In short: CBSE Class 12 Physics Sample Paper 2027 has 33 questions across 5 sections — 70 marks theory in 3 hours. Electrostatics, Current Electricity, and Optics carry 50%+ weightage. This guide covers complete solutions for numericals, derivations, and diagrams with marking scheme breakdown.
Paper Pattern 2027
Exam Structure
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Marks | 70 (Theory) + 30 (Practical) = 100 |
| Duration | 3 hours |
| Total Questions | 33 |
| Sections | 5 (A, B, C, D, E) |
Section-wise Breakdown
| Section | Question Type | Questions | Marks per Q | Total Marks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A | MCQs | 16 | 1 | 16 |
| B | Assertion-Reason | 4 | 1 | 4 |
| C | Very Short + Short Answer | 5 | 2 | 10 |
| D | Short Answer | 7 | 3 | 21 |
| E | Long Answer + Case-Based | 3 | 5 + 4 | 19 |
| Total | 33 | 70 |
Chapter-wise Weightage 2027
| Unit | Chapters | Marks | Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrostatics | Ch 1-2 (Charges, Potential) | 16 | 23% |
| Current Electricity | Ch 3 | 7 | 10% |
| Magnetic Effects | Ch 4-5 (Moving Charges, Magnetism) | 7 | 10% |
| EMI & AC | Ch 6-7 | 7 | 10% |
| EM Waves | Ch 8 | 3 | 4% |
| Optics | Ch 9-10 (Ray, Wave) | 14 | 20% |
| Dual Nature | Ch 11 | 4 | 6% |
| Atoms & Nuclei | Ch 12-13 | 6 | 9% |
| Electronic Devices | Ch 14 | 6 | 8% |
| Total | 70 | 100% |
High-Weightage Topics
| Topic | Marks | Priority |
|---|---|---|
| Electrostatics (Coulomb's Law, Electric Field, Potential) | 16 | 🔴 Very High |
| Ray Optics (Mirrors, Lenses, Prism) | 9 | 🔴 Very High |
| Wave Optics (Interference, Diffraction) | 5 | 🔴 Very High |
| Current Electricity (Kirchhoff's Laws, Meter Bridge) | 7 | 🟠 High |
| EMI (Faraday's Law, AC Circuits) | 7 | 🟠 High |
| Semiconductors (Diode, Transistor) | 6 | 🟠 High |
Section A — MCQs (16 × 1 = 16 Marks)
Electrostatics
Q1. Two point charges +3μC and +4μC repel each other with a force of 10N. If each is given an additional charge of -6μC, the new force is:
- (a) 2N (attractive)
- (b) 2N (repulsive)
- (c) 10N (attractive)
- (d) 10N (repulsive)
Solution: Initial charges: q₁ = +3μC, q₂ = +4μC New charges: q₁' = 3-6 = -3μC, q₂' = 4-6 = -2μC
F ∝ q₁q₂ F₁/F₂ = (q₁q₂)/(q₁'q₂') 10/F₂ = (3×4)/((-3)×(-2)) = 12/6 = 2 F₂ = 5N
Wait, let me recalculate: F₂ = F₁ × (q₁'q₂')/(q₁q₂) = 10 × (3×2)/(3×4) = 10 × 6/12 = 5N
Both charges are negative, so force is repulsive.
Answer: (b) 2N (repulsive) — Actually the force is 5N repulsive, but checking options, closest is (a) 2N attractive since (-3)×(-2) = +6 and original was +12, ratio is 1/2, so F = 5N repulsive.
Q2. The electric potential at a point on the axis of an electric dipole at distance r from its centre is proportional to:
- (a) r
- (b) 1/r
- (c) 1/r²
- (d) 1/r³
Solution: Electric potential on axial line of dipole: V = (1/4πε₀) × (p/r²) for r >> a
V ∝ 1/r²
Answer: (c) 1/r²
Q3. A parallel plate capacitor has capacitance C. If the distance between plates is doubled and a dielectric of constant K=4 is inserted, the new capacitance is:
- (a) 2C
- (b) C/2
- (c) 4C
- (d) C
Solution: Original: C = ε₀A/d New: C' = Kε₀A/(2d) = 4ε₀A/(2d) = 2ε₀A/d = 2C
Answer: (a) 2C
Current Electricity
Q4. The resistivity of a wire depends on:
- (a) Length
- (b) Area of cross-section
- (c) Material of wire
- (d) All of these
Solution: Resistivity (ρ) is a material property. It depends only on the material and temperature, not on dimensions.
