Physics Chap: 06 Notes “Current Electricity”

“CURRENT ELECTRICITY”

Q.01: Define and explain the term electric current.

Definition: The rate of flow of electric charges through any cross-sectional area is called current.
Mathematically: if charge Q is passing through any area in time t the current 'I' flowing through
it will be given as:
charge
Current=
time
I=Q/t
Unit: SI unit of current is Ampere (A)
Ampere: One ampere is the amount of electric current due to the flow of electric charge at the
rate of one coulomb per second.
1Couloumb 1C
1A= 1 second = 1 s

Flow of current through a conductor: Consider a conductor in form of a copper wire. It has a
large number of free electrons which are in random motion just like the molecules of a gas
confined in a container. Their movement does not obey any symmetry but they move in all
directions.
Motion of free electrons in absence of electric field: In absence of an electric field, rate at
which the free electrons cross any section of the wire from right to left is equal to the rate at
which they cross from left to right with the result that the net rate is zero.
So in-spite of the fact that electrons are in motion, no current flows through any section of the
conductor.
Motion of free electrons in presence of electric field: If one end of the copper wire is
connected with positive terminal of a battery and other with its negative terminal, an electric
field E is established at each point of wire. Now the free electrons, because of their negative
charge, experience a force in a direction opposite to the direction of electric field E.
Because of this force a net directed flow of free electrons takes place from the negative terminal
of the battery towards it positive terminal and an electric current begins to flow through the wire
from the positive terminal towards the negative terminal of the battery.
Direction of Flow of Current: the current flow due to negative charges has been changed with
conventional current. This current flows in the wires form positive to negative terminal of the
battery i.e. current flows from a point of higher potential to a point of lower potential

Current in solutions (electrolyte): in case of electrolyte its molecules in aqueous solution

dissociate amount positive and negative ions. So current in electrolyte is produced due the low of
both positive and negative charges.
Physics Chap: 06 Notes “Current Electricity”

Q.02: Explain battery as source of energy?

Battery is one of the source of current. The electrochemical reaction inside a battery separates
positive and negative electric charges as shown:

This separation of charges sets up potential difference between the terminals of the battery.
When we connect a conducting wire across the terminals of the battery, the charges can move
from one terminal to the charge other due to the potential difference

Potential Energy per unit charge: The chemical energy of the battery changes to electrical
potential energy. The electrical potential energy decreases as the charges move around the
circuit. This electrical potential energy can be converted to other useful forms of energy (heat,
light, sound etc.). It is only the energy which changes form but the number of charge carriers and
the charge on each carrier always remains the same (ie., charge carriers are not used up). Instead
of electrical potential energy we use the term electric potential which is potential energy per unit
charge

Q .03: Define and explain the term conventional current.

Definition: Current flowing from positive to negative terminal of battery due to flow of positive
charges is called conventional current

Conventional Mean: Before the idea of free electrons which constitute current in metals, it was
thought that current in conductor flows due to the motion of positive charges. Therefore, this
convention is still in use

Explanation: When the ends of heated copper wire are at different temperatures, heat energy
flows from the end at higher temperature to the end at lower temperature. The flow stops when
both ends reach the same temperature. Water in a pipe also flows from higher level to the lower
level. Similarly, when a conductor is connected to a battery, it pushes charges to flow current
from higher potential to the lower potential as shown in figure.
Physics Chap: 06 Notes “Current Electricity”

The flow of current continues as long as there is a potential difference. Conventional current
produces the same effect as the current flowing from negative terminal to the positive terminal
due to the flow of negative charges.

Q.04: How we can detect and measure the electric current?

We use different electrical instruments which detect the current in the circuit

• Galvanometer: Galvanometer is very sensitive instrument and can detect small current in a
circuit.

• Ammeter: Ammeter is a device which is used measure the current in any circuit.

Polarity of galvanometer: While making the connections polarity of the terminals of the
galvanometer should be taken into consideration. Generally, the terminal of the galvanometer
with red colour shows the positive polarity while that of with black colour shows the negative
polarity.

How Ammeter is formed: After suitable modification galvanometer can be converted into an
ammeter. A suitable but small resistance is connected in parallel to the galvanometer, this circuit
is called ammeter. A large current of the range such as 1A to 10A can be measured by means of
ammeter, like galvanometer ammeter is also connected in series, so that the current flowing in
the circuit also passes through the ammeter.

Q.05: Define and explain the potential difference?

