ELECTRIC CURRENT

Single Type
1. In the circuit shown, the coil has inductance and resistance.
When X is joined to Y, the time constant is during growth
of current. When the steady state is reached, rate of
production of heat in the coil is "P" joule/sec. X is now
joined to Z, and after long time of joining X to Z –
Y

X
Z

(A) the total heat produced in the coil is P 

(B) the total heat produced in the coil is 12 P
(C) the total heat produced in the coil is 2P
(D) the data given is not sufficient to reach a conclusion
Ans: (B)
Let L and R be the inductance and the resistance of the coil
respectively
Let E = e.m.f. of the cell.
Time constant, I0 = E/R
2
P = I R = ER
2
0

1 1  E2  1 L  E2  1
Energy stored in the coil = 2
L I 02 = 2
L 
 R2


=  
2 R

 R


= 2
   

P
= total heat produced in the coil

1
2. In the given circuit, the voltmeter reading is 4.5 V. Assuming
that the voltmeter is ideal, current through 12 resistance is
-
V
9
10
3
12 2
6 15

20
I I

(A) 1 A (B) 0.5 A

(C) 0.25 A (D) 0.1 A
Ans: (B)
The voltmeter is ideal, its resistance Rv  Fig. shows the
current distribution in the circuit . Voltmeter will not draw
any current.
V

I1' 9
I1' 10
I1'
I '2
I1 A 3 I '2
I1 I1 ''
I '2' I '2' I1 2
I1'' I1
6 12
O I '2'' I '2''
I1 I1
20 15
I I–I1 I–I1 I

Potential difference across 9  resistance = 4.5 V (given)

Hence, current in 9 resistance
= 49.5 = 0.5 A (I = VR )
i.e., I = 0.5 A
'
1

The same current ( I ) passes through 3. Obviously, 9  and

'
1

3  are in series and their equivalent, i.e., 12 is in parallel

2
 with 6  between A and B. Dividing the current in the
inverse ratio of resistances between A and B,
'
I 6 1
I
= 12
1
=
''
2
1

= 2 I = 2 × 0.5 = 1 A
I1'' '
1

and I1 = I + I = 0.5 + 1 = 1.5 A'

1
''
1

at junction C, I1 divides into three parts. Since the resistances

10, 12, 15are in parallel between C and D, current will
distribute in the inverse ratio of resistances.
 I : I : I = 101 : 121 : 151 = 6 : 5 : 4
'
2
''
2
'''
2

5
I '2 = 15
× 1.5 = 0.5 amp
So I = 6k, I = 5k, I = 4k (k being a constant
'
2
''
2
'''
2 of
proportionality)
And I1 = I + I + I = 15k '
2
''
2
'''
2

But I1 = 1.5 A
 15 k = 1.5 or k = 0.1
So I = 5k = 0.5 A
''
2

Thus current through 12 resistance is 0.5 A.

3. In the circuit shown in figure. (A), R3 is a variable

R3

  R3 ()
R2


R1 R2 

I I 
 R3 ()
36V
Figure (A) Figure (B)

3
 resistance. As the value R3 is changed, current I though the
cell varies as shown. Obviously, the variation is asymptotic,
i.e. I  6A as R3 . Resistances R1 and R2 are,
respectively -
(A) 4 , 2  (B) 2 , 4 
(C) 2 , 2  (D) 1 , 4 
Ans: (C)
For R3 = 0, I = 9A (from the graph).In this situation, the
circuit can be drawn as shown in figure (A).
R3 = 0 I

I
R2

R1 R2

I I

36V
Figure (A)
36
Here I = R1  R 2
=9
or R1 + R2 = 4
…(1)
For R3 , equivalent resistance of R2 and R3 in parallel
will be
1 1 1
 
