Did you know that even while sitting on a chair and reading this article, Physics is at work? Concepts like normal force, weight, and equilibrium come into play. Physics is a branch of science that explains how the entire world works. It helps us understand everything around us, from how objects move from here to there and how electricity powers our homes.
JEE Main 2025: Physics Formula | Study Materials | High Scoring Topics | Preparation Guide
JEE Main 2025: Syllabus | Sample Papers | Mock Tests | PYQs | Study Plan 100 Days
NEET 2025: Syllabus | High Scoring Topics | PYQs
For instance, the recent landing of SpaceX’s Starship rocket was made possible by applying advanced principles of Physics. Physics isn’t just about theories—it’s a practical subject deeply connected to our daily lives and the technology we use.
Physics Class 11 is the study of how things work in nature, covering topics like motion, forces, energy, heat, waves, and gravity to understand the world around us.
Physics Class 12 teaches topics like electricity, magnets, light, and modern inventions. It helps students understand how things like bulbs, fans, and gadgets work. This subject is important for exams and future studies.
Physics is a crucial subject for lower-level students starting in class 6 since it serves as the foundation for classes 11 and 12. For students who want to pursue careers in engineering medicine or a similar field, it is a crucial subject.
Many topics, including motion, the laws of motion, current electricity, magnetism, and more, are covered in the physics curriculum for classes 11 and 12. These topics are crucial not just for the board exam but also for competitive exams such as JEE, NEET and others.
There are a total of twenty-eight chapters of class 11 and class 12 physics which are divided into eight branches which we discuss below one by one.
Chapter 1: Units And Measurements
Units And Measurements is the very first chapter of the class 11 circular in which we study fundamental quantities, units, and measurement techniques, along with error analysis and significant figures. In the recent year of JEE Main total of thirty questions were asked from both sessions with a weight of 5%.
Some of the important topics of this chapter are:
Chapter 2: Motion In A Straight Line
Motion In A Straight Line is part of kinematics and the second chapter of class 11 class, in this chapter of mechanics we generally study the motion of objects along a straight path, focusing on velocity, acceleration, and equations of motion.
The below list is given for some of the very important topics which come under Motion In A Straight Line.
Chapter 3: Motion In A Plane
Motion In A Plane is also a part of kinematics and the third chapter of class 11 physics. In this chapter, we mainly study two-dimensional motion with concepts of vectors, Projectile Motion, Horizontal Projectile Motion, Equation Of Path Of A Projectile, Uniform circular motion and Relative velocity
Some advanced concepts of motion in a plane Chapter:
Chapter 4: Laws of Motion
Laws Of Motion is the fourth chapter of class 11 which comes under the mechanics part. In this chapter of class 11, we study all three Newton's Laws Of Motion: Newton’s First Law Of Motion, Newtons Second Law of Motion and Momentum ,Newtons Third Law of Motion and their applications in analyzing Forces and dynamics.
Some of the advanced concepts of laws of motion chapter in which questions can be asked in competitive exams like JEE/NEET and other state-level exams.
Chapter 5: Work, Energy And Power
Kinetic and potential energy, the work-energy theorem, and the idea of power are all explained in Work, Energy And Power. Discussions of conservation laws are accompanied by real-world examples. In the past year, a total of 21 questions with a weight of 3.50 percent were asked during the January and April sessions.
Don't miss the important topic of this chapter which is listed below:
Chapter 6: System Of Particles And Rotational Motion
The sixth chapter of Class 11, System Of Particles And Rotational Motion, focuses on the center of mass, motion of extended bodies, and rotational dynamics. Fundamental concepts like torque, angular momentum, and moment of inertia are discussed in detail. This chapter holds significant importance for entrance exams; in 2024, a total of 31 questions were presented from this chapter in JEE Main, highlighting its weightage in the syllabus.
Chapter 7: Gravitation
Gravitation is the last chapter of the mechanics part, In which we study Introduces the universal law of gravitation, Kepler’s laws, and orbital mechanics. It explains variations in gravity and its effects on motion. 19 questions were asked in JEE Main last year from this chapter.
