CBSE Class XII Physics
Complete Syllabus 2025-26 | Subject Code: 042
Course Overview
Theory Paper
70
Marks
Practical Work
30
Marks
Duration
3
Hours
Theory Units
9
Units
Total Chapters
14
Chapters
Marks Distribution
| Unit | Unit Name | Chapters | Theory Marks | Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| I | Electrostatics | 2 | 16 | 22.9% |
| II | Current Electricity | 1 | ||
| III | Magnetic Effects of Current and Magnetism | 2 | 17 | 24.3% |
| IV | Electromagnetic Induction and Alternating Currents | 2 | ||
| V | Electromagnetic Waves | 1 | 18 | 25.7% |
| VI | Optics | 2 | ||
| VII | Dual Nature of Radiation and Matter | 1 | 12 | 17.1% |
| VIII | Atoms and Nuclei | 2 | ||
| IX | Electronic Devices | 1 | 7 | 10% |
| Total Theory | 70 | 100% | ||
Marks are distributed across grouped units as per CBSE examination pattern
Theory Units - Detailed Breakdown
Unit I: ElectrostaticsPart of 16 marks2 Chapters
- Chapter 1: Electric Charges and Fields
- Electric charges and conservation of charge
- Coulomb's law - force between point charges
- Superposition principle and continuous charge distribution
- Electric field and electric field lines
- Electric dipole and field due to dipole
- Torque on dipole in uniform electric field
- Electric flux and Gauss's theorem
- Applications: infinite wire, plane sheet, spherical shell
- Chapter 2: Electrostatic Potential and Capacitance
- Electric potential and potential difference
- Potential due to point charge, dipole, system of charges
- Equipotential surfaces and electrical potential energy
- Conductors, insulators, free and bound charges
- Dielectrics and electric polarization
- Capacitors: series, parallel combinations
- Parallel plate capacitor with/without dielectric
- Energy stored in capacitor
Unit II: Current ElectricityPart of 16 marks1 Chapter
- Chapter 3: Current Electricity
- Electric current and flow of charges in conductors
- Drift velocity, mobility and relation with current
- Ohm's law and V-I characteristics
- Linear and non-linear characteristics
- Electrical energy and power
- Electrical resistivity and conductivity
- Temperature dependence of resistance
- Internal resistance of cell
- Potential difference and EMF of cell
- Combination of cells in series and parallel
- Kirchhoff's rules and applications
- Wheatstone bridge
Unit III: Magnetic Effects of Current and MagnetismPart of 17 marks2 Chapters
- Chapter 4: Moving Charges and Magnetism
- Concept of magnetic field, Oersted's experiment
- Biot-Savart law and application to circular loop
- Ampere's law and applications
- Straight solenoid (qualitative treatment)
- Force on moving charge in magnetic and electric fields
- Force on current-carrying conductor
- Force between parallel current-carrying conductors
- Torque on current loop in magnetic field
- Current loop as magnetic dipole
- Moving coil galvanometer and conversions
- Chapter 5: Magnetism and Matter
- Bar magnet as equivalent solenoid
- Magnetic field due to magnetic dipole
- Torque on magnetic dipole in uniform field
- Magnetic field lines
- Para-, dia-, and ferro-magnetic substances
- Magnetization of materials
- Effect of temperature on magnetic properties
Unit IV: Electromagnetic Induction and Alternating CurrentsPart of 17 marks2 Chapters
- Chapter 6: Electromagnetic Induction
- Electromagnetic induction
- Faraday's laws of electromagnetic induction
- Induced EMF and current
- Lenz's law
- Self and mutual induction
- Chapter 7: Alternating Current
- Alternating currents
- Peak and RMS value of AC voltage/current
- Reactance and impedance
- LCR series circuit (phasors only)
- Resonance in AC circuits
- Power in AC circuits and power factor
- Wattless current
- AC generator and transformer
Unit V: Electromagnetic WavesPart of 18 marks1 Chapter
- Chapter 8: Electromagnetic Waves
- Basic idea of displacement current
- Electromagnetic waves and their characteristics
- Transverse nature of electromagnetic waves
- Electromagnetic spectrum
- Radio waves and their applications
- Microwaves and their uses
- Infrared radiation
- Visible light spectrum
- Ultraviolet radiation
- X-rays and gamma rays
- Elementary facts about uses of EM waves
Unit VI: OpticsPart of 18 marks2 Chapters
- Chapter 9: Ray Optics and Optical Instruments
- Reflection of light and spherical mirrors
- Mirror formula and magnification
- Refraction of light
- Total internal reflection and optical fibers
- Refraction at spherical surfaces
- Lenses and thin lens formula
- Lens maker's formula
- Power of lens and combination of lenses
- Refraction through prism
- Optical instruments: microscopes and telescopes
- Chapter 10: Wave Optics
- Wave front and Huygen's principle
