Remedial measures/revision – XII (PHYSICS)

Unit-II (Current electricity) Notes/Important FAQs/Graded Assignments page -01

Part (A)-VSA & SA Questions
1. Answer the following :
1. Define current density. Write its S.I. unit. Is it a scalar or vector quantity ? CBSE(AIC)-2010
[ Ans. Current density : Electric current flowing normally per unit area of cross section is called current density
⃗
⃗j ¿ I
A
Its S.I. unit is A/m 2. It is a vector quantity
2. (a) Define resistance of a conductor. Write its S.I. unit.
(b) What are the factors on which the resistance of a conductor depends ? CBSE(AIC)-2015,2001
[ Ans. (a) Resistance : It is the ratio of potential difference applied across the ends of a conductor to the current
flowing through it
V
i,e, R¿
I
Its S.I. unit is Ohm (Ω)
(b) Factors : (i) Length of the conductor R ∝ L
(ii) Area of cross section of the conductor R ∝1/ A
(iii) nature of material & temperature
3. (a) Define resistivity of a conductor. Write its S.I. unit.
(b) On what factors does the resistivity of a conductor depend ? CBSE (D)-2016,(AI)-2015,2012,2011
[Ans. (a) Resistivity : Resistivity of the material of a conductor is defined as the resistance of conductor of that
material of unit length and unit area of cross section
RA
ρ=
L
Its S.I. unit is Ohm metre ( Ω m)
(b) Factors : (i) relaxation time (i,e, temperature) and
(ii) number density of electrons

4. Draw a graph showing the variation of resistance of a metal wire as a function of its diameter keeping its length and
material constant. CBSE (Sample Paper)-2017
L 4l
[Ans. R=ρ 2
¿ρ
πr π D2
1
⇨ R∝
D2
5. Two wires, one of copper and the other of manganin, have same resistance and equal thickness. Which wire is
longer? Justify your answer. CBSE(AI)-2015
[Ans. Copper wire will be longer
RA
Reason : ρ¿
L
but R and A are same ⇨ ρ ∝1/ L
Since ρC <¿ ρm ⇨ Lc ¿ Lm
6. Two wires of equal length, one of copper and the other of manganin have the same resistance. Which wire is thicker ?
[Ans. Manganin wire is thicker CBSE(AI)-2016,2012
RA
Reason : ρ¿ but R and l are same ⇨ ρ ∝ A
L
Since ρ m ¿ ρ C ⇨ Am ¿ AC
7. Nichrome and copper wires of same length and same radius are connected in series. Current I is passed through
them. Which wire gets heated up more ? Justify your answer. CBSE(AI)-2017
[ Ans. Nichrome
Reason : H=I 2 Rt & R¿ ¿ RCu (or Resistivity Ni > Resistivity Cu)
8. Define the term conductivity of a conductor. Write its S.I. unit. On what factors does it depend ?
CBSE (AIC)-2017,(AI)-2016,(D)-2014,2008
[Ans. Conductivity : It is defined as the current flowing per unit area per unit electric field
J
i,e, σ ¿
E
It is also defined as the reciprocal of resistivity i,e, σ =1/ ρ
−1 −1
Its S.I. unit is Ω m
Factors : (i) nature of material and (ii) temperature (relaxation time)

Remedial measures/revision – XII (PHYSICS)

