{"id":8874,"date":"2023-08-05T13:12:46","date_gmt":"2023-08-05T13:12:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/?p=8874"},"modified":"2024-04-05T06:13:53","modified_gmt":"2024-04-05T06:13:53","slug":"physics-optional-syllabus-upsc-cse","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/physics-optional-syllabus-upsc-cse\/","title":{"rendered":"Physics Optional Syllabus &#8211; UPSC"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/upsc\/upsc-cse-gs-integrated-course?utm_source=Blog&amp;utm_medium=Banner&amp;utm_campaign=GS+Integrated\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1280\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/8.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-42401\" srcset=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/8.png 1280w, https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/8-1170x274.png 1170w, https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/8-585x137.png 585w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1280px) 100vw, 1280px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The UPSC includes Physics as one of the optional subjects among the 48 subjects available for candidates to choose from. The syllabus for Physics in the UPSC exam is highly specialized and covers a wide range of topics, including classical mechanics, electromagnetism, quantum mechanics, thermodynamics, and modern physics.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Candidates who opt for Physics as their optional subject will have to appear for two papers, each carrying 250 marks, resulting in a total of 500 marks for this subject. These optional papers form an important part of the UPSC Mains Examination, which is conducted after the IAS Preliminary exam. While Physics may not be as commonly chosen as some other subjects for the IAS Mains exam, candidates with a graduation degree or a strong background in Physics have the opportunity to select it as their preferred optional subject.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_73 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<label for=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-69e4d9344c19e\" class=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-label\"><p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-cssicon\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/label><input type=\"checkbox\"  id=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-69e4d9344c19e\"  \/><nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/physics-optional-syllabus-upsc-cse\/#Physics_Optional_Syllabus_Paper-1\" title=\"Physics Optional Syllabus: Paper-1\">Physics Optional Syllabus: Paper-1<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/physics-optional-syllabus-upsc-cse\/#a_Mechanics_of_Particles\" title=\"(a) Mechanics of Particles:\">(a) Mechanics of Particles:<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/physics-optional-syllabus-upsc-cse\/#b_Mechanics_of_Rigid_Bodies\" title=\"(b) Mechanics of Rigid Bodies:\">(b) Mechanics of Rigid Bodies:<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/physics-optional-syllabus-upsc-cse\/#c_Mechanics_of_Continuous_Media\" title=\"(c) Mechanics of Continuous Media:\">(c) Mechanics of Continuous Media:<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/physics-optional-syllabus-upsc-cse\/#d_Special_Relativity\" title=\"(d) Special Relativity:\">(d) Special Relativity:<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/physics-optional-syllabus-upsc-cse\/#2_Waves_and_Optics\" title=\"2. Waves and Optics:\">2. Waves and Optics:<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/physics-optional-syllabus-upsc-cse\/#a_Waves\" title=\"(a) Waves:\">(a) Waves:<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/physics-optional-syllabus-upsc-cse\/#b_Geometrical_Optics\" title=\"(b) Geometrical Optics:\">(b) Geometrical Optics:<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/physics-optional-syllabus-upsc-cse\/#c_Interference\" title=\"(c) Interference:\">(c) Interference:<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/physics-optional-syllabus-upsc-cse\/#d_Diffraction\" title=\"(d) Diffraction:\">(d) Diffraction:<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/physics-optional-syllabus-upsc-cse\/#e_Polarization_and_Modern_Optics\" title=\"(e) Polarization and Modern Optics:\">(e) Polarization and Modern Optics:<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/physics-optional-syllabus-upsc-cse\/#3_Electricity_and_Magnetism\" title=\"3. Electricity and Magnetism:\">3. Electricity and Magnetism:<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/physics-optional-syllabus-upsc-cse\/#a_Electrostatics_and_Magnetostatics\" title=\"(a) Electrostatics and Magnetostatics:\">(a) Electrostatics and Magnetostatics:<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/physics-optional-syllabus-upsc-cse\/#b_Current_Electricity\" title=\"(b) Current Electricity:\">(b) Current Electricity:<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-15\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/physics-optional-syllabus-upsc-cse\/#4_Electromagnetic_Waves_and_Blackbody_Radiation\" title=\"4. Electromagnetic Waves and Blackbody Radiation:\">4. Electromagnetic Waves and Blackbody Radiation:<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-16\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/physics-optional-syllabus-upsc-cse\/#5_Thermal_and_Statistical_Physics\" title=\"5. Thermal and Statistical Physics:\">5. Thermal and Statistical