Assignment Physics (BS-PH101)

Classical Mechanics
1. A particle is acted upon by two constant forces 𝐹⃗ = 𝚤̂ + 4𝚥̂ − 3𝑘 and 𝐹⃗ = 3𝚤̂ + 𝚥̂ − 3𝑘, so that it is
displaced from the point 𝚤̂ + 2𝚥̂ + 3𝑘 to the point 4𝚤̂ + 5𝚥̂ + 𝑘. Find the total work done.
2. What are inertial and non-inertial frame of reference? Explain pseudo force.
3. What do you mean by conservative and non-conservative force? Give example.
4. Give the definition of Curl and divergence. State the physical significance of both curl and divergence.
5. What are scalar and vector field? Give example
6. Show that gradient of a scalar function is perpendicular to a surface of constant potential.
7. What is solenoidal vector field? Show that the vector filed 𝐴⃗ = (𝑥 + 3𝑦)𝚤̂ + (𝑦 − 2𝑧)𝚥̂ + (𝑥 − 2𝑧)𝑘 is
solenoidal.
8. Determine the constant 𝒂 so that the vector field 𝐹⃗ = (2𝑥 + 3𝑦)𝚤̂ + (3𝑦 − 2𝑧)𝚥̂ + (𝑦 + 𝑎𝑧)𝑘 is
solenoidal.
9. What is irrotational vector field? Show that the vector 𝐹⃗ = (4𝑥𝑦 − 𝑧 )𝚤̂ + 2𝑥 𝚥̂ − 3𝑥𝑧 𝑘 is irrotational.
10. Show that ∇⃗. 𝑟⃗ = 3 and ∇⃗ × 𝑟⃗ = 0
Notable formula:
⃗
11. Evaluate ∇⃗.
𝝏 𝝏 𝝏
i) 𝛁⃗ = ̂ + ̂ +𝒌
𝝏𝒙 𝝏𝒚 𝝏𝒛
12. Find ∇⃗. 𝐹⃗ and ∇⃗ × 𝐹⃗ where 𝐹⃗ = ∇⃗(𝑥 + 𝑦 + 𝑧 − 3𝑥𝑦𝑧)
̂ ̂ 𝝏𝟐 𝝏𝟐 𝝏𝟐
13. Show that the vector field 𝐹⃗ = is a source field. ii) 𝛁 𝟐 = 𝛁⃗. 𝛁⃗ = + +
𝝏𝒙𝟐 𝝏𝒚𝟐 𝝏𝒛𝟐

14. Show that ∇ = 0. iii) 𝒓⃗ = 𝒙 ̂ + 𝒚 ̂ + 𝒛𝒌

15. What is the value of ∇⃗. ∇⃗ × 𝐴⃗ ?
iv) 𝛁⃗𝒓𝒏 = 𝒏𝒓𝒏 𝟐
𝒓⃗
16. State parallel axes and perpendicular axes theorem.
17. Define holonomic and non-holonomic constraints? Explain with examples.
18. Define free free vibration, damped vibration and forced vibration.
19. What do you mean by velocity and amplitude resonance? Write the difference between them.
20. What is Q-factor (quality factor) of a forced oscillator? What is the value of Q-factor of series LCR
circuit?
21. Distinguish between free and forced vibrations. Write down the equation of forced vibration and solve
it.
22. Write down the differential equation of damped harmonic motion and solve it for overdamped and
critical damped motion.
23. Define (a) critical damping, (b) over damping, (c) under damping, (d) logarithmic decrement, (e) decay
constant, (f) quality factor.
24. A particle of mass 0.2 kg is acted on by a restoring force per unit displacement 10×10-3 N.m-1 and a
frictional force per unit velocity of 2×10-3 N.m-1.s. (i) Find whether the motion is oscillatory or non-
oscillatory? (ii) For what value of resistive (or frictional) force, the damping will be critical? (iii) If the
particle is displaced through 2 cm and then released, find its period?
25. In one-dimensional motion of a mass of 10 g, it is acted upon by a restoring force per unit displacement
of 10 dyn.cm-1 and a resisting force per unit velocity of 2 dyn.cm-1.s. Find (i) whether the motion is
aperiodic or oscillatory. (ii) Find the value of resisting force which will make the motion critically
damped. (iii) Find the value of mass for which the given forces will make the motion critically damped.
26. The displacement of a particle executing simple harmonic motion is given by,
𝑦 = sin 𝑘𝑡 + cos 𝑘𝑡
Find (i) time period, (ii) amplitude of vibration.

