COMPLETE PHYSICS REVISION NOTES​

By IAS Freak (UPSC INTERVIEW, BPSC SELECTED)

NOTE: DON’T MISS GHATNACHAKRA PYQ ONELINERS GIVEN AT LAST SECTION OF THIS PDF.

Introduction to Physics

Definition:

Origin of the Word: The word 'Physics' originates from the Greek word 'phusis', which
translates to Nature.

Core Concept: Physics is a fundamental branch of science. Its primary objective is to

understand how the universe behaves.

k
Formal Definition: Physics is the natural science
that studies matter, its fundamental constituents,

ea
its motion and behavior through space and time,
and the related entities of energy and force. It is
the study of nature and its laws.

Examples of Phenomena Studied: The principles of

physics explain a vast range of phenomena,
Fr
including the operation of an air conditioner
(thermodynamics), the twinkling of stars
(atmospheric refraction), the motion of wind (fluid
dynamics), concepts of heat and temperature, the flow of electric current
(electromagnetism), and the functioning of the human eye (optics).
S

Founder and Important Facts:

●​ Father of Classical Physics: Sir Isaac Newton is widely regarded as the father of
classical physics.
IA

●​ Newton's Magnum Opus:

○​ Book: Philosophiæ Naturalis Principia Mathematica (Mathematical
Principles of Natural Philosophy), commonly known as the Principia.
○​ Publication Year: 1687.
○​ Subjects of Study: This seminal work laid the foundation for classical
mechanics. It formulates Newton's laws of motion and the law of
universal gravitation, primarily studying Force and Gravitation.
●​ Originator of the Term 'Physics': The term itself was coined by the ancient Greek
philosopher Aristotle. (Note: While Newton is the father of the modern science,
Aristotle gave the subject its name).

For more notes JOIN @ifnotes - CLICK 1

 COMPLETE PHYSICS REVISION NOTES​
By IAS Freak (UPSC INTERVIEW, BPSC SELECTED)
●​ Father of Experimental Physics in India: Dr. C.V. Raman is a prominent figure in
the history of Indian science.
●​ He was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1930 for his groundbreaking work
on the scattering of light and for the discovery of the Raman Effect, which is the
inelastic scattering of a photon by molecules.

Chapter 1: Unit and Measurement

Physical Quantity:

Definition: A property of a material or system that can be quantified by measurement.

k
In simple terms, anything that is measurable is a physical quantity.

Examples: Length, mass, time, temperature, force, volume, density, etc.

ea
Types: Physical quantities are categorized into
two types.

●​ Fundamental (or Base) Quantities:

○​ These are the basic quantities that
are independent of each other.
Fr
○​ There are only seven
fundamental quantities in the
International System of Units (SI).
○​ They are called base quantities
because all other physical
S

quantities in science can be

derived from them.
●​ Derived Quantities:
○​ All physical quantities other than the seven fundamental quantities are
IA

derived quantities.
○​ They are formed by combining the fundamental quantities through
multiplication, division, or both. They are dependent on fundamental
quantities.

The Seven Fundamental (Base) Quantities:

Fundamental Quantity SI Unit Symbol Dimensional Formula

For more notes JOIN @ifnotes - CLICK 2

 COMPLETE PHYSICS REVISION NOTES​
By IAS Freak (UPSC INTERVIEW, BPSC SELECTED)

1. Length meter m [L] or [M⁰L¹T⁰]

2. Mass kilogram kg [M] or [M¹L⁰T⁰]

3. Time second s [T] or [M⁰L⁰T¹]

4. Temperature Kelvin K [K]

k
5. Electric Current Ampere A [A]

6. Luminous Intensity

7. Amount of Substance
Candela

Mole
ea cd

mol
[cd] or [J]

[mol]
Fr
Examples and Formulas of Derived Quantities:

Derived Formula SI Unit Dimensional

Quantity Formula
S

Area Length × Breadth m² [L²]

IA

Volume Length × Breadth × Height m³ [L³]

Speed/Velocity Distance / Time or m/s [LT⁻¹]

Displacement / Time

Acceleration Change in Velocity / Time m/s² [LT⁻²]

For more notes JOIN @ifnotes - CLICK 3

 COMPLETE PHYSICS REVISION NOTES​
By IAS Freak (UPSC INTERVIEW, BPSC SELECTED)

Force Mass × Acceleration kg⋅m/s² [MLT⁻²]

(Newton, N)

Work/Energy Force × Displacement kg⋅m²/s² (Joule, [ML²T⁻²]

J)

Momentum Mass × Velocity kg⋅m/s [MLT⁻¹]

k
Impulse Force × Time kg⋅m/s (or N⋅s) [MLT⁻¹]

ea
Supplementary Quantities:

These two quantities deal with angles.

Important Fact: They are considered dimensionless because they are ratios of similar
Fr
quantities (e.g., length/length). Their dimensional formula is [M⁰L⁰T⁰].

●​ Plane Angle (θ):

○​ A two-dimensional (2D) angle.
○​ Definition: The angle subtended at the center of a circle by an arc.
○​ Unit: Radian (rad).
○​ Formula: θ = Arc Length / Radius.
S

○​ Relation: π radians = 180°.

●​ Solid Angle (Ω):
○​ A three-dimensional (3D) angle.
IA

○​ Example: The angle formed at the vertex of an ice cream cone.

○​ Unit: Steradian (sr).
○​ Formula: Ω = Surface Area / (Radius)².

System of Units:

●​ CGS System: Centimeter, Gram, Second. Also known as the Gaussian System.
●​ FPS System: Foot, Pound, Second. Also known as the British System.
●​ MKS System: Meter, Kilogram, Second. Also known as the Metric System.
●​ SI System (International System of Units):
○​ Established in 1960 (fully adopted in 1971) by the CGPM (General Conference
on Weights and Measures).

