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3. CURRENT ELECTRICITY

Syllabus
Electric current, flow of electric charges in a metallic conductor, drift velocity, mobility and their relation
with electric current; Ohm's law, V-I characteristics (linear and non-linear), electrical energy and power,
electrical resistivity and conductivity, temperature dependence of resistance, Internal resistance of a cell,
potential difference and emf of a cell, combination of cells in series and in parallel, Kirchhoff's rules,
Wheatstone bridge.

Mind Map

SUMMARY- IMPORTANT FORMULA AND DEFINITIONS

Electric current. It is the rate of flow of electric charge through a conductor.
Mathematically - I= Q/t
Unit. In SI, the unit of electric current is ampere
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(A).1 ampere (A) = 1 coulomb per second (C S-1)

Ohm’s law -It states that physical conditions remaining unchanged, the current flowing
througha conductor is always directly proportional to the potential difference across its two
ends.
Mathematically - V α I or V=RI
Here, R is called resistance of the
conductor.Unit. The unit of resistance is
ohm (Ω)
1 ohm (Ω) = 1 volt/ampere (V/A)
Resistance of a conductor. The resistance of a conductor of length l and area of cross-section
A is given by R = ρ l/A
Here, ρ is resistivity of the material of the conductor.
Resistivity. The resistivity of the material of a conductor is the resistance offered by a wire of
this material of unit length and unit area of cross-section. It is also known as specific
resistanceof the material of the conductor. Unit. The SI unit of resistivity is ohm metre (Ω
m) Conductance. The reciprocal of the resistance of a conductor is called its conductance
(G).
Thus, G=1/ 𝑅 Unit. The SI unit of conductance is ohm-1 (Ω-1) or siemen (S). ohm-1 is
alsowritten as mho.
Conductivity. The reciprocal of the resistivity of the material of a conductor is called
itsconductivity. Thus, σ=1/ ρ
Unit. The SI unit of conductivity is siemen /metre (S/m). ohm-1 metre-1 is also
written as mho /metre’.
Drift velocity. It is the velocity with which a free electron in the conductor gets drifted
underthe influence of the applied external electric field.

Temperature coefficient of resistance. It is defined as the change in resistance per

unitresistance per degree rise in temperature.
If resistance increases linearly up to temperature θ, then temperature coefficient
. The unit of temperature coefficient is °C-1.
E.M.F. The work done per unit charge by the source in taking the charge from its one
terminalto the other is called the electromotive force or e.m.f. of the source.
I= E/(R + r)
It is equal to the potential difference between the two terminals of the source, when no current
isdrawn from it.
Internal resistance. The resistance offered by the electrolyte of the cell, when the electric
currentflows through it, is known as internal resistance of the cell.
If V is potential difference across the two terminals of a cell, when a current I is drawn from
it,then
V = E – Ir
Here, E is e.m.f. of the cell and R, the external resistance in the circuit.
Heat produced by electric current, H =I2 Rt
Electric power, P = VI =I2R = V2 /R
Electric energy, W = Pt = Vit
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Kirchhoff’s Laws. These laws are used to

analyseelectric circuits.
First law, It states that the algebraic sum of the
currents meeting at a point (junction) in an
electricalcircuit is always zero. ƩI=0
Second law. It states that in any closed loop of
an electrical circuit, the algebraic sum of the
e.m.fs. isequal to the algebraic sum of the
products of the resistances and the currents
flowing through them. Ʃ E = Ʃ IR
Wheatstone bridge. It is an arrangement of
fourresistances used to determine an unknown
resistance.
In a balanced Wheatstone bridge, P/Q = R/S

where P, Q, R and S are resistances in the four arms of the Wheatstone bridge.(3)

Competency based questions

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Que. 1 Show, on a plot, variation of resistivity of (i) a conductor, and (ii) a typical
semiconductor as a function of temperature. Using the expression for the resistivity in terms
of number density and relaxation time between the collisions, explain how resistivityin the
case of a conductor increases while it decreases in a semiconductor, with the rise of
temperature.

Ans- We know that, ρ = /𝒏𝒆𝟐 𝑟 Where m is mass of electron, t = charge density, τ = relaxation
time e = charge on the electron. In case of conductors with increase intemperature, relaxation
time decreases, so resistivity increases. Incase of semiconductors with increase in temperature
number density (n) of free electrons increases, hence resistivity decreases.

Out of 40 and 60 Watt bulb , which has greater resistance ?

(a) 60 Watt and 100 Watt bulbs are connected parallel to 220 Volt supply.
Which bulb willglow more? (c) 100 Watt and 200 Watt bulbs are connected series
to 220 Volt supply. Which bulb will glow more?

