11

Electricity 311

Electricity
CHAPTER

MIND MAP
Positive charge
Charge (E.g.: Proton (+1.6 × 10–19C)
Negative charge
• Unlike charges attract each other. (E.g.: Electron (–1.6 × 10–19C)
• Like charges repel each other.
• SI unit of charge is coulomb (C).

Charge at rest Charge in motion

Static electricity Current electricity

• Flow of charge in a closed circuit.

• Direction of flow of positive charge is the direction of
conventional current.
• Direction of current is opposite to the direction of
flow of electron in a circuit.

Flow of charge per unit time Work done in moving a unit charge from one point
to another point
• Flow of electrons in a conductor when cell
Q or battery is connected across its end. Electric potential difference • SI unit-volt
Electric Current, I = • 1 V = 1 J C–1.
t • SI unit ampere (A). V = VB – VA =
WAB
• 1 A = 1 C s–1. Q • Measured by voltmeter.
• Measured by ammeter. • Current will flow from a
region higher potential to a
region of lower potential.
Both are related by
• The ratio V/I is constant.
Ohm’s law: I ∝ V i.e., V ∝ I • Graph between V and I is a straight line inclined to x-axis.
(at constant temperature) • Slope of V-I graph gives resistance of the given conductor at a
given temperature.
Proportionality constant is called
depends on • Length of conductor (R ∝ l).
1
Resistance R =
V • It opposes the flow of current • Area of cross-section dR \ n
I A
through the conductor • Nature of its material
• SI unit of resistance is ohm (W).
Connect in combinations of • 1 W = 1 V A–1.
R ∝ l or R = r l
2 2

Series Parallel where ‘r’ is

constant known as
R1 R2 R3 R1
• R2 Resistivity or specific
• Same current passes through each resis- RA
• Voltage across each resistor is same. resistance, r =
tor. 1 l
• Different potential difference across • Current divided in each branch dI \ n
R
different resistor (V ∝ R). • I = I 1 + I 2 + I 3. • SI unit is ohm-meter (W-m).
• V = V1 + V2 + V3. 1 1 1 • Low resistivity, good conductor.
• Equivalent resistance is = +
RP R1 R 2 Independent of length and thickness
• Equivalent resistance is •
R S = R 1 + R 2 + R3 of wire.
• Nature of material depends on
• Temperature of substance
312 Together with® Science—10
Heating Effect of Electric Current Thus, the electrical energy consumed by an
1. Electrical energy: The work done or energy supplied electrical device at the rate of 1 J/s (the power of
by the source (battery or cell) in maintaining the flow device) is said to be 1 watt.
of current in an electric circuit is called as electrical • Using,
energy. It appears as heat and is given by Electrical energy dissipated (E)
Power (P) =
V2 t Time (t)
H = VIt = = I2Rt
R ⇒ E = P×t
SI unit of electric energy is joule (J) where, So, the electrical energy consumed or dissipated by
1 J= 1 volt × 1 A × 1 second = 1 watt × 1 second an electrical device is equal to the product of power
If the energy is used by an electrical device at the rate and time. The unit of electrical energy is, therefore,
of 1 watt, then the total energy used in 1 second is watt hour or kilowatt hour.
equal to 1 joule (J). watt hour: When 1 watt of power is used by an
2. Joule’s law of heating: The heat produced in a resistor electrical device for 1 hour continuously, the energy
is directly proportional to consumed by that device is said to be 1 watt hour
(i) the square of current for a given resistance (Wh).
(H ∝ I 2) kilowatt hour (kWh): The commercial unit of
(ii) the resistance for a given current (H ∝ R) electrical energy is called kilowatt hour (kWh).
(iii) the time for which the current flows through the The electrical energy used in shops, factories,
resistor. (H ∝ t) residential houses, etc. is measured in terms of kilowatt
Thus, the heat produced in the wire by current in time hour. One kilowatt hour is also called one unit.
‘t’ is ∴ One unit = 1 kWh = 1000 Wh
H ∝ I 2Rt or H = KI 2Rt = 1000 watts × 1 hour
But K = 1, so H = I2Rt (joule) = 1000 Js–1 × 3600 s
3. Electric power: It is the rate of doing work by an = 3.6 × 106 J
energy source or the rate at which the electrical energy Thus, if an electrical appliance of power 1000 watt
is dissipated or consumed per unit time in an electric is operated for 1 hour on the main supply, then it
circuit. will consume 1 kWh electrical energy or 1 unit of
Work done (W) V2 2 electricity.
Power P = = VI = =IR
Time (t) R 1 kWh = 1000 Wh
Unit of electric power: SI unit of electric power is 4. Method to calculate the electrical energy consumed
watt (W). • 1 unit means 1 kWh.
Watt: 1 watt is the power consumed by an electrical • Number of units of electrical energy consumed
device that carry 1 ampere current when operated at Watt × hours
a potential difference of 1 volt. = Number of kWh =
1000
i.e., 1 watt = 1 volt × 1 amp. • Total electrical energy consumed in a month
• Bigger units of power are
= Total number of units
1 kilowatt = 1 kW = 1000 W = 103 W
Watt × hours × days
1 megawatt = 1 MW = 106 W =
1000
• The relationship between watt and joule is given
= Number of units × Number of
W
by (using P = ) days in a month.
t
1J • Total cost of electricity consumed
1 watt = or 1W = 1 Js–1 = Total units × cost per unit of electricity.
1 sec
 Electricity 313

TOPICS COVERED
Electric Current and Circuit

(b) 10–6 and 10–9 A respectively

Multiple Choice (c) 10–3 and 10–6 A respectively
Questions 1 Mark (d) 103 and 106 A respectively
Ans. (c)
1. The electric current in the conductor exists only
when the quantity that flows through it is
Answers
(a) electric charge (b) air current
(c) water current (d) all of these 1. (a) 2. (b) 3. (c) 4. (c)
2. Amount of charge flowing through a particular 5. (a) 6. (a) 7. (c) 8. (d)
area in unit time is called
(a) electric charge (b) electric current 9. (a) 10. (b) 11. (c)
(c) electric potential (d) all of these
3. The unit of electric charge is V S A Very Short Answer
(a) ampere (b) joule Type Questions 2 Marks
(c) coulomb (d) ohm
12. State two properties of charge.
4. Choose the incorrect statements from the following: Ans. Properties of Charge
(a) Charge on the body may be positive or negative. (i) The basic idea about positive and negative charge
(b) Electric charge is scalar quantity. is that “like charges repel and unlike charges
(c) Coulomb is the cgs unit of charge. attract each other.
(d) A continuous and closed path is required for the (ii) Electric charge can neither be created nor
flow of electric charge. destroyed but it can transfer from one body to
5. The particles that constitute the flow of charge another i.e., total electric charge in an isolated
through a conductor is system is conserved.
(a) electrons (b) protons (iii) Total charge on a body is equal to the algebraic
(c) neutrons (d) atoms sum of all the charges located on that body.
(iv) Charges are quantized i.e., charge on a body is
6. The materials which allow electric current to pass an integral multiple of the charge of electron or
through them easily are called proton.
(a) conductors (b) insulators Therefore, the total charge Q on a body is given by
(c) semiconductors (d) alloys Q = ne
7. Conventionally, direction of electric current in the Where, e = 1.6 × 10–19 coulomb, n = ±1, ±2,
circuit is taken as the direction of flow of ±3, and so on. (any two)
(a) negative charge (b) atoms 13. Name the two fundamental particles which carry
(c) positive charge (d) neutrons equal and opposite charges. What amount of
8. The relation between electric current and electric charge they carry?
charge is Ans. Electron and proton
(a) Q = I/t (b) t = QI Charge on electron = –1.6 × 10–19 C
(c) I = Qt (d) I = Q/t Charge on proton = +1.6 × 10–19 C
9. The number of electrons constituting one coulomb 14. How many electrons must be removed from a
of charge is conductor, so that it acquires a charge of 4.8 mC?
(a) 6 × 1018 (b) 1.6 × 10–19 Ans. Here q = 4.8 mC = 4.8 × 10–6 C
(c) 6 × 10 –18
(d) 1.6 × 1019 Charge on electron, e = 1.6 × 10–19 C
Using, q = ne
10. SI unit of electric current is
q 4.8 × 10 –6
(a) ohm (b) ampere (c) volt (d) joule ⇒ n = = = 3 × 1013
e 1.6 × 10 – 19
11. The value of 1 mA and 1 mA are [CBSE 2020]
(a) 10–6 and 10–3 A respectively So, n = 3 × 1013 electrons
314 Together with® Science—10
15. In how much time 9 × 103 coulomb of charge will from B to A. What is the direction of conventional
flow, if an electric current of 6 A is drawn by an current? Give justification for your answer.
electrical appliance? A steady current of 1 ampere flows through a
Ans. Using, Q = It ⇒ 9 × 103 = 6 × t conductor. Calculate the number of electrons
9 × 10 3 that flows through any section of the conductor in
\ t = = 1500 s = 25 min 1 second. (Charge on electron 1.6 × 10–19 coulomb).
6
 [CBSE 2015]
A Short Answer Ans. • Electric Current: The amount of charge ‘Q’
S Type Question 3 Marks flowing through a particular area of cross section
16. A current of 1 A is drawn by a filament of an in unit time ‘t’ is called electric current. i.e.
electric bulb. Calculate the number of electrons Q
Electric current, I =
passing through the cross-section of the filament t
in 30 minutes. • SI unit of electric current is ampere.
Ans. Given: I = 1 A, t = 30 min = 30 × 60 = 1800 sec • One ampere of current is that current which flow
Using, Q = It = 1 × 1800 = 1800 C when one coulomb of electric charge flowing
Now, Q = ne through a particular area of cross-section of the
⇒ 1800 = n × 1.6 × 10–19 conductor in one second, i.e. 1A = 1 Cs–1.
1800 • The direction of conventional current is A to B,
⇒ n = = 1125 × 1019
1.6 × 10 –19 i.e. opposite to the direction of flow of electrons.
In a metal, flow of electrons carrying negative
⇒ n = 1.125 × 1022
charge constitutes the current. Direction of flow of
Hence, number of electrons passing through the
electrons gives the direction of electronic current by
filament in 30 minutes = 1.125 × 1022 electrons. convention, the direction of flow of positive charge
 1022 electrons is taken as the direction of conventional current.
• Charge, q = It = ne
A Long Answer
L Type Question 5 Marks It 1×1 1019
n = = =
17. What is meant by electric current? Name and define e 1.6 × 10 –19 C 1.6
its SI unit. In a conductor electrons are flowing   = 6.25 × 1018 electrons

PRACTICE QUESTIONS
1. The device which measures the electric current in the 3. Calculate the amount of charge that would flow in one
circuit is hour through an element of electric gyser drawing a
(a) ammeter (b) voltmeter current of 2 A.
(c) galvanometer (d) all of these 4. How long would a charge of 900 C move through a
2. If electrons flow in a conductor from its one end ‘A’ closed circuit at a steady rate of 15 Cs–1?
to other end ‘B’, the current will flow from 5. 5.40 × 1021 electrons flow through the element of
(a) A to B (b) B to A electric iron in 3 minutes.
(c) mid-point of the conductor to end A (a) How much charge flows through this appliance?
(d) mid-point of the conductor to end B (b) Calculate the current flow through it in 3 min.

TOPICS COVERED
Electric Potential and Potential Difference

carrying some current is called as

Multiple Choice (a) power
Questions 1 Mark (b) electric potential difference
(c) electric current
1. The amount of work done to move a unit charge (d) resistance
from one point to the other in an electric circuit
 Electricity 315
2. Amount of work done needed for each coulomb of 10. When a particle of charge 10 µC is brought from
charge between two points in a current carrying infinity to a point in the electric field, 10 mJ work
conductor having potential difference of 1 V is is done by the external forces. What is the potential
(a) 1 Joule (b) 1 Watt at that point?
(c) 1 Ohm (d) 1 kW Ans. Given Q = 10 mC = 10 × 10–6 C = 10–5 C
3. 1 volt is equal to W = 10 mJ = 10 × 10–3 J = 10–2 J
(a) 1 Js–1 (b) 1 JC–1 At infinity potential is zero
–1
(c) 1 Nm (d) 1 CJ–1 W
Using, VA – VB =
Q
4. The source of energy which provide the potential
W
difference for the steady flow of current in the ⇒ V – V∞ = (let VA = V, VB = V∞)
Q
electric circuit is
(a) ammeter (b) voltmeter 10 –2
⇒ V–0 =
(c) battery (d) all of these 10 –5
5. Potential difference between two points in an ⇒ V = 10–2+5 = 103 = 1000 V
electric circuit is measured by an instrument called 11. (a) State the relation between work, charge and
(a) battery (b) ammeter potential difference for an electric circuit.
(c) galvanometer (d) voltmeter (b) Calculate the potential difference between the
6. Which of the following expressions correctly two terminals of a battery if 100 J of work is
represent the potential difference between two required to transfer 20 C of charge from one
points in an electric circuit? terminal of the battery to the other.
W Q Work done
(a) V = (b) V = Ans. (a) Potential difference =
Q W Ch arg e
W
(c) V = Q × W (d) Q = VW VA – VB =
Q
7. A battery of 10 volt carries 20,000 C of charge (b) Q = 20 C, W = 100 J
through a resistance of 20 W. The work done in \ Potential difference,
10 seconds is W 100
V = =
(a) 2 × 103 joule (b) 2 × 105 joule Q 20
4
(c) 2 × 10 joule (d) 2 × 102 joule ⇒ V = 5 volt
8. When two points at different potential are 12. Calculate the amount of work done in shifting of
connected across the ends of a conductor, the charge of 2 C from a point A to B having potentials
electric current flows through it from the point +10 V and –5 V respectively.
(a) at a higher potential to a lower potential Ans. Q = 2 C, VA = +10 V, VB = –5 V
(b) at a lower potential to a higher potential W
(c) at zero potential to the some potential point Using VA – VB =
Q
(d) cannot say W
⇒ 10 – (–5) =
2
Answers ⇒ W = 30 J

1. (b) 2. (a) 3. (b) 4. (c) A Short Answer

S Type Question 3 Marks
5. (d) 6. (a)
7. (b) W = qV = 20000 × 10 = 2,00, 000 = 2 × 105 J 13. Define 1 volt. Express it in terms of SI unit of
8. (a) work and charge. Calculate the amount of energy
consumed in carrying a charge of 1 coulomb
V S A Very Short Answer through a battery of 3 V. [CBSE 2014]
Type Questions 2 Marks Ans. When 1 joule of work is done in carrying 1 coulomb
of charge, from infinity to a point in the electric field,
9. Why must voltmeter have high resistance? then potential at that point is called 1 volt.
Ans. The voltmeter connected in parallel across the Potential difference between two points is
component, such as resistor must have high resistance W
so that a very small current passes through it and V =
Q
the potential difference across that component is not
affected. or W =Q×V
= 1 × 3 = 3 J
316 Together with® Science—10

PRACTICE QUESTIONS
1. In an electric circuit, there are two paths available (b) VA = +10 V and VB = –14 V
between two points ‘A’ and ‘B’ for the transfer of (c) VA = 24 V and VB = 0 V
charge ‘q’. Let the work done be W1 and W2, for (d) VA – VB = 24 V
path 1 and 2, respectively. Which of the following Choose the best interpretation from the above.
relationship is true? 3. (a) What do you understand by the term “electric
(a) W1 < W2 (b) W1 = W2 potential at a point” in an electric field?
(c) W1 > W2 (d) Insufficient data, cannot (b) Potential difference between two points is
say measured by voltmeter. How it is connected in
2. A manufacturer has shown that the potential difference the circuit?
between two terminals of the battery is 24 volts. 4. Calculate the work done in moving of charge of 2 C
VA VB
+ – from a point at 30 V to another point at 50 V.
5. How much chemical energy is transferred by a
Four students interpret it as follows: 24 V battery to each coulomb of charge to move in
(a) VA = 6 V and VB = –18 V a circuit?

