Prof M.

Rashid Khan
 MDCAT Unit: Current Electricity
Study of charges in motion under electric force
Electric Current Q. If 𝟏𝟎𝟏𝟖 electrons pass through cross-section of a
Rate of net flow of charges through any cross-section.
△Q
conductor in 10 ms. What is current in the conductor?
I= (SI base unit is A)
t
△Q ne 𝟏𝟎𝟏𝟖 ×1.60×10−19 C
The charges that carry electrical energy, are I= = = 10×10−3 s
= 16.0 A
t t
called charge carriers.
Q. If 100 mA current flows through a cross-section of a
• Charge carriers in metallic conductors, are free electrons conductor in 10 s. How much electrons pass through
• Charge carriers in semiconductors, conductors are free the conductor?
electrons and holes △Q ne
• Charge carriers in ionized gases, are free electrons and I= =
t t
+ve ions △Q
2
I t = 10 mA ×10 s = 0.625 x 1019 = 6.25 x 1018
• Charge carriers in electrolyte are –ve and +ve ions n= = 1.60 × 10−19 C
t e
For metallic conductors △Q=ne Q. If 1 C charge flow through a filament of a bulb then
△Q ne number of charge carriers flowing through the
and I= =
t t filament will be:
△Q 1𝐶
Q. 5 mA current flows through a conductor in 6 μs. △Q=ne ⟹ n = ⟹n= = 0.625× 1019
e 1.60×10−19 𝐶
What is charge flowing through the conductor? = 6.25× 1018
Speed of randomly moving electrons in metallic conductors is
several 100 km s −1 . It varies with room temperature.
Averagely, uniform velocity vd attained by free electrons in
a conductor when resistive force of atoms is balanced by
electric force, is called drift velocity.
Vd ≅ 1x10−3 ms−1 or 1 mm s −1
I V
Vd = = RnAe
nAe V

Depends upon
Q. 10 mA current flows through a conductor of crss-
Potential sectional area 5 𝒄𝒎𝟐 . If charge density is 𝟏𝟎𝟐𝟑 electrons
difference Resistance Temperature per meter cube then what is drift velocity?
No. of charge I 10×10−3 A
carriers per Area of Vd = =
cross-section nAe 1023 m−3 × 5×10−4 m2 × 1.60×10−19 C
unit volume
−3
= 0.125× 10−2 ms−1 = 1.25× 10 ms−1
 Ohms Law Reciprocal of resistance is conductance
I ∝ V (At constant temperature of the conductor ) conductance is measure of electrical conduction
1
I= R V ⟹V=RI offered by conductor for flow of free electrons.
1 I
R = resistance of conductor Its magnitude is: C= = (SI unit is A V −1 = mho)
R V
Resistance is measure of opposition offered by RC =1
conductor against flow of free electrons
For a given conductor at constant temperature:
Resistance is mainly due to collision of free electrons 1 I
with vibrating atoms in conductor. C= = = constant
R V
V
Its magnitude is: R= (SI unit is V A−1 = ohm)
I
I A
Depends upon

V
Dimension of nature of temperature
conductor conductor of conductor θ
θ
O V B
O I
For a given conductor at constant temperature:
Slope Of I-V gp=tan θ Slope Of V-I gp=tan θ
V I V
R= = constant = =C = I =R
I
V
 Q. Which conductor has highest conductance Q. Which conductor has highest resistance in
in graph given below? graph given below?

I V

O V O I

From O to A: Slope of I-V gp, Conductance, Resistance, temperature ………. Constant A

and conductor is ohmic. I ∝ V
I
Beyond A: Slope of I-V gp……decreases, Conductance….. decreases,
Resistance…… increases, Temperature increases and conductor is θ
becomes non-ohmic. O V B

1 1
Area under IV gp = area of right angle triangle OAB = (OB)(AB) = V I =< P >
2 2
 Q. Which one of the following devices is non - ohmic?

V V V V

I I I I
(Thermistor) (Tungsten Filament) (Semi-conductor diode) (Transistor)
 Combination Of Resistors
Series Combination Parallel Combination R1 = 6 Ω
R1 = 6 Ω R2= 4 Ω P.D across each resistor is
Current through each I1
resistor is same and I same but current divides. R2= 4 Ω
I
1

I= 5 A
V
P.D divides. I I I= ⟹I∝ I2 I
R R
V= I R ⟹V∝R
If R1 > R 2 If R1 > R 2
V =20 V V
Then V1 > V2 , … Then I1 < I2 , …
1 1 1
R e = R1 + R 2 + ⋯ = R + R + ....
Re 1 2
R e > R1 , R e > R 2 , ….
R e < R1 , R e < R 2 , ….
if R1 =R 2 =R ⟹ R e = R +R = 2R 1 1 1 1 1 2 R
if R1 =R 2 =R ⟹ = + =R + R
= ⟹ Re =
if R1 =R 2 =R 3 = R ⟹ R e = R +R+R = 3R Re R1 R2 R 2
. 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 3 R
if R1 =R 2 =R 3 =R ⟹ R = R + R + R =R + R + R = R ⟹ R e =
. e 1 2 3
. 3
⟹ R e = R +R+R+ …+R = n R . R
⟹ Re =
For two resistors R1 & R 2 n
R1 R 2 6𝑥4
Re = = 6+4 = 2.4 Ω
R1 + R 2
 Rn Rn Re
Vn = V= R V In = I
Re 1 +R2 + …. Rn