Some of the important concept of this chapter are:
In the second part of physics, we study two chapters: Mechanical Properties Of Solids and Fluid which are part of class 11 physics.
Chapter 8: Mechanical Properties Of Solid
The first chapter of the Properties of Matter section, Mechanical Properties Of Solids, focuses on elasticity, stress-strain relationships, and the mechanical properties of materials. It highlights Hooke’s law and the applications of elastic behaviour in real-life scenarios. This chapter holds significant importance in competitive exams, with more than 15 questions asked across both sessions of JEE Main 2024.
Chapter 9: Mechanical Properties Of Fluid
The second chapter on properties of matter Mechanical Properties Of Fluids explains fluid statics and dynamics, including buoyancy, viscosity, and Bernoulli's principle. Real-world phenomena like capillarity and fluid flow are discussed.
Key your eyes on some of the important concepts of properties of matter
After Mechanics and Properties of Matter, the third part of physics is Thermal Physics, which includes three chapters from Class 11:
Chapter 10: Thermal Properties Of Matter
In the tenth chapter of physics which is Thermal Properties Of Matter, we study heat transfer methods, thermal expansion, and specific heat capacities. It emphasizes real-life examples of thermal properties.
Chapter 11: Thermodynamics
Thermodynamics discusses the laws of thermodynamics, including energy conservation, entropy, and heat engines. Practical applications like refrigerators are included. More than 15 questions were asked in the recent year of JEE Main.
Chapter 12: Kinetic Theory
Kinetic Theory provides a microscopic view of gases, focusing on molecular motion, pressure, temperature, and their relationships in ideal gases.
We have seen what this chapter covers in short now see below some of the very important concepts of this section.
Oscillations and Waves are divided into two chapters, chapter 13: Oscillations and Chapter 14: waves.
Chapter 13: Oscillations
This chapter focused on simple harmonic motion (SHM), damping, and forced oscillations. Applications in pendulums and oscillatory systems are studied, providing a base for understanding periodic motion.
Chapter 14: Waves
Waves chapter explains wave types, their properties, and the principle of superposition. It also discusses standing waves, resonance, and real-world applications of wave phenomena.
The last chapter of class 11 oscillation and wave is not only important for board exams but also for competitive exams like JEE Main/NEET and others. Some of the important concept of this chapter is given below:
In this branch of physics, the focus shifts to Electricity and Magnetism, starting from Class 12 Physics. A total of seven chapters are included in this section, covering fundamental and applied concepts. Below, we will explore each chapter one by one, beginning with Electrostatics.
Chapter 1: Electric Charges And Fields
The first chapter of class 12 Electric Charges And Fields Introduces the nature of electric charge, Coulomb’s law, and electric field lines. Concepts of flux and Gauss's law are also discussed.
Chapter 2: Electrostatic Potential And Capacitance
Electrostatic Potential And Capacitance chapter starts with an explanation of electric potential, energy in charged systems, and the behaviour of capacitors in circuits.
From both of these chapters also known as electrostatic combined chapters, almost 40 questions were asked in JEE Main 2024 from both of the sessions with a weightage of 6.50%.
Chapter 3: Current Electricity
The third chapter of the class 12 circular Current Electricity is one of the very important chapters not only for the board exam but also for the engineering and medical entrance test. This was one of the high-weighted chapters in JEE Main 2024 with almost 50 questions being asked in recent years.
Chapter 4: Magnetism And Matter
Magnetism And Matter Focus on magnetic fields, Earth’s magnetism, and magnetic properties of materials like diamagnetism and ferromagnetism.
Chapter 5: Moving Charges And Magnetism
This chapter Moving Charges And Magnetism focuses on the magnetic effects produced by moving charges and current-carrying conductors. Key topics include Biot-Savart law, Ampere's circuital law, and the force on a moving charge in a magnetic field (Lorentz force). The chapter also discusses the working of devices like cyclotrons and moving coil galvanometers, which utilize these principles.
Chapter 6: Electromagnetic Induction
This is the sixth chapter of class 12 physics in which we study about Faraday’s and Lenz’s laws, induced emf, and applications in generators and transformers.
