CURRENT ELECTRICITY 46

LESSON 2
CURRENT ELECTRICITY

Electric Current
Flow of electric charge constitutes electric current. For a given conductor, if ' d Q ' charge flows through a
dQ
cross-section of area A in time ' d t ' , then the electric current through the conductor is given as I =
dt
The current defined above, is the average current over the period d t . A B
dQ
The instantaneous current will be given as i = ]
dt

e
Direction of electric current as defined above will be taken along the direction of flow of positive charge.
(Although in majority of conductors the charge carrier is electron which is negatively charged and hence
electric current would be in a direction opposite to that of flow of electrons)
Despite the direction that we associate with electric current, electric current is not a vector quantity.
Instead, we choose current density (j) that is current flowing through unit area of the cross-section as a
vector quantity.
Illustration 1 A particle having charge q coulomb describes a circular orbit. If radius of the
orbit is R and frequency of the particle is f, then find the current in the orbit.
Solution Through any section of the orbit, the charge passes f times in one second. Therefore
through that section total charge passing in one second is fq. By definition i = fq

Illustration 2 The current in a wire varies with time according to the equation I = 4 + 2t , where
I is in ampere and t is in sec. Calculate the quantity of charge which has passed
through a cross-section of the wire during the time t = 2 sec to t = 6sec.
Solution Let dq be the charge which ahs passed in a small interval of time dt, then
dq = idt = ( 4 + 2t ) dt

Hence total charge passed between interval t = 2 sec and t = 6 sec.

 CURRENT ELECTRICITY 47

6
q=�( 4 + 2t ) dt = 48 coulomb
2

Mechanism of current flow in metallic conductor

Flow of current in metals is due to free electrons. In the absence of any externally applied emf (by means
of a battery) the free electrons move randomly through the metal from one point to another giving zero
net current.
When connected to a battery, the free electrons get accelerated due to the electric field (set up by the
battery) and they gain velocity and energy. However, the passage is not smooth and the electrons collide
with the lattice ions in which the ultimate gainer (of energy) is the ion. As we know the temperature of a
body is related with the energy of vibrations of these ions, these collisions results in increase in
temperature of the metal. The loss of energy of electrons in collision and their acceleration by the electric
field, finally, results in drifting of electrons in a particular direction. (Although the actual motion of
electrons is erratic, the overall effect is of drifting of electrons)
If vd be the drift velocity and ‘n’ be the number of such free electrons per unit volume, the current through
the conductor is
I = neAvd (where, e = magnitude of electron’s charge, A = cross sectional area)
Illustration 3 One billion electros pass from A to B in 1 ms. What is the direction and magnitude
of current?

Ne ( 10 ) ( 1.6 �10 C)
9 -19

Solution i= = -3
= 1.6 �10-7 A
t 10
� i = 0.16 m A .
The current flows from B to A.
Illustration 4 The copper wire of cross-section 2 mm carries a current of 30 A. Calculate the
root-mean-square velocity (Thermal velocity) of free electrons at 27� C. Also
prove vd is very small compared to it.

Data given : rCu = 8.9 gm / cc , Boltzmann constant k = 1.38 �10-23 J / K

me = 9.1�10-31 Kg , N A = 6.023�1023 , Atomic weight of Cu = 63.

3kT
Solution Vrms = = 1.17 �105 m / s
m
1
vd = To get n,
neA
63 gm of Cu = 6.023 �1023 Cu atoms .
6.023 �1023 �8.9
8.9 gm of Cu = Cu Atoms.
63
 CURRENT ELECTRICITY 48

6.023 �1023 �8.9

� 1 c.c. of Cu = Cu Atoms.
63
� 1 m3 of Cu = 8.5 �1028 Cu Atoms.
Now, each Cu atom contributes one electron
electron
� n = 8.5 �1028
m3
l 30
� vd = =
neA n ( 1.6 �10 ) ( 2 �10-6 )
-19

m
vd = 1.1�10 -3
s
It is clear that vd is much smaller than VThermal .

Classroom Practice Paper

1. An electron gun emits 2.0 × 1016 electrons per second. What electric current does this correspond to?
2. The current through a wire depends on time as i = i0 + a t , where i0 = 10 A and a = 4 A/s. Find the
charge crossed through a section of the wire in 10 seconds.
3. A wire of length 1 m and radius 0.1 mm has a resistance of 100 W . Find the resistivity of the
material.
4. A uniform wire of resistance 100 W is melted and recast in a wire of length double that of the
original. What would be the resistance of the wire?
5. Consider a wire of length 4 m and cross-sectional area 1 mm 2 carrying a current of 2 A. If each cubic
metre of the material contains 1029 free electrons, find the average time taken by an electron to cross
the length of the wire.
6. What length of a copper wire of cross-sectional area 0.01 mm 2 will be needed to prepare a resistance
of 1 k W ? Resistivity of copper = 1.7 × 10–8 W - m .
7. A current of 1.0 A exists in a copper wire of cross-section 1.0 mm 2. Assuming one free electron per
atom calculate the drift speed of the free electrons in the wire. The density of copper is 9000 kg/m3.
8. The electric current existing in a discharge tube is 2.0 µA. How much charge is transferred across a
cross-section of the tube in 5 minutes?

Ohm’s Law
It states that current flowing between two points in a conductor is directly proportional to the potential
difference between the two points.
I �V , provided temperature is constant
 CURRENT ELECTRICITY 49

V
� = constant(R) � V = IR
I
The constant ‘R’ is called resistance of the conductor.
Ohm’s Law is not universal (i.e. all conductors do not obey Ohm’s law). Conductor obeying Ohm’s law
are called Ohmic conductors.
However, resistance is always defined as the ratio V/I.
For a conductor of cross-sectional area A, resistance between the sections A & B separated by length l is
given by
I l
RAB = r
A
A B
where r = Resistivity of the conductor
I = length of the conductor
A = Area of cross-section R 2

x R1
Illustration 5 A cylindrical conductor of length l and inner radius R 1
and outer radius R2 has specific resistance r . A cell of l
emf e is connected across the two lateral faces of the
conductor. Find the current drawn from the cell.

Solution To calculate current through the conductor we have to have to calculate effective
resistance between its two ends. So we will Consider the differential element of the
cylindrical shell having radius x and thickness dx as shown in the figure.
r dx
dR =
2p x l
R2
dx � l �
\ R= r
� Q R=r �
�
R1
2p xl � a�
r R
� R= ln � �
�2 R �
2p l � 1 �
2p l e
e � I=
I= �R �
R r ln � 2 �
�R1 �
Variation of resistivity with temperature
r is independent of the shape and size of the conductor. It depends on temperature. As temperature
increases, r increases in case of metals.
At any temp. t, r is given by the following expression
 CURRENT ELECTRICITY 50

r( t ) = r 0 ( 1 + aDT ) Where r0 = the resistivity at 00C

a = temperature coefficient of resistivity.

a=
( r - r0 ) �a =
1 dr
Also
r 0 .DT r dT

Illustration 6 Resistance of a conductor is 1.72 W at a temperature of 20� C. Find the resistance

at 0�C and 100� C. given the coefficient of resistivity is a = 0.00393 / �
C.