For more notes JOIN @ifnotes - CLICK 4

 COMPLETE PHYSICS REVISION NOTES​
By IAS Freak (UPSC INTERVIEW, BPSC SELECTED)
○​ It is an extended and rationalized version of the MKS system.
○​ It is the modern, globally accepted standard for science, technology, and
commerce. India, like most of the world, officially follows this system.

Scalar and Vector Quantities:

●​ Scalar Quantity: A quantity that has only magnitude (a numerical value) but no
direction.
○​ Examples: Distance, speed, mass, time, work, energy, temperature,
pressure.
●​ Vector Quantity: A quantity that has both magnitude and direction. It must also

k
obey the laws of vector addition.
○​ Examples: Displacement, velocity, acceleration, force, momentum, impulse.

ea
Chapter 2: Motion

Introduction:

The study of motion is a part of a branch of physics called Mechanics. Mechanics is

further divided into Kinematics (describing motion) and Dynamics (studying the causes
Fr
of motion).

Motion: An object is said to be in motion if it changes its position with respect to its
surroundings over time.

Rest: An object is said to be at rest if it does not change its position with respect to its
surroundings over time.
S

Types of Motion:

●​ One-Dimensional (1D) Motion:

IA

○​ When an object moves along a

straight line on a single axis
(e.g., the x-axis).
○​ Also known as Rectilinear Motion.
○​ Examples: A bus moving on a
straight road, an object in free fall
(motion under gravity).
●​ Two-Dimensional (2D) Motion:
○​ When an object moves in a plane,
requiring two axes (e.g., x and y) to
describe its position.

For more notes JOIN @ifnotes - CLICK 5

 COMPLETE PHYSICS REVISION NOTES​
By IAS Freak (UPSC INTERVIEW, BPSC SELECTED)
○​ Examples: An ant crawling on a flat floor, Projectile Motion (like throwing a
javelin), Circular Motion.
●​ Three-Dimensional (3D) Motion:
○​ When an object moves in space, requiring all three axes (x, y, and z) to
describe its position.
○​ Examples: A flying airplane, a flying bird, a gas molecule.

Distance and Displacement:

●​ Distance: The total length of the path covered by an object. It is a scalar quantity
and can never be zero or negative for a moving object.

k
●​ Displacement: The shortest straight-line distance between the initial and final
positions of an object. It is a vector quantity and can be positive, negative, or

ea
zero.
●​ Relation: The magnitude of distance is always greater than or equal to the
magnitude of displacement. (Distance ≥ |Displacement|).

Speed and Velocity:

●​ Speed: The rate of change of distance. (Speed = Distance / Time). It is a scalar

Fr
quantity.
●​ Velocity: The rate of change of displacement. (Velocity = Displacement / Time). It
is a vector quantity.
●​ Unit: The SI unit for both is meters per second (m/s).
●​ Average Speed Trick Formula: If an object travels two equal distances with speeds
v₁ and v₂, the average speed is 2v₁v₂ / (v₁ + v₂).
S

Acceleration:

●​ Definition: The rate of change of velocity.

IA

●​ Formula: a = (v - u) / t (where v = final velocity, u = initial velocity, t = time).

●​ Unit: The SI unit is meters per second squared (m/s²).
●​ It is a vector quantity.
●​ Types:
○​ Positive Acceleration: Occurs when the velocity of an object increases with
time.
○​ Negative Acceleration (or Retardation/Deceleration): Occurs when the
velocity of an object decreases with time.

Equations of Motion (for uniform acceleration):

For more notes JOIN @ifnotes - CLICK 6

 COMPLETE PHYSICS REVISION NOTES​
By IAS Freak (UPSC INTERVIEW, BPSC SELECTED)
These equations were formulated by Galileo Galilei to describe motion with constant
acceleration.

●​ Velocity-Time Relation: v = u + at
●​ Position-Time Relation: s = ut + ½at²
●​ Velocity-Position Relation: v² = u² + 2as

Motion Under Gravity: For objects moving vertically under gravity, replace acceleration
(a) with acceleration due to gravity (g) and distance (s) with height (h).

The value of g is taken as positive (+g) for an object moving downwards and negative
(-g) for an object moving upwards.

k
Chapter 3: Force and Laws of Motion

ea
Force:

●​ Definition: A push or a pull upon an object resulting from the object's interaction
with another object.
●​ Formula: F = m × a (Force = Mass × Acceleration). This is derived from Newton's
Fr
Second Law.
●​ SI Unit: Newton (N), which is equivalent to
kg⋅m/s².
●​ CGS Unit: Dyne. (1 Newton = 10⁵ Dyne).
●​ It is a vector quantity.
●​ Effects of Force: A force can change an
S

object's state of motion (start, stop, speed

up, slow down), change its direction of
motion, or change its shape and size.
IA

Types of Force:

●​ Contact Forces: Forces that act on an

object by direct contact with it.
○​ Examples: Frictional Force, Tension, Normal Reaction Force.
●​ Non-Contact Forces (Field Forces): Forces that act on an object without coming
physically in contact with it.
○​ Examples: Gravitational Force, Electrostatic Force, Magnetic Force.

Inertia:

For more notes JOIN @ifnotes - CLICK 7

 COMPLETE PHYSICS REVISION NOTES​
By IAS Freak (UPSC INTERVIEW, BPSC SELECTED)
●​ Definition: The inherent property of a body by virtue of which it resists any
change in its state of rest or of uniform motion.
●​ Law of Inertia: First proposed by Galileo Galilei.
●​ Dependence: Inertia depends directly on the mass of the object. More mass
means more inertia.
●​ Examples: Passengers leaning forward when a moving bus suddenly stops; fruits
falling when a tree branch is shaken.

