GATE Physics 2026

Text of page 1
Physics (PH)
General Aptitude (GA)
Q.1 – Q.5 Carry ONE mark Each
Q.1 “He often _____ the numbers. False claims are not going to help. Honesty _____
trust”, said the manager.
Choose the option with the correct order of words to fill the blanks.
(A) exaggerates; engenders
(B) excels; encourages
(C) aggravates; alleviates
(D) diminishes; eliminates
Organizing Institute: IIT Guwahati Page 1 of 40

Text of page 2
Physics (PH)
Q.2 In the sequence of tiles shown below, the missing tile indicated by the question
mark should be
(A)
(B)
(C)
(D)
Organizing Institute: IIT Guwahati Page 2 of 40

Text of page 3
Physics (PH)
Q.3 A school has 100 students distributed among 1st to 10th standards.
Based on this, which one of the following statements is always correct?
(A) There are at least 10 students who belong to the same standard.
(B) There is at least one student in each standard.
(C) There are at most 10 students in 10th standard.
(D) The total number of students from 1st to 5th standards is at least 50.
Q.4 How many 3-digit numbers can be formed using three distinct single digit prime
numbers?
(A) 64
(B) 24
(C) 12
(D) 4
Organizing Institute: IIT Guwahati Page 3 of 40

Text of page 4
Physics (PH)
Q.5 In a group of students, 10 students like Mathematics, 12 students like English,
4 students like both Mathematics and English, and 6 students like neither
Mathematics nor English. The number of students in the group is ____
(A) 18
(B) 20
(C) 24
(D) 32
Organizing Institute: IIT Guwahati Page 4 of 40

Text of page 5
Physics (PH)
Q.6 – Q.10 Carry TWO marks Each
Q.6 Charity : P :: Retaliation : Q
Choose the appropriate pair of words P and Q that fit the analogy.
(A) P = Parsimonious; Q = Vengeful
(B) P = Altruistic; Q = Amicable
(C) P = Resentful; Q = Spiteful
(D) P = Magnanimous; Q = Vindictive
Organizing Institute: IIT Guwahati Page 5 of 40

Text of page 6
Physics (PH)
Q.7 A paper shown in Panel I is folded along the dashed lines (- - -) to construct a
cube. The shaded regions shown in Panel I appear on the outer surface of the cube.
Referring to cubes shown in Panel II, which one of the options is correct?
(A) Only (i) can correspond to the unfolded cube in Panel I.
(B) Only (ii) can correspond to the unfolded cube in Panel I.
(C) Both (i) and (ii) can correspond to the unfolded cube in Panel I.
(D) Neither (i) nor (ii) can correspond to the unfolded cube in Panel I.
Organizing Institute: IIT Guwahati Page 6 of 40

Text of page 7
Physics (PH)
Q.8 Consider the cube shown below with its 8 corners labelled a, b, c, d, e, f, g,
and h. The figure is representative. All corners are to be colored such that any two
corners that are connected by an edge must be of different colors. The minimum
number of colors required to achieve this is ________
(A) 8
(B) 4
(C) 3
(D) 2
Organizing Institute: IIT Guwahati Page 7 of 40

Text of page 8
Physics (PH)
Q.9 Four hills H1, H2, H3, and H4 are present in an area. The following observations
are made about them:
i. Neither H2 nor H3 is the easternmost hill.
ii. Neither H2 nor H3 is the westernmost hill.
iii. Neither the easternmost hill nor the westernmost hill is the southernmost
hill.
iv. Two hills are located to the west of H2.
v. The southernmost hill has at least two hills to its east.
The southernmost hill is ________.
(A) H1
(B) H2
(C) H3
(D) H4
Organizing Institute: IIT Guwahati Page 8 of 40

Text of page 9
Physics (PH)
Q.10 As shown in the figure, circle C1 with center O1 and radius r1 touches the square
VWXY at points P and Q while circle C2 with center O2 and radius r2 touches the
square VWXY at points R and S. The two circles touch each other at T.
Given r1 = 1 cm and ̅̅̅̅ ̅̅̅̅̅ = 4 cm, r2 = _____ cm.
VY = VW
(A) 4 − 3√2
(B) 1 + 2√2
(C) 7 − 4√2
(D) 5 + 3√2
Organizing Institute: IIT Guwahati Page 9 of 40

