DAV SCHOOL PALLIKARANAI

CURRENT ELECTRICITY
Class 12 - Physics
Time Allowed: 2 hours Maximum Marks: 165

1. The dimension of electrical resistance is: [1]

a) [ML3T-3A-2] b) [ML2T-3A1]

c) [ML2T-3A-1] d) [ML2T-3A-2]

2. Ammeter is always used [1]

a) in parallel with the element through which b) to simulate the element across which
current is to be determined voltage is to be determined

c) in series with the element through which d) to simulate the element through which
current is to be determined resistance is to be determined
3. Kirchhoff's first and second laws of electrical circuits are consequences of: [1]

a) conservation of energy b) conservation of energy and electric charge

respectively

c) conservation of electric charge and energy d) conservation of electric charge

respectively
4. The ratio of voltage and electrical current in a closed circuit: [1]

a) Increases b) Varies

c) Remains constant d) Decreases

5. A battery of emf E and internal resistance r is connected to an external circuit. The potential drop within the [1]
battery is proportional to:

a) power dissipated in the circuit b) total resistance of the circuit

c) emf of the battery d) current in the circuit

6. The instrument among the following which measures the emf of a cell most accurately is: [1]

a) an ammeter b) a voltmeter

c) potentiometer d) post office box

7. Drift velocity of electrons is due to: [1]

a) repulsion to the conduction electrons due to b) the motion of conduction electrons due to
inner electrons of ions random collisions

c) collision of conduction electrons with each d) the motion of conduction electrons due to
other electric field E
8. Electromotive force is [1]

a) The number of charges pumped by the b) The work done per unit charge by the

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source from lower to higher potential energy source in taking the charge from higher to
lower potential energy

c) The work done by the source in taking the d) The work done per unit charge by the
charge from lower to higher potential energy source in taking the charge from lower to
higher potential energy
9. Two unequal resistors are connected in series across a battery. Then the [1]

a) potential difference across each resistor is b) current in the smaller resistor is larger.
the same.

c) power dissipated in both resistors is the d) potential difference across the bigger
same. resistor is greater.
10. Which can be the unit of Resistivity from the following? [1]

a) Ω. cm 3
b) Ω. cm
2

c) Ω. m d) V .m

11. The electric resistance of a certain wire of iron is R. If its length and radius are both doubled, then [1]
i. the resistance will be doubled and the specific resistance will be halved.
ii. the resistance will be halved and the specific resistance will remain unchanged.
iii. the resistance will be halved and the specific resistance will be doubled.
iv. the resistance and the specific resistance will both remain unchanged.

a) Option iii b) Option i

c) Option ii d) Option iv
12. Two cells, having the same emf are connected in series through an external resistance R. Cells have internal [1]
resistances r1 and r2(r1 > r2) respectively. When the circuit is closed, the potential difference across the first cell
is zero. The value of R is:

a) r1 + r2 b) ( r1 − r2 )

c) r1 - r2 d) ( r1 + r2 )

13. The SI unit of mobility of charge carriers is: [1]

a) Ωm b) m s-1 V-1

c) Ωs −1
d) m2 V-1 s-1

14. The correct graph showing the variation of the resistance (R) of a cylindrical metal wire as a function of its [1]
radius (r), keeping its length and temperature constant, is:

a) b)

c) d)

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15. Three copper wires have lengths and cross-sectional areas as (l, A); (2l, ) and ( , 2 A). Resistance is [1]
A l

2 2

minimum in:

a) wire of cross-sectional area A

2
b) wire of cross-sectional area 2 A

c) wire of cross-sectional area A d) same in all the three cases

16. A cell of emf ε and internal resistance r is connected across a variable load resistor R. Draw the plots of the [2]
terminal voltage V versus
i. R and
ii. the current I.
17. A potential difference V is applied across a load resistor of resistance R. V and R can be varied. If the current [2]
that flows in the circuit is I, draw a plot showing the variation of power consumed by the resistor as a function
of:
a. R, keeping V constant
b. I, keeping R constant
c. V, keeping R constant
18. Draw a graph showing the variation of resistivity with temperature for nichrome. Which property of nichrome is [2]
used to make standard resistance coils?
19. Two identical cells, each of emf E, having negligible internal resistance, are connected in parallel with each [2]
other across an external resistance R as shown in figure. What is the current through this resistance?