TOPICS COVERED
Circuit and Circuit Diagram
A
Multiple Choice
Questions 1 Mark B

1. A continuous and closed path of an electric current + –

is called
C D
(a) an electric circuit
(b) electric pressure (a) A-Bulb, B-Battery, C-Open key, D-Resistor
(c) circuit element (b) A-Resistor, B-Bulb, C-Battery, D-Open key
(d) all of these (c) A-Cell, B-Bulb, C-Resistor, D-Closed key
2. The position of switch/key in an electric circuit is (d) A-Variable Resistor, B-Bulb, C-Cell,
(a) right side of the cell or battery D-Closed key
(b) left side of the cell or battery
(c) anywhere in the circuit Answers
(d) before the circuit element
3. The function of switch in an electric circuit is 1. (a) 2. (c) 3. (c) 4. (a)
(a) to make the circuit closed 5. (b) 6. (b)
(b) to make the circuit open
(c) both (a) and (b) V S A Very Short Answer
(d) neither (a) nor (b) Type Questions 2 Marks
4. Which of the following is an essential element in 7. (a) What do the following symbols represent?
an electric circuit?
(a) Connecting wire (b) Bulb
(c) An ammeter (d) A plug key (i) (ii)
5. A schematic diagram drawn by using symbols
which represent electrical components is called
(a) electric diagram (b) circuit diagram (b) Name the electrical devices that are connected
(c) element diagram (d) current diagram in the following part of the circuit.
6. Identify the electrical components labelled as A,
B, C and D.
 Electricity 317
2 8. What is an electric circuit? Distinguish between
+
V – an open and a closed circuit.
Ans. An arrangement for maintaining the continuous flow
1
+ + – of electric current by the electrical energy source
A –
3 through the various electrical components connected
with each other by conducting wires is termed as
Ans. (a) (i) Wire crossing without joining
electric circuit.
(ii) Variable resistor or rheostat
An open circuit does not carry any current, while a
(b) 1-Ammeter, 2-voltmeter and 3-resistor closed circuit carries current.

PRACTICE QUESTIONS

1. The direction of conventional current in electric circuit 2. (a) What is the use of connecting wires in the electric
marked by you in the external circuit is circuit?
(a) from negative terminal to positive terminal of (b) What is the role of electric switch/key in the
the cell circuit?
(b) from positive terminal to negative terminal of 3. What are three basic components of a circuit?
the cell
(c) in any direction
(d) cannot say

TOPICS COVERED
Ohm’s Law and Factors on which the Resistance of a Conductor
Depends

Multiple Choice
Questions 1 Mark
I I I
1. Choose the incorrect statement regarding Ohm’s
law.
(a) It is temperature independent V V V
(I) (II) (III)
(b) It is valid for constant temperature
(c) It is valid for ohmic resistance The observation likely to be correct are those of
(d) It defines the relationship between potential (a) Student I only (b) Student II only
difference and current through the conductor. (c) Student III only (d) All the three students
2. In Ohm‘s law, if physical condition of the conductor 4. To the terminals marked as X and Y in the given
remains same, then circuit, three students connect 4 cells of voltage
1 1.5 V each in three different manners shown below.
(a) I ∝ V (b) I ∝ +
V V –
1
(c) I ∝ V 2 (d) I ∝
V2 A R B

3. In the experiment on studying the dependence –

A
of current (I) and potential difference (V), three
+
students plotted the following graph between (V)
X Y
and (I) as per their respective observations.
Student (A): X Y
318 Together with® Science—10
X Y Plastic insulation surrounds a wire having diameter
Student (B):
d and length l as shown above. A decrease in the
Student (C): X Y resistance of the wire would be produced by an
increase in the [CBSE Sample Paper 2023]
Which of the following student(s) get the maximum (a) length l of the wire (b) diameter d of the wire
reading of voltmeter? (c) temperature of the wire
(a) Student A (b) Student B (d) thickness of the plastic insulation
(c) Student C (d) All three students 11. A complete circuit is left on for several minutes,
5. For verifying Ohm’s law, we design an electric causing the connecting copper wire to become hot. As
circuit diagram in which we show the arrangement the temperature of the wire increases, the electrical
of different circuit components. We find that with resistance of the wire [CBSE Sample Paper 2023]
respect to resistor [CBSE 2023] (a) decreases. (b) remains the same.
(a) ammeter is connected in parallel and voltmeter (c) increases.
in series. (d) increases for some time and then decreases.
(b) ammeter is connected in series and voltmeter in 12. The resistivity of the metals and alloys are in the
parallel. range of
(c) ammeter and voltmeter are both connected in (a) 10–8 W m to 10–6 W m
series. (b) 10–10 W m to 10–14 W m
(d) ammeter and voltmeter are both connected in (c) 1010 W m to 1014 W m
parallel. (d) 108 W m to 106 W m
6. The resistance whose V – I graph is given below is 13. The temperature of a conductor is increased. The
graph best showing the variation of its resistance is
9 (a) (b)
V (volt)

6 R R

0 5 10 15 20 T T
I (ampere)
(c) (d)
5 3 5 2
(a) W (b) W (c) W (d) W R R
3 5 2 5
7. When a 4 V battery is connected across an unknown
resistor there is a current of 100 mA in the circuit. The T T
value of the resistance of the resistor is [CBSE 2019]
(a) 4 W (b) 40 W (c) 400 W (d) 0.4 W
8. A cylindrical conductor of length ‘l’ and uniform Answers
area of cross-section ‘A’ has resistance ‘R’. Another
conductor of length 2.5l and resistance 0.5R of the 1. (a) 2. (a) 3. (b) 4. (a)
same material has area of cross-section [CBSE 2020] 5. (b)
1 6. (b) Resistance = slope line of V-I graph
(a) 5 A (b) 2.5 A (c) 0.5 A (d) A 9−0 9 3
5 = = = W.
9. The value of specific resistance depends upon 15 − 0 15 5
(a) area of cross-section of the conductor 7. (b)  G i v e n : V = 4 V, I = 1 0 0 m A = 0 . 1 A
(b) length of the conductor Using, V = IR
(c) nature of material of conductor V 4
(d) all of above \ R = = = 40 W
I 0.1
Metal core
10. l
Plastic insulation 8. (a) Case I: R = ρ
A
2.5l
d Case II: 0.5R = ρ
Al
On dividing, we get,
l A′ = 5 A
 Electricity 319

9. (c) 17. Priya has a copper wire and an aluminium wire

10. (b) diameter (d) of the wire of the same length. Can the electrical resistance of
the two wires be the same? Justify your answer.
11. (c)
Ans. Yes, the electrical resistance of the two wires can be
12. (a) the same.
13. (a)  Resistance is directly proportional to temperature The reasons can be:
of the conductor. – The area of cross-section of the two wires is different.
– The thickness of the two wires is different.
18. A piece of wire of resistance 20 Ω is drawn out
V S A Very Short Answer so that its length is increased to twice its original
Type Questions 2 Marks
length. Calculate the resistance of the wire in the
14. How much current will an electric bulb draw new situation.
from 220 V source, if the resistance of the bulb is ρl
Ans. Using, R = ,
1200 Ω? If in place of bulb, a heater of resistance A
100 Ω is connected to the sources, calculate the R1 l A
current drawn by it. We have, = 1 . 2
R2 A1 l2
Ans. Given : V : 220 V, R1 = 1200 Ω, I1 = ?
R2 = 100 Ω, I2 = ? Given : l2= 2l1
Using Ohm’s law, V = I1R1 Volume of material will be conserved. So, A1l1 = A2l2
V 220 A1 l
⇒ I1 = = = 0.18 A ∴ = 2 = 2;
R1 1200 A2 l1
V 220 R1 l l1 l12 1
and, I2 = = = 2.2 A = 1. = =
R2 100
R2 l2 l2 l 22 4
15. In a experiment to study the dependence of current
on potential difference across a resistor, a student ∴       R2 = 4R1 = 80 Ω
obtained the graph as shown in the diagram. 19. Two wires of equal lengths, one of copper and
the other of manganin (an alloy) have the same
0.4 thickness. Which one can be used for (i) electrical
I(A) 0.3 transmission lines, and (ii) electrical heating
devices? Why?
0.2
Ans. (i) Copper, as it has the lesser resistivity.
0.1 (ii) Manganin, as it has the comparatively higher
resistivity, less oxidation even at high temperature.
1.0 2.0 3.0 4.0
V(volts) 20. In the given circuit, resistors A and B are made
From the graph find the value of resistance of the up of same metal and are of the same length but,
given resistor. A is thicker than B.
Ans. From the I-V graph,
1 1
Resistance = =
Slope of line ∆ I/∆V
∆V 3–2
= = = 10 W
∆I 0.3 – 0.2
16. 100 J of work is done in transferring 20 C of
charge between two points in a conductor. Find
the resistance offered by the conductor, if a current
of 2A flows through it. [HOTS] Which of the two ammeters will show a higher
Ans. Given : W = 100 J, q = 20 C, I = 2 A, R = ? reading? Justify your answer.
Work done in carrying 20 C charge Ans. Thicker wire has more cross-sectional area. So,
W = qV it offers lesser resistance to the flow of current as
From Ohm’s law, V = IR 1
R∝ .
∴ W = q(IR) A
W 100 = 5 Hence, more current will flow through it.
⇒ R = = = 2.5 Ω
qI 20 × 2 2 In the given circuit, A is thicker than B.
320 Together with® Science—10
So, RA< RB (ρ is same) 24. A V-I graph for a nichrome wire is given below.

⇒ IA > IB (for same potential) What do you infer from this graph? Draw a labelled
circuit diagram to obtained such a graph.
So, Ammeter A1 will show higher reading.  [CBSE 2020]
21. The resistance of a metal wire of length 1 m is
104 Ω at 20 °C. If the diameter of the wire is 0.15 mm, 2.0
find the resistivity of the metal at that temperature.
Ans. Radius of wire = 0.15/2 = 0.075 mm = 0.075 × 10–3 m 1.6

Potential difference (V)

Area of cross-section of wire = A = pr2
1.2
= 3.14 × (0.075 × 10–3)2
= 3.14 × 0.005625 × 10–6 m2
0.8
= 0.0176 × 10–6 m2 = 1.76 × 10–8 m2
A 10 4 × 1.76 × 10 –8 0.4
Using, r = R =
l 1
–4
= 1.76 × 10 Wm 0
0.1 0.2 0.3 0.4 0.5 0.6
22. (a) In a given ammeter, a student saw that needle Current (A)
indicates 12th division in ammeter while Ans. From the V–I graph for a nichrome wire, the straight
performing an experiment to verify Ohm’s line plot shows that as the current through a wire
law. If ammeter has 10 divisions between increases, the potential difference across the wire
0 to 0.5 A, then what is the ammeter reading increases linearly – this is called Ohm’s law.
corresponding to 12th division? i.e., V ∝I
V
(b) How do you connect an ammeter and a or = constant = R
voltmeter in an electric circuit? [CBSE 2019] I
0.5 or V = IR
Ans. (a) Least count of ammeter = = 0.05 A
10 Circuit Diagram
Thus, the value corresponding to 12 divisions
= 0.05 × 12 = 0.6 A A = Ammeter
(b) The ammeter is connected in series and a voltmeter V = Voltmeter
is connected in parallel in an electric circuit.
R = Resistor
A Short Answer
S Type Questions 3 Marks B = Battery
K = Key
23. (a) Write the relationship between electrical
resistance and electrical resistivity for a Rh = Rheostat
metallic conductor of cylindrical shape. Hence
derive the SI unit of electrical resistivity. 25. (a) Draw a closed circuit diagram consisting of a
(b) Find the resistivity of the material of a metallic 0.5 m long nichrome wire XY, an ammeter, a
conductor of length 2 m and area of cross- voltmeter, four cells of 1.5 V each and a plug key.
section 1.4 × 10–6 m2. The resistance of the (b) Following graph was plotted between V and
conductor is 0.04 ohm. [CBSE 2022] I values :
A
Ans. (a) r = R (½ Mark)
l
m2
SI unit of r = ohm × (½ Mark)
m
= ohm × metre or Wm (½ Mark)
A
(b) r = R (1 Mark)
l
0.04 Ω × 1.4 × 10 –6 m 2
=
2m
–8
= 2.8 × 10 Wm (½ Mark)
[CBSE Marking Scheme]
 Electricity 321
What would be the values of V /I ratios when T2
the potential difference is 0.8 V, 1.2 V and V
1.6 V respectively? What conclusion do you draw T1
from these values? [CBSE 2015]
Ans. (a)
I
Ans. (a) Using Ohm’s law, V = IR
For constant potential difference
IR = constant
i.e., I1R1= I2R2
I2 R1 R 1 1
∴ = = = ⇒ I2 = I1
I1 R 2 2R 2 2
(b) From the graph, when p.d is 1.6 volt and So, current will reduce to half of its initial value.
0.6 A current the ratio of (b) Slope of the V-I graph represents the resistance of
V 1.6 the given conductor at given temperature. At the
= = 2.67 Ω.
I 0.6 temperature T2, the resistance of the conductor
Therefore, straight line nature of graph shows that is higher as it has greater slope than that of at
V temperature T1.
the value of ratio for all potential difference
I 28. (a) List the factors on which the resistance of a
of 0.8 V, 1.2 V and 1.6 volt will be same and is conductor in the shape of a wire depends.
equal to 2.67 Ω. (b) Why are metals good conductors of electricity
We conclude that at the given temperature, the whereas glass is a bad conductor of electricity?
resistance of wire is constant and is equal to 2.67 Ω. Give reason.
26. V (volts) 0.5 1.0 1.5 2.0 2.5 3.0 3.5 4.0 (c) Why are alloys commonly used in electrical
heating devices? Give reason. [CBSE 2018]
I (amperes) 0.1 0.2 0.3 0.4 0.5 0.6 0.7 0.8
Ans. (a) The factors on which the resistance of a conductor
Plot a graph between Current (I) and potential in the shape of wire depends
difference (V) and determine the resistance (R) of (i) L ength of the conductor: Resistance
the resistor. [CBSE 2018] is directly proportional to length of the
Ans. conductor.
4.0
B
(ii) Area of cross section of the wire: The
3.5 resistance is inversely proportional to area
3.0 of cross section of the wire.
2.5 (iii) The resistance of the conductor depends on
V (volt)

2.0 the nature of its material.

