OUR OWN HIGH SCHOOL, DUBAI

HALF YEARLY EXAMINATION - NOVEMBER 2024

Name: ______________________________________ Grade: 12 Sec: ____

Subject: Physics Theory (042) M Marks: 70
Date:15 /11 /2024 Time:3 hours
General Instructions
(1) There are 33 questions in all. All questions are compulsory.
(2) This question paper has five sections: Section A, Section B, Section C, Section D and Section E.
(3) All the sections are compulsory.
(4) Section A contains sixteen questions, twelve MCQ and four Assertion Reasoning based of 1 mark
each, Section B contains five questions of two marks each, Section C contains seven questions of
three marks each, Section D contains two case study-based questions of four marks each and
Section E contains three long answer questions of five marks each.
(5) There is no overall choice. However, an internal choice has been provided in one question in
Section B, one question in Section C, one question in each CBQ in Section D and all three questions
in Section E. You have to attempt only one of the choices in such questions.
(6) Use of calculators is not allowed.
(7) Reading time is 15 minutes
(8) You may use the following values of physical constants wherever necessary
c = 3 x 10 8 m/s
h = 6.63 x 10-34 Js
e =1.6 x 10-19 C
μ0 =4 π x 10-7 Tm A-1
Є0 =8.854 x 10-12 C 2 N -1 m-2
1/4πЄ0 = 9 x 109 Nm2 C-2
Mass of electron = 9.1 x 10-31 kg
Mass of neutron = 1.675 x 10-27 kg
Mass of proton = 1.673 x 10-27 kg
Boltzmann constant = 1.38 x 10-23 J K-1
Avagadro’s number = 6.023 x 1023 per gram mole

1
 SECTION – A (16x1=16 marks)

1. Which of the following substances has relative magnetic permeability μ r >> 1? 1

(a) Aluminium (b) Copper chloride (c) Nickel (d) Sodium chloride

2. Correct match of column I with column II is 1

C-l (waves) C-ll (Production)

(1) Infra-red P. Rapid vibration of electrons in
aerials
(2) Radio they Q. Electrons in atoms emit light when
move from higher to lower energy
level.
(3) Light R. Klystron valve
(4) Microwave S. Vibration of atoms and molecules

(a) 1-P, 2-R, 3-S, 4-Q (b) 1-S, 2-P, 3-O, 4-R

(c) 1-Q, 2-P, 3-S, 4-R (d) 1-S. 2-R, 3-P, 4-Q

3. An air-filled parallel plate capacitor is connected across a battery. After it is fully 1

charged, the battery is disconnected. Now a dielectric slab is inserted between the
plates of the capacitor to fill the space completely. Then the

(a) capacitance will decrease.

(b) electric field between the plates will increase.
(c) potential difference between the plates will increase.
(d) charge on plates will remain the same.

4. In Young’s double slit experiment, the interfering waves from the two sources have 1
𝜆
a path difference of 0 and at points P and Q on the screen, respectively. The ratio
4
of intensities at P and Q will be.
(a) √2: 1 (b) 4 : 1 (c) 1 : √2 (d) 2 : 1

5. A biconcave lens of power P vertically splits into two identical plano concave parts. 1
The power of each part will be

(a) 2P (b) P/2 (c) P (d) P/ √2 ,

2
6. A circular loop of radius r, carrying a current I lie in y-z plane with its centre at the 1
origin. The net magnetic flux through the loop is:

(a) directly proportional to r

(b) zero
(c) inversely proportional to r
(d) directly proportional to I

7. A bar magnet is cut into two equal halves parallel to its magnetic axis. The physical 1
quantity that remains unchanged is:

(a) pole strength (b) magnitude of magnetization

(c) moment of inertia (d) magnetic moment

8. Figure shows a rectangular conductor PSRQ in which movable arm PQ has a 1

resistance ‘r’ and resistance of PSRQ is negligible. The magnitude of emf induced
when PQ is moved with a velocity 𝑣⃗ does not depend on:

⃗⃗ )
(a) magnetic field ( 𝐵 ⃗⃗ )
(b) velocity ( 𝑉
(c) resistance (r) (d) length of PQ

9. In a given region of an electric field, there is no charge present. A closed container 1

is placed in this region of the electric field. What is the requirement for the total
flux through the closed container to be zero?

