CBSE Class 12 Physics Set 1 - (55/4/1) Question Paper 2026 is available for download here. CBSE conducted Class 12 Physics exam on February 20, 2026 from 10:30 AM to 1:30 PM. The Physics theory paper is of 70 marks, and the internal assessment is of 30 marks.

The Physics question paper includes the following types of questions:

  • MCQs: 1 mark each
  • Short-answer type questions: 2 & 3 marks each
  • Case-study based questions: 4 marks each
  • Long-answer type questions: 5 marks each
  • Total: 70 marks

CBSE Class 12 Physics Set 1 - (55/4/1) Question Paper 2026 with Solution PDF

CBSE Class 12 Physics 2026 Set 1 (55/4/1) Questions with Solutions

Question 1:

Two wires of same length and same area of cross-section but made of different materials of resistivities \( \rho_1 \) and \( \rho_2 \) are connected in series. The equivalent resistivity of the combination is :

  • (A) \(\dfrac{1}{2}(\rho_1+\rho_2)\)
  • (B) \(\rho_1+\rho_2\)
  • (C) \(\sqrt{\rho_1 \rho_2}\)
  • (D) \(2(\rho_1+\rho_2)\)

Question 2:

Two particles of masses $m_1$ and $m_2$ having charges $q_1$ and $q_2$ respectively are projected with the same velocity in a region of uniform magnetic field $\vec{B}$ pointing vertically upward. If they describe circular paths as shown in the figure, one may conclude that :

  • (A) $\frac{m_1}{m_2} > \frac{q_1}{q_2}$
  • (B) $\frac{m_1}{m_2} > \frac{q_2}{q_1}$
  • (C) $\frac{m_1}{m_2} < \frac{q_1}{q_2}$
  • (D) $\frac{m_1}{m_2} < \frac{q_2}{q_1}$

Question 3:

An electron moves around the nucleus in a circular orbit of radius \(r\) and makes \(n\) revolutions per second. The value of equivalent current in the orbit is :

  • (A) \(\dfrac{e}{n}\)
  • (B) \(ne\)
  • (C) \(\dfrac{ne}{r}\)
  • (D) \(\dfrac{e}{nr}\)

Question 4:

The dimensions of the rate of change of magnetic flux are :

  • (A) \([M\,L\,T^{-3}\,A]\)
  • (B) \([M\,L^{2}\,T^{-3}\,A^{-1}]\)
  • (C) \([M\,L^{2}\,T^{-2}\,A^{-1}]\)
  • (D) \([M\,L^{2}\,T^{-3}\,A^{-2}]\)

Question 5:

Two identical conductors 1 and 2 are placed on two frictionless conducting rails R and S in a uniform magnetic field directed vertically downward into the plane of the page. If conductor 1 is moved with a constant velocity in the direction as shown in figure, the force on conductor 2 will be along :

  • (A) \( -\hat{i} \)
  • (B) \( - \hat{j} \)
  • (C) \( \hat{k} \)
  • (D) \( \hat{j} \)

Question 6:

An ac voltage is given as $v = 14 \sin (314t)\text{ V}$. The average and the effective value of the voltage (in V) over a cycle are respectively :

  • (A) $14$ and $7$
  • (B) $10$ and $14$
  • (C) $0$ and $10$
  • (D) $10$ and $0$

Question 7:

The ratio of amplitude of electric field to the amplitude of the magnetic field associated with an electromagnetic wave propagating in glass ($n = 1.5$) is :

  • (A) $3 \times 10^8\text{ ms}^{-1}$
  • (B) $2 \times 10^8\text{ ms}^{-1}$
  • (C) $3.3 \times 10^{-9}\text{ ms}^{-1}$
  • (D) $5 \times 10^{-9}\text{ ms}^{-1}$

Question 8:

While studying photoelectric emission from a given surface, the wavelength of the incident radiation is changed from \(600\,\text{nm}\) to \(400\,\text{nm}\), keeping the intensity of radiation the same. Then :

  • (A) cut-off potential will decrease.
  • (B) cut-off potential will increase.
  • (C) saturation current will decrease.
  • (D) saturation current will increase.