Chapter 7: Alternating Current
Alternating Current is the last chapter of the Electricity and Magnetism section, which studies the behaviour of AC in RLC circuits, resonance, and power transfer. Practical uses like transformers are discussed. From electromagnetic Induction and alternating currents which are chapters 6 and 7 a total of 45 questions were asked in JEE Main 2024 after current electricity this is the second high weitage chapter.
Chapter 8:Electromagnetic Waves
In this branch of Waves, one chapter is included Electromagnetic Waves which is part of class 12, in which we studied Maxwell's equations, the electromagnetic spectrum, and applications like communication and radar technology.
In this branch of physics, we studied two chapters which are Chapter 8 and Chapter 9. In the recent year of JEE Main, a total of 38 questions were present from this section with a weightage of 6.33% which is 3rd highest among the overall chapters.
Chapter 9: Ray Optics And Optical Instruments
This Ray Optics And Optical Instruments chapter explains image formation through lenses and mirrors, and the working principles of optical instruments like microscopes and telescopes. More focus on sign conversion which is a crucial part of solving the example of this chapter.
Chapter 10: Wave Optics
The ninth chapter of class 12 physics Wave Optics focuses on light as a wave, covering phenomena like interference, diffraction, and polarization. Applications in optical devices are explored.
This is the last branch of physics in which four chapters are added, which are all chapters from class 12 physics.
Chapter 11: Dual Nature Of Matter And Radiation
The first chapter of modern physics Dual Nature Of Matter And Radiation Explains the particle-wave duality, photoelectric effect, and de Broglie wavelength. It bridges classical and quantum physics.
Chapter 12: Atoms
The second chapter of Modern Physics Atoms discusses atomic models, spectral lines, and energy transitions in hydrogen-like atoms.
Chapter 13: Nuclei
Nuclei chapter explains nuclear structure, binding energy, and phenomena like radioactivity and nuclear fission and fusion.
Almost 40 questions were asked in JEE main last year from atoms and nuclei, see some of the important concepts of this chapter which are given below.
Chapter 14: Semiconductor Electronics
Semiconductor Electronics: Materials, Devices And Simple Circuits is the last chapter of class 12 physics which covers the basics of semiconductors, diodes, transistors, and their applications in electronic circuits and logic gates.
Careers360 offers a range of resources for CBSE students to aid in exam preparation, including syllabus, textbooks, sample papers, question papers, NCERT solutions, exemplar solutions, important questions, and CBSE notes, all aligned with the latest curriculum.
Physics NCERT Solutions |
NCERT Solutions For Class 11 Physics NCERT Solutions For Class 12 Physics |
Physics Syllabus |
CBSE Syllabus for Class 11 Physics CBSE Syllabus for Class 12 Physics |
NCERT Exemplar |
NCERT Exemplar Class 11 Physics NCERT Exemplar Class 12 Physics |
CBSE Physics Sample Papers |
CBSE Class 11 Physics Sample Paper CBSE Class 12 Physics Sample Paper |
Physics NCERT Books |
NCERT Class 11 Physics Book NCERT Class 12 Physics Book |
CBSE Physics Notes |
Class 11 Physics Notes Class 12 Physics Notes |
Physics Formulas |
Complete Physics Formulas PDF |
The Physics subject is presented in various exams in the form of subjective, objective, and numerical answer-based questions, as detailed in the table below.
