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Class - X
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UNIT - 1
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E 1. Electricity 1
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 Chapter

1
1.0 ELECTRICITY 10.0 OHM'S LAW
1.1 Static Electricity (or Frictional 10.1 Validity and Failure of Ohm's Law
Electricity) 11.0 ELECTRIC RESISTANCE
1.2 Source of Static Electricity
11.1 Factors Affecting the Resistance of a
2.0 ELECTRIC CHARGE
Conductor (Laws of Resistance)
2.1 Unit of Electric Charge
11.2 Resistivity (or Specific Resistance)
2.2 Properties of Electric Charge
3. 0 COULOMB'S LAW 11.3 Effect of Stretching of a Wire on
4.0 ELECTRIC FIELD Resistance
4.1 Electric Field Intensity (or Electric 11.4 Classification of Materials According
Field Strength) to Conductivity (Coductors,
4.2 Electric Lines of Force (or Electric Insulators and Semi conductors)
Field Lines) 11.5 Superconductivity
5.0 ELECTRIC POTENTIAL 12.0 GROUPING OF RESISTORS
5.1 Unit of Electric Potential
12.1 Resistors in Series
5.2 Electric Potential Difference
12.2 Resistors in Parallel
6.0 ELECTRIC CURRENT
6.1 Unit of Electric Current 13.0 WHEAT STONE BRIDGE
6.2 Conventional Direction of Current 14.0 INTERNAL RESISTANCE OF A CELL
6.3 Current due to Circular Motion of a 15.0 HEATING EFFECT OF ELECTRIC
Point Charge CURRENT
6.4 Current due to Translational Motion
15.1 Electric Power
of Charges
15.2 Electric Energy
6.5 Current Carriers
6.6 Comparison between Water Current 15.3 Joule’s Law of Heating
& Electric Current 15.4 Applications of Heating Effects of
Unit One

7.0 ELECTROMOTIVE FORCE (emf) Electric Current

8.0 FLOW OF CHARGE THROUGH A
CONDUCTOR EXERCISE 1 (ELEMENTARY)
9.0 ELECTRIC CIRCUIT EXERCISE 2 (SEASONED)
9.1 Electric Circuit Elements
9.2 Measuring Current in Circuit (By EXERCISE 3 (CBSE-PATTERN)
Ammeter) EXERCISE 4 (COMPETITIVE ASSESSMENT)
9.3 Measuring Potential Difference in
Circuit (By Voltmeter)
9.4 Resistors
ll
 Electr icity

ELECTRICITY (ELE)
(ELE–1)

1.0 ELECTRICITY
We study electricity into two parts :
(1) Static electricity, deals with charges at rest and phenomenon associated with them.
(2) Current electricity, deals with charges in motion and phenomenon associated with them.

1.1 Static Electricity (Or Frictional Electricity)

Most of the substances release static electricity when rubbed against another. This is most
noticeable when the rubbed substance is a very good insulating material.
The electricity developed on the surfaces of insulating bodies when rubbed against each other
is called frictional electricity or static electricity.

1.2 Source of Static Electricity

When two substances are rubbed together, some electrons are removed from the atoms on the
surface of one and transferred to the other. The substance which gains electrons becomes
negatively charged and the one which loses electrons becomes positively charged. Thus, the
excess or deficiency of electrons makes a substance negative or positive, respectively.
e—

A B

(a)
– +
– A – + B +
– +
(b)
Fig. 1 : Rubbing of two bodies makes one
positive and another negative.
2.0 ELECTRIC CHARGE
Electric charge is the property associated with matter due to which it produces and experiences
electric and magnetic effects.
List of objects acquiring two kinds of charges on rubbing
S.No. Positive charge Negative charge
1 Glass rod Silk
2 Woolen cloth or fur Ebonite, Amber, Rubber
3 Woolen cloth Plastic
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4 Dry hair Plastic Comb

2.1 Unit of Electric Charge

SI unit - Coulomb (C)
Other units of electric charge -
(1) Cgs unit : Electrostatic unit (esu); also called stat coulomb (stat C); 1 Coulomb = 3×109 esu
(2) Faraday (F) : 1 F = 96500 C
(3) Ampere-hour (A-hr) : 1 A-hr = 3600 C

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Class X - Physics

2.2 Properties of Electric Charge

(1) Electric charge is a scalar quantity. It can be of two types - positive and negative.
(2) Like charges repel each other while unlike charges attract each other.

Rubber Rubber

–
– –– –
F
– –
– – –
F F Glass
– –
+ ++ +
+ +
+ + Rubber
– –
– –– –
+
– – – –– – –
– –– – F
A negatively charged rubber rod, suspended A negatively charged rubber rod is
by a thread, is attracted to a positively charged repelled by another negatively charged
glass rod. rubber rod.
Fig.2

(3) Additivity of charge - The total charge of the body is the algebraic sum of all the individual
contributions by various charges present on it, each being taken with its proper sign. This
property of charge is called ‘additivity’.
(4) Conservation of electric charge - Electric charge can neither be created nor be destroyed.
Examples
(A) Rubbing a glass rod on silk cloth results in both becoming charged, one positive and
another negative. The total charge remains zero, as it was in the beginning. This means
that frictional electricity is the transfer of electric charge from one body to the other,
and not the creation of charge.
(B) Conservation of electric charge holds good in all types of reactions either ‘chemical’
or ‘nuclear’ reactions.

(5) Quantisation of charge - Every charge is an integral multiple of a certain smallest amount
of charge that exists in nature. This property of charge is called ‘quantisation’.
Q = ± ne
Where, n = 1,2,3........... and e is called ‘elementary charge’, the smallest amount of charge
that exists independently in nature.
e = 1.6 × 10 –19
C, ‘e’ is the magnitude of charge of an electron (or proton).

Reason - Since, electrons are indivisible, thus, only integral number of electrons can be
D\Allen-Junior wing\Physics\X\Unit-1\1-Electricity\2019-20

transferred from one body to another, on rubbing. Hence, the charge bodies will have
charges which are integral multiples of the charge on electron (e).

l Number of Electrons in 1 Coulomb Charge

According to quantisation of charge, Q = n e

Q 1C
or n = = = 6.25 ´ 1018 » 6 ´ 1018 electrons
e 1.6 ´ 10 -19 C

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 Electr icity

3.0 COULOMB'S LAW

Q1 Q2
The force of attraction or repulsion between two point charges
at rest is directly proportional to the product of the charges and
inversely proportional to the square of the distance between them
r
and it always acts along the line joining the charges.
F µ Q1 Q2 Coulomb’s law

F µ 12 Fig.3
r
Q1Q2 KQ1Q2
or Fµ or F=
2
r r2
Where ‘K’ is a constant of proportionality sometimes called ‘electrical constant’ or ‘electrostatic
force constant’ or ‘Coulomb’s constant’. For vacuum, K = 9 ´ 109 Nm2C–2 in SI system.
Note - Coulomb's law is like Newton's law of gravitation. But, gravitational force is always attractive
while electric force can be attractive or repulsive.

Illustration 1. If a neutral body is made positively charged or negatively charged is there any
change in its mass?
Solution In charging any neutral body, the mass of a body changes, though the change is
extremely small or negligible. If a neutral body is made positive, it means electrons
are removed from it.Thus, the mass of body decreases. Similarly if a neutral body
is made negative it means electron are added to it. Thus, the mass of body in-
creases.

Illustration 2. Which of the following charge on an object is not possible :

-19 -19 -19 -19
(A) 3.2 × 10 C (B) 4.8 × 10 C (C) 5.4 × 10 C (D) 8.0 × 10 C
Solution (C)
Charge is quantised so, charge on anybody should always be an integral multiple of
charge of an electron.
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Class X - Physics

Objective Questions
1. True test of charging is :
(A) Attraction (B) Repulsion
(C) Both attraction & repulsion (D) None of the above

2. When a glass rod is rubbed with silk cloth :

(A) Glass rod gets positively charged (B) Silk cloth gets negatively charged
(C) Glass rod looses electrons (D) All are correct

3. Cause of positive charge on a body is :

(A) Excess of electrons (B) Lack of electrons (C) Excess of neutrons (D) Lack of protons

4. Two point charges q1 & q2 when kept at a certain distance apart exert force F on each other. If
distance between them is reduced to half of the initial then, force between them becomes :

F F
(A) (B) 2F (C) (D) 4F
2 4

5. Two identical coins having similar charges are placed 4.5 m apart on a table. Force of repulsion
49
between them is N. The value of charge on each coin is :
9
(A) 100 mC (B) 200 mC (C) 300 mC (D) 35 10mC

Subjective Questions
6. Define electric charge and give its S.I. unit.

7. What do you mean by Quantisation of charge?

8. State law of conservation of electric charge.

9. State coulomb's law.

10. Compare coulomb's force and gravitational force.

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4
 Electr icity

ELECTRICITY
(ELE–2)

4.0 ELECTRIC FIELD

The space surrounding an electric charge in which any other charge experiences a force is
called the electric field.

4.1 Electric Field Intensity (or Electric Field Strength)

The force acting on a unit positive charge, placed at a point within the electric field, is called
the electric field intensity at that point.
r
Let F be the force exerted on a small positive test charge ‘q 0’ placed at a point in the electric
field,
r
r F
E=
q0

The charge q0 is called ‘test charge’ and it should be very small so that the electric force
between the test charge and the source charge is also very small so that it does not disturb the
position of source charge.
Note : ur
(1) Electric field intensity (E) is a vector quantity..
r
(2) If E be the electric field intensity at a point, then a charge ‘q’ placed at the point will
r r
experience a force, F = q E .

l Unit of Electric Field Intensity

S.I. Unit : Newton/coulomb or N C–1 ; volt/meter or V m–1

l Uniform and Non-Uniform Electric Field

An electric field is said to be uniform in a certain region of space if both the direction and the
r
magnitude of E are same at all points in the field.
An electric field is said to be non uniform in a certain region of space, if the direction or the
r
magnitude (or both) of E varies from point to point in the field.

4.2 Electric Lines of Force (or Electric Field Lines)

The idea of lines of force introduced by Michael Faraday is an imaginary concept of visualising
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electric field graphically.

l Properties of Electric Field Lines

(1) An electric line of force is an imaginary curve, the tangent to which at a point gives the
direction of electric field intensity at that point.
(2) They originate from a positively charged conductor and end on a negatively charged
conductor.

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Class X - Physics

+ –

(a) Field lines due to a (b) Field lines due to a

positive point charge negative point charge
Fig.4 : Electric field lines due to isolated point charges

+ – + +

(a) Attraction between unlike charges (b) Repulsion between like charges
Fig.5 : Representation of attraction or repulsion between charges using electric field lines.
(3) The number of lines originating or terminating on a charge is proportional to the magnitude of
charge.

(4) Electric field lines can never intersect each other. If two lines of force intersect each other
at any point, two different directions of electric field intensity at that point can be obtained by
making two tangents. This is not possible, thus, lines of force can never intersect each other.

E
P

E
Fig.6 : Two electric field lines
can never intersect each other
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(5) Electric field lines can never start and end on the same charge. They can never be closed
loops. They do not pass through a conductor.

(6) Electric field lines end or start ‘normally’ on the surface of the charged conductor.

(7) Crowded lines of force represent strong field while distant lines represent weak field.

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 Electr icity

5.0 ELECTRIC POTENTIAL

Electric potential at a point A in an electric field is the work done per unit positive charge in
transporting it from infinitely far away to the point A.

Q0

A
Fig.7 : Electric Potential at any point

W
VA =
Q0
Note - Electric potential is a scalar quantity. It can be positive or negative.
5.1 Unit of Electric Potential
SI unit - Volt, 1 Volt = 1 Joule/coulomb = 1 J C—1

l Definition of 1 Volt In Terms of Electric Potential

1 volt is the electric potential at any point A when 1 joule work is done in moving a charge
of 1 coulomb from infinity to the point A.

5.2 Electric Potential Difference

Potential difference between two points is defined as the work done in carrying a unit positive
charge from one point to another point.

Q0 B
A
Fig.8 : Potential diference
between two points

W
VAB =
Q0
l Definition of 1 Volt In Terms of Potential Difference
1 volt is the potential difference between two points when 1 joule work is done in moving a
charge of 1 coulomb from one point to another.
Note:
(1) If work done in moving a unit positive charge from point A to point B is zero, it means, potentials
of point A and point B are same, i.e., VA = VB.
(2) Potential difference between two points is independent of actual path followed between the points.

Illustration 1. How much work is done in moving a charge of 3 C across two points having a potential
D\Allen-Junior wing\Physics\X\Unit-1\1-Electricity\2019-20

difference 18 V ?
Solution Given, charge, Q = 3 C; potential difference = 18 V;
work done, W = ?
The amount of work done in moving the charge is W = Q¢ V = 3¢ 18 = 54 J

Illustration 2. Electric potential at point ‘A’ is 10 V & at point B is – 10 V. Find the work done by external
agent in carrying 1 × 10–6 C of charge from A to B without acceleration ?
Solution As we know,
W = qDV
W = 1 × 10–6 [– 10 – (+ 10) ] = – 20 × 10–6
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Class X - Physics

Objective Questions
1. Which of the following is a vector quantity :
(A) Electric field Intensity (B) Electric potential
(C) Electric charge (D) Both (B) and (C)

2. Free flow of positive charge always takes place from :

(A) Higher potential to lower potential (B) Lower potential to higher potential
(C) Both (A) and (B) are possible (D) Nothing can be said

3. Joule/coulomb is the unit of :

(A) Electric potential (B) Electric field (C) Force (D) Work

4. Newton/coulomb is the unit of :

(A) Electric potential (B) Electric field Intensity
(C) Force (D) Work

5. Choose the correct statement :

(A) Electric field lines originate from a negatively charged conductor and end on a positively
charged conductor.
(B) Electric field lines originate from a positively charged conductor and end on a negatively
charged conductor.
(C) Electric field lines originate and end on a positively charged conductor
(D) Electric field lines originate and end on a negatively charged conductor

Subjective Questions
6. Define electric field intensity and give its S.I. unit.

