Chapter 9: Current Electricity

EXERCISES [PAGES 228 - 229]

Exercises I Q 1.1 I Page 228

Kirchhoff's first law, i.e., r1 =Oat a junction, deals with the conservation of
1. charge
2. energy
3. momentum
4. mass

SOLUT/0

charge
Explanation: The principle of conservation of electric charge implies that: at any node
Ounction) in an electrical circuit, the sum of currents flowing into that node is equal to
the sum of currents flowing out of that node. This is known as Kirchhotrs current law.
Exercises I Q 1.2 I Page 228

When the balance point is obtained in the potentiometer, a current is drawn from
1. both the cells and auxiliary battery
2. cell only
3. auxiliary battery only
4. neither cell nor auxiliary battery

SOLUT/0

Neither cell nor auxiliary battery

Exercises I Q 1.3 I Page 228

In the following circuit diagram, an infinite series of resistances is shown. Equivalent

resistance between points A and B is
1n 1n 1n......._ 1n

:FE!2~:: : : :~::
1. infinite
2. zero
3. 2n
4. 30 0
'-;()I /I!/()

2n
Exercises I Q 1.4 I Page 228
Four resistances 1O n, 1O n, 1O n and 15 n form a VVheatstone's network. VVhat shunt
n
is required across 15 resistor to balance the bridge
1. 10 n
2 . 15 n
3. 20 n
4. 300

SOI ll l /0

30 n
Exercises I Q 1.5 I Page 228

A circular loop has a resistance of 40 n. Two points P and a of the loop, which are one-
quarter of the circumference apart are connected to a 24 V battery, having an internal
resistance of 0.5 n. VVhat is the current flowing through the battery?
1. 0.5 A
2 . 1A
3. 2A
4 . 3A

SOI LI I /0

3A
Explanation:
A circular loop has a resistance of 40 n.
Two points P and Q of the loop, which are one quarter of the circumference apart
Resistance of Each part= (1/4) 40 = 10 n and (3/4) 40 = 30 n
10 n II 30 n
1/R = 1/10 + 1/30
~ 1/R = (3 + 1)/30
~ R = 30/4
~ R = 7.5 0 .
internal resistance of 0.5 n.
Total Resistance= 7.5 + 0.5 = 8 n
Voltage applied = 24V
Current= 24/8 = 3A
3
3A current flowing through the battery.
Exercises I Q 1.6 I Page 228

To find the resistance of a gold bangle, two diametrically opposite points of the bangle
are connected to the two terminals of the left gap of a meter bridge. A resistance of 4 n
is introduced in the right gap. What is the resistance of the bangle if the null point is at
20 cm from the left end?
1. 2 n
2. 4Q
3. an
4. 16 0

SOL lJ TIO

40
Exercises I Q 2.01 I Page 228
Define or describe a Potentiometer.

SOI lJ TIO

The potentiometer is a device used for accurate measurement of potential difference as

well as the emf of a cell. It does not draw any current from the circuit at the null point.
Thus, it acts as an ideal voltmeter and it can be used to determine the internal
resistance of a cell. It consists of a long uniform wire AB of length L, stretched on a
wooden board. A cell of stable emf (E), with a plug key Kin series, is connected across
AB as shown in the following figure.
B
----♦... ,to------<·
o ----
K
I

A- ------------ 1
Exercises I Q 2.02 I Page 228
Define Potential Gradient.

SOLUT/0

The potential gradient is defined as the potential difference (the fall of potential from the
high potential end) per unit length of the wire.
Exercises I Q 2.03 I Page 228
Why should not the jockey be slided along the potentiometer wire?
SOil/TiO 4
Sliding the jockey on the potentiometer wire decreases the cross-sectional area of the
wire and thereby affects the fall of potential along the wire. This affects the
potentiometer readings. Hence, the jockey should not be slided along the potentiometer
wire.
Exercises I Q 2.04 I Page 228
Are Kirchhoff's laws applicable to both AC and DC currents?

SOL U 110

Kirchhoff's laws are applicable to both AC and DC circuits (networks). For AC circuits
with different loads, (e.g. a combination of a resistor and a capacitor, the instantaneous
values for current and voltage are considered for addition.
Exercises I Q 2.05 I Page 228
In Wheatstone's meter-bridge experiment, the null point is obtained in the middle one-
third portion of the wire. Why is it recommended?

