Scheme/ Answer Key for Valuation
DEPARTMENT OF PHYSICS
COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING TRIVANDRUM
FIRST SEMESTER B. TECH DEGREE
First Internal Exam-November-2024
Course code: GAPHT121, Course Name: Physics for Information Science
Max. Marks: 40 Duration: 2 Hours
Part A (Answer All Questions) Marks CO K
level
1 Write Fermi Dirac distribution function. Show that at all temperatures (T > 0 K) [3] 1 K2
probability of occupancy of Fermi level is 50%.
Fermi Dirac distribution function -1 Mark, Proof of f(E)=0.5 or 50%- 1-
Mark, Figure-1 Mark
2 Explain Meissner effect and show that superconductors are perfect diamagnets. [3] 1 K2
Figure – 1 mark, Explanation of Meissner effect – 1 mark, Proof of magnetic
susceptibility = -1, –1 mark
3 Define wave function and give its physical significance. [3] 2 K2
Definition – 1 Mark, Physical Significance -2 Marks
4 What is quantum mechanical tunnelling? Name two electronic devices based on this [3] 2 K2
phenomenon.
Definition of quantum mechanical tunnelling with diagram- (2marks), Any two
devices (Each carries 0.5 marks)
Part B (Answer any one full question from each module. Each question carries 14 marks)
Module1
5a Derive an expression for electrical conductivity of a material in terms of mobility of [7] 1 K2
the electron using classical free electron theory. (5+2)
Figure- 1 Mark, Derivation of electrical conductivity σ = ne2τ/m, – 3 marks,
σ = neµ, - 1Mark
The mean free collision time of copper at 300 K is equal to 2×10-14 s. Determine its
electrical conductivity. (Given that free electron density n = 8.5×1028 m-3)
Equation- σ = ne2τ/m, 1- Mark, Final answer with unit - 1-mark,
Ans: 4.789×107 Ω-1 m-1
5b Describe in short, the formation of energy bands in solids and hence explain with [7] 1 K2
proper diagrams and examples, how it helps to classify the materials into conductors,
semiconductors and insulators.
Formation of energy bands in solids- 2 Marks, Conductors with figure and
example- 1.5 Marks, Insulators with figure and example- 1.5 Marks,
Semiconductors with figure and example- 2 Marks.
1. OR
6a Explain the characteristics of Type I and Type II superconductors with appropriate [8] 1 K2
diagrams and examples. (6+2)
Type I - Graph -1 mark, Any three points -1.5 marks, one example -0.5 mark
Type II - Graph -1 mark, Any three points -1.5 marks, one example -0.5 mark
(6)
Calculate the critical magnetic field for vanadium at 3 K. Given: the critical
magnetic field at 0 K = 0.1 T and the critical temperature = 5 K. (2)
Equation: 1-mark, Final answer with unit - 1-mark Ans: 0.064 T
6b Discuss BCS theory of superconductivity. Briefly explain any two applications of [6] 1 K2
superconductors. (4+2)
Qualitative account of BCS theory (Cooper Pair) - 4 marks, Two applications
of superconductors- 2 marks
Module2
7a State Heisenberg’s uncertainty principle. Write its mathematical form with different [6] 2 K2
pairs of variables. Using this principle, show that the electrons cannot reside in an
atomic nucleus.
Heisenberg’s Position-Momentum uncertainty principle – Statement –
1-Marks, 3 Expressions- 1.5 Marks, Finding energy of electron inside the
nucleus-2.5 marks, Explanation-1Mark
7b Write down Schrodinger’s time dependent equation and hence derive Schrodinger’s [8] 2 K2
time independent equation.
Time dependent equation – 1 mark, Function ψ(r,t) as a product of functions
of position and time - 2 marks, Substituting in time dependent equation and
simplifying - 4 marks Final time independent equation - 1 mark
OR
8a Apply Schrodinger equation to derive normalised wave functions and probability [9] 2 K2
density for a particle confined to an infinite potential box of width L.
Figure with explanation-1 mark, Schrodinger equation-1mark, Schrodinger
equation with V=0 -1mark, Standard solution-1mark, applying boundary
conditions and finding wave function- 2-marks Normalised wavefunction-1
mark, Probability density-1 mark, Variation of wavefunction with L – 1 mark
8b An electron is trapped in a one-dimensional box of length 0.1 nm. Calculate the [5] 2 K2
energy required to excite the electron from its ground state to the fourth excited state.
Equation En = n2 h 2 / (8mL2) -1 Mark,
E1 = 37.6 eV- 1.5 Marks,
E5 = 940 eV- 1.5 Marks,
E5- E1 = 902.4 eV- 1 Mark
CO1: Explain electrical conductivity and Superconductivity.
CO2: Explain the behaviour of matter in the atomic and subatomic level through the principles of
quantum mechanics.