Physics Syllabus For Class 11: Updated Physics Syllabus [2024-25]

The Physics syllabus for Class 11 is a critical stepping stone for students aiming to pursue careers in science. With its applications spanning across engineering, medicine, and technology, physics opens doors to countless opportunities. In higher secondary school, whether students opt for MPC or BiPC subjects, physics plays a vital role in building a strong academic foundation.

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) offers a well-structured and comprehensive Physics syllabus for Class 11 to help students grasp fundamental concepts and prepare for competitive exams. This blog will explore the detailed syllabus, key topics, and tips to excel in this subject.

Modules Covered in Physics Syllabus for Class 11

The Physics Syllabus for Class 11 is a comprehensive guide designed to help students build a strong foundation in the subject. It is divided into 10 units, each covering critical topics like motion, thermodynamics, Oscillations and Waves and more. If you’re wondering about the number of chapters or the key concepts included, this section provides all the answers you need.

Below, we provide a detailed breakdown of the Physics Syllabus for Class 11, including the unit names, marks, chapter titles, and the number of periods, to help streamline your preparation.

Unit	Unit Name	Chapters	Number of Periods	Marks
Unit I	Physical World and Measurement	Chapter 2: Units and Measurements	8	23
Unit II	Kinematics	Chapter 3: Motion in a Straight Line	24
		Chapter 4: Motion in a Plane
Unit III	Laws of Motion	Chapter 5: Laws of Motion	14
Unit IV	Work, Energy, and Power	Chapter 6: Work, Energy and Power	14	17
Unit V	Motion of System of Particles and Rigid Body	Chapter 7: System of Particles and Rotational Motion	18
Unit VI	Gravitation	Chapter 8: Gravitation	12
Unit VII	Properties of Bulk Matter	Chapter 9: Mechanical Properties of Solids	24	20
		Chapter 10: Mechanical Properties of Fluids
		Chapter 11: Thermal Properties of Matter
Unit VIII	Thermodynamics	Chapter 12: Thermodynamics	12
Unit IX	Behaviour of Perfect Gases and Kinetic Theory of Gases	Chapter 13: Kinetic Theory	8
Unit X	Oscillations and Waves	Chapter 14: Oscillations	26	10
		Chapter 15: Waves
Total			160	70

Now, let’s explore all the Class 11 Physics all chapter names, unit by unit, to understand how the syllabus is structured and what each section offers:

Unit 1: Physical World and Measurement (08 Periods)

Chapter 2- Units and Measurements

In the second chapter of the first unit of the Physics syllabus for class 11, the students will be familiarized with measurement principles through topics like,

• Need for measurement: Units of measurement; systems of units; SI units, fundamental and derived units.
• Significant figures.
• Dimensions of physical quantities, dimensional analysis, and its applications.

Unit 2: Kinematics (24 Periods)

Chapter 3- Motion in a Straight Line

The Kinematics Class 11 chapter is essential in understanding the basic principles of motion, covering key concepts like displacement, velocity, and acceleration. The second unit of the Physics syllabus for class 11 includes:

• Frame of Reference;
• Motion in a straight line (position-time graph, velocity and speed);
• Elementary concepts of differentiation and integration for describing motion,
• Uniform and nonuniform motion, and instantaneous velocity,
• Uniformly accelerated motion,
• Velocity – time and position-time graphs.
• Relations for uniformly accelerated motion (graphical treatment).

Chapter 4- Motion in a Plane

The students are made to understand the concepts of scalar and vector quantities through topics like–

• Scalar and vector quantities; position and displacement vectors.
• General vectors and their notations; equality of vectors, multiplication of vectors by a real number.
• Addition and subtraction of vectors, unit vector; resolution of a vector in a plane, rectangular components.
• Scalar and vector product of vectors.
• Motion in a plane, cases of uniform velocity and uniform acceleration, projectile motion, uniform circular motion.