Text of page 10
Physics (PH)
Q.11 – Q.35 Carry ONE mark Each
In free space, an electromagnetic wave is travelling whose wavevector is
Q.11
k⃗ = 10(x̂ + √3ŷ) m−1 . The electric field component of this electromagnetic wave is
given by E⃗ (r, t) = ẑ 600 cos(k⃗ ⋅ r − ωt) V.m−1 . The speed of light in free space is
c = 3.0 × 108 m.s −1. The corresponding magnetic field B⃗ (r, t) is
(A) ⃗ (r, t) = 2 × 10−6 (√3x̂ − ŷ) cos(k⃗ ⋅ r − ωt) V.m−2 .s
B
(B) ⃗ (r, t) = 10−6 (√3x̂ − ŷ) cos(k⃗ ⋅ r − ωt) V.m−2 .s
B
(C) ⃗ (r, t) = 2 × 10−5 (−√3x̂ + ŷ) cos(k⃗ ⋅ r − ωt) V.m−2 .s
B
(D) ⃗ (r, t) = 10−5 (√3x̂ − ŷ) cos(k⃗ ⋅ r − ωt) V.m−2 .s
B
An infinitely large non-conducting thin sheet in the xy plane (z=0) carries a uniform
Q.12
surface charge density σ = 17.70 × 10−12 C.m−2. The electric field in the region z < 0
is E⃗2 = x̂ + 2ŷ + 3ẑ . Then, the electric field E⃗1 in the region z > 0 will be
(ε0 = 8.85 × 10−12 C 2 . N −1 . m−2)
(A) E⃗1 = x̂ + 2ŷ + 5ẑ
(B) E⃗1 = x̂ + 2ŷ + 4ẑ
(C) E⃗1 = x̂ + 2ŷ + 3ẑ
(D) E⃗1 = x̂ + 4ŷ + ẑ
Organizing Institute: IIT Guwahati Page 10 of 40

Text of page 11
Physics (PH)
Q.13 Consider an operator  which is not Hermitian. Find the possible values of c and d such
that the operator (c  – d † ) is Hermitian.
(A) c = i and d = i
(B) c = 1 and d = 1
(C) c = −1 and d = i
(D) c = i and d = −i
Organizing Institute: IIT Guwahati Page 11 of 40

Text of page 12
Physics (PH)
Q.14 ⃗ × (A ψ) is equivalent to the expression
For a scalar field ψ(r) and a vector field A(r), ∇
(A) ⃗ × A) − A × (∇
ψ(∇ ⃗ ψ)
(B) ⃗ × A) + A × (∇
ψ(∇ ⃗ ψ)
(C) Null vector
(D) ⃗ ψ) − ψ(∇
A × (∇ ⃗ × A)
Which of the following options is correct for transformation of electric field E⃗ and
Q.15
⃗ under time reversal, i.e., t → −t ?
magnetic field B
(A) E⃗ → E⃗ and B
⃗ →B
⃗
(B) E⃗ → −E⃗ and B
⃗ →B
⃗
(C) E⃗ → E⃗ and B
⃗ → −B
⃗
(D) E⃗ → −E⃗ and B
⃗ → −B
⃗
Organizing Institute: IIT Guwahati Page 12 of 40

Text of page 13
Physics (PH)
Q.16 On a horizontal plane, a projectile of mass m is launched from the ground with speed v0
at an angle θ0 with the horizontal. In addition to the gravitational force (mg), it also
experiences a drag force Fdrag = −γv , where v is its velocity and γ is a constant. It hits
the ground at a distance R from the point of launch with its velocity making an angle
θ with the horizontal, as shown schematically in the figure. Then which of the following
options is correct?
(A) v02 sin2θ
R= θ < θ0
g
(B) v02 sin2θ0
R< θ < θ0
g
(C) v02 sin2θ0
R< θ > θ0
g
(D) v02 sin2θ
R= θ > θ0
g
Organizing Institute: IIT Guwahati Page 13 of 40

Text of page 14
Physics (PH)
Consider the Otto cycle for an ideal gas engine consisting of two quasistatic adiabatic and
Q.17
two quasistatic isochoric processes. The correct temperature-entropy (T-S) phase diagram
for the cycle is
(A)
(B)
(C)
(D)
Organizing Institute: IIT Guwahati Page 14 of 40

