Current Electricity

The directed rate of flow of electric charge through any cross-section of a conductor is known
as electric current.
If ∆Q charge flows in time ∆t, then current at any time t is

NOTE: Current is a scalar quantity.

I is in the direction of flow of positive charge and opposite to the direction of flow of negative
charge.
SI unit of current is ampere and is represented by A.

2. The current density at a point in a conductor is the ratio of the current at that point in the
conductor to the area of cross-section of the conductor at that point provided the area is held
normal to the direction of flow of current.

NOTE: Current density is a vector quantity.

3. Flow of Electric Charge in Metallic Conductors Among the solids, all metals are good
conductors of electricity. The cause of conductance is free electrons.
In Case of a Solid Conductor (i.e. Cu, Fe, Ag, etc) atoms are tightly bound to each other. There
are large number of free electrons in them.
In Case of a Liquid Conductor Like electrolytic solution, there are positive and negative
charged ions which can move on applying electric field.
4. Drift Velocity It is defined as the average velocity with which the free electrons move
towards the positive end of a conductor under the influence of an external electric field applied.

5. Electric current in terms of drift velocity

6. Current density at any point of conductor,

j = nevd
where, j is a vector quantity.
7. Mobility The ratio of drift velocity of electrons and the applied electric field is known as
mobility.

8. Ohm’s Law At constant temperature, the potential difference V across the ends of a given
metallic wire (conductor) in an circuit (electric) is directly proportional to the current flowing
through it.

The variation of current w.r.t. applied potential difference is shown with the help of following
graph.
V = IR
where, R = resistance of conductor
No effect of V and I on R because as V increase, I increase but R remains the same.
9. Resistance of a Conductor Mathematically, it is the ratio of potential difference applied across
the ends of conductor to the current flowing through it.
=> R = V/I
SI unit is ohm (Ω).
Resistance can also be written as,
R =ρ L/A
where, L = length of the conductor, A = area of cross-section and ρ = constant, known as
resistivity of the material. It depends upon nature of the material.
10. Relationship between resistivity and relaxation time
12. Temperature Coefficient of resistance is given by

13. Conductivity It is defined as the reciprocal of resistivity of a conductor.

It is expressed as, σ = 1/ρ
SI unit is mho per metre (Ω-1/ m).
14. Superconductivity The resistivity of certain metal or alloy drops to zero when they are
cooled below a certain temperature is called superconductivity. It was observed by Prof.
Kamerlingh in 1911.
15. Relationship between current density (j), electric field (E)and conductivity (σ ) is
j=σE
16. Some Important Units
17. If a conductor is stretched or compresses to n times of original length, then
l’ = nl => R’ = n2R
where, R’ = new resistance and R = original resistance.
18. Colour Code of Resistance The colour code on carbon resistor remains in the form of
coaxial rings.
The first band represents the first significant figure, second band represents second significant
figure and third band represents multiplier (i.e. power of ten). The fourth band represents
tolerance.

19. Combinations of Resistance There are two types of resistance combinations.

(i) Series Combination In this combination, different resistances are connected end to end.
Equivalent resistance can be obtained as the formula,

NOTE: The total resistance in the series combination is more than the greatest resistance in the
circuit.
(ii) Parallel Combination In this combination, first end of all the resistances are connected to one
point and last end of all the resistances are connected to other point. Equivalent resistance can be
obtained by the formula
NOTE: The total resistance in parallel combination is less than the least resistance of the circuit.
20. If n identical resistors each of resistance r are connected in
(i) series combination, Req = nr
(ii) parallel combination, Req = r/n
Question 1.
The plot of the variation of potential difference across a combination of three identical cells in
series, versus current is as shown in the figure. What is the emf of each cell? (Delhi 2008)

Answer:
Total emf of three cells in series = P.D corresponding to zero current = 6V
∴ The emf of each cell = 6/3 = 2V
Question 2.
A wire of resistance 8R is bent in the form of a circle. What is the effective resistance between
the ends of a A diameter 2AB? (Delhi 2008)

Answer:
The effective resistance between A and BO

Question 3.
Two conducting wires X and Y of same diameter across a battery. If the number density of
electro in X is twice that in Y, find the ratio of drift velocity of electrons in the two wires. (All
India 2008)
Answer:

Question 4.
A resistance R is connected across a cell of emf ε and internal resestance r. A potentiometer now
measures the potential difference between the terminals of the cell as V. write the expression for
‘r’ in terms of ε, V and R. (Delhi 2011)
Answer:

Question 5.
Show on a graph the variation of resistivity with temperature for a typical semi-conductor. (Delhi
2012)
Answer:

Resistivity of a semi-conductor decreases rapidly with temperature.

