MINTAL COMPREHENSIVE HIGH SCHOOL

MINTAL, DAVAO CITY

GENERAL PHYSICS 2
MODULE 2
Current, Resistance, and Resistivity; Ohm’s Law II
Content Standards
The learners demonstrate an understanding of
1. current, resistivity, and resistance
2. Ohm’s Law
Performance Standards
The learners shall be able to use theoretical and experimental approaches to solve multi-concept and
rich-context problems involving electricity and magnetism.
Learning Competencies
At the end of the session, the students should be able to
1. Calculate the power consumption of a circuit element when the voltage applied and the current
passing through the circuit element is known.
2. Calculate the power consumption of a resistor given two of the following: the resistance, applied
voltage, current through the resistor.
3. Relate the drift velocity of a collection of charged particles to the electrical current and current
density. (STEM_GP12EM-III-e34)
4. Draw a circuit diagram for a simple battery and bulb circuit.

Learning Objectives:
1. Define electric current, resistance, electromotive force, terminal voltage, and resistivity and solve
problems involving these quantities;
2. Distinguish between conventional current and electron current;
3. Relate the drift velocity of a collection of charged particles to electric current and current density;
4. Describe the ability of a material to conduct current in terms of resistivity and conductivity;
5. Enumerate factors affecting the resistance of a uniform wire and calculate the resistance if one
or more of these factors are changed;
6. Differentiate ohmic and nonohmic materials in terms of their I-V curves;
7. State the relationship between current and voltage in devices that obey ohm’s law;
8. Analyze and solve problems using Ohm’s law;
9. Compute power and the energy dissipated in an electric circuit;
10. Operate an ammeter and voltmeter;
11. Compute the cost of electrical energy consumption;
12. Describe the physiological effects of electric shock, electrical hazards, and safety devices and
procedures
Values;
1. Exercise caution in handling electrical devices
2. Conserve electrical energy
3. Promote the use of green electricity

A Closer Look Explained

A team of researchers from the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology in Australia has
developed a paint that can be used to generate energy. It can be absorb solar energy as well as moisture
from the surrounding air. The collected water can then be split into hydrogen and oxygen. The hydrogen
will be collected for use in fuel cells or in vehicles.
Solar Paints combine synthetic molybdenum sulphide is similar to the silica gel packaged with
some products to absorb moisture.
Lead researcher Torben Daeneke claims that this paint will be effective in different climates. Any
place that has moisture in the air can produce fuel. The paint will be commercially available in five years.

CONCEPT IN A BOX

1 |Prepared by Jovy A. Dulay

 MINTAL COMPREHENSIVE HIGH SCHOOL
MINTAL, DAVAO CITY

LESSON 3.1 – ELECTRIC CURRENT

Main Idea: Electric current is the amount of charge flowing per unit time.
EQ: How does electricity affect our lives?

A difference in gravitational potential energy may cause mass to flow like water flowing from an
area of higher potential to an area of lower potential. Heat naturally flows whenever there is difference
in temperature. In the same manner, charges flow whenever there is a potential difference (more
commonly known as voltage) between the terminals of a source.
Electric current I, or simply current, is the amount of charge passing through any point in a
conductor per unit time. In symbols; I=q/t Eq. (3.1)
Where q is the charge in coulombs and t is the time in seconds. From Eq (3.1), the unit of current
coulomb/second. This combination of units is called ampere (A). Hence, 1A = 1 C/s
The unit ampere is named after the French scientist and mathematician, Andre Marie Ampere.
Ampere was considered “the Isaac Newton of electricity”. He was the first to describe current as a
continuous flow of electricity along a wire. He founded the science of electrodynamics – the study of
charges in motion.
CONVENTIONAL CURRENT VS. ELECTRON CURRENT
In the early nineteenth century, Benjamin Franklin, an American scientist, introduced the terms
positive and negative charges. Then, electric current was defined as the flow of positive charges from
the positive terminal to the negative terminal of a source of voltage. This current is referred to as
conventional current.
When electron was discovered, it become clear that the current in a metallic conductor is actually
a flow of electrons from the negative terminal to the positive terminal. This is called electron current.
Electron current is equivalent to the conventional current flowing in the opposite direction, as shown in
figure 3-1. The conventional current was firmly established in scientific literature. Hence, most books
still follow the conventional current.

