Prof M.

Rashid Khan CURRENT ELECTRICITY

 NMDCAT Unit: Current Electricity
Study of charges in motion under electric force
Electric Current Q. If 𝟏𝟎𝟏𝟖 electrons pass through cross-section of a
Rate of net flow of charges through any cross-section.
△Q
conductor in 10 ms. What is current in the conductor?
I= (SI base unit is A)
t
△Q ne 𝟏𝟎𝟏𝟖 ×1.60×10−19 C
The charges that carry electrical energy, are I= = = 10×10−3 s
= 16.0 A
t t
called charge carriers.
Q. If 100 mA current flows through a cross-section of a
• Charge carriers in metallic conductors, are free electrons conductor in 10 s. How much electrons pass through
• Charge carriers in semiconductors, conductors are free the conductor?
electrons and holes △Q ne
• Charge carriers in ionized gases, are free electrons and I= =
t t
+ve ions △Q
2
I t = 10 mA ×10 s = 0.625 x 1019 = 6.25 x 1018
• Charge carriers in electrolyte are –ve and +ve ions n= = 1.60 × 10−19 C
t e
For metallic conductors △Q=ne Q. If 1 C charge flow through a filament of a bulb then
△Q ne number of charge carriers flowing through the
and I= =
t t filament will be:
△Q 1𝐶
Q. 5 mA current flows through a conductor in 6 μs. △Q=ne ⟹ n = ⟹n= = 0.625× 1019
e 1.60×10−19 𝐶
What is charge flowing through the conductor? = 6.25× 1018
Prof M. Rashid Khan
Speed of randomly moving electrons in metallic conductors is
several 100 km s −1 . It varies with room temperature.
Averagely, uniform velocity vd attained by free electrons in
a conductor when resistive force of atoms is balanced by
electric force, is called drift velocity.
Vd ≅ 1x10−3 ms−1 or 1 mm s −1
I V
Vd = = RnAe
nAe

Depends upon
Q. 10 mA current flows through a conductor of crss-
Potential sectional area 5 𝒄𝒎𝟐 . If charge density is 𝟏𝟎𝟐𝟑 electrons
difference Resistance Temperature per meter cube then what is drift velocity?
No. of charge I 10×10−3 A
carriers per Area of Vd = =
cross-section nAe 1023 m−3 × 5×10−4 m2 × 1.60×10−19 C
unit volume
−3 ms−1
= 0.125× 10−2 ms−1 = 1.25× 10
Prof M. Rashid Khan
 Ohms Law Reciprocal of resistance is conductance
I ∝ V (At constant temperature of the conductor ) Conductance is measure of electrical conduction
1
I= R V ⟹V=RI offered by conductor for flow of free electrons.
1 I
R = resistance of conductor Its magnitude is: C= = (SI unit is A V −1 = mho)
R V
Resistance is measure of opposition offered RC =1
by conductor against flow of free electrons
For a given conductor at constant temperature:
Resistance is mainly due to collision of free electrons 1 I
with vibrating atoms in conductor. C= = = constant
R V
V
Its magnitude is: R= (SI unit is V A−1 = ohm) I
I
A V
Depends upon

Dimension of nature of temperature

conductor conductor of conductor θ
θ
O B V
O I
For a given conductor at constant temperature:
Slope Of I-V gp=tan θ Slope Of V-I gp=tan θ
V I V
R= = constant = =C = I =R
I
Prof M. Rashid Khan V
 Q. Which conductor has highest conductance Q. Which conductor has highest resistance in
in graph given below? graph given below?

I V

O V O I

I
From O to A: Slope of I-V gp, Conductance, Resistance, temperature ………. Constant A
and conductor is ohmic. I ∝ V

Beyond A: Slope of I-V gp……decreases, Conductance….. decreases,

Resistance…… increases, Temperature increases and conductor is θ
becomes non-ohmic. O B V
𝟏 𝟏
Area under IV-gp = area of right angle triangle OAB = (𝐎𝐁)(𝐀𝐁) = 𝐕 𝐈 =< 𝐏 >
𝟐 𝟐
Prof M. Rashid Khan
 Q. Which one of the following devices is non - ohmic?

