Physics is a crucial subject for JEE Mains, testing both your understanding of concepts and problem-solving skills. With a vast syllabus divided between Class 11 and Class 12, it is essential to know what to study and how to prioritize. A strategic approach to preparation can help you focus on high-weightage topics and improve your performance.
The JEE Mains Physics syllabus is designed to assess your grasp of fundamental topics like Mechanics, Thermodynamics, and Modern Physics. Knowing the chapter-wise weightage and marks distribution can save time and boost your confidence. For instance, chapters like Electrodynamics and Modern Physics often have direct, scoring questions, while Mechanics requires in-depth problem-solving.
In this article, we’ll guide you through the JEE Mains Physics syllabus, highlight the importance of each chapter, and provide preparation strategies. Whether you’re aiming to strengthen your basics or master advanced topics, this breakdown will help you focus your efforts effectively and score better in the exam.
Overview of the JEE Mains Physics Syllabus
The Physics syllabus for JEE Mains is divided into topics from Class 11 and Class 12. It is important to know these divisions as it helps in structuring your preparation plan.
| Physics and Measurement | Thermodynamics |
| Kinematics | Rotational Motion |
| Gravitation | Work and Energy |
| Power | Properties of Solids and Liquids |
| Laws of Motion | Electronic Devices |
| Oscillations | Waves |
| Current Electricity | Electromagnetic Waves |
| Communication Systems | Electromagnetic Induction |
| Magnetism | Alternating Currents |
| Magnetic Effects of Current | Kinetic Theory of Gases |
| Dual Nature of Matter | Radiation |
| Atoms | Nuclei |
| Optics | Electrostatics |
Chapter Wise Important Topics for JEE Mains Physics
Physics is often considered the most challenging subject in JEE Mains. However, with focused preparation, it is manageable. The key to doing well in Physics is understanding the concepts and practicing problem-solving.
| Chapter | Concepts |
| Physics and Measurement | Physical quantity |
| System of unit | |
| Practical units | |
| Dimension, Frequency, angular frequency, angular velocity, velocity gradient,Work, Potential Energy, Kinetic Energy, Torque, Momentum, Impulse , Angular momentum, Angular impulse | |
| Dimensionless Quantities,Heat, Latent heat , Specific heat capacity and Temperature,Permittivity of free space and dielectric constant (k),Magnetic Field ,Permeability of free space, Magnetic flux and self inductance | |
| Application of Dimensional analysis (I)- To find dimension of physical constant,Application of Dimensional analysis (II)- To convert a physical quantity from one system to other,Application of Dimensional analysis (V)- As a research tool to derive new relations | |
| Significant figures | |
| Errors of measurements,Error in sum and Error in difference of two physical quantities,Error in product and Error in division of two physical quantities,Error in quantity raised to some power | |
| Work Energy and Power | Nature of Work Done |
| Work done by variable force | |
| Kinetic energy | |
| Potential energy, Potential energy curve | |
| Law of Conservation of Energy | |
| Power | |
| Types of collision | |
| Perfectly Elastic Head on Collision,Perfectly elastic oblique collision,Head on inelastic collision,Perfectly inelastic collision,Collision Between Bullet and Vertically Suspended Block | |
| Rotational Motion | Center of mass |
| Position of centre of mass for solid cone | |
| Motion of the centre of mass | |
| Equations of Linear Motion and Rotational Motion. | |
| Torque | |
| Moment of inertia of a Rod | |
| Moment of inertia for uniform rectangular lamina | |
| Parallel and Perpendicular Axis theorem | |
| Moment of inertia of a RING | |
| Moment of inertia of a DISC | |
| Moment of inertia of a SOLID SPHERE | |
| Angular Momentum | |
| Conservation Of angular momentum | |
| Properties of Solids and Liquids | Stokes’ law & Terminal Velocity |
| Surface energy | |
| Excess pressure inside a liquid drop & soap bubble | |
| Thermal stress and thermal strain | |
| Heat | |
| Basics of conduction | |
| Stress and it’s types | |
| Hooke’s law | |
| Work done in stretching a wire | |
| Rise of liquid in a capillary tube | |
| Variation of pressure | |
| Flow of fluids | |
| Equation of Continuity | |
| Applications of Bernoulli’s Theorem(I) | |
| Viscosity | |
| Kinetic theory of Gases | States of matter |
| Gas laws(I) | |
| Ideal gas equation | |
| Various types of speeds of ideal gases | |
| Kinetic energy of ideal gas | |
