Class 10 Science

Chapter 12 Electricity
Charging by Friction:

When a glass rod is rubbed with silk, electrons move from glass rod to silk therefore,
the glass rod acquires a positive charge as it becomes deficient of electrons and silk
will acquire negative charge as the amount of negative charge in it increases.

Electric charge
So it was concluded that we have two types of charges:

(i) Positive charge

(ii) Negative charge

The symbol used for it is (q) and unit that is used to measure it is Coulomb which is
denoted by C (unit).
The electric charge is equal to the number of electrons in it and the magnitude of
charge on the electron i.e.
q = ne
where n = number of electrons and
e = charge of electron
= 1.6 × 10−19 C
Q. Calculate number of electrons in 1C of charge
Ans) Q= ne
Here Q= 1C and e = 1.6 × 10−19 C
So, 1 = n x 1.6 × 10−19 C

Therefore, we can define 1C as:

1C is that charge which contains 6.25 × 1018 number of electrons in it.
Electric current:
It is defined as the rate of flow of the electric charge through any section of a
conductor.

S.I. unit of electric current is ampere (A). If 1 coulomb of electric charge flows
through a cross section for 1 second, it would be equal to 1 ampere.
Therefore, 1 A = 1 C / 1 s
1 mA (mill ampere) = 10-3 A
 Direction of electric current is same as direction of positive charges and opposite
to the direction of flow of negative charges.

Electrostatic potential:
Electrostatic potential at any point in an electric field is defined as the amount of
work done in bringing a unit positive charge from infinity to that point.
Potential difference between two points: The Potential difference between two
points in an electric field is the amount of work done in bringing a unit positive
charge from one to another.

Electrostatic potential,
Its unit is volt.

Hence a body is said to have an electrical potential of 1 volt if one joule of work is
done to charge the body to one coulomb.
Positive charges move from higher to lower potential regions.
Electrons, being negatively charged, move from lower to higher potential regions.

Electric circuit and circuit diagram

 A closed-loop path which a current takes is called an electric circuit.

 Representation of an electric circuit through symbols is called a circuit
diagram.

 Galvanometer: It is device to detect current in an electric circuit.

 Ammeter: It is device to measure current in a circuit. It is always connected
in series in a circuit.
 Voltmeter: It is a device to measure potential difference. It is always
connected in parallel to the component across which the potential difference
is to be measured..
Ohm’s Law:
Ohm’s Law states that the potential difference between two points of a conductor is
directly proportional to the electric current, at a constant temperature.
V∝l
⇒ V = lR
R is a constant known as Resistance. The SI unit of resistance is ohm (Ω).

Resistance
Resistance is a measure of the opposition offered to the current flow in an electric
circuit.
1 Ohm: 1 ohm (Q) of resistance (R) is equal to the flow 1A of current through a
conductor between two points having a potential difference equal to 1V.

Factors affecting Resistance:

 Directly proportional to the length of the conductor.

R ∝ l …(i)

 Directly proportional to nature of the conductor.

 Directly proportional to the temperature of the conductor.
 Inversely proportional to the cross-sectional area of the conductor.

R ∝ lA ….(ii)
From equations (i) and (ii)
R∝l/A
R=ρxl/A (iii)
Where, ρ (rho) is the proportionality constant. It is called the electrical resistivity of
the material of conductor.
From equation (iii)
RA = ρ x l
⇒ ρ = RA / l (iv)

The S.I. unit of Resistivity:

Since, the S.I. unit of R is Ω, S.I. unit of area is m2 and S.I. unit of length is m.
Hence, unit of resistivity (ρ) = Ω x m2 x m = Ω-m
Thus, S.I. unit of resistivity (ρ) is Ω-m.
Combination of resistors
1. Resistors in Series:

 When resistors are joined from end to end, it is called in series.

 Current through each resistor is same.
 Potential difference across their ends is different
 Sum of Potential difference across individual resistor is equal to applied
potential.
 In this case, the total resistance of the system is equal to the sum of the
resistance of all the resistors in the system.

2. Resistors in Parallel:

 Potential difference across each resistor is same.