Newton's Laws of Motion:

●​ First Law (Law of Inertia): "An object

k
at rest stays at rest and an object in
motion stays in motion with the same

ea
speed and in the same direction unless
acted upon by an unbalanced external
force." This law provides the definition
of force.
●​ Second Law: "The rate of change of
momentum of a body is directly
Fr
proportional to the applied force and
takes place in the direction in which the
force acts." (F ∝ Δp/Δt). This law
provides the formula for force, F = ma.
○​ Example: A cricketer pulls his hands back while catching a ball to increase
the time of impact (Δt), which reduces the force (F) exerted on his hands,
S

preventing injury.
●​ Third Law (Law of Action-Reaction): "For every action, there is an equal and
opposite reaction." These two forces act on different bodies.
IA

○​ Examples: The recoil of a gun after firing a bullet; a boat moving backward
when a person jumps off it.

Momentum and Impulse:

●​ Momentum (p): The product of an object's mass and velocity (p = m × v). It is a

vector quantity.
●​ Law of Conservation of Momentum: In an isolated system, the total momentum
before a collision is equal to the total momentum after the collision. (m₁u₁ + m₂u₂ =
m₁v₁ + m₂v₂).
●​ Impulse (I): The product of force and the time interval for which it acts (I = F × t). It
is equal to the change in momentum (I = Δp).

For more notes JOIN @ifnotes - CLICK 8

 COMPLETE PHYSICS REVISION NOTES​
By IAS Freak (UPSC INTERVIEW, BPSC SELECTED)
Friction Force:

●​ A force that opposes the relative motion between surfaces in contact.

●​ Types: Static (when at rest), Kinetic (when in motion). Kinetic friction is further
divided into Sliding and Rolling.
●​ Order of Magnitude: Static Friction (max) > Sliding Friction > Rolling Friction.

Centripetal and Centrifugal Force:

●​ Centripetal Force: A real, center-seeking force required to keep an object moving

in a circular path. Formula: F = mv²/r.
●​ Centrifugal Force: A pseudo or apparent force that seems to act outwards from

k
the center on a body moving in a circle. It arises due to inertia. Example: The
working of a washing machine's spin dryer.

ea
Chapter 4: Work, Energy, and Power

Work (W):

●​ Definition: In physics, work is done when a force applied to an object causes a

Fr
displacement of that object.
●​ Formula: W = F × s × cos(θ), where θ is the angle
between the force (F) and displacement (s) vectors.
●​ SI Unit: Joule (J), which is equivalent to a
Newton-meter (N⋅m).
●​ CGS Unit: Erg. (1 Joule = 10⁷ Erg).
S

●​ It is a scalar quantity.
●​ Types of Work:
○​ Positive (+): When force and displacement
are in the same general direction (0° ≤ θ <
IA

90°).
○​ Negative (-): When force and
displacement are in opposite general
directions (90° < θ ≤ 180°).
○​ Zero (0): When force is perpendicular to
displacement (θ = 90°) or if there is no
displacement (s=0).

Energy (E):

●​ Definition: The capacity or ability to do work.

●​ Unit: The SI unit of energy is the Joule (J).

For more notes JOIN @ifnotes - CLICK 9

 COMPLETE PHYSICS REVISION NOTES​
By IAS Freak (UPSC INTERVIEW, BPSC SELECTED)
●​ Commercial Unit of Energy: kilowatt-hour (kWh). 1 kWh = 3.6 × 10⁶ Joules.
●​ Law of Conservation of Energy: Energy can neither be created nor destroyed; it
can only be transformed from one form to another.
●​ Main Types of Mechanical Energy:
○​ Kinetic Energy (K.E.): The energy possessed by an object due to its motion.
Formula: K.E. = ½mv².
○​ Potential Energy (P.E.): The energy stored in an object due to its position or
configuration. Formula (Gravitational): P.E. = mgh.
●​ Mechanical Energy: The sum of kinetic and potential energy (M.E. = K.E. + P.E.).

Power (P):

k
●​ Definition: The rate at which work is done or energy is transferred.

ea
●​ Formula: P = W / t (Power = Work / Time).
●​ SI Unit: Watt (W), which is equivalent to a Joule per second (J/s).
●​ Other Common Unit: Horsepower (HP). 1 HP ≈ 746 Watts.

Chapter 5: Gravitation

Newton's Universal Law of Gravitation:

Fr
●​ Statement: "Every particle in the universe
attracts every other particle with a force that
is directly proportional to the product of
their masses and inversely proportional to
the square of the distance between their
S

centers."
●​ Formula: F = G (m₁m₂) / r²
●​ G (Universal Gravitational Constant): G =
IA

6.674 × 10⁻¹¹ Nm²/kg². Its value is constant

throughout the universe.
●​ The gravitational force is the weakest of the
four fundamental forces of nature.

Acceleration due to Gravity (g):

●​ Definition: The acceleration produced in a freely falling body due to the Earth's
gravitational force.
●​ Formula: g = GM / R² (where M and R are the mass and radius of the Earth).
●​ Standard Value on Earth's Surface: Approximately 9.8 m/s².
●​ Variation in the value of 'g':

For more notes JOIN @ifnotes - CLICK 10

 COMPLETE PHYSICS REVISION NOTES​
By IAS Freak (UPSC INTERVIEW, BPSC SELECTED)
○​ It decreases with altitude (moving up from the surface) and depth (moving
down from the surface).
○​ It is zero at the center of the Earth.
○​ It is maximum at the poles and minimum at the equator (due to the
Earth's shape and rotation).

Mass and Weight:

Feature Mass Weight

k
Definition The amount of matter in an The gravitational force acting on an
object. object.

Nature

SI Unit
Scalar Quantity.

Kilogram (kg).
ea Vector Quantity (acts downwards).

Newton (N).
Fr
Constancy Constant everywhere. Changes with location (depends on 'g').

Formula - W=m×g
S

Pressure and Thrust:

●​ Thrust: The total force acting perpendicular (at 90°) to a surface. Its SI unit is the
IA

Newton (N).
●​ Pressure: The thrust acting per unit area of a surface.
●​ Formula: P = F / A (Pressure = Force / Area).
●​ Unit: The SI unit is the Pascal (Pa), which is equivalent to N/m².

