Assignments in Science Class X (Term I)

12 Electricity
IMPORTANT NOTES
1. There are two kinds of electric charges i.e., 10. Electric resistance: The opposition or
positive and negative. The opposite charges obstruction offered by a conductor to the flow
attract each other and the similar charges repel of the electrons is called electric resistance. In
each other. Coulomb (C) is the standard unit of SI system unit of resistance is ohm (Ω).

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charge. 11. Resistivity: It is the amount of resistance

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2. Conductors: The substances through which offered by a conductor of unit length and unit
electricity can flow are called conductors. area of cross-section, such that current enters
Silver, copper, gold and aluminium are and leaves from its opposite faces is called its

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examples of conductors. resistivity or specific resistance.
3. Insulators: The substances through which 12. Series circuit of resistors: When a number of

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electricity cannot flow are called insulators. resistors are connected end to end such that tail
Glass, wood, porcelain and rubber are end of one resistor is connected to the initial
examples of insulators.

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end of the other resistor so as to form a closed
4. One coulomb: A body is said to have one circuit, then such a circuit is called the series
coulomb charge if it has 6.25 × 1018 electrons circuit.
on it or is deficit as compared to the normal
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13. Parallel circuit of resistors: When a number
number of electrons.
of resistors are connected in such a way that
5. Electric current: The rate of flow of charge they have common positive terminal and a
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from a body at higher potential to a body at common negative terminal, then the resistors
lower potential is called electric current. are said to be connected in parallel circuit.
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Ampere (A) is the standard unit of current.

14. Ohm’s law: All physical conditions of a
6. Electric potential: The amount of work done conductor remaining the same, the current
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in moving a unit positive charge from infinity flowing through it is directly proportional to the
to a given point in an electric field is called the potential difference at its ends.
electric potential at that point. Thus, electric
potential is a condition which determines the If I is the current flowing through a conductor,
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direction of flow of charges. The unit of such that V is the potential difference at its
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electric potential is volt (V). ends, then

7. Potential difference: The amount of work V ∝ I
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done in moving a unit positive charge from one ⇒ V = IR

point to another in an electric field is called Where R is the constant of proportionality and
potential difference. commonly called the resistance of a conductor.
8. Closed electric circuit: An electric circuit in
15. Electric work: Electric work is said to be done
which all the components of the circuit are
when a charge flows through a conductor at
joined to one another, such that continuous
some potential difference.
current flows through them, is called closed
electric circuit. If W is the amount of workdone in carrying Q
9. Open electric circuit: An electric circuit in charge from one point to another in an electric
which electric contact is broken at some point field, such that, V is the potential difference,
(say by a switch), such that no current flows then
through the components of the circuit is called W
an open circuit. V= ⇒ W = VQ
Q

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16. Electric power: The rate of doing electric 17. Overloading: Overloading of circuit means,
work is called the electric power. The SI unit of passing more current through the circuit than it
power is watt (W). can tolerate without damage.
If W is the amount of electric work done in time 18. Short circuit: It means that live and neutral
t, such that P is the power, then wires come in contact with each other, thereby
W bypassing the electrical device. It is caused due
P = to melting of insulation of connecting wires or
t
the live wire getting connected to earth.
But, W = I2Rt
19. Fuse: It is a safety device in an electric circuit.
It is the weakest point in an electric circuit,
Thus, P = = I2R.
which melts and breaks the electric circuit,
when the circuit gets overloaded.

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I. VERY SHORT ANSWER QUESTIONS (1 Mark)

A. IMPORTANT QUESTIONS

1. Define electric work.

2. What is the unit of electric work? Define it, in
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16. Name a metal which is used as filament in an
electric bulb.
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relation to quantity of charge and potential 17. What do you understand by the term fuse in an
difference. electric circuit?
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3. Name two bigger units of electric work. 18. State the composition of material of the fuse
4. What do you understand by the term current wire.
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electricity?
19. Where is a fuse placed in an electric circuit?
5. Define the term “electric current”.
20. A bulb in an electric circuit is glowing. Is it a
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6. How is an ammeter connected in an electric

close or open electric circuit?
circuit so as to measure electric current?
7. What is the unit of electric charge? How much 21. What do you understand by the term electric
resistance?
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electric charge is on one electron?

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8. If 12 J of work is done in moving 2 coulomb of 22. How does electric resistance change with the
electric charge through a conductor, what is the change in the length of conductor?
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potential difference at the ends of the 23. How does electric resistance change with the
conductor? change in the area of cross-section of
9. State and define the SI unit of potential conductor?
difference. 24. How does electric resistance of solid ionic
10. State SI unit of electric power. compounds compare with respect to molten
11. Define the SI unit of electric power. compounds?
12. Name and define the smallest commercial unit 25. Why does a conducting wire offer resistance to
of electricity. the flow of electrons?
13. Define kWh. 26. What do you understand by the term electric
14. Prove : 1 kWh = 3.6 MJ. potential?
15. Name two common materials used as heating 27. What do you understand by the term potential
elements. difference?

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 B. QUESTIONS FROM CBSE EXAMINATION PAPERS
1. Two resistors of 20 Ω and 40 Ω are connected in 15. What is meant by saying that the potential
parallel in an electric circuit. How does the difference between two points is 1V?
current passing through the two resistors
[2010 (T-I)]
compare? [2010 (T-I)]
2. Two resistors of 30 Ω and 60 Ω are connected in 16. A wire of resistivity ‘r’ is pulled to double its
parallel in an electric circuit. How does the length. What will be its new resistivity?
current passing through the two resistors [2010 (T-I)]
compare? [2010 (T-I)]
17. Name the physical quantity whose unit is Volt/
3. Define electric circuit. Distinguish between ampere. [2010 (T-I)]
open and closed circuit. [2010 (T-I)]

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4. What is the lowest resistance that can be 18. Why do we use copper and aluminium wire for
transmission of electric current? [2010 (T-I)]

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obtained by combining four coils of resistors of
4 Ω, 8 Ω, 12 Ω and 24 Ω? [2010 (T-I)] 19. What is commercial unit of energy?
5. Write a mathematical expression for Joule’s law [2010 (T-I)]

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of heating. Name one device which works on 20. Name the instrument used for measuring:
this principle. [2010 (T-I)]
(i) potential difference [2010 (T-I)]

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6. What happens to the resistance of a conductor
when the length of the conductor is reduced to (ii) current
half? [2010 (T-I)] 21. Define Ohm’s Law.

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[2010 (T-I)]
7. Define the SI unit of resistance. [2010 (T-I)]
22. How is a Voltmeter connected in the circuit to
8. What happens to resistance of a conductor measure the potential difference between two
when temperature is increased? [2010 (T-I)]
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points? [2010 (T-I)]
9. What is electrical resistivity? In a series
electrical circuit comprising a resistor made up 23. How is an ammeter connected in the circuit to
measure current flowing through a conductor?
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of a metallic wire, the ammeter reads 5 A. The

reading of the ammeter decreases to half when [2010 (T-I)]
the length of the wire is doubled. Why?
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24. Nichrome is used to make the elements of

[2010 (T-I)]
electric heater. Why? [2010 (T-I)]
10. What is the minimum resistance which can be
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made using five resistors each of 1/5 Ω? 25. Calculate the energy consumed by 1200 W
toaster in 200 minutes. [2009]
11. You have two metallic wires of resistances 6
ohm and 3 ohm. How will you connect these 26. A lamp rated 100 W and 220 V is connected to
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wires to get the effective resistance of 2 ohm? mains electric supply. What current is drawn
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[2010 (T-I)] from the supply line, if the voltage is 220 V?

12. Draw a schematic diagram of a circuit [2009]
consisting of a cell of 1.5 V, 10 Ω resistor and
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27. Out of 60 W and 40 W lamps, which one has

15 Ω resistor and a plug key, all connected in higher resistance when we use? [2008]
series. [2010 (T-I)]
28. If the distance between two electric charges is
13. Name the instrument used to measure electric doubled, how much will the force exerting
current in a circuit. [2010 (T-I)] between them change to? [2007]
14. The voltage-current (V-I) graph of a metallic
circuit at two different temperatures T1 and T2 29. Should the heating element of an electric iron
is shown, which of the two temperatures is be made of iron, silver or nichrome wire?
higher and why? [2010 (T-I)] [2005]
30. Define the term ‘resistivity’ of a material.
[2005]
31. Calculate the resistance of a conductor, if the
current flowing through it is 0.2 A when the
applied potential difference is 0.8 volt. [2004]

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II. SHORT ANSWER QUESTIONS–I (2 Marks)

A. IMPORTANT QUESTIONS

1. Name two devices which can produce (ii) Why does heating coil not produce any
continuous current. Which form of energy is visible light?
responsible for the generation of electric current
13. Calculate the energy consumed by a heater,
in the devices named by you?
which draws a current of 5 A at 200 V for
2. The resistance of a wire of length 80 cm and of 1 minute.
uniform area of cross-section 0.025 cm2, is
14. An electric press consumes 120 kJ of energy in
found to be 1.50 ohm. Calculate specific
5 minutes, when the magnitude of current

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resistance of wire in SI units.
flowing through it is 2A. Calculate the electric

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3. What should be the length of nichrome wire of potential at which press operates.
resistance 4.5 Ω, if the length of similar wire is
60 cm and resistance 2.5 Ω? 15. A soldering rod draws energy of 45 kJ in

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4 minutes when current flowing through it is 6
4. A charge of 5000 C flows through an electric
A. Calculate the resistance of heating element.
circuit in 2.5 hours. Calculate the magnitude of

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current flowing through the circuit. 16. An electric device draws an energy of 500 kJ in
1 minute. If the resistance of heating device is
5. A battery can supply a charge of 2.5 × 103C. If
20 Ω, calculate the current flowing through the

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the current drawn from the battery is 12.5 A,
device.
calculate the time in which battery will get
discharged. 17. Calculate the electric energy flowing into the
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6. What is the resistance of (hot) electric arc lamp filament of an electric bulb in 20 s, when its
when it uses a current of 25 A, while working at resistance is 40 Ω and potential difference
across its terminals is 12 V.
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440 V?
7. A current of 0.2 A flows through a conductor of 18. An electric heater draws a current of 3.5 A at a
resistance 4.5 Ω. Calculate the p.d. at the ends p.d. of 250 V. Calculate the power consumed by
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of the conductor. 4 such heaters.

