M.E.

S INDIAN SCHOOL, DOHA – QATAR

Notes 2023-2024

Section : BOYS/GIRLS Date: 30-09-2023

Class &Div.: X (All Divisions) Subject: Physics

Lesson/Topic: Electricity

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1. Define electric current. State and define the S. I unit of electric current.
Ans: The electric current is defined as the rate of flow of electric charges through any cross-section of a
𝑄
conductor. Current I=
𝑡
The S.I unit of current is ampere(A)
If one coulomb of charge flows through any section of a conductor in one second, then current through it
is said to be one ampere.
2.An electric iron draws a current of 0.6 A when the voltage is 100 volt. Calculate the amount of
electric charges flowing through it in one hour.
𝑄
Ans: I =  Q=I x t Q= 0.6 x 3600 s = 2160 C
𝑡
3. What is the S.I unit of charge ?
Ans: coulomb ( C )
4.Calculate the number of electrons constituting one coulomb of charge.
Ans: Net charge Q = ne n number of electrons e  charge of an electron
𝑄
Number of electrons n =
𝑒
1𝐶
= 1.6 𝑥 10−19

= 6.25 x 1018
5.Name the instrument used to measure current . How is it connected in a circuit ?
Ans: Ammeter.
It is always connected in series.
6.Define potential difference.
Ans: The potential difference between two points in an electric field is defined as the work done in
𝑊
bringing a unit positive charge from one point to the other. Potential difference V=
𝑄

S.I unit of potential difference is ‘volt’ (V)

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7. What is meant by saying that the potential difference between two points is 1 V ?
OR Define S.I unit of potential difference.
Ans: The potential difference between two points is 1 volt , if one joule of work is done in moving a
positive charge of one coulomb from one point to the other point.
𝑊 1J
Potential difference V= 1volt =
𝑄 1C

8. How much energy is given to 5 coulomb of charge passing through a 12 V battery?

𝑊
Ans: V= so, W=VQ
𝑄

Energy given by battery = VQ

=5 C x 12 V = 60J
9. Draw the symbols of commonly used components in circuit diagrams.

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10. Draw schematic diagram of an electric circuit comprising – cell, electric bulb , ammeter and
plug key

11. State Ohm’s law.

Ans: This law states that the current flowing through a conductor is directly proportional to the potential
difference applied across its ends, provided the temperature and other physical conditions remain
unchanged. Vα I V = IR
12. Name and define the S.I unit of resistance.
Ans: The S.I unit of resistance is ohm (Ω). The resistance of a conductor is said to be 1Ω if a current of
𝑉
1A flows through it on applying a potential difference of 1V across its ends R=
𝐼
1𝑉
1Ω =
1𝐴
13. A torch bulb is rated at 1.5 V, 500 mA. Find its resistance.
𝑉 1.5
Ans: From Ohm’s law, R= R= = 3Ω
𝐼 500 x 10ˉ³
14. 100 J of work is done in transferring 20 C of charge between two points in a conductor. Find
the resistance offered by the conductor , if a current of 2A flows through it.
𝑊 100𝐽
Ans: potential difference V= = =5V
𝑄 20𝐶
𝑉
Resistance R=
𝐼
5𝑉
R =
2𝐴
R=2.5Ω