Question 6.
Two wires of equal length, one of copper and the other of manganin have the same resistance.
Which wire is thicker? (All India 2012)
Answer:

For both wires R and l are same and ρ copper < p manganin.
∴ A copper < A manganin
i.e. Manganin wire is thicker than copper wire.

Question 7.
A 10 v battery of negligible internal resistance is connected across a 200 V battery and a
resistance of 38Ω as shown in the figure. Find the value of the current in circuit. (Delhi 2013)

Answer:
Applying Kirchhof s rule, we get 200 -10 = 190 V
Question 8.
A 5 V battery of negligible internal resistance is connected across a 200 V battery and a
resistance of 39 Ω as shown in the figure. Find the value of the current (Delhi 2013)

Answer:

Question 9.
The emf of a cell is always greater than its terminal voltage. Why? Give reason. (Delhi 2013)
Answer:
Emf is the p.d. when no current is drawn. When current is drawn, there will be potential drop
across the internal resistance of the cell. So, terminal voltage will be less than the emf.

Question 10.
A cell of emf ‘E’ and internal resistance ‘r’ draws a current ‘I’. Write the relation between
terminal voltage ‘V’ in terms of E, I and r. (Delhi 2013)
Answer:
V=E–I

Question 11.
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 this resistance ?
Answer:

[When cells are connected in parallel, emf remains unchanged]

Question 12.
Why is the terminal voltage of a cell less than its emf? (Comptt. All India 2013)
Answer:
Terminal voltage of a cell is less than emf because some curent, however small, may be is drawn
to measure terminal voltage due to internal resistance of the cell.

Question 13.
Define the term ‘Mobility’ of charge carriers in a conductor. Write its S.I. unit. (Delhi 2014)
Answer:
Mobility of charge carriers is defined as the magnitude of the drift velocity per unit electric field
E.

Question 14.
Show variation of resistivity of copper as a function of temperature in a graph. (Delhi 2014)
Answer:

Question 15.
Define the term ‘electrical conductivity’ of a metallic wire. Write its S.I. unit. (Delhi 2014)
Answer:
Conductivity. The reciprocal of the resistivity of the material of a conductor is called its
conductivity ‘σ’

The SI unit of conductivity is Ohm-1 metre-1 (Ω-1 im-1’).

Question 16.
Define the term ‘drift velocity’ of charge carriers in a conductor and write its relationship with
the current flowing through it. (Delhi 2014)
Answer:
Drift velocity. It is the velocity with which a free electron in the conductor gets drifted under the
influence of the applied external electric field

Question 17.
How does the random motion of free electrons in a conductor get affected when a potential
difference is applied across its ends? (Comptt. Delhi 2014)
Answer:
Random motion of free electrons gets directed towards the point at a higher potential.

Question 18.
State the underlying principle of a potentiometer. (Comptt. Delhi 2014)
Answer:
When a constant current flows through a wire of uniform cross-section and of uniform
composition, the potential difference across any length of wire is directly proportional to its
length, i.e.,
Vl∞ l
Question 19.
Write the expression for the drift velocity of charge carriers in a conductor of length T across
which a potential difference ‘V’ is applied. (Comptt. All India 2014)
Answer:

Question 20.
How does one explain increase in resistivity of a metal with increase of temperature? (Comptt.
All India 2014)
Answer:
With increase in temperature, the relaxation time (average time between successive collisions)
decreases and hence resistivity increases. Also,

resistivity increases, as x decreases with increase in temperature.

Question 21.
The plot of the variation of potential difference A across a combination of three identical cells in
series, versus current is shown along the question. What is the emf and internal resistance of each
cell? (All India 2016)

Answer:
(From the graph, current is 1A corresponding to V = 0)

Question 22.
Why is a potentiometer preferred over a voltmeter for determining the emf of a cell? (Comptt.
Delhi 2016)
Answer:
Potentiometer does not draw any (net) current from the cell; while Voltmeter draws some current
from cell, when connected across it, hence it measures terminal voltage. It is why a
potentiometer is preferred over a voltmeter to measure emf.

Question 23.
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. (Outside Delhi
2017)
Answer:
Nichrome :
Nichrome wire gets heated up more because of higher resistivity of nichrome.
ResistivityNI > ResistivityCu

Question 24.
Define the conductivity of a conductor. Write its SI unit. (Comptt. Outside Delhi 2017)
Answer:
Conductivity is defined as the reciprocal of resistivity, i.e., σ = 1ρ
Its SI unit is S(Siemen)

Current Electricity Short Answer Type I

Question 25.
Two metallic wires of the same material have the same length but cross-sectional area is in the
ratio 1 : 2. They are connected
(i) in series and
(ii) in parallel. Compare the drift velocities of electrons in the two wires in both the cases (i) and
(ii). (All India 2008)
Answer:

Question 26.
Derive an expression for the resistivity of a good conductor, in terms of the relaxation time of
electrons. (All India 2008)
Answer:
Drift speed gained by an electron under the effect of electric field E→ in a conductor is

ρ=m/(ne2τ) between resistivity and relaxation time of electrons.

