Semester 1Year 1 · OddCore Subject★★★ Moderate
PHY 101

Engineering Physics

Fundamental physics principles applied to engineering including mechanics, waves, optics, and modern physics.

3Units
14Topics
4Credits
60hLecture hrs
100Max marks
Your Progress
0 / 14 topics
0% complete
Overview
🎯
Why it matters
Physics explains how the universe works — from semiconductors in your phone to fiber optics in the internet. Every electronic device, every sensor, every communication system is applied physics.
💼
Placement relevance
Direct relevance for core companies (Electronics, Semiconductors, Automotive). Concepts like semiconductors, optics are tested in technical rounds for hardware roles. GATE Physics carries significant weight.
🔗
Prerequisites for
Quantum Computing · Semiconductor Devices · Optical Communications · Electronics · Photonics · Nanotechnology
📚
Recommended books
Engineering Physics by R.K. Gaur and S.L. Gupta · Fundamentals of Physics by Halliday, Resnick, and Walker · Engineering Physics by H.K. Malik and A.K. Singh
Curriculum — 3 Units
U1
Unit 1 · 5 Topics · 0% complete
Classical Mechanics
Key Formulae
Newton's 2nd Law:F = ma (Force = mass × acceleration)
Work-Energy:W = F·d·cosθ; KE = ½mv²
SHM:x = A sin(ωt); ω = 2πf; T = 1/f
Newton's Laws
Work & Energy
Momentum
Rotational Motion
Simple Harmonic Motion
U2
Unit 2 · 5 Topics · 0% complete
Waves and Optics
Key Formulae
Wave Equation:v = fλ (velocity = frequency × wavelength)
Interference:Constructive: Δx = nλ; Destructive: Δx = (n+½)λ
Fiber Optics:Acceptance angle: sin θ = √(n₁² - n₂²)
Wave Motion
Interference
Diffraction
Polarization
Fiber Optics
U3
Unit 3 · 4 Topics · 0% complete
Modern Physics
Key Formulae
Planck's Equation:E = hf (Energy = Planck constant × frequency)
De Broglie:λ = h/mv (wavelength = h / momentum)
Semiconductor:n = nᵢe^(Eg/2kT) (carrier concentration)
Quantum Mechanics
Atomic Structure
Semiconductors
Lasers
Previous Year Questions
Unit 22023 · End Semester8 marks
Derive the condition for constructive interference in Young's double slit experiment. Calculate fringe width if slit separation is 0.5mm, screen distance is 1m, wavelength is 600nm.
Unit 32022 · End Semester10 marks
Explain Einstein's photoelectric effect. If work function is 2.3 eV and incident light wavelength is 400nm, calculate maximum kinetic energy of photoelectrons.
Exam Strategy
📐
Derivations carry 40% marks
Practice key derivations: Wave equation, SHM, Interference conditions, Photoelectric effect. Write steps clearly with diagrams. Partial marks given for correct method.
🔢
Unit conversions matter
Common trap: mixing nm with m, eV with Joules. Always convert to SI units first. Remember: 1 eV = 1.6×10⁻¹⁹ J, 1 nm = 10⁻⁹ m.
📊
Draw diagrams
Ray diagrams (optics), force diagrams (mechanics), energy level diagrams (quantum). Examiners appreciate visual explanations. Can earn 2-3 marks.
Related Subjects
Semester 2
Basic Electrical Engineering
EC 101