7. Write three important properties of electric field lines.

8. Define electric potential and give its S.I. unit.

9. Define one volt in terms of potential difference.

10. Calculate work done in moving a charge of 5 C from a potential of 140 V to the potential of 250 V.
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8
 Electr icity

ELECTRICITY (ELE)
(ELE–3)

6.0 ELECTRIC CURRENT

The rate of flow of electric charge through any cross-section is called ‘electric current’.

Current, I = q
t
Where, 'q' is the charge that flows across the area in time ‘t’.

Note - Electric current is a scalar quantity. Though, a direction is associated with electric current,
still it is not considered as vector quantity because it does not obey the vector laws but obeys scalar
laws of addition.

6.1 Unit of Electric Current

The electric current is expressed by a unit called ampere (A), named after the French scientist,
Andre-Marie Ampere (1775–1836). Small quantities of current are expressed in milliampere (1 mA
= 10–3 A) or in microampere (1 µA = 10–6 A).

SI unit - Ampere , 1 Ampere = 1 coulomb/sec = 1 Cs–1

l Definition of 1 Ampere
1 ampere is the electric current flowing through a conducting wire when 1 coulomb charge
flows through it in 1 second.

6.2 Conventional Direction of Current

The conventional direction of electric current is ‘the direction of flow of positive charge’. This means
direction of electric current is ‘opposite to the flow of negative charge’ or electronic current.

6.3 Current Due to Circular Motion of a Point Charge

If ‘T’ is time period for a charge to complete one revolution, ‘v’ is velocity of charge, ‘r’ is radius of
circular path, then,

q qv
Electric current, I = = qf = (f = frequency = 1/T)
T 2pR

6.4 Current Due to Translational Motion of Charges

(i) If ‘n’ point charges, each having a charge ‘q’ pass through a given area in time ‘t’, the current
‘I’ is,
D\Allen-Junior wing\Physics\X\Unit-1\1-Electricity\2019-20

nq
I=
t
(ii) If ‘n’ point charges, each having a charge ‘q’ pass per sec per unit area, the current associated
with cross-sectional area ‘A’ is given by,
I=nqA
(iii) If there are ‘n’ point charges per unit volume each having charge ‘q’ moving with velocity ‘v’,
the current associated with cross-sectional area ‘A’,
I= nqAv

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Class X - Physics

6.5 Current Carriers

The charged particles which flow in a particular direction to produce electric current are called
‘current carriers’.
In solid conductors, current carriers are ‘free electrons’. In liquids, current carriers are positive ions
and negative ions. In gases, positive ions and electrons are current carriers.
6.6 Comparison Between Water Current & Electric Current

S.No
W ater Current Electric Current
.
The rate of flow of water depends on the An electric current flows across a conductor if
1 pressure difference between the two there is a potential difference between its two
regions or points. ends.
The water current naturally flows from An electric current naturally flows from the
2 region of high pressure to region of low point of higher potential to the point of lower
pressure. potential.
To maintain a steady electric current, a
To maintain a steady flow of water, a
3 source like battery is used as an external
pump is used as an external agency.
agency.
The flow of electric current depends on the
Fluid flow depends on its viscosity.
resistance of the conductor. Higher the
4 Higher the viscosity, slower is the fluid
resistance, less is the flow of electric current
flow and vice-versa.
and vice-versa.

Illustration 1. In a hydrogen atom an electron moves in an orbit of radius 5.0 × 10 –11 m with a speed
of 2.2 × 106 m/s. Find the equivalent current : (Electronic charge = 1.6 × 10–19 C)
Solution As we know,

q 1.6×10-19
I= = =1.12×10-3 amp.=1.12 mA
t æ 2π ×5×10-11 ö
ç 6 ÷
è 2.2×10 ø

Illustration 2. "A current carrying conductor is electrically charged." Explain with reason whether the
statement is true or false.
Solution This statement is false because a body is charged when it loses or gains electrons. The
number of electrons leaving from one end of the current carrying conductor is equal to
the number of electrons entering through its other end.
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Illustration 3. A lightning strike transfers 10 C of charge to the ground in 2 ms. Calculate the current
during this lightning strike.
Solution Given, Charge, Q = 10 C ; time, t = 2 ms = 2 ´ 10–3 s; current, I = ?

Q 10
Now, current, I = = = 5 ´ 103 A
t 2 ´ 10-3

10
 Electr icity

Illustration 4. If the current in a household appliance is 5 A, calculate the amount of charge that passes
through the appliance in 1 hour.
Solution Given, current, I = 5 A ; time, t = 1 h = 3600 s ; charge, Q = ?
Now, charge, Q = I ´ t = 5 ´ 3600 = 18000 C = 1.8 ´ 104 C

Illustration 5. Identify the directions of current in each of the following (a) An electron moving clockwise
(b) an alpha particle moving in north direction. Give reasons.
Solution (a) Since electrons are negatively charged, the direction of electric current will be
opposite to them. Thus, in the given situation, electric current will be anticlockwise.
(b) Alpha particles are positively charged particles (He2+ ions), thus, the direction of
electric current will be same as that of alpha particles. In this situation, electric current
will be in north direction.

Objective Questions
1. Which of the following is not a unit of charge :
(A) Coulomb (B) Ampere-second (C) Ampere/second (D) Micro coulomb

2. A flow of 107 electron per second in a conducting wire constitutes a current of :

(A) 1.6 × 10–26 A (B) 1.6 × 1026 A (C) 1.6 × 10–12 A (D) 1.6 × 1012 A

3. Current of 4.8 amperes is flowing through a conductor. Then the number of electrons flowing per
second through it will be :
(A) 3 × 1019 (B) 6 × 1021 (C) 6 × 1020 (D) 3 × 1020

4. A charge of 2 × 10–2 C moves at 30 revolutions per second in a circle of diameter 80cm. The
current linked with the circuit is :
(A) 0.02 A (B) 20 A (C) 0.60 A (D) 60 A

5. If I is the current through a wire and e is the charge of electron, then the number of electrons passing
through it cross section in t seconds will be given by:
Ie e It
(A) (B) Ite (C) (D)
t It e

Subjective Questions
6. Define electric current and give its S.I. unit.

7. Define one ampere.

D\Allen-Junior wing\Physics\X\Unit-1\1-Electricity\2019-20

8. Define current carriers.

9. Name two types of charge carriers in :

(A) Liquids (B) Gases

10. What is meant by conventional and electronic current ?

11
Class X - Physics

ELECTRICITY
(ELE–4)

7.0 ELECTROMOTIVE FORCE (emf)

Electric current is possible in a closed circuit if there is a source of external force which compels
the current to move in a definite direction. Some sources of emf are - (1) Battery or electrochemical
cell (2) Electric generators (3) Solar cells.
The source of emf maintains a potential difference (V) between its terminals by doing work, which
compels the electric current to flow in a particular direction in a closed circuit.

E x te r n a l c irc u it
+ –
Battery (Internal Circuit)
Fig.9 : A closed circuit carrying current

Emf (e ) - It is the maximum work done by a source of emf in taking a unit positive charge once
around a closed circuit.

W
e= [Unit of emf : volt]
Q

8.0 FLOW OF CHARGE THROUGH A CONDUCTOR

(1) When there is no potential difference across a conductor, the directions of motion of free electrons
present in it are randomly oriented such that there is no net drift of electrons in a particular
direction. Hence, no electric current flows through it.

: Electron
Fig.10 : Random motion of electrons in the
absence of any potential difference.
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(2) When a potential difference is applied across the conductor, there is an average drift of
electrons in a particular direction. Thus, there is a net transfer of electrons across the conductor
which results in electric current.

12
 Electr icity

I
+ –

: Electron

Fig. 11 : Motion of electrons in a particular direction resulting

an electric current on applying potential difference.

9.0 ELECTRIC CIRCUITS

A continuous path which consists of various electric devices like bulb, tube light, resistors, etc.
connected with each other through conducting wires to the terminals of a source of emf like battery
is called electric circuit.
9.1 Electric Circuit Elements
The various devices like electric bulbs, resistors, etc. connected in an electric circuit are called circuit
elements
+ – + –
( ) or
(a) An electric cell (b) A battery (c) A plug key or switch (open)

( ) or
(d) A plug key or switch (closed) (e) A wire joint

(f) Wires crossing without joining (g) An Electric bulb

or
(h) A resistor of constant resistance (i) A Variable resistance or rheostat

+ A – + V – + G –

(j) An ammeter (k) A voltmeter (l) A galvanometer

Symbols of some commonly used components in circuit diagrams.

l Electric Circuit Diagram

A diagram which indicates how different devices are connected in a circuit by using proper electric
D\Allen-Junior wing\Physics\X\Unit-1\1-Electricity\2019-20

symbols for the devices is called an electric circuit diagram.

9.2 Measuring Current In Circuit (By Ammeter)

The device used to measure the electric current through a device (or conductor) is called ammeter.
Ammeter is connected in series with the device through which electric current is to be measured.

13
Class X - Physics

A
R

+ –
Fig.12 : Measuring electric current through
a resistor using an ammeter.
Note - The ammeter has a very small resistance, so that it has very little effect on the current being
measured. For an ideal ammeter, resistance, R = 0.

9.3 Measuring Potential Difference In Circuit (By Voltmeter)

The device used to measure the potential difference across a current carrying device (or conductor)
is called voltmeter. Voltmeter is connected in parallel to the device across which potential difference
is to be measured.
V

+ –
Fig.13 : Measuring potential difference across a
resistor using a voltmeter.
Note:
(1) The voltmeter has a very large resistance, so that it draws very little current from the circuit and
hence has very little effect on the voltage being measured. For an ideal voltmeter, resistance,
R = ¥.
(2) The common device that is present in a voltmeter or in an ammeter which gives the readings is
galvanometer.

9.4 Resistors
A physical device which has the principal characteristic of offering electric resistance is called ‘resistor’.
l Materials Used For Resistors
(1) Alloys like manganin, constantan, nichrome, etc.; used in wire wound resistors.
(2) Carbon resistors; compact and low cost.
(3) Aluminium or copper wires; low resistance conductors used to make connecting wires/electrical
transmission lines.
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Illustration 1. Explain why no current flows in the conductor although free electrons in it are in motion,
when it is not connected in any circuit.
Solution A conductor, like aluminium, consists of large number of free electrons at room
temperature. These electrons are in random motion, i.e., electrons in the conductor
move in different directions with different velocities such that the average velocity in a
particular direction is zero. Hence, no current flows in the conductor although it has free
electrons.

14
 Electr icity

Objective Questions
1. A battery is used to :
(A) Maintain a potential difference (B) Measure electric current
(C) Measure electric potential (D) Safeguard against short circuit

2. Choose correct statement :

(A) Ammeter is a high resistance device while voltmeter is a low resistance device.
(B) Ammeter is a low resistance device while voltmeter is a high resistance device.
(C) Both ammeter and voltmeter are high resistance devices.
(D) Both ammeter and voltmeter are low resistance devices.

3. Which of the following device is used to measure magnitude of electric current in an electric circuit:
(A) Voltmeter (B) Ammeter (C) Rheostat (D) None of these

4. Which of the following device is used to measure electric potential difference in an electric circuit :
(A) Voltmeter (B) Ammeter (C) Rheostat (D) Galvanometer

5. Which of the following device is used as a variable resistor in an electric circuit :

(A) Voltmeter (B) Ammeter (C) Rheostat (D) Galvanometer

Subjective Questions
6. Define e.m.f. of a cell.

7. What is the purpose of ammeter in an electric circuit and how it is connected in circuit.

8. What is the purpose of voltmeter in an electric circuit and how it is connected in circuit.

9. Define an electric circuit.

10. Draw circuit symbols of five important electric circuit components.

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Class X - Physics

ELECTRICITY
(ELE–5)

10.0 OHM'S LAW

(given by German physicist George Simon Ohm in 1828)
According to Ohm’s law, ‘the current through certain conductors is directly proportional to the
potential difference between its ends at a constant temperature’.

V
I µ V or V µ I or V = I R or R=
I

Where, R is constant called resistance of the conductor.

V V I
f I
I V
f
I V
V V
Resistance, R = =tanq 1
I Resistance, R= =
I tan f
V-I graph for a conductor
I-V graph for a conductor
obeying Ohm’s law.
obeying Ohm’s law.
Fig.14

10.1 Validity And Failure Of Ohm's Law

Ohm’s law is not a fundamental law, it is only an empirical law that holds approximately good for
many substances particularly metals

l Ohmic And Non-Ohmic Conductors

I
D\Allen-Junior wing\Physics\X\Unit-1\1-Electricity\2019-20

Fig. 15 : V-I graph for a conductor

not obeying Ohm’s law.

The resistors which obey Ohm’s law are called the ohmic conductors or linear resistors. All metallic
conductors (such as silver, aluminium, copper, iron etc.) are the ohmic conductors.
The resistors which do not obey Ohm’s law are called the non-ohmic conductors or non-linear
resistors. Examples are diodes, triodes, transistors, electrolytes etc.

16
 Electr icity

11.0 ELECTRIC RESISTANCE

The property of a material which offers opposition to the electric current and dissipates energy
is called its ‘electric resistance’.
The ratio of applied potential difference (voltage) to the resulting electric current in a closed
circuit is called ‘electric resistance’.
V
R=
I
l Unit of Resistance
SI unit - ohm (W )
1 ohm = 1volt/ampere or 1 W = 1 V A–1

l Definition of 1 ohm
When the potential difference of 1 volt is applied across the ends of a conductor and the current
produced in it is 1 ampere, then the resistance of the conductor is 1 ohm.

l Conductance
The reciprocal of resistance is called ‘conductance’.
1 I
= G=
R V
Conductance is a measure of ease to the flow of current in the circuit. Greater the value of
conductance more easily the current passes through the conductor.
Unit of conductance - (ohm)-1 or ‘mho’ or Siemens (S)

11.1 Factors Affecting The Resistance Of A Conductor (Laws Of Resistance)

Resistance ‘R’ is not a material property that is, its value changes from sample to sample for a given
material. Resistance depends on the nature of substance, its shape and size (geometrical factor
like length, cross-sectional area).
Resistance is directly proportional to the length (l) of a conductor and inversely proportional to
its area of cross-section (A).
Rµl

1
Rµ
A

l l
Rµ or R =r
A A
D\Allen-Junior wing\Physics\X\Unit-1\1-Electricity\2019-20

Where, r is a constant called resistivity of material.

