HSPTA MALAPPURAM

PHYSOL-The Solution for Learning Physics

Question Bank
CHAPTER 3- CURRENT ELECTRICITY

Each question scores One

Focus Area Based
1 Q: 1 ampere = ……………. (1Cs, 1C/s, 1C2/s, 1Cs-1)

A: 1C/s
2 Q: Electric current is a ................ quantity (vector/scalar)

A: scalar
3 Q: How many electrons will produce a current of 1A?

A: 6.25X1018
4 Q: Slope of a graph with voltage along x – axis and current along y – axis gives ………………..

A: Conductance
5 Q: Resistivity of a conductor depends upon (Its material, Its length, Its cross – sectional area, All of the above)

A: Its material
6 Q: Which of the following is the best material for making connection wires (Aluminium, Copper, Tungsten,
Nichrome)

A: Copper
7 Q: Vector form of a law can be written as 𝐽⃗ = 𝜎𝐸⃗⃗ . This equation is an equivalent form of a famous law. Name
the law. (Biot – Savart law, Coulomb’s law, Ohm’s law, Gauss’s law)

A: Ohm’s law
8 Q: A wire of resistance ‘R’ is stretched to ‘n’ times its original length. The new resistance of the wire is ……

A: n2R
9 Q: The resistance of a 20cm long wire is 5Ω. The wire is stretched to a uniform wire of length 40cm. The
resistance of the wire is (5Ω, 10 Ω, 15 Ω, 20 Ω)

A: 20Ω
10 Q: A wire of resistance R is stretched by n times its original length. Its new resistance will be …………

A: (n+1)2R
11 Q: A wire of resistance R is stretched by 3 times its original length. Its new resistance will be …………

A: 16R
12 Q: A wire of resistance of ‘R’ is stretched by ‘n%’ of its original length. What will be its new resistance?

𝑛 2
A: (1 + 100) 𝑅
13 Q: A wire has a resistance of 10Ω. It is stretched by 10% of its original length. What will be its new resistance?
(10Ω, 9 Ω, 11 Ω, 12.1 Ω)

A: 12.1Ω
14 Q: A wire of resistance R is stretched to ‘n%’ of its original length. What will be its new resistance?

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 𝑛 2
A: (100) 𝑅
15 Q: A wire of resistance R is stretched to ‘150%’ of its original length. What will be its new resistance?

A: 2.25R
16 Q: The resistance R of a conductor depends on its length l, area of cross section A and the resistivity of the
material ρ. The correct expression connecting R, l, A and ρ is
𝜌𝐴 𝜌𝑙 𝐴𝑙
i. 𝑅 = 𝑙 ii. 𝑅 = 𝐴 iii. 𝑅 = 𝜌 iv. 𝑅 = 𝜌𝐴𝑙

𝜌𝑙
A: ii. 𝑅 =
𝐴
17 Q: A wire of resistance R and resistivity ρ is stretched into 5 times its original length. Its new resistivity will be
.................

A: ρ
18 Q: A wire of resistance R is bent in the form of a circle. The effective resistance between its diametrical edges
will be.....................

A: R/4
19 Q: A wire of resistance R is stretched such that its radius is reduced to ‘1/n’ of its initial radius. Its new
resistance will be ................

A: n4R
20 Q: A wire of resistance R is stretched such that its radius is reduced to half of its initial radius. Its new resistance
will be ................

A: 16R
21 Q: Current density is a .................... quantity (scalar/vector)

A: Vector
22 Q: Write the SI unit of current density

A: A/m2
23 Q: Write the SI unit of conductance

A: ohm-1 (Ω-1) or mho or siemen(S)

24 Q: Arrange the given metals in the order of increasing resistivity. Aluminium, Copper, Gold, Silver

A: silver, copper, gold, aluminium (Resistivity of silver<copper<Gold<Aluminium (Ag<Cu<Au<Al))

25 Q: The power wasted in transmission lines is
i. Proportional to voltage
ii. Proportional to current
iii. Inversely proportional to square of voltage
iv. Proportional to square of voltage

A: iii. Inversely proportional to square of voltage

26 Q: Electrical power transmission is done at very high voltage. Why?

A: Since power wasted is inversely proportional to square of the transmission voltage, this decreases power
wastage.
27 Q: When ‘n’ resistors each of resistance ‘R’ connected in series, the effective resistance of the combination is
(nR, nR2, n2R, R/n)

A: nR
28 Q: : When ‘n’ resistors each of resistance ‘R’ connected in parallel, the effective resistance of the combination is
(nR, nR2, n2R, R/n)
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 A: R/n
29 Q: ‘n’ equal resistors each of resistance R are connected first in series and then in parallel. The ratio of their
resistances will be ..............

