SciAstra
MASTERING
PHYSICS
VOLUME 2
, PREFACE
Hello Future Scientists,
Back in March 2021, SciAstra began with a dream, right from our hostel room. Today, we're
thrilled to introduce "Mastering Physics," a special guide designed exclusively for IAT and NEST
research exams in India.
We realised something important along the way. While there are many study materials for exams
like NEET and JEE, there was nothing quite like it for IAT and NEST. Students were looking for
help, and we decided to create a real, physical book just for students preparing for the research
exams.
We've spent over two dedicated years putting together the book you're holding now - "Mastering
Physics: Your Gateway to Excellence in IAT and NEST Research Entrances." This isn't just any
book; it's the first of its kind in India, made especially to help students on their journey into the
world of science and research.
What makes this book really special is that it was made with the help of experts from esteemed
institutions like IISC, IISERs, NISER, IITs, and more. Their insights have enriched this guide,
ensuring it meets the highest standards. They have experience of guiding thousands of students for
clearing these entrance examinations with top Ranks.
"Mastering Physics" isn't just about theory and questions. It's a complete guide that covers
everything you need to know for IAT and NEST exams. It includes a diverse range of questions
from diagrams to tricky yet interesting multiple-choice questions. What makes it even better is that
it contains questions from previous years (PYQs) of IAT (since 2017) and NEST (from as far back
as 2007). Practising these questions is like a guarantee that you'll do well.
SciAstra isn't like regular coaching centres. Our mission is to make you curious about science and
teach you to think like a scientist. We believe in understanding the concepts, not just memorising
facts.
Although we couldn't find online questions for the IACS UPST exam, this book will still equip you
with valuable knowledge to tackle it confidently.
"Mastering Physics" is more than just a book; it's your partner on your journey to becoming a great
scientist. We invite you to start this exciting journey with us and shape the future with the power of
science.
Welcome to SciAstra.
With enthusiasm and unwavering commitment,
Vivek Dwivedi and Akhil Tripathi
Founders, SciAstra
(ii)
, ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
Dear Readers and Future Scientists,
We are deeply honoured to extend our heartfelt gratitude to the exceptional individuals who have
been instrumental in bringing "Mastering Physics" to life, your indispensable guide for IAT, NEST,
IACS, and other UG entrance exam preparation.
To our esteemed mentors, Ripunjay Dwivedi, Sagar Rathore, Pawan Kumar Garg, Rajnil
Mukherjee, Siddharth Bhatt, Rwitacheta Sinha, and all those whose names may not have been
explicitly mentioned, we extend our sincere thanks.
Your unwavering dedication, profound expertise, and unwavering contributions have been the
cornerstone of this book's creation. Your invaluable guidance, drawn from your vast experience,
has enriched its content, making it an indispensable resource for aspiring scientists.
We would like to extend a special thanks to Ripunjay Dwivedi for his immense contributions to the
theory and his pivotal role in shaping the structure of the entire book.
We deeply appreciate your understanding of the significance of this endeavour and your steadfast
commitment to its realization. Your combined wisdom has not only created a potent tool for exam
preparation but has also ignited the flames of curiosity and inquiry in the hearts and minds of
budding Scientists.
As we venture into this journey to empower and guide students, we extend our heartfelt gratitude
to each of you, our mentors and contributors. You are the driving force behind "Mastering
Physics."
Thank you for being an invaluable part of the SciAstra family and for your exceptional
contributions to "Mastering Physics."
With profound appreciation and warm regards,
The SciAstra Team
(iii)
, Contents
I ELECTROSTATICS
1 Electrostatics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
1.1 Coulomb’s Law 11
1.2 Electric Fields 14
1.3 Electric Field lines, electric flux and Gauss’ law: 18
1.4 Understanding Electric Potential 22
1.5 Electric Potential from Various Charge Distributions 23
1.6 Electric Potential of objects 25
1.7 Work required to move a charge: 26
1.8 Electric Dipole 27
1.9 Exercises: 29
MASTERING
PHYSICS
VOLUME 2
, PREFACE
Hello Future Scientists,
Back in March 2021, SciAstra began with a dream, right from our hostel room. Today, we're
thrilled to introduce "Mastering Physics," a special guide designed exclusively for IAT and NEST
research exams in India.