Definition: Potential difference across the two ends of a conductor causes the dissipation of
electrical energy into other forms of energy as charges flow through the circuit.

When one end A of a conductor is connected to the positive terminal and its other end B is
connected to the negative terminal of the battery, then the potential at A becomes higher than the
potential at B as shown in figure.

This causes a potential difference between the two ends of the conductor. The flow of current
continues as long as there is a potential difference. The agency which provides the potential
Physics Chap: 06 Notes “Current Electricity”

difference for the steady flow of current in the copper wire is the battery. As the current flows
from higher potential to the lower potential through the conductor, the electrical energy (due to
current) is converted into other forms (heat and light etc.).

When current flows through the conductor, it experiences a resistance in the conductor by
collisions with atoms of the conductor. The energy supplied by the battery is utilized in
overcoming this resistance and is dissipated as heat and other forms of energy. The dissipation of
this energy is accounted for by the potential difference across the two ends of the light bulb

Unit: SI unit of potential difference is volt.

A potential difference of 1 V across a bulb means that each coulomb of charge or 1 ampere of
current that passes through the bulb consumes 1 joule of energy. When a bulb is lit, the energy is
taken from the current and is transformed into light and heat energy.

Q .06: What is mean by electromotive force? write its equation and explain its unit.

Definition of Electromotive Force (EMF): It is the energy supplied by a battery to a unit

positive charge when it flows through the closed circuit.

OR The energy converted from non-electrical forms to electrical form when one coulomb of
positive charge passes through the battery.

Where W is energy converted from non-electrical forms to electrical form and Q is a positive
charge

Unit of E.M.F: SI unit of energy and charge are Joule and Coulomb, then unit of E.M.F will be
JC-1

Hence if the e.m.f of the battery is 2V, the total energy supplied by the battery is 2 Joules when
one coulomb of charge flows through the closed circuit

Explanation: Source of emf batteries, thermocouples and generators are the best examples of the
source of em f. when a conductor is connected to battery current flows through it due to potential
difference. A source of electromotive (e.mf) converts non-electrical energy (chemical, thermal,
mechanical into electrical energy).
Physics Chap: 06 Notes “Current Electricity”

How do charges move a circuit? Battery supplies energy to the charges for continues flow of
current. The positive charges leave the positive terminal of the battery, pass through the
conductor and reach the negative terminal of the battery. As this positive charge enters the
battery at its lower potential point(negative terminal), the battery must supply energy, say W to
the positive charges derive it to appoint of higher potential (positive terminal)

Q .07: How we measured the potential difference and e.m.f across a circuit

The measurement of potential difference: The potential difference across a circuit component
(e.g light bulb) can be measured by a voltmeter connected directly across the terminals of the
component. The positive terminal of the battery is connected to the positive terminal of the
voltmeter and the negative terminal of the battery is connected to the negative terminal of the
voltmeter. An ideal voltmeter should have very large value of resistance so that no current passes
through it. Voltmeter is always connected in parallel with the device across which the potential
difference is to be measured (as shown in figure).

The measurement of emf In general, e.m.f refers to the potential difference across the terminals
of the battery when it is not driving current in the external circuit. So in order to measure e.m.f of
the battery we connect voltmeter directly with the terminals of the battery as shown in Figure.

Q .08: State and explain Ohm's Law. What are its limitation?

Ohm's Law: The amount of current passing through a conductor is directly proportional to the
potential difference applied across its ends, provided the temperature and the physical state of the
conductor does not change

Explanation: If Vis the potential difference across the two ends of any conductor, then current I
will flow through it. The value of the current changes with the changes in potential difference,
hence by the definition of Ohm's Law:
Physics Chap: 06 Notes “Current Electricity”

Where R. is the constant of proportionality, and is the resistance of the conductor. Its SI unit is
Ohm

Resistance: the property of a substance which offers opposition to the flow of current through it
is called its resistance.

Unit: SI unit of the resistance 'R' is Ohm. It is denoted by the symbol, called Omega .

Definition of Ohm: When a potential difference of one volt is applied across the ends of a
conductor and one ampere of current passes through it, then its resistance will be one ohm.

Graphically representation: if a graph is plotted between the current 'I' and the potential
difference 'V' a straight line will be obtained

Limitations of Ohm's Law: Ohm's Law is applicable when temperature of conductor is kept
constant. It has been observed that only good conductors obey ohm's law as long as the electric
current through them is not very large and the physical state of conductor also remains the same.