Unit-II (Current electricity) Notes/Important FAQs/Graded Assignments page -02
Part (A)-VSA & SA Questions
2. Answer the following :
1. Resistance of a conductor increases with the rise in temperature. Why ? CBSE(DC)-2001
[Ans. Due to increase in frequency of collision of electrons with ions/atoms in the conductor.
2. If a wire is stretched to double its original length without loss of mass, what will be its new-
(a) resistivity (b) resistance ? CBSE(AIC)-2001
[Ans. (a) Resistivity will remain same
(b) Resistance will be 4 times the original resistance
2
R' =¿ ( 2 ) R=4 R
3. Two materials, Si and Cu , are cooled from 300K to 60K. What will be the effect on their resistivity ?CBSE (F)-2013
[Ans. For Si, resistivity will increase.
Reason : Semiconductors have negative temperature coefficient of resistivity.
For Cu , resistivity will decrease.
Reason : conductors have positive temperature coefficient of resistivity
4. Explain, why allows like constantan and manganin are used for making standard resistors ?
[Ans. Because they have CBSE (D)-2016,(F)-2011,2004
1. High resistivity
2. Very small temperature coefficient of resistivity
5. The I-V graph for a metallic wire at two different temperatures T 1 and T 2 is as shown in the figure. Which of the
two temperatures is higher and why ? CBSE(AI)-2015
[ Ans. T 1 is higher
Reason : for the same I, V 1 ¿ V2
V
⇨ R1 > R2 [∵R=
I]
⇨ T 1>T 2 as R = R0 ( 1+α t )
6. The I-V graph for two identical conductors of different materials A and B is shown in figure. Which one of the two
has higher resistivity and why ? CBSE(AI)-2015
[Ans. B has higher Resistivity
Reason : As for the same I, VB¿VA
V
⇨ RB> RA [∵R=
I]
RA
⇨ ρB> ρA [∵ρ=
L ]
7. Two metallic resistors are connected first in series and then in parallel across a d.c. supply. Plot of I-V graph is shown for the
two cases. Which one represents a parallel combination of the resistors and why ? CBSE(AI)-2015,2004
[Ans. A represents parallel combination
Reason : for the same I, V A ¿VB
V
⇨ RA< RB [∵R=
I]
8. Figure shows a plot of current ' I ' flowing through the cross section of a wire versus the time ' t ' . Use the plot to find
the charge flowing in 10 s through the wire. CBSE(AIC)-2015
[Ans. q ¿ I dt ¿ area under I-t curve 1
¿ ( 5 X 5 ) +¿ ( 10−5 ) X 5 ¿ 37.5 C
2
9. Show that the current density ⃗j is related to the applied electric field ⃗
E by the relation CBSE(AI)-2015, (F)-
2014
⃗j =σ ⃗
E
Where σ defines the conductivity of the material.

( ) ( )
2
eE eE
[Ans. j=¿ ne v d ¿ ne τ ¿ ne τ E [ ∵ v d= τ]
m m m
m
But, ρ¿ 2
ne τ
1
⇨ j=¿ E ¿ σ E ⇨ ⃗j =σ ⃗
E
ρ
==================================================================================

Remedial measures/revision – XII (PHYSICS)

Unit-II (Current electricity) Notes/Important FAQs/Graded Assignments page -03
Part (A)-VSA & SA Questions
3. Answer the following :
1. Define the term (a) Emf of a cell (b) Terminal voltage of a cell. CBSE (DC)-2010
[Ans. (a) Emf : Emf of a cell may be defined as the energy supplied by the cell in moving unit charge through
the complete circuit (including the cell)
i,e, E ¿ W /q
(b) Terminal voltage: It is the potential difference between the electrodes of a cell, when the cell is in closed circuit
V = E – Ir
2. Define internal resistance of a cell. Write any two factors on which it depends. CBSE (AI)-2010
[Ans. Internal resistance ( r ): It is the resistance offered by the electrolyte of a cell to the flow of current between
its electrodes
Factors :(i) nature of electrolyte
(ii) concentration of electrolyte
(iii) nature of electrodes & distance between them
3. The emf of a cell is always greater than its terminal voltage. Give reason. CBSE (D)-2013
[Ans. Because there is a potential drop across the internal resistance of the cell, when cell is in a closed circuit
4. Can the value of terminal potential difference be greater than the emf of a cell ? CBSE (AI)-2013
[Ans. yes. During the charging of the cell
5. The figure shows a plot of terminal voltage ‘V’ versus the current ‘i’ of a given cell. Calculate from the graph
(a) emf of the cell and (b) internal resistance of the cell. CBSE (AIC)-2017
[ Ans. (a) V =¿ E – Ir
When I =0 , V =E

⇨ E=6 V
(b) E=V + I r ⇨ 6=4 +1 X r
⇨ r =2 Ω
6. Find the resistance of the following carbon resistors. CBSE(AIC)-2010,NCERT-2017
[Ans. (i) R=47 X 10 ± 5 % Ω
1