Resistance ‘R’ depends on :
(1) length of conductor (2) cross-sectional area
(3) type of material (4) temperature

l Temperature Dependence of Resistance

Resistance and resistivity of substances depend on temperature. For metals, they increase with the
increase in temperature. For insulator or semiconductors, they decrease with the increase in
temperature.
17
Class X - Physics

11.2 Resistivity (or Specific Resistance)

It is a characteristic property of a material rather than that of a particular specimen of a material.
It depends on physical conditions such as temperature and pressure.
If l is 1 unit length and A is 1 square unit area, then, R = r.
i.e. Resistivity of a conductor is ‘the resistance offered by a uniform conducting wire having unit
length and unit area of cross-section’.

l Unit of Resistivity
SI unit - ohm-meter (W-m)

l Conductivity or Specific Conductance ( s )

1
Conductivity of a material is reciprocal of its resistivity. s = r

Unit of conductivity - (ohm-m)–1 or mho m–1 or Siemens m–1

l Relationship between conductance and conductivity

sA
G=
l

11.3 Effect Of Stretching Of A Wire On Resistance

Let a wire of length l 1 and cross-sectional area A1 be stretched to a length l 2 and its cross-sectional
area becomes A2 such that l2= nl1.

(a) A wire before stretching (b) A wire after stretching

Fig.16
While stretching a wire, its volume remains constant
Now, volume after stretching = volume before stretching
or, l 2 A2 = l 1 A1

or , (nl 1 )A 2 = l1 A1
A1
or, A2 = .... (1)
n
l
Initial resistance, R1 = r 1 .... (2)
A1
l2 nl nl 1 æ l ö
Final resistance, R 2 = r =r 1 =r = n2 ç r 1 ÷ [Using (1) & (2)]
A2 A2 (A1 / n) è A1 ø

or R 2 = n 2 R1
D\Allen-Junior wing\Physics\X\Unit-1\1-Electricity\2019-20

11.4 Classification of Materials According to Conductivity

(1) Conductor -In some materials, the outer electrons of each atoms or molecules are only weakly
bound to it. These electrons are almost free to move throughout the body of the material and
are called free electrons. They are also known as conduction electrons. When such a material
is placed in an electric field, the free electrons move in a direction opposite to the field. Such
materials are called conductors.
Examples of conductors : Copper (Cu), aluminium (Al), silver (Ag), iron (Fe), etc.

18
 Electr icity

(2) Insulator - Another class of materials is called insulators in which all the electrons are tightly
bound to their respective atoms or molecules. Effectively, there are no free electrons. When
such a material is placed in an electric field, the electrons may slightly shift opposite to the field
but they can’t leave their parent atoms or molecules and hence can’t move through long distances.
Such materials are also called dielectrics.
Examples of insulators : Rubber, glass, wood, plastics, porcelain, pure water, sugar, etc.
(3) Semiconductor - In semiconductors, the behaviour is like an insulator at low levels of
temperature. But at higher temperatures, a small number of electrons are able to free themselves
and they respond to the applied electric field. As the number of free electrons in a semiconductor
is much smaller than that in a conductor, its behaviour is in between a conductor and an
insulator and hence, the name semiconductor. A free electron in a semiconductor leaves a
vacancy in its normal bound position. These vacancies also help in conduction.
Examples of Semiconductors : Silicon and Germanium etc.

11.5 Superconductivity
A dutch physicist H.Kammerling Onnes (1911) found that at a temperature of 4.2 K, the resistance
of mercury disappeared. The absence of any measurable electric resistance in certain substances
at very low temperatures close to zero Kelvin is called ‘superconductivity’.
The substances which show the phenomenon of superconductivity are called ‘superconductors’.
Till today, 26 pure metals, many compounds and alloys have been found to display the phenomenon
of superconductivity.
Critical temperature (Transition temperature) : The temperature at which a substance becomes
superconductor is called ‘critical temperature’ or ‘transition temperature’. Critical temperature (TC)
of some substances are - (1) Mercury - 4.2 K (2) Zinc - 0.79 K (3) Lead - 7.26 K (4) Vanadium - 4.3
K (5) Niobium - 9.22 K
ACTIVE PHYSICS
(1) Let us setup a circuit consisting of a resistance R ; an ammeter A connected in series with R;
a voltmeter connected in parallel with R; a number of cells each having potential difference V
that are connected in series.
+v v v v–

X R Y + – K
A (• )

+ V –
D\Allen-Junior wing\Physics\X\Unit-1\1-Electricity\2019-20

Fig.17

(2) First we use only one cell in the circuit and note down the value of current in the circuit and
potential difference across resistance R. Repeat this experiment with two cells, three cells, four
cells, etc. Note down the successive readings in the voltmeter and ammeter. You will find that
for one cell in the circuit, if current in the circuit is I and potential difference in is V, then for
two, three, four cells their values will be 2I, 3I, 4I and 2V, 3V, 4V respectively.

19
Class X - Physics

(3) Now, plot a graph between current and voltage. You will get a straight line, which verifies the
Ohm’s law.

4I
3I
I
2I
I
V 2V 3V 4V
V

Fig.18

ACTIVE PHYSICS

(1) Connect a circuit which consists of a cell, an ammeter and a wire of high resistance (say,
nichrome) having length L and a switch.

(1 ) K
(• )
(2 )
(3 )
(4 )

– + +
A –

Active physics

Fig.19
(2) Now, ‘switch on’ and note down the value of current in the ammeter. Replace the wire by another
one having same cross-sectional area but length ‘2L’. You will find that current has now
decreased to one half. This means resistance is increased in the circuit, i.e., R is directly
proportional to length.
RµL

(3) Now, take a nichrome wire of larger cross-sectional area but having same length L. You will
find that current in the circuit has been increased. This means resistance is decreased in the
D\Allen-Junior wing\Physics\X\Unit-1\1-Electricity\2019-20

circuit, i.e. R is inversely proportional to cross-sectional area.

1
Rµ
A

(4) Take another wire instead of nichrome having same cross-sectional area and length as that
of nichrome.You will find that the current in the ammeter has changed (may get decreased
or increased). This means resistance depends on the nature of material of the wire.

20
 Electr icity

Illustration 1. The potential difference between the terminals of an electric heater is 80 V when it
draws a current of 4 A from the source. What current will the heater draw if the potential
difference is increased to 120 V ?
Solution Given, potential difference, V = 80 V ; current, I = 4 A.

V 80
According to Ohm’s law, R = = = 20 W
I 4
Now, the new potential difference, V' = 120 V

New current, I ' = V ' = 120 = 6 A

R 20

Illustration 2. Resistance of a metal wire of length 220 m is 7 W at 20°C. If the diameter of the wire
is 0.8 mm, what will be the resistivity of the metal at that temperature ?
Solution Given, resistance, R = 7 W ; diameter, d = 0.8 mm ;
length, l = 220 m.
Now, radius of the wire, r = (diameter)/2 = 0.8/2=0.4 mm = 4´10–3 m
Resistivity of a metallic wire is given by,

RA R(pr 2 ) 7 ´ (22 / 7) ´ (0.4 ´ 10 -3 )2

r= = = = 1.6 ´ 10–8 W m
l l 220

Illustration 3. An 8 W resistance wire is doubled on itself. Calculate the value of the new resistance
offered by the wire.
Solution Let the length and area of cross-section of the original wire be l and A respectively..
A

l
(a) Original wire l
2
(b) Wire is doubled on itself
Fig.20

l
Original resistance, R = r .... (1)
A
When a wire is doubled on itself, its length becomes halved and area of cross-section
D\Allen-Junior wing\Physics\X\Unit-1\1-Electricity\2019-20

l
becomes doubled i.e., the new length, l ' = and new area of cross-section,
2
A’ = A + A = 2 A.

New resistance, R ' = r

l'
l ( )
1æ l ö 1 1
= r 2 = çr ÷ = R = ´ 8 = 2 W
A' 2A 4è Aø 4 4

21
Class X - Physics

Objective Questions
1. Resistance of ohmic conductor depends on :
(A) Potential difference applied across it (B) Current following through it
(C) Both A and B (D) None of these

2. Resistivity depends upon :

(A) Nature of material of conductor (B) Length of conductor
(C) Area of cross section of conductor (D) All of the above

3. Variation of current (I) in ampere and voltage (V) in volt, for a conductor has been shown in Fig. The
resistance of the conductor is :

V
12
9
6
3

0,0 1 2 3 4 I
Fig.21
(A) 1 W (B) 2 W (C) 3 W (D) 4 W

4. A nichrome wire has a resistance of 10 W . Find the resistance of another nichrome wire, whose
length is 3 times and area of cross section four times the first wire :
(A) 5.5 W (B) 7.5 W (C) 10 W (D) 12 W

5. S.I. unit of resistivity is :

ohm metre
(A) Ohm (B) ohm × metre (C) (D)
metre ohm
Subjective Questions
6. State Ohm's law.

7. Define resistance and give its S.I. unit.

D\Allen-Junior wing\Physics\X\Unit-1\1-Electricity\2019-20

8. Define resistivity and give its S.I. unit.

9. Explain factors on which resistance of a conductor depends.

10. Write a short note on superconductivity and superconductors.

22
 Electr icity

ELECTRICITY
(ELE–6)

12.0 GROUPING OF RESISTORS

12.1 Resistors In Series
Let us consider three resistors having resistances R1, R2 and R3 respectively joined in series. Let
V1, V2, V3 are voltages across resistors R1, R2, R3 respectively. The current through resistors R1, R2
and R3 are I1, I2 and I3 respectively. Since the resistors are joined in series, thus, current through
each resistor is same because current entering at one point (end) is equal to current leaving at the
other point (end).
A R1 R2 R3 B
I1 I2 I3
V1 V2 V3

V
Fig.22 : A series combination of resistors.
I1 = I2 = I3 = I (let) ...(1)
Potential difference ‘V’ between the point A and point B is the sum of the voltages across R1, R2
& R3.
V = V1 + V2 + V3 ...(2)
Let ‘Rs’ be the equivalent resistance of whole combination.

Equivalent resistance - The resistance of a single resistor that can replace a combination of
resistors in any given circuit without any change in potential difference across the terminals and
current through the circuit is called ‘equivalent resistance’.
\ V = I Rs .... (3)
From (2) & (3) we get, I Rs = V1 + V2 + V3
or, I Rs = I R1 + I R2 + I R3 [V=IR]
or, I Rs = I (R1 + R2 + R3)
or, Rs = R1 + R2 + R3
General formula for ‘n’ resistors in series -
Rs = R1 + R2 + R3 + ..... +Rn

l Important points related to series combination

1. Current is same in every part of circuit.
(a) That is, I1 = I2 = I3 = ........ = In
D\Allen-Junior wing\Physics\X\Unit-1\1-Electricity\2019-20

V
(b) Also, = constant or V µ R
R
(c) V1 : V2 : V3 = R1 : R2 : R3

2. Equivalent resistance is equal to sum of the individual resistances.

3. Total potential difference across the combination is equal to the sum of potential difference across
each resistor.
That is, V = V1 + V2 + V3 + ..... + Vn

23
Class X - Physics

4. In series combination, if one resistance gets ‘open’, the current in the whole circuit will be zero
and circuit breaks.

5. If there are ‘n’ equal resistors (R) connected in series, then, their equivalent resistance is n R. If
V is the potential difference applied across the combination then, potential difference across each
resistor is V/n.

ACTIVE PHYSICS
+ v –
(1) Connect three resistors (R1,R2,R3) in series. Connect this
combination with a battery, a plug key K and ammeter A.
X R1 P Q R2 S T R3 Y
(2) Now, connect a voltmeter across the series combination
of resistors between X and Y points. Plug the key and note I
I
down the reading in the voltmeter. This reading (V) is the
total potential difference across the combination.
K
+ – (• ) – A +
(3) Now, take out the plug key and disconnect the voltmeter Fig. 23 (a)

+ v1 – + v2 – + v3 –
Insert the voltmeter across the ends X and P of the first
resistor. Plug the key and measure the potential difference
(V1) across the first resistor. Similarly, measure the potential X R1 P Q R2 S T R3 Y
differences (V2 and V3) across the other two resistors, one
by one. I I

(4) You will find that the readings V1, V2 and V3 are different.
Now, add V1, V2 and V3. You will find that sum of these K
+ – (• ) – A +
potential
Fig. 23 (b)
differences is equal to total potential difference (V) across
the combination.
That is, V = V1 + V2 + V3

(5) Also, note the ammeter reading. Now, change the position of ammeter to anywhere in between
the resistors. Note the ammeter reading each time. You will find that, the reading of ammeter
remains the same i.e., the current flowing through each resistor is same in a series circuit and
it is equal to total current flowing in the circuit.
+ –
A
X R1 P Q R2 S T R3 Y
D\Allen-Junior wing\Physics\X\Unit-1\1-Electricity\2019-20

I I

K
+ – (• )
Active physics
Fig.24

24
 Electr icity

12.2 Resistors In Parallel

Let us consider three resistors having resistances R1, R2, R3 respectively. Let the voltage across the
combination is ‘V’ and currents through R 1, R2, R3 are I1, I2, I3. Voltage across all the resistors is
same as all of them have same terminal points (A and B).

I1 R1

A I2 R2 B

I3 R3

V
Fig.25 : A parallel
combination of resistors.
V1 = V2 = V3 = V (let) ... (1)
The total current ‘I’ entering through ‘A’ is divided among the three resistors (I1, I2 & I3). Thus, total
current ‘I’ is sum of individual currents through R1, R2 & R3.