Question 27.
Calculate the current drawn from the battery in the given network. (All India 2009)

Answer:

Question 28.
Define current sensitivity and voltage sensitivity of a galvanometer. Increasing the current
sensitivity may not necessarily increase the voltage sensitivity of a galvanometer. Justify. (All
India 2009)
Answer:
Current sensitivity is defined as the deflection produced in the galvanometer when unit current is
passed through its coil.

Voltage sensitivity is defined as the deflection produced in the galvanometer when unit voltage is
applied across the coil of the galvanometer.

Since Vs = IsR, increase in current sensitivity may

not necessarily increase the voltage sensitivity. It may be affected by the resistance used.
Question 29.
A wire of 15 Ω resistance is gradually stretched to double its original length. It is then cut into
two equal parts. These parts are then connected in parallel across a 3.0 volt battery. Find the
current drawn from the battery. (All India 2009)
Answer:
R = 15 Ω
On stretching to double its original length, the resistance becomes R 1 = 60 Ω, as on stretching
volume is constant and Rα l2.
The two cut parts will have a resistance of 30 Ω each as they are connected in parallel, the

Question 30.
A wire of 20 Ω resistance is gradually stretched to double its original length. It is then cut into
two equal parts. These parts are then connected in parallel across a 4.0 volt battery. Find the
current drawn from the battery. (All India 2009)
Answer:
On stretching, the resistance of the wire will get to four times, i.e., 80 Ω as volume is constant
and
R α l2.
So the two equal parts will have a resistance of 40 Ω each.
When connected in parallel, the equivalent resistance will be 20 Ω

Question 31.
In the given circuit, assuming point A to be at zero potential, use Kirchhoff’s rules to determine
the potential A at point B. (All India 2011)

Answer:
Applying Kirchhoff’s law by moving along ACDE,
we get,

Question 32.
In the meter bridge experiment, balance point was observed at J with AJ = l.

(i) The values of R and X were doubled and then interchanged. What would be the new position
of balance point?
(ii) If the galvanometer and battery are interchanged at the balance position, how will the balance
point get affected? (All India 2011)
Answer:
(i) Balance point will change from l to (100 – l),

(ii) From the principle of Wheatstone bridge

Hence, the galvanometer and cell are interchanged, the condition for a balance bridge is still
satisfied. Therefore, the galvanometer will not show any deflection.

Question 33.
A cell of emf E and internal resistance r is connected to two external resistances R 1 and R2 and a
perfect ammeter. The current in the circuit is measured in four different situations:
(i) without any external resistance in the circuit
(ii) with resistance R2 only
(iii) with R1 and R2 in series combination
(iv) with R1 and R2 in parallel combination
The currents measured in the four cases are 0.42A, 1.05A, 1.4A and 4.2A, but not necessarily in
that order. Identify the currents corresponding to the four cases mentioned above.
Answer:

Question 34.
A battery of emf 10 V and internal resistance 3Ω is connected to a resistor. If the current in the
circuit is 0.5 A, find
(i) the resistance of the resistor;
(ii) the terminal voltage of the battery. (Comptt. Delhi 2012)
Answer:

Question 35.
A battery of emf 6 V and internal resistance 2Ω is connected to a resistor. If the current in the
circuit is 0.25 A, find
(i) the resistance of the resistors;
(ii) the terminal voltage of the battery. (Comptt. Delhi)
Answer:

Question 36.
The network PQRS, shown in the circuit diagram, has the batteries of 4 V and 5 V and negligible
internal resistance. A milliammeter of 20 Ω resistance is connected between P and R. Calculate
the reading in the milliammeter. (Comptt. All India 2012)

Answer:
Applying loop rule to loop PQRP
-4 = 60(I – I1) – 20 I1 = 0
or – 4 = 60I – 60I1 – 20I1
or 20I1 -15 I = 1 …[+ by 4 …(i)]
Applying loop Yule to loop PRSP, we get
-5 + 200 I + 20 I1 = 0
4I1 + 40 I = 1 …[+ by 5 …(ii)]
∴ Reading of milliammeter = 0.064 A

Question 37.
The network PQRS, shown m the circuit diagram, has the batteries of 5 V and 10 V and
negligible internal resistance. A milliammeter of 50Ω resistance is connected between P and R.
Calculate the reading in the milliammeter. (Comptt. All India 2012)

