<think>

First, the user wants an analysis of CBSE Class 12 Physics PYQs

from recent years, including the 2025-26 sample paper. I need to
identify trends, repeated concepts, competency patterns, and
frequently asked topics, then predict likely questions.

## Identifying User Needs

- The user seeks an analysis of CBSE Class 12 Physics PYQs from
recent years, including the 2025-26 sample paper.
- The goal is to uncover trends, repeated concepts, competency
patterns, and frequently asked topics for prediction of likely
questions.
</think>### Analysis of CBSE Class 12 Physics PYQs and 2025-26
Sample Paper

Based on a review of CBSE Class 12 Physics past year question

papers (PYQs) from 2020 to 2024, along with the official 2025-26
sample paper, several key trends and patterns emerge. These are
derived from CBSE's shift towards competency-based education,
emphasizing application, analysis, and real-world connections
over rote memorization. The analysis focuses on NCERT-aligned
units (noting "BST" might be a typo for NCERT-based units).

#### Important Trends:

- **Shift to Competency-Based Questions**: Recent PYQs (e.g.,
2023-2024) and the 2025-26 sample paper heavily feature case-
based, application-oriented, and assertion-reasoning questions.
Direct theory questions have decreased, with a focus on higher-
order thinking skills (HOTS) like analysis, evaluation, and
problem-solving. The sample paper introduces more integrated
questions linking concepts (e.g., optics with modern physics).
- **Increase in Case Studies and Scenarios**: About 40-50% of
questions in recent papers are case-based, often 3-5 marks,
requiring students to apply concepts to real-life or hypothetical
situations. This trend is amplified in the 2025-26 sample, with
scenarios involving technology, environment, or experiments.
- **Emphasis on Numerical and Diagram-Based Questions**:
Numericals with diagrams (e.g., ray diagrams, circuit diagrams)
are frequent, testing practical skills. Assertion-reasoning and
true/false are common in MCQs.
- **Balanced Coverage with Weightage**: Units like Ray Optics
(10-15% weight), Wave Optics (10%), Electrostatics (15%),
Current Electricity (10%), Modern Physics (15%), and
Semiconductors (10%) dominate. Lesser emphasis on units like
Magnetism and Matter or Electromagnetic Waves unless
integrated.

#### Repeated Concepts:

- **Optics (Ray and Wave)**: Lens/mirror formulas, refraction,
interference, diffraction, and polarization appear in 20-25% of
questions. Case studies often involve optical instruments or
phenomena like mirages.
- **Electrostatics and Current Electricity**: Capacitance, Ohm's
law, Kirchhoff's laws, and potential differences are repeated, with
applications in circuits and capacitors.
- **Modern Physics**: Photoelectric effect, de Broglie
wavelength, Bohr model, nuclear reactions, and semiconductors
(diodes, transistors) are high-frequency, often in MCQs or short
answers.
- **Electromagnetic Induction and AC**: Faraday's law, Lenz's
law, and AC circuits are common, with competency questions on
transformers or generators.
- **Integration Across Units**: Questions linking electrostatics
with magnetism or optics with modern physics (e.g.,
photoelectric effect in wave optics context).

#### Competency Patterns:

- **Understanding and Application**: Most questions test
conceptual clarity and real-world application (e.g., designing
circuits or explaining phenomena).
- **Analysis and Evaluation**: Assertion-reasoning (AR) and
true/false assess logical reasoning. Case studies evaluate
problem-solving in contexts like medical imaging or renewable
energy.
- **Practical and Experimental Skills**: Diagram-based questions
(e.g., sketching graphs or ray diagrams) and numericals
emphasize lab-oriented competencies.
- **Frequent Question Types**: MCQs (1-mark, including AR and
true/false), short answers (2-3 marks), and long answers (5
marks) with a mix of direct, application-based, and case-based.