Solution R = R0 ( 1 + aDT )

R = 1.72 W ( 1 + 0.00393 / �
C ) ( 0� C)
C - 20�

= 1.58 W , and at T = 1000C

1 + ( 0.00393 / 0 C ) ( 1000 C - 200 C ) �

R = 1.72 W �
� �
= 2.26 W

Classroom Practice Paper

9. Figure shows a conductor of length l having a circular cross-section. The radius of cross-section
varies linearly from a to b. The resistivity of the material is ρ . Assuming that b - a << l , find the
resistance of the conductor.

10. A copper wire of radius 0.1 mm and resistance 1 k W is connected across a power supply of 20 V. (a)
How many electrons are transferred per second between the supply and the wire at one end?
(b) Write down the current density in the wire.
11. Calculate the electric field in a copper wire of cross-sectional area 2.0 mm carrying a current of 1 A.
The resistivity of copper = 1.7 �10-8 W - m .
12. A wire has a length of 2.0 m and a resistance of 5.0 W . Find the electric field existing inside the wire
if it carries a current of 10 A.
13. The resistances of an iron wire and a copper wire at 20°C are 3.9 W and 4.1 W respectively. At what
temperature will the resistances be equal ? Temperature coefficient of resistivity for iron is
5.0 �10-3 K -1 and for copper it is 4.0 �10-3 K -1 . Neglect any thermal expansion.
 CURRENT ELECTRICITY 51

Kirchhoff’s Law
Junction rule
It is based on the law of conservation of charge. At a junction in a circuit the incoming current is equal to
the outgoing current. In other words the algebraic sum of the currents at a junction is zero. A junction in a
circuit is neither sink nor source of charge.

Loop rule
It is based on the law of conservation of energy. The algebraic sum of the potential drop around any
closed path is zero.
 In case of a resistor of resistance ‘R’ potential will A I B
decrease in the direction of current. Hence, for the shown
R
conductor potential drop across a resistance is I.R.
VB - VA = - IR

 For an emf source, the potential changes will be obtained

as illustrated below,

Emf = , internal resistance = r Emf = , internal resistance = r

A i B A e i B

e
VB – VA = – VB – VA =

E1 r1 = 3W
Illustration 7 What is the potential difference between the points B
A 12 V
M and N for the circuits shown in the figures.
r2 = 2W
C D
E2 = 6 V
Solution 6 + 2 I + 3I - 12 = 0
12V
3W
SI = 6 M N
6 I
I= 2W Case I
5
VMN = 6 + 2 I 6V

12 M N
VMN = 6 + = 8.4V
5
Grouping of Resistances
Resistance in series
 CURRENT ELECTRICITY 52

Let the equivalent resistance between A & B equals Req by definition.

V R1 R2 R3
Req = ….. (1) A B
I
I
V
nd
Using Kirchhoff’s 2 rule for the loop shown in figure, R1
V = IR1 + IR2 + IR3 ….. (2) i1
R2
From (1) and (2) Req = R1 + R2 + R3 A i2 B
R3
i3 I
Resistance in parallel I
V
Here again, Req = …..(1)
I
V V V
I = i1 + i2 + i3 = + + ….. (2)
R1 R2 R3
From (1) and (2)
1 1 1 1
= + +
Req R1 R2 R3
Illustration 8 Find the effective resistance between the point A and B.

E 3W D
3W 3W
6W
F 6W 6W C
3W
3W
A 3W B

Solution Resistors AF and FE are in series with each other. Therefore, network AEF reduces to a
parallel combination of two resistors of 6W each.
6 �6
Req. = = 3W
6+6
Similarly, the resistance between A and D is given
6 �6
= 3W
6+6
 CURRENT ELECTRICITY 53

Now, resistor AC is in parallel with the series combination of AD and DC. Therefore,
6 �6
the resistance between A and C are = 3W .
6+6
AC + CB = 3 + 3 = 6W . Since they are in series resistance between A and B is given by
1 1 1 3
= + = or RAB = 2W .
R 6 3 6
Energy, power and heating effect
When a current I flows for time t from a source of emf E, then the amount of charge that flows in time is
Q = It.
Electrical energy delivered W = Q.V = VIt
Thus, Power given to the circuit, = W/t = VI or V 2 /R or I 2 R
In the circuit
e r

E.I = I 2 R + I 2 r , Where
I
EI is the rate at which chemical energy is converted to electrical
energy, I2R is power supplied to the external resistance R and
I 2 r is the power dissipated in the internal resistance of the R
battery.
An electrical current flowing through conductor produces heat in it. This is known as Joule’s effect. The
heat developed in Joules is given by H = I 2 R t
Illustration 9 An electric bulb rated 220 v and 60 W is connected in series with another electric
bulb rated 220 v and 40 W. The combination is connected across 220 volt source of
e.m.f. Which bulb will glow more?
V2
Solution R=
P
V2
\ Resistance of first bulb is R1 =
P1

V2
And resistance of the second bulb is R2 =
P2
In series same current will pass through each bulb
V2
\ Power developed across first is P1�
= I2
P1

V2 P1� P2
= I2
and that across second is P2� � =
P2 P2� P1
 CURRENT ELECTRICITY 54

P2
as P2 < P1 � <1
P1
P1�
� <1 � < P2�
P1�
P2�
The bulb rated 220 V & 40 W will glow more.
Maximum power transfer theorem
e r
In a circuit, for what value of the external resistance the
maximum power be drawn from a battery? For the shown
network power developed in resistance R equals I
R
E 2 .R � E �
P= QI =
� and P = I 2 R �
( R + r) R+r
2
� �

dP
Now, for dP / dR = 0 (for P to be maximum = 0)
dR

( R + r) - 2( R) ( R + r )
2

� E 2
=0
( R + r)
4

� ( R + r ) = 2R
or R=r
� The power output is maximum, when the external resistance equals the internal resistance.
R=r
Illustration 10 A copper wire having a cross-sectional area of 0.5 mm 2 and a length of 0.1 m is
initially at 25°C and is thermally insulated from the surroundings. If a current of
10 A is set up in this wire
(a) The time in which the wire starts melting. The change of resistance of the wire
with temperature may be neglected.
(b) What will this time be, if the length of the wire is doubled?
Density of Cu = 9 �103 Kg m -3 specific heat of Cu = 9 �10-2 Cal Kg -1 oC -1 , M.P.

(Cu) 1075 0C and specific resistance = 1.6 �10-8 Wm .

