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Sunday, 25 October

JEE Main · Physics · Class 12

Dual Nature of Radiation and Matter: JEE Main previous year questions

113 questions in 99 of the 108 JEE Main shifts Lumi analysed, asked in 8 of 8 years. Here is what this chapter tests and how.

Study this chapter
Questions
113
in 99 of 108 shifts · 8 of 8 years
Average a shift
1.0
of 25 Physics · 0.8 since 2024 -0.3
Typical range
0.8–1.2
questions a shift; fewest 0.6, most 1.7
Weighted estimate
0.9
model, recent years count more · about 3.6 marks
  • Typical range (fact)
  • Average a shift (fact)
  • Weighted estimate (model)

Questions are counted per shift, out of the 25 each subject has, in the shifts Lumi analysed; papers that offered 30 a subject (2017, 2021–2024) are scaled to 25. Typical range: the middle six of the eight years (2017, 2020–2026), leaving out the single highest and lowest year. The average and the range are historical fact. The weighted estimate is a model: each year's share, with recent years counting more (half-life three years), and chapters NTA dropped from the syllabus set near zero. It is a guide to effort, not a forecast of the paper.

What to do

How to spend time on Dual Nature of Radiation and Matter

Priority

Must do

One of the 11 Physics chapters that together held the first half of Physics questions in the 108 shifts analysed. How bands are set

Past questions
113in 99 of 108 shifts
Study plan gives it
15 hover 12 months; 11 h over 6
Study this chapter →

Ideas asked most often

  1. Wavelength Ratios of Different Particles15×
  2. Einstein's Photoelectric Equation14×
  3. Work Function and Threshold10×
  4. Two-Wavelength System of Equations7×
  5. Photon Flux and Beam Power7×

74 of the 117 ideas in Lumi’s map of this chapter have not been asked or touched in the shifts analysed. Of its idea-tagged questions from 2024 on, 10% tested an idea not asked in an earlier year, so learn the whole chapter, not just the list above.

Within each subject, chapters in NTA's 2026 syllabus are ranked by their average questions a shift over all 8 years analysed (history, not the model). Going down that list, the chapters that together held the first half of the subject's questions are Must do; the next ones, up to 80%, are Should do; the rest are Lower priority.

Key findings

Dual Nature of Radiation and Matter at a glance

  1. 01

    90%

    of its 30 questions from 2024 on that Lumi matched to an idea tested one JEE Main had asked in an earlier year; 100% came from a topic asked in an earlier year.

  2. 02

    63%

    of the 117 ideas in Lumi's map of the chapter have not been asked or touched on in the shifts analysed.

  3. 03

    10%

    of its questions asked for a numerical answer, 0.3 times the Physics average.

  4. 04

    0%

    of its questions were rated hard, against 5% across all Physics questions in the same shifts.

Questions a shift, year by year

Out of the 25 Physics questions in a shift. Years differ in how many shifts Lumi analysed, so each year is scaled to one shift.

0241.7’171.2’201’210.8’220.8’230.8’240.6’251’26

Raw count: 2017: 2 in 1 shift · 2020: 14 in 12 shifts · 2021: 30 in 24 shifts · 2022: 23 in 24 shifts · 2023: 12 in 12 shifts · 2024: 18 in 18 shifts · 2025: 5 in 8 shifts · 2026: 9 in 9 shifts.

Kind of question

SHARE OF QUESTIONS
  • Calculation37%
  • Conceptual14%
  • Multi-step13%
  • Application12%
  • Numerical answer10%
  • Diagram based4%
  • Two statements4%
  • Assertion–reason3%
  • Recall, single correct1%
  • Match the list1%
  • Data or graph1%

Most common asks: order/ranking of de broglie wavelengths (6); threshold wavelength from two stopping potentials (3); graph interpretation of stopping potential vs frequency (2).

Profile

This chapter in numbers

Where it ranks, how steady it is, and what it costs to study.

