CHAPTER-3: CURRENT ELECTRICITY

BOARD:14 Marks , KCET: 6Q , NEET:3Q , JEE:2Q

Electric current (I): The rate of flow of charge is called electric current.

NOTE:
 I = q/t ⇒ I = ne/t

 Electric current is a scalar

 Its SI unit is ampere (A) and Its dimensional formula is [A]
 Define 1A (or) Define S.I unit of electric current: Current through a conductor is one
ampere when one coulomb charge flows in 1 sec.
 Though Electric current has direction, still it is scalar. Why?
Because electric current cannot obey vector rules.

Current density (J): The current flowing per unit area is called current density.
Note:
𝐼
 Current density (J) = 𝐴

 It is a vector

 Its SI unit is A/𝑚2 and Its dimensional formula is [A𝐿−2 ]

 How many electrons must flow in 1s through a conductor to constitute current of 1A?
Or How many electrons constitute current of 1A?
𝑛𝑒 𝐼𝑡 1×1
𝐼= ⇒𝑛= = = 0.625 × 1019 𝑒𝑙𝑒𝑐𝑡𝑟𝑜𝑛𝑠
𝑡 𝑒 1.6×10−19

 How many electrons constitute current of 3.2 A?

𝑛𝑒 𝐼𝑡 3.2×1
𝐼= ⇒𝑛= = 1.6×10−19 = 2 × 1019 𝑒𝑙𝑒𝑐𝑡𝑟𝑜𝑛𝑠
𝑡 𝑒

 Calculate the current when 1million electrons are flowing through a conductor in 2 S?
𝑛𝑒 1 × 106 × 1.6 × 10−19
𝐼= ⇒ ⇒ 0.8 × 10−13 𝐴
𝑡 2
 How many electrons constitute current of (a) 1𝝁𝑨 (b) 𝟑. 𝟐𝒎𝑨 (c) 𝟒. 𝟖𝒏𝑨?
𝑛𝑒 𝐼𝑡 1×10−6
a) 𝐼 = ⇒𝑛= ⇒ 𝑛 = 1.6 ×10−19 ⇒ 𝑛 = 0.625 × 1013
𝑡 𝑒

𝑛𝑒 𝐼𝑡 3.2×10−3
b) 𝐼 = ⇒𝑛= ⇒ 𝑛 = 1.6 ×10−19 ⇒ 𝑛 = 2 × 1016
𝑡 𝑒

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 𝑛𝑒 𝐼𝑡 4.8×10−9
c) 𝐼 = ⇒𝑛= ⇒ 𝑛 = 1.6 ×10−19 ⇒ 𝑛 = 3 × 1010
𝑡 𝑒

 There are 𝟏𝟎 × 𝟏𝟎𝟏𝟗 electrons flowing through a conductor in 2min, what is the current
flowing through it?
𝑛𝑒 10×1019 ×1.6×10−19
𝐼= = = 0.13 𝐴
𝑡 120

Ohm’s law
Statement: “The current flowing through a conductor is directly proportional to the potential
difference between its ends, provided temperature and other physical conditions remain constant”
𝑉
𝑖. 𝑒. 𝐼 ∝ 𝑉 ⇒𝐼=𝑅

Where R is the resistance of the conductor

Limitation of ohm’s law
 Ohm’ law is applicable only for good conductors.
 Ohm’s law is not applicable for semiconductors (Diodes and Transistors), vacuum tubes,
thermistors etc..
 Ohm’s law is not applicable for varying temperature.
 Ohm’s law not holds good at very high temperature and at very low temperature
Ohmic and non-ohmic device
“The devices which obey ohm’s law are called ohmic devices”.
Ex:-voltmeter, ammeter, resistor, rheostat, etc..

“The devices which do not obey ohm’s law are called non-ohmic devices”
Ex:- Semiconductor, thermistors, etc.

Note:-Graphical representation of Ohmic and non – Ohmic device

I I I

V V V
Ohmic device Non-ohmic device Non-ohmic device

Resistor: It is a device used to oppose the flow of current

Resistance (R): The ability of a resistor which opposes the flow of current is called resistance
Or It is the ratio of potential difference to the current.
Note:
𝑉
 Resistance , 𝑅 = 𝐼
 It is a scalar
 S.I unit of resistance is ohm(Ω)

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  Its dimensional formula is [𝑀𝐿2 𝑇 −3 𝐴−2 ]
 Define 1 ohm or define S.I unit of resistance: The resistance of a conductor is 1ohm when a
potential difference of 1V produces current of 1A.

COLOR CODE OF RESISTORS

Resistor
Color Code
Black 0
Brown 1
Red 2 I band II band III band IV band
(Red) (Green) (Red) (Gold)
Orange 3
Yellow 4 2 5 x 102 ± 5%
Green 5 I II III IV

Blue 6
Violet 7
Grey 8
white 9

NOTE: Tolerance (IV band):

For gold ± 5%, For silver ± 10%,
For no band ± 20%.
Combination of Resistors
i) Series combination: It is the combination in which the resistors are connected end to end
so that current through each resistor is same.
3-5M Obtain an expression for effective or equivalent resistance of series combination.
R1 R2 RS

I V1 V2 I V

V V
Fig.1 Fig.2

Consider two resistors of resistances 𝑅1 and 𝑅2 connected in series. Let 𝑉1 and 𝑉2 be the potential
difference across 𝑅1 and 𝑅2 respectively. Let I be the current, let 𝑅𝑆 be the effective resistance of the
series combination.