SOLUllO

1. The value of unknown resistance X, may not be accurate due to the non-
uniformity of the bridge wire and development of contact resistance at the ends
of the wire.

2. To minimize these errors, the value of Risso adjusted that the null point is
obtained in the middle one-third of the wire (between 34 cm and 66 cm) so that
the percentage errors in the measurement of Ix and IR are minimum and nearly
the same.

Exercises I Q 2.06 I Page 228

State any two sources of errors in the meter-bridge experiment. Explain how they can
be minimized.
SOI lJ TIO

The chief sources of error in the meter bridge experiment are as follows:

1. The bridge wire may not be uniform in cross-section. Then the wire will not have
a uniform resistance per unit length and hence its resistance will not be
proportional to its length.
2. End resistances at the two ends of the wire may be introduced due to
(i) the resistance of the metal strips
(ii) the contact resistance of the bridge wire with the metal strips
 (iii) unmeasured lengths of the wire at the ends because the contact points of the
wire with the metal strips do not coincide with the two ends of the metre scale
attached.

Such errors are almost unavoidable but can be minimized considerably as follows:

1. Readings must be taken by adjusting the standard known resistance such that
the null point is obtained close to the centre of the wire. When several readings
are to be taken, the null points should lie in the middle one-third of the wire.
2. The measurements must be repeated with the standard resistance (resistance
box) and the unknown resistance interchanged in the gaps of the bridge,
obtaining the averages of the two results.

Exercises I Q 2.07 I Page 228

What is a potential gradient? How is it measured? Explain. 5
SOLL/TIO

The potential gradient is defined as the fall of potential per unit length of potentiometer
wire. The gradient of potential energy is a force (measured in newtons).
Consider a potentiometer consisting of a long uniform wire AB of length L and
resistance R, stretched on a wooden board and connected in series with a cell of stable
emf E and internal resistance rand a plug key K as shown in the following figure.
E
___, _ _
• ~ ->-- - ---.
IC
, ,..
t
A------------- •
- - - - -- t-'--"- - - - -
Let I be the current flowing through the wire when the circuit is closed.
E
Current through AB, I = - -
R +r
Potential difference across AB. VAB = IR
ER
:. VAn = - -
R+ r
The potential difference (the fall of potential from the high potential end) per unit length of the wire.
VAB ER
-- =
L (R + r )L
 6

As long as E and r remain constant. V:: will remain constant. V:: is known as a potential gradient along with AB

and is denoted by K. Thus the potential gradient is calculated by measuring the potential difference between ends o f
the potentiometer wire and dividing it by the length of the wire.

Let P be any point on the wire between A and Band AP= I =length of the wire between A and P.

Then VAP = Kl
:. V AP oc l as K is constant in a particular case. Thus, the potential difference across any length of the potentiometer
wire is directly proportional to that length. This is the principle of the potentiometer.

Exercises I Q 2.08 I Page 228

On what factors does the potential gradient of the wire depend?

SOI UTIO

The potential gradient depends upon the potential difference between the ends of the
wire and the length of the wire.
Exercises I Q 2.09 I Page 228
Why is a potentiometer preferred over a voltmeter for measuring emf?

SOI UT/0

A voltmeter should ideally have an infinite resistance so that it does not draw any
current from the circuit However a voltmeter cannot be designed to have infinite
resistance. A potentiometer does not draw any current from the circuit at the null point.
Therefore, it gives a more accurate measurement. Thus, it acts as an ideal voltmeter.
Exercises I Q 2.1O I Page 228
State the uses of a potentiometer.

SOLL/TIO

The applications (uses) of the potentiometer:

1. Voltage divider: The potentiometer can be used as a voltage divider to change
the output voltage of a voltage supply.

2. Audio control: Sliding potentiometers are commonly used in modem low-power

audio systems as audio control devices. Both sliding (faders) and rotary
potentiometers (knobs) are regularly used for frequency attenuation, loudness
control and for controlling different characteristics of audio signals.

3. Potentiometer as a sensor: If the slider of the potentiometer is connected to the

moving part of a machine. it can work as a motion sensor. A small displacement
of the moving part causes a change in potential which is further amplified using
an amplifier circuit The potential difference is calibrated in terms of displacement
of the moving part.
 4. To measure the emf (for this. the emf of the standard cell and potential gradient
must be known).