Rank, all JEE chapters
#45
of 70 by weighted estimate
Rank in Physics
#12
of 28 chapters
Share of Physics
4.0%
of its questions, all shifts analysed
Busiest year
2017
1.7 questions a shift
Year to year
Some swing
varies by about 0.3 questions a shift
Long-run direction
-0.09
questions a shift, per year
Easy questions
47%
0% rated hard
Numerical answer
10%
0.3× the Physics rate
With a figure
6%
graph, diagram or structure
Study time
15 h
11 h on a 6-month plan
Marks per study hour
0.24
#30 of 70 chapters
Foundation for others
73%
of its ideas are used in other chapters

Difficulty, year by year

Each question rated easy, medium or hard. Each bar is that year’s split, so years compare directly; the number is the questions in that year’s analysed shifts (1 to 24 shifts a year).

  • 20172
  • 202014
  • 202130
  • 202223
  • 202312
  • 202418
  • 20255
  • 20269
  • Easy
  • Medium
  • Hard

What it asks you to do

SHARE OF QUESTIONS
  • Calculation43%
  • Conceptual19%
  • Multi-step17%
  • Application12%
  • Data or graph6%
  • Recall2%

Coverage

How much of the chapter JEE Main has used

We split the chapter into 117 ideas. In the 108 shifts analysed, JEE Main built a question around 35 of them. Most of the chapter has never been the main idea of a question, so past questions alone leave most of it out.

Asked as the main idea
35
Touched on in a question
8
Never asked
74

Topics

What repeats, topic by topic

This chapter's questions per topic in each year's analysed shifts. The number is the count; the shade is scaled to one shift, so a year with more analysed shifts (1 to 24 a year) does not look darker. 2 questions had no close topic in Lumi's map and count for the chapter only.

’17’20’21’22’23’24’25’26
016+questions in that year’s analysed shifts, shaded per shift
  • Photoelectric Effect

    As a topic: 66 questions in 7 of 8 years, most often single correct, 18% numerical answer. Recent asks: spectrum region from power and photon rate; work function from two wavelength data; numerical: work function from stopping potential.

  • Matter Waves

    As a topic: 55 questions in 8 of 8 years, most often single correct, 11% numerical answer.

  • Doppler Effect

    As a topic: 15 questions in 5 of 8 years, most often numerical value, 60% numerical answer.

  • X-Ray Production

    As a topic: 4 questions in 3 of 8 years, most often single correct.

Drill down

Topic, idea, question

Open a topic to see every idea JEE Main tested inside it, then open an idea to read the questions. Each row shows its 8 years.

  • Open57 · 50%7131361224

    15 ideas inside

    • OpenRepeated13 · 23%353
    • OpenRepeated7 · 12%3
    • OpenRepeated7 · 12%32
    • OpenRepeated6 · 11%22
    • OpenRepeated4 · 7%22
    • OpenRepeated4 · 7%22
    • OpenRepeated3 · 5%
    • OpenRepeated2 · 4%
    • OpenRepeated2 · 4%
    • OpenRepeated2 · 4%
    • OpenRepeated2 · 4%
    • OpenRepeated2 · 4%
    • Open1 · 2%
    • Open1 · 2%
    • Open1 · 2%
  • Open52 · 46%716106534
  • Open1 · 1%
  • Open1 · 1%
  • 4 Apr ’26 S2 · Q26
    Match the LIST-I with LIST-II List-I: A. Planck's constant B. Stopping potential C. Work function D. Threshold frequency List-II: I.…

    mediumMatch the list

  • 27 Jan ’24 S1 · Q46
    A convex lens of focal length 40 cm forms an image of an extended source of light on a photo-electric cell. A current I is produced. The…

    mediumSingle correct

Squares are the 8 years with analysed shifts, 2017 to 2026. A number is the questions that year when there is more than one; the shade is scaled to one shift, so a year with more analysed shifts (1 to 24 a year) does not look darker. Share is of the level above.

Ideas

The exact ideas JEE Main has asked

Inside the topics, 35 different ideas were tested; 21 came more than once. These are the repeats, then the ideas new since 2024.

Dots are the 8 years with analysed shifts, 2017 to 2026.

Every question

All 113 Dual Nature of Radiation and Matter questions

Newest first, shift by shift. The newest 40 show their opening words; older ones name the idea they tested. Each opens with its options and the official answer.

