CBSE CLASS 12 PHYSICS: CHAPTER 12 - ATOMS
BOARD EXAM PREPARATION BOOKLET
1. Most Probable Questions List
Based on an analysis of the past 10+ years of CBSE Class 12 Physics papers, the following
questions from Chapter 12: Atoms are highly probable. These topics have appeared frequently
and are crucial for the exam:
1. Explain Bohr’s model of the hydrogen atom. Derive the expression for the radius of
the nth orbit.
o Reasoning: The Bohr model is fundamental in atomic theory. It is often asked as
a 5–6 mark question requiring derivation for the radius of the orbit. (5–6 marks)
2. What is the significance of the quantum numbers in the Bohr model of the atom?
o Reasoning: The quantum numbers are essential in determining the energy levels
of electrons and have been tested many times in various formats. (3–4 marks)
3. Explain the concept of the energy levels of electrons in an atom. Derive the
expression for the energy of an electron in the nth orbit.
o Reasoning: The energy levels of electrons in an atom and their corresponding
energy expression are core concepts, appearing frequently in exams. (5–6 marks)
4. State and explain the Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle.
o Reasoning: The Heisenberg uncertainty principle is a key concept in
understanding atomic models. This concept is often tested with derivations and
explanations. (4–5 marks)
5. What is the Rutherford model of the atom? Explain its shortcomings.
o Reasoning: Rutherford’s atomic model is fundamental in understanding the
development of atomic theory, and students are often asked to explain its
shortcomings. (4–5 marks)
6. What is the relation between the energy of the photon and the frequency of
radiation in the Bohr model of the hydrogen atom?
o Reasoning: The relationship between photon energy and frequency is an
important concept and has appeared as a derivation question in past exams. (3–4
marks)
7. Describe the concept of spectral lines. How does the Balmer series explain the
spectrum of hydrogen?
o Reasoning: Spectral lines are central to atomic structure and quantum mechanics.
Balmer’s series is commonly asked in relation to the emission spectrum of
hydrogen. (4–5 marks)
8. Describe the process of excitation and de-excitation of electrons in an atom.
o Reasoning: This is a conceptual question about the energy transitions within an
atom. It is commonly asked to test students' understanding of atomic energy
levels. (4 marks)
9. What is the significance of the atomic number and mass number of an atom?
o Reasoning: The atomic and mass numbers are basic but important concepts in
atomic theory and frequently tested in short-answer questions. (3 marks)
10. Explain the phenomenon of X-ray emission and the production of X-rays.
o Reasoning: X-ray production is closely related to atomic structure and is a vital
concept. Questions on this topic are regularly asked in physics exams. (5 marks)
11. Derive the expression for the radius of the nth orbit of an electron in an atom
according to Bohr’s model.
o Reasoning: The derivation of the Bohr radius is a common question, frequently
appearing in 4–5 mark sections of the exam. (5 marks)
12. What is the dual nature of radiation and matter? How does it apply to the atomic
model?
o Reasoning: Dual nature is a critical aspect of quantum mechanics and has been
tested multiple times in relation to atomic theory. (5 marks)
2. Answer Writing Guidelines
Scoring well in Chapter 12: Atoms requires clarity, proper presentation, and precise
explanations. Below are some answer-writing guidelines based on the CBSE marking scheme:
• Pay Attention to Command Words:
o “Define”: Provide a concise definition using standard NCERT terms.
o “Derive”: Show all intermediate steps clearly, especially for derivations like the
Bohr radius and energy of the nth orbit.
o “Explain”: Provide detailed explanations with appropriate diagrams and
examples.
• Match the Points to the Marks: Align the number of distinct points in your answer with
the marks allotted:
o 1 mark: One brief point or definition.
o 3–4 marks: 3–4 distinct points explained briefly, including diagrams if needed.
o 5–6 marks: Multiple points or a detailed derivation with clarity in each step and
well-labeled diagrams.
• Use Diagrams for Clarity:
o In Bohr’s model, always draw the atom’s structure and label the orbits clearly.
o For spectral lines or X-ray production, include relevant diagrams and label the
components.
• Be Concise and to the Point: Stick to the word limit:
o 3-mark answer: Around 60–80 words.
o 5-mark answer: Around 150–200 words.
• Maintain the CBSE Presentation Style: Use a point-wise or step-wise format for
derivations. Leave a line between points or sub-sections for better readability.
• Underline Keywords: Underline essential terms like Bohr model, quantum numbers,
Heisenberg uncertainty, etc.
3. Chapter-Wise Breakdown (Question Trends)
This section provides an analysis of question trends for Chapter 12: Atoms based on the last 10
years.
Frequency (last Years Expected Q Type
Subtopic Question Types
10 years) Appeared (future)
Likely 5–6 mark
Bohr’s Model of the Derivations, 2015, 2016,
High (8+ times) derivation and
Hydrogen Atom Explanation 2019, 2021
explanation
Likely 5–6 mark
Energy of Electron in Derivation, 2017, 2020,
High (7+ times) derivation and
nth Orbit Explanation 2022
explanation
Likely 5–6 mark
Heisenberg Derivation, 2014, 2018,
High (6+ times) derivation and
Uncertainty Principle Explanation 2021
explanation
Rutherford’s Model of Short answer, Moderate (5+ 2015, 2016, Likely 4–5 mark
Atom Explanation times) 2020 explanation
Spectral Lines and Conceptual, 2017, 2019, Likely 4–5 mark
High (6+ times)
Balmer Series Numerical 2022 explanation
Moderate (4+ Likely 5 mark
X-ray Production Explanation, Process 2017, 2020
times) explanation
Conceptual
Dual Nature of Matter 2015, 2019, Likely 4–5 mark
Explanation, High (7+ times)
and Radiation 2023 explanation
Examples
Conclusion and Exam Tips
• Master Key Concepts: Focus on Bohr’s model, Heisenberg’s uncertainty principle,
and spectral lines for a comprehensive understanding.
• Practice Derivations: Practice derivations for energy levels, Bohr’s radius, and de
Broglie wavelength as these are commonly tested.
• Work on Diagrams: Ensure you can clearly draw and label atomic models, spectral
lines, and X-ray production.
• Solve Previous Years’ Papers: This will help you get familiar with the types of
questions and develop time management skills.
• Answer Writing Practice: Practice writing answers that are well-structured, precise, and
to the point with clear diagrams.
