Grade 11
  1. Mechanics  1.1. dynamics  1.1.1. Motion in one dimension  1.1.2. Motion in two and three dimensions  1.1.3. Displacement and Distance  1.1.4. Speed and Velocity  1.1.5. Acceleration and deceleration  1.1.6. Graphical analysis of motion  1.1.7. Equations of motion (advanced derivations)  1.1.8. Free fall and terminal velocity  1.1.9. Projectile motion  1.1.10. Relative velocity in one and two dimensions  1.1.11. Motion of a car on an inclined plane  1.2. Dynamics  1.2.1. Newton's laws of motion and their applications  1.2.2. Inertia and Newton's first law  1.2.3. Force and types of force  1.2.4. Static and kinetic friction  1.2.5. Circular motion and centripetal acceleration  1.2.6. Non-uniform circular motion  1.2.7. Banking of roads and curves  1.2.8. Momentum and Impulse  1.2.9. Conservation of momentum in one and two dimensions  1.2.10. Applications of Newton's Third Law  1.3. Work, Energy and Power  1.3.1. Work done by a constant and variable force  1.3.2. Work–energy theorem  1.3.3. Kinetic and potential energy  1.3.4. Gravitational and elastic potential energy  1.3.5. Conservation of mechanical energy  1.3.6. Power and instantaneous power  1.3.7. Efficiency of machines  1.3.8. Work done by conservative and non-conservative forces  1.4. Rotational motion  1.4.1. Torque and angular acceleration  1.4.2. Rotational equilibrium  1.4.3. Moment of inertia and its applications  1.4.4. Angular momentum and its conservation  1.4.5. Kinetic energy of rolling motion and rotation  1.4.6. Parallel and Perpendicular Axis Theorem  1.4.7. Dynamics of rotational motion
  2. Gravitational force  2.1. Universal gravitation  2.1.1. Newton's law of universal gravitation  2.1.2. Gravitational field and potential  2.1.3. Change in acceleration due to gravity  2.1.4. Kepler's laws of planetary motion  2.1.5. Orbital mechanics and satellites  2.1.6. Escape velocity and orbital velocity  2.1.7. Weightlessness and free fall  2.1.8. Gravitational potential energy and energy in orbits  2.1.9. Black holes and gravitational lensing
  3. Properties of matter  3.1. Fluid mechanics  3.1.1. Density and pressure in liquids  3.1.2. Pascal's theory and applications  3.1.3. Archimedes' Principle and Buoyancy  3.1.4. Bernoulli's equation and applications  3.1.5. Continuity equation and the Venturi effect  3.1.6. Surface tension and capillarity  3.1.7. Viscosity and Poiseuille's Law  3.1.8. Reynolds number and turbulence  3.2. Elasticity and deformation  3.2.1. Hooke's law and the stress-strain relation  3.2.2. Elastic modulus and applications  3.2.3. Deformation and yield strength of solids
  4. Thermal physics  4.1. Heat and temperature  4.1.1. Thermometric properties and temperature scale  4.1.2. Thermal expansion of solids, liquids and gases  4.1.3. Heat transfer system  4.1.4. Specific heat capacity and calorimetry  4.1.5. Latent heat and phase change  4.2. Kinetic theory of gases  4.2.1. Molecular model of gases  4.2.2. Kinetic explanation of temperature  4.2.3. Ideal Gas Equation and Deviations  4.2.4. Mean free path and Maxwell–Boltzmann distribution  4.3. Laws of Thermodynamics  4.3.1. Zeroth Law and Thermal Equilibrium  4.3.2. First Law and Internal Energy  4.3.3. The Second Law and Entropy  4.3.4. Carnot cycle and heat engines  4.3.5. Refrigerators and heat pumps
  5. Waves and oscillations  5.1. Simple Harmonic Motion  5.1.1. Equations of SHM  5.1.2. Energy in SHM  5.1.3. Damped and forced oscillations  5.1.4. Resonance and applications  5.1.5. Pendulum and spring-mass system  5.2. Wave motion  5.2.1. Types of mechanical waves  5.2.2. Wave motion and energy transport  5.2.3. Superposition Principle and Standing Waves  5.2.4. Reflection, Refraction and Diffraction  5.2.5. Doppler effect in sound and light  5.2.6. Pulsations and interference
  6. Electricity and Magnetism  6.1. Electrostatics  6.1.1. Electric charge and conservation  6.1.2. Coulomb's law and its applications  6.1.3. Electric field and electric flux  6.1.4. Electric potential and potential energy  6.1.5. Capacitance and Energy Stored in a Capacitor  6.2. Current Electricity  6.2.1. Ohm's law and electrical resistance  6.2.2. Resistivity and temperature dependence  6.2.3. Kirchhoff's Laws and Circuit Analysis  6.2.4. Electrical power and efficiency  6.2.5. Combination of resistors  6.3. Magnetism and Electromagnetism  6.3.1. Magnetic fields and their sources  6.3.2. Magnetic force on moving charges  6.3.3. Electromagnetic induction  6.3.4. Faraday's and Lenz's laws  6.3.5. Inductance and Transformer  6.3.6. Alternating current and its applications
  7. Optics  7.1. Reflection and Refraction  7.1.1. laws of reflection and refraction  7.1.2. Mirrors and lenses  7.1.3. Total internal reflection and optical fiber  7.2. Wave optics  7.2.1. Interference and Diffraction  7.2.2. Young's double-slit experiment  7.2.3. Polarization of light
  8. Modern Physics  8.1.1. Photoelectric effect and Einstein's theory  8.1.2. Wave–particle duality  8.1.3. Heisenberg's uncertainty principle  8.1.4. Compton Effect  8.2. Atomic and Nuclear Physics  8.2.1. Atomic model and energy levels  8.2.2. Radioactive decay and half-life  8.2.3. Nuclear Fission and Fusion
  9. Electronics and Communication  9.1. Semiconductors  9.1.1. pn junction and diode  9.1.2. Transistors and Logic Gates  9.1.3. Integrated Circuits and Applications  9.2. Communication Systems  9.2.1. Basics of Analog and Digital Communication  9.2.2. Wireless and Optical Communication  9.2.3. Modulation and Demodulation