JEE Main 20269 questions

  1. 2 Apr 2026, Shift 1 · Q42For a certain metal, when monochromatic light of wavelength λ\lambda is incident, the stopping potential for photoelectrons is 3Vo3V_o.…MediumSingle correct
  2. 4 Apr 2026, Shift 1 · Q32The graph shows variation of stopping potential VoV_o with the frequency ν\nu of the incident radiation for three photosensitive metals…MediumDiagram basedHas a figure
  3. 4 Apr 2026, Shift 2 · Q26Match the LIST-I with LIST-II List-I: A. Planck's constant B. Stopping potential C. Work function D. Threshold frequency List-II: I.…MediumMatch the list
  4. 4 Apr 2026, Shift 2 · Q44The de Broglie wavelength associated with an electron accelerated through a potential difference V is λe\lambda_e and the de Broglie…EasySingle correct
  5. 5 Apr 2026, Shift 1 · Q35An electron of mass mm is moving in an electric field E⃗=−2E0i^\vec{E} = -2E_0\hat{i} (E0E_0 = constant >0> 0), with an initial velocity…MediumSingle correct
  6. 5 Apr 2026, Shift 1 · Q41Light source having wavelength 331 nm is used to generate photo-electrons whose stopping potential is 0.2 V. The work function of the used…EasySingle correct
  7. 5 Apr 2026, Shift 2 · Q43An electron is travelling with a velocity vv in free space and when it enters a medium, its velocity is reduced by 20%. The de Broglie…EasySingle correct
  8. 6 Apr 2026, Shift 2 · Q47The de Broglie wavelength for an electron accelerated through the potential difference of V1V_1 volt is λ1\lambda_1. When the potential…EasyNumerical value
  9. 8 Apr 2026, Shift 2 · Q43K1K_1 and K2K_2 be the maximum kinetic energies of photoelectrons emitted from a surface of a given material for the light of wavelength…MediumSingle correct

JEE Main 20255 questions

  1. 2 Apr 2025, Shift 1 · Q44A monochromatic light is incident on a metallic plate having work function ϕ\phi. An electron, emitted normally to the plate from a point…MediumSingle correct
  2. 2 Apr 2025, Shift 2 · Q33An electron with mass mm with an initial velocity (t=0)(t=0) v⃗=v0i^\vec{v} = v_0\hat{i} (v0>0)(v_0 > 0) enters a magnetic field…MediumSingle correct
  3. 3 Apr 2025, Shift 1 · Q43The work function of a metal is 3 eV. The color of the visible light that is required to cause emission of photoelectrons isEasySingle correct
  4. 7 Apr 2025, Shift 2 · Q43A photoemissive substance is illuminated with a radiation of wavelength λi\lambda_i so that it releases electrons with de-Broglie…MediumSingle correct
  5. 8 Apr 2025, Shift 2 · Q50An electron is released from rest near an infinite non-conducting sheet of uniform charge density '−σ-\sigma' .The rate of change of…MediumNumerical value