Solution (a) Mass of Cu = Volume �density
= 0.5 �10-6 �0.1�9 �103 = 45 �10 -5 Kg
Rise in temperature = q = 1075 - 25 = 1050 0C .
Specific heat = 9 �10-2 Kg -1 0C �4.2 J
 CURRENT ELECTRICITY 55

mSq
� I 2 Rt = mSq � t=
i 2 .R
r L 1.6 �10-8 �0.1
but R= = -6
= 3.2 �10 -3 W
A 0.5 �10
4.5 �4.2 �10-5 �1050 �0.09
� t= = 0.558 s
10 �10 �3.2 �10-3
(b) When the length of wire is doubled, R is doubled, but correspondingly mass is also
doubled. Therefore, wire will start melting in the same time.
Wheatstone Bridge
BI
For a certain adjustment of Q, VBD = 0, then no current P
1
Q
flows through the galvanometer. A
I1 G C
�VB = VD or VAB = VAD � I1.P = I 2 .R I2
R S
Likewise, VBC = VDC � I1.Q = I 2 .S I2
D
P R
Dividing, we get, = i
Q S
Illustration 11 What’s the effective resistance of following circuits?
(a) (b)
R R R
R
R R R R R
A B
C
R1

R
C D
Solution (a) It is a Wheatstone bridge that is balanced. Hence the central resistance labeled ‘C’
can be pulled out.
� Req = R
(b) The R11 is in parallel with a balanced Wheatstone bridge.
R.R R
� Req = =
R+R 2
Grouping of Identical Cells
Series grouping
E.m.f. of the cell is e and internal
resistance is r.
e re e r ne nr
Applying Kirchhoff’s Law
I I
e - ir + e - ir + ..... ( to n times ) - iR = 0 R
R
Equvalent circuit
 CURRENT ELECTRICITY 56

ne e
� i= =
R + nr ( R / n ) + r
Illustration 12 In a series grouping of N cells current in the external circuit is I. How cells may
1
should be reversed their polarity that the current becomes rd the earlier value.
3
Solution Before reversing the cells current is
NE
I=
R + Nr
Let n cells be reversed in their polarity
\ Net e.m.f. = (N – n)E – nE

= (N – 2n)E
Total resistance Nr + R

� =
i�
( N - 2n ) E
Nr + R

I � ( N - 2n ) E / ( R + Nr ) N - 2n
But, = =
I ( NE / Nr + R ) N

N
� n=
3
Parallel grouping
Let Number of rows are, n and they are arranged as shown in the figure.

e r

e r e r/n

e r

R R
Equivalent Circuit

Applying Kirchoff’s law

 CURRENT ELECTRICITY 57

I
e - r - IR = 0
n
ne
� I=
r + nR
 To get maximum current, cells must be connected in series if effective internal resistance is lesser
then external resistance, and in parallel if effective internal resistances greater than external
resistance L.
Mixed grouping
Let emf of each cell is e and internal resistance is r.
I/m e r r e r
ne (n/m)r

e
I/m r r e r

e
I/m r r e r
R
Equivalent Circuit

R
Number of rows is m and number of cells in each row is n
Applying Kirchhoff’s law
I mne
ne - n r - IR = 0 � I=
m mR + nr
Effective grouping of cells
For effective grouping current should be maximum
� Mr + nr should minimum

( ) +( ) =( )
2 2 2
Now, Mr + nr = mR nR mR - nr + 2 mnrR

( )
2
The second term is nonzero, the in term in the paranthesis mR - nr + 2 mnrR = 0

� mR = nr
n
� R= r
m
Illustration 13 There are 27 cells with an internal resistance 0.4 W and an external resistance 1.2
W . What is the most effective way of grouping them?
 CURRENT ELECTRICITY 58

Solution Let there be n cells series of m parallel branches

mn = 27 ….. (1)
mR = nr …..(2)
1.2m = n ( 0.4 ) …..(3)
� 3m = n
from equation (1) and (3), we get
m =3& n =9

Classroom Practice Paper

14. The resistance of the rheostat shown in figure is 30 W . Neglecting the meter resistance, find the
minimum and maximum currents through the ammeter as the rheostat is varied.
5.5V

15. Consider the circuit shown in figure. Find the current through the 10 W resistor when the switch S is
(a) open (b) closed. 10W 20W

3V
16. Figure shows a part of a circuit. If a current of 12mA exists in the 5k W resistor, find the currents in
the other three resistors. What is the potential difference between the points A and B?

17. Suppose you have three resistors of 20 W , 50 W and 100 W . What minimum and maximum
resistances can you obtain from these resistors?
18. A bulb is made using two filaments. A switch selects whether the filaments are used individually or
in parallel. When used with a 15 V battery, the bulb can be operated at 5 W, 10 W and 15 W. What
should be the resistances of the filaments?
19. Find the equivalent resistances of the networks shown in figure between the points a and b.
 CURRENT ELECTRICITY 59

RC–Circuit
Charging: Let us assume that the capacitor in the shown network is uncharged for t < 0. The switch is
connected to position 1 at t = 0.
1 S R
Now, ‘C’ is getting charged.
If the charge on capacitor at time‘t’ is q. I 2
writing the loop rule, C
E
q
+ IR - E = 0
C
dq q
� R =E-
dt c I
dq
� RC = EC - q
dt
dq 1
� = dt
EC - q RC
Integrating
q
q dq 1 t
�
0 EC - q
=
RC �
0
dt
dmax=EC
q 1
- ln EC - q 0 = .t q=0.63 EC
RC
EC - q -t
� ln =
EC RC t t

� 1 - e - t / RC �
q = EC �
� �
� At t = 0, q = 0
and at t = �, q = E C (the maximum charge.)
i
Thus,
imax=E/R

t
 CURRENT ELECTRICITY 60

-t
� RC �
q = qmax �
1- e �
� �
dq qmax - t / RC E -t / RC
i= = e = e
dt RC R
E
i = imax e -t / RC Where imax =
R
Time constant ( t )
It is the during which the charging would have been completed, had the growth rate been as it began
initially. Numerically it is equal to RC.
Discharging
Consider the same arrangement as we had in previous case with one difference that the capacitor has
charge q0 for t < 0 and the switch is connected to position 2 at t = 0. If the charge on capacitor is q at any
later moment t then the loop equation given as Flip the switch to 2
q 1
+ IR = 0
c
dq -q S
=
� R
dt c e 2 C
dq -1
� = dt
q RC
R I
Integrating, at t = 0, q = q0
t = t, q = q
qdq 1 t
� �
q0 q
= -
RC �
0
dt

q t
� ln =- or q = q0 .e - t / RC
q0 RC
q0 - t / RC
i= e
RC
- EC - t / RC
i= e
RC
i = -i0 e - t / RC
'- ve ' sign indicates that the discharging current flows in a direction opposite to the charging current.
Discharging
O
i t
q

O –imax =
t
 CURRENT ELECTRICITY 61

Classroom Practice Paper

20. A capacitance C charged to a potential difference V is discharged by connecting its plates through a
resistance R. Find the heat dissipated in one time constant after the connections are made. Do this by
calculating � i 2 R dt and also by finding the decrease in the energy stored in the capacitor.

21. By evaluating � i 2 Rdt , show that when a capacitor is charged by connecting it to a battery through a
resistor, the energy dissipated as heat not equals the energy stored in the capacitor.
22. A parallel-plate capacitor is filled with a dielectric material having resistivity ρ and dielectric
constant K. The capacitor is charged and disconnected from the charging source. The capacitor is
slowly discharged through the dielectric. Show that the time constant of the discharge is independent
of all geometrical parameters like the place area or separation between the plates. Find this time
constant.
23. Find the charge on each of the capacitors 0.20 ms after the switch S is closed in figure.