8. A bulb of resistance 400 Ω connected to 200 V 19. An electric heater of power 1600 W has a
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mains supply. Calculate the magnitude of the resistance of 36 Ω. Calculate the magnitude of
current flowing through the bulb. current and p.d. at its ends.
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9. Amongst the units given below, which units are 20. (a) What is the potential of Earth?
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of (i) electric energy; (ii) electric power? (b) By drawing a diagram, show the movement
(a) watt hour (b) watt of electrons when a positively charged is
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(c) kilowatt (d) kilowatt hour connected to Earth.

10. (i) Distinguish between kilowatt and kilowatt 21. A charge of 50 C is moved from infinity to two
hour. points A and B in an electric field. The work
(ii) How many kilowatts are equal to one horse done to do so upto A and B is 20 J and 25 J
power? respectively. What is the potential difference
between points A and B?
11. Name two materials which are commonly used
for making heating appliances and give their 22. How is electric potential generated in a
composition. conductor during the flow of charges?
12. Answer the following questions regarding an 23. Chemical cells or dynamos do not produce
electric heater : electrons. How do they produce current
(i) Why is the heating coil placed in a circular electricity?
porcelain plate?

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 B. QUESTIONS FROM CBSE EXAMINATION PAPERS
1. In an experiment to study the relation between
the potential difference across a resistor and the Potential difference (V) 2 3 4.5 5 6
current through it, a student recorded the Current (A) 0.08 0.12 0.15 0.20 0.24
following observations :
Find in which one of the above sets of readings
Potential difference 1.0 2.2 3.0 4.0 6.4 the trend is different from others and must be
V (volt) rejected. Calculate the mean value of resistance
of the resistor based on the remaining sets of
Current I (ampere) 0.1 0.2 0.6 0.4 0.6
readings.
On examining the above observations, the 7. State Ohm’s law. “The resistance of a conductor

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teacher asked the student to reject one set of is 1Ω.” What is meant by this statement?

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readings as the values were out of agreement [2010 (T-I)]
with the rest. Which one of the above sets of 8. Two electric bulbs A and B are marked 220 V,
readings can be rejected? Calculate the mean

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40 W and 220 V, 60 W respectively. Which one
value of resistance of the resistor based on the of the two has greater resistance? [2010 (T-I)]
remaining four sets of readings. [2010 (T-I)]
9. (a) What material is used in making the filament

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2. In an experiment to study the relation between of an electric bulb?
the potential difference across a resistor and the
(b) Name the characteristics which make it

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current through it, a student recorded the
suitable for this. [2010 (T-I)]
following observations.
10. Differentiate between overloading and short
Potential difference circuiting. [2010 (T-I)]
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V (volt) 1.5 3.0 4.5 6.0 7.5 11. Will current flow more easily through a thick
wire or a thin wire of the same material, when
Current I (ampere) 0.05 0.10 0.18 0.20 0.25
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connected to the same source? Why? Name the

factors on which the resistance of a wire
On examining the above observations, the depends. [2010 (T-I)]
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teacher asked the student to reject one set of

12. An electric lamp is marked 220 V, 100 W. It is
readings as the values were out of agreement
used for 5 hours daily. Calculate: [2010 (T-I)]
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with the rest. Which one of the above sets of

readings can be rejected? Calculate the mean (a) its resistance while glowing
value of resistance of the resistor based on the (b) energy consumed in kWh/day.
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remaining four sets of readings. [2010 (T-I)] 13. How are ammeters and voltmeters connected in
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3. Define resistivity and state its S.I. unit. Does it a circuit? What do they help us measure?
vary with temperature? [2010 (T-I)] [2010 (T-I)]
14. An electric iron of resistance 20 Ω takes a
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4. A wire is 1.0 m long, 0.2 mm diameter has

resistance of 20 Ω. Calculate the resistivity of current of 5A. Calculate the heat developed in
material. [2010 (T-I)] 30 seconds. [2010 (T-I)]
15. The following table gives the resistivity of three
5. State the factors on which the resistance of a
samples : [2010 (T-I)]
cylindrical conductor depends. How will
A B
resistance of a conductor change if it is Resistivity→ 1.6 × 10–8 Ωm 5.2 × 10–8 Ωm
stretched so that its length is doubled? C
[2010 (T-I)] 100 × 10–6 Ωm
6. In an experiment to study the relationship Which of them is suitable for heating elements
of electrical appliances and why?
between the potential difference across a
16. Calculate the current flowing through the
resistor and the current through it, a student
resistors.
recorded the following observations:

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 23. Draw a schematic labelled diagram of a
domestic wiring circuit which includes:
[2010 (T-I)]
(i) a main fuse (ii) a power meter
(iii) one light point (iv) a power plug
24. Three 2 Ω resistors, A, B and C are connected as
17. Aluminium wire has radius 0.25 mm and length shown in figure. Each of them dissipates energy
of 75 m. If the resistance of the wire is 10 Ω. and can withstand a maximum power of 18 W
Calculate the resistivity of aluminium. without melting. Find the maximum current that
[2010 (T-I)] can flow through the three resistors. [2010 (T-I)]
18. Give reason why

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(a) tungsten is used for making filament of

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electric lamps.
25. A battery of 9 V is connected in series with
(b) The elements of heating electrical
resistors of 0.2 Ω, 0.3 Ω, 0.4 Ω, 0.5 Ω and 12 Ω

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appliances are made up of an alloy rather
resistors. How much current would flow
than pure metal. [2010 (T-I)]
through the 12 Ω resistor? [2010 (T-I)]

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19. Copper wire has resistance R. If the length of
26. A child has drawn the electric circuit to study
the wire is doubled, find the new resistance in
terms of original resistance? Ohm’s law as shown in figure. His teacher told
[2010 (T-I)]

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that the circuit diagram needs correction. Study
20. How would the reading of (V) change if it is the circuit diagram and redraw it after making
connected between B and C? [2010 (T-I)] all corrections. [2010 (T-I)]
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21. B 1 , B 2 and B 3 are three identical bulbs

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connected as shown in the figure. When all the

three bulbs glow, a current of 3A is recorded by
the ammeter A. [2010 (T-I)] 27. A current of 5.0 A flows through a 12 Ω resistor.
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(i) What happens to the glow of the other two What is the rate at which heat energy is
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bulbs when the bulb B1 gets fused? produced in the resistor? [2010 (T-I)]
(ii) What happens to the reading of A1, A2, A3 28. Calculate the electrical energy consumed by a
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and A when the bulb B2 gets fused? 1200 W toaster in 20 minutes. [2010 (T-I)]
29. Why does the cord of an electric heater not glow
while the heating element does? [2010 (T-I)]
30. A lamp rated 100 W at 220 V is connected to the
mains electric supply. (i) What amount of
current is drawn from the supply line if the
voltage is 220 V? (ii) what is its resistance?
[2010 (T-I)]
31. What is an electric circuit? Distinguish between
an open and a closed circuit. [2010 (T-I)]
22. What is the role of fuse, used in series with any
32. What is the (a) highest (b) lowest resistance that
electrical appliance? Why should a fuse with
defined rating not be replaced by one with a can be secured by combining four coils of
larger rating? [2010 (T-I)] resistance 4 Ω, 8 Ω, 12 Ω and 24 Ω.
[2010 (T-I)]
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33. An electric bulb draws a current 0.8 A and 42. State the law that relates current through a
works on 250 V on the average 8 hours a day. If conductor and the potential difference between
energy costs Rs 3 per kWh, calculate monthly its ends. Represent the law mathematically.
bill for 30 days. [2010 (T-I)] [2010 (T-I)]
34. An electric device operates at 24 V and has a 43. In the circuit diagram shown, the two resistance
resistance of 8 Ω calculate the power consumed wires A and B are of same length and same
by the device and current flowing through it. material, but A is thicker than B. Which
ammeter A1 or A2 will indicate higher reading
[2010 (T-I)]
for current? Give reason. [2010 (T-I)]
35. When do you say that the resistance of a wire is
1 Ω? [2010 (T-I)]
36. Two identical resistors each of resistance 10 Ω

