfer of 1. Thermal radiations can travel
heat in a fluid with the actual through vacuum.
movement of the particles of the 2. They travel along straight lines with
fluid
the speed of light.

Application 3. They can be reflected and refracted.

 It plays an important role in They exhibit the phenomenon of

ventilation and in heating and interference and diffraction.
cooling system of the houses. 4. They do not heat the intervening
Radiation medium through which they pass.
 It is the phenomenon of transfer of 5. They obey inverse square law.
heat without any material medium.
Emissive power
Such a process of heat transfer in
 Emissive power of a body at a given
which no material medium takes
temperature is the amount of
part is known as radiation.
energy emitted per unit time per
unit area of the surface for a given

The colour of a star is an indication of its temperature

Page 3
 HEAT AND THERMODYNAMICS

wavelength. It is denoted by eλ. Its (i.e) E α T4 or E = σT4

unit is W m-2.  Where σ is called the Stefan’s
constant. Its value is 5.67 × 10-8 W
Perfect black body
m-2 K-4.
 A perfect black body is the one
which absorbs completely heat
NEWTON’S LAW OF COOLING
radiations of all wavelengths which
Newton’s law of cooling states
fall on it and emits heat radiations
that the rate of cooling of a body
of all wavelengths when heated.
is directly proportional to the
Since a perfect black body neither
temperature difference between
reflects nor transmits any radiation,
the body and the surroundings
the absorptive power of a perfectly
Solar constant
black body is unity.
 The solar constant is the amount of
Kirchoff’s Law radiant energy received per second
 According to this law, the ratio of per unit area by a perfect black body
emissive power to the absorptive on the Earth with its surface
power corresponding to a particular perpendicular to the direction of
wavelength and at a given radiation from the sun in the
temperature is always a constant for absence of atmosphere. It is
all bodies. denoted by S and its value is 1.388 ×

𝒆 103 W m-2. Surface temperature of

= constant = E λ
𝒂 the Sun can be calculated from solar
constant.
Stefan’s law Angstrom Pyrheliometer
 Stefan’s law states that the total  Pyrheliometer is an instrument
amount of heat energy radiated per used to measure the quantity of heat
second per unit area of a perfect radiation and solar constant.
black body is directly proportional
to the fourth power of its absolute
temperature.
Sea water turns into ice at 4˚C

Page 4
 LIGHT

LIGHT (ii) The incident ray, the normal to

Rectilinear Propagation, the mirror at the point of
Shadows and Eclipse : incidence and the reflected ray,
 Light travels in straight line. all lie in the same plane.
 The kind of shadow depends
on the size of the source of An image formed in a plane mirror has
light the following Characteristics.
 Shadow obtained is a region of  The image is of the same size as
total darkness called umbra the object.
 Shadow obtained partial  It is as behind the mirror as the
darkness called penumbra. object is in front of it.
 Lunar eclipse - earth comes  It is virtual
between the sun and the  It is laterally inverted.
moon.
 Solar eclipse - moon comes  Light is incident on a rough surface,
between the sun and the earth. the reflected rays are scattered in all
direction the many surface
Reflection of light irregularities. This is called diffuse
 A highly polished surface, such reflection.
as a mirror, reflects most of the
light falling on it. Inclined mirror :
(i) The angle of incidence is equal to  When an object is placed between
the angle of reflection, and two inclined mirrors several images
of the object one formed
 Number of images depends on the
angle between the mirror.

Page 1
 LIGHT

Atmosphere Refraction
𝟑𝟔𝟎𝟎
No. of image =  The density of the atmosphere
𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐥𝐞 𝐛𝐞𝐭𝐰𝐞𝐞𝐧 𝐦𝐢𝐫𝐫𝐨𝐫𝐬
surrounding the earth decreases
Kaleidoscope : with increasing altitude. Thus if
 It is toy image are formed by two light enters the atmosphere from
strips of plane mirrors placed at outside it encounters layers of air
an angle of 600 inside the tube increasing density and,
five images are seen. therefore, bends gradually
producing a curved path.
Refraction : Ex - Star twinkling, Mirage
 Light bends when its travel from
one medium to another this Refractive Index
𝑆𝑖𝑛 𝑖 Velocity of light in air
called refraction of the lights. 𝜇= =
𝑆𝑖𝑛 𝑟 Velocity of light in medium
 Different speeds of light in
medium different densities. It has no unit & no dimension

 Speed of light in vaccum - 3 x 108

 Water - 1.33
m/s.  Crown glass - 1.52
 When light travels from a rarer  Dense Flint glass - 1.62
 Diamond - 2.42
medium and enters a denser
medium it will be deviated
towards to the normal line Total Internal Reflection :

Ex : From air to glass.  Ray or light passes through the

denser medium to the rare

 The light will be deviated away medium the refracted Ray is

from the normal when it passes bent away from the normal line.

from a denser into a rare  Angle of incidence increase the

medium angle of refraction also increase.

Ex : Glass to Air.  At a certain angle of incidence

the angle of reflection becomes

The colour of outer edge of rainbow will be red.

Page 2
 PHYSICS

900. This angle is called critical  Violet Colour Minimium Wave

angle (c). Length and Maximum Frequency.
 If the angle of incidence is more  Red Colour - Maximum Wave
than the critical angle the rays Length and Minimum Frequency.
bends inside the denser medium  Vaccum all colours are same speed
itself. This phenomenon is but different medium and different
called total internal speed.
reflection.
The Rainbow
Optical Fibre  The most spectacular illustration of
 An optical fibre is a device based on dispersion.
the principle of total internal  Droplets acts as a prism.
reflection.  Rainbow is seen in the sky opposite
 Optical fibres are thin, flexible and the sun.
transparent strands of glass which  Each droplets there is dispersion as
can carry light along them very well as total internal reflection.
easily. A boundle of such thin fibres Colour of objects
from a light pipe.  Leaves reflect the green colour the
remaining colour are observed.
Uses of Optical Fibre
 Optical fibres are used to transmit Mixing Coloured Light
communication signals.  All colours can be suitable mixture
 In medicine, optical fibres are used of these three colour. (Red, Blue,
endoscope and laparoscopes. Green) Therefore called primary
colour, others secondary colour.
Dispersion  The colours which give white light
 Separation of light into colours is when put together, are called
called dispersion. complementary colour blue + yellow
 Seven colours - Violet, Indigo, Blue, - complementary colours.
Green, Yellow, Orange and Red.

