CBSE Class 12 Physics Set 1 - (55/5/1) Question Paper 2025 is available for download here. CBSE conducted Class 12 Physics exam on February 21, 2025 from 10:30 AM to 1:30 PM. The Physics theory paper is of 70 marks, and the internal assessment is of 30 marks.

Also Check: CBSE Class 12 Question Paper 2025 (All Subjects)

The Physics question paper includes the following types of questions:

  • MCQs: 1 mark each
  • Very short-answer questions: 2 marks each
  • Short-answer type questions: 3 marks each
  • Case-study based questions: 4 marks each
  • Long-answer type questions: 5 marks each

CBSE Class 12 Physics Set 1 - (55/5/1) Question Paper 2025 with Solution PDF

CBSE Class 12 Physics 2025 Set 1 (55/5/1) Questions with Solutions

Question 1:

A metal sheet is inserted between the plates of a parallel plate capacitor of capacitance \(C\). If the sheet partly occupies the space between the plates, the capacitance:

  • (A) remains \(C\)
  • (B) becomes greater than \(C\)
  • (C) becomes less than \(C\)
  • (D) becomes zero

Question 2:

The electric field at a point in a region is given by \(\vec{E} = \dfrac{\alpha}{r^3}\,\vec{r}\), where \(\alpha\) is a constant and \(r\) is the distance of the point from the origin. The magnitude of potential of the point is:

  • (A) \(\dfrac{\alpha}{r}\)
  • (B) \(\dfrac{\alpha r^2}{2}\)
  • (C) \(\dfrac{\alpha}{2r}\)
  • (D) \(-\dfrac{\alpha}{r}\)

Question 3:

Four resistors, each of resistance \(R\) and a key \(K\) are connected as shown in the figure. The equivalent resistance between points \(A\) and \(B\) when key \(K\) is open, will be:

  • (A) \(4R\)
  • (B) \(\infty\)
  • (C) \(\dfrac{R}{4}\)
  • (D) \(\dfrac{4R}{3}\)

Question 4:

A charged particle gains a speed of \(10^7\;\text{ms}^{-1}\), when accelerated from rest through a potential difference \(10\;\text{kV}\). It enters a region of magnetic field of \(0.4\;\text{T}\) such that \(\vec{V} \perp \vec{B}\). The radius of circular path described by it is:

  • (A) \(2.5\;\text{cm}\)
  • (B) \(5\;\text{cm}\)
  • (C) \(8\;\text{cm}\)
  • (D) \(10\;\text{cm}\)

Question 5:

A current of \(\left(\dfrac{10}{\pi}\right)\;\text{A}\) is maintained in a circular loop of radius \(14\;\text{cm}\). The value of dipole moment associated with the loop is:

  • (A) \(0.019\;\text{Am}^2\)
  • (B) \(0.14\;\text{Am}^2\)
  • (C) \(0.196\;\text{Am}^2\)
  • (D) \(0.615\;\text{Am}^2\)

Question 6:

The magnetic flux linked with a coil changes with time \(t\) as \(\phi = (8t^2 + 5t + 7)\), where \(t\) is in seconds and \(\phi\) is in Wb. The value of emf induced in the coil at \(t = 4\;\text{s}\) is:

  • (A) \(32\;\text{V}\)
  • (B) \(37\;\text{V}\)
  • (C) \(64\;\text{V}\)
  • (D) \(69\;\text{V}\)

Question 7:

Which of the following rays coming from the Sun plays an important role in maintaining the Earth's warmth?

  • (A) Infrared rays
  • (B) \(\gamma\) rays
  • (C) UV rays
  • (D) Visible light rays

Question 8:

The dimensions of \( (\mu \epsilon)^{-1} \), where \( \epsilon \) is permittivity and \( \mu \) is permeability of a medium, are:

  • (A) \( [M^0 L^1 T^{-1}] \)
  • (B) \( [M^0 L^2 T^{-2}] \)
  • (C) \( [M^1 L^2 T^{-2}] \)
  • (D) \( [M^1 L^{-1} T^{1}] \)

Question 9:

Which of the following electromagnetic waves has photons of largest momentum?