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are connected: (i) in series and (ii) in parallel, to

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a battery of 6V. Calculate the ratio of power
consumed in the combination of resistors in the 44. State Ohm’s law of electricity and write the

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two cases. [2010 (T-I)] condition in which this law is obeyed.
37. A TV set shoots out a beam of electrons. The [2010 (T-I)]
beam current is 10 mA. How many electrons

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45. On what factors does the resistance of a
strike the TV screen per second? How much
conductors depend? Write SI unit of resistance.
charge strikes the screen in a minute?
[2010 (T-I)]

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[2010 (T-I)]
46. Why do we use parallel circuit arrangement for
38. In an electric circuit with a resistance wire and a
domestic wiring? [2010 (T-I)]
cell, the current flowing is I. What would
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happen to this current if the wire is replaced by 47. Which gas is filled in the electric bulb and why?
another thicker wire of same material and same [2010 (T-I)]
length? Give reason. [2010 (T-I)] 48. A wire is cut into three equal parts and then
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39. Two students perform experiments on two connected in parallel. How will its: [2010 (T-I)]
given resistors R1 and R2 and plot the following (a) resistance (b) resistivity get affected?
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V-I graphs. If R1 > R2, which of two diagrams 49. How many electrons will flow for the charge of
correctly represent the situation on the plotted 4C? (Charge on 1 electron = 1.6 × 10–19 C)
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curves? Justify your answer. [2010 (T-I)] [2010 (T-I)]

50. Calculate the resistance of a conductor when
the current flowing through it is 0.2 A and the
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potential difference is 0.8 V? [2010 (T-I)]

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51. When a 12 V battery is connected across an

unknown resistor, 2.5 mA current flows in the
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circuit. Find the resistance of the resistor.

[2010 (T-I)]
40. In a house, four 60 W electric bulbs are lighted 52. When a 22 V battery is connected across a
for 2 hours and two 100 W bulbs are lighted for resistor, 2.2 mA current flows in the circuit.
4 hours everyday. Calculate the energy Find the resistance of the resistor. [2010 (T-I)]
consumed in the house for 30 days. [2010 (T-I)] 53. Four resistors of 5 Ω, 10 Ω, 15 Ω and 20 Ω are
41. A wire of resistance R is cut into three equal connected in parallel. Calculate equivalent
parts. [2010 (T-I)] resistance. [2010 (T-I)]
(i) Find the value of resistance of each part in 54. An electric heater is used on 220 V supply and
terms of the original resistance R? takes a current of 3.4 A. Calculate : (i) its
(ii) If these three pieces are connected in power; and (ii) its resistance, when it is in use.
parallel, what is the ratio of the resistance [2007]
so obtained to the original resistance? 55. One lamp is rated 40 W at 220 V and the other
60 W at 220 V. These two lamps are connected
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 in parallel to a 220 V supply. Calculate the (i) current passing through it, and
current drawn from the supply line by each (ii) its resistance, when in use.
lamp. [2007]
58. An immersion heater has a rating of 2 kW,
56. An electric iron draws a current of 0.5 A, when 220 V. While in use, calculate [2007]
the voltage is 200 V. Calculate the amount of (i) current passing through it and
electric charge flowing through it, in one hour. (ii) its resistance.
[2004]
59. A 40 watt lamp required 0.20 A of current at
57. An electric iron has a rating of 750 W, 220 V. 220 volts when in use. Calculate : (i) its power;
Calculate [2007] (ii) its resistance. [2007]

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III. SHORT ANSWER QUESTIONS-II (3 Marks)

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A. IMPORTANT QUESTIONS

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1. A piece of wire having a resistance R is cut into connected to 12 V-D.C. source. Will it
six equal parts. glow, if connected to 12 V-A.C. source?

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(a) How will the resistance of each part (b) Two bulbs of 100 W and 25 W are
compare with the original resistance? connected in series to 200 V-A.C. mains.

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(b) If the six parts are placed in parallel, how Which bulb glows brightly? Explain the
will joint resistance compare with the observation.
resistance of the original wire? 6. (a) Wires used as leads of an electric oven are
thicker than those used in the leads of table
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2. The overall resistance of the circuit diagram
lamp. Explain.
below is 0.5 Ω. Calculate the value of
(b) The heating element of a room heater
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resistance r3.
becomes red hot, but the lamp wires remain
cold. Why?
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7. A heater coil connected to 200 V has a

resistance of 80 W. If the heater is plugged in for
the time ‘t’, such that 1 kg of water at 20°C
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attains a temperature of 60° C, then calculate

3. In the given circuit diagram, calculate: (a) Power of heater,
(b) Heat absorbed by water,
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(c) The value of ‘t’ in seconds.

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8. A 40 W lamp requires 0.182 A current at 220 V

while a 60 W lamp requires 0.272 A current at
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same volts. If 40 W and 60 W lamps are

connected in series with 220 V line, how many
ampere of current will flow through each lamp?
(i) Total resistance between the points B and E. 9. Name an instrument used for measuring electric
potential difference by drawing diagram
(ii) Total resistance between the points A and F.
showing how this instrument is connected in an
4. Answer the following questions about electric electric circuit. Why does not this instrument
bulb: practically consume any electric energy from
(i) Why is its filament coiled? the electric circuit?
(ii) Why is it filled with argon gas at low 10. (i) Name an instrument used for measuring the
pressure? electric current.
(iii) State one disadvantage of filling it with (ii) How this instrument is connected in an
argon. electric circuit? Support your answer by a
5. (a) An electric bulb gives bright light when diagram.
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 (iii) Why does not this instrument practically changes very little with the rise in
consume any electric energy from the temperature?
electric circuit. 12. (a) Why are conductors of electric heating
11. (a) How does the resistance of the following devices, such as toasters and electric iron
change with the rise in temperature? made of an alloy, rather than pure metals?
(i) pure metals, (b) Why is an ammeter likely to burn, if
(ii) German silver; connected in parallel?
(iii) carbon 13. A piece of wire is redrawn by pulling it, until its
length is trebled. Compare the new resistance of
(b) Name three substances whose resistance
wire with the original resistance.

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B. QUESTIONS FROM CBSE EXAMINATION PAPERS

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1. For the circuit shown in the diagram given: 6. The rating of an electric oven is 4400 W; 220 V.
[2010 (T-I)] Calculate its resistance when it operates at

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220 V. Also calculate the energy consumed in
kWh in the month of September if the oven is
used daily for 5 hours at the rated voltage.

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[2010 (T-I)]
7. A piece of wire of resistance 20 Ω is drawn out

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so that its length is increased to twice its
original length. Calculate the resistance of the
wire in the new situation. [2010 (T-I)]
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8. (a) What is the total resistance of n resistors
Calculate: each of resistance ‘R’ connected in:
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(i) the total effective resistance of the circuit, (i) series (ii) parallel?
(ii) the total current drawn from the battery and (b) Calculate the resultant resistance of 3
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resistors 3Ω, 4Ω and 12Ω connected in

(iii) the value of current through each resistor.
parallel. [2010 (T-I)]
2. Define electric current and state its SI unit. With
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the help of Ohm’s law explain the meaning of 9. (a) For the circuit shown below in the diagram,
1 Ohm resistance. [2010 (T-I)] calculate: [2010 (T-I)]

3. The rating of an electric heater is 1100 W; (i) value of current through the 30Ω resistor.
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220 V. Calculate its resistance when it operates (ii) total resistance of the circuit.
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at 220 V. Also calculate the energy consumed in

kWh in the month of November if the heater is
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used daily for four hours at the rated voltage.

[2010 (T-I)]
4. An air conditioner of rating 2000 W; 220 V is
operated in a domestic circuit (220 V) that has a
current rating of 5A. What result do you expect?
Justify your answer. [2010 (T-I)]
6V
5. Explain reason for the following: [2010 (T-I)]
(b) Give two advantages of connecting
(i) Tungsten is used almost exclusively for electrical devices in parallel with battery.
filament of electric lamps.
10. (a) Electric fuse is an important component of
(ii) The series arrangement is not used for all domestic circuits. Why? [2010 (T-I)]
domestic circuits.
(b) An electric oven of rating 2 kW, 220 V is
(iii) Copper and aluminium wires are usually operated in a domestic circuit with a current
employed for electricity transmission. rating of 5 A. What result would you
expect? Explain.
9
 11. (i) State Ohm’s law. Write a mathematical filament has a resistance of 1200 Ω.
expression for it.
(b) How much current will an electric heater
(ii) What kind of graph is obtained by plotting
draw from a 220 V source if the resistance
values of ‘V’ and ‘I’ why?
of the heater is 100 Ω?
12. A lamp rated 40 W and an electric iron rated [2010 (T-I)]
800 W are used for 6 hours everyday. Calculate
the total energy consumed in 30 days.[2010 (T-I)] 21. What is electrical resistivity? In a series
electrical circuit comprising a resistor made up
13. (a) Explain the function of electric fuse.
of a metallic wire, the ammeter reads 5 A. The
(b) An electric bulb is marked 60 W. What does reading of the ammeter decreases to half when
this mean? How much energy does it the length of the wire is doubled. Why?
consume if used for 1 hour? [2010 (T-I)]

N
[2010 (T-I)]
14. What would be the reading of ammeter and

HA
voltmeter in the given circuit? [2010 (T-I)] 22. What is the role of fuse, used in series with any
electrical appliance? Why should a fuse with
defined rating not be replaced by one with a

AS
larger rating? [2010 (T-I)]
23. Find out the following in the electric circuit

AK
given in figure. [2010 (T-I)]
15. Two conducting wires of same material, equal
length and equal diameter are first connected in
series. How does the heat produced by the
combination of resistance change? [2010 (T-I)]
PR
RS
16. What would be the reading of ammeter and
voltmeter in the given circuit? [2010 (T-I)]
HE

(a) Potential difference across 4Ω resistance

(b) Power dissipated in 4Ω resistor
OT

(c) Difference in ammeter readings, if any

24. (i) What precautions should be taken to avoid
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the overloading of domestic electric

17. Table gives the resistivity of three samples circuits?
[2010 (T-I)] (ii) An electric oven of 2 kW power rating is
L

(a) Samples A B C operated in a domestic electric circuit.