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 MINTAL COMPREHENSIVE HIGH SCHOOL
MINTAL, DAVAO CITY

DIRECT CURRENT VS. ALTERNATING CURRENT

The current that travels in one direction (at all times) is called direct current (DC), while the
current that changes directions at regular interval (normally 60 times in one second) is called alternating
current (AC). Direct current is supplied by cells or batteries and is commonly used in flashlights,
calculators, automobiles, and cell phones. Alternating current is produced by AC generators and
distributed by electric companies like Manila Electric Company (Meralco) and Davao Light and Power
Company. Alternating current is used in most household appliances.
Self-check√
What is electric current?
What is the difference between conventional current and electron current?

Sample Problem 1
A steady current of 2.0 A flows in a wire for 16.0 s.
a. How many coulombs of charges flow through the wire?
b. How many electrons flow through the wire for the given time interval?
Given: -I=2.0 A t=16.0 s
Solution:
a. Using Eq 3.1
q=It = (2.0A)(16.0s) = 32 C
b. Recall that the charge of an electron is -1.602 x 10-19 C. Considering the absolute value of this
charge to solve for the number of electrons,
No of electrons = (32 C) [1 electron/-1.602 x 10-19 C] = -2.0 x 1020

DRIFT VELOCITY AND CURRENT DENSITY

Consider a uniform section of a conductor of length L and cross-sectional area A. The volume V
of this section of the conductor is AL. Assuming that there are n number of electrons per unit volume in
the conductor and each electron has a charge equal to ℮,
Total charge q = NVE = nAL℮ (1)
The motion of electron in the conductor is random. When subjected to an electric field E, these
electrons will accelerate. However, they will not attain an infinite speed because of their collisions with
other electrons. When observed for some time, there is a relatively small net motion of electrons in a
direction opposite from that of the electric field (figure 3-2). The velocity associated with this motion of
electrons is referred to as drift velocity and is represented as ⱴD. This drift velocity is proportional to the
electric filed E. the constant of proportionality µ is called the electron mobility.

ⱴⱰ = µE Eq. (3.2)
In time t, the electrons moved a distance L = ⱴⱰt. Substituting this to Eq (1),
q = n℮AⱴⱰt (2)
Electric current I is defined as charge flow q per unit time. Thus,
I = q/t = n℮AⱴⱰ (3)
A new quantity, called current density, is the amount of the current per unit area of a conductor.
It is represented by J. From this definition and using Eq (3),
J = I/A = n℮ⱴⱰ Eq. (3.3)
Using Eq (3.3) J = n℮µE. Eq (3.4)

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 MINTAL COMPREHENSIVE HIGH SCHOOL
MINTAL, DAVAO CITY

Eqs (3.3) and (3.4) relate current density with drift velocity and electric field, respectively. The SI
unit for current density is ampere per square meter (A/m2).

Self-check √
What is drift velocity?

Sample Problem 2

A current of 350 mA flows through a gold wire which has a diameter of 1.0 mm and a length of 25 cm.
there are 590 x 1028 free electrons/m3 in gold.
a. What is the current density in the wire?
b. B. What is the magnitude of the drift velocity of the free electrons in the wire?
Given: I= 350 mA= 0.350 A d= 1.0 mm = 0.001 m
L = 0.25 m n= 5.90 x 1028 free electrons/m3
Solution;
a. J= _I_ = _I_ = ___I___ = ___0.350 A____
A πr 2
π(d/2)2 π(0.0001 m2)2
= 4.456 x 10 A/m = 4.456 x 10 C/s.m2 or 4.5 x 10 -25 C/s.m2
-25 2 -25

b. Using Eq (3.3), with the absolute value of ℮,

ⱴⱰ = _J_ = ______________4.456 x 10-25 C/s.m2_____________ = 4.71 x 10-35 m/s

n|℮| (5.90 x 1028 Electrons/m3) (-1.602 x 10-19 C/electron)

LESSON 3.2 – ELECTRICAL RESISTANCE

Main Idea: materials differ in the amount of resistance they offer to electric current.
EQ: What makes a material a better conductor than another material?

