Syllabus for UPSC Physics Optional Subject:

The syllabus for the UPSC Physics optional subject is designed to test the candidate's understanding and knowledge of various topics in physics. It covers a wide range of topics from classical mechanics to modern physics. The syllabus is divided into two parts: Paper I and Paper II. Let's take a detailed look at each part:

Paper I:

1. Mechanics:
- Newton's laws of motion
- Conservation laws
- Central forces
- Rigid body dynamics
- Non-inertial frames
- Fluid mechanics

2. Waves and Optics:
- Wave motion
- Interference, diffraction, polarization
- Doppler effect
- Optical instruments
- Fiber optics

3. Thermal and Statistical Physics:
- Laws of thermodynamics
- Kinetic theory of gases
- Heat transfer
- Blackbody radiation
- Statistical mechanics

4. Electricity and Magnetism:
- Electrostatics
- Gauss' law
- Electric potential
- Capacitance
- Magnetostatics
- Electromagnetic induction
- Maxwell's equations

5. Mathematical Methods:
- Vector calculus
- Linear algebra
- Fourier series and transforms
- Partial differential equations

Paper II:

1. Quantum Mechanics:
- Wave-particle duality
- Schrödinger equation
- Operators and observables
- Angular momentum
- Hydrogen atom
- Perturbation theory
- Spin and statistics

2. Atomic and Molecular Physics:
- Atomic structure
- Spectroscopy
- Molecular structure
- Chemical bonding
- Rotational and vibrational spectra

3. Nuclear and Particle Physics:
- Nuclear properties
- Radioactivity
- Nuclear reactions
- Elementary particles
- Standard model

4. Electronics and Experimental Methods:
- Semiconductor devices
- Amplifiers
- Oscillators
- Digital electronics
- Experimental techniques

5. Condensed Matter Physics:
- Crystal structure
- X-ray diffraction
- Conductors, insulators, and semiconductors
- Superconductivity
- Magnetism

The syllabus provides a comprehensive coverage of physics, from classical to modern aspects. Candidates are expected to have a strong foundation in basic physics concepts and should be able to apply them to solve complex problems. It is important to study the recommended textbooks and practice solving numerical problems to excel in this subject.