Exam | Focus | Key Topics Tested | Types of Questions |
JEE Main | Problem-solving, conceptual application in engineering | Mechanics, Waves, Optics, Thermodynamics, Electrostatics, Magnetism, Modern Physics | MCQs, Numerical Answer Type (NAT) |
JEE Advanced | Advanced problem-solving, and analytical skills | Similar to JEE Main but more complex, in-depth Mechanics, Electricity, Optics, Fluid Mechanics | MCQs, Numerical-based, challenging conceptual questions |
NEET | Fundamental physics for medical aspirants | Mechanics, Thermodynamics, Electrostatics, Current Electricity, Optics, Modern Physics | MCQs, Numerical-based questions |
CBSE Class 12 | In-depth understanding and application of concepts | Mechanics, Electrostatics, Magnetism, Optics, Thermodynamics, Modern Physics | Long-answer, short-answer, numerical problems |
State-Level Engineering/Medical Exams | Basic to intermediate physics concepts for college entrance | Mechanics, Electricity, Magnetism, Optics, Thermodynamics, Modern Physics | MCQs, Numerical-based questions |
Olympiads (Physics Olympiad) | Advanced conceptual and experimental knowledge | Classical Mechanics, Electrostatics, Thermodynamics, Waves, Optics, Nuclear Physics | Conceptual, problem-solving, experimental questions |
General Knowledge/Aptitude Exams | Basic physics knowledge applied in general scenarios | Mechanics, Optics, Thermodynamics, Electrostatics, Magnetism | MCQs, Concept-based general knowledge |
Solving physics numerical is one of the challenging tasks for many students but with the right approach, you can master this skill. Follow these steps to solve numerical effectively:
The first step in solving a numerical is reading the question and writing down the given data. Don't read the entire question in one go; instead, read it line by line, write down the given data, and try to represent the problem in the form of a diagram.
While writing the given data, ensure that all values are converted to the same unit. For example, if speed is given in km/h and m/s, convert both to either km/h or m/s.
In the third step, you have the given data and know what you need to find. This means you know your starting point (given data) and your destination (what you need to calculate). The next task is to identify the correct formula, which acts as the path to reach the solution.
Once you’ve identified the formula, substitute the known values along with their units. Be cautious while substituting to avoid missing terms or misplacing decimals. Solve step by step, keeping the calculations neat and organized.
After solving, check if the answer has the correct unit. For example:
If the units don’t match the expected quantity, revisit your calculations for errors.
Think critically about the answer:
If something seems off, recheck the steps to identify where you might have gone wrong.
Explains Natural Phenomena: Physics helps us to understand how the world and universe works, teaches us the concept behind every phenomenon.
Foundation of Technology: When it comes to technology, the physics concept involved in this latest example: the landing of SpaceX’s Starship rocket was made possible by applying advanced principles of Physics.
Medical Advancements: Physics is crucial in medical equipment like X-rays, MRIs, and laser surgeries.
Power and Energy: It helps in generating and managing electricity through renewable sources like solar and wind energy.
Transportation: Physics principles are applied in cars, planes, and ships for safe and efficient travel.
Space Exploration: It makes space missions possible, helping us explore planets and understand the universe.
Improves Everyday Life: From refrigerators to washing machines, physics is behind many household appliances.
Environment Protection: Physics aids in understanding climate change and creating eco-friendly solutions.
Scientific Research: It is the foundation for discoveries in other sciences like chemistry and biology.
Problem-Solving Skills: Studying physics develops analytical thinking and problem-solving abilities that are useful in any career.
Physics is a branch of science that deals with the interaction of matter with energy. There are two Main Branches of Physics, namely: Classical Physics and Modern physics. The four sub-branches of Physics are:
Mechanics
Optics
Electromagnetism
Thermodynamics
Physics is a visual study of the basic principles that govern the living world around us. We begin our view by moving first and then learning about energy, the nature of energy, momentum, energy, and many other concepts in various physical conditions. There are a lot of ideas that are constantly being developed, regarding a topic like Physics, the sky's the limit.
Niels Bohr and Max Planck, two of the founders of quantum theory. They each received the Nobel Prize in Physics for their work on quanta.
We define vector insertion as adding two or more vectors. A parallelogram rule defines the rule of vector addition of two or more vectors.
Physics is the science of nature that involves the study of objects and their movements in space and time, as well as related concepts such as energy and energy. These natural laws are laws that all natural processes seem to follow.
The best example of physics is usually the study of quantum mechanics physics. An example of physics is electrocution. The behaviour of a given body system, especially as understood from a physical point of view.
The behaviour of matter and energy on a normal scale of observation is the focus of classical physics. But most current physics is concerned with the behaviour of extreme conditions, or on a very big or very tiny scale, affecting matter and energy.
One of the major problems with twentieth-century physics is that so much of modern physics is built on two foundations that emerged in the early twentieth century," he explains. "One is relativity, and the other is quantum mechanics," says the author.