Roll No.

: Time -
Date : MM - 101

1. Define mobility of electron in a conductor. How does electron mobility change when (i) 2
temperature of conductor is decreased and (ii) applied potential difference is doubled at constant
temperature?

Ans : Mobility is defined as the positive value of drift velocity per unit electric field applied.

Therefore, the mobility (i) increases with the decrease in temperature and (ii) remains
same.

2. A cell of emf E and internal resistance r is connected to two external resistances R1 and R2 and 2
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 R1 only,
(iii) with R1 and R2 in series combination, and
(iv) with R1 and R2 in parallel combination.
The currents measured in the four cases are 4.2 A, 1.05 A, 0.42 A, 1.4 A but not necessarily in that
order. Identify the currents corresponding to the four cases mentioned above.

Ans : (i) Without any external resistance, the current will have maximum value.
I = 4.2 A
(ii) When only resistance R1 is joined in the circuit, the current further gets reduced.

I = 1.05 A
(iii) In series combination, an equivalent resistance (R1 and R2) is maximum. So, current
in the circuit is least.
I = 0.42 A
(iv) In parallel combination, an equivalent resistance (R1 and R2) is lesser than the least
resistance of the combination. So current will have the greater value.

I = 1.4 A

3. State the two Kirchhoff ’s rules used in electric networks. How are these rules justified? 2

Ans : Kirchhoff’s Rules:

(i) Junction rule: At any junction, the sum of the currents entering the junction is equal
to the sum of currents leaving the junction.
(ii) Loop rule: The algebraic sum of changes in potential around any closed loop
involving resistors and cells in the loop is zero.
Junction rule obeys the law of conservation of charge, as at any junction, there is no
accumulation of charge while loop rule obeys the law of conservation of energy. At any
instant of time, the total energy supplied by cells is equal to the total energy consumed
by resistors.
4. For two nichrome wires connected in series with a battery, how does the ratio of 2
drift velocity of electrons in them depend on their (a) lengths and (b) diameters.

Ans :

5. A cell of emf E and internal resistance r is connected across a variable resistor R. Plot a graph 2
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.

Ans : We know that E = V + Ir or V = E – Ir

An intercept of the graph on Y-axis gives the value of emf E of the cell.

A slope of the lines gives the value of internal resistance.

6. Using the mathematical expression for the conductivity of a material, explain 2

how it varies with temperature for (i) semiconductors, (ii) good conductors.

Ans : Conductivity,
(i) Semiconductors: With an increase in temperature, the conductivity of
semiconductors increases. It is due to an increase in n which dominates the
effect caused by a decrease in the value of relaxation time.
(ii) Good conductors: With an increase in temperature, the conductivity of good
conductors decreases. It is due to a decrease in the value of relaxation time.
The effect of increased value of n is negligible.

7. Calculate the resistance across the points M and N in the given figure. 2
Ans : In this case, points A and N are at same potential, but points M and B are at different
potentials. The above circuit can therefore be redrawn.

8. If a wire of resistance R is stretched to n times, without affecting resistivity, and then it is cut into 2
n equal parts. Now, all the parts are connected in parallel, what will be the new resistance?

Ans :
Original resistance =
On stretching, volume (V) remains the same.

When its length is increased to nl.

When, this wire is cut into n equal parts, then the resistance of each part

Now, all n resistors of resistance nR each, are connected in parallel, then combination
resistance =

9. Plot a graph showing temperature dependence of resistivity for a typical semiconductor. How is 2
this behaviour explained?

Ans : In case of semiconductors, n (no. density of free electrons) increases with temperature.
Therefore, resistivity decreases. The decrease in resistivity due to increase in n
dominates the increase in resistivity due to decrease in

Therefore, the resistivity of semiconductor decreases with the increase in temperature.

10. Distinguish between the emf and the potential difference across a cell. 2
Ans :

Emf Potential difference

(i) It is the work required to be

(i) It is the work required to
done in moving a unit positive
be done in moving unit
charge across the terminals of a
positive charge from one
cell, when no current is withdrawn
point to another point in a
from the cell.
closed circuit.
(ii) It is the maximum voltage that
(ii) It is less than the emf.
the battery can transfer.
(iii) It varies with the external
(iii) It is independent of the any
resistance.
external resistance.

11. Define relaxation time of the free electrons drifting in a conductor. How is it related to the drift 3
velocity of free electrons? Use this relation to deduce the expression for the electrical resistivity of
the material.

Ans : Relaxation time is the duration for which an electron drifting through a conductor
does not suffer any collision.
Relation between drift velocity of free electrons and relaxation time

where E is the electric field across the conductor drifting the electrons.