From fig1, 𝑉1 = 𝐼𝑅1 , 𝑉2 = 𝐼𝑅2

But 𝑉 = 𝑉1 + 𝑉2
𝑉 = 𝐼𝑅1 + 𝐼𝑅2
V = 𝐼(𝑅1 + 𝑅2 ) − − − − − (1)
From fig 2, V = 𝐼𝑅𝑠 − − − − − − (2)

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Equating (1) and (2)
𝐼𝑅𝑠 = 𝐼 (𝑅1 + 𝑅2 )
𝑹𝒔 = ( 𝑹𝟏 + 𝑹𝟐 )
For ‘n’ resistors in series, 𝑅𝑠 = 𝑅1 + 𝑅2 + 𝑅3 + − − − − − + 𝑅𝑛

ii)Parallel combination: It is the combination in which the resistors are connected between two
common points so that p.d across each resistor is same.
3-5M Obtain an expression for effective or equivalent resistance of parallel combination.
R2

I2
R1 RP
I I1
I V
V

V V
Fig.1 Fig.2

Consider two resistors of resistances 𝑅1 and 𝑅2 connected in parallel. Let 𝐼1 be the current
through 𝑅1 and 𝐼2 be the current through 𝑅2 . Let ‘V’ be the potential difference and 𝑅𝑃 be the
effective resistance of the parallel combination.

𝑉 𝑉
From fig (1), 𝐼1 = , 𝐼2 =
𝑅1 𝑅2

But 𝐼 = 𝐼1 + 𝐼2

𝑉 𝑉
𝐼=𝑅 +
1 𝑅2

1 1
𝐼 = 𝑉 (𝑅 + ) − − − − − (1)
1 𝑅2

𝑉
From fig(2), 𝐼= → (2)
𝑅𝑃

Equating (1) and (2)

𝑉 1 1
= 𝑉 (𝑅 + )
𝑅𝑃 1 𝑅2

𝟏 𝟏 𝟏
=𝑹 +
𝑹𝑷 𝟏 𝑹𝟐

1 1 1 1 1
For ‘n’ resistors in parallel, = (𝑅 + + + − − − − − − +𝑅 )
𝑅𝑃 1 𝑅2 𝑅3 𝑛

NOTE: Define equivalent resistance or effective resistance.

Equivalent resistance of a combination is the single resistance which produces the same effect as
that of the combination.

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NOTE:
 Name the factors on which the resistance of a conductor depends.
The resistance (R) of a conductor depends on
 Length(L)
 Area of cross section(A)
 Temperature(t)
 and nature of the material

 How does resistance of a conductor vary with its length?

Resistance is directly proportional to the length of the conductor(R∝L).
 How does resistance of a conductor vary with its area of cross section?
1
Resistance is inversely proportional to the area (R∝ 𝐴)
 How does resistance of a conductor vary with temperature?
Resistance is directly proportional to temperature (R∝ t)
NOTE
𝟏 𝑳 𝝆𝑳 RA
 R∝ 𝑳 , R∝ 𝑨 , R∝ 𝑨 , R= or 𝝆 =
𝑨 𝑳

𝜌 → Resistivity or specific resistance of the material

 Define resistivity or specific resistance
Resistivity of a material is numerical equal to its resistance when length and area of cross
section are unity.

NOTE
 S.I unit of resistivity is 𝛺m
 Its dimensional formula is [𝑀𝐿3 𝑇 −3 𝐴−2 ]
 Resistivity of the given material does not depend on its dimensions like length and area , but
it depends on temperature and nature of the material

KCET/NEET/JEE : Finding Resistance of a stretched/compressed wire

𝒍𝟏 𝒍𝟐
𝝆 𝑨𝟏 𝝆 𝑨𝟐
Before stretching(𝑹𝟏 ) After stretching(𝑹𝟐 )

Volume Before stretching = Volume after stretching

𝒍𝟏 𝑨𝟏 = 𝒍𝟐 𝑨𝟐
𝒍𝟐 𝑨𝟏
=
𝒍𝟏 𝑨𝟐

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 For a stretched or compressed wire 𝝆 is constant
𝝆𝒍𝟏
𝑹𝟏 = ⇒𝑹 𝒔 𝒔 𝒏 𝒔 𝒏
𝑨𝟏

𝝆𝒍𝟐
𝑹𝟐 = ⇒𝑹 𝒔 𝒔 𝒏 𝑨 𝒔 𝒏
𝑨𝟐

𝟐
𝑨=

Electrical Conductivity (𝝈)

1
 Reciprocal of resistivity is called conductivity {𝜎 = 𝜌 }
 Its S.I unit is siemens/meter (S/m)
 Its dimensional formula is [𝑀−1 𝐿−3 𝑇 3 𝐴2 ]

Conductance (G)

 The reciprocal of resistance is called conductance {G=1/R}

 Its S.I unit is siemens (S) or mho

 Its dimensional formula is [𝑀−1 𝐿−2 𝑇 3 𝐴2 ]

Drift velocity (𝑽𝒅 )

The average velocity with which the free electrons move opposite to the direction of electric field is
called drift velocity.

Obtain an expression for drift velocity

Vd
I

Consider a conductor of length L . In the absence of electric field, free electrons move randomly
inside the conductor. When electric field E is applied the electron experience force F in a direction
opposite to the electric field.

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 = −𝑒 -----(1) Where e is the charge of electron, m is the mass of
electron and a is the acceleration of the electron
Also =𝑚 ------(2)
On equating eqn (1) and (2)

𝑚 = −𝑒
= −𝑒 /m-----(3)

𝑡 = + 𝑡 𝑒𝑟𝑒 = 0, = 𝑑 𝑛 𝑡=

where is the relaxation time

⇒ 𝑑 =0+

𝑑 =

Now eqn (3) becomes

Drift velocity 𝒅 =− m

Obtain the relation between current and drift velocity or Obtain an expression for current in a
conductor or Derive I = n A e 𝑽𝒅

Consider a conductor of length ‘L’. Let ‘I’ be the current,

A
‘A’ be the area of cross section of the conductor and ‘𝑉𝑑 ’ Vd
I
be the drift velocity and ‘E’ be the electric field. Let I be the
L
current.

