CHAPTER

CURRENT
2 ELECTRICITY
SUB- TOPICS
 Introduction
 Electric current
 Ohm’s Law
 Variation of resistance on a stretching wire
 Series and parallel combination of
resistances
 The emf and terminal potential difference
of a battery
 Combination of Cells
 Kirchoff’s Law
 Wheatstone Bridge, Meter Bridge &
Potentiometer
 Galvanometer, Ammeter and Voltmeter
 Energy, Power and Heating Effect.
 INTRODUCTION
1. Sources of electric current: The device that can supply electric current is called source
of electric current. Two types of sources of electric current are in general use.
(i) Chemical sources of electric current. They are called cell of battery.
(ii) Electromagnetic sources of electric current. They are called dynamo or generator.

2. Cell : The cell is a device that converts chemical energy into electric energy. The cells are
of two types:
(i) Primary cell: It is a device that supplies current as soon as it is assembled. Voltaic cell,
Leclanche cell, Daniel cell, Dry cell etc. are the example of primary cells.

NA 32
NARAYANA IIT Foundation Programme
 PHYSICS X CLASS

(ii) Secondary cell: It is a device that need to be charged before it can be used to supply
current. They are also called storage cell or accumulators. Acid cell and Alkali cells are
the examples of the secondary cells.

3. A cell is denoted as :

4. Combination of two or more cells is called battery. It is denoted as follows :

5. Electromotive force (emf): The potential difference across the terminals of a cell, when
no current is drawn from it (open circuit) is called electromotive force.

6. The emf of different types of cells is as follows :

(i) Voltaic cell : 1.08 V
(ii) Daniel cell : 1.12 V
(iii) Leclanche cell: 1.45 V
(iv) Dry cell: 1.5 V
(v) Acid accumulator : 2.2 V maximum and 1.8 V minimum.
(vi) Alkali accumulator : 1.35 V maximum and 1.25 V minimum.

7. Factors on which the emf of the cell depends are follows :

(i) Nature of electrolyte
(ii) Nature of electrodes

8. Comparative study of different types of cells.

Sl.No. Cell Anode Cathode Electrolyte
1. Voltaic Cu Zn Dil. H2SO4
2. Daniel Cu Zn Dil. H2SO4
3. Leclanche C Zn NH4Cl
4. Dry cell C Zn NH4Cl
5. Acid PbO2 Pb Dil. H2SO4
6. Alkali Ni + Ni(OH)2 Fe(OH)2 KOH

9. (a) When a cell is being charged, then V = E + Ir and when the cell is being discharged,
then V = E – Ir. Where r is the internal resistance of the cell.
(b) Daniel cell supplies continuous and constant current as emf of the cell remains
constant. Hence it is used in experiments where continuous supply is required.

10. The internal resistance of the cell depends upon the

(a) area of cross-section of the column of liquid between the plates.
(b) nature, temperature and the degree of dissociation of electrolyte between them.
(c) separation between the plates.

33 NARAYANA IIT Foundation Programme

Current Electricity

 ELECTRIC CURRENT
11. Electric current: The time rate of flow of electric charge is called electric current. If q
charge flows in time t, then electric current is given by I = q/t.
The unit of electric current is ampere (A).
A = Cs-1
Electric current has magnitude as well as direction of flow. But it is a scalar quantity.
(a) When n electrons move across a section of the conductor normal to the direction of
flow in t second, then the current I is given by
I = ne/t
(b) An electric current is due to the drift of
(i) electrons in a conductor
(ii) positive and negative ions in an electrolyte
(iii) electrons and ions in gases in discharge tubes.
(iv) electrons and holes in a semiconductor

12. Conductors, semiconductors and insulators (bad conductors)

(i) Substances such as silver, copper, aluminium (in fact all metals), which have large
number of free electrons in them are called conductors of electricity. The number density
of free electrons in the conductors is of the order of 1022/cm3.
(ii) Semi conductors have comparatively less number of free electrons in them Silicon
and germanium are the examples of semi conductors.
(iii) Insulators have negligible number density of free-electrons.
Under similar conditions, the current set up in the conductors is much larger as compared
to that in the semi conductors and insulators.
Illustration : 1
Two boys A and B are sitting at two points in a field. Both boys are sitting near
assemblence of charged balls each carrying charge +3e. A throws 100 balls per second
towards B while B throws 50 balls per second towards A. Find the current at the mid
point of A and B.
Solution
Let mid point be C as shown
100e

A C B
50e
current from A to B, i1, = 100 × 3e = 300e
current from B to A i2 = 50 × 3e = 150e
net current I = 300e –150e = 150e towards right
I = 2.4 × 10–17 A from A to B.

 OHM’S LAW
13. Ohm’s Law : Physical conditions such as temperature remaining unchanged, the current
(I) through a conductor is directly proportional to the potential difference (V) across its
ends. That is

NARAYANA IIT Foundation Programme 34

 PHYSICS X CLASS

or
where R is a constant or proportionality called resistance of the conductor.

14. Resistance is defined as the ratio of the potential difference (V) and the current (I)
through the conductor. That is

(a) The unit of resistance is ohm ()

(b) The inverse of resistance is called conductance (G). That is

(c) The unit of conductance is siemns (S).

15. The resistance of a ohmic conductor depends on the following factors :

(i) Resistance is directly proportional to the length (l) of the conductor.

(ii) Resistance is inversely proportional to the area of cross-section (A).

Hence or
Hence  is a constant of proportionality that depends on the nature of the conductor as
well as temperature.  is called resistivity and is independent of the shape and size of the
conductor. The unit of resistivity is ohm-metre ( m).

16. Inverse of resistivity is called conductivity ()

=

(a)
(b) The unit of conductivity is siemns per metre (S m-1).

17. The resistance of a conductor is equal to the slope (tan ) of the V-I graph.

35 NARAYANA IIT Foundation Programme

Current Electricity

(a) The conductors is called ohmic if the V-I graph for them is a straight line.
(b) The conductors are said to be non-ohmic if the V-I graph for them is a curve.
(c) For ohmic conductors the resistance is same for all values of current or potential
difference. But for non-ohmic conductors, the resistance is different for different values
of current or potential difference.

 VARIATION OF RESISTANCE ON STRETCHING A WIRE

Consider a wire of length l1, area of cross-section A1, volume V, density d and mass m. It
is stretched to length l2 and area of cross-section changes to A 2. However volume, density
and mass remain unchanged. Let the resistance of the stretched wire be R2. Then

Which can be written as

Similarly,

Hence (1)

Again, we can write

and

Hence

Thus, we find :

If r1 and r2 be the radii of cross-section, then A1 = and A2 = . Hence,

Thus, knowing the relative values of A, r and l, the R1 and r2 can be compared.

