Crack IIT JEE 2009!

The format of JEE papers keeps changing. However, for the last three years, the format has included two separate papers of three hours each. Both these papers include three sections on physics, chemistry and mathematics. The questions in these papers are of the senior-secondary academic level expected at the stage. Each section includes questions under different headings. 

Master Mathematics

To score in mathematics, you need to have the ability to solve simple, stereotypical questions, as well as challenging and complex problems that you might have to face unexpectedly. 

Before you solve a problem, you must: 
(a) Identify exactly what needs to be answered 
(b) Identify the data and conditions that will guide you to the answer. 
(c) Visualise the problem mentally and, if needed draw a sketch or diagram from the given data and write the appropriate symbols and equations.

1. While attempting questions, try not to make any particular problems a prestige issue. Hence, if you are unable to solve the problem within a reasonable amount of time, you should skip the question and move on. Always remember that there may be simpler problems awaiting you 

2. Don’t be tempted to guess the answer to a question. It may prove costly if there is negative marking. 

3. Also, always try and attempt some mock question papers in a simulated environment before the D-day. In fact, there are many online test that provide useful mock practice test for students. One such website is www.testmate.in

Step-wise problem solving skills

1. Read and understand the problem clearly — (a) What am I supposed to find? (b) What am I solving for? (c) What data and conditions have been provided?


2. Develop and carry out a plan of action — (a) Have I ever solved a similar problem? (b) What strategy should be followed? (c) How do I apply the skills needed to implement a strategy?


3. Find the answer and check it — (a) Does the proposed solution seem to be reasonable? (b) Does the proposed solution need to be checked? In multiple choice questions or multiple-answer questions, try to identify the choices that cannot be correct or choices that immediately follow from the other choices.
    

Preperation for Physics

The format of the physics section in the JEE question paper changes every year. Subject problems, which involve details solutions, have been dispensed with. For the first time, in JEE-2007, questions based on paragraph, assertion-reason type questions and questions on matrix matching were included. IN JEE-2008; MCQs with more than one correct choice were included in the paper. 

Studying tips

1. Learn the definitions and formulae in each chapter first. It is essential to understand the assumptions involved in deriving a formula. The technique and mathematical tools and logic used must be clearly recognized and understood.

2. Write down important formulae in a separate notebook. Also, make a note of special techniques used in solving some problems in the chapter. These notes should be made for all the chapters. They will be useful before the exam, when you have limited time 

3. Carefully review chapters and recall the formulae, laws and techniques in the chapters. If you are unable to recalls them, refer to your notes 

Identification of problem areas 
          In each chapter, identify the problem areas, which need closer study. Prepare a note of the questions you failed to solve in the first attempt. Write down the correct solutions in a separate notebook. If you are unable to solve a problem, consult your teacher. In physics, checking the given choice for dimensional consistency is often very helpful. 

Questions based on experiments 
         In the physics paper, there is at least one question based on an experiment. You must learn how to determine the least count of measuring instrument such as vernier calipers, micrometer screw and spherometer, and to use them in making measurement. The rules of determining the significant figures in the result of a calculation must be clearly understood. 

Books recommended for physics

1. Fundamentals of Physics by Halliday, Resnick and Walker

2. Advanced Level Physics by Nelkon and Parker

3. Physics of class Xi and XII by NCERT
    

Crack Chemistry

The three branches of chemistry are evenly represented in both the papers in the JEE. The chemistry paper in the year 2008 was in the following format in both Paper I and Paper II: 

Straight-objective type: This involves questions with four alternative answers, of which only one is correct. 

Multiple-correct answer type: This involves questions with four alternative answers, of which more than one is correct. 

Reasoning type: Here, each question involves two statements, which have to correlated with each other. Only one answer is correct. 

Linked-comprehension type: This is a paragraph stating certain facts, from which a set of three questions is framed with four alternative answers, of which only one is correct.

Physical Chemistry

The subject matter in physical chemistry involves topics with well-focused principles. Their application to different problems is straightforward. You should pay more attention to this branch of chemistry so that you can solve problems related to it more comfortably. Be thoroughly prepared with: 

• Bohr’s theory of atomic structure, quantum numbers and orbitals.

• MO approach to diatomic molecules, hybridization/VSEPR theory

• Vander Waals equation of state and application to behaviour of real gases

• Crystal systems, packing of atoms, ionic solids and density of crystals

• Collegative properties of non-electrolytic and electrolytic solutions

• Electrolysis, conductance and galvanic cells

• Differential and integrated rate laws, effect of catalyst and temperature on the rate of reaction

• Determination of PH of acids, bases and salt solutions (including hydrolysis) and solubility product

• Le-Chatelier Principle, relation between Kp and Kc

• Stability of nuclei

• Thermo-chemical calculations and criterion of spontaneity

As for inorganic and organic chemistry, be prepared with: 
 

Inorganic Chemistry

• Boron and its compounds

• Silicates and silicones

• Oxoacids of phosphorus, sulphur and halogens

• Inter halogens and compounds of noble gases

• Important compounds such as H₂O₂, NAHCO₃, NA₂CO₃, KMnO4, K2Cr₂O₇

• Transition elements, lanthanides and coordination compounds

• Quantitative analysis of salts
   

Organic Chemistry

• Isomerism with optical isomerism

• Inductive and resonance effects on acidity and basicity of acids and bases

• Factors affecting SN1/SN2 reactions

• Reaction involving rearrangement

• Bromination and hydrogenerations of cis-and-trans-alkenes; debromination of different isomers of 2, 3-dibromobutane

• Reimer-Tiemann reaction

• Characteristic reactions of ketorres, aldehydes and carboxylic-acid derivatives

• Reactions with Grignar reagent and those of diazonium salt

• Carbohydrates and polymers

• Qualitative analysis of organic compounds