Overview of Class 12 Physics NCERT Textbook Chapters 2026
The introduction to the NCERT Class 12 Physics Textbook (2025-26 edition) gives a student a well-structured map of the entire syllabus that will assist them in understanding the scope and depth of the subject. It covers all units such as Electrostatics and Current Electricity to Optics and Modern Physics, with each one relating theory to real-life needs and solving major problems which are based on formulas. Knowing this chapter by chapter will enable a student to give the topics a higher weight of marks and hence organise his or her revision timetable and also prepare effectively both in CBSE board exams and competitive exams such as JEE/NEET.
Chapter 1: Electric Charges and Fields
This chapter is the foundation for electrostatics. This chapter will help you learn about the interaction of electric charges and their external influence. This chapter also describes Gauss's law and its applications.
Important topics are:
- Electric Charge and Conservation
- Coulomb’s Law
- Superposition Principle
- Electric Field
- Electric Field Lines
- Electric Dipole
- Electric Flux
- Gauss’s Theorem and Its Applications
Important Formulas:
- Coulomb's Law: $F=k_e \frac{\left|q_1 q_2\right|}{r^2}$
- Electric Field due to a Point Charge: $E=k_e \frac{q}{r^2}$
- Electric Field due to a Continuous Charge Distribution: $E=\frac{1}{4 \pi \epsilon_0} \int \frac{d q}{r^2}$
- Electric Potential Energy of a System of Two Point Charges: $U=k_e \frac{q_1 q_2}{r}$
- Electric Potential due to a Point Charge: $V=k_e \frac{q}{r}$
- Electric Field due to an Infinite Line Charge: $E=\frac{\lambda}{2 \pi \epsilon_0 r}$
- Electric Field due to an Infinite Plane Sheet of Charge: $E=\frac{\sigma}{2 \epsilon_0}$
- Electric Field Between Two Oppositely Charged Parallel Plates: $E=\frac{\sigma}{\epsilon_0}$
Chapter 2: Electrostatic Potential and Capacitance
This is the second chapter of the unit on electrostatics. Students will learn about energy and potential in this chapter. This chapter also introduces capacitors and energy storage mechanisms.
Important topics are:
- Electric Potential and Potential Difference
- Electric Potential due to Point Charge, Dipole, and System of Charges
- Equipotential Surfaces
- Electrical Potential Energy of Charge System and Dipole
- Conductors and Insulators
- Dielectrics and Electric Polarisation
- Capacitors and Capacitance
- Combination of Capacitors (Series and Parallel)
- Capacitance of Parallel Plate Capacitor (With/Without Dielectric)
- Energy Stored in a Capacitor
Important Formulas:
- Electric Potential due to a Point Charge: $V=k_e \frac{q}{r}$
- Electric Potential due to a System of Point Charges: $V=k_e \sum_i \frac{q_i}{r_i}$
- Potential Energy of a Charge in an External Field: $U=qV$
- The capacitance of a Capacitor: $C=\frac{Q}{V}$
- Capacitance of a Parallel Plate Capacitor (without dielectric): $C=\frac{\epsilon_0 A}{d}$
- Capacitance of a Parallel Plate Capacitor (with dielectric): $C=\frac{\kappa \epsilon_0 A}{d}$
- Energy Stored in a Capacitor: $U=\frac{1}{2} C V^2$
- Work Done in Moving a Charge in an Electric Field: $W=q\left(V_f-V_i\right)$
Chapter 3: Current Electricity
The concept of electric current is introduced in this chapter. Students will learn about resistance, conductivity, which are essential for understanding the chapter. The chapter also explains the laws related to these topics
Important topics are:
- Electric Current and Charge Flow in Conductors
- Drift Velocity and Mobility
- Ohm’s Law and V-I Characteristics
- Electrical Energy and Power
- Resistivity, Conductivity, and Temperature Dependence of Resistance
- EMF, Potential Difference, and Internal Resistance of a Cell
- Combination of Cells (Series and Parallel)
- Kirchhoff’s Laws
- Wheatstone Bridge
Important Formulas:
- Ohm's Law: $V=I R$
- Resistance: $R=\frac{\rho L}{A}$
- Resistances in Series: $R_{\text {eq }}=R_1+R_2+\cdots+R_n$
- Resistances in Parallel: $\frac{1}{R_{\mathrm{eq}}}=\frac{1}{R_1}+\frac{1}{R_2}+\cdots+\frac{1}{R_n}$
- Current Density: $J=\frac{I}{A}$
- Kirchhoff's First Law (Junction Rule): $\sum I_{\mathrm{in}}=\sum I_{\text {out }}$
- Power Dissipated in a Resistor: $P=I^2 R=V^2 / R=I V$
- Conductivity: $\sigma=\frac{1}{\rho}$
- Temperature Dependence of Resistivity: $\rho(T)=\rho_0\left[1+\alpha\left(T-T_0\right)\right]$
Chapter 4: Moving Charges and Magnetism
This chapter explores how moving charges create magnetic fields and how those fields affect other currents and magnets. It forms the foundation for understanding electric motors and electromagnetic force.