R eq R 2 R 3  
1
= R2

[Current through R2 will be zero because we have a short

circuit (R3 = 0) across R2]
or Req = R2

4
 In this situation, the circuit can be drawn as shown figure
(B).
R2 I

R1 R2

I I

36V
Figure (B)
36
Now I = R 1  2R 2

= 6 (given)
 R1 + 2R2 = 6 …(2)
from eqs. (1) and (2)
R1 = 2, R2 = 2

4. Determine the resultant resistance of the infinite circuit made

of r resistance between A and B –
r r r
A
r r r r
r r r

r r r r
r r r
B

(A) 1.2 r (B) 5 r

(C) 4.2 r (D) 8 r
Ans: (A)
By symmetry equivalent circuit
r r r
A
2r 2r 2r 2r

r r r 
B

5
 A
2r Req

Where Req in the resistance between A and B

r

2r Req

r
(R eq  2r )  2r
R eq  4r
= Req
2rReq + 4r2 = R + 4r Req 2
eq

R 2
+ 2rReq – 4r2 = 0
eq

 2r  4r 2  16r 2
Req = 2
 2r  20r 2
= 2
2r  4.5r
= 2
= 1.23 r

5. When the switches are arranged so that the current through

the battery is maximum, what is the voltage across points A
and B –
6 3
6 S2 A

1 9
1 1
S3
S1
24 V
B

(A) 4V (B) 0V
(C) 1V (D) 2V
Ans: (B)

6
 1

24V

When S1 is closed
current through the battery is maximum
i= 241 = 24 Ampere
A

B

VA – VB = E – ir
= 24 – 24 × 1 = 0

6. If E denotes electric field in a uniform conductor, I

corresponding current through it, vd-drift velocity of
electrons and P denotes thermal power produced in the
conductor, then which of the following graph is incorrect -
vd P

(A) (B)
E E
P P

(C) (D)
vd I

Ans: (C)
E = Vd = iR
d
= i dAd = neAvA  = nevd
d

vd  E straight line

7
 2
 Ed  E 2d 2
P = I2R =   ×R= d
A
 R 

 P  E2 (Parabola)
P  I2 Parabola

7. The equivalent resistance between points A and B in the

network shown in fig. is –
R

R R
R R

A B
R R
15
(A) 7
R (B) 87 R
12 16
(C) 7
R (D) 7
R
Ans: (B)
From symmetry the network can be modified as
R

R R
R
R  RAB = 87 R

A B
R R

8. A galvanometer of resistance 50  is converted into

ammeter by connecting a low resistance (shunt) of value 1
 in parallel to the galvanometer S. If full scale deflection
current of galvanometer is 10 mA, then the maximum
current to be measured by the ammeter is –
(A) 500 mA (B) 510 mA
8
 (C) 610 mA (D) 490 mA
Ans: (B)
S = G I –IgI
g

I–Ig

G
I Ig I
10
l= 50 
I – 10

I – 1 0 = 500
I = 510 mA

9. An air filled parallel plate capacitor has capacitor C. The

capacitor is connected through a resistor to a voltage source
providing a constant potential difference V
V C

R

A dielectric plate with dielectric constant K is inserted into

the capacitor, filling it completely. After the equilibrium is
established plate is quickly removed. Find the amount of
heat generated in the resistor by the time, the equilibrium is
reestablished –
(A) CV2 (K – 1) (B) 12 CV2 (K – 1)2
(C) CV2 (K – 1)2 (D) 12 CV2 (K2 – 1)
Ans: (B)

9
 KCV

+ –

V

t=0 q = KCV
q – q

+ C –

V

iR + V – q
C
=0
i=– dq
dt

– dq
dt
×R+V– q
C
=0
– dq
dt
× RC = q – CV
dq
q  CV
=– dt
RC

log (q – CV) = – t
RC
+C
t=0
q = KCV
C = log (KCV – CV)
q  CV 
log  KCV  CV 
= – RCt
q = (K – 1) CVe–t/RC + CV

 t / RC
 (K  1)CVe
i = – dq
dt
i = RC

Heat =  i R dt 2

 2
Heat =   (K  1)V e  t / RC 
  R dt

 0
R 

10
 
 
2t 
 (K  1) 2 V 2 e RC 
=   RC R  
 R2 2 
 0

Heat = 12 C (K – 1)2 V2

10. For what value of R will the current in galvanometer zero?

5 

G
12 V
R
2 V

(A) 5 (B) 2
(C) 7 (D) 1
Ans: (D)
5 

G i i
12 V
R
i

12
i= R 5
12
Potential difference across R = 2 V = R 5
×R
2 = 12
R 5
×R
 R+5=6R
R = 1 