Q. What is voltage across 6 𝛀 resistance Q. What is current through 6 𝛀 resistance in

in the circuit shown in the Fig. the circuit shown in the Fig.
R1 6
V1 = V= x20 =12 V R1R2 / R1 +R2 2R 4
R1 +R2 6+4 I1 = I = R1+R2 I = 6+4 5 A = 2 A
R1
R2 4 R
V2 = V= x20 = 8V R1R2 / R1 +R2 1 6
R1 +R2 6+4 I2 = I = R1+R2 I = 6+4 5 A = 3 A
R2

If R1 = R 2 = R , the current I divides equally in

each resistor

R1 = 4 Ω R2 = 6 Ω
Q. What is P.D across the points A & B in the Fig shown? .
A

R1 4
R2 = 6 Ω R1 = 4 Ω
VA = V1 =
R1 + R 2
V=
4+6
20 = 8 V
.
B
R2 6
VB = V2 = V= 20 = 12 V
R1 + R 2 4+6

VB - VA = 12 V – 8 V = 4 V V=20 V
 Resistivity A = π r2 Q. Two wires of each of length L and area A but
d resistivity's 𝛒𝟏 and 𝛒𝟐 are connected in series.
= π(2)2 What is their equivalent resistivity?
L
A
ρ = R (SI Unit Ω m) 𝐋 𝐋
R e =𝐑 𝟏 +𝐑 𝟐 = 𝛒𝟏 𝐀 + 𝛒𝟐 𝐀 =(𝛒𝟏 +𝛒𝟐 ) 𝐀
𝐋
L
2L 𝐋 𝛒𝟏 +𝛒𝟐
𝛒𝐞 =(𝛒𝟏 +𝛒𝟐 ) 𝐀 ⟹ 𝛒𝐞 =
Depends on A 2
Reciprocal of resistivity is, called conductivity
Nature of TEMPERATURE 1 1 L L
conductor of conductor σ= = =C (SI Unit Ω−1 m−1 )
ρ RA A
Resistivity is resistance of unit volume of conductor Conductivity is conductance of unit volume of conductor
with L=1 m & A = 1 𝒎𝟐 with L=1 m & A = 1 𝐦𝟐
Resistivity is independent of dimension of conductor σρ=1
Q. A wire of length L, area A and resistivity 𝛒 is cut L L L
into four equal segments. What is resistivity of R = ρ = ρ 2 = 4ρ
A πr π d2
each segment of wire?
For given nature of conductor at constant
Q. A wire of length L, area A and resistivity 𝛒 is 1 1 1
stretched to double length. What is resistivity of R∝L R∝ R∝ 2 R ∝
stretched wire? A r d2
 Electrical Power
Q. A wire of length L has resistance R. What will be Rate of supplying electrical
its resistance when its length is doubled?
energy by source of emf to
R∝L ⟹ R/ = 2R
the conductor.
U
U qV V=
Pe = = =IV q
Q. A wire of length L has resistance R. What will be t t
U=qV
its resistance when it is stretched to twice of its Put V = I R ⟹ Pe = I2 R
original length is doubled? V V2
L Put I = ⟹ Pe =
/
2L L R R
R=ρ ⟹R =ρ = 4ρ = 4R
A A/2 A U 2 V2
Pe = =IV= I R=
t R
Q. A wire of length L has resistance R. It is cut into
three equal segments. What is resistance of each SI unit is A V = J s−1 = W
segment? The electrical energy supplied to conductor or
R dissipated by conductor is:
R∝L ⟹ R/ =
3 V2
U = Pe x t = I V x t = I2R x t= xt
R
Q. A wire of length L and radius r is stretched to
twice length. Its radius reduces to: SI unit is: Ws=J
Higher unit are:
/ r W h = 3.6 KJ
A=π r2 ⟹r∝ A ⟹ r = 2 and kwh = 3.6 MJ …. Trade unit(Unit)
Q. 100 W, 220 V bulb is operated on 110 V line. Q. 100 W bulb is used for 2 h daily. What is cost of
What is power consumed by it? energy of 30 days if one unit cost Rs 15?
V2 V2 220 × 220
Pe = ⟹R= = = 484 Ω U = Pe x t = 100 W x 2x30 h = 6000 W h = 6 Kwh
R Pe 100 = 6 unit
(V/ )2 110 x 110
P/ = = = 25 W 1 unit cost = Rs 15
R 484
6 unit cost = Rs 15x6 = Rs 90
Q. 60 W lamp operates at 50 % efficiency. How Q. Among 60 W, 100 W, 200 W and 500 W bulbs
much energy is dissipated in 10 s? which one has least resistance?
50 P1 < P2 < P3 < P4
Pef = 60 = 30 W
100
U = Pe x t = 30 W x 10 s = 300 J
Operating powers of bulbs are designed to operate
In parallel combination.
Q. If 𝐑 𝟏 and 𝐑 𝟐 are respectively filament For parallel combination V = constant
resistances of 25 W bulb and 100 W bulb. What is V2 1
Pe = ⟹ Pe ∝
relation between the ry are designed to operate at R R
same voltage? R1 > R 2 > R 3 > R 4
V2 1 R1 P2 100 4
Pe = ⟹ Pe ∝ Thus = = = Q. 60 W, 100 W, 200 W and 500 W bulbs are
R R R 2 P1 25 1
R1 = 4 R 2 connected in parallel. Which bulb is brightest?
Q. In the circuit shown in Fig. , What happens to
the Ammeter reading and brightness of each
bulb, when fourth bulb is added in parallel?
A
I I1 I2 I3