Electrical resistance, or simply resistance, is the opposition of a material to the flow of electric
current. The SI unit of resistance is the Ohm (Ω), named after Georg Simon Ohm.
Most electrical connections make use of devices called resistors to regulate the amount of
current passing through a conductor. Some of the many types of resistors are shown in figure 3-3.
Resistance values of the resistors may be fixed or variable. Potentiometers, light-dependent resistors,
thermistors, and wire-wound rheostats have variable resistances. Metallized film resistors, carbon
resistors, wire wound resistors, and chip resistors have fixed values.

Two sets of symbols are used to represent resistors: one by the International Electrotechnical
Commission (IEC) and another by the American National Standards institute (ANSI). These symbols
are shown in table 3-1. In this module, the ANSI symbols will be used.

COLOR CODE FOR RESISTORS

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 MINTAL COMPREHENSIVE HIGH SCHOOL
MINTAL, DAVAO CITY

The resistance of a resistor is indicated at its exterior or given in the form of a color code.
Previously, there were four colored bands in a resistor; the first two colors represent the digit, the third
color as the multiplier, and the fourth color as the tolerance. Now, there are five or even six band colors.
The first three bands represent the first three digits of the resistance; the fourth band as the power of
ten multiplier; the fifth band as the manufactured tolerance; and the sixth band as the temperature
coefficient resistance. Figure 3-4 shows the four, five, and six band color code for a resistor. The “ppm”
in the temperature coefficient of resistance means parts per million. This entails that the value must be
multiplied by 10-6. The temperature coefficient of resistance will be discussed I the succeeding section.

Self-check √

How do you get the resistance of a resistor based o its five-color bands?

Sample Problem 3

What is the resistance and temperature coefficient of resistance of a resistor if its color code is red-
violet-yellow-black-gold-brown?
Solution:
Based on its color code, the resistance of the resistor is 274 Ω ±5% and its temperature
coefficient of resistance is 100 ppm/K or 100 x 10-6/K. since a change of one kelvin is equal to a change
of one Celsius degree, the temperature coefficient of resistance is also equal to 100 x 10-6/°C.

ELECTRICAL CONDUCTIVITY

Electrical conductivity is a physical property of a material that determines the ease by which
electric current flows through it when subjected to an electric field. In some materials, the current density
J is proportional to the applied electric field E with a proportionality constant equal to conductivity,
symbolized by the Greek letter σ, that is,
J = σE
Therefore, σ = J/E
Using Eq. (3.4) σ = neµ

The SI unit of conductivity is siemens/meter (S/m). This combination of units is equivalent to 1/ohm-
meter.

FACTORS AFFECTING THE RESISTANCE OF A UNIFORM WIRE

There are four factors affecting the resistance of a uniform wire. These are cross-sectional area,
length, kind of material, and temperature. Their effects on resistance will be discussed in the succeeding
sections.

CROSS-SECTIONAL AREA

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 MINTAL COMPREHENSIVE HIGH SCHOOL
MINTAL, DAVAO CITY

Resistance R varies inversely from the cross-sectional area A of wire. As the area increases, the
resistance decreases. Thus, a thick wire has lesser resistance than a thin wire. A perfect analogy for
this is the road. The wider the road, the less “resistance” it will offer to the flow of traffic along it.
Recall that two quantities are inversely proportional to each other if their product is constant.
Thus, if all other factors are nor changed, the product of resistance and cross-sectional area must be
constant. Equivalently,
R1A1=R2A2

Self-check√
What are the factors affecting the resistance of a uniform wire?