NARAYANA IIT Foundation Programme 36

 PHYSICS X CLASS

 SERIES AND PARALLEL COMBINATION OF RESISTANCES

If n resistors of resistance R 1, R2, R3 are connected in series, then their equivalent
resistance is given by

RS = R1 + R2 + R3 + ….
(a) In series combination current is same in every part of the circuit and potential
difference across the combination is equal to the sum of individual potential difference
across different resistances.
V = V1 + V2 + V3 + ……
(b) Applied potential difference is divided among the resistance directly in their ratios.
That is
V1 : V2 : V3 : ….. = R1 : R2 : R3 : …..

 If n resistors of resistances R 1, R2, R3, … are connected in parallel, then their equivalent
resistance is given by

(a) The current is different in different resistances. The sum of currents in the different
resistances is equal to the main current of the circuit. That is
I = I1 + I2 + I3 + ….
(b) The potential difference is same across each resistance.
(c) In parallel combination of resistances currents are shared in the inverse ratio of the
resistances.
Illustration: 2
Find the effective resistance between the point A and B.
E 3
D
3
6
F 6 6 C

3 3
A 3 B

Solution
Resistors AF and FE are in series with each other. Therefore, network AEF reduces to a parallel
combination of two resistors of each. Req. .

37 NARAYANA IIT Foundation Programme

Current Electricity

Similarly, the resistance between A and D is given

Now, resistor AC is in parallel with AD. Therefore, the resistance between A and C
is .

Now AC and BC are in series with and this R is in parallel with AB

 THE EMF AND TERMINAL POTENTIAL DIFFERENCE OF A BATTERY

Suppose, the emf of a cell is  and its internal resistance is r. Let an external resistance R
be connected across the cell through a key as shown below.

Here V1 and V2 are the voltmeters connected across the cell and the external resistance R.
Let the current in the circuit (K closed) be I. Then, using the Ohm’s law we can write
 = I[R + r] = IR + Ir
IR = V is the potential difference across the external resistance R. This is equal to the
terminal potential difference across the cell. That is the reading of both the voltmeters V 1
and V2 will be V.
Hence  = V + Ir
Hence
and
Thus, V < . That is when current is drawn from a cell its terminal potential difference is
less than the emf.
Here I is the electric current through the conductor, n is the number density of free
electrons, A is the area of cross-section and e is the charge on the electron.

 COMBINATION OF CELLS
The cells may be combined together in the following three ways, so as to obtain
maximum current output.
 SERIES COMBINATION

This combination is used when external resistance (R) of the circuit is much larger as
compared to the internal resistance (r) of the cell. That is R > > r.
NARAYANA IIT Foundation Programme 38
 PHYSICS X CLASS

Suppose n cells, each of emf  and internal resistance r are connected in series across an
external resistance R. Then the current in the circuit will be

(a) , where R >> nr

(b) , when R << nr

 PARALLEL COMBINATION OF CELLS

This combination is used when the external resistance (R) is much smaller as compared to
the internal resistance (r) of the cell. That is R << r.
If m cells each of emf  are connected in parallel across a resistance R, then current
through the resistance is given by

(a) , when R <<

(b) , when R >>

When m cells of emfs 1, 2, 3, …, m and of internal resistances r1, r2, …, rm are
connected in parallel across an external resistance R, then the current through the external
resistance is given by

 MIXED COMBINATION OF CELLS

39 NARAYANA IIT Foundation Programme

Current Electricity

This combination is used when the external resistance R is of the same order as the
internal resistance r of the cell. That is .
Here N = nm cells are combined in m rows each row having n cells such that mR = nr.
The current through the external resistance is given by

when R =

Illustration : 3
Find the net emf of the three batteries shown in the figure
2 V 

A B
4V
6 V 
Solution
The part of the circuit shown can be replaced by a single battery of emf
2 V 

 
A B
6 V  4V 2V

and Internal resistance

r1r2 1
r 
r1  r2 2
Hence original circuit diagram can be replaced by
So

 KIRCHOFF’S LAW
 Using the fact that there is no net current at the junction i.e., the incoming current equals
the outgoing current and if we complete the circuit via a path the total potential change is
zero. These facts, called Kirchhoff’s rules, are very useful for many electrical circuit
problems; they are discussed in detail below :
 Junction Rule : This rule is based on the fact that charge cannot accumulate at any point in a
conductor in a steady situation. It states that ‘at any junction of several circuit elements, the sum
of currents entering the junction must equal the sum of currents leaving it’.

NARAYANA IIT Foundation Programme 40

 PHYSICS X CLASS

I3 = I1 + I2
This law is based on conservation of charge.

 Loop Rule : ‘The algebraic sum of changes in potential around any closed resistor loop must
be zero’. Otherwise, one can continuously gain energy by circulating charge around a closed loop
in a particular direction. So, this rule is based on energy conservation. Now consider the loop
‘ahdcba’ in Figure.
we have, from Kirchhoff’s second rules,
-30I1, -41I3 + 45 = 0 (ii)
For the second loop, the circuit ‘ahdefga’ is taken. We have
-30I1, +21I2 – 80 = 0 [iii]
Calculate Using Eq. (i), (ii) & (iii) we I1 = 0.86A, I2 = 2.59A and I3 = 1.73A, respectively.
30 h

I1

I3 40 b 1 c
a d
45 V

I2
20
1
e
g f I2
80 V
Sign Convention In Applying Kirchhoff’s Rules
 The following guidelines will help with the problems of signs:
1. Choose any closed loop in the network, and designate a direction (clockwise or counter
clockwise) to transverse the loop in applying the loop rule.
2. Go around the loop in the designated direction, adding emf’s and potential differences.
An emf is counted as positive when it is traversed from (-) to (+) and negative when
transformed from (+) to (-). An IR term is counted negative if the resistor is traversed in
the same direction of the assumed current, and positive if in the opposite direction.
3. Equate the sum of step (2) to zero.
4. If necessary, choose another loop to obtain different relations between the unknowns, and
continue until there are as many equations and unknowns or until every circuit element
has been included in at least one of the chosen loops.

Illustration : 4
Find the potential difference between M and N in the circuit as shown in the figure.
3V

M 4V

  

N
1V 

Solution

41 NARAYANA IIT Foundation Programme

Current Electricity

Applying Kirchoff’s law in loop carrying current i1 is flowing

3V i2

M 4V

i1   

N
1V 

Similarly applying Kirchoff’s law in loop carrying current i2

Writing Kirchoff equation between points M and N

Illustration: 5
Using Kirchhoff’s rules of current determine the value of current I 1 in the electrical circuit
given below.

A B

I1 40 I3
D C
I2 40V

E F

80V
Solution
Applying loop law to a loop ABCD, we get
(1)
Also applying loop law to a loop DCFE, we get
(2)
Also applying junction rule at D
(3)
Using (1), (2) and (3), we get

 WHEATSTONE BRIDGE, METER BRIDGE & POTENTIOMETER

 WHEATSTONE BRIDGE
It is a circuit consisting of four resistance P, Q, R and S, a galvanometer and a battery
connected as follows :

NARAYANA IIT Foundation Programme 42

 PHYSICS X CLASS

The wheatstone bridge is said to be balanced when there is no current through the
galvanometer. That is, potential at B is equal to that of D. In such a case

(a) The bridge most sensitive when all the four resistors are of same order.
(b) Meter bridge, post office box and Carey Foster’s bridge are practical applications of
wheatstone bridge.