A: n2:1
30 Q: Which combination of resistors, series/parallel, gives maximum effective resistance?

A: series
31 Q: Which combination of resistors, series/parallel, gives minimum effective resistance?

A: parallel
32 Q: A bread toaster and a bulb are connected parallel in a circuit. The toaster produces more heat than the bulb.
Which of the following statements is true?
i. Resistance of the toaster is greater than resistance of the bulb.
ii. Resistance of the bulb is same as the resistance of the toaster.
iii. Resistance of bulb is greater than the resistance of toaster.
iv. Cannot predict

A: iii. Resistance of the bulb is greater than the resistance of toaster

33 Q: A uniform wire of resistance 40 ohm is cut into four equal parts and they are connected in parallel. The
effective resistance of the combination is (40Ω, 10Ω, 2.5Ω, 10Ω)

A: 2.5Ω (Each part has a resistance of 10Ω. When four 10Ω resistors are connected in parallel, effective
resistance 10/4=2.5Ω)
34 Q: Internal resistance of a cell ................ with increase in temperature (increases/decreases)

A: decreaes
35 Q: Kirchhoff’s junction rule is a reflection of ………… and loop rule is a reflection of ………………….. (conservation
of charge, conservation of energy, conservation of momentum, conservation of angular momentum)

A: conservation of charge, conservation of energy

36 Q: Meter bridge is an application of (Potentiometer, Wheatstone’s bridge, both of the two, none of these)

A: Wheatstone’s bridge
37 Q: Why are the connections between resistors in a meter bridge made of thick copper strips?

A: To minimize the resistance between connections

38 Q: A cell of emf E is connected in the secondary circuit of potentiometer. Potential drop across the
potentiometer wire due to primary cell is (less than E, greater than E, equal to E, less than 1v)

A: greater than E
39 Q: Potentiometer measures the potential difference more accurately than a voltmeter, because the
potentiometer
i. Does not draw current from source being measured
ii. Has a wire of high resistance
iii. Draws heavy current from source being measured
iv. Has a wire of low resistance

A: i. Does not draw current from source being measured

40 Q: Sensitivity of a potentiometer is .................... to potential drop per unit length (proportional, inversely
proportional, equal, none of these)

A: Inversely proportinal
41 Q: Write the SI unit of resistivity

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 A: Ωm
42 Q: Write the SI unit of conductivity

A: : ohm-1m-1 (Ω-1m-1) or mhom-1 or siemenm-1 (Sm-1)

43 Q: The device used to measure emf of a cell is ...........

A: Potentiometer
44 Q: Carbon resistors are used in electronic circuits because they are ..........

A: Compact and cheap

45 Q: Materials obey Ohm’s law are called ...........

A: Ohmic materials
46 Q: If we interchange cell and Galvanometer in a Wheatstone bridge what will happen to the balancing
condition?

A: Remains constant
47 Q: n cells each of emf E and internal resistance r are connected in series. Their effective internal resistance is
..........

A: nr
48 Q: n cells each of emf E and internal resistance r are connected in parallel. Their effective internal resistance is
..........

A: r/n
49 Q: n cells each of emf E and internal resistance r are connected in series. Their effective emf is ..........

A: nE
50 Q: In series connection of resistors, the quantity remains constant is ..............

A: Current
51 Q: In parallel connection of resistors, the quantity remains constant is ................

A: Voltage
52 Q: Out of 20W, 40W, 60W, 80W and 100W bulbs which one has more resistance?

A: 20W
53 Q: If 20W, 40W, 60W, 80W and 100W bulbs are connected in series across 220V supply, which one will be
brighter?

A: 20W
54 Q: If 20W, 40W, 60W, 80W and 100W bulbs are connected in parallel across 220V supply, which one will be
brighter?

A: 100W
55 Q: In a potentiometer, the ratio of emfs is ..............

𝐸 𝑙
A: 𝐸1 = 𝑙1
2 2
Non-Focus Area Based
1 Q: The drift velocity of electron is of the order of (10-3m/s, 10-2m/s, 1m/s, none of these)

A: 10-3m/s
2 Q: If temperature of a conductor increases, what happens to relaxation time (decreases, increases, remains
constant, first increases and then decreases)

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 A: decreases
3 Q: A steady current flows in a metallic conductor of non-uniform cross section. The quantity constant along the
conductor is (current density, electric field, current, all of these)

A: current
4 Q: Resistivity is .................. to average collision time of electrons
i. Proportional
ii. Inversely proportional
iii. Equal
iv. None of the above

A: ii. Inversely proportional

5 Q: Which one of the following materials has more than one value for voltage for the same current?
(Copper , Mercury, Gallium arsenide, Germanium

A: Gallium arsenide
6 Q: Which of the following obeys Ohm’s law? (Transistor, Diode, Nichrome, liquid electrolyte)

A: Nichrome
7 Q: Alloys of metals usually have (greater/less) resistivity than that of their constituent metals.