24. The switch S shown in figure is kept closed for a long time and is then opened at t = 0. Find the
current in the middle 10 W resistor at t = 1.0 ms.

25. A capacitor of capacitance 100 µF is connected across a battery of emf 6.0 V through a resistance of
20 k W for 4.0 s. The battery is then replaced by a thick wire. What will be the charge on the
capacitor 4.0 s after the battery is disconnected?
26. Consider the situation shown in figure. The switch is closed at t = 0 when the capacitors are
uncharged. Find the charge on the capacitor C1 as a function of time t.
 CURRENT ELECTRICITY 62

27. A capacitor of capacitance C is given a charge Q. At t = 0, it is connected to an uncharged capacitor

of equal capacitance through a resistance R. Find the charge on the second capacitor as a function of
time.
28. A capacitor of capacitance C is given a charge Q. At t = 0, it is connected to an ideal battery of emf E
through a resistance R. Find the charge on the capacitor at time t.

Galvanometer
It is used to detect very small current. It has negligible resistance.
Ammeter
It is an instrument used to measure currents. It is put in series with the branch in which current is to be
measured. An ideal Ammeter has zero resistance. A galvanometer with resistance G and current rating ig
can be converted into an ammeter of rating I by connecting a suitable resistance S in parallel to it.
Thus S ( i - ig ) = ig G G
I ig I
ig G
� S= A
I - ig (I–ig)
I
S

Illustration 14 A Galvanometer having a coil resistance of 100 W gives a full scale deflection
when a current of 1 mA is passed through it. What is the value of the resistance
which can convert this galvanometer into a meter giving full scale deflection for a
current of 10 A?

S=
ig .G
=
( 10 A) ( 100 W ) = 0.1
-3

R1 G
Solution
i - ig ( 10 - 10 ) A 9.99
-3

R1 V Rv
1
� S= W �10-2 W
99.99
Voltmeter
It is an instrument to find the potential difference across two points in circuit.
It is essential that the resistance Rv of a voltmeter be very large compared to the resistance of any circuit
element with which the voltmeter is connected. Otherwise, the metre itself becomes an important circuit
element alters the potential difference that is measured.
Rv >> R
For an ideal voltmeter RV = �.

G V
Ig Rv
 CURRENT ELECTRICITY 63

V
ig ( G + R ) = V � R = -G
ig
Illustration 15 A galvanometer having a coil resistance 100 W gives a full scale deflection when a
current of 1 mA is passed through it. What is the value of the resistance which can
convert this galvanometer into a meter giving full scale deflection for a potential
difference of 10 V?
Solution V = I g [ G + RV ]

10 = ( 10-3 ) ( 100 + Rv )

�10 �
� RV = � -3 �- 100 = 9,900 W = 9.9 K W
�10 �
Potentiometer
Potentiometer is an instrument that can measure the terminal potential difference with high accuracy
without drawing any current from the unknown source.
It is based on the principle that, it constant is passed through a wire of uniform cross-section then
potential difference across any segment of the wire is proportional to its length.
The diagram given below shows a typical arrangement to measure emf Ex of a battery.
S

lac1
lac2 C2 C1
a b
Ex
K1
G
E0
K2
The wire ab is of uniform cross-section and carries a constant current supplied by battery S. First the
switch K1 is closed and K2 is kept open. The slider is moved on the wire ab till we get zero deflection in
the galvanometer. If C1 is the corresponding point in the wire
Ex = Vac1
Now, the experiment is repeated with key K1 open and K2 is closed. This time, if the null deflection is
obtained with contact on wire at C2
E0 = Vac2 (E0 is known)
Ex Vac1 lac1
Now, = =
E0 Vac2 lac2
Where lac1 & lac2 are the length of segments ac1 and ac2 respectively.
 CURRENT ELECTRICITY 64

Classroom Practice Paper

29. Consider the potentiometer circuit arranged as in figure. The potentiometer
wire is 600 cm long. (a) At what distance from the point A should the jockey
touch the wire to get zero deflection in the galvanometer? (b) If the jockey
touches the wire at a distance of 560 cm from A, what will be the current in
the galvanometer?
30. A 6 volt battery of negligible internal resistance is connected across a
uniform wire AB of length 100 cm. The positive terminal of another battery
of emf 4 V and internal resistance 1 W is joined to the point A as shown in
figure. Take the potential at B to be zero. (a) What are the potentials at the
points A and C ? (b) At which point D of the wire AB, the potential is equal
to the potential at C. (c) if the point C and D are connected by a wire, what
will be the current though it ? (d) If the 4 V battery is replaced by 7.5 V
battery, what would be the answers of parts (a) and (b) ?
31. The potentiometer wire AB shown in figure is 50 cm long. When AD = 30
cm, no deflection occurs in the galvanometer. Find R.

32. A voltmeter coil has resistance 50.0 W and a resistor of 1.15 k W is connected in series. It can read
potential differences upto 12 volts. If this same coil is used to construct an ammeter which can
measure currents upto 2. 0 A, what should be the resistance of the shunt used?
33. The voltmeter shown in figure reads 18 V across the 50 W resistor. Find the resistance of the
voltmeter.

34. The emf e and the internal resistance r of the battery shown in figure are 4.3 V and 1.0 W
respectively. The external resistance R is 50 W . The resistances of the ammeter and voltmeter are
2.0 W and 200W respectively. (a) Find the readings of the two meters. (b) The switch is thrown to the
other side. What will be the readings of the two meters now?

35. A voltmeter of resistance 400W is used to measure the potential difference across the 100W resistor
in the circuit shown in figure. (a) What will be the reading of the voltmeter ? (b) What was the
potential difference across 100W before the voltmeter was connected?
 CURRENT ELECTRICITY 65

36. The current in a conductor and the potential difference across its ends are measured by an ammeter
and a voltmeter. The metrs draw negligible currents. The ammeter is accurate but the voltmeter has a
zero error (that is, it does not read zero when no potential difference is applied). Calculate the zero
error if the readings for two different conditions are 1.75 A, 14.4 V and 2.75 A, 22.4 V.
37. Figure shows an arrangement to measure the emf e and internal resistance r of a battery. The
voltmeter has a very high resistance and the ammeter also has some resistance. The voltmeter reads
1.52 V when the switch S is open. When the switch is closed the voltmeter reading drops to 1.45 V
and the ammeter reads 1.0 A. Find the emf and the internal resistance of the battery.
 CURRENT ELECTRICITY 66