Buoyancy and Archimedes' Principle:

●​ Buoyant Force (Upthrust): An upward force exerted by a fluid that opposes the
weight of a partially or fully immersed object.
●​ Archimedes' Principle: When a body is immersed fully or partially in a fluid, it
experiences an upward force (buoyant force) that is equal to the weight of the
fluid displaced by the body.

For more notes JOIN @ifnotes - CLICK 11

 COMPLETE PHYSICS REVISION NOTES​
By IAS Freak (UPSC INTERVIEW, BPSC SELECTED)
Chapter 6: Sound and Wave

Sound:

●​ Sound is a form of energy that is produced by

vibrations.
●​ It requires a medium (solid, liquid, or gas) to travel.
Sound cannot travel through a vacuum.
●​ Sound in Humans: Produced by the vibration of the
vocal cords, which are located in the larynx (voice
box).

k
●​ Speed of Sound: The speed is fastest in solids,
slower in liquids, and slowest in gases. (Solids > Liquids > Gases).

ea
Wave:

●​ Mechanical Waves: Require a medium for propagation. Example: Sound waves,

waves on a string.
●​ Electromagnetic (EM) Waves: Do not require a medium for propagation; can
travel through a vacuum. Example: Light waves, radio waves, X-rays.
Fr
Based on Particle Vibration:

●​ Longitudinal Wave: The particles of the medium vibrate parallel to the direction
of wave propagation. Example: Sound waves. They consist of compressions
(high-pressure regions) and rarefactions (low-pressure regions).
S

●​ Transverse Wave: The particles of the medium vibrate perpendicular to the

direction of wave propagation. Example: Light waves, waves on a water surface.
They consist of crests (high points) and troughs (low points).
IA

Properties of a Sound Wave:

●​ Wavelength (λ): The distance between two consecutive compressions or

rarefactions (or crests/troughs). SI Unit: meter (m).
●​ Amplitude (A): The maximum displacement of the particles of the medium from
their mean position. It determines the loudness of the sound.
●​ Frequency (ν or f): The number of complete vibrations or oscillations per second.
SI Unit: Hertz (Hz). It determines the pitch of the sound (high frequency = high
pitch).
●​ Relation: Speed (v) = Wavelength (λ) × Frequency (ν).

Types of Sound (based on Frequency):

For more notes JOIN @ifnotes - CLICK 12

 COMPLETE PHYSICS REVISION NOTES​
By IAS Freak (UPSC INTERVIEW, BPSC SELECTED)
●​ Infrasonic: Frequency < 20 Hz. (Cannot be heard by humans; can be heard by
elephants, whales).
●​ Audible: Frequency between 20 Hz and 20,000
Hz (or 20 kHz). (The range of human hearing).
●​ Ultrasonic: Frequency > 20,000 Hz. (Cannot be
heard by humans; can be heard/used by bats,
dogs, dolphins).
●​ Applications: SONAR (Sound Navigation and
Ranging), medical imaging (Ultrasound, ECG).

Phenomena Related to Sound:

k
●​ Echo: The repetition of sound caused by the

ea
reflection of sound waves from a surface. For a
distinct echo, the minimum distance between the source and the reflector should
be 17.2 meters, and the time interval must be at least 0.1 seconds.
●​ Reverberation: The persistence of sound in an enclosed space as a result of
multiple reflections from surfaces.
●​ Doppler Effect: The apparent change in the frequency of a wave in relation to an
Fr
observer who is moving relative to the wave source. Example: The pitch of a train's
siren sounds higher as it approaches and lower as it moves away.

Chapter 7: Light

Nature of Light:
S

●​ The study of light is called Optics.

●​ Light is a form of electromagnetic energy.
●​ It exhibits a Dual Nature: it behaves as both a
IA

wave (explaining phenomena like diffraction)

and a particle (photons, explaining the
photoelectric effect).
●​ It does not require a medium to travel.
●​ Speed in Vacuum: The maximum speed of light
is in a vacuum, approximately 3 × 10⁸ m/s.
●​ Light travels in a straight line (rectilinear propagation).

Reflection of Light:

●​ Definition: The bouncing back of light into the same medium after striking a
surface.

For more notes JOIN @ifnotes - CLICK 13

 COMPLETE PHYSICS REVISION NOTES​
By IAS Freak (UPSC INTERVIEW, BPSC SELECTED)
●​ Laws of Reflection:
1.​ The angle of incidence (∠i) is equal to the
angle of reflection (∠r).
2.​ The incident ray, the reflected ray, and the
normal to the surface at the point of
incidence, all lie in the same plane.

Mirror:

●​ Plane Mirror:
○​ Image formed is virtual, erect (upright),

k
and of the same size as the object.
○​ The image is laterally inverted (left appears right and vice versa).

ea
○​ Object distance (u) = Image distance (v).
○​ Focal length is infinite.
●​ Spherical Mirror:
○​ Concave Mirror: A converging mirror. Uses: Shaving mirrors, torches, car
headlights, dentist's mirror.
○​ Convex Mirror: A diverging mirror. Uses: Rear-view mirrors in vehicles
Fr
(provides a wider field of view), security mirrors, at sharp turns in hilly areas.
●​ Mirror Formula: 1/v + 1/u = 1/f
●​ Relation: f = R/2 (Focal length = Radius of Curvature / 2).

Refraction of Light:

●​ Definition: The bending of light as it passes from one transparent medium to

S

another. This occurs because the speed of light changes between different media.
●​ Phenomena due to Refraction: The twinkling of stars, a pencil appearing bent in a
glass of water, the sun appearing to rise earlier and set later than it actually does.
IA

●​ Snell's Law: The ratio of the sine of the angle of incidence to the sine of the angle
of refraction is a constant, known as the refractive index (μ). (sin i / sin r =
constant = μ).