Question 9:

Radiation of wavelength 331 nm irradiates the following metals:

MetalWork Function (eV)
Na1.92
K2.15
Ca3.20
Mo4.17

Which of the following statements is correct?

  • (A) Only Na and K show photoelectric emission.
  • (B) Only Mo will not show photoelectric emission.
  • (C) All of the given metals show photoelectric emission.
  • (D) None of them show photoelectric emission.

Question 10:

The kinetic energy of a charged particle is increased to four times of its initial value. The de Broglie wavelength associated with the particle will :

  • (A) increase by $100\%$ of its initial value.
  • (B) increase by $50\%$ of its initial value.
  • (C) decrease by $25\%$ of its initial value.
  • (D) decrease by $50\%$ of its initial value.

Question 11:

Paschen series in spectrum of hydrogen atom lies in :

  • (A) infrared region
  • (B) ultraviolet region
  • (C) visible region
  • (D) partly in ultraviolet region and partly in visible region

Question 12:

In a reversed-biased p-n junction diode, the applied voltage mostly drops across :

  • (A) p-region only
  • (B) n-region only
  • (C) depletion region
  • (D) the diode

Question 13:

Assertion (A) : The work done, in taking a unit charge around a closed loop of an electric circuit involving cells and resistors in the loop, is zero.
Reason (R) : The potential at a point depends on the location of the point in the loop. After completing one round, the charge comes back to the point of start.

  • (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:

Assertion (A) : When a ferromagnetic substance is heated to high temperature it becomes paramagnetic in nature.
Reason (R) : The disappearance of magnetisation of a ferromagnet is abrupt and not gradual.

  • (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:

Assertion (A) : When a convex lens made of glass is immersed in water, its converging power increases.
Reason (R) : The focal length of a lens depends only on the radii of curvature of its two faces.

  • (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:

Assertion (A) : The conductivity of an n-type semiconductor is higher than that of a p-type semiconductor at a given temperature.
Reason (R) : The electrons being in the conduction band in n-type semiconductor are more mobile than the holes in the valence band in p-type semiconductor.

  • (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:

An electric dipole consists of two point charges $+1\ \mu\text{C}$ and $-1\ \mu\text{C}$, held $10\text{ cm}$ apart. It is subjected to a uniform electric field of $100\text{ N/C}$. Calculate the amount of work done in turning the dipole from its position of stable equilibrium to the position of unstable equilibrium, in the field.


Question 18:

State Huygens principle. How did Huygens justify the absence of the backwave on a spherical wavefront ?


Question 19:

In a single-slit diffraction experiment, light of wavelength $\lambda$ illuminates the slit of width 'a'. The diffraction pattern is observed on a screen kept at a distance $D$ from the slits.

(i) Depict variation of intensity in the fringe pattern with the angular position of the fringes.

(ii) How is the linear width of central maximum affected when separation between the slit and the screen is decreased ?


Question 20:

A small bulb is placed at the bottom of a tank, containing a transparent liquid of refractive index \(\sqrt{2}\), to a depth of \(1\,\text{m}\). Calculate the area of the surface of the liquid through which light from the bulb emerges.


Question 21:

Draw the graph showing the variation of number of scattered alpha particles \((N)\) detected with scattering angle \((\theta)\) in Geiger-Marsden experiment. Infer two conclusions from the graph.


Question 22:

The hole concentration in an intrinsic semiconductor is $5 \times 10^8\text{ m}^{-3}$. When it is doped with certain impurity, the electron concentration becomes $4 \times 10^{12}\text{ m}^{-3}$. Find the new value of the hole concentration. Also identify the type of new semiconductor formed after doping.


Question 23:

State Kirchhoff's rules. Using these rules, find the current flowing through branch FC in the given circuit.


