CBSE Class 12 Physics Set 3 - (55/3/3) 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 3 - (55/3/3) Question Paper 2026 with Solution PDF

CBSE Class 12 Physics 2026 Set 3 (55/3/3) Questions with Solutions

Question 1:

A plane electromagnetic wave travels through a medium and the magnetic field associated with it is given by
\( B = 5 \times 10^{-8} \sin (3 \times 10^{10} t - 150 x) \) T
where x is in metres and t is in seconds.
The velocity of the wave is :

  • (A) \( 2.0 \times 10^8 \text{ ms}^{-1} \)
  • (B) \( 4.5 \times 10^7 \text{ ms}^{-1} \)
  • (C) \( 3.5 \times 10^7 \text{ ms}^{-1} \)
  • (D) \( 2.5 \times 10^8 \text{ ms}^{-1} \)

Question 2:

A ray of monochromatic light travelling in air is incident on a glass slab and is partly reflected and partly refracted. Both the reflected and refracted lights will have :

  • (A) same wavelength
  • (B) same frequency
  • (C) same intensity
  • (D) same speed

Question 3:

When the forward bias voltage in a semiconductor diode is changed from 0.8 V to 1.0 V, the forward current changes by 2.0 mA. The forward bias resistance of the diode will be :

  • (A) \( 200 \ \Omega \)
  • (B) \( 175 \ \Omega \)
  • (C) \( 100 \ \Omega \)
  • (D) \( 125 \ \Omega \)

Question 4:

A square loop of side L lies in the x-y plane in a magnetic field \( \vec{B} = B_0 (2\hat{i} + 3\hat{j} + 4\hat{k}) \), where \( B_0 \) is a constant. The magnetic flux through the loop is :

  • (A) \( \sqrt{29} B_0 L^2 \)
  • (B) \( 4 B_0 L^2 \)
  • (C) \( 3 B_0 L^2 \)
  • (D) \( 2 B_0 L^2 \)

Question 5:

An electric dipole with dipole moment \(\vec{P} = (2.54 \times 10^{-28}\text{ C.m})(2.00\hat{i} + 3.00\hat{j})\) is placed in an electric field \(\vec{E} = \left(1000\,\frac{\text{N}}{\text{C}}\right)\hat{i}\). An external agent turns the dipole until its electric dipole moment is \(\vec{P} = (2.54 \times 10^{-28}\text{ C.m})(-3.00\hat{i} + 2.00\hat{j})\). The work done by the agent is :

  • (A) \( 2.54 \times 10^{-25} \text{ J} \)
  • (B) \( 1.27 \times 10^{-24} \text{ J} \)
  • (C) \( 1.02 \times 10^{-23} \text{ J} \)
  • (D) \( 2.29 \times 10^{-26} \text{ J} \)

Question 6:

A thin plano-convex lens and a thin equi-concave lens are kept coaxially in contact as shown in the figure. Assuming both the lenses are made of glass of refractive index \( \mu \), and R is the radius of curvature of each curved surface, the focal length of the combination is :

  • (A) \( \frac{R}{\mu - 1} \)
  • (B) \( -\frac{R}{\mu - 1} \)
  • (C) \( \frac{2R}{\mu - 1} \)
  • (D) \( -\frac{2R}{\mu - 1} \)

Question 7:

If the given figure, \( V_0 \) is the potential barrier across a p-n junction in an unbiased condition. Which of the following statements is correct ?

  • (A) Curves 1 and 3 both correspond to forward biasing of p-n junction.
  • (B) Curve 3 corresponds to forward biasing and Curve 1 corresponds to reverse biasing.
  • (C) Curve 1 corresponds to forward biasing and Curve 3 corresponds to reverse biasing.
  • (D) Curves 1 and 3 both correspond to reverse biasing.

Question 8:

If \( r_1 \) and \( r_2 \) are the radii of atomic nuclei of mass numbers 64 and 27 respectively, then the value of \( \left( \frac{r_1}{r_2} \right) \) is :

  • (A) 1
  • (B) \( \frac{4}{3} \)
  • (C) \( \frac{3}{4} \)
  • (D) \( \frac{27}{64} \)

Question 9:

A ray of yellow light undergoes total internal reflection when it is incident at the interface of two media. This ray is successively replaced by the ray of blue, green and red lights. Which of the following statements is true if the angle of incidence is same in all cases ?

  • (A) Total internal reflection occurs for blue light only.
  • (B) Total internal reflection occurs for red light only.
  • (C) Total internal reflection occurs for both green and blue lights.
  • (D) None of them will undergo total internal reflection.

