PHYSICS 20

CURRENT ELECTRICITY
ELECTRIC CURRENT

It is the rate of flow of charge through any cross section.

i.e.
Conventionally, the direction of flow of positive charge is taken as the direction of electric
current. It is a scalar quantity and its S.I. unit is ampere (A).

KEEP IN MEMORY
 Current carriers in conductor are electrons, (valence e –s) ions in electrolytes, electrons
& holes in semiconductor and positive ions /electrons in gases.
 Charge of electron = 1.6 × 10–19c
 1 ampere = 6.25 × 1018 electrons/sec
 Though direction is associated with current (opposite to the motion of electrons), but
it is not a vector quantity as it does not follow rules of vector addition.
 For a current to flow through a cross-section, there must be a net flow of charge
through that cross-section.
In a metal like copper there are around 1028 free electrons per m3 moving randomly in all
direction with speeds of the order of 106 m/s even in the absence of electric field. But since
the number of electrons passing through a cross-section from left to right is equal to the
number of electrons passing from right to left in a given time, therefore the net charge flow is
zero and hence the electric current is zero.
 A conductor remains uncharged when current flows in it. i.e. Net charge in a current
carrying conductor is zero.

CURRENT DENSITY

Current density at a point inside a conductor is defined as the amount of current flowing per
unit cross sectional area around that point of the conductor, provided the area is held in a
direction normal to the direction of current.

i.e. Current density,

If area is not normal to current, then area normal to current is A' = A cos θ (see the figure)

or I = J A cos θ or
Its SI unit is Am–2
Current density can also be related to electric field as

where σ is conductivity of the substance & ρ is specific resistance of the substance.

J is a vector quantity and its direction is same as that of .
Dimensions of J are [M°L–2T°A]

KEEP IN MEMORY
 Electric current is a macroscopic physical quantity where as current density is a
microscopic physical quantity.
 For a given conductor current does not change with change in cross-sectional area.

DRIFT VELOCITY

When the ends of a conductor are connected to the two terminals of a battery, an electric field
is set up in the conductor from the positive terminal to the negative terminal. The free
electrons in the conductor experiences a force opposite to the direction of the electric field
and hence get accelerated. However this process of acceleration is soon interrupted by
collision with ions of solid. The average time for which each electron is accelerated before
suffering a collision is called the mean free time or mean relaxation time.
Thus, the free electrons within the metal, in addition to its random motion acquire a small
velocity towards the positive end of conductor. This velocity is called drift velocity. It is
given by

,
where e is the charge and m is the mass of electron.
is the electric field established in conductor and is the average relaxation time.
Negative sign is because the directions of and (for electron) are opposite.

where V is the potential difference across ends of the conductor of length l. The uniform
current I, flowing through the conductor is given by
I = n e A vd
where n = number of free electrons per unit volume,
A = area of cross-section, vd = drift velocity
In vector form,
The negative sign is because the direction of drift velocity of electron is opposite to .
 Mobility - Drift velocity per unit electric field is called mobility. It is denoted by µ.

Its S.I. unit is m2/volt-sec.

KEEP IN MEMORY
1. Drift velocity is very small, it is of the order of 10–4m/s which is negligible as
compared to thermal speed of e–s at room temperature (105 m/s)
2. The drift velocity is given by

a. where, J = current density

i. e = electronic charge = 1.6 × 10–19 C
ii. n = the number of free electrons per unit volume
2. The number of free electrons per unit volume (n) can be determined by the
following relation :

and

where N0 = Avogadro number

d = density of the metal
M = molecular weight
and x = number of free electrons per atom
4. For steady current :

; ;
This means that for a given material and steady current in case of non-uniform cross-section
of material

; ;
5. Variation of drift velocity :

; Vd ∝ E
when length is doubled, vd becomes half and
when V is doubled, vd becomes twice.

OHM’S LAW AND ELECTRICAL RESISTANCE

When a potential difference is applied across the ends of a conductor, a current I is set up in
the conductor.
According to Ohm’s law “Keeping the given physical conditions such as temperature,
mechanical strain etc. constant, the current (I) produced in the conductor is directly
proportional to the potential difference (V) applied across the conductor”.
i.e., or ... (1)
where K is a constant of proportionality called the conductance of the given conductor.
Alternatively, or V = RI ... (2)
where the constant R is called the electrical resistance or simply resistance of the given
conductor.
From above two eqs. it is clear that R = 1/K.