I I I
I

V V V V
(Thermistor) (Tungsten Filament) (Semi-conductor diode) (Transistor)

Prof M. Rashid Khan

 Combination Of Resistors
Series Combination Parallel Combination
Current through each P.D across each resistor is
resistor is same and same but current divides.
P.D divides. V 1
I=R ⟹I∝
⟹V∝R R
V= I R
If R1 > R 2 If R1 > R 2

Then V1 > V2 , … Then I1 < I2 , …

1 1 1
R e = R1 + R 2 + ⋯ = R + R + ....
Re 1 2
R e > R1 , R e > R 2 , ….
R e < R1 , R e < R 2 , ….
if R1 =R 2 =R ⟹ R e = R +R = 2R 1 1 1 1 1 2 R
if R1 =R 2 =R 3 = R ⟹ R e = R +R+R = 3R if R1 =R 2 =R ⟹ R = R + R =R + R = R ⟹ Re =
e 1 2 2
1 1 1 1 1 1 1 3 R
. if R1 =R 2 =R 3 =R ⟹ = + R + R =R + R + R = R ⟹ Re = 3
Re R1 2 3
. .
. R
⟹ R e = R +R+R+ …+R = n R ⟹ Re = n
For two resistors R1 & R 2
R1 R 2 6𝑥4
Re = = 6+4 = 2.4 Ω
R1 + R 2
 Rn Rn Re
Vn = V= R V In = I
Re 1 +R2 + …. Rn

Q. What is voltage across 6 𝛀 resistance Q. What is current through 6 𝛀 resistance in

in the circuit shown in the Fig. the circuit shown in the Fig.
R1R2 / R1 +R2 R 4
R1 6 I1 = I= 2 I= 5A=2A
V1 = V= x20 =12 V R1 R1 +R2 6+4
R1 +R2 6+4 R1R2 / R1 +R2 R 6
I2 = I = 1 I= 5A=3A
R2 4 R2 R1 +R2 6+4
V2 = V= x20 = 8V
R1 +R2 6+4
If R1 = R 2 = R , the current I divides equally in
each resistor
Q. What is Value of
𝐕𝐃 − 𝐕𝐁 in the circuit
shown in Fig?
Q. What is P.D across the
points A & B in the Fig
R2 6 shown?
VB = V2 = V= × 20 = 12 V
R1 + R 2 4+6
R2 11 R1 4
VD = V4 = V= × 20 = 11 V VA = V1 = V= 20 = 8 V
R1 + R 2 9 + 11 R1 + R 2 4+6
R2 6
VD − VB = 11 V − 12 V = −1 V VB = V2 = R +R V = 4+6 20 = 12 V
1 2
VB - VA = 12 V – 8 V = 4 V
Q. What is equivalent resistance
across any two vertices of triangle
as shown in Fig?
2R × R 2R2 2
Re = = = R
2R + R 3R 3

Q. What is equivalent resistance

across any two vertices of square
as shown in Fig?

3R × R 3R2 3
Re = = = R
3R + R 4R 4

In case equal resistances connected along sides of

closed Fig, the equivalent resistance across any
two adjacent vertices is
(𝐧 − 𝟏)
𝐑𝐞 = 𝐑
𝐧
 Resistivity A = π r2 Q. Two wires of each of length L and area A but
d resistivity's 𝛒𝟏 and 𝛒𝟐 are connected in series.
= π(2)2 What is their equivalent resistivity?
L
A
ρ = R (SI Unit Ω m) 𝐋 𝐋
R e =𝐑 𝟏 +𝐑 𝟐 = 𝛒𝟏 + 𝛒𝟐 =(𝛒𝟏 +𝛒𝟐 )
𝐋
L 𝐀 𝐀 𝐀
2L 𝐋 𝛒𝟏 +𝛒𝟐
𝛒𝐞 =(𝛒𝟏 +𝛒𝟐 ) 𝐀 ⟹ 𝛒𝐞 =
Depends on A 2
Reciprocal of resistivity is, called conductivity
Nature of TEMPERATURE 1 1 L L
conductor of conductor σ= = =C (SI Unit Ω−1 m−1 )
ρ RA A
Resistivity is resistance of unit volume of conductor Conductivity is conductance of unit volume of conductor
with L=1 m & A = 1 𝒎𝟐 with L=1 m & A = 1 𝐦𝟐
Resistivity is independent of dimension of conductor σρ=1
Q. A wire of length L, area A and resistivity 𝛒 is cut L L L
into four equal segments. What is resistivity of R = ρ = ρ 2 = 4ρ
A πr π d2
each segment of wire?
For given nature of conductor at constant
Q. A wire of length L, area A and resistivity 𝛒 is 1 1 1
stretched to double length. What is resistivity of R∝L R∝ R∝ 2 R ∝
stretched wire? A r d2
Prof M. Rashid Khan
 Q. A wire of length L has resistance R. What will be
its resistance when its length is doubled?