Page 3
 LIGHT

Scattering of light  At sunrise and sunset the rays from

 Lord Rayleigh was the first to deal the sun have to travel a larger part
with scattering of light by air of the atmosphere than at noon.
molecules. The scattering of Therefore most of the blue light is
sunlight by the molecules of the scattered away and only the red
gases in Earth’s atmosphere is light which is least scattered reaches
called Rayleigh scattering. The basic the observer. Hence, sun appears
process in scattering is absorption reddish at sunrise and sunset
of light by the molecules followed by
its re-radiation in different Tyndal scattering
directions. The strength of  The scattering of light by the
scattering depends on the colloidal particles is called Tyndal
wavelength of the light and also the scattering.
size of the particle which cause
scattering. The amount of scattering Diffraction
is inversely proportional to the  Sound is propagated in the form of
fourth power of the wavelength. waves. Sound produced in an
This is known as Rayleigh scattering adjoining room reaches us after
law. bending round the edges of the
 Hence, the shorter wavelengths are walls. Similarly, waves on the
scattered much more than the surface of water also bend round the
longer wavelengths. The blue edges of an obstacle and spread into
appearance of sky is due to the region behind it. This bending
scattering of sunlight by the of waves around the edges of an
atmosphere. According to obstacle is called diffraction.
Rayleigh’s scattering law, blue light Diffraction is a characteristic
is scattered to a greater extent than property of waves. The waves are
red light. This scattered radiation diffracted, only when the size of the
causes the sky to appear blue. obstacle is comparable to the
wavelength of the wave.
The sky appears to be blue because of scattering of light.

Page 4
 PHYSICS

 Fresnel showed that the amount of The phenomenon of restricting

bending produced at an obstacle the vibrations into a particular plane is
depends upon the wavelength of the known as polarization (for glass it is
incident wave. Since the sound 57.5o)
waves have a greater
wavelength, the diffraction Types of crystals
effects are pronounced. As the Crystals like calcite, quartz, ice
wavelength of light is very and tourmaline having only one optic
small, compared to that of axis are called uniaxial crystals.
sound wave and even tiny Crystals like mica, topaz, selenite and
obstacles have large size, aragonite having two optic axes are
compared to the wavelength of called biaxial crystals
light waves, diffraction effects
of light are very small. Polaroids
A Polaroid is a material which
Fresnel and Fraunhofer polarises light. The phenomenon of
diffraction selective absorption is made use of in
Diffraction phenomenon can be the construction of polariods
classified under two groups (i) Fresnel
diffraction and (ii) Fraunhofer Uses of Polaroid
diffraction 1. Polaroids are used in the laboratory
to produce and analyse plane
Polarisation polarised light.
The phenomena of reflection, 2.Polaroids are widely used as
refraction, interference, diffraction are polarising sun glasses.
common to both transverse waves and 3.They are used to eliminate the head
longitudinal waves. But the transverse light glare in motor cars.
nature of light waves is demonstrated 4.They are used to improve colour
only by the phenomenon of contrasts in old oil paintings.
polarization 5. Polaroid films are used to produce

We cannot see during a fog because scattering of light

Page 5
 LIGHT

three – dimensional moving all directions with the speed of light

pictures.
6.They are used as glass windows in  Wave theory
trains and aeroplanes to control the According to Huygens, light is
intensity of light. In aeroplane one propagated in the form of waves,
polaroid is fixed outside the window through a continuous medium.
while the other is fitted inside Huygens assumed the existence
which can be rotated. The intensity of an invisible, elastic medium
of light can be adjusted by rotating called ether, which pervades all
the inner polaroid. space
7. Aerial pictures may be taken from
slightly different angles and when  Electromagnetic theory
viewed through polaroids give a Maxwell showed that light was
better perception of depth. an electromagnetic wave,
8. In calculators and watches, letters conveying electromagnetic
and numbers are formed by liquid energy and not mechanical
crystal display (LCD) through energy as believed by Huygens
polarisation of light. He also showed that no medium
9.Polarisation is also used to study was necessary for the
size and shape of molecules propagation of electromagnetic
waves.
Theories of light  Quantum theory
Corpuscular theory 1900, Planck had suggested that
 According to Newton, a source of energy was emitted and
light or a luminous body absorbed, not continuously but
continuously emits tiny, massless in multiples of discrete pockets
(negligibly small mass) and of energy called Quantum which
perfectly elastic particles called could not be subdivided into
corpuscles. They travel in straight smaller parts. In 1905, Einstein
lines in a homogeneous medium in extended this idea and suggested
The full shape of a rainbow is Parabola

Page 6
 PHYSICS

that light waves consist of small Spherical mirrors of small apertures

pockets of energy called photons. the radius of curvature is found to be
The energy associated with each equal to twice the focal length.
photon is E = hν, where h is
R = 2f
Planck’s constant (h = 6.626 ×
10–34Js) and ν is the frequency of Principal Axis :
the electromagnetic radiation. It Imagine a straight line passing
is now established that photon through the pole and the centre of
seems to have a dual character. curvature of a spherical mirror. This
It behaves as particles in the line is called the principal axis.
region of higher energy and as
waves in the region of lower Lens Nature of Size of the
energy Mirror the image Image
Cancave Real and Diminished
Mirror and Lens mirror inverted and enlarged
Focal Length : - The distance Convex image. image.
between the pole and the principal Lens Virtual
focus of a special mirror is called the and erect
focal length. (F) image.
Cancave Erect Small image
Pole : - The centre of the reflecting lens virtual
surface of a spherical mirror is a point convex
called the pole. It is represented by the mirror
letter P.
Uses of Convex Mirrors
Radius of Curvature 1. Rear view mirrors in vehicles, CCTV
The radius of the sphere of which the Camera
reflecting surface of a spherical mirror Uses of Concave mirrors
forms a part is called the radius of 1. Tourch Light
curvature of the mirror (R). 2. Street Light
Light is propagated in the form of transverse waves.