A
1.5 C
(iv) Temperature of the conductor: Resistance
1.0
is directly proportional to the temperature
0.5
of the conductor.
(b) Metals are good conductor of electricity as they
0.1 0.2 0.3 0.4 0.5 0.6 0.7 0.8
have free electrons to conduct whereas glass
I (ampere)
Resistance (R) of the resistor is a bad conductor of electricity as it does not
= Slope of V – I line allow electric current to pass through it due to
BC ∆V 3.5 − 1.5 2.0 non-availability of free electrons.
= = = = = 5 Ω. (c) The alloys are commonly used in electric heating
AC ∆I 0.7 − 0.3 0.4
device. This is because
27. (a) Keeping the potential difference constant, the (i) Alloy are combination of two or more metals.
resistance of a circuit is doubled. By what (ii) Its resistivity is higher than that of its
factor does the current change in the circuit? constituent metals.
(b) The voltage – current ( V – I) graph for (iii) It neither gets oxidised nor burn easily at
a conductor at two different temperature high temperature.
T1 and T2 (V–I) is shown. At which of the two (iv) It shows less rapid variations of resistivity
temperatures the resistance of the conductor due to change in temperature.
is higher? Justify your answer. [HOTS]
322 Together with® Science—10
29. V-I graph for two conducting wires A and B are 31. (a) List the factors on which the resistance of
shown. If both wires are of the same length and a uniform cylindrical conductor of a given
same thickness, which of the two is made of a material depends.
material of high resistivity? Give justification for (b) The resistance of wire of 0.01 cm radius is 10 W.
your answer. [CBSE 2023] If the resistivity of the wire is 50 × 10–8 Wm,
A
find the length of this wire. [CBSE 2022]
Ans. (a) Resistance of a conductor depends upon
B (i) length of the conductor (l) [R ∝ l]
V (ii) Area of cross-section of the conductor (A).
1
=R ? G
A
(b) Radius of wire, r = 0.01 cm
I = 0.01 × 10–2 m = 10–4 m
Ans. Greater is the slope of V-I graph, greater will be the Resistance, R = 10 W
resistance of given metallic wire. In the given graph, Resistivity, r = 50 × 10–8 Wm
wire A has greater slope then B. Hence, wire A has l l Rπr 2
Using, R = ρ = ρ ⇒ l=
greater resistance. A πr 2 ρ
For the wires of same length and same thickness,
10 × 22 × (10 –4) 2 22
resistance depends on the nature of material of the ⇒ l= = = 0.628 m
wire, i.e. 7 × 50 × 10 –8 35
l l ⇒ l = 0.62 m
R1 = ρ1 and R2 = ρ 2
A A
R1 r A Long Answer
⇒ = 1 or R ∝ r L Type Question 5 Marks
R2 r2
Hence, wire ‘A’ is made of a material of high 32. (a) Draw a labelled circuit diagram of the circuit
resistivity. used to show the variation of potential
difference across the ends of a resistor with
30. The figure below shows three cylindrical copper
current flowing through it. If you use this
conductors along with their face areas and lengths.
circuit, what relation would you find between
Discuss in which geometrical shape the resistance
the voltmeter reading, V and the ammeter
will be highest. [CBSE Sample Paper 2018]
reading, I ?
(b) A wire of given material having length l and
A area of cross-section ‘A’ has a resistance of
A/3 4 W. Find the resistance of another wire of the
L
3L same material having length l/2 and area of
(a) (b) cross-section 2A. [CBSE 2021 (C)]
Ans. (a) Circuit diagram
K
3A + –

Battery
+
L/3
(c) A
Ans. For geometrical shape shown in –
L
Figure (a) Ra = ρ R
A
3L 9ρL
Figure (b) Rb = ρ d n= = 9Ra +
V
–
A/3 A The relation between ‘V ’ and ‘I ’ is
L/3 1 ρL 1
Figure (c) Rc = ρ d n= . = R    V ∝ I or
V
= constant
3A 9 A 9 a I
Hence, Rb > Ra > Rc l
Since all the three conductors are of same material (b) For 1st wire, R1 = ρ1 = 4 W
A
i.e. copper. Hence, they have the same resistivity. For 2nd wire,
i.e. ra = rb = rc = r l/2 1 1
R2 = ρ = R1 ⇒ R2 = × 4 = 1 W
2A 4 4
 Electricity 323

PRACTICE QUESTIONS
1. A piece of wire of resistance R is drawn to double R R
its length. The new resistance is
R + – + –
(a) R (b) 2R (c) 4 (d) V A
4
2. Two wires of equal length made of materials of – –
resistivity ratio 1 : 2 and area of cross-section A V
3 : 2 have the potential drop across them in the ratio + +
X : Y when connected in series. The ratio X : Y is + – + –
(a) 3 : 1  (b) 2 : 5 (c) 5 : 2 (d) 1 : 3
(A) (B)
3. A wire of length l, made of material resistivity r is + –
V
cut into two equal parts. The resistivity of each parts – + + –
is equal to V A
ρ
(a) r (b) (c) 2 r (d) 4 r
2 R R
4. Ohm’s law fails –
(a) if temperature and pressure are not kept constant A
(b) to explain the behaviour of semiconductor +
(c) to explain the phenomenon of electric arc + – + –
(d) all of above (C) (D)
5. The resistivity of copper is 1.7 × 10–8 Wm. What (b) Define resistance. Give its SI unit. [CBSE 2019]
length of copper wire of diameter 0.1 mm will have 7. (a) Explain why a conductor offers resistance to the
a resistance of 34 Ω? flow of current?
6. (a) Which one the following is the correct set-up for (b) Differentiate between conductor, resistor and
studying the dependence of the current on the resistance.
potential difference across a resistor and why?

TOPIC COVERED
Resistance of a System of Resistors
The correct set up is that of
Multiple Choice (a) student X only
Questions 1 Mark (b) student Y only
(c) student Z only
1. For determining the equivalent resistance of two (d) student X and Z
resistors R1 and R2 connected in series, three students 1
X, Y and Z set up their circuits as shown below: 2. If a person has five resistors each of value W,
R2 5
+
V
– then the maximum resistance he can obtain by
connecting them is
R2 (a) 1 W (b) 5 W
+ V R1 R1
– (c) 10 W (d) 25 W
+ – + – – +
A A 3. Two wires of same length and area made of two
(X) (Y) materials of resistivity r1 and r2 are connected in
+
V – series to a source of potential V. The equivalent
resistivity for the combination is
ρ1ρ 2
(a) r1 + r2 (b)
R2 R1 ρ1 + ρ 2
+
A (ρ1 + ρ 2) ρ + ρ2
– (c) (d) d 1 n
ρ1ρ 2 2
(Z)
324 Together with® Science—10
4. Two bulbs of 100 W and 40 W are connected in 11. The equivalent resistance of the resistors connected
series. The current through the 100 W bulb is in parallel is
1 A. The current through the 40 W bulb will be: (a) greater than the greatest resistance
 [CBSE 2020] (b) smaller than the smallest resistance
(a) 0.4 A (b) 0.6 A (c) 0.8 A (d) 1 A (c) sum of all the resistance
5. In series combination of resistors, the flow of (d) multiple of all the resistance
current across each resistor is 12. Magnitude of current in different branches of the
(a) initially increases then decreases parallel combination is
(b) increases continuously (a) same in each branch
(c) decreases continuously (b) different in different branches
(d) remains the same (c) divides as per number of branches
6. In your daily life experience, which of the following (d) none of the above
is not used in series combination? 13. The total current in parallel combination of three
(a) Decorative bulbs resistors is
(b) Fuses I +I
(a) I = I1 + I2 + I3 (b) I = 1 2
(c) Domestic appliances I3
(d) All of them (c) I = (I1 + I2) × I3 (d) I = I1 + I2 – I3
7. Pick out the incorrect statement from the following 14. To get 2 W resistance, using only 6 W resistors, the
about series combination of resistors. number of them required is
(a) The current across each resistor is the same. (a) 2 (b) 3 (c) 4 (d) 6
(b) The potential difference is same across each 15. Two devices are connected between two points say
resistor A and B in parallel. The physical quantity that will
(c) Equivalent resistance is larger than the largest remain the same between the two points is
resistor (a) current (b) voltage
(d) It is used to decrease the current in the circuit. (c) resistance (d) none of these
8. Three resistors of resistance 1 W, 2W and 3 W are
connected in series combination and draw the Answers
current 0.5 A from the power source. The potential
difference across the combination is
1 1. (d)
(a) 3 V (b) 12 V (c) V (d) 6 V 2. (a) For maximum resistance, all resistors should be
12
connected in series.
9. Raman wants to draw the graph to show how the \ Rs = R1 + R2 + R3 + R4 + R5
resistivity (r) of a wire change with length (l) of 1 1 1 1 1
the wire. What should his graph look like? = + + + +
5 5 5 5 5
(a) (b) 5
= =1W
5
2l
r(Wm)

r(Wm)

3. (d) R = ρ. = R1 + R2
A
2l l l l
ρ. = ρ1 + ρ 2 = (r1 + r2)
l(m) l(m) A A A A
(c) (d) ρ + ρ2
r = 1
2
4. (d) 5. (d) 6. (c) 7. (b)
r(Wm)

r(Wm)

8. (a) 9. (d) 10. (c) 11. (b)

12. (b) 13. (a)
l(m) l(m) 14. (b) Three resistors of 6 W is required to get 2 W
10. The resistor R1 and R2 are connected in parallel because resultant is less than individual resistance
the equivalent resistance of the combination is when connected in parallel.
(a) R1 + R2 (b) R1 – R2 15. (b) In parallel combination voltage remains same
R1R 2 R + R2 across two points.
(c) (d) 1
R1 + R 2 R1R 2
 Electricity 325
(c) Find the potential difference across the
V S A Very Short Answer terminals of the battery.
Type Questions 2 Marks
Ans. (a) P.d across 6 Ω = 12 V
16. Apply Ohm’s law to obtain the relation for ∴ Current through 6 Ω,
combined resistance when three resistors R1, R2 V 12
and R3 are connected in series. I = = =2A
R 6
Ans. Series combination: Consider a system in which three As R and 6 Ω are connected in series. So, the
resistances, R1, R2 and R3 respectively are connected current through R is 2 A.
in series with the cell as shown in figure. V 6
Using Ohm’s law, R = = =3Ω
I 2
(b) Reading of ammeter = 2 A
(c) P.d across the terminals of the battery
V = V1 + V2
= 6 + 12 = 18 V
19. Two resistors 3 Ω and unknown resistor are
Let V be the potential difference maintained by the cell connected in a series across a 12 V battery. If the
across the combination and I be the current flowing voltage drop across the unknown resistor is 6 V, find
through each resistor. (a) potential across 3 Ω resistance
Using Ohm’s law, potential difference across each (b) the current through unknown resistor ‘R’
resistor is (c) equivalent resistance of the circuit.
V1 = IR1, V2 = IR2, V3 = IR3 Ans. (a) Same current will flow through each resistor of
but V = V1 + V2 + V3 series combination, the potential drop across both
IRS = IR1 + IR2 + IR3 = I(R1 + R2 + R3) 3 W resistor will be same (V1 = V2). In series,
⇒ RS = R1 + R2 + R3 applied potential,
where RS is the equivalent resistance of the series V = V1 + V2 + V3
combination. ⇒ 12 = V1 + V1 + 6
17. Draw a schematic diagrams of an electric circuit 2V1 = 12 – 6
comprising of 3 cells and an electric bulb, ammeter, V1 = 3 volt
plug-key in the ON mode and another with same
components but with two bulbs in parallel and a
voltmeter across the combination.
Ans.
B1
B
B2
(b) Current through 3 W resistance
+ V – V 3
I = = =1A
R 3
– A + + –
– A+ + –
So, current through unknown resistance R is 1 A.
K V (c) Unknown resistance
(3 cells) V V 6
(3 cells) R = = =6W
I 1
A Short Answer \ Equivalent resistance,
S Type Questions 3 Marks Rs = R1 + R2 + R3
= 3 + 3 + 6 = 12 W.
18. A circuit is shown in the diagram given below.
20. Consider the following circuit: [CBSE 2018(C)]
V
+ –
5W 8W + – 12 W
A