Important topics are:
- Magnetic Field and Oersted’s Experiment
- Biot–Savart Law and Applications
- Ampere’s Circuital Law and Applications
- Force on a Moving Charge in Magnetic and Electric Fields
- Force on a Current-Carrying Conductor in a Magnetic Field
- Force Between Two Parallel Current-Carrying Conductors (Definition of Ampere)
- Torque on a Current Loop in a Magnetic Field
- Current Loop as a Magnetic Dipole
- Moving Coil Galvanometer and Its Conversions (Ammeter & Voltmeter)
Important Formulas:
- Magnetic Field at the Center of a Circular Loop: $B=\frac{\mu_0 I}{2 R}$
- Torque on a Magnetic Dipole in a Uniform Magnetic Field: $\tau=\mathbf{m} \times \mathbf{B}$
- Potential Energy of a Magnetic Dipole in a Uniform Magnetic Field: $U=-\mathbf{m} \cdot \mathbf{B}$
- Force between Two Parallel Current-Carrying Conductors: $F=\frac{\mu_0 I_1 I_2 L}{2 \pi d}$
- Radius of the Path of a Charged Particle in a Magnetic Field: $r=\frac{m v}{q B}$
Chapter 5: Magnetism and Matter
This is the second chapter of the unit on magnetic effects of current and magnetism. The concepts of magnetic intensity, susceptibility, and hysteresis are included in this chapter.
Important topics are:
- Bar Magnet and Its Properties
- Bar Magnet as an Equivalent Solenoid (Qualitative)
- Magnetic Field Due to a Magnetic Dipole (Qualitative)
- Torque on a Magnetic Dipole in a Uniform Magnetic Field (Qualitative)
- Magnetic Field Lines
- Magnetic Properties of Materials – Para-, Dia-, and Ferro-magnetism
- Magnetisation and Magnetic Materials
- Effect of Temperature on Magnetic Properties
Important Formulas:
- Magnetic Dipole Moment of a Current Loop: $\mathbf{m}=I \mathbf{A}$
- Torque on a Magnetic Dipole in a Uniform Magnetic Field: $\tau=\mathbf{m} \times \mathbf{B}$
- Potential Energy of a Magnetic Dipole in a Uniform Magnetic Field: $U=-\mathbf{m} \cdot \mathbf{B}$
- Magnetic Field due to a Magnetic Dipole (at Axial Point): $B_{\text {axial }}=\frac{\mu_0}{4 \pi} \frac{2 m}{r^3}$
- Magnetic Susceptibility: $\chi_m=\frac{M}{H}$
- Magnetization: $M=\chi_m H$
Chapter 6: Electromagnetic Induction
This chapter gives a foundation for electric generation. The chapter explains practical setups like transformers and generators, which are based on electromagnetic induction.
Important topics are:
- Electromagnetic Induction
- Faraday’s Laws of Electromagnetic Induction
- Induced EMF and Current
- Lenz’s Law
- Self-Induction
- Mutual Induction
Important Formulas:
- Faraday's Law of Electromagnetic Induction: $\mathcal{E}=-\frac{d \Phi_B}{d t}$
- Lenz's Law: The direction of the induced EMF and current is such that it opposes the change in magnetic flux that produced it.