Page 7
 LIGHT

3. Vehicles head lights

4. Shaving mirrors The image is 1.15 m at the back of the
5. Dentists use to see large images mirror. The image is virtual.
of the teeth of patients.
6. Used to concentrate sun light to Lens formula
produce heat in solar turnaces. 𝟏 𝟏 𝟏
= -
Mirror Formula 𝐟 𝐯 𝐮

1 1 1 Example :
= +
f v u
A concave lens has focal length of 15
 f = focal length cm. At what distance should the object
 u = object distance from the lens be placed so that it forms
 v = image distance an image 10 cm from the lens?

Example - 1
Solution:
A convex mirror used for rear-view on
an automobile has a radius of v = −10 cm, f = − 15 cm, u = ?
1 1 1 1 1 1
curvature of 3 m. If a bus is located at 5 − = (or) = −
𝑣 𝑢 𝑓 𝑢 𝑣 𝑓
m from this mirror, find the position
1 1 1
and nature of the image. = −
𝑢 −10 −15
1 1 1
Solution: = +
𝑢 −10 15
Radius of curvature, R = +3.00 m 1 −3+2
=
Object distance u = - 5.00 m 𝑢 30
1 −1
Image distance v = ? =
𝑢 30
We know,
u = 30 cm.
1 1 1
+ = Magnification
𝑣 𝑢 𝑓
1 1 1 The magnification produced by a lens
or, + =
𝑣 𝑓 𝑢 is defined as the ratio of the height of
1 1 1 1 1 15+1.5 6.5
+ − = + = = the image to the height of the object.
𝑣 1.5 −5 1.5 5 7.5 7.5
𝐯
7.5 M=
𝐮
=v= = 1.15 m
6.5

In fluorescent tube light ultraviolet light is converted into visible light.

Page 8
 PHYSICS

Example: Example:
An object is placed at a distance of 30 The focal length of a concave lens is
cm from a concave lens of focal length 2m. Calculate the power of the lens.
15 cm. An erect and virtual image is
formed at a distance of 10 cm from the Solution:
lens. Calculate the magnification. Focal length of concave lens, f = − 2 m
Power of the lens,
Solution: 1
p=
𝑓
Object distance, u = − 30 cm
1
p=
Image distance, v = − 10 cm −2

Magnification, m = v/u p = − 0.5 dioptre

−10
m=
−30
1
m=
3
m2 + 0.33 cm

Power of Lens
The power of lens is defined as the
reciprocal of its focal length.

𝟏
P=
𝒇

The S.I unit power of a lens is dioptre.

It is denote by the letter D.

Page 9
 SOUND

SOUND Definitions of some terms used in

 Sound waves can travel through relation to waves:
liquids, solids as well as gasses. The Amplitude (a)
substance (solid, liquid or gas)  The maximum displacement of a
through which sound waves travel is particle from the mean position is
called a medium. Sound waves need called amplitude. Its unit is metre.
a material medium to propagate,
they cannot travel through vacuum. Time period (T)
 Robert Boyle, the scientist, proved  Time taken by a particle of the
that sound waves cannot pass medium to complete one vibration
through vacuum or empty space. is called Time period. Its unit is
second.
Wave
 “If the particles of a medium vibrate Frequency (n)
in a direction, parallel to or along  The number of vibrations
the direction of propagation of completed by a particle in one
wave, it is called a longitudinal second is called frequency. Its unit
wave” 1
is hertz. n =
T
 Sound waves travel in the form of
longitudinal waves through gases.
Wave Length (λ)
 “If the particles of the medium
 Distance moved by a wave during
vibrate in a direction, perpendicular
the time a particle completes one
to the direction of propagation, the
vibration. Its unit is metre.
wave is called a transverse wave.”

Page 1
 PHYSICS

Reflection of Sound WAVES The speed of sound

 Echo reflected sound waves reach  The Pitch and loudness of sound
the ear it can be heard distinctly have no effect on their speed. The
after the original sound has speed of sound increases with
stopped. This is called an Echo. The humidity. Sound travels moist air
sensation of sound persists in our than in through day air. The speed
brain for about 1/10th of a second. If of sound in air increases by 0.61
the reflected sound wave reaches metre per second for each degree
the ear in less than 1/10th of a rise in temperature above 00C. The
second the brain cannot make out speed of sound depends on the
the difference between the original medium. It is more in solids, less in
sound and the echo. If the reflected liquids, and the least in gases.
sound wave reaches the ear after
1/10th of a second then a distinct Range of hearing
echo can be heard. 340 m/s at a  Human – 20 to 20000 hertz
temperature of 15°C, sound waves  Above 20000hz ultrasonic sound,
must travel about 34m if it is to be below 20hz infrasonic sound
heard as an echo. Therefore, to hear
Applications of Ultrasound
a distinct echo, the surface
1. SONAR (Sound Navigation And
reflecting the sound should be at
Ranging)
least 17 meters away.
2. Ultra Sonography ‘Ultra sonic
Distance = velocity x time waves’ can be used to visualize
1
= 340 x inner organs of the human body.
10

= 34 m. (17 m going and 17 m return)