5. To compare the emfs of two cells.

6. To determine the internal resistance of a cell.

Exercises I Q 2.11 I Page 228

What are the disadvantages of a potentiometer?

SOLUT/01 7
Disadvantages of a potentiometer over a voltmeter:
1. The use of a potentiometer is an indirect measurement method while a voltmeter
is a direct reading instrument.

2 . A potentiometer is unwieldy while a voltmeter is portable.

3. Unlike a voltmeter. the use of a potentiometer in measuring an unknown emf

requires a standard source of emf and calibration.

Exercises I Q 2.12 I Page 228

Distinguish between a potentiometer and a voltmeter.

SOLUTI01'V

Potentiometer Voltmeter
1. A potentiometer is used to determine the A voltmeter can be used to measure the
emf of a cell, potential difference, and potential difference and terminal voltage
internal resistance. of a cell. But it cannot be used to
measure the emf of a cell.
2. Its accuracy and sensitivity are very Its accuracy and sensitivity are less as
high. compared to a potentiometer.
3. It is not a portable instrument. It is a portable instrument.
4. It does not give a direct reading. It gives a direct reading.

Exercises I Q 2.13 I Page 228

What will be the effect on the position of zero deflection if only the current flowing
through the potentiometer wire is increased?
SOLUT/0

On increasing the current through the potentiometer wire, the potential gradient along
the wire will increase. Hence, the position of zero deflection will occur at a shorter
length.
Exercises I Q 3 I Page 228
With the help of a labelled diagram, show that the balancing condition of a Wheatstone
brid~e is
R1 R3
R = R where the terms have their usual meaning.
2 4

SOI UT/CJ

Wheatstone's network or bridge is a circuit for indirect measurement of resistance by

the null comparison method by comparing it with a standard known resistance. It
consists of four resistors with resistances P. Q. Rands arranged in the form of a
quadrilateral ABCD. A cell (E) with a plug key (K) in series is connected across one
diagonal AC and a galvanometer (G) across the other diagonal BO as shown in the
following figure.
•
8
A C

, I
I I
..,______.... ----{•,___....
E It

With the key K closed. currents pass through the resistors and the galvanometer. One
or more of the resistances is adjusted until no deflection in the galvanometer can be
detected. The bridge is then said to be balanced.
Let I be the current drawn from the cell. At junction A. it divides into a current I, through
P and a current 12 through s.
I = h + lz (by Kirchhoffs first law).
At junction B. current lg flows through the galvanometer and current h - lg flows through
Q . At junction D. lz and lg combine. Hence. the current lz +lg flows through R from D to
C. At junction c. t, - lg and lz +lg combine. Hence, current t, + lz (=I) leaves junction C.
Applying Kirchhoff's voltage law to loop ABDA in a clockwise sense. we get.
-hP-lgG+lzS=0 ... (1)
where G is the resistance of the galvanometer.
Applying Kirchhoff's voltage law to loop BCDB in a clockwise sense, we get.
- (h - lg)Q + (12 + lg)R + lgG = 0 ..... (2)
When 19 = o, the bridge (network) is said to be balanced. In that case, from Eqs. (1) and
(2), we get.
l,P = 12S ..... (3)
and 1,Q = l2R .....(4)
From Eqs. (3) and (4), we get.
p s
- - - 9
Q R
This is t he condition of balance.
Exercises I Q 4 I Page 228
Explain with a neat circuit diagram how will you determine unknown resistance 'X' by
using meter bridge

~01 LJT/0

A meter bridge consists of a rectangular wooden board with two L-shaped thick metallic
strips fixed along its three edges. A single thick metallic strip separates two L-shaped
strips. A wire of length one meter and uniform cross-section is stretched on a meter
scale fixed on the wooden board. The ends of the wire are fixed to the L-shaped
metallic strips.
•

(•)>-----o'\IYVl•••NY\11+4•,,..
...