YA

Resistivity 1.6 × 10–8 7.5 × 1017 44 × 10–6 (220V), that has a current rating 5A. What
(in Ωm) result do you expect? Explain. [2010 (T-I)]
GO

25. [2010 (T-I)]

Which of them is a good conductor and which is
an insulator? Why?
(b) A resistance wire (4Ω resistance) is doubled on
it, calculate the new resistance of the wire.
18. Name two safety measures commonly used in
electric circuits and appliances. What
precautions should be taken to avoid the over
loading of domestic electric circuits?[2010 (T-I)] In the above circuit diagram calculate:
19. State Ohm’s law. How can it be verified (a) the value of current through each resistor,
experimentally? Does it hold good under all (b) the total current in the circuit and
conditions? Comment. [2010 (T-I)] (c) the total effective resistance of the circuit.
20. (a) How much current will an electric bulb 26. Study the following circuit and answer the
draw from a 220 V source if the bulb questions: [2010 (T-I)]

10
 (iii) potential difference across the conductor.
35. In a household electric circuit, different
appliances are connected in parallel to one
another. Give two advantages of such
connection. [2010 (T-I)]
Two bulbs rated 100 W, 200 V and 25 W, 200 V
(i) State the type of combination of the two are connected in parallel to a 200 V supply.
resistors in the circuit. What will be the current drawn from the supply
(ii) How much current is flowing through line?
(a) 10 Ω and 36. A student performs an experiment with 4 cells
(b) 15 Ω resistors? and a resistance wire and an ammeter in series
and observes that when the number of cells in

N
(iii) What is the ammeter reading?
the circuit is decreased, the value of current

HA
27. (a) What is meant by electric resistance of through the wire also decreases. Name the law
conductor? [2010 (T-I)]
that is involved in the experiment and write its
(b) A wire of length L and resistance R is

AS
mathematical form.
stretched so that the length is doubled and V-I graph for two resistors R1, R2 and their
area of cross section is halved. How will (i) series combination is as below. Which graph

AK
resistance change and (ii) resistivity change? represents the series combination of the other
28. Express Joule’s law of heating mathematically. two? Give reason. [2010 (T-I)]

PR
What is the resistance of 12 m wire having
radius 2 × 10 –4 m, specific resistivity is
3.14 × 10–8 Ωm. [2010 (T-I)]
RS
29. Draw a schematic diagram of a circuit
consisting of 24 V battery, a 10 ohm resistor, a 5
ohm resistor, a 1 ohm resistor, an ammeter and a
HE

plug key, all connected in series. Calculate the

ammeter reading in this circuit. [2010 (T-I)]
OT

30. (a) Why are electric toaster and electric iron

made of an alloy rather than pure metal? 37. For the circuit shown in the diagram calculate:
BR

[2010 (T-I)]
(b) An electric iron of resistance 20 Ω takes a
(a) the total effective resistance of the circuit.
current of 5 A, calculate the heat developed
(b) the total current in the circuit.
in 30 second. [2010 (T-I)]
(c) the value of current through 20Ω resistor.
L

31. (a) Why is an ammeter likely to burn out if you

YA

connect it in parallel?
(b) Why is series arrangement not found
GO

satisfactory for domestic lights? [2010 (T-I)]

32. A copper wire has a diameter of 0.5 mm and a
resistivity of 1.6 × 10–6 ohm-cm. How much of
this wire would be necessary to make a
resistance of 10 ohm? [2010 (T-I)]
33. A copper wire of length 3m and the area of 38. Two identical resistors, each of resistance 50Ω
cross section 1.7 × 10–6 m2 has a resistance of are connected (i) in series (ii) in parallel, in turn,
3×10–2 ohm. Calculate the resistivity of copper. to a battery of 10 V. Calculate the ratio of power
[2010 (T-I)] consumed in the combination for resistors in the
34. An electric lamp of 24 W, and a conductor of 6 two cases. [2010 (T-I)]
W are connected in series to a 12 V battery. 39. Two resistors of resistances 3Ω and 6Ω
Calculate the: [2010 (T-I)] respectively are connected to a battery of 6V so
(i) total resistance as to have : [2010 (T-I)]
(ii) total current in the circuit (a) Maximum resistance
11
 (b) Maximum current (c) How does the resistance of a wire vary with
(i) How will you connect the resistances in its cross sectional area?
each case? 48. How many resistors of 88Ω are connected in
parallel to carry 10 A current on 220 V line?
(ii) Calculate the strength of the current in the
circuit in both cases. [2010 (T-I)]

40. Two identical resistors, each of resistance 20Ω 49. An electric iron consumes energy at a rate of
are connected (i) in parallel (ii) in series, in turn, 840 W when heating is at the maximum rate and
to a battery of 10 V. Calculate the ratio of power 360 W when the heating is at the minimum. The
consumed in the combination of resistors in the voltage is 220 V. What are the current and the
two cases. [2010 (T-I)]
resistance in each case? [2010 (T-I)]
50. In figure ‘A’ R1 = 10Ω, R2 = 40Ω, R3 = 30Ω, R4

N
41. A 400 W refrigerator operates for 16 hrs/day, = 20Ω, R 5 = 60Ω and a 12 V battery are
calculate the cost to operate it for 30 days at

HA
connected to the arrangement. Calculate:
Rs. 3.40 per kWh. [2010 (T-I)]
[2010 (T-I)]
42. Calculate the effective resistance between P

AS
and Q. [2010 (T-I)]

AK
43. A 500W electric iron used in a house for 2 hours
PR (a) total resistance in the circuit and
RS
per day. Calculate the cost to use it for 60 days (b) total current flowing in the circuit.
at Rs. 3.20 per kWh. [2010 (T-I)]
51. In figure ‘B’ R1 = 10Ω, R2 = 20Ω, R3 = 25Ω,
HE

44. Calculate the effective resistance between P R4 = 5Ω and a 12V battery is connected to the
and Q. [2010 (T-I)] arrangement. Calculate: [2010 (T-I)]
OT

(a) Total resistance in the circuit.

(b) Total current flowing in the circuit.
BR

45. An electric heater connected to a 220 V line has

two resistance coil of 22 ohms each. Calculate
L

the current if these coils are used [2010 (T-I)]

YA

(a) Separately (b) In series (c) In Parallel

46. Calculate the Equivalent Resistance from the
GO

following combination of resistors. [2010 (T-I)] Figure-B

52. (a) State Ohm’s Law. [2007]
(b) Draw a schematic diagram of the circuit for
studying Ohm’s Law.
53. State the formula correlating the electric current
flowing in a conductor and the voltage applied
across it. Also show this relationship by
47. Explain the following: [2010 (T-I)] drawing a diagram.
(a) Why is Tungsten used for the filament in What would be resistance of a conductor if the
electric bulbs? current flowing through it is 0.35 ampere when
(b) Why are the conductors of electric heating the potential difference across it is 1.4 volts?
devices, made of an alloy? [2004]

12
IV. LONG ANSWER QUESTIONS (5 Marks)

IMPORTANT QUESTIONS

1. Derive an expression for equivalent resistance 3. What is electrical resistivity of a material? What
(R), when resistors R1, R2, R3 are connected in is its unit? Describe an experiment to study the
series. factor is on which the resistance of conducting
2. (i) What do you understand by the term fuse in wire depends. [HOTS]
an electric circuit? 4. How will you infer with the help of an
(ii) State two properties of a material, which experiment that same current flows through
make it suitable for making fuse wire. every part of the circuit containing three
resistances in series connected to a battery?

N
(iii) Why is fuse wire always placed in the live
wire of an electric circuit? [HOTS]

HA
(iv) How does fuse wire protect an electric 5. How will you conclude that the same potential
circuit? difference (voltage) exists across three resistors

AS
(v) Two fuse wires A and B of the same length connected in a parallel arrangement to a
are rated 15 A and 5A. Which amongst the A battery? [HOTS]

AK
and B will be thicker and why?

B. QUESTIONS FROM CBSE EXAMINATION PAPERS

1. (a) State Ohm’s law. Express it mathematically.