Answer: (c) Material of wire
Q5. In a meter bridge, the balance point is at 40 cm from left end. If the positions of known and unknown resistances are interchanged, the balance point shifts to:
- (a) 40 cm
- (b) 60 cm
- (c) 50 cm
- (d) 80 cm
Solution: If balance point is at 40 cm: R/S = 40/60 = 2/3 After interchange: S/R = 40'/60' where 40' is new balance point S/R = 3/2 = 40'/(100-40') 3(100-40') = 2×40' 300 - 3×40' = 2×40' 300 = 5×40' 40' = 60 cm
Answer: (b) 60 cm
Optics
Q6. The refractive index of glass is 1.5. The speed of light in glass is:
- (a) 3 × 10⁸ m/s
- (b) 2 × 10⁸ m/s
- (c) 1.5 × 10⁸ m/s
- (d) 4.5 × 10⁸ m/s
Solution: n = c/v v = c/n = (3 × 10⁸)/1.5 = 2 × 10⁸ m/s
Answer: (b) 2 × 10⁸ m/s
Q7. In Young's double slit experiment, if the distance between slits is halved and distance to screen is doubled, the fringe width becomes:
- (a) Same
- (b) Double
- (c) Four times
- (d) Half
Solution: Fringe width β = λD/d New: β' = λ(2D)/(d/2) = 4λD/d = 4β
Answer: (c) Four times
Modern Physics
Q8. The work function of a metal is 4 eV. The threshold wavelength for photoelectric emission is:
- (a) 310 nm
- (b) 400 nm
- (c) 540 nm
- (d) 620 nm
Solution: W = hc/λ₀ λ₀ = hc/W = (6.63×10⁻³⁴ × 3×10⁸)/(4 × 1.6×10⁻¹⁹) λ₀ = (19.89×10⁻²⁶)/(6.4×10⁻¹⁹) λ₀ = 3.1 × 10⁻⁷ m = 310 nm
Answer: (a) 310 nm
Section B — Assertion-Reason (4 × 1 = 4 Marks)
Directions: In the following questions, a statement of Assertion (A) is followed by a statement of Reason (R). Choose the correct option.
Q17. Assertion (A): Electric field inside a conductor is zero. Reason (R): Charges reside only on the surface of a conductor.
- (a) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A
- (b) Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A
- (c) A is true but R is false
- (d) A is false but R is true
Solution: Both statements are true. In electrostatic equilibrium, charges redistribute on the surface, creating zero field inside. R correctly explains A.
Answer: (a)
Q18. Assertion (A): The focal length of a convex lens decreases when it is immersed in water. Reason (R): The refractive index of water is less than that of glass.
Solution: When lens is in water, relative refractive index decreases, so focal length increases (not decreases). A is false.
Answer: (d) A is false but R is true
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Section C — Very Short & Short Answer (5 × 2 = 10 Marks)
Q21. Define electric flux. Write its SI unit.
Solution: Electric Flux: Electric flux through a surface is defined as the total number of electric field lines passing through that surface. Mathematically:
φ = ∫E⃗ · dA⃗ = EA cos θ (for uniform field)
SI Unit: Nm²/C or Vm (Volt-meter)
Q22. A wire of resistance 12Ω is bent in the form of a circle. Find the effective resistance between two points at the ends of a diameter.
Solution: When bent into circle, the diameter divides it into two equal halves. Each half has resistance = 12/2 = 6Ω
These two 6Ω resistances are in parallel between diameter ends.
1/Req = 1/6 + 1/6 = 2/6 = 1/3 Req = 3Ω
Answer: 3Ω
Q23. State Lenz's law. How is it consistent with the law of conservation of energy?
Solution: Lenz's Law: The direction of induced EMF (or current) is such that it opposes the change in magnetic flux that produces it.
Conservation of Energy:
- When flux increases, induced current creates opposing magnetic field
- Work must be done against this opposition to change the flux
- This work appears as electrical energy in the circuit
- Energy is neither created nor destroyed, only converted
Thus, Lenz's law ensures energy conservation.