Answer:
Applying loop rule to loop PSRP
-10 + 100 I + 50 I1 = 0
or 100 I + 50 I1 = 10
or 10 I + 5 I1 = 1 …[+ by 10 …(i)
Applying loop rule to loop PRQP
Reading in milliammeter = 0.08A

Question 38.
An ammeter of resitance 1 Ω can measure current upto 1.0 A
(i) What must be the value of the shunt resistance to enable the ammeter to measure upto 5.0
(A)?
(ii) What is the combined resistance of the ammeter and the shunt? (Delhi 2013)
Answer:

Question 39.
Explain the term ‘drift velocity’ of electrons in a conductor. Hence obtain the expression for the
current through a conductor in terms of ‘drift velocity’
Answer:
Definition : Drift velocity is defined as the velocity with which fress electrons in a conductor get
drifted in a direction opposite to the direction of the applied field. Its unit is m-1 s and dimensions
[LT-1]
Expression : The magnitude of electric field set up across the conductor is given by
E = Vl
Let n be the number of free electrons per unit volume of the conductor.
Then, total number of free electrons in the conductor
= n × Volume of the conductor
Hence, Q = (nAl)e
Time taken by the charge to cross the conductor length l is given by

Question 40.
Write the expression for the current in a conductor of cross-sectional area A in terms of drift
velocity. (Comptt. All India 2013)
Answer:
Drift velocity. Drift velocity is defined as the velocity of the free electrons with which they get
drifted towards the positive terminal under the influence of the external electric field. The drift
velocity of electron is of the order of 10-5 m/sec. Expression for current in terms of drift velocity
is :

Expression : Consider a conductor of length l and of uniform cross-section area A .

∴ Volume of the conductor = Al
If n is the number of the conductors, then total number of free electrons in the conductor = Aln
If e is the charge on ” each electron, then
total charge on all A the free electrons in the conductor, q = Alne
The electric field set up across the conductor of potential difference V is given by,

Due to this field, the free electrons present in the conductor will begin to move with a drift
velocity vd towards the positive terminal of the battery
∴ Time taken by free electrons to cross the conductor,
SinceA, n and e are constants,

Therefore, the current flowing through a conductor is directly proportional to the drift velocity.

Question 41.
Write a relation between current and drift veloc¬ity of electrons in a conductor. Use this relation
to explain how the resistance of a conductor changes with the rise in temperature. (Comptt. Delhi
2013)
Answer:
Relation between current and drift velocity :

On increasing temperature, the resistance of the conductor increases due to increase in frequent
collisions of electrons with each other, resulting into decrease in the drift velocity.

Question 42.
Use Kirchhoff’s rules to determine the value of the current I 1 flowing in the circuit shown in the
figure. (Comptt. Delhi 2013)

Answer:
Using Kirchoff’s first law at junction E, we get
I3 = I3 + I2
In loop ABCDA, using Kirchoff’s second law, we get

80 – 20 I2 + 30 I1 = 0
So (-) sign of current indicates that the direction of current is opposite to that as shown in the
circuit diagram.

Question 43.
A battery of emf E and internal resistance r when connected across an external resistance of 12
ft, produces a current of 0.5 A. When connected across a resistance of 25 ft, it produces a current
of 0.25 A. Determine
(i) the emf and
(ii) the internal resistance of the cell. (Comptt. All India 2013)

Question 44.
Define mobility of a charge carrier. Write the relation expressing mobility in terms of relaxation
time. Give its SI unit. (Comptt. All India 2013)
Answer:
Mobility. Mobility of electron p is defined as the magnitude of the drift velocity per unit electric
field E

Question 45.
A uniform wire of resistance 12 Ω is cut into three pieces so that the ratio of the resistances R 1 :
R2 : R3 = 1 : 2 : 3 and the three pieces are connected to form a triangle across which a cell of emf
8V and internal resistance

1 Ω is connected as shown. Calculate the current through each part of the circuit. (Comptt. All
India 2013)
Answer:

Question 46.
State Kirchhoff’s rules. Explain briefly how these rules are justified. (Delhi 2014)
Answer:
Kirchhoff’s rules.

1. Kirchhoff’s junction rule : At any junction, the sum of the currents entering the junction is
equal to the sum of currents leaving the junction.
2. Kirchhoff’s loop rule : The algebraic sum of changes in potential in any closed loop
involving resistors and cells is zero.

These two laws are justified on the basis of law of conservation of charge and the law of
conservation of energy respectively.

Question 47.
A cell of emf ‘E’ and internal resistance V is connected across a variable resistor ‘R’. Plot a
graph showing variation of terminal voltage ‘V’ of the cell versus the current ‘I’. Using the plot,
show how the emf of the cell and its internal resistance can be determined. (All India 2014)
Answer:

Intercept of Y-axis will give the value of ‘E’; while the slope of the line will give the value of
internal resistance.