If a substance follows Ohm’s law, then a linear relationship exists between V & I as shown
by figure 1. These substance are called Ohmic substance. Some substances do not follow
Ohm’s law, these are called non-ohmic substance (shown by figure 2)
Diode valve, triode valve and electrolytes, thermistors are some examples of non-ohmic
conductors.

Slope of V-I Curve of a conductor provides the resistance of the conductor

slope = tan θ =
The SI unit of resistance R is volt/ampere = ohm (Ω)

ELECTRICAL RESISTANCE

On application of potential difference across the ends of a conductor, the free e –s of the
conductor starts drifting towards the positive end of the conductor. While drifting they make
collisions with the ions/atoms of the conductor & hence their motion is obstructed. The net
hindrance offered by a conductor to the flow of free e –s or simply current is called electrical
resistance. It depends upon the size, geometry, temperature and nature of the conductor.

RESISTIVITY

For a given conductor of uniform cross-section A and length l, the electrical resistance R is
directly proportional to length l and inversely proportional to cross-sectional area A

i.e., or or
ρ is called specific resistance or electrical resistivity.

Also,
The SI unit of resistivity is ohm - m.
CONDUCTIVITY

It is the reciprocal of resistivity i.e. .

The SI unit of conductivity is Ohm–1m–1 or mho/m.
Ohm’s law may also be expressed as, J = σE
where J = current density and E = electric field strength

Conductivity , where n is free electron density, τ is relaxation time and m is mass of

electron.
 The value of ρ is very low for conductor, very high for insulators & alloys, and in
between those of conductors & insulators for semiconductors.
 Resistance is the property of object while resistivity is the property of material.

MATERIALS AND THEIR RESISTIVITY

COMMON DEFAULT

Since
It is incorrect to think that if the length of a resistor is doubled its resistance will become
twice.
If you look by an eye of physicist you will find that when l change, A will also change. This
is discussed in the following article.

Case of Reshaping a Resistor

On reshaping, volume of a material is constant.
i.e., Initial volume = final volume
or, Ai li = Af lf ... (i)
where li, Ai are initial length and area of cross-section of resistor and lf, Af are final length
and area of cross-section of resistor.
If initial resistance before reshaping is Ri and final resistance after reshaping is R f then

... (ii)

From eqs. (i) and (ii) ,

This means that resistance is proportional to the square of the length during reshaping of a
resistor wire.

Also from eqs. (i) and (ii) ,

This means that resistance is inversely proportional to the square of the area of cross-section
during reshaping of resistor.
Since A = π r2 (for circular cross-section)

where r is radius of cross section.

EFFECT OF TEMPERATURE ON RESISTANCE AND RESISTIVITY

Resistance of a conductor is given by R t = R0 (1 + αΔt)

Where α = temperature coefficient of resistance and Δt = change in temperature

FOR METALLIC CONDUCTORS

If ρ1 and ρ2 be resistivity of a conductor at temperature t 1 and t2, then
ρ2 = ρ1 (1 + α Δ T)
where α = temperature coefficient of resistivity and
where ΔT = t2 – t1 = change in temperature
The value of α is positive for all metallic conductors.
∴ ρ2 > ρ 1
In other words, with rise in temperature, the positive ions of the metal vibrate with higher
amplitude and these obstruct the path of electrons more frequently. Due to this the mean path
decreases and the relaxation time also decreases. This leads to increase in resistivity.

Please note that the value of α for most of the metals is

FOR ALLOYS
In case of alloys, the rate at which the resistance changes with temperature is less as
compared to pure metals.
For example, an alloy manganin has a resistance which is 30-40 times that of copper for the
same dimensions.
Also the value of α for manganin is very small ≈ 0.00001°C–1. Due to the above properties
manganin is used in preparing wires for standard resistance (heaters), resistance boxes etc.
Please note that eureka and constantan are other alloys for which ρ is high. These are used to
detect small temperature, protect picture tube/ windings of generators, transformers etc.
For semiconductors : The resistivity of semiconductors decreases with rise in
temperature. For semiconductor the value of α is negative.