Reverberation
 The repeated reflection that results
 Dry air at 00C the speed of sound is
331m/s or 750m/h. in the persistence of sound, often
 The speed of sound in air, water referred to as ‘rolling sound’ is
and steel at 00C are called reverberation.
 Air - 331 m/s, water - 1450 m/s,
steel - 5000 m/s

Page 2
 SOUND

Intensity of sound the Earth. On the other hand,

 The intensity is defined as the during night the sound waves are
amount of energy crossing per unit refracted downwards to the Earth
area per unit time perpendicular to and will travel a long distance.
the direction of propagation of the Doppler Effect
wave. Intensity is measured  The phenomenon of the apparent
in Wm–2. change in the frequency of sound
Loudness : The loudness of a sound due to the relative motion between
is related to the energy of the waves the source of sound and the
and depends on amplitude. The observer is called Doppler effect.
relative loudness of a sound is  When the source moves towards the
measured in decibels. stationary observer the pitch sound
Noise level of 85db or above can impair to increase.
(or) damage hearing.  When the source moves away from
Refraction of sound : Sound travels the stationary observer the pitch
from one medium to another, it sound appears to decrease.
undergoes refraction.  When the observer moves towards
Applications of refraction of the stationary source the pitch the
sound sound appears to increase.
 It is easier to hear the sound during  When the observer moves away
night than during day-time. During from the stationary source the pitch
day time, the upper layers of air are of the sound appears to decrease.
cooler than the layers of air near the Applications of Doppler Effect
surface of the Earth. During night, 1. To measure the speed of an
the layers of air near the Earth are automobile
cooler than the upper layers of air. 2. Tracking a satellite
As sound travels faster in hot air, 3. Radar (Radio Detection And
during day-time, the sound waves Ranging)
will be refracted upwards and travel 4. Sonar (Sound Navigation And
a short distance on the surface of Ranging)
Amplitude of second wave determines its frequency

Page 3
 ATOMIC & NUCLEAR PHYSICS

ATOMIC PHYSICS The direction of deflection shows

The charge of an electron was found to that they are negatively charged
be 1.602 × 10-19 coulomb. particles.
9. Cathode rays travel with a
Properties of Cathode rays velocity upto (1/10)th of the
Cathode rays have the following velocity of light.
properties: 10. Cathode rays comprises of
1. They travel in straight lines. electrons which are fundamental
2. Cathode rays possess constituents of all atoms.
momentum and kinetic energy.
3. Cathode rays produce heat, when Properties of Canal rays
allowed to fall on matter. 1. They are the streams of positive
4. Cathode rays produce ions of the gas enclosed in the
fluorescence when they strike a discharge tube. The mass of each
number of crystals, minerals and ion is nearly equal to the mass of
salts. the atom.
5. When cathode rays strike a solid 2. They are deflected by electric
substance of large atomic weight, and magnetic fields. Their
X-rays are produced. deflection is opposite to that of
6. Cathode rays ionize the gas cathode rays.
through which they pass. 3. They travel in straight lines.
7. Cathode rays affect the 4. The velocity of canal rays is
photographic plates. much smaller than the velocity of
8. The cathode rays are deflected cathode rays.
from their straight line path by 5. They affect photographic plates.
both electric and magnetic fields.
Page 1
 PHYSICS

6. These rays can produce equal to that of helium atom and

fluorescence. positive charge in magnitude equal to
7. They ionize the gas through twice the charge of an electron.
which they pass. a. Atom may be regarded as a sphere
of diameter 10-10m, but whole of the
Atom models positive charge and almost the
1803, Dalton, showed that the matter entire mass of the atom is
is made up of extremely small particles concentrated in a small central core
called atoms. Prout (1815), suggested called nucleus having diameter of
that all elements are made up of atoms about 10-14m.
of hydrogen b. The electrons in the atom were
considered to be distributed around
Thomson atom model the nucleus in the empty space of
An atom is a sphere of positive charge the atom. If the electrons were at
having a radius of the order of 10-10m. rest, they would be attracted and
The positive charge is uniformly neutralized by the nucleus. To
distributed over the entire sphere and overcome this, Rutherford
the electrons are embedded in the suggested that the electrons are
sphere of positive charge. The total revolving around the nucleus in
positive charge inside the atom is equal circular orbits, so that the
to the total negative charge carried by centripetal force is provided by the
the electrons, so that every atom is electrostatic force of attraction
electrically neutral between the electron and the
nucleus.
Rutherford’s α - particle c. As the atom is electrically neutral,
scattering experiment the total positive charge of the
The scattering of the α - particles by a nucleus is equal to the total
thin gold foil in order to investigate the negative charge of the electrons in
structure of the atom. An α-particle is a it.
positively charged particle having a
mass

Page 2
 ATMOIC & NUCLEAR PHYSICS

Bohr atom model emitted. This condition is called

a. An electron cannot revolve round Bohr’s frequency condition.
the nucleus in all possible orbits. r1 = 0.53Å
The electrons can revolve round the This is called Bohr radius.
nucleus only in those allowed or
permissible orbits for which the Spectral series of hydrogen atom
angular momentum of the electron Electron in a hydrogen atom jumps
is an integral multiple of h 2π from higher energy level to the lower
(where h is Planck’s constant = energy level, the difference in energies
6.626 × 10-34 Js). of the two levels is emitted as a
 These orbits are called stationary radiation of particular wavelength. It is
orbits or nonradiating orbits and called a spectral line. As the
an electron revolving in these wavelength of the spectral line depends
orbits does not radiate any energy. upon the two orbits (energy levels)
If m and v are the mass and between which the transition of
velocity of the electron in a electron takes place, various spectral
permitted orbit of radius r then lines are obtained.
angular momentum of electron = (i) Lyman series

mvr =
nh
, where n is called When the electron jumps from any
2π
of the outer orbits to the first orbit, the
principal quantum number and
spectral lines emitted are in the
has the integral values 1,2,3 … This
ultraviolet region
is called Bohr’s quantization
n1 = 1, n2 = 2, 3…
condition.
(ii) Balmer series
b. An atom radiates energy, only
When the electron jumps from any
when an electron jumps from a
of the outer orbits to the second
stationary orbit of higher energy to
orbit, we get a spectral series called
an orbit of lower energy. If the
the Balmer series. All the lines of
electron jumps from an orbit of
this series in hydrogen have their
energy E2 to an orbit of energy E1,
wavelength in the visible region.
a photon of energy hν = E2 – E1 is
n1 = 2, n2 = 3, 4…