11
 Multiple Correct Type
11. In the circuit shown in the figure:
A
4

6
B

2 20V

(A) power supplied by the battery is 200 watt

(B) current flowing in the circuit is 5 A
(C) potential difference across 4 resistance is equal to the
potential difference across 6 resistance
(D) current in wire AB is zero
Ans: (A, C)
4 and 6 resistances are short circuited. Therefore, no
current will flow through these two resistances. Current
passing through the battery is I = (20/2) = 10A.
This is also the current passing in wire AB from B to A.
Power supplied by the battery
P = EI = (20)(10) = 200 Watt
Potential difference across 4  resistance
= Potential difference across 6 resistance
=0

12. R = 10 & E = 13 V and voltmeter & Ammeter are ideal

then -

12
 a

8V R
V
6V
b c
3
E
A

(A) Reading of Ammeter is 2.4 A

(B) Reading of Ammeter is 8.4 A
(C) Reading of voltmeter is 8.4 V
(D) Reading of voltmeter is 27 V
Ans: (B, D)
a
 eq. ckt.
8V 10

6V
 c
3 b
13V
11

Using Kirchoff's Law Solve the circuit.

13. Four identical bulbs A, B, C, D are connected in a circuit as

shown in figure. Now whenever any bulb fails, then it cannot
conduct current through it. Then –
A B

C D

Ideal
Battery

(A) Brightness of bulb C is highest

13
 (B) If C fails, brightness of bulb D increases
(C) If C fails, brightness of all bulbs remain same
(D) If A fails, B will not glow
Ans: (A,C,D)
A B

C D

Potential difference across D is zero so it will not glow at all.

Potential across C is maximum.
 It will glow maximum and if C fuses then also potential
across each bulb will remain same.
Brightness of each bulb will remain same.

14. Each resistance in the circuit is of 1 . Current of 1A flows

through the last resistance as shown in figure. Then -
i 1A
V

(A) v is 21 volt
(B) total current (i) through battery is 21 amp
(C) V is 34 volt
(D) equivalent resistance is 1.62 
Ans: (B, C, D)
21A 8A 3A 1A
i 1A
V 13A 5A 2A

V = 21 × 1 + 13 × 1 = 34 volt

14
 Total current through battery is 21A
Req = VI
= 34
21
= 1.619  = 1.62 

15. For the circuit shown in figure, which of the following

statements are correct ?
6 2H

12 4

6V

(A) Its time constant is 0.25 sec

(B) In steady state, current through inductance will be equal
to zero.
(C) In steady state, current through the battery will be equal
to 0.75 amp.
(D) None of the above
Ans: (A, C)
6  and 12  are in parallel
2H 2H

4 4  8


6V 6V
L 2
Time constant = 
R 8
= 0.25 sec
In steady state inductor behave as conducting as conducting
wire.
i = 86 = 0.75 amp
Option (C) is correct.

15
 2H 2
12
16. 6 2
6V

(A) Its time constant is 14 sec.

(B) Its time constant is 4 sec.
(C) In steady state current through battery will be equal to
0.75 A.
(D) In steady state current through inductance will be equal
to 0.75 A.
Ans: (A, C, D)
2H 2

4 2
6V

L 2 1
 = 8
= 4
sec
R
In steady state
2

4 2
6V

6
8
= 34 Amp
= 0.75 Amp

17. A constant voltage is applied between two ends of a uniform

conducting wire. If both the length and radius of the wire are
doubled –
(A) the heat produced in the wire will be doubled.
(B) the electric field across the wire will be doubled.
(C) the heat produced will remain unchanged.

16
 (D) the electric field across the wire will become half.
Ans: (A, D)
4A
A
L
2L

R = AL R =  4A2L = R2
V2
Heat produced = R
as R become half
 heat produced is doubled
E = Vd = VL
E = 2VL
E = E2
Option (D) is correct

18. A conductor is made of an isotropic material and has of a

truncated cone. A battery of constant emf E is connected
across it and its left end is earthed as shown in figure.

+ –

If at a section distance x from left end, electric field intensity,

potential and the rate of generation of heat per unit length are
E, V and H respectively, which of the following graphs are
correct?
E H

(A) (B)
x x

17
 H V

(C) (D)
E x

(B, C)
Ans:
Let radius of the conductor at left end be a. Then radius r at
distance 'x' from the left end will be given by r = (a + x),
where is a constant. We know E = i. l/A or E   Al  .
 

E  l
( a   x ) 2

Hence, curve between E and x will not be a straight line.