 METER BRIDGE OR SLIDE WIRE BRIDGE

It is the commonly used form of the wheatstone bridge. It has a wire AC, one meter long,
soldered to the ends of two rectangular metallic strips and respectively.
is another strip having a terminal B. A galvanometer G is connected to B. The other
terminal of galvanometer is connected to a jockey that maintains a sliding contact with
the wire. A resistance box P is connected across The unknown resistance Q is
connected across . Battery (or cell)  is connected across A and C. A known
resistance is taken out of the resistance box and the jockey is moved till the deflection in
the galvanometer is zero.
The Wheatstone bridge is balanced, therefore, .

Here R = resistance of wire segment AD and S = resistance of wire segment DC.

Let resistance of the wire of unit length be r. If AD = l1 and DC = l2,
then R = rl1 and S = rl2.
Hence
For the meter bridge, l1 + l2 = 100 cm. Hence l2 = (100 – l1)cm. And, we can write

Here l1 should be measured in centimeters. Substituting the values of l1 and P, the

resistance Q can be calculated.

43 NARAYANA IIT Foundation Programme

Current Electricity

 POTENTIOMETER
(a) A potentiometer consists of wires of uniform area of cross-section stretched on a wooden
board between two thick copper strips. The wire is made up of constantan or manganin.
(b) Let R be the total resistance of the potentiometer wire having a total length l. Then
potential gradient = I  (R/l).
(c) Any potential difference less than the total potential difference maintained across the
potentiometer wire can be balanced against a convenient length of the potentiometer wire.
The p.d. balanced is proportional to the length of the wire which balances the potential
difference.
(d) Potentiometer uses null method i.e. it draws no current from the cell. Hence, the terminal
p.d. measured by it is exactly equal to the emf of the cell.

 GALVANOMETER, AMMETER AND VOLTMETER

 GALVANOMETERS
alvanometer is an instrument to detect electric current. It can also be used to measure
potential difference or current strength by suitable modification and calibration.

 Types of galvanometers:
On the basis of principle of operation galvanometers are catogorised as follows:
(i) Moving magnet galvanometer:
It operates on the basis of torque acting on small permanent bar magnet due to the
magnetic field produced by the current in a circular coil. In it magnet moves and current
carrying coil is stationary. Such a galvanometer is also called moving iron type.
(ii) Moving coil galvanometer
It operates on the basis of torque acting on a current carrying coil due to the magnetic
field of a permanent magnet. In it, the current carrying coil moves and the magnet is
stationary.

 AMMETER is an instrument for measuring current. It is a low resistance galvanometer,

so that its inclusion in the circuit does not substantially affect the current. It is obtained
from a galvanometer by connecting a suitable shunt across the galvanometer.

 Converting a galvanometer into ammeter

Suppose, we wish to have an ammeter to measure a current in the range 0 to I. Let G be
the resistance of the galvanometer and I g be the current that produces maximum possible
deflection in the galvanometer. Let S be the resistance of the shunt. when the current
through the ammeter is I, the current through the galvanometer should be I g, so that the
deflection is maximum.

When this happens the potential drop across the galvanometer = potential drop across the
shunt. That is

NARAYANA IIT Foundation Programme 44

 PHYSICS X CLASS

IgG = (I – Ig)S


Thus, S can be calculated and the given galvanometer can be converted into ammeter, by
connecting a shunt S across it.

 VOLTMETER
It is an instrument for measuring potential difference. It is a high resistance galvanometer,
so that its inclusion in the circuit does not affect the potential difference in the circuit. It is
obtained by connecting a high resistance in series with a galvanometer.

 Converting a galvanometer into a voltmeter

Suppose, we wish to have a voltmeter to measure potential difference in the range of 0 to
V. Let G be the resistance of the galvanometer and I g be the current that produces
maximum possible deflection in the galvanometer. We connect a resistance R in series
with the galvanometer, so that when potential difference across the combination is V, the
current through the galvanometer is Ig.

Applying Ohm’s law we find V = Ig(R + G)

i.e. V – IgG = IgR


Thus R can be calculated and given galvanometer can be converted into a voltmeter by
connecting R in series with it.

 Increasing the range of ammeter

Suppose, the resistance of an ammeter of range I 1 is GA. Its range can be increased to I 2 by
connecting a shunt S1 across it. The value of S is given by

(i) This process is similar to the conversion of a galvanometer into ammeter. Here
Ig = I1, G = GA and I = I2.
(ii) Ig I2 = nI1, then .

 Increasing the range of a voltmeter

Suppose the resistance of a voltmeter of range V 1 is Gv. Its range can be increased to V 2
by connecting a resistance R1 in series with it. The value of R1 is given by

(i) Here Ig is equivalent to V1/Gv.

45 NARAYANA IIT Foundation Programme

Current Electricity

i.e.
Also, the process is equivalent to the conversion of a galvanometer into voltmeter of
range V2 and G = Gv.
(ii) If V1 = nV1, then R1 = (n – 1)Gv.

 Converting an ammeter into a voltmeter

Suppose, we have an ammeter of range I and resistance GA. It can be converted into a
voltmeter of range V, by connecting a resistance R in series with it. The value of R is
given by
R = (V/I) – GA

 Converting a voltmeter into ammeter

Suppose, we have a voltmeter of range V and resistance G v. To convert it into an ammeter
to range I, we need to connect a shunt S across it.
The value of shunt is given by

 ENERGY, POWER AND HEATING EFFECT

 When a current I flows for time t from a source of emf E, then the amount of charge that
flows in time t is
Q = I t.
Electrical energy delivered W = Q. V = V I t
Thus, Power given to the circuit, = W/t =VI or V2/R or I2R
In the circuit
E. I = I2R + I2r, where
E I is the rate at which chemical energy is converted to electrical energy, I 2R is power
supplied to the external resistance R and I 2r is the power dissipated in the internal
resistance of the battery.
An electrical current flowing through conductor produces heat in it. This is known as
Joule’s effect. The heat developed in Joules is given by H = I2.R.t

 r

NARAYANA IIT Foundation Programme 46

 PHYSICS X CLASS

KEY POINTS


 The resistance of a conductor can be given by the expression

 The total resistance in series circuit (Rs) is given by Rs = R1 + R2 + R3 + .......

 The total resistance in parallel circuit (Rp) is given by

 Internal resistance of a cell is defined as the resistance offered by the electrolyte and electrodes of
a cell when electric current flows through it. Internal resistance of a cell depends upon (i) distance
between the electrodes, (ii) the nature of electrodes (iii) nature of electrolyte and (iv) area of the
electrodes immersed in the electrolyte.