15. On what factors does the resistance of a conductor depend ?

Ans: The resistance of a conductor depends upon the following factors :
a) Length of the conductor
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b) Cross-sectional area of the conductor
c ) Material of the conductor
d) Temperature of the conductor
16. (a) What is meant by resistivity of a material?
(b) Derive the S.I unit of resistivity.
Ans: a) The resistance of a conductor is directly proportional to its length.
R ∝l
The resistance of a conductor is inversely proportional to the area of cross-section.
1
R∝
𝐴
𝑙
Combining the above we get, R ∝
𝐴
𝑙
R=𝜌 where 𝜌(rho) is a constant of proportionality which is called the resistivity or specific
𝐴
resistance of the material.
If l = 1m , A = 1m2 then R = 𝜌
Resistivity of a material is the resistance of a unit length of the material having unit area of cross-
section.
𝑙
b) R = 𝜌
𝐴
𝑅𝐴
𝜌=
𝑙
Ω𝑚²
S.I unit of resistivity 𝜌 = = Ωm
𝑚
17. Distinguish between the terms resistance and resistivity.
Ans: The resistance of a conductor is the property by which it opposes the flow of current through it.The
resistance of a conductor changes with change in length or area of cross-section. S.I unit is ohm(Ω)
Resistivity is defined as the resistance offered by a cube of a material of side 1 m. Resistivity of a
material remains constant at a particular temperature. S.I unit is ohm metre (Ωm)
18. Calculate the resistance of a 1 m long wire of diameter 0.3 mm. The resistivity of the material is
1.84 x 10ˉ⁶ Ωm. If a potential difference of 10V is applied across this wire , what will be the
current in the wire?
𝑙
Ans: Resistance R=𝜌 Area of cross-section, 𝐴 = 𝜋𝑟 2
𝐴
R= 1.84 x 10ˉ⁶ x 1m / 3.14 x (.15 x 10ˉ³)²
=26Ω|
𝑉
Current , I =
𝑅
I = 10V / 26Ω
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 I =0.38A
19. Will current flow more easily through a thick wire or a thin wire of the same material, when
connected to the same source ? Why?
𝑙
Ans: Resistance R = 𝜌
𝐴
Resistance is inversely proportional to the area of cross-section of the wire. Thicker the wire ,
lower is the resistance of the wire and vice-versa. Therefore , current can flow more easily through a
thick wire than a thin wire .
20. Let the resistance of an electrical component remains constant while the potential difference
across the two ends of the component decreases to half of its former value . What changes will
occur in the current through it ?
Ans: V = IR V𝛼I Ohm’s law.
The potential difference is reduced to half, keeping the resistance constant. Therefore , the current
flowing through it is reduced to half .
21.Why are coils of electric toasters and electric irons made of an alloy rather than a pure
metal ?
Ans: The resistivity of an alloy is higher than the pure metal. Moreover, at high temperatures, the alloys
do not melt readily. Hence , the coils of heating appliances such as electric toasters and electric irons are
made of an alloy rather than a pure metal .
22. (a) Which among iron and mercury is a better conductor ?
(b) Which material is the best conductor ?
Ans: (a) Resistivity of iron = 10.0 x 10-8 Ωm
Resistivity of mercury = 94.0 x 10-8 Ωm
Resistivity of mercury is more than that of iron. This implies that iron is a better conductor than mercury .
(b) The resistivity of silver is the lowest( 1.6x 10-8 Ωm). Hence , it is the best conductor .
23. A copper wire of resistivity 𝝆 is stretched to reduce its diameter to half of its value.
What will be its new resistivity ?
Ans: The resistivity 𝜌 remains the same .
24. Is the resistivity of an alloy lower or higher than that of its constituent metals ?
Ans : The resistivity of an alloy is generally higher than that of pure metals which form the alloy.
25. Which metal is used almost exclusively for filaments of electric bulbs ?
Ans: Tungsten
26. Derive an expression for the equivalent resistance of three resistances connected in series.
Ans: Consider three resistors R1 , R2 and R3 connected in series. Suppose a current I flows through the
circuit when a battery of voltage V is connected across the combination.

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By Ohm’s law , the potential difference across the three resistances will be
V1 = IR1 V2 = IR2 V3 = IR3
If Rs be the equivalent resistance of the series combination , then on applying a potential difference V
across it , the same current I must flow through it . Therefore ,
V = IRs
V = V1 + V2 + V3
IRs = IR1 + IR2 + IR3
Rs = R1 + R2 + R3
Equivalent resistance = sum of the individual resistances
27. Derive an expression for the equivalent resistance of three resistances connected in parallel.
Ans: Consider three resistors R1 , R2 and R3 connected in parallel .Suppose a current I flows through the
circuit when a battery of voltage V is connected across the combination. The current I at point X is
divided as I1, I2 and I3 which flows through resistors R1 , R2 and R3.

By Ohm’s law, the current through each resistor is

𝑉 𝑉 𝑉
I1 = I2 = I3 =
𝑅₁ 𝑅₂ 𝑅₃

Let Rp be the equivalent resistance of the parallel combination. As all the resistors are connected between
the same points X and Y , so voltage across each of them is same. By ohm’s law ,

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Reciprocal of equivalent resistance = sum of reciprocals of individual resistances.
28. An electric lamp, whose resistance is 20Ω and a conductor of 4Ω resistance are connected to
a 6V battery. Calculate
i) the total circuit resistance. ii) the current flowing in the circuit
iii) the potential difference across the electric lamp and the conductor.

Ans: i) Rs = R1 + R2 =20Ω +4Ω = 24Ω ii) current I = V/Rs = 6V / 24Ω = 0.25 A

iii) p.d across the conductor V1 = IR1 = 0.25 A × 4Ω = 1V
p.d across electric lamp V2 = IR2 = 0.25 A × 20Ω = 5V
(voltage gets divided in series circuit
1V + 5 V = 6V )
29. In the circuit diagram given below R1 = 5 Ω , R2 =10Ω , R3 = 30Ω and a 6V battery is connected
to the arrangement. Calculate i)the total circuit resistance ii) the total current in the circuit iii)
the value of current through each resistor.

