Technical and Vocational Stream

Secondary Education Curriculum

Physics
Grade: 11 and 12 Credit hour: 3 Working hour: 96

1. Introduction
This curriculum presumes that the students joining grade 11 and 12 science stream
come with diverse aspirations, some may continue to higher level studies in specific
areas of science, others may join technical and vocational areas or even other streams.
The curriculum is designed to provide students with general understanding of the
fundamental scientific laws and principles that govern the scientific phenomena in the
world. It focuses to develop scientific knowledge, skill competences and attitudes
required at secondary level (grade 11-12) irrespective of what they do beyond this level,
as envisioned by national goals. Understanding of scientific concepts and their
application, in day to day context as well as the process of obtaining new knowledge
through holistic approach of learning in the spirit of national qualification framework is
emphasized in the curriculum.
In particular, this curriculum aims to provide sufficient knowledge and understanding of
science for all learners to become confident citizens in the technological world. It helps
the students to recognize the usefulness and limitations of laws and principles of physics
and use them in solving problems encountered in their daily lives along a sound
foundation for students who wish to study physics or related professional or vocational
courses in higher education. It also helps to develop science related attitudes such as a
concern for safety and efficiency, concern for accuracy and precision, objectivity, a
spirit of enquiry, inventiveness, appreciation of ethno-science, and willingness to use
technology for effective communication. It also promotes awareness of the principles
and laws of science that are often the result of cumulative efforts and their studies and
applications are subject to economic and technological limitations and social, cultural
and ethical perceptions/acceptance.
The curriculumprepared in accordance with National Curriculum Framework is
structured for two academic years in such a way that it incorporates the level-wise

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competencies, grade-wise leaning outcomes, scope and sequence of contents, suggested
practical/project activities, learning facilitation process and assessment strategies so as
to enhance the learning on the subject systematically.
2. Level-wise competencies
In completion of this course, students are expected to demonstrate the following
competencies:
1. Relatethe phenomena and processes of the world around them tothe knowledge
and understanding of physical laws, principles and theories and describe them
using appropriate scientific vocabulary, terminology and conventions
2. Use scientific instruments, apparatus and methods to collect, evaluate and
communicate informationaccurately and precisely
3. Design simple experiment to develop relations among physical quantities,
4. Carryout simple scientific research on issues related to physics and
5. Construct simple models to illustrate physical concepts
6. Use the knowledge of physics to promote care for the environment, indigenous
knowledge, social values and ethics.

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3. Grade wise learning Outcomes
Grade 11 Grade 12
Content Area: Mechanics
1. Physical Quantities 1. Rotational dynamics
1.1 Demonstrate the meaning, importance and applications 1.1 Recall equations of angular motion and compare
of precision in the measurements them with equations of linear motion
1.2 Understand the meaning and importance of significant 1.2 Derive the expression for rotational kinetic energy
figures in measurements 1.3 Describe the term moment of inertia and radius of
1.3 Explain the meaning of dimensions of a physical quantity gyration
1.4 Apply dimensional analysis method to check the 1.4 Find the moment of inertia of thin uniform rod
homogeneity of physical equations rotating about its center and its one end
1.5 Describe the work and power in rotational motion
with expression
1.6 Define angular momentum and prove the principle of
conservation of angular momentum
1.7 Solve numerical problems and conceptual questions
regarding the rotational dynamics
2. Vectors 2. Periodic motion
2.1 Distinguish between scalar and vector quantities 2.1 Define simple harmonic motion and state its
2.2 Add or subtract coplanar vectors by drawing scale equation.
diagram (vector triangle, parallelogram or polygon method) 2.2 Derive the expressions for energy in simple harmonic
2.3 Describe scalar and vector products motion
2.4 Understand the meaning and applications of scalar and 2.3 Derive the expression for period for vertical
vector product with examples oscillation of a mass suspended from coiled spring
2.5 Solve related problems. 2.4 Derive expression for period of simple pendulum

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 2.5 Solve the numerical problems and conceptual
questions regarding the periodic motion
3. Kinematics 3. Fluid statics
3.1 Explain and use the concept of relative velocity 3.1 Define up-thrust, pressure in fluid, buoyancy, center
3.2 Establish equations for a uniformly accelerated motion in of buoyancy and meta center
a straight line from graphical representation of such motion and 3.2 Describe surface tension and explain its principle
use them to solve related numerical problems 3.3 State Stoke’s law and use it to determine the
3.3 Write the equations of motion under the action of gravity coefficient of viscosity of given liquid
and solve numerical problem related to it 3.4 Solve the numerical problems and conceptual
3.4 Understand projectile motion as motion due to a uniform questions regarding the fluid statics
velocity in one direction and a uniform acceleration in a
perpendicular direction, derive the equations for various
physical quantities (maximum height, time of flight, time taken
to reach maximum height, horizontal range, resultant velocity)
and use them to solve mathematical problems related to
projectile motion
4. Dynamics: -
4.1 Define linear momentum, impulse, and establish the
relation between them
4.2 Define and use force as rate of change of momentum
4.3 State and prove the principle of conservation of linear
momentum using Newton’s second and Newton’s third of
motion
4.4 Define and apply moment of a force and torque of a
couple