 Current through each resistor is different.
 When resistors are joined in parallel, the reciprocal of the total resistance of
the system is equal to the sum of reciprocal of the resistance of resistors.
 Sum of Electric Current through each resistor is equal to total current supplied.
 In this case, the reciprocal of the total resistance of the system is equal to the
sum of reciprocal of the resistance of resistors.
Disadvantage of Series Connection in an Electric Circuit

1. In series connection if any of the component fail to work, the circuit will break and
then none of the component (ex. TV, bulb, fan...) will work.

2. It is not possible to connect a bulb and a heater in series, because they need
different value of current to operate properly.

Hence, to overcome this problem we generally use parallel circuit.

Heating Effect of Electric Current:

 The heating of resistor because of dissipation of electrical energy is commonly

known as Heating Effect of Electric Current.

 Some examples are as follows: When electric energy is supplied to an

electric bulb, the filament gets heated because of which, it gives light.

Cause of Heating Effect of Electric Current:

 Electric current generates heat to overcome the resistance offered by the

conductor through which it passes.

 Higher the resistance, the electric current will generate higher amount of heat.

Joule’s Law of Heating:

Let, an electric current, I is flowing through a resistor having resistance = R.
The potential difference through the resistor is = V.
The charge, Q flows through the circuit for the time, t
Thus, work done in moving of charge (Q) of potential difference (V),
W=V×Q
Since this charge, Q flows through the circuit for time t
Therefore, power input (P) to the circuit can be given by the following equation:
P = WT
P = V × Qt …..(i)
We know, electric current, I = Qt
Substituting Qt = I in equation (i), we get,
P = VI …(ii)
i.e., P = VI
Since, the electric energy is supplied for time ?, thus, after multiplying both sides of
equation (ii) by time t, we get,
P × t = VI × t = VIt ……(iii)
i.e., P = VIt
Thus, for steady current I, the heat produced (H) in time t is equal to VIt
H = VIt i.e., H = VIt
We know, according to Ohm’s Law,
V = IR
By substituting this value of V in equation (iii), we get,
H = IR × It
H = I2Rt ……(iv)

The expression (iv) is known as Joule’s Law of Heating, which states that heat
produced in a resistor is directly proportional to the square of current given to the
resistor, directly proportional to the resistance for a given current and directly
proportional to the time for which the current is flowing through the resistor.
Electric Fuse:
 Electric fuse is used to protect the electric appliances from high voltage if any.
 The property of fuse wire is that it has very low melting point.
 It is made up of an alloy consisting of lead and tin.
 In the case of flow of higher voltage than specified, fuse wire melts and protect
the electric appliances.

Fuse of 1A, 2A, 3A, 5A, 10A, etc., used for domestic purpose.
Suppose, if an electric heater consumes 1000W at 220 V.
Then electric current in circuit
I = PV
I = 1000W220V = 4.5 A
Thus, in this case of 5A should be used to protect the electric heater in the
flow of higher voltage.

It works under two conditions:

Overloading: When many appliances are running together at the same time, they
draw a large amount of current which produces a lot of heat that can even lead to
fire.

Short circuiting: When live wire and neutral wire touch each other, the current
exceeds the normal value and it can also cause fire.
Electric Power

S.I. unit of electric power is watt (W).

1W = 1 volt × 1 ampere = 1V × 1A
I kilowatt or 1kW = 1000 W
Consumption of electricity (electric energy) is generally measured in kilowatt.
Unit of electric energy is kilowatt-hour (kWh).
1 kWh = 1000 watt × 1 hour = 1 unit = 1000 W × 3600 s
1 kWh = 3.6 x 106 watt second = 3.6 × 106 J
Page Number: 200

Question 1
What does an electric circuit mean ?
Answer:
A continuous and closed path along which an electric current flows is called an
electric circuit.

Question 2
Define the unit of current.
Answer:
Unit of current is ampere. If one coulomb of charge flows through any section of a
conductor in one second then the current through it is said to be one ampere.
I = Qt or 1 A = I C s-1

Question 3
Calculate the number of electrons constituting one coulomb of charge.
Answer:
Charge on one electron, e = 1.6 x 10-19 C
Total charge, Q = 1 C
Number of electrons, n = Qe = 1C1.6x10−19 = 6.25 x 1018

Page Number: 202

Question 1
Name a device that helps to maintain a potential difference across a conductor.
Answer:
A battery.