Ans. (a) 40 Watt has greater resistance because P 𝖺 1/R . (b) 100 Watt bulb will
glow more.H =V2t/ R & P 𝖺 1/R . (c) 100 Watt bulb will glow more. H= I2 Rt &
P 𝖺 1/R .
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Q.2 (i)Why do the ‘free electrons’, in a metal wire, ‘flowing by themselves’, not causeany Current
flowing in the wire? (ii)Explain the term ‘drift velocity’ of electrons in a conductor. Derive the
expression of drift velocity Hence obtain the expression for the current through a conductor in terms of
‘drift velocity’
(b) Use the above expression to show that the ‘resistivity’, of the material of
a wire, isproportional to the Relaxation time
Answer: (a) (i) The free electrons, in a metal, (flowing bythemselves), have a random
distribution of
their velocities. Hence the net charge crossing any crosssection in a unit time is zero.
(ii) The drift velocity equals the average (time dependent)velocity acquired by free electrons,
under the action of anapplied (external) electric field.
Its unit is m/s and dimensions [LT-1 ]
Let n be the number of free electrons per unit volume ofthe conductor. Acceleration= a= eE/m
Vd = [(U1 +a τ1)+( U2+ τ2) + …….(Un + aτn)]/n
= [(U1 + U2 + ….+ Un ]/n +[a (τ1+ τ2 + ……. + τn)]/n = 0 + aτ Vd =eEτ/m
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Q3 .Find the magnitude and direction of current in 1Ω resistor in the given circuit.

Answer

Q.4 Using the concept of free electrons in a conductor, derive the expression for the
conductivity of a wirein terms of number density and relaxation time. Hence obtain the
relationbetween current density and the applied electric field E.
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Q.5 Make circuit diagram of Wheatstone Bridge and obtain condition for balance.

GsQ.6 Graph showing the variation of current versus voltage for a material GaAs is shown in fig.
Identify the region of
(i) Negative resistance
(ii) Where ohm’s law is obeyed.
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A Ans) I) in the region DE,I decreases with increasing V.

Therefore +ve dv/-ve dv = -ve R.
ii) AB/BC is the region where ohm’s law is obeyed.

Q.7 Two metallic wires P1 and P2 of the same material and same length but different cross sectional
areas, A1 and A2 are joined together and connected to a source of emf. Find the ratio of the drift
velocities of free electrons in the two wires when they are connected (i) in seies and (ii) in parallel.

Ans ) in series vd1/vd2 = A2/A1

In parallel vd1/vd2 = 1

Q.8 When 5 V potential difference is applied across a wire of length 0.1 m, the drift speed of electrons is
2.5 x 10-4 m/s if the electron density in the wire is 8 x 1028 m-3, calculate the resistivity of the material of
wire.

Ans) resistivity + 1.56 x 10-5 Ωm

Q.9 The following table gives the length of three copper wires, their diameters, and the applied potential
difference across their ends. Arrange the wires in increasing order according to the following :
(a) The magnitude of the electric field within them.
(b) The drift speed of electrons through them and
(c) The current density within them.
Wire no Length Diameter Potential difference
1 l 3d V
2 2l d V
3 3l 2d 2V
P162

Ans) a ) E2 < E3 < E1

B) Vd2<vd3<vd1
C) j2 < j3 < j1
Q.10 The variation of resistance of a metallic conductor with temperature is shown in fig.
(i) Calculate the temperature coefficient of resistance α from graph
(ii) State why the resistance of the conductor increases with the rise in temperature.
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Ans) I) α = (R - R0) / (R0 x θ)

Ii) The resistance of a conductor increases with the rise in temperature due to the
increase in collision frequency of electrons with the positive metal ions.

Q.11Two materials Si and Cu (or GaAs and Ag) are cooled from 300 K to 60 K. What will be the
effect on their resistivity.

Ans) The resistivity of Si ( a semiconductor ) increases and that of Cu ( a metallic conductor )

decreases, when cooled from 300K to 60K.
Q.12.Two metallic rods each of length L area of cross section A1 and A2 having sensitivities ρ1 &
ρ2 are connected parallel across a d.c battery. Obtain the expression for the effective resistivity of this
combination.
Ans) ρeff = ( (A1 + A2)ρ1ρ2) / ( A1ρ1 + A2ρ2)
Q.13 The reading of a high resistance voltmeter when a cell is connected across it is 2.2 V. when the
terminals of the cell are also connected to a resistance of 5Ω, the voltmeter reading drops to 1.8 V. Find
the internal resistance of the cell. P 180 fig 3.61

Ans) r = 1.1 Ω
Q.14 A battery of emf 12 V and internal resistance 2 Ω is connected to a 4 Ω resistor as shown
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in fig show that a voltmeter when placed across the cell and across the resistor, in turn, gives the
same reading

Ans) Potential difference across 4 Ω resistance = 4Ω x 2 A = 8 V, hence the voltmeter gives the same
reading in the two cases.
Q.15 A student connects a cell, of emf E2 and internal resistance r2 with a cell of emf E1 and internal
resistance r1 such that their combination has a net internal resistance less than r1.

This combination is then connected across a resistance R.

Draw a diagram of the set up and obtain an expression for the current flowing through the resistance
R.
Ans ) As the net internal resistance is less than r1 the two cells are connected in parallel as shown in
figure.

Q.16 Two wires A and B of the same material and having same length have their cross sectional area
in the ratio 1:4. What would be the ratio of heat produced in these wires when same voltage is
applied across each ?
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Ans) 1 : 4
Q.17 Two 120 V light bulbs, of emf 25 W and other of 200 W were connected in series across a 240 V
line. One bulb burnt out almost instantaneously which one was burnt and why ?