(ii) R=22 X 102 ± 10 % Ω

7. State Ohm’s law. CBSE(AI)-2013

[Ans. Ohm’s law : If the physical conditions of a conductor remains unchanged then the current flowing through it is
directly proportional to the potential difference applied
i,e, V ∝I
⇨ V =I R
8. Graph showing the variation of current versus voltage for a material GaAs as shown in figure. Identify the region of
(i) negative resistance CBSE (D)-2015
(ii) where Ohm’s law is obeyed.
[Ans. (i) Region DE because current decreases on increasing voltage.
(ii) Region AB because current increases linearly on increasing voltage

9. Two identical cells each of emf E ,having negligible internal resistance, are connected in parallel with each other
across an external resistance R. What is the current through the resistance ? CBSE (D)-2013
E
[Ans. I =
R

10. A 10 V battery of negligible internal resistance is connected across a 200 V battery and a resistance of 38 Ω as
shown. Find the value of the current in the circuit. CBSE (D)-2013
V 200−10
[Ans. I = = =5 A
R 38

=================================================================================

Remedial measures/revision – XII (PHYSICS)

Unit-II (Current electricity) Notes/Important FAQs/Graded Assignments page -04
Part (A)-VSA & SA Questions
4. Answer the following :
1. Define the term drift velocity of charge carriers in a conductor and write its relation with the current flowing through it.
[Ans. Drift velocity ( vd ) : CBSE (AI)-2016,2014,(F)-2011
The average velocity acquired by free electrons of a conductor in a direction opposite to the
applied electric field is called drift velocity ( v d ≈ 10−4 m/ s )
Relation : I =¿ neA v d
2. How does the random motion of free electrons in a conductor gets affected when a potential difference is applied
across its ends. CBSE (AIC)-2014
[Ans. Random motion is partially directed towards positive end of conductor
3. When electrons drift in a metal from lower to higher potential, does it mean that all the ‘free’ electrons of the metal
are moving in the same direction? CBSE (AI)-2012, NCERT-2017
[Ans. By no means. The drift velocity is superposed over the large random velocities of electrons.
4. The electron drift speed is estimated to be only a few mm s−1 for currents in the range of a few amperes ? How then
is current established almost the instant a circuit is closed ? NCERT-2017
[Ans. When the circuit is closed, electric field is setup in the entire circuit instantly with the speed of em waves which
causes electron drift at every portion of the circuit. A current starts flowing in the circuit almost instantly
5. If the electron drift speed is so small, and the electron’s charge is small, how can we still obtain large amounts of
current in a conductor ? CBSE (AI)-2015,NCERT-2017
[Ans. because the electron number density is very large ¿ m−3 ¿
6. The electron drift arises due to the force experienced by electrons in the electric field inside the conductor. But force
should cause acceleration. Why then do the electrons acquire a steady average drift speed ? NCERT-2017
[Ans. Each ‘free’ electron does accelerate, but due to frequent collisions with ions they acquire only an average speed
known as drift speed
7. How does the drift velocity of electrons in a metallic conductor vary with increase in temperature ?
[Ans. Drift velocity will decrease on increasing the temperature CBSE (AI)-2016,(F)-2011,(D)-2002
eE
Reason : vd ¿ τ , when temperature is increased, relaxation time decreases or frequency of collision increases
m
8. If a potential difference V applied across a conductor is increased to 2 V , how will the drift velocity of electrons change ?
eV
[Ans. drift velocity will be doubled as v d ¿ τ ⇨ v d ∝V CBSE (AIC)-2001
mL
==================================================================================
5. Define the term ‘relaxation time’ in a conductor. CBSE(AI)-2016,2012,(F)-2014
[Ans. Relaxation time : It is the average time between two successive collisions of electron with ions in a conductor
6. If the temperature of a good conductor increases, how does the relaxation time of electrons in the conductor change ?
[Ans. Relaxation time decreases CBSE (AI)-2002
Reason : with the increase in temperature, free electron collides more frequently with the ions/atoms of the
conductor, resulting decrease in relaxation time
7. (i) How is the relaxation time related to the drift velocity of free electrons ?
(ii) Obtain an expression for the current density in terms of relaxation time. CBSE(AI)-2016,2012,(F)-2014
eE
[Ans. vd ¿ τ
m