Volume of the conductor = A L

Total number of electrons in the conductor = n (AL)

where n is the number of electrons per unit volume

Total charge q = (n A L) e where e is the charge of electron

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 Current I = q /t

𝑛𝐴𝐿𝑒
I= 𝑡

𝐿
I=nAe𝑡

𝐿
I = n A e 𝑉𝑑 where = 𝑉𝑑
𝑡

2M- NOTE: Mention the expression for current in a conductor in terms of drift velocity and
explain the terms

I = n A e 𝑽𝒅

Where I is the current, A is the area of cross section, e is the charge of electron , 𝑉𝑑 is the drift
velocity and n is the number of electrons per unit volume.

5M- Derive an expression for electrical conductivity of a metal in terms of mean collision
𝒏 𝟐
time/relaxation time [𝝈 = ]
𝒎

Consider a conductor of length ‘L’. Let ‘I’ be the current,

‘A’ be the area of cross-section of the conductor. Let Vd A
be the drift velocity and ‘E’ be the electric field. Vd
I
𝑒𝐸𝜏
𝑉𝑑 = → (1)
𝑚 L
I = n A e 𝑉𝑑 → (2)
𝑒𝐸𝜏
I = n A e [ 𝑚 ] Where, e is the charge of electron , n is the number of electrons per unit volume,
τ is the relaxation time and m is the mass of electron.

I=

J=

𝐼
= where
𝐴
= 𝑖𝑠 𝑡 𝑒 𝑐 𝑟𝑟𝑒𝑛𝑡 𝑒𝑛𝑖𝑠𝑡 𝑛

NOTE : Mean collision time (or) relaxation time ( )

The time taken by the electron between two successive collisions is called mean collision time.

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5M- Derive or Deduce Ohm’s law

Consider a conductor of length L. Let I be the current, A

be the area of cross-section of the conductor, Vd be the
A
drift velocity and E be the electric field and V is the Vd
I
potential difference.
L
eEτ
Vd = → (1)
m

I = n A e Vd → (2)
V
eEτ
I=nAe[m ]

Where, e is the charge of electron , n is the number of electrons per unit volume, τ is the
relaxation time and m is the mass of electron.

I=

I=𝜎𝐴 where

I=

I= where E = V/ L

I=
𝜌𝐿
I= where = 𝑅 𝑖𝑠 𝑡 𝑒 𝑟𝑒𝑠𝑖𝑠𝑡 𝑛𝑐𝑒.
𝐴

I=

NOTE: Optional: Ohm’s Law in vector form

A
Vd
I

V
Consider a conductor of length L. Let I be the current, A be the area of cross-section of the
conductor, Vd be the drift velocity and E be the electric field and V is the potential difference.

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 eEτ
Vd = → (1)
m

I = n A e Vd → (2)
eEτ
I=nAe[ ]
m

Where, e is the charge of electron , n is the number of electrons per unit volume, τ is the
relaxation time and m is the mass of electron.
𝑛𝑒 2 𝜏
I= 𝐴
𝑚

I=𝜎𝐴
𝑛𝑒 2 𝜏
I/A = 𝜎 where = 𝜎 𝑖𝑠 𝑡 𝑒 𝑒𝑙𝑒𝑐𝑡𝑟𝑖𝑐 𝑙 𝑐𝑜𝑛 𝑐𝑡𝑖 𝑖𝑡
𝑚

𝑱 = 𝝈 ⃗⃗ This Ohm’s law in vector form. Where I/A = is the current density.

Cell: It is a device used to maintain steady current in the circuit.

Internal resistance of a cell (r): The resistance of electrodes of the cell is called internal
resistance.
OR
The resistance offered by the cell to the flow of current is called its resistance.
EMF of a cell (electro motive force):
Electro motive force is defined as the work done to move a unit positive charge through out the
circuit where it is connected.
Or
“ The potential difference between the terminals of the cell when the cell is in open circuit is
called EMF.

Note: S.I unit of EMF is volt (V)

3M- Derive an expression for current in a simple circuit consisting of a cell of EMF ‘E’, internal
resistance ‘r’ is connected to an external resistance ‘R’.

Consider a cell of EMF ‘E’ and internal R

resistance ‘r’ connected to an external
resistance ‘R’. Let ‘I’ be the current and I
‘V’ be the terminal p.d. V
P.d. across R is V= I R
P.d. across r is 𝑉 = I r E,r
But E = V + 𝑉
E=IR+Ir
E = I(R +r) ⇒ I=

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 NOTE:

 Terminal p.d. (V): The p.d. between the terminals of the cell when the cell is in closed
circuit is called terminal p.d.
𝐸 𝐸𝑅 𝐸
 Terminal p.d V = I R ⇒ V = 𝑅+ 𝑅 ⇒ V = 𝑟 ⇒V= 𝑟
𝑅(1+ ) (1+ )
𝑅 𝑅

If R = ∞, then terminal p.d. V = E

 When does terminal P.d equal to the EMF of the cell?

Ans: when the cell is in open circuit (ie R = ∞)

Grouping of cells
Series combination of cells: It is the combination in which cells are connected end to end.
5M- Derive an expression for equivalent EMF of two cells connected in series

E1 , r1 E2 , r2 Eeq , req

A B I I C A I C
Fig. 1 Fig. 2

Consider two cells of EMF 1 and 2 having internal resistance 𝑟1 and 𝑟2 are connected in series.
Let 𝑒𝑞 be the equivalent EMF and 𝑟𝑒𝑞 be the equivalent internal resistance. Let I be the current.