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 1 1 1 1
Ans: i) = 𝑅1 + 𝑅2 + 𝑅3
𝑅𝑝

= 1/5 + 1/10 + 1/30

= 1/3
Total circuit resistance, Rp = 3Ω
ii)Total current I = V / Rp = 6V /3Ω = 2A
iii) Current through 5Ω resistor I1 = V/ R1 = 6V/5Ω = 1.2 A
Current through 10Ω resistor I2 = V/ R2 = 6V/10Ω = 0.6A
Current through 30Ω resistor I3 = V/ R3 = 6V/30Ω = 0.2 A (current gets divided in
parallel circuit 1.2 A + 0.6A + 0.2A = 2A )
30.An electric lamp of 100Ω , a toaster of resistance 50Ω and a water filter of resistance 500Ω are
connected in parallel to a 220V source . What is the resistance of an electric iron connected to the
same source that takes as much current as all three appliances and what is the current through it ?
Ans: Equivalent resistance of all three appliances connected in parallel ,

= 1/100 + 1/50 + 1/500

= 16/500
Rp = 500/16
= 31.25 Ω
Resistance of electric iron = Equivalent resistance of all three appliances connected in parallel
= 31.25 Ω
𝑉
Current through electric iron I =
𝑅

= 220V/ 31.25Ω
= 7.04 A
31. What are the advantages of connecting electrical devices in parallel ?
Ans:i) There is no division of voltage among the appliances when connected in parallel. The potential
difference across each appliance is equal to the supplied voltage.
ii) The total effective resistance of the circuit can be reduced by connecting electrical appliances in
parallel.
iii) If one device is switched OFF or fails to work , other devices are not affected.
32.How can three resistors of resistances 2Ω, 3Ω and 6Ω be connected to give a total resistance of
a) 4Ω b) 1Ω ?
Ans: a) Connect 3Ω and 6Ω in parallel

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1 1 1 1 1 1
= + = +
𝑅𝑝 𝑅1 𝑅2 𝑅𝑝 3 6

Rp = 2Ω

Connect 2Ω resistor in series with this combination. Total resistance = 2Ω + 2Ω

= 4Ω
b) Connect all resistors in parallel.

1 1 1 1
= + +
𝑅𝑝 3 6 2
Rp = 1Ω

33. What is a) the highest b) the lowest total resistance that can be secured by combinations of
four coils of resistances 4Ω, 8Ω, 12Ω, 24Ω ?
Ans: a) Connect the resistors in series. Equivalent Resistance = 4Ω + 8Ω + 12Ω + 24Ω = 48Ω
1 1 1 1 1
b) Connect the resistors in parallel. Equivalent Resistance = + + +
𝑅𝑝 4 8 12 24
Rp = 2Ω
34. If three identical lamps are connected in parallel and the combined resistance is 150Ω, find the
resistance of one lamp.
𝑅
Ans: Equivalent Resistance ( when identical resistors are connected in parallel ) ,Rp = 𝑁

Resistance of each lamp, R = Rp x N

= 150Ω x 3
= 450Ω
35. Derive an expression for heat produced in a resistor on passing current through it.
OR
Derive H = I²Rt.

Ans: Consider a resistor of resistance R .Let I be the current flowing through it on applying a potential
difference V.
The amount of charge that flows from X to Y in time t is given by
Q=I×t [ I = Q/t]

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Work done in carrying charge Q from X to Y W=V×Q [V = W/Q]
W = V × It =VIt
This work done or energy is spent in overcoming the resistance offered by the resistor. If the circuit is
purely resistive, the whole energy appears as heat. The amount of heat produced is
H = VIt
H= IR ×It [V = IR By ohm’s Law ]
H = I²Rt
36. Why does the cord of an electric heater not glow while the heating element does ?
Ans: Both the cord and the heating element of an electric heater carry the same current . But the heating
element becomes hot due to its high resistance (H = I²Rt )and begins to glow. The resistance of the cord
is low .So, it does not glow when current flows through it .
37. Compute the heat generated while transferring 96,000 C of charge in one hour through a
potential difference of 50 V .
Ans: Heat generated , H = VQ ( W = VQ )
= 50 V x 96,000 C
= 48,00,000 J
38. An electric iron of resistance 20Ω takes a current of 5 A . Calculate the heat developed in 30 s
Ans: Heat developed H = I²Rt
= 52x 20 x 30 = 15,000 J
39. Define the term electric power.
Ans: The electric power of an appliance is the rate at which it consumes electric energy.
OR
The rate at which work is done in maintaining an electric current through it.
P = W/t
P = VIt / t So, P = VI
Also, P = I²R [By substituting V =IR]
th
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 P = VI