Ans) since R = V2/P, so 25 watt bulb has more resistance. In the series ciruit same current flows
through both the bulbs. The 25 W bulb develops more heat ( H = i2 Rt)and hence burns out almost
instantaneously.
Q.18 In the circuit shown in fig E, F, G and H are cells of emf 2 V , 1 V, 3 V and 1 V and their internal
resistances are 2, 1, 3 and 1 respectively. Calculate
(i) The potential difference between B and D.and
(ii) The potential differnce across the terminals of each of the cells G and H. fig

V1 = 2/13 v
V2 = 1.615 v
V3 = 1.46 v
Hint

MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTIONS

Q1 A metal rod of length 10 cm and a rectangular cross-section of 1cm x ½ cm is connectedto a

battery across opposite faces. The resistance will be
(a) Maximum when the battery is connected across 1cm x ½ cm faces.
(b) Maximum when the battery is connected across 10 cm x 1cm faces.
(c) Maximum when the battery is connected across 10 cm x ½ cm faces.
(d) Same irrespective of the three faces.
Ans-(a) Maximum when the battery is connected across 1cm x ½ cm faces.
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2. Kirchhoff’s II law for the electric network is based on:

(A)Law of
conservation of
charge(B)Law of
conservation of
energy
(C) Law of conservation of angular
momentum(D)Law of conservation
of Linear momentum. Ans. (B)Law
of conservation of energy.

3. In a Whetstone’s bridge, all the four arms have equal resistance R. If resistance
of thegalvanometer arm is also R, then equivalent resistance of the combination is-
(A) R (B)2R
(C)R/2 (D)R/4
Ans. (A) R

4. Drift velocity vd varies with the intensity of electric field as per the relation :
(A) vd α E (B) vd α 1/ E
(C) vd = constant (D)vd α E2
Ans. (A) vd α E
5. Two electric bulbs whose resistances are in the ratio of 1:2 are connected in
parallel to aconstant voltage source the power dissipated in them have the ratio-
(A)1:2 (B)1:1
(C)2:1 (D)1:4
Ans. ©2:1

6. EMF of a cell depends:

(A) nature of electrolyte (B) metal of electrode
(C) both (A) and (B) (D) None
of theseAns.- (C) both (A) and (B)
7. A 12 cm wire is given shape of of a a right angled triangle PQR having sides PQ = 3 cm ,
QR= 4cm and RP= 5 cm. The resistance between two ends (PQ, QR, RP) of the respective
sides are measured one by one by a multimeter. The resistances will be in the ratio
(A) 27:32:35 (B) 9:16:25 (C) 4:3:5 (D) 3:4:5
Ans. (A) 27:32:35
8. What is the effect on the product of resistivity and conductivity of a conductor when its
temperature is increased?
(A) may increase or decrease. (B) increases (C) decreases. (D) remains
constantAns. (D) remains constant

9. Specific resistance of a conductor increases with :–

(A) increase in temperature. (B) increase in cross–sectional area
(C) increase in cross–sectional area and decrease in length. (D) decrease in cross–
sectionalAns. (A) increase in temperature.
10. The resistance of an ideal ammeter is
(a) Infinite (b) Very high (c) Small
(d) ZeroAns. (d) Zero
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ASSERTION REASON TYPE QUESTIONS

The questions given below consist of an Assertion and a Reason. Use the
following key tochoose the appropriate answer.
(a) If both Assertion and Reason are true and the reason is correct explanation of
the Assertion.
(b) If both Assertion and reason are true, but Reason is not correct
explanation ofthe Assertion.
(c) If Assertion is true, but the Reason is false.
(d) If Assertion is false, but the Reason is true.
1. Assertion: Electric appliances with metal body has three electrical
connection but anelectrical bulb has two electrical connection.
Reason: Three pin connections reduce chance of electric shock.
Ans. (a) If both Assertion and Reason are true and the reason is correct
explanation ofthe Assertion.

2. Assertion: EMF of battery increases

with time. Reason: Internal resistance
increases with time. Ans.(d) If Assertion
is false, but the Reason is true.

3. Assertion : Voltmeter is connected in parallel with

the circuit.Reason : Resistance of a voltmeter is very
large.
Ans. (b) If both Assertion and reason are true, but Reason is not correct
explanation ofthe Assertion.

4. Assertion: Kirchhoff’s junction law follows from the conservation

of charges.Reason: Kirchhoff’s loop law follows from the
conservation of energy.
Ans. (b) If both Assertion and reason are true, but Reason is not correct
explanation ofthe Assertion.

5. Assertion : Though the direction of electric current is well defined, yet it is

treated as ascalar.
Reason : Electric current does not follow the laws of vector addition.
Ans. (a) If both Assertion and Reason are true and the reason is correct
explanation ofthe Assertion.

