POST MID-TERM EXAMINATION

CLASS XII (2024-25)

PHYSICS (042)
SET B1/B2-MS
Time allowed: 3 hours. Max. Marks: 70

SECTION A
1. In an ammeter, 10% of the main current passes through the galvanometer. If the resistance of
the galvanometer is ‘G’, then the shunt resistance, in Ohm, is-
(a) 9G
(b) G/9
(c) 90G
(d) G/90
2. If a magnetic material has magnetic susceptibility (χ) = -1, then the relative magnetic
permeability (µr) and type of magnetic material is
(a) 0, diamagnetic
(b) 2, ferromagnetic
(c) 1, paramagnetic
(d) -1, diamagnetic.
3. A conducting wire connects two charged conducting spheres of radii r1 and r2 such that they
attain equilibrium with respect to each other. The distance of separation between the two
spheres is very large as compared to either of their radii.
The ratio of the magnitudes of the electric fields at the surfaces of the spheres of radii r1 and r2
is
(a) r1/ r2
(b) r2/ r1
(c) r2 2/ r1 2
(d) r1 2/r2 2
4. Figure shows the field lines of a positive point charge. The
work done by the field in moving a small positive charge from
Q to P is
(a) zero
(b) positive
(c) negative
(d) data insufficient.

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 5. Drift speed of electrons, when 1.5 A of current flows in a copper wire of cross-sectional area 5
mm2 is v. If the electron density of copper is 9 × 1028/m3 the value of v in mm/s is close to
(Take charge of electron to be = 1.6 × 10–19 C)
(a) 3
(b) 0.2
(c) 2
(d) 0.02
6. Correct match of column I with column II is

(a) 1-P, 2-R, 3-S, 4-Q

(b) 1-S, 2-P, 3-Q, 4-R
(c) 1-Q, 2-P, 3-S, 4-R
(d) 1-S. 2-R, 3-P, 4-Q
7. A power transmission line feeds input power at 2300 V to a step-down transformer with its
primary windings having 4000 turns. The output power is delivered at 230 V by the
transformer. If the current in the primary of the transformer is 5 A and its efficiency is 90%, the
output current would be Hint:
(a) 25 A
(b) 50 A
(c) 45 A
(d) 35 A

8. The source of electromagnetic waves can be an electric charge, when

(a) moving with a constant velocity
(b) falling in an electric field
(c) moving in a circular orbit
(d) both (b) and (c).

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9. The self-inductance of the motor of an electric fan is 10 H. In order to impart maximum power
at 50 Hz, it should be connected to a capacitance of
(a) 1µF
(b) 2 µF
(c) 4 µF
(d) 8 µF
10. If Young’s double slit experiment for interference of light is performed in water, which of the
following is correct?
(a) fringe width will decrease.
(b) fringe width will increase.
(c) there will be no fringe.
(d) fringe width will remain unchanged.
11. The wavelength of light in the visible region is about 390 nm for violet colour and about 760
nm for red colour. The energy of the photon in eV at the violet end is
(a) 2.32
(b) 3.19
(c) 1.42
(d) 4.13
12. The distance of closest approach of an alpha particle is d when it is projected with a speed V
towards a nucleus. Another alpha particle is projected with higher energy such that the new
distance of the closest approach is d/2. What is the speed of projection of the alpha particle in
this case?
(a) V/2
(b) √2 V
(c) 2 V
(d) 4 V
For Questions 13 to 16, two statements are given -one labeled Assertion (A) and the other
labeled Reason (R). Select the correct answer to these questions from the options given
below.
(a) If both Assertion and Reason are true and Reason is the correct explanation of Assertion.

(b) If both Assertion and Reason are true but Reason is not the correct explanation of Assertion.

(c) If Assertion is true but Reason is false.

(d) If both Assertion and Reason are false.

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13. Assertion (A): The mass of a nucleus is always less than the sum of the masses of independent
nucleons constituting it.

Reason (R): The whole mass of the atom is concentrated in the nucleus.

(c)

14. Assertion (A): On increasing the current sensitivity of a galvanometer by increasing the
number of turns does not necessarily increase its voltage sensitivity.
Reason(R) : The resistance of the coil of the galvanometer increases on increasing the number
of turns.
(a)

15. Assertion (A): Infrared radiation plays an important role in maintaining the average
temperature of earth.

Reason (R): Infrared radiations are sometimes referred to as heat waves.

(b)

16. Assertion (A): The work function of a given material increases with an increase in the
frequency of the incident radiation.
Reason (R): As per Einstein's photoelectric equation hν = φ + KE, work function φ is directly
proportional to the frequency ν of the incident radiation.
(d)
SECTION B

17. Explain the following giving reasons:

(a) Food items to be heated in microwave must contain water.

(b) Welders wear face mask with glasses during welding.

A) Resonance……………1

Uv rays are emitted…..1

18. A closely wound solenoid of 1000 turns and area of cross-section 2 cm2 carries a current of 2
A. It is placed with its horizontal axis at 30o with the direction of a uniform magnetic field of
0.16 T, as shown in the figure.