20. Under what condition is the heat produced in an electric circuit: [2]
i. directly proportional to the resistance of the circuit?
ii. inversely proportional to the resistance of the circuit?
21. Plot a graph showing the temperature dependence of resistivity for a typical semiconductor. How is this [2]
behaviour explained?
22. a. Define internal resistance of a cell. [2]
b. A cell of emf E and internal resistance r is connected across a variable resistor R. Plot the shape of graphs
showing variation of terminal voltage V with (i) Rand (ii) circuit current I.
23. Under what conditions will the strength of current in a wire be the same for connections in series and in parallel [2]
of identical cells?
24. The V-I graphs of two resistors, and their series combination, are shown in Figure. Which one of these graphs [2]
represents the series combination of the other two? Give reasons for your answer.

25. Explain, giving reasons, how the internal resistance of a cell changes in the following cases: [2]
i. When concentration of the electrolyte is increased.

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ii. When area of the anode is decreased.
iii. When temperature of the electrolyte is increased.
26. Define emf of a cell. Show that the voltage drop across a resistor connected in parallel with a cell is different [2]
from the emf of the cell.
27. Two material bars A and B of an equal area of cross-section, are connected in series to a DC supply. A is made [2]
of usual resistance wire and B of an n-type semiconductor.
i. In which bar is the drift speed of free electrons greater?
ii. If the same constant current continues to flow for a long time, how will the voltage drop across A and B be
affected?
Justify each error.
28. A wire of length L0 has a resistance R0. It is gradually stretched till its length becomes 2 L0' [2]

a. Plot a graph showing variation of its resistance R with its length L during stretching.
b. What will be its resistance when its length becomes 2 L0?

29. Define the term resistivity of a conductor. Give its SI unit. Show that the resistance of a conductor is given by [2]
R= ,
ml

2
ne τ A

where the symbols have their usual meanings.

30. State the two Kirchhoff's rules used in electric networks. How are these rules justified? [2]
31. Write the mathematical relation for the resistivity of a material in terms of relaxation time, number density and [2]
mass and charge of charge carriers in it. Explain, using this relation, why the resistivity of a metal increases and
that of a semiconductor decreases with rise in temperature.
32. Two wires of equal length, one of copper and the other of manganin have the same resistance. Which wire is [2]
thicker?
33. Define drift velocity of electrons in a conductor connected across a battery. Figure shows variation of the drift [2]
velocity (vd) of electrons in two copper wires A and B of different lengths versus the potential difference (V)

applied across their ends.

i. What does the slope of the line represent?

ii. Which one of the two wires is longer?
34. Explain how electron mobility changes for a good conductor when (i) the temperature of the conductor is [2]
decreased at constant potential difference and (ii) applied potential difference is double at constant temperature.
35. Is current density a vector or a scalar quantity? Deduce the relation between current density and potential [2]
difference across a current-carrying conductor of length l, area of cross-section A, and number density of free
electrons n. How does the current density, in a conductor, vary with
i. increase in potential gradient?
ii. increase in temperature?
iii. increase in length?
iv. increase in area of cross-section?

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(Assume that the other factors remain constant in each case).
36. Plot a graph showing the variation of current density (j) versus the electric field (E) for two conductors of [2]
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 a large current of the order of few amperes can
be set-up in the wire. Explain briefly.
→
37. Define current density. Is it a scalar or a vector? An electric field E is maintained in a metallic conductor. If n [2]

be the number of electrons (mass m, charge -e) per unit volume in the conductor and τ its relaxation time, show
2

that the current density j ⃗ = ⃗

, where α = .
ne
αE ( )τ
m

38. Define the terms [2]

i. drift velocity,
ii. relaxation time.
A conductor of length L is connected to a dc source of emf ε . If this conductor is replaced by another conductor
of same material and same area of cross-section but of length 3 L, how will the drift velocity change?
39. A potential difference V is applied to a conductor of length l, diameter D. How are the electric field E, the drift [2]
velocity vd and the resistance R affected when

