While preparing for exams, it is not just important to work hard, it is also important to work smart. With a subject like physics, it can either boost your overall score tremendously or pull you down, depending on the way it is prepared for. Let us see how to prepare and the most important topics in physics class 11 Exam.
- Analyse the paper pattern
The CBSE board mentions the syllabus and the important topics along with the marks allotted for each unit. For example, kinematics is an important unit that carries a good weightage of marks whereas the physical world may not carry the same amount. So, one can easily judge where the emphasis must be placed. The board also mentions the number of one-, two-, three-, four- and five-mark questions. This again gives a better understanding of how many questions are in the paper and how the marks are distributed.
- Focus on important topics.
Identify the important topics in each unit and pay more attention to them. Here is a short analysis of the important topics in each chapter:
1.Physical world:
This chapter is more or less for the student’s awareness. Not much would be asked from this in the examinations.
2.Units and measurement:
While reading this chapter, pay special attention to SI Units, Errors, Significant Figures, dimensional analysis. There can be short answer questions and small numerical problems from this unit apart from definitions. Again, this chapter does not require too much practice.
3.Motion in a straight line:
Concepts on average speed and velocity, instantaneous speed and velocity, relative velocity and the kinematic equations are important. Also, learn about uniformly accelerated motion. There are many numerical questions that could be asked from this chapter, so practice is required. There are also graphs that are important in this unit.
4.Motion in a plane:
This chapter involves a lot of numerical problems. Vectors is an important concept, and the student must focus on vector operations and resolution of vectors. This will also become an important part of other chapters, while solving numerical questions. It is advisable to not skip this part.
Motion of objects in plane applies the vector concepts.
Projectile motion is also an examiner’s favourite and there are derivations and numerical questions that can be asked. Practice them well.
If the student has trouble with basic differentiation and integration on mathematics, try to resolve and understand that first as they play a role in understanding these chapters.
5.Laws of motion:
This is one of the most important chapters in mechanics. Learn all the laws, their examples, explanations, conservation of momentum and the problems pertaining to it. Concepts of circular motion is also very important. Questions are commonly set on the laws, with numerical problems. Many give reasons can be asked from this unit. Students need to expose themselves to questions constantly so that they are familiar with the method of problem-solving.
6.Work, energy and power:
In this unit, topics like work-energy theorem, kinetic energy and potential energy and the law of conservation of energy are important. Learn all the derivations for this as they are commonly asked. There isn’t much theory asked from this unit, but it is important for understanding.
Concepts on conversion of energy and conservation are asked.
Learn how to solve questions on work done.
Another important concept is collisions. There are prospects of short questions and plenty of numerical-based problems.
Learn the derivation of the potential energy of springs deviation and also the interpretation of the energy curve.
7.Systems of particles and rotational motion
There are many important concepts from this chapter, the entire chapter can be considered important. Topics like centre of mass and its motion, linear motion, angular velocity and acceleration, torque, angular momentum are some commonly asked concepts.
Moment of inertia can be learnt by making a tabular column for the different shapes.
The theorems of perpendicular and parallel axis are very important. Kinematics and dynamics of rotational motion about a fixed axis should be understood well. Avoid confusion between rolling motion and motion without slipping.
8.Gravitation:
This chapter has concepts like Kepler’s law, the law of gravitation, acceleration due to gravity and gravitational potential of the earth. There are many numerical problems that can be asked from this unit.
Learn the derivations from this chapter thoroughly as it is asked commonly.
Relations on tip also are to be focussed on.
9.Mechanical properties of fluids:
Bernoulli’s principle is a very important concept in this chapter. Streamline flow is commonly asked. Read about surface tension, venturi-meter and concepts of viscosity.
Numerical problems on the calculation of surface tension and hydraulic lift can also be asked.
10.Thermal properties of matter:
Some of the important topics in this unit are ideal gas equation, thermal expansion specific heat capacity and calorimetry.
Numerical questions on the triple point concept are common.
Latent heat and heat transfer is another favourite in exams. Also, learn Neuton’s law of cooling.
Try to be very clear with these concepts as this is where the tricky questions are usually set from.
Also, be aware of any calculation mistakes, especially in questions regarding calorimetry.
11.Thermodynamics:
Learn zeroth, first and second law of thermodynamics very well. There can be questions about the laws or numerical problems. Study the heat engines thoroughly as they are also commonly asked.
Carnot engine is also to be understood well as the concept is required to solve problems.
12.Kinetic theory:
Study the behaviour of gases and the graphs for each process.
Law of equipartition energy and mean free path are frequently asked as concept-based questions.
Try to understand monoatomic, diatomic and polyatomic gases well as they are simple and scoring topics.
13.Oscillations:
Simple harmonic motion, uniform circular motion, energy in simple harmonic motion, oscillation due to spring and simple pendulum are important topics from this chapter. Graphical understanding of these phases will help in answering.
Learn derivations from energy in SH.
All the topics mentioned above are frequently asked as numerical questions and short answers. Learn them well.
14.Waves:
The basics from this chapter should be strong for a better approach. Longitudinal and transverse waves, displacement relation, characteristics, and principles of superposition is very important.
Numerical questions can be asked from all these units.
Learn the derivation of standing waves and short numerical problems from beats are asked.
Doppler effect is also an important and scoring topic.
This is the general outline of important topics from each chapter. This can be used as a guideline to form the basis of the preparation to score the most marks. So get started with the preparations and all the best for your exams!