  • (A) X-rays
  • (B) AM radio waves
  • (C) Microwaves
  • (D) TV waves

Question 10:

A compound microscope has an objective and an eyepiece of focal lengths \( f_0 \) and \( f_e \), respectively. To obtain a large magnification of a small object, the microscope should have:

  • (A) \( f_0 \) and \( f_e \) small, and \( f_e>f_0 \)
  • (B) \( f_0 \) and \( f_e \) small, and \( f_0>f_e \)
  • (C) \( f_0 \) and \( f_e \) large, and \( f_e>f_0 \)
  • (D) \( f_0 \) and \( f_e \) large, and \( f_0>f_e \)

Question 11:

Two coherent light waves, each having amplitude '\(a\)', superpose to produce an interference pattern on a screen. The intensity of light as seen on the screen varies between:

  • (A) \(0\) and \(2a^2\)
  • (B) \(0\) and \(4a^2\)
  • (C) \(a^2\) and \(2a^2\)
  • (D) \(2a^2\) and \(4a^2\)

Question 12:

The kinetic energy of an alpha particle is four times the kinetic energy of a proton. The ratio \(\dfrac{\lambda_\alpha}{\lambda_p}\) of de Broglie wavelengths associated with them will be:

  • (A) \(1\)
  • (B) \(\dfrac{1}{2\sqrt{2}}\)
  • (C) \(\dfrac{1}{4}\)
  • (D) \(\dfrac{1}{2}\)

Question 13:

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.
Assertion (A): The impurities in p-type Si are not pentavalent atoms.
Reason (R): The hole density in the valence band in a p-type semiconductor is almost equal to the acceptor density.

  • (A) Both Assertion (A) and Reason (R) are true, and Reason (R) is the correct explanation of Assertion (A).
  • (B) Both Assertion (A) and Reason (R) are true, but Reason (R) is not the correct explanation of Assertion (A).
  • (C) Assertion (A) is true, but Reason (R) is false.
  • (D) Both Assertion (A) and Reason (R) are false.

Question 14:

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.
Assertion (A): During formation of a nucleus, the mass defect produced is the source of the binding energy of the nucleus.
Reason (R): For all nuclei, the value of binding energy per nucleon increases with mass number.

  • (A) Both Assertion (A) and Reason (R) are true, and Reason (R) is the correct explanation of Assertion (A).
  • (B) Both Assertion (A) and Reason (R) are true, but Reason (R) is not the correct explanation of Assertion (A).
  • (C) Assertion (A) is true, but Reason (R) is false.
  • (D) Both Assertion (A) and Reason (R) are false.

Question 15:

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.
Assertion (A): The Balmer series in hydrogen atom spectrum is formed when the electron jumps from higher energy state to the ground state.
Reason (R): In Bohr's model of hydrogen atom, the electron can jump between successive orbits only.

  • (A) Both Assertion (A) and Reason (R) are true, and Reason (R) is the correct explanation of Assertion (A).
  • (B) Both Assertion (A) and Reason (R) are true, but Reason (R) is not the correct explanation of Assertion (A).
  • (C) Assertion (A) is true, but Reason (R) is false.
  • (D) Both Assertion (A) and Reason (R) are false.

Question 16:

Assertion (A): In Rutherford's alpha particle scattering experiment, the presence of only few alpha particles at angle of scattering \(\pi\) led him to the discovery of nucleus.

Reason (R): The size of nucleus is approximately \(10^{-4}\) times the size of an atom and therefore only few alpha particles are rebounded.

  • (A) Both Assertion (A) and Reason (R) are true and Reason (R) is the correct explanation of the Assertion (A).
  • (B) Both Assertion (A) and Reason (R) are true, but Reason (R) is not the correct explanation of the Assertion (A).
  • (C) Assertion (A) is true, but Reason (R) is false.
  • (D) Both Assertion (A) and Reason (R) are false.

Question 17:

The threshold frequency for a given metal is \( 3.6 \times 10^{14} \) Hz. If monochromatic radiations of frequency \( 6.8 \times 10^{14} \) Hz are incident on this metal, find the cut-off potential for the photoelectrons.


Question 18(a):

A point object is placed in air at a distance \(R/3\) in front of a convex surface of radius of curvature \(R\), separating air from a medium of refractive index \(n\;(\lt 4)\). Find the nature and position of the image formed.


Question 18(b) (OR):

In Young's double slit experimental set-up, the intensity of the central maximum is \(I_0\). Calculate the intensity at a point where the path difference between two interfering waves is \(\lambda/3\).


Question 19:

A voltmeter of resistance \(1000\;\Omega\) can measure up to \(25\;\text{V}\). How will you convert it so that it can read up to \(250\;\text{V}\)?