CASE BASED QUESTION

Q1. Read the passage given below and answer the following questions
Whenever an electric current is passed through a conductor, it becomes hot after some
time. Thephenomenon of the production of heat in a resistor by the flow of an electric
current through it iscalled heating effect of current or Joule heating. Thus, the
electrical energy supplied by the source of emf is converted into heat. In purely
resistive circuit, the energy expended by the source entirely appears as heat. But if the
circuit has an active element like a motor, then a part of energy supplied by the source
goes to do useful work and the rest appears as heat. Joule’s lawof heating forms the
basis of various electrical appliances such as electric bulb, electric furnace, electric
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press etc.
(i) Which of the following is correct statement?
(a) Heat produced in a conductor is independent of the current flowing.
(b) Heat produced in a conductor varies inversely as the current flowing.
(c) Heat produced in a conductor varies directly as the square of the current flowing.
(d) Heat produced in a conductor varies inversely as the square of the current
flowing Ans. (c) Heat produced in a conductor varies directly as the square of
the current flowing.
(ii) If the coil of a heater is cut to half, what would happen to heat produced?
(a) Doubled (b) Halved (c) Remains same (d) Becomes
four times.
Ans. (a) Doubled
(iii) A 25 W and 100 W are joined in series and connected to the mains. Which
bulb willglow brighter?
(a) 100 W (b) 25 W (c) Both bulbs will glow brighter (d) None will glow
brighter
Ans.(b) 25 W
(iv) A rigid container with thermally insulated wall contains a coil of
resistance 100 Ω,carrying 1A. Change in its internal energy after 5 min will
be
(a) 0 Kj (b) 10 kJ (c)20 kJ
(d) 30 kJAns. (d) 30 kJ
(v) The heat emitted by a bulb of 100 W in 1 min is
(a) 100 J (b) 1000 J (c) 600 J (d) 6000 J
Ans. (d) 6000 J

Q2 Read the passage given below and answer the following questions
An electrocardiogram records the electrical signals in your heart. It’s a common and
painless testused to quickly detect heart problems and monitor your heart’s health.
During an ECG, up to 12 sensors (electrodes) will be attached to your chest and limbs.
The electrodes are sticky patches with wires that connect to a monitor. They record
the electrical signals that make your heart beat. A computer records the information
and displays it as waves on a monitor or on paper. It works on the principle that a
contracting muscle generates a small electric current that can be detected and
measured through electrodes suitably placed on the body. The voltage is in the range
of 1mV ~ 5 mV. Using this information and concepts of current electricity, answer any
four of the following questions:
(i). The voltage range in which an ECG works is
(a) 1-2 V (b) 1-10 V (c) 1-5 V (d) 1-5 mV
Ans. (d) 1-5 mV
(ii). What is the purpose of the probes connected to the human body while taking an ECG?
(a) They supply current to the heart. (b) They detect current when the heart muscles contract.
(c) Both a and b (d) None of
these.
Ans. (b) They detect current when the heart muscles contract.(iii). How much current can a
human body withstand?
(a) More than 10 mA (b) Less than 10 mA (c) More than 1A (d) Less than 100 mA

Ans. (b) Less than 10 mA

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(iv). Drift velocity is of the order of

(b) about 10-6 ms-1 (b) about 104 ms-1 (c) about
10-4ms-1 (d) None of these

Ans. (c) about 10-4ms-1

(v). The resistance of a wet human body is
(a) 10 Ω (b) 100 Ω(c) 1000 Ω (d) 500 Ω
Ans. (c) 1000 Ω

SHORT ANSWER TYPE QUESTIONS (2 MARKS)

Q.1 How does the mobility of electrons in a conductor change, if the potential
difference appliedacross the conductor is doubled, keeping the length and temperature
of the conductor constant? Ans. Mobility is defined as the magnitude of drift velocity
per unit electric field.
At constant temperature and length, there is no change in relaxation time Also, it
does not depend on potential difference. Hence, on changing the potential
difference,there is no change in mobility of electrons.

Q.2 Plot a graph showing variation of current versus voltage for the material GaAs.
Ans- The variation of electric current with applied voltage forGaAs is a straight curve.

Q.3 Two wires, one of copper and the other of manganin, have same resistance
and equal thickness.Which wire is longer? Justify your answer.
Ans- Copper Reason: Let l1 and l2 be lengths of copper andmanganin wires having same
resistance R and
thickness i.e., area of cross-section (A).

Q.4 Why are alloys used for

making standardresistance coils?
Ans. Alloys have (i)low value of
temperature coefficient and the
resistance of the alloy does notvary
much with rise in temperature. (ii) high
resistivity, so even a smaller length of
the materialis sufficient to design high
standard resistance.
Q.5 Plot a graph showing variation of
voltage Vs the current drawn from the
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cell. How can one get information from

this plot about the emf of the celland its
internal resistance?
Ans

Q. 6 Two conducting wires X and Y of same diameter but different materials are
joined in seriesacross a battery. If the number density of electrons in X is twice that
in Y, find the ratio of drift velocity of electrons in the two wires.
Ans.

Q.7 A conductor of length ‘l’ is connected to a dc source of potential ‘V’. If the

length of the conductor is tripled by gradually stretching it, keeping ‘V’ constant,
how will (i) drift speed ofelectrons and (ii) resistance of the conductor be affected?
Justify your answer.
Ans.