With rise in temperature, the value of n increases. Please note that decreases with rise in
temperature. But the value of increase in n is dominating for the value of ρ in this case.

For electrolytes : The resistivity decreases with rise in temperature. This is because the
viscosity of electrolyte decreases with increase in temperature so that ions get more freedom
to move.

For insulators : The resistivity increases nearly exponentially with decrease in temperature.
Conductivity of insulators is almost zero at 0 K.

Superconductors : There are certain materials for which the resistance becomes zero below
a certain temperature. This temperature is called the critical temperature. Below critical
temperature the material offers no resistance to the flow of e –s. The material in this case is
called a superconductor. The reason for superconductivity is that the electrons in
superconductors are not mutually independent but are mutually coherent. This coherent cloud
of e–s makes no collision with the ions of super-conductor and hence no resistance is offered
to the flow of e–s
For example, R = 0 for Hg at 4.2 K and R = 0 for Pb at 7.2 K. These substances are called
superconductors at that critical temperature.

Superconductors are used

 in making very strong electromagnets
 to produce very high speed computers
 in transmission of electric power
 in the study of high energy particle physics and material science

SERIES AND PARALLEL COMBINATION OF RESISTORS

RESISTANCES IN SERIES

When a number of resistances are joined end to end so that same current flows through each,
resistor when some potential difference is applied across the combination, the conductor are
said to be connected in series.
The equivalent resistance in series is given by
(Req)s = R1 + R2 + ...+ Rn
Equivalent resistance of same resistances connected in series is always greater than the
greatest of individual resistance.

Potential division rule in series combination

RESISTANCES IN PARALLEL

Two or more resistors are said to be connected in parallel if the same potential difference
exists across all resistors.

The equivalent resistance is given by

The equivalent resistance in a parallel combination is always less than the value of the least
individual resistance in the circuits.
Current division rule in parallel combination

;
In a given combination of resistors, when you want to detect whether the resistances are in
series or in parallel then see that if the same current flows through two resistors then these are
in series and if same potential difference is there across two resistors then these are in parallel
potential diff across each resistor is the same & is equal to the applied potential difference.

HOW TO FIND EQUIVALENT RESISTANCE?

SUCCESSIVE REDUCTION

This method is applicable only when the resistors can be clearly identified as in series or
parallel. Let us take some example to find resistance between ends A and B.
Ex.(v) Infinite series :

We observe that there is a repetitive unit extending to infinity on left hand side. We assume
that the equivalent resistance of all the unit except one (shown dotted) is equal to X ohm. The
equivalent circuit will be as shown below.

The equivalent resistance across A and B is

Please note that RAB can be taken as X because if you add one unit to the sum of infinite
units, then it will be approximately the same.

Solve the equation as a normal algebraic equation to find X.

AXIS SYMMETRY

Ex.(i) The circuit shown in figure is symmetrical about XAEBY axis. This is because the
upper part of the axis is the mirror image of lower part (resistors and current direction both)

∴ IAC = IAD; ICB = IDB ;

IAE = IEB ( wheatstone bridge principle)
⇒ ICE = IED = 0
Therefore the circuit can be redrawn. It is now easier to find resistance between X and Y.

Ex.(ii) The circuit shown is symmetrical about axis XY. Therefore

VB = VH ; VC = VI = VG; VD = VF

Therefore the circuit can be redrawn as

Ex.(iii) The circuit is asymmetric about the dotted line

∴ IBG = IGC; IFG = IGE and IAG = IGB
Therefore the equivalent circuit is

SHIFTED SYMMETRY

The diagram given above is symmetrical but the positions of the resistances are shifted. Let I
be the current in the circuit from A. The same leaves the circuit at C. Let current in AB, AD
and AE be I1 , I2 and I3 respectively. Since the same current flows in AE and EC, the
detached equivalent circuit can be drawn as

KEEP IN MEMORY
Equivalent resistance between A and B of the resistors connected as shown in the figure
Wheatstone bridge

PATH SYMMETRY

All paths from one point to another which have the same setting of resistances have the same
amount of currents.
Example :

Twelve wires each having resistance r are joined to form a cube. We have to find the
equivalent resistance across A and B.
By path symmetry, IAB = IBC = IAD = IDC = I
∴ IAE = I– 2I1 ⇒ IGC = I– 2I1,
Since current in AB = current in BC
⇒ IBF = 0
Also IAD = IDC ⇒ IDH = 0
The equivalent circuit will be as shown. The resistance now clearly visible as in series and in
parallel.