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Unit 3: Laws of Motion (14 Periods)

Chapter 5- Laws of Motion

Under this chapter of the Physics syllabus for class 11, the main topics covered are:

• Intuitive concept of force, inertia, Newton’s first law of motion.
• Momentum and Newton’s second law of motion; impulse.
• Newton’s third law of motion.
• Law of conservation of linear momentum and its applications.
• Equilibrium of concurrent forces, static and kinetic friction, laws of friction, rolling friction, lubrication.
• Dynamics of uniform circular motion: Centripetal force, examples of circular motion (vehicle on a level circular road, vehicle on a banked road).

Also Read: Laws of Motion Class 11

Unit 4: Work, Energy and Power (14 Periods)

Chapter 6- Work, Energy, and Power

Following are the key concepts included in this chapter 6 of the physics syllabus for class 11:

• Work done by a constant force and a variable force.
• Kinetic energy, work-energy theorem, power.
• Notion of potential energy, potential energy of a spring.
• Conservative forces, non-conservative forces.
• Motion in a vertical circle; elastic and inelastic collisions in one and two dimensions.

Also Read: Work Energy and Power Class 11

Unit 5: Motion of System of Particles and Rigid Body (18 Periods)

Chapter 7- System of Particles and Rotational Motion

Take a look at some of the topics which constitute an integral part of this chapter of the Physics syllabus for class 11:

• Centre of mass of a two-particle system, momentum conservation, and centre of mass motion.
• Centre of mass of a rigid body; centre of mass of a uniform rod.
• Moment of a force, torque, angular momentum.
• Law of conservation of angular momentum and its applications.
• Equilibrium of rigid bodies, rigid body rotation, and equations of rotational motion.
• Comparison of linear and rotational motions.
• Moment of inertia, radius of gyration, values of moments of inertia for simple geometrical objects (no derivation).

Here are the study notes on Current Electricity.

Unit 6: Gravitation (12 Periods)

Chapter 8- Gravitation

When it comes to the Physics syllabus for class 11, the students are taught various concepts in the domain of Gravitation. The most prominent of topics include

• Kepler’s laws of planetary motion and universal law of gravitation
• Acceleration due to gravity and its variation with altitude and depth.
• Gravitational potential energy and gravitational potential, escape speed, orbital velocity of a satellite.

Read more on Class 11 Gravitation Notes and Important Question Here!

Unit 7: Properties of Bulk Matter (24 Periods)

The following are the Chapter and their topics comes under Unit 7:

Chapter 9- Mechanical Properties of Solids

• Elasticity, Stress-strain relationship, Hooke’s law, Young’s modulus, bulk modulus, shear modulus of rigidity (qualitative idea only), Poisson’s ratio; elastic energy.

Chapter 10- Mechanical Properties of Fluids

• Pressure due to a fluid column; Pascal’s law and its applications (hydraulic lift and hydraulic brakes), effect of gravity on fluid pressure.
• Viscosity, Stokes’ law, terminal velocity, streamline and turbulent flow, critical velocity, Bernoulli’s theorem and its simple applications.
• Surface energy and surface tension, angle of contact, excess of pressure across a curved surface, application of surface tension ideas to drops, bubbles and capillary rise.

Chapter 11- Thermal Properties of Matter

• Heat, temperature, thermal expansion; thermal expansion of solids, liquids and gases, anomalous expansion of water; specific heat capacity; Cp, Cv – calorimetry; change of state – latent heat capacity.
• Heat transfer – conduction, convection and radiation, thermal conductivity, qualitative ideas of Blackbody radiation, Wein’s displacement Law, Stefan’s law.

Unit 8: Thermodynamics (12 Periods)

Chapter 12- Thermodynamics

• Thermal equilibrium and definition of temperature, zeroth law of thermodynamics, heat, work and internal energy. First law of thermodynamics.
• Second law of thermodynamics: gaseous state of matter, change of condition of gaseous state – isothermal, adiabatic, reversible, irreversible, and cyclic processes.