( )
2
eE ne τ
Expression : j ¿ ne v d ¿ ne τ ¿ E
m m
8. (i) Define mobility of a charge carrier. Write its S.I. unit.
(ii) What is its relation with relaxation time ? CBSE(AI)-2016,2015,(D)-2014
(iii) How does the electron mobility change if
(a) temperature is increased , (b) potential difference in doubled ?
[Ans. (i) Mobility: It is defined as the drift velocity per unit electric field
vd
i,e, μm =
E
−1 −1
Its S.I. unit is ms N C
(ii) Relation :
v
μm = d ¿
E
1 eE
E m ( )
e
τ =¿ τ
m
(iii) ( a) μm decreases because if temperature is increased, relaxation time τ decreases
(b) No effect because μm does not depend on potential difference
==================================================================================

Remedial measures/revision – XII (PHYSICS)

Unit-II (Current electricity) Notes/Important FAQs/Graded Assignments page -05
Part (A)-VSA & SA Questions
9. Answer the following :
1. What happens if the galvanometer and cell are interchanged at the balanced point of the Wheatstone bridge? Would
the galvanometer show any current ?
[ Ans. balanced condition still remains satisfied hence galvanometer does not show any current
2. What is a meter bridge ? Write the principle of working meter bridge. CBSE (AI)-2017,2016,(AIC)-2015
[ Ans. Meter bridge : It is the simplest practical application of Wheatstone bridge and is used to determine the unknown
resistance
principle : It is based on the principle of Wheatstone bridge ,
i,e, in balanced condition of the bridge

P R
¿
Q S
3. Why are the connections between the resistors in a meter bridge made of thick metal (copper) strips ? CBSE(AI)-2016,2014
[ Ans. Thick copper strips have negligible resistance due to low resistivity & large area of cross section. It helps to
maintain continuity without adding resistance to the circuit and accurate balance point is obtained
4. Why is it generally preferred to obtain the balance point in the middle of the meter bridge wire? CBSE (D)-2014
[ Ans. sensitivity of meter bridge is higher when balance point lies in the middle of the wire

5. Of which material a metre bridge wire normally made and why ? CBSE (AI) -2016,2014,(F)-2013
[Ans. Nichrome or manganin
Reason : Such an alloy has high resistivity and very small temperature coefficient of resistance, hence its
resistance does not change with rise in temperature due to flow of current

==================================================================================
Remedial measures/revision – XII (PHYSICS)
Unit-II (Current electricity) Notes/Important FAQs/Graded Assignments page -06
Part (B)-SA (II) & Long Answer Questions
1. Answer the following :
1. When a metallic conductor is subjected to a certain potential V across its ends, discuss briefly how the phenomenon
of drift occurs. CBSE (AI)-2015,(F)-2014
[Ans. Drift : When a potential difference is applied to the ends of a conductor, electrons get accelerated due to electric
field. After being accelerated for relaxation time ( τ), each electron undergoes collisions with ions and
their velocity again becomes random. The electrons move with an average velocity which is independent of
time, although they are accelerated. This phenomenon is called drift and average velocity is called drift
velocity.
2. Derive an expression for drift velocity of free electrons in a conductor in terms of relaxation time of electrons.
[Ans. Expression for drift velocity : CBSE(AI)-2016,2015,2009
Let a potential difference V is applied across the ends of a
conductor, then each free electron will experience a force

−e E ⃗
⃗
F ¿ −e ⃗
E ⇨ a⃗ ¿ m
Average of all random velocities under this acceleration is the drift velocity
v 1 +⃗
⃗ vN (⃗
v 2 +−−−−−−−−∓⃗ u +⃗a τ 1 ) + ( u⃗2+ ⃗a τ 2 ) +−−−−−−−−∓( ⃗
u N + ⃗a τ N )
⇨ ⃗
vd ¿ ¿ 1
N N