- Reflection and refraction using wave fronts
- Proof of laws using Huygen's principle
- Interference and Young's double slit experiment
- Expression for fringe width
- Coherent sources and sustained interference
- Diffraction due to single slit
- Width of central maxima
Unit VII: Dual Nature of Radiation and MatterPart of 12 marks1 Chapter
- Chapter 11: Dual Nature of Radiation and Matter
- Dual nature of radiation
- Photoelectric effect
- Hertz and Lenard's observations
- Einstein's photoelectric equation
- Particle nature of light
- Experimental study of photoelectric effect
- Matter waves and wave nature of particles
- de-Broglie relation
- Wave-particle duality
Unit VIII: Atoms and NucleiPart of 12 marks2 Chapters
- Chapter 12: Atoms
- Alpha-particle scattering experiment
- Rutherford's model of atom
- Bohr model of hydrogen atom
- Expression for radius of nth orbit
- Velocity and energy of electron in nth orbit
- Hydrogen line spectra (qualitative treatment)
- Chapter 13: Nuclei
- Composition and size of nucleus
- Nuclear force
- Mass-energy relation
- Mass defect and binding energy
- Binding energy per nucleon vs mass number
- Nuclear fission and fusion
- Radioactivity and decay laws
Unit IX: Electronic Devices7 marks1 Chapter
- Chapter 14: Semiconductor Electronics
- Energy bands in conductors, semiconductors, insulators
- Intrinsic and extrinsic semiconductors
- p-type and n-type semiconductors
- p-n junction formation
- Semiconductor diode
- I-V characteristics in forward and reverse bias
- Applications of junction diode
- Diode as rectifier
- Half-wave and full-wave rectification
Practical Assessment (30 Marks)
Practical Work Distribution
- Two Experiments: 14 marks (7+7) - One from each section
- Practical Record: 5 marks - Documentation of experiments and activities
- One Activity: 3 marks - From any section A or B
- Investigatory Project: 3 marks - Research-based physics investigation
- Viva Voce: 5 marks - Oral examination on experiments and project
Assessment Pattern & Guidelines
Question Paper Design
Total Theory Marks: 70 | Duration: 3 Hours | Subject Code: 042
Learning Objectives
- Understand fundamental concepts of electrostatics and electric fields
- Analyze current electricity and circuit behavior using Kirchhoff's laws
- Explore magnetic effects of current and electromagnetic phenomena
- Master electromagnetic induction and alternating current principles
- Study electromagnetic waves and their applications across the spectrum
- Apply ray optics principles to mirrors, lenses, and optical instruments
- Understand wave optics including interference and diffraction
- Explore dual nature of radiation and matter through photoelectric effect
- Study atomic structure and hydrogen spectrum using quantum theory
- Understand nuclear physics including binding energy and nuclear reactions
- Learn semiconductor physics and electronic device applications
- Develop practical skills in experimental physics and measurements
Success Tips & Preparation Strategy
Study Strategy
- Master mathematical foundations: calculus, vectors, and differential equations
- Practice numerical problems regularly from each unit
- Understand derivations step-by-step rather than memorizing formulas
- Connect theoretical concepts with practical experiments and observations
- Use diagrams and graphs to visualize complex physics phenomena
- Solve previous year question papers to understand exam patterns
- Focus on understanding the physical significance of mathematical expressions
- Practice circuit analysis problems extensively for electricity units
- Master optics problems involving ray tracing and wave interference
- Understand modern physics concepts through historical context
- Maintain detailed practical record with proper observations and conclusions
- Practice viva questions covering theoretical concepts and practical applications
Important Guidelines
Key Points to Remember
- Focus on conceptual clarity before attempting numerical problems
- Practice mathematical derivations to understand underlying physics
- Maintain systematic practical record throughout the academic year
- Connect classroom learning with real-world technological applications
- Develop strong problem-solving skills through regular practice
- Understand the historical development of physics concepts
- Use multiple learning resources: textbooks, videos, simulations
- Form study groups to discuss complex concepts and problems
- Stay updated with recent developments in physics and technology
- Practice time management during examinations
- Review and revise regularly rather than last-minute cramming
- Seek clarification from teachers for difficult concepts