STAR-DELTA CONNECTION

; ; ;
 ;

;
Using delta to star conversion

If none of the above method works then we may use Kirchhoff’s method which will be
discussed later

COMMON DEFAULTS
 Resistors are not just in series or in parallel if they look so geometrically, e.g. the
resistors in the diagram are not in parallel but in series.

These resistors across A and B are in series, as same current passes through them.
 This is a common thinking that current which comes out from the positive terminal of
a battery is used up till it reaches the negative terminal. But infact the current remains the
same in a branch. In fact a potential drop takes place across a resistor.

IA = IB = IC = ID = 1 amp
VA = VB = +5V
VC = VD = 0V
This means that a potential drop of 5V takes place across the resistor
 � Incorrect : If two resistances are not in series then it is in parallel and vice-versa.
✓ Correct : The above thinking is incorrect. We may have resistances which are neither in
series nor in parallel.

COLOUR CODING FOR CARBON RESISTOR AND THEIR STANDARD VALUES

It is a system of colour coding used to indicate the values of resistors.

For the fixed, moulded composition resistor, four colour bands are printed on one end of the
outer casing as shown below.

The colour bands are always read left to right from the end that has the bands closest to it.
 The first and second colour bands, represent the first and second significant digits
respectively, of the resistance value.
 The third colour band is for the number of zeros that follow the second digit.
 In case the third band is gold or silver, it represents a multiplying factor of 0.1 or 0.01.
 The fourth band represents the manufacturer's tolerance. It is a measure of the
precision with which the resistor was made.
 If the fourth band is not present, the tolerance is assumed to be ± 20%.

Standard value of colour codes for carbon resistors

To learn the above table of colour codes of resistors let us learn this interesting sentence :
BB ROY of Great Britain has a Very Good Wife.
In the above sentence the capital letters have the following meaning :
B-Black, B-Brown, R-Red, O-Orange, Y-Yellow, G-Green, B-Blue, V-Violet, G-Gold, W-
White
Remember the colour in the above order and the corresponding digits from 0 to 9 and also the
multiplier with the power to 10 from 0 to 9.

Commercial resistors are of two types

 Wire round resistor made by winding of wires of an alloy manganins, constantan
and nichrome.
 Carbon resistors have low cost and are compact.

THERMISTOR

A thermistor is a heat sensitive resistor usually made up of semiconductor. The oxides of

various metals such as mickel, iron, copper etc. temperature coefficient of thermistor is –ve
but is usually large, of the order of 0.04/ºC.
The V–I curve of thermistor is as shown.

Thermistors are used for resistance thermometer in very low temperature measurement of the
order of 10K and to safeguard electronic circuits against current jumps because initially
thermistors has high resistance when cold and its resistance drops appreciably when it heats
up.

JOULE’S LAW OF HEATING

It states that the amount of heat produced in a conductor is directly proportional to the
 square of the current flowing through the conductor,
(q, T – constt) i.e. H ∝ i2
 resistance of the conductor (i, T – constt.)
i.e. H ∝ R
 time for which the current is passed (i, R, – constt)
i.e., H ∝ t
Thus, H = i2 RT joule = i2 RT/4.2 cal

ELECTRIC POWER

It is defined as the rate at which work is done in maintaining the current in electric circuit.
Electric power, P = VI = I2R = V2/R watt or joule/second.
Electric energy : The electric energy consumed in a circuit is defined as the total work done
in maintaining the current in an electric circuit for a given time.
Electric energy = VIt = Pt = I2 Rt = V2 t / R
The S.I. unit of electric energy is joule (denoted by J)
where 1 joule = 1 watt × 1 second = 1 volt × 1 ampere × 1 sec.
In household circuits the electrical appliances are connected in parallel and the electrical
energy consumed is measured in kWh (kilowatt hour).
1 kWh (1 B.O.T. unit) = 1000 Wh = 3.6 × 106 J

ELECTROMOTIVE FORCE AND INTERNAL RESISTANCE OF A CELL

An emf (electromotive force) device has a positive terminal (at high potential) and a negative
terminal (at low potential). This device is responsible for moving positive charge within itself
from negative terminal to positive terminal.