(a) The field must be uniform.

(b) The container must be symmetric.
(c) The container must be oriented in a particular direction.
(d) There is no such requirement. The total flux through the container is zero no
matter what.

10. A steady current flows through a metallic wire whose area of cross-section (A) 1
increases continuously from one end of the wire to the other. The magnitude of drift
velocity (vd) of the free electrons as a function of ‘A’ can be shown by:

3
11. Two superimposing waves are of amplitudes a1 and a2 and intensities are I1 and I2 1
respectively. If the ratio I1:I2 is 1:16, what will be the ratio of their maximum to
minimum intensities upon super‐imposition?

(a) 1/4 (b) 4/1 (c) 25/9 (d) 9/25

12. The emf and internal resistance of a cell are E and r respectively. It is connected 1
across an external resistance R = 2r. The potential drop across the terminals of the
cell will be:

𝐸 𝐸 2𝐸 𝐸
(a) (b) (c) (d)
4 2 3 3

For question numbers 13, 14, 15 and 16, two statements are given-one labelled
Assertion (A) and the other labelled Reason (R). Select the correct answer to these
questions from the codes (a), (b), (c) and (d) as given below.
a) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
b) Both A and R are true, but R is NOT the correct explanation of A.
c) A is true but R is false
d) A is false and R is also false.
e) A is false but R is true

13. Assertion (A): The internal resistance of a cell is constant. 1

Reason (R) : Ionic concentration of the electrolyte remains same during use of a cell.

14. Assertion (A) : When a bar of copper is placed in an external magnetic field, the field 1
lines get concentrated inside the bar.
Reason (R) : Copper is a paramagnetic substance.

15. Assertion (A) : The phase difference between any two points on a wavefront is zero. 1
Reason (R) : All points on a wavefront are at the same distance from the source and
thus oscillate in the same phase. .

16. Assertion (A) : The mutual inductance between two coils is maximum when the coils 1
are wound on each other.
Reason (R) : The flux linkage between two coils is maximum when they are wound
on each other.

4
 SECTION B

17. Gamma rays and radio waves travel with the same velocity in free space. Distinguish 2
between them in terms of their origin and the main application.

OR
How does an oscillating charge radiate an electromagnetic wave? Give the relation
between the frequency of radiated wave and the frequency of oscillating charge.

18. In the figure given below, find the 2

(a) equivalent capacitance of the network between points A and B.
Given: C1 = C5 = 8 F, C2 = C3 = C4 = 4 F.
(b) maximum charge supplied by the battery.

19. An ammeter of resistance 0·8  can measure a current up to 1·0 A. Find the value of 2
shunt resistance required to convert this ammeter to measure a current up to 5·0 A.

20. A uniform electric field is represented as 𝐸⃗⃗ = 3𝑥 103 𝑖̂ 𝑁/𝐶 . Find the electric flux of 2
this field through a square of side 10 cm when the:
(a) plane of the square is parallel to y-z plane, and
(b) the normal to plane of the square makes an angle of 60° with the x-axis.

21. Plot a graph showing the variation of current with voltage for the material GaAs. On 2
the graph, mark the region where:
(a) resistance is negative, and
(b) Ohm’s law is obeyed.

SECTION C

22. A cube of side 0·1 m is placed, as shown in the figure, in a region where electric field 3
𝐸⃗⃗ = 500 𝑥 𝑖̂ exists. Here x is in meters and E in N/C. Calculate:

5
 (a) the flux passing through the cube, and
(b) the charge within the cube.