⇨ ⃗
vd ¿
u1 + ⃗
⃗ u2+−−−−−−−−∓⃗
N
uN
(
τ + τ +−−−−−−∓τ N
+¿ a⃗ 1 2
N )
⇨ ⃗
v d ¿ 0 +¿ a⃗ τ ¿ a⃗ τ
⃗
⇨ v d ¿ −e E τ
⃗
m
3. Deduce the relation between current I flowing through a conductor and drift velocity ⃗
v d of free electrons.
[ Ans. Relation between current and drift velocity : CBSE(AIC)-2015,(AI)-2013,(D)-2008
Let a potential difference V is applied across the ends of a conductor
as shown. If n be the number of free electrons per unit volume then
charge crossing area A in time ∆ t

∆ Q ¿ Ne ¿ ( n A v d ∆ t ) e
∆Q ne Avd∆t
⇨ I =¿
∆t
¿
∆t
⇨ I =¿ neA v d
I ne Avd
& j¿ ¿
A A
⇨ j¿ ne v d

4. Deduce Ohm’s law using the concept of drift velocity. CBSE(AI)-2013

OR
On the basis of electron drift, derive an expression for resistivity of a conductor in terms of number density of free
electrons and relaxation time. CBSE (D)-2016,(AI)-2012
[Ans. Let a potential difference V is applied across the ends of a conductor as shown.
V
Electric field produced, E=¿
l
eE eV
⇨ v d ¿ ml τ ¿ ml τ

⇨ I =¿ neA v d ¿ neA ( )
eV
ml
τ ¿
n e2 τ A
m l
V ( )
⇨
V m l
¿ 2
I ne τ A ( ) ---------(1)

If the physical conditions of conductor such as temperature etc. remains constant then
m l
n e2 τ A( )=constant=R --------(2)

V
⇨ from (1) I ¿ R ⇨ V =IR
ρl m
Now, R ¿
A
⇨ from ( 2) ρ ¿
n e2 τ

Remedial measures/revision – XII (PHYSICS)

Unit-II (Current electricity) Notes/Important FAQs/Graded Assignments page -07
Part (B)-SA (II) & Long Answer Questions
2. Answer the following :
1. (i) Plot a graph showing the variation of resistivity with temperature in the case of a conductor.
(ii) How does one explain such behaviour, using the mathematical expression of the resistivity.
[Ans. (i) Graph : Where α is called
m temperature coefficient of
(ii) explanation : ρ ¿ resistivity.
n e2 τ
In conductors, with increase in temperature, number density (n)
does not change but the average speed of electrons and hence
frequency of collision increases due to which relaxation time (τ )
decreases. Hence resistivity ρ increases.
Over limited range of temperature
ρT ¿ ρ0 ( 1+ α ( T −T 0 ) )

===============================================================================
2. (i) Plot a graph showing the variation of resistivity with temperature in the case of a semiconductor.
(ii) How does one explain such behaviour, using the mathematical expression of the resistivity.
[Ans. (i) Graph :
m 1
(ii) explanation : ρ¿ ⇨ ρ∝n
n e2 τ
& for semiconductors n ( T )=n0 e− E / Kg B T
⇨ ρ ( T )=ρ0 e E / K T
g B

In semiconductors, with increase in temperature, number density (n)

increases exponentially and dominates the decrease in relaxation time (τ )
Hence resistivity ρ decreases exponentially
================================================================================
3. Explain by plotting a graph, variation of resistivity with temperature for an allow such as Nichrome (Constantan or manganin).
CBSE (D)-2016, (F)-2011,2004
[Ans. Graph & explanation :
We have ρT ¿ ρ 0 ( 1+ α ( T −T 0 ) )
For the allows such as Nichrome or constantan or manganin, coefficient
of resistivity is negligible or very small hence these allows exhibit very
weak dependence of resistivity with temperature as shown

===============================================================================
4. Plot a graph showing the variation of conductivity with temperature for a metallic conductor. How does one explain
such behaviour, using the mathematical expression of the conductivity of a material. CBSE(AI)-2004
[Ans. (i) Graph : In conductors, with
2
1 increase in temperature, number
(ii) explanation : σ = =¿ n e τ density (n)
ρ m
does not change but the average speed of electrons and hence
frequency of collision increases due to which relaxation time (τ )
decreases. Hence conductivity σ decreases

