Are you a Plus One student in Kerala looking for reliable Physics previous year question papers and answers in PDF format? As an experienced Physics teacher from Kerala, I’ve created this comprehensive resource to help you excel in your Physics exams.
Why Plus One Physics Previous Year Question Papers Are Essential for Success
Physics requires both conceptual understanding and consistent practice. HSSlive.co.in offers an excellent collection of Plus One Physics question papers that:
- Help you understand the Kerala Higher Secondary Board examination pattern
- Highlight frequently tested topics and concepts from past years
- Develop effective time management skills for exams
- Build confidence through targeted practice
- Identify your strengths and areas needing improvement across different chapters
How to Access Plus One Physics Previous Year Question Papers from HSSlive
Follow these simple steps:
- Visit the official HSSlive website: www.hsslive.co.in
- Navigate to the “Previous Question Papers” or “Question Bank” section
- Select “Plus One” from the class options
- Choose “Physics” from the subject list
- Download the PDF files for different years (2010-2024)
Pro Tip: Create a dedicated folder to organize your HSSlive Physics PDFs by year for structured revision.
Kerala Plus One Physics Exam Pattern
Understanding the exam structure will help you prepare effectively:
| Section | Question Type | Marks per Question | Number of Questions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Part A | Very Short Answer | 1 mark | 8 questions |
| Part B | Short Answer | 2 marks | 10 questions |
| Part C | Short Essay | 3 marks | 9 questions |
| Part D | Long Essay | 5 marks | 3 questions |
| Total | 60 marks | 30 questions |
Sample Questions from Plus One Physics Previous Year Papers
1. March 2023 Plus One Physics Previous Year Question Paper
Question 1: Define electric field intensity and write its SI unit. (1 mark) Answer: Electric field intensity at a point is defined as the force experienced by a unit positive charge placed at that point. Its SI unit is Newton per coulomb (N/C) or Volt per meter (V/m).
Question 2: State and explain Kirchhoff’s laws of electrical circuits. (3 marks) Answer:
- Kirchhoff’s Current Law (KCL): The algebraic sum of currents at any junction in an electrical circuit is zero. Mathematically, ∑I = 0.
- Kirchhoff’s Voltage Law (KVL): The algebraic sum of potential differences in any closed loop of an electrical circuit is zero. Mathematically, ∑V = 0.
- KCL is based on conservation of charge, while KVL is based on conservation of energy.
Question 3: Explain the principle and working of a cyclotron with a neat diagram. (5 marks) Answer: Principle: Cyclotron works on the principle of Lorentz force and the fact that the time period of a charged particle in a magnetic field is independent of its velocity and radius of orbit.
Working:
- The cyclotron consists of two D-shaped hollow conductors (Dees) connected to an AC source
- A uniform magnetic field is applied perpendicular to the plane of Dees
- Charged particles (like protons) are released at the center
- Particles move in a semicircular path inside the Dees due to the magnetic field
- As particles reach the gap between Dees, the electric field accelerates them
- The frequency of AC source is adjusted to match the cyclotron frequency: f = qB/2πm
- With each crossing of the gap, particles gain energy and move in larger semicircular paths
- Eventually, they emerge as a high-energy beam
Limitations:
- Cannot accelerate electrons (relativistic effects)
- Cannot accelerate neutral particles
- Upper limit to energy due to relativistic effects
2. March 2022 Plus One Physics Previous Year Question Paper
Question 1: Define wavefront and state Huygens’ principle. (1 mark) Answer: A wavefront is the locus of all points in a medium which vibrate in the same phase. Huygens’ principle states that every point on a wavefront acts as a source of secondary wavelets which spread out in all directions with the speed of the wave in that medium.