Sample Problem 4

The ratio of the resistances of two wires made of the same material and having the same length is 1:4.
Find the ratio of their areas and diameters.
Given: R1:R2 = 1:4
Solution:
R1A1=R2A2
R1 = A2 = 1
R2 A1 4
Πd21 = _4 d1 = _2_
Πd22 1 d2 1

Thus, A1: A2 = 4:1 and d1 : d2 = 2:1

LENGTH

The resistance of a wire is directly proportional to its length. A longer wire has greater resistance
than a shorter wire of the same material and cross-sectional area. Using the road analogy, the longer
the road, the more the “delay” of traffic is experienced. Recall that if two quantities are directly
proportional to each other, their ratio must be constant. Thus, if all other factors are unchanged,
R1 = constant or R1 = R2
L1 L1 L2

Sample Problem 5
A wire is 100.0 cm long and has a resistance of 25.0 Ω. This wire is cut into five equal parts.
a. What is the resistance of each piece of wire?
b. If the five parts were bundled together, what is the resistance of the resulting wire?
Given: L1 = 100.0 cm R1 = 25.0 Ω

Solution:
a. Since the wire is divide into five parts, then each piece will be 20.0 cm long.
Let L2 = 20.0 cm and R2 be the resistance of each part. Since R is directly proportional to L, then
R1/L1 = R2/L2
Substituting values and solving for R2
_25.0 Ω_ = __R2__
100.0 cm 20.0 cm
R2 = 5Ω
b. Since the parts were bundled together, the area increases to five times its original value.
Let A2 be the area of each part of the wire and A3 be the new area, that is A3 =5 A2. Let R3 be
the resistance of the bundled wire. Since R is inversely proportional to A,
A2R2 = A3R3
Substituting values and solving for R3
A2 (5Ω) = 5A2 (R3)
R3 = 1 Ω

MATERIAL OF THE WIRE

The effect of the kind of material on the resistance of the wire is determined by its resistivity.
Resistivity ρ is the reciprocal of conductivity. Conductors have small resistivities, while insulators have
large resistivities. Semiconductors have intermediate values of resistivity. Table 3-2 lists the values of
resistivity for some materials. Note that resistivity is dependent on temperature.

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 MINTAL COMPREHENSIVE HIGH SCHOOL
MINTAL, DAVAO CITY

The effect of the length, cross sectional area, and material on resistance may be written as
R = ρ L/A Eq (3.5)
Where R is the resistance, ρ is the resistivity, L is the length, and A is the cross-sectional area.

Sample Problem 6

An insulated extension cord is made of a 1.5 m long copper rod with a diameter of 2.3 mm.
A. What is the resistance of the extension cord?
B. If an aluminium wire of the same length will be used instead of copper, what should be the
diameter of the aluminium wire to have the same resistance?
Given: Lcopper = 1.5 m ρcopper = 1.72 x 10-8 Ω . m
dcopper = 2.3 mm = 2.3 x 10 m -3
ρaluminum = 2.75 x 10-8 Ω . m
Solution
a. First, solve for the cross-sectional area of the copper rod.
Acopper = πr2 = πd2/4
= π (2.3 x 10-3 m)2/4
= 4.15 x 10-6 m2
Using Eq (3.5)
R = ρ L/A
= (1.72 x 10-8 Ω . m) [1.5 m/ 4.15 x 10-6 m2 ]
= 6.217 x 10-3 Ω or 6.2 x 10-3 Ω
b. LAluminum = Lcopper = 1.5 m
Raluminum = Rcopper = 6.12 x 10 -3Ω
Raluminum = Rcopper
Laluminum Lcopper
From Eq. (3.5), ρaluminum = ρcopper
Aaluminum Acopper
Therefore,
Aaluminum = ρaluminum (Acopper/ρcopper)
= (2.75 x 10-8 Ω . m) [4.15 x 10-6 m2 / 2.75 x 10-8 Ω . m]
= 6.635 x 10-6 m2 or 6.64 x 10-6 m2

Aaluminum = πd2 aluminum/4

daluminum = 2√Aaluminum/π
= 2√ 6.635 x 10-6 m2 /π
= 2.907 x 10 -3 m

TEMPERATURE

Resistance and resistivity vary with temperature. As temperature increases, resistance and
resistivity increase for conductors and decreases for insulators and semi-conductors. In special alloys
such as manganin and constantan, they hardly change with temperature. For superconductors,
resistance and resistivity first decrease as temperature decreases just like ordinary conductors. But at
a certain critical temperature, resistance and resistivity drop to zero.
The temperature dependence of resistance and resistivity is nearly linear if the change in
temperature is not too great. An expression similar to linear thermal expression approximates the effect
of temperature on resistance and resistivity. This linear relationship is given by
ρr = ρ0 + ρ0α (T – T0)