Physics:<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-17\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/physics-optional-syllabus-upsc-cse\/#a_Thermodynamics\" title=\"(a) Thermodynamics:\">(a) Thermodynamics:<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-18\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/physics-optional-syllabus-upsc-cse\/#b_Statistical_Physics\" title=\"(b) Statistical Physics:\">(b) Statistical Physics:<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-19\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/physics-optional-syllabus-upsc-cse\/#Physics_Optional_Syllabus_Paper-2\" title=\"Physics Optional Syllabus: Paper-2\">Physics Optional Syllabus: Paper-2<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-20\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/physics-optional-syllabus-upsc-cse\/#1_Quantum_Mechanics\" title=\"1. Quantum Mechanics:\">1. Quantum Mechanics:<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-21\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/physics-optional-syllabus-upsc-cse\/#2_Atomic_and_Molecular_Physics\" title=\"2. Atomic and Molecular Physics:\">2. Atomic and Molecular Physics:<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-22\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/physics-optional-syllabus-upsc-cse\/#3_Nuclear_and_Particle_Physics\" title=\"3. Nuclear and Particle Physics:\">3. Nuclear and Particle Physics:<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-23\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/physics-optional-syllabus-upsc-cse\/#4_Solid_State_Physics_Devices_and_Electronics\" title=\"4. Solid State Physics, Devices and Electronics:\">4. Solid State Physics, Devices and Electronics:<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-24\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/physics-optional-syllabus-upsc-cse\/#Frequently_Asked_Questions_FAQs\" title=\"Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)\">Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-25\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/physics-optional-syllabus-upsc-cse\/#1_Question_What_are_the_key_topics_covered_in_the_Physics_optional_syllabus_for_competitive_exams\" title=\"1. Question: What are the key topics covered in the Physics optional syllabus for competitive exams?\">1. Question: What are the key topics covered in the Physics optional syllabus for competitive exams?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-26\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/physics-optional-syllabus-upsc-cse\/#2_Question_How_can_candidates_effectively_prepare_for_the_numerical_and_mathematical_aspects_of_the_Physics_optional_syllabus\" title=\"2. Question: How can candidates effectively prepare for the numerical and mathematical aspects of the Physics optional syllabus?\">2. Question: How can candidates effectively prepare for the numerical and mathematical aspects of the Physics optional syllabus?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-27\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/physics-optional-syllabus-upsc-cse\/#3_Question_Are_there_any_specific_strategies_for_time_management_while_preparing_for_the_Physics_optional_paper\" title=\"3. Question: Are there any specific strategies for time management while preparing for the Physics optional paper?\">3. Question: Are there any specific strategies for time management while preparing for the Physics optional paper?<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-4' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-28\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/physics-optional-syllabus-upsc-cse\/#In_case_you_still_have_your_doubts_contact_us_on_9811333901\" title=\"In case you still have your doubts, contact us on 9811333901.&nbsp;\">In case you still have your doubts, contact us on 9811333901.&nbsp;<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Physics_Optional_Syllabus_Paper-1\"><\/span>Physics Optional Syllabus: <strong>Paper-1<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"a_Mechanics_of_Particles\"><\/span><strong>(a) Mechanics of Particles:<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Laws of motion; conservation of energy and momentum, applications to rotating frames, centripetal and Coriolis accelerations; Motion under a central force; Conservation of angular momentum, Kepler\u2019s laws; Fields and potentials; Gravitational field and potential due to spherical bodies, Gauss and Poisson equations, gravitational self-energy; Two-body problem; Reduced mass; Rutherford scattering; Centre of mass a laboratory reference frames.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"b_Mechanics_of_Rigid_Bodies\"><\/span><strong>(b) Mechanics of Rigid Bodies:<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>System of particles; Centre of mass, angular momentum, equations of motion; Conservation theorems for energy, momentum, and angular momentum; Elastic and inelastic collisions; Rigid body; Degrees of freedom, Euler\u2019s theorem, angular velocity, angular momentum, moments of inertia, theorems of parallel and perpendicular axes, equation of motion for rotation; Molecular rotations (as rigid bodies); Di and tri-atomic molecules; Processional motion; top, gyroscope.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"c_Mechanics_of_Continuous_Media\"><\/span><strong>(c) Mechanics of Continuous Media:<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Elasticity, Hooke\u2019s law and elastic constants of isotropic solids and their inter-relation; Streamline (Laminar) flow, viscosity, Poiseuille\u2019s equation, Bernoulli\u2019s equation, Stokes\u2019 law and applications.