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CURRENT ELECTRICITY
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PHYSICS DPP
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K K SHARMA 1 06/04/2024
CURRENT ELECTRICITY 53

vd = a
Chapter at a Glance where a is the acceleration of the electron. This gives
1. Current through a given area of a conductor is the net m
charge passing per unit time through the area. ne 2
2. Motion of conduction electrons in electric field E is 9.

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the sum of (i) motion due to random collisions and (ii) resistance R, the voltage Vext across R is given by
that due to E. The motion due to random collisions

M
Vext IR R
averages to zero and does not contribute to vd. R r
3. Current is a scalar although we represent current with 10. (a) Total resistance R of n resistors connected in

E
an arrow. Currents do not obey the law of vector series is given by R = R1 + R2 +..... + Rn
addition. That current is a scalar also follows from it’s (b) Total resistance R of n resistors connected in

D
definition. The current I through an area of cross- 1 1 1 1
parallel is given by ......
section is given by the scalar product of two vectors: R R1 R2 Rn

A
I = j. S, where j and S are vectors. 11. Kirchhoff’s Rules
4. The resistance R of a conductor depends on its length l

C
(a) Junction Rule: At any junction of circuit elements,
and cross-sectional area A through the relation, the sum of currents entering the junction must equal
l

A
R the sum of currents leaving it. Kirchhoff’s junction
A rule is based on conservation of charge.
(b) Loop Rule: The algebraic sum of changes in

N
and depends on temperature and pressure. potential around any closed loop must be zero.
5. Electrical resistivity of substances varies over a very 12. The Wheatstone bridge is an arrangement of four
wide range. Metals have low resistivity, in the range of
O resistances – R1, R2, R3, R4 as shown in the text. The
10–8 –6
null-point condition is given by
have 10 to 1024 times greater resistivity.
22
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R1 R3
using which the value of one resistance can
R2 R4
middle range of resistivity on a logarithmic scale.
he other three resistances.
6. In most substances, the carriers of current are
13. The measurement of resistance by Wheatstone bridge
E

electrons; in some cases, for example, ionic crystals

is not affected by the internal resistance of the cell.
and electrolytic liquids, positive and negative ions
G

carry the electric current.

14.
7. Current density j gives the amount of charge flowing
each having resistance R then the net resistance
D

per second per unit area normal to the flow, j = nq vd

across.
where n is the number density (number per unit
5
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volume) of charge carriers each of charge q, and v d is (a)The longest diagonal (EC or AG) R
the drift velocity of the charge carriers. For electrons 6
q = – e. If j is normal to a cross-sectional area A and 3
(b)The diagonal of face (e.g. AC, ED, ....) R
is constant over the area, the magnitude of the current 4
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I through the area is nevd A. 7

(c)A side (e.g. AB, BC.....) R
8. Using E = V/l, I = nevd A, and Ohm’s law, one 12
O

eE ne 2
obtains d 15. The potentiometer is a device to compare potential
m m
differences. Since the method involves a condition of
N

The proportionality between the force eE on the

electrons in a metal due to the external field E and the no current flow, the device can be used to measure
potential difference; internal resistance of a cell and
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drift velocity vd (not acceleration) can be understood,

if we assume that the electrons suffer collisions with compare emf’s of two sources.
ions in the metal, which deflect them randomly. If
such collisions occur on an average at a time interval
,

K K SHARMA 2 06/04/2024
54 CURRENT ELECTRICITY

Solved Examples
Example–1 4 2 l2
For the second wire, R2

Y
Explain the convention used for electric current with d 22
respect to the flow of charges. 2 2
R1 l1 d2 1 1 3

M
Sol. The convention is as follows: 1
1 Or R1 R2
(a) If the moving charges are positive, the current is in R2 2 l2 d1 3 3 1
the direction of motion. The diameter of the first wire is less. So it is thin.

E
(b) If the moving charges are negative, the current is R1 20 ; so R2 20
opposite to the direction of m

D
Example–5
Example–2 Derive the relation between drift velocity and current

A
What are the different types of conductors? Mention density.
the difference between them. Sol. Relation between drift velocity and current density.

C
Sol. The conductors can be classified into two main groups: The number of free electrons in this portion is nAVd dt.
Solid (metallic) conductors.

A
(Where ‘n’ are the number of free electrons per unit
Electrolytic conductors.
volume) the charge crossing this area in time t is,
In solid conductors the charge carriers are
electrons(free) whereas in electrolytic solutions the

N
charge carriers are positive and negative ions. O
Example–3
Considering a steady current 4.8A flowing through a Q nAvd te
IC
wire. Estimate the total number of electrons flowing Q
i nAvd e
through the wire in 10 seconds. t
Sol. i
j nevd
Q A
E

i
t
Example–6
G

or, Q it 10 4.8 C 48C

Define mobility. Show that it is inversely proportional
Again, the number of electrons(n) can be related to
to the mass.
D

charge
Sol. Electrical mobility is the ability of charged particles
Q = ne, where e is the charge of the electron
(such as electrons and protons) to move through a
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48
or, n medium in response to an electric field that is pulling
1.6 10 19
them.
or, n 3 1020
It is denoted by .
W

vd
Example–4
E
The length, radius and resistivity of two wires are each
O

vd
in the ratio 1: 3. The resistance of the comparatively By definition
E
thin wire is 20 . Determine the resistance of the
N

other wire. eE
vd
m
1 l l 4 l
Sol. R [d = diameter of the
K

eE
A A d2 d2
4 mE
wire] e
Or,
4 1l1 m
For the first wire R1
d12 1
Hence,
m
K K SHARMA 3 06/04/2024
CURRENT ELECTRICITY 55

20
Or R
Example–7 19
Using colour code determine the resistance of the
carbon resistor given below.

Y
Sol.

M
Blue Red

E
5 6 102 5%

D
2
R 56 10 5%
20 volt
Or, R 5600 5%
Let the current through resistance 2 , 4 and 5 are

A
Or,
I1 , I 2 and I3 respectively.

C
V 20
Example–8 Now, I1 10A
R1 2
If the resistance of a conductor is 5 at 50 C and

A
7 at 100 C then the mean temperature coefficient of V 20
I2 5A
resistance of the material is R2 4

N
Sol. Using R T2 R T1 1 T2 T1 V 20
I3 4A
R3 5
R 100 R 50 1 100 50
O Total current, I I1 I2 I3 10 5 4 19A
7 5
7 5 1 50 0.008 / C
IC
250 Example–11
Two similar wires of same length and same area of
Example–9 cross-section but of different material having
Explain how does the resistivity increase with increase resistivity 1 and 2 are connected in parallel.
E

in temperature for a metallic conductor? Calculate the effective resistivity of their combination.
Sol. 1 1
G

1 m . 2
R1 R2 1
A A l
Sol. R
ne 2 R1 R2 l / A 2 A
D

1 2

With increase in temperature in a metallic conductor,

1 2
the collision increases, the relaxation time decreases.
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2 1 2

2 1 2
Example–10
1 2
The number of free electrons remains constant for a
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metallic conductor. As a result resistivity increases.