- Magnetic Flux: $\Phi_B=\mathbf{B} \cdot \mathbf{A}=B A \cos \theta$
- Energy Stored in an Inductor: $U=\frac{1}{2} L I^2$
Chapter 7: Alternating Current
This is the second chapter of the 4th unit. This chapter introduces alternating current (AC), the form of electricity used in homes and industries. Understanding these topics is important for students aiming for electrical engineering.
Important topics are:
- Alternating Current (AC)
- Peak and RMS Values of AC/Voltage
- Reactance and Impedance
- LCR Series Circuit and Phasor Representation
- Resonance in AC Circuits
- Power in AC Circuits and Power Factor
- Wattless Current
- AC Generator
- Transformer
Important Formulas:
- Alternating Current (AC) Voltage: $\boldsymbol{v}(t)=V_0 \sin (\omega t+\phi)$
- Root Mean Square (RMS) Value of AC Voltage: $V_{\mathrm{rms}}=\frac{V_0}{\sqrt{2}}$
- Root Mean Square (RMS) Value of AC Current: $I_{\mathrm{rms}}=\frac{I_0}{\sqrt{2}}$
- Impedance in an RLC Circuit: $Z=\sqrt{R^2+\left(X_L-X_C\right)^2}$
- Phase Angle in an RLC Circuit: $\tan \phi=\frac{X_L-X_C}{R}$
Chapter 8: Electromagnetic Waves
This is the only chapter in the fifth unit. The chapter introduces different types of waves in the electromagnetic spectrum, such as microwaves, infrared, visible light, and gamma rays
Important topics are:
- Displacement Current (Basic Idea)
- Electromagnetic Waves and Their Characteristics
- Transverse Nature of Electromagnetic Waves (Qualitative)
- Electromagnetic Spectrum
- Uses of Different EM Waves (Radio, Microwave, IR, Visible, UV, X-rays, Gamma Rays)
Important Formulas:
-
Speed of Electromagnetic Waves: $\boldsymbol{c}=\frac{1}{\sqrt{\mu_0 \epsilon_0}}$
-
Relation Between Electric Field (E) and Magnetic Field (B) in an Electromagnetic Wave: $ E=cB$
-
Energy Density of an Electromagnetic Wave: $u=\frac{1}{2} \epsilon_0 E^2+\frac{1}{2} \frac{B^2}{\mu_0}$
Chapter 9: Ray Optics and Optical Instruments
This chapter explains how light behaves as rays that reflect and refract. Image formation, lens formula, and magnification are the key components of this chapter.
Important topics are:
- Reflection of Light and Spherical Mirrors
- Mirror Formula
- Refraction of Light and Total Internal Reflection
- Optical Fibres
- Refraction at Spherical Surfaces and Lenses
- Thin Lens Formula and Lens Maker’s Formula
- Magnification and Power of a Lens
- Combination of Thin Lenses in Contact
- Refraction Through a Prism
- Optical Instruments – Microscopes and Telescopes (Reflecting & Refracting)
- Magnifying Power of Optical Instruments
Important Formulas:
- Snell's Law: $n_1 \sin \theta_1=n_2 \sin \theta_2$
- Lens Maker's Formula: $\frac{1}{f}=(n-1)\left(\frac{1}{R_1}-\frac{1}{R_2}\right)$
- Mirror Equation: $\frac{1}{f}=\frac{1}{v}+\frac{1}{u}$
- Magnification for Mirrors and Lenses: $m=\frac{h^{\prime}}{h}=\frac{v}{u}$
- Power of a Lens: $P=\frac{1}{f}$
- Critical Angle: $\sin \theta_c=\frac{1}{n}$
- Lens Formula: $\frac{1}{f}=\frac{1}{v}-\frac{1}{u}$
Chapter 10: Wave Optics
This chapter dives into the wave nature of light. Interference, diffraction, and polarisation are key topics.
