CBSE Class 12 Physics Set 3 - (55/6/3) 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 3 - (55/6/3) Question Paper 2025 with Solution PDF

CBSE Class 12 Physics 2025 Set 3 (55/6/3) Questions with Solutions

Question 1:

The ratio of potential difference across \(AB\) in the circuit shown for the case (i) when switch \(S\) is closed and (ii) when \(S\) is open is:

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

Question 2:

Two coherent waves, each of intensity \(I_0\), produce interference pattern on a screen. The average intensity of light on the screen is:

  • (A) zero
  • (B) \(I_0\)
  • (C) \(2I_0\)
  • (D) \(4I_0\)

Question 3:

A particle of mass \(m\) and charge \(q\) moving with velocity \(v\,\hat{i}\) is subjected to a uniform electric field \(E\,\hat{j}\). The particle will initially have a tendency to move in a circle of radius:

  • (A) \(\left(\dfrac{mv^2}{qE}\right)\) in x-y plane
  • (B) \(\dfrac{mv^2}{qE}\) in x-z plane
  • (C) \(\dfrac{mv^2}{qE}\) in x-y plane
  • (D) \(\left(\dfrac{mv^2}{qE}\right)\) in y-z plane

Question 4:

A vertically held bar magnet is dropped along the axis of a copper ring having a cut as shown in the diagram. The acceleration of the falling magnet is:

  • (A) zero
  • (B) less than g
  • (C) g
  • (D) greater than g

Question 5:

Inside a nucleus, the nuclear forces between proton and proton, proton and neutron, neutron and neutron are \(F_{pp}\), \(F_{pn}\) and \(F_{nn}\) respectively. Then:

  • (A) \(F_{pp} \gt F_{pn} \gt F_{nn}\)
  • (B) \(F_{pn} \gt F_{nn} \gt F_{pp}\)
  • (C) \(F_{nn} \gt F_{pp} \gt F_{pn}\)
  • (D) \(F_{pp} = F_{pn} = F_{nn}\)

Question 6:

An ac source is connected to a resistor and an inductor in series. The voltage across the resistor and inductor are \(8\,\text{V}\) and \(6\,\text{V}\) respectively. The voltage of the source is:

  • (A) \(10\,\text{V}\)
  • (B) \(12\,\text{V}\)
  • (C) \(14\,\text{V}\)
  • (D) \(16\,\text{V}\)

Question 7:

A proton and an \(\alpha\)-particle enter with the same velocity \(\vec{V}\) in a uniform magnetic field \(\vec{B}\) such that \(\vec{V} \perp \vec{B}\). The ratio of the radii of their paths is:

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

Question 8:

If \(R_s\) and \(R_p\) are the equivalent resistances of \(n\) resistors, each of value \(R\), in series and parallel combinations respectively, then the value of \((R_s - R_p)\) is:

  • (A) \(\dfrac{n^2 - 1}{n}\,R\)
  • (B) \(\dfrac{n}{n^2 - 1}\,R\)
  • (C) \(\left(\dfrac{n-1}{n}\right)^2 R\)
  • (D) \(\dfrac{(n+1)^2}{n^2}\,R\)

Question 9:

A piece of a diamagnetic material, free to move when placed in a uniform magnetic field:

  • (A) moves along the field
  • (B) moves opposite to the field
  • (C) moves perpendicular to the field
  • (D) does not move at all

Question 10:

The wavelength of a photon is equal to the wavelength associated with an electron. Both will have the same value of:

  • (A) energy
  • (B) angular momentum
  • (C) velocity
  • (D) linear momentum

Question 11:

A galvanometer can be converted into an ammeter of desired range by connecting a:

  • (A) small resistance in series
  • (B) large resistance in series
  • (C) small resistance in parallel
  • (D) large resistance in parallel

Question 12:

The momentum (in kg·m/s) of a photon of frequency \( 6.0 \times 10^{14} \) Hz is:

  • (A) \( 6.63 \times 10^{-25} \)
  • (B) \( 1.326 \times 10^{-27} \)
  • (C) \( 2.652 \times 10^{-26} \)
  • (D) \( 3.978 \times 10^{-24} \)

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): X-rays are produced when slow moving electrons are stopped by a metal target of high atomic number.
Reason (R): X-rays consist of low-energy photons.