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"d_Special_Relativity\"><\/span><strong>(d) Special Relativity:<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Michelson-Morley experiment and its implications; Lorentz transformations-length contraction, time dilation, the addition of relativistic velocities, aberration and Doppler effect, mass-energy relation, simple applications to a decay process; Four-dimensional momentum vector; Covariance of equations of physics.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"2_Waves_and_Optics\"><\/span>2. Waves and Optics:<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"a_Waves\"><\/span><strong>(a) Waves:<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Simple harmonic motion, damped oscillation, forced oscillation and resonance; Beats; Stationary waves in a string; Pulses and wave packets; Phase and group velocities; Reflection and Refraction from Huygens\u2019 principle.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"b_Geometrical_Optics\"><\/span><strong>(b) Geometrical Optics:<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Laws of reflection and refraction from Fermat\u2019s principle; Matrix method in paraxial optics-thin lens formula, nodal planes, system of two thin lenses, chromatic and spherical aberrations.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"c_Interference\"><\/span><strong>(c) Interference:<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Interference of light\u2019s experiment, Newton\u2019s rings, interference by thin films, Michelson interferometer; Multiple beam interference, and Fabry-Perot interferometer.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"d_Diffraction\"><\/span><strong>(d) Diffraction:<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Fraunhofer diffraction-single slit, double slit, diffraction grating, resolving power; Diffraction by a circular aperture and the Airy pattern; Fresnel diffraction: half-period zones and zone plates, circular aperture.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"e_Polarization_and_Modern_Optics\"><\/span><strong>(e) Polarization and Modern Optics:<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Production and detection of linearly and circularly polarized light; Double refraction, quarter-wave plate; Optical activity; Principles of fiber optics, attenuation; Pulse dispersion in step-index and parabolic index fibers; Material dispersion, single-mode fibers; Lasers-Einstein A and B coefficients; Ruby and He-Ne lasers; Characteristics of laser light-spatial and temporal coherence; Focusing of laser beams; Three-level scheme for laser operation; Holography and simple applications.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"3_Electricity_and_Magnetism\"><\/span>3. Electricity and Magnetism:<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"a_Electrostatics_and_Magnetostatics\"><\/span><strong>(a) Electrostatics and Magnetostatics:<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Laplace and Poisson equations in electrostatics and their applications; Energy of a system of charges, multiple expansion of scalar potential; Method of images and its applications; Potential and field due to a dipole, force and torque on a dipole in an external field; Dielectrics, polarization; Solutions to boundary-value problems-conducting and dielectric spheres in a uniform electric field; Magnetic shell, uniformly magnetized sphere; Ferromagnetic materials, hysteresis, energy loss.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"b_Current_Electricity\"><\/span><strong>(b) Current Electricity:<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Kirchhoff\u2019s laws and their applications; Biot-Savart law, Ampere\u2019s law, Faraday\u2019s law, Lenz\u2019s law; Self-and mutual-inductances; Mean and r m s values in AC circuits; DC and AC circuits with R, L, and C components; Series and parallel resonances; Quality factor; Principle of the transformer.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"4_Electromagnetic_Waves_and_Blackbody_Radiation\"><\/span>4. Electromagnetic Waves and Blackbody Radiation:<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Displacement current and Maxwell\u2019s equations; Wave equations in vacuum, Pointing theorem; Vector and scalar potentials; Electromagnetic field tensor, covariance of Maxwell\u2019s equations; Wave equations in isotropic dielectrics, reflection and refraction at the boundary of two dielectrics; Fresnel\u2019s relations; Total internal reflection; Normal and anomalous dispersion; Rayleigh scattering; Black body radiation and Planck\u2019s radiation law, Stefan \u2013 Boltzmann law, Wien\u2019s displacement law and Rayleigh-Jeans\u2019 law.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/refer-and-earn\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1280\" height=\"300\" data-src=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Attempt-our-Daily-Weekly-Current-Affairs-Quiz-now-10-1.