Page 3
 PHYSICS

(iii) Paschen series Sommerfeld atom model

This series consists of all In order to explain the observed fine
wavelengths which are emitted structure of spectral lines, Sommerfeld
when the electron jumps from introduced two main modifications in
outer most orbits to the third orbit Bohr’s theory.
This series is in the infrared region (i) According to Sommerfeld, the path
Formula for H2 Series of an electron around the nucleus,
̅ =[ 𝟏 −
Wave number 
𝟏
] in general, is an ellipse with the
𝒏 𝟏𝟐 𝒏 𝟐𝟐
(iv) Brackett series nucleus at one of its foci.
The series obtained by the (ii) The velocity of the electron moving
transition of the electron from n2 = 5, in an elliptical orbit varies at
6... to n1 = 4 is called Brackett series. different parts of the orbit. This
The wavelengths of these lines are in causes the relativistic variation in
the infrared region. the mass of the moving electron
(v) Pfund series
The lines of the series are obtained X–rays
when the electron jumps from any A German scientist, Wilhelm
state n2 = 6, 7... to n1=5. This series Roentgen, in 1895, discovered X–rays
also lies in the infrared region. X-rays are electromagnetic waves of
short wavelength in the range of 0.5 Å
Excitation and ionization to 10 Å. Roentgen was awarded Nobel
potential of an atom prize in 1901 for the discovery of X–
The energy required to raise an atom rays
from its normal state into an excited
state is called excitation potential Production of X–rays – Modern
energy of the atom. Hydrogen atom, Coolidge tube
the energy required to remove an X–rays are produced, when fast
electron from first orbit to its moving electrons strike a metal target
outermost orbit(n=∞) 13.6-0=13.6eV. of suitable material. The basic
This energy is known as the ionization requirement for the production of X–
potential energy for hydrogen atom rays are: (i) a source of electrons, (ii)

Page 4
 ATMOIC & NUCLEAR PHYSICS

effective means of accelerating the 2. They undergo reflection,

electrons and (iii) a target of suitable refraction, interference,
material of high atomic weight. diffraction and polarisation.
3. They are not deflected by electric
Soft X–rays and Hard X–rays and magnetic fields. This indicates
X–rays are of two types : (i) Soft X– that X-rays do not have charged
rays and (ii) Hard X–rays particles.
4. They ionize the gas through which
(i) Soft X–rays they pass.
X–rays having wavelength of 4Å or 5. They affect photographic plates.
above, have lesser frequency and hence 6. X–rays can penetrate through the
lesser energy. They are called soft X – substances which are opaque to
rays due to their low penetrating ordinary light e.g. wood, flesh,
power. They are produced at thick paper, thin sheets of metals.
comparatively low potential difference. 7. When X–rays fall on certain
metals, they liberate photo
(ii) Hard X–rays electrons (Photo electric effect).
X–rays having low wavelength of the 8. X-rays have destructive effect on
order of 1Å have high frequency and living tissue. When the human
hence high energy. Their penetrating body is exposed to X-rays, it
power is high, therefore they are called causes redness of the skin, sores
hard X–rays. They are produced at and serious injuries to the tissues
comparatively high potential and glands. They destroy the
difference. white corpuscles of the blood.
9. X–rays do not pass through heavy
Properties of X–rays metals such as lead and bones. If
1. X–rays are electromagnetic waves such objects are placed in their
of very short wave length. They path, they cast their shadow
travel in straight lines with the Applications of X–rays
velocity of light. They are invisible X–rays have a number of applications.
to eyes. Some of them are listed below:

Page 5
 PHYSICS

Medical applications rubber, cellulose, plastic fibres

 X–rays are being widely used etc.
for detecting fractures,
tumours, the presence of Scientific research
foreign matter like bullet etc., in 1. X–rays are used for studying
the human body. the structure of crystalline
 X–rays are also used for the solids and alloys.
diagnosis of tuberculosis, 2. X–rays are used for the
stones in kidneys, gall bladder identification of chemical
etc. elements including
 Many types of skin diseases, determination of their atomic
malignant sores, cancer and numbers.
tumours have been cured by 3. X–rays can be used for
controlled exposure of X-rays of analyzing the structure of
suitable quality. complex molecules by
 Hard X–rays are used to examining their X–ray
destroy tumours very deep diffraction pattern.
inside the body.
Laser
Industrial applications Some sources have been developed,
a. X–rays are used to detect the which are highly coherent known as
defects or flaws within a LASER. The word ‘Laser’ is an acronym
material for Light Amplification by Stimulated
b. X–rays can be used for testing Emission of Radiation.
the homogeneity of welded
joints, insulating materials etc. Characteristics of laser
c. X-rays are used to analyse the The laser beam (i) is monochromatic.
structure of alloys and the other (ii) is coherent, with the waves, all
composite bodies. exactly in phase with one another, (iii)
d. X–rays are also used to study does not diverge at all and (iv) is
the structure of materials like extremely intense

Page 6
 ATMOIC & NUCLEAR PHYSICS

Applications of laser c. The laser beams are used in

Due to high coherence, high intensity, endoscopy.
laser beams have wide applications in d. It can also be used for the
various branches of science and treatment of human and animal
engineering. cancer.