We have the relation

where V is the potential difference and l is the length of the conductor.

Substituting the value of vd from equation (ii) in equation (i), we get

ρ is called the resistivity of the material of the conductor

12. Plot a graph showing the variation of current density (j) versus the electric field (E) for two 3
conductors of different materials. What information from this plot regarding the properties of the
conducting material, can be obtained which can be used to select suitable materials for use in
making (i) standard resistance and (ii) connecting wires in electric circuits?
Electron drift speed is estimated to be of the order of mm s–1. Yet large current of the order of few
amperes can be set up in the wire. Explain briefly.
Ans :

At a constant temperature, the slope of the lines gives the conductivity.

(i) To make a standard resistor, we use a material A having the low conductivity.
(ii) For connecting wires, we use a material B of high value of the conductivity.
Just because of the high electron number density (~ 1029 m–3), a large amount of
current can be established in a conductor

13. A number of identical cells, n, each of emf E, and internal resistance r connected in series are 3
charged by a dc source of emf E′, 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.

Ans :

(i)

(ii) (a) Expression for charging current

Net resistance of the circuit, Req = R + nr
Total emf of the cells, Et = nE
Effective emf = E′ – nE
Charging current, I =
(b) Potential difference across the combination of cells
V = nE – I (nr) V = n(E – Ir)

14. In the given circuit in the steady state, obtain the expressions for 3
(a) the potential drop
(b) the charge and
(c) the energy stored in the capacitor, C.
Ans : (a) Net emf of the circuit, ε = 2V – V = V
Net resistance, Req = 2R + R = 3R
Current in the circuit, I =

Potential difference across BE, VBE = 2V – I × 2R = 2V – × 2R− =

Potential difference across capacitor, VC = V–V=

(b) Charge on the capacitor, Q =

(c) Energy stored in the capacitor, En = CV2 = C

15. A potential difference V is applied across a conductor of length L and diameter D. How are the 3
electric field E and the resistance R of the conductor affected when (i) V is halved (ii) L is halved (iii)
D is doubled. Justify your
answer.

Ans :
The electric field , therefore, the electric field will be (i) halved, (ii) doubled and
(iii) remained same.
Also, the resistance R = therefore, the resistance R will be (i) remained

same (ii) halved, and (iii) th of the original value.

16. Two heating elements of resistances R1 and R2 when operated at a constant supply of voltage, 3
V, consume powers P1 and P2 respectively. Deduce the expressions for the power of their
combination when they are, in turn, connected in (i) series and (ii) parallel across the same voltage
supply.

Ans :
We know
(i) When resistors are connected in series, equivalent resistance is given by
Rs = R1 + R2
Power consumed is given by

(ii) When resistors are connected in parallel, then

Substituting in equation (i),

17. Two cells of emfs ε1, ε2 and internal resistances r1 and r2 respectively are connected in parallel 3
as shown in the figure.
Deduce the expression for
(i) the equivalent emf of the combination,
(ii) the equivalent resistance of the combination, and
(iii) the potential difference between the points A and B.

Ans :

As the cells are in parallel, the potential difference across the cells is same,
i.e. V1 = V2 = V

(i) The expression for the equivalent emf of the combination

...(c)

(ii) Expression for the equivalent resistance of the combination

...(d)
(iii) Expression for the potential difference between the points A and B.

18. (a) State the Kirchoff ’s law. 3

(b) A battery of 10V and negligible internal resistance is connected across the diagonally opposite
corners of a cubical network consisting of 12 resistors each of resistance 1Ω in figure. Determine
the equivalent resistance of the network and the current along each edge of the cube.
Ans : (a) Refer to Point no. 16 [Important Terms, Definitions and Formulae]
(b) Ist Step: We specify current in all the 12 edges of the cube in terms of I1 using the
Kirchhoff ’s first law and the symmetry in the problem.
2nd Step: We take closed loop ABCC′EA and apply Kirchhoff ’s second rule.

Suppose the equivalent resistance of the network is

Current through each edge of the cube is now obvious from the diagram.

19. Answer the following: 3

(a) Why are the connections between the resistors in a meter bridge made of thick copper strips?
(b) Why is it generally preferred to obtain the balance point in the middle of the meter bridge wire?
(c) Which material is used for the meter bridge wire and why?

Ans : (a) So that the resistance of copper strips is not counted in the circuit.
Otherwise, it will effect our measurements.
(b) So that the end error of the bridge gets minimised and bridge is accurate and
sensitive.
(c) The potentiometer wire is usually of constantan or manganin. The material of the wire
should have
(i) high specific resistance and
(ii) low temperature coefficient of resistance.