Question 48.
Estimate the average drift speed of conduction electrons in a copper wire of cross-sectional area
1.0 × 10 -7 m2 carrying a current of 1.5 A. Assume the density of conduction electrons to be 9 ×
1028 m-3. (All India 2014)
Answer:

Question 49.
Estimate the average drift speed of conduction electrons in a copper wire of cross-sectional area
2.5 × 10-7 m2 carrying a current of 1.8 A. Assume the density of conduction electrons to be 9 ×
1028 m-3. (All India 2014)
Answer:

Question 50.
Use Kirchhoff’s rules to obtain conditions for the balance condition in a Wheatstone bridge.
(Delhi 2015)
Answer:
Conditions for the balance condition in a Wheatstone bridge :

Applying Kirchhoff’s loop rule to closed loop ADBA,

This is the required balance condition in a Wheatstone bridge arrangement.

Question 51.
Use Kirchhoff’s rules to determine the potential difference between the points A and D when no
current flows in the arm BE of the electric network shown in the figure.
Answer:
Let us consider the loop ABED.
Using Kirchhoff’s second law, we have

Question 52.
Calculate the current drawn from the battery by the network of resistors shown in the figure.
(Comptt. All India 2015)

Answer:
Given : Circuit diagram can be rearranged as shown below :
It forms a wheatstone’s bridge

It is the condition of null point when no current flows through BD arm, i.e. 5 Ω.
Resistances P = (1 Ω) and R = (2 Ω) are in series;
Similarly, Resistances Q = (2 Ω) and S in series,
Question 53.
Using the concept of drift velocity of charge carriers in a conductor, deduce the relationship
between current density and resistivity of the conductor. (Comptt. Delhi 2015)
Answer:
The drift velocity is given by,
Question 54.
Two cells of emfs 1.5 V and 2.0 V having internal resistance 0.2 Ω and 0.3 Ω respectively are
connected in parallel. Calculate the emf and internal resistance of the equivalent cell.(Delhi
2016)
Answer:
Given : E1 = 1.5 V, E2 = 2.0 V,

Question 55.
A battery of emf 12V and internal resistance 2 Ω is connected to a 4 Ω resistor as shown in the
figure.
(a) Show that a voltmeter when placed across the cell and across the resistor, in turn, gives the
(b) To record the voltage and the current in the circuit, why is voltmeter placed in parallel and
ammeter in series in the circuit? (All India)

Answer:
We find from the equations (i) and (ii), the voltmeter gives the same reading, i.e. 8 V.
(b) An ammeter is connected in series because same current is flowing in the circuit, while
voltmeter is connected in parallel to measure potential difference across two points in the circuit.

Question 56.
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. (Comptt. Outside Delhi 2017)

Answer:

Question 57.
A cell of emf 4 V and internal resistance 1 Ω is connected to a d.c. source of 10 V through a
resistor of 5 Ω. Calculate the terminal voltage across the cell during charging.
Answer:

Current Electricity Answer Type II

Question 58.
Prove that the current density of a metallic conductor is directly proportional to the drift speed of
electrons. (Delhi 2008)
Or
Derive an expression for the current density of a conductor in terms of the drift speed of
electrons. (All India 2008)
Answer:
Suppose a potential difference V is applied across a conductor of length l and of uniform cross-
section A. The electric field E set up inside the conductor is given by
E = Vl
Under the influence of field E→, the free electrons begin to drift in the opposite
direction E→ with an average drift velocity vd.
Let the number of electrons per unit volume or electron density = n
Charge on an electron = e

No. of electrons in length l of the conductor = n x volume of the conductor = n × Al

Total charge contained in length l of the conductor is
q = enAl … (i)
All the electrons which enter the conductor at the right end will pass through the conductor at the
left end in time,

Hence the current density of a metallic conductor is directly proportional to the drift speed of
electrons.
Question 59.
A number of identical cells n, each of emf e, internal resistance r connected in series are charged
by a d.c. source of emf elr using a resistor R.
(i) Draw the circuit arrangement.
(ii) Deduce the expressions for
(a) the charging current and
(b) the potential difference across the combination of the cells. (Delhi 2008)
Answer:
Question 60.
Define resistivity of a conductor. Plot a graph showing the variation of resistivity with
temperature for a metallic conductor. How does one explain such a behaviour, using the
mathematical expression of the resistivity of a material. (Delhi 2008)
Answer:
(i) Resistivity of conductor : It is the resistance of a conductor of unit length and unit area of
cross-section.