A: greater
8 Q: Alloys usually have much (lower/higher) temperature coeffients of resistance than pure metals

A: lower
9 Q: Which of the following material is used to make wire wound standard resistors? (Manganin, Copper,
Germanium, Carbon)

A: Manganin
10 Q: Give a material that can be used as a standard resistance.

A: Constantan
11 Q: Give the colour combination of the resistance 470kΩ±5%

A: Yellow, Violet, Yellow, Gold

12 Q: Give the value of the resistance shown in figure

A: 680kΩ±5%
13 Q: Dimensions of temperature co-efficient 𝛼 is ………

A: T-1
14 Q: The resistivity of a metal ............... with increase in temperature (increases/decreases)

A: increases
15 Q: The resistivity of a semiconductor ............... with increase in temperature (increases/decreases)

A: decreases
16 Q: The resistivity of an insulator ............... with increase in temperature (increases/decreases)

A: decreases

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17 Q: The temperature dependence of resistivity of a material is shown below. Identify the material.

A: Semiconductor
18 Q:Write the SI unit of mobility

A: m2/Vs
19 Q: As the temperature of a metallic resistor is increased, the product of its resistivity and conductivity ………….
(Increases, Remains constant, Decreases, May increase or decrease)

A: Remains constant
20 Q: When the internal resistance of a cell is large compared to the external resistance, then high current is
obtained by grouping the cells in (mixed, series, parallel, all the three can be used)

A: Parallel
21 Q: Temperature coefficient of resistivity for semiconductor is --------(positive/negative/zero)

A: Negative

Each question scores Two

Focus Area Based
1 Q: State Ohm’s law. Write its mathematical form.

A: At constant temperature, the current (I) flowing through a conductor is directly proportional to the potential
difference (V) between its ends.
𝑽 = 𝑰𝑹
2 Q: What are the factors on which resistance of a conductor depend?

A: Resistance of a conductor is directly proportional to the length of the wire, inversely proportional to the area
of cross section of the wire and depends on the material of the wire and temperature.
3 Q: Define resistivity. What are the factors on which resistivity depends?

A: Resistivity of a material is defined as the resistance of the material having unit length and unit area of cross
section. It depends on nature of the material and temperature.
4 Q: Three resistors R1, R2, R3 are connected in series. Obtain the relation for effective resistance of the
combination.
A:

• Current through each resistor is same.

• Potential difference across each resistor will be different.
• Total pd across the combination is the sum of pd across each resistor.
𝑉 = 𝑉1 + 𝑉2 + 𝑉3
𝐼𝑅𝑠 = 𝐼𝑅1 + 𝐼𝑅2 + 𝐼𝑅3
𝒐𝒓, 𝑹𝒔 = 𝑹𝟏 + 𝑹𝟐 + 𝑹𝟑

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5 Q: Three resistors R1, R2, R3 are connected in parallel. Obtain the relation for effective resistance of the
combination.
A:

• Potential difference across each resistor is same.

• Current through each resistance will be different.
• Total current drawn from the source is equal to the sum of currents through each resistor.
𝐼 = 𝐼1 + 𝐼2 + 𝐼3
𝑉 𝑉 𝑉 𝑉
= + +
𝑅𝑃 𝑅1 𝑅2 𝑅3
𝟏 𝟏 𝟏 𝟏
𝒐𝒓, = + +
𝑹𝑷 𝑹𝟏 𝑹𝟐 𝑹𝟑
6 Q: In the figure shown below, calculate the current drawn from the cell.

A: Resistance 6Ω and 3Ω are parallel

Effective resistance of parallel combination
𝑅1 𝑅2
𝑅𝑃 =
𝑅1 + 𝑅2
6 × 3 18
𝑅𝑃 = = = 2Ω
6+3 9
Resistance 8Ω and 2Ω are series
Effective resistance of series combination
𝑅𝑠 = 𝑅1 + 𝑅2 = 8 + 2 = 10Ω
By Ohm’s law
𝑉 = 𝐼𝑅𝑠
𝑉 24
𝐼= = = 2.4𝐴
𝑅𝑠 10
7 Q: Calculate the current flowing through the circuit.