Dr. Soumalya Kundu

Assistant Professor (Physics)
Department of Basic Science
NSHM Knowledge Campus, Durgapur
 27. Write down the differential equation of an LCR circuit. Make a comparison between mechanical and
electrical parameters in relation to vibration.

Optics

1. Define diffraction of light. Distinguish between interference and diffraction.

2. Distinguish between Fraunhofer and Fresnel’s diffractions.
3. Obtain an expression for the resultant intensity in a single slit Fraunhofer diffraction process and show
the intensity pattern graphically.
4. Write down the intensity distribution formula of single slit diffraction. From the intensity expression
deduce the condition of minima and maxima.
5. Show that the intensity of secondary maxima formed by a single slit Fraunhofer diffraction process is
nearly 4.5% of the principal maximum.
6. What is the Rayleigh criterion of resolution? What do you mean by resolving power of an optical
instrument.
7. The second order maximum for a wavelength of 6360 Å in a transmission grating coincides with third
order maximum of an unknown light. Determine the wavelength of the unknown light.
8. What are missing orders?
In a double slit experiment, the slit width is 0.16 mm and spacing between the two slits is 0.8 mm. Find
the missing orders in its diffraction pattern.
9. Draw a comparison between Grating and Prism spectra.
Notable formula:
10. What is the minimum no. of lines of a grating which resolve the i) Width of the Central
third order spectrum of two lines having wavelengths of 5890 Å maximum of single slit
𝟐𝑫𝝀
and 5896 Å? diffraction= , D=distance
𝒅

11. A parallel beam of light of wavelength 5890 Å falls normally on between slit and screen, d=slit
width, λ=wavelength of light
a plane transmission grating having 4250 lines/cm. Find the
angle of diffraction for maximum intensity in first order. ii) Width of secondary maxima
𝑫𝝀
12. How many orders will be visible if the wavelength of the incident of single slit diffraction =
𝒅
light is 5000 Å and the number of lines per cm on the grating is 2620?
13. What is grating element? What is its relation with the number of rulings?
14. Derive the expression of intensity at a point for Fraunhofer diffraction due to double slit. Draw the
intensity distribution curve.
15. What is polarization of light? What do you mean by positive and negative crystals? How can you
distinguish between an unpolarized, a circularly polarized, elliptically polarized and a plane polarized
light.
16. Explain the terms: (a) polarization of light, (b) plane of polarization, (c) plane of vibration and (d) optic
axis.
17. State and explain Brewster’s law of polarization by clearly indicating the nature of polarization of the
reflected and refracted rays.
18. The refractive index of a glass plate is 1.6. Calculate the angle of polarization and the corresponding
angle of refraction.
19. If a glass slab of refractive index 1.5 is immersed in water of refractive index , find the angle of
polarization.
20. What is nicol prism? Discuss its principle. Discuss the role of nicol prism as polarizer and analyser.
21. What are the differences between O-ray and E-ray?
22. State Malus’ law and prove it.
23. What is retardation plate? Distinguish between quarter-wave plate and half-wave plate.