LONG ANSWER TYPE QUESTIONS (3Marks)

Q.1. Define internal resistance of a cell. What are the factors those affect it?
Ans. The opposition offered by the electrolyte of the cell to the flow of
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electric currentthrough it is called the internal resistance of the cell.

Factors affecting Internal Resistance of a cell:
Larger the separation between the electrodes of the cell, more the length of the
electrolyte through which current has to flow and consequently a higher value of
internal resistance. Greater the conductivity of the electrolyte, lesser is the internal
resistance of the cell. i.e. internalresistance depends on the nature of the electrolyte.
The internal resistance of a cell is inversely proportional to the common area of the
electrodes dipping in the electrolyte. The internal resistance of a cell depends on the
nature of the electrodes.
Q.2. Write Kirchoff’s rules. What kind of conservation do they represent? Use these rulesto
write the expressions for the currents I1, I2 and I3 in the circuit
diagram shown.
Ans. Kirchhoff’s Rule:
Junction Rule:-The algebraic sum of currents
meeting ata point is zero.It is in accordance
with conservation of charge
ii) Loop rule:-The algebraic sum of potential
differencearound a closed loop is zero.It is in
accordance with conservation of energy.
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NUMERICAL PROBLEMS ON CURRENT

ELECTRICITY

1. What is the current flowing in the arm BD of this circuit?

2. A cylindrical metallic wire is stretched to increase its length by 5%. Calculate the percentage change in
its resistance.

3. Two cells of EMF 1V, 2V and internal resistances 2Ω and 1Ω respectively are connected in
(i) series, (ii) parallel. What should be the external resistance in the circuit so that the current through the
resistance be the same in the two cases? In which case more heat is generated in the cells?

4. Calculate the temperature at which the resistance of a conductor becomes 20% more than its resistance at
270C. The value of the temperature coefficient of resistance of the conductor is
2 x 10-4 / K.

5. Two metallic wires of the same material have the same length but cross sectional area is in the ratio of
1:2. They are connected (i) in series and (ii) in parallel. Compare the drift velocities of electrons in the two
wires in both the cases.

6. Two wires X, Y have the same resistivity but their cross-sectional areas in the ratio 2:3 and lengths in the
ratio 1:2. They are first connected in series and then in parallel to a dc source. Find out the ratio of the drift
speeds of the electrons in the two wires for the two cases.

7. A room has AC run for 5 hours a day at a voltage of 220V. The wiring of the room consists of Cu of 1 mm
radius and a length of 10m. Power consumption per day is 10 commercial units. What fraction of it goes in
the joule heating in the wires? What would happen if the wiring is made of Al of the same dimensions?
[ρCu = 1.7 x 10-8 Ωm, ρAl = 2.7 x 10-8 Ωm]

8. Two cells of emf 1.5 V and 2V and internal resistance 1 Ω and 2 Ω are connected in parallel to pass a
current in the same direction through an external resistance of 5 Ω. (a) Draw Circuit Diagram. (b) Using
Kirchhoff’s laws, calculate the current through each branch of the circuit and p.d. across the 5 Ω resistor.
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9. E2 =1.02V, PQ=1m. When switch S open, null position

is obtained at a distance of 51 cm from P. Calculate
(i) Potential gradient
(ii) emf of the cell E1
(iii) When switch S is closed, will null point move towards P or
Give reason for your answer.

10. Find the value of the unknown resistance X in the circuit, if no current
flows through the section AO. Also calculate the current drawn from the
battery of emf 6V.

11. E1 = 2V, E2 = 4V, r1 = 1Ω, r2 = 2Ω, R = 5Ω

Calculate (i) current (ii) p.d. between B and A (iii) p.d. between A and C.

12. 12 cells, each of emf 1.5V and internal resistance 0.5Ω,

are arranged in m rows each containing n cells connected in
series, as shown. Calculate the values of n and m for which this
combination would send maximum current through an
external resistance of 1.5Ω

13. The given figure shows the experimental set up of a

meter bridge. The null point is found to be 60cm away from the
end A with X and Y in position as shown. When a resistance of
15Ω is connected in series with ‘Y’, the null point is found to
shift by 10cm towards the end A of the wire. Find the
position of null point if a resistance of 30Ω were connected in
parallel with ‘Y’.
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14. A cell of unknown emf E and internal resistance r, two unknown resistances R1 and R2 (R2>R1) and
a perfect ammeter are given. The current in the circuit is measured in five different situations:
(i) Without any external resistance in the circuit,
(ii) With resistance R1 only,
(iii) With resistance R2 only,
(iv) With both R1 and R2 used in series combination and
(v) With R1 and R2 used in parallel combination.
The current obtained in the five cases are 0.42A, 0.6A, 1.05A, 1.4A, and 4.2A, but not necessarily in that
order. Identify the currents in the five cases listed above and calculate E, r and R2.
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VERY SHORT ANSWER TYPE (CURRENT ELECTRICITY) 1 MARKS

1 The plot of the variation of potential difference across the 2016
combination of three identical cells in series is shown in the D
figure: what is the emf and internal resistance of each cell.