(a) Find the value of R. +

6V
–
(b) Find the reading of the ammeter.
326 Together with® Science—10
What would be the readings of the ammeter and 23. Answer the questions based on the electric circuit
the voltmeter when key is closed? Give reason to shown below. All the four bulbs are identical.
justify your answer.  [CFPQ, CBSE]
Ans. All the resistor are connected in series V1
\ R = R1 + R2 + R3 = 5 + 8 + 12 = 25 W
V 6 Bulb 1
Current, I = = = 0.24 A
R 25
Hence current through 12 W resistor
A
6
= = 0.24 A
25 Bulb 2
Hence, reading of voltmeter
6 72 V2
V = IR = × 12 = Bulb 3
25 25
or V = 2.88 V Bulb 4
+ –
21. Series arrangements are not used for domestic
circuits. List any three reasons. (a) How does the voltage reading on voltmeter 1
Ans. Series arrangements are not used for domestic circuit compare with the voltage reading on voltmeter
because 2?
(i) The electrical appliances need current of widely (b) Identify the bulb(s) through which a current
different values to operate properly. equal to the reading on the ammeter flows.
(ii) In series arrangement, when one component fails, Ans. (a) The voltage reading on voltmeter 1 will be the
the circuit is broken and none of the components same as the reading on voltmeter 2.
works. (b) • Bulb 3, and • Bulb 4
(iii) All electrical appliances work at a constant 24. Deduce the expression for the equivalent resistance
voltage. But in series circuit, the current of the parallel combination of three resistors R1,
is constant throughout the electric circuit R2 and R3.
and potential is different across the different Ans. Consider the following parallel circuit shown
components. So, series arrangement is not below :
suitable for domestic circuits.
22. You have three resistors of resistance R W each
and a battery of ‘E’ volts. How would you connect
these resistors with a battery to obtain maximum
current? Draw circuit diagram to illustrate your
answer and also calculate the current drawn from
the battery. [CBSE 2016]
Ans. All three resistors should be connected in parallel [Parallel circuit]
with the battery to obtain the maximum current. Let I1, I2 and I3 be the current flow through the resistor
RW
R1, R2 and R3 connected in parallel.
Using Ohm’s law, current through each resistor is
RW V V V
I1 = , I2 = and I3 =
R1 R2 R3
I RW I
Let their equivalent resistance be RP then
V
V = IRP ⇒ I =
RP
Total current through the circuit is
E
The equivalent resistance of the combination I = I1 + I2 + I3
1 1 1 1 3 V V V V
= + + = or = + +
Rp R R R R RP R1 R2 R3
R
⇒ Rp = V 1 1 1
3 or  = Ve + + o
RP R1 R2 R3
By Ohm’s law
V E 3E 1 1 1 1
I = = = or = + +
R R/3 R RP R1 R2 R3
 Electricity 327
25. Consider the following electric circuit : 10 R1 = (9 R1 + 30)
5V
Thus, R1 = 30 ohm.
27. R1 = 7 W R3 = 6 W

+
V = 24 V R2 = 10 W R4 = 4 W
–

(a) Which two resistors are connected in series?

(b) Which two resistors are connected in parallel? Calculate the total resistance of the circuit and
(c) If every resistor of the circuit is of 2 Ω, what find the total current in the circuit.
current will flow in the circuit? [HOTS]  [CBSE Sample Paper 2022]
Ans. For the given circuit Ans. R 3 and R 4 are in series. Hence their equivalent
(a) R5 and R4 with Parallel combination of R2 and resistance
R3 are in series RS = R3 + R4
1
(b) R2 and R3 are in parallel. = 6 + 4 = 10 W
(c) R2 and R3 in parallel gives Rp = 1 Ω Now R2 and RS are in parallel
1
Rp, R5 and R4 are in series. So, Req = 5 Ω R2 . RS1
\ Rp =
R1 is not to be taken as it is shorted. R2 + RS1
V 5
Current flowing = I = = =1A 10 × 10 100
Req 5 = = =5W
10 + 10 20
26. 6W  Now R1 and Rp are in series
\ Rs = R1 + Rp = 7 + 5 = 12 W
V
2A A 5W 10 W R1 By Ohm’s law, I =
Rs
–
30 V
+ 6W 24
= =2A
In the above circuit, if the current reading in the 12
ammeter A is 2A, what would be the value of R1? 28. Find the current following through the following
 [CBSE Sample Paper 2022] electric circuit. [CBSE 2022C]
1W 2W 6W
Ans. 5 ohm, 10 ohm and R1 are in parallel
1 1 1 1
= + +
Rp 5 10 R1
]2 + 1g 1
2W
1 3 1
= + = +
Rp 10 R1 10 R1
1 _3R1 + 10i + –
=
Rp 10R1 4V
10R1 Ans. Both 2 W are in parallel combination
Rp = 1 1 1
_3R1 + 10i
\ = +
Rp R1 R
Now, 6 ohm, 6 ohm and Rp are in series 1 1 2
10R1 = + = =1
2 2 2
Thus, Req = 12 + ...(1)
(3R1 + 10) Rp = 1 W
V = IReq Now, 1 W, Rp and 6 W are in series
From the circuit \ Rs = 1 + Rp + 6 = 1 + 1 + 6 = 8 W
30 So, current in the circuit, from Ohm’s law
Req = = 15 W...(2)
2 V 4V
I = = = 0.5 A
Equating (1) and (2) Rs 8Ω
10R1
12 + = 15 29. List three advantage of connecting electrical
(3R1 + 10) appliances in parallel with the mains instead of
10R1 connecting them in series. [CBSE 2022(C)]
=3
(3R1 + 10)
328 Together with® Science—10
Ans. Three advantages are 31. Find the current drawn from the battery by the
(i) Proper voltage to every appliances. network of four resistors shown in the figure.
(ii) Separate switches for each appliances.  [CBSE 2015]
(iii) If one appliances fail other remains functional.
30. Calculate the electric current in the given circuit 10 W
10 W
when
(a) key K1 is open and K2 is closed
(b) both the keys are closed
10 W
(c) K1 is closed and K2 is open [HOTS] 10 W

3V
Ans. Equivalent resistance of the given network is
1 1 1
= +
R R4 R1 + R2 + R3
Ans. (a) Key K1 is open and K2 is closed, then no current 1 1
= +
flows in the circuit as circuit is an open circuit. 10 10 + 10 + 10
(b) Both the keys are closed : Current flows through 1 1 3+1 4
= + = =
the circuit. 10 30 30 30
30
\ R = = 7.5 W
4
Current drawn from the battery
V 3 30 2
I = = = =
R 7.5 75 5
⇒ I = 0.4 A
32. Show how would you join three resistors, each of
resistance 9 W so that the equivalent resistance of
the combination is (a) 13.5 W, (b) 6 W? [CBSE 2018]
Ans. (a) When two 9 W resistances are in parallel and the
Equivalent resistance of the circuit, third is in series combination to this, the equivalent
1 1 1 resistance will be 13.5 W as shown below:
= + 9W
R R1 + R2 R3 + R4
9W
1 1
= + 9W
4+ 4 4 + 4
1 1 2 1 1 1 1
= + = = = +
8 8 8 4 R R1 R2
So, R =4Ω 1 1 1 2
Electric current, = + =
V 12 Rp 9 9 9
I = = =3A 9
R 4 Rp = W = 4.5 W
2
(c) K1 is closed and K2 is open
Rs = Rp + R3= 4.5 + 9 = 13.5 W
When K2 is open, the part ADB will become an
(b) When two 9 W resistances are in series and the
open circuit, So no current will flow in the ADB
third is in parallel to them, then it will be 6 W.
part. 9W 9W
∴ Net resistance of circuit,
R = R1 + R2 = 4 + 4 = 8 Ω
A 9W B
∴ Electric current,
V 12 3 For series, Rs = R1 + R2 = 9 + 9 = 18 W
I = = = = 1.5 A
R 8 2 For parallel,
 Electricity 329
1 1 1 1 1 3 1 Which of the two diagrams correctly represents
= + = + = = the labels ‘series and parallel’ on the plotted
Rp R s R3 18 9 18 6
curves? Justify your answer. [HOTS]
Therefore, Rp = 6 W (b) Find the equivalent resistance across the two
33. Find the equivalent resistance across the two ends ends A and B of the following circuit.
A and B of this circuit. [HOTS] 5W

5W 5W
A B
5W
Ans. (a) In series, the resistances are added so, the
equivalent resistance will be more than the case
when they are connected in parallel. Also the slope
(V/I) of given V – I graph gives the resistance.
Slope (V/I) is more for series and less for parallel
in ‘A’. So graph ‘A’ is correct.
(b)

Ans. The equivalent resistance of the resistors R1 and R2

in parallel between A and C is
1 1 1 1 1 2
= + = + = =1
R AC R1 R2 2 2 2
R2 and R3 are in series, so
∴ RAC = 1 Ω
R = R2 + R3
Similarly, between B and C, s
1 1 1 1 1 = 5 + 5 = 10 Ω
= + = + =1 R1, Rs and R4 are in parallel. So
R BC R3 R 4 2 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
= + + = + +
∴ RBC = 1 Ω RP R1 R s R4 5 10 5
Now, RAC and RBC are joined in series 1 5
∴ R′ = RAC + RBC = 1 + 1 = 2 Ω =
RP 10
Parallel combination of R8 and R7 between A and D
gives or R P = 2 Ω
RAD = 1 Ω
and parallel combination of R5 and R6 between D and L A Long Answer
B gives Type Questions 5 Marks
RDB = 1 Ω
35. In the given circuit, A, B, C and D are four lamps
The equivalent resistance of series combination of
connected with a battery of 60V.
RAD and RDB is
R″ = RAD + RDB = 1 + 1 = 2 Ω
R′ and R″ are connected in parallel.
The equivalent resistance is 60 V
1 1 1 1 1
= + = + =1 3A 5A
Req Rl Rll 2 2
A B C D
∴ Req = 1 Ω 4A 3A
34. (a) Two students perform the experiments on
series and parallel combinations of two given
resistors R1 and R2 and plot the following V-I Analyse the circuit to answer the following
graphs. questions. [CBSE Sample Paper 2021]
Series Parallel (i) What kind of combination are the lamps
V V arranged in (series or parallel)?
Parallel Series
(ii) Explain with reference to your above answer,
what are the advantages (any two) of this
combination of lamps?
(iii) Explain with proper calculations which lamp
I I
(A) (B)
glows the brightest?
(iv) Find out the total resistance of the circuit.
330 Together with® Science—10
Ans. (i) The lamps are in parallel. (1 Mark) Ans. (a) R1 and R2 are in parallel
(ii) Advantages: 1 1 1
\ = +
If one lamp is faulty, it will not affect the working Rp R1 R2
of the other lamps. They will also be using the R1R2
full potential of the battery as they are connected ⇒ Rp= =3 …(i)
R1 + R2
in parallel. (1 Mark)
(iii) The lamp with the highest power will glow the When R1 and R2 are in series combination,
brightest. (1 Mark) Rs = R1 + R2 = 16 W …(ii)
P = VI From equation (i) and (ii), we get
In this case, all the bulbs have the same voltage. R1 R2 = 3(R1 + R2)
But lamp C has the highest current. = 3 × 16 = 48 W …(iii)
Hence, for Lamp C, Using,
P = 5 × 60 Watt (1 Mark) (R1 – R2)2 = (R1 + R2)2 – 4R1 R2
    = 300 W. (the maximum). = (16)2 – 4 × 48 = 64
(iv) The total current in the circuit = 3 + 4 + 5 + 3 A ⇒ R1 – R2 = 8 …(iv)
= 15A(1 Mark) On solving equation (ii) and (iv), we get
The Voltage = 60 V R1 = 12 W and R2 = 4 W
V 60 V (b) When R1 and R2 are in parallel, Rp = 3 W
V = IR and hence R = = =4W
I 15 A From Ohm’s law,
V 24
 [CBSE Marking Scheme] \ Ip = = =8A
Rp 3
36. (a) When two resistors of resistance R1 and R2
are connected in parallel, the net resistance When R1 and R2 are in series, Rs = 16 W
is 3 W. When connected in series its value is V 24 3
\ Is = = = = 1.5 A
16 W. Calculate the value of R1 and R2. Rs 16 2
(b) Calculate the ratio of current drawn in both 3
the cases from the power supply of 24 V. \ Ip : Is = 8 : = 16 : 3
2

PRACTICE QUESTIONS
1. A wire of resistance 20 W is bent in the form of a V
circle. The effective resistance between two points 3W 2W
at the ends of any diameter of the circle is A B C D
A
1W
(a) 10 W (b) 40 W
(c) 5 W (d) 20 W
2. The two identical resistors are connected first in series
and then in parallel respectively. The ratio of their + –
equivalent resistance would be
3V
(a) 4 : 1 (b) 1 : 4 6. (a) Draw a circuit diagram to show how two resistors
(c) 2 : 3 (d) 3 : 2 are connected in parallel?
3. If four identical resistors, of resistance 8 ohm, are (b) In the above circuit, if the two resistors are 5 W
first connected in series so as to give an effective and 10 W respectively, how does the potential
resistance Rs and then connected in parallel so as difference across each resistor compare?
to give an effective resistance Rp, then the ratio of 7. Two students perform experiments on two given
Rs resistors R1 and R2 and plot the V–I graph shown by
is [CBSE 2023]
Rp diagram 1 and 2. If R1> R2, which of two diagrams
correctly represent the situation on the plotted curves?
(a) 32 (b) 12
Justify your answer.
(c) 0.5 (d) 16 Diagram - 1 Diagram - 2
4. A 9 Ω resistance is cut into three equal parts and R1 R2
connected in parallel. Find the equivalent resistance V V
of the combination.
R2 R1
5. How would the reading of voltmeter (V) change if it is
connected between ‘B’ and ‘C’? Justify your answer.
I I
 Electricity 331
8. Five resistors are connected in a circuit as shown. 11. (a) Find the value of current I in the circuit given
Find the ammeter reading when circuit is closed. below:

(b) You have four resistors of 8 Ω each. Show

how would you connect these resistors to have
9. Three V–I graphs are drawn individually for two effective resistance of 8 Ω. [HOTS]
resistors and their series combination. Out of A, B, C
12. (a) Find the minimum resistance that can be made
which one represents the graph for series combination
using four resistors, each of 20 W.
of the other two? Give reason for your answer.
(b) Study the following circuit and find :
C – +
V
B
R2 = 10 W R5 = 10 W
V (volts)

A
R1 = 5 W

+ R3 = 4 W R4 = 6 W
A
–
I (A)
10. (a) Identify the type of combination in which R1 and
R2 are connected in the given circuit diagram.
R1 = 3 W
20 V K
(i) Effective resistance of the circuit
+ – (ii) Current drawn from the battery
(iii) Potential difference across the 5 W resistor
 [CBSE 2022]
R2 = 6 W
(b) Find the effective resistance of the combination.