A: Resistance 8Ω and 8Ω are parallel

Effective resistance of parallel combination
𝑅 8
𝑅𝑃 = = = 4Ω
2 2
Resistance 4Ω and two 2Ω are series
Effective resistance of series combination
𝑅𝑠 = 𝑅1 + 𝑅2 = 4 + 2 + 2 = 8Ω

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 By Ohm’s law
𝑉 = 𝐼𝑅𝑠
𝑉 4
𝐼= = = 0.5𝐴
𝑅𝑠 8
8 Q: Three resistors each of RΩ are connected as the sides of a triangle. Find the resistance between two
adjacent corners.

A: Here two resistors are in series and the third one is parallel to these. So
2𝑅 × 𝑅 2𝑅
𝑅′ = =
2𝑅 + 𝑅 3
9 Q: Show that the energy loss in the electrical power transmission is inversely proportional to square of the
transmission voltage.

A: If RC is the resistance of the transmission line, then power loss in the line is
𝑃𝐶 = 𝐼 2 𝑅𝐶
If P is the power required at the load end, at a constant potential difference of V volts, the current
through the transmission line is
𝑃
𝐼=
𝑉
𝑃2 𝑅𝐶
∴ 𝑃𝐶 =
𝑉2
1
𝑜𝑟, 𝑃𝐶 ∝ 2
𝑉
10 Q: Obtain the relation between internal resistance, emf and terminal pd of a cell.

A:

In the circuit shown

𝜀 = 𝐼𝑅 + 𝐼𝑟
𝑜𝑟, 𝜀 = 𝑉 + 𝐼𝑟
∴ 𝐼𝑟 = 𝜀 − 𝑉
𝜀−𝑉 𝜀−𝑉
𝑜𝑟, 𝑟 = =
𝐼 𝑉/𝑅
𝜺
𝒐𝒓, 𝒓 = ( − 𝟏) 𝑹
𝑽
11 Q: A cell consists of electrodes and electrolyte. When it is connected to an external circuit it sends a current
through it. What is meant by internal resistance of a cell? What happens to the terminal voltage of the cell
when it sends a current through the external circuit?

A: The opposition offered by the electrolyte of a cell to the flow of ions through it is called the internal
resistance of a cell.
When the cell sends a current through the external circuit, its terminal voltage decreases.
12 Q: A cell of emf 10V is connected to an external resistance 5Ω. If the terminal pd is 8V, find the internal
resistance of the cell.

A:
𝜀 10
𝑟 = ( − 1) 𝑅 = ( − 1) 5 = 1.25𝛺
𝑉 8

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13 Q: State Kirchhoff’s rules.

A: Junction rule
At any junction in an electric circuit sum of the currents entering the junction is equal to the sum of currents
leaving the junction.
Loop rule or Mesh rule
In a circuit involving resistors and cells algebraic sum of changes in potential around any closed loop is zero.
14 Q: The experimental set up to find an unknown resistance using a meter bridge is shown below.

If the balance point is found to be at 39.5cm from the end A, the resistor S is of 12.5Ω. Determine the
resistance R?

A:
𝑙 39.5
𝑅= 𝑆= × 12.5 = 8.2Ω
(100 − 𝑙) 100 − 39.5
15 Q: In a meter bridge experiment when a resistance of 10 Ω is connected in series with the unknown resistance
R, the balancing length is found to be 50cm. When 10 Ω is removed the balancing length is shifted to 40cm.
What will be the value of unknown resistance R?

A: For a meter bridge

𝑙
𝑅= 𝑆
(100 − 𝑙)
50
𝑅 + 10 = 𝑆 = 𝑆 − − − (1)
(100 − 50)
40 4 2
𝑅= 𝑆= 𝑆= 𝑆
(100 − 40) 6 3
3
𝑆 = 𝑅 = 1.5𝑅 − − − (2)
2
Sub (2) in (1)
𝑅 + 10 = 1.5𝑅
0.5𝑅 = 10
𝑅 = 20Ω
16 Q: The circuit diagram of a potentiometer for the determination of internal resistance of a cell is shown below.
Calculate the value of the internal resistance (r) of the cell. Given R = 100Ω, balancing length when key (K) open
= 60cm, balancing length when key (K) closed = 58cm.

A: Internal resistance of the cell

𝑙1 60
𝑟 = ( − 1) 𝑅 = ( − 1) 100 = 3.4Ω
𝑙2 58

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17 Q: What do you understand by sensitivity of a potentiometer? How sensitivity of potentiometer can be
increased?

A: It is the ability to measure even small pd accurately. Sensitivity is inversely proportional to potential drop
per unit length.
𝑉
Φ = = 𝐼𝑅𝐶𝑀
𝑙
To increase sensitivity we have to decrease Ф. Ф can be decreased by increasing length and decreasing
current.
18 Q: Why potentiometer is preferred to voltmeter for precise emf measurements. Why?