Q.09: Explain the V-I characterizes of Ohmic and non-Ohmic conductor.

Ohmic Conductor: Materials that obey Ohm's law, and hence have a constant resistance over a
wide range of voltages, are said to be ohmic.

Ohmic conductors have a linear voltage-current relationship over a large range of applied
voltages (as in figure). The straight line shows a constant ratio between voltage and current.
Ohm’s law is obeyed. For example, most metals show ohmic behavior.

Non-Ohmic Conductor: Materials having resistance that changes with voltage or current are
non-ohmic.
Physics Chap: 06 Notes “Current Electricity”

Examples:

• Filament Lamp: the filament lamp shows the non-Ohmic materials properties. The resistance
of filament rises (current decreases) as it gets hotter, which is shown by the gradient getting
steeper as shown in the figure.

• Thermistor: a thermistor (a heat sensitive resistor) behaves in the opposite way as that of
filament lamp. Its resistance decreases (current increases) as it gets hotter as shown in figure.
This is because on heating, more free electrons become available for conduction of current.

Q.10: Define resistance and its units.

Resistance: the property of a substance which offers opposition to the flow of current through it
is called its resistance.

Reason: Opposition to the flow of current is due to the collisions of the moving electrons with
atoms of the substance.

Unit: SI unit of the resistance 'R' is Ohm. It is denoted by the symbol, called Omega .

Definition of Ohm: Since, V=IR, If we put V=1 volt and I = 1 Ampere the value of 'R' will be 1
Ohm, thus, when a potential difference of one volt is applied across the ends of a conductor and
1 Ampere of current passes through it, then its resistance will be one Ohm.

Q.10: Define and explain the term specific resistance. Discuss different factors which affect
the resistance of conductors.

Definition: The resistance of one-meter cube of a substance is called its specific resistance.
Explanation: A short pipe offers less resistance to water flow than a long pipe. Also the pipe
with larger cross sectional area offers less resistance than the pipe having smaller cross sectional
area.

Same is the case for the resistance of wires that carry current. The resistance of a wire depends
both on the cross sectional area and length of the wire and on the nature of the material of the
wire.

Factors: At specific temperature resistance depends upon the following factors.

Physics Chap: 06 Notes “Current Electricity”

• Length of conductor: Longer wires have more resistance than short wires.

• Cross-sectional area of conductor: thick wire has less resistance than thin wires.

• Nature of the conductor: Copper wire has less resistance than steel wire of the same size.

Note: Electrical resistance also depends on temperature.

Mathematically explanation of specific resistance: At a certain temperature and for a

particular substance:

Length and Resistance: The resistance R of the wire is directly proportional to the length of the
wire ie., It means, if we double the length of the wire, its resistance will also be doubled, and if
its length is halved, its resistance would become one half.

Cross-sectional area and resistance: The resistance R of the wire is inversely proportional to
the area of cross section ‘A’; of the wire i.e.

It means that a thick wire would have smaller resistance than a thin wire. After combining the
two equations, we get

Where 'p' is the constant of proportionality, known as specific resistance.

Nature of Conductor (Specific resistance): The Constant of proportionality 'p' known as

specific resistance. Its value depends upon the nature of conductor i e. copper, iron, tin and silver
would each have a different value of 'p'.

Unit of specific resistance: in above equation, if L = 1m and A=1m2 then R=p i.e. the resistance
of one- meter cube of a substance is equal to its specific resistance .According to above equation
the unit of 'p' is

Q.12: What is the difference between the conductors and insulators.

Conductors: We always use metal wires for conduction of electricity. The reason is that
because, they are good conductors of electricity and offer less resistance to the flow of current.
But how can they conduct electricity with much ease? Metals like silver and copper have excess
of free electrons which are not held strongly with any particular atom of metals. These free
Physics Chap: 06 Notes “Current Electricity”

electrons move randomly in all directions inside metals. When we apply an external electric field
these electrons can easily move in a specific direction this movement of free electrons in a
particular direction under the influence of an external field causes the flow of current in metal
wires. The resistance of conductors increases with increase in temperature. This is due to
increase in the number of collisions of electrons with themselves and with the atoms of the
metals.

Insulators: All materials contain electrons. The electrons in insulators, like rubber, however, are
not free to move. They are tightly bound inside atoms. Hence, current cannot flow through an
insulator because there are no free electrons for the flow of current. Insulators have very large
value of resistance. Insulators can be easily charged by friction and the induced charge remains
static on their surface. Other examples of insulators are glass, wood, plastic, fur, silk, etc.