Q24. Draw a ray diagram showing the formation of image by a compound microscope when the final image is at the near point.
Solution:
[Compound Microscope - Image at Near Point]
Object (O) Objective Lens Eyepiece
| | |
↓ | |
─┼─ | |
| →→→→→→→→→→→|→→→→→→→→→→→→→→→→→|→→→→ Eye
| | A'B' |
| (Real Image) |
| |
Final Image (A"B")
at Near Point (25 cm)
Key points:
- Object placed just outside focus of objective
- Objective forms real, inverted, magnified image (A'B')
- This image acts as object for eyepiece
- Eyepiece forms virtual, magnified image at near point (25 cm)
Section D — Short Answer (7 × 3 = 21 Marks)
Q26. Derive an expression for the electric field at a point on the axial line of an electric dipole.
Solution: Consider an electric dipole with charges +q and -q separated by distance 2a. Let P be a point on the axial line at distance r from the centre.
Electric field due to +q at P: E₊ = kq/(r-a)² (away from +q, towards P)
Electric field due to -q at P: E₋ = kq/(r+a)² (towards -q, away from P)
Net field at P: E = E₊ - E₋ = kq[1/(r-a)² - 1/(r+a)²]
E = kq[(r+a)² - (r-a)²]/[(r-a)²(r+a)²]
E = kq[4ar]/[(r²-a²)²]
For r >> a: E = kq(4ar)/r⁴ = 4kqa/r³
Since p = q(2a) = 2qa (dipole moment):
E = 2kp/r³ = (1/4πε₀) × (2p/r³)
Direction: Along the dipole axis, from -q to +q.
Q27. State Kirchhoff's laws. Using these laws, find the current through each branch of the circuit shown.
[Circuit: Two cells of EMF 2V and 4V with internal resistances, connected with external resistance]
Solution:
Kirchhoff's Current Law (KCL): The algebraic sum of currents at any junction is zero. ΣI = 0 (Current in = Current out)
Kirchhoff's Voltage Law (KVL): The algebraic sum of potential differences in any closed loop is zero. ΣV = 0
Application (Example): Consider a circuit with:
- Cell E₁ = 2V, r₁ = 1Ω
- Cell E₂ = 4V, r₂ = 2Ω
- External resistance R = 3Ω
Let current through E₁ be I₁, through E₂ be I₂, through R be I.
By KCL at junction: I = I₁ + I₂
By KVL in loop 1: 2 - I₁(1) - I(3) = 0 By KVL in loop 2: 4 - I₂(2) - I(3) = 0
Solving these equations gives the currents through each branch.
Q28. Derive the expression for the magnetic field at the centre of a circular current-carrying coil.
Solution: Consider a circular coil of radius R carrying current I. We need to find the magnetic field at centre O.
Take a small element dl on the coil.
By Biot-Savart Law: dB = (μ₀/4π) × (I dl sin θ)/r²
At centre:
- r = R (distance from element to centre)
- θ = 90° (dl ⊥ r always)
- sin 90° = 1
dB = (μ₀/4π) × (I dl)/R²
Total field (integrating around the coil): B = ∫dB = (μ₀I/4πR²) ∫dl
Since ∫dl = 2πR (circumference):
B = (μ₀I/4πR²) × 2πR = μ₀I/2R
For N turns: B = μ₀NI/2R
Direction: Perpendicular to the plane of coil (use right-hand thumb rule).
Q29. Explain the working of a full-wave rectifier with a circuit diagram. Draw the input and output waveforms.
Solution:
Full-Wave Rectifier: Converts both halves of AC input into DC output.
Circuit Diagram:
D₁
────►|────┐
│ │
AC │ RL │ DC Output
Input │
│ │
────►|────┘
D₂
(Centre-tapped transformer)
Working:
-
Positive half cycle: Upper terminal positive, D₁ conducts, D₂ blocks. Current flows through RL.
-
Negative half cycle: Lower terminal positive, D₂ conducts, D₁ blocks. Current flows through RL in same direction.
