Physics-I: Course Content
1. Faculty: FPS
2. Course Code: PHY001
3. Course Title: Physics-I
4. Number of Credits: 3 (2+1)
5. Course objectives: Physics-I imparts knowledge to understand the basic concepts of
nature around us and to implement this knowledge for analysing and solving various
critical problems. The course is designed for students with no experience in Physics,
make them understandable to the point where they can gain knowledge from the natural
phenomenon occurring and apply this basic knowledge to solve the practical problems.
The course introduces the fundamental concepts in order to understand the advances in
technology for practical applications. At the end of the course, the students will be able
to discuss the basic characteristics of light and describe the basic difference between
diffraction, interference, and polarisation. The students will be able to understand the
dual nature of light through these topics. Minimum prerequisites for taking this course,
if any: Higher secondary education qualified from any government-approved education
board
6. Course structure with units, if applicable:
Module I: Interference
Interference of waves: Interference of light by amplitude division, Interfercence of light by
division of wavefront, Young’s double slit experiment, Phase difference, Path difference,
Conditions for interference, Types of interference, Theory of interference fringes, Interference
in thin films, Newton’s ring experiment, Fresnel’s biprism experiment, Radius of dark fringes,
radius of bright fringes, path difference and phase differene in both type of fringes, Michelson’s
interferometer.
Module II: Diffraction
Diffraction: Diffraction due to single slit, Diffraction due to double slit, difference between
Interference and diffraction, Types of diffraction, diffraction grating, Dispersive power of a
grating, Diffraction due to n-slits, analytical treatment of bright and dark bands, resolving
power of a telescope and grating.
Module II: Polarisation
Polarisation of light, Polarized and unpolarized light, Brewster’s law, Law of Malus,
Phenomenon of double refraction, uniaxial & biaxial crystals, positive and negative crystals,
Nicol prisms as a polarizer and analyser, Quarter wave plate, half wave plate, Polarimeter,
specific rotation, Laurent’s half shade and full shade Polari meter.
5. READING SUGGESTIONS:
John W. Jewett & Raymond A. Serway (2017). Physics for Scientists and Engineers.
Cengage India Private Limited
Jacob Millman & Charistos C. Halkias (2017). Integrated Electronics. Mc-Graw Hill.
Eugene Hecht (2019). Optics. Pearson.
Halliday D., Resnick R. & Walker J. (2020). Fundamentals of Physics. Wiley Publications.
ASSESSMENT CRITERIA:
Quiz-1: 10%
Quiz-2: 10%
Lab assignments: 20%
Mid-Semester Examination: 20%
End-Semester Examination: 40%
Physics Lab-I
Course code: PHY310
List of Experiments:
1. (a) To measure the diameter of a small spherical/cylindrical body by using vernier
calipers.
(b) To measure the diameter of a wire by a screw gauge and find its volume.
2. To determine the acceleration due to gravity by using a simple pendulum.
3. To determine the value of “g” by Bar Pendulum.
4. To determine the frequency of A C mains using Sonometer.
5. To determine the wavelength of He-Ne laser using a diffraction grating.
6. To find the wavelength of sodium light by Newton’s ring experiment.
7. To determine the resolving power of a telescope.
8. To calibrate a polarimeter and hence to determine the concentration of sugar solution.