"
An unknown resistance X is connected in the lett gap and a resistance box R is
connected in the right gap as shown above figure. One end of a center -zero
galvanometer (G) is connected to terminal C and the other end is connected to a pencil
Jockey (J). A cell (E) of emf E. plug key (K) and rheostat (Rh) are connected in series
between points A and B.
Working: Keeping a suitable resistance (R) in the resistance box, key K is closed to
pass a current through the circuit. The Jockey is tapped along the wire to locate the
equipotential point D when the galvanometer shows zero deflection. The bridge is then
balanced and point D is called the null point and the method is called a null deflection
method. The distances Ix and IR of the null point from the two ends of the wire are
measured.
According to the principle of Wheatstone's network.
X resistance of the wire of length Ix (RAO)
- =
R resistance of the wire of length la (Roe)
X RAD
:. - = - .....(1)
R Roe
Now, R = p_!_ where I is the length of the wire, pis the resistivity o f the material of the wire and A is the area c
A
cross-section of the wire.

Ix lg
:. RAD = p A and Roe = PA
X RAD plx/ A
:. R = Roe = pig/ A
10
X
:.- = -
Ix
R lg
Ix
:. X = - X R
la
As R. Ix and lg are known. the unknown resistance X can be calculated.
Exercises I Q 5 I Page 228

Describe Kelvin's method to determine the resistance of the galvanometer by using a

meter bridge.

SOL LI TIO

Kelvin's method:
Circuit: The meter bridge circuit for Kelvin's method of determination of the resistance
of a galvanometer is shown in the following figure. The galvanometer whose resistance
G is to be determined is connected in one gap of the meter bridge. A resistance box
providing a variable known resistance R is connected to the other gap.
 (• >------WIIVV'..,..
~

Kelvin's meter bridge circuit for the measurement of galvanometer resistance

where, G: Galvanometer, R: Resistance box. AC: Uniform resistance wire, D: Balance
point. E: Cell, K: Plug key, Rh: Rheostat
The junction B of the galvanometer and the resistance box is connected directly to a
pencil jockey. A cell of emf E, a key (K) and a rheostat (Rh) are connected across AC.
Working: Keeping a suitable resistance R in the resistance box and maximum
resistance in the rheostat. key K is closed to pass the current The rheostat resistance is
slowly reduced such that the galvanometer shows about 213rd of the full-scale
deflection.
On tapping the jockey at end-points A and c. the galvanometer deflection should
change to opposite sides of the initial deflection. Only then will there be a point D on the
wire which is equipotential with point B. The jockey is tapped along the wire to locate
the equipotential point D when the galvanometer shows no change in deflection. Point D
is now called the balance point and Kelvin's method is thus an equal deflection method.
At this balanced condition,

G resistance of the wire of length le

- =
R - resistance of the wire of length lg

=
where IG the length of the wire opposite to the galvanometer, IR =the length of the wire
opposite to the resistance box.
11
If 'A =the resistance per unit length of the wire,
-
G
= -
Ale le
= -
R Ala la
le
:. G = R-
ia
The quantities on t he right hand side are known, so that G can be calculated.
Exercises I Q 6 I Page 228
Describe how a potentiometer is used to compare the EMFs of two cells by connecting
the cells individually.

SOI lJ fl()

A battery of stable emf E is used to set up a potential gradient V/L along a

=
potentiometer wire, where V potential difference across the length L of the wire. The
positive terminals of the cells. whose em.rs (E 1 and E2) are to be compared, are
connected to the high potential terminal A. The negative terminals of the cells are
connected to a galvanometer G through a two-way key. The other terminal of the
galvanometer is connected to a pencil jockey. The emf E should be greater than both
the emfs E1 and E2.

... l:>G-£,
Comparison of two emrs using a potentiometer by the direct method
Connecting point P to c. the cell with emf E1 is brought into the circuit. The jockey is
tapped along the wire to locate the null point D at a distance I, from A. Then.
E1 = h(V/L)
w. without changing the potential gradient (i.e.• without changing the rheostat setting)
point Q (instead of P) is connected to C. bringing the cell with emf E2 into the circuit. Let
1
its null point D' be at a distance '2 from A. so that 12
E2 = l2(V/L)
Hence, by measuring the corresponding null lengths I, and 12. E1/E2 can be calculated.
The experiment is repeated for different potential gradients using the rheostat.
Exercises I Q 7 I Page 229
Describe how a potentiometer is used to compare the emfs of two cells by the
combination method.