Dr. Soumalya Kundu

Assistant Professor (Physics)
Department of Basic Science
NSHM Knowledge Campus, Durgapur
 24. An unpolarized light is incident normally on a piece of quartz plate cut parallel to its principal axis.
𝝀
After emergence the path difference between ordinary and extraordinary ray is . Find the thickness of
the plate. [Given: 𝜆 = 5000 Å, 𝜇 = 1.54442, 𝜇 = 1.5533]
25. A polarizer and an analyzer are oriented so that the amount of light transmitted is maximum. To what
fraction of its maximum value is the intensity of the transmitted light reduced when the analyzer is
rotated through an angle of (i) 30°, (ii) 45°, (iii) 60°, (iv) 90° ?
26. What is Birefringence? State two methods to polarize the light.
27. What are the differences between laser light and normal light? Describe briefly the working principle of
lasing action with the help of energy level diagrams.
28. Describe the action of solid-state laser (or Ruby Laser).
29. Distinguish between spontaneous and stimulated emission of radiation.
30. What is population inversion? What is the role of optical resonator in laser production?
31. What is pumping? Write different methods of pumping.
32. What is Einstein’s relation or Einstein’s equation?

Electromagnetism and Dielectric Magnetic Properties of Materials

1. Prove that 𝐸⃗ = sin(𝑦 − 𝑡) 𝑘 and 𝐵⃗ = sin(𝑦 − 𝑡) 𝚤̂ constitute a possible electromagnetic field.
2. Calculate the velocity of an electromagnetic wave propagating through a medium with relative
permittivity 3 and relative permeability 1.
3. The electric vector component of a plane electromagnetic wave vector propagating in a non-magnetic
medium is given by 𝐸⃗ = 60 cos(10 𝑡 + 2𝑧) 𝑦 V. m . Symbols have their usual meanings. Find the
relative permittivity of the medium and magnetic vector component of the wave.
4. Write down the differential form of Maxwell equations for free space and state their physical
significance.
5. Derive the integral form of Maxwell equations from differential equations. How does velocity of light
depend on the properties of vacuum?
6. What do you mean by displacement current? In free space electric field intensity is given as 𝐸⃗ =
20 cos(𝑤𝑡 − 50𝑥) 𝑦 V.m-1. Calculate the displacement current density.
7. Light from laser is propagating in vacuum in +z direction. If the amplitude of the electric field in this
light wave is 10.3 V.m-1, calculate the amplitude of the corresponding magnetic field.
8. If the electric field associated with a plane wave is given by 𝐸 = 20 sin(1.5π × 10 𝑡 − 0.1π𝑧) V. m ,
find the velocity of electromagnetic wave propagation and the corresponding magnetic field for a
perfectly dielectric medium.
9. A voltage 60 cos 1000𝑡 V is applied to the plates of a parallel plate capacitor with plate area 5 cm2 and
plate separation 3 mm. Calculate the displacement current density between the two plates and
conduction current in the wires assuming the dielectric to have permittivity of the three times the
permittivity of the free space.
10. Find the conduction and displacement current density in a material having electrical conductivity 𝜎 =
10 mho.m-1 and relative permittivity 𝜖 = 2.5. Given the electric field in the material is 𝐸 =
6 × 10 sin(8 × 10 ) 𝑡 V.m-1.
11. Prove 𝐷⃗ = 𝜖 𝐸⃗ + 𝑃⃗ where the parameters have their usual meaning.
12. What do you mean by polar and non-polar dielectric? Discuss the effect of electric field on both the
polar and non-polar dielectric molecules.
13. What is electrical polarization and susceptibility? Express the relation between them.
14. State Gauss’s law for dielectric. Establish the relation 𝑘 = 1 + 𝜒, where the parameters have their usual
meaning.