Q. In the circuit shown in A

Fig. , what happens to the
Ammeter reading and
brightness of each bulb, I
when fourth bulb is added
in series?
Electromotive Force Energy lost by unit +ve charge as it move
I R=Vt = from high to low potential, called terminal P.D
Work done in moving unit + +
positive from low to high
I + Ir = Energy lost by unit +ve charge as it move
potential through the from low to high potential.
+
source, is called
electromotive force E. + +
q E = Vt + I r
W E
E= (SI unit J C−1 = V) This eq holds principle of energy conservation
q
Supply of
Source of current also offer resistance emf is cause and terminal P.D is its effect
Work W
r as charges flow through it, known as
internal resistance.
Vt = E - I r ……….. (1)
R Typical cases of terminal P.D
Case I: when circuit is closed I≠ 0 Eq.(1)⟹ Vt < E
E= I R e = I (R + r) I
Case II: when circuit is open I= 0 Eq.(1) ⟹ Vt = E
E=IR + Ir r Case III: when internal resistance r=0 (ideal) Eq.(1) ⟹ Vt = E
E Case IV: when cell is being charged I= -I Eq.(1)⟹ Vt > E
Energy gained by unit +ve charge as it move from low E
E = to high potential, called emf. Case V: when R = r Eq.(1)⟹ Vt =
2
 Q. The P.D between the terminals of a battery in open
Maximum power Out Put circuit is 2.2 V. When it is connected across a resistance
E of 5 Ω , the P.D falls to 1.8 V. What is current in circuit?
Current Through R: I= What is internal resistance of the battery?
R+r

Power dissipated by R:
E
P= I 2 R = (R + r)2 R V 1.8 V
I= = = 0.36 A
R 5Ω
E2 E2
P= R= R
(R+r)2 (R−r)2 + 4 R r Vt = E - I r
For R = r P = Pmax E − Vt 2.2 V −1.8 V 0.4 40
r= = = Ω = Ω =1. 1 Ω
E2 I 0.36 A 0.36 36
Pmax = r
(r−r)2 + 4 r r
E2
Pmax =
4r
R=5Ω
Q. What is power consumed by
internal resistance in the circuit
shown in Fig. ?
E r =1 Ω
E 6
I= = =1A
R+r 5 +1

Pr = I 2 r = (1)2 × 1 = 1 W
Kirchoff's First Rule (K.C.R or Node rule) Kirchoff's First Rule (K.V.R or loop rule)

Algebraic sum of currents through a point (node) of a Algebraic sum of voltage change in a loop is zero. Or
circuit is zero. Or σ ∆V = 0
σI = 0
By convention
By convention Potential change across a resistor is taken –ve.
currents toward node are taken positive and Potential change across a cell is +ve if current
currents away from node are taken negative through cell traverse from low to high potential.
Potential change across a cell is –ve if current
I1 + I2 + I3 + (- I4 ) = 0 N through cell traverses from high to low potential
In the Fig. shown If E1 > E2 then E1
R1
current I flows from high to
I1 + I2 + I3 = I4
low potential of E1 in the
E
circuit and then low to high 2 I
potential through E1 . R
Sum of current toward N = Sum of current away N 2
E1 + (- I R1 ) + (- E2 ) + (- I R 2 ) = 0
E1 = I R1 + E2 + I R 2
Kirchoff’s First rule is the manifestation Energy gain per unit charge = energy loss per unit charge
of law of conservation charge. Kirchoff’s second rule is the manifestation
of law of conservation energy.
Potentiometer It consist of 4 m Ureaka wire stretched between two fixed
A cheaper and much simple device device used to: points X & Y on rectangular wooden block, as shown
1. measure P.D between two points accurately
2. determine e.m.f of a cell
3. compare e.m.f of two cells
L=4m
4. determine internal resistance of a cell.
It works on the basis that P.D and resistance
l
across the end of a wire, having uniform cross- G
section and carrying steady current are T
proportional to its length.
Its symbol is
X L Y A X Y
I I It works when E1 >E2
Obtain balance point T and determine length XT = l
Work out E2 by using
P.D across P & Q: V∝ L
E1
E2 = l
L
Resistance across P & Q: R∝ L