SOI l1 TIU

A battery of stable emf E is used to set up a potential gradient VIL. along the
potentiometer wire. where V = potential difference across length L of the wire. The
positive terminal of the cell 1 is connected to the higher potential terminal A of the
potentiometer; the negative terminal is connected to the galvanometer G through the
reversing key. The other terminal of the galvanometer is connected to a pencil jockey.
The cell 2 is connected across the remaining two opposite terminals of the reversing
key. The other terminal of the galvanometer is connected to a pencil jockey. The emf
E, should be greater than the emf Ez: this can be adjusted by trial and error.
Two plugs are inserted in the reversing key in positions 1-1. Here. the two cells assist
each other so that the net emf is E, + Ez. The jockey is tapped along the wire to locate
the null point D. If the null point is a distance I, from A.
E1 + Ez = I, (V/L)

£,
'
~:
.
I.
I
- A
0

·r-
I[ •
.,
I lit ., > &i- 4> . , • g, 13
Comparison of two emfs using a potentiometer by the combination method (the
sum and difference method)
For the same potential gradient (without changing the rheostat setting). the plugs are
now inserted into position 2-2. (instead of 1-1). The emf Ez then opposes E, and the net
emf is E, - Ez. The new null point D' is. say, a distance 12 from A and

... Ii

. E1 11 - 12
.. - =
E2 11 - 12
Here, the emf E should be greater than E, + Ez. The experiment is repeated for different
potential gradients using the rheostat.
Exercises I Q 8 I Page 229
Describe with the help of a neat circuit diagram how you will determine the internal
resistance of a cell by using a potentiometer. Derive the necessary formula.

SOI lJ fl()

Principle: A cell of emf E and internal resistance r. which is connected to an external

resistance R. has its terminal potential difference V less than its emf E. and
 E R+ r r
V = R = I + R .... (where R - co, V - E)
E- V
:. r = V R
Working: A battery of stable emf E' is used to set up a potential gradient V ABl'L along
the potentiometer wire. where VAB = p.d. across total len~ L of the wire AB. The
positive terminal of the cell of emf E and internal resistance r is connected to the higher
potential terminal A of the potentiometer. the negative terminal is connected through a
center-zero galvanometer to a pencil jockey. A resistance box R with a plug key Kin
series is counted across the cell.

r •
Firstly. key K is kept open, then. effectively, R =•. The jockey is tapped on the
potentiometer wire to locate the null point D. Let the null len~ AD = I. so that
E = (VAS/ L)I

With the same potential gradient and a small resistance R in the resistance box, key K
is closed. The new null length AD' = h for the terminal p.d. V is found: V = (V ASIL)l2
E 11
:. V = ½
E- V
--- -
V

Now,r = - - - R
V

R. I and h being known, e can be calculated. The experiment is repeated either with 14
different potential gradients or with different values of R.
Exercises I a 9 I Page 229
On what fadors does the internal resistance of a cell depend?

<.., ( ) I I I ! {( !

The internal resistance of a cell depends on:

1. Nature of the electrolyte:
The greater the conductivity of the electrolyte, the lower is the internal resistance
of the cell.

2. Separation between the electrodes:

The larger the seperation between the electrodes of the cell, the higher is the
internal resistance of the cell. This is because the ions have to cover a greater
distance before reaching an electrode.

3. Nature of the electrodes.

4. The internal resistance is inversly proportional to the common area of the

electrodes dipping in the electrolyte.

Exercises I a 10 I Page 229

A battery of emf 4 volt and internal resistance 1 O is connected in parallel with another
battery of emf 1 V and internal resistance 1 O (with their like poles connected together).
The combination is used to send current through an external resistance of 2 a.
Calculate the current through the external resistance .

..., ( 11 1 1r ,c )

Let h and '2 be the currents through the two branches as shown in the fallowing figure.
The current through the 20 resistance will be (h + '2) [Kirchhoffs current law).
Applying Kirchhoff's voltage law to loop ABCDEFA. we get
-2(h + 12) - 1(h) + 4 = 0
:. 3h + 212 = 4 ..... (1)

15

C D

Applying Kirchhoffs voltage law to loop BCDEB, we get.