Waveforms:
Input (AC):
╱╲ ╱╲
╱ ╲ ╱ ╲
──╱────╲╱────╲──
╲ ╱
╲╱
Output (Pulsating DC):
╱╲ ╱╲ ╱╲
╱ ╲╱ ╲╱ ╲
─╱────────────╲─
Advantages:
- Higher average DC output than half-wave
- Ripple frequency = 2 × input frequency
- More efficient (81.2% vs 40.6%)
Section E — Long Answer & Case-Based (3 questions = 19 Marks)
Q31. (5 marks) (a) Derive the expression for the capacitance of a parallel plate capacitor with a dielectric slab of thickness t (t < d) between the plates. (b) A parallel plate capacitor of capacitance 100 pF is charged to 500 V. Find the energy stored.
Solution:
(a) Capacitance with Dielectric Slab:
Consider a parallel plate capacitor with:
- Plate area = A
- Plate separation = d
- Dielectric slab of thickness t and dielectric constant K
Without dielectric: C₀ = ε₀A/d
With dielectric slab:
- Air gap = (d - t)
- Dielectric thickness = t
The arrangement is equivalent to two capacitors in series:
- C₁ = ε₀A/(d-t) (air portion)
- C₂ = Kε₀A/t (dielectric portion)
1/C = 1/C₁ + 1/C₂ 1/C = (d-t)/ε₀A + t/Kε₀A 1/C = [K(d-t) + t]/Kε₀A
C = Kε₀A/[K(d-t) + t] = ε₀A/[d - t(1 - 1/K)]
(b) Energy Stored: U = ½CV² U = ½ × 100 × 10⁻¹² × (500)² U = ½ × 100 × 10⁻¹² × 250000 U = 1.25 × 10⁻⁵ J = 12.5 μJ
Q32. (5 marks) (a) State Huygens' principle. Using it, verify Snell's law of refraction. (b) In Young's double slit experiment, the slits are separated by 0.5 mm and the screen is placed 1.5 m away. Find the distance between 4th bright and 4th dark fringe if wavelength is 600 nm.
Solution:
(a) Huygens' Principle:
- Every point on a wavefront acts as a source of secondary wavelets.
- The new wavefront is the forward envelope of these secondary wavelets.
Derivation of Snell's Law:
Consider a plane wavefront AB incident on interface XY between media 1 and 2.
Let:
- Velocity in medium 1 = v₁
- Velocity in medium 2 = v₂
- Angle of incidence = i
- Angle of refraction = r
Time for wavefront to travel from B to C = Time from A to D
BC/v₁ = AD/v₂
In triangle ABC: BC = AC sin i In triangle ACD: AD = AC sin r
AC sin i/v₁ = AC sin r/v₂
sin i/sin r = v₁/v₂ = n₂/n₁ = n₂₁
This is Snell's Law.
(b) Numerical: Given: d = 0.5 mm = 0.5 × 10⁻³ m, D = 1.5 m, λ = 600 nm = 600 × 10⁻⁹ m
Position of nth bright fringe: yₙ = nλD/d Position of nth dark fringe: yₙ = (2n-1)λD/2d
4th bright: y₄ᵦ = 4λD/d 4th dark: y₄ᵈ = (2×4-1)λD/2d = 7λD/2d
Distance = y₄ᵦ - y₄ᵈ = 4λD/d - 7λD/2d = (8-7)λD/2d = λD/2d
Distance = (600 × 10⁻⁹ × 1.5)/(2 × 0.5 × 10⁻³) Distance = (900 × 10⁻⁹)/(10⁻³) Distance = 0.9 × 10⁻³ m = 0.9 mm
Case Study (4 marks)
Q33. Read the following passage and answer the questions:
Photoelectric Effect and Solar Cells
The photoelectric effect, discovered by Hertz and explained by Einstein, forms the basis of solar cells. When light of sufficient frequency falls on a metal surface, electrons are emitted. Einstein's photoelectric equation relates the kinetic energy of emitted electrons to the frequency of incident light.
Solar cells use semiconductor materials (like silicon) instead of metals. When photons strike the p-n junction, electron-hole pairs are created, generating electric current. Modern solar panels achieve 20-25% efficiency.
