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CBSE Class 12 Physics 2026 question paper (55/3)

Maximum marks 70 · Time 3 hours · 3 sets

Try each question first, then open its model answer. Where the paper offers a choice, both questions are shown with OR between them.

Section A

1 mark each

  1. Q.11 mark
    A particle of mass m and charge q starts from rest and moves in an electric field E⃗=E0i^\vec{E} = E_0 \hat{i}. After travelling a distance x in the field along x-axis, the kinetic energy of the particle will be :

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  2. Q.21 mark
    A square loop of side 50 cm is placed in a uniform magnetic field of 3⋅03{\cdot}0 T acting perpendicular to the plane of the loop. If the loop is rotated through an angle of 90∘90^\circ in 0⋅30{\cdot}3 s, the value of emf induced in the loop would be :

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  3. Q.31 mark
    A plane electromagnetic wave travels through a medium and the magnetic field associated with it is given by B=5×10−8sin⁡(3×1010t−150x)B = 5 \times 10^{-8} \sin (3 \times 10^{10} t - 150 x) T where x is in metres and t is in seconds. The velocity of the wave is :

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  4. Q.41 mark
    A thin plano-convex lens and a thin equi-concave lens are kept coaxially in contact as shown in the figure. Assuming both the lenses are made of glass of refractive index μ\mu, and R is the radius of curvature of each curved surface, the focal length of the combination is :

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  5. Q.51 mark
    The phase difference between the two superimposing waves that give rise to a bright spot in a Young's double-slit experiment is (n is an integer) :

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  6. Q.61 mark
    A telescope has an objective lens of focal length 144 cm and an eyepiece of focal length 6⋅06{\cdot}0 cm. The magnifying power and the length of telescope tube will be respectively :

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  7. Q.71 mark
    In which of the following, total internal reflection does not occur ?

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  8. Q.81 mark
    Radiation of wavelength 200 nm is incident on a photosensitive surface of work function 4⋅24{\cdot}2 eV. The kinetic energy of fastest photoelectrons emitted from this surface will be close to :

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  9. Q.91 mark
    A proton and an alpha particle have equal momentum. The ratio of their kinetic energies (Ep/Ea)(E_p / E_a) and de Broglie wavelengths associated with them (λp/λa)(\lambda_p / \lambda_a) respectively are :

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  10. Q.101 mark
    If r1r_1 and r2r_2 are the radii of atomic nuclei of mass numbers 64 and 27 respectively, then the value of (r1r2)\left(\dfrac{r_1}{r_2}\right) is :

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  11. Q.111 mark
    When the forward bias voltage in a semiconductor diode is changed from 0⋅80{\cdot}8 V to 1⋅01{\cdot}0 V, the forward current changes by 2⋅02{\cdot}0 mA. The forward bias resistance of the diode will be :

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  12. Q.121 mark
    The process named 'minority carrier injection' in a p-n junction diode occurs during :

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  13. Questions number 13 to 16 are Assertion (A) and Reason (R) type questions. Two statements are given — one labelled Assertion (A) and the other labelled Reason (R). Select the correct answer from the codes (A), (B), (C) and (D) as given below.
    Q.131 mark
    Assertion (A) : In a Wheatstone bridge circuit, if we interchange the position of the cell and the galvanometer, the balance condition PQ=RS\dfrac{P}{Q} = \dfrac{R}{S} remains unchanged. Reason (R) : PQ=RS⇒QS=PR\dfrac{P}{Q} = \dfrac{R}{S} \Rightarrow \dfrac{Q}{S} = \dfrac{P}{R} so balance condition remains same.

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  14. Q.141 mark
    Assertion (A) : The cylindrical soft iron core in a moving coil galvanometer only makes the magnetic field radial and does not affect the strength of the magnetic field. Reason (R) : In a moving coil galvanometer, the plane of the coil is always perpendicular to the magnetic field.

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  15. Q.151 mark
    Assertion (A) : Photoelectric current depends upon the intensity of the incident radiation. Reason (R) : Stopping potential is independent of the intensity of the incident radiation.

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  16. Q.161 mark
    Assertion (A) : Nuclear forces are always attractive. Reason (R) : The nuclear force between protons and neutrons in a nucleus is a weak force.

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Section B

2 marks each

  1. Q.17 (a)2 marks
    In the given figure, a steady current I flows through the circuit when points A and C are connected by a wire of negligible resistance. Find the potential difference between points B and C.
  2. OR

    Q.17 (b)2 marks
    A battery of emf 21 V and internal resistance 3 Ω3\ \Omega is connected to a resistor. If the current in the circuit is 3 A, find : (i) the resistance of the resistor. (ii) the terminal voltage of the battery.
  3. Q.182 marks
    Explain why diffraction of sound is more common in daily experience than that of light.
  4. Q.192 marks
    Explain the terms mass defect and binding energy. How are they related ?
  5. Q.202 marks
    A particle of mass M at rest splits up into two particles of masses m1m_1 and m2m_2 having non-zero velocities. Calculate the ratio of the de Broglie wavelengths associated with the two particles.
  6. Q.212 marks
    How are charge carriers created in an intrinsic semiconductor ? Explain.