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4.5 Solve the numerical problem and conceptual question on
dynamics
5. Work, energy and power: -
5.1 Explain work done by a constant force and a variable
force
5.2 State and prove work-energy theorem
5.3 State and prove the principle of conservation of energy
5.4 Differentiate between conservative and non-conservative
force
5.5 Solve the numerical problems and conceptual questions
regarding work, energy, power and collision
6. Circular motion -
6.1 Define angular displacement, angular velocity and
angular acceleration
6.2 Establish the relation between angular and linear velocity
& acceleration
6.3 Define centripetal force and centripetal acceleration
6.4 Solve the numerical problem
7. Gravitation -
7.1 Explain Newton’s law of gravitation
7.2 Define gravitational field strength
7.3 Define and derive formula of gravitational potential and
gravitational potential energy
7.4 Define escape velocity and derive the expression of
escape velocity

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7.5 Define and derive the expression for orbital velocity and
time period of a satellite
7.6 Solve the numerical problem
8. Elasticity -
8.1 State and explain Hooke’s law
8.2 Define the terms stress, strain, elasticity and plasticity
8.3 Define the types of elastic modulus such as young
modulus, bulk modulus and shear modulus
8.4 Derive the expression for energy stored in a stretched
wire
8.5 Solve the numerical problems and conceptual questions
regarding elasticity
Content Area: Heat and thermodynamics
9. Heat and temperature 4. First Law of Thermodynamics
9.1 Explain the molecular concept of thermal energy, heat 4.1 Clarify the concept of thermodynamic system.
and temperature, and cause and direction of heat flow 4.2 Explain the meaning of work done by the system and
9.2 Explain the meaning of thermal equilibrium and Zeroth work done on the system, and describe how work done by
law of thermodynamics. gas during expansion can be calculated from indicator (P –
V) diagram.
4.3 Define and explain two specific heat capacities of gas
appreciating the relation Cp – Cv = R and cp – cv = r.
10. Thermal Expansion
10.1 Explain some examples and applications of thermal
expansion, and demonstrate it with simple experiments.
10.2 Explain linear, superficial, cubical expansion and define

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their corresponding coefficients with physical meaning.
10.3 Establish a relation between coefficients of thermal
expansion.
10.4 Explain real and apparent expansion of liquid
appreciating the relation r = g + a.
10.5 Solve mathematical problems related to thermal
expansion.
11. Quantity of Heat -
11.1 Define heat capacity and specific heat capacity and
explain application of high specific heat capacity of water and
low specific heat capacity of cooking oil and massage oil
11.2 Describe Newton’s law of cooling with some suitable
daily life examples.
11.3 Explain the meaning of latent heat of substance
appreciating the graph between heat and temperature and define
specific latent heat of fusion and vaporization.
11.4 Distinguish evaporation and boiling.
11.5 Define triple point.
11.6 Solve mathematical problems related to heat
12. Rate of heat flow -
12.1 Explain the transfer of heat by conduction, convection
and radiation with examples and state their applications in daily
life.
12.2 Define temperature gradient and relate it with rate of heat
transfer along a conductor.

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12.3 Explain ideal radiator (e= 1, a =1) and black body
radiation.
12.4 State and explain Stefan’s law of black body radiation
using terms; emissive power and emissivity.
12.5 Solve mathematical problems related to thermal
conduction and black body radiations.
Content Area : Wave and Optics
13. Reflection at curved mirrors 5. Wave motion
13.1 State the relation between object distance, image distance 5.1 Define and understand progressive wave
and focal length of curved mirrors 5.2 Write progressive wave in mathematical form
13.2 State the relation between object size and image size 5.3 Discuss the condition under which stationary waves
13.3 Calculate the focal length of curved mirrors and its can be formed
applications 5.4 Write stationary wave in mathematical form
5.5 Calculate frequency, amplitude, velocity, time
periodetc of progressive wave
14. Refraction at plane surfaces 6. Mechanical waves
14.1 Recall the laws of refraction 6.1 Calculate Speed of wave motion
14.2 Understand the meaning of lateral shift 6.2 Describe Velocity of sound in gas
6.3 Describe Laplace correction
6.4 Formulate the effect of temperature, pressure,
humidity on velocity of sound and their physical meaning

15. Refraction through prisms: 7. Wave in pipes and strings

15.1 Understand minimum deviation condition 7.1 Understand the formation of stationery waves in
15.2 Discuss relation between angle of prism, angle of closed and open pipes

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minimum deviation and refractive index 7.2 Define and understand harmonics and overtones
15.3 Understand deviation in small angle prism and learn its 7.3 State and use the formula for velocity of transverse
importance in real life waves along a stretched string