A: Because, under balanced condition, potentiometer draws no current from the source being measured. Also
it is unaffected by internal resistance of the cell. But a voltmeter draws current from the source being
measured.
19 Q: Draw a Wheatstone’s bridge and write its balancing condition.

A:

𝑷 𝑹
=
𝑸 𝑺
20 Q: Why fish in the ocean will not be affected by lightening?

A: Eventhough lightening contains high voltage and current, current density is very small due to large surface
area of the ocean. So they are safe.
21 Q: Can terminal voltage greater than emf of a cell?

A: Yes. In the case of charging terminal voltage is greater than emf. For charging a cell we have to connect a
source having voltage greater than that of the cell.
22 Q: Why is it difficult to start a car on a chilly day than on a warm day?

A: On cool days internal resistance of the battery will be large. So current from the battery should be small. So
it is difficult to start the car on a cold day.
23 Q: Why resistance increases with increase in temperature?

A: When temperature increases, number of collision will increase. So relaxation time will decrease and hence
resistance will increase.
24 Q: Find the resultant voltage?
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 i.

ii.

A: i. 8V, ii. 2V
25 Q: Find current drawn from the cell in the given circuit?

A: R1 and R2 are in series. Their effective resistance

𝑅𝑠 = 𝑅1 + 𝑅2 = 6 + 6 = 12Ω
12Ω and R3 are in parallel. Their effective resistance
𝑅3 × 12 6 × 12
𝑅𝑝 = = = 4Ω
𝑅3 + 12 6 + 12
Current drawn from the cell
𝑉 8
𝐼= = = 2𝐴
𝑅𝑝 4
26 Q: If we connect a resistance R to the primary circuit of a potentiometer, what will happen to its balancing
length?

A: Here current in the circuit will decrease. So potential gradient will decrease. So balancing length will shift
towards right.
27 Q: If we connect a resistance R to the secondary circuit of a potentiometer, what will happen to its balancing
length?

A: Secondary voltage will not affect the current and potential gradient across potentiometer wire. So no change
in the balancing length.
28 Q: A large number of electrons are present in a metal. Then why there is no electric current in the absence of
electric filed?

A: In the absence of electric field electrons will move through the conductor in random directions. Their effects
will cancel each other. So there is no current due to these.
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Non-Focus Area Based
1 Q: What do you mean by drift velocity? Write down the relation between drift velocity and relaxation time?

A: The constant average velocity acquired by electrons in relaxation time under the influence of an applied
electric field is called drift velocity.
𝑒𝐸⃗⃗ 𝜏
𝑣⃗𝑑 = −
𝑚
2 Q: Derive the relation between drift velocity and relaxation time.

A: Consider a pd of V volt is applied across a conductor. This sets up an electric field 𝐸⃗⃗ inside it.
Force experienced by an electron in the field 𝐸⃗⃗ is
𝐹⃗ = −𝑒𝐸⃗⃗
𝑖𝑒, 𝑚𝑎⃗ = −𝑒𝐸⃗⃗
𝑒𝐸⃗⃗
𝑜𝑟, 𝑎⃗ = −
𝑚
The average velocity acquired by the electron in relaxation time is
𝑒𝐸⃗⃗ 𝜏
𝑣⃗𝑑 = 𝑎⃗𝜏 = −
𝑚
3 Q: Define mobility. Write its expression.

A: It is defined as the magnitude of drift velocity per unit electric field.

𝑒𝜏
𝜇=
𝑚
4 Q: Is Ohm’s law a universal law? Explain

A: Ohm’s law is not a universal law because there are departures from Ohm’s law in certain conditions and
devices. In ordinary conductors the relation between voltage and current deviates from linear behaviour at
high applied field. In devices like diodes relation between V and I is not linear and depends on the sign of V. In
materials like GaAs, V – I relation is not unique. For a given current more than one value of V is possible.
5 Q: How resistivity originate? Explain

A: When a steady potential difference is applied across the ends of a conductor an electric field is set up inside
it. Free electrons are accelerated by this field. But due to collisions with ions, they lose their gained velocity and
as a result electrons drift with the constant average velocity called drift velocity. Thus the collisions oppose free
movement of charge carriers leading to resistivity of the material.
6 Q: Define current density. Is it a vector or scalar?