Lens:

●​ Convex Lens: A converging lens (thicker in the middle). Used to correct

hypermetropia (long-sightedness).
●​ Concave Lens: A diverging lens (thinner in the middle). Used to correct myopia
(short-sightedness).
●​ Lens Formula: 1/v - 1/u = 1/f

For more notes JOIN @ifnotes - CLICK 14

 COMPLETE PHYSICS REVISION NOTES​
By IAS Freak (UPSC INTERVIEW, BPSC SELECTED)
●​ Power of a Lens (P): The ability of a lens to converge or diverge light rays. P = 1/f
(where f is in meters). The SI unit is the Dioptre (D).

Other Phenomena Related to Light:

●​ Dispersion: The splitting of white light into its seven constituent colors
(VIBGYOR - Violet, Indigo, Blue, Green, Yellow, Orange, Red) when it passes through
a prism. Example: Formation of a rainbow.
●​ Scattering: The process in which light is redirected in many different directions
upon interacting with particles in a medium.
○​ Phenomena: The blue color of the sky, the reddish appearance of the sun

k
during sunrise and sunset, red color used for danger signals (as red light
scatters the least).

ea
●​ Total Internal Reflection (TIR): The phenomenon where a ray of light traveling
from a denser medium to a rarer medium is completely reflected back into the
denser medium.
○​ Conditions for TIR:
1.​ Light must travel from a denser to a rarer medium.
2.​ The angle of incidence must be greater than the critical angle for
Fr
that pair of media.
○​ Phenomena: The sparkle of a diamond, mirages in deserts, the working
principle of optical fibers.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX GHATNACHAKRA PYQ ONELINERS XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

S

Chapter 1: Units, Dimensions, and Measurement

●​ Fundamental Physical Quantities (7): Independent quantities from which other quantities are
IA

derived. They are: Length (meter, m), Mass (kilogram, kg), Time (second, s), Electric Current
(Ampere, A), Temperature (Kelvin, K), Luminous Intensity (Candela, cd), Amount of Substance
(mole, mol).
●​ Luminous Intensity: Power emitted by a light source in a particular direction per unit solid angle.
Unit: Candela (cd).
●​ Power (P): The rate of doing work (Work/Time). Unit: Watt (W), which is equal to Joule/second
(J/s).
●​ Force (F): An interaction that causes a change in an object's motion. Formula: F = ma (mass ×
acceleration). Unit: Newton (N), which is kg⋅m/s².
●​ Work (W): Done when a force causes displacement. Formula: W = F ⋅ d (Force × displacement).
Unit: Joule (J), which is also Newton-meter (N·m).

For more notes JOIN @ifnotes - CLICK 15

 COMPLETE PHYSICS REVISION NOTES​
By IAS Freak (UPSC INTERVIEW, BPSC SELECTED)
●​ Frequency (f or ν): Number of cycles/oscillations per second. Formula: f = 1/T (where T is the
time period). Unit: Hertz (Hz), which is s⁻¹.
●​ Electrical Resistivity (ρ): The intrinsic property of a material to oppose the flow of electric
current. From R = ρL/A, we get ρ = RA/L. Unit: Ohm-meter (Ω·m).
●​ Resistance (R) is proportional to length (L) and inversely proportional to the cross-sectional area
(A). R ∝ L/A.
●​ Light-year: A unit of distance, not time. It is the distance light travels in one year (≈ 9.46 × 10¹⁵
meters).
●​ Astronomical distances are measured in light-years because the speed of light in a vacuum is
constant (c ≈ 3 × 10⁸ m/s).
●​ Parsec: A larger unit of distance used for stars. 1 Parsec ≈ 3.26 light-years (≈ 3.08 × 10¹⁶
meters).

k
●​ Unit Conversions:
○​ 1 cm ≈ 0.39 inches.

ea
○​ 1 foot ≈ 0.305 meters.
○​ 1 nanometer (nm) = 10⁻⁹ meters.
○​ 1 micron (μm) = 10⁻⁶ meters = 1/1000 mm.
○​ 1 picogram = 10⁻¹² grams.
○​ 1 barrel of oil ≈ 159 liters.
●​ Smallest unit of length (among options): Fermi-meter (or Femtometer) = 10⁻¹⁵ meters, used
for nuclear distances.
Fr
●​ Ampere (A): Unit of electric current (I). I = Q/t (rate of flow of charge). 1 Ampere = 1
Coulomb/second.
●​ Pressure (P): Force applied per unit area (F/A). Unit: Pascal (Pa), which is N/m². It is a scalar
quantity.
●​ Atmospheric Pressure: Measured in bar. 1 bar = 10⁵ Pa.
●​ Strain: Change in dimension / original dimension (e.g., ΔL/L). It is a unitless and dimensionless
S

ratio.
●​ Key Point: 'Relative' quantities or ratios of similar units are often dimensionless (e.g., strain,
relative density).
IA

Chapter 2: Measuring Instruments and Devices

●​ SONAR: Uses ultrasonic wave pulses to detect submerged objects (submarines, icebergs).
Used by sailors.
●​ Audiometer: Measures the intensity of sound.
●​ Anemometer: Measures the speed/force of wind ('anemo' = wind).
●​ Pyrometer: Measures very high temperatures from a distance (e.g., furnaces, stars). Works on
Stefan-Boltzmann law (emitted radiation ∝ T⁴). Also called a radiation thermometer.
●​ Pyrheliometer: Measures direct solar radiation ('helio' = sun).
●​ Ammeter: Measures electric current. Connected in series in a circuit.
●​ Manometer: Measures the pressure of a gas or liquid.
●​ Hygrometer: Measures relative humidity in the air ('hygro' = moisture).
●​ Lactometer: Measures the density/purity of milk ('lacto' = milk).