(b) Write symbols used in electric circuits to PR diagram showing the arrangement. Derive
an expression for the equivalent resistance
RS
represent: of the combination. [2010 (T-I)]
(i) Variable resistance (ii) Voltmeter 4. (a) State Ohm’s law.
(c) An electric bulb is rated 220 V and 100 W. (b) Draw a circuit diagram for the verification
HE

When it is operated on 110 V, what will be of Ohm’s law. Also plot graphically the
the power consumed? [2010 (T-I)] variation of current with potential
OT

2. (a) Why is the series arrangement not used for difference.

domestic circuits? (c) Calculate the resistance of a wire, when a
BR

(b) Why is tungsten used almost exclusively potential difference of 2V is maintained for
for filament of electric lamps? 1A current to flow through it. [2010 (T-I)]
(c) Why are the conductors of electric heating 5. Find out the following in the electric circuit
L

devices such as bread toasters and electric given in figure. [2010 (T-I)]
(a) Effective resistance of two 8 Ω resistors in
YA

irons made of an alloy rather than a pure

metal? the combination
(b) Current flowing through 4 Ω resistor
GO

(d) Why are copper and aluminium wires

usually employed for electricity (c) Potential difference across 4 Ω resistor
transmission? (d) Power dissipated in 4 Ω resistor
(e) Why does the cord of an electric heater not (e) Difference in ammeter readings, if any.
glow while the heating element does?
[2010 (T-I)]
3. (a) Resistors are given as R1 = 10 Ω, R2 = 20 Ω
and R 3 = 30 Ω. Calculate the effective
resistance when they are connected in
series. Also calculate the current flowing
when the combination is connected to a 6V 6. A current of 1 ampere flows in a series circuit
battery. containing an electric lamp and a conductor of
(b) 3 resistors R1, R2 and R3 are connected in 5 Ω when connected to a 10 V battery. Calculate
series to a battery V. Draw the circuit the resistance of the electric lamp. Now if a

13
 resistance of 10 Ω is connected in parallel with 13. A current of 1 ampere flows in a series circuit
this series combination, what change (if any) in containing an electric lamp and a conductor of
current flowing through 5 Ω conductor and 5 Ω when connected to a 10 V battery. Calculate
potential difference across the lamp will take the resistance of the electric lamp. Now if a
place? Give reason. Draw circuit diagram. resistance of 10 Ω is connected in parallel with
[2010 (T-I)] this series combination, what change (if any) in
7. (a) Which effect of the electric current is current flowing through 5 Ω conductor and
utilised in the working of an electrical fuse? potential difference across the lamp will take
(b) A fuse is connected in series or in parallel in place? Give reason. Draw circuit diagram.
household circuit? [2010 (T-I)]

(c) Draw a schematic labelled diagram of a 14. (a) Define the term ‘volt’.
(b) State the relationship between work, charge

N
domestic circuit which has a provision of a
and potential difference for an electric

HA
main fuse, meter, one light bulb and a
switch/socket. [2010 (T-I)] circuit. Calculate the potential difference
between two terminals of a battery, if 100
8. (a) What is the function of earth wire in

AS
joules of work is required to transfer 20
electrical instruments? Why is it necessary
coulombs of charge from one terminal of
to earth the metallic electric appliances?
battery to the other. [2008]

AK
(b) Explain what is short circuiting and
15. (a) What do the following symbols mean in the
overloading in an electric supply?
circuit diagrams? [2008]

PR
[2010 (T-I)]
9. (a) Derive an expression for the equivalent
resistance of three resistors R1, R2 and R3
RS
connected in parallel. [2010 (T-I)] (b) An electric circuit consisting of 0.5 m long
(b) Fuses of 3A, 5A and 10A are available. nichrome wire XY, an ammeter, a
voltmeter, four cells of 1.5 V each and plug
HE

Calculate and select the fuse for operating

electric iron of 1 kW power at 220 V line. key were set-up.
10. (a) Define one ohm. [2010 (T-I)] (i) Draw the diagram of this electric circuit to
OT

(b) How many 330Ω resistors in parallel are study the relation between potential
required to carry 20 A on 220 V line? difference maintained between the points X
BR

and Y and electric current flowing through

(c) Name a component used to regulate current XY.
without changing the voltage source. y
(d) A 10Ω resistance wire is doubled on it
L

calculate the new resistance of wire. 1.6

YA

1.5
Volts

11. (a) Draw a shcematic diagram of the common

GO

domestic circuit. 1.0

(b) Write difference between overloading and V
short circuiting.
0.5
12. Answer the following questions: x
(i) Why do we connect earth wire in a house? 0.2 0.4 0.6
(I) Amp
Give two reasons.
(ii) The graph shown is plotted between V and I
(ii) What type of current is used in household
supply?
values. What would be the value of
(iii) What type of current is given by a cell?
ratio, when potential difference is 0.8 V,
(iv) To which wire do you connect fuse-wire in
1.2 V and 1.6 V. What conclusion you draw
a household circuit? [2010 (T-I)]
from these values?

14
A. Activities Procedure
1. Objective 1. Set up the circuit diagram as shown in
To identify conductors and insulators. figure (a).
Insert the key. Read and record current in
Materials required
ammeter A.
1.5 V cell, 1.5 V lamp; insulated connecting wires, + – + –
cello tape, metal clamps and different kinds of +
materials. A
–
2Ω 3Ω 2Ω 3Ω

N
Procedure A
+ –

HA
1. Set up the apparatus as shown in figure. (a) (b)
+
2. Collect atleast 10 item of various kinds at home –
such as plastic pipe, a steel spoon, a rubber, an

AS
–
aluminium wire, a copper plate, plastic spoon, a A
+
paper cup etc. 2Ω 3Ω

AK
+ – (c)
1.5 V cell
2. Set up the circuit diagram as shown in Fig. (b).

PR
1.5 volts Insert the key. Read and record current in
ammeter A.
3. Set up the circuit diagram as shown in Fig. (c).
Insert the key. Read and record current in
RS
P ammeter A.
Q
Observation
HE

Metal clamp
It is observed that ammeter shows same magnitude of
Metal clamp current in all the three cases.
OT

3. Insert each piece one by one in the metal clamps

Conclusion
P and Q.
In series circuit magnitude of current remain same
4. Record with which item the bulb glows and
BR

throughout the circuit.

with which item the bulb does not glow.
2. Objective
5. Tabulate the items as conductors and insulators.
To show in a parallel circuit, the current in the main
L

Conductor Insulators circuit is equal to the sum of currents in parallel

YA

branches.
Materials required
GO

A 1.5 V cell, a single key, rheostat 3, ammeter (0–1.5)

labelled A, A1 and A2, two resistors of 2Ω and 3Ω,
connecting wires.
Caution: Do not perform this activity with electric
Procedure
supply of your house.
1. Set up the circuit diagram as shown in the
B. Demonstrations figure. Insert the key.
+ –
1. Objective R K 1.5 V
To show magnitude of current does not change in
series circuit. +
A
Materials required –
+ – 2Ω
A1
A 6V battery or battery eliminator, two resistors of 2Ω
and 3Ω. An ammeter of range 0-2 A, a single key, 3Ω
A2
+ –
connecting wires.
15
 2. Switch on the circuit by inserting key. rheostat. Again read and record the values of
3. Read and record the values of current in A, current.
A1, A2.
5. Repeat the experiment at least four times to
4. Change the magnitude of current in main circuit
have five sets of readings.
by increasing or decreasing the resistance of

Observations:
S. No. Current in A Current in A1 Current in A2 Current (A1 + A2)
(in Amp) (in Amp) (in Amp) (in Amp)
1.
2.

N
HA
3.
4.

AS
5.

AK
It is noticed that the magnitude of current in ammeter Procedure
A is equal to the sum of current in A1 and A2.
1. Connect the 2Ω and 3Ω resistors in series and

PR
Conclusions set up the circuit as shown in figure.
1. The current in main circuit is equal to the sum of + –
currents in parallel branches.
RS
2. The current in the parallel branches divides in K 6V
the inverse ratio of the resistance of these R
HE

branches. From the above statement it implies + – + –

that more is the resistance in a parallel branch, V1 V2
less is the current flowing through it. + –
OT

3. Objective 2 3

To prove that potential difference varies all along in a V

BR

+ –
series circuit and total potential difference across the
2. Insert the key and read the values of e.m.f. for V,
circuit is sum total potential difference across the ends
V1 and V2. Tabulate the values.
of individual resistors.
L

3. Change the current in main circuit with help of

Materials required
YA

rheostat. Again read and record the values of

3 voltmeters (0–3V), labelled V, V1 and V2, a six volt emf for V, V1, V2.
battery or a battery eliminator, a single key, a rheostat,
GO

4. Repeat the experiment so as to have five sets of

two resistors of 2Ω and 3Ω, connecting wires.
readings.

Observations:

S. No. Voltage in V Voltage in V1 Voltage in V2 Voltage V1 + V2

(in Volts) (in Volts) (in Volts) (in Volts)
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

16
Conclusions along points C and D, i.e., in parallel with
1. There is a drop in potential in series circuit, but resistor of 2Ω.
the p.d. goes on increasing. + –
2. The total p.d. across series circuit is equal to the
K
sum total of p.d. across individual resistance. +
V
–
R
4. Objective A C 2 D B
To show potential difference across all the resistors in 3
–
E F
parallel is a constant quantity.
Materials required + V –

1.5 V cell, voltmeter (0–1.5 V), single key, rheostat, +V –

resistors of 2Ω and 3Ω each, connecting wires. 4. Insert the key. Read and record the reading of

N
voltmeter.
Procedure

HA
1. Connect the 2Ω and 3Ω resistors in parallel and 5. Switch off the circuit. Disconnect voltmeter
connect the voltmeter in parallel with them. form points C and D and reconnect it along
2. Set up the rest of circuit as shown in Figure and point E and F, i.e., in parallel with resistor of

AS
insert key. Read and record the voltmeter 3Ω.
reading across the resistors of 2Ω and 3Ω. 6. Insert the key. Read and record the reading of

AK
3. Switch off the circuit. Disconnect voltmeter voltmeter.
from points A and B and reconnect it 7. Change the main current from rheostat and

PR
repeat experiment three more times so as to take
Observations: four sets of readings.

S. No. Reading of voltmeter Reading of voltmeter Reading of voltmeter

RS
Across AB (in volts) across CD (in volts) across EF (in volts)
HE

1.

2.
OT

3.
BR

4.

Conclusion
L

Potential difference across number of resistors in brightly.

YA

series circuit is the same as the potential difference + –

across individual resistors connected in parallel.
GO

5. Objective
To find the meaning of short circuit. W

Materials required A B
A 6V battery, a 6V bulb, connecting wires and one 4. Now touch the other end of wire W to the point
way key. B for not more than one second.

Procedure Observation
You will observe that bulb goes off as long as the wire
1. Connect the battery, through the one way key
W is touching point B.
and 6V lamp.
2. Connect another wire W at point A, but do not Conclusion
touch it to point B. 1. Where does current go? Why the bulb stops
3. Insert the key. You will observe the bulb glows glowing?

17
 Well the current takes the passage of least 3. The circuit can be restored only by fixing a new
resistance. As the bulb offers far greater fuse wire.
resistance than the copper wire W, therefore all
Conclusions
the current flows through copper wire,
bypassing the lamp. This is called short circuit. 1. When the wire R is touched to the end Q, a short
Note: 1. Short circuit does not mean shortest path circuit takes place and hence very large current
taken by current. Instead it means the path flows through the battery, without passing
of least resistance taken by the current. through bulb.
2. This huge current, while flowing through fuse,
2. During short circuit a huge amount of
heats it up to such a temperature (about 200°C)
current flows through the wires, which in
that it melts. This, in turn, breaks the circuit.
turn can heat up the wire to such an extent
3. Much the same way electric fuses in our houses

N
that they catch fire.
operate. They are placed in series in the live

HA
6. Objective wire of a given circuit. When the circuit gets
To show a fuse melts and breaks circuit, during short short circuited or overloaded, the fuse melts.

AS
circuit. This helps in preventing electrical fires.

Materials required C. Models and Charts

AK
A 6 volt battery, 2 single keys (A) and (B), 6V bulb in To prepare working model of a switch board which
bulb holder, connecting wires, fuse wire of 1A or can be connected to the mains and can operate a main

PR
36 SWG. switch, fuse, bulb and a three pin plug shoe by
individual switches.
Procedure [Important: This activity should be done in presence
RS
1. Take out the keys from single one way keys A of trained electrician or your physics teacher]
and B.
Materials required
HE

A + –
10 m of insulated copper wire (22 SWG), plugs, set of
screw drivers, a main switch, a fuse socket with fuse
OT
Fuse wire

B
wire, two switches, one bulb holder, one three pin
R issue switch and a wooden board of 30 cm × 50 cm.
BR

Fuse
P Q

2. Fix the keys and bulb of 6 V in series. S Cut out

L

3. Fix one end of thick copper wire to the end P of S

YA

Main
the bulb. Keep other end free. switch
Bulb Three pin issue power
4. Take off 4 cm of fuse wire and connect it to the Live
GO

terminals of single one way key. Make sure that Neutral

no key is inserted in it throughout the
demonstration. Method
5. Switch on the circuit by inserting key in single 1. Draw the circuit on the board.
one way key A. You will observe the bulb glows
2. Mark the position of main switch, fuse,
brightly. switches, bulb holder, and three pin issue point.
6. Touch the free end of the wire R for a second or 3. Fix the above with the help of screw.
two only to the terminal Q of the bulb.
4. Connect the wires as shown in diagram.
Observations 5. Before connecting it to mains, get it checked
1. The bulb goes off and does not glow even when from electrician or school teacher. Do not do
the wire R is provided from end Q. this project on your own. You can get a very
severe electric shock or can start electric fire.
2. The fuse wire melts and breaks.

18
Group Discussion 5. Why the filament of electric bulb gets white hot,
Discuss the following questions in groups and arrive but the connecting wires do not?
at correct answers. 6. Why is the fuse always placed in the live wire of
1. Why does the resistance of a conductor increase a circuit?
with its length? 7. Why a fuse wire should never be replaced by a
2. Why the resistance of a conductor decrease with copper wire?
the increase in thickness of conductor? 8. Why is electric wiring in a house done in
3. Why different conductors offer different parallel?
resistances? 9. Why is it not advisible to wire house hold in
4. Why the resistance of conductor in general series?
increases with the rise in temperature? 10. What harm can take place, if there is no fuse in

N
an electric circuit?

HA
AS
AK
PR
RS
HE
OT
BR
L
YA
GO

19
Class X Chapter 12 – Electricity Science

Question 1:
What does an electric circuit mean?
Answer:
An electric circuit consists of electric devices, switching devices, source of electricity, etc.
that are connected by conducting wires.
Question 2:
Define the unit of current.
Answer:
The unit of electric current is ampere (A). 1 A is defined as the flow of 1 C of charge
through a wire in 1 s.
Question 3:
Calculate the number of electrons constituting one coulomb of charge.
Answer:
One electron possesses a charge of 1.6 × 10−19 C, i.e., 1.6 × 10−19 C of charge is
contained in 1 electron.

∴ 1 C of charge is contained in

Therefore, electrons constitute one coulomb of charge.

Page 1 of 27

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Class X Chapter 12 – Electricity Science

Question 1:
Name a device that helps to maintain a potential difference across a conductor.
Answer:
A source of electricity such as cell, battery, power supply, etc. helps to maintain a
potential difference across a conductor.
Question 2:
What is meant by saying that the potential difference between two points is 1 V?
Answer:
If 1 J of work is required to move a charge of amount 1 C from one point to another,
then it is said that the potential difference between the two points is 1 V.
Question 3:
How much energy is given to each coulomb of charge passing through a 6 V battery?
Answer:
The energy given to each coulomb of charge is equal to the amount of work required to
move it. The amount of work is given by the expression,

Potential difference =

Where,
Charge = 1 C
Potential difference = 6 V

Therefore, 6 J of energy is given to each coulomb of charge passing through a battery of

6 V.

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Question 1:
On what factors does the resistance of a conductor depend?
Answer:
The resistance of a conductor depends upon the following factors:
(a) Length of the conductor
(b) Cross-sectional area of the conductor
(c) Material of the conductor
(d) Temperature of the conductor
Question 2:
Will current flow more easily through a thick wire or a thin wire of the same material,
when connected to the same source? Why?
Answer:

Resistance of a wire,
Where,

= Resistivity of the material of the wire

l = Length of the wire
A = Area of cross-section of the wire
Resistance is inversely proportional to the area of cross-section of the wire.
Thicker the wire, lower is the resistance of the wire and vice-versa. Therefore, current
can flow more easily through a thick wire than a thin wire.
Question 3:
Let the resistance of an electrical component remains constant while the potential
difference across the two ends of the component decreases to half of its former value.
What change will occur in the current through it?
Answer:
The change in the current flowing through the component is given by Ohm’s law as,
V = IR

Where,
Resistance of the electrical component = R

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Potential difference = V
Current = I
The potential difference is reduced to half, keeping resistance constant.
Let the new resistance be R' and the new amount of current be I '.
Therefore, from Ohm’s law, we obtain the amount of new current.

Therefore, the amount of current flowing through the electrical component is reduced by
half.
Question 4:
Why are coils of electric toasters and electric irons made of an alloy rather than a pure
metal?
Answer:
The resistivity of an alloy is higher than the pure metal. Moreover, at high temperatures,
the alloys do not melt readily. Hence, the coils of heating appliances such as electric
toasters and electric irons are made of an alloy rather than a pure metal.
Question 5:
Use the data in Table 12.2 to answer the following −
Table 12.2 Electrical resistivity of some substances at 20°C

− Material Resistivity (Ω m)

Conductors Silver 1.60 × 10−8

Copper 1.62 × 10−8

Aluminium 2.63 × 10−8

Tungsten 5.20 × 10−8

Nickel 6.84 × 10−8

Iron 10.0 × 10−8

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Chromium 12.9 × 10−8

Mercury 94.0 × 10−8

Manganese 1.84 × 10−6

Constantan 49 × 10−6
(alloy of Cu and Ni)

Alloys Manganin 44 × 10−6

(alloy of Cu, Mn and Ni)

Nichrome 100 × 10−6

(alloy of Ni, Cr, Mn and Fe)

Glass 1010 − 1014

Insulators Hard rubber 1013 − 1016

Ebonite 1015 − 1017

Diamond 1012 − 1013

Paper (dry) 1012

(a) Which among iron and mercury is a better conductor?