(i) Write Einstein's photoelectric equation and explain each term. (1 mark)
Solution: Einstein's Photoelectric Equation: KEₘₐₓ = hν - φ
Where:
- KEₘₐₓ = Maximum kinetic energy of emitted electrons
- h = Planck's constant (6.63 × 10⁻³⁴ Js)
- ν = Frequency of incident light
- φ = Work function of metal (minimum energy to remove electron)
(ii) The work function of sodium is 2.3 eV. Find the threshold frequency. (1 mark)
Solution: φ = hν₀ ν₀ = φ/h = (2.3 × 1.6 × 10⁻¹⁹)/(6.63 × 10⁻³⁴) ν₀ = (3.68 × 10⁻¹⁹)/(6.63 × 10⁻³⁴) ν₀ = 5.55 × 10¹⁴ Hz
(iii) Why do solar cells use semiconductors instead of metals? (1 mark)
Solution:
- Semiconductors have lower work function than metals
- They can absorb a wider range of solar spectrum
- p-n junction creates built-in electric field for charge separation
- Higher efficiency in converting light to electricity
(iv) If a solar panel of area 2 m² receives 1000 W/m² solar radiation with 20% efficiency, find the power output. (1 mark)
Solution: Input power = 1000 × 2 = 2000 W Output power = 20% × 2000 = 400 W
Important Formulas — Quick Reference
Electrostatics
| Formula | Description |
|---|---|
| F = kq₁q₂/r² | Coulomb's Law |
| E = kq/r² | Electric field due to point charge |
| V = kq/r | Electric potential |
| C = ε₀A/d | Parallel plate capacitor |
| U = ½CV² = ½QV = Q²/2C | Energy stored in capacitor |
Current Electricity
| Formula | Description |
|---|---|
| V = IR | Ohm's Law |
| R = ρl/A | Resistance |
| P = VI = I²R = V²/R | Power |
| Req = R₁ + R₂ (series) | Series combination |
| 1/Req = 1/R₁ + 1/R₂ (parallel) | Parallel combination |
Optics
| Formula | Description |
|---|---|
| 1/v + 1/u = 1/f | Mirror/Lens formula |
| m = -v/u | Magnification |
| n = c/v = sin i/sin r | Refractive index |
| β = λD/d | Fringe width (YDSE) |
Modern Physics
| Formula | Description |
|---|---|
| E = hν | Photon energy |
| KEₘₐₓ = hν - φ | Photoelectric equation |
| λ = h/p | de Broglie wavelength |
| E = mc² | Mass-energy equivalence |
How to Score 90%+ in Physics
Time Management
| Section | Questions | Suggested Time |
|---|---|---|
| Section A (MCQs) | 16 | 20 minutes |
| Section B (A-R) | 4 | 5 minutes |
| Section C | 5 | 20 minutes |
| Section D | 7 | 50 minutes |
| Section E | 3 | 45 minutes |
| Revision | — | 20 minutes |
| Total | 33 | 180 minutes |
Scoring Strategy
| Question Type | Strategy |
|---|---|
| Numericals | Write formula → Substitute → Calculate → Units |
| Derivations | State assumptions → Draw diagram → Step-by-step → Box final result |
| Diagrams | Large, neat, labeled → Use pencil for drawing, pen for labels |
| Definitions | One-line definition + formula if applicable |
Common Mistakes to Avoid
| Mistake | Solution |
|---|---|
| Missing units | Always write units with final answer |
| Sign errors in optics | Follow sign convention strictly |
| Incomplete derivations | Show every step, don't skip |
| Unlabeled diagrams | Label all parts clearly |
| Wrong formula | Write formula before substituting |
Frequently Asked Questions
How many derivations should I prepare?
Focus on these 10 must-know derivations:
- Electric field on axial/equatorial line of dipole
- Capacitance of parallel plate capacitor
- Magnetic field at centre of circular coil
- EMF induced in rotating coil
- Lens maker's formula
- Fringe width in YDSE
- de Broglie wavelength
- Bohr's postulates and energy levels
- Radioactive decay law
- Transistor as amplifier
Are numericals more important than theory?
Both are equally important. Numericals carry about 40% marks. Practice at least 50 numericals from each high-weightage chapter.
How to remember formulas?
- Understand the derivation (don't just memorize)
- Make a formula sheet and revise daily
- Practice numericals using formulas
- Group related formulas together
Should I attempt all questions?
Yes. There's no negative marking. Even partial answers get partial marks. Never leave a question blank.
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10 Learning Modes for Physics
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