UPSC Physics Optional Syllabus1. Paper-I1.1 Mechanics and General Properties of Matter
- Laws of motion
- Work, energy, and power
- System of particles and rotational motion
- Gravitation
- Mechanics of solids and fluids
- Heat and thermodynamics
1.2 Waves and Optics
- Wave motion
- Superposition of waves
- Sound waves
- Doppler effect
- Optical instruments
- Interference and diffraction
1.3 Electricity and Magnetism
- Electric charges and fields
- Gauss's law and electric potential
- Capacitance and dielectrics
- Electric current and resistance
- Magnetic fields and forces
- Electromagnetic induction
- Alternating currents
1.4 Modern Physics
- Dual nature of matter and radiation
- Atomic structure and spectra
- Nuclear physics
- Particle physics
- Solid-state physics
- Electronics and communication
2. Paper-II2.1 Electromagnetic Theory and Optics
- Electrostatics
- Magnetostatics
- Electromagnetic waves
- Reflection, refraction, and polarization of light
- Optical activity, interference, and diffraction
2.2 Quantum Mechanics and Statistical Physics
- Quantum mechanics principles
- Schrödinger equation and its application
- Quantum theory of radiation
- Statistical mechanics and thermodynamics
2.3 Mathematical Methods of Physics
- Matrices and determinants
- Vector analysis
- Differential equations
- Complex analysis
- Fourier series and transform
- Numerical methods
2.4 Classical Mechanics
- Lagrange's equations and Hamilton's equations
- Central forces and celestial mechanics
- Rigid body dynamics
- Special theory of relativity
3. Previous Year Questions with Essays: Physics Optional- Compilation of previous year UPSC questions on physics optional
- Essays on various topics related to physics in the UPSC examination
Note: This syllabus is subject to change according to the UPSC guidelines. It is recommended to refer to the official UPSC website for the most updated syllabus and examination pattern.
This course is helpful for the following exams: UPSC