Question 20:

Mass Defect and Energy Released in the Fission of \( ^{235}_{92}\text{U} \) 
When a neutron collides with \( ^{235}_{92}\text{U} \), the nucleus gives \( ^{140}_{54}\text{Xe} \) and \( ^{94}_{38}\text{Sr} \) as fission products, and two neutrons are ejected. Calculate the mass defect and the energy released (in MeV) in the process.
Given:

  • Mass of \( ^{235}_{92}\text{U} \): \( m(^{235}_{92}\text{U}) = 235.04393 \, \text{u} \)
  • Mass of \( ^{140}_{54}\text{Xe} \): \( m(^{140}_{54}\text{Xe}) = 139.92164 \, \text{u} \)
  • Mass of \( ^{94}_{38}\text{Sr} \): \( m(^{94}_{38}\text{Sr}) = 93.91536 \, \text{u} \)
  • Mass of neutron \( ^{1}_0n \): \( m(^{1}_0n) = 1.00866 \, \text{u} \)
  • Conversion factor: \( 1 \, \text{u} = 931 \, \text{MeV}/c^2 \)


Question 21:

The resistance of a wire at 25°C is 10.0 \( \Omega \). When heated to 125°C, its resistance becomes 10.5 \( \Omega \). Find (i) the temperature coefficient of resistance of the wire, and (ii) the resistance of the wire at 425°C.


Question 22:

(a) Draw the energy-band diagrams for conductors, semiconductors and insulators at \(T = 0\;\text{K}\). How is an electron-hole pair formed in a semiconductor at room temperature?

(b) Carbon and silicon both, are members of IV group of periodic table and have the same lattice structure. Carbon is an insulator whereas silicon is a semiconductor. Explain.


Question 23:

A parallel plate capacitor has plate area \(A\) and plate separation \(d\). Half of the space between the plates is filled with a material of dielectric constant \(K\) in two ways as shown in the figure.

Find the values of the capacitance of the capacitors in the two cases.


Question 24:

In Young's double slit experiment, the separation between the two slits is \(1.0\;\text{mm}\) and the screen is \(1.0\;\text{m}\) away from the slits. A beam of light consisting of two wavelengths \(500\;\text{nm}\) and \(600\;\text{nm}\) is used to obtain interference fringes. Calculate:

(a) the distance between the first maxima for the two wavelengths.

(b) the least distance from the central maximum, where the bright fringes due to both the wavelengths coincide.


Question 25:

Differentiate between half-wave and full-wave rectification. With the help of a circuit diagram, explain the working of a full-wave rectifier.


Question 26:

An electron of mass \(m\) and charge \(-e\) is revolving anticlockwise around the nucleus of an atom.

(a) Obtain the expression for the magnetic dipole moment (\(\vec{\mu}\)) of the atom.

(b) If \(\vec{L}\) is the angular momentum of electron, show that \(\vec{\mu} = -\left(\dfrac{e}{2m}\right)\vec{L}\).


Question 27:

A rectangular glass slab \(ABCD\) (refractive index \(1.5\)) is surrounded by a transparent liquid (refractive index \(1.25\)) as shown in the figure. A ray of light is incident on face \(AB\) at an angle \(i\) such that it is refracted out grazing the face \(AD\). Find the value of angle \(i\).


Question 28(a):

Two small solid metal balls \(A\) and \(B\) of radii \(R\) and \(2R\) having charge densities \(2\sigma\) and \(3\sigma\) respectively are kept far apart. Find the charge densities on \(A\) and \(B\) after they are connected by a conducting wire.


Question 28(b) (OR):

Two infinitely long straight wires '1' and '2' are placed \(d\) distance apart, parallel to each other, as shown in the figure. They are uniformly charged having charge densities \(\lambda\) and \(-\dfrac{\lambda}{2}\) respectively. Locate the position of the point from wire '1' at which the net electric field is zero and identify the region in which it lies.