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 (i) What is the torque experienced by the solenoid due to the field?

(ii) If the solenoid achieves a stable equilibrium, calculate the change in potential energy of the
system.

A) (i) torque = 0.032 Nm……………..1

(ii) U = -mBcos θ ; change in PE = -8.6 X 10-3 J

19. Calculate binding energy per nucleon of 26Fe56.

Given: m (26Fe56) = 55.934932 amu

m (neutron) = 1.008665 amu

m (proton) = 1.007825 amu.

A) Δm = 0.528468 u, BE = 492.27 MeV, BE per nucleon = 8.79 MeV…………..1+1

OR

19. The total energy of an electron in the first excited state of the H-atom is -3.4 eV. What are the
values of the potential and kinetic energies of the electron in this state? Which of the answers
would change if the choice of zero of potential energy is changed?
A) PE = -6.8 eV, KE = 3.4 eV, PE will change…………..1+1
20. A compound microscope consists of an objective lens of focal length 2.0 cm and an eyepiece of
focal length 6.25 cm separated by a distance of 15 cm. How far from the objective should an
object be placed in order to obtain the final image at the least distance of distinct vision (25
cm)?
A)

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21. State Huygen's principle. Consider a plane wavefront incident on a thin prism. Draw a proper
diagram to show how the incident wavefront traverses through the prism, giving the shape of
the emergent wavefront.
A) Statement………….1, diagram of emergent wavefront…………1
SECTION C

22. A current I enters a uniform circular loop of radius R at point M and flows out at N as shown in
the figure. Obtain the net magnetic field at the centre O of the loop.

23. A square metal wire loop of side 10 cm and resistance 1 Ω is moved with a constant velocity vo
in a uniform magnetic field of induction B = 2 Wbm-2 as shown in the figure. The magnetic
lines are perpendicular to the plane of the loop (directed into the paper).

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 The loop is connected to a network of resistors each of value 3 Ω. The resistances of the loop
wires OS and PQ are negligible. What should be the speed of the loop to have a steady current
of 1 mA in the loop? Give the direction of the current in the loop.

A)

…………………3

24. (i)Define mutual inductance. State its S.I. unit.

(ii) Derive an expression for the mutual inductance of a system of two long coaxial solenoids of
same length l, having turns N1 and N2 and of radii r1 and r2 (>r1).

A) Definition…1/2; unit…1/2
Derivation……2
25. The work function for the following metals is given: Na 2.75 eV

Which of these metals will not give photoelectric emission for a K 2.30 eV
radiation of wavelength 3300 Å from a He-Cd laser placed 1 m
Mo 4.17 eV
away from the photocell? What happens if the laser is brought
Ni 5.15 eV
nearer and placed 50 cm away?
OR
25. Define the term "cut-off frequency" in photoelectric emission. The threshold frequency of a
metal is f. When the light of frequency 2f is incident on the metal plate, the maximum velocity
of the photoelectron is v1. When the frequency of the incident radiation is increased to 5f, the
maximum velocity of photoelectrons is v2. Find the ratio v1: v2.

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 A) E =hc/λ = 3.75 eV, Na and K will emit but Mo and Ni will not. Intensity will increase when
the laser is brought closer. The photoelectric emission will increase for Na and K…..2+1

OR

Definition…..1; …………..…2

26. In a hydrogen atom, an electron undergoes a transition from 2nd excited state to the first excited
state and then to the ground state. Identify the spectral series to which these transitions belong.

Find out the ratio of the wavelengths of the emitted radiations in the two cases.

A) ……………1/2+1/2+2

27. Draw the circuit diagram of a device that utilizes the unilateral action of a pn junction diode to
convert ac to a full wave dc. Explain its working.
A) SET B1: Circuit diagram……………..2, explanation……….1
SET B2: Circuit diagram……………..2, waveforms…..1 (half wave)

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 28. Sixty four drops of radius 0.02 m and each carrying a charge of 5 µC are combined to form a
bigger drop. Find how the surface charge density will change if no charge is lost.

A)

SECTION D (Case Study Based Questions)

29. Read the following paragraph and answer the questions that follow.

An astronomical telescope is an optical instrument that is used for observing distinct images of
heavenly bodies like stars, planets, etc. It consists of two lenses. In the normal adjustment of a
telescope, the final image is formed at infinity. The magnifying power of an astronomical telescope
in normal adjustment is defined as the ratio of the angle subtended at the eye by the angle subtended
at the eye by the final image to the angle subtended at the eye, by the object directly, when the final
image and the object both lie at infinite distance from the eye. It is given by, m = fo/fe. To increase
the magnifying power of an astronomical telescope in normal adjustment, the focal length of the
objective lens should be large and the focal length of the eye lens should be small.

(i) An astronomical telescope of magnifying power 7 consists of two thin lenses 40 cm apart, in normal
adjustment. The focal lengths of the lenses are

(a) 5 cm, 35 cm

(b) 7 cm, 35 cm

(c) 17 cm, 35 cm

(d) 5 cm, 30 cm

(ii) The Cassegrain telescope is advantageous because:

(a) It has spherical aberrations.

(b) It has chromatic aberrations.