Section C

3 marks each

  1. Q.223 marks
    (a) Establish the relation between drift velocity of electrons (vd)(v_d) and electric current (I) in a conductor. (b) How is vdv_d affected when the length of the conductor is doubled, keeping the voltage applied across the conductor constant ?
  2. Q.23 (a)3 marks
    A circular coil of 30 turns and radius 8⋅08{\cdot}0 cm carrying a current of 6 A is suspended vertically in a uniform horizontal magnetic field of 1⋅01{\cdot}0 T. The field lines make an angle of 30∘30^\circ with the plane of the coil. Calculate the magnitude of the external torque that must be applied to prevent the coil from turning. What would happen if the circular coil is replaced by a planar coil of irregular shape that encloses the same area, keeping other parameters unchanged ?
  3. OR

    Q.23 (b)3 marks
    An alpha particle (mass 6⋅4×10−276{\cdot}4 \times 10^{-27} kg and charge 3⋅2×10−193{\cdot}2 \times 10^{-19} C) having 8⋅08{\cdot}0 MeV energy, enters a region of a uniform magnetic field of 0⋅50{\cdot}5 T. If the field is directed perpendicular to the velocity of the particle, find the radius of the circular path described by the particle. Mention the condition under which the particle in this region (i) describes a helical path, and (ii) goes straight undeviated.
  4. Q.243 marks
    (a) Discuss the behaviour of an inductor connected to (i) a dc source, and (ii) a high frequency ac source. (b) What is the phase relation between current and voltage in an ideal inductor connected to an ac source ? Draw a phasor diagram for the circuit.
  5. Q.253 marks
    (a) Depict the variation of electric field (E⃗)(\vec{E}) and magnetic field (B⃗)(\vec{B}) with respect to the direction of propagation of an electromagnetic wave. Write their two important characteristics. (b) Show that 1ε0μ0\dfrac{1}{\sqrt{\varepsilon_0 \mu_0}} gives the velocity of an electromagnetic wave in free space.
  6. Q.263 marks
    A ray of light is travelling through a rectangular glass slab (refractive index 32\dfrac{3}{2}) and is incident on the horizontal glass-air surface at the critical angle for the two media. The slab is then brought in contact with water (refractive index 43\dfrac{4}{3}) such that a thin horizontal layer of water is formed on the surface of the slab. Find the angle at which the ray will emerge into air from the water-air surface.
  7. Q.273 marks
    Differentiate between nuclear fission and nuclear fusion. Give one example for each with nuclear reaction.
  8. Q.283 marks
    With the help of circuit diagrams, briefly explain the forward biasing and the reverse biasing of a p-n junction diode.

Section D

1 mark each

  1. Capacitors are manufactured with certain standard capacitances and working voltages. However, these standard values may not be the ones that are actually needed in a particular application. Two or more capacitors can be grouped in series or in parallel to achieve desired capacitance and voltage. When connected in series, the total capacitance decreases while the voltage rating increases, whereas in parallel connections, the total capacitance increases and maintains the same voltage rating. A capacitor stores energy in the electric field between its plates and stored energy is proportional to the square of the voltage and capacitance U=12CV2U = \dfrac{1}{2} CV^2, where symbols have their usual meanings. Two capacitors, one of 3 μF3\ \mu\mathrm{F} and the other of 6 μF6\ \mu\mathrm{F}, are connected in series in the circuit as shown in the figure, for a long time.
    Q.29 (i)1 mark
    The total capacitance of the circuit is :

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  2. Q.29 (ii)1 mark
    The current in the 10 Ω10\ \Omega resistor is :

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  3. Q.29 (iii)1 mark
    The potential difference between point A and B is :

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  4. Q.29 (iv) (a)1 mark
    The value of charge on the plates of the 6 μF6\ \mu\mathrm{F} capacitor is :

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  5. OR

    Q.29 (iv) (b)1 mark
    The wire between two capacitors is cut at point P. The current in the circuit will :

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  6. A charged particle +q in an electric field E⃗\vec{E} experiences a force in the direction of the electric field. As a result, its kinetic energy changes. Similarly, the charged particle also experiences a force when it moves in a magnetic field B⃗\vec{B}. But this magnetic force is perpendicular to both velocity v⃗\vec{v} of the charged particle and the magnetic field B⃗\vec{B}, so it cannot change the kinetic energy of the charged particle. Consider two charged particles 1 and 2 of masses m and m2\dfrac{m}{2} having charges −q-q and +2q+2q respectively. They are accelerated from rest through the same potential difference V and acquire kinetic energy K1K_1 and K2K_2. Then they enter in a region of uniform magnetic field B⃗\vec{B} perpendicular to their velocities.
    Q.30 (i)1 mark
    The ratio of their kinetic energies (K1K2)\left(\dfrac{K_1}{K_2}\right) is :

