Soumya Senapati
Where Physics Meets Curiosity | Learn from an Experienced Tutor to unravel the mystery of the universe
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Physics tutor - Soumya Senapati
Masters degree
/ 30 min
Soumya - your physics tutor
I am an experienced physics and mathematics educator with a comprehensive background in astrophysics, computer science, and advanced scientific research. Holding a PhD from the Raman Research Institute and a Master’s degree from the California Institute of Technology, I have a strong foundation in both theoretical and applied sciences. Over the years, I have worked with various institutions and online platforms, delivering engaging and curriculum-aligned instruction to students across international syllabi such as IB, IGCSE, and A-levels. My teaching philosophy centers around making complex physics concepts accessible and exciting for students. I believe in creating an interactive and supportive learning environment that encourages curiosity, critical thinking, and problem-solving. Whether working with beginners or advanced learners preparing for competitive exams like IITJAM, I focus on personalized guidance and practical understanding, often incorporating real-world applications and recent scientific discoveries. Beyond classroom teaching, I actively contribute to science outreach and communication. I have served as a Gravitational Wave Science Communicator for LIGO India and coordinated national science Olympiads, reflecting my dedication to inspiring young scientists. My research achievements and awards, including recognition from ISRO and other scientific bodies, further enrich my teaching, allowing me to share insights from frontiers of astrophysics and quantum science with students, motivating them to pursue their passions in science and technology.
Soumya graduated from Caltech

Physics class snapshot
My teaching methodology is centered on creating an engaging, personalized, and inquiry-based learning environment that encourages students to explore, question, and develop a deep understanding of physics. I believe that effective teaching transcends mere transmission of information; it involves inspiring curiosity and fostering critical thinking skills that enable students to apply concepts to real-world situations. To achieve this, I employ a combination of illustrative teaching techniques, interactive problem-solving, and technology integration, tailored to suit the diverse learning styles of my students across international curricula such as IB, IGCSE, and A-levels. A cornerstone of my approach is making complex scientific ideas accessible and relatable. I emphasize conceptual clarity through simplified explanations, real-world examples, and visual aids to help students connect theoretical physics to everyday phenomena. I prioritize a student-centric methodology, where understanding students’ individual strengths, weaknesses, and interests guides my instructional strategies. This enables me to design personalized lesson plans that motivate learners, build their confidence, and address their specific learning needs. Active learning methods such as Socratic questioning and collaborative discussions form vital components of my teaching, fostering an environment where students are encouraged to question assumptions and develop curiosity-driven inquiry.
Academic expertise of your physics tutor
Australian Curriculum (AU)
GCSE (UK)
New Zealand Curriculum - NZC (NZ)
Personalized learning plans
Career guidance
Review sessions
State-Specific Standards (USA)
Homework help
Test prep strategies
Advanced Placement (AP) Program (USA)
Real world application

Physics concept taught by Soumya
The Student and Tutor reviewed entropy principles, internal energy components, and then moved into specific heat, contrasting classical and quantum mechanical models. They worked through example problems applying these concepts. The session covered the Einstein model and its limitations at low temperatures compared to Debye's model, which incorporates phonons.
Entropy & Equilibrium
Limitations of Classical Physics & Einstein Model
Specific Heat per Atom
Temperature and Entropy Relationship
Second Law of Thermodynamics & Entropy
Internal Energy
The session focused on reviewing dynamics concepts, including Newton's laws and forces on inclined planes. The student worked through problems involving force components, friction, and tension in connected objects. The session concluded with plans to review kinematics slides to further prepare for quizzes.
Free Body Diagrams
Newton's Laws of Motion
Components of Forces on Inclined Planes
Static Friction
Tension in Ropes and Systems
The session covered entropy, thermal equilibrium, internal energy, and their mathematical relationships, culminating in the definition of temperature and the zero law of thermodynamics. The Student and Tutor explored how energy exchange affects entropy and temperature in a two-system scenario, using graphs and equations to illustrate these concepts. Specific heat will be covered in the next session.
Entropy Maximization and Equilibrium
Law of Conservation of Energy in Thermal Systems
Second Law of Thermodynamics and Spontaneous Change
Temperature Definition via Entropy and Internal Energy
Thermal Equilibrium and Equal Temperatures
Heat Energy's Role: Temperature vs. State Changes
The Student and Tutor reviewed concepts of Einstein solids, thermal equilibrium, multiplicity, and entropy. The session involved problem-solving related to energy distribution and a detailed explanation of entropy and its relationship to multiplicity and Boltzmann's constant. The class ended with plans to continue the lesson in the next session, starting with a specific slide regarding temperature, energy, and entropy.
Multiplicity (Ω)
Thermal Contact and Equilibrium
Closed Systems and Entropy Maximization
Reversible vs. Irreversible Processes
Boltzmann Constant (kʙ)
Entropy (S)
Second Law of Thermodynamics and Entropy Principle
The Student and Tutor discussed fundamental assumptions of statistical mechanics, including macrostates, microstates, multiplicity, and probability. They also covered the Einstein solid model and quantized energy levels. The Student practiced applying the formulas for multiplicity and calculating probabilities. Homework was assigned to complete practice questions related to the slides.
Total Multiplicity
Multiplicity of an Einstein Solid
Energy Quantization in Einstein Solid
Einstein Solid Model
Probability of Microstates and Macrostates
Multiplicity (Ω)
Macrostates and Microstates
Scattering
Types of Collisions
Rutherford's Gold Foil Experiment
Plum Pudding Model
Macrostate vs. Microstate
Statistical Mechanics Assumption
Soumya - Physics tutor also teaches
Optics
Electricity
Magnetism
Relativity
Waves and Oscillations
Nuclear Physics
Classroom tools used by physics tutor
Flashcards
Interactive diagrams
Digital Note taking
Quizzes
Assessments
Video conferencing
Student types for physics class
Home schooled
Middle School students
High School students
ADHD
Engaging physics lessons
Note taking
Chat for quick help
Weekend lessons
Parent feedback
Open Q&A

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