2 The variation of potential difference V with length l for two 2016

potentiometrs P and Q are as shown , which one of the two 2006
will you prefer to comparing emf of two primary cells and
why?

3 Define the terms conductivity of a conductor?On what factors do it depend? 2016

4 V – I graph for a metallic wire at two different temperatures 2015
T1 and T2 is as shown in the figure. Which of the two
temperatures is higher and why?

5 Two metallic resistors are connected first in series and then in 2015
parallel across a d.c. supply. Plot of I – V graph is shown for
thetwo cases. Which one represents a parallel combination of
theresistors and why?

6 I – V graph for two identical conductors of different materials A 2015

and B is shown in the figure. Which one of the two has higher
resistivity?

7 State the underlying principle of the potentiometer? 2014

8 Two identical cells each of emf E having negligible internal resistance are connected in 2013
parallel with each other across an external resistance R, what is the current through this AI
resistance?
9 A 10 V battery of negligible internal resistance is 2013
connected across a 200 V battery and a resistance as
shown in the figure find the value of current in the
circuit.
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10 When electrons drift in a metal from lower to higher potential, does it mean that all the free 2012
electrons of the metal are moving in the same direction?
11 Show on a graph the variation of resistivity with temperature for a typical semiconductor? 2012
2006
12 Two wires, one of copper and the other of manganin, have same resistance and equal thickness. 2012
Which wire is longer? Justify your answer 2009

13 A steady current flows in a metallic conductor of non-uniform cross-section. Which of these 2011
quantities is constant along the conductor: Current, current density, drift speed, electric
field?
14 Two conducting wires X and Y of same diameter but different materials are joined in series 2010
across a battery. If the number density of electrons in X is twice that in Y, find the ratio of
drift velocity of electrons in the two wires.
15 A wire of resistance 8 R is bent in the form of a circle. What is the Effective resistance 2010
between the ends of a diameter AB ?
16 Define the term ‘mobility’ of charge carriers. Write its S.I. unit. 2008
17 Distinguish between emf and terminal voltage of a cell. 2008
18 Show variation of resistivity of copper as a function of temperature in a graph. 2007

ANSWERS OF
VERY SHORT ANSWER TYPE ( CURRENT ELECTRICITY) 1
MARKS
1 When I=0 emf of three identical cells in series is equal to 6V, hence E=2V,r=2Ω
2 As Potential Gradient k=V/l, Potentiometer Q will be preferred.
3 Conductivity is the reciprocal of resistivity,It depends upon no density of electrons and Average
relaxation time.
4 For metallic wire R=V/I increases with temperature, hence T1 will be higher.
5 In parallel combination less resistance will be the equivalent resistance, therefore A will represent
parallel combination.
6 B will be of higher resistivity
7 The potential difference across any two points of uniform current carrying conductor is directly
proportional to the length of the conductor between those two points.
8 I=E/R
9 I=200-10/38=190/38=5Amp.
10 No, Maximum no of electrons will drift opposite to the direction of higher potential
11
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12 𝜌𝑙 𝑚𝑙
𝑅 = 𝐴 = 𝑛𝑒2𝑐𝐴
As R and A are constant, 𝜌𝑙 is a constant, Manganin is an alloy of higher resistivity, Copper wire will
be longer.
13 Current and electric field will remain constant
Current density will change with non-uniform area of cross section
Drift velocity will change as area changes (I = n e A V d)
14 As (I = n e A V d),in series combination current remain same. In both X and
Y,n V d will be constant.
Therefore the ratio will be Vx/Vy=1/2
15 𝟏 = 𝟏 + 𝟏 Effective resistance will be 2R.
𝑹 𝟒𝑹 𝟒𝑹
16 Vd 𝑒𝑐 2
𝜇= = , m C/sJ
𝐸 𝑚
17 Emf is measured in open circuit ,p.d in closed circuit
Emf is slightly greater than p d while using.
18

.
VERY SHORT ANSWER TYPE (ELECTRICITY)2 MARKS
1 Two electric bulbs P and Q have their resistances in the ratio of 1: 2. They are connected in 2018
series across a battery. Find the ratio of the power dissipation in these bulbs. 2008C
2 In a potentiometer arrangement for determining the internal resistance of a cell, the balance 2018
point of the cell in open circuit is 350 cm. When a resistance of 9 Ω is used in the external
circuit of the cell, the balance point shifts to 300 cm. Determine the internal resistance of the
cell.
3 Derive an expression for drift velocity of free electrons in a conductor in terms of relaxation 2016
time. 2014
4 How does the drift velocity of free electrons in a metallic conductors change with the rise in
temperature. 2009
5 When 5V potential difference is applied across a wire of length 0.1m , the drift speed of 2016N
electrons is 2.5x10-4 m/s, if the electron density in the wire is 8X 1028 m-3 . Calculate the

resistivity of the material of the wire.

XII/Physics-Support Material/Bengaluru Region/2024-25

6 Calculate the current drawn from the 2009,

battery by the network of resistors shown in 2015
figure

7 Using the concept of drift velocity of charge carriers in a conductor, deduce the relationship 2009
between current density and resistivity of the conductor.
8 A variable resistor R is connected across a cell of emf E and 2011
internal resistance r as shown in the figure. Draw a plot 2009
showing the variation of (i) terminal voltage V and (ii) the
current I, as a function of R.