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  7. Q.30 (ii)1 mark
    The ratio of the radii of the circular paths described by them (r1r2)\left(\dfrac{r_1}{r_2}\right) is :

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  8. Q.30 (iii)1 mark
    Suppose particles 1 and 2 enter the magnetic field B⃗=B0k^\vec{B} = B_0 \hat{k} with velocities v1⃗=v1i^\vec{v_1} = v_1 \hat{i} and v2⃗=v2i^\vec{v_2} = v_2 \hat{i}. Then :

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  9. Q.30 (iv) (a)1 mark
    If period of revolution for particle 1 is 4 s, then for particle 2, the period will be :

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  10. OR

    Q.30 (iv) (b)1 mark
    If the value of momentum for particles 1 and 2 are p1p_1 and p2p_2, then :

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Section E

5 marks each

  1. Q.31 (a)5 marks
    (i) In the figure, OA and OB show the variation of electric potential V at a point due to two point charges Q1Q_1 and Q2Q_2 with 1r\dfrac{1}{r} respectively. Here r represents the distance of the point from the two point charges. (I) Identify the nature of the two charges Q1Q_1 and Q2Q_2. (II) What is the value of (Q1Q2)\left(\dfrac{Q_1}{Q_2}\right) ? Justify your answer. (ii) Two point charges −2 μC-2\ \mu\mathrm{C} and 5 μC5\ \mu\mathrm{C} are placed at (−30 cm, 0)(-30\ \mathrm{cm},\, 0) and (30 cm, 0)(30\ \mathrm{cm},\, 0) respectively in an external electric field E⃗=Ax2i^\vec{E} = \dfrac{A}{x^2}\hat{i}, where A=9×105 Nm2C−1A = 9 \times 10^5\ \mathrm{N m^2 C^{-1}}. Find the electrostatic potential energy of this configuration.
  2. OR

    Q.31 (b)5 marks
    (i) Two infinitely long straight wires having linear charge densities −λ-\lambda and 3λ3\lambda are held vertically parallel to each other, distance r apart in free space. Find the nature and magnitude of the force/length exerted by one wire on the other. (ii) A small hollow conducting sphere of radius r1r_1 is given a charge Q. It is surrounded by a concentric conducting spherical shell of inner radius r2r_2 and outer radius r3r_3, having charge −3q-3q. If a point charge 2q were kept at the centre, find : (I) the electric flux through a concentric spherical Gaussian surface of radius x for (1) x<r1x < r_1, and (2) r1<x<r2r_1 < x < r_2. (II) electric field at a point distant x from the centre for (1) x>r3x > r_3, and (2) r1<x<r2r_1 < x < r_2. (III) surface charge density on the inner surface of (1) sphere, and (2) shell.
  3. Q.32 (a)5 marks
    (i) A light bulb and an open coil inductor are connected in series across an ac source of variable frequency. How will the glow of the bulb be affected when : (I) an iron bar is inserted inside the coil, and (II) the frequency of the source is decreased ? Justify your answers. Assume that in each above case other factors remain unchanged. (ii) An ac voltage V=280sin⁡(100πt)V = 280 \sin (100\pi t) volt is connected across a series LCR circuit in which R=400 ΩR = 400\ \Omega, L=5πL = \dfrac{5}{\pi} H and C=50π μFC = \dfrac{50}{\pi}\ \mu\mathrm{F}. Taking 2=1⋅4\sqrt{2} = 1{\cdot}4, calculate : (I) impedance of the circuit. (II) rms value of current that flows in the circuit. (III) power factor of the circuit.
  4. OR

    Q.32 (b)5 marks
    (i) State Lenz's law and explain that it follows the law of conservation of energy. (ii) Write the dimensional formula for self-inductance. The current in a coil changes from 8⋅08{\cdot}0 A to 2⋅02{\cdot}0 A in 0⋅60{\cdot}6 s. If an average emf induced in the coil is 50 V, calculate the self-inductance of the coil.
  5. Q.33 (a)5 marks
    (i) A point object is kept in front of a convex spherical surface of radius of curvature R. Draw the ray diagram to show the formation of image and derive the relation between the object and image distance (u and v) in terms of refractive index n of the medium and R. (ii) A convex lens of focal length of 20 cm is used to form the image of an object placed 30 cm away from the lens. Find the position and nature of the image formed.
  6. OR

    Q.33 (b)5 marks
    (i) Two thin converging lenses of focal length f1f_1 and f2f_2 are placed coaxially in contact. Derive expression for the focal length of the combination. (ii) A beam of coherent light of wavelength 550 nm is incident normal to the plane of a pair of two slits S1S_1 and S2S_2 each of width 1⋅2×10−61{\cdot}2 \times 10^{-6} m separated by 1⋅11{\cdot}1 mm. Dark and bright fringes are observed on a screen 2⋅22{\cdot}2 m away from the plane of the slits. Calculate : (I) fringe width. (II) distance of the second dark fringe from the central maximum. (III) what will happen when the entire apparatus is immersed in water.