| Specific heat of a gas | |
| Mayer’s formula | |
| Electromagnetic Induction and Alternating currents | Magnetic flux |
| Faraday’s law of induction | |
| Motional Electromotive force(I),Motional Electromotive force(II),Energy consideration in Motional Emf,Motional Electromotive force(III),Motional Electromotive force(IV) | |
| AC voltage applied to an inductor | |
| AC voltage applied to a capacitor | |
| Induced Electric field | |
| Series LR circuit | |
| Time Varying Magnetic field | |
| Series RC circuit | |
| Self inductance | |
| Series LCR circuit | |
| Resonance in Series LCR circuit | |
| Mutual Inductance,Mutual Inductance for two coaxial long solenoids,Mutual Inductance for a pair of concentric coils | |
| Quality factor | |
| Power in an AC circuit | |
| Energy stored in an inductor | |
| Transformers | |
| Experimental skills | To compare emf of two given primary cells using potentiometer |
| To measure the thickness of the given sheet using screw gauge | |
| To measure the diameter of small spherical cylindrical body using Vernier Callipers | |
| Kinematics | Vector addition and Vector Subtraction |
| Uniform circular motion | |
| Speed and velocity | |
| Kinematics graphs | |
| Equation of motions | |
| Projectile Motion | |
| Relative Velocity | |
| Laws of motion | Common forces in mechanics |
| Equilibrium of concurrent forces | |
| Newton’s First law of motion | |
| Newton’s Second and Third Law of motion | |
| Acceleration of Block on Smooth Inclined Plane | |
| Motion of Block in Contact | |
| Motion of blocks when connected with string | |
| Motion of connected blocks over pulley | |
| Rocket Propulsion | |
| Kinetic Friction | |
| Static Friction | |
| Acceleration of block against friction | |
| Centripetal Force and Centrifugal Force | |
| Spring Force | |
| Skidding of Vehicle on a Level Road | |
| Banking of Road | |
| Gravitation | Newton’s law of Gravitation |
| Acceleration due to gravity (g),Variation in ‘g’ due to height,Variation in ‘g’ due to Rotation of earth | |
| Gravitational field Intensity,Gravitational field due to Point mass | |
| Gravitational Potential due to Uniform solid sphere | |
| Gravitational Potential Energy (U) | |
| Work Done Against Gravity | |
| Kepler’s Laws of Planetary Motion | |
| Escape Velocity | |
| Orbital Velocity of Satellite | |
| Time period and energy of a satellite | |
| Oscillations and Waves | Spring System,Oscillations in combination of springs |
| Simple pendulum | |
| Propagation of sound wave | |
| General equation of travelling | |
| Standing longitudinal wave | |
| Sine wave travelling on string | |
| Speed of transverse wave on a string | |
| Beats | |
| Composition of two SHM- part 2 | |
| Damped Harmonic motion | |
| Doppler Effect | |
| Standing waves,Standing wave in a string fixed at both ends | |
| Energy in SHM | |
| Simple harmonic as projection of circular motion | |
| Simple harmonic motion,Equations of motions of SHM | |
| Terms associated with SHM | |
| Electrostatics | Coulomb’s Law |
| Electric field | |
| Electric field lines | |
| Electric field due to uniformly charged disc | |
| Dipole in Uniform electric field | |
| Gauss law,Applications of Gauss Law(I),Applications of Gauss Law(II),Applications of Gauss Law(IV),Applications of Gauss Law(V) | |
| Electric flux(I) | |
| Electric potential | |
| Relation between electric field and potential | |
| Capacitor | |
| Electric potential due to continuous charge distribution(I) | |
| Electric flux through cone or disc | |
| Electric potential due to continuous charge distribution(II) | |
| Equipotential surface | |
| Parallel plate capacitor | |
| Electrostatic Potential energy | |
| Combination of capacitors | |
| Energy stored in capacitor | |
| Dielectrics | |
| Current Electricity | Current Density |
| Drift Velocity | |
| Ohms Law | |
| Resistance and Resistivity | |
| Series grouping of Resistance | |
| Cell and Emf of a cell | |
| Current Given by a Cell | |
| Series and Parallel Grouping of cell | |
| Emf of a cell when the cell is charging and discharging and Open circuit and Short circuit | |
| Kirchhoff first law | |
| Kirchhoff’s second law | |
| KCL, KVL, Conservation of charge and Energy and introduction to Galvanometer | |
| Ammeter | |
| Voltmeter | |
| Wheatstone’s bridge | |
| Meter Bridge | |
| Determine the internal resistance of a cell | |
| Faraday’s laws of electrolysis | |
| Magnetic Effects of Current and Magnetism | Magnetic Field due to current in straight wire |
| Magnetic Field due to circular current loop | |
| Magnetic field on the axis of circular current loop | |