EXERCISE – I

DIRECT CURRENT CIRCUIT

CBSE PROBLEMS

1. Why constantan or manganin are chosen for the construction of standard resistances?
2. A current flowing in a copper wire is passed through another copper wire of the same length but of
double the radius of the first one. How would the drift velocity of the electrons changes?
3. A wire of resistivity r is stretched to three times to length. What will be its new resistivity?
4. Draw the circuit diagram of a potentiometer for using it to find the internal resistance of a cell.
5. What is potential gradient? State its SI unit.
6. What are the factors on which the resistance of a conductor depends? Give the corresponding
relation.
7. The V-I graph for a conductor makes angle q with V-axis. Hence V denotes voltage and I denotes
current. What is the resistance of this conductor?
8. What is terminal potential difference of a cell? Can its value be greater than the emf of a cell?
Explain.
9. If the length of the potentiometer wire be (i) doubled and (ii) halved, what will be effect on the
position of zero deflection in a potentiometer? Explain.
10. Krichhoff’s first law obeys law of conservation of charge. Explain.
11. Define resistance of a conductor. What is its cause? Explain the factors on which the resistance of a
conductor depends.
12. What are ohmic and non-ohmic conductors? Explain the super-conductivity.
13. State Ohm’s law and deduce it from the knowledge of drift velocity of free electrons in a conductor
carrying current.
14. Explain with necessary theory the determination of internal resistance of a cell by potentiometer
method.
15. With a circuit diagram, briefly explain how a metre bridge can be used to find the unknown
resistance of a given wire. State the formula used.
16. What is the value of thermoelectric power at the neutral temperature of a thermocouple?
17. What is the direction of thermo-electric current in case of (i) Cu-Fe thermocouple (ii) Sb-Bi
thermocouple?
18. What is the thermo emf? Show its variation with temperature by a graph.
19. What do you understand by Seebeck effect? Explain its cause. Discuss the effect of temperature on
thermo emf of a thermocouple.
20. Explain Neutral temperature and temperature of inversion. Establish a relation between them.
 CURRENT ELECTRICITY 67

EXERCISE – II

AIPMT/AIEEE-SINGLE CHOICE CORRECT

1. The effective resistance of the network between points A and B

(a) 4R R R R
R
A B
(b) 2R
(c) 10R R R R
(d) 5R/2
2. Five identical resistances are connected in a network as shown. The resistance measured between A
and B is 1 W . Each resistance is
A
(a) 1/4 W
(b) 4/7 W
(c) 7/4 W
(d) 8/7 W
3. What is the effective resistance between A and B B
2R
(a)
3 R R
R
(b)
3 R R R
6R
(c)
3 A B
8R
(d)
3
4. Find the equivalent resistance between P and Q 4 2
1
(a) 10 W P
(b) 5 W 10 V 2 4 4
(c) 15 W 2 4
(d) 20 W Q
8
5. In the circuit shown,
7.2
(a) the pd across 8 W is 3.6 V
(b) the pd across 12 W is 2.4 V
12

6V
 CURRENT ELECTRICITY 68

(c) the pd across 7.2 W is 5.6 V

(d) the current drawn from the battery is 1.5 A
6. In the network shown, 6 12
(a) VAB = +3.0V
I1
(b) V = +6.0V A 6 6
CB
1.5 A B C
(c) I1 = 1.5 A 6 I2
(d) I 2 = 0.5 A B
7. In the network shown, 2
2A 3
(a) VAB = +2V (b) VDA = +3V
A
(c) VBD = +2V (d) VCD = -3v 3 C
2
8. EMF represents
D
(a) potential energy (b) a force
(c) work done per unit charge (d) potential difference
9. When a cell is undergoing charging process
(a) there is no voltage drop in its internal resistance (b) its terminal potential is less than its EMF
(c) its terminal potential is more than its EMF (d) its terminal potential is zero
10. The specific resistance of wire
(a) varies with its length (b) varies with its cross-section
(c) varies with its mass
(d) does not depend on its length, cross-section and mass
11. In the given circuit, each resistance is 10 W . The equivalent resistance between A and D is
(a) 40 W A C
(b) 30 W
(c) 20 W B D
(d) 10 W 2 2
12. The current in branch AB is B
3
(a) 1.5 A 2

(b) 2 A 3V
A
(c) 1.33 A
(d) infinite
13. In a metre bridge, the gaps are closed by two resistances P and Q the balance point is obtained at 40
cm. When Q is shunted by a resistance of 10 W , the balance point shifts to 50 cm. The values of P
and Q are
 CURRENT ELECTRICITY 69

10 P Q
(a) W,5W (b) 20W,30W
3 40 cm 60 cm
15 G
(c) 10W,15W (d) 5W, W
2
14. Three bulbs B1, B2 and B3 are connected to the mains as shown in figure. How will the
incandescence of the bulb B1 be affected, if one of the bulbs B 2 or B3 is disconnected from the
circuit?
(a) no change in the incandescence
B1
(b) bulb B1 will become brighter
–
(c) bulb B1 will become less brighter B2 B3
(d) The bulb B1 may become brighter or dimmer depending upon
wattage of the bulb which is disconnected
15. The effective resistance between the terminals P and Q in following circuit is
5
(a) 5 W P
(b) 10 W 10 5
10
(c) 25 W
Q
(d) 30 W 5
16. Five resistances are connected as shown in figure. The effective resistance between the points A and
B is
10 20 2 3
(a) W (b) W
3 3 7
A B
(c) 15 W (d) 6 W
4 6

17. There are n exactly identical resistors each having resistance R. The resultant resistance when joined
in parallel is l , then on connecting them is series the resistance will come out be
l l
(a) (b) n 2 l (c) (d) n3l
n2 n3
2V, 1
18. Find the potential difference between A and B
(a) 6 V (b) 2V
A B
(c) 3V (d) 1V

4V, 1
19. A wire has a no uniform cross-section as shown. A steady current is flowing through it. Then the
drift speed of the electrons

A B
 CURRENT ELECTRICITY 70

(a) is constant throughout the wire

(b) decreases from A to B
(c) increases from A to B
(d) Varies randomly
20. 24 identical cells, each of internal resistance 0.5 W , are arranged in a parallel combination of n rows,
each row containing m cells in series. The combination is connected across resistor of 3 W . In order
to send maximum current through the resistor, we should have
(a) m = 12, n = 2 (b) m = 8, n = 3 (c) m = 2, n = 12 (d) m = 3, n = 8
21. In the circuit dissipation is 150 W. Then R is
R
(a) 2 W
2
(b) 6 W
(c) 5 W 15 V
(d) 4 W
22. A 3 volt battery with negligible internal resistance is connected in circuit as shown in the figure. The
current I in the circuit will be. I
(a) 1.5 A
(b) 2 A 3 3
(c) 1/3 A
(d) 1 A
3
23. The total current supplied to the circuit by the battery is
(a) 1 A 2
(b) 2 A 6
6V 3
(c) 4 A 1.5
(d) 6 A
24. The resistance of the series combination of two resistances is S. When they are joined in parallel the
total resistance is P. If S = nP then the minimum possible value of n is
(a) 4 (b) 3 (c) 2 (d) 1
25. In a meter bridge experiment null point is obtained at 20 cm from one end of the wire when
resistance X is balanced against another resistance Y. If X < Y, then where will be the new position
of the null point from the same end, if one decides to balance a resistance of 4X against Y?
(a) 50 cm (b) 80 cm (c) 40 cm (d) 70 cm
 CURRENT ELECTRICITY 71