20. A cell of emf ε and internal resistance r is connected across a variable load resistor R. Draw the 3
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 ε and internal resistance r.
Ans :

Given: R1 = 4 Ω, I1 = 1 A, R2 = 9 Ω, I2 = 0.5 A

⇒ e = I(R + r)

e = 1 × (4 + r) = 4 + r ...(i)

When R is increased then

e = 0.5(9 + r) = 4.5 + 0.5 r ...(ii)

From equations (i) and (ii), we get

4 + r = 4.5 + 0.5 r

⇒ 0.5r = 0.5 ⇒ r = 1 W

e = 1 × (4 + 1) = 5 V

21. A student has two wires of copper and silver having same dimensions. First he connects the two 3
wires in series and passes electric current through this series combination which increases
gradually. Then he joins the two wires in parallel and repeats the process of passing the current.
Which wire will glow first in each case and why?
Ans : Case - 1 (For series) In series combination the current (I) through both the wires will
remain same.

So, copper wire will start glowing first.

Case - 2 (For parallel)

In parallel combination potential (V) through both the

wires will remain same.

22. (a) State, with the help of circuit diagram, the working principle of a meter bridge. Obtain the 5
expression used for determining the unknown resistance.
(b) What happens if the galvanometer and cell are interchanged at the balance point of the bridge ?
(c) Why is it considered important to obtain the balance point near the midpoint of the wire?

Ans : (a) The metre bridge is based on the Wheatstone bridge principle.
The connections are made as shown in the figure. A resistance R is introduced from the
resistance box and the key K is closed. The jockey is moved on the wire to the point
where there is no deflection in the galvanometer. In such a case points B and D are at
the same potential. The point D is called the null point.

Let, in this position, AD = L cm and DC = (100 – L) cm. Therefore, the resistance of AD,
i.e. P ∝ L and resistance of DC, i.e. Q ∝ (100 – L), hence

In a balanced state, by the Wheatstone bridge principle, we have

Substituting equation (i) in equation (ii), we have

Rewriting equation (iii), we have

(b) There is no change in the position of the balance point if the galvanometer and the
cell are interchanged.
(c) It is important to get the balance point near the mid-point of the wire because then the
resistances in the four arms of the bridge are of the same order. The sensitivity of the
bridge is maximum and the resistance is determined move accurately.
23. State Kirchhoff ’s laws of an electrical network. Using Kirchhoff ’s laws, calculate the potential 5
difference across the 8 Ω resistor.

Ans : Kirchhoff's Rules: Refer to Point no. 16. [Important terms, Definitions and Formulae]
i = i1 + i2 …(i)
Consider a loop ADCBA,

8i + 6i + 2i1 = 4
8i + 8i1 = 4
2i + 2i1 = 1 …(ii)
Consider a loop DCQPD,
8i + i2 + 4i2 = 6
8i + 5i2 = 6 …(iii)
On solving equations (i), (ii) and (iii) we get

Thus, potential drop across the 8 Ω resistor is

V=i×8
V=

V= volt

24. (i) Derive an expression for drift velocity of electrons in a conductor. Hence deduce Ohm’s law. 5

(ii) A wire whose cross-sectional area is increasing linearly from its one end to the other, is
connected across a battery of V volts. Which of the following quantities remain constant in the wire?

(a) drift speed

(b) current density

(c) electric current

(d) electric field

Justify your answer.

Ans : (i) In the absence of electric field, the motion of electron is random and the net velocity is
zero,

are random velocities of N electrons.

In the presence of electric field, each electron experiences an acceleration

here V is potential difference applied across the ends of a conductor of length ‘l’ and
cross-sectional area‘A’, then eq. (ii) becomes (considering magnitudeonly)

(ii) (a) Drift speed, vd =

(b) Current density, J =

(d) Electric field, E = r J =

It can be seen that quantities in parts (a), (b) and (d) vary with cross-sectional area. Only
(c)electric current will remain the same throughoutthe conductor.

25. (a) What is a Wheatstone bridge? When it is said to be balanced? 5

(b) What do you mean by sensitivity of a Wheatstone bridge and write the factors on which it
depends?

(c) What are the advantages of measuring resistance by Wheatstone bridge method over other
methods?

Ans : (a) It is an arrangement of four resistances which is used to calculate one of these
resistance accurately in terms of the other three resistances.