I = I1 + I2 + I3 ... (2)

Let the equivalent resistance of whole combination be Rp.

V
I= ... (3)
Rp

V
From (2) & (3), we get, R = I1 + I 2 + I 3
p

V V V V é Vù
or R = R + R + R
p 1 2 3
êëQ I = R úû

V æ 1 1 1 ö
or R = V ç R + R + R ÷
p è 1 2 3 ø

1 1 1 1
or = + +
Rp R1 R2 R3

General formula for n resistors in parallel :

1 1 1 1 1
= + + +---+
R p R1 R 2 R 3 Rn
D\Allen-Junior wing\Physics\X\Unit-1\1-Electricity\2019-20

l Important points related to parallel combination

1. The sum of the reciprocals of the separate resistances is equal to the reciprocal of equivalent
resistor.
2. The voltage across each resistor of a parallel combination is the same, and is equal to the voltage
across the whole group.
(a) V1 = V2 = V3 = ---- = Vn = constant

25
Class X - Physics

1
(b) IR = constant or I µ
R

1 1 1
3. In parallel combination, I1 : I2 : I3 = R : R : R
1 2 3

4. The total current is the sum of currents flowing in different branches. That is, I = I1 + I2 + I3+-
---I n

R1R 2
5. For two resistors R1 and R2 in parallel, their equivalent resistance is given by, R e = R + R
1 2

6. In case of resistors in parallel, if one resistance becomes ‘open’, all other will work as usual.

ACTIVE PHYSICS
L R1 M
(1) Make a parallel combination, XY, of three resistors R2
X Y
having resistors (R 1, R 2, R 3).Connect it with a P Q
R3
battery, a plug key and an ammeter. Also, connect
a voltmeter in parallel with the combination of S T
+ v – I
resistors I

(2) Now, plug the key and note the ammeter reading (I),
+ K
this reading is the total current flowing in the circuit. – (• )
– A +
Also, take the voltmeter reading (V), this reading is
Fig. 26(a)
the potential difference across the parallel
combination.
+ v –
L M I1
A
(3) Now, take out the plug from the key and remove the X P R1 Q I2 Y
ammeter and voltmeter from the circuit. Insert the
R2 I3
ammeter in series with the resistor R 1 and a
S R3 T
voltmeter in parallel with R1 . The potential difference
across resistor R1 is also V. Similarly, we will find that I I
potential difference across resistor R2 and R3 is also
V by connecting voltmeter across them. Thus, in
+ K
parallel combination, the potential difference across – (• )
– A +
D\Allen-Junior wing\Physics\X\Unit-1\1-Electricity\2019-20

each resistor is same as the total potential difference

Fig. 26(b)
V.

(4) Now, note the ammeter reading (I1), this reading is the current passing through R 1. Similarly,
measure the currents through R 2 and R3. Let these currents be I2 and I3, respectively. You will
find that sum of these currents is equal to total current (I) flowing in the circuit. That is,
I = I1 + I2 + I3

26
 Electr icity

Illustration 1. In the circuit shown, find (a) equivalent resistance of the network across terminals of
cell (b) total current flowing in the circuit (c) current flowing in 6 W resistor (d) potential
difference across 8 W resistor.

1.5V 6W 12 W

8W
(a)
Fig.27
Solution (a) 6 W and 12 W are joined in parallel, thus, their equivalent resistance is,

6 ´ 12 6 ´ 12
R1 = = =4W
6 + 12 18
1.5V R 1= 4 W
Now, R1 and 8 W resistors in series, thus, their
equivalent resistance is, 8W
Re=R1+8=4 +8 =12 W

V 1.5
(b) Total current in the circuit, I = = = 0.125 A Fig.28
R 12
(c) Potential difference across 6 W (or 12 W) resistor,
V = I ´ R1 = 0.125 ´ 4 = 0.5 V

V 0.5
Current through 6 W resistor, I = = = 0.083 A
R 6
(d) Potential difference across 8 W resistor,
V = I ´ 8 = 0.125 ´ 8 = 1 V

Illustration 2. Should the resistance of an ammeter be low or high ? given reason.

Solution Ammeter is connected in series in the electric circuit. It should have as much low
resistance as possible. If the resistance of ammeter is higher, then the effective resistance
of circuit will increase which will decrease the total current of the circuit. And the ammeter
will not measure the actual value of current. But, if the resistance of an ammeter is low
then the resistance of circuit will not get affected and so the current. An ideal ammeter
in fact is an ammeter of zero resistance.

Illustration 3. Should the resistance of an voltmeter be low or high ? given reason.

D\Allen-Junior wing\Physics\X\Unit-1\1-Electricity\2019-20

Solution Voltmeter is connected in parallel to the resistor. The current in circuit will be divided
between the resistor and the voltmeter. In order to draw minimum current from the circuit
the resistance of voltmeter should be high. Otherwise most of the current of the circuit
will go through voltmeter and the main resistance will get small current and voltmeter
will not measure the actual value of potential difference.

27
Class X - Physics

Objective Questions
1. Equivalent resistance between two points A and B in the circuit shown will be :

Fig.29
(A) 6W (B) 2W (C) 3W (D) 8W

2. In the circuit shown in figure, the reading of the voltmeter V will be :

Fig.30
(A) 4 V (B) 2 V (C) 6 V (D) 3 V

3. Find equivalent resistance between A & B :

P Q

A B

Fig.31
(A) 1W (B) 2W (C) 3W (D) 4W

4. The equivalent resistance between A & B is :

A
D\Allen-Junior wing\Physics\X\Unit-1\1-Electricity\2019-20

Fig.32
(A) 1W (B) 2W (C) 3W (D) 4W

28
 Electr icity

5. What is the current I in the circuit as shown in figure :

Fig.33
(A) 2 A (B) 3 A (C) 1 A (D) None of these

Subjective Questions
6. Derive mathematical relation of equivalent resistance of few resistors connected in series combination.

7. Derive mathematical relation of equivalent resistance of few resistors connected in parallel

combination.

8. In our home various electrical appliances are connected in which combination and why?

9. When a pair of identical resistors are connected in series, which of the following is the same for
both resistors :
(a) voltage across each (b) current through each.
Do any of your answer changes if resistors are different from each other ?

10. When a pair of identical resistors are connected in parallel, which of the following is the same for
both resistors:
(a) voltage across each (b) current through each.
Do any of your answer changes if resistors are different from each other ?
D\Allen-Junior wing\Physics\X\Unit-1\1-Electricity\2019-20

29
Class X - Physics

ELECTRICITY
(ELE–7)

13.0 WHEAT STONE BRIDGE

This arrangement was first used by C.F. Wheatstone, a British physicist in 19th century.
If Wheatstone bridge is balanced, current through R5 is zero. The condition for balanced bridge is
R1 R 3 R1 R 2
= = R1
R 2 R 4 or R3 R 4 R2

R 1R 4 = R 2R 3
P R5 Q

Note: In numericals based on Wheatstone bridge, if bridge is R3 R4

balanced, then simply remove R5. Now, R1 and R2 are in
series, R3 and R4 are in series and combination of these two Fig .3 4 : W hea tsto ne brid ge
pair of resistors are in parallel.

R
14.0 INTERNAL RESISTANCE OF A CELL
The opposition caused by ions and atoms of the electrolyte to I I
the flow of electric current in a cell is called its ‘internal
I
resistance’.
e
We know that, r

e = V + W’ I – I
+
or e = IR + Ir or e = I (R + r)
B at tery w ith in terna l
e æe ö re sista n ce r
or I= and r = R ç V - 1 ÷
R+r è ø F ig .3 5 : A cell o r bat ter y alw ays
h ave so m e internal re sista nce .
e
When the cell is discharging - I = and V = e – I r That is, V < e.
R+r
When current is drawn from a cell, external voltage across it is lesser than emf of cell. Greater the
current drawn from a battery, lesser will be the external voltage (or terminal voltage).

To charge a cell or when a cell is charging, V = e + I r That is, V > e

When a cell is being charged, external voltage across it is greater than emf of the cell. The direction
of electric current is opposite to that of in discharging.

When the cell is in open circuit, for open circuit, R = ¥ .

D\Allen-Junior wing\Physics\X\Unit-1\1-Electricity\2019-20

e e
I= = =0 and V = e
R+r ¥+r
When the cell is short circuit, R = 0.
e e e
I= = or I= (This current is very large as r is very small)
r +R r+0 r
Terminal voltage, V = I R = 0
Note - Maximum power transfer takes place in the when R = r. Also, maximum current flows in the
circuit when R = r.
30
 Electr icity

Illustration 1. 10 W 6W
20 W

5W 3W

16 W
60 V, 1W

Fig.36
Find (a) Equivalent resistance across terminals of cell
(b) and current in each resistance
-1
æ 1 1 1ö
Solution (a) R eq = çè + + ÷ø +1= 5 Ω
16 8 16

60
(b) i = = 12 A
4+1

9A 10 W 6W
3A 20 W 3A Hence 12 A will flow through the cell.
12A 5W i=0 3 W By using current distribution law.
6A 6A Current in resistance 10 W and 6W = 3A
Current in resistance 5W and 3W = 6A
16 W 3A
12A Current in resistance 20W = 0
60 V, 1W Current in resistance 16W = 3A
I
Fig.37

Illustration 2. Find the equivalent resistance between A and B

A B
R R R
R
Fig.38
C
Solution This arrangement can be modified as shown in figure
since it is balanced wheat stone bridge R R
D\Allen-Junior wing\Physics\X\Unit-1\1-Electricity\2019-20

2R × 2R A R B
Req = =R
2R + 2R
R R
V 0.5
Current through 6 W resistor, I = = = 0.083 A D
R 6
(d) Potential difference across 8 W resistor, Fig. 39
V = I ´ 8 = 0.125 ´ 8 = 1 V

31
Class X - Physics

Objective Questions
C
1. In the adjoining network of resistors each is of resistance r W.
r r r
Find the equivalent resistance between point A and B.
A B
(A) r W (B) 2r W r r
D E
r 3r
(C) W (D) W Fig. 40
2 2

2W
2. For the network shown in the figure the value of the current i is :
4W 4W
18 V 5V 3W
(A) (B) 6W
5 9

9V 5V i V
(C) (D)
35 18
Fig. 41
3. The terminal voltage of an non-ideal cell in an open circuit condition is :
(A) less than its emf (B) more than its emf
(C) equal to its emf (D) depends on its internal resistance

4. The terminal voltage of an non-ideal cell when it is charging is :

(A) less than its emf (B) more than its emf
(C) equal to its emf (D) depends on its internal resistance

5. The terminal voltage of an non-ideal cell when it is discharging is :

(A) less than its emf (B) more than its emf
(C) equal to its emf (D) depends on its internal resistance

Subjective Questions
6. Draw wheatstone bridge circuit and explain when it is said balanced.

7. What do you mean by internal resistance of a cell.

8. If too many bulbs are connected in parallel across a battery (having internal resistance), will their
brightness diminish? Explain.
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9. Explain difference between emf and terminal potential difference of a battery.

10. Name few important factors on which internal resistance of a cell depends.

32
 Electr icity

ELECTRICITY
(ELE–8)

15.0 HEATING EFFECT OF ELECTRIC CURRENT

We know that to maintain the current, the source (cell or battery) has to keep spending its energy.
A part of the source energy is consumed into useful work like in rotating the blades of an electric
fan, producing light and sound in television, etc. Rest of the source energy is converted to heat to
raise the temperature of the device.
If an electric circuit is purely resistive, that is, it consists of resistors only connected to a battery,
the source energy gets dissipated entirely in the form of heat. This effect is utilised in devices such
as electric geysers, electric heater, electric iron, etc.
The conversion of a part (or whole) of the electric energy into heat energy when electric current
flows through a device is called heating effect of current.

15.1 Electric Power

The work done per unit time by a source of emf (like a battery) in order to maintain electric current
in a circuit is called ‘electric power’.
Consider a current I flowing through a resistor of resistance R. Let the potential difference across
it be V . Let t be the time during which a charge q flows across. The work done in moving the charge
q through a potential difference V is given by,
X R Y
æ Wö +
W = Q ´ V ---- (1) çQ V = ÷ + v – A
è Qø
–
Thus, the power input to the circuit by the source is I I
W Q´ V æ Q ö K
P= = = ç ÷ ´ V = I ´ V or P = VI (• ) + –
t t è t ø
Fig.42 : Heating effect of current
Also, power consumed by a resistor can be written as,
V2
P = VI = = I2 R [Using, I = V/R and V = I R]
R

l Unit of electric power

S I unit - Watt
Here, 1 Watt = 1 volt-ampere = 1 VA
1 kilowatt = 1000 watt

l Definition of 1 Watt
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If the electric current through a device is one ampere and the potential difference across it is one
volt, then its electric power is one Watt.

15.2 Electric Energy

The total energy supplied by a source of emf in order to maintain the electric current in the circuit
in a given time is called ‘electric energy’.
E=P´ t=V´I´t

33
Class X - Physics

l Unit of electric energy

S I unit - Joule
Here, 1 Joule = 1 volt-ampere-sec = 1 VAs
Other unit - 1 Watt-hour = 3600 J
1 Kilo Watt Hour (KWH) = 3.6 × 106 J
Note- Kilo Watt Hour (KWH) is commercial unit of electric energy. If an electric device of 1 kW
is used for 1hr, then the energy consumed is 1 KWH.

15.3 Joule’s Law Of Heating

The energy supplied to the circuit by a source (like a battery) in time t is given by,
E=P×t=V×I×t [Q P = V × I ]
This energy (E) gets dissipated in the resistor as heat. Thus, for a steady current I, the amount of
heat H produced in time t is
H=V´I×t
Applying Ohm’s law, i.e., V = I × R, we get,

H = I2 R t
This is known as Joule’s law of heating.
According to Joule’s law of heating, the heat produced in a resistor is directly proportional to the
square of current for a given resistance, directly proportional to resistance for a given current, and
directly proportional to the time for which the current flows through the resistor.

