Syllabus for Paper I of UPSC Physics Optional Subject:

The syllabus for Paper I of the UPSC Physics Optional Subject is as follows:

1. Classical Mechanics:
- Newton’s laws of motion
- Conservation laws
- Dynamics of a system of particles
- Central forces and celestial mechanics
- Lagrange’s equation and Hamiltonian theory
- Rigid body dynamics

2. Special Relativity:
- Lorentz transformations
- Length contraction and time dilation
- Relativistic addition of velocities
- Mass-energy equivalence
- Doppler effect in light

3. Electromagnetic Theory:
- Electrostatics and magnetostatics
- Maxwell’s equations and their applications
- Electromagnetic waves
- Waveguides and resonant cavities
- Radiation from moving charges

4. Quantum Mechanics:
- Wave-particle duality
- Uncertainty principle
- Schrödinger equation and its solutions
- One-dimensional potential problems
- Angular momentum and spin
- Addition of angular momenta

5. Thermodynamics and Statistical Physics:
- Laws of thermodynamics
- Thermodynamic processes
- Kinetic theory of gases
- Boltzmann distribution and Maxwell’s velocity distribution
- Statistical mechanics and ensembles

6. Atomic and Molecular Physics:
- Structure of atoms and molecules
- Spectra of atoms and molecules
- Transition probabilities and selection rules
- Laser and maser principles
- Rotational, vibrational, and electronic spectra

7. Solid State Physics and Electronics:
- Crystal structure and lattice dynamics
- X-ray diffraction
- Free electron theory and energy bands
- Semiconductor devices and circuits
- Transistors and amplifiers

8. Nuclear and Particle Physics:
- Nuclear properties and decay
- Nuclear reactions and fission
- Elementary particles and their properties
- Quark model and quantum chromodynamics
- Particle accelerators and detectors

The above syllabus covers the major topics and concepts that candidates should be familiar with for Paper I of the UPSC Physics Optional Subject. It is important to have a thorough understanding of these topics and their applications in order to perform well in the examination.