Question 10:

The ratio of the de Broglie wavelengths associated with the electron revolving in the first and third orbits in hydrogen atom is :

  • (A) 2
  • (B) \( \frac{1}{2} \)
  • (C) 3
  • (D) \( \frac{1}{3} \)

Question 11:

Radiation of wavelength 200 nm is incident on a photosensitive surface of work function 4.2 eV. The kinetic energy of fastest photoelectrons emitted from this surface will be close to :

  • (A) 3.5 eV
  • (B) 3.0 eV
  • (C) 2.5 eV
  • (D) 2.0 eV

Question 12:

The phase difference between the two superimposing waves that give rise to a bright spot in a Young's double-slit experiment is (n is an integer) :

  • (A) \( 2n\pi \)
  • (B) \( 2n\pi + \frac{\pi}{4} \)
  • (C) \( 2n\pi + \frac{\pi}{2} \)
  • (D) \( 2n\pi + \pi \)

Question 13:

Assertion (A) : Nuclear forces are always attractive.
Reason (R) : The nuclear force between protons and neutrons in a nucleus is a weak force.

  • (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) : Photoelectric current depends upon the intensity of the incident radiation.
Reason (R) : Stopping potential is independent of the intensity of the incident radiation.

  • (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) : In a Wheatstone bridge circuit, if we interchange the position of the cell and the galvanometer, the balance condition \( \frac{P}{Q} = \frac{R}{S} \) remains unchanged.
Reason (R) : \( \frac{P}{Q} = \frac{R}{S} \Rightarrow \frac{Q}{S} = \frac{P}{R} \) so balance condition remains same.

  • (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 cylindrical soft iron core in a moving coil galvanometer only makes the magnetic field radial and does not affect the strength of the magnetic field.
Reason (R) : In a moving coil galvanometer, the plane of the coil is always perpendicular to the magnetic field.

  • (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:

Write any two points of difference between intrinsic and extrinsic semiconductors.


Question 18:

Explain the terms mass defect and binding energy. How are they related ?


Question 19:

Light of frequency \(5.0 \times 10^{14}\) Hz is incident on a metal surface. If the maximum speed of photoelectrons emitted is \(6.63 \times 10^5\) ms\(^{-1}\), calculate the threshold frequency for the surface.


Question 20:

In the given figure, a steady current I flows through the circuit when points A and C are connected by a wire of negligible resistance. Find the potential difference between points B and C.



Question 21:

A battery of emf 21 V and internal resistance 3 \(\Omega\) is connected to a resistor. If the current in the circuit is 3 A, find:
(i) the resistance of the resistor, and
(ii) the terminal voltage of the battery.


Question 22:

In Young's double slit experiment, the central maximum is bright in the interference pattern obtained on a screen. What will happen when light waves emitted out of slits \(S_1\) and \(S_2\) have an initial phase difference of \(\pi\) radian ? Justify your answers.


Question 23:

In Young's double slit experiment, the central maximum is bright in the interference pattern obtained on a screen. What will happen when one of the slits is closed ? Justify your answers.


Question 24:

Depict the variation of electric field (\(\vec{E}\)) and magnetic field (\(\vec{B}\)) with respect to the direction of propagation of an electromagnetic wave. Write their two important characteristics.


Question 25:

Show that \(\frac{1}{\sqrt{\varepsilon_0 \mu_0}}\) gives the velocity of an electromagnetic wave in free space.


Question 26:

Show that \(\frac{1}{\sqrt{\mu_0 \varepsilon_0}}\) gives the velocity of an electromagnetic wave in free space.


Question 27:

A ray of light is incident at angle of \(45^\circ\) on one face of a prism with an equilateral triangular base. If it passes symmetrically through the prism, find the angle of minimum deviation for the prism


Question 28:

A ray of light is incident at angle of \(45^\circ\) on one face of a prism with an equilateral triangular base. If it passes symmetrically through the prism, find the refractive index of the material of the prism.


Question 29:

With the help of circuit diagrams, briefly explain the forward biasing and the reverse biasing of a p-n junction diode.


Question 30:

Establish the relation between drift velocity of electrons (\(v_d\)) and electric current (\(I\)) in a conductor.


Question 31:

How is \(v_d\) affected when the length of the conductor is doubled, keeping the voltage applied across the conductor constant ?