Also, P = V2 / R [ By substituting I = V/R]

40. State and define the S.I unit of electric power.
Ans: S.I unit of power is ‘watt’ (W). The power of an appliance is one watt if a current of one ampere
flows through it on applying a potential difference of one volt. [ P = VI ]
41. Name and define commercial unit of energy. Convert this unit into S.I unit (joule).
Ans: Commercial unit of energy is kilowatt-hour (kWh).It is defined as the electric energy consumed by
an appliance of power 1 kW in one hour.
E= P × t [ P = W/t OR P = E/t ]

1 kWh = 1kW × 1 hour

= 1000 W × 3600 s
= 1000 J /s × 3600 s
= 3600000 J = 3.6 × 10⁶ joule [S.I unit]
42. What will be the current drawn by an electric bulb of 40 W when it is connected to a 220 V
source ?
𝑃
Ans: P = VI So, I =
𝑉
40
= = 0.181 A
220
43. For a heater rated at 4 kW and 220 V, calculate
i) the current ii) the resistance of the heater iii) the energy consumed in 2 hours.
𝑃
Ans: i) I =
𝑉
= 4000 W / 220 V = 18.1 A
ii) Resistance R = V² / P = 220² / 4000 = 12.1 Ω
iii) Energy consumed , E = P × t = 4kW × 2 h = 8 kWh
44. A 9Ω resistance is cut into three equal parts and connected in parallel. Find the equivalent
resistance of the combination.
Ans :

1/Rp = 1/3 +1/3 +1/3

Rp = 1Ω
45. An electric bulb of resistance 200 Ω draws a current of 1A. Calculate the power of the bulb, the
potential difference at its ends and the energy in kWh consumed in burning it for 5 hours.

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Ans : P = I²R = 1² × 200 =200 W =0.2 kW
V = IR = 1 × 200 = 200 V Energy = P × t = 0.2 kW × 5 h =1 kWh

46. An electric motor takes 5 A from a 220 V line . Determine the power of the motor and the
energy consumed in 2 hours.
Ans: Power, P = VI = 220 x 5 = 1100 W
Energy consumed in 2 hours E = P x t
= 1100 J/s x 7200 s ( 2 h = 2 x 3600= 7200 s )
= 7.92 x 106J
47. Two lamps, one rated 100 W at 220 V, and the other 60 W at 220 V, are connected in parallel to
electric mains supply. What current is drawn from the line if the supply voltage is 220 V?

Ans: Both bulbs are connected in parallel. So, total current = sum of the currents through the two lamps
𝑃 100
Current drawn by the lamp of rating 100 W I 1= = A
𝑉 220

𝑃 60
Current drawn by the lamp of rating 60 W I 2= = A
𝑉 220
Current drawn from the line = I 1+ I 2
100 60
= +
220 220

= 0.727 A

48. Compare the power used in the 2Ω resistor in each of the following circuits: i) a 6V battery in
series with 1Ω and 2Ω resistors and ii) a 4 V battery in parallel with 12Ω and 2Ω resistors.
Ans: i) Equivalent resistance = 1Ω + 2Ω = 3Ω
𝑉 6
Current through 2Ω resistor = =
𝑅 3
= 2A
Power used in the 2Ω resistor = I2R = 22 x 2 = 8W
ii) 12Ω and 2Ω resistors are connected in parallel, voltage across each component is same (4V)
Power used in the 2Ω resistor = V² /R
= 42/ 2 = 8W
49. Explain the following:
a) Why is the tungsten used almost exclusively for filament of electric lamps ?
b) Why are the conductors of electric heating devices, such as bread-toasters and electric
irons , made of an alloy rather than a pure metal ?
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 c) Why is the series arrangement not used for domestic circuits ?
d) Why are copper and aluminium wires usually employed for electricity transmission ?
Ans: a) The melting point and resistivity of tungsten are very high. It does not burn readily at a high
temperature. The electric lamps glow at very high temperatures. Hence, tungsten is mainly
used as heating element of electric lamps.
b) The conductors of electric heating devices such as bread-toasters and electric irons are made
of alloy because resistivity of an alloy is more than that of metals. It produces large amount of
heat.
c) In series arrangements for domestic circuits, same current flows through all appliances,
which is not desired. The total resistance becomes large, and the current gets reduced. We
cannot use independent ON/OFF switches with individual appliances.

d) Copper and aluminium have low resistivities. When electricity is transmitted through copper
and aluminium wires, the power losses in the form of heat are very small.
50. An electric heater of resistance 8Ω draws 15A from the service mains for 2 hours. Calculate the
rate at which heat is developed in the heater.
Ans: The rate at which heat is developed in the heater is equal to the power.
P = I2R = 152 x 8 = 1800 W

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