  • (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 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): The binding energy per nucleon is practically constant for mass number in the range \( 30<A<170 \).
Reason (R): Nuclear forces between the nucleons for mass numbers in the range \( 30<A<170 \) are not short-range.

  • (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 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): In a reflecting telescope, the image does not have chromatic aberration.
Reason (R): Chromatic aberration occurs only due to refraction of light through an optical medium.

  • (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 16:

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): A hole is an apparent free particle with effective positive electronic charge.
Reason (R): A hole is not necessarily a vacancy left behind by an electron in the valence band.

  • (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:

In an \(n\)-type semiconductor electron-hole combination is a continuous process at room temperature. Yet the electron concentration is always greater than the hole concentration in it. Explain.


Question 18:

(a) What is the difference between 'velocity' and 'drift velocity' of electrons in a current-carrying conductor.

(b) A copper wire of uniform cross-sectional area carries a current of \(3{\cdot}4\,\text{A}\). The drift velocity of conduction electrons is \(0{\cdot}2\,\text{mm/s}\). If the number density of electrons in copper is \(8{\cdot}5 \times 10^{28}\,\text{m}^{-3}\), find the area of cross-section of the wire.


Question 19(a):

Find the intensity at a point on the screen in Young's double slit experiment, at which the interfering waves of intensity \(I_0\) each, have a path difference of (i) \(\dfrac{\lambda}{4}\) and (ii) \(\dfrac{\lambda}{3}\).


Question 19(b) (OR):

A point source of light in air is kept at a distance of \(12\,\text{cm}\) in front of a convex spherical surface of glass of refractive index \(1{\cdot}5\) and radius of curvature \(30\,\text{cm}\). Find the nature and position of the image formed.


Question 20:

An alpha particle and a deuterium ion are accelerated through the same potential difference. These are then directed towards a target nucleus to make head-on collision. It is observed that their distance of closest approach is the same. Justify it theoretically.


Question 21:

A tank is filled with a liquid of refractive index \(\sqrt{2}\), up to a height of \(30\,\text{cm}\). A tiny bulb is glowing at the bottom of the tank. Calculate the diameter of an opaque disc floating symmetrically on the liquid surface that can cut off completely the light from the bulb that comes out of the liquid surface.


Question 22:

Name the electromagnetic wave used (i) in radar, (ii) in eye surgery and (iii) as diagnostic tool in medicine. Write their wavelength range also.


Question 23:

(a) Differentiate between 'nuclear fission' and 'nuclear fusion'. Briefly discuss one example of each.

(b) Draw a graph of potential energy between a pair of nucleons as a function of their separation.


Question 24:

A rectangular loop carries a current of \(1\,\text{A}\). A straight long wire carrying \(2\,\text{A}\) current is kept near the loop in the same plane as shown in the figure.

Find:

(i) the torque acting on the loop, and

(ii) the magnitude and direction of the net force on the loop.


Question 25:

A concave mirror has a radius of curvature 20 cm. Calculate the distance of an object from the mirror so as to form an image of magnification -2. Also, find the location of the image.


Question 26:

State Kirchhoff's laws. Apply these laws to find the values of current flowing in the three branches of the given circuit.


Question 27:

In Bohr model of hydrogen atom, an electron is revolving in second orbit. Find the value of:

(i) angular momentum of electron,

(ii) radius of the orbit, and

(iii) kinetic energy of electron.

Take radius of first orbit of hydrogen atom as \(0{\cdot}5\,\text{Å}\).


Question 28(a):

State Lenz's law. A rod \(MN\) of length \(L\) is rotated about an axis passing through its end \(M\) perpendicular to its length, with a constant angular velocity \(\vec{\omega}\) in a uniform magnetic field \(\vec{B}\) parallel to the axis. Obtain an expression for emf induced between its ends.


Question 28(b) (OR):

Define 'self-inductance' of a coil. Derive an expression for self-inductance of a long solenoid of cross-sectional area \(A\) and length \(l\), having \(n\) turns per unit length.