Q.13: How are resistance are connected in series? Describe the characteristics features of
this combination. What is meant by equivalent resistance of a series combination? Find its
value.

In this method resistance are connected end to end and the circuit this formed provides only one
path for the flow of current.

Characteristics of Series Combination: In this arrangement, the magnitude of current that

flows through each individual resistor is same.

In series combination, the sum of voltages across each of the voltage of the battery is V and V1,
V2, V3 are the voltages across the resistors R1, R2, R3 respectively, then If the current passing
through the resisters R1, R2 and R3 is 1, then

V=V1+V2+V3

V=IR1+IR2+IR3

V=I(R1+R2+R3) ……………….(i)

Equivalent Resistance of Series Combination: the equivalent resistance Re of a series

combination is that resistance which is substituted in place of the combination, the same current
would flow through the circuit. Figure shows the equivalent resistance Re. Note that the battery
is sending the same current which it was sending when the combination was connected in the
circuit. By Ohm's Law:

V=IRe
Physics Chap: 06 Notes “Current Electricity”

By substituting the value of V in equation (i) we get

IRe =I (R+R2+R1)

Re= R1 +R2+R3

Thus equivalent resistance of a series combination is equal to the sum of the individual
resistances of the combination

If resistance R1, R2, R3 …..Rn are connected in series then their equivalent resistance can be
determined by the following equation.

Q.14: How are resistance are connected in parallel? Describe the characteristics features of
this Combination. What is meant by equivalent resistance of a parallel combination? Find
its value.

In this combination, resistances are connected in such a way that one end of all the resistors is
connected to one point, say 'A' and the other ends to another point 'B' as shown in the figure.

In the circuit formed, several piths are available for the float of current. The total current is
divided in these paths. The parallel combination has the following characteristics:

Features of Parallel combination:

(1) In this combination, the potential drop across all the resistances is the same. The
potential drop across each of the resistance in the figure will be V.
(2) The sum of the current flowing through the various resistances of this combination is
equal to the total of the circuit. I=I1+I2+I3……..(1)

As the potential drop across each resistance is V. So by Ohm's law

By substituting the values of I1, I2, I3 in equation we get

Physics Chap: 06 Notes “Current Electricity”

(3) The equivalent resistance % of the parallel combination is that resistance which when
substituted in place of the parallel combination does not alter the total current of the
circuit.

Advantages of Parallel: Parallel circuits have two big advantages over series circuits.

• Each device in the circuit receives the full battery voltages

• Each device in the circuit may be turned off independently without stopping the
current flowing to other devices in the circuit. This principle is used in our wiring,

Q.15: State and explain joule's law. Derive its formula.

Statement: The amount of heat, energy generated in a resistance due to flow of charges in equal
to the product of square of current 'T resistance 'R' and the time during 't'. Explanation: when
water falls on it from higher gravitational potential to lower gravitational potential. Then
electrical energy is produced by the running of generator.

Similarly, when charge moves from a higher electric potential to a lower potential, becomes a
continues source of electrical energy.

Mathematics Formula: Consider two point with a potential difference 'V' volts. If one coulomb
of charge passes between these points, the amount of energy delivers by the charge would be V
joule, when 'Q' coulomb of charge flows between these two points, then we get QV joule of
energy. It is represented by 'W’. ie. W= QV……(i)

When charge 'Q' flow in time 'T' then by definition of current, we have
Physics Chap: 06 Notes “Current Electricity”

This electrical energy can be converted into heat and other forms in the circuit. By Ohm's
Law, we have

So energy supplied by Q charge is given as: W=I2Rt

This equation is called Joules Law.

Importance: the heat energy produced can be utilized for different useful purposes. E.g.

• Bulb convert this energy into light and heat.

• Heater and iron convert this heat energy into heat

• Electrical fans convert into mechanical energy.

Q.16: what is electric power? How it is calculated and write its unit.

Electric power: "The amount of energy supplied by current in unit time is known as electric
power”

How power can be determined? If the work done by the electric current in time‘t’ is”W”
then ‘P’ is determined by the formula.

When current I is passing through resistor R, the electric power that generates heat in the
resistance is given by I2R.
Physics Chap: 06 Notes “Current Electricity”

Unit: the unit of electric power is watt which is equal to one joule per second. It is
representing by the symbol W.