-2(h + 12) - 1(12) + 1 = O
2h + 3'2 = 1 .... (2)
Multiplying Eq. (1) by 2 and Eq. (2) by 3, we get.
6h + 412 = 8 ..... (3)
and 6h + 912 = 3 .... (4)
Subtracting Eq. (4) from Eq. (3). we get.
- 512 = 5
:. '2 = - 1A
The minus sign shows that the direction of current 12 is opposite to that assumption.
Substituting this value of 12 in Eq. (1 ). we get.
31,+2(-1) = 4
:. 3h - 4 + 2 = 6
.-. h = 2A
Current through the 20 resistance = h +12 = 2 - 1 = 1 A.
Exercises I Q 11 I Page 229
Answer in Brief.
Two cells of emf 1.5 Volt and 2 Volt having respective internal resistances of 1 O and 2
a are connected in parallel so as to send current in the same direction through an
external resistance of 5 a. Find the current through the external resistance.

S<l//tf/(),

Let h and 12, be the currents flowing through the two branches as shown in the following
figure. The current through the 5 a resistor will be h + 12 [Kirchhoff's current law].
an
A
'•
I S \.
• F-<• "· F

'2
?V .
t..-
8 F<•
'
'• . ,,. .50

C D

Applying Kirchhoff's voltage law to loop ABCDEFA. we get.

-5 (h + 12) - h + 1.5 = O
.-. 6h + 512 = 1.5 .... (1)
Applying Kirchhoff's voltage law to loop BCDEB. we get.
-5 (h + 12) - 2'2 + 2 = O
.-. Sh + 712 = 2 .... (2)
Multiplying Eq. (1) by 5 and Eq. (2) by 6. we get.
3011 + 2512 = 7.5 .... (3)
and 301, + 4212 = 12 ....(4)
Subtracting Eq. (3) from Eq. (4). we get.
17'2 = 4.5
4.5
: . 12 = - A
17
Substituting this value of 12 in Eq. (1). we get

611 + 5 ( 4.5)
17 = 1.5

22.5
:. 6I 1 + -- = 1.5
17
:. 611 = 1.5 _ 22.5 = 28.5 - 22.5 3
= -
17 17 17
3 0.5
:. 12 = - - = - A
17 X 6 17
05 45
Current through the 5 0 resistance (external resistance)= 11 + 12 = · + · = ~A.
17 17 17
Exercises I Q 12 I Page 229

A voltmeter has a resistance of 30 a. What will be its reading, when it is connected

across a cell of emf 2 V having internal resistance 10 O?

'-,( J/ I I!/( 11

Data: E= 2V. r = 10 O. R = 300

The voltmeter reading. V = IR

- (R E +r
)R
- ( )302
30 + 10

= ( :o )30
Data: E = 2V, r = 10 0 , R = 300
The voltmeter reading, V = IR

- (R!r)R
- (30!10) 30
- )ao
( :
0

= 1.5 V
Exercises I Q 13 I Page 229
Answer in brief.
A set of three coils having resistances 10 n, 12 n, and 15 n are connected in parallel.
This combination is connected in series with a series combination of three coils of the
same resistances. Calculate the total resistance and current through the circuit, if a
battery of emf 4.1 Volt is used for drawing current.

'--,( )/ // f/()

In the following figure shows the electrical network. For resistances, 10 n, 12 n and 15
n connected in parallel the equivalent resistance (RP) is given by,
1 1 1 1
- =- +- +-
Rp 10 12 15
6+5 +4 15 1
- - -60- - = -60 = -4
:. Rp = 40
,, JOO

fl 12n I IOI\ 12n a,n

1,0
,, ..
I
, ...
<·
I(
C.I V

For resistance Rp , 10 n, 12 n and 15 n connected in series, the equivalent resistance,

Rs =4+ 10+ 12+ 15=41 Q
Thus, the total resistance = Rs = 41 n
Now, V = IRs

:. 4.1 = I x 411
:.1 = 0.1A
The total resiistance and current through the circuit are 41 n and 0.1 A respectively.
Exercises I Q 14 I Page 229
A potentiometer wire has a length of 1.5 m and a resistance of 10 0 . It is connected in
series with the cell of emf 4 Volt and internal resistance 5 n. Calculate the potential drop
per centimeter of the wire.

SOI 11 TIO

Data: L = 1.5 m, R = 10 0 , E =4 V, r =5 0 .
ER
K= - - - -
(R + r)L
:. K = 4 10X
(10 + 5)1.5
40
- ---
15 X 12.
10

= 400 ~ = 400 .:!._ = 0.0178.:!._

225 m 22500 cm cm
V
The potential drop per centimeter of the wire is 0.0178-
cm
Exercises I Q 15 I Page 229

When two cells of emfs E, and E2 are connected in series so as to assist each other,
their balancing length on a potentiometer wire is found to be 2.7 m. When the cells are
connected in series so as to oppose each other, the balancing length is found to be 0.3
m. Compare the emfs of the two cells.