Unit 9: Behaviour of Perfect Gases and Kinetic Theory of Gases (08 Periods)

Chapter 13- Kinetic Theory

• Equation of state of a perfect gas, work done in compressing a gas.
• Kinetic theory of gases – assumptions, concept of pressure. Kinetic interpretation of temperature; rms speed of gas molecules; degrees of freedom, law of equi-partition of energy (statement only) and application to specific heat capacities of gases; concept of mean free path, Avogadro’s number.

Unit 10: Oscillations and Waves (26 Periods)

Chapter 14- Oscillations

• Periodic motion – time period, frequency, displacement as a function of time, periodic functions and their applications.
• Simple harmonic motion (S.H.M) and its equations of motion; phase; oscillations of a loaded spring – restoring force and force constant; energy in S.H.M.
• Kinetic and potential energies; simple pendulum derivation of expression for its time period.

Chapter 15- Waves

• Wave motion: Transverse and longitudinal waves, speed of travelling wave, displacement relation for a progressive wave, principle of superposition of waves, reflection of waves, standing waves in strings and organ pipes, fundamental mode and harmonics, Beats.

Physics Syllabus for Class 11 ICSE

The physics syllabus for class 11 by the ICSE board has two main parts: theory and practical. The theory is allocated 70 marks while practical has 30 marks out of 100. Now let us take a look at the chapters mentioned in the Physics syllabus for class 11 by the ICSE board-

Chapters	Marks
I– Physical World and Measurement II– Kinematics III– Laws of Motion	23 Marks
IV– Work, Energy, and Power V– Motion of System of Particles and Rigid Body VI– Gravitation	17 Marks
VII– Properties of Bulk Matter VIII– Heat and Thermodynamics IX– Behaviour of Perfect Gases and Kinetic Theory of Gases	20 Marks
X– Oscillations and Waves	10 Marks

Deleted Syllabus of Class 11 Physics

Here is the deleted syllabus of Class 11 Physics, chapter-wise. Make sure you do not study these chapters or topics. This list is provided to remind you that you should avoid studying them while preparing for the exam:

Chapter–1: Physical World: Physics-scope and excitement; Nature of physical laws; Physics, technology and Society

Chapter-3: Motion in a straight line: Frame of reference, Motion in a straight line: Position-time graph, speed and velocity

Chapter-5 Laws of Motion: Newton’s first law of motion; Intuitive concept of force, Inertia, and momentum and Newton’s second law of motion; impulse; Newton’s third law of motion

Chapter-7 System of Particles and Rotational Motion: Statement of parallel and perpendicular axes theorems and their applications.

Chapter-8 Gravitation: Acceleration due to gravity, Kepler’s laws of planetary motion

Chapter-9 Mechanical Properties of Solids: Shear modulus of rigidity, elastic behaviour, Poisson’s ratio; elastic energy.

Chapter-11 Thermal Properties of Matter: Heat, temperature, Heat transfer-conduction, convection and radiation

Chapter-12 Thermodynamics: Heat engine and refrigerator.

Chapter-15 Waves: Fundamental mode and harmonics, Doppler effects

Physics Syllabus for Class 11 Maharashtra Board 2024

The Maharashtra State Board Class 11 Physics syllabus for 2024-25 introduces students to foundational concepts in physics, such as mechanics, thermodynamics, and electromagnetism. With a structured curriculum designed to build a solid base, students will be prepared for both their board exams and competitive tests like JEE and NEET. The syllabus mentioned under the Physics syllabus for class 11 Maharashtra board is stated below-

• Chapter 1: Circular Motion
• Chapter 2: Gravitation
• Chapter 3: Rotational Motion
• Chapter 4: Oscillations
• Chapter 5: Elasticity
• Chapter 6: Surface Tension
• Chapter 7: Wave Motion
• Chapter 8: Stationary Waves
• Chapter 9: Kinetic Theory of Gases and Radiation
• Chapter 10: Wave Theory of Light
• Chapter 11: Interference and Diffraction
• Chapter 12: Electrostatics
• Chapter 13: Current Electricity
• Chapter 14: Magnetic Effects of Electric Current
• Chapter 15: Magnetism
• Chapter 16: Electromagnetic Induction
• Chapter 17: Electrons and Photons
• Chapter 18: Atoms, Molecules, and Nuclei
• Chapter 19: Semiconductors
• Chapter 20: Communication Systems