(ii) Variation of resistivity with temperature:

The resistivity of a material is given by
On increasing temperature, average speed of drifting electrons increases. As a result collisions
are more frequent. Average relaxation time τ decreases, hence ‘ρ’ increases.

Question 61.
(i) Calculate the equivalent resistance of the given electrical network between points A and B.

(ii) Also calculate the current through CD and ACB, if a 10 V d.c. source is connected between
A and B, and the value of R is assumed as 2 Ω. (All India 2008)
Answer:
(i) Equivalent circuit of the given problem is shown in the given diagram. The simplified circuit
is equivalent to a balanced wheatstone bridge.
Hence there will be no current in arm CD,
(ii) Being a balanced wheatstone bridge

Question 62.
The figure shows experimental set up of a meter bridge. When the two unknown resistances X
and Y are inserted, the null point D is obtained 40 cm from the end A. When a resistance of 10 Ω
is connected in series with X, the null point shifts by 10 cm.

Find the position of the null point when the 10 Ω resistance is instead connected in series with
resistance ‘Y’. Determine the values of the resistances X and Y. (Delhi 2008)
Answer:

Question 63.
Write the principle of working of a potentiometer. Describe briefly, with the help of a circuit
diagram, how a potentiometer is used to determine the internal resistance of a given cell. (Delhi
2009)
Answer:
Potentiometer : A potentiometer is a device used to measure potential difference.

Principle : The basic principle of a potentiometer is that when a constant current flows through a
wire of uniform cross-sectional area and composition, the potential drop across any length of the
wire is directly proportional to that length.

…where [K is called potential gradient

Close the key K1. A constant current flows through the potentiometer wire. With key K2 kept
open, move the jockey along AB till it balances the emf e of the cell. Let l, be the balancing
length of the wire. If K is the potential gradient, then emf of the cell will be
With the help of resistance box R.B, introduce a resistance R and close key K2. Find the balance
point for the terminal potential difference V of the cell. If l2 is the balancing length, then

Let r be the internal resistance of the cell ε = I (R + r) and V = IR

Question 64.
In a meter bridge, the null point is found at a distance of 40 cm from A. If a resistance of 12 Ω is
connected in parallel with S, the null point occurs at 50.0 cm from A. Determine the values of R
and S?
Answer:

Answer:
Since the wire is of uniform cross-section, the resistances of the two segments of the wire AD
and DB are in the ratio of the lengths of AD and DB.
Using the null point condition of wheatstone bridge,

Question 65.
Write any two factors on which internal resistance of a cell depends. The reading on a high
resistance voltmeter, when a cell is connected across it, is 2.2 V. When the terminals of the cell
are also connected to a resistance of 5 Ω as shown in the circuit, the voltmeter reading drops to
1.8 V. Find the internal resistance of the cell. (All India 2010)
Answer:
(a) Internal resistance of a cell depends upon :
(i) nature of electrolyte of the cell
(ii) separation between the electrodes.
(b) Given: emf of cell, e = 2.2 V, R = 5 Ω, V = 1.8 V

Question 66.
Write any two factors on which internal resistance of a cell depends. The reading on a high
resistance voltmeter, when a cell is connected across it, is 2.0 V.

When the terminals of the cell are also connected to a resistance of 3Ω as shown in the circuit,
the voltmeter reading drops to 1.5 V. Find the internal resistance of the cell. (All India 2010)
Answer:
Factors affecting internal resistance of a cell :

(a) Internal resistance of a cell depends upon :

(i) nature of electrolyte of the cell
(ii) separation between the electrodes.
(b) Given: emf of cell, e = 2.2 V, R = 5 Ω, V = 1.8 V

Let r be the internal resistance of the cell

Question 67.
State Kirchhoff’s rules. Use these rules to write the expressions for the current I 1 I2 and I3 in the
circuit diagram shown. (All India 2010)

Answer:
(i) Kirchhoff’s junction rule : At any junction, the sum of the currents entering the junction is
equal to the sum of currents leaving the junction.
(ii) Kirchhoff’s loop rule : The algebraic sum of changes in potential-in any closed loop
involving resistors and cells is zero.
(b) According to Kirchhoff’s junction rule,

Question 68.
State Kirchhoff’s rules. Apply Kirchhoff’s rales to the loops ACBPA and ACBQA to write the
expressions for the currents I1, I2 and I3 in the network. (All India 2010)

Answer:
Kirchhoff’s rules :
(i) Kirchhoff’s junction rule : At any junction, the sum of the currents entering the junction is
equal to the sum of currents leaving the junction.
(ii) Kirchhoff’s loop rule : The algebraic sum of changes in potential-in any closed loop
involving resistors and cells is zero.
(b) According to Kirchhoff’s junction rule,

Numerical: Applying Kirchhoff’s rule in loop ACBPA, we have

In loop ACBQA, by Kirchhoff’s rule, we have

12I3 + 1I2 = 10 …(ii)
Subtracting (i) from (ii), we have

Question 69.
Define the terms
(i) drift velocity,
(ii) relaxation time.
A conductor of length L is connected to a dc source of emf e. If this conductor is replaced by
another conductor of same material and same area of cross-section but of length 3L, how will the
drift velocity change? (Delhi 2010)
Answer:
(i) Drift velocity : It may be defined as the average velocity gained by the free electrons of a
conductor in the opposite direction of the externally applied field.
(ii) Relaxation time : The average time that elapses between two successive collisions of an
electron is called relaxation time.