Therefore, the option (a) is wrong.
H = iAl . Hence, H  Al
2

or, H  l
( a   x ) 2

It means, when x increases, H decreases. H will become zero

when x is very large and x = 0, H has a finite value.
Therefore, the curve between H and x will be as shown in
the option (b). So, the option (b) is correct.
From above two equations
H=i.E
But i is constant, so, H E. Hence, the curve between H and
E will be a straight line having non-zero values at x = 0.
Hence, option (c) is also correct.
We know that E = – dV dx

dV = – Edx = – i
dx
( a   x ) 2

Integrating,

18
 0 dV = –  x 0 (a  x) 2
V i x dx

or, V = – a (aixx)
Hence, at x = 0, V = 0 and V is never +ve. Therefore, the
option (d) is wrong.

19. Two bulbs A and B consume same power P when operated

at voltages V1 and V2 respectively. If these bulbs are
connected in series across a DC source, then:
(A) ratio of potential differences across A and B will be
equal to V1 : V2
(B) ratio of potential differences across A and B will be equal
to V12 : V22
(C) ratio of power consumed in A and B will be equal to V12
: V22
(D) ratio of power consumed in A and B will be equal
Ans: (B, C)
If a bulb having resistance R is used across a voltage V,
power consumed in it is given by
2 2
P = VR or, R = VP
Hence, resistances of two bulbs are:
2 2
R1 = VP or, R = VP
1 2

If these bulbs are connected in series, the current through

them will be same. Hence, potential differences across them
will be proportional to their resistances. Therefore, the ratio
of potential differences across them will be equal to R1 : R2
= V12 : V22.

19
 Hence. The option (A) is wrong but the option (B) is correct.
Powers consumed in them will be equal to
P1 = i2R1 and P2 = i2R2
Since, same current flows through the bulbs, therefore,
P1 : P2 = R1 : R2 = V12 : V22
Hence, the option (C) is correct but the option (D) is wrong.

20. For the circuit shown in figure, choose then correct options:
2V 2
a b
1V A 1V
2 B
1 1
C
d c
3V 3

1
(A) The current in db is 13
amp
2
(B) The PD across db is 13
volt
21
(C) The PD across the cell (C) is 13
volt
19
(D) The PD across the cell (B) is 13
volt
Ans: (C, D)
From the loop badb, 2i1 – 2 + 1+ i1 + 2(i1 – i2) = 0
5i1 – 2i2 = 1 (1)
From the loop dcbd,
– 3 + 3i2 + i2 + 1 – 2(i1 – i2) = 0
or, – 2i1 + 6i2 = 2 (2)
From eqs. (1) and (2),
i1 = 135 amp, i2 = 136 amp

20
 So, i1 – i2 = 131 amp
Vb – Vd = 132 volt
i1 2V 2 
a b
1V A i1 – i2 1V
2 B
1 i2
i1 1
C
d c
i2 3 V 3

The PD across the cell (C) is:

Vc – Vd = – 3i2 + 3 = 13
21
volt
The PD across the cell (B) is:
Vc – Vb = i2 + 1 = 19
13
volt

Numeric Type
21. A block of metal is heated directly by dissipating power in
the internal resistance of block. Because of temperature rise,
the resistance increases exponentially with time and is given
by R(t) = 0.5 e2t, where t is in second. The block is connected
across a 110 V source and dissipates 7644 J heat energy over
a certain period of time. This period of time is...............×10–
1
sec.
Ans: (5)
Let t be the required time. As power is
2
V
P = dU
dt
= R (t)
V2
dU = R (t)
dt

21
 t 2
U =  RV(t) dt
0

(110) 2

0.5
t

0
e  = (110)2 (1 – e–2t)J
e –2t d t = (110) 2
2  0 .5
–2t t
0

According to problem,
U = 7644J
Thus 1 – e–2t = (110
7644
)
= 0.632 2

or e–2t = 0.367
or –2lne = ln 0.367 or –2t = –1 or t = 0.5 s

22. Consider the circuit shown in figure. What is the current

through the battery just after the switch is closed.
2mH 9
18V
V S 9
9 2mH

Ans: (2)
i3 
i 9
18V i1  9
V i2 

Just after closing of switch S

i1 and i3
(current through inductor is zero)
i = i2
i2 = 189 = 2 amp

23. A D.C. supply of 120 V is connected to a large resistance X.

A voltmeter of resistance 10 k placed in series in the circuit
reads 20 V. This is an unusual use of voltmeter for measuring