 Terminal potential difference of a cell is defined as the potential difference between the two
electrodes of cell in a closed circuit. Terminal potential difference of a cell decreases if the current
drawn from the cell increases.

 If m cells each of emf  are connected in parallel across a resistance R, then current
through the resistance is given by

 When m cells of emfs 1, 2, 3, …, m and of internal resistances r1, r2, …, rm are
connected in parallel across an external resistance R, then the current through the external
resistance is given by

 Junction Rule: ‘At any junction of several circuit elements, the sum of currents entering
the junction must equal the sum of currents leaving it’.

 Loop Rule : ‘The algebraic sum of changes in potential around any closed resistor loop
must be zero’.

47 NARAYANA IIT Foundation Programme

Current Electricity

 In ammeter, shunt resistance

where I is the maximum current through the galvanometer, G is the galvanometer

resistance.

 In volt meter series resistance with galvanometer,

where Ig is the maximum current through the galvanometer, G is the galvanometer
resistance.

 Joule’s law of heating states that the amount of heat produced in a conductor is directly
proportional to the
(i) square of the current flowing through the conductor.
(ii) resistance of the conductor and
(iii) time for which the current is passed.

 Electric power, P = VI = I2R = V2/R watt.

 Electric energy = VIt = Pt = I2Rt = V2t/R J

 Commercial unit of electric energy.

1 kWh = 1000 Wh =

NARAYANA IIT Foundation Programme 48

 PHYSICS X CLASS

ASSIGNMENT – I
1. In the absence of potential difference in a conductor
(A) electrons do not move
(B) electrons do not accelerate
(C) electrons do not acquire a net momentum
(D) electrons do not have any kinetic energy
2. Electric current is due to drift of electrons in
(A) metallic inductors (B) semiconductors
(C) insulator (D) all the above

3. In metals the time of relaxation of electrons

(A) increases with increasing temperature (B) decreases with increasing temperature
(C) does not depend on temperature (D) changes suddenly at 400 K

4*. A steady current is passing through a linear conductor of non-uniform cross-section. The
net quantity of charge crossing any cross-section per second is
(A) independent of area of cross-section
(B) directly proportional to the length of conductor
(C) directly proportional to the area of cross-section
(D) inversely proportional to the length of conductor

5*. The temperature of a metal wire rises when an electric current passes through it because
(A) collision of metal atoms with each other releases heat energy
(B) collision of conduction electrons with each other releases heat energy
(C) when the conduction electrons fall from higher energy level to lower energy level
heat energy is released
(D) collision of conduction electrons with the atoms of metal give them energy which
appears as heat

6. There is a current of 4.8 ampere in a conductor. The number of electrons that cross any
section normal to the direction of flow per second, is
(A) 1019 (B) 2  1019
(C) 3  10 19
(D) 7.68  1020

7. Which of the following statements is true?

(A) Insulators do not contain electrons
(B) Some of the electrons in a conductor are free to move through the material
(C) Conductors always contain more electrons than insulators
(D) The atoms in a conductor can move about but those in an insulator cannot move

8. A current of 5 amp exists in a 10 ohm resistance for 4 min. How many coulomb pass
through any cross-section of the resistor in this time?
(A) 12 coulombs (B) 120 coulombs
(C) 1200 coulombs (D) 12000 coulombs
49 NARAYANA IIT Foundation Programme
Current Electricity

ASSIGNMENT – II
1*. A current I flows through the cylindrical
conductor. Then, the ratio of potential
difference along AB and BC is
(A) 1 : 1 (B) 1 : 2
(C) 1 : 4 (D) 1 : 3

2. Resistivity of a material depends on

(A) temperature (B) electric field
(C) shape of the material (D) size of the material

3*. The i-V graph of a conductor at two different

temperatures T1 and T2 is given. Then
(A) T1 = T2 (B) T1 > T2
(C) T1 < T2 (D) T1 ³ T2

4. The V-i graph is given for two conductors of same area

and length. If s1 and s2 are the conductivities of the
conductors 1 and 2 respectively,s1/s2 =
(A) 2 : 1 (B) 3 : 1
(C) (D) 1 : 3

5*. The minimum ratio of the resistances between the

opposite faces of the rectangular solid conductor is
(A) 1 : 9 (B) 1 : 18
(C) 1 : 6 (D) 1 : 12

NARAYANA IIT Foundation Programme 50

 PHYSICS X CLASS

6*. A wire of length 100 cm carries a

steady current i. The potential at the
ends of the wire is +5 V and -25 V.
The value of potential at x = 30 cm is
(A) 6.5 V (B) 11
V
(C) 3.5 V (D) -
4V

7. The ratio of masses of two aluminium wires is 2 : 1 and their corresponding ratio of
lengths is 1 : 2. Then, the ratio of their resistances is
(A) 1 : 4 (B) 2 : 1
(C) 1 : 1 (D) 1 : 8

8. The value of the resistance RAB of the

metallic plate is proportional to
(A) l (B) t/l2
-1
(C) t (D) l/t

9. A material B has twice the specific resistance of A. A circular wore made of B has twice
the diameter of a wire made of A. Then for the two wires to have the same resistance, the
ratio lB / lA of their respective lengths must be :
(A) 1 (B)

(C) (D) 2
10. Express which of the following set-up can be used to verify ohm’s law?

(A) (B)

51 NARAYANA IIT Foundation Programme

Current Electricity

(C) (D)

NARAYANA IIT Foundation Programme 52

 PHYSICS X CLASS

ASSIGNMENT – III
1. When a piece of wire of resistance R is joined end to end with an identical wire, the
resistance of the new wire is R1, say; when these wires are joined in parallel the new
resistance is R2. Then R1/R2 =
(A) 2 : 1 (B) 4 : 1
(C) 1 : 2 (D) 1 : 1

2. When a wire of resistance R is pulled through in order to double its length, the new
resistance of the wire will be
(A) R (B) 3R
(C) 4R (D) 2R

3*. The effective resistance between A and B is

(A) R (B) 3R
(C) R/3 (D) none of these

4. Te value of RAB is
(A) 9R (B) 4.5R
(C) 2R (D) none of these

5. The value of RAB is

(A) R (B) R/2
(C) 2R (D) 2R/3

6*. A uniform wire of resistance 20 ohm having resistance 1 /m

is bent in the form of a circle as shown in the figure. If the
equivalent resistance between M and N is 1.8 , then the
length of the shorter section is :
(A) 2 m (B) 5 m
(C) 1.8 m (D) 18 m

7*. RAB is equal to :

(A) (B)

(C) (D)

53 NARAYANA IIT Foundation Programme

Current Electricity

8. RAB is equal to :
(A) R (B) 2R
(C) (D) none of these

9*. RAB is equal to :

(A) 3  (B) 1 
(C)  (D) 2 

10. There are N number of resistors each of resistance R

connected between the centre and periphery of a
conducting ring. The effective resistance between A
and B is :
(A) NR (B)