Text of page 15
Physics (PH)
The formula for energy E of a photon gas at temperature T in a two-dimensional box at
Q.18
equilibrium with g2d (ν) denoting the density of states of photons is given below where
symbols ν, ℎ and kB have their standard meaning. The specific heat (CV ) of this photon
gas obeys
∞
ℎν
E = ∫ dν g2d (ν)
0
ℎν
exp ( )−1
kB T
(A) CV ∝ T
(B) CV ∝ T 2
(C) CV ∝ T 3
(D) CV ∝ T 4
Q.19 For the electric field of an electromagnetic wave given below, which of the following
statements is correct?
π
E⃗ = x̂ E0 cos(ωt) + ŷ 2E0 cos (ωt + )
2
(A) The electric field is linearly polarised with slope 2.
(B) The electric field is circularly polarised with radius E0 .
(C) The electric field is elliptically polarised with a ratio of major to minor axis being 2.
(D) The electric field is unpolarised with the two components being phase shifted by π/2.
Organizing Institute: IIT Guwahati Page 15 of 40

Text of page 16
Physics (PH)
A gas of non-interacting 4He atoms (of mass m) is in a three-dimensional trap whose
Q.20
energy levels can be approximated by those of a harmonic oscillator potential
1
V(x, y, z) = 2 mω2 (x 2 + y 2 + z 2 ). The chemical potential of the gas at T=0 K is
(A) 0
1
(B) ℏω
2
(C) 3
ℏω
2
(D) 3ℏω
1 1 1 1
Q.21 Given |v1 ⟩ = ( ) and |v2 ⟩ = ( ), the tensor product |v1 ⟩ ⊗ |v2 ⟩ is
√2 i √2 −i
1
(A) 1 −i
( )
2 i
1
1
1
(B) (i )
2 −i
1
1 1 i
(C) ( )
2 i −1
1 1 i
(D) ( )
2 −i 1
Organizing Institute: IIT Guwahati Page 16 of 40

Text of page 17
Physics (PH)
Sketch of a two-dimensional vector field V ⃗ is shown below. Here, length and arrow head
Q.22
of the arrows denote magnitude and direction of the vector field, respectively. Which of
the following statements is correct for ⃗∇ × V⃗ ?
O
(A) It is zero everywhere in the two-dimensional space.
(B) Its magnitude is non-zero and its direction is out of the two-dimensional plane.
(C) Its magnitude is non-zero and its direction is into the two-dimensional plane.
(D) It points in opposite directions above and below the x-axis.
Q.23 Which one of the following is an allowed process?
(A) π− + p → π0 + n
(B) π0 → γ + γ + γ
(C) p + p̅ → Λ0 + Λ0
(D) p + p̅ → γ
Organizing Institute: IIT Guwahati Page 17 of 40

Text of page 18
Physics (PH)
Q.24 Given Q is the electromagnetic charge and S is the strangeness quantum number,
identify the particle(s) for which (Q − S) = 0 is satisfied.
(A) Σ∗ −
(B) K+
(C) Ω−
(D) Δ++
Organizing Institute: IIT Guwahati Page 18 of 40

Text of page 19
Physics (PH)
Schematic variation of the specific heat Cp of an ideal gas of diatomic molecules with
Q.25
temperature T is shown in the figure below. For rotational energy ER and vibrational
energy Ev of the molecule, which of the following options is/are correct? Here kB is the
Boltzmann constant.
(A) ER ≅ kB T1
(B) ER ≅ kB T2
(C) Ev ≅ kB T1
(D) Ev ≅ kB T2
Organizing Institute: IIT Guwahati Page 19 of 40

Text of page 20
Physics (PH)
Q.26 If the perturbation V = λx 3 is added to the Hamiltonian of a one-dimensional harmonic
oscillator, the matrix element ⟨m|V|0⟩ is/are non-zero for which of the following states?
Here, the eigenstates of the harmonic oscillator are denoted by |n⟩.
(A) |m = 3⟩
(B) |m = 1⟩
(C) |m = 2⟩
(D) |m = 5⟩
Q.27 For which of the following functions does the Laplacian vanish?
(A) xe y − ye x
(B) x cos(y) − y cos(x)
(C) e x+iy
(D) y3
yx 2 − − xy
3
Organizing Institute: IIT Guwahati Page 20 of 40