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-46428 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Attempt-our-Daily-Weekly-Current-Affairs-Quiz-now-10-1.png 1280w, https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Attempt-our-Daily-Weekly-Current-Affairs-Quiz-now-10-1-1170x274.png 1170w, https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Attempt-our-Daily-Weekly-Current-Affairs-Quiz-now-10-1-585x137.png 585w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 1280px) 100vw, 1280px\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 1280px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 1280\/300;\" \/><\/a><figcaption><a href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/refer-and-earn\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"\">Refer &amp; Earn NOW<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"5_Thermal_and_Statistical_Physics\"><\/span>5. Thermal and Statistical Physics:<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"a_Thermodynamics\"><\/span><strong>(a) Thermodynamics:<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Laws of thermodynamics, reversible and irreversible processes, entropy; Isothermal, adiabatic, isobaric, isochoric processes and entropy changes; Otto and Diesel engines, Gibbs\u2019 phase rule and chemical potential; Vander Waals equation of state of a real gas, critical constants; Maxwell-Boltzman distribution of molecular velocities, transport phenomena, equipartition, and virial theorems; Dulong-Pet it, Einstein, and Debye\u2019s theories of specific heat of solids; Maxwell relations and applications; Clausius- Clapeyron equation; Adiabatic de-magnetization, Joule-Kelvin effect and liquefaction of gases.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"b_Statistical_Physics\"><\/span><strong>(b) Statistical Physics:<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Macro and microstates, statistical distributions, Maxwell-Boltzmann, Bose-Einstein, and Fermi-Dirac distributions, applications to the specific heat of gases and black body radiation; Concept of negative temperatures.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Physics_Optional_Syllabus_Paper-2\"><\/span>Physics Optional Syllabus: <strong>Paper-2<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"1_Quantum_Mechanics\"><\/span>1. Quantum Mechanics:<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Wave-particle duality; Schroedinger equation and expectation values; Uncertainty principle; Solutions of the one-dimensional Schroedinger equation for a free particle (Gaussian wave-packet), particle in a box, particle in a finite well, linear harmonic oscillator; Reflection and transmission by a step potential and by a rectangular barrier; Particle in a three-dimensional box, the density of states, free electron theory of metals; Angular momentum; Hydrogen atom; Spin half particles, properties of Pauli spin matrices.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"2_Atomic_and_Molecular_Physics\"><\/span>2. Atomic and Molecular Physics:<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Stern-Gerlach experiment, electron spin, fine structure of hydrogen atom; L-S coupling, J-J coupling; Spectroscopic notation of atomic states; Zeeman effect; Frank Condon principle and applications; Elementary theory of rotational, vibrational and electronic spectra of diatomic molecules; Raman effect and molecular structure; Laser Raman spectroscopy; Importance of neutral hydrogen atom, molecular hydrogen and molecular hydrogen ion in astronomy; Fluorescence and Phosphorescence; Elementary theory and applications of NMR and EPR; Elementary ideas about Lamb shift and its significance.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"3_Nuclear_and_Particle_Physics\"><\/span>3. Nuclear and Particle Physics:<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Basic nuclear properties, binding energy, angular momentum, parity, magnetic moment; Semi-empirical mass formula and applications, mass parabolas; Ground state of deuteron, magnetic moment and non-central forces; Meson theory of nuclear forces; Salient features of nuclear forces; Shell model of the nucleus \u2013 successes and limitations; Violation of parity in beta decay; Gamma decay and internal conversion; Elementary ideas about Mossbauer spectroscopy; Q-value of nuclear reactions; Nuclear fission and fusion, energy production in stars; Nuclear reactors.<\/li><li>Classification of elementary particles and their interactions; Conservation laws; Quark structure of hadrons; Field quanta of electroweak and strong interactions; Elementary ideas about unification of forces; Physics of neutrinos.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"4_Solid_State_Physics_Devices_and_Electronics\"><\/span>4. Solid State Physics, Devices and Electronics:<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Crystalline and amorphous structure of matter; Different crystal systems, space groups; Methods of determination of crystal structure; X-ray diffraction, scanning and transmission electron microcopies; Band theory of solids \u2013 conductors, insulators and semiconductors; Thermal properties of solids, specific heat, Debye theory; Magnetism: para and ferromagnetism; Elements of superconductivity, Meissner effect, Josephson junctions and applications; Elementary ideas about high-temperature superconductivity.<\/li><li>Intrinsic and extrinsic semiconductors; pn-p and n-p-n transistors; Amplifiers and oscillators; Op-amps; FET, JFET, and MOSFET; Digital electronics-Boolean identities, De Morgan\u2019s laws, logic gates, and truth tables; Simple logic circuits; Thermostats, solar cells; Fundamentals of microprocessors and digital computers.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Frequently_Asked_Questions_FAQs\"><\/span>Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"1_Question_What_are_the_key_topics_covered_in_the_Physics_optional_syllabus_for_competitive_exams\"><\/span><strong>1. Question: What are the key topics covered in the Physics optional syllabus for competitive exams?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Answer: The Physics optional syllabus for competitive exams typically covers a wide range of topics. Some of the key areas include classical mechanics, quantum mechanics, electromagnetism, thermodynamics, statistical mechanics, and mathematical methods in physics. Additionally, special emphasis is often given to areas like solid-state physics, nuclear physics, and electronics. Candidates should thoroughly study both theoretical concepts and mathematical applications in these domains.