| Apllication of Ampere’s law (I),Application of Ampere’s law (II) | |
| Force on a moving charge in magnetic field | |
| Solenoid | |
| Motion of a charged particle in uniform magnetic field(I) | |
| Magnetic field lines | |
| Bar magnet as an equivalent solenoid | |
| Magnetic force on a current carrying conductor | |
| Lorentz force | |
| Force between two parallel current carrying infinite wires | |
| Dipole in a uniform magnetic field | |
| Torque on a rectangular current loop in a uniform magnetic field,Circular current loop as magnetic dipole | |
| Magnetisation and magnetic intensity | |
| Moving coil galvanometer | |
| Hysteresis curve | |
| Electromagnetic Waves | Displacement current |
| Nature of Electromagnetic Waves | |
| Energy Density and Intensity of EM waves | |
| Electromagnetic spectrum | |
| Optics | Spherical mirrors |
| Mirror formula | |
| Refraction Through A Glass Slab | |
| Refraction Through A Prism 1,Dispersion Of Light 1 | |
| Refraction | |
| Real depth and Apparent depth | |
| Total Internal Reflection | |
| Lens Maker’s formula | |
| Power of lens and mirror | |
| Magnification in Lenses | |
| Combination of thin lens in contact,Lenses at a distance | |
| Astronomical Telescope | |
| Polarization of light | |
| Malus’ Law | |
| Interference of light waves- 1,Interference of light waves- 2 | |
| Fraunhofer diffraction by a single slit | |
| Young’s double slit experiment -1,Young’s double slit experiment- 2 | |
| YDSE with thin slab | |
| Compound Microscope | |
| Thin film interference | |
| Dual Nature of Matter and Radiation | Electron Emission |
| Photon theory of light | |
| Wave nature of matter,De-broglie wavelength of an electron | |
| Davisson-Germer Experiment | |
| Photoelectric effect,Graphs in Photoelectric effect | |
| Photons emitted by a source per second,Intensity of radiation,Photon Flux | |
| Atoms And Nuclei | Bohr’s Model of hydrogen atom,Radius of orbit and velocity of electron |
| Energy of electron in nth orbit,Energy level for Hydrogen | |
| Line spectra of hydrogen atom | |
| Mass-energy equivalence and Nuclear binding energy,Binding Energy Per Nucleon,Nuclear Force and Stability | |
| De-broglie’s explanation of Bohr’s second postulate | |
| Effect of Nucleus motion on Energy | |
| Law of radioactivity decay | |
| Atomic Collision | |
| Characteristic X-Rays | |
| Continuous X-ray | |
| Radioactivity – (I),Radioactivity – (II) | |
| Nuclear fission | |
| Electronic devices | Electric Conductivity |
| Extrinsic Semiconductor(II) | |
| Zener diode | |
| Characteristics of a P-N junction,Semiconductor Diode(II) | |
| Junction Transistor | |
| Transistor as a device | |
| Classification of solids on the basis of Band theory | |
| Optoelectronic junction devices (I) | |
| Thermodynamics | Adiabatic process |
| Second Law of Thermodynamics | |
| Entropy | |
| Carnot Engine | |
| Cyclic and Non cyclic process | |
| Isobaric process | |
| Refrigerator or Heat Pump | |
| Introduction to Thermodynamics | |
| Thermodynamic variables and equation of state | |
| Heat, Internal energy and Work in Thermodynamics | |
| First law of Thermodynamics |
| Chapter Name | Weightage |
| Current Electricity | 9.90% |
| Magnetic Effect of Current and Magnetism | 6.60% |
| Alternating Current | 6.60% |
| Kinetic Theory of Gases & Thermodynamics | 6.60% |
| Kinematics | 6.60% |
| Work, Energy, and Power | 6.60% |
| Law of Motion | 6.60% |
| Centre Of Mass | 6.60% |
| Rotational Dynamics | 6.60% |
| Modern Physics | 6.60% |
| Wave Optics | 6.60% |
| Electrostatics | 3.30% |
| Capacitors | 3.30% |
| Simple Harmonic Motion | 3.30% |
| Sound Waves | 3.30% |
| Elasticity | 3.30% |
| Error in Measurement | 3.30% |
| Circular Motion | 3.30% |
| Electromagnetic Waves | 3.30% |
| Semiconductors | 3.30% |
Strategic Physics Preparation Based on JEE Mains Weightage
A well-structured strategy is essential for acing the Physics section in JEE Mains. By focusing on the topic weightage and planning your preparation effectively, you can maximize your chances of scoring well. Below is a step-by-step guide to strategic Physics preparation.
1) Prioritize High-Scoring Topics
Some topics in Physics carry a higher weightage and are comparatively easier to score. Focusing on these chapters should be your first step.
Key Chapters to Prioritize: Modern Physics, Electrodynamics, and Mechanics.
Why Prioritize Them?
- These chapters consistently contribute a significant number of questions to the Physics section.
- Questions from Modern Physics are often direct, requiring basic conceptual knowledge and simple calculations.