Comprehension:

Case Study (Capacitors): A capacitor is a system of two conductors separated by an insulator. In practice, the two conductors have charges \(Q\) and \(-Q\) with potential difference \(V = V_1 - V_2\) between them. The ratio \(\dfrac{Q}{V}\) is a constant, denoted by \(C\) and is called the capacitance of the capacitor. It is independent of \(Q\) or \(V\). It depends only on the geometrical configuration (shape, size, separation) of the two conductors and the medium separating the conductors. When a parallel plate capacitor is charged, the electric field \(E_0\) is localised between the plates and is uniform

Read More throughout. When a slab of a dielectric is inserted between the charged plates (charge density \(\sigma\)), the dielectric is polarised by the field. Consequently opposite charges appear on the faces of the slab, near the plates, with surface charge density of magnitude \(\sigma_p\). For a linear dielectric \(\sigma_p\) is proportional to \(\vec{E}_0\). Introduction of a dielectric changes the electric field, and hence, the capacitance of a capacitor, and hence, the energy stored in the capacitor. Like resistors, capacitors can also be arranged in series or in parallel or in a combination of series and parallel.

Question 29(i):

(i) Consider a capacitor of capacitance \(C\), with plate area \(A\) and plate separation \(d\), filled with air [Fig. (a)]. The distance between the plates is increased to \(2d\) and one of the plates is shifted as shown in Fig. (b). The capacitance of the new system now is:

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

Question 29(ii):

A slab (area \(A\) and thickness \(d_1\)) of a linear dielectric of dielectric constant \(K\) is inserted between charged plates (charge density \(\sigma\)) of a parallel plate capacitor [plate area \(A\) and plate separation \(d\,(\gt d_1)\)] and opposite charges with charge density of magnitude \(\sigma_p\) appear on the faces of the slab. The dielectric constant \(K\) is given by:

  • (A) \(\dfrac{\sigma - \sigma_p}{\sigma}\)
  • (B) \(\dfrac{\sigma}{\sigma - \sigma_p}\)
  • (C) \(\dfrac{\sigma + \sigma_p}{\sigma_p}\)
  • (D) \(\dfrac{\sigma}{\sigma_p}\)

Question 29(iii):

An electric field \( E \) is established between the plates of an air-filled parallel plate capacitor, with charges \( Q \) and \( -Q \). \( V \) is the volume of the space enclosed between the plates. The energy stored in the capacitor is:

  • (A) \( \frac{1}{2} \epsilon_0 E^2 \)
  • (B) \( \epsilon_0 Q^2 E \)
  • (C) \( \frac{1}{2} \epsilon_0 E^2 V \)
  • (D) \( \epsilon_0 E Q V \)

Question 29(iv):

(iv) (a) Three capacitors \(A\), \(B\) and \(M\), each of capacitance \(C\) are connected to a capacitor \(N\) of capacitance \(2C\) and a battery as shown in the figure. If the charges on \(A\) and \(N\) are \(Q\) and \(Q'\) respectively, then \(\dfrac{Q'}{Q}\) is:

OR

(b) A slab (area \(A\) and thickness \(\dfrac{d}{2}\)) of dielectric constant \(K\) is inserted in a parallel plate capacitor of plate area \(A\) and plate separation \(d\). If \(C\) and \(C_0\) are the capacitances of the capacitors with and without the dielectric, then \(\dfrac{C}{C_0}\) is:

  • (A) (a) \(\dfrac{1}{6}\)  |  (b) \(\dfrac{K+1}{2K}\)
  • (B) (a) \(\dfrac{1}{3}\)  |  (b) \(\dfrac{2K}{K+1}\)
  • (C) (a) \(3\)  |  (b) \(\dfrac{K}{K-1}\)
  • (D) (a) \(6\)  |  (b) \(\dfrac{K-1}{K}\)

Comprehension:

Case Study (Extrinsic Semiconductors): Extrinsic semiconductors are made by doping pure or intrinsic semiconductors with suitable impurity. There are two type of dopants used in doping, Si or Ge, and using them p-type and n-type semiconductors can be obtained. A p-n junction is the basic building block of many semiconductor devices. Two important processes occur during the formation of a p-n junction: diffusion and drift. When such a junction

Read More is formed, a 'depletion layer' is created consisting of immobile ion-cores. This is responsible for a junction potential barrier. The width of a depletion layer and the height of potential barrier changes when a junction is forward-biased or reverse-biased. A semiconductor diode is basically a p-n junction with metallic contacts provided at the ends for application of an external voltage. Using diodes, alternating voltages can be rectified.