Question 2
What is meant by saying that the potential difference between two points is IV?
Answer:
The potential difference between two points is said to be 1 volt if 1 joule of work is
done in moving 1 coulomb of electric charge from one point to the other.
Question 3
How much energy is given to each coulomb of charge passing through a 6 V
battery?
Answer:
Energy given by battery = charge x potential difference
or W = QV = 1C X 6V = 6J.

Page Number: 209

Question 1
On what factors does the resistance of a conductor depend?
OR
List the factors on which the resistance of a conductor in the shape of a wire
depends.
Answer:
The resistance of a conductor depends (i) on its length (ii) on its area of cross-
section and (iii) on the nature of its material.

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:
The current will flow more easily through a thick wire than a thin wire of the same
material. Larger the area of cross-section of a conductor, more is the ease with
which the electrons can move through the conductor. Therefore, smaller is the
resistance of the conductor.

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:
When potential difference is halved, the current through the component also
decreases to half of its initial value. This is according to ohm’s law i.e., V ∝ I.

Question 4
Why are coils of electric toasters and electric irons are made of an-alloy rather than
a pure metal?
OR
Why are alloys commonly used in electric heating devices? Given reason.
Answer:
The coils of electric toasters, electric irons and other heating devices are made of an
alloy rather than a pure metal because (i) the resistivity of an alloy is much higher
than that of a pure metal, and (ii) an alloy does not undergo oxidation (or burn)
easily even at high temperature, when it is red hot.
Question 5
Use the data in Table 12.2 (in NCERT Book on Page No. 207) to answer the
following :

Material Resistivity

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

Chromium 12.9 × 10–8

Mercury 94.0 × 10–8

Manganese 1.84 × 10–6

Alloys Constantan 49 × 10–6

Manganin 44 × 10–6

Nichrome 100 × 10–6

Insulators Glass 1010 – 1014

Hard rubber 1013 – 1016

Ebonite 1015 – 1017

Diamond 1012 – 1013

Paper (dry) 1012

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

(ii) Which material is the best conductor?
Answer:
(i) Resistivity of iron = 10.0 x 10-8 Ω m
Resistivity of mercury = 94.0 x 10-8 Ω m.
Thus iron is a better conductor because it has lower resistivity than mercury.
(ii) Because silver has the lowest resistivity (= 1.60 x 10-8 Ω m), therefore silver is
the best conductor.
 Page Number: 213

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.
Solution:
A battery of three cells of 2 V each equals to battery of potential 6 V. The circuit
diagram below shows three resistors of resistance 12 Ω, 8 Ω and 5 Ω connected in
series along with a battery of potential 6 V.

2. Redraw the circuit of Question 1, putting in an ammeter to measure the

current through the resistors and a voltmeter to measure the potential
difference across the 12 Ω resistor. What would be the readings in the
ammeter and the voltmeter?
Solution:
An ammeter should always be connected in series with resistors while the voltmeter
should be connected in parallel to the resistor to measure the potential difference as
shown in the figure below.

Using Ohm’s Law, we can obtain the reading of the ammeter and the voltmeter.
The total resistance of the circuit is 5 Ω + 8 Ω +12 Ω = 25 Ω.
We know that the potential difference of the circuit is 6 V, hence the current flowing
through the circuit or the resistors can be calculated as follows:
I = V/R = 6/25 = 0.24A
Let the potential difference across the 12 Ω resistor be V1.
From the obtained current V1 can be calculated as follows:
V1 = 0.24A × 12 Ω = 2.88 V
Therefore, the ammeter reading will be 0.24 A and the voltmeter reading be 2.88 V.

Page: 216

1. Judge the equivalent resistance when the following are connected in

parallel – (a) 1 Ω and 106 Ω, (b) 1 Ω, 103 Ω, and 106 Ω.
Solution:
(a) When 1 Ω and 106 are connected in parallel, the equivalent resistance is given
by

Therefore, the equivalent resistance is 1 Ω.