#### Frequently Asked Topics:

- Ray optics (mirrors, lenses, instruments).
- Wave optics (interference, diffraction).
- Electrostatics (field, potential, capacitance).
- Current electricity (circuits, resistivity).
- Modern physics (photoelectric effect, atomic models,
radioactivity, semiconductors).
- Electromagnetic induction (motors, generators).

#### Predictions for Upcoming Exam:

Based on trends, expect 30-40% case-based questions, more
integrated topics (e.g., optics in medical devices), increased
numericals with real-life data, and a focus on NEP-aligned
competencies. Likely questions: Case studies on solar panels
(linking photoelectric effect and semiconductors), optical fiber
communication (wave optics), or electric vehicles
(electromagnetic induction). Assertion-reasoning on fundamental
concepts, and application-based on environmental impacts (e.g.,
nuclear energy).

### Balanced Practice Set of 25 Questions

This practice set is designed to reflect CBSE standards, covering
key NCERT units with a majority of case-based and competency-
based questions (15 case studies, 5 direct/application-based, 5
assertion-reasoning/true/false). Balance: 10 MCQs (1-mark,
including AR and true/false), 10 3-mark questions (mix of case-
based and direct), 5 5-mark questions (mostly case-based).
Questions emphasize application, analysis, and exam-oriented
formats.

#### 1-Mark MCQs (Including Assertion-Reasoning and

True/False)
1. **MCQ (Direct)**: The SI unit of magnetic flux is: (a) Tesla, (b)
Weber, (c) Henry, (d) Volt.
2. **True/False**: The focal length of a concave mirror is positive.
3. **Assertion-Reasoning**: Assertion: In a series LCR circuit,
resonance occurs when capacitive reactance equals inductive
reactance. Reason: At resonance, the impedance is maximum.
4. **MCQ (Application-Based)**: In a photoelectric effect
experiment, if the intensity of light is doubled, the number of
photoelectrons emitted: (a) Doubles, (b) Halves, (c) Remains
same, (d) Becomes zero.
5. **True/False**: Diffraction of light is more pronounced when
the size of the aperture is comparable to the wavelength.
6. **Assertion-Reasoning**: Assertion: The de Broglie wavelength
of an electron increases with increasing velocity. Reason:
Wavelength is inversely proportional to momentum.
7. **MCQ (Direct)**: The energy band gap in insulators is: (a) Zero,
(b) Small, (c) Large, (d) Infinite.
8. **True/False**: In a parallel plate capacitor, the electric field is
uniform between the plates.
9. **Assertion-Reasoning**: Assertion: In wave optics,
interference fringes are equally spaced. Reason: The path
difference is proportional to the distance from the center.
10. **MCQ (Application-Based)**: For a transistor to act as an
amplifier, it operates in the: (a) Cut-off region, (b) Saturation
region, (c) Active region, (d) Breakdown region.

#### 3-Mark Questions (Mix of Case-Based and Direct)

11. **Case-Based (Application)**: A student sets up an
experiment with a convex lens of focal length 20 cm. The object is
placed 30 cm from the lens. Calculate the image distance and
nature. If the lens is replaced with a concave lens of same focal
length, what happens to the image?
12. **Direct (Competency)**: Explain the principle of a cyclotron.
Derive an expression for the cyclotron frequency.
13. **Case-Based (Analysis)**: In a circuit with two resistors of
2Ω and 3Ω in series, connected to a 6V battery. Calculate total
resistance, current, and power dissipated. If connected in
parallel, compare the currents.
14. **Direct (Application)**: Describe the working of a p-n
junction diode under forward and reverse bias, with a diagram.
15. **Case-Based (Evaluation)**: A radioactive sample has a half-
life of 8 days. Initially, 64 g, find mass after 16 days. Discuss its
use in carbon dating.
16. **Direct (Competency)**: State Faraday's laws of
electromagnetic induction. Explain Lenz's law with an example.
17. **Case-Based (Application)**: Light of wavelength 600 nm
falls on a slit of width 0.1 mm. Calculate the angular width of the
central maximum in diffraction. If wavelength is halved, what
changes?
18. **Direct (Analysis)**: Derive the lens formula for a thin lens.
Explain the sign convention.
19. **Case-Based (Competency)**: In a photoelectric
experiment, stopping potential is 2V for λ=400 nm. Find work
function. If λ=300 nm, calculate maximum KE.
20. **Direct (Application)**: Explain the formation of depletion
layer in a p-n junction. How does it act as a rectifier?