(C) (D) zero

11. RAB is equal to :

(A) (B)

(C) (D)

12. The value of RAB is :

(A) R (B) 2R
(C) 4R (D) none of these

13. The resistance of the series combination of two resistances is S, when they are joined in
parallel, the total resistance is P. If S = nP then the minimum possible value of n is :
(A) 2 (B) 3
(C) 4 (D) 1

14. An electric current is passed through a circuit containing two wires of the same material,
connected in parallel. If the lengths and radii are in the raio of and , then the ratio of
the current passing through the wires will be :
(A) 8/9 (B) 1/3
(C) 3 (D) 2

NARAYANA IIT Foundation Programme 54

 PHYSICS X CLASS

ASSIGNMENT – IV
1. The terminal potential difference of the cell of emf 
and internal resistance r while carrying a current i is
(A)  - ir (B)  + ir
(C) ir (D) 

2. The terminal voltage between A and B is

(A) 6.1 V (B) 5.9 V
(C) 6 V (D) zero

3. The terminal voltage between A and B is

(A) ir (B) 0
(C)  + ir (D) 

4. The effective emf between A and B assuming 1 > 2 is

(A) 1 (B) 2
(C) (D)

5. The terminal potential difference of a cell is greater than its emf, when it is
(A) being charged (B) on open circuit
(C) being discharged (D) being either charged or discharged

6. Five cells, each of emf E and internal resistance r are connected in series. If due to over
sight, one cell is connected wrongly, then the equivalent emf and internal resistance of the
combination is
(A) 5E and 5r (B) 3E and 3r
(C) 3E and 5r (D) 5E and 3r

7. A circuit whose resistance R is connected to n similar cells. If the current in the circuit is
the same whether the cells are connected in series or in parallel, then the internal
resistance r of each cell is given by
(A) r = (R/n) (B) r = nR
(C) r = R (D) r = (1/R)

8. A primary cell has emf 2 volt. When short-circuited it gives a current of 4 amp. Its
internal resistance in ohm will be
(A) 0.5 (B) 2
(C) 5 (D) 8

55 NARAYANA IIT Foundation Programme

Current Electricity

9*. To get maximum current through a resistance of 2.5 , one can use m rows of cells, each
row having n cells. The internal resistance of each cell is 0.5 . What are the values of n
and m if the total number of cells is 45?
(A) m = 3, n = 15 (B) m 5, n = 9
(C) m = 9, n = 5 (D) m = 15, n = 3

10. Two identical cells connected in series send 10 amp current through a 5  resistor. Wen
they are connected in parallel, they send 8 amp current through the same resistance. What
is the internal resistance of each cell?
(A) zero (B) 2.5 
(C) 10  (D) 1.0 

11. The terminal potential difference of a cell is greater than its emf, when it is
(A) being charged (B) on open circuit
(C) being discharged (D) being either charged or discharged

NARAYANA IIT Foundation Programme 56

 PHYSICS X CLASS

ASSIGNMENT – V
1*. The value of current I in the given
circuit is :
(A) 3 A (B) 13 A
(C) 23 A (D) –3 A

2. The current in the branch CD in the

circuit shown below will
(A) I1+I2 (B) I1+I3
(C) I2+I3 (D) I1–I3

3. In the given current distribution, what is

the value of I ?
(A) 3 A (B) 8 A
(C) 2 A (D) 5 A

4. The Kirchhoff’s first law and second law , where the symbols
have their usual meanings, are respectively based on :
(A) conservation of charge, conservation of momentum
(B) conservation of energy, conservation of charge
(C) conservation of momentum, conservation of charge
(D) conservation of charge, conservation of energy

5*. The potential difference between A and B in the following figure is

(A) 32 V (B) 48 V
(C) 24 V (D) 14 V

57 NARAYANA IIT Foundation Programme

Current Electricity

ASSIGNMENT – VI
1. If R = 1 , the current in the branch x is
(A) very large (B) 0
(C) ½ A (D) indeterminate

2. In the figure shown below the current

passing through 6  resistor is :
(A) 0.40 amp (B) 0.48 amp
(C) 0.72 amp (D) 0.80 amp

3. R=?
(A) 2.5  (B) 3 
(C) 2  (D) 1.2 

4. The current flowing the through

resistance of 2 ohm in the figure is :
(A) 1.2 A (B) 1.4 A
(C) 0.4 A (D) 1.0 A

5*. The magnitude of I in ampere unit is :

(A) 0.1 (B) 0.3
(C) 0.6 (D) 0.5

6. A 3 volt battery with negligible internal resistance is

connected in a circuit as shown in the figure. The
current i, in the circuit will be :
(A) 1 A (B) 1.5 A
(C) 2 A (D) 1/3 A

7*. The total current supplied to the circuit

by the battery is :
(A) 4 A (B) 2 A
(C) 1 A (D) 6 A

NARAYANA IIT Foundation Programme 58

 PHYSICS X CLASS

8*. The current i drawn from the 5 volt

source will be :
(A) 0.33 A (B) 0.5 A
(C) 0.67 A (D) 0.17
A

9. Find the value of current through 2 

resistance for the given circuit is :
(A) 5 A (B) 2 A
(C) zero (D) 4 A

59 NARAYANA IIT Foundation Programme

Current Electricity

ASSIGNMENT – VII
1*. Figure shows the circuit of a potentiometer. The length of the
potentiometer wore AB is 50 cm. The e.m.f of the battery is
4 volt, having negligible internal resistance. Value of
resistances R1 and R2 are 15 ohm and 5 ohm respectively.
When both the keys are open, the null point is obtained at a
distance of 31.25 cm form end A but when both the keys are
closed, the balance length reduces to 5 cm only. Given R AB =
10 .

(i) The e.m.f of the cell E2 is :

(A) 1 volt (B) 2 volt
(C) 3 volt (D) 4 volt
(ii) The internal resistance of the cell E2 is :
(A) 4.5  (B) 5.5
(C) 6.5  (D) 7.5 
(iii) The balance length when key K2 is open and
K1 is closed, is given by:
(A) 10.5 cm (B) 11.5 cm
(C) 12.5 cm (D) 13.5 cm
(iv)The balance length when key K1 is open and K2 closed, is given by:
(A) 10.5 cm (B) 11.5 cm
(C) 12.5 cm (D) 13.5 cm

2. A resistance of 2  is connected across one gap of a meter-bridge (length of the wire is

100 cm) and an unknown resistance greater than 2  is connected across the other gap.
When the resistances are interchanged, the balance point shifts by 20 cm. Neglecting any
corrections, the unknown resistance is :
(A) 2.5  (B) 3.2 
(C) 7  (D) none of these

3. The length of a wire of a potentiometer is 100 cm,and the emf of its standard cell is E
volt. It is employed to measure the emf of a battery whose internal resistance is 0.5  . If
the balance point is obtained at l = 30 cm from the positive end, the emf of the battery is :
(where i is the current in the potentiometer wire)
(A) (B)