Industrial applications Scientific and Engineering

a. The laser beam is used to drill applications
extremely fine holes in 1. Since the laser beam can stay on
diamonds, hard sheets etc., at a single frequency, it can be
b. They are also used for cutting modulated to transmit large
thick sheets of hard metals and number of messages at a time in
welding. radio, television and telephone.
c. The laser beam is used to 2. The semiconductor laser is the
vapourize the unwanted best light source for optical fiber
material during the communication.
manufacture of electronic 3. Narrow angular spread of the
circuit on semiconductor chips. laser beam makes it a very useful
d. They can be used to test the tool for microwave
quality of the materials. communication. Communication
with earth satellites and in
Medical applications rocketry. Laser is also used in
a. In medicine, micro surgery has accurate range finders for
become possible due to narrow detecting the targets.
angular spread of the laser 4. The earth-moon distance has
beam. been measured with the help of
b. It can be used in the treatment lasers.
of kidney stone, tumour, in 5. It is used in laser Raman
cutting and sealing the small Spectroscopy.
blood vessels in brain surgery
and retina detachment.

Page 7
 PHYSICS

6. Laser is also used in holography NUCLEAR PHYSICS

(three dimensional lensless Nuclear Physics
photography)  The atomic nucleus was discovered
7. Laser beam can determine by Earnest Rutherford in 1911.
precisely the distance, velocity Rutherford’s experiment on
and direction as well as the size scattering of alpha particles proved
and form of the objects by means that the mass of the atom and the
of the reflected signal as in radar. positive charge is concentrated in a
very small central core called
Holography nucleus. The dimension of nucleus
 A three dimensional image of an is much smaller than the overall
object can be formed by dimension of the atom. The nucleus
holography. In ordinary is surrounded by orbiting electrons.
photography, the amplitude of the
light wave is recorded on the Nucleus
photographic film. In holography,  The nucleus consists of the
both the phase and amplitude of elementary particles, protons and
the light waves are recorded on the neutrons which are known as
film. The resulting photograph is nucleons. A proton has positive
called hologram. charge of the same magnitude as
that of electron and its rest mass is
MASER about 1836 times the mass of an
 The term MASER stands for electron. A neutron is electrically
Microwave Amplification by neutral, whose mass is almost equal
Stimulated Emission of Radiation. to the mass of the proton. The
The working of maser is similar to nucleons inside the nucleus are held
that of laser. together by strong attractive forces
called nuclear forces.
 A nucleus of an element is
represented as ZXA, where X is the
chemical symbol of the element. Z

Page 8
 ATMOIC & NUCLEAR PHYSICS

represents the atomic number are atoms of different elements,

which is equal to the number of they have different physical and
protons and A, the mass number chemical properties.
which is equal to the total number
of protons and neutrons. The (iii) Isotones
number of neutrons is represented  Isotones are atoms of different
as N which is equal to A−Z. For elements having the same number
example, the chlorine nucleus is of neutrons. 6C14 and 8O16 are some
represented as 17Cl
35. It contains 17 examples of isotones.
protons and 18 neutrons.
General properties of nucleus
Classification of nuclei Nuclear size
(i) Isotopes  measure of nuclear radius, which is
 Isotopes are atoms of the same approximately 10−15m.
element having the same atomic (1 Fermi, F = 10−15m)
number Z but different mass
number A. The nuclei 1H1, H2 and Nuclear density
H3 are the isotopes of hydrogen. In The nuclear density is calculated as
other words isotopes of an element 1.816 × 1017 kg m−3
contain the same number of protons
but different number of neutrons. Nuclear charge
As the atoms of isotopes have Proton has a positive charge equal to
identical electronic structure, they 1.6 × 10−19C.
have identical chemical properties
Atomic mass unit
(ii) Isobars  One atomic mass unit is considered
 Isobars are atoms of different as one twelfth of the mass of carbon
elements having the same mass atom 6C12. Carbon of atomic
number A, but different atomic number 6 and mass number 12 has
number Z. The nuclei 8O16 and 7N16 mass equal to 12 amu.
represent two isobars. Since isobars 1 amu = 1.66 × 10−27kg

Page 9
 PHYSICS

The mass of a proton, mp = 1.007276  For higher mass numbers the curve
drops slowly and the BE/A is about
1 amu = 931 MeV
7.6 MeV for uranium. Hence, they
Binding energy are unstable and radioactive.
Explanation of binding energy  The lesser amount of binding
curve energy for lighter and heavier nuclei
 The binding energy per nucleon explains nuclear fusion and fission
increases sharply with mass number respectively. A large amount of
A upto 20. It increases slowly after energy will be liberated if lighter
A = 20. For A<20, there exists nuclei are fused to form heavier one
recurrence of peaks corresponding (fusion) or if heavier nuclei are split
to those nuclei, whose mass into lighter ones (fission).
numbers are multiples of four and
they contain not only equal but also Nuclear force
even number of protons and 1. Nuclear force is charge
neutrons. Example: He4, 4Be8, C12, independent. It is the same for
8O , and 10Ne20. The curve becomes all the three types of pairs of
16

almost flat for mass number nucleons (n−n), (p−p) and

between 40 and 120. Beyond 120, it (n−p). This shows that nuclear
decreases slowly as A increases. force is not electrostatic in
 The binding energy per nucleon nature
reaches a maximum of 8.8 MeV at 2. Nuclear force is the strongest
A=56, corresponding to the iron known force in nature.
nucleus (26Fe56). Hence, iron 3. Nuclear force is not a
nucleus is the most stable. gravitational force. Nuclear force
 The average binding energy per is about 1040 times stronger than
nucleon is about 8.5 MeV for nuclei the gravitational force.
having mass number ranging 4. Nuclear force is a short range
between 40 and 120. These force. It is very strong between
elements are comparatively more two nucleons which are less than
stable and non radioactive. 10−15 m apart and is almost