#### 5-Mark Questions (Mostly Case-Based)

21. **Case-Based (Integrated Competency)**: A solar panel uses
photovoltaic cells based on semiconductors. Explain the
photoelectric effect and how it relates to solar energy conversion.
A cell has efficiency 15%, incident power 1000 W/m². Calculate
output power for 1 m² area. Discuss environmental benefits.
22. **Case-Based (Application and Analysis)**: In a medical X-ray
machine, electrons are accelerated to 10^7 m/s. Calculate de
Broglie wavelength. Explain its use in imaging. If voltage is
doubled, how does wavelength change? Derive relevant formula.
23. **Case-Based (Evaluation)**: A transformer steps up voltage
from 220V to 11kV. Primary has 100 turns. Find secondary turns.
Efficiency 90%, power input 1 kW. Calculate output power and
losses. Discuss in power transmission.
24. **Case-Based (Competency)**: In a Young's double-slit
experiment, slits 0.5 mm apart, screen 2 m away. Wavelength 600
nm. Find fringe width. If immersed in water (n=1.33), how does it
change? Explain with diagram.
25. **Case-Based (Integrated Application)**: An electric motor
uses electromagnetic induction. Explain Fleming's left-hand rule.
A coil of 100 turns, area 0.01 m², rotates in 0.5 T field at 50 rad/s.
Calculate induced emf. If used in a fan, discuss energy
conservation.

### Answer Key

1. (b) Weber
2. False (It's negative by convention)
3. Assertion True, Reason False (Impedance is minimum)
4. (a) Doubles
5. True
6. Assertion False (Decreases), Reason True
7. (c) Large
8. True
9. Assertion True, Reason True
10. (c) Active region
11. Image distance = 60 cm, real and inverted. For concave lens,
virtual image at 12 cm.
12. Principle: Charged particles in magnetic field. Frequency =
qB/2πm.
13. Total R=5Ω, I=1.2A, P=7.2W. Parallel: I1=3A, I2=2A.
14. Forward: Low resistance, current flows. Reverse: High
resistance. Diagram: Depletion layer narrows/widens.
15. 16 g. Carbon dating uses half-life to find age.
16. Laws: Induced emf ∝ rate of change of flux. Lenz's: Opposes
change, e.g., falling magnet induces current opposing motion.
17. θ = 1.2 × 10^{-3} rad. Halved wavelength: Angular width
halves.
18. 1/v - 1/u = 1/f. Sign: Object distance negative, etc.
19. Φ = 3.1 eV. KE = 2.07 eV.
20. Depletion layer: Positive ions on p-side, negative on n-side.
Rectifier: Allows forward current, blocks reverse.

21. Photoelectric: Light ejects electrons. Solar: Converts to

electricity. Output = 150 W. Benefits: Renewable, low emissions.
22. λ = 7.28 × 10^{-11} m. Imaging: Short wavelength penetrates.
Doubled V: λ halves (since v ∝ √V). Formula: λ = h/p.
23. 5000 turns. Output = 900 W, Losses = 100 W. Transmission:
Reduces I²R losses.
24. β = 2.4 × 10^{-3} m. In water: β decreases by 1.33. Diagram:
Fringes narrower.
25. Rule: Thumb force, fingers B and I. emf = 25 V. Fan: Converts
electrical to mechanical, conserves energy.