(c) It does not have spherical aberrations.

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 (d) It uses lenses instead of mirrors.

(iii) In an astronomical telescope, compared to an eyepiece, the objective lens has

(a) negative focal length

(b) small focal length

(c) zero focal length

(d) large focal length.

OR

(iii) For the large magnifying power of an astronomical telescope

(a) fo<<fe

(b) fo=fe

(c) fo>>fe

(d) none of these

(iv) An astronomical telescope uses lenses of power 10 D and 1 D. What is its magnifying power in
normal adjustment?

(a) 1

(b) 10

(c) 0.1

(d) 11

30. Read the following paragraph and answer the questions that follow.

A semiconductor diode is a pn junction with metallic contacts provided at the ends for the
application of an external voltage. It is a two-terminal device. When an external voltage is applied
across a semiconductor diode such that the p-side is connected to the positive terminal of the
battery and the n-side to the negative terminal, it is said to be forward-biased. When an external
voltage is applied across the diode such that the n-side is positive and the p-side is negative, it is
said to be reverse-biased. An ideal diode is one whose resistance in forward biasing is zero and
the resistance is infinite in reverse biasing. When the diode is forward biased, it is found that
beyond forward voltage called knee voltage, the conductivity is very high. When the biasing
voltage is more than the knee voltage the potential barrier is overcome and the current increases
rapidly with an increase in forward voltage. When the diode is reverse biased, the reverse bias

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 voltage produces a very small current of about a few microamperes which almost remains
constant with bias. This small current is a reverse saturation current.

(i) In the given figure, a diode D is connected to an external resistance R = 100 Ω and an emf of
3.5 V. If the barrier potential developed across the diode is 0.5 V, the current in the circuit will
be:

(a) 40 mA (b) 20 mA (c) 35 mA (d) 30 mA

(ii) In which of the following figures, the pn diode is reverse biased?

(b)

OR

(ii) In the depletion layer of an unbiased p-n junction diode, there are
(a) Holes
(b) Mobile ions
(c) Electrons
(d) Immobile ions
(iii) The V-I characteristic of a diode is shown in the figure. The dynamic resistance of the diode at I =
15 mA is nearly-

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 (a) 100 (b) 106 (c) 10 (d) 10-6

(iv) In the following diagram consisting of two diodes D1 and D2, and two bulbs B1 and B2, which
of the statements is true?

a) Diode D1 is forward biased and bulb B1 will glow.

b) Diode D2 is reverse biased and bulb B2 will glow.

c) Diode D1 is reverse biased and bulb B2 will glow.

d) Diode D2 is forward biased and bulb B1 will glow.

SECTION E

31. (i) The electric potential V as a function of distance x is shown in the given figure. Draw a
graph of the electric field strength E as a function of x.

(ii) Four point charges Q, q, Q, q are placed at the corners of a square of side ‘a’ as shown in
the figure. Find the resultant electric force on a charge Q and the potential energy of this
system.

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 (i) (ii)

…………2 + 3

OR

31. Derive an expression for the capacitance of a parallel plate capacitor with air present between
the two plates.
A capacitor of capacity 𝐶1 is charged to the potential of 𝑉𝑜. On disconnecting with the battery,
it is connected with an uncharged capacitor of capacity 𝐶2 as shown in the adjoining figure.
Find the ratio of energies before and after the connection
of switch 𝑆.
A) Derivation……..3

32. (a) (i) State Kirchhoff's rules for an electric network.

(ii) Using Kirchhoff's rules, obtain the balance condition in terms of the resistances of the
four arms of the Wheatstone bridge.

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 (b) Plot a graph showing the variation of resistance of a conducting wire as a function of its
radius. Keeping the length of the wire and its temperature constant.

A) (a) (i) Statements………..2 (b)

(ii) Derivation………….2

(b) graph…………..1

OR

32. 4 cells of identical emf ɛ, internal resistance r, are connected in series to a variable resistor. The
following graph shows the variation of the terminal voltage of the combination with the current
output:

(i) What is the EMF of each cell used?

(ii) For what value of the current from the cells, does maximum power dissipation occur in the
circuit?

(iii) Calculate the internal resistance of each cell.

33. (a) Explain Young’s double slit experiment of interference of light waves and calculate the path
difference between the interfering waves. Give the conditions for maxima and minima.

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 (b) In a Young’s double slit experiment, the path difference at a certain point on the screen
between two interfering waves is 1/4th of the wavelength. Find the ratio of intensity at this
point to that at the centre of a bright fringe.

A) (a) Diagram and Explanation………………1

Path difference……………..1
Conditions………….1/2+1/2
Ratio………………..2
SET B2: In a Young’s double slit experiment, the path difference at a certain point on the
screen between two interfering waves is 1/3rd of the wavelength. Find the ratio of intensity at
this point to that at the centre of a bright fringe.
OR

33. (a) Derive Lensmaker’s formula for a thin convex lens of a given refractive index.

(b) Find the position of the image formed by the lens combination given in the figure. All
values are in cm.

A) (a) Derivation………..2, diagram……1

(b) v = 30 cm

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