15.4 Applications of Heating Effects of Electric Current

(1) Electric bulb- The electric heating or joules heating is used in producing light in ‘electric bulb’.
Here, the filament must retain as much of the heat generated as possible, so that it gets very
hot and emits light. It must not melt at such high temperature. Thus, an electric bulb consist
of a filament of a strong metal with high melting point such as ‘tungsten’ (melting point 3380
°C) sealed in a glass bulb. The bulbs are usually filled with chemically inactive ‘nitrogen’ or
‘argon’ gases which prevents the oxidation of filament at high temperatures, thereby, increasing
the life of bulb. Most of the power consumed by the filament appears as heat, but a small part
of it is in the form of light radiated.

(2) Electric fuse and its action - It is a safety device used to prevent the electric appliances against
excessive electric currents. It consists of a piece of wire made of a metal or an alloy of appropriate
melting point, for example aluminium, copper, iron, lead etc. Usually, a metallic conducting wire
(fuse wire) made of Tin (25%) and Lead (75%) having low melting point is used. The fuse wire
D\Allen-Junior wing\Physics\X\Unit-1\1-Electricity\2019-20

is usually encased in a cartridge of porcelain or similar material with metal ends. It is put in
series with the electric device in the circuit. If a current larger than the specified value of current
capacity flows through the circuit, the temperature of the fuse wire increases. This melts the
fuse wire and breaks the circuit and thus, the electric device in the circuit is prevented from
getting damaged.

Note - The fuses used for domestic purposes are rated as 1A, 2A, 3A, 5A, 10A, etc.

34
 Electr icity

Illustration 1. An electric iron consumes energy at a rate of 960 W when heating is at the maximum
rate and 480 W when the heating is at the minimum. The voltage is 220 V. What are the
current and the resistance in each case?
Solution We know that the power input is P = V I
P
\ I=
V

V
Resistance, R =
I
(a) When heating is at the maximum rate,
P 960
Current, I = = = 4.36 A
V 220

V 220
Resistance, R = = = 50.46 W
I 4.36
(b) When heating is at the minimum rate,
P 480
Current, I = = = 2.18 A
V 220

V 220
Resistance, R = = = 100.9 W
I 2.18

Illustration 2. 200 J of heat is produced every second in a 8 W resistance. Find the potential difference
across the resistor.
Solution Given, heat, H = 200 J; resistance, R = 8 W; time, t = 1 s.
H 200
Now, H = I2 R t or I2 = = = 25
Rt 8 ´ 1
or I = 25 = 5A
Now, potential difference, V = I ´ R. = 5 ´ 8 = 40 V

Illustration 3. Some devices used at a home are given along with their numbers, power ratings and
usage time.
Device Number Power Usage time
Refrigerator 1 400 W 8 hour/day
Electric bulb 2 40 W 4 hour/day
Tube light 4 60 W 4 hour/day
Fan 4 100 W 6 hour/day
Find the total units (in KWH) of energy consumed for 30 days. What is the cost of the
D\Allen-Junior wing\Physics\X\Unit-1\1-Electricity\2019-20

total energy consumed for 30 days if one unit costs Rs 3.00.

Solution First we must convert power in KW for each device and then find the power consumed
by them per day.
Device Energy consumed/day in KWH
400
Refrigerator 1´ KW ´ 8 hr = 3.2
1000
40
Electric bulb 2´ KW ´ 4 hr = 0.32
1000

35
Class X - Physics

60
Tube light 4´ KW ´ 4 hr = 0.96
1000
100
Fan 4´ KW ´ 6 hr = 2.4
1000
Total energy consumed/day by all devices = 6.88 KWH
Total energy consumed by all devices in 30 days = 6.88 ´ 30 = 206.4 KWH
Cost of total energy consumed for 30 days = Rs. 3 ´ 206.4 = Rs. 691.20

Illustration 4. We know that the heat generated by a device may be calculated by using H = I2Rt or

V2
H= t . First formula shows that heat is directly proportional to the resistance and
R
second formula shows that heat is inversely proportional to the resistance. How will you
explain these different dependencies of heat on resistance.
Solution H = I2 Rt. In this formula, H µ R, only when the current (I) in each component of the
circuit is same for the given time. It is possible when all the devices are connected in
series. Hence, H µ R when devices are connected in series.

V2 1
H= t. In this formula, H µ only when the potential difference across each
R R
component of the circuit is same for the given time. It is possible when all the devices
1
are connected in parallel. Hence, H µ when devices are connected in parallel.
R
A B
Illustration 5. Fig. shows a combination of four identical
bulbs joined with a battery. Compare
the brightness of the bulbs shown. What
C D
happens if bulb A fails, so that it cannot
conduct current ? What happens if bulb
C fails? What happens if bulb D fails?
Solution Bulbs A and B are connected in series across the emf of the battery, whereas bulb C
is connected by itself across the battery. This means the voltage drop across C has the
same magnitude as the battery voltage, whereas this same voltage is split between bulbs
A and B. As a result, bulb C will glow more brightly than either of bulbs A and B,
which will glow equally brightly. Bulb D has a wire connected across it i.e., a short circuit,
so the potential difference across bulb D is zero and it doesn’t glow. If bulb A fails, B
goes out, but bulb C will glow. If bulb C fails, there is no effect on the other bulbs. If bulb
D\Allen-Junior wing\Physics\X\Unit-1\1-Electricity\2019-20

D fails, we cannot detect this event, because bulb D was not glowing initially ; also, there
is no effect on the other bulbs.

36
 Electr icity

Objective Questions
1. If X, Y and Z in figure are identical lamps, which of the following changes to the brightness of the
lamps occur when switch S is closed?

Z
X S

Y
Fig.43
(A) X stays the same, Y decreases (B) X increases, Y decreases
(C) X increases, Y stays the same (D) X decreases, Y increases

2. A constant voltage is applied between the two ends of a uniform metallic wire. Some heat is
developed in it. The heat developed is doubled if :
(A) both the length and the radius of the wire are halved
(B) both the length and the radius of the wire are doubled
(C) the radius of the wire is doubled
(D) the length of the wire is doubled

3. If the length of the filament of a heater is reduced by 10% by cutting it, the power of the heater
will :
(A) increase by about 9% (B) decrease by about 10%
(C) increase by about 19% (D) increase by about 11%

4. A heater coil is rated 100 W, 200 V. It is cut into two identical parts. Both parts are connected
together in parallel, to the same source of 200 V. Then the energy liberated per second in the new
combination is :
(A) 200 W (B) 300 W` (C) 400 W (D)500 W

5. Three equal resistors connected in series across a source of emf together dissipate 5 W of power. If
the same resistors are connected in parallel across the same source of emf, the power dissipated
will be :
(A) 45 W (B) 30 W (C) 90 W (D) None of these

Subjective Questions
6. Define the commercial unit of electrical energy. How many joules are there in 1 kwh.

7. What is Joule's law of heating ?Explain

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8. Why is the tungsten used almost exclusively for filament of electric lamps ?

9. Define electric power? And give it S.I. unit .

10. Why are the conductors of electric heating devices, such as bread-toasters and electric irons,
made of an alloy rather than a pure metal?

37
Class X - Physics

l The study of electric charges at rest, the forces between them, and the electric fields associated with
them is called ‘electrostatics’.

l Charged particle in an electric field always experiences a force either it is at rest or in motion.

l 1 ampere of current means the flow of 6.25 × 1018 electrons per second through any cross section
of conductor.

l Specific use of conducting materials -

The heating element of devices like heater, geyser, press etc are made of Nichrome because it
has high resistivity and high melting point. It does not react with air and acquires steady state
when red hot at 800°C.
Fuse wire is made of tin lead alloy because it has low melting point and low resistivity. The fuse
is used in series, and melts to produce open circuit when current exceeds the safety limit.
Resistances of resistance box are made of manganin or constantan because they have moderate
resistivityand very small temperature coefficient of resistance. The resistivity is nearly independent of
temperature.
The filament of bulb is made up of tungsten because it has low resistivity, high melting point
of 3300 K and gives light at 2400 K. The bulb is filled with inert gas because at high temperature
it reacts with air forming oxide.
The connection wires are made of copper because it has low resistance and resistivity.

l The potential difference across the terminals of a cell when it is not giving any current is called emf
of the cell. When current is drawn through the cell or current is supplied to cell then, the potential
difference across its terminals called terminal voltage.

l The maximum current that can flow through a device is called the current capacity of that device.
If an electric bulb is rated ‘V’ volts and ‘P’ watts, then its current capacity (IC) is given by, IC = P/V.

l Long distance power transmission is done at high voltages because at high voltages, current flowing
through the transmission wires is less. As a result, heat losses (H µ I2) will be less.

l If both the terminals of a device (like a bulb) are joined by a connecting wire i.e., they are joined
directly then, the device is said to be short circuited and potential difference across it becomes zero.

l Resistance of an insulator is infinite (i.e., a very large value) ; they are used to block current between
two points. Examples : Mica, bakelite.
D\Allen-Junior wing\Physics\X\Unit-1\1-Electricity\2019-20

l Silver is the best conductor of electricity. It is followed by copper, gold and aluminum.

l We may think that electrons are consumed in an electric circuit. This is wrong! We pay the electricity
board or the electric company to provide energy to move electrons through the electric devices like
electric bulb, fan, televisions, refrigerators, etc. We pay for the energy that we consume in the
electric devices.

l The instrument used to measure strength of current, by measuring the deflection of the coil due to
torque produced by a magnetic field, is known as galvanometer.

38
 Electr icity

l Two wires made of iron of different sizes may have different resistances but they have same resis-
tivity. This is because resistance differ from specimen to specimen while resistivity is constant for a
given material at a given temperature.

l The generation of heat in a conductor is an inevitable consequence of electric current. In many

cases, it is undesirable as it converts useful electrical energy into heat. This unavoidable heating
can increase the temperature of the components and alter their properties.

l If applied voltage is greater than specified voltage for a electric device, then the actual current
exceeds its current capacity, the device will get damaged. If applied voltage is less than the specified
voltage, then the current in the circuit will be less than the required; the device will not work properly.

l If positive and negative terminals of a battery are joined by a connecting wire i.e., it is short circuited
then, large current will flow through it as resistance of the circuit becomes negligible.

l The current capacity of a fuse is independent of its length, it is proportional to its radius. More the
radius, more will be the current capacity and vice-versa.

l Resistivity of alloys are generally higher than that of their constituent metals, they produce more
heat as compared to a pure metal. Also, they do not burn (oxidise) readily at high temperatures.
Thus, they are used in electrical heating devices like geyser, electric iron, toasters, etc.

l The electrons that constitute an electric current in a conductor are not completely free to move
within it. They are restrained by the attraction of the atoms among which they move. Thus, motion
of electrons through a conductor is retarded by its resistance.

l If ‘n’ equal resistors (R) are connected in parallel, then, their equivalent resistance is R/n. If I is the total
current passing through the combination then, current through each resistor is I/n.

l To get maximum resistance, resistors must be connected in series and to get minimum resistance,
resistors must be connected in parallel.

l In a series combination of resistors, there are no points in the circuit where the current can branch
into side streams. All the resistors are line up on a single loop. The current that passes through one
resistor must also pass through others.
D\Allen-Junior wing\Physics\X\Unit-1\1-Electricity\2019-20

39
Class X - Physics

1. If a charged body attracts another body, the charge on the other body :
(A) must be negative (B) must be positive
(C) must be zero (D) may be negative or positive or zero

2. An aluminum nail has an excess charge of +3.2 mC. How many electrons must be added to the
nail to make it electrically neutral?
(A) 2.0 × 1013 (B) 2.0 × 1019 (C) 3.2 × 1016 (D) 3.2 × 106

3. Two charges of equal magnitudes kept at a distance r exert a force F on each other. If the charges
are halved and distance between them is doubled, then the new force acting on each charge is:

F F F
(A) (B) (C) 4 F (D)
8 4 16

4. An electron gun in a TV set shoots out a beam of electrons. The beam current is 16 mA. How many
electrons strike the TV screen per second?
(A) 1014 (B) 1019 (C) 1015 (D) 1018

5. Which of the following represents voltage?

work done
(A) (B) work done ´ charge
current ´ time
work done ´ time
(C) (D) Work done ´ charge ´ time
current

6. A student carries out an experiment and plots the V-I graph of three samples of nichrome wire
with resistances R 1, R 2 and R 3 respectively. Which of the following is true?
R1
(A) R1 = R2 = R3
R2
I
(B) R1 > R2 > R3 (ampere) R3

(C) R 2 > R 3 > R1

(D) R3 > R2 > R1 V(volts)

7. As the temperature of a metallic resistor is increased, the product of its resistivity and conductivity:
(A) increases (B) decreases
(C) may increase or decrease (D) remains constant
D\Allen-Junior wing\Physics\X\Unit-1\1-Electricity\2019-20

8. The ratio of S.I. units of resistivity to resistance of a conductor is :

(A) m–1 (B) W–1 m (C) m (D) Wm–1

9. A cylindrical conductor of length l and uniform area of cross-section A has resistance R. Another
conductor of length 2l and resistance R made up of the same material will have area of cross
section equal to :
(A) A/2 (B) 3A/2 (C) 2A (D) 3A

40
 Electr icity

æ Aö æl ö
10. Three copper wires of lengths and cross-sectional areas are (l, A); ç 2l, ÷ and ç , 2A ÷ . Resistance
è 2ø è2 ø
is minimum of :

A
(A) wire of cross-sectional area (B) wire of cross-sectional area A
2
(C) wire of cross-sectional area 2A (D) same in all the three cases

11. The resultant resistance of n resistance wires each of r ohm is R, when they are connected in
parallel. When these n resistance are connected in series, the resultant resistance will be :

R R
(A) (B) (C) nR (D) n2R
n n2

12. What is the total resistance between A and B in the following circuit?
7W
10 B
(A) 6W (B) W
3
10W
3W 5W
2 15
(C) W (D) W
3 4
A
10W

13. What is the resistance between the points A and B? 2W

3 2
(A) W (B) W 2W 2W
2 3 A B
2W 2W
4
(C) W (D) 2W
3 2W

14. A piece of wire of resistance R is cut into five equal parts. These parts are then connected in parallel.
If the equivalent resistance of this combination is R', then the ratio R/R' is :

1 1
(A) (B) (C) 5 (D) 25
25 5

15. The equivalent resistance between A and B is :

R
D\Allen-Junior wing\Physics\X\Unit-1\1-Electricity\2019-20

R
R R R
A B
R

3 5 7
(A) R (B) R (C) R (D) R
4 3 5

41
Class X - Physics

16. A wire of resistance 12 ohms per meter is bent to form a complete circle of radius 10 cm. The
resistance between its two diametrically opposite points, A and B as shown in the figure, is :
(A) 6W
(B) 0.6pW
A B
(C) 3W
(D) 6pW

17. A cell, a resistor, a key and ammeter are arranged as shown in the circuit diagrams of figure.
The current recorded in the ammeter will be
R R K
+ – –
A
+ + – () – +
K

()
K –
()

R A
+ – +
A
(i) (ii) (iii)

(A) maximum in (i) (B) maximum in (ii)

(C) maximum in (iii) (D) same in all the cases.