For more notes JOIN @ifnotes - CLICK 16

 COMPLETE PHYSICS REVISION NOTES​
By IAS Freak (UPSC INTERVIEW, BPSC SELECTED)
●​ Sphygmomanometer: Measures blood pressure.
●​ Stethoscope: Listens to internal body sounds, mainly heart and lungs (sound amplification and
transmission).
●​ Caratometer: Measures the purity of gold.
●​ Luxmeter: Measures the intensity of light (illuminance).
●​ RADAR: Detects objects (aircraft, ships) using radio waves.
●​ Seismograph / Seismometer: Records the intensity and magnitude of earthquakes (seismic
waves).
●​ Richter Scale: A logarithmic scale to measure the magnitude (energy released) of an
earthquake.
●​ Altimeter: Measures altitude.
●​ Fathometer: Measures the depth of the sea.

k
●​ Polygraph: Lie detector machine; measures physiological indicators like blood pressure, pulse,
respiration.

ea
●​ Theodolite: Measures horizontal and vertical angles, used in surveying.
●​ Odometer: Measures the distance traveled by a vehicle.
●​ Tachometer: Measures the rotational speed (RPM - revolutions per minute) of a shaft or disk.
●​ Dobson Unit (DU): Measures the thickness of the ozone layer.

Chapter 3: Mechanics
Fr
Fundamental Concepts

●​ Simple Machine: Makes work easier by using less force over a greater distance.
●​ Mass vs. Weight: Mass is scalar (amount of matter, constant everywhere, kg). Weight is a vector
force (mass × g, changes with gravity, N).
●​ Vector vs. Scalar: Vectors have magnitude and direction (force, velocity, displacement). Scalars
have only magnitude (mass, speed, volume, pressure, work, energy).
S

Newton's Laws of Motion

●​ First Law (Inertia): An object remains at rest or in uniform motion unless acted upon by an
IA

external force.
●​ Second Law: F = ma. The acceleration of an object is directly proportional to the net force.
●​ Third Law: For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction.
●​ Inertia of Rest: A passenger's head jerks backward when a train starts because the body tends
to remain at rest.

Friction

●​ Friction: A force that opposes motion. It's difficult to walk on ice due to low friction.
●​ Static vs. Dynamic Friction: Static friction (on a non-moving object) is generally greater than
kinetic/rolling friction. It's harder to start pushing a cart than to keep it moving.
●​ Ball bearings reduce friction by converting sliding friction to rolling friction and reducing the
effective area of contact.

For more notes JOIN @ifnotes - CLICK 17

 COMPLETE PHYSICS REVISION NOTES​
By IAS Freak (UPSC INTERVIEW, BPSC SELECTED)
Energy Conservation & Conversion

●​ Conservation of Energy: Energy can neither be created nor destroyed, only converted from one
form to another.
●​ Energy Conversion Devices:
○​ Dynamo/Generator: Mechanical → Electrical
○​ Electric Motor: Electrical → Mechanical
○​ Microphone: Sound → Electrical
○​ Loudspeaker: Electrical → Sound
○​ Solar Cell: Solar (Light) → Electrical
○​ Battery/Cell: Chemical → Electrical
○​ Photosynthesis: Solar → Chemical

k
●​ Kinetic Energy (KE): Energy of motion, KE = ½mv². If KE is equal for a truck, car, and motorcycle,
and the same stopping force is applied, they will all stop in the same distance.

ea
Chapter 4: Motion Under Gravity
Gravitational Concepts

●​ Early concept of gravity: Indian astronomer Brahmagupta (7th century) declared that all things
are attracted to the Earth before Newton.
Fr
●​ Newton's Law of Universal Gravitation: F = Gm₁m₂/r². Force is proportional to the product of
masses and inversely proportional to the square of the distance between them.
●​ Weightlessness in space is due to the absence of significant gravity. Astronauts float.
●​ An object dropped from an orbiting spacecraft moves along with it at the same speed due to
inertia, in the absence of external forces like air resistance.
●​ The Leaning Tower of Pisa does not fall because the vertical line passing through its center of
gravity still falls within its base.
S

Weight and Mass

●​ Weight on the Moon: Is 1/6th of the weight on Earth because the Moon's gravity (g) is 1/6th of
IA

Earth's.
●​ Mass on the Moon: Remains the same as on Earth. Mass is constant.
●​ Weight variation on Earth: Weight is maximum at the poles and minimum at the equator
because Earth is not a perfect sphere (it's flattened at the poles), so the distance to the center (r)
is less at the poles.

Free Fall & Pendulum Motion

●​ Free Fall (no air resistance): Objects of different masses (e.g., wood, iron) dropped from the
same height will reach the ground at the same time. Their acceleration (g) is constant and
independent of mass.
●​ Free Fall (with air resistance): A denser/more compact object (like an iron ball) will fall faster
than a less dense/larger object of the same weight (like a wooden ball) because it experiences
less air resistance.

For more notes JOIN @ifnotes - CLICK 18

 COMPLETE PHYSICS REVISION NOTES​
By IAS Freak (UPSC INTERVIEW, BPSC SELECTED)
●​ Period of a Pendulum (T): Formula: T = 2π√(L/g). It depends on the length of the pendulum (L)
and acceleration due to gravity (g), not the mass of the bob.
●​ Pendulums in Summer: They run slower (lose time) because the length of the pendulum (L)
increases due to thermal expansion, which increases the time period (T). In winter, they run
faster.
●​ Girl on a Swing: When a girl stands up on a swing, her center of gravity rises, effectively
decreasing the pendulum length (L). This shortens the time period (T), making the swing
faster.

Escape Velocity & Atmosphere

●​ Escape Velocity: The minimum speed needed for an object to escape the gravitational pull of a

k
planet. For Earth, it is 11.2 km/s.
●​ No atmosphere on the Moon: Because the escape velocity on the Moon is very low, gas
molecules have enough thermal velocity to escape its gravity.

ea
Chapter 5: Properties of Matter
Surface Tension & Bubbles

●​ Surface Tension: The property of a liquid's surface that allows it to resist an external force. It
causes liquids to form shapes with the minimum possible surface area, which is why raindrops
Fr
are spherical.
●​ Oil on Water: Oil spreads on water because the surface tension of oil is less than that of
water.
●​ Pressure in a Soap Bubble: The pressure inside a soap bubble is greater than the atmospheric
pressure outside.
●​ Bubble Size and Pressure: The internal pressure is inversely proportional to the radius (P ∝ 1/r).
A smaller bubble has a higher internal pressure.
S

●​ Bubbles in Contact: If two bubbles of different sizes are connected, air flows from the smaller
(high pressure) bubble to the larger (low pressure) one. The small bubble gets smaller, and
the large one gets bigger.
IA

●​ Balloon at Altitude: As a balloon rises, the external atmospheric pressure decreases. To equalize,
the balloon expands in size.