(b) When 1 Ω, 103 Ω, and 106 Ω are connected in parallel, the equivalent resistance
is given by

Therefore, the equivalent resistance is 0.999 Ω.

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?
Solution:
The electric lamp, the toaster and the water filter connected in parallel to a 220 V
source can be shown as using a circuit diagram as follows:
The equivalent resistance of the resistors can be calculated as follows:

The resistance of the electric iron box is 31.25 Ω.

3. What are the advantages of connecting electrical devices in parallel with the
battery instead of connecting them in series?
Solution:
When the electrical devices are connected in parallel there is no division of voltage
among the appliances. The potential difference across the devices is equal to supply
voltage. Parallel connection of devices also reduces the effective resistance of the
circuit.
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?
Solution:
(a) The circuit diagram below shows the connection of three resistors

From the circuit above, it is understood that 3 Ω and 6 Ω are connected in parallel.
Hence, their equivalent resistance is given by

The equivalent resistor 2 Ω is in series with the 2 Ω resistor. Now the equivalent
resistance can be calculated as follows:
Req= 2 Ω +2 Ω = 4 Ω
Hence, the total resistance of the circuit is 4 Ω.
(b) The circuit diagram below, shows the connection of three resistors.

From the circuit, it is understood that all the resistors are connected in parallel.
Therefore, their equivalent resistance can be calculated as follows:
The total resistance of the circuit is 1 Ω.
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?
Solution:
(a) If the four resistors are connected in series, their total resistance will be the sum
of their individual resistances and it will be the highest. The total equivalent
resistance of the resistors connected in series will be 4 Ω + 8 Ω + 12 Ω + 24 Ω = 48
Ω.
(b) If the resistors are connected in parallel, then their equivalent resistances will be
the lowest.
Their equivalent resistance connected in parallel is

Hence, the lowest total resistance is 2 Ω.

Page: 218

1. Why does the cord of an electric heater not glow while the heating element
does?
Solution:
The heating element of an electric heater is made of an alloy which has a high
resistance. When the current flows through the heating element, the heating
element becomes too hot and glows red. The cord is usually made of copper or
aluminium which has low resistance. Hence the cord doesn’t glow.
2. Compute the heat generated while transferring 96000 coulomb of charge in
one hour through a potential difference of 50 V.
Solution:
The heat generated can be computed by Joule’s law as follows:
H = VIt
where,
V is the voltage, V = 50 V
I is the current
t is the time in seconds, 1 hour = 3600 seconds
The amount of current can be calculated as follows:

2. An electric iron of resistance 20 Ω takes a current of 5 A. Calculate the heat

developed in 30 s.
Solution:
The amount of heat generated can be calculated using the Joule’s law of heating,
which is given by the equation
H = VIt
Substituting the values in the above equation, we get,
H = 100 × 5 × 30 = 1.5 × 104 J
The amount of heat developed by the electric iron in 30 s is 1.5 × 104 J.

Page: 220

1. What determines the rate at which energy is delivered by a current?

Solution:
Electric power is the rate of consumption of electrical energy by electric appliances.
Hence, the rate at which energy is delivered by a current is the power of the
appliance.
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.
Solution:
The power of the motor can be calculated by the equation,
P = VI
Substituting the values in the above equation, we get
P = 220 V × 5 A = 1100 W
The energy consumed by the motor can be calculated using the equation,
E=P×T
Substituting the values in the above equation, we get
P = 1100 W × 7200 = 7.92 × 106 J
The power of the motor is 1100 W and the energy consumed by the motor in 2
hours is 7.92 × 106 J.

Exercises
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) 1/25
(b) 1/5
(c) 5
(d) 25
Solution:
Answer: d) 25
Explanation:
The resistance is cut into five equal parts, which means that the resistance of each
part is R/5.
We know that each part is connected to each other in parallel, hence the equivalent
resistance can be calculated as follows:

The ratio of R/R′ is 25.