16. Lenses 8. Acoustic phenomena:

16.1 State properties of Spherical lenses 8.1 Describe sound waves as pressure waves in a
16.2 State the relation between object distance, image distance medium
and focal length of a convex lens 8.2 Characterize the sound using its intensity, loudness,
16.3 Define visual angle and angular magnification quality and pitch
16.4 Derive Lens maker’s formula and use it to find focal 8.3 Discuss Doppler’s effect
length 8.4 Apply Doppler effect in realistic case where source
and observers are in relative motion.
17. Dispersion
17.1 Understand pure spectrum
17.2 Discuss chromatic and spherical aberration
17.3 Discuss achromatism in lens and its applications
- 9. Interference
9.1 Explain the Phenomenon of Interferences
9.2 Understand the meaning of coherent sources
9.3 Describe Young's double slit experiment and obtain
the expression for nth order maxima
Diffraction
9.4 Describe diffraction at single slit
9.5 Understand diffraction pattern of image
9.6 Explain diffraction through diffraction grating

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 9.7 Explain the resolving power of optical instrument

- Polarization
9.8 Describe phenomenon of polarization
9.9 Polaroids and their applications.
9.10 State and use Brewster’s law
Content Area: Electricity and Magnetism
18. Electric charges 10. Electrical circuits
18.1 Understand the concept of electric charge and charge 10.1 Understand Kirchhoff's law and use to calculate
carriers unknown parameters in
18.2 Understand the process of charging by friction and use electrical circuits
the concept to explain related day to day observations 10.2 Describe the circuit diagram of Wheatstone bridge
18.3 Understand that, for any point outside a spherical circuit and its
conductor, the charge on the sphere may be considered to act as Importance
a point charge at its centre 10.4 Describe meter bridge and understand it
18.4 State Coulomb’s law 10.5 Know construction, working and importance of
18.5 Compute the magnitude and direction of the net force potentiometer
acting at a point due to multiple charges 10.6 Distinguish between perfect conductors and super
conductors
10.7 learn the technique to convert galvanometer into
voltmeter and ammeter
10.8
19. Electric field: 11. Magnetic properties of materials:
19.1 Describe an electric field as a region in which an electric 11.1Define relative permeability and relative susceptibility
charge experiences a force of a magnetic material

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19.2 Define electric field strength as force per unit positive 11.2 Discuss relationship between relative permeability
charge acting on a stationary point charge and susceptibility
19.3 Calculate forces on charges in uniform electric fields of 11.3 Discuss Hysteresis of ferromagnetism
known strength 11.4Understand Dia,-para- and ferro-magnetic materials
Q
19.4 Use E = 4πε 2 strength of a point charge in free space
or

or air
19.5 Understand the concept of electric flux of a surface
19.6 State Gauss law and apply it for a field of a charged
sphere and for line charge
20. Potential, potential difference and potential energy 12. Magnetic field
20.1 Define potential at a point as the work done per unit 12.1 Show understanding of the concept of magnetic field
positive charge in bringing a small test charge from infinity to lines and magnetic flux and sketch magnetic field lines
the point around a straight current carrying conductor and long
20.2 Use electron volt as a unit of electric potential energy solenoid
Q
20.3 Recall and use V = 4πε rfor the potential in the field of a 12.2 Explain Oersted’s experiment, its outcome and
o
limitations
point charge
12.3 Discuss force on moving charge in uniform magnetic
field
12.4 Discuss force on a current carrying conductor placed
in uniform magnetic field
12.5 Describe moving coil galvanometer and know its
applications
12.6 Explain Hall effect and derive the expression
VH=BI/ntq where t is thickness
12.7 State Biot and Savart law and know its application on

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 (i) a circular coil (ii) a long straight conductor (iii) a long
solenoid

21. Capacitor 13. Alternating Currents:

21.1 capacitance and capacitor 13.1 Understand peak and rms value of AC current and
a. Show understanding of the uses of capacitors in simple voltage
electrical circuits 13.2 Discuss AC through a resistor, a capacitor and an
b. Define capacitance as the ratio of the change in an inductor
electric charge in a system to the corresponding change in its 13.3 Understand Phasor diagram in RC and RL circuits
electric potential and associate it to the ability of a system to 13.4 Describe series resonance condition and know its
store charge applications
𝑄 13.5 Understand the meaning of quality factor
c. Use 𝐶 = 𝑉
13.6 Discuss power in AC circuits and know the term
21.2 Parallel plate capacitor
𝜀𝑜 𝐴 𝑄 power factor
a. Derive 𝐶 = 𝑑
, using Gauss law and 𝐶 = 𝑉 , for parallel
13.7 Solve the numerical problems.
plate capacitor
b. Explain the effect on the capacitance of parallel plate
capacitor of changing the surface area and separation of the
plates
21.3 Combination of capacitors
a. Derive formula for combined capacitance for capacitors
in parallel combinations
b. Solve problems related to capacitors in parallel
combinations
22. DC Circuits