JEE Main 202418 questions

  1. 4 Apr 2024, Shift 1 · Q46Which figure shows the correct variation of applied potential difference (V) with photoelectric current (I) at two different intensities…EasyDiagram basedHas a figure
  2. 4 Apr 2024, Shift 2 · Q47Given below are two statements: one is labelled as Assertion A and the other is labelled as Reason R. Assertion A: Number of photons…MediumAssertion–reason
  3. 5 Apr 2024, Shift 1 · Q47Given below are two statements : Statement I : Figure shows the variation of stopping potential with frequency (ν\nu) for the two…MediumTwo statementsHas a figure
  4. 5 Apr 2024, Shift 2 · Q47Which of the following statement is not true about stopping potential (V0V_0) ?EasySingle correct
  5. 6 Apr 2024, Shift 1 · Q47In photoelectric experiment energy of 2.48 eV irradiates a photo sensitive material. The stopping potential was measured to be 0.5 V. Work…EasySingle correct
  6. 6 Apr 2024, Shift 2 · Q47When UV light of wavelength 300 nm is incident on the metal surface having work function 2.13 eV, electron emission takes place. The…EasySingle correct
  7. 8 Apr 2024, Shift 1 · Q44A proton and an electron are associated with same de-Broglie wavelength. The ratio of their kinetic energies is: (Assume…EasySingle correct
  8. 8 Apr 2024, Shift 2 · Q46A proton and an electron have the same de Broglie wavelength. If KpK_p and KeK_e be the kinetic energies of proton and electron…EasySingle correct
  9. 9 Apr 2024, Shift 1 · Q46A proton, an electron and an alpha particle have the same energies. Their de-Broglie wavelengths will be compared as :EasySingle correct
  10. 9 Apr 2024, Shift 2 · Q47UV light of 4.134.13 eV is incident on a photosensitive metal surface having work function 3.133.13 eV. The maximum kinetic energy of ejected…EasySingle correct
  11. 1 Feb 2024, Shift 1 · Q46The de Broglie wavelengths of a proton and an α\alpha particle are λ\lambda and 2λ2\lambda respectively. The ratio of the velocities of…EasySingle correct
  12. 1 Feb 2024, Shift 2 · Q46Monochromatic light of frequency 6×10146\times10^{14} Hz is produced by a laser. The power emitted is 2×10−32\times10^{-3} W. How many photons per…EasySingle correct
  13. 27 Jan 2024, Shift 1 · Q46A convex lens of focal length 40 cm forms an image of an extended source of light on a photo-electric cell. A current I is produced. The…MediumSingle correct
  14. 29 Jan 2024, Shift 1 · Q46The de-Broglie wavelength of an electron is the same as that of a photon. If velocity of electron is 25% of the velocity of light, then…MediumSingle correct
  15. 30 Jan 2024, Shift 1 · Q46The work function of a substance is 3.0 eV. The longest wavelength of light that can cause the emission of photoelectrons from this…EasySingle correct
  16. 30 Jan 2024, Shift 2 · Q46For the photoelectric effect, the maximum kinetic energy (EkE_k) of the photoelectrons is plotted against the frequency (ν\nu) of the…EasySingle correctHas a figure
  17. 31 Jan 2024, Shift 1 · Q46When a metal surface is illuminated by light of wavelength λ\lambda, the stopping potential is 8V. When the same surface is illuminated…MediumSingle correct
  18. 31 Jan 2024, Shift 2 · Q46In a photoelectric effect experiment a light of frequency 1.5 times the threshold frequency is made to fall on the surface of…EasySingle correct

JEE Main 202312 questions

  1. 6 Apr 2023, Shift 1 · Q35The kinetic energy of an electron, α\alpha-particle and a proton are given as 4 K, 2 K and K respectively. The de-Broglie wavelength…MediumSingle correct
  2. 6 Apr 2023, Shift 2 · Q44The work functions of Aluminium and Gold are 4.1 eV and and 5.1 eV respectively. The ratio of the slope of the stopping potential versus…EasySingle correct
  3. 8 Apr 2023, Shift 1 · Q44Proton (P) and electron (e) will have same de-Broglie wavelength when the ratio of their momentum is (assume,…EasySingle correct
  4. 8 Apr 2023, Shift 2 · Q45In photo electric effect A. The photocurrent is proportional to the intensity of the incident radiation. B. Maximum Kinetic energy with…EasyOther
  5. 10 Apr 2023, Shift 1 · Q46The de Broglie wavelength of a molecule in a gas at room temperature (300 K) is λ1\lambda_1. If the temperature of the gas is increased to…EasySingle correct
  6. 10 Apr 2023, Shift 2 · Q45The variation of stopping potential (V0V_0) as a function of the frequency (ν\nu) of the incident light for a metal is shown in figure.…MediumDiagram basedHas a figure
  7. 11 Apr 2023, Shift 1 · Q34A metallic surface is illuminated with radiation of wavelength λ\lambda, the stopping potential is V0V_0. If the same surface is…MediumSingle correct
  8. 11 Apr 2023, Shift 2 · Q45The ratio of the de-Broglie wavelengths of proton and electron having same Kinetic energy : (Assume mp=me×1849\mathrm{m_p = m_e\times1849})EasySingle correct
  9. 12 Apr 2023, Shift 1 · Q47Wavelength from Accelerating Potential · Medium · Single correct
  10. 13 Apr 2023, Shift 1 · Q45Work Function and Threshold · Easy · Single correct
  11. 13 Apr 2023, Shift 2 · Q47K_max versus Frequency Graph · Easy · Two statements
  12. 15 Apr 2023, Shift 1 · Q45Wavelength from Kinetic Energy · Easy · Single correct