18. Identify the circuit in which the electrical components have been properly connected.
+ – () + – () + – + –
() ()
– – – +
R V R + A R + V R + A
+ V + A + V –
+ – – –
–
A
(i) (ii) (iii) (iv)
(A) (i) (B) (ii) (C) (iii) (D) (iv)

19. Value of Current i in the following circuit is : 1A

(A) 13 A
10A i
(B) 12 A
(C) 9 A 6A
(D) 5 A 2A

20. Two resistors of resistance 2 W and 4 W when connected to a battery will have :
(A) same current flowing through them when connected in parallel
(B) same current flowing through them when connected in series
(C) same potential difference across them when connected in series
(D) different potential difference across them when connected in parallel
D\Allen-Junior wing\Physics\X\Unit-1\1-Electricity\2019-20

21. A current of 2 A flows through a 2W resistor when connected across a battery. The same battery
supplies a current of 0.5A when connected across a 9W resistor. Then the internal resistance of the
battery is :
(A) 0.5 W (B) 1/3W (C) 1/4 W (D) 1W

22. Unit of electric power may also be expressed as

(A) volt ampere (B) kilowatt hour (C) watt second (D) joule second

42
 Electr icity

23. Which of the following terms does not represent electrical power in a circuit :
(A) I2R (B) IR2 (C) VI (D) V2/R

24. In the following circuits, heat produced in the resistor or combination of resistors connected
to a 12 V battery will be
2W 2W 2W
+
2W 2W 12V
+ – + – –
12V (i) 12V (ii) (iii)

(A) same in all the cases (B) minimum in case (i)

(C) maximum in case (ii) (D) maximum in case (iii)

25. Two bulbs, one of 50 W and the other of 25 W are connected in series to a supply of 200 V. Then,
the ratio of current flowing through them will be :
(A) 2:1 (B) 1:2 (C) 1:1 (D) 2:3

26. If the current I through a resistor is increased by 100% (assume that temperature remains
unchanged), the increase in power dissipated will be :
(A) 100% (B) 200% (C) 300% (D) 400%

27. In an electrical circuit two resistors of 2 W and 4 W respectively are connected in series to a
6V battery. The heat dissipated by the 4 W resistor in 5 s will be :
(A) 5 J (B) 10 J (C) 20 J (D) 30 J

28. An electric kettle consumes 1 kW of electric power when operated at 220 V. A fuse wire of
what rating must be used for it ?
(A) 1 A (B) 2 A (C) 4 A (D) 5 A

29. Which arrangement of four identical resistances should be used to draw maximum energy from
a cell of voltage V ?

(A) (B)

(C) (D)
D\Allen-Junior wing\Physics\X\Unit-1\1-Electricity\2019-20

9W
30. If power dissipated in the 9-W resistor in the circuit shown is 36 Watt, then
the potential difference across the 2-W resistor is : 6W

(A) 4 Volt (B) 8 Volt

(C) 10 Volt (D) 2 Volt
V 2W

43
Class X - Physics

1. Two charges as shown are placed 10 m. apart. Where should a third

A 10 m B
charge be placed from ‘q’ between them so that net force on this charge
is zero? q 4q

10 20
(A) m (B) m (C) 10m (D) none of these
3 3

2. 4 × 1018 electrons and 6 × 1018 holes move through cross section per second in opposite directions.
Calculate the current.
(A) 0.016 A (B) 0.16 A (C) 1.6 A (D) 16 A

3. A wire of resistance 10 W is elongated by 10%. Find the resistance of the elongated wire.
(A) 1.12 W (B) 11.2 W (C) 12.1 W (D) 10 W

4. The copper wires whose masses are 8 gm and 12 gm have lengths in the ratio 4 : 3. Find the ratio
of their resistances.
(A) 2 : 5 (B) 25 : 16 (C) 8 : 3 (D) 16 : 25

5. A wire of length l is bent into the form of an equilateral triangle. The effective resistance between
any two vertices of the triangle is 'R'. If the same wire is bent into the form of a square, what will
be the effective resistance between the ends of one side?
27R 32R 29R 27R
(A) (B) (C) (D)
32 27 27 29

6. What is the resistance between A and B in the following network?

(A) 1 W
(B) 2 W
3 1W 1W
1W

(C) W
2 O A
1W
2
(D) W B
3
1W
7. Seven identical lamps of resistance 2200 W each are connected to a 220 V line as shown
in Fig. Then the reading in the ammeter will be

220V
D\Allen-Junior wing\Physics\X\Unit-1\1-Electricity\2019-20

1 2 3 1
(A) A (B) A (C) A (D) A
10 5 10 2
8. The potential difference between points A and B of adjoining figure is
2 8 A B
(A) V (B) V 5W 5W
3 9 2V
5W 5W
4
(C) V (D) 2 V 5W 5W
3 D C
44
 Electr icity

9. The reading of the ammeter as per figure shown is 3W

2V
8 3 A
(A) A (B) A 2W
11 4
2W
1 2
(C) A (D) A
2 11 2W

10. A composite resistance of 50 W which can carry a current of 4 A is to be made from resistances
each of resistance 100 W which can carry a current of 1 A. The minimum number of resistances
to be used is :
(A) 4 (B) 8 (C) 12 (D) 16

11. The reading of ideal voltmeter in the circuit shown in

figure is:
15W
(A) 5 V 50 V 30W
(B) 7.5 V V 15W

(C) 10 V

(D) 15 V 35W

12. In the circuit shown the reading of ammeter is 2A. The

ammeter has negligible resistance. The value of R equals
to :
(A) 2 W (B) 4 W
(C) 6 W (D) 8 W

13. Incandescent bulbs are designed by keeping in mind that the resistance of their filament increases
with the increase in temperature. If at room temperature, 100 W, 60 W and 40 W bulbs having
same voltage rating have filament resistance R100, R60 and R40, respectively, then incorrect relation
between these resistances is :
1 1 1
(A) R = + (B) R100 = R40 + R60
100 R 40 R 60

1 1 1
(C) R100 < R60 < R40 (D) R > >
100 R 60 R 40
D\Allen-Junior wing\Physics\X\Unit-1\1-Electricity\2019-20

14. Just as electricity is supplied at 220 V for domestic use in India, it is supplied at 110 V in USA.
If a resistance of 60 W bulb for use in India is R, that of 60 W bulb for use in USA will be :
(A) R/4 (B) R/2 (C) R (D) 2R

15. A long resistance wire is divided into 2n parts. Then n parts are connected in series and the other
n-parts in parallel separately. Both combinations are connected separately to two identical
supplies. Then the ratio of heat produced in series to parallel combinations will be :
(A) 1 : 1 (B) 1 : n2 (C) 1 : n4 (D) n2 : 1

45
Class X - Physics

Very short answer type questions

1. A wire of resistance 5W is bent in the form of a closed circle. What is the resistance between two
points at the ends of any diameter of the circle?

2. Why is much less heat generated in long electric cables than in filaments of electric bulbs?

3. State which has a higher resistance : a 50 watt or a 25 watt lamp bulb and how many times?

4. What is the SI unit of electrical potential?

5. Why is series arrangement not used for connecting domestic electrical appliances in a circuit?

6. Consider the units volt, ohm and ampere. One of them is the same as the product of the other two.
Which one is this?

7. A dry cell usually has a small cap at one end and a flat surface at the other end. Which of the two
is at a higher potential?

8. Name the instruments used to measure electric current and potential difference respectively. Which
of these is connected in series and which is connected in parallel in a circuit?

9. You have two resistors of resistances 30W and 60W. What resistances can you get by
combining the two?

10. Draw a diagram to show two resistors R1 and R2 connected in series.

11. A wire of resistivity r is pulled to double its length. What will be its new resistivity? SA- I (2011)

12. How is an ammeter connected in a circuit to measure current flowing through it? SA- I (2011)

Short answer type questions

13. A child has drawn the electric circuit to study Ohm’s law as shown in figure. His teacher told
that the circuit diagram needs correction. Study the circuit diagram and redraw it after making
all corrections.
()

Y R Y
V
D\Allen-Junior wing\Physics\X\Unit-1\1-Electricity\2019-20

– +
A

14. Three 2 W resistors, A, B and C, are connected as shown in figure. Each of them dissipates
energy and can withstand a maximum power of 18 W without melting. Find the maximum
current that can flow through the three resistors?
2W
I 2W I
B
A
2W
46
 Electr icity

15. Draw a circuit diagram of an electric circuit containing a cell, a key, an ammeter, a resistor
of 2 W in series with a combination of two resistors (4 W each) in parallel and a voltmeter across
the parallel combination. Will the potential difference across the 2 W resistor be the same as
that across the parallel combination of 4 W resistors? Give reason.

16. How does use of a fuse wire protect electrical appliances?

17. What is electrical resistivity? In a series electrical circuit comprising a resistor made up of a
metallic wire, the ammeter reads 5 A. The reading of the ammeter decreases to half when the
length of the wire is doubled. Why?

18. What is the commercial unit of electrical energy? Represent it in terms of joules.

19. A current of 1 ampere flows in a series circuit containing an electric lamp and a conductor
of 5 W when connected to a 10 V battery. Calculate the resistance of the electric lamp. Now
if a resistance of 10 W is connected in parallel with this series combination, what change (if
any) in current flowing through 5 W conductor and potential difference across the lamp will
take place? Give reason.

20. Why is parallel arrangement used in domestic wiring?

21. B1, B2 and B3 are three identical bulbs connected as shown in figure. When all the three bulbs
glow, a current of 3A is recorded by the ammeter A.
B1
A1
B2
A2
B3
A3
+ –
(• ) A
4.5V
(i) What happens to the glow of the other two bulbs when the bulb B1 gets fused?
(ii) What happens to the reading of A 1, A2, A3 and A when the bulb B2 gets fused?
(iii) How much power is dissipated in the circuit when all the three bulbs glow together?

22. Two identical immersion heaters are to be used to heat water, in a large container. Which one of the
following arrangement would heat the water faster : (i) connecting the heaters in series with the
main supply, (ii) connecting the heaters in parallel with the main supply ? Give reasons for your
answer. SA- I (2011)

23. A thick wire and a thin wire made from same material and of same length are connected one by
one to the same source. In which case a larger current will flow in the circuit ? Justify your answer.
SA- I (2011)
D\Allen-Junior wing\Physics\X\Unit-1\1-Electricity\2019-20

24. The element of an electric heater becomes red hot when the current is switched on while it is not so
for the current carrying wires in the circuit. Explain, why ? SA- I (2011)

25. Name the physical quantity which is (i) same (ii) different in all the bulbs when three bulbs of :
(a) same wattage are connected in series SA- I (2011)
(b) same wattage are connected in parallel
(c) different wattage are connected in series
(d) different wattage are connected in parallel

47
Class X - Physics

26. Two conducting wires of same material, equal length and equal diameter are first connected in
series and then in parallel. Compare the equivalent resistance in two cases. SA- I (2011)

27. Define 1 kWh. How is this unit of energy related to 1 joule ? SA- I (2011)

Long answer type questions

28. Three incandescent bulbs of 100 W each are connected in series in an electric circuit. In another
circuit another set of three bulbs of the same wattage are connected in parallel to the same
source.
(1) Will the bulb in the two circuits glow with the same brightness? Justify your answer.
(2) Now let one bulb in both the circuits get fused. Will the rest of the bulbs continue to glow
in each circuit? Give reason.

29. State Ohm’s law? How can it be verified experimentally? Does it hold good under all conditions?
Comment.

30. What is electrical resistivity of a material? What is its unit?

Describe an experiment to study the factors on which the resistance of conducting wire depends.

31. How will you infer with the help of an experiment that the same current flows through every
part of the circuit containing three resistances in series connected to a battery ?

32. How will you conclude that the same potential difference (voltage) exists across three resistors
connected in a parallel arrangement to a battery?

33. What is Joule’s heating effect? How can it be demonstrated experimentally? List its four
applications in daily life.

34. Find out the following in the electric circuit given in fig.
(1) Effective resistance of two 8 W resistors in the combination.
(2) Current flowing through 4 W resistor. A B C
• • + A1 – •
(3) Potential difference across 4 W resistance. + 4W
8V –
(4) Power dissipated in 4 W resistor. 8W 8W
(5) Difference in ammeter readings, if any.
•
( )

– A + •D
Numerical problems 2

35. Calculate the resistance of a copper wire of length 1 m and area of cross section 2 mm2. Resistivity
of copper is 1.7 × 10–8 W m.
D\Allen-Junior wing\Physics\X\Unit-1\1-Electricity\2019-20

36. A copper wire has a resistance of 0.6 W. Another copper wire of the same mass as the first one
is double in length of the first. Find the resistance of the second wire.