===============================================================================
3. A wire whose cross sectional area is increasing linearly from it one end to another, is connected across a battery of
V volts. Which of following quantities remain constant in the wire ? CBSE (D)-2017,(AIC)-2015
(a) drift speed (b) current density (c) electric current (d) electric field. Justify your answer.
[Ans. Current Justification : all other quantities depends on area of cross section

4. Two conducting wires X and Y of same diameter but different materials are joined in series across a battery. If the
number density of electrons in X is twice that in Y , find the ratio of drift velocities of electrons in the two wires.
[Ans. I¿ neA v d & I X =I Y CBSE (AI)-2010
⇨ ( 2 n ) eA v X ¿ n eA v Y
⇨ 2 v X ¿ v Y ⇨ v X / vY ¿
1/2
==================================================================================

Remedial measures/revision – XII (PHYSICS)

Unit-II (Current electricity) Notes/Important FAQs/Graded Assignments page -08
Part (B)-SA (II) & Long Answer Questions
5 . Answer the following :
1. Explain giving reasons, how the internal resistance of a cell changes in the following cases : CBSE(F)-2008
(i) When concentration of the electrolyte is increased
(ii) When area of the anode is decreased
(iii) When temperature of the electrolyte is increased
[Ans. (i) Internal resistance increases
Reason : inter ionic attractions increase and the movement of the ions become difficult
(ii) Internal resistance increases
Reason : lesser area of the anode decreases its tendency to attract its oppositely charged ions
(iii) Internal resistance decreases
Reason : Both inter ionic attractions and viscous forces decrease at higher temperature
==============================================================================
2. Derive an expression for the equivalent resistance of combination of cells in series. NCERT-2017
[Ans. V AC ¿ V A −V C ¿ ( V A −V B ) +¿ ( V B−V C )
⇨ V AC ¿ ( E1 −I r 1 ) +¿ ( E2 −I r 2 )
⇨ V AC ¿ ( E1 + E 2) −¿ I ( r 1+ r 2 ) ----------(1)

Let Eeq be the equivalent emf and r eq be the equivalent internal resistance of this series combination then we have
V AC ¿ Eeq −¿ I r eq ----------(2)
On comparing (1) & (2) we get
Eeq ¿ E1 + E2 & r eq ¿ r 1 +r 2
==============================================================================
3. Two cells of emfs E 1 and E2 and internal resistances r 1 and r 2 are connected in parallel as shown in the figure.
Deduce an expression for the CBSE (AI)-2015, (F)-2012
(i) equivalent emf of the combination
(ii) equivalent internal resistance of the combination
(iii) potential difference between the points A and
C
[Ans. We have
E1−V
V ¿ V B −V B ¿ E1−I 1 r 1 ⇨ I1 ¿
1 2
r1
E2−V
& V ¿ V B −V B ¿ E2−I 2 r 2 ⇨ I2 ¿
1 2
r2

⇨ I =¿ I 1 +¿ I 2 ¿ ( E1−V
r1
+¿) ( )( )
E2−V
r2
¿
E1 E2
+
r1 r2
−¿ V
1 1
+
r1 r2
¿
E 1 r 2+ E2 r 1
r1 r2 (
−¿ V ) (
r 1 +r 2
r1 r 2 ) ( )
1
⇨ V rr
1 2
2
( ) (
r +r
¿
E1 r 2+ E2 r 1
r1 r2 )−¿ I

⇨ ( V =¿
r1 r2 )( ) ( )
E 1 r 2+ E 2 r 1 r 1 r 2
r 1+r 2
−¿ I
r1 r2
r 1 +r 2

⇨ ( V =¿
r 1 +r 2 ) ( )
E 1 r 2+ E 2 r 1
−¿ I
r1 r2
r 1 +r 2
--------(1)

On comparing with, V =¿ Eeq −¿ I r eq

(i) Eeq ¿
( )
E 1 r 2+ E 2 r 1
r 1 +r 2

(ii) r eq ¿ ( )
r1 r2
r 1 +r 2

(iii) V AC ¿ V =¿
( r 1 +r 2 ) ( )
E 1 r 2+ E2 r 1
−¿ I
r1 r2
r 1 +r 2
=================================================================================

Remedial measures/revision – XII (PHYSICS)

Unit-II (Current electricity) Notes/Important FAQs/Graded Assignments page -09
Part (B)-SA (II) & Long Answer Questions
6. Answer the following :
1. State Kirchhoff’s rules in electrostatics and explain on what basis they are justified ? CBSE(AI)-2017,2015
[ Ans. Kirchhoff’s Rules :
(i) Junction rule :The algebraic sum of all the currents meeting at any junction in an electric circuit is zero.
i,e, ∑i = 0
⇨ i 1 + i 2 = i 3 + i 4 +i 5
This rule is based on the conservation of charge.