23. Define current density. Is it a scalar or a vector? An electric field 𝐸⃗⃗ is maintained in a 3
metallic conductor. If n be the number of electrons (mass m, charge e) per unit
volume in the conductor and its relaxation time, show that the current density
𝑛𝑒 2 𝜏
𝑗⃗ = 𝛼𝐸⃗⃗ , where 𝛼 = .
𝑚
OR

The figure shows a circuit with three ideal batteries. Find the magnitude and
direction of currents in the branches AG, BF and CD.

24. A sinusoidal voltage is applied to an electric circuit containing a circuit element ‘X’ in 3
𝜋
which the current leads the voltage by 2 .
(a) Identify the circuit
(b) Write the formula for its reactance.
(c) Show graphically the variation of this reactance with frequency of ac voltage.
(d) Explain the behaviour of this element when it is used in
(i) an ac circuit, and (ii) a dc circuit.

25. The displacement of two light waves, each of amplitude ‘a’ and frequency ω, 3
emanating from two coherent sources of light, are given by y1 = a cos ωt and
y2 = a cos (ωt + ф). Where Ф is the phase difference between the two waves. These
light waves superpose at a point. Obtain the expression for the resultant intensity at
that point.

6
26. Two point charges of 10 μC and 20 μC are located at points (– 4 cm, 0, 0) and 3
𝐴
(5 cm, 0, 0) respectively, in a region with electric field 𝐸 = 𝑟 2 , where
A = 2 x106 NC–1 m2 and 𝑟⃗ 𝑖s the position vector of the point under consideration.
Calculate the electrostatic potential energy of the system.

27. A composite prism ABC is made up of two identical right-angled prisms ABD and ADC
made up of different materials of refractive indices √3 and  respectively. A ray of 3
light is incident on face AB of this prism at 60 as shown in the figure. It is observed
that the final emergent ray grazes along face AC. Find the value of .

28. (i) Draw a ray diagram for the formation of image by a Cassegrain telescope. 3
(ii) Why these types of telescopes are preferred over refracting type
telescopes. (Write 2 points)

SECTION D
Case Study Based Questions

Question number 29 and 30 are case study-based questions. Read the following
paragraph and answer the questions that follow.
29. Diffraction and interference are closely related phenomena that occur together.
Diffraction is the phenomenon of bending light around the edges of the obstacle,
while interference is the combination of waves that results in a new wave pattern.
In order to get interference, there must be at least two waves that are diffracting.
So while diffraction can occur without interference, interference cannot occur
without diffraction. Two slits of width 2 m each in an opaque material are separated
by a distance of 6 m. Monochromatic light of wavelength 450 nm is incident normally
on the slits. One finds a combined interference and diffraction pattern on the screen.

(i) The number of peaks of the interference fringes formed within the central peak of 1
the envelope of the diffraction pattern will be:

(a) 2 (b) 3 (c) 4 (d) 6

7
 (ii) The number of peaks of the interference formed if the slit width is doubled while 1
keeping the distance between the slits same will be:

(a) 1 (b) 2 (c) 3 (d) 4

(iii) (a) If instead of 450 nm light, another light of wavelength 680 nm is used, number 1
of peaks of the interference formed in the central peak of the envelope of the
diffraction pattern will be:

(a) 2 (b) 4 (c) 6 (d) 9

OR
(b) Consider the diffraction of light by a single slit described in this case study. The
first minimum falls at an angle equal to:

(a) sin-1 (0.12) (b) sin-1 (0.225) (c) sin-1 (0.32) (d) sin-1 (0.4)

(iv) The number of bright fringes formed due to interference on 1 m of screen placed at 1
4/3 m away from the slits is:

(a) 2 (b) 3 (c) 6 (d) 10

30. Consider the experimental set up shown in the figure. This jumping ring experiment
is an outstanding demonstration of some simple laws of Physics. A conducting non-
magnetic ring is placed over the vertical core of a solenoid. When current is passed
through the solenoid, the ring is thrown off.