15. A dielectric slab of flat surface with relative permittivity 3 is disposed with its surface normal to a
uniform field of flux density 1.6 C.m-2. The slab occupies a volume of 0.08 cubic meter and is uniformly
polarized. Determine : (i) the polarization in the slab and (ii) the total dipole moment of slab.
Dr. Soumalya Kundu
Assistant Professor (Physics)
Department of Basic Science
NSHM Knowledge Campus, Durgapur
 16. If the diameter of an argon atom is 3.84×10-10 m, find its polarizability at S.T.P. Given dielectric constant
of argon=1.00044.
17. Discuss different types of polarization. What do you mean by polarizability? If the radius of hydrogen
atom is 0.053 nm, find its electronic polarizability?
Notable formula:
18. What is the value of dielectric constant of a conductor?
19. A metallic wheel with 6 metallic spokes, each 0.5 m long is rotating i) Electronic polarizability,
𝜶𝒆 = 𝟒𝝅𝝐𝟎 𝒂𝟑 , 𝒂 =radius
at a speed of 120 revolutions per minute in a plane perpendicular to
a magnetic field of strength 0.2×10-4 Tesla. Find the magnitude of the ii) EM wave velocity in free
𝟏
induced emf between the axel and rim of the wheel. space, 𝒄 = and in any
𝝁 𝟎 𝜺𝟎
20. A metal bar slides without friction on two parallel conducting rails at media, 𝒗 =
𝟏
√𝝁𝜺
distance 𝑙 apart. A resistor 𝑅 is connected across the rails and a
𝝎
uniform magnetic field 𝐵, pointing into this plane fills the entire iii) Phase velocity, 𝒗 =
𝑲
region. If the bar moves to the right at a constant speed 𝑣 then what is ⃗
iv) 𝑬⃗ = 𝑬𝟎⃗ 𝒆𝒊(𝑲.𝒓⃗ 𝒘𝒕)
,
the current in the resistor? ⃗
𝑩⃗ = 𝑩𝟎⃗ 𝒆𝒊(𝑲.𝒓⃗ 𝒘𝒕)
21. Define local electric field. Express the Lorentz relation.
22. Write down the form of Clausius-Mossotti Equation. Explain all the v) 𝑩𝟎 =
𝑬𝟎 𝑬𝟎
, =
𝝁𝟎
𝒗 𝑯𝟎 𝜺𝟎
parameters.
23. A parallel plate capacitor consists of free space and two dielectrics of relative dielectric constants 𝜖 =
2 and 𝜖 = 3 respectively. If the plates of the capacitor have a charge density, 𝜌 = 5 × 10 C.m-2,
find the electric displacement, electric field and electric polarization in the three regions.
24. A conducting sphere carrying a charge 𝑞 is placed inside a linear, homogeneous isotropic dielectric of
relative permittivity 𝐾. Determine the polarization of the dielectric. Hence determine the volume and
surface charge densities of the polarization charge.
25. Define magnetization and magnetic susceptibility. Write the relation between them.
26. Establish the relation 𝜇 = 1 + 𝜒 , where the symbols have their usual meaning. What is Bohr
magneton?
27. Compare between diamagnetic, paramagnetic and ferromagnetic materials.
28. State Curie’s law and Curie-Wiess Law.
29. Define: (i) coercivity, (ii) retaintivity.
30. State the domain theory of ferromagnetism. What is spontaneous magnetization?
31. What are ferrite materials? Give example.
32. The maximum value of the permeability of a material is 0.12 N.A-2. What is the relative permeability
and magnetic susceptibility?
33. The magnetization within a bar of some metal alloy is 1.2×106 A.m-1 when the magnetic field is 200
A.m-1. Calculate (a) the magnetic susceptibility 𝜒 of this alloy, (b) the permeability 𝜇 and (c) the
magnetic induction 𝐵 within the alloy.
34. Suppose the mean radius of the 𝐻𝑒 atom is 0.3×10-10 m. Calculate the diamagnetic susceptibility of 𝐻𝑒
assuming that the two electrons are contributing to its diamagnetism. Given 𝑁 =7×1026 per m3.

Quantum Mechanics

1. Show that for a particle in a rigid box (spanning from 𝑥 = 0 to 𝑥 = 𝑎), the eigen function is given by
𝜓(𝑥) = sin . Also find the average eigen values.

2. Write down Schrödinger equation for one dimensional motion of a free particle in a one dimensional
potential box. Find its eigen function and eigen energy.