For this to happen, work is done by some agency in the emf device. The energy required to
do this work is chemical energy (as in a battery), mechanical energy (as in electric generator),
temperature difference (as in a thermopile).
The emf is thus given by the formula

The S.I unit of emf is (V)

KEEP IN MEMORY
 Electromotive force is not a force but a potential difference.
 E.m.f. can be defined as the work done in moving a charge once around a closed
circuit.

INTERNAL RESISTANCE (r)

The potential difference across a real source of emf is not equal to its emf. The reason is that
the charge which is moving inside the emf device also suffers resistance. This resistance is
called internal resistance of the emf device.
E = IR + Ir = V + Ir
⇒ V = E – Ir

KEEP IN MEMORY
 For a cell

 Emf is the property of a cell but terminal potential difference depends on the current
drawn from the cell.

SHORT CIRCUITING

When the terminals of an emf device are connected with a conducting path without any
external resistance then

E = Ir ⇒
Since internal resistance has a very small value, therefore a very high current flows in the
circuit producing a large amount of heat. This condition is called short circuiting.
During short circuiting, the terminal potential difference is zero.

COMBINATION OF CELLS

SERIES COMBINATION OF CELLS

Equivalent Emf
EAB = E1 + E2 + ... + En
Equivalent internal resistance,
RAB = r1 + r2 + ....... + rn

PARALLEL COMBINATION OF CELLS

Equivalent emf

Equivalent internal resistance

MIXED GROUPING OF CELLS

If the cells are connected as shown below then they are said to be in mixed grouping.

Equivalent emf EAB = nE

Equivalent resistance =
Where n = no. of cells in a row. and
M = no. of rows
If this equivalent cell is attached to an external resistance R then
KEEP IN MEMORY
1. The condition for maximum current through external resistance R

⇒ R = nr/m
In other words, when external resistance is equal to total internal resistances of all the cells.

The maximum current

2. Maximum power dissipation for the circuit shown in fig.

Power

For maximum power across the resistor ,

On solving, we get R = r
This is the condition for maximum power dissipation.
3. If identical cells are connected in a loop in order, then emf between any two points in
the loop is zero.
4. If n identical cells are connected in series and m are wrongly connected then
Enet = nE – 2mE

FARADAY’S LAW OF ELECTROLYSIS

1. 1st law : The mass of the substance liberated or deposited at an electrode during
electrolysis is directly proportional to the quantity of charge passed through the electrolyte.
i.e., mass m ∝ q = Zq = Z It,
where Z = electrochemical equivalent (E.C.E.) of substance.
2. 2nd law : When the same amount of charge is passed through different electrolytes,
the masses of the substance liberated or deposited at the various electrodes are proportional to
their chemical equivalents

i.e.
where m1 and m2 are the masses of the substances liberated or deposited on electrodes during
electrolysis and E1 and E2 are their chemical equivalents.

FARADAY'S CONSTANT

Faraday constant is equal to the amount of charge required to liberate the mass of a substance
at an electrode during electrolysis, equal to its chemical equivalent in gram (i.e. one gram
equivalent)
One faraday (1F) = 96500 C/gram equivalent.

KEEP IN MEMORY
1. If ρ is the density of the material deposited and A is the area of deposition, then the

thickness (d) of the layer deposited in electroplating process is .

2. The back e.m.f. for water voltameter is 1.67 V and it is 1.34 V for CuCl 2 electrolytes
voltameter with platinum electrodes.
3. 96500 C are required to liberate 1.008 g of hydrogen.
4. 2.016 g of hydrogen occupies 22.4 litres at N.T.P.
5. E.C.E. of a substance = E.C.E. of hydrogen × chemical equivalent of the substance.