EXERCISE – III

AIPMT/IIT-JEE-SINGLE CHOICE CORRECT

1. 100 W, 220 V bulb is operated on a 110 V line. The power consumed is

(a) 25 W (b) 50 W (c) 75 W (d) 90 W
2
2. In the network shown, the current I is equal to A. Neglecting the internal resistance of the cell, the
3
value of R is 6.5 V 4

(a) 3.75
R
I
(b) 10 2
(c) 15
(d) 19.5 5
3. In the figure shown, the potentiometer wire of length l = 100 cm and
resistance 9 W is joined to a cell of emf E 1 = 10 V and internal E1 = 10 V
resistance r1 = 1 W . Another cell of emf E2 = 5V and internal resistance r1 = 1
r2 = 2 W is connected as shown. The galvanometer G will show no
deflection when the length AC is
C
(a) 50 cm A B
(b) 55.55 cm G
(c) 52.67 cm E2 = 5 V
r1 = 2
(d) 54.33 cm
4. There are two concentric sphere of radius a and b respectively. If the space between them is filled
with medium of resistivity r , then the resistance of the inter gap between the two spheres will be
r r �1 1 � r �1 1 � r �1 1 �
(a)
4p ( b + a )
(b) �+ � (c) � - � (d) �- �
4p �b a � 4p �a 2 b 2 � 4p �a b �

5. In a group of N cells, emf of each varies directly with its internal resistance as per the equation
EN = 1.5rN . They are connected as shown in the figure. The current in the circuit is
I
1 2
(a) 0.51 amp
r1 r2
(b) 5.1 amp
N rn
(c) 0.15 amp r3
r4
(d) 1.5 amp 3
4
 CURRENT ELECTRICITY 72

6. In the circuit shown in the figure, the value of resistance X, B

6 X
when the potential difference between the points B and D is
15 3
zero, will be 8
A 4 C
(a) 9 W 6
15
(b) 8 W 4
6 4
(c) 6 W D

(d) 4 W

7. An electron in the potentiometer wire experiences a force of 2.4 �10-19 N . The length of the
potentiometer wire is 4m. The emf of the battery connected across the wire is
(a) 6.0 V (b) 4.8 V (c) 4.0 V (d) 2.4 V
8. In the network shown in figure, each resistance is R. The equivalent resistance
between A and B is
20 19
(a) R (b) R
11 20
8 R
(c) R (d) A B
15 2
9. An ammeter and a voltmeter are joined in series to a cell. Their readings are A and V respectively. If
a resistance is now joined in parallel with the voltmeter, then.
(a) both A and V will increase (b) both A and V will decrease
(c) A will decrease, V will increase (d) A will increase, V will decrease
10. Value of each resistance in the circuit is r. The equivalent resistance between A and B is
r
(a)
4
(b) 4r A B
r r r r
2r
(c)
5
(d) 0
11. The power dissipated in the 6 ohm resistance in given figure, if the internal resistance of battery is
0.5 ohm is
(a) 3.375 W 2 7
(b) 33.5 W 17 V 6 1
(c) 1.50 W 0.5
10 10
(d) none
 CURRENT ELECTRICITY 73

12. In the circuit shown, the ammeter reads 2 A. The resistance of ammeter is negligible. What is the
value of R? 5R
W
(a) 2 W 12V 11
A
(b) 3 W
(c) 5 W R

(d) 6 W 2R 3R

13. A galvanometer together with unknown resistance in series is connected to two identical batteries
each of emf 1.5 V. When the batteries are in series the galvanometer registers a current of 1 ampere.
When the batteries are in parallel the current is 0.6 ampere. What is the internal resistance of the
battery?
1
(a) 5 W (b) W (c) 0.2 W (d) 0.8 W
3
14. The resistance across AB is C R D
5 7 R
(a) R (b) R R R
8 8
(c) 1R (d) 2 R A B
A R
15. In the circuit shown in figure, the current in 2 W resistor is
4
(a) 4 A
(b) 10 A
6
(c) 5 A 20
2 B
(d) none
16. The effective resistance between point P and Q of the electrical circuit shown in the figure is
(a) 2Rr / (R + r) A
2R 2R
(b) 8R(R + r) / (3R + r) 2R

(c) 2r + 4R P r r Q
2R 2R 2R
(d) 5 R / 2 + 2r
B
17. What is the total resistance across A and B in the circuit
C
(a) 2 R
D
(b) 2R/3 R/2 R
R
(c) R/2 R
R
(d) 3R/5 E R F
A B
 CURRENT ELECTRICITY 74

18. The equivalent resistance between point A and B is

R A R
(a) R
(b) R/4
R B R
(c) 4R
2R
(d)
3
19. All resistance shown in circuit are 2 W each. The current in the resistance between D and E is
(a) 5 A A B

(b) 2.5 A D
C E
(c) 1 A 10 V
(d) 7.5 A F H
G
20. In the circuit shown in figure, power supplied by the battery is 10 V 1
(a) 16 W
(b) 20 W
(c) 4 W
4
(d) 18 W
21. A milliammeter of range 10 mA has a coil of resistance 1 W . To use it as an ammeter of range 1 A,
the required shunt must have a resistance of
1 1 1 1
(a) W (b) W (c) W (d) W
101 100 99 9
22. Two cells with emfs e1 = 1.3V and e 2 = 1.5V are connected as shown. The voltmeter reads 1.45 V. If
r
r1 and r2 be the internal resistance of the cells, then the ratio 1 is e1 = 1.3V
r2
(a) 1 : 1
(b) 3 : 1 V
(c) 1: 2
(d) none 2e = 1.5V
23. An infinite ladder network consisting of 1 W and 2 W resistors is shown in the figure. The effective
resistance of the network across AB is
(a) 5 W 1 1 1
A
(b) 3.5 W
2 2 2
(c) 2 W
(d) none B
 CURRENT ELECTRICITY 75

EXERCISE – IV

MORE THAN ONE CHOICE CORRECT

2
1. In the circuit shown, the current in 10 V 2
1
(a) 4 W resistance is 2.5 A
10 V 8
(b) 4 W resistance is 0 A
(c) 8 W resistance is 2.5 A
4
(d) 8 W resistance is 0 A
2. Two electric bulbs, one of 200 volt, 60 watt and the other of 200 volt, 200 watt are connected in a
house wiring circuit. Then
(a) They have voltage in the ratio 3: 10
(b) They have current in the ratio 3: 10
(c) the resistance of the filament in 60 watt bulb is more than the resistance in 200 watt bulb
(d) the resistance of the filament in 200 watt bulb is more than the resistance in 60 watt bulb
3. In the given circuit, when key K is open, reading of ammeter
R R
is I. Now key K is closed. Then the correct statement is :
(a) If e1 = IR , reading of the ammeter is I.
(b) If IR < e1 <2IR, reading of the ammeter is greater than I. e1 K A

(c) If e1 = 2IR , reading of the ammeter will be zero

(d) Reading of ammeter will not change. e2
4. Six equal resistances are connected between points P, Q and R as P
shown in the figure. Then the net resistance will be
(a) maximum between P and Q
(b) maximum between P and R
(c) minimum between P and Q
(d) minimum between P and R Q R