Important topics are:
- Wave Front and Huygen’s Principle
- Reflection and Refraction Using Huygen’s Principle
- Interference of Light
- Young’s Double Slit Experiment (YDSE)
- Fringe Width Expression (Final Formula Only)
- Coherent Sources and Sustained Interference
- Diffraction Due to a Single Slit (Qualitative)
- Width of Central Maximum (Qualitative)
Important Formulas:
- Path Difference: $\Delta x=d \sin \theta$
- Condition for Constructive Interference (Bright Fringes): $\Delta x=n \lambda$
- Condition for Destructive Interference (Dark Fringes): $\Delta x=\left(n+\frac{1}{2}\right) \lambda$
- Fringe Width: $\beta=\frac{\lambda D}{d}$
- Condition for Minima: $a \sin \theta=n \lambda$
- Intensity of Interference Fringes: $I=I_1+I_2+2 \sqrt{I_1 I_2} \cos \phi$
Chapter 11: Dual Nature of Radiation and Matter
This chapter marks the transition from classical physics to quantum mechanics. The chapter explains important topics like the de Broglie hypothesis and the photoelectric effect.
Important topics are:
- Dual Nature of Radiation
- Photoelectric Effect
- Hertz and Lenard’s Observations
- Einstein’s Photoelectric Equation (Particle Nature of Light)
- Experimental Study of Photoelectric Effect
- Matter Waves
- Wave Nature of Particles and de Broglie Relation
important Formulas:
- Photoelectric Equation: $K_{\max }=h \nu-\phi$
- De Broglie Wavelength: $\lambda=\frac{h}{p}=\frac{h}{m v}$
- Einstein's Photoelectric Equation: $E=h \nu$
- Threshold Frequency: $\nu_0=\frac{\phi}{h}$
- Stopping Potential: $e V_0=K_{\text {max }}$
- Momentum of a Photon: $p=\frac{E}{c}=\frac{h \nu}{c}=\frac{h}{\lambda}$
Chapter 12: Atoms
This chapter explains how the electrons are arranged in an atom and the structure of an atom. It helps explain why different elements emit different colors in flames or lights.
Important topics are:
- Alpha-Particle Scattering Experiment
- Rutherford’s Model of the Atom
- Bohr’s Model of the Hydrogen Atom
- Radius, Velocity, and Energy of Electron in nth Orbit
- Hydrogen Spectrum (Qualitative Treatment)
important Formulas:
- Frequency of Radiation Emitted or Absorbed (Bohr's Frequency Condition): $h \nu=E_i-E_f$
- Wavelength of Emitted or Absorbed Light (Rydberg Formula): $\frac{1}{\lambda}=R\left(\frac{1}{n_1^2}-\frac{1}{n_2^2}\right)$
Chapter 13: Nuclei
This chapter explains more about the nucleus. It introduces radioactivity and nuclear reactions, including fission and fusion. This chapter is important for understanding nuclear energy.
Important topics are:
- Composition and Size of Nucleus
- Nuclear Force
- Mass-Energy Relation and Mass Defect
- Binding Energy per Nucleon and Its Variation
- Nuclear Fission
- Nuclear Fusion
Important Formulas:
- Mass-Energy Equivalence: $E=m c^2$
- Mean Life: $\tau=\frac{1}{\lambda}$
- Activity (Rate of Decay): $A=\lambda N$
- Binding Energy per Nucleon: $E_{\mathrm{bn}}=\frac{E_b}{A}$
- Mass Defect: $\Delta m=\left(Z m_p+N m_n\right)-m_{\text {nucleus }}$
Chapter 14: Semiconductor Electronics, Materials, Devices, and Simple Circuits
This chapter explains the basics of things that are the foundation for computers and other electronic devices. You’ll learn about intrinsic and extrinsic semiconductors, diodes, transistors, and logic gates.