Comprehension:

Case Study: A galvanometer is an instrument used to show the direction and strength of the current passing through it. In a galvanometer, a coil placed in a magnetic field experiences a torque and hence gets deflected when a current passes through it. The name is derived from the surname of Italian scientist L. Galvani, who in 1791 discovered that electric current makes a dead frog's leg jerk. A spring attached with the coil provides a counter torque. In equilibrium, the deflecting torque is balanced by the restoring torque of the spring and we have: \(NBAI = k\phi\), where \(N\) is the total number

Read More of turns in the coil, \(A\) is the area of cross-section of each turn, \(B\) is the radial magnetic field, \(k\) is the torsional constant of the spring, \(\phi\) is the angular deflection of the coil. As the current (\(I_g\)) which produces full scale deflection in the galvanometer is very small, the galvanometer cannot as such be used to measure current in electric circuits. A small resistance, called shunt, of a suitable value is connected with the galvanometer to convert it into an ammeter of desired range. By using a higher resistance, a galvanometer can also be converted into a voltmeter.

Question 29(i):

(i) The value of the current sensitivity of a galvanometer is given by:

  • (A) \(\dfrac{k}{NBA}\)
  • (B) \(\dfrac{NBA}{k}\)
  • (C) \(\dfrac{kBA}{N}\)
  • (D) \(\dfrac{kNB}{A}\)

Question 29(ii):

(ii) A galvanometer of resistance \(6\;\Omega\) shows full scale deflection for a current of \(0.2\;\text{A}\). The value of shunt to be used with this galvanometer to convert it into an ammeter of range \((0 - 5\;\text{A})\) is:

  • (A) \(0.25\;\Omega\)
  • (B) \(0.30\;\Omega\)
  • (C) \(0.50\;\Omega\)
  • (D) \(6.0\;\Omega\)

Question 29(iii):

(iii) The value of resistance of the ammeter in case (ii) will be:

  • (A) \(0.20\;\Omega\)
  • (B) \(0.24\;\Omega\)
  • (C) \(6.0\;\Omega\)
  • (D) \(6.25\;\Omega\)

Question 29(iv):

A galvanometer of resistance \(G\) is converted into a voltmeter of range \((0 - V)\) by connecting a resistor of \(250\ \Omega\) with it. If resistor of \(250\ \Omega\) is replaced by another resistor of \(900\ \Omega\), its range becomes \((0 - 3\text{ V})\). The resistance \(G\) of the galvanometer is :

  • (A) \(150\ \Omega\)
  • (B) \(125\ \Omega\)
  • (C) \(100\ \Omega\)
  • (D) \(75\ \Omega\)

Comprehension:

Case Study: Einstein explained photoelectric effect on the basis of Planck's quantum theory, where light travels in the form of small bundles of energy called photons. The energy of each photon is \(h\nu\), where \(\nu\) is the frequency of incident light and \(h\) is Planck's constant. The number of photons in a beam of light determines

Read More the intensity of the incident light. A photon incident on a metal surface transfers its total energy \(h\nu\) to a free electron in the metal. A part of this energy is used in ejecting the electron from the metal and is called its work function. The rest of the energy is carried by the ejected electron as its kinetic energy.

Question 30(i):

Which of the following graphs shows the variation of photoelectric current \(I\) with the intensity of light?

  • (A)
  • (B)
  • (C)
  • (D)

Question 30(ii):

(ii) When the frequency of the incident light is increased without changing its intensity, the saturation current:

  • (A) increases linearly
  • (B) decreases
  • (C) increases non-linearly
  • (D) remains the same

Question 30(iii):

(iii) Which of the following graphs can be used to obtain the value of Planck's constant?

  • (A) Photocurrent versus Intensity of incident light
  • (B) Photocurrent versus Frequency of incident light
  • (C) Cut-off potential versus Frequency of incident light
  • (D) Cut-off potential versus Intensity of incident light

Question 30(iv):

Radiations of two frequencies are incident on a metal surface of work function 2.0 eV one by one. The energies of their photons are 2.5 eV and 4.5 eV respectively. Find the ratio of the maximum speed of the electrons emitted in the two cases.


Question 31(a):

(i) Three batteries \(E_1\), \(E_2\) and \(E_3\) of emfs and internal resistances \((4\;\text{V}, 2\;\Omega)\), \((2\;\text{V}, 4\;\Omega)\) and \((6\;\text{V}, 2\;\Omega)\) respectively are connected as shown in the figure. Find the values of the currents passing through batteries \(E_1\), \(E_2\) and \(E_3\).

(ii) The ends of six wires, each of resistance \(R\;(= 10\;\Omega)\) are joined as shown in the figure. The points \(A\) and \(B\) of the arrangement are connected in a circuit. Find the value of the effective resistance offered by it to the circuit.