37. In an experiment to verify Ohm' law, the current through a resistor and the potential difference across
it are measured. From the values given below, plot a graph of I versus V. Show that the data confirms
Ohm's law, and find the resistance of the resistor.
Current (I) 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4
Potential diff. (V) 1.2, 2.4, 3.6, 4.8
48
 Electr icity

38. Calculate the potential difference across each resistor in the circuit shown in figure.
4W 6W 10W

5V
39. A uniform wire of resistance R is cut into three equal pieces, and these pieces are joined in parallel.
What is the resistance of the combination ?

40. Consider the circuit shown in figure. The voltmeter on the left reads 10 V and that on the right reads
8 V. Find (a) The current through the resistance R, (b) the value of R, and (c) the potential difference
across the battery.
10 V 8V
V V

A B
· · ·C
R 4W

41. Consider the circuit shown in fig. Calculate the current through the 3 W resistor.
i1 3W
4W
i
i2 6W

12V

42. (a) How will you join three resistors of resistance 4 W, 6 W and 12 W to get an equivalent resistance
of 8 W.
(b) What would be the highest and the lowest equivalent resistances possible by joining these resistors.
15W
43. Find (a) the equivalent resistance, (b) the current passing
through the cell, and (c) the current passing through the 30W
30 W resistor in the circuit shown in fig.
D\Allen-Junior wing\Physics\X\Unit-1\1-Electricity\2019-20

6V
44. In the circuit shown below, calculate the total resistance of the circuit and the current flowing
through it. 5W 20W

15W 10W

24V
49
Class X - Physics

1. In case of the circuit shown below, which of the following statements is/are true?
[INJSO STAGE 1 2009-10]
(A) R1, R2 and R3 are in series + –
(B) R2 and R3 are in series
(C) R2 and R3 are in parallel
R1 R2 R3
R 2R 3
(D) The equivalent resistance of the circuit is R1 + R + R
2 3

2. Suppose you are given three resistance of value 2, 4, 6 ohms. Which of the following value is not
possible to get by arranging resistance in various combinations? [INJSO STAGE 2 2009-10]
(A) Less than 2 (B) Equal to 4.4 (C) Equal to 7.33 (D) Equal to 6.75

3. The coil of the heater is cut into two equal halves and only one of them is used in the heater. The
ratio of the heat produced by the original coil to the halved coil is – [INJSO STAGE 2 2009-10]
(A) 2 : 1 (B) 1 : 2 (C) 4 : 1 (D) 1 : 4

4. In the circuit shown, the total current supplied by the battery is– [INJSO STAGE 2 2009-10]
(A) 1A 3
6
(B) 2A
(C) 3A 3 4

(D) 6A
6v
5. A 230 V, 1-kW electric oven is mistakenly connected to 115 V power, line that also has 15-A fuse.
The oven will [INJSO STAGE 2 2009-10]
(A) give off less than 1kW of heat (B) give off 1kW of heat
(C) give of more than 1kW of heat (D) blow the fuse

6. Consider the circuit below : [INJSO STAGE-2 2009-10]

A B
(A) If the bulb A burns out, then bulb C stays lighted, bulb B burns brightly
C
(B) If the bulb B burns out, then bulb C goes off and D stays lighted D
E
(C) If the bulb C burns out, bulb A and B go off

(D) If the bulb D burns out, the event is unnoticeable, and bulbs A, B, C stays lighted.
7. A copper wire of length L and cross-sectional area A has a resistance of R. For what values of
length and cross-sectional area of another piece of copper wire given below will have a resistance
D\Allen-Junior wing\Physics\X\Unit-1\1-Electricity\2019-20

of 4R ? [NSO 2010]
Length Cross - Sectional Area
(A) L 2A

(B) L
1/2 A

(C) 2L
1/2 A
(D) 2L 2A

50
 Electr icity

8. The ratings of three bulbs P, Q, R are as follows : [NSTSE 2010]

P : 120V, 24W
Q : 120V, 60W
R : 240V, 60W
Which of the following represents the ascending order of their resistance ?
(A) P, Q, R (B) Q, P, R (C) R, P, Q (D) Q, R, P

9. Two identical lamps P and Q light up when connected to a battery as shown in the figure :
[NSTSE 2010]

What happens when the switch S is closed ?

(A) P and Q become brighter. (B) P and Q become dimmer.
(C) P does not light up, Q becomes brighter. (D) Q does not light up, P becomes brighter.

10. Three resistors of 6 W each are connected in parallel. Three such combinations are then connected
in series to a 3 V battery. Find the current flowing through each resistor. [NSTSE 2010]
1 1
(A) 1A (B) 0.5A (C) A (D) A
18 6

11. The manufacturer of a lamp shown in figure claims that 80% of the power of lamp is emitted as
light. [NSTSE 2010]

What is the rate of light energy emitted from lamp ?

(A) 12.8 W (B) 12 W (C) 15 W (D) 3 W

12. Three resistors are connected as shown in the figure : [NSTSE 2010]
D\Allen-Junior wing\Physics\X\Unit-1\1-Electricity\2019-20

Between which two points is the effective resistance greatest ?

(A) Z and X (B) Y and Z
(C) X and Y (D) Same for any two terminals
51
Class X - Physics

13. The figure shows three resistors in a circuit : [NSTSE 2010]

Identify the correct relationship between the currents from the following :
(A) I1 > I2 > I3 (B) I1 > I3 > I2 (C) I1 < I2 < I3 (D) I1 < I3 < I2

14. The graph of the potential difference V against the current I for a device is as shown below:
[NSTSE 2010]

Which of the following is the correct deduction ?

(A) The device obeys ohm’s law.
(B) The resistance of the device increases when the current increases.
(C) The resistance of the device remains constant when the potential difference increases.
(D) The resistance of the device remains constant when the current increases.

15. Figure below shows three combinations of resistors, connected between points X and Y. All the
resistors have resistance 9 W : [NSTSE 2010]

Find the ratio of total resistance between the points X and Y of each combination A, B and C
respectively.
(A) 1 : 1 : 1 (B) 3 : 2 : 1 (C) 1 : 9 : 3 (D) 18 : 9 : 2

16. Observe the network given below : [NSTSE 2010]

D\Allen-Junior wing\Physics\X\Unit-1\1-Electricity\2019-20

Find the effective resistance across points X and Y.

8
(A) W (B) 10 W (C) 30 W (D) 48 W
3

52
 Electr icity

17. How many units of electricity will be consumed if you use a 60 watt electric bulb for 10 hours every
day for 30 days : [NTSE STAGE 1 2010-11]
(A) 24 Units (B) 18 Units (C) 12 Units (D) 6 Units

18. [NSO 2010]

V V V V

I I I I
Fig.(I) Fig.(II) Fig.(III) Fig.(IV)
The relation between the potential difference (V) and current (l) across a conductor is correctly
represented by _ _ _ _ _
(A) Fig. (I) (B) Fig. (II) (C) Fig. (III) (D) Fig. (IV)

Direction : Read the passage carefully and answer Q.

nos. 19 and 20. An electric bulb ‘P’ rated 220 V, 60W and,
Bulb P Bulb Q
another identical bulb ‘Q’ is connected across the mains
220V
as shown here. [NSO 2010]
Mains
19. The total power consumed is _ _ _ _ _
(A) 20W (B) 40W (C) 30W (D) 60W

20. What will be the total power if the bulbs are connected in parallel?
(A) 120W (B) 60W (C) 200W (D) 60W

21. Find out the equivalent resistance across AB from [INAO 2011]
given circuit, if R = 10W
(A) 10W
(B) 100W
(C) 5W
(D) 6W

22. The value of current I and voltage V in the given circuit will be : [NTSE STAGE 1 2012-13]
2W

I
+
12 V 6W 2W V
–

2W
D\Allen-Junior wing\Physics\X\Unit-1\1-Electricity\2019-20

(A) 2A, 4V (B) 4A, 2V (C) 1A, 2V (D) 2A, 1V

23. Three equal resistors connected in series across a source of V voltage together dissipates 5W power.
If the same resistors are connected in parallel across the same source of voltage V, the power
dissipated will be : [NTSE STAGE 1 2012-13]
(A) 20 W (B) 25 W (C) 40 W (D) 45 W

53
Class X - Physics

24. When the diameter of a wire is doubled its resistance becomes:

[NTSE STAGE 1 Chandigarh 2013-14]
(A) Double (B) Four Times (C) One Half (D) One Fourth

25. The frequency of alternating current (a.c.) supply in India is–

[NTSE STAGE 1 Chandigarh 2013-14]
(A) 0 Hz (B) 50 Hz (C) 60 Hz (D) 100 Hz

26. Consider a simple circuit containing a battery and three identical incandescent bulbs A, B and C.
Bulb A is wired in parallel with bulb B and this combination is wired in series with bulb C. What
would happen to the brightness of the other two bulbs if bulb A were to burn out?
(A) Only bulb B would get brighter. [NTSE STAGE 2 2013-14]
(B) Both A and B would get brighter.
(C) Bulb B would get brighter and bulb C would get dimmer.
(D) There would be no change in the brightness of either bulb B or bulb C

27. Three different circuits (I. II and III) are constructed using identical batteries and resistors of R and
2R ohm. What can be said about current I in arm AB of each circuit?
[NTSE STAGE 2 2013-14]

(I) (II)

(III)
(A) III < II < IIII (B) II < III < IIII (C) II = III = IIII (D) II > III = IIII

28. The value of equivalent resistance between the points A and B in the given circuit, will be
R R
A

R R
[NTSE STAGE 1 2014-15]
B
D\Allen-Junior wing\Physics\X\Unit-1\1-Electricity\2019-20

R R
4R 11R R
(A) 6 R (B) (C) (D)
11 4 6

29. When 1J of work is done to move a charge of 1 C from one point to another point then the potential
difference between two points in a given circuit will be [NTSE STAGE 1 2014-15]
(A) 1V (B) 4V (C) 8V (D) zero

54
 Electr icity

30. A certain household has consumed 200 units of energy during a month. Its value in joules will be
[NTSE STAGE 1 2014-15]
10 10 8
(A) 3.6 × 10 (B) 7.2 × 10 (C) 3.6 × 10 (D) 7.2 × 108

31. Find the reading of the ammeter in the circuit given below: [NTSE STAGE 2 2014-15]

I +A– R/2 R/2 R/2 R/2

+
– V R R R/2

R/2

V 3V 2V 11V
(A) (B) (C) (D)
2R 4R 7R R

32. Three bulbs with individual power ratings of 12W, 2W and 6W respectively are connected as per
the circuit diagram below. Find the amount of heat dissipated by each in 10 seconds. (Assume
voltage rating of each bulb is 12 V) [NTSE STAGE 2 2014-15]
12W

2W

6W
I
( )

+ –
12V

(A) 8J, 1.33J, 4J (B) 120J, 20J, 60J (C) 10J, 0.277J, 2.5J (D) 12J, 1.66J, 5J

33. What will be the value of R in the following electric circuit? [STSE 2014-15]
(A) 6 W I 2W R

(B) 4 W

(C) 8 W 2I I 4W 2I
+ –
(D) 2 W
12 V
D\Allen-Junior wing\Physics\X\Unit-1\1-Electricity\2019-20

34. The electric power of an electric appliance is given by [STSE 2014-15]

(A) I2 V (B) IV (C) IR2 (D) V2R

35. Of the following, the copper conductor that has the least resistance is
[NTSE STAGE 1 2015-16]
(A) thin, long and hot (B) thick, short and cool
(C) thick, long and hot (D) thin, short and cool

55
Class X - Physics

36. Four 20 W resistors are connected in series and the combination is connected to a 20 V emf device.
The potential difference across any one of the resistors is [NTSE STAGE 1 2015-16]
(A) 5 V (B) 2 V (C) 4 V (D) 20 V

Paragraph
In the following passage some concepts about electrical circuit analysis is discussed. Based on this
answer questions 37 to 39.
(i) When two or more conductors meet at a point it is called a junctions. At junctions there
should not be any accumulation of charges. This implies that the net current entering the
junction should be equal to net current leaving a junction.
(ii) In a closed circuit having resistors and batteries, the sum of voltages across the resistors will
be equal to net electromotive force (emf). This follows from the principle of conservation of
energy.
With the help of above two concepts the current and voltage across different circuit elements can be
determined.