(a) Three resistors and are combined in parallel. What Example–12
is the total resistance of the combination? A cell of emf E is connected with an external
O

(b) If the combination is connected to a battery of emf resistance R, then potential difference across cell is V.
20 V and negligible internal resistance, determine the What will be the internal resistance of the cell?
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current through each resistor, and the total current V

Sol. Let the current in the circuit i
drawn from the battery? R
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Sol. (a) Total resistance of parallel combination, Across the cell,

1 1 1 1 E V E V E V
or E V ir r R
R R1 R 2 R 3 i V/R V

1 1 1 1 10 5 4 19
R 2 4 5 20 20
K K SHARMA 4 06/04/2024
56 CURRENT ELECTRICITY

Example–13 4 2I2 0.5 2 3 0

Find the current i in the following circuit. 2I 2 2 0
I2 1A
The current in arm EF = 1A

Y
Example–15

M
What is sensitivity of a potentiometer? Mention ways
to increase the sensitivity of a potentiometer.

E
Sol. Sensitivity of potentiometer: A potentiometer is said to
Sol. According to Kirchhoff’s first law be more sensitive, if it measures a small potential

D
At junction A, i AB 2 2 4A difference more accurately. The sensitivity is inversely
proportional to the potential gradient. In order to
At junction B, i AB

A
i BC 1 3A
increase the sensitivity of potentiometer:
(a) The resistance in primary circuit will have to be

C
decreased.
(b) The length of potentiometer wire will have to be

A
increased so that the length may be measured more
accuracy.

N
At junction C, i i BC 1.3 3 1.3 1.7amp
Example–16
The storage battery of a car has an emf of 12 V. If the
Example–14
O internal resistance of the battery is 0.4 , what is the
Using Kirchhoff’s rules in the given circuit, determine maximum current that can be drawn from the battery?
IC
(i) The voltage drop [NCERT]
(ii) The current I 2 in the arm EF Sol. Emf of the battery, E = 12 V
Internal resistance of the battery, r 0.4
Maximum current drawn from the battery = I
E

According to Ohm's law,

E Ir
G

E 12
I 30A
r 0.4
D

Sol. (i) Applying Kirchhoff’s second rule in the closed The maximum current drawn from the given battery is
mesh ABFEA 30 A.
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VB 0.5 2 3 VA VB VA 2
V VA VB 2V Example–17
Potential drop across R is 1V as R, EF and upper row A storage battery of emf 8.0 V and internal resistance
W

are in parallel. 0.5 is being charged by a 120 V dc supply using a

Or series resistor of 15.5 . What is the terminal voltage
of the battery during charging? What is the purpose of
O

Potential across AB = Potential across EF

having a series resistor in the charging circuit?
3 2 0.5 4 2I 2
[NCERT]
N

2I2 2I 2 A
Sol. Emf of the storage battery, E = 8.0 V
Potential across R = potential across Internal resistance of the battery, r = 0.5
K

AB = Potential across EF 3 2 0.5 2V DC supply voltage, V =120V

(ii) Applying Kirchhoff’s frist rule at E 0.5 I 2
Where, I is curtent through R.
Now, Kirchhoff’s second rule in closed mesh AEFB,
E IR 0
K K SHARMA
I Resistance of the resistor, R =15.5
Effective voltage in the circuit = V
V V E
V 120 8 112V
5 06/04/2024
CURRENT ELECTRICITY 57

Current flowing in the circuit = I, which is given by Where,

the relation, e = Electric charge 1.6 10 19
C
R is connected to the storage battery in series. Length of the wire l
Hence, it can be written as Vd Drift velocity
t
V 112 112
I 7A

Y
R r 15.5 0.5 16 l
I nAe
Voltage across resistor R given by the product, t

M
nAel
IR 7 15.5 108.5V t
I
DC supply voltage = Terminal voltage of battery +
3 8.5 10 28 2 10 6
1.6 10 19

E
Voltage drop across R
Terminal voltage of battery =120 – 108.5 = 11.5V 3.0

D
A series resistor in a charging circuit limits the current 2.7 10 4 s
drawn from the external source. The current will be

A
extremely high in its absence. This is very dangerous. one end of the wire to the other is 2.7 10 4 s .

C
Example–18 Example–20
In a potentiometer arrangement, a cell of emf 1.25 V Determine the current drawn from a 12 V supply with

A
gives a balance point at 35.0 cm length of the wire. If internal resistance 0.5
the cell is replaced by another cell and the balance in Figure. Each resistor has 1 resistance.
point shifts to 63.0 cm, what is the emf of the second [NCERT]

N
cell?
[NCERT]
Sol. Emf of the cell, E1 1.25V
O
Balance point of the potentiometer, I1 35cm
IC
The cell is replaced by another cell of emf E 2 .
Sol. The resistance of each resistor connected in the given
New balance point of the potentiometer, I 2 63cm
circuit, R 1
The balance condition is given by the relation,
Equivalent resistance of the given circuit
E

R
E1 l1
E 2 l2
G

Hence, equivalent resistance is given by the relation,

l2 63 R
E2 E1 1.25 2.25V R 2
l1 35
D

R 1
Therefore, emf of the second cell is 2.25 V. 2
R 2R 2 0
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Example–19 2 4 8 2 12
R 1 3
The number density of free electrons in a copper 2 2
conductor estimated in Example 3.1 is 8.5 1028 m 3 . Negative value of R cannot be accepted.
W

Hence, equivalent resistance

of a wire 3.0 m long to its other end? The area of R 1 3 1 1.73 2.73
O

cross-section of the wire is 2.0 10 6 m 2 and it is

carrying a current of 3.0 A. Internal resistance of the circuit, r 0.5
N

[NCERT] Hence, total resistance of the given circuit

Sol. Number density of free electrons in a copper 2.73 0.5 3.23
K

conductor, n 8.5 10 28 m 3 Supply voltage, V = 12 V

Length of the copper wire, l 3.0m According to Ohm’s law, current drawn from the
Area of cross-section of the wire, A 2.0 10 6 m 2 12
source is given by ratio, 3.72A .
Current carried by the wire, I 3.0A , which is given
3.23
by the relation, I nAeVd
Example–21
K K SHARMA 6 06/04/2024
58 CURRENT ELECTRICITY

Figure shows a 2.0 V potentiometer used for the R 33.7

Sol. From the first balance point, we get … (1)
determination of internal resistance of a 1.5 V cell. S 66.3
The balance point of the cell in open circuit is 76.3 cm. After S is connected in parallel with a resistance of 12
When a resistor of 9.5 is used in the external circuit eq,

Y
of the cell, the balance point shifts to 64.8 cm length of where,
the potentiometer wire. Determine the internal
12S
Seq

M
resistance of the cell.
S 12
[NCERT]
and hence the new balance condition now gives

E
51.9 R R S 12
… (2)
48.1 Seq 12S

D
Substituting the value of R/S from Eq. (1), we get

A
51.9 S 12 33.7
48.1 12 66.3

C
Which gives S 13.5 . Using the value of R/S
above, we get R 6.86 .

A
Example–23
Sol. Resistance of the standard resistor, R 10.0 At room temperature (27.0 °C) the resistance of a

N
Balance point for this resistance, l1 58.3 cm heating element is 100 . What is the temperature of
Current in the potentiometer wire i the element if the resistance is found to be 117
O
Hence, potential drop across R, E1 iR given that the temperature coefficient of the material
of the resistor is 1.70 10 4 C 1 .
IC
Balance point for this resistor, l2 68.5 cm [NCERT]
Sol. Room temperature, T = 27°C
Hence, potential drop across 2
Resistance of the heating element at T, R= 100
The relation connecting emf and balance point is,
E

Let T1 is the increased temperature of the filament.

E1 l1
Resistance of the heating element at T1 , R1 117
G

E 2 l2
4 1
iR l1 1.70 10 C
is given by the relation,
D

l2
l1 68.5 Temperature co-efficient of the material of the
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l2 58.3 filament,
R1 R
. R T1 T
R1 R
W

If we fail to find a balance point with the given cell of T1 T

emf, R
117 100
be reduced by putting a resistance in series with it. T1 27
O

4
100 1.7 10
the potential drop across the potentiometer wire AB, a T1 27 1000
N

balance point is obtained.

T1 1027 C
K

Example–22 Therefore, at 1027°C, the resistance of the element is

In a metre bridge, the null point is found at a distance 1170 .

connected in parallel with S, the null point occurs at Example–24

51.9 cm. Determine the values of R and S. A negligibly small current is passed through a wire of
[NCERT] length 15 m and uniform cross-section 6.0 10 7 m 2 ,
K K SHARMA 7 06/04/2024
CURRENT ELECTRICITY 59

and its resistance is measured to be 5.0 . What is the Example–25

resistivity of the material at the temperature of the A silver wire has a resistance of 2.1 at 27.5 C , and
experiment? a resistance of 2.7 at 100 C . Determine the
[NCERT] temperature coefficient of resistivity of silver.
Sol. Length of the wire, l 15 m [NCERT]

Y
Area of cross-section of the wire, a 6.0 10 7 m 2 Sol. Temperature, T1 27.5 C
Resistance of the material of the wire, R 5.0 Resistance of the silver wire at T1 , R 1 2.1

M
Resistivity of the material of the wire Temperature, T2 100 C
Resistance is related with the resistivity as Resistance of the silver wire at T2 , R 2 2.7

E
l
R Temperature coefficient of silver
A

D
It is related with temperature and resistance as
RA
R 2 R1
l

A
R 1 T2 T1
5 6 10 7
2 10 7 m 2.7 2.1

C
15 0.0039 C 1

2.1 100 27.5

Therefore, the resistivity of the material is 2 10 7
m

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K K SHARMA 8 06/04/2024
60 CURRENT ELECTRICITY

EXERCISE – 1: Basic Subjective Questions

Section-A (1 Mark Questions) across each wire in turn, what will be the ratio of

Y
1. What is the direction of the flow of current through current flowing in A & B?
electric circuit? 15. Calculate the equivalent resistance between points A

M
2. and B in the figure given below.
the right gap and a metal wire in the left gap. If the
metal wire is heated the balance point will shift to

E
which side?
3. The potential difference across the terminals of a

D
battery is 10V when there is a current of 3A in the 16. Under what conditions is heat produced in an electric
battery from the negative to the positive terminal.

A
circuit:
When the current is 2A in the reverse direction, the (i) directly proportional
potential difference becomes 15 V. Find the internal

C
(ii) inversely proportional to the resistance of the
resistance of the battery. circuit
4.

A
length. What will be its new resistivity?
5. What will happen to the relaxation time of electrons
Section-C (3 Marks Questions)
17. In a potentiometer arrangement, a cell of emf 1.25 V

N
in a metal, if the temperature is changed?
6. Which physical quantity does the slope of voltage gives a balance point at 35.0 cm length of the wire. If
the cell is replaced by another cell and the balance
versus current graph for a metallic conductor
O point shifts to 63.0 cm, what is the emf of the second
7. Define drift velocity of electrons. cell?
IC
8. A resistance R is 18. For a Wheatstone bridge shown in the figure, use
internal resistance r. A potentiometer now measures Kirchhoff's laws to obtain its balance condition.
the potential difference between the terminals, of the 19. Calculate the value of the resistance R in the circuit
shown in the figure, so that the current in the circuit
E

and R. is 0.2A. What would be the potential difference

between points A and B?
G

9. nd
orange bands. What is the approximate resistance of
D

the resistor?
10. Draw the graph showing the variation of conductivity
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with temperature for a metallic conductor?

Section-B (2 Marks Questions)

11. If potential difference V applied across a conductor is
W

20. (a) Why do we prefer potentiometer to measure the

increased to 2V, how will the drift velocity of the emf of cell than a voltmeter?
electron change? (b) With suitable circuit diagram, show how emfs of
O

12. Resistivities of copper, silver and manganin are 2 cells can be compared using a potentiometer?
1.7 10 8 m,1.0 10 8 m and 44 10 m .
8
21. The potentiometer circuit shown, the balance (null)
N

Respectively which of these is the best conductor?

13. Name any one material having a small value of point will be shifted when
K

temperature coefficient of resistance. Write one use

of this material?
14. Two wires A and B are of the same metal and of
same length have their areas of cross section in the
ratio 2:1 if the same potential difference is applied

K K SHARMA 9 06/04/2024
CURRENT ELECTRICITY 61

Section-E (5 Marks Questions)

23. In the figure a long uniform potentiometer wire AB is
having a constant potential gradient along its length.

Y
M
s
unchanged.

E
(3) Cell P is replaced by another cell whose emf is
lower than that of cell Q.

D
The null points for the two primary cells of emfs 1

A
Section-D (4 Marks Questions) and 2
connected in the manner shown are obtained
22. The variation of resistance of a metallic conductor at a distance of 120 cm and 300 cm from the end A.

C
with temperature is given in figure. Find (i) 1 / 2
(ii) Position of null point for the cell

A
1

How is the sensitivity of a potentiometer increased?

24. Define relaxation time of the free electrons drifting in

N
a conductor. How is it related to the drift velocity of
O free electrons? Use this relation to reduce the
expression for the electrical resistivity of the material.
25. The potential difference applied across a given
resistor is altered so that the heat produced per second
IC
increases by a factor of 9.
(a) Calculate the temperature coefficient of resistance
(a) By what factor does the applied potential
from the graph.
difference change?
(b) State why the resistance of the conductor
E

(b) In the figure shown, an ammeter A and a resistor

increases with the rise in temperature.
of 40 are connected to the terminals of the source.
G

The emf of the source is 12 V having an internal

resistance of 2 O. Calculate the voltmeter and
D

ammeter readings.
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N
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K K SHARMA 10 06/04/2024
62 CURRENT ELECTRICITY

EXERCISE – 2: Basic Objective Questions

Section - A (Single Choice Questions) 5. The potential difference between point A & B is

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1. The resistivity of iron is 1 10 7 ohm m . The
resistance of a iron wire of particular length and

M
ohm. If the length and the diameter of
wire both are doubled, then the resistivity in

E
ohm m will be
(a) 1 10 7 (b) 2 10 7

D
(c) 4 10 7 (d) 8 10 7
2. Express which of the following setups can be used to 20 40

A
(a) V (b) V
verify Ohm’s law 7 7

C
10
(c) V (d) 0
7

A
6. The e.m.f. of a cell is E volts and internal resistance
(a) is r ohm. The resistance in external circuit is also r
ohm. The p.d. across the cell will be

N
(a) E/2 (b) 2E
(c) 4E (d) E/4
O 7. Kirchhoff's first law i.e. i 0 at a junction is based
on the law of conservation of
IC
(b) (a) Charge (b) Energy
(c) Momentum (d) Angular momentum
8. Kirchhoff's second law is based on the law of
conservation of
E

(a) Charge
(b) Energy
G

(c)
(c) Momentum
(d) Sum of mass and energy
D

9. In the given current distribution what is the value of I

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(d)
3. Two resistors of resistance R 1 and R 2 having
W

R1 R 2 are connected in parallel. For equivalent

resistance R , the correct statement is

O

(a) R R 1 R 2 (b) R 1 R R2
(c) R 2 R (R 1 R2 ) (d) R R1 (a) 3A (b) 8 A
N

4. Three resistances of magnitude 2, 3 and 5 ohm are (c) 2A (d) 5A

connected in parallel to a battery of 10 volts and of 10. A current of 2.0 ampere passes through a cell of
K

negligible resistance. The potential difference across e.m.f. 1.5 volts having internal resistance of 0.15
3 resistance will be ohm. The potential difference measured, in volts,
across both the ends of the cell will be
(a) 2 volts (b) 3 volts
(c) 5 volts (d) 10 volts
(a) 1.35 (b) 1.50
(c) 1.00 (d) 1.20
K K SHARMA 11 06/04/2024
CURRENT ELECTRICITY 63

11. In an experiment of meter bridge, a null point is
obtained at the centre of the bridge wire. When a
resistance of 10 ohm is connected in one gap, the
value of resistance in other gap is
(a) 10 (b) 5
(c) Internal resistance is less than external resistance
(d) None of these
18.
the right gap and a metal wire in the left gap. If the
metal wire is heated the balance point.

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1 (a) Shifts towards left
(c) (d) 500 (b) Shifts towards right
5

M
(c) Does not change
12. In potentiometer a balance point is obtained, when
(d) May shift towards left or right depending on the
(a) The e.m.f. of the battery becomes equal to the

E
nature of the metal
e.m.f. of the experimental cell
19. A steady current flows in a metallic conductor of
(b)The p.d. of the wire between the +ve

D
non-uniform cross-section. The quantity/quantities
becomes equal to the e.m.f. of the experimental cell
constant along the length of the conductor is/are
(c) The p.d. of the wire between +ve

A
(a) Current, electric field and drift speed
becomes equal to the e.m.f. of the battery
(b) Drift speed only
(d) The p.d. across the potentiometer wire becomes

C
(c) Current and drift speed
equal to the e.m.f. of the battery
(d) Current only
13. Which of the following statement is wrong

A
20. When cells are connected in parallel, then
(a) Voltmeter should have high resistance
(a) The current decreases (b) The current increases
(b) Ammeter should have low resistance
(c) The e.m.f. increases (d)The e.m.f. decreases
(c) Ammeter is placed in parallel across the

N
conductor in a circuit
(d) Voltmeter is placed in parallel across the Section-B (Assertion & Reason Type
conductor in a circuit
O Questions)
14. All of the following statements are true except 21. Assertion: V = iR is Ohm's law.
IC
(a) Conductance is the reciprocal of resistance and is Reason: V- i graph is always a straight line passing
measured in Siemens through origin.
(b) Ohm's law is not applicable at very low and very (a) If both assertion and reason are true and the
high temperatures reason is the correct explanation of the assertion.
E

(c) Ohm's law is applicable to semiconductors (b) If both assertion and reason are true but reason is
(d) Ohm's law is not applicable to electron tubes,
G

not the correct explanation of the assertion.

discharge tubes and electrolytes (c) If the assertion is true but the reason is false.
15. The resistivity of a wire depends on its (d) If the assertion and reason both are false.
D

(a) Length (b)Area of cross-section 22. Assertion: If a current flows through a wire of non-
(c) Shape (d)Material uniform cross-section, potential difference per unit
LE

16. In the figure a carbon resistor has bands of different length of wire is same throughout the length of wire.
colors on its body as mentioned in the figure. The Reason: Current through the wire is not same at all
value of the resistance is cross-sections.
W

(a) If both assertion and reason are true and the

reason is the correct explanation of the assertion.
(b) If both assertion and reason are true but reason is
O

not the correct explanation of the assertion.

(c) If the assertion is true but the reason is false.
N

(d) If the assertion and reason both are false.

(a) 2.2 (b) 3.3 23. Assertion:
K

pieces and all are connected in parallel. Then, net

(c) 5.6 (d) 9.1
resistance becomes 1/16 times.
17. Current provided by a battery is maximum when
Reason: In parallel net resistance is less than the
(a) Internal resistance equal to external resistance
smallest value of individual resistance.
(b) Internal resistance is greater than external
(a) If both assertion and reason are true and the
resistance
reason is the correct explanation of the assertion.
K K SHARMA 12 06/04/2024
64
(b) If both assertion and reason are true but reason is
not the correct explanation of the assertion.
(c) If the assertion is true but the reason is false.
(d) If the assertion and reason both are false.
24. Assertion: Inside a conductor, electrons have no
motion in the absence of some potential difference
across it.
Reason: In the absence of potential difference no
electrostatic force will act on the electrons inside the
conductor.
(a) If both assertion and reason are true and the
reason is the correct explanation of the assertion.
(b) If both assertion and reason are true but reason is
not the correct explanation of the assertion.
(c) If the assertion is true but the reason is false.
(d) If the assertion and reason both are false.
25. Assertion: In the circuit shown in figure, battery is
ideal. If a resistance R 0 is connected in parallel
with R, then power across R will remain same.
Reason: Current drawn from the battery will
increase.
IC
(a) If both assertion and reason are true and the
E
reason is the correct explanation of the assertion.
(b) If both assertion and reason are true but reason is
G
not the correct explanation of the assertion.
(c) If the assertion is true but the reason is false.
D
(d) If the assertion and reason both are false.
26. Assertion: Two 60 W bulbs are first connected in
LE
series and then in parallel with same battery. Total
power produced in second case will become four
times. Rated voltage is same for two bulbs.
Reason: In series total power produced will be 30 W
W
and in parallel 120 W.
(a) If both assertion and reason are true and the
O
reason is the correct explanation of the assertion.
(b) If both assertion and reason are true but reason is
N
not the correct explanation of the assertion.
(c) If the assertion is true but the reason is false.
K
(d) If the assertion and reason both are false.
27. Assertion: Two resistance wires shown in figure are
of same material. They have equal length. More heat
is generated in wire A.
Reason: In series H R and resistance of wire A is
more.
K K SHARMA
CURRENT ELECTRICITY
(a) If both assertion and reason are true and the
reason is the correct explanation of the assertion.
Y
(b) If both assertion and reason are true but reason is
not the correct explanation of the assertion.
M
(c) If the assertion is true but the reason is false.
(d) If the assertion and reason both are false.
E
28. Assertion: Voltmeter is much better than a
potentiometer for measuring emf of cell.
D
Reason: A Voltmeter draws no current while
measuring emf of a cell.
A
(a) If both assertion and reason are true and the
reason is the correct explanation of the assertion.
C
(b) If both assertion and reason are true but reason is
not the correct explanation of the assertion.
A
(c) If the assertion is true but the reason is false.
(d) If the assertion and reason both are false.
N
Section-C (Case Study Questions)
Case Study-1
O A Wheatstone bridge is an electrical circuit used to
resistance by
balancing two legs of a bridge circuit. One leg of
benefit of the circuit is its ability to provide extremely
accurate measurements.
The resistance is adjusted until the bridge is
“balanced” and no current flows through the
galvanometer. At the point. The voltage between the
two midpoints (B and D) will be zero. Therefore the
29. In balanced wheat stone bridge
(a) Potential at points B and D remain same
(b) Large current flows through the circuit
(c) Battery becomes over heated
(d) Resistances become small
30. W
31. Which instrument is used in wheat stone bridge
13 06/04/2024
CURRENT ELECTRICITY 65

(a) Ammeter (b) Voltmeter (d) None will glow brighter

(c) Meter Bridge (d) Potentiometer 36. A rigid container with thermally insulated wall
32. Condition for balanced wheat stone bridge contains a coil of resistance 100 , carrying current 1
(a) R1/R2 = R3/Rx A. change in its internal energy after 5 min will be
(b) R3 = R1 Rx (a) 0 KJ (b) 10 KJ

Y
(c) R1 = R3 Rx (c) 20 KJ (d) 30 KJ
(d) None of the above

M
Case Study -3
Case Study -2 According to Ohm’s law, the current flowing through

E
whenever an electric current is passed through a a conductor is directly proportional to the potential
conductor. It becomes hot after some time. The difference across the ends of the ends of the

D
phenomenon of the production of heat in a resistor by V
the flow of an electric current through it is called conductor i.e. I V R , where R is resistance
I

A
heating effect of current or Joule heating. Thus, the of the conductor. Electrical resistance of a conductor
electrical energy supplied by the source of emf is is the obstruction posed by the conductor to the flow

C
converted into heat. But if the circuit has an active of electric current through it. It depends upon length,
area of cross-section, nature of material and

A
temperature of the conductor. We can write,
rest appears as heat. Joule’s law of heating from the
basis of various electrical appliances such as electric R R or R , where is electrical
A A

N
bulb, electric furnace, electric press etc. resistivity of the material of the conductor.
37. Dimensions of electric resistance is
O
(a) [ML2 T 2 A 2 ]
IC
(b) [ML2 T3 A 2 ]
33. Which of the following is a correct statement?
(a) Heat produced in a conductor is independent of (c) [M 1L 2 T 1A]
the current flowing. (d) [M 1L2 T 2 A 1 ]
E

(b) Heat produced in a conductor varies inversely as

38. If A current flows through a conductor when
the current flowing.
G

potential difference of 2 volt is across its ends, them

(c) Heat produced in a conductor varies directly as
the resistance of the conductor is
the square of the current flowing.
D

(d) Heat produced in a conductor varies inversely as (a) 2 106 (b) 3 105
the square of the current flowing. (c) 1.5 105 (d) 5 107
LE

34. If the coil of a heater is cut to half, what would 39. Specific resistance of a wire depends upon
happen to heat produced? (a) Length
(a) Doubled (b) Halved (b) Cross-sectional area
(c) Mass
W

(c) Remains same (d) Becomes for times

(d) None of these
35. A 25 W bulb and 100 W bulb are joined in series
40. The slope of the graph between potential difference
connected to the mains. Which bulbs will glow
O

and current through a conductor is

brighter?
(a) A straight line
(a) 100 W
(b) Curve
N

(b) 25 W
(c) First curve then straight line
(c) Both bulbs will glow brighter
(d) First straight line then curve
K

K K SHARMA 14 06/04/2024
66 CURRENT ELECTRICITY

EXERCISE – 3: Previous Year Questions

1. the expression for the equivalent emf and the internal
but different materials are joined in series across a resistance of the combination.

Y
(AI 2010)
drift velocity of 7. Define drift velocity. Write its relationship with

M
electrons in the two wires.
relaxation time in terms of the electric field E
(AI 2010) applied to a conductor. A potential difference V is

E
2. A wire of resistance 8R is bent in the form of a circle. applied to a conductor of length l. How is the drift
What is the effective resistance between the ends of a velocity affected when V is doubled and l is halved?

D
diameter AB? (Foreign 2010)
(Delhi 2010) 8. Define ionic mobility. Write its relationship with

A
relaxation time. How does one understand the
temperature dependence of resistivity of a

C
semiconductor?
(Foreign 2010)

A
9. The sequence of colored bands in two carbon
resistors R 1 and R 2 is
3. Two identical slabs, of a given metal, are joined
(i) brown, green, blue

N
together, in two different ways, as shown in figures
(i) and (ii). What is the ratio of the resistances of
Find the ratio of their resistances.
these two combinations?
O (AI 2010)
(Delhi 2010)
10.
IC
of internal resistance of 1 as shown in the figure.
(Foreign 2010)
E
G

(i) (ii)

4. Three cells of emf , 2 and 5 having internal

D

resistances r, 2r and 3r respectively are connected

LE

across a variable resistance R as shown in the figure.

Find the expression for the current. Plot a graph for (b) Obtain the voltage drops VAB and VCD .
variation of current with R. 11. Write any two factors on which internal resistance of
(AI 2010) a cell depends. The reading on a high resistance
W

voltmeter, when a cell is connected across it, is 2.2 V.

When the terminals of the cell are also connected to a
O

resistance of 5 as shown in the circuit, the

voltmeter reading drops to 1.8 V. Find the internal
N

resistance of the cell.

(AI 2010)
K

5. s R and S
when connected in the gaps, give a null point at 40
cm from one end. What is the ratio of R and S?
(Delhi 2010)
6. Two cells, of emf 2 and , and internal resistance 2r
and r respectively, are connected in parallel. Obtain
K K SHARMA 15 06/04/2024
CURRENT ELECTRICITY 67

12. (a) State Kirchhoff’s rules. 18. (a) Write the underlying principle of a potentiometer.
(b) Use these rules to write the expressions for the (b) Draw the circuit diagram of the experimental set-
currents I1 , I 2 and I3 in the circuit diagram shown. up used for determining the internal resistance of a
(AI 2010) cell by potentiometer. Write the necessary formula
used.

Y
(Delhi 2010)
19.

M
resistance R using meter bridge. Explain briefly its

(Delhi 2010)

E
20. Carbon and silicon both have four valence electrons
13. (a) State Kirchhoff’s rules.

D
each. How then are they distinguished?
(b) A battery of 10 V and negligible internal (Delhi 2011)
resistance is connected across the diagonally opposite

A
21. Define resistivity of a conductor. Write its S.I. unit.
(AI 2011)
each of 1 resistance. Use Kirchhoff’s rules to

C
22. In an experiment on meter bridge, if the balancing
determine (i) the equivalen length AC is ‘x’, what would be its value, when the

A
radius of the meter bridge wire AB is doubled?
(AI 2010) Justify your answer.
14. In a meter bridge, the null points is found at a (AI 2011)

N
distance of 40 cm from A. If a resistance of 12 is
connected in parallel with S, the null point occurs at O
50.0 cm from A. Determine the values of R and S.
(Delhi 2010)
IC
E

23. A resistance R is connected across a cell of emf and

G

internal resistance r. A potentiometer now measures

the potential difference between the terminals of the
D

15. cell as V. Write the expression for r in terms of , V

Describe briefly, with the help of a circuit diagram,
and R.
LE

how a potentiometer is used to determine the internal

(Delhi 2011)
resistance of a given cell.
24.
(Delhi 2010)
resistance 47 from a large collection. What
16. A cell, with a finite internal resistance r, is connected
W

should be the sequence of colour bands used to code

across two external resistances R 1 and R 2
it?
R1 R 2 , one by one. In which case would the
O

terminal potential difference of the cell be more?

(Delhi 2010) (Foreign 2011)
N

17. 25. Plot a graph showing temperature dependence of

(b) Using Kirchhoff’s rules, obtain the balance resistivity for a typical semiconductor. How is this
K

condition in terms of the resistances of four arms of behavior explained”

Wheatstone bridge. (Foreign 2011)
(Delhi 2013, 2010)

K K SHARMA 16 06/04/2024
68 CURRENT ELECTRICITY

26. A straight line plot showing the terminal potential

difference (V) of a cell as a function of current (I)
drawn from its shown in the figure. Using this plot,
determine
(Delhi 2011)

Y
(i) the emf and
(ii) internal resistance of the cell. 31. Two cells of emf E1 and E 2 and internal resistance r1

M
and r2 respectively are connected in parallel. Obtain
the expression for the emf and internal resistance of a

E
single equivalent cell that can replace this
combination?

D
(Foreign 2011)
32. Two cells of emf 1 and 2 having internal

A
27. In the given circuit, assuming point A to be at zero resistances r1 and r2 respectively are connected in
potential, use Kirchhoff’s rules to determine the parallel as shown. Deduce the expressions of the

C
potential at point B. equivalent emf a cell which can replace the
(AI 2011) combination between the points B1 and B2 .

A
(AI 2011)

N
O
IC

28. Using Kirchhoff’s rules in the given circuit,

33. In the meter bridge experiment, balance point was
resistor R and (ii) the current I in the arm EF. observed at J with AJ = l.
E

(AI 2011)
interchanged. What would be the new position of
G

balance point?
(ii) If the galvanometer and battery are interchanged
D

at the balance position, how will the balance point get

affected?
LE

(AI 2011)

29. A conductor of through L is connected to a dc source

W

of emf . If this conductor is replaced by another

conductor of same material and same area of cross-
O

section but of length 3L, how will the drift velocity

change? 34. (a) State the underlying principle of potentiometer.
(b) Describe briefly, giving the necessary circuit
N

(Delhi 2011)
30. In the circuit shown, R 1 4 , R 2 R 3 15 , diagram, how a potentiometer is used to measure the
internal resistance of a given cell.
K

R4 30 and E = 10 V. Calculate the equivalent

(Foreign 2011)
resistance of the circuit and the current in each 35.
resistor. principle of a meter bridge. Obtain the expression
(Delhi 2011)
(b) What happens if the galvanometer and cell are
interchanged at the balance point of the bridge?
K K SHARMA 17 06/04/2024
CURRENT ELECTRICITY 69

(c) Why is it considered important to obtain the resistance. A milliammeter of 20 resistance is

balance point near the mid-point of the wire? connected between P and R. Calculate the reading in
(Delhi 2011) the millimeter.
36. (AI 2012)
Draw a circuit diagram to compare emf of two

Y
primary cells. Derive the formula used.
(b) Which material is used for potentiometer wire and

M
why?
(c) How can the sensitivity of a potentiometer be
increased?

E
(Delhi 2011)

D
37. When electrons drift in a metal from lower to higher
potential, does it mean that all the free electrons of

A
the metal are moving in the same direction?
(Delhi 2012) 44.
potentiometer separately using the circuit given:

C
38. Two wires of equal length, one of copper and the
other of manganin have the same resistance. Which Keeping other parameters unchanged, how will the
position of the null point be affected if

A
(AI 2012)
39. Show on a graph, the variation of resistivity with

N
temperature for a typical semiconductor.
(Delhi 2012) O
40. A conductor of length ‘l’ is connected to a dc source
of potential ‘V’. If the length of the conductor is
IC
constant, how will (i) drift speed of electrons and (ii)
-
resistance of the conductor be affected. Justify your
up K1 K2
answer.
open?
E

(Foreign 2012)
41. A cell of emf E and internal resistance r is connected -
G

to two external resistances R 1 and R 2 a perfect K2 K1

ammeter. The current in the circuit is measured in closed?

D

four different situations: (Foreign 2012)

(i) Without any external resistance in the circuit. 45. Define relaxation time of the free electrons drifting in
LE

(ii) With resistance R 1 only
(iii) With R 1 and R 2 in series combination
(iv) With R 1 and R 2 in parallel combination
W
a conductor. How is it related to the drift velocity of
free electrons? Use this relation to deduce the
expression for the electrical resistivity of the material.
(AI 2012)

The currents measured in the four cases are 0.42 A, 46. Calculate the value of the resistance R in the circuit
1.05 A, 1.4 A and 4.2 A, but not necessarily in that shown in the figure so that the current in the circuit is
O

order. Identify the currents corresponding to the four 0.2 A. What would be the potential difference
cases mentioned above. between points B and E?
(Delhi 2012) (AI 2012)
N

42. A battery of emf 10 V and internal resistance 3 is

connected to a resistor. If the current in the circuit is
K

0.5 A, find
(Delhi 2012)
(i) The resistance of the resistor:
(ii) The terminal voltage of the battery
43.
the batteries of 4 V and 5 V and negligible internal
K K SHARMA 18 06/04/2024
70 CURRENT ELECTRICITY

47. Two cells of emf E1 , E 2 and internal resistance r1 and

r2 respectively are connected in parallel as shown in
the figure.

Y
M
51. (a) Density the relation between current density ' j '

E
and potential difference ‘V’ across a current carrying
conductor of length ‘l’, area of cross-section ‘A’ and

D
Deduce the expression for the number density ‘n’ of free electrons.(b) Estimate
(i) The equivalent emf of the combination the average drift speed of conduction electrons in a

A
(ii) The equivalent resistance of the combination copper wire of cross-sectional area 1.0 10 7 m 2
(iii) The potential difference between the points A
carrying a current of 1.5 A. [Assume that the number

C
and B.
density of conduction electron is 9 1028 m 3 .]
(Foreign 2012)
(Delhi 2012)

A
48. Using Kirchhoff’s rules determine the value of

52. Use Kirchhoff’s rules to obtain the balance condition

flows through 4 resistance. Also find the potential
in a Wheatstone bridge. Calculate the value of R in

N
difference between A and D. the balance condition of the Wheatstone bridge, if the
(Delhi 2012) carbon resistor connected across the arm CD has the
O colour sequence red, red and orange, as shown in the
figure. If now the resistances of the arms BC and CD
IC
are interchanged, to obtain the balance condition,
another carbon resistor is connected in place of R.
What would now be the sequence of colour bands of
the carbon resistor?
E

(Delhi 2012)
49.
G

bridge is based. In an experiment of meter bridge, a

student obtains the balance point at the point J such
D

that AJ = 40 cm as shown in the figure. The values of

LE

Find the new position of the balance point. If the

galvanometer and battery are also interchanged, how
will the position of balance point be affected?
W

(AI 2012) 53. Plot a graph showing the variation of resistance of a

50. In the figure a long uniform potentiometer wire AB is conducting wire as a function of its radius. Keeping
having a constant potential gradient along its length. the length of the wire and its temperature as constant
O

The null points for the two primary cells of emfs 1 (Foreign 2013)
54. Two materials Si and Cu, are cooled from 300 K to
and connected in the manner shown are obtained
N

2
60 K. What will be the effect on their resistivity?
at a distance of 120 cm and 300 cm from the end A.
(Foreign 2013)
Find (i) 1 / 2 and (ii) position of null point for the
K

55. The emf of a cell is always greater than its terminal

cell 1
. How is the sensitivity of a potentiometer
increased? (Delhi 2013)
(Delhi 2012) 56. Why is the terminal voltage of a cell less than its
emf?
(AI 2013)
K K SHARMA 19 06/04/2024
CURRENT ELECTRICITY 71

57. A 10 V battery of negligible internal resistance is
connected across a 200 V battery and a resistance of
38 as shown in the figure. Find the value of the
current in circuit.
(Delhi 2013)
64. Use Kirchhoff’s rules to determine the value of the
current I1 flowing in the circuit shown in the figure.
(Delhi 2013)

Y
M
E
58. Two identical cells, each of emf E, having negligible

65.
internal resistance, are connected in parallel with
each other across an external resistance R. What is
D
A battery of emf E and internal resistance r when
connected across an external resistance of 12 ,

A
the current through this resistance? produces a current of 0.5 A. When connected across a
(AI 2013) resistance 25 , it produces a current of 0.25 A.