- Electrodynamics involves formula-based problems that are frequently asked in exams.
Action Plan:
- Study these topics thoroughly by focusing on understanding core concepts and solving a variety of numerical problems.
- Revise derivations, practice application-based problems, and solve JEE-level question sets from these chapters.
2) Balance Class 11 and Class 12 Topics
Maintaining a balance between Class 11 and Class 12 topics is critical for comprehensive preparation.
- Marks Distribution: Approximately 40% of the questions in JEE Mains come from Class 11 topics like Mechanics, Waves, and Thermodynamics. Class 12 contributes around 60%, with chapters like Electrodynamics, Optics, and Modern Physics.
- Why Balance Matters: Many concepts in Class 12 build on the fundamentals covered in Class 11. For example, understanding Mechanics is crucial for topics like Work-Energy Power and Rotational Motion in Class 12.
- Action Plan: Allocate time proportionally based on the marks distribution. Ensure you don’t skip foundational topics from Class 11, as they are essential for problem-solving in advanced Class 12 topics.
3) Practice Regularly
Physics in JEE Mains involves a significant number of numerical and application-based questions. Regular practice is crucial to mastering this section and building confidence for the exam day.
What to Practice
- Start with Solved Examples: Begin by working through solved examples to understand the techniques used in problem-solving and gain clarity on concepts.
- Move to Unsolved Questions: Progress to solving unsolved problems from standard reference books, such as Concepts of Physics by H.C. Verma or the DC Pandey series.
- Practice Previous Years’ Papers: Analyze and solve past JEE Mains papers to familiarize yourself with the exam pattern and the type of questions asked.
- Attempt Mock Tests: Simulate exam conditions by attempting mock tests regularly to build speed, accuracy, and endurance.
Action Plan
- Solve at least 20-30 problems daily, focusing on both straightforward and challenging questions.
- Use previous years’ papers to identify patterns and focus on chapters that consistently feature in exams.
- Incorporate Phodu Club’s JEE Mains Test Series into your preparation. This test series offers high-quality mock tests designed specifically for JEE Mains, simulating the actual exam’s difficulty level and format. These tests provide detailed solutions, performance analytics, and insights into areas of improvement, making them an excellent tool for structured practice.
- Use a timer during practice sessions to improve your speed and learn to manage time effectively in the exam.
4) Revise Consistently
Revision plays a crucial role in retaining concepts and formulas for the long term.
- How to Revise: Create concise notes summarizing key formulas, derivations, and concepts. Use flowcharts or mind maps to connect related topics and visualize complex concepts. Revise high-weightage topics weekly while dedicating time to brush up on weaker areas.
- Action Plan: Set aside at least 20-30 minutes daily for revision. Prioritize topics based on their weightage and your comfort level.
5) Analyze and Improve
Self-assessment and continuous improvement are vital for scoring well in JEE Mains Physics.
- How to Analyze: After every mock test or practice session, review your mistakes thoroughly. Identify weak areas where you lose marks consistently, such as conceptual errors or calculation mistakes.
- Action Plan: Maintain an error log to track recurring mistakes and avoid repeating them. Seek help from teachers, online resources, or peers to clarify doubts and strengthen weak areas. Regularly track your progress by comparing scores from mock tests over time.
Conclusion
Preparing for JEE Mains Physics may seem challenging, but with the right strategy and consistent effort, you can excel. Start by understanding the syllabus and marks distribution to prioritize your study plan effectively. Focus on high-weightage topics like Modern Physics, Electrodynamics, and Mechanics, as they offer more scoring opportunities. At the same time, don’t ignore foundational topics from Class 11, as they build the base for advanced concepts in Class 12.
Balancing theoretical understanding with problem-solving is key to success. Practice solving previous years’ papers and take mock tests regularly to improve your speed and accuracy. Make sure to revise frequently to retain concepts and formulas.
Remember, consistency is more important than studying for long hours sporadically. Break your preparation into manageable steps and set achievable goals for each week. Stay motivated, trust your preparation, and believe in your ability to perform well in the exam. With focus and determination, you can secure a great score in the Physics section of JEE Mains.
FAQs
1) Which chapters are most scoring in Physics for JEE Mains?
Modern Physics, Electrodynamics, and Mechanics are among the most scoring chapters.
2) What percentage of Physics questions come from Class 11 topics?
Around 40% of the questions in Physics are from Class 11 topics.
3) Should I focus more on Class 12 or Class 11 topics?
While Class 12 topics have more weightage, it is essential to study Class 11 topics thoroughly as they form the foundation for many advanced concepts.
4) Are NCERT books enough for Physics preparation?
NCERT books are a good starting point, but additional reference books and problem-solving practice are recommended for JEE Mains preparation.