Text of page 21
Physics (PH)
A projectile of mass m is launched from the ground with the initial speed v0 at an angle
Q.28
30° from the horizontal. Take the ground to be horizontal. Ignoring the drag, the
magnitude of Hamilton’s action ∫ Ldt for the particle from the beginning till it hits the
mv 3
ground is f × ( g 0 ). The value of f (rounded off to two decimal places) is _____
Consider an electron in the energy eigenstate ψ211 (r) of the hydrogen atom. Given that
Q.29
the radial probability distribution of the electron in such a state takes its maximum value
at r = n0 a, where a is the Bohr radius, and n0 is an integer. The value of n0 (in integer)
is _____
1
The radial part of the wavefunction ψ211 (r) is given by R21 (r) = re −r/2a .
√24a5
Q.30 A dielectric sphere carries a uniform polarization P = 26 μC. cm−2. The magnitude of the
electric field at the center of the sphere is E × 109 N. C −1 . The value of E (rounded off to
one decimal place) is _____
(ε0 = 8.85 × 10−12 C 2 . N −1 . m−2 )
Consider a metal-superconductor junction connected to a dc voltage V. At T < Tc , where
Q.31
Tc is the superconductor’s transition temperature, the current I versus V behavior of this
junction is shown schematically in the figure below. If the superconducting energy gap is
D meV. The value of D (rounded off to one decimal place) is _____
For the energy dispersion of an electron in a one-dimensional solid
Q.32
E(k) = E0 − 2γ cos(ka), the ratio of the effective mass of the electron in the solid to the
free electron mass (me ) at k = 0 is R0 . Taking γ = 0.5 eV and a = 0.5 nm, the value of R0
(rounded off to two decimal place) is _____
(ℏ = 1.054 × 10−34 J. s, me = 9.1 × 10−31 kg, electron charge = 1.6 × 10−19 C)
Organizing Institute: IIT Guwahati Page 21 of 40

Text of page 22
Physics (PH)
The specific heat Cp (T) of one mole of a material as a function of temperature T is given
Q.33
as Cp (T) = AT + BT 3, where A = 0.695 mJ. mol−1 . K −2 and B = 0.045 mJ. mol−1 . K −4.
When T is changed from 1 K to 10 K at constant pressure, then the change in entropy
ΔS in mJ. mol−1 . K −1 (rounded off to one decimal place) is _____
Raman spectrum of a molecule was recorded using a source of wavelength 5000 Å. The
Q.34
first Stokes line is observed at 5100 Å. The first anti-Stokes line will appear at a
wavelength L (in Å). The value of L (rounded off to nearest integer) is _____
Q.35 A rocket of length 18.0 m is moving at speed 0.9c (where c is the speed of light) parallel
to its own length, relative to the earth. The length of the rocket measured in meters by an
observer on earth (rounded off to two decimal places) is _____
Organizing Institute: IIT Guwahati Page 22 of 40

Text of page 23
Physics (PH)
Q.36 – Q.65 Carry TWO marks Each
Q.36 The function f(z) of complex variable z given below,
z 2 − 5z + 4
f(z) =
z 3 + 4z − z 2 − 4
has singular points at z =
(A) 1 and (2 − i)
(B) 2i and −2i
(C) 1 and (2 + i)
(D) (2 + i) only
0 1 0 −i 1 0
Q.37 Consider the Pauli matrices σx = ( ) , σy = ( ) , σz = ( ).
1 0 i 0 0 −1
The value of Tr(σz [ σx , σy ]) is
(A) 2i
(B) i
(C) 4i
i
(D) 2
Organizing Institute: IIT Guwahati Page 23 of 40

Text of page 24
Physics (PH)
Q.38 Which one of the following statements is true?
(A) In the decay μ + → e + + νe + ν̅μ , CPT is violated.
(B) The decay Λ → p+ + π − is allowed and strangeness is violated.
(C) The decay p+ → e + + γ is allowed.
(D) The decay Ω− → Ξ 0 + K − is allowed.
The Hamiltonian for a quantum particle of mass m is given below, where ω < Ω. The
Q.39
Schrö dinger equation for this system can be solved exactly using the orthogonal
x −x x +x
transformations: x = 1 2 2 and y = 1 2 2 .
√ √
ℏ2 ∂ 2 ∂2 1
H= − [ 2 + 2 ] + mΩ2 (x 2 + y 2 ) + mω2 xy
2m ∂x ∂y 2
The ground state energy of this system is
(A) ℏ
[√Ω2 − ω 2 + √Ω2 + ω 2 ]
2
(B) ℏ [√Ω2 − ω 2 + √Ω2 + ω 2 ]
ℏ
(C) [√Ω2 + Ωω + √Ω2 − Ωω ]
2
(D) ℏ [√Ω2 + Ωω − √Ω2 − Ωω ]
Organizing Institute: IIT Guwahati Page 24 of 40