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22.1 Electric Currents; Drift velocity and its relation with
current
a. Understand the concept that potential difference between
two points in a conductor makes the charge carriers drift
b. Define electric current as the rate of flow of positive
charge, Q = It
c. Derive, using Q=It and the definition of average drift
velocity, the expression I=nAVdwhere n is the number density
of free charge carriers
22.2 Ohm’s law Ohm’s law; Electrical Resistance:
resistivity and conductivity
a. Define and apply electric resistance as the ratio of
potential difference to current
b. Define ohm ,resistivity and conductivity
c. Use R = ρl /A for a conductor
d. Explain, using R = ρl /A, howchanges in dimensions of a
conducting wire works as a variable resistor
22.3 Current-voltage relations: ohmic and non-ohmic
a. Sketch and discuss the I–V characteristics of a metallic
conductor at constant temperature, a semiconductor diode and a
filament lamp d) state Ohm’s law
b. State Ohm’s law and identify ohmic and non-ohmic
resistors
22.4 Resistances in series and parallel
a. Derive, using laws of conservation of charge and

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conservation of energy, a formula for the combined resistance
of two or more resistors in parallel
b. Solve problems using the formula for the combined
resistance of two or more resistors in series
22.5 Potential divider
a. Understand the principle of a potential divider circuit as a
source of variable pS.d. and use it in simple circuits
b. Explain the use of sensors (thermistors, light-dependent
resistors and strain gauges) in potential divider circuit as a
source of potential difference that is dependent on temperature,
illumination and strain respectively
22.6 Electromotive force of a source, internal resistance
a. Define electromotive force (e.m.f.) in terms of the energy
transferred by a source in driving unit charge round a complete
circuit
b. Distinguish between e.m.f. and potential difference (p.d.)
in terms of energy considerations
c. Understand the effects of the internal resistance of a
source of e.m.f. on the terminal potential difference

Content Area: Modern Physics

23. Nuclear physics 14. Electrons
23.1 Explain how nucleus was discovered 14.1 Describe Millikan’s oil drop experiment and explain
23.2 Convey the meaning of mass number, atomic number how it suggests quantization of charge
23.3 Calculate the expression of nuclear density 14.2 Describe the motion of electrons in electric and

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23.4 Explain the existence of different isotopes of the same magnetic fields and derive appropriate mathematical
element expressions
23.5 Describe main theme of Einstein’s mass energy relation 14.3 Describe J.J Thomson’s experiment with suitable
and state the relation diagrams to explain the discovery of electron and its
23.6 Explain the meaning of mass defect and cause of it characters
23.7 Describe the terms creation and annihilation 14.4 Solve numerical problems related to above topics
23.8 Derive the relation of binding energy and binding energy
per unit nucleon of different nuclei
23.9 Plot a graph between BE per nucleon and mass number
of different nuclei
23.10 Define nuclear fusion and fission and explain the
mechanism of energy release
23.11 Solve numerical problems related to nuclear physics
15. Photons
15.1 Describe quantum nature of radiation
15.2 Describe work function and photoelectric effect
15.3 Derive Einstein’s photoelectric equation
15.4 Describe Millikan’s experiment for the verification of
Einstein’s photoelectric equation and calculate Planck’s
constant
15.5 Solve some related problems
16. Semiconductor devices
16.1 Describe the formation of PN junction and
semiconductor diode
16.2 Plot forward and reverse characteristics of

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 semiconductor diode including the concept of Zener diode
16.3 Define rectifier
16.4 Describe full wave rectification using semiconductor
diodes
16.5 Define logic gates and explain operation of different
logic gates OR, AND, NOT, NAND and NOR gates with
their symbol , Boolean algebra and truth table
- 17. Quantization of energy
17.1 Differentiate excitation and ionization potentials
17.2 Explain emission and absorption spectra
17.3 Define x-rays
17.4 Describe modern Coolidge tube method for the
production of x-rays with quality and quantity
17.5 Illustrate different properties of x-rays along with
their applications
17.6 Solve numerical problems related to quantization of
energy

4. Scope and Sequence of Contents

Grade 11 Grade 12
Contents TH Contents TH
Content Area: Mechanics
1. Physical Quantities 3 1. Rotational dynamics 7
1.1. Precision and significant figures. 1.1 Equation of angular motion, Relation between

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Dimensions and uses of dimensional analysis. linear and angular kinematics
1.2 Kinetic energy of rotation of rigid body
1.3 Moment of inertia; Radius of gyration
1.4 Moment of inertia of a uniform rod
1.5 Torque and angular acceleration for a rigid
body
1.6 Work and power in rotational motion
1.7 Angular momentum, conservation of angular
momentum.
2. Vectors 4 2. Periodic motion 6
2.1. Triangle, parallelogram and polygon laws 2.1 Equation of simple harmonic motion
of vectors (SHM)
2.2. Resolution of vectors; Unit vectors 2.2 Energy in SHM
2.3. Scalar and vector products. 2.3 Application of SHM: vertical oscillation of
mass suspended from coiled spring, simple
pendulum
2.4 Oscillatory motion: Damped oscillation,
Forced oscillation and resonance.
3. Kinematics 4 3. Fluid statics 5
3.1 Instantaneous velocity and acceleration 3.1 Fluid statics: Pressure in a fluid; Buoyancy
3.2 Relative velocity 3.2 Surface tension: Theory of surface tension;
3.3 Equation of motion (graphical treatment) Surface energy
3.4 Motion of a freely falling body 3.3 Angle of contact, capillarity and its