We realised something important along the way. While there are many study materials for exams
like NEET and JEE, there was nothing quite like it for IAT and NEST. Students were looking for
help, and we decided to create a real, physical book just for students preparing for the research
exams.
We've spent over two dedicated years putting together the book you're holding now - "Mastering
Physics: Your Gateway to Excellence in IAT and NEST Research Entrances." This isn't just any
book; it's the first of its kind in India, made especially to help students on their journey into the
world of science and research.
What makes this book really special is that it was made with the help of experts from esteemed
institutions like IISC, IISERs, NISER, IITs, and more. Their insights have enriched this guide,
ensuring it meets the highest standards. They have experience of guiding thousands of students for
clearing these entrance examinations with top Ranks.
"Mastering Physics" isn't just about theory and questions. It's a complete guide that covers
everything you need to know for IAT and NEST exams. It includes a diverse range of questions
from diagrams to tricky yet interesting multiple-choice questions. What makes it even better is that
it contains questions from previous years (PYQs) of IAT (since 2017) and NEST (from as far back
as 2007). Practising these questions is like a guarantee that you'll do well.
SciAstra isn't like regular coaching centres. Our mission is to make you curious about science and
teach you to think like a scientist. We believe in understanding the concepts, not just memorising
facts.
Although we couldn't find online questions for the IACS UPST exam, this book will still equip you
with valuable knowledge to tackle it confidently.
"Mastering Physics" is more than just a book; it's your partner on your journey to becoming a great
scientist. We invite you to start this exciting journey with us and shape the future with the power of
science.
Welcome to SciAstra.
With enthusiasm and unwavering commitment,
Vivek Dwivedi and Akhil Tripathi
Founders, SciAstra
(ii)
, ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
Dear Readers and Future Scientists,
We are deeply honoured to extend our heartfelt gratitude to the exceptional individuals who have
been instrumental in bringing "Mastering Physics" to life, your indispensable guide for IAT, NEST,
IACS, and other UG entrance exam preparation.
To our esteemed mentors, Ripunjay Dwivedi, Sagar Rathore, Pawan Kumar Garg, Rajnil
Mukherjee, Siddharth Bhatt, Rwitacheta Sinha, and all those whose names may not have been
explicitly mentioned, we extend our sincere thanks.
Your unwavering dedication, profound expertise, and unwavering contributions have been the
cornerstone of this book's creation. Your invaluable guidance, drawn from your vast experience,
has enriched its content, making it an indispensable resource for aspiring scientists.
We would like to extend a special thanks to Ripunjay Dwivedi for his immense contributions to the
theory and his pivotal role in shaping the structure of the entire book.
We deeply appreciate your understanding of the significance of this endeavour and your steadfast
commitment to its realization. Your combined wisdom has not only created a potent tool for exam
preparation but has also ignited the flames of curiosity and inquiry in the hearts and minds of
budding Scientists.
As we venture into this journey to empower and guide students, we extend our heartfelt gratitude
to each of you, our mentors and contributors. You are the driving force behind "Mastering
Physics."
Thank you for being an invaluable part of the SciAstra family and for your exceptional
contributions to "Mastering Physics."
With profound appreciation and warm regards,
The SciAstra Team
(iii)
, Contents
I ELECTROSTATICS
1 Electrostatics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
1.1 Coulomb’s Law 11
1.2 Electric Fields 14
1.3 Electric Field lines, electric flux and Gauss’ law: 18
1.4 Understanding Electric Potential 22
1.5 Electric Potential from Various Charge Distributions 23
1.6 Electric Potential of objects 25
1.7 Work required to move a charge: 26
1.8 Electric Dipole 27
1.9 Exercises: 29