Question 24:

The figure given below shows three straight long parallel conductors 1, 2 and 3 kept in x-y plane, carrying currents 2I, I and 3I respectively as shown in figure. Find the magnitude and direction of :
(i) net magnetic field at a point on conductor 1 and
(ii) net magnetic force acting on unit length of conductor 1, due to conductors 2 and 3.


Question 25:

A rectangular loop of sides \(l\) and \(b\) and resistance \(R\) is kept in a region in which the magnetic field varies as \[ B=B_0\sin\omega t. \] (i) Derive expression for the emf induced in the loop. (ii) Find the effective value of current that flows in the loop.


Question 26:

The figure given below shows a square-shaped loop MNOP of side \(25\text{ cm}\) placed horizontally in a uniform magnetic field \(\vec{B}\) directed vertically downward. The position of the loop at \(t = 0\text{ s}\) is as shown in figure. The loop is pulled with a constant velocity of \(25\text{ cm/s}\) till it goes out of the field.


(a) What will be the direction of the induced current in the loop as it goes out of the field ? For how long would the current in the loop persist ?
(b) Plot graphs showing the variation of magnetic flux and magnitude of induced emf as a function of time.


Question 27:

What are infrared waves ? Why are these waves referred to as ‘heat waves’ ? Give any two uses of these waves.


Question 28:

Explain how the dual aspect of matter is evident in the de Broglie relation.


Question 29:

Radiation of wavelength $\lambda$ is incident on a photosensitive surface. Find the de Broglie wavelength of electrons emitted from the surface. Assume that the work function of the surface is negligible.


Question 30:

In the nuclear reaction : \[ {}_{1}^{2}\text{H} + {}_{1}^{2}\text{H} \rightarrow {}_{2}^{\text{A}}\text{X} + {}_{0}^{1}\text{n} \] (a) Find the value of A.
(b) Calculate the amount of energy released in the reaction.
Given : \( m\left({}_{1}^{2}\text{H}\right) = 2.014102\text{ u} \), \( m\left({}_{2}^{\text{A}}\text{X}\right) = 3.016049\text{ u} \), \( m\left({}_{0}^{1}\text{n}\right) = 1.008665\text{ u} \), \( 1\text{ u} = 931.5\text{ MeV}/c^2 \)


Question 31:

With the help of a circuit diagram, explain the working of a full wave rectifier. Depict the input and output waveforms.


Comprehension:

A student sets up the circuit as shown in the figure to find the value of unknown resistance X and records a set of readings of the voltmeter and the ammeter by using the rheostat.


Question 32:

If resistor X were made of manganin and readings for V and I are taken without switching off the circuit, the graph between V and I will be as:


Question 33:

Error in the value of X obtained from different sets of voltmeter and ammeter readings, is:


Question 34:

If the movable end of rheostat is moved towards P, then:


Question 35:

Suppose the unknown resistance X is replaced by a wire made of the same metal. This wire consists of three parts, of the same length L but has radii \(r\), \(r/3\) and \(r/2\) as shown in the figure.

For a particular setting of the rheostat, let \(v_1\), \(v_2\) and \(v_3\) be the value of drift velocities in parts AC, CD and DB. Then:


Question 36:

Consider the same wire, as shown in figure in question (iv) (a) connected in place of X. For a particular setting of rheostat, let \(E_1\), \(E_2\) and \(E_3\) be the value of electric fields in part AC, CD and DB. Then:


Comprehension:

An astronomical telescope consists of two converging lenses. One of them of large aperture and large focal length is called objective lens and the other one, of smaller focal length and smaller aperture is called the eyepiece. It is used to see distant objects which are not seen clearly with naked eyes. The image formed by the objective lens acts as an object for the eyepiece and the final image produced by the eyepiece is magnified.


Question 37:

The images formed by the objective lens and the eyepiece are respectively:


Question 38:

The magnification produced by the telescope does not depend upon the:


Question 39:

Which of the following statements is not correct for this telescope?