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3.5 Projectile motion and its applications. applications
3.4 Stokes law and its applications
4. Dynamics 4 -
4.1 Linear momentum, Impulse
4.2 Conservation of linear momentum
4.3 Application of Newton’s laws
4.4 Moment, torque and equilibrium
4.5 Centre of mass and center of gravity

5. Work, energy and power 2 -

5.1 Work done by a constant force and a variable
force
5.2 power
5.3 Work-energy theorem; Kinetic and potential
energy
5.4 Conservation of Energy
5.5 Conservative and non-conservative forces
6. Circular Motion 3 -
6.1 Angular displacement, velocity and
acceleration
6.2 Relation between angular and linear velocity
and acceleration
6.3 Centripetal acceleration

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6.4 Centripetal force
7. Gravitation 3 -
7.1 Newton’s law of gravitation
7.2 Gravitational potential; Gravitational
potential energy
7.3 Motion of a satellite: Orbital velocity and
time period of the satellite
7.4 Escape velocity
8. Elasticity 4 -
8.1 Hooke’s law: Force constant
8.2 Stress; Strain; Elasticity and plasticity
8.3 Elastic modulus: Young modulus, bulk
modulus, shear modulus
8.4 Poisson’s ratio
8.5 Elastic potential energy.
Content Area: Heat and Thermodynamics
9. Heat and Temperature 2 4. First Law of Thermodynamics 2
10.1 Molecular concept of thermal energy, heat and 4.1 Thermodynamic systems
temperature, and cause and direction of heat flow 4.2 Internal energy and First law of
10.2 Meaning of thermal equilibrium and Zeroth law thermodynamics
of thermodynamics.
4.3 Heat capacities of an ideal gas at constant
10. Thermal Expansion 3
pressure and volume and relation between them
10.1 Linear expansion, coefficient of linear

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expansion and its measurement
10.2 Superficial expansion and coefficient of
superficial expansion
10.3 Cubical expansion and coefficient of cubical
expansion
10.4 Relation among coefficient of linear
expansion, superficial expansion and cubical
expansion
11. Quantity of Heat 3
11.1 Newton’s law of cooling
11.2 Measurement of specific heat capacity of
solids and liquids
11.3 Specific latent heat of fusion and
vaporization
11.4 Triple point
12. Rate of heat flow 3 -
12.1 Conduction: Thermal conductivity and
measurement
12.2 Convection
12.3 Radiation: Black- body radiation
12.4 Stefan – Boltzmann law.
Content Area: Waves & Optics
13. Reflection at curved mirror 2 5. Wave motion 2

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13.1 Real and Virtual images. 5.1 Progressive waves
13.2 Mirror formula 5.2 Mathematical description of a wave
5.3 Stationary waves
14. Refraction at plane surfaces 1 6. Mechanical waves 3
14.1 Laws of refraction: Refractive index 6.1 Speed of wave motion; Velocity of sound
14.3 Lateral shift in solid and liquid
6.2 Velocity of sound in gas
6.3 Effect of temperature, pressure, humidity
on velocity of sound.
15. Refraction through prisms 3 7. Wave in pipes and strings 3
15.1 Minimum deviation condition 7.1 Stationary waves in closed and open pipes
15.2 Relation between Angle of prism, minimum 7.2 Harmonics and overtones in closed and
deviation and refractive index open organ pipes
15.3 Deviation in small angle prism. 7.3 Velocity of transverse waves along a
stretched string
16. Lenses 3 8. Acoustic phenomena 4
16.1 Spherical lenses, angular magnification 8.1 Sound waves: Pressure amplitude
16.2 Lens maker’s formula 8.2 Characteristics of sound: Intensity;
16.3 Power of a lens loudness, quality and pitch
8.3 Doppler’s effect.
17. Dispersion 3 9. Wave Nature of light 3
17.1 Pure spectrum and dispersive power 9.1 Interference
17.2 Chromatic and spherical aberration 9.1.1 Phenomenon of Interferences: Coherent

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17.3 Achromatism and its applications sources
9.1.2 Young’s double slit experiment.
9.2 Diffraction
9.2.1 Diffraction from a single slit
9.2.2 Diffraction pattern of image; Diffraction
grating
9.2.3 Resolving power of optical instruments.
9.3 Polarization
9.3.1 Phenomenon of polarization
9.3.2 Polaroid
Content Area: Electricity & Magnetism
18. Electric Charges 3 10. Electrical circuits 6
18.1 Electric charges 10.1 Kirchhoff’s law
Charging by induction 10.2 Wheatstone bridge circuit; Meter bridge
18.3 Coulomb’s law- Force between two point 10.3 Potentiometer: Comparison of e.m.f.,
charges measurement of internal resistances of a cell
18.4 Force between multiple electric charges. 10.4 Super conductors; Perfect conductors
10.5 Conversion of galvanometer into voltmeter
and ammeter; Ohmmeter
10.6 Joule’s law
19. Electric field 3 11. Magnetic properties of materials: 5
19.1 Electric field due to point charges; Field 11.1 Magnetic field lines and magnetic flux
lines 11.2 Flux density in magnetic material;