A: It is defined as the current flowing normally per unit area of cross section. It is a vector quantity.
7 Q: How resistivity increases with increase in temperature in metallic conductors? Explain

A: Resistivity of a material is given by

𝑚
𝜌=
𝑛𝑒 2 𝜏
In metals, number density of electrons has no significant dependence on temperature. As temperature
increases, the average speed of electrons increases. As a result collisions increases or relaxation time
decreases. Hence resistivity increases.
8 Q: How resistivity decreases with increase in temperature in semiconductors and insulators? Explain

A: Resistivity of a material is given by

𝑚
𝜌=
𝑛𝑒 2 𝜏
In semiconductors and insulators as temperature increases, the number density of charge carriers increases.
The effect of this increase will be larger than the decrease in relaxation time. So resistivity decreases with
increase in temperature.
9 Q: Why constantan, Manganin and Eureka are used for making standard resistances?

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 A: They have low temperature coefficient of resistance and high resistivity.
10 Q: Give the colour code of 1Ω resistor.

A: Brown, Black, Gold

Each question scores Three

Focus Area Based
1 Q: Derive vector form of Ohm’s law (Relation between current density and electric field)

A: According to Ohm’s law 𝜌𝑙

𝑉 = 𝐼𝑅 ∵𝑅= & 𝑉 = 𝐸𝑙
𝐴
𝐼𝜌𝑙
𝐸𝑙 = 𝐼
𝐴 ∵𝑗=
𝐸 = 𝑗𝜌 𝐴
In vector form 𝐸 1
𝐸⃗⃗ = 𝑗⃗𝜌 ∵𝑗 = &𝜎 =
𝜌 𝜌
𝑜𝑟, 𝑗⃗ = 𝜎𝐸⃗⃗
This is the vector form of Ohm’s law.
2 Q: A battery of emf 10 V and internal resistance 3Ω is connected to an external resistor. If the current in the
circuit is 0.5 A, what is the value of the external resistance? What is the terminal voltage of the battery when
the circuit is closed?

A: Current drawn from a cell

𝜀
𝐼=
(𝑅 + 𝑟)
𝜀
𝑅+𝑟 =
𝐼
𝜀 10
𝑅 = −𝑟 = − 3 = 20 − 3 = 17Ω
𝐼 0.5
Terminal pd of a cell
𝑉 = 𝐼𝑅 = 0.5 × 17 = 8.5𝑉
3 Q: The figure shows the diagram of a potentiometer.

The length of AB is 3m and resistance per unit length of potentiometer wire is 4Ω/m. If E1 = 4V and R = 20Ω and
E2 = 1V find the length of the potentiometer wire that balances E2.

A: The resistance of potentiometer wire, Rp = length X resistance per unit length = 3X4 = 12Ω
Total resistance connected to the cell, RT = R+Rp = 20+12 = 32Ω
𝐸 4
Current through the potentiometer wire, 𝐼 = 𝑅1 = 32 = 0.125𝐴
𝑇
Potential difference across potentiometer wire, 𝑉𝐴𝐵 = 𝐼𝑅𝑃 = 0.125 × 12 = 1.5𝑉
𝑉 1.5
Potential drop per unit length of potentiometer wire, 𝜑 = 𝐴𝐵 𝑙
= 3 = 0.5𝑉𝑚−1
𝐸2 = 𝜑𝑙
𝐸2 1
𝑙= = = 2𝑚
𝜑 0.5
4 Q: a) Why bending a wire will not affect the resistance of a wire?
b) Current I passing through a conductor. Does it get charged?

A: a) Size and mass of electrons are very small. So they have low inertia of motion. So they can bend through
the wire easily.
b) No. Total number of charge entering to the wire will be equal to total number of electrons leaving the
wire.
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Non-Focus Area Based
1 Q: Obtain the relation between electric current and drift velocity.

A: Consider a conductor of length ‘l’, area of cross section ‘A’ and number of electrons per unit volume ‘n’.
Total charge transported in the direction of applied field in time t,
𝑄 = 𝑛𝑢𝑚𝑏𝑒𝑟 𝑜𝑓 𝑒𝑙𝑒𝑐𝑡𝑟𝑜𝑛𝑠 × 𝑒𝑙𝑒𝑐𝑡𝑟𝑜𝑛𝑖𝑐 𝑐ℎ𝑎𝑟𝑔𝑒
= 𝑛𝑜. 𝑜𝑓 𝑒𝑙𝑐𝑡𝑟𝑜𝑛𝑠 𝑝𝑒𝑟 𝑢𝑛𝑖𝑡 𝑣𝑜𝑙𝑢𝑚𝑒 × 𝑣𝑜𝑙𝑢𝑚𝑒 𝑜𝑓 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑑𝑢𝑐𝑡𝑜𝑟 × 𝑒
= 𝑛𝐴𝑙𝑒
The current through the conductor is
𝑄 𝑛𝐴𝑙𝑒 𝑛𝐴𝑙𝑒
𝐼= = = 𝑙 = 𝑛𝑒𝐴𝑣𝑑
𝑡 𝑡
𝑣𝑑
2 Q: Obtain an expression for resistivity in terms of relaxation time and free electron density.