R∝L ⟹ R/ = 2R

Q. A wire of length L has resistance R. What will be

its resistance when it is stretched to twice of its
original length?
L 2L L
R=ρ ⟹ R/ = ρ = 4ρ = 4R
A A/2 A
Q. A wire of of radius ‘r’ has resistance R. What
Q. A wire of length L has resistance R. It is cut into
will be its resistance when it is stretched to half of
three equal segments. What is resistance of each
its original radius?
segment?
L L 4L L
R∝L
R R=ρ ⟹R=ρ =ρ r 2
= 16ρ =16R
⟹ R/ = πr2 πr2 π( ) πr2
3 2

Q. A wire of length L and radius r is stretched to Q. A wire of length L has resistance R. it is cut into
twice length. Its radius reduces to: three equal segments and segments are joined side
by side. What is equivalent resistance of the
⟹ r /= r
A=πr 2 ⟹r∝ A 2
combination?
R R 3 R
Prof M. Rashid Khan Re = = =
n 3 9
Effect Of temperature On resistivity of Conductor
Resistivity/Resistance of a conductor is mainly due to collision of free electrons
with vibrating lattice atoms. With rise of temperature of a conductor, keeping its
dimensions fixed, amplitude of atomic vibrations increases which increases
collision cross-section. Consequently, probability of colliding free electrons with
lattice atoms increases. Hence, resistance of conductor increases with rise of its
temperature. Similarly, as temperature of the conductor falls, amplitude of
atomic vibrations decreases which decreases collision cross-section. Thus,
probability of colliding electrons with lattice atoms decreases. Therefore,
resistance of conductor decreases with fall of its temperature.

Experimentally, it has found that change in resistance of a given sample of

metallic conductor with temperature is directly proportional to its original
resistance and change in its temperature, over considerable range of
temperature above and below 0 C o as shown in ρ − T graph. Or mathematically
∆R ∝ R o
∆R ∝ ∆T
Combining both relations
∆R ∝ R o ∆T
∆R = α R o ∆T
Where α is constant of proportionality known as temperature
coefficient of resistance. Its value depends upon metallic nature of the
conductor and can evaluated as

ΔR Rt −Ro ΔR/Ro
α=R = =
o ΔT Ro ∆T ΔT

temperature coefficient of resistance is fractional

change in resistance of conductor per degree change in
its temperature.
SI unit of temperature coefficient of resistance is K −1 .

We know that
ρ∝R
Therefore,

Δρ ρt −ρo
α=ρ =
o ΔT ρo ∆T

There are some substances like germanium, silicon etc whose resistance decreases with increase in
temperature. Temperature coefficient of these substances have negative value.
 Electrical Power
Rate of supplying electrical energy by source of emf to the conductor.
Or
U qV
Pe = = =IV
t t
Put V = I R ⟹ Pe = I2 R
V V2
Put I = ⟹ Pe =
R R

U 2 V2
Pe = =IV=I R=
t R
U
SI unit is A V = J s−1 = W V = ⟹U = q V
q
The electrical energy supplied to conductor or dissipated by conductor is:
V2
U = Pe x t = I V x t = I2R x t= xt
R

SI unit is Ws=J
Higher unit are
W h = 3.6 kJ
and kwh = 3.6 MJ …. Trade unit(Unit)
Prof M. Rashid Khan
 Q. 100 W, 220 V bulb is operated on 110 V line. Q. 100 W bulb is used for 2 h daily. What is cost of
What is power consumed by it? energy of 30 days if one unit cost Rs 15?
V2 V2 220 × 220
Pe = ⟹R= = = 484 Ω U = Pe x t = 100 W x 2x30 h = 6000 W h = 6 Kwh
R Pe 100 = 6 unit
V2 110 x 110
Pe = = 25 W 1 unit cost = Rs 15
R 484
6 unit cost = Rs 15x6 = Rs 90
Q. 60 W lamp operates at 50 % efficiency. How Q. Among 60 W, 100 W, 200 W and 500 W bulbs
much energy is dissipated in 10 s? which one has least resistance?
50 P1 < P2 < P3 < P4
Pef = 60 = 30 W
100
U = Pe x t = 30 W x 10 s = 300 J
Operating powers of bulbs are designed to operate
in parallel combination.
Q. If 𝐑 𝟏 and 𝐑 𝟐 are respectively filament For parallel combination V = constant
resistances of 25 W bulb and 100 W bulb. What is V2 1
relation between their resistances if they are Pe = ⟹ Pe ∝
R R
designed to operate at same voltage?
R1 > R 2 > R 3 > R 4
V2 1 R1 P2 100 4
Pe = ⟹ Pe ∝ Thus = = = Q. 60 W, 100 W, 200 W and 500 W bulbs are
R R R2 P1 25 1
R1 = 4 R 2 connected in parallel. Which bulb is brightest?
Prof M. Rashid Khan
Q. In the circuit shown in Fig. , What happens to
the Ammeter reading and brightness of each
bulb, when fourth bulb is added in parallel?
A
I I1 I2
Q. In the circuit shown in Fig., what happens to
the Ammeter reading and brightness of each
bulb, when fourth bulb is added in series?
I3

