Sure-Shot Important Topics & Questions for VIT Engineering Physics (Based on
Recent Papers)
Module 1: Introduction to Waves
Important Topics:
Wave equation on a string: derivation and physical significance
Standing waves and eigenfrequencies (string fixed at both ends)
Phase change on reflection (π phase shift at rigid boundary)
Numerical on wave velocity, frequency, and impedance
Sure-Shot Questions:
Derive the wave equation for a string and obtain eigenfrequencies for standing waves [1] [2] .
Discuss the physical significance of characteristic impedance and phase change upon
reflection [1] .
Sketch waveforms for incident and reflected waves at a boundary [1] [2] .
Numerical: Calculate frequency/wavelength for joined strings of different densities [1] .
Module 2: Electromagnetic Waves
Important Topics:
Maxwell’s equations (differential form) and physical significance
Divergence and curl of a vector (qualitative)
Derivation of EM wave equation from Maxwell’s equations
Displacement current and its role
Sure-Shot Questions:
Write Maxwell’s equations in differential form and explain their significance [1] [2] .
What was Maxwell’s contribution to Ampere’s law? [1]
Derive the EM wave equation and show E, B fields are perpendicular [2] .
Module 3: Elements of Quantum Mechanics
Important Topics:
Schrödinger’s time-independent wave equation: derivation and application
Heisenberg uncertainty principle (statement, significance, numericals)
de Broglie wavelength and Davisson-Germer experiment
Blackbody radiation, Planck’s hypothesis, ultraviolet catastrophe
Sure-Shot Questions:
Derive Schrödinger’s time-independent wave equation for a particle with momentum [1] .
What is ultraviolet catastrophe? Why did Rayleigh-Jeans law fail? [1] [2] .
Numerical: Calculate wavelength shift in Compton effect (X-ray scattering) [1] [2] .
Draw and explain blackbody spectrum at different temperatures [2] .
Module 4: Applications of Quantum Mechanics
Important Topics:
Particle in a 1D box: eigenvalues, eigenfunctions, and probability density plots
Quantum tunneling and STM (Scanning Tunneling Microscope)
Nanostructures: quantum confinement
Sure-Shot Questions:
Obtain energy eigenfunctions and eigenvalues for a particle in a 1D box; sketch probability
densities for ground and first excited states [1] [2] .
Explain quantum tunneling and describe STM principle with diagram [1] [2] .
Classify nanostructures based on quantum confinement [1] .
Module 5: Lasers
Important Topics:
Properties of lasers: coherence, monochromaticity, directionality
Einstein coefficients (A, B) and their significance
Population inversion in 2, 3, 4-level systems (energy level diagrams)
He-Ne laser: construction, working, energy level diagram
Threshold gain coefficient (numerical)
Sure-Shot Questions:
Discuss three important properties of a laser. What is population inversion? Explain with He-
Ne laser diagram [1] .
Compare stimulated and spontaneous emission; significance of Einstein coefficients [3] .
Calculate threshold gain coefficient for a laser cavity (given reflectance, length, loss) [3] .
Prove ratio of spontaneous to stimulated emission is proportional to ν³ [4] .
Module 6: EM Wave Propagation in Optical Fibers
Important Topics:
Derivation: acceptance angle, numerical aperture (NA) for step-index fiber
Ray diagrams for step-index and graded-index fibers (with index profiles)
Dispersion in fibers: intermodal and intramodal (definition, overcoming methods)
Numerical: calculation of NA, acceptance angle, critical angle
Sure-Shot Questions:
Derive expressions for acceptance angle and NA for step-index fiber [3] [4] .
Draw ray paths and index profiles for step-index and graded-index fibers; explain
difference [3] .
Show intermodal dispersion is proportional to NA [3] .
Numerical: Calculate NA and acceptance angle for given n₁, n₂, and external medium [3] [4] .
Write different kinds of dispersion in optical fibers and ways to overcome intermodal
dispersion [4] .
Module 7: Optoelectronic Devices
Important Topics:
Construction and working of LED vs. laser diode (comparison)
PIN photodiode: working principle, schematic diagram
Direct vs. indirect bandgap semiconductors
Sure-Shot Questions:
Compare construction and working of LED and laser diode [3] .
Working principle of PIN photodetector with schematic diagram [4] .
Classification of semiconductor materials using E-K diagram [4] .
“Most Likely to Appear” Questions (10-mark/5-mark)
Derivation of wave equation for a stretched string and standing wave frequencies [1] [2] .
Maxwell’s equations: forms, significance, and EM wave equation derivation [1] [2] .
Schrödinger’s equation and application to particle in a box (with diagrams) [1] [2] .
Blackbody radiation, Planck’s law, and ultraviolet catastrophe [1] [2] .
Quantum tunneling and STM (with labeled diagram) [1] [2] .
Laser properties, population inversion, and He-Ne laser working (with diagram) [1] [3] .
Acceptance angle and NA derivation for optical fibers; ray diagrams for step/graded
index [3] [4] .
LED vs. laser diode comparison [3] .
Diagrams You Must Practice
Standing wave patterns (nodes, antinodes labeled)
Maxwell’s equations: schematic of E and B fields in EM wave
Probability densities for particle in a box (n=1,2,3)
STM working diagram (tip, sample, tunneling current)
Laser energy level diagrams (2, 3, 4-level systems, He-Ne laser)
Ray diagrams for step-index and graded-index fibers (with index profile)
PIN photodiode schematic
High-Yield Revision Tips
Memorize all key derivations and practice writing them stepwise.
Draw and label diagrams neatly; always label axes and physical features.
For numericals, write formulas first, substitute values clearly, and box the final answer.
For theory, always state definitions, write the formula, and then explain
significance/applications.
Focus on the above “sure-shot” questions-they appear every year, often with only minor
changes.
If you master the above topics and questions, you are highly likely to secure 90+
marks.
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