Grade 11 ↓


Modern Physics


Modern Physics is a fascinating and essential part of the Physics course, especially for Class 11 students. It introduces concepts that expand our understanding of the universe beyond classical ideas. This includes quantum mechanics, relativity, atomic structure, and particle physics. Let's dive into these concepts and gain a deeper understanding.

1. Quantum mechanics

Quantum mechanics is the branch of physics that deals with the behavior of very small particles such as atoms and subatomic particles. Unlike classical physics, where objects have a definite position and momentum, quantum mechanics tells us that these particles behave in probabilistic ways.

Wave–particle duality

A key concept in quantum mechanics is wave-particle duality. This theory states that each particle or quantum entity exhibits both wave and particle properties. For example, light sometimes behaves like a wave and sometimes like a particle.

Imagine light passing through two slits and creating an interference pattern on the screen. This shows the wave nature. Yet, when observed, it shows discrete particle-like effects.

Heisenberg's uncertainty principle

The uncertainty principle, proposed by Werner Heisenberg, is another fundamental aspect of quantum mechanics. It states that it is impossible to simultaneously know the exact position and momentum of a particle.

Δx * Δp ≥ ħ/2

Here, Δx is the uncertainty in position, Δp is the uncertainty in momentum, and ħ (h-bar) is the reduced Planck constant. This principle limits our knowledge and accuracy when measuring quantum systems.

2. The theory of relativity

Albert Einstein's theory of relativity brought about significant changes in our understanding of space and time. It consists of two parts: special relativity and general relativity.

Special relativity

The special theory of relativity deals with objects moving at a constant speed, especially close to the speed of light. It presents two primary ideas: the speed of light is constant in all inertial frames, and the laws of physics are the same for all observers.

One of the famous results of the special theory of relativity is the equation:

E = mc^2

This equation shows that mass and energy can be used interchangeably. As a result, as an object's speed approaches the speed of light, its mass effectively increases, making it impossible for it to reach or exceed the speed of light.

General relativity

General relativity extends the principles of special relativity to include acceleration and gravity as well. In general relativity, gravity is viewed not as a force but as a curvature of spacetime due to mass and energy.

Imagine you place a heavy ball on a trampoline. Its weight makes the trampoline rotate around it. Similarly, massive objects like stars and planets rotate the spacetime around them, which we observe as gravity.

3. Atomic structure

The structure of the atom is central to modern physics. An atom consists of a nucleus made up of protons and neutrons, surrounded by electrons.

Bohr's atomic model

Niels Bohr proposed a model of the atom in which electrons orbit the nucleus in specific paths or "shells." This model helped explain the atomic spectrum of hydrogen and played a fundamental role in the development of quantum mechanics.

E_n = -13.6 eV/n^2

This formula helps to determine the energy levels of electrons in the hydrogen atom, where n is the principal quantum number.

Quantum model of the atom

The modern quantum model replaces the idea of fixed paths with orbital clouds where electrons are likely to be found. Electrons do not have fixed positions; instead, we describe their locations in terms of probabilities.

4. Particle physics

Particle physics is the branch of physics that studies the fundamental constituents of matter and the forces between them.

Standard Model

The Standard Model is the theory that describes three of the four known fundamental forces (electromagnetism, the weak, and the strong forces, but not gravity).

Electron Quarks

It includes particles such as quarks, leptons, and bosons. Quarks combine to form protons and neutrons, while leptons include electrons and neutrinos. Bosons are force-carrying particles, the most famous of which is the photon, which mediates the electromagnetic force.

Understanding particle physics helps us gain a deeper understanding of the forces and particles that make up the universe.

5. Applications of modern physics

Modern physics has numerous applications in today's world, impacting technology, medicine, and more.

Technology

Semiconductor technology, which relies on the principles of quantum mechanics, fuels the electronics in our computers and smartphones.

Medicine

Techniques such as MRI and CT scanning are based on principles of both electromagnetism and nuclear physics, and demonstrate the connection between theory and everyday applications.

Astrophysics

The study of stars, galaxies, and the universe incorporates aspects of both relativity and quantum physics to understand the origin and structure of the universe.

Conclusion

Modern physics revolutionizes our understanding of the physical universe. By exploring the very small, the very fast, and the very large, we grasp concepts that challenge everyday experience but are essential to a complete picture of reality. Continued progress holds the possibility of learning even more about the universe and developing technologies that use these aspects for the betterment of humanity.


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Modern Physics

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