When length is tripled (3L), drift velocity becomes one-third of the original.
For details :
(i) Drift velocity. Drift velocity is defined as the velocity of the free electrons with which they
get drifted towards the positive terminal under the influence of the external electric field. The
drift velocity of electron is of the order of 10~5 m/ sec.
Derivation. Let ‘m’ be the mass of an electron and ‘e’ be the charge on it. When an external
electric field ‘E is applied, the acceleration
acquired by an electron is given by

Let v1 v2, v3 … vn be final velocities of electrons then average velocity of the electrons is given
by

Therefore, when length is tripled, the drift velocity becomes one-third.

Question 70.
In the circuit shown, R1 = 4Ω, R2 = R3 = 15 Ω, R4 = 30Ω and E = 10V. Calculate the equivalent
resistance of the circuit and the current in each resistor. (Delhi 2010)

Answer:

Question 71.
In the figure a long uniform potentiometer wire AB is having a constant potential gradient along
its length. The null points for the two primary cells of emfs ε 1 and ε2 connected in the manner
shown are obtained at a distance of 120 cm and 300 cm from the end A.

Find (i) ε1/ε2

(ii) position of null point for the cell ε1
How is the sensitivity of a potentiometer increased ?
Answer:

∴ Balancing length for cell ε1 = 210 cm

The sensitivity of a potentiometer can be increased by reducing the potential gradient.

Question 72.
Using Kirchoff’s rules determine the value of unknown resistance R into circuit so that no
current flows through 4ω resistance. Also find the potential difference between A and D. (Delhi
2012)

Answer:
Question 73.
Calculate the value of the resistance R in the circuit shown in the figure so that the current in the
circuit is 0.2 A. What would be the potential difference between points B and E? (All India
2012)
Answer:

Question 74.
Write the principle on which the working of a meter bridge is based. In an experiment on meter
bridge, a student obtains the balance point at the point J such that AJ = 40 cm as shown in the
figure. The values of ‘R’ and ‘X’ are both doubled and then interchanged. 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? (Comptt. All India 2012)

Answer:
The principle on which the working of a meter bridge is based, is Wheatstone bridge.
When R and X are doubled and interchanged Let the new balancing length be l.

If the galvanometer and battery are also inter¬changed then there will be no effect on the
posi¬tion of the balance point.

Question 75.
Define the current sensitivity of galvanometer. Write its S.I. unit.

Figure shows two circuits each having a galvanometer and a battery of 3 V.

When the galvanometers in each arrangment do not show any deflection, obtain the ratio R 1/R2.
(All India 2012)
Answer:
Current sensitivity of a galvanometer : Current sensitivity of a moving coil galvanometer is
defined as deflection produced in the galvanometer per unit current passed through it. Its SI unit
is rad A-1
(i) For circuit on the left side—
If G has zero deflection, then

(ii) For circuit on the right side—

If galvanometer and battery are inter-changed, there is no change in the circuit as such.

Question 76.
A potentiometer wire of length 1 m has a resistance of 10 Ω. It is connected to a 6 V battery in
series with a resistance of 5 Ω. Determine the emf of the primary cell which gives a balance
point at 40 cm. (Delhi 2012)
Answer:
Length (l) = 1 m
Resistance of potentiometer wire = 10Ω

Question 77.
A potentiometer wire of length 1 m has a resistance of 5 Ω. It is connected to a 8 V battery in
series with a resistance of 15 Ω. Determine the emf of the primary cell which gives a balance
point at 60 cm. (Delhi 2012)
Answer:

Length (l) = 1 m
Resistance of potentiometer wire = 10Ω
Question 78.
A cell of emf ‘E’ and internal resistance V is connected across a variable load resistor R. Draw
the plots of the terminal voltage V versus
(i) R and
(ii) the current I.
It is found that when R = 4 Ω, the current is 1 A and when R is increased to 9 Ω, the current
reduces to 0.5 A. Find the values of the emf E and internal resistance r. (Delhi 2012)
Answer:

Question 79.
Find the relation between drift velocity and relaxation time of charge carriers in a conductor. A
conductor of length L is connected to a d,c. source of emf ‘E’. If the length of the conductor is
tripled by stretching it, keeping ‘E’ constant, explain how its drift velocity would be affected.
(All India 2012)
Answer:
(i) Drift velocity. Drift velocity is defined as the velocity of the free electrons with which they
get drifted towards the positive terminal under the influence of the external electric field. The
drift velocity of electron is of the order of 10-5 m/ sec.
Derivation. Let ‘m’ be the mass of an electron and ‘e’ be the charge on it. When an external
electric field ‘E is applied, the acceleration
acquired by an electron is given by
Let v1 v2, v3 … vn be final velocities of electrons then average velocity of the electrons is given
by

Therefore, when length is tripled, the drift velocity becomes one-third.

Question 80.
In the two electric circuits shown in the figure, determine the reading of ideal ammeter (A) and
the ideal voltmeter (V). (Comptt. Delhi 2012)

Answer:
(i) In circuit (a)
Total emf = 15 V, Total Resistance = 2Ω

Potential difference between the terminals of 6 V battery

V = E – iR = [6 – (7.5 × 1) = -1.5 V
(ii) In circuit (b)
Effective emf = (9 – 6)V = 3V,
Total Resitance = 2Ω

Potential Difference across 6 V cell,

V = E – (- I)R = V + IR
(∵ Current is in opposite direction to 6 V cell)
= 6 + 1.5 × 1 = 7.5 V

Question 81.
In the circuit shown in the figure, find the current through each resistor. (Comptt. Delhi 2012)

Answer:
Total emf of the circuit
=8V – 4V = 4V
Since two resistors 30 and 60 are connected in parallel, their combined resistance is

Since all resistors are in series,

R = 0.5 + 4.5 + 2 + 1 = 8Ω

0.5Ω A current will flow in 3 resistors, i.e., 0.5Ω, 4.5Ω and 1Ω.
Current through resistors 30 and 60

Question 82.
The temperature coefficient of resistivity, for two materials A and B, are 0.0031/°C and 0.0068/
°C, respectively.
Two resistors, R1 and R2 made from materials A and B, respectively, have resistances of 200Ω
and 100Ω at 0°C. Show on a diagram, the ‘colour code’, of a carbon resistor, that would have a
resistance equal to the series combination of R1 and R2, at a temperature of 100°C.
(Neglect the ring corresponding to the tolerance of the carbon resistor) (comptt. Delhi 2012)
Answer:

Question 83.
A student connects a cell, of emf E 2 and internal resistance r2 with a cell of emf E1 and internal
resistance r1, such that their combination has a net internal combination resistance R.
Draw a diagram of the ‘set-up’ and obtain an expression for the current flowing through the
resistance R. (Comptt. Outside Delhi 2016)
Answer:
Since the net internal resistance of two cells is less than r 1
it means that the two cells must have been
connected in parallel
The diagram of the setup is as shown
Question 84.
(a) The potential difference applied across a given resistor is altered so that the heat produced per
second increases by a factor of 9. By what factor does the applied potential difference change?
(b) In the figure shown, an ammeter A and a resistor of 40 are connected to the terminals of the
source. The emf of the source is 12 V having an internal resistance of 2 O. Calculate the
voltmeter and ammeter readings. (Outside Delhi 2017)

Answer:
(a) Heat produced in a resistor ‘R’ when applied, potential difference V, is :
Question 85.
Define the term current sensitivity of a galvanotmer. In the circuits shown in the figures, the
galvanometer shows no deflection in each case. Find the ratio of R 1 and R2. (Comptt. All India
2017)
Answer:

Question 86.
(a) Derive the relation between current density ‘J→‘ and potential difference ‘V’ across a current
carrying conductor of length area of cross-section ‘A’ and the number density of free electrons.
(b) Estimate the average drift speed of conduc¬tion electrons in a copper wire of cross-sectional
area 1.0 × 10-7 m2 carrying a current of 1.5 A. [Assume that the number density of conduction
electrons is 9 × 1028 m-3] (Comptt. Delhi 2012)
(a)
Suppose a potential difference V is applied across a conductor of length l and of uniform cross-
section A. The electric field E set up inside the conductor is given by
E = Vl
Under the influence of field E→, the free electrons begin to drift in the opposite
direction E→ with an average drift velocity vd.
Let the number of electrons per unit volume or electron density = n
Charge on an electron = e

No. of electrons in length l of the conductor = n x volume of the conductor = n × Al

Total charge contained in length l of the conductor is
q = enAl … (i)
All the electrons which enter the conductor at the right end will pass through the conductor at the
left end in time,
Hence the current density of a metallic conductor is directly proportional to the drift speed of
electrons.