JEE Main 202223 questions

  1. 25 Jul 2022, Shift 1 · Q47Solving via Two Wavelength Data Points · Medium · Single correct
  2. 25 Jul 2022, Shift 2 · Q37Wavelength Ratios of Different Particles · Easy · Single correct
  3. 26 Jul 2022, Shift 1 · Q34Photon Flux and Beam Power · Medium · Single correct
  4. 26 Jul 2022, Shift 2 · Q40Wavelengths in Radioactive Decay · Easy · Single correct
  5. 27 Jul 2022, Shift 1 · Q47Time Rate of Change of Wavelength · Medium · Single correct
  6. 27 Jul 2022, Shift 2 · Q47Failure of Classical Wave Theory · Medium · Other
  7. 28 Jul 2022, Shift 1 · Q47Wavelength from Accelerating Potential · Easy · Single correct
  8. 28 Jul 2022, Shift 2 · Q17Einstein's Photoelectric Equation · Easy · Single correct
  9. 29 Jul 2022, Shift 1 · Q46Einstein's Photoelectric Equation · Medium · Single correct
  10. 30 Jul 2022, Shift 2 · Q19Wavelength from Accelerating Potential · Easy · Single correct
  11. 24 Jun 2022, Shift 1 · Q56Einstein's Photoelectric Equation · Medium · Numerical value
  12. 24 Jun 2022, Shift 2 · Q48Maximum Velocity Calculation · Easy · Single correct
  13. 25 Jun 2022, Shift 1 · Q45Davisson-Germer Experiment Analysis · Easy · Two statements
  14. 25 Jun 2022, Shift 2 · Q46Wavelength Ratios of Different Particles · Medium · Single correct
  15. 26 Jun 2022, Shift 1 · Q47Electron vs Photon (Same Wavelength) · Medium · Single correct
  16. 26 Jun 2022, Shift 2 · Q47Work Function and Threshold · Medium · Single correct
  17. 26 Jun 2022, Shift 2 · Q60Work Function and Threshold · Medium · Numerical value
  18. 27 Jun 2022, Shift 1 · Q43Wavelength Ratios of Different Particles · Easy · Single correct
  19. 28 Jun 2022, Shift 1 · Q44Electron vs Photon (Same Energy) · Medium · Single correct
  20. 28 Jun 2022, Shift 2 · Q47Einstein's Photoelectric Equation · Medium · Single correct
  21. 29 Jun 2022, Shift 1 · Q37Work Function and Threshold · Easy · Assertion–reason
  22. 29 Jun 2022, Shift 2 · Q36Einstein's Photoelectric Equation · Medium · Single correct
  23. 30 Jun 2022, Shift 1 · Q48Photon Flux and Beam Power · Easy · Single correct