37. The current I in the branch shown in the adjacent figure is [NSEJS 2015-16]

6A 1.5A
I

5A 3A 0.5 A

8A

(A) 3.0 A (B) 2.5 A (C) 4.0 A (D) 4.5 A

38. A closed circuit shown in the adjacent figure includes a resistor 20 W

of rasistance 20.0W and battery of emf 3.0V and internal
resistance of 1W. The internal resistance of the battery can be
considered in series with it. The voltage drop across the resistor
of resistance 20W is [NSEJS 2015-16] 3V
(A) 2.857 V (B) 3.000 V
(C) 2.500 V (D) 1.567 V 1W

39. A circuit which is used for charging a battery is shown in the adjacent 9V 1W
figure. The battery 'B' has emf 6 V and internal resistance of 2W. The A
charging battery 'A' has an emf of 9 V and internal resistance of 1W. 6V, 2W
The voltage across the points P and Q [NSEJS 2015-16] P B Q
(A) 8 V (B) 7V (C) 4 V (D) 4.2 V

40. Three 6 W resistors are connected in parallel and the combination is connected to a 15 V battery.
D\Allen-Junior wing\Physics\X\Unit-1\1-Electricity\2019-20

The current through any one of the resistors will be– [NTSE STAGE-1 2016-17]
(A) 2.5 A (B) 2.0 A (C) 5 A (D) 10 A

41. The diameter of a wire is reduced to one-fifth of its original value by stretching it. If its initial
resistance is R, what would be its resistance after reduction of the diameter ?
[NTSE STAGE-II - 2016]
R R
(A) (B) (C) 25 R (D) 625 R
625 25

56
 Electr icity

42. A charged particle placed in an electric field falls from rest through a distance d in time t. If the
charge on the particle is doubled, the time of fall through the same distance will be
[NTSE STAGE-II - 2016]
t t
(A) 2t (B) t (C) (D)
2 2

43. Three bulbs B1, B2 and B3 having rated powers 100 W, 60 W [NSEJS 2016-17]
and 60 W at 250 V are connected in a circuit as shown in the
100 60
adjacent figure. if W1, W2 and W3 are the output powers of the
B1 B2
bulbs B1, B2 and B3 respectively, then
60
(A) W1 > W2 = W3
B3
(B) W1 > W2 > W3
(C) W1 < W2 = W3
(D) W1 < W2 < W3
250 V

44. Rod AB of radius 2r is joined with rod BC of radius r. They are of same material and are of same
length. The combination carries a current I. Choose the correct statement [NSEJS 2016-17]
(A) VAB = 4VBC A B C
(B) Current per unit area in AB and BC are equal I I
(C) Resistance of AB is greater than that of BC
(D) VBC = 4VAB

45. Two bodies A and B are charged with equal magnitude of charge but A with positive charge
and B with negative. If MA and MB are masses before charging and M'A and M 'B are the masses
after charging, then (m0 is some constant mass) [NSEJS 2016-17]
(A) M'A = M A + m0 and M'B = MB - m0 (B) M'A = M A - m0 and M'B = MB + m0

' m0
(C) M'A = MB' (D) M A = M A - and M'B = MB + m0
2

46. A conductor of length L has a verying cross section with area 2A at P and A at Q as shown
in the adjacent figure. If it carries a steady current I, then– [NSEJS 2016-17]
(A) Net charge per unit volume near P is more than net
charge per unit volume near Q P
(B) Net charge per unit volume near Q is less than net Q
charge per unit volume
(C) Current per unit area near P is more than current per
D\Allen-Junior wing\Physics\X\Unit-1\1-Electricity\2019-20

L
unit area near Q
(D) Current per unit area near P is less than current per
unit area near Q

57
Class X - Physics

47. The effective resistance between A and D in the circuit shown in the adjacent figure is
[NSEJS 2016-17]

5W 10W 5W
A B

10W 10W

C D
5W 10W 5W

(A) 5 W (B) 10 W (C) 15 W (D) 20 W

48. Three voltmeters all having different resistances are joined as shown. When some potential
difference is applied across A and B then reading in voltmeters are V1,V2,V3 :

V1 V2

A B

V3

[NTSE HARYANA - 2017 - 18]

(A) V1 = V2 (B) V1 < V2 (C) V1 + V2 = V3 (D) V1 + V2 > V3

49. What is potential difference across AB ?

A B
3A 3V 1W 6W
[NTSE HARYANA - 2017 - 18]
(A) 24 V (B) 0 V (C) 6 V (D) 18 V

50. Three equal resistors connected in series across a source of emf dissipate 10 watt. If the same
resistor are connected in parallel across the same emf. The power dissipated will be :
[NTSE HARYANA - 2017 - 18]
10
(A) 10 watt (B) 30 watt (C) watt (D) 90 watt
3

51. Which of the following is/are true for an ammeter ?

(a) An ammeter always reads lesser than actual current.
(b) An ammeter always reads more than actual current.
(c) An ammeter is always connected in series because it is a low resistances device.
(d) An ammeter is always connected in series because it is a high resistance.
D\Allen-Junior wing\Physics\X\Unit-1\1-Electricity\2019-20

[NTSE DELHI - 2017 - 18]

(A) Only (a) (B) (a) and (b) (C) (a) and (c) (D) Only (d)

52. A current of 0.4 A is flowing through a bulb for 3 minutes. Find the charge that is flowing through
the circuit.
[NTSE MAHARASTRA - 2017 - 18]
(A) 12 C (B) 36 C (C) 72 C (D) 450 C

58
 Electr icity

53. An electric current of 5 amperes is divided into three branches, along three wire of same material
with same cross–section but with their lengths in the proportion of 1 : 2 : 3 then the current in the
middle branch will be :
[NTSE ODISHA - 2017 - 18]
30 10 15
(A) A (B) A (C) A (D) 2.5 A
11 11 11

54. An 80 watt lamp is connected to a 220 volt power supply, its resistance is :
[NTSE ODISHA - 2017 - 18]
(A) 1210 W (B) 600 W (C) 605 W (D) 484 W

55. Two resistance 10 W and 3 W are connected in parallel across a battery. If there is a current of
0.2 A in the 10 W resistance. The emf of the battery will be :
[NTSE ODISHA - 2017 - 18]
(A) 2 V (B) 2.2 V (C) 1.8 V (D) 2.1 V

56. The electrical resistivity of a conducting wire is K. If its length and area of cross-section are doubled
then the new resistivity of the wire will be :
[NTSE STAGE-I RAJASTHAN - 2017]
(A) K (B) 2K (C) K/2 (D) K/4

57. What is the equivalent resistance of the given circuit between points A and B ?
1W 2W

1W 3W 2W
A B
1W 2W

[NTSE STAGE-I RAJASTHAN - 2017]

14 17
(A) 10W (B) 4W (C) W (D) W
3 6

58. 4 bulbs rated 100 W each, operate for 6 hours per day. What is the cost of the energy consumed in
30 days at the rate of Rs. 5/kWh ?
[NTSE STAGE-I RAJASTHAN - 2017]
(A) Rs. 360 (B) Rs. 90 (C) Rs. 120 (D) Rs.400

59. The equivalent resistance of r1 & r2 when connected in series is R1 and that when they are con-

R1
nected in parallel is R2. Then the ratio [NTSE STAGE-I JHARKHAND - 2017-18]
R2 :
D\Allen-Junior wing\Physics\X\Unit-1\1-Electricity\2019-20

r1 r1 + r 2 (r1 + r2 ) 2 r1 r2
(A) (B) (C) (D)
r2 r1 r 2 r1 r2 2 r1 + r2

60. An elecric bulb is rated 220V and 100W . When it is operated on 110V, the power consumed will
be [NTSE STAGE-I JHARKHAND - 2017-18]
(A) 100W (B) 75W (C) 50W (D) 25W

59
Class X - Physics

61. 6 ohm and 12 ohm resistors are connected in parallel. This combination is connected in series with
a 10V battery and 6 ohm resistor. What is the potential difference between the terminals of 12 ohm
resistor?
[NTSE STAGE-I ANDHRA PRADESH - 2017-18]
(A) 14V (B) 16V (C) 10V (D) 4V

62. How many turns of a nichrome wire, 1mm in diameter, should be wound around a porcelain
cylinder with radius 2.5cm to obtain a heater with resistance of 20 ohm? (Resistivity of nichrome =
1 × 10–6 ohm-metre) [NTSE STAGE-I BIHAR - 2017-18]
(A) 650 (B) 1200 (C) 100 (D) 5

63. Two wires of same material have lengths L and 2L and cross-sectional areas 4A and A respectively.
The ratio of their resistances would be
[NTSE STAGE-I MADHYA PRADESH - 2017-18]
(A) 1 : 1 (B) 1 : 8 (C) 8 : 1 (D) 1 : 2

64. Wire of resistance R is stretched to thrice of its original length. What is its new resistance?
[NTSE STAGE-I MADHYA PRADESH - 2017-18]
(A) 9R (B) R/9 (C) 3R (D) R/3

65. In the adjacent circuit what is the current flowing from N to K?

30W 60W
A B J K
30W 10W
G H 60W L
D C N M
30W 60W

120 V
[NSEJS-2017]
(A) 3A (B) 2A (C) 1A (D) 0.5 A

66. The equivalent resistance of two resistances in series is 'S'. These resistance are now joined in
parallel. The parallel equivalent resistance is 'P'. If S = n P. Then the minimum possible value of n
is [NSEJS-2017]
(A) 2 (B) 3 (C) 4 (D) 5

67. Three electric bulbs of rating 40W – 200V; 50W – 200V and 100W – 200V are connected in series
D\Allen-Junior wing\Physics\X\Unit-1\1-Electricity\2019-20

to a 600 V supply. What is likely to happen as the supply is switched on ?

[NTSE STAGE-II- 2018]
(A) Only 50 W bulb will fuse.
(B) Both 40 W and 50 W bulbs will fuse.
(C) All the three bulbs will emit light with their rated powers.
(D) 100 W bulb will emit light of maximum intensity.

60
 Electr icity

68. An electrical circuit, shown below, consists of a battery, an ammeter, three resistors and two keys.
[NTSE STAGE-II- 2018]
A

12W
3W 4W
12V

K1 K2

Consider two cases:

(i) The key K1 is closed and the key K2 is open.
(ii) The key K2 is closed and the key K1 is open.
The ratio of respective currents in these two cases will be:
(A) 3 : 4 (B) 4 : 3 (C) 4 : 5 (D) 5 : 4

69. Two nichrome wires A and B, each of length 5 cm and of radius 1 cm and 3 cm respectively are
connected to each other in series. If a current of 5 A flows through the combination of wires, the
ratio of potential difference across wire A to that across wire B will be :
[NTSE STAGE-II- 2018]
(A) 1 : 3 (B) 3 : 1 (C) 9 : 1 (D) 1 : 9

70. Match the electric devices given in Column-A with their symbols shown in Column-B.
[NTSE STAGE-I RAJ. - 2018]
Column-A Column-B
(a) Voltmeter (i) + –

(b) Rheostat (ii) ()

(c) Electric cell (iii) +v –

(d) Plug key (iv)

(A) (a) – (iii), (b) – (i), (c) – (iv), (d) – (ii) (B) (a) – (iii), (b) – (iv), (c) – (ii), (d) – (i)
(C) (a) – (iii), (b) – (ii), (c) – (i), (d) – (iv) (D) (a) – (iii), (b) – (iv), (c) – (i), (d) – (ii)

71. The equivalent resistance of the given circuit between points A and B is
[NTSE STAGE-I RAJ. - 2018]

10W
A
D\Allen-Junior wing\Physics\X\Unit-1\1-Electricity\2019-20

10W
10W 10W

B
10W

(A) 40 W (B) 4 W (C) 5 W (D) 0.2 W

61
Class X - Physics

72. The electric device which is having more use time and less electricity consumption is–
[NTSE STAGE-I RAJ. - 2018]
(A) Incandescent Bulb (B) CFL (C) LED (D) Tubelight

73. Each resistance in the adjacent circuit is R W. In order to have an integral value for equivalent
resistance between A and B, the minimum value of R must be : [NSEJS-2018]

A B

(A) 4 W (B) 8 W (C) 16 W (D) 29 W

74. Choose correct option from the following statements from electrostatics : [NSEJS-2018]
(I) If two copper spheres of same radii, one hollow and the other solid are charged to the same
electrical potential, the solid sphere will have more charge.
(II) A charged body can attract another uncharged body.
(III) Electrical lines of force originating from like charges will exert a lateral force on each other,
while those originating from opposite charges can intersect each other.
(A) Only (I) is correct. (B) Only (II) is correct.
(C) Only (I) and (II) are correct. (D) All (I), (II) and (III) are correct.

75. Refer the adjacent circuit. The voltmeter reads 117 V and ammeter reads 0.13 A. If the resistance
of voltmeter and ammeter are 9 kW and 0.015 W respectively, the value of R is _____.
[NSEJS-2018]

A
R

(A) 500 W (B) 1 kW (C) 1.5 kW (D) 2 kW

******
D\Allen-Junior wing\Physics\X\Unit-1\1-Electricity\2019-20

62
 Electr icity

ANSWERS
CHECK POST-1
1. (B) 2. (D) 3. (B) 4. (D) 5. (D)

CHECK POST-2
1. (A) 2. (A) 3. (A) 4. (B) 5. (B)

CHECK POST-3
1. (C) 2. (C) 3. (A) 4. (C) 5. (D)

CHECK POST-4
1. (A) 2. (B) 3. (B) 4. (A) 5. (C)

CHECK POST-5
1. (D) 2. (A) 3. (C) 4. (B) 5. (B)

CHECK POST-6
1. (C) 2. (A) 3. (A) 4. (A) 5. (A)

CHECK POST-7
1. (A) 2. (D) 3. (C) 4. (B) 5. (A)

CHECK POST-8
1. (B) 2. (B) 3. (D) 4. (C) 5. (A)

EXERCISE-1 : (ELEMENTARY)
Que. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15
Ans. D A D A A D D C C C D D B D A

Que. 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30
Ans. B D B A B B A B D C C C D B C

EXERCISE-2 : (SEASONED)
Que. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15
Ans. A C C C A A D C A B B C B A B

EXERCISE-3 : [CBSE-PATTERN]
1. 1.25 W 3. R25 = 2 R50 4. Volt 6. Volt 9. 90 W and 20 W
11. r 14. 3A 34. (1) 4 W (2) 1 A (3) 4 V (4) 4 W
(5) No difference 35. 8.5 × 10–3 W 36. 2.4 W 37. 12 W
D\Allen-Junior wing\Physics\X\Unit-1\1-Electricity\2019-20

38. 1 V , 1.5 V, 2.5 V 39. R/9 40. (a) 2A (b) 5W (c) 18 V

6W

4W
41. 4/3 A 42. (a) (b) 22W and 2W

12W

43. (a) 10W (b) 0.6 A (c) 0.2 A 44. 12.5W and 48/25 A

63
Class X - Physics

EXERCISE-4 : (COMPETITIVE ASSESSMENT)

Que. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Ans. CD D B C A D C B C D
Que. 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20
Ans. B C A B D B B B C A
Que. 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30
Ans. D A D D B C C C A D
Que. 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40
Ans. B B D B B A C A A A
Que. 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50
Ans. D C D D B D D C D D
Que. 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60
Ans. C C C C A A B A C D
Que. 61 62 63 64 65 66 67 68 69 70
Ans. D C B A C C B D C D
Que. 71 72 73 74 75
Ans. C C B B B

******

D\Allen-Junior wing\Physics\X\Unit-1\1-Electricity\2019-20

64