(C) (D)

4. In a meter bridge experiment null point is obtained at 20 cm from one end of the wire
when resistance X is balanced against another resistance Y. If X < Y, then where will be

NARAYANA IIT Foundation Programme 60

 PHYSICS X CLASS

the new position of the null point from the same end, if one decides to balance a
resistance of 4X against Y :
(A) 40 cm (B) 80 cm
(C) 50 cm (D) 70 cm

5. In a potentiometer experiment the balancing with a cell is at length 240 cm. On shunting
the cell with a resistance of 2 , the balancing length becomes 120 cm. The internal
resistance of the coil is :
(A) 0.5  (B) 40 
(C) 200  (D) 400 

6. In a Wheatstone’s bridge, three resistances P, Q and R connected in the three arms and
the fourth arm is formed by parallel combination of S1 and S2 then condition for the
bridge to be balanced will be :
(A) (B)

(C) (D)

7*. Show in the figure below is a meter

bridge set up with null deflection in the
galvanometer. The value of the
unknown resistor R is :
(A) 13.75  (B) 220

(C) 110  (D) 55 

8*. In the given circuit, no current is

passing through the galvanometer. If
the cross-sectional diameter of AB is
doubled then for null point of
galvanometer the value of AC would :
(A) x (B) x/2
(C) 2x (D) none of
these

9*. In an experiment to measure the internal resistance of a cell by a potentiometer, it is

found that the balance point is at a length of 2m, when the cell is shunted by a 5 
resistance and at a length of 3 m, when the cell is shunted by a 10  resistance. The
internal resistance of the cell is then
(A) 1.5  (B) 10 
(C) 15  (D) 1 

10. The potential gradient along the length of a uniform wire is 10 volt per metre. B and C are
two points at 30 cm and 60 cm on a metre scale along the wire. The potential difference
between B and C will be
61 NARAYANA IIT Foundation Programme
Current Electricity

(A) 3 volt (B) 0.4 volt

(C) 7 volt (D) 4 volt

11. A potentiometer wire has a resistance of 4 ohm and is connected to a cell of steady emf 2
volt and internal resistance of 1 ohm. This potentiometer can measure a maximum voltage
of
(A) 2 volt (B) 1.9 volt
(C) 1.6 volt (D) 1.0 volt

12. For a cell of emf 2 V, a balance is obtained for 50 cm of the potentiometer wire. If the cell
is shunted by a 2  resistor and the balance is obtained across 40 cm of the wire, then the
internal resistance of the cell is
(A) 0.25  (B) 0.50 
(C) 0.80  (D) 1.00 

13. The potentiometer is more sensitive when

(A) emf of main circuit battery is higher (B) specific resistance of wire is higher
(C) wire is thinner (D) wire is longer

14. For a measuring potential difference a potentiometer is better than a voltmeter because
(A) uses a long wire
(B) works on the principle of Wheatstone bridge
(C) does not disturb the potential difference under measurement
(D) uses a battery of larger emf in the main circuit

NARAYANA IIT Foundation Programme 62

 PHYSICS X CLASS

ASSIGNMENT – VIII
1. In the given circuit, the voltmeter
records 5 V. The resistance of the
voltmeter (in ohms) is :
(A)200 (B) 100
(C) 10 (D) 50

2*. A voltmeter has resistance G ohms and range V volt. The value of resistance used in
series to convert into a voltmeter of range nV is :
(A) nG (B) (n – 1) G
(C) (D)

3*. An ammeter has resistance G ohms and a range of I A. The value of parallel shunt
resistance connected to the ammeter to increase its range to nIA is :
(A) nG (B) (n – 1) G
(C) (D)

4. If an ammeter is to be used in place of a voltmeter, then we must connect ammeter with a:

(A) low resistance in parallel (B) high resistance in parallel
(C) high resistance in series (D) low resistance in series

5. An ammeter reads upto 1 ampere. Its internal resistance is 0.81 ohms. To increase the
range of 10 amp value of the required shunt is :
(A) 0.03  (B) 0.3 
(C) 0.9  (D) 10.0 

6. In the circuit, the galvanometer G shows zero deflection. If the batteries A and B have
negligible internal resistance, the value of the resistor R will be :
(A) 100  (B) 200 
(C) 1000  (D) 500 

7*. In the circuit shown here the readings

of the ammeter and voltmeter are
(A) 6 A, 60 V
(B) 0.6 A, 6 V
(C) (6/11)A, (60/11)A
(D) (11/6) A, (11/60) A

63 NARAYANA IIT Foundation Programme

Current Electricity

8. In the circuit shown, the reading of the

voltmeter V is
(A) 12 V (B) 8 V
(C) 20 V (D) 16 V

9. Two resistances of 400  and 800  are connected in series with a 6 volt battery of
negligible internal resistance. A voltmeter of resistance 10,000  is used to measure the
potential difference across 400 . The error in the measurement of potential difference in
volts approximately is
(A) 0.01 (B) 0.02
(C) 0.04 (D) 0.05

10. A voltmeter reading upto 1000 mV is calibrated by a potentiometer. An emf of 1.08 V is

balanced across 5.4 m length of the wire. When voltmeter reading is 0.9 V, the balancing
length is 4.55 m. The error in the voltmeter reading is
(A) 0 V (B) 0.001V
(C) 0.1 V (D) 0.01 V

11. In the figure, if the ammeter reads 5 A

and voltmeter reads 50 V, then the
resistance R is
(A) 10  (B) > 10
(C) 5  (D) < 10 

12*. A, B and C are voltmeters of resistance R, 1.5 R

and 3R respectively. When same potential
difference is applied between x and y, the voltmeter
readings are VA, VB and VC. Then
(A) VA = VB = VC (B) VA  VB = VC
(C) VA = VB  VC (D) VA + VB = VC

13. An ammeter and voltmeter are joined in series to a cell. the readings are x and y
respectively. If a resistance is joined in parallel with voltmeter
(A) both x and y will increase
(B) both x and y will decrease
(C) x will decrease and y will increase
(D) x will increase and y will decrease

14. In the given circuit, the voltmeter

records 5 V. The resistance of the
voltmeter (in ohms) is
(A) 200 (B) 100
(C) 10 (D) 50

NARAYANA IIT Foundation Programme 64

 PHYSICS X CLASS

ASSIGNMENT – IX
1. If cut a wire into two equal parts, for a given voltage compared to its initial power loss,
the power dissipation will be
(A) equal (B) halved
(C) doubled (D) four times

2*. Two cells of emf 4 V and 6 V are connected to an

external load R = ¾ ohm. If = ¼ ohm the power
dissipated in the load is
(A) 3 J/s (B) 1/3 J/s
(C) 1 J/s (D) none of these