2. Which of the following does not represent electrical power in a circuit?
(a) I2R
(b) IR2
(c) VI
(d) V2/R
Solution:
Answer: b) IR2
Explanation:
Electrical power is given by the expression P = VI. (1)
According to Ohm’s law,
V = IR
Substituting the value of V in (1), we get
P = (IR) × I
P = I2R
Similarly, from Ohm’s law,
I = V/R
Substituting the value of I in (1), we get
P = V × V/R = V2/R
From this, it is clear that the equation IR2 does not represent electrical power in a
circuit.
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
Solution:
Answer: 25 W
Explanation:
The energy consumed by the appliance is given by the expression
P = VI = V2/R
The resistance of the light bulb can be calculated as follows:
R = V2/P
Substituting the values, we get
R = (220)2/100 = 484 Ω
Even if the supply voltage is reduced, the resistance remains the same. Hence, the
power consumed can be calculated as follows:
P = V2/R
Substituting the value, we get
P = (110)2 V/484 Ω = 25 W
Therefore, the power consumed when the electric bulb operates at 110 V is 25 W.
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
Solution:
Let Rs and Rp be the equivalent resistance of the wires when connected in series
and parallel respectively.
For the same potential difference V, the ratio of the heat produced in the circuit is
given by

Hence, the ratio of the heat produced is 1:4.

5. How is a voltmeter connected in the circuit to measure the potential
difference between two points?
Solution:
To measure the voltage between any two points, the voltmeter should be connected
in parallel between the two points.
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?
Solution:
The resistance of the copper wire of length in meters and area of cross-section m2 is
given by the formula

The length of the wire is 122.72 m and the new resistance is 2.5 Ω.
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 (Ampere) 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.
Solution:
The plot between voltage and current is known as IV characteristic. The current is
plotted in the y-axis while the voltage is plotted in the x-axis. The different values of
current for different values of voltage are given in the table. The I V characteristics
for the given resistor is shown below.
The slope of the line gives the value of resistance.
The slope can be calculated as follows:
Slope = 1/R = BC/AC = 2/6.8
To calculate R,
R = 6.8/2 = 3.4 Ω
The resistance of the resistor is 3.4 Ω.
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
Solution:
The value of the resistor can be calculated using Ohm’s Law as follows:

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?
Solution:
In series connection, there is no division of current. The current flowing across all
the resistors is the same.
To calculate the amount of current flowing across the resistors, we use Ohm’s law.
But first, let us find out the equivalent resistance as follows:
R = 0.2 Ω + 0.3 Ω + 0.4 Ω + 0.5 Ω + 12 Ω = 13.4 Ω
Now, using Ohm’s law,

The current flowing across the 12 Ω is 0.671 A.

10. How many 176 Ω resistors (in parallel) are required to carry 5 A on a 220 V
line?
Solution:
Let us consider the number of resistors required as ‘x.’
The equivalent resistance of the parallel combination of resistor R is given by
The number of resistors required is 4.
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.
Solution:
If we connect all the three resistors in series, their equivalent resistor would 6 Ω +
6 Ω + 6 Ω =18 Ω, which is not the desired value.
Similarly, if we connect all the three resistors in parallel, their equivalent resistor
would be

which is again not the desired value.

We can obtain the desired value by connecting any two of the resistors in either
series or parallel.
Case (i)

If two resistors are connected in parallel, then their equivalent resistance is

The third resistor is in series, hence the equivalent resistance is calculated as

follows:
R=6Ω+3Ω=9Ω
Case (ii)

When two resistors are connected in series, their equivalent resistance is given by
R = 6 Ω + 6 Ω = 12 Ω
The third resistor is connected in parallel with 12 Ω. Hence the equivalent resistance
is calculated as follows:

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?
Solution:
The resistance of the bulb can be calculated using the expression
P1 = V2/R1
R1 = V2/P1
Substituting the values, we get

Hence, 110 lamps can be connected in parallel.

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 resistance, which may be used separately, in
series, or in parallel. What are the currents in the three cases?
Solution:
Case (i) When coils are used separately
Using Ohm’s law, we can find the current flowing through each coil as follows:

9.166 A of current flows through each resistor when they are used separately.
Case (ii) When coils connected in series
The total resistance in the series circuit is 24 Ω + 24 Ω = 48 Ω
The current flowing through the series circuit is calculated as follows:

Therefore, a current of 4.58 A flows through the series circuit.

