CURRENT ELECTRICITY (Theory)

2 Marks

Q.1) Use Kirchhoff’s rules to obtain conditions for the balance condition in a
Wheatstone bridge

Q.2) What is thermistor ? Give its two application.

Q.3) Explain two limitation of Ohm’s law.

Q.4) Write any two factors on which internal resistance of a cell depends. (2011)
Ans– The internal resistance of a cell depends on following factors –
1). Nature of the electrolyte.
2). It is directly proportional to the concentration of the electrolyte.
3). It is directly proportional to the distance between the two electrodes.
4). It varies inversely as the common area of the electrodes immersed in the electrolyte.
5). It increases with the decrease in temperature of the electrolyte.

Q.5) Differentiate between the random velocity and the drift velocity of electrons in
an electrical conductor. Give their order of magnitudes. (2020)
Ans – Random Velocity – The velocity acquired by the free electrons in the absence of electric field.
The average random velocity is zero. Order of magnitude of random velocity is 102 m/s.
Drift Velocity – The Average velocity acquired by electrons the free presence in of electric field.
The average drift velocity is not zero. Order of magnitude of random velocity is 10–3 m/s

3 Marks

Q.1) Define relaxation time of the free electrons drifting in a conductor. How is it
related to the drift velocity of free electrons? Use this relation to deduce the
expression for the electrical resistivity of the material. (2012)

Q.2) Explain the term ‘drift velocity’ of electrons in a conductor. Hence obtain the
expression for the current through a conductor in terms of ‘drift velocity’. (2013)

Q.3) Describe briefly, with the help of a circuit diagram, how a potentiometer is used
to determine the internal resistance of a cell. (2014)
OR
On which principle potentiometer work ? Explain any one application of it also
draw the suitable diagram.
OR
Write the principle of potentiometer. Draw the circuit diagram and explain how
the internal resistance of cell is determined.
Q.4) Answer the following:
(a). Why are the connections between the resistors in a meter bridge made of thick
copper strips?
(b). Why is it generally preferred to obtain the balance point in the middle of the
meter bridge wire?
(c). Write the principle on which meter bridge work. (2014)

Q.5) Find the relation between drift velocity and relaxation time of charge carriers in a
conductor.
A conductor of length L is connected to a d.c. source of emf ‘E’. If the length of the
conductor is tripled by stretching it, keeping ‘E’ constant, explain how its drift
velocity would be affected. (2015)
Ans– Vd = eE /m ; E = V.D /r
1
For given E, the field becomes 3 rd when the length is made 3 times. Hence Vd (new) = Vd /3

Q.6) What is terminal potential difference . Find the expression for internal resistance
of a cell having e.m.f ‘E’ and a external resistance ‘R’ connected to it.

Q.7) Define mobility. Find the expression how it is related to relaxation time. Write
its unit.

Q.8) Find the expression between relaxation time with current density. Identify the
symbols used.
Ans – j = I/A = ne2E
m

Q.9) Derive an expression for the resistivity of a conductor in terms of relaxation time.
OR
Define relaxation time of an electron. How it is related to resistivity of the
conductor. Derive the expression.

Q.10) Draw the circuit diagram of meter bridge and write its principle. How it can be
used to determine the value of unknown resistance explain with mathematical
expression.

Q.11) Explain how potentiometer can be used to compare the e.m.f of two cells with
diagram. Draw the graph showing the relation between resistivity and temperature
for copper.

Q.12) Define relaxation time. Find the expression by which it is related to electric field
applied across the conductor.

Q.13) A potential difference V is applied across the ends of copper wire of length Ɩ and
diameter D. What is the effect on drift velocity of electrons if –
 (i). V is doubled. (ii). Ɩ is doubled. (iii). D is triple.
Ans – doubled, halved, remain unchanged

Q.14) State the two Kirchoff's laws. Explain briefly how these rules are justified.
Ans – Junction Rule – At any junction, the sum of currents, entering the junction is equal to the sum of
currents leaving the junction.
Loop Rule – The algebraic sum of changes in potential, around any closed loop involving resistors and
cells, in the loop is zero.
Justification – The first law is in accordance with the law of conservation of charge. The second law is
in accordance with the law of conservation of energy.

Q.15) Answer the following: