CHAPTER 16: ELECTRICAL CIRCUITS
1. Electric Circuits
- An electric circuit is a path through which electric current
flows.
- Microchips are tiny circuits used in larger systems to control
devices.
- Series Circuit: Components connected one after another in a
single loop.
- Parallel Circuit: Components connected side by side; current
divides among paths.
2. Batteries and Cells
- A cell is a single source of electrical energy.
- A battery is made by joining two or more cells.
- More cells in series = more voltage and stronger current.
3. Current
- Electric current is the flow of electrons.
- Measured in amperes (A) using an ammeter.
- In a series circuit, current is the same throughout.
- In a parallel circuit, current splits between branches.
- A bright lamp = large current; dim lamp = small current.
4. Measuring Current
- Use an ammeter connected in series with the component.
- Red terminal connects toward positive side of the cell.
- The more the current, the brighter the lamp or the stronger
the device output.
5. Voltage
- Voltage is the force that pushes the current through a circuit.
- Measured in volts (V) using a voltmeter.
- A voltmeter is connected in parallel to the component.
- More cells in series = higher voltage = more energy for
electrons.
6. Resistance
- Resistance is the opposition to the flow of current.
- Measured in ohms (Ω).
- More resistance = less current.
- Ohm’s Law:
Resistance= Voltage ÷ Current
7. Fixed and Variable Resistors
- Fixed resistor: has a set resistance that does not change.
- Variable resistor: can adjust resistance by changing wire
length/contact.
- Used to control current, e.g., dim lights or volume knobs.
8. Buzzers
- A buzzer converts electrical energy into sound by vibration.
- Used in alarms, timers, and signals.
9. Superconductors
- Discovered by Heike Kamerlingh-Onnes in 1911.
- At very low temperatures (close to absolute zero), some
materials lose all resistance.
- Called superconductors.
- Used in MRI machines, particle accelerators, and advanced
electronics.
- Newer materials become superconductors at relatively
higher temperatures but still not room temperature.
QUESTION PAPER
Section A: Multiple Choice Questions
1. What is the unit of electric current?
a) Volt
b) Ohm
c) Ampere
d) Watt
2. What type of circuit allows current to split across different branches?
a) Series
b) Closed
c) Open
d) Parallel
3. Which instrument is used to measure voltage?
a) Ammeter
b) Voltmeter
c) Barometer
d) Thermometer
4. What happens to the brightness of lamps in a series circuit when
more lamps are added?
a) Increases
b) Stays the same
c) Decreases
d) Explodes
5. What is the correct symbol for resistance?
a) V
b) A
c) Ω
d) W
6. A cell produces:
a) Resistance
b) Heat
c) Electrical energy
d) Sound
7. A fixed resistor:
a) Changes resistance often
b) Has no resistance
c) Maintains a constant resistance
d) Is used to measure temperature
8. What does a buzzer convert electrical energy into?
a) Light
b) Sound
c) Motion
d) Heat
9. What happens when more cells are added in series?
a) Voltage decreases
b) Resistance increases
c) Current decreases
d) Voltage increases
10. Which material offers no resistance at very low temperatures?
a) Conductor
b) Insulator
c) Superconductor
d) Transformer
Section B: Short Answer Questions
1. Define electric current and state its unit.
2. Differentiate between series and parallel circuits.
3. What is voltage and how is it measured in a circuit?
4. How is an ammeter connected in a circuit and why?
5. What happens to the current if the resistance in a circuit
increases?
6. What is the function of a variable resistor?
7. Explain the relationship between voltage, current, and resistance
using a formula.
8. What is the role of microchips in modern electrical devices?
9. How does a fixed resistor differ from a lamp filament in terms of
heat?
10. What happens to the brightness of a lamp when current
increases?
Section C: Fill in the Blanks
1. The _____________ is used to measure the current in a circuit.
2. Resistance is measured in ___________.
3. A ____________ circuit has only one path for current to flow.
4. ________________ resistors maintain the same resistance
regardless of temperature.
5. ___________ is the potential difference between two points in a
circuit.
6. A voltmeter is always connected in ____________ across a
component.
7. The opposition to the flow of electrons is called ______________.
8. A battery is made by joining two or more ______________.
9. Superconductors have ______________ resistance.
10. Buzzers produce ______________ when electricity passes
through them.
Section D: Long Answer Questions
1. Describe the construction and functioning of a series circuit. How
does the current behave in such a circuit?
2. Describe the construction and functioning of a parallel circuit.
How does the current behave when it splits across branches?
3. Explain the difference in brightness of bulbs when connected in
series vs. parallel.
4. How do ammeters and voltmeters function in circuits? Explain
their placement and purpose.
5. What is resistance? Describe factors that affect resistance in a wire
or component.
6. Derive the formula for calculating resistance and explain each
component with examples.
7. What is a variable resistor? How does it work and where might it
be used in real life?
8. What is the function of a buzzer in an electric circuit? How does it
convert energy?
9. Define a superconductor. Describe Heike Kamerlingh-Onnes’
discovery and modern applications.
10. Discuss the importance of understanding simple circuits for
developing complex electronic devices like microchips.
Q10 Answer: Understanding simple circuits is important because they
are the building blocks of complex electronic devices like microchips. By
learning how current, voltage, and resistance work in a simple circuit,
we can understand how to control electricity in big devices. Simple
circuits help us learn how to connect components like batteries, wires,
bulbs, and switches correctly. Microchips are made by combining many
tiny circuits, so if we know how simple circuits work, we can design and
fix microchips better. It also helps us become better at problem-solving
and can lead to careers in electronics and engineering.
8. What is the role of microchips in modern electrical devices?
Microchips are tiny electronic parts that control how modern electrical
devices work. They act like the “brain” of the device. Microchips help
process information, control signals, and make decisions in things like
computers, mobile phones, TVs, cars, and even washing machines. They
allow devices to work faster, smarter, and more efficiently. Without
microchips, modern technology would not be possible.