Case (iii) When coils connected in parallel
When the coils are connected in parallel, the equivalent resistance is calculated as
follows:

The current in the parallel circuit is 18.33 A.

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.
Solution:
(i) The potential difference is 6 V and the resistors 1 Ω and 2 Ω are connected in
series, hence their equivalent resistance is given by 1 Ω + 2 Ω = 3 Ω. The current in
the circuit can be calculated using the Ohm’s law as follows:
Therefore, the power consumed by the 2 Ω is 8 W.
(ii) When 12 Ω and 2 Ω resistors are connected in parallel, the voltage across the
resistors remains the same. Knowing that the voltage across 2 Ω resistor is 4 V, we
can calculate the power consumed by the resistor as follows:

The power consumed by the 2 Ω resistor is 8 W.

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?
Solution:
Since both the bulbs are connected in parallel, the voltage across each of them will
be the same.
Current drawn by the bulb of rating 100 W can be calculated as follows:
P=V×I
I = P/V
Substituting the values in the equation, we get
I = 100 W/220 V = 100/220 A
Similarly, the current drawn by the bulb of rating 60 W can be calculated as follows:
I = 60 W/220 V = 60/220 A
Therefore, the current drawn from the line is

16. Which uses more energy, a 250 W TV set in 1 hr, or a 1200 W toaster in 10
minutes?
Solution:
The energy consumed by electrical appliances is given by the equation
H = Pt, where P is the power of the appliance and t is the time
Using this formula, the energy consumed by a TV of power ration 250 W, can be
calculated as follows:
H = 250 W × 3600 seconds = 9 × 105 J
Similarly, the energy consumed by a toaster of power rating 1200 W is
H = 1200 W × 600 s = 7.2 × 105 J
From the calculations, it can be said that the energy consumed by the TV is greater
than the toaster.
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.
Solution:
The rate at which the heat develops in the heater can be calculated using the
following formula
P = I2 R
Substituting the values in the equation, we get
P = (15A) 2 × 8 Ω = 1800 J/s
The electric heater produces heat at the rate of 1800 J/s
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 copper and aluminium wires are usually employed for electricity
transmission?
Solution:
a. The resistivity and melting point of tungsten is very high. Due to this property, it
doesn’t burn readily when heated. Electric lamps operate at high temperature.
Hence, tungsten is a choice of metal for the filament of electric lamps.
b. The conductors of electric heating devices are alloys because of their high
resistivity. Due to its high resistivity it produces large amount of heat.
c. The voltage is divided in series circuit as result each component in the circuit
receives a small voltage because of which the amount of current decreases and the
device gets hot and does not work properly. This is the reason why series circuits
are not used in domestic circuits.
d. Resistance is inversely proportional to the area of cross section. When the area
of cross section increases the resistance decreases and vice versa.
e. Copper and aluminium are good conductors of electricity and have low resistivity
because of which they are usually employed for electricity transmission.
 Multiple Choice Questions
Question 1.
To determine the equivalent resistance of two resistors when connected in series, a
student arranged the circuit components as shown in the diagram. But he did not
succeed to achieve the objective.

Which of the following mistakes has been committed by him in setting up the circuit?
(a) Position of ammeter is incorrect
(b) Position of voltmeter is incorrect
(c) Terminals of ammeter are wrongly connected
(d) Terminals of voltmeter are wrongly connected
Answer:
(c) Because positive terminal of ammeter must be connected with positive terminal
of cell and negative terminal of an ammeter must be connected to negative terminal
of a cell.

Question 2.
For the given circuit, name the components which are connected in parallel.

(a) R1 and R2
(b) R1, R2 and V
(c) R2 and V
(d) R1 and V
Answer:
(b) The components R1, R2 and V are connected in parallel combination. Because
terminals of the resistance and voltmeter are connected together.
Question 3.
A student arranges the following circuit to get equivalent resistance of a series
combination of two resistors R1 and R2.

Which one of the following statements will be true for this circuit
(a) It gives incorrect reading for current I as well as potential difference V
(b) It gives correct reading for current I but incorrect reading for potential difference
V
(c) It gives correct reading for potential difference V but incorrect reading for current
I
(d) It gives correct reading for both I and V
Answer:
(b) The voltmeter should be connected across the components of and R2 to give
correct reading for potential difference.