Page 10
 ATMOIC & NUCLEAR PHYSICS

negligible at a distance greater spontaneous and is unaffected by

than this. On the other hand any external agent like temperature,
electrostatic, magnetic and pressure, electric and magnetic
gravitational forces are long fields etc.
range forces that can be felt
easily. Yukawa suggested that Properties of α–rays
the nuclear force existing 1. An α - particle is a helium
between any two nucleons may nucleus consisting of two
be due to the continuous protons and two neutrons. It
exchange of particles called carries two units of positive
mesons, just as photons, the charge.
exchange particle in 2. They move along straight lines
electromagnetic interactions. with high velocities.
However, the present view is that 3. They are deflected by electric
the nuclear force that binds the and magnetic fields.
protons and neutrons is not a 4. They produce intense ionisation
fundamental force of nature but in the gas through which they
it is secondary. pass. The ionising power is 100
times greater than that of β-rays
Radioactivity and 10,000 times greater than
 Radioactivity was discovered by that of γ−rays.
Henri Becquerel in 1896 The 5. They affect photographic plates.
phenomenon of spontaneous 6. They are scattered by heavy
emission of highly penetrating elements like gold.
radiations such as α, β and γ rays by 7. They produce fluorescence when
heavy elements having atomic they fall on substances like zinc
number greater than 82 is called sulphide or barium
radioactivity and the substances platinocyanide.
which emit these radiations are
called radioactive elements The
radioactive phenomenon is

Page 11
 PHYSICS

Properties of β – rays 6. They have a very high

1. β–particles carry one unit of penetrating power, greater than
negative charge and mass equal that of β-rays.
to that of electron.Therefore, 7. They produce fluorescence.
they are nothing but electrons. 8. They are diffracted by crystals in
2. The β–particles emitted from a the same way like X−rays are
source have velocities over the diffracted.
range of 0.3 c to 0.99 c, where c
is the velocity of light. Half life period
3. They are deflected by electric  Since all the radioactive elements
and magnetic fields. have infinite life period, in order to
4. The ionisation power is distinguish the activity of one
comparatively low element with another, half life
5. They affect photographic plates. period and mean life period are
6. They penetrate through thin introduced. The half life period of a
metal foils and their penetrating radioactive element is defined as the
power is greater than that of time taken for one half of the
α−rays radioactive element to undergo
7. They produce fluorescence when disintegration.
they fall on substances like
barium platinocyanide. From the law of disintegration
Properties of γ – rays N = Noe–λt
1. They are electromagnetic waves
of very short wavelength. The half life and mean life
2. They are not deflected by electric are related as
and magnetic fields. 0.6931
T½ =
λ
3. They travel with the velocity of
T½ = 0.6931τ
light.
Neutron
4. They produce very less
Chadwick in the discovered that the
ionisation.
emitted radiation consists of particles
5. They affect photographic plates.

Page 12
 ATMOIC & NUCLEAR PHYSICS

of mass nearly equal to proton and no energy of about 0.025 eV in

charge. thermal equilibrium are called
4Be
9 + 2He4 → 6C12 + 0n1 thermal neutrons. Neutrons with
where on1 represents neutron energies in the range between 0.5
MeV and 10 MeV are called fast
Properties of neutrons neutrons. In nuclear reactors, fast
1. Neutrons are the constituent neutrons are converted into slow
particles of all nuclei, except neutrons using moderators.
hydrogen.
2. Neutrons are neutral particles with Artificial radioactivity
no charge and mass slightly greater  Artificial radioactivity or induced
than that of protons. Hence, they radioactivity was discovered by
are not deflected by electric and Irene Curie and F. Joliot in 1934.
magnetic fields. This is also known as man-made
3. Neutrons are stable inside the Radioactivity
nucleus. But outside the nucleus
they are unstable. The free neutron Applications of radio-isotopes
decays with an emission of proton, Medical applications
electron and antineutrino, with half  In medical field, radio-isotopes are
life of 13 minutes. 0n1→1H1+−1e0+ν used both in diagnosis and therapy.
4. As neutrons are neutral, they can Radio cobalt (Co60) emitting γ−rays
easily penetrate any nucleus. is used in the treatment of cancer.
5. Neutrons are classified according to Gamma rays destroy cancer cells to
their kinetic energy as (a) slow a greater extent. Radio-sodium
neutrons and (b) fast neutrons. (Na24) is used to detect the presence
Both are capable of penetrating a of blocks in blood vessels, to check
nucleus causing artificial the effective functioning of heart in
transmutation of the nucleus. pumping blood and maintaining
Neutrons with energies from 0 to circulation. Radio-iodine (I131) is
1000 eV are called slow neutrons. used in the detection of the nature
The neutrons with an average of thyroid gland and also for

Page 13
 PHYSICS

treatment. Radioiodine is also used to study the wear and tear of the
to locate brain tumours. Radio-iron machinery.
(Fe59) is used to diagnose anaemia.
An anaemic patient retains iron in (iv) Molecular biology
the blood longer than normal  In molecular biology radio-
patient. Radio-phosphorous (P32) is isotopes are used in sterilizing
used in the treatment of skin pharmaceutical and surgical
diseases. instruments.