Other Properties

●​ Capillarity: The tendency of a liquid to rise or fall in a narrow tube (capillary). Examples:
Kerosene rising in a lamp wick, absorption of ink by blotting paper, water transport in plants
(partially).
●​ Viscosity: A fluid's resistance to flow ("thickness"). Honey is more viscous than water.
●​ Viscosity and Temperature: For liquids, viscosity decreases as temperature increases. For gases,
it increases.
●​ Anomalous Expansion of Water: Water has its maximum density at 4°C. When cooled from a
higher temperature, its volume decreases until 4°C, after which it starts expanding until it
freezes at 0°C.

For more notes JOIN @ifnotes - CLICK 19

 COMPLETE PHYSICS REVISION NOTES​
By IAS Freak (UPSC INTERVIEW, BPSC SELECTED)
●​ Aquatic life in winter: Animals survive under frozen lakes because the water at the bottom
remains liquid at 4°C (its densest state), while ice (less dense) floats on top, insulating the
water below.
●​ Archimedes' Principle & Buoyancy: An object submerged in a fluid experiences an upward
buoyant force equal to the weight of the fluid it displaces. This is why a bucket of water feels
lighter inside a well.
●​ Floating and Sinking: An object floats if its density is less than the density of the fluid. A ship
floats because its overall effective density (including the air inside) is less than water. A needle
sinks because its density is higher.
●​ Swimming in Sea vs. River: It is easier to swim in the sea because saltwater is denser than river
water, providing more buoyant force.
●​ Ice Melting in Water: When ice floating in a glass of water melts, the water level remains the

k
same. The ice had already displaced a volume of water equal to its own weight.

Chapter 6: Heat and Thermodynamics

Fundamental Concepts

ea
●​ Heat vs. Temperature: Heat is a form of energy that flows due to a temperature difference.
Temperature is a measure of the average kinetic energy of particles (degree of
hotness/coldness).
Fr
●​ Temperature Scale Conversion: C/5 = (F-32)/9 = (K-273)/5. (A simplified version of the full
formula).
●​ Key Fact: Celsius and Fahrenheit scales are equal at -40 degrees.
●​ Absolute Zero: The lowest possible temperature (0 Kelvin or -273.15 °C), where particles have
minimum kinetic energy. The Kelvin scale has no negative values.
●​ Thermal Expansion: Most materials expand when heated (volume increases, density decreases).
●​ Latent Heat: The heat absorbed or released during a phase change (e.g., solid to liquid) at a
S

constant temperature.
●​ Burns from Steam: Burns from steam are more severe than from boiling water at the same
temperature (100°C) because steam contains the additional latent heat of vaporization.
●​ Sublimation: The transition from the solid to the gas phase directly, bypassing the liquid phase
IA

(e.g., camphor, naphthalene, dry ice).

Applications & Phenomena

●​ Evaporation: A surface phenomenon where a liquid turns into a gas below its boiling point. It
causes cooling (e.g., sweating, water in an earthen pot/matka).
●​ Humidity and Evaporation: Evaporation is faster in dry air (low humidity) and slower in humid
air.
●​ Thermos Flask: Keeps liquids hot/cold by minimizing heat transfer through conduction,
convection, and radiation, using a vacuum between silvered walls.
●​ Thermostat: A device that automatically regulates and maintains a constant temperature.
●​ Refrigerator: The safe temperature for food storage is around 4°C. It slows down bacterial
growth but does not kill them.

For more notes JOIN @ifnotes - CLICK 20

 COMPLETE PHYSICS REVISION NOTES​
By IAS Freak (UPSC INTERVIEW, BPSC SELECTED)
●​ Salt and Water: Adding salt to water increases its boiling point and decreases its freezing
point.

Chapter 7: Wave Motion

Wave Fundamentals

●​ Wave: A disturbance that transfers energy without transferring matter.

●​ Mechanical Waves: Require a medium to travel (e.g., sound, water waves).
●​ Transverse Wave: Particle oscillation is perpendicular to the direction of wave propagation (e.g.,
light, wave on a string). Has crests (peaks) and troughs (valleys).
●​ Longitudinal Wave: Particle oscillation is parallel to the direction of wave propagation (e.g.,

k
sound in air). Has compressions and rarefactions.
●​ Electromagnetic (EM) Waves: Do not require a medium; can travel in a vacuum (e.g., light, radio
waves, X-rays). All travel at the speed of light (c) in a vacuum.

ea
●​ Wave Properties:
○​ Wavelength (λ): Distance between two consecutive crests or troughs.
○​ Frequency (f): Cycles per second (Hz).
○​ Speed (v): v = fλ.

Electromagnetic (EM) Spectrum

Fr
●​ EM Spectrum (in order of decreasing wavelength / increasing energy and frequency): Radio →
Microwave → Infrared (IR) → Visible Light → Ultraviolet (UV) → X-ray → Gamma Ray
●​ Photon Energy: E = hf = hc/λ. Energy is inversely proportional to wavelength. Gamma rays are
the most energetic; radio waves are the least.
●​ Ionosphere: A layer of Earth's atmosphere that reflects radio waves, enabling long-distance
communication.
●​ Specific Wave Uses:
S

○​ Gamma Rays: Cancer treatment (radiotherapy), sterilization of medical equipment.

○​ X-rays: Medical imaging (bones), crystal structure analysis.
○​ UV Rays: Disinfection, Vitamin D production in skin, but can cause skin cancer. The ozone
IA

layer blocks most harmful UV.