Question 30(i):

(i) Which of the following is a donor impurity atom for Ge?

  • (A) Boron
  • (B) Antimony
  • (C) Aluminium
  • (D) Indium

Question 30(ii):

When a pentavalent atom occupies the position of an atom in the crystal lattice of Si, four of its electrons form covalent bonds with four silicon neighbours, while the fifth remains bound to the parent atom. The energy required to set this electron free is about:

  • (A) 0.5 eV
  • (B) 0.1 eV
  • (C) 0.05 eV
  • (D) 0.01 eV

Question 30(iii):

During formation of a p-n junction:

  • (A) a layer of negative charge on n-side and a layer of positive charge on p-side appear.
  • (B) a layer of positive charge on n-side and a layer of negative charge on p-side appear.
  • (C) the electrons on p-side of the junction move to n-side initially.
  • (D) initially diffusion current is small and drift current is large.

Question 30(iv):

(iv) (a) In reverse-biased p-n junction:

(A) the drift current is of the order of few mA.

(B) the applied voltage mostly drops across the depletion region.

(C) the depletion region width decreases.

(D) the current increases with increase in applied voltage.

OR

(b) The output frequency of a full-wave rectifier with \(50\,\text{Hz}\) as input frequency is:

  • (A) (a) the drift current is of the order of few mA.  |  (b) \(25\,\text{Hz}\)
  • (B) (a) the applied voltage mostly drops across the depletion region.  |  (b) \(50\,\text{Hz}\)
  • (C) (a) the depletion region width decreases.  |  (b) \(100\,\text{Hz}\)
  • (D) (a) the current increases with increase in applied voltage.  |  (b) \(200\,\text{Hz}\)

Question 31(a):

(i) The electric field in a region is given by \(\vec{E} = 40x\,\hat{i}\,\text{N/C}\). Find the amount of work done in taking a unit positive charge from a point \((0, 3\,\text{m})\) to the point \((5\,\text{m}, 0)\).

(ii) A charge \(Q\) is distributed over two concentric hollow spheres of radii \(r\) and \(R\,(\gt r)\) such that their surface charge densities are equal. Find:

(I) the electric field, and

(II) the potential

at their common centre.


Question 31(b) (OR):

(i) Obtain an expression for the electric field \(\vec{E}\) due to a dipole of dipole moment \(\vec{p}\) at a point on its equatorial plane and specify its direction. Hence, find the value of electric field:

(I) at the centre of the dipole \((r = 0)\), and

(II) at a point \(r \gg a\),

where \(2a\) is the length of the dipole.

(ii) An electric field \(\vec{E} = (10x + 5)\,\hat{i}\,\text{N/C}\) exists in a region in which a cube of side \(L\) is kept as shown in the figure. Here \(x\) and \(L\) are in metres. Calculate the net flux through the cube.


Question 32(a):

(i) Write the principle of working of an ac generator. Draw its labelled diagram and explain its working.

(ii) A resistor of \(400\,\Omega\), an inductor of \(\left(\dfrac{2}{\pi}\right)\text{H}\) and a capacitor of \(\left(\dfrac{50}{\pi}\right)\,\mu\text{F}\) are joined in series across an ac source \(v = 140\sin(100\pi)t\,\text{V}\). Find the rms voltages across these three circuit elements. The algebraic sum of these voltages is more than the rms voltage of source. Explain.


Question 32(b) (OR):

(i) Write the principle of working of a transformer. With the help of a labelled diagram, explain the working of a step-up transformer.

(ii) An ideal transformer is designed to convert \(50\,\text{V}\) into \(250\,\text{V}\). It draws \(200\,\text{W}\) power from an ac source whose instantaneous voltage is given by \(v_i = 20\sin(100\pi)t\,\text{V}\).

Find:

(I) rms value of input current.

(II) expression for instantaneous output voltage.

(III) expression for instantaneous output current.


Question 33(a):

In a compound microscope, an object is placed at a distance of 1.5 cm from the objective of focal length 1.25 cm. The eyepiece has a focal length of 5 cm. The final image is formed at infinity. Calculate the distance between the objective and the eyepiece.


Question 33(b) (OR):

Using Huygens’ principle, explain the refraction of a plane wavefront, propagating in air, at a plane interface between air and glass. Hence verify Snell’s law.

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