In parallel combination of bulbs equivalent power is In series combination of bulbs equivalent power is
1
=
1
+
1
+…….. Pe = P1 + P2 +……..
Pe P1 P2
Pe = 10 W + 20 W + 30 W=60 W
1 1 1 1
= + +
Pe 10 20 30
1 6+3+2 11
= =60
Pe 60
60
Pe = = 5.4 W
11 Prof M. Rashid Khan
Electromotive Force Energy lost by unit +ve charge as it move
I R=Vt = from high to low potential, called terminal P.D
Work done in moving unit + +
positive from low to high
I + Ir = Energy lost by unit +ve charge as it move
potential through the from low to high potential through r.
+
source, is called
electromotive force E. + +
q E = Vt + I r
W E
E= (SI unit J C−1 = V) This eq holds principle of energy conservation
q
Supply of
Source of current also offer resistance emf is cause and terminal P.D is its effect
Work W
r as charges flow through it, known as
internal resistance.
Vt = E - I r ……….. (1)
R Typical cases of terminal P.D
Case I: when circuit is closed I≠ 0 Eq.(1)⟹ Vt < E
E= I R e = I (R + r) I
Case II: when circuit is open I= 0 Eq.(1) ⟹ Vt = E
E=IR + Ir r Case III: when internal resistance r=0 (ideal) Eq.(1) ⟹ Vt = E
E Case IV: when cell is being charged I= -I Eq.(1)⟹ Vt > E
Energy gained by unit +ve charge as it move from low E
E = to high potential, called emf. Case V: when R = r Eq.(1)⟹ Vt =
2
Prof M. Rashid Khan
 Q. The P.D between the terminals of a battery in open
Maximum power Out Put circuit is 2.2 V. When it is connected across a resistance
E of 5 Ω , the P.D falls to 1.8 V. What is current in circuit?
Current Through R: I= What is internal resistance of the battery?
R+r

Power dissipated by R:
E
P= I 2 R = (R + r)2 R V 1.8 V
I= = = 0.36 A
R 5Ω
E2 E2
P= R= R
(R+r)2 (R−r)2 + 4 R r Vt = E - I r
For R = r P = Pmax E − Vt 2.2 V −1.8 V 0.4 40
r= = = Ω = Ω =1. 1 Ω
E2 I 0.36 A 0.36 36
Pmax = r
(r−r)2 + 4 r r
E2
Pmax =
4r
R=5Ω
Q. What is power consumed by
internal resistance in the circuit
shown in Fig. ?
r =1 Ω
E 6
E=6 V
I= = =1A
R+r 5 +1

Pr = I 2 r = (1)2 × 1 = 1 W
Prof M. Rashid Khan
Kirchoff's First Rule (K.C.R or Node rule)
Algebraic sum of currents through a point (node) of
a circuit is zero. Or
I =0
By convention
currents toward node are taken positive and
currents away from node are taken negative
I1 + I2 + I3 + (- I4 ) = 0 N through cell traverses from high to low potential
I1 + I2 + I3 = I4
Sum of current toward N = Sum of current away N
Kirchhoff's First rule is the manifestation
of law of conservation charge.
Prof M. Rashid Khan
Kirchoff's second Rule (K.V.R or loop rule)
Algebraic sum of voltage change in a loop is zero. Or
∆V = 0
By convention
Potential change across a resistor is taken –ve.
Potential change across a cell is +ve if current
through cell traverse from low to high potential.
Potential change across a cell is –ve if current
In the Fig. shown If E1 > E2 then E1
R1
current I flows from high to
low potential of E1 in the I
E2
circuit and then low to high
potential through E1 . R
E1 + (- I R1 ) + (- E2 ) + (- I R 2 ) = 0
2
E1 = I R1 + E2 + I R 2
Energy gain per unit charge = energy loss per unit charge
Kirchhoff's second rule is the manifestation
of law of conservation energy.