Text of page 25
Physics (PH)
Consider two particles with angular momenta j1 = 2ℏ and j2 = ℏ/2. If the expression
Q.40
c |j = 2, m1 = 1⟩|j2 = 1/2, m2 = 1/2⟩ +
|j = 5/2,m = 3/2⟩ = { 1 1
c2 |j1 = 2, m1 = 2⟩|j2 = 1/2, m2 = −1/2⟩
gives an eigenstate of the total angular momentum of the two particles, using standard
notation. Which of the following is true?
(Hint: Ĵ± |j, m⟩ = √j(j + 1) − m (m ± 1) |j, m ± 1⟩)
2 1
(A) c1 = , c2 =
√5 √5
1 2
(B) c1 = , c2 =
√5 √5
1 1
(C) c1 = , c2 =
√2 √2
(D) c1 = 0, c2 = 1
The energy E and degeneracy d of the second excited state of a three-dimensional,
Q.41
isotropic quantum harmonic oscillator with angular frequency ω are
(A) 7
E= ℏω, d=6
2
(B) 7
E= ℏω, d=3
2
(C) 5
E= ℏω, d=3
2
(D) 5
E= ℏω, d=6
2
Organizing Institute: IIT Guwahati Page 25 of 40

Text of page 26
Physics (PH)
Q.42 Two identical particles with a fixed total energy E = 2ℏω are in thermal equilibrium in a
1
one-dimensional harmonic oscillator potential mω2 x 2 . Let the entropy of the particles
2
1 ℏ
be denoted by SF if they are fermions with spin
2
(sz = ± 2 ) and SB if they are
bosons with spin 0. Then, which of the following options is correct?
(kB is the Boltzmann constant)
(A) SF = kB ln 2, SB = kB ln 2
(B) SF = 2kB ln 2, SB = 0
(C) SF = 4kB ln 2, SB = 0
(D) SF = 2kB ln 2, SB = kB ln 2
Organizing Institute: IIT Guwahati Page 26 of 40

Text of page 27
Physics (PH)
Q.43 In the circuit shown, V(t) = 2 sin(2000πt) Volts, where t is in seconds, which of the
following options is correct?
(take the opamp to be ideal)
(A) Vout (t) is square wave with peak-to-peak voltage = 30 V and time period is 1 ms.
(B) Vout (t) is a sine wave with peak-to-peak voltage = 4 V and time period is 1 ms.
(C) Vout (t) is sine wave with peak-to-peak voltage = 30 V and time period of 1 ms.
(D) Vout (t) is square wave with peak-to-peak voltage = 4 V and time period is 1 ms.
Organizing Institute: IIT Guwahati Page 27 of 40

Text of page 28
Physics (PH)
Q.44 Considering the circuit and the associated signals measured at different pins (numbered as
1, 2, 3, 4, 5) shown in the figure, the correct option is
(A) NOT gate between pins 1 and 2 is faulty.
(B) NOR gate is faulty.
(C) NOT gate between pins 4 and 5 is faulty.
(D) The NOR and output NOT gates, are both faulty.
Organizing Institute: IIT Guwahati Page 28 of 40

Text of page 29
Physics (PH)
A gas of N classical particles that can occupy energy levels, ε1 and ε2 = ε1 + Δ is in
Q.45
equilibrium with a reservoir at temperature T. From the schematics shown below, choose
the correct dependence of the internal energy U on T .
(A)
(B)
(C)
(D)
Organizing Institute: IIT Guwahati Page 29 of 40

Text of page 30
Physics (PH)
The Lagrangian
Q.46 1 1
L0 = mq̇ 2 − mω2 q2
2 2
df(q)
with the generalized coordinate q is transformed to L = L0 + α dt
. Consider the
following statements:
(i) Expression for the canonical momentum does not change.
(ii) The equation of the motion does not change.
Which of the following options is correct for the above statements?
(A) Both (i) and (ii) are correct.
(B) Both (i) and (ii) are not correct.
(C) (i) is correct and (ii) is not correct.
(D) (i) is not correct and (ii) is correct.
Organizing Institute: IIT Guwahati Page 30 of 40