3*. For maximum power dissipated in the

external load of resistance R, R =
(A) (B)
(C) (D) r

4. N identical bulbs each of power P are connected in parallel. The total power dissipation is
(A) NP (B) N2P
(C) (D)

5. If N identical bulbs each of power P are connected in series, the total power dissipation is
(A) (B)
(C) PN (D) P

6*. Two electric bulbs of powers P1 and P2 are connected in parallel; then the effective power
of the combination is :
(A) (B)

(C) (D)

7*. Two electric bulbs of powers P1 and P2 are connected in series, the effective power is :
(A) (B)

(C) (D) P1 + P2

65 NARAYANA IIT Foundation Programme

Current Electricity

8*. Two heater coils when connected separately, boil water in minimum times t1 and t2.when
they are connected parallel, the combination takes minimum times t to boil water; then t=
(A) (B)

(C) (D) (t2/t1)(t1 + t2)

9*. A cell develops same power in the external circuit when connected with two resistors r1
and r2 separately. The internal resistance of the cell is :
(A) (B)

(C) (D)

10. A wire when connected to 220 V mains supply has power dissipation P 1. Now the wire is
cut into two equal pieces which are connected in parallel to the same supply. Power
dissipation in this case is P2. Then P2:P1 is :
(A) 1 (B) 4
(C) 2 (D) 3

11. If in the circuit, power dissipation is

150 W, then R is :
(A) 2  (B) 6 
(C) 5  (D) 4 

12. A 220 volt, 1000 watt bulb is connected across a 110 volt mains supply. The power
consumed will be :
(A) 750 watt (B) 500 watt
(C) 250 watt (D) 1000 watt

13. A heater coil is cut into two equal parts and only one part is now used in the heater. The
heat generated will now be :
(A) four times (B) double times
(C) halved (D) one fourth

14. An energy source will supply will supply a constant into the load if its internal resistance
is:
(A) very large as compared to the lad resistance (B) equal to the resistance of the lad
(C) non-zero but less then the resistance of the load (D) zero

NARAYANA IIT Foundation Programme 66

 PHYSICS X CLASS

15. A 100 W bulb B1 and two 60 W bulb B2 and B3,

are connected to a 250 V source, as shown in the
figure. Now W1,W2 and W3 are the out put
powers of the bulbs B1,B2 and B3 respectively.
Then :
(A) W1 > W2 = W3
(B) W1 > W2 > W3
(C) W1 < W2 = W3
(D) W1 < W2 < W3

16. The three resistances of equal value are arranged in the different combinations shown in
figure. Arrange them in increasing order of power dissipation :

(I) (II)

(III) (IV)

(A) III < II < IV < I (B) II < III < IV <I
(C) I < IV < III < II (D) I < III < II < IV

17*. Figure shows three resistor configurations R1,R2 and R3 connected to 3 V battery. If the
power dissipated by the configuration R1 R2 and R3 is P1,P2 and P3, respectively, then
(figure) :

(A) P1 > P2 > P3 (B) P1 > P3 > P2

(C) P2 > P1 > P3 (D) P3 > P2 > P1
18. The resistor R1 dissipates power P when connected to a generator. If a resistor R 2 is
inserted in series with R1, the power dissipated by R1
(A) increases (B) decreases
(C) remains the same
(D) may decrease or increase depending on the values of R1 and R2

19. If R1 and R2 are respectively the filament resistances of a 200 watt bulb and a 100 watt
bulb designed to operate on the same voltage
(A) R1 is two times R2 (B) R2 is two times R1
(C) R2 is four times R1 (D) R1 is four times R2

67 NARAYANA IIT Foundation Programme

Current Electricity

COMPETITIVE CORNER
Straight Objective Type
This section contains multiple choice questions. Each question has 4 choices (A), (B), (C), (D), out of which ONLY
ONE is correct. Choose the correct option.
1. A cell of emf E is connected across a resistance r. The potential difference between the
terminals of the cell is found to be V. The internal resistance of the cell must be:
(A) (B)

(C) (D)

2. An ammeter is always connected in ............. and voltmeter in .............. The suitable

words, in order, for the blanks are
(A) series, series (B) parallel ; parallel
(C) parallel ; series (D) series; parallel

3. A battery of emf 10 V and internal resistance 3 ohm is connected to a resistor. The current
in the circuit is 0.5 amp. The terminal voltage of the battery when the circuit is closed, is
(A) 10 V (B) 0 V
(C) 1.5 V (D) 8.5 V

4. Two bulbs 40 w, 220 v and 100 w, 220 v are connected in series to an emf of 220V.
Which bulb will glow brighter
(A) 40 w (B) 100 w
(C) Both (D) Any one

5. The value of current I in the given circuit is [CPMT 1995; RPET

2002]
15A 3A

8A

5A I
(A) 3A (B) 13 A
(C) 23 A (D) –3 A

6. Two heater wires of equal length are first connected in series and then in parallel. The
ratio of heat produced in the two cases is
[AIIMS 2000; MPPMT 2001; CBSE 2003; BCECE 2004; BV (Pune) 2006]
(A) 2 : 1 (B) 1 : 2
(C) 4 : 1 (D) 1 : 4

NARAYANA IIT Foundation Programme 68

 PHYSICS X CLASS

7. In the following figure, the value of resistor to be connected between C and D so that the
resistance of the entire circuit between A and B does not change with the number of
elementary sets used is [MPPMT 1998]
R R R R
A C

R R R R R

B D
R R
(A) R (B)
(C) 3R (D)

8. For ensuring dissipation of same energy in all the three resistors (R 1, R2, R3) connected
as shown in figure, their values must be related as [AIIMS 2005]
R1

V R2 R3

(A) R1 = R2 = R3 (B) R2 = R3 and R1 = 4R2

(C) R2 = R3 and (D) R1 = R2 + R3

9. You are given resistance wire of length 50 cm a battery of negligible resistance. In which
of the following cases is largest amount of heat generated
(A) When the wire is connected to the battery directly
(B) When the wire is divided into two parts and both the parts are connected to the
battery in parallel
(C) When the wire is divided into four parts and all the four parts are connected to the
battery in parallel
(D) When only half of the wire is connected to the battery

10. A conductor with rectangular cross section has dimensions (a × 2a × 4a) as shown in
figure. Resistance across AB is x, across CD is y and across EF is z. Then
C

2a

A 4a a B

E
D
(A) x = y = z (B) x > y > z
(C) y > z > x (D) x > z > y
69 NARAYANA IIT Foundation Programme
Current Electricity

11. A voltmeter of range 3 V and resistance 200  cannot be converted to an ammeter of

range
(A) 10 mA (B) 100 mA (C) 1 A (D)10 A
12. A voltmeter has resistance Ro and range V. What resistance should be connected in series
with it to increase its range to nV?
(A) nRo (B) (n + 1)Ro (C) (n – 1)Ro (D) Ro/n