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19.2 Gauss Law: Electric Flux Relative permeability; Susceptibility
19.3 Application of Gauss law: Field of a charge 11.3 Hysteresis
sphere, line charge, charged plane conductor 11.4 Dia,-para- and ferro-magnetic materials.
20. Potential, potential difference and 2 12. Magnetic field 4
potential energy 12.1 Force on moving charge; Force on a
20.1 Potential due to a point charge, Potential conductor
difference, potential energy, electron volt 12.2 Force and Torque on rectangular coil,
20.2 Potential gradient Moving coil galvanometer
12.3 Magnetic field of a moving charge
12.4 Biot and Savart law and its application to
(i) a circular coil (ii) a long straight conductor
(iii) a long solenoid
21. Capacitor 3 13. Alternating Currents 5
21.1 Capacitance and capacitor 13.1 Peak and rms value of AC current and
21.2 Combination of capacitors voltage
22.4 Energy of charged capacitor 13.2 AC through a resistor, a capacitor and an
inductor
13.3 Phasor diagram
13.4 Series circuits containing combination of
resistance, capacitance and inductance
13.5 Power in AC circuits: power factor
22. DC Circuits 7
22.1 Electric Currents; Drift velocity and its

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relation with current
22.2 Ohm’s law; Electrical Resistance;
Resistivity; Conductivity
22.3 Resistances in series and parallel,
22.4 Potential divider
22.5 Electromotive force of a source, internal
resistance
22.6 Electrical power
Content Area : Modern Physics
23. Nuclear physics 4 14. Electrons 4
23.1 Atomic number, Nucleon number, Isotopes 14.1 Milikan’s oil drop experiment,
22.4 Einstein’s mass-energy relation 14.2 Motion of electron beam in electric and
22.5 Mass Defect, BE per nucleon magnetic fields
22.6 Nuclear fission and fusion, energy released 14.3 Thomson’s experiment to determine
23.4 Creation and annihilation specific charge of electrons
15. Photons 3
15.1 Quantum nature of radiation
15.2 Einstein’s photoelectric equation;
Stopping potential
15.3 Measurement of Plank’s constant
16. Semiconductor devices 6
16.1 Semiconductor- intrinsic and extrinsic
16.2 P-N Junction

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 16.3 Semiconductor diode: Characteristics in
forward and reverse bias
16.4 Full wave rectification
16.5 Logic gates; NOT, OR, AND, NAND and
NOR.
- 17. Quantization of energy 4
17.1 Spectral series; Excitation and ionization
potentials
17.2 Energy level; Emission and absorption
spectra
17.3 De Broglie Theory; Duality
17.4 X-rays: Nature and uses
Total- 72 72

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5. Practical Courses [24 Hours]

The practical work that students do during their course is aimed at providing them
learning opportunities to accomplish competency number 2 and 3 of the syllabus as well
as reinforcing their learning of the theoretical subject content. This part of the syllabus focuses
more on skill building than knowledge building. Students must be aware of the importance of
precision, accuracy, significant figures, range and errors while collecting, processing, analyzing
and communicating data. Likewise, graphical method of analysis and drawing conclusion
should be encouraged wherever possible.
Students should
1. learn to use metre rule for measuring length, Vernier-calipers for measuring small
thicknesses, internal and external diameters of cylindrical objects and depths of
holes, spherometer for measuring radius of curvature of spherical surfaces and
micrometer screw-gauge for measuring diameter of small spherical or cylindrical
objects and very small thicknesses, traveling microscope with Vernier scale for
measuring small distances, top-pan balance for measuring small masses, stop
watch for measuring time interval, laboratory thermometer for measuring
temperature, protractor for measuring angle), ammeter and milli-ammeter for
measuring electric current and voltmeter for measuring electric potential
difference.
2. learn to measure precisely up to the least count of the measuring instrument-
metre rule – 0.001m or 1 mm
Vernier calipers - 0.1 mm
Spherometer - 0.01 mm
micrometer screw gauge - 0.01 mm
stop watch - 0.01s
laboratory thermometer - 0.5oC
protractor - 1o
3. learn to repeat readings and take the average value
4. learn to draw a standard table, with appropriate heading and unit for every column
for storing data

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5. learn to plot a graph using standard format, draw suitable trend lines, determine
gradient, intercepts and area and use them to draw appropriate conclusion
6. learn to estimate and handle uncertainties.

In each academic year, students should perform 8 experiments, either listed

below or designed by teacher, so that no more than three experiments come from
the same unit of this syllabus.

a) Practical Activities for Grade 11

I. Mechanics
1. Verify the law of moments by graphically analyzing the relation between
clockwise moment and anticlockwise moment on a half metre rule suspended at
the certre by a string.
2. Determination of Young modulus of elasticity of the material of a given wire by
graphically analyzing the variation of tensile force with respect to extension
produced by it.

II. Heat
3. Use of Pullinger’s apparatus for the Determination of the linear expansion of a
rod.

III. Geometrical Optics

4. Use of Travelling Microscope for the determination of the refractive index of
glass slab by graphically analyzing how apparent depth varies with the real depth
for glass plates of different thicknesses.