ANSWER OF
VERY SHORT ANSWER TYPE (CURRENT ELECTRICITY)2 MARKS
1 P = V2/R hence the ratio will be 2:1
𝐸
2 𝑟 = ( − 1)𝑅
𝑉
𝑙1 350
r = ( − 1)𝑅=( - 1)9=1.5Ω
𝑙2 300
𝑒𝑐
3 I=neAV 𝑉=- E
d, 𝑚
4 As the temperature of the conductor increases, average relaxation time will decrease, drift velocity
will also decrease, resistivity increases.
5 Resitivity=1.56x10-5Ωm
6 As the circuit is similar to a whaetstone bridge 5 Ω resistor can be removed ,then R=2Ω .Hence i=2
amp.
𝐼 1
7 𝑗 = = n e Vd 𝑗 =σE= E
𝐴 𝜌
8

ASSERTION & REASONING TYPE (ELCETRICITY)

( 4Q x 1M =4 Marks)
Directions : Each of these questions contain two statements, Assertion and Reason. Each of these questions
also has four alternative choices, only one of which is the correct answer. You have to select one of the codes
(a), (b), (c) and (d) given below.
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(a) Assertion is correct, reason is correct; reason is a correct explanation for assertion.
(b) Assertion is correct, reason is correct; reason is not a correct explanation for assertion
(c) Assertion is correct, reason is incorrect
(d) Assertion is incorrect, reason is correct.
1. Assertion: Current is a vector quantity.
Reason: Current has magnitude as well as direction.
2.Assertion : A stream of positively charged particle produces an electric field E at a certain distance from
it
Reason : A current currying conductor produces an electric field 2E at the same distance.
3.Assertion : Electric field outside the conducting wire which carries a constant current is zero.
Reason : Net charge on conducting wire is zero.
4. Assertion: The statement of Ohm’s law is V = IR.
Reason: V = IR is the equation which defines resistance.
5. Assertion : A current flows in a conductor only when there is an electric field within the conductor.
Reason : The drift velocity of electron in presence of electric field decreases.
6. Assertion : Drift speed vd is the average speed between two successive collisions.
Reason : If ∆ l is the average distance moved between two collision and ∆t is the corresponding time, then

electrons drift in the direction opposite to the current and so the number of free electrons in the wire continuously
decrease.
7. Assertion : When a current is established in a wire, the free electrons drift in the direction opposite to
the current and so the number of free electrons in the wire continuously decrease.
Reason : Charge is a conserved quantity.
8. Assertion : The electric bulb glows immediately when switch is on.
Reason : The drift velocity of electrons in a metallic wire is very high.
9. Assertion: E=ρ𝑗→is the statement of Ohm’s law.
Reason: If the resistivity of the conducting material is independent of the direction and magnitude of
applied field then the material obeys Ohm’s law.
10. Assertion: For a conductor resistivity increases with increase in temperature.
Reason: Since

when temperature increases the random motion of free electrons increases and vibration of ions increases
which decreases relaxation time.
11. Assertion : The drift velocity of electrons in a metallic wire will decrease, if the temperature of the wire
is increased.
Reason : On increasing temperature, conductivity of metallic wire decreases.
12. Assertion : Bending a wire does not effect electrical resistance.
Reason: Resistance of wire is proportional to resistivity of material.
13. Assertion : Two non ideal batteries are connected in parallel. The equivalent emf is smaller than either
of the two emfs.
Reason : The equivalent internal resistance is smaller than either of the two internal resistances.
14. Assertion : Kirchoff’s juction rule can be applied to a junction of several lines or a point in a line.
Reason : When steady current is flowing, there is no accumulation of charges at any junction or at any
point in a line.
15. Assertion : Kirchoff’s junction rule follows from conservation of charge.
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Reason : Kirchoff’s loop rule follows from conservation of momentum.

16. Assertion : In meter bridge experiment, a high resistance is always connected in series with a
galvanometer.
Reason : As resistance increases current through the circuit increases.
17. Assertion : In a meter bridge experiment, null point for an unknown resistance is measured. Now, the
unknown resistance is put inside an enclosure maintained at a higher temperature. The null point can be
obtained at the same point as before by decreasing the value of the standard resistance.
Reason : Resistance of a metal increases with increase in temperature
18. Assertion : In meter bridge experiment, a high resistance is always connected in series with a
galvanometer.
Reason : As resistance increase current more accurately then ammeter.
19. Assertion : The e.m.f of the driver cell in the potentiometer experiment should be greater that the
e.m.f of the cell to be determined.
Reason : The fall of potential across the potentiometer wire should not be less than the e.m.f of the cell to be
determined.
20. Assertion : A potentiometer of longer length is used for accurate measurement.
Reason : The potential gradient for a potentiometer of longer length with a given source of e.m.f becomes
small.
21. Assertion(A):
The wire of potentiometer is made by constantan and manganin.
Reason(R):Constantan and manganin are alloys and dependence of resistivity of alloys in temperature is
negligible.
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ANSWER:
ASSERTION & REASONING TYPE (ELECTRICITY)