C
59. Explain the term ‘drift velocity’ of electrons in a Determine (i) the emf and (ii) the internal resistance
conductor. Hence obtain the expression for the of the cell.

A
current through a conductor in terms of ‘drift (AI 2013)
velocity’. 66. Calculate the value of current drawn form a 5 V

N
(AI 2013) battery in the circuit as shown.
60. Write a relation between current and drift velocity of (Foreign 2013)
electrons in a conductor. Use this relation to explain
O
how the resistance of a conductor changes with the
rise in temperature.
IC
(Delhi 2013)
61. Define mobility of a charge carrier. Write the relation

its SI unit.
E

(AI 2013)
67. Describe briefly, with the help of a circuit diagram,
G

62. Draw a graph showing variation of resistivity with

how a potentiometer is used to determine the internal
temperature for nichrome. Which property of
resistance of a cell.
D

(AI 2013)
(AI 2013)
68. State the underlying principle of a potentiometer.
LE

63. An ammeter of resistance 0.80 can measure

Write two factors on which the sensitivity of a
current up to 1.0 A. potentiometer depends.
(i) What must be the value of shunt resistance to
enable the ammeter to measure current up to 5.0 A?
W

(ii) What is the combined resistance of the ammeter

and the shunt?
O

(Delhi 2013)
N

In the potentiometer circuit shown in the figure, the

K

balance point is shifted when

(i) Resistance R is increased?

(Delhi 2013)

K K SHARMA 20 06/04/2024
72 CURRENT ELECTRICITY

69. In the meter bridge experimental set up, shown in the
figure, the null point ‘D’ is obtained at a distance of
40 cm from end A of the meter bridge wire.
79. Estimate the average drift speed of conduction
electrons in a copper wire of cross-sectional area
1.0 10 7 m 2 carrying a current of 1.5 A. Assume the
density of conduction electrons to be 9 1028 m 3 .
(AI 2014)

Y
80. A cello of emf ‘E’ and internal resistance ‘r’ is
connected across a variable resistor ‘R’. Plot a graph

M
showing variation of terminal voltage ‘V’ of the cell
versus the current ‘I’. Using the plot, show how the

E
emf of the cell and its internal resistance can be
determined.

D
(AI 2014)
If a resistance of 10 is connected in series with R 1 , 81. (a) Distinguish between emf ( ) and terminal voltage

A
null point is obtained at AD = 60 cm. Calculate the (V) of a cell having internal resistance ‘r’.
values of R 1 and R 2 . (b) Draw a plot showing the variation of terminal

C
(Delhi 2013) voltage (V) vs the current (I) drawn from the cell.
70. potentiometer. Using this plot, how does one determine the internal

A
With the help of the circuit diagram, explain how a resistance of the cell?
potentiometer is used to compare the emf’s of two (AI 2014)
primary cells. Obtain the required expression used for 82. State Kirchhoff’s rules. Explains briefly how these

N
comparing the emfs. rules are justified.
(b) Write two possible causes for one sided deflection (Delhi 2014)
in a potentiometer experiment.
O 83.
(Delhi 2013) Kirchhoff’s rules to calculate the power consumed by
IC
71. How does the random motion of free electrons in a the resistance R 4 .
conductor get affected when a potential difference is (Delhi 2014)
applied across its ends?
(Delhi 2014)
E

72. Define the term ‘electrical conductivity’ of a metallic

wire. Write S.I. unit
G

(AI 2017, Delhi 2014)

73. Define the term drift velocity of charge carriers in a
D

conductor and write its relationship with the current

flowing through it.
LE

(Delhi 2014) 84. Answer the following:

74. Write the expression for the drift velocity of charge (a) Why are connections between the resistors in a
carriers in a conductor of length ‘l’ across which a
W

potential difference ‘V’ is applied. (b) Why is generally preferred to obtain the balance
(AI 2014) point in the middle of the metre bridge wire?
75. Show variation of resistivity of copper as a function (c) Which material is used for the meter bridge wire
O

of temperature in a graph. and why?

(Delhi 2014) (AI 2014)
N

76. Plot a graph showing variation of current versus

voltage for the ma
K

(Delhi 2014)
77. How does one explain increase in resistivity of a
metal with increase of temperature?
(AI 2014)
78. State the underlying principle of a potentiometer.
(Delhi 2014)
K K SHARMA 21 06/04/2024
CURRENT ELECTRICITY 73

85. A potentiometer wire of length 1 m has a resistance Determine (i) 1 / 2

and (ii) position of null point for
of 10 . It is connected to a 6 V battery in series with the cell of only.
1

a resistance of 5 . Determine the emf of the primary (Foreign 2014)

cell which gives a balance point at 40 cm.
(Delhi 2014)

Y
86. A potentiometer wire of length 1.0 m has a resistance
of 15 . It is connected to a 5 V battery in series with

M
a resistance of 5 . Determine the emf of the primary
cell which gives a balance point at 60 cm.

E
(Delhi 2014)
87. (a) State the underlying principle of a potentiometer.

D
91.
Why is necessary to (i) use a long wire, (ii) have
uniform area of cross-section of the wire and (iii) use

A
region of

C
the emfs of the primary cells?
(b) In a potentiometer experiment, if the area of the

A
cross-section of the wire increases uniformly from
one end to the other, draw a graph showing how
potential gradient would vary as the length of the

N
wire increases from one end.
(AI 2014) O (i) negative resistance
88. Define the term ‘drift velocity’ of charge carriers in a (ii) where Ohm’s law is obeyed.
conductor. Obtain the expression for the current (Delhi 2015)
density in terms of relaxation time.
IC
92. I-V graph for a metallic wire at two different
(Foreign 2014) temperatures, T1 and T2 is as shown in the figure.
89.
Which of the two temperatures is lower and why?
as shown. If the power consumed in the 2 resistor
(AI 2015)
E

is 200 W, determine the power dissipated in the 5

resistor.
G

(Foreign 2014)
D
LE

93. Plot a graph showing the variation of resistivity of a

conductor with temperature.
W

(Foreign 2015)
’
94. using the concept of drift velocity of charge carriers
90. (a) State the principle of a potentiometer. Define
in a conductor, deduce the relationship between
O

potential gradient. Obtain an expression of potential

current density and resistivity of the conductor.
gradient in terms of resistivity of the potentiometer
(Delhi 2015)
N

wire.
95. 1 , 2 and 3 , how will
(b) Figure shows a long potentiometer wire AB
you combine them to get an equivalent resistance of
K

having a constant potential gradient. The null points

for the two primary cells of emfs 1 and 2 connected 11 11
(i) and
3 5
in the manner shown are obtained at a distance of
(Foreign 2015)
l1 120 cm and l 2 300 cm from the end A.

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74 CURRENT ELECTRICITY

96. Use Kirchhoff’s rules to determine the potential 102. (a) Deduce the relation between current I flowing
difference between the points A and D when no through a conductor and drift velocity v d of the
electrons.
in the figure. (b) Figure shows a plot of current ‘I’ flowing through
(AI 2015) the cross-section of a wire versus the time ‘t’. Use the

Y
plot to find the charge flowing in 10 sec through the
wire.

M
(AI 2015)

E
D
A
97. Use Kirchhoff’s rules to obtain conditions for the
balance condition in a Wheatstone bridge.

