About this previous year paper
This question paper is designed to assess the student’s understanding of Engineering Physics fundamentals, including quantum mechanics, optics, laser physics, electromagnetic theory, nanoscience, superconductivity, and wave phenomena. The paper supports answers in Hindi, English, or a mixture of both, providing complete flexibility for students.
The exam is structured into three sections—Section A (Very Short Answers), Section B (Short/Medium Answers), and Section C (Long Analytical Answers).
Questions test conceptual clarity, derivations, numerical skills, and applications of engineering physics.
SECTION A — Very Short Answer Type Questions (2 × 7 = 14 Marks)
This compulsory section checks foundational knowledge.
Topics include:
Blackbody Radiation
Writing Planck’s law for spectral energy density.
Wave Velocities
Difference between phase velocity and group velocity.
Continuity Equation
Differential form of the continuity equation.
Coherent Sources
Meaning and significance in interference phenomena.
LASER Physics
Definition and importance of population inversion.
Nanomaterials
Applications of nanomaterials (electronics, medicine, sensors, etc.).
Optical Fiber
Differences between single-mode and multimode step-index fibers.
This section tests basic definitions, formulas, and conceptual recall.
SECTION B — Short/Medium Answer Type (7 × any 3 = 21 Marks)
Students must answer three questions. These require explanations, diagrams, mathematical expressions, and interpretations.
Topics include:
Wave Function Significance (Max Born Interpretation)
Probability density and physical meaning of |ψ|².
Displacement Current & Skin Depth
Maxwell’s correction to Ampere’s law and electromagnetic wave penetration.
Fraunhofer Diffraction
Meaning, theory, and ratio of intensities of successive secondary maxima.
Optical Fiber Applications
Telecommunication, sensors, medical endoscopy, data transfer, etc.
Superconductors (Type I & Type II)
Critical fields, Meissner effect, flux penetration, and differences.
This section tests understanding, reasoning, and concise presentation.
SECTION C — Long / Analytical Questions (7 × 3 = 21 Marks)
Students answer ONE question from each group, requiring deeper derivations and numerical applications.
GROUP 1
(a) Compton Effect
Deriving the formula for wavelength shift:
Δλ=hmec(1−cosθ)\Delta \lambda = \frac{h}{m_ec}(1-\cos \theta)Δλ=mech(1−cosθ)
and solving a numerical for X-ray scattering at 90°, using given constants.
(b) Schrödinger Equation
Deriving the time-independent Schrödinger equation and solving it for a particle in a 1-D infinite potential well, obtaining:
Energy eigenvalues
Normalized wavefunctions
GROUP 2
(a) Electromagnetic Waves from Maxwell’s Equations
Deriving wave equations for E and B fields and showing that EM waves are transverse in nature.
(b) Poynting Theorem
Derivation, energy conservation in EM fields, Poynting vector, and physical interpretation of each term.
GROUP 3
(a) Interference in Thin Films
Constructive and destructive interference conditions with Newton’s Rings numerical (diameter of 15th dark ring).
(b) Rayleigh Criterion & Grating
Definition of resolving power, derivation of resolving power of transmission grating, and relationship between resolving power and dispersive power.
GROUP 4
(a) Optical Fiber Parameters
Derivation of acceptance angle and numerical aperture, and explanation of attenuation.
(b) Radiation Interaction with Matter
Absorption, spontaneous emission, stimulated emission, and Einstein coefficients.
GROUP 5
(a) Superconductivity
Meissner effect, perfect diamagnetism, and persistent currents.
(b) Nanomaterials & Quantum Structures
Introduction to nanomaterials, and basic concepts of:
Quantum dots
Quantum wires
Quantum wells
Learning Objectives of the Paper
This question paper assesses whether students can:
Understand quantum mechanics (ψ, Schrödinger equation, Compton effect)
Apply wave optics concepts (diffraction, interference, coherence)
Explain laser physics and electromagnetic theory
Use Maxwell’s equations to derive wave relations
Understand nanoscience and nanomaterial applications
Interpret superconductivity models
Solve numerical problems involving waves, optics, and quantum mechanics