(ii) Loop rule : In any closed mesh of an electric circuit, the algebraic sum of the products of the currents and the
resistance in each part of the mesh is equal to the algebraic sum of emf’s in that mesh.
i,e,∑ i R=∑ E
In mesh (1),
i 1 R1 −¿ i 2 R2 = E1 −¿ E2
Similarly, in mesh (2)
i 2 R2 + ( i 1 +i 2) R3 = E2
This rule is based on the conservation of energy
=============================================================================
2. What is Wheatstone bridge ? When is the bridge said to be balanced ? Use Kirchhoff’s rules to obtain conditions for
the balanced condition in a Wheatstone bridge. CBSE(D)-2015
[Ans. Wheatstone bridge : It is an arrangement of four resistances which is used to determine one of these resistance
in terms of the remaining three resistances
Balanced condition : If the resistances in the Wheatstone bridge are so arranged that current in the galvanometer
( I g ) is zero then the bridge is said to be balanced and in this balanced condition
P R Proof : In the balanced condition, I g ¿ 0
¿
Q S Applying Kirchhoff’s loop rule to ABDA
I 1 P +¿ 0 −¿ I 2 R ¿ 0
⇨ I1 P ¿ I2 R -------(1)
Again applying Kirchhoff’s loop rule to BCDB
I 1 Q −¿ I 2 S −0 ¿ 0
⇨ I 1Q ¿ I 2 S -------(2)

I1 P I2 R
⇨ from (1) & (2), ¿
I1Q I2S
P R
⇨ ¿
Q S
=============================================================================
3. How a metre bridge is used to determine the unknown resistance of a given wire ? Write the necessary precautions to
minimize the error in the result. CBSE (AI)-2016, (AIC)-2015
[ Ans. Determination of unknown resistance (S)
Let l be the balancing length for unknown
resistance S as shown then calculate S each time. Average of these values of S
P ρl / A l
=¿ ¿
Q ρ (100−l ) / A ( 100−l )
R l
⇨ ¿
S ( 100−l )

⇨ S¿R ( 100−l
l )
¿R(
100
l
−1)

By choosing three different values of R, we

gives the value of unknown resistance
Precautions : (i) Make all the connections neat, clean and in tight manner
(ii) select those values of R for which the balancing length l is closed to the middle point of the wire

Remedial measures/revision – XII (PHYSICS)

Unit-II (Current electricity) Notes/Important FAQs/Graded Assignments page -11
Part (B)-SA (II) & Long Answer Questions
9. Answer the following :
1. A conductor of length ' l ' is connected to a d.c. source of potential ' V ' . If the length of the conductor is tripled by
gradually stretching it, keeping ' V ' constant, how will (i) drift speed of electrons and (ii) resistance of the conductor
be affected ? Justify your answer. CBSE (F)-2012
eV
[Ans. (i) vd ¿ τ ⇨ v d ∝1/ l drift velocity will become one third when length of the conductor is tripled
ml
(ii) Now when the wire is stretched A X l=constant
l l 3l l
As R=¿ ρ
A
⇨ R 2 ¿ ρ 2 ¿ ρ 1 ¿ 9 ρ 1 ¿ 9 R1
A2 A 1 /3 A1
Hence resistance will become 9 times
2. Two wires X and Y have the same resistivity but their cross sectional areas are in the ratio 2:3 and lengths in the
ratio 1:2. They are first connected in series and then in parallel to a d.c. source. Find out the ratio of the drift speeds
of the electrons in the two wires for the two cases. CBSE (AI)-2008
[Ans. Given : A X : AY ¿ 2:3 & l X : l Y ¿ 1:2