5. A metallic conductor of irregular cross-section is as

shown in the figure. A constant potential difference is (1) P Q (2)
applied across the ends (1) and (2). Then _ _
(a) The current at the cross-section P equals to the current at the cross-section Q.
(b) The electric field intensity at P is less than that at Q.
(c) The rate of heat generated at Q is greater than that at P
 CURRENT ELECTRICITY 76

(d) The number of electrons crossing per unit area of cross section at P is less than that of Q.
6. When no current is passed through a conductor, then:
(a) The free electrons do not move
(b) The average speed of a free electron over a large period of time is zero
(c) The average velocity of a free electron over a large period of time is zero
(d) The average of the velocities of all the free electrons at an instant is zero
7. When some potential difference is maintained between A and B, current I enters the network at A
and leaves at B:
(a) The equivalent resistance between A and B is 8 W 20 C 5

(b) C and D are at the same potential B

A
(c) No current flows between C and D
(d) Current (3I/5) flows from D to C 5 D 20
8. When the terminals of a cell of e.m.f. 1.5 V are connected to an ammeter of resistance 4 W . The
ammeter reads 0.30 amps. Which of the following statements is/are correct?
(a) The cell is non-ideal
(b) If a 4 W resistor is also connected across terminals of the cell, the ammeter will read 0.50 amp
(c) If a 4 W resistor is also connected across the terminals of the cell, one-third of the electrical
power generated will dissipate as heat within the cell
(d) If a voltmeter of resistance 4 W is used to measure potential difference between terminals of the
cell, it will read 1.2 V
9. The charge flowing in a conductor varies with time as q = at – bt 2, where a and b are positive
constants. The current in the conductor
(a) decreases linearly with time (b) increases linearly with time
(c) changes at the rate of –2b (d) becomes zero after time = a/b
10. Two bulbs have same specified voltage but different power ratings. When they are connected
individually across a source of voltage V, both produce H amount of heat in time t1 and t2
respectively. When used together across the same source, they produce H amount of heat in time t.
Then
(a) if they are in series, t = t1 + t2 (b) if they are in series, t = 2 ( t1 + t2 )
t1t2 t1t2
(c) if they are in parallel, t = (d) if they are in parallel, t =
t1 + t2 2 ( t1 - t2 )
11. In the circuit shown, the points that have same potential as that of point a are
(a) d 12V
2A 4V 4V
(b) f
(c) h a 1 b 2 c d 1 e f 2 g h 3 i
 CURRENT ELECTRICITY 77

(d) i
12. A galvanometer has a resistance of 100 W and a full scale range of 50 m A . If a resistance is added to
it, it can be used as a voltmeter or as a high range ammeter. Then
(a) If 10 k W resistance is added in series, it can be used as a voltmeter of range 50 V
(b) If 200 k W resistance is added in series, it can be used as a voltmeter of range 50 V
(c) If 1 W resistance is added in parallel, it can be used as an ammeter of range 5 mA
(d) If 1 W resistance is added in parallel, it can be used as an ammeter of range 10 mA
13. Choose the correct statement on the basis of circuit shown in the figure
(a) V = 10V 6 2A
(b) R1 = 10W 0.8A 0.4A
10 R2 R1
(c) R2 = 20W V
(d) Equivalent resistance of the circuit is 10 W
14. A uniform wire is shaped into a regular n-sided polygon (n is even). The resistance of total wire is
R. Then
(a) The maximum resistance of the polygon between any two corners is R/4
(b) The maximum resistance of the polygon between any two corners is R/n
R ( n - 1)
(c) The minimum resistance of the polygon between any two corners is
n2
(d) The minimum resistance of the polygon between any two corners is R/n
15. A wire of non-uniform cross-section is connected through a potential source. The quantities that will
remain independent of area of cross section are
(a) the charge flowing per unit time (b) current density
(c) drift speed (d) free electron density
 CURRENT ELECTRICITY 78

EXERCISE – V

MATCH THE FOLLOWING

Note : Each statement in column –I has only one match in column –II
1. A galvanometer of resistance 99 W is converted
into an ammeter using a shunt of 1 W and 12V r 12 V r
2
connected as shown in figure. The ammeter reads A
3A. The same galvanometer is converted into a 2
voltmeter by connecting a resistance of 101 W in V
series. Its reading is found to be 4/5 of the full
scale reading.

Column – I Column – II
I. Internal resistance of the cell (r) in ohm is A. 9.95
II. Range of ammeter in ampere is B. 0.05
III. Range of voltmeter in volts is C. 1.01
IV. Full scale defection current of the galvanometer is D. 5
E. 10.1

3
2. In the given diagram heat generated per unit time 4
through resistance 4 W is 36 watt.
6
E=18V

Column – I Column – II
I. Current in ampere through resistance 6 W is A. 18
II. The emf of deal battery E (in volt) is B. 12
III. Heat generated per unit time in watt in 3 W resistor is C. 3
IV. Current through the battery in ampere is D. 1
E. 2
B
3. Consider a network of resistances each of value of R as
shown in figure. Match the following R R

A R C
R R

D
 CURRENT ELECTRICITY 79

Column – I Column – II
I. Equivalent resistance of network between A and C is A. same
II. Equivalent resistance between A and B is B. 5/8 R
III. Potential of B and D when voltage source is applied across
C. R
A and C is
IV. Potential of B and D when voltage source is applied across
D. 2
A and B is
E. different

ASSERTION AND REASON TYPE

Direction: Read the following questions and choose :

(A) If both Assertion and Reason are true and Reason is the correct explanation of the Assertion.
(B) If both Assertion and Reason are true but Reason is not correct explanation of the Assertion.
(C) If Assertion is true but Reason is false.
(D) If Assertion is false but Reason is true.

1. Assertion: There is no current in the metals in the absence of electric field.

Reason: Motion of free electrons are randomly.
(a) (A) (b) (B) (c) (C) (d) (D)
2. Assertion: In meter bridge experiment, a high resistance is always connected in series with a
galvanometer.
Reason: As resistance increases current through the circuit increases.
(a) (A) (b) (B) (c) (C) (d) (D)
3. Assertion: A potentiometer of longer length is used for accurate measurement.
Reason: The potential gradient for a potentiometer of longer length with a given source of emf
becomes small.
(a) (A) (b) (B) (c) (C) (d) (D)
4. Assertion: Potential difference across the battery is always equal to emf of the battery.
Reason: Work done by the battery per unit charge is the emf of the battery.
(a) (A) (b) (B) (c) (C) (d) (D)
5. Assertion: In a simple battery circuit the point at the lowest potential is positive terminal of the
battery.
Reason: The current flows towards the point of the lower potential in the circuit, but it does not
flow in a cell from positive to the negative terminal.
(a) (A) (b) (B) (c) (C) (d) (D)
 CURRENT ELECTRICITY 80

PASSAGE BASED PROBLEMS

In the circuit shown AB is a 10 W uniform slide wire 50 cm long. E 1 is 2 V accumulator of

negligible internal resistance. R1 and R2 are 15 W and 5 W respectively. When K1 and K2 are both
open, the galvanometer shows no deflection when AJ = 31.25 cm. When K 1 and K2 are both closed
the balance length AJ = 5 cm. K 1