Question 2: Explain double-slit interference experiment with necessary theory. (3 marks) Answer: In Young’s double-slit experiment:
- Monochromatic light passes through two narrow slits S₁ and S₂ close to each other
- The slits act as coherent sources
- Interference pattern of alternate bright and dark fringes forms on the screen
For constructive interference (bright fringes): Path difference = nλ (n = 0, 1, 2, …) For destructive interference (dark fringes): Path difference = (n+1/2)λ
Position of nth bright fringe: yn = nλD/d Where D is the distance to screen, d is the slit separation, and λ is the wavelength. Distance between consecutive bright fringes (fringe width): β = λD/d
3. March 2021 Plus One Physics Previous Year Question Paper
Question 1: What is meant by scalar product of two vectors? (1 mark) Answer: The scalar product (or dot product) of two vectors is defined as the product of the magnitudes of the two vectors and the cosine of the angle between them. If A⃗ and B⃗ are two vectors, then A⃗·B⃗ = |A⃗|·|B⃗|·cosθ, where θ is the angle between them.
Question 2: State the law of conservation of linear momentum and verify it in case of collision between two bodies. (3 marks) Answer: The law of conservation of linear momentum states that in an isolated system (no external force), the total linear momentum remains constant.
For collision between two bodies:
- Consider two bodies of masses m₁ and m₂ with initial velocities u₁ and u₂
- After collision, their velocities become v₁ and v₂
- Initial momentum: p_initial = m₁u₁ + m₂u₂
- Final momentum: p_final = m₁v₁ + m₂v₂
- By conservation of momentum: m₁u₁ + m₂u₂ = m₁v₁ + m₂v₂
This law holds true for both elastic and inelastic collisions.
Question 3: Derive an expression for the moment of inertia of a uniform circular disc about an axis passing through its center and perpendicular to its plane. (5 marks) Answer: Consider a uniform circular disc of radius R and mass M.
- Take an elementary ring of radius r and thickness dr
- Area of the ring = 2πr·dr
- Mass of the ring = dm = (M/πR²)·2πr·dr = (2M/R²)·r·dr
- Moment of inertia of the ring about the axis = r²·dm = (2M/R²)·r³·dr
- Total moment of inertia: I = ∫ r²·dm = ∫₀ᴿ (2M/R²)·r³·dr I = (2M/R²)·[r⁴/4]₀ᴿ I = (2M/R²)·(R⁴/4) I = (1/2)MR²
Therefore, the moment of inertia of a uniform circular disc about its central axis is (1/2)MR².
4. March 2020 Plus One Physics Previous Year Question Paper
Question 1: What is the SI unit of coefficient of viscosity? (1 mark) Answer: The SI unit of coefficient of viscosity is pascal-second (Pa·s) or newton-second per square meter (N·s/m²) or kilogram per meter per second (kg/m·s).
Question 2: State and prove the law of conservation of energy for a freely falling body. (2 marks) Answer: The law of conservation of energy states that energy can neither be created nor destroyed; it can only be transformed from one form to another.
For a freely falling body:
- At height h, potential energy = mgh and kinetic energy = 0
- At any intermediate height y, potential energy = mgy and kinetic energy = (1/2)mv²
- By conservation of energy: mgh = mgy + (1/2)mv²
- Using v² = 2g(h-y), we get: mgh = mgy + mg(h-y) = mgh
- This verifies the law of conservation of energy
Question 3: Derive the expression for the escape velocity of a body from the earth’s surface. (5 marks) Answer: Escape velocity is the minimum velocity required for a body to escape from the gravitational field of the earth.
Derivation:
- For a body of mass m to escape earth’s gravity, its kinetic energy must be greater than or equal to the gravitational potential energy
- Kinetic energy = (1/2)mv²
- Gravitational potential energy = GMm/R (where G is gravitational constant, M is mass of earth, R is radius of earth)
- At escape velocity (v_e): (1/2)mv_e² = GMm/R
- Simplifying: v_e = √(2GM/R)
- This is the expression for escape velocity
For Earth: v_e ≈ 11.2 km/s
5. March 2019 Plus One Physics Previous Year Question Paper
Question 1: What is thermal equilibrium? (1 mark) Answer: Thermal equilibrium is a state where two or more bodies in thermal contact with each other have the same temperature and there is no net transfer of thermal energy between them.