Important topics are:
- Energy Bands in Conductors, Semiconductors, and Insulators
- Intrinsic and Extrinsic Semiconductors (p-type and n-type)
- p-n Junction and Its Characteristics
- Semiconductor Diode: I-V Characteristics (Forward and Reverse Bias)
- Application of Diode: Rectifier
Important Formulas:
- Ohm's Law for Semiconductor: $V=I R$
- Resistance of a Semiconductor: $R=\frac{\rho L}{A}$
- Conductivity: $\sigma=\frac{1}{\rho}=n q \mu$
- Intrinsic Carrier Concentration: $n_i=\sqrt{N_c N_v} e^{-} \frac{E_g}{2 k T}$
- Total Current in a Semiconductor: $I=I_n+I_p=n q \mu_n E+p q \mu_p E$
Benefits of Using Class 12 Physics NCERT Solutions 2026
The NCERT Solutions for Class 12 Physics (2025-26) are a valuable study tool designed to help students master complex concepts with ease. These solutions provide step-by-step explanations to all NCERT textbook questions, making it simpler to grasp topics like electricity, magnetism, optics, and modern physics. They not only strengthen conceptual understanding but also improve accuracy in solving numerical problems, helping students perform well in CBSE board exams and competitive exams like JEE and NEET.
- The Class 12 physics NCERT solutions are really helpful for students who are studying for their board exams, as they strictly follow the NCERT syllabus.
- The solutions are explained in a step-by-step manner, which helps students to understand complicated topics easily.
- The language used in the solution is simple and easy to understand, which helps students understand difficult concepts.
- Practising with class 12 physics NCERT solutions will help students improve their performance and confidence.
- Students can also improve their problem-solving abilities, which helps them to score better in board exams.
Also read,
Best Reference Books for Class 12 Physics Along With NCERT 2026
Students can refer to books other than the NCERT for preparation for board exams and entrance exams. After reading the NCERT thoroughly, students can refer to other books to understand the exam pattern, question types, and important topics that are frequently asked in the exam. The best reference books for class 12 physics are given in the following table along with their features:
| Book Title | Author/Publisher | Key Features | Best For |
| Concepts of Physics (Vol I & II) | H.C. Verma | Clear concepts, solved & unsolved numericals, ideal for foundational understanding |
Boards + JEE/NEET preparation
|
| Fundamentals of Physics | Halliday, Resnick & Walker | Detailed theory with conceptual rigor includes challenging problems |
Advanced learners, JEE prep
|
| Objective Physics (Vol I & II) | D.C. Pandey (Arihant) | Objective questions, MCQs, topic-wise practice |
NEET, JEE Main, & Boards
|
| New Simplified Physics | S.L. Arora (Dhanpat Rai) | CBSE-aligned, easy explanation, numerous solved examples |
Class 12 Board exam preparation
|
| CBSE Chapterwise Solutions – Physics | S.K. Singh (Arihant/Oswaal) | Past years’ papers, chapter-wise solutions, board-oriented |
Practice for CBSE board exams
|
| The Feynman Lectures on Physics | Richard Feynman | Intuitive explanation, deeper understanding of physical principles |
Conceptual enthusiasts, Olympiads
|
Tips to Study for Class 12 Physics Board Exam 2026
Class 12 Physics Board Exam (202526) is an exam that must be prepared through clever study methods, clear conceptualisation and regular practice. It might appear that physics is difficult because of the combination of theory and numbers, yet, with the appropriate approach, it will be feasible to learn. The systematic way will enable students to gain confidence and save time, and achieve high grades in board and entrance tests.
- Students should go through the Class 12 physics syllabus to get familiar with the topics. This also helps them to create an effective study plan.
- Students should understand the marking scheme for the Class 12 physics exam for their respective boards. This will help them identify important topics that carry high weightage. It also helps them to understand the type and number of questions asked in the exam.
- Create notes for every chapter and keep them in order. These notes will be useful for revision.
- Prepare formula sheets for each chapter with important formulas that can be later used for practising previous years' question papers and model papers.
- Solve previous years' question papers to understand the question format and the important points and topics that are frequently asked in the exam. It also helps students to improve their problem-solving speed and time management.
- Practice regularly to understand the concept better. Practising difficult derivations will help students memorise them.
NCERT solutions for class 12, subject-wise