(i) 1 developed in
The direction of induced current in the ring in jumping ring experiment is such that the polarity
ring is same as that of the polarity on the face of the coil, then the ring will jump due to

(a) Attractive force when the switch is closed in the circuit

(b) Repulsive force when the switch is closed in the circuit

8
 (c) Attractive force when the switch is opened in the circuit
(d) Repulsive force when the switch is opened in the circuit

(ii) What will happen if the terminals of the battery are reversed, and the switch is 1
closed?
(a) Ring will not jump
(b) Ring will jump again
(c) Current will not induce in the ring
(d) Current will induce in clockwise direction

(iii) The jumping ring experiment based on which of the following law? 1
(a) Lenz’s law
(b) Faraday’s law
(c) Ampere circuital law
(d) Both (a) and(b)

(iv) Two identical circular loops A and B of metal wire are lying on a table without 1
touching each other. Loop A carries a current which increases with time. In response
the loop B
(a) Remains stationary
(b) Is attracted by loop A
(c) Is repelled by loop A
(d) Rotates about its centre of mass with centre of mass fixed.

OR
An emf of 200 V is induced in a circuit when current in the circuit falls from 5 A to 0
A in 0.1 second. The self inductanc eof the circuit is

(a) 3.5 H (b) 3.9 H (c) 4 H (d) 4.2 H

SECTION E

31. (a) A circular loop of radius R carries a current I. Obtain an expression for the 5
magnetic field at a point on its axis at a distance x from its centre.

(b) P and Q are two identical charged particles each of mass 4 × 10 –26 kg and
charge 4.8 × 10–19 C, each moving with the same speed of 2.4 × 10 5 m/s as
shown in the figure. The two particles are equidistant (0.5 m) from the
vertical Y -axis. At some instant, a magnetic field B is switched on so that the
two particles undergo head-on collision.

9
 Find –
(I) the direction of the magnetic field and
(II) the magnitude of the magnetic field applied in the region

OR

(a) Derive the expression for the force acting per unit length between two long
straight parallel current carrying conductors. Hence define one ampere.

(b) Two long parallel straight conductors are placed 12 cm apart in air. They
carry equal currents of 3 A each. Find the magnitude and direction of the
magnetic field at a point midway between them (drawing a figure) when the
currents in them flow in opposite directions.

32. (a) Draw the ray diagram showing refraction of ray of light through a glass prism. 5
Derive the expression for the refractive index  of the material of prism in
terms of the angle of prism A and angle of minimum deviation m.

(b) A ray of light PQ enters an isosceles right angled prism ABC of refractive index
1.5 as shown in figure.

(i) Trace the path of the ray through the prism.

(ii) What will be the effect on the path of the ray if the refractive index of the
prism is 1.4?

10
 OR

(a) Two thin lenses are placed coaxially in contact. Obtain the expression for the
focal length of this combination in terms of the focal lengths of the two
lenses.
(b) A converging lens of refractive index 1.5 has a power of 10 D. When it is
completely immersed in a liquid, it behaves as a diverging lens of focal length
50 cm. Find the refractive index of the liquid.

33. (i) A resistor and a capacitor are connected in series to an ac source 5

v = vm sin t. Derive an expression for the impedance of the circuit.
(ii) When does an inductor act as a conductor in a circuit? Give reason for it.
(iii) An electric lamp is designed to operate at 110 V dc and 11 A current. If
the lamp is operated on 220 V, 50 Hz ac source with a coil in series, then
find the inductance of the coil.

OR

(i) Draw a labelled diagram of a step-up transformer and describe its

working principle. Explain any three causes for energy losses in a real
transformer.
(ii) A step-up transformer converts a low voltage into high voltage. Does it
violate the principle of conservation of energy? Explain.
(iii) A step-up transformer has 200 and 3000 turns in its primary and
secondary coils respectively. The input voltage given to the primary coil
is 90 V. Calculate:
(a) The output voltage across the secondary coil
(b) The current in the primary coil if the current in the secondary coil is 2·0 A.

************************

11