Question 2: State Bernoulli’s theorem for the flow of non-viscous fluids. Mention any two applications of this theorem. (3 marks) Answer: Bernoulli’s theorem states that for the streamline flow of an ideal fluid (incompressible and non-viscous), the sum of pressure energy, kinetic energy, and potential energy per unit volume remains constant.
Mathematically: P + (1/2)ρv² + ρgh = constant
Applications:
- Working of a venturimeter or flow meter
- Lift of an aircraft wing
- Operation of atomizers and sprayers
- Functioning of a carburetor in automobiles
Question 3: State the laws of thermal radiation. Explain the working of a pyrometer with necessary diagrams. (5 marks) Answer: Laws of thermal radiation:
- Stefan’s law: E = σT⁴ (Energy emitted is proportional to T⁴)
- Wien’s displacement law: λₘT = constant (Wavelength of maximum radiation inversely proportional to temperature)
- Kirchhoff’s law: Emissive power/Absorptive power = constant for all bodies at same temperature
Pyrometer:
- A pyrometer is a device used to measure high temperatures without contact
- Optical pyrometer compares brightness of filament with that of hot object
- Radiation pyrometer measures total radiation from hot body
- Working principle involves Stefan’s law and comparison of radiation intensities
- Temperature reading is directly obtained from calibrated scale
- Used in steel industry, furnaces, and other high-temperature processes
6. March 2018 Plus One Physics Previous Year Question Paper
Question 1: What is meant by elongation in simple harmonic motion? (1 mark) Answer: Elongation in simple harmonic motion refers to the displacement of the particle from its mean position at any instant of time.
Question 2: Derive the relation between linear momentum and kinetic energy. (2 marks) Answer: For a body of mass m moving with velocity v:
- Linear momentum p = mv
- Kinetic energy K = (1/2)mv²
- Squaring momentum: p² = m²v²
- Rearranging: v² = p²/m²
- Substituting in K: K = (1/2)m·(p²/m²) = p²/(2m)
- Therefore, K = p²/(2m) or p = √(2mK)
This relation shows that kinetic energy is directly proportional to the square of momentum.
Question 3: What is meant by elastic collision? Derive expressions for final velocities of two bodies after an elastic collision in one dimension. (5 marks) Answer: Elastic collision is one in which both momentum and kinetic energy are conserved.
Consider two bodies with masses m₁ and m₂, initial velocities u₁ and u₂, and final velocities v₁ and v₂.
From conservation of momentum: m₁u₁ + m₂u₂ = m₁v₁ + m₂v₂ … (1)
From conservation of kinetic energy: (1/2)m₁u₁² + (1/2)m₂u₂² = (1/2)m₁v₁² + (1/2)m₂v₂² … (2)
Simplifying (2): m₁(u₁² – v₁²) = m₂(v₂² – u₂²) m₁(u₁ – v₁)(u₁ + v₁) = m₂(v₂ – u₂)(v₂ + u₂) … (3)
From (1): m₁(u₁ – v₁) = m₂(v₂ – u₂) … (4)
Dividing (3) by (4): u₁ + v₁ = v₂ + u₂ v₁ – u₂ = v₂ – u₁ v₁ – v₂ = u₁ – u₂ … (5)
Using (1) and (5), we get: v₁ = [(m₁ – m₂)u₁ + 2m₂u₂]/(m₁ + m₂) v₂ = [2m₁u₁ + (m₂ – m₁)u₂]/(m₁ + m₂)
These are the expressions for final velocities after elastic collision.
7. March 2017 Plus One Physics Previous Year Question Paper
Question 1: State the principle of homogeneity of dimensions. (1 mark) Answer: The principle of homogeneity of dimensions states that the dimensions of all terms in a physical equation must be the same on both sides of the equation.
Question 2: Define angle of friction and coefficient of friction. Establish the relation between them. (3 marks) Answer: Angle of friction (φ) is the angle made by the resultant of normal reaction and limiting friction with the normal reaction.
Coefficient of friction (μ) is the ratio of limiting friction to normal reaction.
Relation:
- If N is normal reaction and F is limiting friction, then:
- μ = F/N
- From the definition of angle of friction: tan φ = F/N
- Therefore: μ = tan φ
This establishes that the coefficient of friction is equal to the tangent of the angle of friction.