Dr. Soumalya Kundu

Assistant Professor (Physics)
Department of Basic Science
NSHM Knowledge Campus, Durgapur
 3. What are the basic postulates of quantum mechanics? Write the time independent Schrödinger equation
for a particle of mass 𝑚 and momentum 𝑝.
4. Define degeneracy and non-degeneracy. Prove that the lowest state of a free particle in a cubical box is
not degenerate. Prove that the first excited state of a free particle in a cubical box has three-fold
degeneracy. Notable formula:
5. Consider an electron is confined between two rigid walls 0.30 nm apart,
𝟏𝟐𝟒𝟎 𝟏𝟐𝟒𝟎𝟎
find the energy level for the states 𝑛 = 1, 2 𝑎𝑛𝑑 3. i) Energy, 𝑬 (𝒆𝑽) = =
𝝀(𝒏𝒎) 𝝀(Å)
6. A particle is moving along X-axis has the wave function
ii) Normalization Condition:
𝜓(𝑥) = 𝑐𝑥, 𝑏𝑒𝑡𝑤𝑒𝑒𝑛 𝑥 = 0 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑥 = 1
= 0, 𝑒𝑙𝑠𝑒𝑤ℎ𝑒𝑟𝑒
𝜓 ∗ (𝑥)𝜓(𝑥)𝑑𝑥 = 1
Find the expectation value of 〈𝑥〉 of the particles’s position. Also find
the probability that the particle can be found between 𝑥 = 0.30 and 𝑥 = 0.70. 𝒉𝒄
iii) 𝑬 = 𝒉𝝂 = , 𝝂 =frequency
𝝀
7. Write down Schrödinger’s time-dependent equation.
𝝀 =wavelength
8. Show that and are commutative. Calculate the value of [𝑥 , 𝑝̂ ].
iv) Expectation value of 𝜶,
9. Explain zero point energy of a harmonic oscillator.
10. A particle exists inside a one-dimensional potential box of length 𝐿. 〈𝜶〉 = 𝜓 ∗ (𝑥) 𝜶 𝜓(𝑥)𝑑𝑥
Calculate the probability of finding the particle in a region between
v) Energy of Quantum
and when the particle is in the lowest energy state. Harmonic oscillator,
11. Calculate the expected average of 𝑝 for the wave function 𝟏
𝑬= 𝒏+
𝟐
ℏω, 𝒏 =1,2,3…..
𝜓(𝑥) = sin in the region from 𝑥 = 0 to 𝑥 = 𝐿.

12. Evaluate the following operators: (i) 𝑥 , , (ii) 𝑥 , , (iii) 𝑥 , , (iv) 𝑡̂,
13. Which of the following wave function is the solution of Schrödinger equation? (i) 𝐴 sec 𝑥, (ii) 𝐴 tan 𝑥,
(iii) 𝐴𝑒 , (iv) 𝐴𝑒
14. For an electron of mass 9.1×10-31 Kg moving in one dimensional infinitely deep potential well of width
1 Å. Find (i) the least energy, (ii) the first three energy eigen values in electron volt, (iii) the energy
difference between the ground state and the first excited state, (iv) the frequency of the emitted radiation
due to the transition between these two states.
15. Find the wavelength of fast moving electron having energy of 20 eV.
16. What is the rest mass of a photon? A photon particle has energy of 85 eV. Find its (i) frequency, (ii)
wavelength, (iii) momentum, (iv) mass and (iv) number required to produce 1 joule of energy.
17. State the following laws: (i) Stefan-Boltzmann’s law, (ii) Wien’s Displacement law, (iii) Wien’s
Radiation law, (iv) Rayleigh-Jeans law, (v) Kirchoff’s law.
18. State the Planck’s hypothesis associated with Blackbody radiation and mention the Planck’s law of
radiation.
19. A body at 1500 K emits maximum energy of wavelength 2000 nm. If the sun emits maximum energy
of wavelength 550 nm, what would be the temperature of the sun?
20. Give the definition of Blackbody. State the characteristics of Blackbody radiation. Draw the
experimental energy distribution curve at different spectrum of a Blackbody and give an explanation of
this experimental observation.
21. What is the value of absorptive power of an ideal Blackbody? Describe Ultraviolet Catastrophe?
22. What is Compton effect and Compton wavelength? Calculate the Compton wavelength for an electron.
23. Explain the phenomenon of Compton effect and derive an expression for the Compton shift ∆λ. At
which angle the shift will be maximum? Why Compton effect can not be observed with visible light but
can be observed due to X-rays?
24. Calculate the energy equivalent of 1 g mass.