SEEBECK/THERMOELECTRIC EFFECT

When an electric circuit is composed of two dissimilar metals and the junctions are
maintained at different temperature, then an emf is set up in the circuit. This effect is known
as thermoelectric or seebeck effect.

THERMOCOUPLE
It is a device in which heat energy is converted into electrical energy. Its working is based on
seebeck effect. It has two junctions of two dissimilar metals.

Some of the elements forming thermo-electric series

Sb, Fe, Zn, Cu, Au, Ag, Pb, Al, Hg, Pt, Ni, Bi
Lead (Pb) is thermo-electrically neutral
At the cold junction, current flows from the element occuring earlier into the element
occurring later in the series.
For example: In Cu–Fe thermocouple, current flows from Cu to Fe at hot junction.

NEUTRAL TEMPERATURE (Tn)

It is that temperature of hot junction for which the thermo emf produced in a thermocouple is
maximum. It depends upon the nature of the material of thermocouple but is independent of
temperature of cold junction.
TEMPERATURE OF INVERSION (Ti)
It is that temperature of hot junction for which the thermo emf becomes zero and beyond this
temperature, the thermo emf in a thermocouple reverses its direction.
It depends upon the nature of the material of thermocouple and temperature of cold junction
Let To, Tn, Ti be the temperature of cold junction, neutral temperature and temperature of
inversion then

With temperature difference T between hot and cold junctions, the thermo-e.m.f. is given by
E = αT + βT2
where α and β are Seebeck coefficients
At Tn, (dE/dT) = 0
∴ Tn = – α/2β and Ti = – α/β, when To = 0
S = dE/dT is called thermo-electric power.

PELTIER EFFECT

It states that if current is passed through a junction of two different metals the heat is either
evolved or absorbed at that junction. It is the reverse of seebeck effect.
The quantity of heat evolved or absorbed at a junction due to Peltier effect is proportional to
the quantity of charge crossing that junction.

PELTIER COEFFICIENT (π)

It is defined as the amount of heat energy evolved or absorbed per second at a junction of two
different metals when a unit current is passed through it.
The Peltier heat evolved or absorbed at a junction of a thermocouple = πI t
where I = current passing through the junction for time t.

where T and (T + dT) are the temperature of cold and hot junctions of a thermocouple and dE
is the thermo emf produced.

(Seebeck coefficient)

THOMSON EFFECT

If a metallic wire has a non uniform temperature and an electric current is passed through it,
heat may be absorbed or produced in different sections of the wire. This heat is over and
above the joule heat I2Rt and is called Thomson heat. The effect is called Thomson effect.
If a charge ΔQ is passed through a small section of given wire having temperature difference
ΔT between the ends, Thomson heat, ΔH = σ ΔQ ΔT
where σ is constant for a given metal at a given temperature.
Thomson emf, σ ΔT, is defined as σ ΔT = ΔH/ΔQ.

Note:- σ is positive if heat is absorbed when a current is passed from low temp. to high
temperature. σ is numerically equal to P.D. developed between two points of the conductor
differing in temp. by 1ºC.

KEEP IN MEMORY
 The actual emf developed in a thermocouple loop is the algebraic sum of the net
Peltier emf and the net Thomson emf developed in the loop.

 If S, π and σ are the Seebeck coefficient, Peltier coefficient, and Thomson coefficient
respectively then it is found that

o
 For Peltier effect or Thomson effect, the heat evolved or absorbed is directly
proportional to current. But for Joule's law of heating, the heat produced is directly
proportional to the square of the current flowing through it.
 Thermo-emf set up in a thermocouple when its junctions are maintained at
temperature T1 and T3 (i.e. ) is equal to the sum of the emfs set up in a thermocouple
when its junctions are maintained first at temperature T 1 and T2 (i.e. ) and then at T2 & T3
(i.e. ) i.e.
It is called law of intermediate temperature.

KIRCHOFF’S LAWS AND ELECTRICAL CIRCUIT

Many practical combination of resistors cannot be reduced to simple series, parallel

combinations. For example the resistors in the figure are neither in series nor in parallel.
The use of Ohm’s law is not sufficient to solve such problems. Kirchoff’s laws are used in
such cases.