(i) in series, I X =I Y ⇨ ne A X ( v d ) X =¿ ne A Y ( v d )Y
( v d ) X AY
⇨ v ¿ A =¿ 3/2
( d )Y X

(ii) in parallel, V X =V Y ⇨ I X R X =I Y R Y
X l Y l
⇨ ne A X ( v d ) X ( ρ A )=¿ ne A Y ( v d )Y (ρ A )
X Y

( v d ) X lY
⇨ v ¿ l ¿ 2/ 1
( d )Y X

3. A potential difference V is applied across a conductor of length L and diameter D . How is the drift velocity v d , of
charge carriers in the conductor is affected when (i) V is halved (ii) L is doubled and (iii) D is halved ?
Justify your answer in each case. CBSE(AI)-2015
eV
[Ans. vd ¿ τ (i) v dwill become half as v d ∝V (ii) v d will become half as v d ∝1 /L
ml
(iii) v dwill remain same as it does not depend on diameter
4. Two cells of emf 1.5 V and 2.0 V having internal resistances 0.2 Ω and 0.3 Ω respectively are connected in parallel.
Calculate the emf and internal resistance of the equivalent cell. CBSE(D)-2016,(AI)-2013
[Ans. Given : E 1=1.5 V , E2=2.0V , r 1=0.2 Ω, r 2=0.3 Ω, Eeq ¿ ? & r eq
¿?
E1 r 2+ E 2 r 1 1.5 X 0.3+ 2.0 X 0.2 0.85
Eeq ¿ ¿ =¿ ¿ 1.7 V
r1 + r2 0.2+ 0.3 0.5
r 1 r2 0.2 X 0.3 0.06
r eq ¿ ¿ ¿ ¿ 0.12 Ω ]
r 1+ r 2 0.2+0.3 0.5
6. Calculate the current drawn from the battery by the network of the resistors shown in figure. CBSE(AIC)-2015

1 1 1 1 V 4
[Ans. given network is a balanced Wheatstone bridge, ¿ +¿ ¿ ⇨ R=2 Ω ⇨I¿ ¿ ¿
R 1+ 2 2+ 4 2 R 2
2A
1. In a meter bridge with R and S in the gaps, the null point is found at 40 cm from A . If the resistance of 30 Ω is
connected in parallel with S, the null point occurs at 50 cm from A . Determine the value of R and S .

[Ans. S¿R ( 100−l

l )
CBSE(AI)-2016, (D)-

2010

In I st case, S ¿ R ( 100−40
40 ) 3
¿ R
2
⇨ R=¿
2
⇨ R=¿ 3 S ¿ 3
2
X 15 = 10 Ω

2
S
3

In II
30 S
nd
30+S
=¿ R
100−50
case,
50
¿R ( )
30 S 2
⇨ 30+S ¿ R ¿ 3 S ⇨ 60 +¿ 2S ¿ 90 ⇨ S = 15

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Remedial measures/revision – XII (PHYSICS)

Unit-II (Current electricity) Notes/Important FAQs/Graded Assignments page -12
Part (B)-SA (II) & Long Answer Questions
10. Answer the following :
1. In a meter bridge, the null point is found at a distance of l 1 cm from A . If now a resistance of X is connected in
parallel with S , the null point occurs at l 2 cm from A . Obtain a formula for X in terms of l 1 , l 2 ¿ S.
[Ans. S¿R ( 100−l
l )
CBSE (AI)-2017,2009,(D)-

2010

In I
st
case, S¿R
l1 (
100−l 1
) -------(1)

In II
nd
case,
XS
X +S
¿R
100−l 2
l2 ( ) -------(2)

S R
100−l 1
( )⇨
Dividing (1) by (2), XS ¿
l1 X + S l2
¿ [ 100−l 1
]
( )
100−l 2 X l1 100−l 2
X +S R
l2
S
S l2
⇨ 1+ X ¿ l
1
[ 100−l 1
100−l 2 ] S l2
⇨ X¿l
1
[ 100−l 1
100−l 2 ]
−1
[
⇨ X =¿ l 2 100−l1 −1
l 1 100−l 2 ]
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