TOPIC COVERED
Heating Effect of Electric Current
3. Elements of electric heating devices, such as bread
Multiple Choice toasters and electric iron are generally made up of
Questions 1 Mark (a) metal (b) non-metal
(c) alloy (d) tin
1. The resistance of resistor is reduced to half of its
4. According to Joule’s law of heating, the heat
initial value. If other parameters of the circuit
produced in a resistor in time t is
remain unchanged, the amount of heat produced
(a) H = I 2Rt (b) H = IR 2t
in the resistor will become [CBSE 2023, 20] 2
(c) H = V   It (d) All of these
(a) four times (b) two times
(c) half (d) one fourth 5. Which of the following is used almost exclusively
for filaments of electric lamp?
2. In a resistive circuit if the current is increased to
(a) Copper
two times, the percentage change in the amount
(b) Silver
of heat dissipated in the circuit would be:
(c) Tungsten
(a) 400% (b) 300%
(d) Titanium
(c) 200% (d) 100%
332 Together with® Science—10
6. Water boils in an electric kettle in 18 minutes
after switching on. If the length of heating wire is
V S A Very Short Answer
Type Questions 2 Marks
decreased to 1/3rd of its initial value, then the same
amount of water will boil with the same supply of 11. Explain the role of fuse in series with any electrical
voltage in appliance in an electric circuit. Why should a fuse
(a) 6 minutes (b) 12 minutes with defined rating for an electric circuit not be
(c) 54 minutes (d) 18 minutes replaced by one with a larger rating?
7. 50 J heat is produced each second in a 2 W resistor. Ans. Fuse wire is a safety device connected in series with
The potential difference across the resistor is the live wire of circuit. It has high resistivity and low
(a) 10 V (b) 25 V melting point. It melts when a sudden urge of large
(c) 50 V (d) 100 V current passes through it and disconnects the entire
8. An electric fuse is based on circuit from the electrical supply. But, in case if we
(a) the chemical effect of current use a larger rating instead of a defined rating, then it
(b) the magnetic effect of current will not protect the circuit as high current will easily
(c) the heating effect of current pass through it and it will not melt.
(d) none of these 12. In what time is 400 joules of heat produced across
9. The fuse wire should have a a 16 W resistor at 80 V potential difference?
(a) low melting point (b) high resistance Ans. Given: H = 400 J, t = ?, R = 16 W, V = 80 V
(c) high melting point (d) both (a) and (b) V2t 80 2 × t
10. Which circuit shows the correct and safe position Using, H = ⇒ 400 =
R 16
for the fuse and switch?
400 × 16
(a) Live wire (b) Live wire ⇒ t = or t = 1 s
80 2
A Short Answer
S Type Questions 3 Marks
Neutral wire Neutral wire
(c) Live wire (d) Live wire 13. State the factors on which the heat produced in
a current carrying conductor depends. Give one
practical application of this effect.
Neutral wire Ans. • According to Joule’s law of heating effect, the
Neutral wire
heat (H) produced in a current carrying conductor
depends upon
Answers (i) square of current pass through it (H ∝ I 2).
(ii) resistance of the conductor (H ∝ R).
1. (b) Heat produced, (iii) time for which current is passed in conductor
1 (H ∝ t).
H ∝ (Q V = Constant)
R • Practical application of heating effect
H1 R (i) Electric heater (ii) Fuse (Any one)
\ = 2
H2 R1 14. A fuse wire melts at 5 A. If it is desired that the
R/2 1 fuse wire of the same material melt at 10 A, then
= =
R 2 should the new fuse wire be of smaller or larger
\ H2 = 2H1 radius than the earlier one? Give reason for your
2. (b) The percentage change in heat dissipation answer.
Ans. Let the resistance of fuse wire that melts at 5 A be
Hl – H I l2 – I 2
= e o × 100 = f p × 100 R1. Then heat produced every seocnd is,
H I2 H = I 12 R1 = 52R1 = 25R1 …(i)
= 3 × 100 = 300% Let the resistance of new fuse wire for current I2 be
3. (c) 4. (a) 5. (c) 6. (a) R2. For the same heat,
7. (a) From Joule’s law of heating, H = I 22 R2 = 102R2 = 100R2 …(ii)
V2t HR 50 × 2 From equation (i) and (ii), we have
H = I 2Rt = ⇒ V2 = =
R t 1 100R2 = 25R1
V 2 = 100 ⇒ V = 10 V R2 1
⇒ =
8. (c) 9. (d) 10. (a) R1 4
 Electricity 333
1 (b) An electric heater of resistance 15 W draws
But R ∝ (A = Area of cross-section 5 A current from the service mains in 1.5 hours.
A of wire) Calculate the rate at which heat is developed
R2 A1 1

\ = = ⇒ A2 = 4A1 in the heater.
R1 A2 4 Ans. (a) When small magnitude of current flows through

⇒ pr22 = 4pr12 ⇒ r2 = 2r1 the fuse wire, small amount of heat is produced.
Therefore, the radius of new fuse wire would be larger This amount of heat is not enough to melt the
and twice that of earlier one. fuse wire and transmitted to the surroundings.
(b) The rate at which heat is developed
15. (a) Why does the fuse wire not break when the H I 2 Rt
allowed magnitude of current flows in the = = I2R = (5)2 × 15
circuit? t t
= 25 × 15 = 375 Js–1

PRACTICE QUESTIONS
1. Heat produced in a wire of resistance R due to current 4. An electric heater of resistance 6 W is operated for
flowing at constant potential difference for a given 10 minutes on a 220 V supply line. Calculate the
time is proportional to amount of heat energy liberated in that time.
(a) R2 (b) R 5. A current of 3 A passing through a conductor produce
1 90 J of heat in 10 seconds. What is the resistance of
(c) (d) R
R that conductor?
2. A coil develops heat at the rate of 800 Js–1 when 6. (a) State the working principle of an electric fuse.
20 volt is applied across its end. The resistance of (b) Out of 5 A fuse and 15 A fuse which will you
the coil is prefer to use for the lighting circuit?
(a) 40 W (b) 20 W (c) Given reason:
(c) 2 W (d) 0.2 W (i) Electric bulbs are usually filled with
3. Mention two practical disadvantages of heating effect chemically inactive gases.
of electric current. (ii) Fuse wire is placed in series with the device.

TOPICS COVERED
Electric Power and Energy
4. For maximum power consumption, all given
Multiple Choice resistors should be connected in
Questions 1 Mark (a) parallel
(b) series
1. If R1 and R2 be the resistance of the filament of (c) some in parallel and some in series
40 W and 60 W respectively operating 220 V, then (d) none of these
(a) R1 < R2 (b) R2 < R1
5. Which of the following does not represent electric
(c) R1 = R2 (d) R1 ≥ R2
power? [CBSE 2020]
2. The resistance of hot filament of the bulb is about (a) I 2R (b) IR2
10 times the cold resistance. What will be the (c) VI (d) V 2/R
resistance of 100 W-220 V lamp, when not in use?
6. One kilowatt hour is equal to
(a) 48 W (b) 400 W
(a) 36 × 106 J (b) 3.6 × 106 J
(c) 484 W (d) 48.4 W
(c) 0.36 × 106 J (d) all of these
3. If P and V are the power and potential of device,
7. If R1 and R2 are respectively the filament resistances
the power consumed with a supply potential V1 is
of a 200 W bulb and 100 W bulb design to operate
V2 V2
(a) 1 P (b) P on the same voltage, then
V2 V12 (a) R1 = 4R2 (b) R2 = 4R1
V V (c) R2 = 2R1 (d) R1 = 2R2
(c) P (d) 1 P
V1 V
334 Together with® Science—10
8. Two heater wires of same length and same material P1 R
but of different thickness are connected in series = 2
P2 R1
across a power supply. The power dissipated will be
R2 P
(a) more in thicker wire
\ = 1
(b) more in thinner wire R1 P2
(c) same in both 1000 1
= =
(d) cannot say 2000 2
⇒ 2R2 = R1
Answers So room heater has greater resistance.
11. In the circuit given below:
V2 V2
1. (b) Using power, P = or R =
R P
1
For the same voltage, R ∝
P
More the power, lesser the resistance.
Accordingly, R2 < R1
V2 220 × 220
2. (c) R= = = 484 W
P 100
(a) Would any bulb glow when plug key is in open
V2 V2 V2 position?
3. (a) R= and P1 = 1 = 1 P
P R V2 (b) Write the order of brightness of the bulb when
1 key is closed. Give reason.
4. (a) For the same voltage, P ∝
R Ans. (a) No bulb will glow when the plug key is in open
position because no current will flow through the
5. (b) 6. (b) 7. (c) 8. (b)
circuit.
V S A Very Short Answer (b) Power of bulb, P = I2R
Type Questions 2 Marks for the same current P ∝ R
1 1
but for the same voltage P ∝ or R ∝
9. The wattage of a bulb is 24 W when it is connected R P
to a 12 V battery. Calculate its effective wattage if So, resistance order of all bulb is,
it operates on a 6 V battery (Neglect the change in R25 > R40 > R60
resistance due to unequal heating of the filament According to Jule’s law of heating, H ∝ R (for
in the two cases). [CBSE 2011] the same current and time)
Ans. Given: P1 = 24 W, V1 = 12 V, P2 = ?, V2 = 6 V Hence, order of heating produced is
V2 H25 > H40 > H60
Using P =
R which is order of brightness of the bulbs when
P1 V12 key is closed.
= 12. The electric power consumed by a device may
P2 V 22
be calculated by either of the two expression
V2

⇒ P2 = f p × P1 P = I2R or P =
V2
. The first expression indicates
V1 R
6 2 1 that it is directly proportional to R whereas the
= e o × 24 = × 24 = 6 W second expression indicates inverse proportionality.
12 4
How can the seemingly different dependence of P
10. For the same potential difference, out of the two, on R in these expression be explained?
a room heater of 1000 W and an electric motor of Ans. (a) In series, the current in each resistor is same and
2 kW, which has a greater resistance? constant. Therefore, P = I 2R is used for series
Ans. Power of room heater = 1000 W = P1 connection.
Power of electric motor = 2 kW = 2000 W = P2 (b) In parallel, voltage across each resistance is same
V2 V2
Using P = and constant. Therefore P = is used where
R R
For same potential resistors are connected in parallel combination.
 Electricity 335

A Short Answer V2
S Type Questions 3 Marks large. We know that P = . Since V is constant,
R
13. (a) It would cost a man Rs. 3.50 to buy 1.0 kWh R should be decreased. Since R is directly
of electrical energy from the Main Electricity proportional to l so length of heating element
Board. His generator has a maximum power of should be decreased.
2.0 kW. The generator produces energy at this 14. An electric motor rated 1100 W is connected to
maximum power for 3 hours. Calculate how 220 V mains. Find:
much it would cost to buy the same amount (i) The current drawn from the mains.
of energy from the Main Electricity Board. (ii) Electric energy consumed if the motor is used
(b) A student boils water in an electric kettle for for 5 hours daily for 6 days.
20 minutes. Using the same mains supply he (iii) Total cost of energy consumed if the rate of
wants to reduce the boiling time of water. To one unit is ` 5. [CBSE 2022]
do so should he increase or decrease the length Ans. Given: Power, P = 110 W, V = 220 W
of the heating element? Justify your answer. P 1100 W
(i) Current drawn = I = = =5A
 [CBSE Sample Paper 2022] V 220 V
Ans. (a) E =P×T (ii) E= P×t
So, E = 3 × 2 = 6 kWh = 1100 W × 5 h × 6 days
Cost of buying electricity from the main electricity = 33000 Wh = 33 kWh
board = 6 × 3.50 = ` 21.0 (iii) Cost of one commercial unit = ` 5
(b) To reduce the boiling time using the same mains Energy consumed = 33 kWh = 33 unit
supply, the rate of heat production should be = ` 33 × 5 = ` 165

A Long Answer
L Type Questions 5 Marks
15. (a) Write two point of difference between electric energy and electric power.
(b) Out of 60 W and 40 W lamps, which one has higher electrical resistance when in use.
(c) What is the commercial unit of electric energy? Convert it into joules. [CBSE 2015, 16]
Ans. (a) Difference between electric energy and electric power:
Electrical energy Electric power

(i) The work done or energy supplied by the (i) The time rate at which electric energy is
source in maintaining the flow of electric consumed or dissipated by an electrical device
current is called electrical energy. It appears in is called electric power and is given by
the form of heat given by V2
2 P = VI = = I2R
V t R
H = VIt = = I2RT
R

(ii) It is equal to the product of power and time (ii) It equal to the rate of doing work by an energy
E=P×t source.
W
P=
t
(iii) Its SI unit is joule (J) (iii) Its SI unit is watt (W)
1 J = 1 W × 1s 1 W = 1 J s–1
(any two)
1 1
(b) For the same applied voltage, P ∝ or R ∝
R P
i.e. less the power of electrical device, higher is its electrical resistance.
Therefore, a 40 W lamp has higher electrical resistance when in use.
(c) Kilowatt hour – Commercial unit of electrical energy
J
1 kWh = 1000 Wh = 1000 × 3600 sec = 3600000 J = 3.6 × 106 J
S
336 Together with® Science—10
16. (a) Define electric power. Express it in terms of Electrical energy dissipated
potential difference V and resistance R. =
Time (t)
(b) An electrical fuse is rated at 2A. What is meant
by this statement? VIt V2
= = VI =
(c) An electric iron of 1 kW is operated at 220 V. t R
Find which of the following fuses that (b) It means, the maximum current will flow through
respectively rated at 1 A, 3 A and 5 A can be it is only 2 A. Fuse wire will melt if the current
used in it. [CBSE 2014] exceeds 2 A value through it.
Ans. (a) Electric power: It is the rate of doing work by an (c) Given: P = 1 kW = 1000 W, V = 220 V
energy source or the rate at which the electrical P 1000 50
Current drawn, I = = = = 4.54 A
energy is dissipated or consumed per unit time V 220 11
in the electric circuit is called electric power. To run electric iron of 1 kW, rated fuse of 5 A
Work done (W)
So, Power P = should be used
Time (t)