Question 40:

An astronomical telescope has objective lens and eyepiece of focal lengths 80 cm and 4 cm respectively. To view the image in normal adjustment, the lenses must be separated by a distance of:


Question 41:

Consider the telescope described in question (iv) (a). Its magnifying power in normal adjustment will be:


Question 42:

Derive the relation for the refractive index ($\mu$) of a prism in terms of angle of minimum deviation ($\delta_m$) and angle of prism ($A$).

  • (A) $\mu = \frac{\sin\left(\frac{A + \delta_m}{2}\right)}{\sin\left(\frac{A}{2}\right)}$
  • (B) $\mu = \frac{\cos\left(\frac{A + \delta_m}{2}\right)}{\cos\left(\frac{A}{2}\right)}$
  • (C) $\mu = \frac{\sin\left(\frac{A - \delta_m}{2}\right)}{\sin\left(\frac{A}{2}\right)}$
  • (D) $\mu = \frac{\tan\left(\frac{A + \delta_m}{2}\right)}{\tan\left(\frac{A}{2}\right)}$

Question 43:

A ray of light QP is incident normally on the face BC of a triangular prism ABC of refractive index 1.5 kept in air, as shown in the figure. Trace the path of the ray as it passes through the prism and give relevant explanation. [Take the prism as equilateral, $\angle A = \angle B = \angle C = 60^\circ$.]

  • (A) The ray is refracted out of the prism at face AB and bends away from the normal.
  • (B) The ray undergoes total internal reflection at face AB (angle of incidence $60^\circ$ is greater than the critical angle), then falls normally on face AC and emerges undeviated.
  • (C) The ray reflects back along its original path QP.
  • (D) The ray passes straight through face AB into air without any change in direction.

Question 44:

Define refractive index of a medium in terms of speed of light.


Question 45:

What is the difference between a ray and a wavefront ?


Question 46:

A plane wave is incident on a reflecting surface. Using Huygens principle, show how it is reflected from the surface. Hence, verify the law of reflection.


Question 47:

Depict refraction of a plane wave by a convex lens.


Question 48:

(i) Define the terms (I) resonant frequency, and (II) power factor of a series LCR circuit. For what value of the power factor will the power dissipated in the circuit be maximum?

(ii) An inductor of $\dfrac{5}{\pi}$ H, a capacitor of $\dfrac{50}{\pi}\ \mu\text{F}$ and a resistor of $400\ \Omega$ are connected in series across an ac voltage $v = 140 \sin(100\pi t)$ V. Calculate:

(I) impedance of the circuit, and

(II) rms value of current that flows in the circuit.

(Take $\sqrt{2} = 1.4$)


Question 49:

Draw a labelled diagram of a step-up transformer. Obtain the ratio of secondary voltage to primary voltage in terms of number of turns in the two coils.


Question 50:

The number of turns in the primary and the secondary coil of an ideal transformer are 100 and 5000 respectively. If 3.3 kW power is supplied to the transformer at 220 V, find (I) current in the primary coil, and (II) output voltage.


Question 51:

(i) Explain the following statements giving reason:

(I) An equipotential surface through a point is normal to the electric field at that point.

(II) When a dielectric is placed in an external electric field, the electric field inside the dielectric is less than that outside it.

(III) The potential difference between the plates of a charged parallel plate capacitor decreases when its plates are brought closer.

(ii) Obtain an expression for the work done to dissociate the system of three charges \(q\), \(-4q\) and \(2q\) placed at the vertices A, B and C respectively of an equilateral triangle of side 'a'.


Question 52:

(i) Answer the following giving reason:

(I) The electron drift speed is estimated to be only a few mm/s for currents in the range of a few amperes. How, then, is the current established almost the instant a circuit is closed?

(II) A low voltage supply from which one needs high currents must have very low internal resistance. Why?

(III) The assertion that V = IR is a statement of Ohm's law is not true. Why?

(ii) Two cells of emfs 12 V and 6 V are connected in parallel as shown in the figure. Their internal resistances are 1 \(\Omega\) and 0.5 \(\Omega\) respectively. Calculate the emf and internal resistance of the equivalent cell between points A and B.

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

CBSE Class 12 Physics Paper Analysis 2026