From Fig (1),

P.d between A and B is 𝑉𝐴 = 𝑉𝐴 − 𝑉 = 1 − 𝐼𝑟1
P.d between B and C is 𝑉 =𝑉 −𝑉 = 2 − 𝐼𝑟2
P.d between A and C is 𝑉𝐴 = 𝑉𝐴 − 𝑉
𝑉𝐴 = 𝑉𝐴 − 𝑉 + 𝑉 − 𝑉
𝑉𝐴 = (𝑉𝐴 −𝑉 ) + (𝑉 − 𝑉 )
𝑉𝐴 = 1 − 𝐼𝑟1 + 2 − 𝐼𝑟2
𝑉𝐴 = ( 1+ 2) − 𝐼(𝑟1 + 𝑟2 ) → (1)
From fig (2),
𝑉𝐴 = 𝑉𝐴 − 𝑉 = 𝑒𝑞 − 𝐼𝑟𝑒𝑞 → (2)
Comparing (1) and (2)
𝑒𝑞 = 1 + 2 and 𝑟𝑒𝑞 = 𝑟1 + 𝑟2

Parallel combination of cells: It is the combination in which cells are connected between two
common points.

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5M- Derive an expression for equivalent EMF of two cells connected in parallel

E1 , r1
Eeq , req
I1
I2 I I
I
Fig. 2
Fig. 1 E2 , r2

Consider two cells of EMF 1 and 2 having internal resistance 𝑟1 and 𝑟2 are connected in parallel.
Let 𝑒𝑞 be the equivalent EMF and 𝑟𝑒𝑞 be the equivalent internal resistance. Let I be the current.

From fig (1)

P.d across 1st cell is V = 1 − 𝐼1 𝑟1

𝐼1 𝑟1 = 1 −𝑉
𝐸1 −𝑉
𝐼1 =
1

P.d across 2nd cell is V = 2 − 𝐼2 𝑟2

𝐼2 𝑟2 = 2 −𝑉
𝐸2 −𝑉
𝐼2 =
2

But 𝐼 = 𝐼1 + 𝐼2

𝐸1 −𝑉 𝐸2 −𝑉
𝐼= +
1 2

𝐸1 𝑉 𝐸2 𝑉
𝐼= − + −
1 1 2 2

𝐸1 𝐸2 1 1
I= + −𝑉[ + ] → (1)
1 2 1 2

From fig (2)

V= 𝑒𝑞 − 𝐼𝑟𝑒𝑞

𝐸𝑒𝑞 −𝑉
I=
𝑒𝑞

𝑒𝑞 1
𝐼= − 𝑉 [ ] → (2)
𝑟𝑒𝑞 𝑟𝑒𝑞

From (1) and (2)

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 𝑒𝑞 1 2
= +
𝑟𝑒𝑞 𝑟1 𝑟2

𝟏 𝟐
𝒒 =[ + ] 𝒒
𝟏 𝟐

𝟏 𝟏 𝟏
and = +
𝒒 𝟏 𝟐

NOTE: When two identical cells are connected in parallel, equivalent emf of the combination is
equal to emf of the single cell. ie 𝑒𝑞 =E

Mobility of electrons (μ): The drift velocity per unit electric filed is called mobility

NOTE:

 Mobility (μ) = Vd/E

 Its S.I. unit is m2 V-1 s-1 or m s-1 C N-1

 Its dimensional formula is [M-1 A T2 ]

NOTE: Graphical representation of variation of resistivity(ρ)with temperature(T)

ρ ρ ρ

T ( in K) T(in K) T ( in K)
For metal For Nicrome/manganin For semiconductor

Temperature coefficient of resistance of a conductor (𝜶):

“The fractional change in resistance per unit change in temperature is called temperature
coefficient of resistance”.
(𝑹𝟐 −𝑹𝟏 )/𝑹𝟏 𝜟𝑹/𝑹𝟏
 𝑹𝟐 = 𝑹𝟏 [ 𝟏 + 𝜶 ( 𝟐 − 𝟏 )] ⇒ 𝜶= ⇒ 𝜶= ..../oC
𝟐− 𝟏 𝜟

Where 𝑅1 is the resistance at temperature 𝑡1 ,

𝑅2 is the resistance at temperature 𝑡2 .
(𝑹𝟐 −𝑹𝟎 )/𝑹𝟎 𝜟𝑹/𝑹𝟎
 𝑹 = 𝑹𝟎 (𝟏 + 𝜶 ) ⇒ 𝜶 = ⇒ 𝜶= …….. oC

Where 𝑅𝑡 is the resistance at temperature 𝑡 , 𝑅0 is the resistance at 0oC.

 Unit of 𝛼 is /oC or /K [ per degree Celsius or per kelvin]
 Name the materials used in making standard resistance coils.

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 Ans: Nichrome, manganin and constantan
 Why nichrome/manganin/constantan is used in making standard resistance coils?
Ans: Due to high resistivity and low temperature coefficient of resistance (𝛼).
Kirchhoff’s laws:

Electrical network: It is a combination of various circuit elements connected in a complicated

manner.

Node (or)junction: It is the point at which more than two conductors meet.
Loop (or) mesh: It is a closed path for the flow of current.
Kirchhoff’s I law (or) Kirchhoff’s current law (KCL)
Statement: The algebraic sum of the currents at a node is zero.
i.e. ∑ 𝐼 = 0

Explanation:
KCL at the node N gives I3

∑𝐼 = 0 N

I1 I2
𝐼1 + 𝐼2 − 𝐼3 − 𝐼4 = 0
I4
𝐼1 + 𝐼2 = 𝐼3 + 𝐼4
“ ie at a node sum of incoming currents is equal to sum of outgoing currents”
Kirchhoff’s II law (or) Kirchhoff’s voltage law (KVL)
Statement: In a loop the algebraic sum of product of current and resistance is equal to the
algebraic sum of EMF.
i.e. ∑ 𝐼 𝑅 = ∑ 𝑒𝑚𝑓 R1
Explanation: I I
Apply KVL to loop E1
𝐼𝑅1 + 𝐼𝑅2 − 2− 1 =0
𝐼𝑅1 + 𝐼𝑅2 = 2 + 1
E2
i.e. ∑ 𝐼 𝑅 = ∑ 𝑒𝑚𝑓
NOTE:
 What is Principle/Importance/Significance of KCL?
Ans: Law of conservation of charge.
 What is Principle/Importance/Significance of KVL?
Ans: Law of conservation of energy.

VIDYAVAHINI PU COLLEGE CUURENT ELECTRICITY

Wheatstone’s bridge network : It is an electrical network in which 4 resistors are connected in
the form of quadrilateral.
5M- Deduce the condition for balanced Wheatstone’s network
Consider four resistors P, Q, R and S connected in the form of a quadrilateral ABCDA. Let𝐼𝑔 be the
current through galvanometer. Let ‘G’ be the resistance of the galvanometer.
Applying KCL at B : 𝐼1 = 𝐼3 + 𝐼𝑔 → (1) B
I3
Applying KCL at D : 𝐼2 + 𝐼𝑔 = 𝐼4 → (2) P Q
I1 Ig
Applying KVL to loop (1) A C
G
I2 I4
𝐼1 𝑃 + 𝐼𝑔 𝐺 − 𝐼2 𝑅 = 0 → (3)
R S
Applying KVL to loop (2)
I D
𝐼𝑔 𝐺 + 𝐼4 𝑆 − 𝐼3 𝑄 = 0 → (4)
E
When network is balanced 𝐼𝑔 = 0

𝑞 𝑛 (1), (2), (3) 𝑛 (4) Becomes

𝐼1 = 𝐼3 → (5)
𝐼2 = 𝐼4 → (6)

𝐼1 𝑃 = 𝐼2 𝑅 → (7)

𝐼3 𝑄 = 𝐼4 𝑆 → (8)

𝐸𝑞𝑛.(7)
𝑔𝑖 𝑒𝑠
𝐸𝑞𝑛. (8)

𝐼1 𝑃 𝐼2 𝑅
=
𝐼3 𝑄 𝐼4 𝑆

𝑷 𝑹
= This is the condition for balanced Wheatstone’s network.
𝑸 𝑺

NOTE: In a balanced Wheatstone’s network, the resistance of the galvanometer is changed from
80𝛺to 100 𝛺 . Does the network remain balanced? YES

Meter bridge : It is an instrument used to find unknown resistance of the given material.
NOTE: It works on the principle of balanced Wheatstone’s network.
R
S
B
Ba - Battery
G - Galvanometer
G R - Unknown resistance
A Jockey C
D of the given wire
l 100- l
S – Standard resistance box
Ba

VIDYAVAHINI PU COLLEGE CUURENT ELECTRICITY

A meter bridge consists of a metal wire of length 1 meter stretched two points A and C. A cell or
battery is connected between A and C and a galvanometer is connected between the points B and
D. A standard resistance box S is connected in the right gap and unknown resistance R is
connected in the left gap as shown in the figure.

A suitable resistance is unplugged in the standard resistance box and the jockey is moved on the
bridge wire from A towards C galvanometer shows zero deflection. When the deflection in the
galvanometer is zero bridge is balanced.
𝑅 𝑆
Therefore for a balanced Wheat Stone’s bridge =
𝑙 100−𝑙

𝑆𝑙
𝑅= 100−𝑙

“Thus by knowing S and l, the unknown resistance R can be calculated”.

Potentiometer: It is a device used to determine EMF and internal resistance of a cell.

Principle: The p.d between two points of a wire is directly proportional to its length provided area
of cross section of the wire and current through the wire are constant.

NOTE:
Explain how to determine the internal resistance of a cell using potentiometer:
Ba

Ba - Battery
G - Galvanometer
l AB - Potentiometer wire
A B E – EMF of the Cell
R - Resistance box
E

G
R ( )
K

Keeping key K is open, the position of the jockey on the potentiometer wire is adjusted to get zero
deflection in the galvanometer and the corresponding length 𝑙1 is noted.
= ∅𝑙1 ---------- (1) where is EMF of the cell and ∅ is the potential drop per unit length.
Now key K is closed and suitable resistance R is unplugged in the resistance box , the position of
the jockey on the potentiometer wire is again adjusted to get zero deflection in the galvanometer
and the corresponding length 𝑙2 is noted.
𝑉 = ∅𝑙2
𝐼𝑅 = ∅𝑙2 where 𝑉 is terminal p.d. and 𝐼 is current.
𝐸𝑅
= ∅𝑙2 ------------- (2)
𝑅+

Eqn. (1) / (2) gives

𝑅+𝑟 𝑙1
=
𝑅 𝑙2
VIDYAVAHINI PU COLLEGE CUURENT ELECTRICITY
 𝑟 𝑙1
1+ =
𝑅 𝑙2

𝑟 𝑙1
= −1
𝑅 𝑙2

𝒍𝟏
= 𝑹( − 𝟏)
𝒍𝟐

“ By knowing the values of 𝑅, 𝑙1 and 𝑙2 the internal resistance of the cell 𝑟 can be determined.
Explain the comparison of EMF of two cells using potentiometer:

Ba Rh

l Ba - Battery
A B
G - Galvanometer
Rh - Rheostat
E1 AB - Potentiometer wire
K1 E1 and E2 – EMF the Cells
E2 K2 G
Two way key

Keeping key K1 is closed, the rheostat is adjusted so that a constant current flows in the
potentiometer. The position of the jockey on the potentiometer wire is adjusted to get zero
deflection in the galvanometer and the corresponding length 𝑙1 is noted.

1 = ∅𝑙1 ---------- (1)

where 1 is EMF of the first cell and ∅ is the potential drop per unit length.
Now the key K2 is closed, and position of the jockey on the potentiometer wire is again adjusted to
get zero deflection in the galvanometer and the corresponding length 𝑙2 is noted.

2 = ∅𝑙2 ---------- (2)

Eqn. (1) / (2) gives

1 ∅𝑙1
=
2 ∅𝑙2

𝟏 𝒍𝟏
=
𝟐 𝒍𝟐
“ By knowing 𝑙1 and 𝑙2 the EMF of two cells can be compared”.

Uses of Potentiometer-
 It is used to determine EMF of a cell.
 It is used to determine internal resistance of a cell.
 It is used to compare EMF of two cells.
Note: How do you increase the sensitivity of a potentiometer?
Ans: By increasing length of the potentiometer wire

VIDYAVAHINI PU COLLEGE CUURENT ELECTRICITY

NUMERICALS: CURRENT ELECTRICITY
1. The resistance of a wire of length 0.6m and diameter 0.4mm is 1.5Ω. Find the resistivity of its
material. (3.14x10-7 Ω-m)
2. A small current is passed through a wire of length 15m and uniform cross-section 6x10-7m2 and
its resistance is measured to be 5 Ω. What is the resistivity of the material at the temperature
of the experiment? (2x10-7 Ω-m)
3. Two conductors have effective resistance of 30 Ω when connected in series and 20/3 Ω when
connected in parallel. Find their resistances.(20 Ω and 10 Ω)
4. Two resistance coils have an effective resistance of 16 Ω when connected in series and 3.75 Ω
when connected in parallel. Find the individual resistances.(6 Ω and 10 Ω)
5. What is the heat produced by heater in 5minutes when it is connected to a supply of 220V? The
resistance of the heater is 50 Ω.(290400J)
6. A 220V, 1000W bulb is connected across a 110V mains supply. What will be the power
consumed?(250W)
7. The emf of a cell (internal resistnace 6 Ω) is 12V. If this is connected to an external resistance of
6 Ω, what is the p.d across it?(6V)
8. A cell which produces an emf of 1.5V is connected in series with an external reistance of 10 Ω.
If the p.d across the cell is 1.25V, find the internal resistance of the cell.(2 Ω)
9. A cell supplies 0.9A current through 2 Ω resistor & 0.3A through 7 Ω resistor. Find the internal
resistance of the cell.(0.5Ω)
10. A voltmeter connected to a cell reads 2.2V. When a reistance of 1 Ω is connected between the
terminals of the cell, the reading of the voltmeter falls to1.1V. Find the internal resistance of
the cell.(1Ω)
11. A cell of emf 1.5V and internal resistance 2 Ω is connected to resistors 5 Ω and 8 Ω in series.
What is the p.d across the 5 Ω resistor?(0.5V)
12. A battery of emf 10V and internal resistance 3 Ω is connected to a resistor. If the current in the
circuit is 0.5A, what is the resistance of the resistor? What is the terminal voltage of the battery
when the circuit is closed?(17Ω, 8.5V)
13. When two resistors are connected in series with a cell of emf 2V and negligible internal
resistance, a current of 2/5 A flows in the circuit. When the resistors are connected in parallel
the main current is 5/3 A. Calculate the resistances. (2 Ω & 3 Ω)
14. A resistance of 10 Ω is connected to a cell. A voltmeter connected across the cell reads 2V.
When a resistance of 15 Ω is connected in series with 10 Ω, the voltmeter reading changes to
2.5V. Calculate the emf of the cell and its internal resistance.(3V and 5 Ω)
15. A resistance of 9 Ω is connected to a cell. A voltmeter connected across the cell reads 1.8V.
When a resistance of 10 Ω is connected in series with 9 Ω, the voltmeter reading changes to
1.9V. Find the emf of the cell and its internal resistance. (2V and 1Ω)
16. The emf of a battery is 20V and its internal resistance is 4 Ω. The p.d between its terminals when
they are connected by a wire A is 16V and the p.d falls to 10V when A is replaced by another
wire B. Find the resistances of A and B. (16 Ω and 4 Ω)
17. A wire of circular cross section of diameter 0.08mm is made of a material whose resistivity is
16μΩ-cm. If the resistance of the wire is 21Ω, find its length.(0.66m)

VIDYAVAHINI PU COLLEGE CUURENT ELECTRICITY

18. A metal cube of side 1cm is drawn into a wire of length 40m. The resistivity of the material of
the wire is 44x10-8Ω-m. Find the resistance of the wire.(704 Ω)
19. A solid cube of metal of 0,01m side is drawn into a uniform wire 3m long. Find the resistance of
this wire. Given that resistivity of the material of the wire is 50x10-8 Ω-m.(4.5 Ω)
20. A conductor wire having 1029 electrons/m3 carries a current of 20A. If the cross section of the
wire is 1mm2, what is the drift velocity? Given e = 1.6x10-19C.(1.25x10-3m/s)
21. Estimate the average drift speed of conduction elrctrons in a copper of cross sectional area
1x10-7m2 carrying a current of 1.5A. Assume that each copper atom contributes one conduction
electron. The density of copper is 9x103kg/m3 and its atomic weight is 63.5g. (1.09x10-3m/s)
22. The number density of free electrons in a copper conductor is estimated at 8.5x10 28/m3. How
long does an electron take to drift from one end of a wire 3m long to its other end? The area of
cross –section of the wire is 2x10-6m2 and it is carrying a current of 3A. (27272s)
23. Three resistors 1 Ω, 2 Ω and 3 Ω are connected in parallel. If a current of 11A enters this
combination, what is the current through each resistor? (6A, 3A, 2A)
24. A circuit is made up of a battery of emf 10V (its internal resistance unknown), an ammeter (of
negligible resistance) and a wire of resistance 5 Ω, all connected in series. The ammeter reads
1A. What reistance connected in parallel to the 5 Ω resistance will increase the ammeter reading
to 1.5A? (2.5 Ω)
25. The storage battery of a car has an emf of 12V. If the internal resistance of the battery is 0.4 Ω,
what is the maximum current that can be drawn from the battery?(30A)
26. a) Three resistors 1 Ω, 2 Ω and 3 Ω are in series. What is the total resistance of the combination?
b) If the combination is connected to a battery of emf 12V and negligible internal resistance,
obtain the p.d across each resistor. [(a) 6 Ω (b) 2V, 4V, 6V]
27. a) Three resistors 2 Ω,4 Ω and 5 Ω are in parallel. What is the total resistance of the
combination? b) If the combination is connected to a battery of emf 20V and negligible internal
resistance, determine the current through each resisistor, and the total current drawn from the
battery. [(a) 20 19 Ω (b) 10A, 5A, 4A and 19A]
28. Two resistors of 8 Ω and 12 Ω are connected in series across a battery of p.d 10V. Find current
in the circuit. When another unknown resistance is connected in parallel with the two resistors
across the same battery, the current in the circuit changes to 2.5A. Calculate the unknown
resistance.(0.5A, 5 Ω)
29. A wire of resistance 9 Ω is bent in the form of a circle. A cell of emf 4.5V and internal resistance
1 Ω is connected across two points on the wire, which are 1/3rd of circumference apart.
Calculate the current through various branches. (1.5A ,1A, 0.5A)
30. Two wires of resistance 3 Ω and 2 Ω are connected in parallel. This combination is connected in
series with a wire of resistance 4 Ω and a battery of internal resistance 0.8 Ω. If the main current
is 0.5A, calculate the terminal p.d. and emf of the battery.(2.6V, 3V)
31. Three resistors of 3 Ω, 6 Ω and 9 Ω are connected in parallel. This combination is connected in
series with another resistance of 1 Ω and a cell having emf 2V and internal resistance 1 Ω.
Calculate the current through each resistor. (0.55A, 0.3A, 0.15A, 0.1A)
32. Three resistors of 3 Ω, 6 Ω and 9 Ω are connected in parallel. A p.d. of 18V is maintained across
this combination. Find the current in each resistor and the power dissipated in each resistor.
(6A,3A,2A and108W,54W,36W)

VIDYAVAHINI PU COLLEGE CUURENT ELECTRICITY

33. Three resistors each of resistance 4 Ω are connected in parallel. Five resistors each of resistance
8 Ω are connected in parallel. Another three resistors each of resistance 10 Ω are in parallel. If
these parallel combinations are in series, find the effective resistance of the circuit. (6.27 Ω)
34. A p.d. of 100V is maintained across a conductor of resistance 25 Ω. Calculate the number of
electrons flowing through it in one second. (Given e = 1.6x10 -19C).(2.5x1019)
35. Two conductors of resistances 4 Ω and 8 Ω are connected in parallel with a cell of emf 2V and
internal resistance 0.5 Ω. Find the current in each conductor. (0.421A, 0.21A)
36. Two resistors 2 Ω and 4 Ω are connected in parallel. Two more resistors 3 Ω and 6 Ω are also in
parallel. These two combinations are in series with a battery of emf 5V and internal resistance
0.7 Ω. Find the current through 6 Ω resistor. (0.413A)
37. Two resistors 2 Ω and 3 Ω are connected in parallel to a cell of emf 2V. Calculate the main
current and current through individual resistors. (1.66A, 0.996A, 0.66A)
38. Three resistances 1 Ω, 2 Ω and 3 Ω are connected in parallel. This combination is connected in
series with a cell of emf 2V and internal tesistance 5/11 Ω. Calculate a)equivalent resistance of
the combination b) current through the combination c) p.d across the combination d) current
in 1Ω branch.(6 11Ω, 2A, 12 11V, 12 11A)
39. Two wires A and B are of the same material. A is twice as long as B and diameter of A is thrice
that of B. If the resistance of A is 4Ω find that of B.(18Ω)
40. A wire of resistance 2 Ω is stretched uniformly until its length become 3times its original length.
Find the resistance of the wire. (18 Ω)
41. The temperature coefficient of resistance of a wire is 0.00125/ oC. Its resistance is 1 Ω at 300K.
At what temperature its resistance will be 2 Ω?(854 oC)
42. Resistance of copper coil is 4.64 Ω at 40 oC and 5.6 Ω at 100 oC. What is its resistance at 0 oC?(4Ω)
43. The resistance of a conductor is 5 Ω at 50 oC and 6 Ω at 100 oC. What is its resistance at 0 oC?(4Ω)
44. A silver wire has a resistance of 2.1 Ω at 27.5 oC and 2.7 Ω at 100 oC. Find 𝛼. (0.0044/ oC)
45. At room temperature (27 oC) the resistance of a heating element is 100 Ω. What is the
temperature of the element if the resistance is found to be 117Ω,
(given that 𝛼 = 1.7x10-4/ oC. (1031.6oC)
46. The resistance of the platinum wire of a platinum resistance thermometer at the ice point is 5
Ω and at the steam point is 5.23 Ω. When the thermometer is inserted in a hot bath, the
resistance of the platinum wire is 5.795 Ω. Calculate the temperature of the bath.(345.60 oC)

ADDITIONAL PROBLEMS
1. A wire of resistance R is cut into five equal pieces. These five pieces of wire are then connected
in parallel. What is the equivalent resistance of this combination in terms of the original
resistance R? [R/25]
2. A copper wire has a diameter of 0.5 mm and resistivity of 1.68 10 -8 Ωm. What will be the
length of this wire to make its resistance of 2 ohm? [23.8 m]
3. A grinder motor is designed to operate at a current of 5 A and at a p.d. of 200 V. What resistance
must be connected in series with the motor so as to maintain the rated current when it is
operated on a 220 V line? [4 Ω]