IV. Current electricity

10. Verification of Ohm’s law and determination of resistance of a thin-film resistor
by graphical analysis of variation of electric current in the resistor with respect to
potential difference across it.

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11. Determination of resistivity of a metal wire by graphical analysis of variation of
electric current through a metal wire against its length.
b) Sample project works for grade 11
1. Study the variation in the range of a jet of water with angle of projection
2. Explore the factors affecting the rate of loss of heat of a liquid
3. Study the nature and size of the image formed by a convex lens using a candle
and a screen.
4. Comparative study of uses of alternative energy sources in Nepal
5. Study of application of laws and principle of physics in any indigenous
technology.
6. Analyze the temperature dependence of refractive index of different liquids using
a hollow prism and laser beam.
7. Analyze the frequency dependence of refractive index of glass using a glass prism
and white light beam.
c) Some examples of innovative works for grade 11
1. Design and construct a system to demonstrate the phenomenon of total internal
reflection (TIR) of a laser beam through a jet of water.
2. Construct a digital Newton meter using the concept of potential divider.

d) Practical Activities for Grade 12

I. Mechanics
1. Use of Simple pendulum for the determination of the value of ‘g’ in the laboratory
by graphically analyzing the variation of period of oscillations with length of the
pendulum.
2. Determination of the coefficient of viscosity of liquid by Stoke’s method by
graphically analyzing the variation of time taken for six metal balls of different
diameters to travel the same distance in the given liquid with respect to their
diameters.

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Practical work is the integral part of the learning science. The process of lab based
practical work comprises as;
 familiarity with objective of practical work
 familiarity with materials, chemicals, apparatus
 familiarity with lab process (safety, working modality etc.)
 conduction of practical work (systematically following the given instruction)
 analysis, interpretation and drawing conclusion
c) Project work Approach
Project work is an integral part of the science learning. Students should be involved in
project work to foster self-learning of students in the both theoretical and practical
contents. Students will complete project work to have practical idea through learning by
doing approach and able to connect the theory into the real world context. It is regarded
as method/ process of learning rather than content itself. So use of project work method
to facilitate any appropriate contents of this curriculum is highly encouraged.
In this approach student will conduct at least one research work, or an innovative
work under the guidance of teacher, using the knowledge and skills learnt. It could
include any of the followings;
(f) Mini research
(g) Survey
(h) Model construction
(i) Paper based work
(j) study of ethno-science
General process of research work embraces the following steps;
 Understanding the objective of the research
 Planning and designing
 Collecting information
 analysis and interpretation
 Reporting /communicating (presentation, via visual aids, written report, graphical
etc.)
General process of innovative work embraces the following steps;

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 identification of innovative task (either assigned by teacher or proposed by
student)
 planning
 performing the task
 presentation of the work
 Record keeping of the work
Students are free to choose any topic listed in this curriculum or a topic suggested by
teacher provided that it is within the theoretical contents of the Curriculum. However,
repetition of topic should be discouraged.

Learning process matrix

Knowledge and understanding Scientific skills and Values, attitudes and
process application to daily life
 Scientific phenomenon, facts,  Basic and  Responsible
definition, principles, theory, integrated  Spending time for
concepts and new discoveries scientific process investigation
 Scientific vocabulary, skills
glossary and terminology Process
 Scientific tools, devises,
instruments apparatus  Investigation
 Techniques of uses of  Creative thinking
scientific instruments with  problem solving
safety
 Scientific and technological
applications

Basic Science Process Skills includes,

7. Observing: using senses to gather information about an object or event. It is
description of what was actually perceived.
8. Measuring:comparing unknown physical quantity with known quantity (standard
unit) of same type.

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9. Inferring:formulating assumptions or possible explanations based upon
observations.
10. Classifying:grouping or ordering objects or events into categories based upon
characteristics or defined criteria.
11. Predicting:guessing the most likely outcome of a future event based upon a
pattern of evidence.
12. Communicating:using words, symbols, or graphics to describe an object, action or
event.

Integrated Science Process Skills includes,

11. Formulating hypotheses:determination of the proposed solutions or expected
outcomes for experiments. These proposed solutions to a problem must be
testable.
12. Identifying of variables: Identification of the changeable factors (independent and
dependent variables) that can affect an experiment.
13. Defining variables operationally: explaining how to measure a variable in an
experiment.
14. Describing relationships between variables: explaining relationships between
variables in an experiment such as between the independent and dependent
variables.
15. Designing investigations:designing an experiment by identifying materials and
describing appropriate steps in a procedure to test a hypothesis.
16. Experimenting:carrying out an experiment by carefully following directions of the
procedure so the results can be verified by repeating the procedure several times.
17. Acquiring data:collecting qualitative and quantitative data as observations and
measurements.
18. Organizing data in tables and graphs:presenting collected data in tables and
graphs.
19. Analyzing investigations and their data: interpreting data, identifying errors,
evaluating the hypothesis, formulating conclusions, and recommending further
testing where necessary.