Text of page 31
Physics (PH)
Q.47
An infinitely large thin sheet in the xy-plane carries uniform positive charge density and
is moving with constant velocity v in the +x direction (see figure below). The direction
of the corresponding Poynting vector is
(A) +x for both z < 0 and z > 0
(B) +x for z < 0 and −x for z > 0
(C) −x for z < 0 and +x for z > 0
(D) −x for both z < 0 and z > 0
A positive point charge is fixed at the origin. At some distance from it on the x axis, a
Q.48
point dipole is kept pointing in the +y direction. The force on the dipole is
(A) 0
(B) in the +y direction
(C) in the −y direction
(D) in the +x direction
Organizing Institute: IIT Guwahati Page 31 of 40

Text of page 32
Physics (PH)
Q.49 Two frames S (solid lines) and S′ (dashed lines) with common origin are shown in the
figure below. Frame S is inertial while S′ is rotating about the common z-axis. There is a
point mass fixed at P on the x-axis of the S frame. The magnitude of the centrifugal force
and the Coriolis force experienced by the mass in the S′ frame is Fcen and Fcor ,
respectively. Which of the following options is correct for these forces?
(A) Fcen = 0 and Fcor = 0
F
(B) Fcen ≠ 0 and Fcor ≠ 0 and Fcen = cor
2
(C) Fcen ≠ 0 and Fcor ≠ 0 and Fcen = 2Fcor
(D) Fcen ≠ 0 and Fcor ≠ 0 and Fcen = Fcor
Organizing Institute: IIT Guwahati Page 32 of 40

Text of page 33
Physics (PH)
Q.50 Which of the following operators is/are self-adjoint?
(A) d2 d
x2 2
+ 3x + x2
dx dx
(B) d2 d
(1 − x 2 ) 2
− 2x + 3x
dx dx
(C) d2 d
(3x − 4x 3 ) 2
+ (3 − 12x 2 ) + 12
dx dx
(D) d2 d 5x
x 2 + x2 +
dx dx 3
Q.51 Consider two operators  and B̂ which are related as  = exp(iθB̂). If θ is a non-zero
real number, which of the following statements is/are true?
(A) If B̂ is Hermitian, then  is unitary.
(B) If B̂ is anti-Hermitian, then  is unitary.
(C) If B̂ is Hermitian, then |Det(Â)| = 1.
(D) If B̂ is anti-Hermitian, then  is Hermitian.
Organizing Institute: IIT Guwahati Page 33 of 40

Text of page 34
Physics (PH)
Q.52 Consider operators Â, B̂, and Ĉ for three observables of a quantum system satisfying
[Â, B̂] = 0, [B̂, Ĉ ] = 0, and [Â, Ĉ ] ≠ 0, with uncertainties ΔA, ΔB, ΔC, respectively. From
the options given below, which is/are implied by the commutation relations among
Â, B̂, and Ĉ ?
(A) ΔA ΔB > 0
(B) ΔA ΔC > 0
(C) Â, B̂ can be simultaneously diagonalized.
(D) Â, B̂, Ĉ can be simultaneously diagonalized.
Q.53 Consider the distribution of outcomes generated by N (N ≫ 1) independent throws of
(i) a coin or (ii) a six-sided dice. A coin (dice) is unbiased if both (all) its sides have equal
probability to show up in a throw; it is biased otherwise. For the cases (i) and (ii) above,
which of the following statements is/are true?
(A) The entropy of an unbiased coin is smaller than that of an unbiased dice.
(B) The entropy of an unbiased coin is greater than that of an unbiased dice.
(C) The entropy of a biased dice is smaller than that of an unbiased dice.
(D) The entropy of a biased coin is greater than that of an unbiased coin.
Organizing Institute: IIT Guwahati Page 34 of 40

Text of page 35
Physics (PH)
Q.54 The dispersion (E(k)) of the conduction band (CB) and valence band (VB) for a
semiconductor are shown schematically in the figure. Considering the possibility of an
electron making a transition from the bottom of the CB to the top of the VB, which of the
following options is/are correct?
(A) The transition is forbidden.
(B) A photon can be emitted with an energy exactly equal to Eg .
(C) A photon can be emitted with an energy less than Eg .
(D) A phonon can be created with a crystal momentum ℏq.
Organizing Institute: IIT Guwahati Page 35 of 40