1. (d) We call those quantities as vector quantities which have magnitude and direction and obey laws of
vector addition. Though current has magnitude as well as direction but it does not obey laws of vector
addition. Hence it is not a vector quantity.
2. (c) The net charge on current carrying conductor is zero, and so its electric field is also zero.
3. (a)
4. (d) A diode does not obey Ohm’s law while a resistor obeys. But the equation V = IR can be applied to
both. In fact the equation V = IR can be applied to all the conducting devices whether they obey Ohm’s law
or not. So V = IR is directly proportional to I i.e.. V α I. The proportionality sign is changed to equality
sign in the equation V = IR with R as constant of proportionality know as resistance of conductor. Thus the
equation V = IR defines resistance.
5. (c) Before the presence of electric field, the free electrons move randomly in the conductor, so their drift
velocity is zero and therefore there is no current in the conductor. In the presence of electric field, each
electron in the conductor experience a force in a direction opposite to the electric field. Now the free
electrons are accelerated from negative and to the positive end of the conductor
and hence a current starts to flow from the conductor.
6. (c) Drift speed is the average speed between two successive collisions.
7. (d) The free electron density in any part of the conductor remains constant.
8. (c) The drift velocity of electrons in metals is order of 10–4 m/s.
9

10. (a) When temperature increases the random motion of electrons and vibration of ions
increases which results in more frequent collisions of electrons with the ions. Due to this the
average time between the successive collisions, denoted by τ, decreases which increases ρ
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11. b) On increasing temperature of wire the kinetic energy of free electrons increase and so they collide
more rapidly with each other and hence their drift velocity decreases. Also when temperature increases,
resistivity increases and resistivity is inversely
Proportional to conductivity of material.
12. (a) Resistance wire R = ρ I/A, where ρ is resistivity of material which does not depend on the
geometryof wire. Since when wire is bent resistivity, length and area of cross-section do not change,
therefore resistance of wire also remain same.
13. (d) The equivalent emf of the two batteries in parallel,

Internal resistance,

This value is smaller than either of r1 and r2.

14. (a)
15. (c) Kirchoff 's loop rule follows from conservation of energy.
16. (c) The resistance of the galvanometer is fixed. In meter bride experiments, to protect the
galvanometer from a high current, high resistance is connected to the galvanometer.
17. (d) With increase in temperature, resistance of metal wire increases, but balance conduction will not
change.
18. (c) The resistance of the galvanometer is flexed. In meter bridge experiments, to protect the
galvanometer from a high current, high resistance is connected to the galvanometer in order to protect it
from damage.
19. (a) If either e.m.f. of the driver cell or potential difference across the whole potentiometer wire is lesser
than the e.m.f. of then experimental cell, then balance point will not obtained.

20. (a) Sensitivity α

21.a) (Length of wire)
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5 In a Whetstone’s bridge, all the four arms have equal resistance 1M

R. If resistance of the galvanometer arm is also R, then equivalent
resistance of the combination is

(a) R (b) 2R (c) 2 R (d) 4 R

6 How much work is required to carry a 6 C charge from thenegative to 1M
the positive terminal of a 9V battery?

(a) 54 × 10-3 J (b) 54 × 10-6 J (c) 54 × 10-9 J (d) 54 × 10-12 J

7 For a cell, the terminal potential difference is 3.6 V, when the circuit 1M
is open. If the potential difference reduces to 3 V, when cell is
connected to a resistance of 5  , the internal resistance
of cell is (a) 1  (b) 2  (c) 4  (d) 8 
8 Masses of three wires of copper are in the ratio of 1 : 3 : 5 and their 1M
lengths are in the ratio of 5 : 3 : 1. The ratio of their electrical
resistances are

(a) 1 : 3 : 5 (b) 5 : 3 : 1 (c) 1 : 15 : 125 (d) 125 : 15 : 1

9 Why are alloys used for making standard resistance coils 1M

10 Is the motion of a charge across junction momentum 1M

conserving? why or why not?
11 I-V Graph for a metallic wire at two different 2M
temperatures T1 and T2 is as shown in the
figure below which one of the two
temperature is low and why?

12 Graph showing the variation of 2M

current versus voltage for a material
GaAs is shown in thefigure identify
the region of
a) negative resistance
b) where Ohm's law is
obeyed
13 Wire of length L is stretched to the three times its length. What 3M
will be its new resistivity? In what manner do the relaxation timein
good conductor change when its temperature increases?
14 Figure shows a plot of current versus 3M
voltage for two different materials
P&Q. Which of the two materials
satisfies ohms law?

15 Two cells of emf E1 and E2 , and 3M

internal resistance r1 and r2
respectively are connected in
parallel as shown.
Deduce expressions for the
equivalent emf of the combination,
the equivalent resistance of the
combination
and the potential difference between the points A and B.
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16 Figure shoes two circuits each having a galvanometer and a battery of 3 3 M

Volt. When a galvanometer in each arrangement do not show any
deflection obtain the ratio R1/R2.

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