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 MINTAL COMPREHENSIVE HIGH SCHOOL
MINTAL, DAVAO CITY

RT = R0 + R0α (T - T0)
Where ρT is the resistivity at temperature T, ρ0 is the resistivity at reference temperature T0 (usually 0°C
or 20°C), RT is the resistance at T, R0 is the resistance at T0, and α is the temperature coefficient of
resistance. The unit of α is reciprocal to that of the temperature, usually 1/C°. Table 3-3 lists the
temperature coefficients of resistance of some materials.

Sample Problem 7

The resistance of a platinum wire at 30°C is 15.0 Ω. Find its resistance at 45°C. Note that α = 0.0039/C°
at 20°C.
Given: T=30°C R30 = 15.0Ω α = 0.0039/C° at 20°C
Solution
Since α is given at 20°C, the reference temperature T0 is 20°C. Solving for resistance R20 at 20°C,
R30 = R20 + R20 α (30°C-20°C)
15.0Ω = R20 + R20(0.0039/C°)(10°C)
R20 = 14.4Ω

Solving for R45 with T = 45°C

R45 = R20 + R20α (45°C-20°C)
R45 = 14.4Ω + (14.4Ω)(0.0039/C°)(25°C)
R45 = 15.8 Ω

OHMIC AND NONOHMIC RESISTANCE

Resistance is also defined as the ratio of voltage to the resulting current. In symbols,
R = constant = V/I Eq. (3.8)
Eq. (3.8) is known as Ohm’s law who investigated the relationship between current and voltage.
A resistor that has a constant resistance is said to obey Ogm’s law and is considered ohmic. Otherwise,
resistors are nonlinear or nonohmic. For nonohmic resistor, the relationship between voltage and current
may be complicated. For example, for a light bulb (a nonohmic resistor) the voltage versus current graph
is a curve with increasing gradient. This shows that resistance increases as current increases. Figure
3-6 shows the graph for ohmic and nonohmic resistors.

Self-check

What is the difference between ohmic and nonohmic resistor?

8 |Prepared by Jovy A. Dulay

 MINTAL COMPREHENSIVE HIGH SCHOOL
MINTAL, DAVAO CITY

Sample Problem 8

An electric flat iron draws a current of 15 A when connected to a 110 V line.

A. Assuming that the heating element of the flat iron obeys Ohm’s law, what is its resistance?
B. What is the resistivity of the heating element if it is a wire that is 2.5 cm long with cross-sectional
area of 2 x 10-4 m2?
Given: I=15A V=110 V L= 2.5 cm = 0.025 m A=2.0 x 10-4 m2
Solution;
a. R =V/I = 110V/15A = 7.3Ω
b. Using Eq. (3.5),
R = ρ L/A
7.33 Ω = ρ 0.025 m/ 2 x 10-4 m2
Ρ = 5.9 x 10-2 Ω . m

LESSON 3.3 – ELECTROMOTIVE FORCE AND POTENTIAL DIFFERENCE

Main Idea: A source of potential difference is needed to produce current.

EQ: How do batteries produce potential difference?

The flow of charges along a wire be likened to the flow of water along a pipe. For the water to
flow along a pipe, a driving force supplied by a difference in water level or by a pump is needed. Similarly,
to get the electric current flowing along a wire, a potential difference must be supplied. Some common
sources of potential difference are electric batteries, solar cells, fuel cells and generators.

A battery consists of cells. Each cell basically consists of two electrodes and electrolytes. One
electrode called cathode is connected to the positive terminal of the cell. While the other electrode called
anode is connected to the negative terminal. An oxidation reaction takes place at the anode, releasing
electrons in the process. These electrons travel to the cathode where a corresponding reduction reaction
takes place. The electrolyte provides the medium for transport of ions between the two electrodes.
The standard symbol for a cell in an electric circuit is shown in figure 3-7. The longer vertical line
is the positive terminal, while the shorter one is the negative terminal.