SOIL/TIO
 Data: 11 = 2.7 m (cells assisting).

12 = 0.3 m (cells opposing)

E1 + E2 = Kli and E1 - E2 = Kl2

E1 + E2 Kli
-
E1 - E2 Kl2
. E1 _ 11 + 12
2.7 + 0.3 _ 2-_ _ 30 _
_
.. E2 - 11 - 12 - 2. 7 - 0.3 - 2.4 - 24 - 1.25
The ratio of the emf' s of the two cells is 1.25.

Exercises I Q 16 I Page 229

The emf of a cell is balanced by a length of 120 cm of a potentiometer wire. When the
cell is shunted by a resistance of 10 0 , the balancing length is reduced by 20 cm. Find
the internal resistance of the cell.

SUI lJ fl()

Data: R = 10 0 , 11 =120 cm,12 = 120 - 20 = 100 cm

r= R( 11 ~ 12)
= 10 ( 120 - 100)
100
=20

The internal resistance of the cell is 2 0 .

Exercises I Q 17 I Page 229

A potential drop per unit length along a wire is 5 x 10-3 Vim. If the emf of a cell balances
against length 216 cm of this potentiometer wire, find the emf of the cell.
SOI UT/01

V
Data: K = 5 x 10-3 - , L = 216 cm= 216 x 10-2 m
m
E = KL

:. E = 5 x 10-3 x 216 x1 0· 2

: 1080 X 10· 5

= 0.01080 V

The emf of the cell is 0.01080 volL

Exercises I Q 18 I Page 229

The resistance of a potentiometer wire is 8 n and its length is 8 m. A resistance box and
a 2 V battery are connected in series with iL What should be the resistance in the box if
it is desired to have a potential drop of 1 µV /mm?

SOLUT/0,

Data: R = 8 0 , L = 8 m, E = 2 V, K = 1 µV/ mm

10- 6 V V
= 1 X --- = 10- 3 -
10- 3m m
V ER
K= L = (R + Re)L , where RB is t he resistance in t he box.
2 x 8
:. 10- 3 = - - --
(8 + Re)8
2
:. 8 + Re = - -3 = 2 x 103
10-
:. RB = 200 - 8 = 1992 0
Exercises I Q19 1Page 229
Answer in Brief.
Find tJhe equivalent resistance between the terminals of A and B in the network shown
in the figure below given that the resistance of each resistor is 10 ohm.
 /. /'
11

-....:._ _ __ _ _, 1- - 0
L E
'.-,()/ ( / T/()1

f.J' .
J1

-.,;,.:.- -- ---1 1- - 0
t. £

Applying KVL in loop KLOPK

-hR = (h - '2)R + (I - l,)R + R(I - h) = 0
-hR - hR + l2R + 2IR - 2hR = 0
-4hR + l2R + 21R = 0
~ 41, - 12 = 21 ....... (i)

Applying KVL in loop LMNOL

-1 2R - l2R + (I - l2)R + R(I, - 12) = 0
-2'2R + IR - '2R + l,R - hR = 0
- 4 l2R +IR+ l,R = 0
~ 4'2 - I - 11 = 0
412 - h = I ........ (ii)
Applying LVl in loop AKPONBA
-(I - h)R - (I - h)R - (I - l2)R + E = 0
2(1 - h)R + (I - l2)R = E ....... (iii)

3
,, = 51
2
12 = 51
 7
-IR= E
5
_!IR=IR 1
5
7
R1 = -R
7 5
= -R
5
7
= - X 10
5
= 14 0

Exercises I Q 20 I Page 229

A voltmeter has a resistance of 100 0 . What will be its reading when it is connected
across a cell of e.m.f. 2V and internal resistance 200?

<-.,(I/II/ IC){\

Given: R = 100 0 , r = 20 0 , E = 2 V
To find: Read ing of voltmeter M
Formula: V = E - Ir
Calculation: Current through the circuit is given by

l = E - - -2- - - - 2
R+r 100 + 20 120
I = _!_A
60
From formula,
1
V=2- ( X 20) = 2 - 0.3333
60

:. V = 1.667 V

The reading on the voltmeter is 1.667 V