Question 32:

A circular coil of 30 turns and radius 8.0 cm carrying a current of 6 A is suspended vertically in a uniform horizontal magnetic field of 1.0 T. The field lines make an angle of \(30^\circ\) with the plane of the coil. Calculate the magnitude of the external torque that must be applied to prevent the coil from turning. What would happen if the circular coil is replaced by a planar coil of irregular shape that encloses the same area, keeping other parameters unchanged ?


Question 33:

An alpha particle (mass \(6.4 \times 10^{-27}\) kg and charge \(3.2 \times 10^{-19}\) C) having 8.0 MeV energy, enters a region of a uniform magnetic field of 0.5 T. If the field is directed perpendicular to the velocity of the particle, find the radius of the circular path described by the particle. Mention the condition under which the particle in this region (i) describes a helical path, and (ii) goes straight undeviated.


Question 34:

State Faraday's law of electromagnetic induction. Briefly describe two methods for producing induced emf.


Question 35:

A deuterium nucleus and an alpha particle approach a target nucleus separately in head-on position. Find the ratio of their distance of closest approach to the nucleus, when both have the same velocity.


Comprehension:

Capacitors are manufactured with certain standard capacitances and working voltages. However, these standard values may not be the ones that are actually needed in a particular application. Two or more capacitors can be grouped in series or in parallel to achieve desired capacitance and voltage. When connected in series, the total capacitance decreases while the voltage rating increases, whereas in parallel connections, the total capacitance increases and maintains the same voltage rating. A capacitor stores energy in the electric field between its plates and stored energy is proportional to the square of the voltage and capacitance \(U = \frac{1}{2}CV^2\), where symbols have their usual meanings.

Read More Two capacitors, one of \(3 \ \mu\)F and the other of \(6 \ \mu\)F, are connected in series in the circuit as shown in the figure, for a long time. }


Question 36:

The total capacitance of the circuit is:


Question 37:

The current in the \(10\ \Omega\) resistor is:


Question 38:

The potential difference between point \(A\) and \(B\) is:


Question 39:

The value of charge on the plates of the \(6\ \mu\text{F}\) capacitor is:


Question 40:

The wire between two capacitors is cut at point \(P\). The current in the circuit will:


Comprehension:

A charged particle \(+q\) in an electric field \(\vec{E}\) experiences a force in the direction of the electric field. As a result, its kinetic energy changes. Similarly, the charged particle also experiences a force when it moves in a magnetic field \(\vec{B}\). But this magnetic force is perpendicular to both velocity \(\vec{v}\) of the charged particle and the magnetic field \(\vec{B}\), so it

Read More cannot change the kinetic energy of the charged particle. Consider two charged particles 1 and 2 of masses \(m\) and \(\frac{m}{2}\) having charges \(-q\) and \(+2q\) respectively. They are accelerated from rest through the same potential difference \(V\) and acquire kinetic energy \(K_1\) and \(K_2\). Then they enter in a region of uniform magnetic field \(\vec{B}\) perpendicular to their velocities.

Question 41:

The ratio of their kinetic energies \(\left(\dfrac{K_1}{K_2}\right)\) is:


Question 42:

The ratio of the radii of the circular paths described by them \(\left(\dfrac{r_1}{r_2}\right)\) is:


Question 43:

Suppose particles \(1\) and \(2\) enter the magnetic field \(\vec{B} = B_0 \hat{k}\) with velocities \(\vec{v}_1 = v_0 \hat{i}\) and \(\vec{v}_2 = v_0 \hat{i}\). Then:


Question 44:

If period of revolution for particle \(1\) is \(4\ \text{s}\), then for particle \(2\), the period will be:


Question 45:

If the value of momentum for particles \(1\) and \(2\) are \(p_1\) and \(p_2\), then:


Question 46:

A point object is kept in front of a convex spherical surface of radius of curvature \(R\). Draw the ray diagram to show the formation of image and derive the relation between the object and image distance (\(u\) and \(v\)) in terms of refractive index \(n\) of the medium and \(R\).


Question 47:

A convex lens of focal length of \(20\text{ cm}\) is used to form the image of an object placed \(30\text{ cm}\) away from the lens. Find the position and nature of the image formed.


Question 48:

Two thin converging lenses of focal length \(f_1\) and \(f_2\) are placed coaxially in contact. Derive expression for the focal length of the combination.


Question 49:

A beam of coherent light of wavelength 550 nm is incident normal to the plane of a pair of two slits \(S_1\) and \(S_2\) each of width \(1 \cdot 2 \times 10^{-6}\) m separated by 1.1 mm. Dark and bright fringes are observed on a screen 2.2 m away from the plane of the slits. Calculate: (I) fringe width. (II) distance of the second dark fringe from the central maximum. (III) what will happen when the entire apparatus is immersed in water.