PRACTICE QUESTIONS
1. Which of the following graph correctly shows the 4. An electric motor takes 5 A from 220 V line. Determine
variation in the dissipation of power ‘P’ current varies the power of a motor and the energy consumed in
with current ‘I’ for the same resistance? 2 hour.
(a) P (b) 5. (i) Define electric energy. In which form it appears?
P
(ii) What is the difference between kilowatt and
kilowatt hour?
6. (a) An electric kettle of 2 kW is used for 2 h. Calculate
the energy consumed in (i) Kilowatt hour
I I (ii) Joules. [CBSE 2022]
(c) (d) (b) When a constant current is for a time of t seconds,
P P
how can you increase the heat produced to four
times?
7. Calculate the total cost of running the following
electrical devices in the month of September, if the
I I rate of 1 unit of electricity is ` 6.00.
2. The watt is a (i) Electric heater of 1000 W for 5 hours daily.
(a) Js–1 (ii) Electric refrigerator of 400 W for 10 hours daily.
(b) V-A  [CBSE 2018(C)]
(c) both (a) and (b) 8. A bulb is rated 40 W; 220 V. Find the current drawn
(d) neither (a) nor (b) by it when it is connected to a 220 V supply. Also
3. A 60 W electric lamp gives off energy in the form of find its resistance. If the given bulb is replaced by a
light at a rate of 7.5 joule per second. What percentage bulb of rating 25 W; 220 V, will there be any change
of energy does the lamp transform into light energy? in the value of current and resistance? Justify your
answer and determine the change. [CBSE 2019]

INTEGRATED (MIXED) QUESTIONS

1. A boy records that 4000 joule of work is required to (a) < 100 W (b) < 4 W
transfer 10 coulomb of charge between two points (c) < 1 W (d) > 2 W
of a resistor of 50 W. The current passing through it 3. Two wires of same length and area, made of two
is  (1 Mark) materials of resistivity r1 and r2 are connected in
(a) 2 A (b) 4 A (c) 8 A (d) 16 A parallel to a source of potential V. The equivalent
2. The least resistance obtained by using 2 W, 4 W, 1 W resistivity for the combination is (1 Mark)
and 100 W is (1 Mark)
 Electricity 337
2ρ1ρ 2 13. (a) When a particle of charge 10 μC is brought from
(a) r1 + r2 (b) infinity to a point in the electric field, 10 mJ
ρ1 + ρ 2
ρ1 + ρ 2 ρ +ρ work is done by the external forces. What is the
(c) (d) 1 2 potential at that point?
2ρ1ρ 2 2
(b) Draw an electric circuit to describe Ohm’s law.
4. Two LED bulbs of 12 W and 6 W are connected in Label the circuit components used to measure
series. If the current through 12 W bulb is 0.06 A, electric current and potential difference. (3 Marks)
the current through 6 W bulb will be  14. (a) Write any three difference between the series and
 [CBSE 2023] (1 Mark) parallel combination of resistance.
(a) 0.04 A (b) 0.06 A (c) 0.08 A (d) 0.12 A (b) A set of ‘n’ identical resistors each resistance R
5. An electric iron of 1500 W, 200 V and a flash light are connected in series and the effective resistance
of 500 W, 200 V are used in homes. The rating of is found to be ‘X’. When these are connected in
fuse to be used should be [CBSE 2023] (1 Mark) parallel, the effective resistance is found to be
(a) 5 A (b) 10 A (c) 15 A (d) 20 A ‘Y’. Find the ratio of X and Y. [HOTS] (3 Marks)
6. Two resistors connected to 100 V supply in parallel 15. (a) Though same current flows through the electric
draw 10 A current from the supply. If the power line wires and the filament of bulb, yet only the
dissipation in one resistor is 600 W, find filament glows. Why?
(i) power dissipation in the other. (b) The temperature of the filament of bulb is
(ii) resistance of each. (2 Marks) 2700 °C when it glows. Why does it not get burnt
7. Three resistors 3 W, 6 W and 9 W are connected to up at such high temperature?
a battery. In which of them power dissipation be (c) The filament of an electric lamp, which draws a
maximum, if, they are all connected in (i) parallel current of 0.25 A is used for four hours. Calculate
(ii) series. Give reasons. (2 Marks) the amount of charge flowing through the circuit.
(d) An electric iron is rated 2 kW at 220 V. Calculate
8. Two lamps, one rated 100 W at 220 V and the other
the capacity of the fuse that should be used for
60 W at 220 V, are connected in parallel to electric
the electric iron. (5 Marks)
mains supply of 220 V. Draw a circuit diagram to show
this arrangement and calculate the current drawn by 16. (a) How is electric current related to potential
the two lamps from the mains. difference across the terminals of a conductor?
 [CBSE 2021(C)] (3 Marks) Draw the labelled circuit diagram to verify the
relationship.
9. List in a tabular form three differences between a
(b) Why should an ammeter have low resistance?
voltmeter and an ammeter. (3 Marks)
(c) Two V-I graph A and B for series and parallel
10. Consider the circuit shown in the diagram. Find the combination of two resistors as shown.
current in 3 Ω resistor. (3 Marks) B

A
I

V
11. Name the physical quantity which is (i) same Giving reason state which graph show (a) series
(ii) different in all the bulbs when three bulbs of : (b) parallel combination of the resistors.
(a) same wattage are connected in series.  [CBSE 2023] (5 Marks)
(b) same wattage are connected in parallel. 17. (a) An electric iron consumes energy at a rate of
(c) different wattage are connected in series. 880 W when heating is at the maximum rate and
(d) different wattage are connected in parallel. 330 W when the heating is at the minimum. If
 (3 Marks) the source voltage is 220 V, calculate the current
12. Two resistors with resistances 5 Ω and 10 Ω are to and resistance in each case.
be connected to a battery of emf 6 V so as to obtain: (b) What is heating effect of electric current?
(i) minimum current (ii) maximum current (c) Find an expression for the amount of heat
(a) How will you connect the resistances in each produced when a current passes through a resistor
case ? for some time. [CBSE 2023] (5 Marks)
(b) Calculate the strength of the total current in the
circuit in the two cases. [HOTS] (3 Marks)
338 Together with® Science—10

ASSERTION AND REASON QUESTIONS

In the following Questions, the Assertion and Reason 5. Assertion: In an open circuit, the current passes from
have been put forward. Read the statements carefully one terminal of the electric cell to another.
and choose the correct alternative from the following: Reason: Generally, the metal disc of a cell acts as a
(a) Both the Assertion and the Reason are correct and the positive terminal.
Reason is the correct explanation of the Assertion. 6. Assertion: The statement of Ohm’s law is V = IR
(b) The Assertion and the Reason are correct but the Reason: V = IR is the equation which defines
Reason is not the correct explanation of the Assertion. resistance.
(c) Assertion is true but the Reason is false.
7. Assertion: Bending of wire decrease the resistance
(d) The statement of the Assertion is false but the Reason
of electric wire.
is true.
Reason: The resistance of a conductor depends on
1. Assertion: The metals and alloys are good conductors length, thickness, nature of material and temperature
of electricity. of the conductor.
Reason: Bronze is an alloy of copper and tin and it
8. Assertion: If a graph is plotted between potential
is not a good conductor of electricity. [CBSE 2020]
difference and current a linear graph is obtained.
2. Assertion: Alloys are commonly used in electrical Reason: Current is directly proportional to the
heating devices like electric iron and heater. potential difference. [KVS]
Reason: Resistivity of an alloy is generally higher
9. Assertion: A cell converts chemical energy into
than that of its constituent metals but the alloys have
electrical energy.
low melting points than their constituent metals.
Reason: A cell maintains a potential difference across
 [CBSE 2020]
its terminals due to chemical reactions. [KVS]
3. Assertion: At high temperatures, metals wires have
10. Assertion: Thicker wires have smaller resistance and
a greater chance of short circuiting.
the thinner wires have greater resistance.
Reason: Both resistance and resistivity of a material
Reason: Resistance is inversely proportional to the
vary with temperature.
area of cross-section of wire.
4. Assertion: Conductors allow the current to flow
through themselves.
Reason: They have free charge carriers.

CASE-BASED QUESTIONS
The following questions are source-based/case based question. Read the case carefully and answer the questions
that follow.
1. Study the following electric circuit in which the resistors are arranged in three arms A, B and C.
B
5W 10 W 15 W
A
5W 15 W 20 W

10 W 20 W 30 W

+ – –
A +
3V
(a) Find the equivalent resistance of arm C.
(b) Calculate the equivalent resistance of the parallel combination of the arm B and C.
(c) Determine the current that flows through the ammeter.
Or
(c) Determine the current that flows in the ammeter when the arm B is withdrawn from the circuit.[CBSE 2022]
 Electricity 339
2. Consider the following electric circuit diagram in which nine identical resistors of 3 W each are connected as
shown. If the reading of the ammeter A1 is 1 ampere, answer the following questions:
+ V + 3W +
1 V2 A2

3W 3W 3W

+A 3W + A
1 3
3W

3W 3W 3W

(a) What is the relationship between the readings A1 and A3? Give reason for your answer.
(b) What is the relationship between the readings of A2 and A3?
(c) Determine the reading of the voltmeter V1.
Or
(c) Find the total resistance of the circuit. [CBSE 2023]
3. Electricity requires an electric path to flow and there resistive heating and superconducting. The materials
are many conducting materials used for this purpose. which have high resistivity are poor conductors of
There are non-conducting materials which are used electricity.
as insulation during working on live-lines. Materials are put into different categories according
Permanent indoor wiring is responsible for bringing to their level or resistivity. The material’s resistivity,
electricity throughout your home. In house hold wiring, in ohm-metre, measured at room temperature.
switches, holders and sockets should be fixed on The temperature often has a significant effect
wooden/sunmica boards and blocks. Nowadays, there on resistivity. For example, in metal conductors,
are many semiconducting materials which are used increased temperature causes the ions to vibrate more,
to reduce the voltage and also drop the current flow. which hinders the flow of electrons, causing resistivity
This will reduce our consumption of electrical energy. to increase.
(a) In which combination household wiring is done? (a) Arrange the following material in increasing order
(b) Write down the properties of copper and of resistivity.
aluminium and about their applications in Conductor, alloy, insulator and semiconductor.
electrical wiring. (b) The following table given below shows the
(c) Write the equation relating power to voltage and resistivity of three samples. Analyse the table
current, for an electrical resistance. Also, describe and find which one of these is the best conductor
what physical form this dissipated energy usually and best insulator?
takes. Sample Resistivity (Wm)
Or
(c) What is the effective resistance between A and X 3 × 10–8
B of the given circuit below?
A 4W 6W Y 11.1 × 10–6
Z 18 × 10+14
(c) How resistance of the conductor is related to its
temperature? Show it graphically.
B Or
4. Resistivity is a characteristic property of the material. (c) If we take a lot of copper metal of resistivity
It measures the resistance of a given dimensions 1.62 × 10–8 Wm and form a cube of side 1 m and
of a specific material to electrical conduction. The one square metre area of cross-section, then what
resistivity is a figure that enables comparisons of the will be its resistance?
way in which different materials allow or resist current 5. In 1827, a German physicist Georg Simon Ohm (1787-
flow. It is essential in many material applications 1854) gave the relationship between the current (I),
including resistors in electrical circuits, dielectrics, flowing in a metallic wire and the potential difference
340 Together with® Science—10
(V) across its terminals. It is called Ohm’s Law. It are different, which one would you use as
states that “the potential difference (V), across the (i) resistance wire are (ii) connecting wire?
ends of a given metallic wire (nichrome) in an electric D
circuit is directly proportional to the current (I) flowing C
through it”. Temperature (T) remains constant.
V ∝I B
V = IR I
A
Where, R is a constant for the given metallic wire at
a given temperature and is called its resistance. V-I
graph is a straight line passing through the origin of V
the graph as shown: Or
(c) A lamp draws a current of 0.5 A when it is
connected to a 60 V source. What is the resistance
of filament of the bulb?
6. The circuit below consists of a variable resistor
connected in series with two 200 W resistors. The
variable resistor can be adjusted to any value between
0–400 W.
+
V –

(a) What is the resistance of the conductor whose

0 – 400 W 200 W 200 W
V-I graph is given below?

9 C + –
B 12 V
6
V(Volt)

A (a) What is the purpose of variable resistor in the

3 D
circuit?
0 5 10 15 20
(b) The maximum possible current in the circuit is
I(amp) 0.03 A. Calculate the minimum possible current.
(b) To verify the Ohm’s law, if number of cells in (c) As the resistance of the variable resistor is
series in the same circuit increases, what would changed, what is the (i) smallest and (ii) maximum
you observe in the ammeter and voltmeter possible reading on the voltmeter?
readings? Or
(c) The I-V graph for four conductors A, B, C (c) In which case, the power dissipation across
and D having resistance RA, RB, RC and RD 200 W resistor will be more:
respectively are shown here. If the dimensions of When variable resistor is at maximum value or
all the conductors are identical but their materials at minimum value? Justify it.
7. Observe the tables given below and answer the following questions.
Table – A Combination of resistor
Combination Circuit Equivalent resistance
R1

Parallel 1 1 1
A B = +
Req R1 R2
R2

R1 R2
Series Req = R1 + R2
A B
 Electricity 341
Table – B Combination of resistance
Student Circuit Equivalent resistance
3Ω
2Ω
A 4Ω
6Ω

Circuit I
3.6 Ω 6Ω 3Ω

B 3.4 Ω
1Ω 4Ω
Circuit II

(a) Which student measured the wrong equivalent resistance in table B?