(b) Which material is the best conductor?
Answer:

(a) Resistivity of iron =

Resistivity of mercury =
Resistivity of mercury is more than that of iron. This implies that iron is a better
conductor than mercury.
(b) It can be observed from Table 12.2 that the resistivity of silver is the lowest among
the listed materials. Hence, it is the best conductor.

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Question 1:
Draw a schematic diagram of a circuit consisting of a battery of three cells of 2 V each, a
5 Ω resistor, an 8 Ω resistor, and a 12 Ω resistor, and a plug key, all connected in series.
Answer:
Three cells of potential 2 V, each connected in series, is equivalent to a battery of
potential 2 V + 2 V + 2 V = 6V. The following circuit diagram shows three resistors of
resistances 5 Ω, 8 Ω and 12 Ω respectively connected in series and a battery of potential
6 V.

Question 2:
Redraw the circuit of question 1, putting in an ammeter to measure the current through
the resistors and a voltmeter to measure potential difference across the 12 Ω resistor.
What would be the readings in the ammeter and the voltmeter?
Answer:
To measure the current flowing through the resistors, an ammeter should be connected
in the circuit in series with the resistors. To measure the potential difference across the
12 Ω resistor, a voltmeter should be connected parallel to this resistor, as shown in the
following figure.

The resistances are connected in series.

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Ohm’s law can be used to obtain the readings of ammeter and voltmeter. According to
Ohm’s law,
V = IR,
Where,
Potential difference, V = 6 V
Current flowing through the circuit/resistors = I

Resistance of the circuit, R =

= 0.24 A

Potential difference across 12 Ω resistor =

Current flowing through the 12 Ω resistor, I = 0.24 A
Therefore, using Ohm’s law, we obtain

Therefore, the reading of the ammeter will be 0.24 A.

The reading of the voltmeter will be 2.88 V.
Question 1:
Judge the equivalent resistance when the following are connected in parallel − (a) 1 Ω
and 106Ω, (b) 1 Ω and 103Ω and 106Ω.
Answer:
(a) When 1 Ω and 106 Ω are connected in parallel:
Let R be the equivalent resistance.

Therefore, equivalent resistance 1Ω

(b) When 1 Ω, , and are connected in parallel:

Let R be the equivalent resistance.

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Therefore, equivalent resistance = 0.999 Ω

Question 2:
An electric lamp of 100 Ω, a toaster of resistance 50 Ω, and a water filter of resistance
500 Ω are connected in parallel to a 220 V source. What is the resistance of an electric
iron connected to the same source that takes as much current as all three appliances,
and what is the current through it?
Answer:

Resistance of electric lamp,

Resistance of toaster,

Resistance of water filter,

Voltage of the source, V = 220 V
These are connected in parallel, as shown in the following figure.

Let R be the equivalent resistance of the circuit.

According to Ohm’s law,

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V = IR

Where,
Current flowing through the circuit = I

7.04 A of current is drawn by all the three given appliances.

Therefore, current drawn by an electric iron connected to the same source of potential
220 V = 7.04 A

Let be the resistance of the electric iron. According to Ohm’s law,

Therefore, the resistance of the electric iron is and the current flowing through it
is 7.04 A.
Question 3:
What are the advantages of connecting electrical devices in parallel with the battery
instead of connecting them in series?
Answer:
There is no division of voltage among the appliances when connected in parallel. The
potential difference across each appliance is equal to the supplied voltage.
The total effective resistance of the circuit can be reduced by connecting electrical
appliances in parallel.
Question 4:
How can three resistors of resistances 2 Ω, 3 Ω and 6 Ω be connected to give a total
resistance of (a) 4 Ω, (b) 1 Ω?
Answer:
There are three resistors of resistances 2 Ω, 3 Ω, and 6 Ω respectively.
(a) The following circuit diagram shows the connection of the three resistors.

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Here, 6 Ω and 3 Ω resistors are connected in parallel.

Therefore, their equivalent resistance will be given by

This equivalent resistor of resistance 2 Ω is connected to a 2 Ω resistor in series.

Therefore, equivalent resistance of the circuit = 2 Ω + 2 Ω =

Hence, the total resistance of the circuit is .

2. The following circuit diagram shows the connection of the three resistors.

All the resistors are connected in series. Therefore, their equivalent resistance will be
given as

Therefore, the total resistance of the circuit is .

Question 5:
What is (a) the highest, (b) the lowest total resistance that can be secured by
combinations of four coils of resistance 4 Ω, 8 Ω, 12 Ω, 24 Ω?
Answer:

There are four coils of resistances , , 12 Ω, and 24 Ω respectively.

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(a) If these coils are connected in series, then the equivalent resistance will be the

highest, given by the sum 4 + 8 + 12 + 24 =

(b) If these coils are connected in parallel, then the equivalent resistance will be the
lowest, given by

Therefore, 2 Ω is the lowest total resistance.

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Question 1:
Why does the cord of an electric heater not glow while the heating element does?
Answer:
The heating element of an electric heater is a resistor. The amount of heat produced by
it is proportional to its resistance. The resistance of the element of an electric heater is
very high. As current flows through the heating element, it becomes too hot and glows
red. On the other hand, the resistance of the cord is low. It does not become red when
current flows through it.
Question 2:
Compute the heat generated while transferring 96000 coulomb of charge in one hour
through a potential difference of 50 V.
Answer:
The amount of heat (H) produced is given by the Joule’s law of heating as

Where,
Voltage, V = 50 V
Time, t = 1 h = 1 × 60 × 60 s

Amount of current,

Therefore, the heat generated is .

Question 3:
An electric iron of resistance 20 Ω takes a current of 5 A. Calculate the heat developed in
30 s.
Answer:
The amount of heat (H) produced is given by the joule’s law of heating as

Where,
Current, I = 5 A
Time, t = 30 s
Voltage, V = Current × Resistance = 5 × 20 = 100 V

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Therefore, the amount of heat developed in the electric iron is .

Question 1:
What determines the rate at which energy is delivered by a current?
Answer:
The rate of consumption of electric energy in an electric appliance is called electric
power. Hence, the rate at which energy is delivered by a current is the power of the
appliance.
Question 2:
An electric motor takes 5 A from a 220 V line. Determine the power of the motor and the
energy consumed in 2 h.
Answer:
Power (P) is given by the expression,

Where,
Voltage, V = 220 V
Current, I = 5 A

Energy consumed by the motor = Pt

Where,
Time, t = 2 h = 2 × 60 × 60 = 7200 s
P = 1100 × 7200 = 7.92 × 106 J
Therefore, power of the motor = 1100 W
Energy consumed by the motor = 7.92 × 106 J

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Question 1:
A piece of wire of resistance R is cut into five equal parts. These parts are then
connected in parallel. If the equivalent resistance of this combination is R', then the ratio
R/R' is −

(a)

(b)
(c) 5
(d) 25
Answer:
(d) Resistance of a piece of wire is proportional to its length. A piece of wire has a
resistance R. The wire is cut into five equal parts.

Therefore, resistance of each part =

All the five parts are connected in parallel. Hence, equivalent resistance (R’) is given as

Therefore, the ratio is 25.

Question 2:
Which of the following terms does not represent electrical power in a circuit?
(a) I2R
(b) IR2
(c) VI

(d)
Answer:

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(b) Electrical power is given by the expression, P = VI … (i)

According to Ohm’s law, V = IR … (ii)
Where,
V = Potential difference
I = Current
R = Resistance

From equation (i), it can be written

P = (IR) × I

From equation (ii), it can be written

Power P cannot be expressed as IR2.

Question 3:
An electric bulb is rated 220 V and 100 W. When it is operated on 110 V, the power
consumed will be −
(a) 100 W
(b) 75 W
(c) 50 W
(d) 25 W
Answer:
(d)Energy consumed by an appliance is given by the expression,

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Where,
Power rating, P = 100 W
Voltage, V = 220 V

Resistance, R =
The resistance of the bulb remains constant if the supply voltage is reduced to 110 V. If
the bulb is operated on 110 V, then the energy consumed by it is given by the
expression for power as

Therefore, the power consumed will be 25 W.

Question 4:
Two conducting wires of the same material and of equal lengths and equal diameters are
first connected in series and then parallel in a circuit across the same potential
difference. The ratio of heat produced in series and parallel combinations would be −
(a) 1:2
(b) 2:1
(c) 1:4
(d) 4:1
Answer:
(c) Heat produced in the circuit is inversely proportional to the resistance R.
Let RS and RP be the equivalent resistances of the wires if connected in series and
parallel respectively. Hence, for same potential difference V, the ratio of heat produced
in the circuit is given by

Where,
Heat produced in the series circuit = HS

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Heat produced in the parallel circuit = HP

Equivalent resistance, RS = R + R = 2R

Equivalent resistance, RP

Hence, ratio =
Therefore, the ratio of heat produced in series and parallel combinations is 1:4.
Question 5:
How is a voltmeter connected in the circuit to measure the potential difference between
two points?
Answer:
To measure the potential difference between two points, a voltmeter should be
connected in parallel to the points.
Question 6:
A copper wire has diameter 0.5 mm and resistivity of 1.6 × 10−8 Ω m. What will be the
length of this wire to make its resistance 10 Ω? How much does the resistance change if
the diameter is doubled?
Answer:
Resistance (R) of a copper wire of length l and cross-section A is given by the
expression,

Where,

Resistivity of copper,

Area of cross-section of the wire, A =

Diameter= 0.5 mm = 0.0005 m
Resistance, R = 10 Ω

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Hence, length of the wire,

If the diameter of the wire is doubled, new diameter

Therefore, resistance

Therefore, the length of the wire is 122.7 m and the new resistance is
Question 7:
The values of current I flowing in a given resistor for the corresponding values of
potential difference V across the resistor are given below −

I (amperes ) 0.5 1.0 2.0 3.0 4.0

V (volts) 1.6 3.4 6.7 10.2 13.2

Plot a graph between V and I and calculate the resistance of that resistor.
Answer:
The plot between voltage and current is called IV characteristic. The voltage is plotted on
x-axis and current is plotted on y-axis. The values of the current for different values of
the voltage are shown in the given table.