Question 3: What is a satellite? Derive the expression for the orbital velocity and time period of a satellite revolving around the earth. (5 marks) Answer: A satellite is an object that revolves around a planet in a closed orbit.
For orbital velocity:
- For a satellite of mass m at height h from Earth’s surface:
- Centripetal force is provided by gravitational force
- mv²/(R+h) = GMm/(R+h)² (where R is Earth’s radius)
- Orbital velocity: v = √[GM/(R+h)]
For time period:
- Distance covered in one orbit = 2π(R+h)
- Time period T = Distance/Velocity = 2π(R+h)/v
- Substituting v: T = 2π(R+h)/√[GM/(R+h)]
- Simplifying: T = 2π(R+h)^(3/2)/√(GM)
- T = 2π√[(R+h)³/GM]
For satellites close to Earth’s surface, v ≈ 7.9 km/s and T ≈ 84 minutes.
Important Topics for Plus One Physics Preparation
Based on analysis of previous year question papers, focus on these key topics:
- Units and Measurements
- Dimensional analysis
- Significant figures
- Errors in measurement
- Motion in a Straight Line
- Position, displacement, and distance
- Instantaneous velocity and acceleration
- Graphical representation of motion
- Motion in a Plane
- Scalar and vector quantities
- Vector addition and subtraction
- Projectile motion
- Laws of Motion
- Newton’s laws
- Free-body diagrams
- Friction and its applications
- Work, Energy and Power
- Work-energy theorem
- Conservative and non-conservative forces
- Power and collision
- Systems of Particles and Rotational Motion
- Centre of mass
- Moment of inertia
- Angular momentum
- Gravitation
- Universal law of gravitation
- Gravitational potential energy
- Kepler’s laws
- Mechanical Properties of Solids
- Elastic behavior and stress-strain relationship
- Hooke’s law
- Elastic moduli
- Mechanical Properties of Fluids
- Pressure and Pascal’s law
- Viscosity and surface tension
- Bernoulli’s principle
- Thermal Properties of Matter
- Temperature and heat
- Thermal expansion
- Calorimetry
- Thermodynamics
- Laws of thermodynamics
- Heat engines
- Entropy
- Kinetic Theory of Gases
- Equation of state
- Kinetic interpretation of temperature
- Mean free path
- Oscillations
- Simple harmonic motion
- Energy in SHM
- Damped and forced oscillations
- Waves
- Transverse and longitudinal waves
- Progressive waves
- Standing waves and resonance
Effective Study Strategies for Plus One Physics
- Begin with theory: Ensure you understand the basic concepts before solving problems
- Practice regularly: Solve at least 5-10 problems daily from different topics
- Create formula sheets: Maintain a notebook with important formulas for quick revision
- Solve previous year papers: Time yourself to improve speed and accuracy
- Focus on derivations: Many questions in Plus One ask you to derive important equations
- Group study: Discuss complex topics with friends to gain different perspectives
- Use multiple resources: Don’t rely only on textbooks; refer to online resources and videos
- Practice numerical problems: Especially from Work-Energy, Kinematics, and Thermodynamics
- Regular revision: Review topics weekly to maintain retention
- Mock tests: Take full-length practice tests to simulate exam conditions
Common Mistakes to Avoid in Physics Exams
- Not reading the question carefully
- Forgetting to include units in final answers
- Incorrect conversion of units
- Computational errors in calculations
- Not drawing proper diagrams where required
- Poor time management
- Neglecting vector directions in problems
- Not checking the final answer for reasonableness
- Writing lengthy answers for short questions
- Incomplete derivations
Conclusion
Plus One Physics is foundational for your Plus Two studies and competitive exams. By using HSSlive’s previous year question papers and answers, you can establish a strong conceptual understanding and develop effective problem-solving skills. Remember, consistency is key – practice regularly and focus on understanding rather than memorization.
I hope this comprehensive guide helps you in your preparation. Feel free to reach out if you have specific questions about any Physics concept. Best wishes for your exams!