i. V is doubled
ii. l is doubled
iii. D is doubled?
40. Define ionic mobility. Write its relationship with relaxation time. Give its SI unit. How does one understand the [2]
temperature dependence of resistivity of a semiconductor.
41. Why are alloys used for making standard resistance coils? [2]
42. Define the terms resistivity and conductivity and state their SI units. Draw a graph showing the variation of [2]
resistivity with temperature for a typical semiconductor.
43. Answer the following questions: [2]
i. It is easier to confine electric current to definite paths (by the use of electric insulators) than to direct heat
flow along definite routes using heat insulators. Why?
ii. It is easier to start a car engine on a warm day than on a chilly day. Why?
iii. In which respect, does a nearly discharged lead-acid secondary cell differ mainly from a freshly charged cell
in its emf for in its internal resistance?
44. A 60 W electric bulb connected in parallel with a room heater is further connected across the mains. If 60 W [2]
bulb is replaced by 100 W bulb, will the heat produced by the heater be smaller, remain the same or be larger
and why?
45. A copper wire of radius 0.1 mm and resistance 1 kΩ is connected across a power supply of 20 V. [2]
i. How many electrons are transferred per second between the supply and the wire at one end?
ii. Write down the current density in the wire.
46. Define the conductivity of a conductor and state its SI unit. State and explain the variation of conductivity of [3]
i. good conductor

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ii. ionic conductor with temperature.
47. Establish the relation between drift velocity of electrons and the electric field applied to the conductor. [3]
48. A student connects a cell, of emf ε and internal resistance r2 with a cell of emf ε and internal resistance r1,
2 1 [3]

such that their combination has a net internal resistance less than r1. This combination is then connected across a
resistance R.
Draw a diagram of the 'set-up' and obtain an expression for the current flowing through the resistance.
49. Draw a plot showing the variation of resistivity of a (i) conductor and (ii) semiconductor, with the increase in [3]
temperature. How does one explain this behaviour in terms of number density of charge carriers and the
relaxation time?
50. Answer the following questions: [3]
i. A steady current flows in a metallic conductor of non-uniform cross-section. Say which of these quantities is
constant along the conductor: current, current density, electric field, drift speed?
ii. Is Ohm's law universally applicable for all conducting elements? If not, give examples of elements which do
not obey Ohm's law.
iii. A low voltage supply from which one needs high current must have very low internal resistance. Why?
iv. Why a high tension (H.T.) supply of say 6 kV must have a very large internal resistance?

51. i. Differentiate between the random velocity and the drift velocity of electrons in an electrical conductor. Give [3]
their order of magnitudes.
ii. A conductor of uniform cross-sectional area is connected across a dc source of variable voltage. Draw a
graph showing variation of drift velocity of electrons (vd) as a function of current density (J) in it.

52. At 0°C, the resistance of a conductor B is n times that of conductor A. The temperature coefficients of A and B [3]
are α and α respectively. For the series combination of the two conductors, find
1 2

i. the resistance at 0°C and

ii. the temperature coefficient of resistance
53. The temperature coefficient of resistivity, for two materials A and B, are 0.0031 / °C and 0.0068 / °C [3]
respectively.
Two resistors R1 and R2 made from materials A and B, respectively, have resistances of 200 Ω and 100 Ω 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).
54. A conductor of length I is connected to a DC source of potential V. If the length of the conductor is tripled by [3]
gradually stretching it, keeping V constant, how will
i. drift speed of electrons and
ii. resistance of the conductor be affected? Justify your answer

55. a. Draw a graph showing the variation of current versus voltage in an electrolyte when an external resistance is [3]
also connected.
b. i. The graph between resistance (R) and temperature (T) for Hg is shown in the figure (a). Explain the
behaviour of Hg near 4 K.

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ii. In which region of the graph shown in the figure (b) is the resistance negative and why?