Self-check√
What are the three basic parts of an electric cell?

ELECTROMOTIVE FORCE AND TERMINAL VOLTAGE

Cells also offer small resistance to electric current. This is called the internal resistance of a cell.
Internal resistance is usually represented by r. Because of its internal resistance, the potential difference
across the terminals of a cell when current is flowing through it is less than when there is no current.
The potential difference across its terminal when no current is flowing is called electromotive force ε.
Electromotive force` is the voltage indicated in the battery. The potential difference across the terminals
of a cell when current (I) flows through it is called terminal voltage and is represented as TV. This is the
working voltage of the battery – the voltage for an external load. The electromotive force and the terminal
voltage are related as follows.
TV=ε – Ir Eq (3.9)

Self-check√
What is the difference between electromotive force and
terminal voltage?

Sample Problem 9

The electromotive force of a cell is 1.5 V. When connected to an

external load of 3.0 Ω, the voltage drops to 1.35 V. find the (a) current
and (b) internal resistance of the cell.
Given: ε = 1.5 V R = 3.0Ω TV = 1.5 V
Solution:

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 MINTAL COMPREHENSIVE HIGH SCHOOL
MINTAL, DAVAO CITY

a. Using Ohm’s Law,

I=TV/R = 1.5 V/3.0Ω = 0.45 A
b. Using Eq (3.9) and substituting values,
TV = ε – Ir
1.35 V = 1.5 V – (0.45 A) r
r = 0.33 Ω

ELECTRIC POWER AND ENERGY

The power expended in an appliance is the rate at which it consumes electrical energy. Electrical
power is obtained by multiplying the voltage by the current. In symbols,
P=VI Eq. (3.10)
If the voltage V is in volts and the current I is in amperes, then power P is in watts. Power may
also be expressed in terms of resistance. Recall from Ohm’s law that V= IR. Substituting this in Eq.
(3.10) will yield the following alternative equation:
P=VI=I2R = V2/R
The power rating of an appliance is usually marked in a label at the back or at the bottom of the
appliance. The higher the wattage, the higher the rate at which the electrical energy is consumed.
Whenever you pay your electric bill, you pay for the electrical energy consumption and not the
power. Electrical energy consumption is determined by multiplying the power rating of an appliance by
the length of time, which the appliance is switched on.
Electrical energy consumption = Pt
Its SI unit is joule. Note that 1 Joule is equal to 1 watt-second. However, in electric bills, the
energy consumption is given in kilowatt-hour.

Sample Problem 10

A person used his 1500 W air-conditioning unit for 5 hours every day during the month of June. How
much did it cost him using his air conditioner if electricity is priced at P 8.17/kW.h?
Given: P = 1500 W = 1.5 kW t= (5h/day) x 30days = 150h
Cost/kW.h = P 8.17/kW.h
Solution:
Cost = Pt (price/kW.h)
= (1.5 kW)(150h)(P8.17/kW.h)
= P 1838.25 or P 1,800.00

THE MEASUREMENT OF CURRENT, VOLTAGE AND RESISTANCE

The current, voltage, and resistance in an electric circuit are measured by an ammeter,
voltmeter, and ohmmeter, respectively. Most of the time, these three measuring devices are combined
to form a multimeter, which can be switched from one measuring device to another.
An ammeter is a device used for measuring current. It is always connected in series with the
circuit element to which the current is to be determined. An ammeter is connected by opening the circuit
and then inserting it in line or in series with the circuit. An ammeter is a circle with an uppercase letter
A.

A voltmeter is a device that measures the electromotive force or potential difference between
two points in a circuit. A voltmeter is connected across or parallel to the part of the circuit element where
potential difference is to be determined. A voltmeter is represented as a circle with an uppercase letter
V. Figure 3-9 shows the proper connection for an ammeter and voltmeter.

Self-check√
How can an ammeter and a voltmeter be connected in a circuit?

LESSON 3.4 - HOUSEHOLD ELECTRICITY

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 MINTAL COMPREHENSIVE HIGH SCHOOL
MINTAL, DAVAO CITY

Main Idea: Electricity can be a friend or a foe.