E1
R1

J
A B
E2
G
R2 K2

1. The emf of the cell E2

(a) 0.5 V (b) 1 V (c) 1.5 V (d) 2 V
2. The internal resistance of the cell E2
(a) 7.5 W (b) 8 W (c) 10 W (d) 2 W
3. The balance length AJ when K 2 is open and K1 is closed
(a) 12.5 cm (b) 13.5 cm (c) 14.5 cm (d) 15.5 cm
4. The balance length AJ when K 2 is closed and K1 is open
(a) 12.5 cm (b) 13.5 cm (c) 14.5 cm (d) 15.5 cm
 CURRENT ELECTRICITY 81

EXERCISE – VI

SUBJECTIVE PROBLEMS

1. The circuit shown find the potential difference R3 = 4 L

K
( VB - VA ) and the rate of production of heat across R1.
R1 = 2
M
N
1 120V

B
A 30V R3 = 2

Heater
2. A heater is designed to operate with a power of 1000 W in a 100 V 10W
line. It is connected in combination with a resistance of 10 ohm and a
resistance R to 100 volt mains as shown in the circuit. What should
be the value of R so that the heater operates with a power of 62.5 R
watt?
100V

3. A wire of resistance 0.1 ohm/cm is bent to form a square ABCD of side 10 cm. A similar wire is
connected between the corners B and D to form the diagonal BD. If 2 volt battery of negligible
internal resistance is connected across A and C, calculate the total power dissipated.
4. The current i through a rod of a certain metallic oxide is given by i = 0.2V 1/ 2 , where V is potential
difference across it. The rod is connected in series with a resistance to a 6 volt battery of negligible
internal resistance. What should be series resistance in W so that power dissipated in the resistance
is twice that of rod.
5. Find the current flowing in the resistor R in the circuit R2
shown. The internal resistance of the batteries is
negligible. e0 R1 R3
R
e
(Given
e 0 = 20 V , e = 60V , R2 = 10W, R3 = 5W and R = 10W)

6. An electrical circuit is as shown in the figure. Calculate the V

potential difference across the resistor of 400 ohm, as will
be measured by the voltmeter V of resistance 400 ohm, 400
either by applying Krichhoff’s rules or otherwise. I2 100 100 200
I1 100
I
30V
 CURRENT ELECTRICITY 82

7. Consider the potentiometer circuit arranged as in figure. E r

The potentiometer wire is 600 cm long. At what distance
(in cm) from the point a should the jockey touch the wire to
R = 15r
get zero deflection in the galvanometer? A B
G
r
E/2
8. Find the effective resistance between the points A and B of the following network.

2 10

A 2 B

10 2
9. Find the resistance of a wire frame shaped as a cube as in figure when measured between points
(a) 1–2 (b) 1–3 6
The resistance of each edge of the frame is 12 W . 7
2 3
5
8

1 4

10. If a and b are connected, find the current (in mA) in the 12 V cell in the given circuit.
12V 1

2 10V 1 1
9
a b
2 8V 2
1
 CURRENT ELECTRICITY 83

ANSWER TO CLASSROOM PRACTICE PAPER

1. 3.2 �10-3 A 2. 300 C

3. p �10-6 C 4. 400W
5. 3.2 �10 4 s �8.9 hours 6. 0.6 km
7. 0.074 mm/s 8. 6.0 × 10–4 C
rl
9.
p ab
10. (a) 1.25 × 1017 (b) 6.37 × 105 A/m2
11. 8.5 mV/m 12. 25 V/m
13. 84.5°C 14. 0.15 A, 0.83 A
15. (a) 0.1 A (b) 0.3 A
16. 4 mA in 20 k W resistor, 8 mA in 10 k W resistor and 12 mA in 100 k W resistor, 1340 V
17. 12.5 W , 170 W 18. 45 W , 22.5 W
5 4 r
19. (a) r (b) r (c) r (d)
8 3 4
(e) r
1
20. (1 - 1/ e 2 )CV 2 22. e 0 r K
2
23. 9.2 µC 24. 11 mA
C1C2
25. 70 µC 26. q = e C (1 - e- t / rc ) where C =
C1 + C2
Q
27. (1 - e -2t / RC ) 28. Ce (1 - e -t / CR ) + Qe -t / CR
2
3e
29. (a) 320 cm (b)
22r
30. (a) 6 V, 2 V, (b) AD = 66.7 cm (c) zero (d) 6 V, – 1.5 V,
31. 4W 32. 0.251 W
33. 128.57 W
34. (a) 0.1 A 4.0 V (b) 0.08 A, 4.2 V
35. (a) 24 V (b) 28 V
36. 0.4 V
37. 1.52 V, 0.07 W
 CURRENT ELECTRICITY 84

ANSWERS

EXERCISE – II

AIPMT/AIEEE-SINGLE CHOICE CORRECT

1. (d) 2. (c) 3. (d) 4. (b) 5. (b)

6. (a) 7. (a) 8. (c) 9. (c) 10. (d)

11. (b) 12. (a) 13. (a) 14. (c) 15. (a)

16. (a) 17. (b) 18. (c) 19. (b) 20. (a)

21. (b) 22. (a) 23. (c) 24. (a) 25. (a)

EXERCISE – III
AIPMT/IIT-JEE-SINGLE CHOICE CORRECT

1. (a) 2. (c) 3. (b) 4. (d) 5. (d)

6. (b) 7. (a) 8. (d) 9. (d) 10. (c)

11. (a) 12. (d) 13. (b) 14. (a) 15. (b)

16. (a) 17. (d) 18. (a) 19. (b) 20. (b)

21. (c) 22. (b) 23. (c)

EXERCISE – IV

MORE THAN ONE CHOICE CORRECT

1. (a, d) 2. (b, c) 3. (a, c) 4. (a, d) 5. (a, b, c, d)

6. (c, d) 7. (a, b, d) 8. (a, c, d) 9. (a, c) 10. (a, c)

11. (b, c) 12. (b, c) 13. (b, c, d) 14. (a, c) 15. (a, d)
 CURRENT ELECTRICITY 85

EXERCISE – V

MATCH THE FOLLOWING

1. I - ( C ) ; II - ( D ) ; III - ( A ) ; IV - ( B )
2. I - ( D ) ; II - ( A ) ; III - ( B ) ; IV - ( C )
3. I - ( C ) ; II - ( B ) ; III - ( A ) ; IV - ( E )

ASSERTION AND REASON TYPE

1. (a) 2. (c) 3. (a) 4. (d) 5. (d)

PASSAGE BASED PROBLEMS

1. (a) 2. (a) 3. (a) 4. (a)

EXERCISE – VI

SUBJECTIVE PROBLEMS

1. 60 V , 1800 W
2. 5 ohm
3. 4W

4. 10 2 W
5. 5A
6. 20 V
7. 320 cm
8. 4W
9. (i) 7W (ii) 9W
10. 454 mA