VIDYAVAHINI PU COLLEGE CUURENT ELECTRICITY

4. What is the main current in the circuit? [0.33 A]

5. What is the current through 30 Ω resistors in the given circuit? [0.44 A]

6. What is the current through 20 Ω resistor? [ 0.72 A ]

7. How do you arrange 45 cells, each of emf 1.4 V and internal resistance 0.1 Ω so as to send
maximum current through an external resistance of 0.5 Ω. What is the maximum current?
[ 3 branches of 15 cells each, 21 A]
8. A battery of 6V gives a current of 2 A when connected to a resistance of 2 Ω. What is the internal
resistance, terminal p.d. and lost voltage of the battery? Explain the term lost voltage.
[1 Ω, 4 V]
9. Two resistors 3 Ω and 6 Ω are connected in parallel. A cell of emf 2 V and internal resistance 1 Ω
and a resistor of 7 Ω are connected to the resistor combination. What is the power dissipated
across 7 Ω resistor? [0.28 W]
10. Two resistances 100 Ω and 200 Ω are connected in series to a 150 V supply. A voltmeter of
resistance 200 Ω is connected across 100 Ω resistor. What is the reading of voltmeter? [37.5 V]
11. Three bulbs are rated 40 W- 220 V, 60 W- 220 V and 100 W- 220 V respectively. (i) Find the
resistance of each bulb. (ii) What is the maximum permissible current in each bulb?
[1210 Ω, 806.7 Ω, 484 Ω, 0.45A ]

12. Two resistors of 2 Ω and 3 Ω are connected to the left gap of a metre bridge in turn. A standard
resistance of 4 Ω is connected to the right gap. Find the balancing lengths in each case.
[0.333m, 0.429 m]
13. Two cells rated as 10 V, 2 Ω and 8 V, 1Ω are connected in parallel to send current in the same
direction across a 6 Ω resistor. Find the p.d. across 6 Ω resistor. [7.8V]

VIDYAVAHINI PU COLLEGE CUURENT ELECTRICITY

14. In a typical Wheatstone network, resistances P, Q, R and S are 10 Ω, 20 Ω, 30 Ω and 50 Ω
respectively. Is the network balanced? If not, how do you vary (i) the arm R and (ii) the arm S
to balance the network? (No, 150 Ω, 10 Ω)

MODEL QUESTION PAPERS AND PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTION PAPERS

1. Two cells of 6 V and 4 V having internal resistance of 3 and 2 respectively are connected
in parallel so as to send a current through an external resistance 8 in the same direction.
Find the current through the cells and the current through the external resistance.
2. A silver wire has a resistance of 2.1 Ω at 27.5 °C, and a resistance of 2.7 Ω at 100 °C. Determine
the temperature coefficient of resistivity of silver. Also find the resistance of silver wire at 0 °C.
3. A battery of internal resistance 3 Ω is connected to 20 Ω resistor and potential difference
across the resistor is 10 V. If another resistor of 30 Ω is connected in series with the first
resistor and battery is again connected to the combination. Calculate the e.m.f. and terminal
potential difference across the combination. 12Ω

4. A network of resistors is connected to a 12 V battery as shown in figure 6Ω

a) Calculate the equivalent resistance of the network.

b) Obtain current in 12Ω and 6 Ω resistors.
12V
5. Two cells of emf 2V and 4V and internal resistance 1 Ω and 2 Ω. Respectively
are connected in parallel so as to send the current in the same direction through an external
resistance of 10 Ω. Find the potential difference across 10 Ω resistor.
6. Two identical cells either in series or in parallel combination, gives the same current of 0.5A
through external resistance of 4 Ω. Find emf and internal resistance of each cell.
7. a) Three resistors of resistance 2 Ω, 3 Ω and 4 Ω are combined in series. What is the total
resistance of the combination?
b) It this combination is connected to a battery of emf 10V and negligible internal resistance,
obtain the potential drop across each resistor.
8. A wire having length 2.0m, diameter 1.0 mm and resistivity 1.963 × 10-8 Ωm is connected in
series with a battery of emf 3V and internal resistance 1 Ω. Calculate the resistance of the wire
and current in the circuit.
9. When two resistors are connected in series with a cell of emf 2V and negligible internal
2
resistance, a current of A flows in the circuit. When the resistors are connected in parallel
5
5
the main current is A. Calculate the resistances.
3
10. a) Three resistors 4 Ω, 6 Ω and 8 Ω are combined in parallel. What is the total resistance of
the combination?
b) If the combination is connected to a battery of emf 25 V and negligible internal resistance.
Determine the current through each resistor and total current drawn from the battery.
11. 100 mg mass of nichrome metal is drawn into a wire of area of cross-section 0.05 mm2.
Calculate the resistance of this wire. Given density of nichrome 8.4 × 103kgm-3 and resistivity of
the material as 1.2 × 10-6 m Ω

VIDYAVAHINI PU COLLEGE CUURENT ELECTRICITY

12. In the given circuit diagram, calculate: (i) the main current through the circuit and (ii) Also
current through 9 Ω resistor.
6Ω 6Ω

6Ω 6Ω

9Ω

3V, 0.24Ω

13. Two resistors are connected in series with 5V battery of negligible internal resistance. A
current of 2A flows through each resistor. If they are connected in parallel with the same
25
battery a current of 𝐴 flows through combination. Calculate the value of each resistance.
3
14. A network of Resistors is connected to a 16V battery with internal resistance 1Ω as shown in
figure below. 4Ω 1Ω 12Ω
a) Compute the equivalent resistance of the network 4Ω 6Ω
b) Calculate the total current in the circuit.
16V, 1Ω
15. a) Three resistors 3Ω, 4 Ω and 12 Ω are connected in
parallel. What is the effective resistance of the combination?
b) If the combination is connected to a battery of emf 6 V and internal resistance 0.5 Ω,
find the current drawn from the battery and terminal potential difference across the
battery.

VIDYAVAHINI PU COLLEGE CUURENT ELECTRICITY