56. Two cells of emf 2E and E and internal resistances 2r and r respectively, are connected in parallel. Obtain the [3]
expressions for the equivalent emf and the internal resistance of the combination.
57. A battery consists of 12 cells in series, each having an emf ε and internal resistor r. Some of the cells in the [3]
battery are connected with wrong polarity. This battery is connected to another source of emf 2 E and internal
resistance 2 ε . An ammeter in the circuit reads 3 A when battery and the source aid each other and 2 A in the
same direction when they oppose each other. Find how many cells in the battery are connected with wrong
polarity.
58. i. You are required to select a carbon resistor of resistance 47kΩ ± 10% from a large collection. What should [3]
be the sequence of colour bands used to code it?
ii. Write the characteristics of manganin which make it suitable for making standard resistance.
59. Define resistivity of a conductor. Plot a graph showing the variation of resistivity with temperature for a metallic [3]
conductor. How does one explain such a behaviour, using the mathematical expression of the resistivity of a
material.
60. What does the ammeter A read in the circuit shown in Figure? What if the positions of the cell and the ammeter [3]
are interchanged?

61. a. Differentiate between electrical resistance and resistivity of a conductor. [3]

b. Two metallic rods, each of length L, area of cross A1 and A2, having resistivities ρ and ρ are connected in
1 2

parallel across a d.c. battery. Obtain the expression for the effective resistivity of this combination.
62. The following table gives the length of three copper wires, their diameters, and the applied potential difference [3]
across their ends. Arrange the wires in increasing order according to the following:
i. The magnitude of the electric field within them,
ii. The drift speed of electrons through them, and
iii. The current density within them.

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Wire No. Length Diameter Potential Difference

1 L 3d V

2 2L d V

3 3L 2d 2V

63. Define the current sensitivity of a galvanometer. Write its SI unit. [3]
Figure shows two circuits each having a galvanometer and a battery of 3 V.
When the galvanometer in each arrangement do not show any deflection, obtain the ratio R1/R2.

64. State Kirchhoff's rules. Use these rules to write the expressions for the currents I1, I2 and I3 in the circuit [3]
diagram shown in figure below.

65. A cell of emf 'E' and internal resistance 'r' is connected across a variable load resistor R. Draw the plots of the [3]
terminal voltage V versus (i) R and (ii) the current I.
It is found that when R = 4 Ω , the current is 1 A 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.
66. A cell of emf E and internal resistance r is connected across a variable resistor R. Plot a graph showing variation [3]
of terminal voltage V of the cell versus the current I. Using the plot, show the emf of the cell and its internal
resistance can be determined.
67. Two conductors are made of the same material and have the same length. Conductor A is a solid wire of [3]
diameter 1mm. Conductor B is a hollow tube of outer diameter 2mm and inner diameter 1mm. Find the ratio of
resistance RA to RB.

68. a. State Ohm's Law. Represent it mathematically. [3]

b. Define 1 ohm.
c. What is the resistance of a conductor through which a current of 0.5 A flows when a potential difference of
2V is applied across its ends?
69. A cell of emf ε and internal resistance r is connected across a variable resistance R. Plot graphs showing the [3]
variation of
i. ε and R,
ii. terminal p.d. V with R. Predict from the second graph under which V becomes equal to ε .
70. State the two rules that serve as general rules for analysis of electric circuit. Use these rules to write the three [3]
equations that may be used to obtain the values of the three unknown currents in the branches of the circuit given

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below:

71. Distinguish between emf (ε) and terminal voltage (V) of a cell having internal resistance r. Draw a plot showing [3]
the variation of terminal voltage (V) versus the current (I) drawn from the cell. Using this plot, show how does
one can determine the internal resistance of the cell?
72. For the circuit diagram of a Wheatstone bridge shown in the figure, use Kirchhoff's laws to obtain its balance [3]
condition.

73. Define relaxation time of elections in a conductor. Explain how it varies with increase in temperature of a [3]
conductor. State the relation between resistivity and relaxation time.
74. Two bulbs B1 and B2 are connected in series with an a.c. source of emf 200 V, as shown in Figure. The labels on [3]
the bulbs read 200 V, 60 W and 200 V, 100 W respectively.

Calculate the ratio of:

R1
i. the resistances of the bulbs, R2

P1
ii. the power being consumed when connected in series,
P2

V1
iii. the p.d. across the bulbs, V2
.

75. a. Use Kirchhoff’s rules to obtain the balance condition in Wheatstone bridge. [3]
b. Give one practical application that is based on this principle.

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