22
 very high resistance. The value of X is ………× 10 k
(approx).
X 10K
V

( )
K
120V

Ans: (5)
I = 10 2010 = 20 × 10–4
3

But 20 × 10–4 = 120

x  10 4

or 20 × 10–4x + 20 = 120
 x =  12020– 20  10
4
 

= 5 × 104 
= 50 k

24. Each resistance is of 2. Current in resistance R (R = 2 ) is

…… + 9.75 ampere.
2 50V 2

2 2
2 R 2
2 2

i i

100V

Ans: (9)
At y according to Kirchoff's junction law
y  x y  x  100 y  50 y y  50
    0
2 2 2 2 2

5y – 2x = 200 …(1)
Similarly at x
i = 502 x  y 2 x …(2)
23
 At x + 100
i = x  1002  50  x  100
2
y
…(3)
We get y – 2x = 50 …(4)
From (1) and (4)
y = 37.5 V
So, current through R is 18.75 A.

25. As a cell ages, its internal resistance increases. A voltmeter

of resistance 270 connected across an old dry cell reads
1.44 V. However, a potentiometer at the balance point, gives
a voltage measurement of the cell as 1.5 V. Internal
resistance of the cell is……… + 5.25 ,
Ans: (6)
Rv = 270 
V

I I

1.5 V, r

Voltage measured by potentiometer, at the balance point, is

the emf. This is because current drawn from the cell, at the
balance point is zero.
Hence E = 1.5 V
If a voltmeter of resistance 270 is connected across the
cell as shown,
I = 2701.5 r
and voltage measured by the voltmeter
V = IRV (also V = E – Ir = 1.5 – Ir)

24
  1. 5 
or V =   270 but V = 1.44 V (given)
 270  r 

,  2701.5 r  270 = 1.44

 

or = 11.25,

26. Using a long extension cord in which each conductor has a

resistance 8, a bulb marked as '100 W, 200 V' is connected
to a 220 V dc supply of negligible internal resistance as
shown in figure. Power delivered to the bulb is……..× 121
× (0.44)2 watt.
I 8

220V
R = 484
8
I

Ans: (4)
The circuit can be shown as in the figure. The bulb is marked
100W, 220V.
Hence the resistance of filament of bulb.
2
 220
R = VP  220100 = 48
Current in the given circuit
I = 484220
88

= 0.44 A
Power delivered to the bulb
I2Rbulb = (0.44)2 (484)
= 93.7 W

25
27. Nine wires each of resistance 5 are connected to make a
prism as shown in figure. Find the equivalent resistance of
the arrangement across AB.
A E

D
B F

Ans: (3)
D and E at same potential
C and F at same potential
A x
x E

D
B F
x
C
r r r
A r D r C r B
E F
r

r=
3r  r
3r
req : = 2
3r
= 5
=3
r
2

28. Figure show a network of eight resistors numbered 1 to 8,

each equal to 2 , connected to a 3V battery of negligible
internal resistance. The current I in the circuit in ampere is -
3V

I
1 4 6

3 5
2 8 7

Ans: (1)
26
 x A C x
i
x x
B D

Potential of A and B is same

Potential C and D is same
I

66
Req = 66
=3
3V
I= 3
= 1 amp

29. In the figure shown, the emf E for which charge on 2F
capacitor is 4 C is ....... × 17 volt.
1V 1F

2V 2F
+ –

3V 3F .
E 1F

Ans: (2)
1V 5 1F
4 0
2V 2F
4 + – 0
2
3V 3F Q3
4 0 Q1
7
Q2 1F
4 4–E
E
4
Potential across 2F = 2
= 2 volt
Q1 + Q2 + Q3 = 0
(4 – E) × 1 + 7 × 3 + [2 × 2 + 5 × 1] = 0

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 4 – E + 21 + 9 = 0
E = 34 volt

30. In the shown wire frame, each side of a square (the smallest
square) has a resistance 2. The equivalent resistance of the
circuit between the points A and B is

A B

Ans: (4)
A 2 2 2 2 B
2 2 2 2 2
2
2 2 2
2 2 2

= Req = 1 + 1 + 1 + 1 = 4

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