Unit I Special Theory of Relativity:

1. Derive Lorentz Transformation Equations for space and time coordinates. State
clearly where and how the postulates of relativity are used in this derivation.
2. Derive Velocity/Momentum and Energy transformation equations.
3. Prove the relativistic velocity addition theorem.
4. Explain the concept of length contraction / time dilation / relativity of simultaneity.
5. Problems based on length contraction, time dilation, velocity transformation.
6. Explain the momentum conservation in elastic collision in relativity. Explain the
definition of rest mass, relativistic mass and the momentum.
7. Derive mass-energy relation in the theory of relativity. Show that E2 = p2c2 +mo2c4.
8. Derive relation between Total energy, Kinetic energy and the rest energy.
9. Problems on concept of rest mass, relativistic momentum, K.E. and total energy.
10. Short note on twin paradox.
11. Explain Minkowskis space-time diagram. Using it explain length contraction/time
dilation/ simultaneity of events.
12. Explain calibration curves of space-time diagram.
Unit II Astronomy :
1.
2.
3.
4.

Briefly describe features of any five planets of our solar system.

Describe the method of parallax used for finding distance to the star.
Why is it important to find distance to a star in the study of stellar astrophysics?
What is meant by magnitude of a star? Define the terms apparent magnitude and the
absolute magnitude and explain the relationship between them.
5. Describe the process of star formation. What is hydrostatic equilibrium?
6. Explain how the colour helps us in deciding the surface temperature of stars?
7. What are the nuclear reactions which produces stars light in its main sequence life?
Describe in detail.
8. Draw the Hertzsprung-Rusell diagram and describe its features.
9. Describe end stage evolution of a low/high/very high mass star.
10. Describe, compare and contrast: White Dwarfs, Neutron Stars and Black Holes.
Unit III Cosmology:
1. Discuss the types of Galaxies and explain their classification with help of Hubbles
tuning fork diagram.
2. Describe the structure of Milky Way Galaxy and explain where our Sun is situated in it.
3. Describe the hierarchical structure of the universe.
4. Discuss the Hubbles Law of Expansion with the help of Hubble Diagram.
5. State and explain the two basic postulates of cosmology.
6. Starting from the big bang explain the evolution of the Universe till the present time.
7. What is dark matter? Why is it so called? Give its significance in cosmology.
8. What is microwave background radiation? Explain how it confirms the big bang
cosmological model.
9. A star is receding from the earth at a speed of 0.005c. What is the wavelength shift for the
red colour of 7000 A.U.?
10. A Galaxy has apparent magnitude of 17 and an absolute magnitude of -15. Find its
distance from earth.

11. Explain the terms redshift and blueshift. Hence obtain fractional shift and velocity of a
receding galaxy. State Hubbles law.
12. What are the units of Hubbles constant? Define units of distance, mass and time used in
cosmology.