EQ: How can I be safe with electricity?

Electricity can be utilized to useful and

desirable things, but it can also be a source
of destructive effects. Every year, innocent lives
are lost, people are severely injured; and
properties are destroyed because of unsafe
use of electricity.

SAFETY DEVICES

Many safety devices and features are

considered in the design of an electrical system
in the house or workplace. Household circuitry
consists of several connected circuits parallel
to the main power line. In turn, each circuit
contains several parallel outlets. Because of this, appliances at home may be used independently of
each other. However, using too many appliances at the same time may result in circuit overload.
Electrical overloads happen when the amount of electricity passing through a circuit exceeds the
capacity of the circuit. The wires may get heated and cause fire.
To prevent overloading, fuses or circuit breakers are inserted (in series) in circuits. A fuse
consists of a high-resistance strip of alloy that melts readily. For instance, a 15 A fuse melts if the current
exceeds 15 a. When the fuse wire melts, it blows up. A circuit breaker, on the other hand, is a large
switch that is automatically opened by an electromagnet when the current is large. The fuse blows up
and the circuit breaker trips when the current is excessive. This disrupts the entire circuit, thus preventing
the current from flowing to the appliances connected to it. A blown-up fuse can never be used again; a
breaker that trips can be reset.
Most electrical appliances use a three-prong plug I their power cords. The two principal flat wires,
called live and neutral, are the current-carrying wires and the third prong (round-prong) is a safety
ground wire that carries no current (figure 10-11). It is grounded to prevent electric shock in case a live
wire accidentally touches a metal part of the appliance.
In addition, electrical appliances are provide with a green or yellow ground wire. This is usually
connected to the casing of appliances. If the live wire comes in contact with the casing. Most of the
current takes the low-resistance path through the appliance to the ground.
A ground fault circuit interrupter is a safety outlet that protects people from electrocution or
electric shock. It acts like a circuit breaker whenever there is a difference between the current going to
and returning from an electrical equipment.

Self-check√
What is the meaning of overloading a circuit?
How is overloading prevented in a circuit?

EFFECTS OF CURRENT ON THE HUMAN BODY

The effects of current on a person are shown in Table 3-4. The extent of injury depends on the
amount of electric current that flows through the body, time exposure, and path taken by the current.

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 MINTAL COMPREHENSIVE HIGH SCHOOL
MINTAL, DAVAO CITY

The current that flows from an external source depends on the applied voltage and resistance,
High voltages are inherently more dangerous than low voltages. Resistance depends on the condition
of the body. The human body is a good conductor because it is composed of 70% water. However, dry
skin offers resistance of as high as 104Ω to 106Ω. When wet, the resistance of the skin drastically drops
to 103 Ω or less.
The longer the time of exposure to the current, the greater the damage. The source of current
must be quickly shut down. A few seconds of delay spells the difference between life and death.
The parts of the body that are more sensitive to current are the brain, heart, chest muscles and
nerves regulating respiration. The dangerous path of current would be hand to hand and left hand to
either foot.

Self-check√
What determines the effects of current on human?

Sample Problem 11

To prepare breakfast, a mother connected and turned on her 1500 W bread toaster, 500 W
coffee maker, and 2000 W electric frying pan to the same 220 V line protected by a 20 A fuse. Find the
(a) resistance of each appliance and the (b) current drawn by each appliance. (c) Will the fuse blow up?
Given: Pbreadtoaster = 1500 W Pfrying pan= 2000 W Pcoffee maker = 500W
V= 220 V I= 20A
Solution:
a. Using P = V2/R and solving R,
Rbreadtoaster = (220V)2/1500W = 32.3 Ω or 32 Ω
Rcoffee maker = (220V)2/500W= 96.8 Ω or 97Ω
Rfrying pan = (220V)2/2000 W = 24.2 Ω or 24Ω
b. Ibread toaster = V/R = 220V/32.3Ω = 6.81 A or 6.8 A
Icoffee maker = V/R = 220 V/96.8Ω = 2.27 A or 2.3 A
Ifrying pan = V/R = 220V/24.2Ω = 9.09 A or 9.1A
Itotal = 6.81 A + 2.27 A + 9.09 A = 18.17 A
c. The fuse will not blow up

12 |Prepared by Jovy A. Dulay

 MINTAL COMPREHENSIVE HIGH SCHOOL
MINTAL, DAVAO CITY

SUMMATIVE TEST
A. Matching Type. Encircle the letter that corresponds to the correct answer.