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"2_Question_How_can_candidates_effectively_prepare_for_the_numerical_and_mathematical_aspects_of_the_Physics_optional_syllabus\"><\/span><strong>2. Question: How can candidates effectively prepare for the numerical and mathematical aspects of the Physics optional syllabus?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Answer: To excel in the numerical and mathematical aspects of the Physics optional syllabus, candidates should focus on a two-pronged approach. Firstly, they should build a strong conceptual understanding of the underlying principles. Secondly, regular practice is crucial. Solving a variety of numerical problems and mathematical exercises will enhance problem-solving skills and ensure familiarity with the application of theoretical concepts. Candidates are advised to use standard textbooks and reference materials to practice a diverse set of problems.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"3_Question_Are_there_any_specific_strategies_for_time_management_while_preparing_for_the_Physics_optional_paper\"><\/span><strong>3. Question: Are there any specific strategies for time management while preparing for the Physics optional paper?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Answer: Time management is critical when preparing for the Physics optional paper. Candidates should create a well-structured study plan that allocates sufficient time to cover all the topics in the syllabus. It&#8217;s advisable to prioritize topics based on their weightage in previous exam papers. Regular revision is essential to reinforce concepts and formulas. Additionally, solving previous years&#8217; question papers under timed conditions helps candidates gauge their preparedness and improve time efficiency during the actual exam. Balancing theory and problem-solving practice is key to effective time management.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><a href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/upsc\/upsc-essay?utm_source=Blog&amp;utm_medium=Banner&amp;utm_campaign=Essay\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-src=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/UPSC-Essay-Course-1280\u00d7300-1-3.svg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-42688 lazyload\" width=\"781\" height=\"182\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 781px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 781\/182;\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"In_case_you_still_have_your_doubts_contact_us_on_9811333901\"><\/span><strong>In case you still have your doubts, contact us on 9811333901.<\/strong>&nbsp;<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>For UPSC Prelims Resources, <a href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/upsc-cse-prelims-resource-centre\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Click here<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For Daily Updates and Study Material: <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Join our Telegram Channel &#8211; <a href=\"https:\/\/t.me\/WithEdukemy4IAS\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Edukemy for IAS<\/a> <\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>1. Learn through Videos &#8211; <a href=\"https:\/\/bit.ly\/3vOD8sU\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">here<\/a> <\/li><li>2. Be Exam Ready by Practicing Daily MCQs &#8211; <a href=\"https:\/\/bit.ly\/3Q9z2nF\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">here<\/a> <\/li><li>3. Daily Newsletter &#8211; Get all your Current Affairs Covered &#8211; <a href=\"https:\/\/bit.ly\/3bE2y5J\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">here<\/a> <\/li><li>4. Mains Answer Writing Practice &#8211; <a href=\"https:\/\/bit.ly\/3mZuVxl\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">here<\/a><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Visit our YouTube Channel &#8211; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/@EduKemyforIAS\">here<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The UPSC includes Physics as one of the optional subjects among the 48 subjects available for candidates to choose from. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":17,"featured_media":9031,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_eb_attr":"","om_disable_all_campaigns":false,"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"_uf_show_specific_survey":0,"_uf_disable_surveys":false,"_lmt_disableupdate":"","_lmt_disable":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[240],"tags":[250,232,251,140],"class_list":["post-8874","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-optional-syllabus","tag-physics","tag-upsc","tag-upsc-physics-optional-syllabus","tag-upsc_preparation_strategy"],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8874","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/17"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=8874"}],"version-history":[{"count":6,"href":"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8874\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":36871,"href":"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8874\/revisions\/36871"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/9031"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=8874"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=8874"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=8874"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}