V (volts) 1.6 3.4 6.7 10.2 13.2

I (amperes ) 0.5 1.0 2.0 3.0 4.0

The IV characteristic of the given resistor is plotted in the following figure.

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The slope of the line gives the value of resistance (R) as,

Therefore, the resistance of the resistor is .

Question 8:
When a 12 V battery is connected across an unknown resistor, there is a current of 2.5
mA in the circuit. Find the value of the resistance of the resistor.
Answer:
Resistance (R) of a resistor is given by Ohm’s law as,

Where,
Potential difference, V = 12 V

Current in the circuit, I = 2.5 mA =

Therefore, the resistance of the resistor is .

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Question 9:
A battery of 9 V is connected in series with resistors of 0.2 Ω, 0.3 Ω, 0.4 Ω, 0.5 Ω and 12
Ω, respectively. How much current would flow through the 12 Ω resistor?
Answer:
There is no current division occurring in a series circuit. Current flow through the
component is the same, given by Ohm’s law as

Where,

R is the equivalent resistance of resistances . These

are connected in series. Hence, the sum of the resistances will give the value of R.
R = 0.2 + 0.3 + 0.4 + 0.5 + 12 = 13.4 Ω
Potential difference, V = 9 V

Therefore, the current that would flow through the 12 Ω resistor is 0.671 A.
Question 10:
How many 176 Ω resistors (in parallel) are required to carry 5 A on a 220 V line?
Answer:
For x number of resistors of resistance 176 Ω, the equivalent resistance of the resistors
connected in parallel is given by Ohm’s law as

Where,
Supply voltage, V = 220 V
Current, I = 5 A
Equivalent resistance of the combination = R,given as

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From Ohm’s law,

Therefore, four resistors of 176 Ω are required to draw the given amount of current.
Question 11:
Show how you would connect three resistors, each of resistance 6 Ω, so that the
combination has a resistance of (i) 9 Ω, (ii) 4 Ω.
Answer:
If we connect the resistors in series, then the equivalent resistance will be the sum of
the resistors, i.e., 6 Ω + 6 Ω + 6 Ω = 18 Ω, which is not desired. If we connect the
resistors in parallel, then the equivalent resistance will be

Hence, we should either connect the two resistors in

series or parallel.
(i) Two resistors in parallel

Two 6 Ω resistors are connected in parallel. Their equivalent resistance will be

The third 6 Ω resistor is in series with 3 Ω. Hence, the equivalent resistance of the circuit
is 6 Ω + 3 Ω = 9 Ω.
(ii) Two resistors in series

Two 6 Ω resistors are in series. Their equivalent resistance will be the sum

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The third 6 Ω resistor is in parallel with 12 Ω. Hence, equivalent resistance will be

Therefore, the total resistance is .

Question 12:
Several electric bulbs designed to be used on a 220 V electric supply line, are rated 10
W. How many lamps can be connected in parallel with each other across the two wires of
220 V line if the maximum allowable current is 5 A?
Answer:
Resistance R1 of the bulb is given by the expression,

Where,
Supply voltage, V = 220 V
Maximum allowable current, I = 5 A

Rating of an electric bulb

According to Ohm’s law,

V=IR
Where,
R is the total resistance of the circuit for x number of electric bulbs

Resistance of each electric bulb, Ω

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Therefore, 110 electric bulbs are connected in parallel.

Question 13:
A hot plate of an electric oven connected to a 220 V line has two resistance coils A and
B, each of 24 Ω resistances, which may be used separately, in series, or in parallel. What
are the currents in the three cases?
Answer:
Supply voltage, V = 220 V

Resistance of one coil, R =

(i) Coils are used separately
According to Ohm’s law,

Where,

is the current flowing through the coil

Therefore, 9.16 A current will flow through the coil when used separately.
(ii) Coils are connected in series

Total resistance,
According to Ohm’s law,

Where,

is the current flowing through the series circuit

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Therefore, 4.58 A current will flow through the circuit when the coils are connected in
series.
(iii) Coils are connected in parallel

Total resistance, is given as

According to Ohm’s law,

Where,

is the current flowing through the circuit

Therefore, 18.33 A current will flow through the circuit when coils are connected in
parallel.
Question 14:
Compare the power used in the 2 Ω resistor in each of the following circuits: (i) a 6 V
battery in series with 1 Ω and 2 Ω resistors, and (ii) a 4 V battery in parallel with 12 Ω
and 2 Ω resistors.
Answer:
(i) Potential difference, V = 6 V
1 Ω and 2 Ω resistors are connected in series. Therefore, equivalent resistance of the
circuit, R = 1 + 2 = 3 Ω
According to Ohm’s law,
V = IR
Where,
I is the current through the circuit

This current will flow through each component of the circuit because there is no division

of current in series circuits. Hence, current flowing through the 2 Ω resistor is .

Power is given by the expression,

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(ii) Potential difference, V = 4 V

12 Ω and 2 Ω resistors are connected in parallel. The voltage across each component of
a parallel circuit remains the same. Hence, the voltage across 2 Ω resistor will be 4 V.
Power consumed by 2 Ω resistor is given by

Therefore, the power used by 2 Ω resistor is 8 W.

Question 15:
Two lamps, one rated 100 W at 220 V, and the other 60 W at 220 V, are connected in
parallel to electric mains supply. What current is drawn from the line if the supply
voltage is 220 V?
Answer:
Both the bulbs are connected in parallel. Therefore, potential difference across each of
them will be 220 V, because no division of voltage occurs in a parallel circuit.
Current drawn by the bulb of rating 100 W is given by,

Similarly, current drawn by the bulb of rating 100 W is given by,

Question 15:
Two lamps, one rated 100 W at 220 V, and the other 60 W at 220 V, are connected in
parallel to electric mains supply. What current is drawn from the line if the supply
voltage is 220 V?
Answer:
Both the bulbs are connected in parallel. Therefore, potential difference across each of
them will be 220 V, because no division of voltage occurs in a parallel circuit.

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Current drawn by the bulb of rating 100 W is given by,

Similarly, current drawn by the bulb of rating 100 W is given by,

Question 16:
Which uses more energy, a 250 W TV set in 1 hr, or a 1200 W toaster in 10 minutes?
Answer:
Energy consumed by an electrical appliance is given by the expression,

Where,
Power of the appliance = P
Time = t
Energy consumed by a TV set of power 250 W in 1 h = 250 × 3600 = 9 × 105 J
Energy consumed by a toaster of power 1200 W in 10 minutes = 1200 × 600
= 7.2× 105 J
Therefore, the energy consumed by a 250 W TV set in 1 h is more than the energy
consumed by a toaster of power 1200 W in 10 minutes.
Question 17:
An electric heater of resistance 8 Ω draws 15 A from the service mains 2 hours.
Calculate the rate at which heat is developed in the heater.
Answer:
Rate of heat produced by a device is given by the expression for power as

Where,
Resistance of the electric heater, R = 8 Ω
Current drawn, I = 15 A

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Therefore, heat is produced by the heater at the rate of 1800 J/s.

Question 18:
Explain the following.
(a) Why is the tungsten used almost exclusively for filament of electric lamps?
(b) Why are the conductors of electric heating devices, such as bread-toasters and
electric irons, made of an alloy rather than a pure metal?
(c) Why is the series arrangement not used for domestic circuits?
(d) How does the resistance of a wire vary with its area of cross-section?
(e) Why are copper and aluminium wires usually employed for electricity transmission?
Answer:
(a) The melting point and resistivity of tungsten are very high. It does not burn readily
at a high temperature. The electric lamps glow at very high temperatures. Hence,
tungsten is mainly used as heating element of electric bulbs.
(b) The conductors of electric heating devices such as bread toasters and electric irons
are made of alloy because resistivity of an alloy is more than that of metals. It produces
large amount of heat.
(c) There is voltage division in series circuits. Each component of a series circuit receives
a small voltage for a large supply voltage. As a result, the amount of current decreases
and the device becomes hot. Hence, series arrangement is not used in domestic circuits.
(d) Resistance (R) of a wire is inversely proportional to its area of cross-section (A), i.e.,

(e) Copper and aluminium wires have low resistivity. They are good conductors of
electricity. Hence, they are usually employed for electricity transmission.

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