Question 50:

In the figure, OA and OB show the variation of electric potential \(V\) at a point due to two point charges \(Q_1\) and \(Q_2\) with \(\frac{1}{r}\) respectively. Here \(r\) represents the distance of the point from the two point charges.

(I) Identify the nature of the two charges \(Q_1\) and \(Q_2\).
(II) What is the value of \(\left(\frac{Q_1}{Q_2}\right)\)? Justify your answer.


Question 51:

In the figure, OA and OB show the variation of electric potential V at a point due to two point charges \(Q_1\) and \(Q_2\) with \(1/r\) respectively. Here r represents the distance of the point from the two point charges. Identify the nature of the two charges \(Q_1\) and \(Q_2\).



Question 52:

Two point charges \(-2\mu C\) and \(5\mu C\) are placed at \((-30 \text{ cm}, 0)\) and \((30 \text{ cm}, 0)\) respectively in an external electric field \(\vec{E} = \frac{A}{x^2} \hat{i}\), where \(A = 9 \times 10^5 \text{ Nm}^2\text{C}^{-1}\). Find the electrostatic potential energy of this configuration.


Question 53:

Two point charges \(-2\,\mu\text{C}\) and \(5\,\mu\text{C}\) are placed at \((-30\,\text{cm}, 0)\) and \((30\,\text{cm}, 0)\) respectively in an external electric field \(\vec{E} = \frac{A}{x^2} \hat{i}\), where \(A = 9 \times 10^5\,\text{N}\cdot\text{m}^2\cdot\text{C}^{-1}\). Find the electrostatic potential energy of this configuration.


Question 54:

Two infinitely long straight wires having linear charge densities \(-\lambda\) and \(3\lambda\) are held vertically parallel to each other, distance r apart in free space. Find the nature and magnitude of the force/length exerted by one wire on the other.


Question 55:

A small hollow conducting sphere of radius \(r_1\) is given a charge \(Q\). It is surrounded by a concentric conducting spherical shell of inner radius \(r_2\) and outer radius \(r_3\), having charge \(-3q\). If a point charge \(2q\) were kept at the centre, find:
(I) the electric flux through a concentric spherical Gaussian surface of radius \(x\) for (1) \(x < r_1\), and (2) \(r_1 < x < r_2\).
(II) electric field at a point distant \(x\) from the centre for (1) \(x > r_3\), and (2) \(r_1 < x < r_2\).
(III) surface charge density on the inner surface of (1) sphere, and (2) shell.


Question 56:

A light bulb and an open coil inductor are connected in series across an ac source of variable frequency. How will the glow of the bulb be affected when :
(I) an iron bar is inserted inside the coil, and
(II) the frequency of the source is decreased ?
Justify your answers. Assume that in each above case other factors remain unchanged.


Question 57:

A light bulb and an open coil inductor are connected in series across an ac source of variable frequency. How will the glow of the bulb be affected when an iron bar is inserted inside the coil ? Justify your answer. Assume that other factors remain unchanged.


Question 58:

A light bulb and an open coil inductor are connected in series across an ac source of variable frequency. How will the glow of the bulb be affected when the frequency of the source is decreased ? Justify your answer. Assume that other factors remain unchanged.


Question 59:

An ac voltage \(V = 280 \sin (100\pi t)\) volt is connected across a series LCR circuit in which \(R = 400 \, \Omega\), \(L = \frac{5}{\pi} \, \text{H}\) and \(C = \frac{50}{\pi} \, \mu\text{F}\). Taking \(\sqrt{2} = 1.4\), calculate :
(I) impedance of the circuit.
(II) rms value of current that flows in the circuit.
(III) power factor of the circuit.


Question 60:

An ac voltage \(V = 280 \sin(100\pi t)\) volt is connected across a series LCR circuit in which \(R = 400 \Omega\), \(L = 5/\pi \text{ H}\) and \(C = 50/\pi \mu\text{F}\). Taking \(\sqrt{2} = 1.4\), calculate rms value of current that flows in the circuit.


Question 61:

State Lenz's law and explain that it follows the law of conservation of energy.


Question 62:

Write the dimensional formula for self-inductance. The current in a coil changes from 8.0 A to 2.0 A in 0.6 s. If an average emf induced in the coil is 50 V, calculate the self-inductance of the coil.

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