A: We have
𝐼 = 𝑛𝑒𝐴𝑣𝑑 𝑒𝐸𝜏 𝑉
𝑛𝑒 2 𝜏 𝐴 ∵ 𝑣𝑑 = &𝐸 =
= 𝑉 𝑚 𝑙
𝑚 𝑙
𝑉 𝑚 𝑙
= 2
𝐼 𝑛𝑒 𝜏 𝐴
𝑚 𝑙
𝑅= 2
𝑛𝑒 𝜏 𝐴 𝑉
Comparing with 𝑅 = we get
𝜌𝑙 ∵ =𝑅
𝐴 𝐼
𝑚
𝜌= 2
𝑛𝑒 𝜏
3 Q: Obtain expressions for the effective emf and internal resistance of two cells connected in series.

A:

𝑉𝐴 − 𝑉𝐵 = 𝜀1 − 𝐼𝑟1 − − − (1)
𝑉𝐵 − 𝑉𝐶 = 𝜀2 − 𝐼𝑟2 − − − (2)
(1)+(2)→ 𝑉𝐴 − 𝑉𝐶 = 𝜀1 + 𝜀2 − 𝐼(𝑟1 + 𝑟2 ) − − − (3)
𝑜𝑟, 𝑉𝐴 − 𝑉𝐶 = 𝜀𝑒𝑞 − 𝐼𝑟𝑒𝑞
Where
𝜺𝒆𝒒 = 𝜺𝟏 + 𝜺𝟐
𝒓𝒆𝒒 = 𝒓𝟏 + 𝒓𝟐
4 Q: Obtain expressions for the effective emf and internal resistance of two cells connected in parallel

A:

Let the pd between A and B be ‘V’

𝜀 −𝑉
𝐶𝑜𝑛𝑠𝑖𝑑𝑒𝑟𝑖𝑛𝑔 1𝑠𝑡 𝑐𝑒𝑙𝑙, 𝑉 = 𝜀1 − 𝐼1 𝑟1 ⟹ 𝐼1 = 1
𝑟1
𝜀2 − 𝑉
𝐶𝑜𝑛𝑠𝑖𝑑𝑒𝑟𝑖𝑛𝑔 2𝑛𝑑 𝑐𝑒𝑙𝑙, 𝑉 = 𝜀2 − 𝐼2 𝑟2 ⟹ 𝐼2 =
𝑟2
Total current in the circuit

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 𝐼 = 𝐼1 + 𝐼2
𝜀1 − 𝑉 𝜀2 − 𝑉
= +
𝑟1 𝑟2
𝜀1 𝜀2 1 1
= + − 𝑉 ( + ) … … … … (1)
𝑟1 𝑟2 𝑟1 𝑟2
𝜀𝑒𝑞 − 𝑉 𝜀𝑒𝑞 𝑉
𝐶𝑜𝑛𝑠𝑖𝑑𝑒𝑟𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑒𝑞𝑢𝑖𝑣𝑎𝑙𝑒𝑛𝑡 𝑐𝑖𝑟𝑐𝑢𝑖𝑡, 𝑉 = 𝜀𝑒𝑞 − 𝐼𝑟𝑒𝑞 ⟹ 𝐼 = = − … … … … (2)
𝑟𝑒𝑞 𝑟𝑒𝑞 𝑟𝑒𝑞
Comparing eqns (1) and (2)
𝜺𝒆𝒒 𝜺𝟏 𝜺𝟐
= +
𝒓𝒆𝒒 𝒓𝟏 𝒓𝟐
𝟏 𝟏 𝟏
= +
𝒓𝒆𝒒 𝒓𝟏 𝒓𝟐

Each question scores Four

Focus Area Based
1 Q: With a neat diagram obtain the balancing condition for a Wheatstone’s Bridge? If the galvanometer and cell
are interchanged at the balance point, will it affect the balancing condition?