C
(Delhi 2015)
98. Calculate the current drawn from a 5 V battery by the
103. In the circuit shown in the figure. Find the current

A
through each resistor.
(AI 2015)
(Delhi 2015)

N
O
IC

99. In the two electric circuits shown in the figure, 104. A cell of emf ‘E’ and internal resistance ‘r’ is
E

determine the readings of ideal ammeter (A) and the connected across a variable load resistance ‘r’ is
ideal voltmeter (V). connected across a variable load resistor R. Draw the
G

(Delhi 2015) plots of the terminal voltage V versus (i) R and (ii)
the current I. It is found that when R 4 , the
D

current is 1 A and when R is increased to 9 , the

current reduces to 0.5 A. Find the values of the emf E
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and internal resistance r.

(Delhi 2015)
105. With the help of the circuit diagram, explain the
W

-bridge. How is it used to

100. (a) Find the relation between drift velocity and
relaxation time of charge carriers in a conductor. Write the necessary precautions to minimize error in
O

(b) A conductor of length L is connected to a.d.c. the result.

source of e.m.f. V. if the length of the conductor is (AI 2015)
N

106. Draw a circuit diagram of a potentiometer state its

how drift velocity would be affected.
K

(AI 2015) describe how it is used to compare the emfs of the

101. A steady current flows in a metallic conductor of two cells.
non-uniform cross-section. Which of these quantities (AI 2015)
in constant along the conductor: current, current
density, electric field, drift speed?
(Delhi 2015)
K K SHARMA 23 06/04/2024
CURRENT ELECTRICITY 75

107. The plot of the variation of potential difference across

a combination of three identical cells in series versus
current is shown in the figure. What is the emf and
internal resistance of each cell?
(AI 2016)

Y
(ii) Why is potentiometer preferred over a voltmeter

M
for comparison of emf of cells?
(iii) Draw a circuit diagram to determine to determine

E
internal resistance of a cell in the laboratory.
(Foreign 2016)

D
108. A metal rod of square cross-sectional area A having 112. Nichrome and copper wires of same length and same
length l has current I flowing through it when a radius are connected in series. Current I is passed

A
potential difference of V volt is applied across its through them. Which wire gets heated up more?
ends (figure I). Now the rod is cut parallel to its Justify your answer.

C
length into two identical pieces and joined as shown (AI 2017)
in figure II. What potential difference must be 113. (a) The potential difference applied across a given

A
maintained across the length of 2l so that the current resistor is altered so that the heat produced per
in the rod is still I? second increases by a factor of 9. By what factor does
(Foreign 2016) the applied potential difference change?

N
(b) In the figure shown, an ammeter A and a resistor
of 4 are connected to the terminals of the source.
O The emf of the source is 12 V having an internal
resistance of 2 . Calculate the voltmeter and
IC
109. Two cells of emfs 1.5 V and 2.0 V having internal ammeter readings.
resistances 0.2 and 0.3 respectively are (AI 2017)
connected in parallel. Calculate the emf and internal
resistance of the equivalent cell.
E

(Delhi 2016)
G

110.
(ii) In the following potentiometer circuit AB is a
D

uniform wire of length 1 m and resistance 10 .

Calculate the potential gradient along the wire and 114. A resistance of R draws current from a potentiometer.
LE

balance length AO (l) . The potentiometer wire AB, has a total resistance of
(Delhi 2016) R o . A voltage V is supplied to the potentiometer.
Derive an expression for the voltage across R when
the sliding contact is in the middle of the
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potentiometer wire.
(Delhi 2017)
O
N

111. (i) In the circuit diagram given below, AB is a

K

uniform wire of resistance 15 and length 1 m. It is

connected to cell E1 of emf 2V and negligible
internal resistance and a resistance R. The balance
point with another cell E 2 of emf 75 mV is found at
30 cm from end A. Calculate the value of R.
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76 CURRENT ELECTRICITY

115. 119. A 10 V cell of negligible internal resistance is

(b) In a metre bridge, the balance point is found at a connected in parallel across a battery of emf 200 v
distance l1 with resistance R and S as shown in the and internal resistance 38 as shown in the figure.
figure. Find the value of current in the circuit.
(2018)

Y
M
connected in

E
parallel to the resistance S and the balance point is

D
found at a distance l 2
120. In a potentiometer arrangement for determining the
terms of l1 , l2 and S. emf of a cell, the balance point of the cell in open

A
(AI 2017) circuit is 350 cm. When a resistance of 9 is used in
116. (i) Derive an expression for drift velocity of electrons the external circuit of the cell, the balance point shifts

C
in a conductor. Hence deduce ohm’s law. to 300 cm. Determine the internal resistance of the
(ii) A wire whose cross-sectional area is increasing cell.

A
linearly from its one end to the other, is connected (2018)
across a battery of V volts. Which of the following 121. (a) Define the term ‘conductivity’ of a metallic wire.
quantities remain constant in the wire? Write its SI unit.

N
(a) Drift speed (b) Using the concept of free electrons in a conductor,
(b) Current density derive the expression for the conductivity of a wire in
(c) Electric current
O terms of number density and relaxation time. Hence
(d) Electric field obtain the relation between current density and the
IC
Justify your answer. applied electric field E.
(Delhi 2017) (2018)
117. (i) State the two Kirchhoff’s laws. Explain briefly 122. How is the draft velocity in a conductor affected with
how these rules justified. the rise in temperature?
E

(ii) The current is drawn from a cell of emf E and (Delhi 2019)
G

123. Under what condition will the current in a wire be the

resistors each of resistance r as shown in the figure. same when connected in series and in parallel of n
Obtain the expression for (a) the current drawn from identical cells each having internal resistance r and
D

external resistance R?
(Delhi 2017) (AI 2019)
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124. Two bulbs are rated P1 , V and P2 , V . If they are

connected (i) in series and (ii) in parallel across a
supply V, find the power dissipated in the two
W

combinations in terms of P1 and P2 .

(Delhi 2019)
O

118. Two electric bulbs P and Q have their resistances in

the ratio of 1:2. They are connected in series across a
N

battery. Find the ratio of the power dissipation in

these bulbs.
K

(2018)

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CURRENT ELECTRICITY

Y
77

M
125. (i) The graph between resistance (R) and temperature 128. What is end error in a meter bridge? How is it
(T) for Hg is shown in the figure. Explain the overcome? The resistances in the two arms of the

E
behavior of Hg near 4 K. meter bridge are R 5 and S respectively.
When the resistance S is shunted with an equal

D
resistance, the new balance length found to be 1.5 l1 ,
where l1 is the initial balancing length. Calculate the

A
value of S.

C
(Delhi 2019)

A
(ii) In which region of the graph shown in the figure
is the resistance negative and why?
(AI 2019)

N
O
129. State the underlying principle of meter-bridge. Draw

IC resistance of a conductor can be determined by this

method.
(AI 2019)
E
126. Draw a graph showing the variation of current versus
voltage in an electrolyte when an external resistance 130. (For the circuit shown in the figure, how would the
G

is also connected. balancing length be affected, if

(AI 2019)
D

127. Using Kirchhoff’s rules, calculate the current through

the 40 and 20 resistors in the following
LE

circuit.
(Delhi 2019)

(i) R 1 is decreased,
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(ii) R 2 is increased, the other factors remaining the

same in the circuit? Justify your answer in each case.
O

(b) Why is a potentiometer preferred over a

N

(AI 2019)
K K SHARMA 26 06/04/2024
K

Find Answer Key and Detailed Solutions at the end of this book.

CURRENT ELECTRICITY