Examples: Electric bulbs commonly used in houses consume 25W, 40W, 60W, 75W and
upto 1000W of elect power.

Q .17: What is kilowatt hour? How the cost of electricity in a house can be calculated?

The amount of energy delivered by a power of one kilowatt in one hour is called kilowatt-hour
Explanation: Electric energy is commonly consumed in very large quantity for the measurement
of which joule is a very small unit. Hence, a very large unit of electric energy is needed which is
called kilowatt- hour.

Calculation of cost of electricity in House: the electric meter installed in our houses measures the
consumption of electrical energy in units of kilowatt hour according to which we pay our
electricity bill. If the cost of one kilowatt-hour i.e. one unit is known, then cost of electricity is
calculated as:

Cost of Electricity = number of units consumed x cost of one unit

Cost of Electricity =Power (watt) x time of use in hours/1000 x cost of one unit

Q .18: What is difference between DC and AC?

Direct Current (DC): The current which does not change its direction of flow is known as
direct current or DC. The current derived form a cell or a battery is direct current (D.C.) since it
is unidirectional. The positive and negative terminals of DC sources have fixed polarity,
therefore, level of DC remains constant with time, as shown in graph
Physics Chap: 06 Notes “Current Electricity”

Alternating Current (AC): the current which change its direction of low after regular intervals
of time is known as alternating current or AC. The current produce by AC generators changes its
polarity again and again as shown in graph:

Characteristics of AC:

 Time period: the interval after which the AC voltage or current repeat its value is known
as time period.
 Cycle: the set of all the value of current during one period is known as one cycle
 Frequency: the number of cycles completed by alternating current in one second is called
its frequency.
 The change in the values of voltage and current corresponds to the frequency of the
source. In Pakistan, alternating current oscillates 50 times every second. Thus its
frequency is 50Hz
 Importance of AC: Alternating current has advantages that make it more practical for use
in transferring electrical energy. The current supplied to our homes by power companies
is alternating current.

Q.19: How electricity is distributed in our house? How electrical appliances are connected
in house?

Supply to Houses: The electric power enters our house through three wires. One is called earth
wire or ground wire (E). This carries no electricity. The earth wire is connected to a large metal
plate buried deep in the ground near the house. The other wire is maintained at zero potential by
connecting it to the Earth at the power station itself and is called neutral wire (M). This wire
provides the return path for the current. The third wire is at a high potential and is called livewire
(L).

Potential difference between live wire and neutral wire: the electric power enters our houses
through wires, the potential difference between the livewire and the neutral wire is 220V.

Dangers: Our body is a good conductor of electricity through which current can easily pass.
Therefore, if a person holds livewire, current will start flowing to the ground while passing
through his body which may prove fatal for the person.

How electric appliances are connected: All electrical appliances are connected across the
neutral and the livewires. The same potential difference is therefore applied to all of them and
hence these are connected in parallel to the power source.

Q.20: Explain the Circuit of House Wiring .

The wires coming from power sub-station are connected to electricity meter installed in house.
The output power from the electric meter is taken to the distribution board and then to domestic
electric circuit.
Physics Chap: 06 Notes “Current Electricity”

The main box contains fuses of rating about 30A.A separate connection is taken from the live
wire for each appliance. Terminal of the appliance is connected to the live wire through a
separate fuse and a switch. If the fuse of the one appliance bums out, it does not affect the other
appliances.

How all appliances are connected: In house wiring all appliances are connected in parallel with
each other. This means they get the full mains voltage and one can turn one any appliance
without having to turn on another.

Q .21: Discuss some faults in electrical circuits that may cause electricity hazards.
Electricity has become part and parcel of our lives, care should be taken to save ourselves
form its hazardous effects.

Major dangers: Major dangers of electricity are:

• Electric shock.

• Fire.

Some major faults in electrical Circuit: These are the major faults in electrical circuits that
may cause electrical hazards.

1. Insulation Damage:

How insulation damage:

a. Excess of current: Electrical current exceeds the rated current carrying capacity of the
conductor it can produce excess current that can damage insulation due to overheating of
cables.

b. Friction: Constant friction may also remove the insulation form the wire

c. Moisture: too many moistures also damages the insulation because moisture decrease
resistant and increase the rate of current.

How Circuit become short?