A:

When the resistances are adjusted so that the galvanometer shows no deflection (Ig=0), the bridge is said to be
balanced. In a balanced Wheatstone bridge B and D are at same potential.
When the bridge is balanced
𝐼𝑔 = 0 ∴ 𝐼1 = 𝐼3 & 𝐼2 = 𝐼4
Applying Kirchhoff’s loop rule to loop ABDA
−𝐼2 𝑄 + 𝐼1 𝑃 = 0
𝑜𝑟, 𝐼1 𝑃 = 𝐼2 𝑄
𝑃 𝐼2
𝑜𝑟, = … … … … (1)
𝑄 𝐼1
Applying Kirchhoff’s loop rule to loop BCDB
−𝐼4 𝑆 + 𝐼3 𝑅 = 0
𝑜𝑟, 𝐼3 𝑅 = 𝐼4 𝑆
𝑅 𝐼4 𝐼2
𝑜𝑟, = = … … (2)
𝑆 𝐼3 𝐼1
From eqn (1) and (2)
𝑃 𝑅
=
𝑄 𝑆
If we interchange the cell and galvanometer, there will be no change in the balancing condition.
2 Q: A meter bridge is a device used to determine the value of an unknown resistance. What is its principle? With
the help of a circuit diagram describe the method to find value of an unknown resistance using meter bridge
arrangement.
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 A: Wheatstone’s bridge principle

Key is closed and jockey is moved over the wire until the galvanometer shows null deflection. At this condition
bridge is balanced. Let the bridge is balanced at the point D. then balancing length AD=l is measured.
Resistance of wire AD, 𝑃 = 𝑅𝐶𝑀 𝑙
( 𝑅𝐶𝑀 = 𝑅𝑒𝑠𝑖𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑐𝑒 𝑝𝑒𝑟 𝑢𝑛𝑖𝑡 𝑐𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑖𝑚𝑒𝑡𝑒𝑟 𝑜𝑓 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑤𝑖𝑟𝑒)
Resistance of wire DC, 𝑄 = 𝑅𝐶𝑀 (100 − 𝑙)
By Wheatstone principle
𝑃 𝑅
=
𝑄 𝑆
𝑅𝐶𝑀 𝑙 𝑅
=
𝑅𝐶𝑀 (100 − 𝑙) 𝑆
𝒍
𝒐𝒓, 𝑹 = 𝑺
(𝟏𝟎𝟎 − 𝒍)
3 Q: A potentiometer is a device to measure emf of a cell. What is its principle? With a neat diagram explain how
the emfs of two cells can be compared using a potentiometer.

A: The potential difference across a uniform resistance wire is proportional to its length when a steady current
flows through it.
𝑖𝑒, 𝑉∝𝑙
𝑜𝑟, 𝑉 = Φ𝑙
𝑉
𝑜𝑟, Φ = = 𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑡
𝑙

The key in the primary circuit is closed. The cell of emf ε1 is introduced in the circuit using two way key. The
jockey is adjusted and null point is obtained. (Null point means the point where galvanometer shows no
deflection). The balancing length AJ=l1 is measured. By potentiometer principle
𝜀1 ∝ 𝑙1 … … … (1)
Now the cell ε2 is introduced in the circuit and balancing length l2 is noted. Then
𝜀2 ∝ 𝑙2 … … … (2)
(1) 𝜺𝟏 𝒍𝟏
⟹ =
(2) 𝜺𝟐 𝒍𝟐
𝑙
The ratio 1 gives the ratio of emfs.
𝑙2
4 Q: Explain with a circuit diagram the method to measure the emf of a cell with a potentiometer if you are given

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 another standard cell (whose emf is known).

A:

The key in the primary circuit is closed. The cell of emf ε1 is introduced in the circuit using two way key. The
jockey is adjusted and null point is obtained. (Null point means the point where galvanometer shows no
deflection). The balancing length AJ=l1 is measured. By potentiometer principle
𝜀1 ∝ 𝑙1 … … … (1)
Now the cell ε2 is introduced in the circuit and balancing length l2 is noted. Then
𝜀2 ∝ 𝑙2 … … … (2)
(1) 𝜺𝟏 𝒍𝟏
⟹ =
(2) 𝜺𝟐 𝒍𝟐
If ε2 is a standard cell of known emf, then
𝒍𝟏
𝜺𝟏 = 𝜺𝟐
𝒍𝟐
5 Q: With the help of a circuit diagram describe the method to find the internal resistance of a cell using
potentiometer.

A:

With K2 open, the balancing length l1 is noted. Then by potentiometer principle

𝜀 ∝ 𝑙1 … … … (1)
When K2 is closed, current flows through the resistance box RB. Now the pd across the cell is the
terminal pd V and the corresponding balancing length l2 is noted. Then
𝑉 ∝ 𝑙2 … … … (2)

(1) 𝜀 𝑙1
⟹ =
(2) 𝑉 𝑙2
𝐼(𝑅 + 𝑟) 𝑙1
=
𝐼𝑅 𝑙2
𝑟 𝑙1
1+ =
𝑅 𝑙2
𝒍𝟏
𝒓 = ( − 𝟏) 𝑹
𝒍𝟐

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