A Wheatstone bridge is said to be balanced when no current flows through the

galvanometer and hence,

(b) If for a small change of resistance in resistance arm, the galvanometer shows a large
deflection then the Wheatstone bridge is said to be sensitive. Sensitivity of the
Wheatstone bridge depends on following factors:

(i) Relative magnitudes of the resistances in the four arms of the bridge.

(ii) Relative positions of galvanometer and battery.

(c) Advantages of Wheatstone bridge method:

(i) The resistance of the galvanometer and internal resistance of the cell do not
affect the null point.

(ii) As in this method measurement of current and potential difference are not
involved so the resistances of ammeters and voltmeters do not affect the measurement.

26. Calculate the value of the resistance R in the circuit shown in the figure so that the current in the 4
circuit is 0.2 A. What would be the potential difference between points A and D?
Ans : Resistance in the arm BCD of the circuit,
R1 = 5 + 10 = 15 Ω
Resistance between points B and D, RBD = = 10 Ω

Resistance between the points A and D, RAD = =5Ω

Now, the circuit reduces to the form as shown.
From the loop ADFGA,
5 × 0.2 + R × 0.2 + 15 × 0.2 = 5 ⇒ 0.2R + 4 = 5
0.2R = 1 ⇒ R = =5Ω
Potential difference between the points A and D,
VAD = 5 × 0.2 = 1 V

27. In the network shown here, find the following: 4

(a) Currents I1, I2 and I3.

(b) Terminal potential difference of each battery.
Consider 6 Ω to be the internal resistance of 6 V battery and 4 Ω to be internal resistance of 8 V
battery.
Ans : Here, I3 = I1 + I2
(a) Using KVL for loop I, we get
–6I1 + 6 – 8 + 4I2 = 0
⇒ –3I1 + 2I2 = 1 …(i)
Using KVL for loop II, we get
–4I2 + 8 – 12I3 = 0
⇒ –4I2 + 8 – 12I1 – 12I2 = 0
4I2 + 3I1 = 2 …(ii)
Solving (i) and (ii), we get
6I2 = 3 ⇒ I2 = A

∴ I1 = 0 A
∴ I3 = I 1 + I 2 = 2
1A
(b) As we know VAB = EAB – I1r1
I1 = 0
∴ VAB = EAB = 6 V

28. Four identical cells, each of emf 2 V, are joined in parallel providing supply of current to external 4
circuit consisting of two 15 Ω resistors joined in parallel. The terminal voltage of the cells as read by
an ideal voltmeter is 1.6 V. Calculate the internal resistance of each cell.

Ans : According to the question, the circuit can be drawn as shown in the figure

where ε = 2 V, and r = internal resistance of each cell

An equivalent circuit can be redraw as shown.

r = 7.5 Ω

29. A straight line plot showing the terminal potential difference (V) of a cell as a function of 4
current (I) drawn from it is shown in the figure.
Using this plot, determine (i) the emf, and (ii) internal resistance of the cell.

Ans : We know that E – V = Ir

(i) Clearly, where I = 0, E = V = 1.4 V (from the graph)
(ii) Also, when V = 1.2 V, I = 0.04 A

30. A cell of emf 1.5 V and internal resistance 0.5 Ω is connected to a (non-linear) conductor whose 4
V–I graph is shown in figure. Obtain graphically the current drawn from the cell and its terminal
voltage.

Ans : Given: E = 1.5 V, r = 0.5 Ω

We know V = E – Ir Ir = E – V ⇒ 0.5I = 1.5 – V
The values of V and I satisfying above equation are:

V (volt) I (ampere)
0 3
0.5 2
1.0 1
1.5 0

The graph of these values is a line represented by dotted line. There is a common point
between the dotted line and the graph given. This point corresponds to 1 V and 1 A. So,
the cell supplies 1 A of current at 1 V.

31. Calculate the value of the current drawn from a 5 V battery in the circuit as shown. 4
Ans :

The wheatstone bridge is balanced.

i.e VC = VB
No current will pass through the resistor of value 10 Ω connected between B and C.
We can redraw the circuit as shown in the figure.

32. In the given network, find the values of the currents, I1, I2 and I3. 4

Ans : Here, I1 = I2 + I3 …(i)

From the loop ADBA,
3I1 + 3I2 = 2 – 1 ; 3I1 + 3I2 = 1 …(ii)
From the loop DCBD,
4I3 – 3I2 = 3 – 1 ; 4I3 – 3I2 = 2 …(iii)
4(I1 – I2) – 3I2 = 2 ( I3 = I1– I2)
4I1 – 7I2 = 2 …(iv)
From equations (ii) and (iv), we get
3I1 + 3I2 = 1
4I1 – 7I2 = 2