1. If both the diameter of a wire and its length are quadrupled, what will happen to its resistance?
a. It doubles
b. It remains the same
c. It decreases to one-fourth its original value
d. It decreases to four times its original value
2. Wet skin is said to have much less resistance than dry skin. This explains that the water is a/an
_____.
a. Conductor b. insulator c. semiconductor d. superconductor
3. Which is good practice in handling electricity?
a. Labelling a circuit breaker
b. Replacing a blown-up fuse with a coin
c. Removing the round prong in a three-prong plug
d. Replacing a blown-up fuse with one of higher amperage
4. Which circuit shows the correct way of measuring the total current and the voltage across the
resistor R?

5. Household circuitry is prevented from overloading by means of a _______.

a. Fuse b. switch c. three-prong d. ground fault interrupter
6. Who is considered the Isaac newton of electrodynamics?
a. Andre Marie Ampere c. Georg ohm
b. Benjamin Franklin d. Nick Holonyak Jr.
For items 7 and 8, a 2200 W electric stove operates on a 220 V line.
7. What current passes through the electric stove?
a. 1.0 A b. 5.0 A c. 10.0 A d. 100.0 A
8. What is the resistance of the electric stove?
a. 2.2 Ω b. 10 Ω c. 22 Ω d. 220 Ω
9. The flow of positive charges per unit time is called ________.
a. Alternating current c. direct current
b. Conventional current d. electron current
10. Which of the following is not true about the drift velocity electron?
a. It is proportional to the electric field
b. It is proportional to the current density
c. Its direction is opposite to that of the electric field
d. Its direction is the same as the applied electric field.
11. In a six-color band resistor, the fifth band represents the _______.
a. Tolerance c. fifth digit of the resistance
b. Power of ten multiplier d. temperature coefficient of resistance
12. A resistor has the following color code: red-red-orange-yellow-gold. What is its resistance?
a. 223 x 104 Ω± 5% c. 334 x 105 Ω± 5%
b. 223 x 104 Ω± 10% d. 334 x 105 Ω± 10%
For items 13 to 15, refer to the following situation:
The potential difference across the terminals of a battery is 20.0 V when the circuit is open. When
a current of 2.0 A flows, the potential difference across the battery drops to 16 V.
13. What is the terminal voltage of the battery?
a. 8.0 V b. 10.0 V c. 16.0 V d. 20.0 v
14. What is the terminal resistance of the battery?
a. 1.0 Ω b. 2.0 Ω c. 3.0 Ω d. 4.0 Ω
15. What external resistance R has been connected to the battery?
a. 4.0 Ω b. 6.0 Ω c. 8.0 Ω d. 10.0 Ω

B. Critical Thinking. Answer the following items. Show your computations. Use additional sheets of
paper if necessary.
1. A compact fluorescent lamp (CFL) uses less energy than its equivalent incandescent bulb. How
much will a person save if he/she uses a 20 W CFL instead of a 100 W incandescent lamp for 6
h in 30 days? Electricity is priced at P 8.17/kW.h.

13 |Prepared by Jovy A. Dulay

 MINTAL COMPREHENSIVE HIGH SCHOOL
MINTAL, DAVAO CITY

2. Give the resistance of the following resistors based on their color bands:
a. Red-green-green-black-gold
b. Brown-blue-black-brown-silver
c. Blue-red-orange-yellow-gold

3. Suppose that each headlight of a car 3A and that the driver accidentally left the headlights on.
How long will it take for a 12 V battery rated 80 A.h to be fully discharged?

4. What is the temperature coefficient of resistance of a piece of wire having a resistance of 11.56
Ω at 25°C and 10.22 Ω at 0°C? What will be its resistance at 50°C

14 |Prepared by Jovy A. Dulay