Dr. Soumalya Kundu

Assistant Professor (Physics)
Department of Basic Science
NSHM Knowledge Campus, Durgapur
 Find the total energy of a particle of rest mass 1.2 g moving at a speed of 0.6𝑐 in vacuum.
X-ray beam of wavelength 3 Å is Compton scattered by electrons. Evaluate the Compton shift of a beam
scattered at an angle 60°.
25. State de Broglie hypothesis and Heisenberg’s Uncertainty principle. Which experiment verifies de
Broglie’s hypothesis?
26. What is the de Broglie wavelength of a thermal neutron at 400 K?
A proton is moving freely with kinetic energy 43.9 eV. Calculate its de Broglie wavelength.
If an electron has a wavelength of 1 Å, find the energy and momentum.
27. If an electron is subjected to a potential difference of V volts show that the corresponding de Broglie
wavelength is
12.26
𝜆= Å
√𝑉
28. Calculate the minimum uncertainty in position of a proton moving with velocity 3×106 m.s-1. Given :
rest mass of proton 1.67 × 10-27 Kg.

Statistical Physics

1. What are fermions and bosons? Give two examples of these.

2. Compare MB, BE and FD statistics mentioning at least three characteristics. Draw Fermi distribution
curve for (i) T=0 K and (ii) T>0 K. Explain their significance.
3. Indicate which statistics will be applicable for (i) 𝐻 , (ii) 𝑒 , (iii) 𝜋 , (iv) photon.
4. Three distinguishable particles, each of which can be in one of the 𝜀, 2𝜀, 3𝜀, 4𝜀 energy states having total
energy 6𝜀. Find all possible distributions of particles in energy states. Find the number of microstates
in each case.
5. A system has non-degenerate single-particle states with 0, 1, 2, 3 energy units. Three particles are to be
distributed in these states so that the total energy of the system is 3 units. Find the number of microstates
if the particles obey (i) MB statistics, (ii) BE statistics and (iii) FD statistics.
6. Define microstate and macrostate. What is thermodynamic probability and density of states? Write the
relation between thermodynamic probability and entropy.
7. Write down the expression of Fermi distribution function and from there calculate the distribution value
at energy in either side of the fermi energy at absolute temperature 0 K.
8. There are two particles in three quantum states 𝑔 = 1, 2, 3. Distribute the particles according to MB,
BE and FD statistics.
9. What is an ensemble? Define phase space.

Notable formula:
Distribution Distribution Function No. of Distribution
FD 𝒏𝒊 𝒈𝒊 !
𝒇(𝑬𝒊 ) = 𝑾𝒊 =
𝒈𝒊 𝒏𝒊 ! (𝒈𝒊 − 𝒏𝒊 )!
𝟏
= (𝑬 𝑬 )⁄𝑲𝑻
𝒆 𝒊 𝑭 +𝟏
BE 𝒏𝒊 𝟏 (𝒏𝒊 + 𝒈𝒊 − 𝟏)!
𝒇(𝑬𝒊 ) = = 𝑬𝒊 𝑾𝒊 =
𝒈𝒊 𝜶+𝑲𝑻 𝒏𝒊 ! (𝒈𝒊 − 𝟏)!
𝒆 −𝟏
MB 𝒏𝒊 𝑾𝒊 = (𝒈𝒊 )𝒏𝒊
𝒇(𝑬𝒊 ) = = 𝒆−𝜶−𝜷𝑬𝒊
𝒈𝒊

Dr. Soumalya Kundu

Assistant Professor (Physics)
Department of Basic Science
NSHM Knowledge Campus, Durgapur