PH3151 Engineering Physics Previous Year Question Papers - Anna University

UNIT 1 - Mechanics

Part A

• Define moment of inertia and radius of gyration
• State parallel axis and perpendicular axis theorems
• Define torque and angular momentum
• What is a gyroscope? State its significance

Part B

• Derive moment of inertia of a rod and circular disc
• Explain torsional pendulum and determination of rigidity modulus
• Explain gyroscopic motion and derive gyroscopic couple
• Derive rotational kinetic energy of a rigid body

UNIT 2 - Electromagnetic Waves

Part A

• State Maxwell's equations (integral form)
• Define Poynting vector and its unit
• What is skin depth?
• List properties of electromagnetic waves

Part B

• Derive Maxwell's equations (integral and differential forms)
• Derive electromagnetic wave equation in free space
• Explain Poynting theorem
• Discuss reflection and transmission of EM waves

UNIT 3 - Oscillations, Optics and Lasers

Part A

• Define spontaneous and stimulated emission
• What is population inversion?
• Define damping and resonance
• What is air wedge?

Part B

• Derive Einstein's A and B coefficients
• Explain working of Nd:YAG / CO2 laser
• Explain air wedge experiment for thickness measurement
• Derive equation of damped oscillations

UNIT 4 - Quantum Mechanics

Part A

• Define Compton effect and write formula
• What is wave function (psi)?
• Define de Broglie wavelength
• State uncertainty principle

Part B

• Derive Compton shift equation
• Derive Schrodinger wave equation
• Solve particle in a 1D box
• Explain G.P. Thomson experiment

UNIT 5 - Applied Quantum Mechanics

Part A

• Define quantum tunneling
• State Bloch's theorem
• What is RTD (Resonant Tunneling Diode)?
• Applications of STM

Part B

• Explain STM (principle, construction, working)
• Discuss Kronig-Penney model (qualitative)
• Explain quantum harmonic oscillator
• Explain V-I characteristics of RTD

Most Repeated / High-Weight Questions

Maxwell's equations, EM wave equation, Compton effect, Schrodinger wave equation, laser working, STM principle, gyroscopic motion, moment of inertia derivations.