We will often use the term junction and loop, so let us first understand the meaning of these
words. A junction in a circuit is a point where three or more conductors meet. A loop is a
closed conducting path. In the above figure e, f, d, c are junctions. a, b, are not junctions. The
various loops are efde, cdfc, eabcf and eabcde.

KIRCHOFF’S JUNCTION LAW

(Based on conservation of charge)

At any junction, the sum of currents entering the junction must be equal to the sum of
currents leaving it. If this is not so, charges will accumulate at the junction. This cannot
happen as this would mean high/low potential maintained at a point in a wire without external
influence.
When we apply this rule at junction c, we get I = I1 + I2

KIRCHOFF’S LOOP LAW

(Based on energy conservation)

The algebraic sum of changes in potential around any closed loop of a circuit must be zero.

Sign convention for using loop law

If we move a loop element (resistor, emf device, capacitor, inductor etc.) in the direction of
increasing potential, we take the potential difference positive and vice-versa.
PROBLEM SOLVING TACTIC FOR USING KIRCHOFF’S LAW

1. Draw a circuit diagram large enough to show all resistors, emf device, capacitors,
currents clearly.
2. Take into account the resistance of voltmeter/ammeter/internal resistance of a cell (if
given).
3. Assume the direction of current in all branches. It may be noted here that one branch
has only one direction of current. It is best to use junction law simultaneously while drawing
currents. This helps to reduce the number of unknown quantities.

In the above circuits we arbitrarily assumed the direction of current I1 in branch abcd as anti-
clockwise and the direction of current I2 in branch afed as clockwise.
In figure 1 we have two unknown currents (I1, I2) whereas figure 2 we have three unknown
currents (I1, I2 and I3). The first figure is a better option for solving problems. In figure 1 we
used junction rule at d simultaneously while labelling currents.
4. In a branch containing a capacitor, the current is zero when d.c is applied and steady
state conditions are achieved.
5. Now we need as many independent equations as there are conditions unknowns.
If we have to find a particular unknown, we should ensure that, the unknown appears in one
of the equations made by us.
6. For making equations choose the loop and travel the loop completely. We may travel
the loop in clockwise or anti-clockwise direction. While using second law use sign
conventions properly.
7. Solve the equations formed to find the unknown quantities. If any value of current
comes out to be negative then that particular current is in the opposite direction to that
assumed.

APPLICATIONS

Let us use second law in the loop abcda of figure 1 taking the loop in anti-clockwise direction
starting from a.
+ E2 – I1R4 – (I1 + I2) R3 = 0
For loop afeda, moving the loop in clockwise direction we get –
E1 – I2 R1 – I2R2 – (I1 + I2)R3 = 0

NODE METHOD TO APPLY KIRCHOFF’S LAW (OPEN LOOP METHOD)

Step 1 : We select a reference node and assume its potential to be (zero/x)V

Step 2 : We calculate the voltage of other selected points w.r.t. the reference node
Step 3: We find some independent node (whose voltage is not known). We apply Kirchoff’s
law to find the relevant values.

WHEATSTONE BRIDGE

The condition for balanced wheatstone bridge

also
Note that when battery and galvanometer of a Wheatstone bridge is interchanged, the balance
position remains undisturbed, while sensitivity of the bridge changes.
In the balanced condition, the resistance in the branch BD may be neglected

Example : Resistance connected to BC may be neglected.

Note:- In a Wheatstone bridge, the deflection in a galvanometer does not change, if the
battery and the galvanometer are interchanged
Measuring temperature with the help of Wheatstone bridge

At balancing

When P = Q then ΔR = S α ΔT

COMMON DEFAULT
� Incorrect. If the current flows in a wire, there has to be a potential difference. The
potential drop takes place only when current passes through a resistor.
✓ Correct. In the diagram, the three resistors are in parallel. The potential at A is equal to
the potential at C. Current flows in wire 1 but there is no potential drop across A and C.
� Incorrect. If potential difference between the points is zero, there is zero current between
the two points.
✓ Correct. There is no p.d. between A and C still current flows in segment 1.

METER BRIDGE OR SLIDE WIRE BRIDGE

PRINCIPLE
Based on balanced Wheatstone bridge principle.

USE
To find unknown resistance

WORKING
Let P be the unknown resistance.