Question 31(b) (OR):

(i) Current \(I\;(= 1\;\text{A})\) is passing through a copper rod (\(n = 8.5 \times 10^{28}\;\text{m}^{-3}\)) of varying cross-sections as shown in the figure. The areas of cross-section at points \(A\) and \(B\) along its length are \(1.0 \times 10^{-7}\;\text{m}^2\) and \(2.0 \times 10^{-7}\;\text{m}^2\) respectively. Calculate:

(I) the ratio of electric fields at points \(A\) and \(B\).

(II) the drift velocity of free electrons at point \(B\).

(ii) Two point charges \(q_1\;(= 16\;\mu\text{C})\) and \(q_2\;(= 1\;\mu\text{C})\) are placed at points \(\vec{r}_1 = (3\;\text{m})\hat{i}\) and \(\vec{r}_2 = (4\;\text{m})\hat{j}\). Find the net electric field \(\vec{E}\) at point \(\vec{r} = (3\;\text{m})\hat{i} + (4\;\text{m})\hat{j}\).


Question 32(a):

(i) Define self-inductance of a coil. Derive the expression for the energy required to build up a current \(I\) in a coil of self-inductance \(L\).

(ii) The currents passing through two inductors of self-inductances \(10\;\text{mH}\) and \(20\;\text{mH}\) increase with time at the same rate. Draw graphs showing the variation of:

(I) the magnitude of emf induced with the rate of change of current in each inductor.

(II) the energy stored in each inductor with the current flowing through it.


Question 32(b) (OR):

(i) Define the term mutual inductance. Deduce the expression for the mutual inductance of two long coaxial solenoids of the same length having different radii and different number of turns.

(ii) The current through an inductor is uniformly increased from zero to \(2\;\text{A}\) in \(40\;\text{s}\). An emf of \(5\;\text{mV}\) is induced during this period. Find the flux linked with the inductor at \(t = 10\;\text{s}\).


Question 33(a):

(i) Draw a ray diagram of a reflecting telescope (Cassegrain) and explain the formation of image. State two important advantages that a reflecting telescope has over a refracting telescope.

(ii) In a refracting telescope, the focal length of the objective is \(50\) times the focal length of the eyepiece. When the final image is formed at infinity, the length of the tube is \(102\;\text{cm}\). Find the focal lengths of the two lenses.


Question 33(b) (OR):

(i) Write any two advantages of a compound microscope over a simple microscope. Draw a ray diagram for the image formation at the near point by a compound microscope and explain it.

(ii) A thin planoconcave lens with its curved face of radius of curvature \(R\) is made of glass of refractive index \(n_1\). It is placed coaxially in contact with a thin equiconvex lens of same radius of curvature of refractive index \(n_2\). Obtain the power of the combination lens.

CBSE Class 12 Physics Question Paper Pattern 2025

The CBSE Class 12 Physics 2025 question paper is of 70 marks and has 33 questions in five sections, A to E, all compulsory, with internal choice in some questions of Sections B to E. The time allowed is 3 hours, with 15 minutes of extra reading time. The table below gives the section-wise paper pattern from the official CBSE question paper.

Section Questions Question Type Marks per Question Marks
A Q1 - Q16 Multiple choice questions 1 16
B Q17 - Q21 Very short answer questions 2 10
C Q22 - Q28 Short answer questions 3 21
D Q29 - Q30 Case study-based questions 4 8
E Q31 - Q33 Long answer questions 5 15
Total 33 questions 70

CBSE Class 12 Physics Unit-Wise Topics with Marks Distribution

Unit No. Unit Name Chapters Allotted Marks
Unit 1 Electrostatics Electric Charges and Fields 16
Electrostatic Potential and Capacitance
Unit 2 Current Electricity Current Electricity
Unit 3 Magnetic Effects of Current and Magnetism Moving Charges and Magnetism 17
Magnetism and Matter
Unit 4 Electromagnetic Induction and Alternating Current Electromagnetic Induction
Alternating Current
Unit 5 Electromagnetic Waves Electromagnetic Waves 18
Unit 6 Optics Ray Optics and Optical Instruments
Wave Optics
Unit 7 Dual Nature of Radiation and Matter Dual Nature of Radiation and Matter 12
Unit 8 Atoms and Nuclei Atoms
Nuclei
Unit 9 Electronic Devices Semiconductor Electronics: Materials, Devices, and Simple Circuits 07
Total 70