(b) Which physical quantity that will remain same across the combination of 3 Ω and 6 Ω in circuit-I and
combination of 6 Ω along with the combination of 1 Ω and 4 Ω in circuit-II.
(c) If both students connected their respective circuits through an external source, how can they measure the
current in the circuit?
Or
(c) In an electrical circuit, two resistor of 2 Ω and 4 Ω respectively are connected in series to a 6 V battery.
Calculate what amount of heat will be dissipated by the 4 W resistor in 5 seconds.
8. Study the table related to combination of resistors and answer the questions that follow on the basis of your
understanding and the related studied concepts.
Circuits consisting of just one battery and one load resistance are very simple to analyse, but they are not often
found in practical applications. Usually, we find circuits where more than two components are connected together
in different combinations. These combinations of resistors put the limit on the current that flow through the circuit.
After performing the experiments using two different types of circuit arrangements, the following observations
were made by them and find the resistance using Ohm’s law.
Resistor Number of Voltmeter Ammeter V
R=
Used Observation reading in reading in I
Volt (V) ampere (A) (in ohm)

(a) 0.01 0.01 1.0

R1
(b) 0.02 0.02 1.0

(a) 0.06 0.03 2.0

R2
(b) 0.08 0.04 2.0

(a) 0.03 0.01 3.0

Ist combination of R1 and R2
(b) 0.06 0.02 3.0

(a) 0.03 0.045 0.66

IInd combination of R1 and R2
(b) 0.06 0.09 0.66

(a) From observation, which combination represents series and parallel combination of the resistor R1 and R2?
(b) You will plot V vs I for each of the four circuits on one graph. What value should each slope have? (Note: I
on X-axis and V on Y-axis)
(c) Note that the measured currents across each resistor in parallel circuit were not the same. Which resistor had
the larger current going through it? Why?
Or
(c) Do you think the bulbs in the parallel circuit or the series circuit will burn brighter?
342 Together with® Science—10

NCERT ZONE
NCERT INTEXT QUESTIONS

Page 172 Ans. Resistance of a conductor depends upon:

1. What does an electric circuit mean? (i) Resistivity of the material.
Ans. Electric circuit is a continuous and closed path made (ii) Length of the conductor.
of conducting wires, through which the electric (iii) Cross-sectional area of the conductor.
current flows. It comprises a cell, ammeter, voltmeter, (iv) Temperature of the conductor.
plug key, etc. 2. Will current flow more easily through a thick wire
2. Define the unit of current. or thin wire of the same material, when connected
Ans. SI unit of electric current is ampere (A). to the same source? Why?
Ampere is the flow of electric charges through a Ans. The current flows more easily through a thick wire
surface at the rate of one coulomb per second, i.e. if than through a thin wire because the resistance of
1 coulomb of electric charge flows through a cross- thick wire is less than that of a thin wire as R ∝ 1/A.
section of wire for 1 second, then it would be equal 3. Let the resistance of an electrical component
to 1 ampere. remains constant while the potential difference
1C across the two ends of the component decreases
So, 1 ampere = i.e. 1A = 1 Cs–1
1s to half of its former value. What change will occur
3. Calculate the number of electrons constituting one in the current through it?
coulomb of charge. Ans. As we know that
Ans. Given q = 1 C, e = 1.6 × 10–19 C, n = ?, q = ne V
I=
1 C = n × 1.6 × 10–19 C R
1 V
n = = 6.25 × 1018 electrons if V′ =
2
–19
(1.6 × 10 )
Vl = V = I
Page 174 ⇒ I′ =
R 2R 2
1. Name a device that helps to maintain a potential Hence, the current through it also becomes half of its
difference across a conductor. [CBSE 2014] previous value.
Ans. Cell or battery eliminator. 4. Why are the coils of electric toasters and electric
2. What is meant by saying that the potential irons made of an alloy rather than a pure metal?
difference between two points is 1 V? Ans. The coils of electric toaster and electric iron are made
W of an alloy rather than a pure metal because of the
Ans. As we know that V =
q following reasons:
Thus, the potential difference between two points is (i) The resistivity of an alloy is higher than that of
one volt when one joule of work is done to carry a a pure metal.
charge of one coulomb between the two points in the (ii) It has high melting point and does not oxidise.
electric field. 5. Use the data in Table 11.2 of NCERT book to
3. How much energy is given to each coulomb of answer the following:
charge passing through a 6 V battery? (a) Which among iron and mercury is a better
Ans. q = 1 C; V = 6 V, conductor?
W (b) Which material is the best conductor?
V= ⇒ W=q×V
q Ans. (a) Iron because its resistivity is less than mercury.
So, Work done = 1 C × 6 V = 6 J (b) Silver is the best conductor as it has the least
As, Energy = Work done resistivity.
⇒ Energy = 6 J Page 185
Page 181 1. Draw a schematic diagram of a circuit consisting
of a battery of three cells of 2 V each, a 5 Ω resistor,
1. On what factors does the resistance of a conductor a 8 Ω resistor and a 12 Ω resistor and a plug key,
depend? [DoE] all connected in series.
 Electricity 343
Ans. 5W 8W 12 W 1 1 1 1
= + +
R R1 R2 R3
1 1 1
= + +
100 50 500
5 + 10 + 1 16
= =
+ – + –+ – 500 500
500 125
2V 2V 2V R= = Ω
2. Redraw the circuit of the above question, putting 16 4
in an ammeter to measure the current through the Current through all the appliances
V 220 220 # 4
resistors and a voltmeter to measure the potential I== =
difference across the 12 Ω resistor. What would be R 125/4 125
the reading in the ammeter and the voltmeter? = 7.04 A
+
V
– Now if only electric iron is connected to the same
Ans. source such that it takes as much current as all three
5W 8W 12 W appliances, i.e. I = 7.04 A, its resistance should be
125
equal to Ω, i.e. 31.25 W.
4
3. What are the advantages of connecting electrical
devices in parallel with the battery instead of
connecting them in series ?
+ – + –+ – – +
A Ans. Advantages of connecting electrical devices in
2V 2V 2V parallel:
Total resistance of the circuit = R (i) When the appliances are connected in parallel
Since all the three resistors are connected in series, with the battery, each appliance gets the same
so, the equivalent resistance R is equal to the sum of potential difference as that of battery which is
all resistance i.e., not possible in series connection.
R = R1 + R2 + R3 (ii) Each appliance has different resistances and
R = 5 Ω + 8 Ω + 12 Ω = 25 Ω requires different currents to operate properly.
V = 2V+2V+2V=6V This is possible only in parallel connection, as
V = IR in series connection, same current flows through
V 6 all devices, irrespective of their resistances.
⇒ I= = = 0.24 A
R 25 (iii) If one appliance fails to work, other will
The reading of voltmenter across 12 Ω is continue to work property. If they are connected
V′ = IR′ = 0.24 × 12 = 2.88 V in parallel.
Page 188 4. How can three resistors of resistances 2 Ω, 3 Ω
1. Judge the equivalent resistance when the following and 6 Ω be connected to give a total resistance of
are connected in parallel. (a) 4 Ω (b) 1 Ω?
(a) 1 Ω and 106 Ω  (b) 1 Ω and, 103 Ω, and, 106 Ω. Ans. (a) In order to get 4 Ω, resistance 2 Ω should be
Ans. Equivalent resistance in parallel combination of connected in series with the parallel combination
resistors is always less than the least resistance of of 3 Ω and 6 Ω.
3W
any resistor in the circuit.
Hence, in both the given cases, the equivalent
2W
resistance is less than 1 W.
A B C D
2. An electric lamp of 100 Ω, a toaster of resistance
6W
50 Ω, and a water filter of resistance 500 Ω are
connected in parallel to a 220 V source. What is 1 1 1 2 +1 3 1
= + = = =
the resistance of an electric iron connected to the RCD 3 6 6 6 2
same source that takes as much current as all three RCD = 2 Ω, RAB = 2 Ω
appliances, and what is the current flows through ⇒ RAD = RAB + RCD = 2 Ω + 2 Ω
it? = 4 Ω
Ans. R1 = 100 Ω, R2 = 50 Ω, R3 = 500 Ω (b) In order to get 1 Ω, all three resistors should be
All the applications are connected in parallel, so connected in parallel as
344 Together with® Science—10
2W H = I2Rt
Thus, for the same current H ∝ R, more heat is
3W produced by heating element as it has more resistance,
A B and it glows.
6W 2. Compute the heat generated while transferring
96000 coulomb of charge in one hour through a
1 1 1 1 3+ 2 +1
= + + = =1 potential difference of 50 V.
R 2 3 6 6 Ans. Given q = 96000 C, V = 50 V, t = 1 h
R = 1Ω
H = I2Rt = VIt = Vq = 50 × 96000 = 48 × 105 J
5. What is (a) the highest (b) the lowest total resistance
that can be secured by combination of four coils 3. An electric iron of resistance 20 Ω takes a current
of resistances 4 Ω, 8 Ω, 12 Ω, 24 Ω? of 5 A. Calculate the heat developed in 30 s.
Ans. (a) The highest resistance is secured by combining Ans. Given R = 20 Ω, I = 5 A, t = 30 s
all four coils of resistance in series. H = I2Rt = (5)2 × 20 × 30 = 15000 J = 1.5 × 104 J
Rs = 4 Ω + 8 Ω + 12 Ω + 24 Ω = 48 Ω Page 192
(b) The lowest resistance is secured by combining 1. What determines the rate at which energy is
all four coils of resistance in parallel. delivered by a current?
1 1 1 1 1
= + + + Ans. Electric power determines the rate at which energy
RP 4 8 12 24 is delivered by a current.
6 + 3 + 2 + 1 12
= = 2. An electric motor takes 5 A from a 220 V line.
24 24
RP = 2 Ω Determine the power of the motor and the energy
Page 190 consumed in 2 h.
Ans. Given I = 5 A, V = 220 V, t = 2 h
1. Why does the cord of an electric heater not glow Power, P = VI = 220 × 5
while the heating element does? = 1100 W
Ans. The cord of an electric heater is made up of metallic Energy consumed,
wire such as copper or aluminium which has low E = P × t = 1100 × 2 × 60 × 60
resistance while the heating element is made up of an = 1100 × 7200
alloy which has more resistance than its constituent = 7.92 × 106 J
metals. Also heat produced ‘H’ is

NCERT EXERCISES

1. A piece of wire of resistance R is cut into five equal 3. An electric bulb is rated 220 V and 100 W. When
parts. These parts are then connected in parallel. it is operated on 110 V, the power consumed will
If the equivalent resistance of this combination is be
R′, then the ratio R/R′ is (a) 100 W (b) 75 W
1 1 (c) 50 W (d) 25 W
(a) (b) (c) 5 (d) 25
25 5 220 2
Ans. (d) On cutting, there will be 5 equal resistors of Ans. (d) R of bulb = .
100
R
Ω each. When they are connected in parallel V2 110 2
5 Power consumed at 110 V = =
the equivalent value will be R R
1 1 1 1 1 1 110 2
= + + + + = × 100 = 25 W.
Rl R/5 R/5 R/5 R/5 R/5 220 2
25 4. Two conducting wires of the same material and of
=
R equal lengths and diameters are first connected in
R R R series and then parallel in a circuit across the same
i.e. R′ = Ω. ⇒ = = 25.
25 Rl R/25 potential difference. The ratio of heat produced
2. Which of the following terms does not represent in series and parallel combinations would be
electrical power in a circuit? (a) 1 : 2 (b) 2 : 1 (c) 1 : 4 (d) 4 : 1
(a) I2R (b) IR2 (c) VI (d) V2/R Ans. (c) Resistors are equal. So, power in series
V2 V2
Ans. (b) P = = I2R = VI. Hence, option (b) does not (Ps) = ...... (Rs = R + R = 2R)
R 2R
represent electrical power.
 Electricity 345

V2 2V 2 Ans. 13 B
Power in parallel (PP) = = ......
(R/2) R 12
11
1 1 1 2
> = + = ` R P = R/2H 10
Rp R R R 9
8
1
So, PS : PP = : 2 = 1 : 4. 7

V (volt)
2 6
5. How is a voltmeter connected in the circuit to 5
measure the potential difference between two 4
3
points? A
2
Ans. A voltmeter is connected in parallel to a circuit with C
1
its +ve terminal to the point at higher potential and
–ve terminal to the point at lower potential. 0
0.5 1.0 1.5 2.0 2.5 3.0 3.5 4.0
6. A copper wire has diameter 0.5 mm and resistivity I (ampere)
of 1.6 × 10–8 Ωm. What will be the length of this The slope of V-I graph is resistance.
wire to make its resistance 10 Ω? How much Change in V BC
So, resistance, R = =
does the resistance change if the diameter is Change in I AC
doubled? 13.2 – 1.6
0.5 =
Ans. d = 0.5 mm, r = × 10–3 m, 4 − 0.5
2 11.6
ρ = 1.6 × 10–8 Ω m, R = 10 Ω = = 3.314 Ω.
3.5
ρl
Using R= , 8. When a 12 V battery is connected across an
A
unknown resistor, there is a current of 2.5 mA in
Rπr 2 the circuit. Find the value of the resistance of the
we get l= ..... (A = pr2)
ρ resistor.
0.5 2 V
×c × 10 –3m
10 # 3.14
= Ans. V = IR ⇒ R =
1.6 # 10 – 8 2 I
= 122.6 m ≈ 123 m. 12
⇒ R= = 4800 Ω = 4.8 kΩ.
If the diameter is doubled radius of copper wire is 2.5 × 10 –3
also doubled. 9. A battery of 9 V is connected in series with resistors
A1 πr2 1 of 0.2 Ω, 0.3 Ω, 0.4 Ω, 0.5 Ω and 12 Ω, respectively.
\ = =
A2 π (2r) 2 4 How much current would flow through the 12 Ω
So, A2 = 4A1 resistor?
For the same length and same material wire, Ans. Rs = 0.2 + 0.3 + 0.4 + 0.5 + 12 = 13.4 Ω, V = 9 V,
1 V 9
R∝ Current drawn, I = = A = 0.67 A.
A R 13.4
R2 A Since all the resistors are in series, the same current,
we get, = 1 i.e. 0.67 A flows through the 12 Ω resistor.
R1 A2
A 1 10. How many 176 Ω resistors (in parallel) are
= 1 = required to carry 5 A on a 220 V line?
4A1 4
Ans. When N resistors each R Ω are in parallel,
1 R
\ R2 = R1 RP = .
4 N
Hence, the resistance becomes one-fourth of the Current drawn from cell,
original one. V VN
I= =
7. The values of the current I flowing in a given RP R
resistor for the corresponding values of potential IR 5 × 176
∴ N = = = 4.
difference V across the resistor are given below: V 220
I (amperes) 0.5 1.0 2.0 3.0 4.0 11. Show how you would connect three resistors, each
V (volts) 1.6 3.4 6.7 10.2 13.2 of resistance 6 Ω, so that the combination has a
Plot a graph between V and I and calculate the
resistance of
resistance of that resistor. (i) 9 Ω, (ii) 4 Ω.
346 Together with® Science—10
Ans. (i) When two 6 Ω resistances are in parallel and 6
the third is in series combination to this, the Ans. (i) I = =2A
1+ 2
equivalent resistance will be 9 Ω. Since current flowing is same in both resistors,
6W
power used in 2 Ω resistor
6W P1 = I2R = (2)2 × 2 = 8 W.
A B
6W
(ii) Since both 12 Ω and 2 Ω are in parallel to the
4 V source,
(ii) When two 6 Ω resistances are in series and the Power used in 2 Ω resistor
third is in parallel to them, then it will be 4 Ω. V2 4 2 16
6W 6W P2 = = = = 8 W.
R 2 2
Comparison between the power used in both
P 8W
A 6W B cases = 1 = = 1.
P2 8 W
12. Several electric bulbs designed to be used on a 220 15. Two lamps, one rated 100 W at 220 V, and the
V electric supply line, are rated 10 W. How many other 60 W at 220 V, are connected in parallel to
lamps can be connected in parallel with each other electric mains supply. What current is drawn from
across the two wires of 220 V line if the maximum the line if the supply voltage is 220 V?
allowable current is 5 A? 220 2 220 2
Ans. N bulbs of power P each connected in parallel will Ans. R100 = , R60 = .
100 60
make the total power of NP, therefore, using 220 100
NP Current drawn by 100 W bulb = = A
I= R100 220
V
Current drawn, = 0.45 A.
220
Current drawn by 60 W bulb =
N # 10 R60
I = 5=
220 60
5 # 220 = A = 0.27 A.