Text of page 36
Physics (PH)
Q.55 A symmetric rigid body has moment of inertia I1 , I2 , I3 about its principal axes 1, 2, and
3, respectively, with I1 = I3 = I⊥ and I2 ≠ I⊥ . It is rotating in space with no torque on it
so that its angular momentum L⃗ is constant. Let ω1 , ω2 , ω3 be the components of its
angular velocity along the principal axes 1, 2, and 3, respectively. Which of the following
quantities is/are constant during the motion of this rigid body?
(A) ω1 + ω3
(B) ω12 + ω32
(C) Angle between axis 2 and L⃗
(D) ω2
Q.56 An α particle moves towards a fixed nucleus carrying charge Ze, with initial speed v0 and
impact parameter b. Starting from a large distance from the nucleus, its distance of closest
approach is rm and its speed there is vm . Then which of the following options is/are
correct?
1 Ze 2
(k = and r0 = k )
4πε0 mv02
(A) v0 b = vm rm
(B) v0 b = 2vm r0
b b2 b
(C) For r ≪ 1, rm = 4r0 + 2r ignoring higher order corrections in r
0 0 0
b b2 b
(D) For r ≪ 1, rm = 4r0 + 8r ignoring higher order corrections in r
0 0 0
Organizing Institute: IIT Guwahati Page 36 of 40

Text of page 37
Physics (PH)
Q.57 Consider a particle of mass m = 9.0 × 10−5 kg and charge q = 3.0 × 10−4 C in a
uniform electromagnetic field E⃗ = 2 x̂ V. m−1 , B ⃗ = 3 ẑ V. m−2 . s. The particle is
released from the coordinates (0, 5 m , 0) at time t = 0. Starting from initial speed zero, it
comes back to the y-axis for the first time at time t. The value of t in seconds (rounded
off to two decimal places) is _____
An atom has two energy levels with energy difference 2.2 eV between them. A gas of
Q.58
these atoms is with 8 × 1020 atoms in the upper state and 5 × 1020 atoms in the lower
state. Ignoring spontaneous emission, the maximum possible energy released by this gas
of atoms by stimulated emission is E Joules. The value of E (rounded off to one decimal
place) is _____
(e = 1.6 × 10−19 C)
A
Q.59 The Hamiltonian of two interacting spin-1/2 particles is H = ℏ2 S1 ⋅ S2 , where S1 and S2
are the spin angular momenta of particles 1 and 2, respectively. Here, A = 10.56 eV. The
energy in eV required to induce an excitation from the ground state to the excited state
(rounded off to two decimal places) is _____
Organizing Institute: IIT Guwahati Page 37 of 40

Text of page 38
Physics (PH)
Q.60 The output signal (current Id ) of a reversed biased (with a voltage Vb ) photodiode, on
which light is incident, is fed to an amplifier (see figure). The output voltage is digitized
by a 10 bit Analogue to Digital convertor (ADC) which has a reference voltage of 5 V.
The smallest current Id which can be measured by the circuit in nano-Amperes (rounded
off to one decimal place) is _____
Q.61 A capacitor is made of two circular metal plates of radius 1 m separated by a distance of
d = 1 mm. The space between them is filled by a dielectric with permittivity εr = 5. The
capacitor is connected to a voltage V = 10 sin(2π × 106 × t) volts, where t is in seconds.
The maximum value of the magnetic field in between the plates at a radial distance
r = 0.5 m from the centre of the capacitor is B × 10−6 T. The value of B (rounded off to
two decimal places) is _____
(Speed of light in vacuum c = 3 × 108 m. s −1 )
Q.62 Rotational spectrum of a diatomic molecule consists of lines of equal spacing with an
interval of 20.0 cm−1 . Its moment of inertia is found to be I0 × 10−47 kg. m2, the value of
I0 (rounded off to one decimal place) is _____
(ℎ = 6.6 × 10−34 J. s, speed of light in vacuum c = 3 × 108 m. s −1 )
Q.63 Copper has an electron number density of 8.3 × 1028 m−3 . Its Fermi energy in eV
(rounded off to one decimal place) is _____
(ℏ = 1.06 × 10−34 J. s, mass of electron me = 9.10 × 10−31 kg, charge of electron =
1.60 × 10−19 C)
Organizing Institute: IIT Guwahati Page 38 of 40