Question 4.
An ammeter has 20 divisions between 0 mark and 2A mark on its scale. The least
count of ammeter is
(a) 0.01A
(b) 0.2A
(c) 0.1A
(d) 1A
Answer:
(c) Number of divisions = 20
Maximum reading of ammeter = 2 A
Least count of ammeter = 2/20 = 1/10 = 0.1 A

Question 5.
A student finds that there are 20 divisions between zero mark and 1V mark of a
voltmeter. The least count of voltmeter is
(a) 0.1 V
(b) 0.01 V
(c) 0.05 V
(d) 1.0 V
Answer:
(c) Number of divisions = 20
Maximum reading of the voltmeter = 1 V
Least count of voltmeter = 1/20 = 0.05 V
Question 6.
The current flowing through a resistor connected in an electric circuit and the
potential difference applied across its ends are shown in figure alongside.

The value of the resistance of the resistor is

(a) 1 Ω
(b) 5 Ω
(c) 8 Ω
(d) 10 Ω
Answer:
(d) Reading from ammeter (7) = 180 mA= 0.18 A,
reading from voltmeter (V) = 1.8 V
Resistance of the resistor R = V/I = 1.8/0.18 = 180/18 = 10Ω

Question 7.
Which of the following is the correct method to connect the ammeter and voltmeter
with resistance in the circuit to verify Ohm’s law? [CCE 2012]
(a) Ammeter and voltmeter in series
(b) Ammeter in series and voltmeter in parallel
(c) Ammeter in parallel and voltmeter in series
(d) Ammeter and voltmeter in parallel
Answer:
(b) In a circuit, ammeter should be connected in series, while voltmeter in parallel.

Question 8.
In an experiment on studying the dependence of the current I flowing through a
given resistor on the potential difference V applied across it, a student has to
change the value of the current. For doing this, he should change the
(a) number of cells used
(b) resistor itself
(c) ammeter used in the circuit
(d) Voltmeter used in the circuit
Answer:
(a) If we change the number of cells in electric circuit, the potential difference will
change and as a result current flowing in the circuit changes.
Question 9.
A mill ammeter had graduations marked 0, 100, 200, 300, 400 and 500. The space
between 0 mark and 100 mark is divided into 20 divisions. If the pointer of the
milliammeter is indicating the seventh graduation after 300 mark, the current flowing
in the circuit is
(a) 335 mA
(b) 330 mA
(c) 331mA
(d) 340 mA
Answer:
(a) Number of divisions = 20
Least count of milliammeter = (100-0) / 20 = 5 mA
Milliammeter reading = 300 + 7 x 5 = 335 mA

Question 10.
If a student while studying the dependence of current on the potential difference
keeps the circuit closed for a long time to measure the current and potential
difference, then
(a) ammeter’s zero error will change
(b) ammeter will give more reading
(c) voltmeter will show constantly higher readings
(d) resistor will get heated up and its value will change
Answer:
(d) If the circuit is closed for a long time, then current flows in it for a long time which
results that the resistor is heated.

Question 11.
To determine the equivalent resistance of two resistors connected in series, a
student prepared two electric circuits, correct reading of ammeter in the circuits is

(a) In circuit I, 1.0 A and in II, 0.1 A

(b) In both circuits I and II, 1.0 A
(c) In circuit I, 0.1 A and in II, 1.0 A
(d) In both circuits I and II, 0.1 A
Answer:
(b) Equivalent resistance of two resistors 3.5Ω and 1Ω in both the circuits I and II is
R = 3.5 + 1 = 4.5 Ω
As, I = V/R = 4.5/4.5 = 1A
Therefore, current in both the circuits I and II is 1.0 A.

Question 12.
When parallel resistors are of three different values, the potential difference across
its terminals is]
(a) greatest across smallest resistance
(b) greatest across largest resistance
(c) equal across each resistance
(d) least across the smallest resistance
Answer:
(c) Potential difference across each resistor is same in parallel combination of
resistors.