∴ N= = 110 220
10
Total current drawn from the line
13. A hot plate of an electric oven connected to a = 0.45 A + 0.27 A = 0.72 A.
220 V line has two resistance coils A and B, each 16. Which uses more energy, a 250 W TV set in 1 hr, or
of 24 Ω resistance, which may be used separately, a 1200 W toaster in 10 minutes?
in series, or in parallel. What are the currents in Ans. Energy consumed by 250 W TV set in 1 h
the three cases? = 250 × 1 = 250 Wh.
Ans. When used individually, Energy consumed by 1200 W toaster in 10 min
220 10
I= = 9.16 A in both of them. = 1200 × = 200 Wh.
24 60
When used in series, ∴ Energy consumed by TV set is more than the
Rs = 24 + 24 = 48 Ω, energy consumed by toaster in the given timings.
220
⇒ Is = A = 4.58 A 17. An electric heater of resistance 8 Ω draws 15 A
48
from the service mains 2 hours. Calculate the rate
When used in parallel,
at which heat is developed in the heater.
24 × 24
RP = = 12 Ω Ans. R = 8 Ω, I = 15 A, t = 2h
48
H I 2 Rt
220 Rate of heat developed = = = 152 × 8
⇒ IP = A = 18.3 A. t t
12
= 225 × 8 = 1800 Js–1.
14. Compare the power used in the 2 Ω resistor in 18. Explain the following.
each of the following circuits. (a) Why is the tungsten used almost exclusively
(i) a 6 V battery in series with 1 Ω and 2 Ω for filament of electric lamps?
resistors, and (b) Why are the conductors of electric heating
(ii) a 4 V battery in parallel with 12 Ω and 2 Ω devices, such as bread-toasters and electric
resistors. irons, made of an alloy rather than a pure metal?
 Electricity 347
(c) Why is the series arrangement not used for (b) It has more resistivity and less temperature
domestic circuits? coefficient of resistance.
(d) How does the resistance of a wire vary with (c) (i) All appliances do not get same potential in
its area of cross-section? series arrangement.
(e) Why are copper and aluminium wires usually (ii) All appliances cannot be individually
employed for electricity transmission? operated.
Ans. (a) It has high melting point and emits light at a high 1
(d) R ∝
temperature. Area of cross - section
(e) They are very good conductors of electricity.

SELECT NCERT EXEMPLAR PROBLEMS

1. A cell, a resistor, a key and an ammeter are 4. A student carries out an experiment and plots the
arranged as shown in the circuit diagrams. The V-I graph of three samples of nichrome wire with
current recorded in the ammeter will be resistances R1, R2 and R3 respectively. Which of
(a) maximum in (i) (b) maximum in (ii) the following is true?
(c) maximum in (iii) (d) same in all the cases

(i)
(a) R1 = R2 = R3 (b) R1 > R2 > R3
(c) R3 > R2 > R1 (d) R2 > R3 > R1
Ans. (c) Current is inversely proportional to the resistance
for the same potential. So higher resistance
would allow less current to pass through its
(ii) (iii) which is shown by R3, as I3 < I2 < I1.
Ans. (d) Ammeter is always connected in series with in \ R3 > R2 > R1
the circuit. The reading is independent from its 5. If the current I through a resistor is increased
location. by 100 % (assume that temperature remains
2. A current of 1 A is drawn by a filament of an unchanged), the increase in power dissipated will be
electric bulb. Number of electrons passing through (a) 100 % (b) 200 %
a cross-section of the filament in 16 seconds would (c) 300 % (d) 400 %
be roughly Ans. (c) Since, P ∝ I 2
P I2 2 2I 2
(a) 1020 (b) 1016 (c) 1018 (d) 1023 So 2 = e o = c m = 4
Ans. (a) Q = ne and Q = It P1 I1 I
\ ne = It ⇒ P2 = 4 P1
It 1 × 16 P – P1
or n= = = 1020 electrons \ % increase in power = 2 × 100
e 1.6 × 10 –19 P1
3. A cylindrical conductor of length l and uniform 4P – P
area of cross-section A has resistance R. Another = × 100 = 300%
P
conductor of length 2l and resistance R of the same
material has area of cross-section 6. The resistivity does not change if
(a) A/2 (b) 3A/2 (a) the material is changed
(c) 2A (d) 3A (b) the temperature is changed
l R l A (c) the shape of the resistor is changed
Ans. (c) Since R ∝ So, 1 = 1 . 2 (d) both material and temperature are changed
A R2 l2 A1
Ans. (c) The resistivity does not change if the shape of
l A R resistor is changed because nature of material
⇒ × 2= =1
2l A R will remain same.
⇒ A2 = 2A
348 Together with® Science—10
7. In an electrical circuit two resistors of 2 W and IB R 2
4 W respectively are connected in series to a 6 V or = C = =1
IC RB 2
battery. The heat dissipated by the 4 W resistor in
5 s will be
⇒ IB = IC

(a) 5 J (b) 10 J But I B + IC = I = 3 A
3
(c) 20 J (d) 30 J
∴ 2IB = 3 or IB = = 1.5 A
Ans. (c) Total resistance of the combination 2
Rs = 2 + 4 = 6 W and IB = IC = 1.5 A.
V 6 12. Should the resistance of an ammeter be low or
Current, I = = =1
Rs 6 high? Give reason.
Heat dissipation in 4 W resistor, Ans. The resistance of an ammeter should be low so that
H = I 2Rt = 12 × 4 × 5 = 20 J it will not disturb the magnitude of current of the
circuit when connected in series in a circuit.
8. Electrical resistivity of a given metallic wire
depends upon 13. How does use of a fuse wire protect electrical
(a) its length (b) its thickness appliances?
(c) its shape (d) nature of the material Ans. The fuse wire is always connected in series with the
Ans. (d) live wire or electrical devices. If the flow of current
exceeds the specified preset value due to some reason,
9. What is the minimum resistance which can be
the heat produced melts it and disconnects the circuit
made using five resistors each of 1/5 W?
or the device from the mains. In this way, fuse wire
(a) 1/5 W (b) 1/25 W
protects the electrical appliances.
(c) 1/10 W (d) 25 W
Ans. (b) 14. What is electrical resistivity? In a series electrical
circuit comprising a resistor made up of a metallic
10. In an electrical circuit three incandescent bulbs
wire, the ammeter reads 5 A. The reading of the
A, B and C of rating 40 W, 60 W and 100 W
ammeter decreases to half when the length of the
respectively are connected in parallel to an electric
wire is doubled. Why?
source. Which of the following is likely to happen
Ans. The resistance offered by a metallic wire of unit
regarding their brightness?
length and unit cross-sectional area is called electrical
(a) Brightness of all the bulbs will be the same
resistivity.
(b) Brightness of bulb A will the maximum
We know that
(c) Brightness of bulb B will be more than that of A l
(d) Brightness of bulb C will be less than that of B R = ρ and V = IR
A
Ans. (c) 1
So, R ∝ l and I ∝ , (V is constant)
11. Three 2 Ω resistors, A, B and C are connected as R
shown in figure. Each of them dissipates energy Hence, when the length of wire is doubled the resistance
and can withstand a maximum power of 18 W becomes double and current decreases to half.
without melting. Find the maximum current that
15. B1, B2 and B3 are three identical bulbs connected
can flow through the three resistors.
2W as shown in figure. When all the three bulbs glow,
a current of 3A is recorded by the ammeter A.
2W B B1
I
A1
A C
B2
2W A2
Ans. Here, P = 18 W
B3
Since A is in series with the parallel combination of A3
B and C. So, it carries maximum current.
Using P = I2R, we get + – A
P 18
I2 = = =9 4.5 V
R 2 (a) What happens to the glow of the other two
⇒ I = 3 A. bulbs when the bulb B1 gets fused?
Let IB and IC be the current flowing through B and (b) What happens to the reading of A1, A2, A3 and
C respectively. As they are in parallel, potential A when the bulb B2 gets fused?
difference across them will be same so (c) How much power is dissipated in the circuit
IBRB = ICRC when all the three bulbs glow together?
 Electricity 349
Ans. (a) Since B1, B2 and B3 are in parallel, the potential (c) In parallel, total power consumed
difference across each of them will remain same. Peq = P1 + P2 + P3
So when the bulb B1 gets fused, B2 and B3 have So, when all the three bulbs glow together
the same potential and continues with the same Peq = P + P + P
energy dissipated per second, i.e. they will glow (As P1 = P2 = P3 = P)
as they were glowing before. = 3P = 3 × V × I
(b) Resistance of the parallel combination when all = 3 × 4.5 × 1 = 13.5 W.
the three bulbs are glowing  (Current through each bulb = 1 A)
1 1 1 1 3
= + + = 16. Find out the following in the electric circuit given
RP R R R R in figure:
R 4W
RP = B + –
3 A A1 C
Ammeter ‘A’ reads 3 A current +
So, V = IRP 8V –
8W 8W
R
4.5 = 3 × ⇒ R = 4.5 Ω
3
– + D
So, resistance of each bulb = 4.5 Ω. A2
Now when bulb B2 gets fused, the equivalent (a) Effective resistance of two 8 Ω resistors in the
resistance of parallel combination of B1 and B3 combination,
is (b) Current flowing through 4 Ω resistor,
1 1 1 (c) Potential difference across 4 Ω resistance,
As = +
RPl R R (d) Power dissipated in 4 Ω resistor, and
2 (e) Difference in ammeter readings, if any.
=  (Bulbs are identical)
R Ans. (a) Effective resistance, the two 8 Ω resistors are in
R parallel,
∴ RP′ = 8×8
2 RP = =4Ω
∴ Ammeter ‘A’ reads now, 8+8
V (b) Req = 4 + RP = 8 Ω
I′ = V 8
RlP So current through 4 Ω = I = = =1A
4.5 R 8
I′ = (c) Potential difference across resistance
R/2 4 Ω = V1 = IR = 1 × 4 = 4 V
4.5 # 2 (d) Power dissipated = I2R = 12 × 4 = 4 W
= = 2 A.
4.5 (e) No difference, since the ammeters are connected
Since resistance of each arm is same and p.d. is in series and same current will pass through
also same, current divides them equally. So 1 A them, so reading of both ammeters would be
current will pass through each bulb B1 and B3. same.
Therefore, ammeter A1 and A3 reads 1 A current
while A2 will read zero and A read 2 A current.

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350 Together with® Science—10

Self-Evaluation Test
1. Electric current originates from which part of a (a) Conductors (i) 10–6 Wm
conductor? (b) Alloys (ii) 1012 to 1017 Wm
(a) Nucleus (c) Insulators (iii) 10–6 to 10–8 Wm
(b) Positively charged protons 10. Nichrome wire of length ‘l’ and radius ‘r’ has resistance
(c) Negatively charged electrons of 10 W. How would the resistance of wire change when
(d) All atoms of a conductor (i) only the diameter is doubled?
2. Ohm’s law states which relationship between electrical (ii) only length of wire is doubled?
quantities? 11. (a) Consider a conductor of resistance ‘R’, length
(a) Potential difference = current times resistance ‘l’, thickness ‘d’ and resistivity. ‘r’. Now this
(b) Potential difference = current divides resistance conductor is cut into four equal parts. What will
(c) Potential difference = charge divides time be the new resistivity of each of these parts? Why?
(d) Potential different = charge times current (b) Find the resistance if all of these parts are connected
3. The resistance of wire varies inversely as in (i) parallel (ii) series
(a) length (b) resistivity (c) Out of the combinations of resistors mentioned
(c) temperature (d) area of cross-section above in the previous part, for a given voltage
4. How much energy is consumed when a current of which combination will consume more power and
5 A flows through the filament of a room heater having why?
resistance of 10 W for 2 hours. Express it in joules. (d) An electric iron consumes energy at the rate of
(a) 18 × 105 J (b) 1.8 × 106 J 420 W when heating is at maximum rate and
7
(c) 1.8 × 10 J (d) 3.6 × 106 J 180 W when heating is at minimum. The voltage
Direction: In the following Questions, the Assertion and is 220 V. What is the current and resistance in each
Reason have been put forward. Read the statements carefully case?
and choose the correct alternative from the following: 12. Study the following circuit diagram:
4 W
(a) Both the Assertion and the Reason are correct and the
Reason is the correct explanation of the Assertion.
(b) The Assertion and the Reason are correct but the Reason –
A
is not the correct explanation of the Assertion.
+
(c) Assertion is true but the Reason is false. + –
(d) The statement of the Assertion is false but the Reason
is true. K E
5. Assertion: The Ohm’s law equation does not apply to It is observed that when key is open, the potential
non-Ohmic conducting devices. difference across the terminals of the electrical source is
Reason: For Ohmic conducting devices, the value of R found to be 12 volts. The electrolyte inside the voltage
is independent of the value of ‘V’. source offered 2 W resistance to the flow of electric
6. Assertion: When a wire is stretched such that its area current through it.
of cross-section is halved, its resistance would become Now answer the following questions.
16 times. (a) Calculate the ammeter reading when key is closed.
Reason: Resistance is inversely proportional to the (b) Calculate the potential difference across the
fourth power of area of cross-section of the wire. terminals of the electrical source when it is in use.
7. How do we connect voltmeter and ammeter in an electric (c) The potential difference applied across a given
circuit? What is likely to happen if the position of these resistor is altered so that heat produced per second
instruments are interchanged? increases by a factor of 9. By what factor does the
8. A bulb cannot be used in place of resistor to verify applied potential difference change?
Ohm’s law. Justify this statement with reasons. Or
9. Define resistance. Write the SI unit of resistance and (c) Why do the ‘free electrons’ in a wire flowing by
define it. Match the correct range of resistivity with the themselves not cause any current flow in the wire?
materials given.

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