(ii) Agriculture (v) Radio-carbon dating

 In agriculture, radio-isotopes help  In the upper atmosphere, C14 is
to increase the crop yields. Radio- continually formed from N14 due
phosphorous (P32) incorporated to the bombardment by neutrons
with phosphate fertilizer is added to produced from cosmic rays.
the soil. The plant and soil are
7N
14 + 0n1 → 6C14* + 1H1
tested from time to time.
Phosphorous is taken by the plant
 The C14 is radioactive with half
for its growth and radio-
life of 5570 years. The
phosphorous is found to increase
production and the decay of C14
the yield.
are in equilibrium in
 Sprouting and spoilage of onions,
atmosphere. The ratio of C14 and
potatoes, grams etc. are prevented
C12 atoms in atmosphere is
by exposure to a very small amount
1 : 106. Hence, carbon dioxide
of radiation. Certain perishable
present in the atmosphere
cereals remain fresh beyond their
contains a small portion of C14.
normal life span when exposed to
 Living things take C14 from food
radiation.
and air. However with death, the
intake of C14 stops, and the C14
(iii) Industry
that is already present begins to
 In Industry, the lubricating oil
decay. Hence the amount of C14
containing radio-isotopes is used
in the sample will enable the
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 ATMOIC & NUCLEAR PHYSICS

calculation of time of death i.e, exposure is 100 R*, it may cause

the age of the specimen could be diseases like leukemia (death of red
estimated. This is called radio- blood corpuscle in the blood) or cancer.
carbon dating. This method is When the body is exposed to about 600
employed in the dating of R, ultimately it causes death. Safe limit
wooden implements, leather of receiving the radiations is about 250
clothes, charcoal used in oil milli roentgen per week. The genetic
paintings, mummies and so on. damage is still worse. The radiations
cause injury to genes in the
Biological hazards of nuclear reproductive cells. This gives rise to
radiations mutations which pass on from
 When γ-ray or any high energy generation to generation. The following
nuclear particle passes through precautions are to be taken for those,
human beings, it disrupts the entire who are working in radiation
normal functioning of the biological laboratories.
system and the effect may be either 1. Radioactive materials are kept
pathological or genetic. The in thick−walled lead container.
biological effects of nuclear 2. Lead aprons and lead gloves are
radiation can be divided into three used while working in
groups hazardous area.
(i) Short term recoverable effects 3. All radioactive samples are
(ii) Long term irrecoverable effects and handled by a remote control
(iii) Genetic effect process.
The extent to which the human 4. A small micro−film badge is
organism is damaged depends upon always worn by the person and
(i) The dose and the rate at which the it is checked periodically for the
radiation is given and safety limit of radiation.
(ii) The part of the body exposed to it.
Smaller doses of radiation exposure
produce short term effects such as skin
disorder and loss of hair. If the

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 PHYSICS

Nuclear reactor
The radiation exposure is
 A nuclear reactor is a device in
measured by the unit called
which the nuclear fission reaction
roentgen (R). One roentgen is
takes place in a self sustained and
defined as the quantity of
controlled manner. The first nuclear
radiation which produces reactor was built in 1942 at Chicago
1.6 × 1012 pairs of ions in 1 gram of USA
air.
Fissile material or fuel
Nuclear fission  The fissile material or nuclear fuel
 In 1939, German scientists Otto generally used is 92U
235. But this
Hahn and F. Strassman discovered exists only in a small amount (0.7%)
that when uranium nucleus The in natural uranium. Natural
process of breaking up of the uranium is enriched with more
nucleus of a heavier atom into two number of 92U
235 (2 – 4%) and this
fragments with the release of large low enriched uranium is used as
amount of energy is called nuclear fuel in some reactors. Other than
fission. U235, the fissile isotopes U233 and
Pu239 are also used as fuel in some
235+ 1→ Ba141+ Kr92+ n1+Q of the reactors.
92U 0n 56 36 3

 Atom bomb is based on the Moderator

principle of uncontrolled fission  The function of a moderator is to
chain reaction. Natural uranium slow down fast neutrons produced
consists of 99.28% of U238 and in the fission process having an
0.72% of U235. U238 is fissionable average energy of about 2 MeV to
only by fast neutrons. Hence, it is thermal neutrons with an average
essential in a bomb that either U235 energy of about 0.025 eV, which are
or Pu239 should be used, because in thermal equilibrium with the
they are fissionable by neutrons of moderator. Ordinary water and
all energies heavy water are the commonly used

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 ATMOIC & NUCLEAR PHYSICS

moderators Graphite is also used as and high boiling point. Liquid

a moderator in some countries. In sodium boiling point is about 1000o
fast breeder reactors, the fission C.
chain reaction is sustained by fast Neutron reflectors
neutrons and hence no moderator is Neutron reflectors prevent the leakage
required. of neutrons to a large extent, by
reflecting them back
Neutron source
 A mixture of beryllium with Uses of reactors
plutonium or radium or polonium is a. Nuclear reactors are mostly
commonly used as a source of aimed at power production,
neutron because of the large amount of
energy evolved with fission.
Control rods b. Nuclear reactors are useful to
 The control rods are used to control produce radio-isotopes
the chain reaction. They are very c. Nuclear reactor acts as a source
good absorbers of neutrons. The of neutrons, hence used in the
commonly used control rods are scientific research
made up of elements like boron or
cadmium In our country, all the Nuclear fusion
power reactors use boron carbide  Nuclear fusion is a process in which
(B4C), a ceramic material as control two or more lighter nuclei combine
rod. to form a heavier nucleus. The mass
of the product nucleus is always less
The cooling system than the sum of the masses of the
 The cooling system removes the individual lighter nuclei. The
heat generated in the reactor core. difference in mass is converted into
Ordinary water, heavy water and energy. The fusion process can be
liquid sodium are the commonly carried out only at a extremely high
used coolants. A good coolant must temperature of the order of 107 K
possess large specific heat capacity

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 PHYSICS

The nuclear fusion reactions are Elementary particles

known as thermo-nuclear reactions The study of the structure of atom
reveals that the fundamental particles
Hydrogen bomb electron, proton and neutron are the
 The principle of nuclear fusion is building blocks of an atom. But the
used in hydrogen bomb. It is an extensive studies on cosmic rays have
explosive device to release a very revealed the existence of numerous
large amount of energy by the new nuclear particles like mesons.
fusion of light nuclei. These particles are classified into four
major groups as photons, leptons
1H
3 + 1H2 → 2He4 + 0n1 + energy
mesons and baryons.

The heavy water project is located at Tuticorin.

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