Text of page 39
Physics (PH)
Q.64
Two 1 kg blocks are connected to two massless springs of spring constants 8 N. m−1 and
4 N. m−1 . The system is kept on a frictionless horizontal floor with one end of a spring
attached to a wall (see figure below). They are performing oscillatory motion along the
ω
x-axis with the normal mode frequencies ωH and ωL (ωH > ωL ). The ratio ωH (rounded
L
off to two decimal places) is _____
Organizing Institute: IIT Guwahati Page 39 of 40

Text of page 40
Physics (PH)
Q.65 A 15 cm long scale is held horizontally with one of its ends on the edge of a 1 m high table
and the other end resting on one’s index finger. As the finger is removed (see figure below),
the scale starts rotating about its end on the table. After 0.1 s, during which it has rotated
by a negligibly small angle but has gained a rotational speed as it leaves the table and falls
vertically towards the ground. When its centre of mass has fallen by 0.5 m, it has rotated
by an angle θ. The value of θ in degrees (rounded off to one decimal place) is _____
(g = 9.8 m.s−2)
Organizing Institute: IIT Guwahati Page 40 of 40

Text of page 1
Answer Key for Physics (PH)
Q. No. Session Question Type Section Key/Range Marks
1 2 MCQ GA A 1
2 2 MCQ GA B 1
3 2 MCQ GA A 1
4 2 MCQ GA B 1
5 2 MCQ GA C 1
6 2 MCQ GA D 2
7 2 MCQ GA A 2
8 2 MCQ GA D 2
9 2 MCQ GA C 2
10 2 MCQ GA C 2
11 2 MCQ PH B 1
12 2 MCQ PH A 1
13 2 MCQ PH A 1
14 2 MCQ PH A 1
15 2 MCQ PH C 1
16 2 MCQ PH C 1
17 2 MCQ PH A 1
18 2 MCQ PH B 1
19 2 MCQ PH C 1
20 2 MCQ PH C 1
21 2 MCQ PH A 1
22 2 MCQ PH C 1
23 2 MCQ PH A 1
24 2 MSQ PH A;B 1
25 2 MSQ PH A;D 1
26 2 MSQ PH A;B 1
27 2 MSQ PH C;D 1
28 2 NAT PH 0.32 to 0.34 1
29 2 NAT PH 4 to 4 1
30 2 NAT PH 9.0 to 10.0 1
31 2 NAT PH 2.0 to 2.0 1
32 2 NAT PH 0.30 to 0.32 1
33 2 NAT PH 21.1 to 21.3 1
34 2 NAT PH 4901 to 4905 1
35 2 NAT PH 7.60 to 8.00 1
36 2 MCQ PH B 2
37 2 MCQ PH C 2
38 2 MCQ PH B 2
Page 1 of 2

Text of page 2
Q. No. Session Question Type Section Key/Range Marks
39 2 MCQ PH A 2
40 2 MCQ PH A 2
41 2 MCQ PH A 2
42 2 MCQ PH B 2
43 2 MCQ PH A 2
44 2 MCQ PH B 2
45 2 MCQ PH A 2
46 2 MCQ PH D 2
47 2 MCQ PH A 2
48 2 MCQ PH B 2
49 2 MCQ PH B 2
50 2 MSQ PH B;C 2
51 2 MSQ PH A;C;D 2
52 2 MSQ PH B;C 2
53 2 MSQ PH A;C 2
54 2 MSQ PH C;D 2
55 2 MSQ PH B;C;D 2
56 2 MSQ PH A 2
57 2 NAT PH 0.60 to 0.70 2
58 2 NAT PH 52.0 to 53.0 2
59 2 NAT PH 10.56 to 10.56 2
60 2 NAT PH 47.5 to 50.0 2
61 2 NAT PH 0.80 to 0.90 2
62 2 NAT PH 2.6 to 3.0 2
63 2 NAT PH 6.5 to 7.5 2
64 2 NAT PH 2.35 to 2.45 2
65 2 NAT PH 179.0 to 180.0 2
Page 2 of 2
Page 1 of 40
Source: GATE. Question paper published by GATE.