Physics Syllabus for Class 11 Gujarat Board

The Gujarat Board’s Class 11 Physics syllabus covers a wide range of essential topics, from the basics of motion and energy to more complex concepts like thermodynamics and optics. It aims to equip students with the theoretical and practical knowledge needed for their future academic and professional pursuits in science and engineering. Below we have provided Physics syllabus for class 11 Gujarat board semester wise please have a look

GSEB Class 11 Syllabus for Physics – Semester I

Chapter Nos	Chapter Names
I	Physical World
II	Measurement and System of Units
III	Motion in a Straight Line
IV	Motion In a Plane
V	Laws of Motion
VI	Work, Energy and Power
VII	Heat Transfer
VIII	Kinetic Theory of Gases

GSEB Class 11 Syllabus for Physics – Semester II

Chapter Nos	Chapter Names
I	Dynamics of a System of Particles
II	Rotational Motion
III	Gravitation
IV	Mechanical Properties of Solids
V	Fluid Mechanics
VI	Thermodynamics
VII	Oscillations
VIII	Waves

West Bengal Board Class 11 Physics Syllabus

The West Bengal Board Physics Syllabus for class 11 is designed to provide students with a thorough understanding of physics, it offers both theoretical lessons and practical applications to prepare them for higher studies and competitive exams. The following topics are part of the syllabus:

• Physical World & Measurement
• Kinematics
• Laws of Motion
• Work, Energy & Power
• The Motion of System of Particles & Rigid Body
• Gravitation
• Properties of Bulk Matter
• Thermodynamics
• Behaviour of Perfect Gas & Kinetic Theory of Gases
• Oscillations & Waves
• Practical

Tamil Nadu Board Class 11 Physics Syllabus

The Tamil Nadu Board Class 11 Physics syllabus introduces students to fundamental concepts that are vital for higher studies in science and engineering. Here’s an outline of the topics you will encounter in this syllabus:

• Nature of the Physical World and Measurements
• Kinematics
• Laws of Motion
• Work, Energy, and Power
• Motion of System of Particles and Rigid Bodies
• Gravitation
• Properties of Matter
• Heat and Thermodynamics
• Behaviour of Perfect Gas and Kinetic Theory of Gases
• Oscillations
• Waves

Also Read: BSc Physics Honours

Class 11 Physics Important Questions for 2024

To help you prepare effectively for the 2024 exams, focusing on important questions from each chapter can significantly boost your understanding and performance. Here are some of the most important questions for each section of the physics syllabus for class 11:

1. Explain: “The most incomprehensible thing about the world is that it is comprehensible”- Albert Einstein.
2. If “Politics is the art of the possible”, then similarly “Science is the art of the soluble. How does this statement explain the nature and practice of science?
3. Explain the seven basic units of measurement.
4. Describe the fundamental forces of nature.
5. What do you mean by motion in a straight line?
6. Calculate the relative velocity of two bodies with equal velocities.
7. What would be the shape of the displacement time graph for uniform linear motion?
8. What is the factor on which the coefficient of friction depends?
9. Write down any two consequences of the second law of motion by Newton.
10. What is Dulong and Petit Law?
11. State the major reason why thermometers use mercury.
12. Define the relationship between uniform circular motion and S.H.M.
13. Why does the velocity of sound increase on a cloudy day?
14. Explain Hooke’s Law.
15. Why is water more elastic than air?
16. What is viscosity?

Must Read: Branches of Physics

FAQs

Hence, the physics syllabus for class 11 includes topics that form a strong foundation for higher studies. Needless to say, these concepts come in handy when giving competitive tests like the SAT exam. Being the first step to kickstart your career, these exams need a well-planned strategy. If you feel you need to boost your preparation for SAT then enroll in Leverage Edu’s online SAT classes and take a step in the right direction!