At balance point

Q is known and l can be calculated.

POTENTIOMETER

PRINCIPLE
The p.d. across a resistance wire is directly proportional to its length provided I, r and A are
constant.

V = IR = I ρ
⇒ V α l [ I, ρ and A are constant]

WORKING
PQ is the resistance wire of potentiometer generally made up of constantan or nichrome. One
end P is connected to the positive terminal of the battery B while negative terminal is
connected to Q through a Rheostat (Rh) and key (K). This is the main circuit.
A cell whose emf has to be measured is also connected to the potential wire in such a way
that the positive terminal is connected with P and negative terminal is connected to a
galvanometer and then to a jockey (J) which is free to slide along the wire

There is a potential drop along PQ.

The potential drop per unit length along PQ is called potential gradient.
When the jockey is pressed on some point, current flows from E to P (⇒). Also current that
comes from B after reaching P divides into two parts. One part moves towards A and the
other towards E (→). Three cases may arise.
 IB > IE. This happens when VPC > E. One side deflection in galvanometer
 IB = IE. This happens when VPC = E, Zero deflection in galvanometer
 IB < IE . This happens when VPA < E. Other side deflection in galvanometer

Note:-
 At null point since no current flows through E therefore it is said to be in the
condition of open circuit.
 More is the length of potentiometer, higher is the sensitivity of potentiometer and
smaller is the potential gradient.
 Potentiometer will work only when B > E. Also the positive terminal of the batteries
is connected at P. If any of the above conditions is not followed, we do not get a null point.

USES
 Comparison of emfs of cells

 To find internal resistance of a cell

 Emf can be measured by potentiometer and not voltmeter.

MEASURING INSTRUMENTS
GALVANOMETER

It is an instrument used to detect small currents in a circuit.

The current required for full scale deflection in the galvanometer is called full scale
deflection current and is denoted by Ig.

CURRENT SENSITIVITY OF A GALVANOMETER

It is defined as the deflection produced in the galvanometer, when unit current flows through
it.

Current sensitivity , and its unit is rad A–1

Current sensitivity can be increased either by decreasing C i.e. restoring torque per unit twist
or increasing B.

VOLTAGE SENSITIVITY OF A GALVANOMETER

It is defined as the deflection produced in the galvanometer when a unit voltage is applied
across the two terminals of the galvanometer.

Voltage sensitivity , its unit is rad V–1

AMMETER

Ammeter is used to measure current in a circuit. Ammeter is always connected in series in the
circuit as shown.

Conversion of a galvanometer into an ammeter

For this, we connect a small resistance S (called shunt) in parallel with the galvanometer.
Mathematically, Ig × G = (I – Ig) S
where I is the maximum current which ammeter can measure. G is the resistance of
galvanometer and Ig is the current of full scale deflection in galvanometer. S is shunt.

RESISTANCE OF THE AMMETER

Since shunt is a small resistance. Therefore the resistance of ammeter is very small.
The above arrangement is made so that when we connect ammeter in series to measure
current, it does not change the original current to a large extent. The change is in fact very
small. Also since galvanometer is a sensitive device and cannot take large currents, this
arrangement serves the purpose. Most of the current entering the ammeter passes through the
shunt as current always prefer low resistance path.
An ideal ammeter is one which has zero resistance.
The range of ammeter can be increased but cannot be decreased below Ig.

VOLTMETER

Voltmeter is used to measure potential difference across a resistor. Voltmeter is always

connected in parallel across a resistor.
Conversion of a galvanometer into a voltmeter

For this, we connect a large resistance R in series with the galvanometer.

The potential difference which has to be measured is across the external resistance i.e. across
points a and b.
Let it be V. Then V = Ig (G + R)
where V is the maximum potential difference that the voltmeter can measure and R is the
large resistance connected in series with the galvanometer
The resistance of the voltmeter will be RV = G + R
Since R is a large resistance. Therefore resistance of voltmeter is very large.
An ideal voltmeter is one which has infinite resistance.
The range of voltmeter can be increased and decreased.

Note:- When ammeter/voltmeter is connected in the circuit, the current or voltage indicated
by these is less than the actual values in their absence.

By S.KANNAN
Email:kannan.tnau@gmail.com