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20. Understanding cause and effect relationships: understanding what caused what to
happen and why.
21. Formulating models: recognizing patterns in data and making comparisons to
familiar objects or ideas.
7. Student Assessment
Evaluation is an integral part of learning process. Both formative and summative modes
of evaluation are emphasized. Formative evaluation will be conducted so as to provide
regular feedback for students, teachers and parents/guardians about how student
learning is. Class tests, unit tests, oral question-answer, home assignment [Link] some
ways of formative evaluation.
There will be separate evaluation of theoretical and practical learning. Summative
evaluation embraces theoretical examination, practical examination and evaluation of
research work or innovative work.
(a) Internal Evaluation
Out of 100 full marks Internal evaluation covers 25 marks. Internal evaluation consists
of Practical work (16 marks), (b) Marks from trimesterexaminations(6 marks), and (c)
Classroom participation (3 marks)
 Practical Activities
Practical work and project work should be based on list of activities mentioned in this
curriculum or designed by the teacher. Mark distribution for practical work and project
work will be as follows:
S. Criteria Elaboration of criteria Marks
N.
1. Laboratory Correctness of apparatus setup/preparation 2
experiment Observation/Experimentation 2
Tabulation 1
Data processing and Analysis 1
Conclusion (Value of constants or prediction with 1
justification)
Handling of errors/precaution 1
2. Viva-voce Understanding of objective of the experiment 1

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 Skills of the handling of apparatus in use 1
Overall impression 1
3. Practical work Records (number and quality) 2
records and
attendance
4 Project work Reports (background, objective, methodology, 2
finding, conclusion
Presentation 1
Total 16
Note: (i) Practical examination will be conducted in the presence of internal and
external supervisors. Evaluation of laboratory experiment will focus both the product of
work and skills competencies of student in using apparatus.
(ii) Project work assessment is the internal assessment of reports and presentation of
their project works either individually or group basis. In case of group presentation,
every member of the group should submit a short reflection on the presented report in
their own language. Records of project works must be attested by external supervisor.
 Marks from trimester examinations
Total of 6 marks; 3 marks from each trimester.
 Classroom participation (3 marks)
Classroom participation includes attendance (1) and participation in learning (2).
(b) External Evaluation
Out of 100 marks theoretical evaluation covers 75 marks. The tool for external
evaluation of theoretical learning will be a written examination. Questions for the
external examination will be based on the specification grid developed by Curriculum
Development Centre. Examination question paper will be developed using various
levels of revised Bloom's taxonomy including remembering level, understanding level,
application level and higher ability (analyzing, evaluating, creating).

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 Specification Grid
Grade : 11 Subject : Physics Time: 2 hrs.
Competency level
S.N. Area Working hour Knowledge/ Understanding Applying Higher Area wise Score
Remembering Ability
1 Mechanics 27 MCQ (2x1) MCQ (5 x1) MCQ (3x1) MCQ (1x1) 28
2 Heat and Thermodynamics 11 11
SQ (2x5) SQ (1x5) SQ (2x5) SQ (3x5)
3 Wave and Optics 12 13
4 Electricity and Magnetism 18 LQ (1x8) LQ (1x8) LQ (1x8) 19
5 Modern Physics 4 4
Total 72 12 18 21 24 75
Item format plan
Type of item Score per item Number of items Total item Total Score
1 Multiple Choice Questions 1 2 5 3 1 11 11
2 Short Question Answer 5 2 1 2 3 8 40
3 Long Question Answer 8 0 1 1 1 3 24
Grand Total 4 7 6 5 22 75
Grade : 12
Competency level
S.N. Area Working hour Knowledge/ Understanding Applying Higher Area wise Score
Remembering Ability
1 Mechanics 18 MCQ (2x1) MCQ (5 x1) MCQ (3x1) MCQ (1x1) 19
2 Heat and Thermodynamics 2 2

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3 Wave and Optics 15 SQ (1x5) SQ (2x5) SQ (3x5) 16
4 Electricity and Magnetism 20 SQ (2x5) 21
LQ (1x8) LQ (1x8) LQ (1x8)
5 Modern Physics 17 17
Total 72 12 18 21 24 75
Item format plan
Type of item Score per item Number of items Total item Total Score
1 Multiple Choice Questions 1 2 5 3 1 11 11
2 Short Question Answer 5 2 1 2 3 8 40
3 Long Question Answer 8 0 1 1 1 3 24
Grand Total 4 7 6 5 22 75
Remarks:
 Item format in composite should be met as per the specification grid.
 ±1 marks variation will be allowed within the area. But cannot be nil.
 In case of 5 or 8 marks items, these should ensure that 1 mark will be assigned per element expected as correct response. However,
cognitive behavior intended might not be single behavior within the item. But in total cognitive distribution should met. ±2 marks variation
will be allowed within the cognitive levels.
 SQ and LQ can be structured (have two or more sub-items). SQ and LQ can be distributed to two or more cognitive behaviors. In such
case these will be added to their respective cognitive behavior. In sum the distribution of cognitive behavior should be approximately to the
required distribution.
 The distribution of questions based on cognitive domain will be nearby 15% knowledge/remembering, 25% understanding, 30%
applying and 30% higher ability level.
 In case of short question there will be 2 "OR" questions and in case of long question there will be 1 "OR" question.

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