Physics Chap: 06 Notes “Current Electricity”

a. A short circuit occurs when circuit with a very low resistance is formed. The low
resistance causes the current to be very large.

b. When appliances are connected in parallel, each additional appliance placed in circuit
reduces the equivalent resistance (Re) in the circuit increase the current through the wires. This
additional current might produce enough thermal energy to melt the wiring's insulation, cause a
short circuit, or even start a fire.

c. Short circuit can also occur when the live wire and the neutral wire come in direct contact.

Precautions: Cable: All electrical wires are well insulated with plastic cover for the purpose of
safety plastic is a good insulator. Such an insulation covered wire is called cable.

a. In order to avoid dangerous situation, it is advisable to use a cable with two layers of
insulation b. Don't use naked current caring wires.

c. Do not fly kites near electricity naked lines. It may cause some fatal accident

2. Damped Conditions: wet enjoinment is called damped condition. Dry human skin has a
resistance of 100,000 ohms or more! But under damp conditions (wet environment) resistance of
human skin is reduced drastically to few hundred ohms. Therefore, never operate any electrical
appliance with wet hands. Also keep switches, plugs, sockets and wires must be dry

Q.22: Briefly describe the importance of safety devices.

"The electrical devices which prevent the damage of electrical circuits appliances and property
are called safety devices.

Examples: Fuse, Circuit Breaker, Earth wire

Importance: In order to protect persons, devices and property form the hazards of electricity.
There is a need of extensive safety measures in household electricity. Safety devices prevent
circuit from overloading that can occur when too many appliances are turned on at same time or
when a short circuit occurs in one appliance.

Q23: Write a Note on Fuse?

Definitions: fuse is a safety device that is connected in series with the livewire in the circuit to
protect the equipment, when excess current flows.

Construction: Fuse is made of a short and thin piece of metal wire that melts when large current
passes through it.

Working: If a large, unsafe current passes through the circuit, the fuse melts and breaks the
circuit before the wires become very hot and cause fire.
Physics Chap: 06 Notes “Current Electricity”

Fuse Rating: Fuses are normally rated as 5A, 10A, 13A,30A etc. we determine the fuse rating of
circuit, let us determine the fuse rating of air conditions of power 3000W.

Hence Suitable fuse for this circuit would be 13A.

Following safety measures should be taken while using fuses in household electrical circuits:

• Fuses to be used should have slightly more rating than the current which the electrical
appliance will draw under normal conditions. For example, for a lightning circuit choose a 5 A
fuse as the current drawn by each lamp is very small (about 0.4 A for a 100 W lamp). In such
circuit, 10 lamps of 100 W can be safely used as the total current drawn is only 4 A which can be
calculated using the formula P = VI

• Fuses should be connected in the livewire so that the appliance will not operate after the fuse
has blown.

• Switch OFF the main before changing any fuse.

Q.24: What is the principle of Circuit Breaker?

Circuit Breaker: The circuit breaker acts as a safety device in the same way as a fuse. It
disconnects the supply automatically if current exceeds the normal value.

Working Principle: When the normal current passes through the livewire the electromagnet is
not strong enough to separate the contacts. If something goes wrong with the appliance and large
current flows through the livewire, the electromagnet will attract the iron strip to separate the
contacts and break the circuit. The spring then keeps the contacts apart.

After the fault is repaired, the contacts can then be pushed back together by pressing a button on
the outside of the circuit breaker box.
Physics Chap: 06 Notes “Current Electricity”

Q.25: Explain the importance of Earth Wire.

Earth Wire: Sometimes, even the fuse cannot capture the high currents coming from the
livewire into the household appliance. Earthing further protects the user from electric shock by
connecting the metal casing of the appliance to Earth (a wired connection to the bare ground).
Many electrical appliances have metal cases, including cookers, washing machines and
refrigerators. The Earth-wire provides a safe route for the current to flow through, if the livewire
touches the casing as shown.We will get an electric shock if the livewire inside an appliance
comes loose and touches the metal casing. However, the earth terminal is connected to the metal
casing, so the current goes through the Earth wire instead of passing through our body and
causing an electric shock. A strong current passes through the Earth wire because it has a very
low resistance. This breaks the fuse and disconnects the appliance.

Working principle of earth wire: whenever the metal casing of the appliance, due to faulty
insulation, gets connected with the live wire, the circuit shorts and a large current would
immediately flow to ground through the earth wire and causes the fuse wire to melt or the circuit
breaker breaks the circuit. Therefore, the person who is using the appliance is saved