JEE Main 202130 questions

  1. 3 Aug 2021, Shift 1 · Q18Photon Flux and Beam Power · Medium · Single correct
  2. 3 Aug 2021, Shift 1 · Q25Einstein's Photoelectric Equation · Easy · Numerical value
  3. 4 Aug 2021, Shift 2 · Q3Two-Wavelength System of Equations · Medium · Single correct
  4. 4 Aug 2021, Shift 2 · Q29Photon Flux and Beam Power · Medium · Numerical value
  5. 26 Aug 2021, Shift 1 · Q7Stopping Potential · Easy · Single correct
  6. 26 Aug 2021, Shift 2 · Q8Wavelength from Kinetic Energy · Medium · Single correct
  7. 27 Aug 2021, Shift 1 · Q18Intensity vs Frequency Effects · Easy · Single correct
  8. 27 Aug 2021, Shift 2 · Q19Stopping Potential · Medium · Single correct
  9. 31 Aug 2021, Shift 1 · Q4Wavelength Ratios of Different Particles · Easy · Single correct
  10. 31 Aug 2021, Shift 2 · Q19Wavelength Uncertainty via Heisenberg · Medium · Single correct
  11. 24 Feb 2021, Shift 1 · Q18Photon Energy and Momentum · Easy · Two statements
  12. 24 Feb 2021, Shift 2 · Q15Cutoff Wavelength Calculation · Easy · Single correct
  13. 24 Feb 2021, Shift 2 · Q16Wavelength Ratios of Different Particles · Easy · Single correct
  14. 25 Feb 2021, Shift 1 · Q12Wavelength Ratios of Different Particles · Easy · Single correct
  15. 25 Feb 2021, Shift 2 · Q13Two-Wavelength System of Equations · Medium · Single correct
  16. 25 Feb 2021, Shift 2 · Q15Wavelength Ratios of Different Particles · Easy · Single correct
  17. 25 Feb 2021, Shift 2 · Q30Matter Wave vs Photon Energy Scaling · Medium · Numerical value
  18. 26 Feb 2021, Shift 1 · Q18Electron Specific Wavelength Formula · Easy · Assertion–reason
  19. 26 Feb 2021, Shift 2 · Q24Einstein's Photoelectric Equation · Medium · Numerical value
  20. 22 Jul 2021, Shift 2 · Q10Wavelength from Accelerating Potential · Easy · Single correct
  21. 25 Jul 2021, Shift 1 · Q6Wavelength from Kinetic Energy · Easy · Single correct
  22. 25 Jul 2021, Shift 1 · Q7Wavelengths in Radioactive Decay · Easy · Single correct
  23. 25 Jul 2021, Shift 2 · Q18Two-Wavelength System of Equations · Medium · Single correct
  24. 25 Jul 2021, Shift 2 · Q19Electron vs Photon (Same Wavelength) · Easy · Single correct
  25. 25 Jul 2021, Shift 2 · Q26Photoelectrons in a Magnetic Field · Medium · Numerical value
  26. 16 Mar 2021, Shift 2 · Q2Wavelength Ratios of Different Particles · Medium · Single correct
  27. 17 Mar 2021, Shift 1 · Q18Matter Wave vs Photon Energy Scaling · Medium · Single correct
  28. 17 Mar 2021, Shift 2 · Q14Einstein's Photoelectric Equation · Medium · Single correct
  29. 18 Mar 2021, Shift 1 · Q8Wavelength Ratios of Different Particles · Easy · Single correct
  30. 18 Mar 2021, Shift 2 · Q7Wavelength Ratios of Different Particles · Medium · Single correct

JEE Main 202014 questions

  1. 8 Jan 2020, Shift 1 · Q17Einstein's Photoelectric Equation · Medium · Single correct
  2. 8 Jan 2020, Shift 2 · Q18Wavelength in E-Field as Function of Time · Medium · Single correct
  3. 9 Jan 2020, Shift 1 · Q17Wavelength from Kinetic Energy · Easy · Single correct
  4. 9 Jan 2020, Shift 1 · Q18Photoelectrons in a Magnetic Field · Medium · Single correct
  5. 9 Jan 2020, Shift 2 · Q18Time Rate of Change of Wavelength · Medium · Single correct
  6. 2 Sep 2020, Shift 1 · Q25Stopping Potential vs Wavelength Graph · Medium · Numerical value
  7. 2 Sep 2020, Shift 2 · Q17Wavelength Ratios of Different Particles · Medium · Single correct
  8. 3 Sep 2020, Shift 1 · Q18Two-Wavelength System of Equations · Medium · Single correct
  9. 3 Sep 2020, Shift 2 · Q17Photon Flux and Beam Power · Medium · Single correct
  10. 4 Sep 2020, Shift 1 · Q18Basic Wavelength-Momentum Relation · Medium · Single correct
  11. 4 Sep 2020, Shift 1 · Q20Stopping Potential vs Frequency Graph · Medium · Diagram based · has a figure
  12. 4 Sep 2020, Shift 2 · Q17Stopping Potential vs Frequency Graph · Easy · Diagram based · has a figure
  13. 5 Sep 2020, Shift 1 · Q25Bragg's Law in Electron Diffraction · Medium · Numerical value
  14. 6 Sep 2020, Shift 2 · Q19Wavelength of Gas Molecule via V_rms · Medium · Single correct

JEE Main 20172 questions

  1. 2 Apr 2017 (offline) · Q13Exact Relativistic Doppler Formula · Medium · Single correct
  2. 2 Apr 2017 (offline) · Q24Wavelength After Elastic Collision · Medium · Single correct

Questions from the official JEE Main papers published by NTA. Chapter, topic and idea tags, counts and notes are Lumi’s. Pattern: Asked most years.

More Physics, Class 12

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