○​ Visible Light: Human vision (VIBGYOR: Violet, Indigo, Blue, Green, Yellow, Orange, Red).
Red has the longest wavelength, Violet the shortest.
○​ Infrared (IR): Night vision, remote controls, thermal imaging.
○​ Microwaves: Cooking (microwave oven), radar, telecommunications.
○​ Radio Waves: Broadcasting (AM/FM radio, TV), communication.
●​ Cosmic Rays: Are not EM waves. They are high-energy charged particles originating from
space/the sun.
●​ Albedo: A measure of the reflective power of a surface (0 for perfect black, 1 for perfect white).
Fresh snow has a high albedo.

Chapter 8: Sound

For more notes JOIN @ifnotes - CLICK 21

 COMPLETE PHYSICS REVISION NOTES​
By IAS Freak (UPSC INTERVIEW, BPSC SELECTED)
●​ Sound: A mechanical, longitudinal wave that requires a medium. Cannot travel in a vacuum.
●​ Speed of Sound: Fastest in solids, then liquids, then gases. (Solid > Liquid > Gas).
●​ Factors affecting Speed of Sound:
○​ Temperature: Speed increases with temperature.
○​ Humidity: Speed is higher in humid air than in dry air (humid air is less dense).
●​ Human Audible Range: 20 Hz to 20,000 Hz (20 kHz).
●​ Sound Frequency Ranges:
○​ Infrasonic: < 20 Hz (earthquakes, elephants).
○​ Audible: 20 Hz - 20 kHz.
○​ Ultrasonic: > 20 kHz (bats, dolphins, SONAR, medical ultrasound/sonography).
●​ Characteristics of Sound:
○​ Pitch: Depends on frequency. High frequency = high pitch (shrill voice).

k
○​ Loudness: Depends on amplitude. High amplitude = loud sound. Measured in decibels
(dB).

ea
○​ Quality/Timbre: Distinguishes between two sounds of the same pitch and loudness (e.g.,
violin vs. piano playing the same note).
●​ Echo: Repetition of sound due to reflection. Minimum distance for a clear echo is
approximately 17 meters.
●​ SONAR: Uses ultrasonic waves.
●​ Mach Number: Ratio of an object's speed to the speed of sound.
○​ Mach < 1: Subsonic
Fr
○​ Mach = 1: Sonic
○​ Mach > 1: Supersonic
○​ Mach > 5: Hypersonic
●​ Doppler Effect: The apparent change in frequency of a wave in relation to an observer who is
moving relative to the wave source, like the siren of a passing ambulance.

Chapter 9: Electric Current

S

Fundamentals & Circuits

●​ Unit for Electricity Bill: Kilowatt-hour (kWh). 1 kWh = 1 unit. 1 kWh = 3.6 × 10⁶ Joules.
IA

●​ Electric Power (P): P = V × I (Voltage × Current). Unit: Watt (W). Also P = I²R and P = V²/R.
●​ Ohm's Law: V = I × R (Voltage = Current × Resistance).
●​ Resistors in Series: Total resistance is the sum. R_eq = R₁ + R₂ + ...
●​ Resistors in Parallel: The reciprocal of the total resistance is the sum of the reciprocals. 1/R_eq =
1/R₁ + 1/R₂ + ...
●​ Household Wiring: Is done in parallel. This ensures each appliance gets the full voltage and can
be operated independently. Parallel connection also reduces the overall resistance.
●​ Bulb Brightness: Brightness depends on power (P = V²/R). For a given voltage, a bulb with lower
resistance will be brighter (dissipate more power).

Components and Devices

●​ Dynamo (Generator): Converts mechanical energy into electrical energy.

For more notes JOIN @ifnotes - CLICK 22

 COMPLETE PHYSICS REVISION NOTES​
By IAS Freak (UPSC INTERVIEW, BPSC SELECTED)
●​ Electric Motor: Converts electrical energy into mechanical energy.
●​ Transformer: Steps up or steps down AC voltage. Works on the principle of electromagnetic
induction. Does not work with DC.
●​ Rectifier: Converts AC (Alternating Current) to DC (Direct Current).
●​ Inverter: Converts DC to AC.
●​ Fuse Wire: A safety device connected in series. It has high resistance and a low melting point.
It works on the heating effect of current.
●​ Bulb Filament: Made of Tungsten because of its very high melting point. The bulb is filled with
inert gases like Argon or Nitrogen to prevent oxidation of the filament.
●​ CFL vs. LED:
○​ CFL (Compact Fluorescent Lamp): Uses mercury vapor and phosphor.
○​ LED (Light Emitting Diode): Uses a semiconductor material. LEDs are more

k
energy-efficient and have a longer lifespan than CFLs.
●​ Three-Pin Plug: The longest, thickest pin is the earth/ground pin for safety. It connects the

ea
appliance's body to the ground to prevent electric shock from leakage currents.
●​ Wire Color Codes (Standard):
○​ Live (Phase): Red (or Brown)
○​ Neutral: Black (or Blue)
○​ Earth: Green

Chapter 10: Conductivity

Fr
Conductors & Superconductivity

●​ Best conductor of electricity: Silver (Ag), followed by Copper (Cu), then Gold (Au), then
Aluminum (Al).
●​ Superconductivity: A state of zero electrical resistance and expulsion of magnetic fields (zero
permeability), occurring in certain materials when cooled below a critical temperature.
S

●​ Economic interest of Superconductivity: If achieved at room temperature, it would save the

massive amount of energy lost as heat in electricity transmission.

Semiconductors
IA

●​ Semiconductors: Materials with conductivity between that of conductors and insulators (e.g.,
Silicon (Si), Germanium (Ge)).
●​ Semiconductors and Temperature: On heating, the resistance of a semiconductor decreases (its
conductivity increases).
●​ Semiconductor Conduction: Is due to the movement of both electrons and holes.
●​ At Absolute Zero (0 K): At this temperature, a pure semiconductor behaves like a perfect
insulator.

For more notes JOIN @ifnotes - CLICK 23