13. To reduce the range of voltmeter, its resistance need to be reduced. A voltmeter has
resistance Ro and range V. Which of the following resistance when connected in parallel
will convert it into a voltmeter of range V/n?
(A) nRo (B) (n + 1)Ro (C) (n – 1)Ro (D) Ro/n
14. An ammeter has resistance Ro and range I. What resistance should be connected in
parallel with its to increase its range to nI?
(A) Ro/n (B) Ro/(n – 1) (C) Ro(n + 1) (D) nRo

15. To decrease the range of an ammeter its resistance need to be increased. An ammeter has
resistance Ro and range I. Which of the following resistance can be connected in series
with it to decrease its range to I/n.
(A) Ro/n (B) Ro/(n –1) (C) Ro/(n + 1) (D) nRo

16. When we shunt a galvanometer with a resistance of 20  its deflection is reduced to half.
What is the resistance of the galvanometer?
(A) 80  (B) 40  (C) 20  (D) 10 

17. A galvanometer gives full scale deflection when the current passed through it is 1 mA. Its
resistance is 100 . Without shunting it, as such, it can be used as an ammeter of range
(A) 1.000 A (B) 0.100 A (C) 0.010 A (D) 0.001 A

18. A ammeter A, a voltmeter V and a resistance R are connected as shown in the figure. If
the voltmeter reading is 1.6 V and the ammeter reading is 0.4 ampere then R is

(A) equal to 4 ohm (B) equal to 5 ohm

(C) less than 4 ohm (D) between 4 ohm and 5 ohm

19. A galvanometer of resistance 200 ohm gives full scale deflection with 15 milli ampere
current. In order to convert it into a 15 volt range voltmeter, the value of resistance
connected in series is
(A) 800 ohm (B) 1000 ohm (C) 1500 ohm (D) 2500 ohm

20. An ammeter of range 5 A is to be converted into an ammeter of range 10 V. If the

resistance of ammeter be 0.1 , then what resistance should be converted in series with
it?
NARAYANA IIT Foundation Programme 70
 PHYSICS X CLASS

(A) 1.1  (B) 1.9  (C) 2.1  (D) 4.9 

Multiple Correct Answer Type
This section contains multiple choice questions. Each question has 4 choices (A), (B), (C), (D), out of
which ONE or MORE is correct. Choose the correct options.

21. If two cells of emfs E1 and E2 and internal resistance r1 and r2 are connected in parallel, to an
external resistance R.

(A) Effective emf

(B) Effective internal resistance

(C) The current in circuit is

(D) The current in circuit is

22. The circuit shown in figures

A C F
12V 4V
E

 6

i1
i2
B D G
1 A
2
(A) E = 6.6 V (B) I1 = 1.1 A
(C) I2 = 0.5 A (D) E = 4.4 V

23. Triangle ABC is formed by three wires. The resistance of side AB, BC and CA are , 100
, 60  and 40 
(A) The effective resistance between A and B is 50 
(B) The effective resistance between A and C is 32 
(C) The effective resistance between A and B is 32 
(D) The effective resistance between A and C is 50 

24. In the circuit shown below, the cell has emf = 10 V and internal resistance = 1 
2 2 2

E = 10V
  4
r = 1

2 2 2
(A) the current through the 3  resistor is 1 amp
(B) the current through the 3  resistor is 0.5 amp

71 NARAYANA IIT Foundation Programme

Current Electricity

(C) the current through the 4  resistor is 0.5 amp

(D) the current through the 4  resistor is 0.25 amp
25. Choose the correct statements

(A) The equivalent resistance of an ammeter is given by

(B) The equivalent resistance of a voltmeter is given by Req = Rc + R

(C) The equivalent resistance of an ammeter is given by

(D) The equivalent resistance of a Voltmeter is given by Req = Rc – R

26. A batter of emf E and internal resistance ‘r’ sends a current i 1 and i2. When connected to
an external resistance R1 and R2 respectively.

(A) (B)

(C) (D)

Linked Comprehension Type

This section contains paragraphs. Based upon each paragraph multiple choice questions have to be answered. Each
question has 4 choices (A), (B), (C) and (D), out of which ONLY ONE is correct. Choose the correct option.

Comprehension – 1

If three resistances R1, R2, R3 are connected in series their effective resistances Rres = R1 + R2 + R3.

If they connected in parallel

27. Three resistors of 1 , 2 , 3  connected in series then effective resistance is

(A) 1  (B) 2 
(C) 3  (D) 6 

28. Three resistors of 2 , 4 , 6  connected in parallel then resistance is

(A) 2  (B) 1.2 
(C) 12  (D) 6 

29. Find the effective resistance in given below circuit

1 2

A B
3

(A) 1.5  (B) 2.5 

(C) 3.5  (D) 4.5 
NARAYANA IIT Foundation Programme 72
 PHYSICS X CLASS

73 NARAYANA IIT Foundation Programme

Current Electricity

Comprehension – 2
There is a combination of two resistances 10  and 20 
30. What will be the effective resistance in series if 10  gets broken?
(A) 10  (B) 20  (C) 30  (D) infinite

31. What will be the effective resistance in series if gets broken?

(A) 10  (B) 20  (C) 30  (D) infinite

32. What will be the effective resistance in series?

(A) 10  (B) 20  (C) 30  (D) infinite

Comprehension – 3
A resistor develops 400 J of thermal energy in 10s when a current of 2A is passed through it.

33. Resistance of a resistor in the circuit is

(A) 20  (B) 30  (C) 40  (D) 10 

34. The thermal energy developed when the current is 4A is

(A) 160 J (B) 16000 J (C) 1600 J (D) 16 J

35. Potential difference across resistance of resistor when the current is 4 A is

(A) 40 V (B) 10 V (C) 15 V (D) 30 V

Comprehension – 4
Three 4V batteries, internal resistances 0.1 , 0.2  and 0.3  are connected in parallel and in
series with a 2.045 ohm resistor.
36. Find the equivalent resistance for the circuit
(A) 0.055 ohm (B) 2.1 ohm (C) 2.045 ohm (D) 18.33 ohm

37. Current in the circuit is

(A) 1.7 amp (B) 1.9 amp (C) 2.1 amp (D) 4 amp

38. The terminal voltage of each cell is

(A) 3.5589 V (B) 3.8955 V (C) 0.4501 V (D) 0.1045 V

Comprehension – 5
10V 5V

R1
R2

15V R 3 R4

39. Current through R2 is zero if , in this case

(A) Current through R3 is 2.5 A (B) Current through R4 is 3A

NARAYANA IIT Foundation Programme 74

 PHYSICS X CLASS

(C) Both (A) and (B) are correct (D) Both (A) and (B) are wrong

40. Current through R1 is independent of

(A) R2 (B) R3 (C) R4 (D) R3 , R2 , R4

41. For what ratio current through R3 is zero

(A) 1 : 1 (B) 1 : 2 (C) 1 : 3 (D)Not Possible

Comprehension – 6
A heater is designed to operate with a power of 1000 watt in a 100 volt line. It is
connected to two resistance of 10  and R  as shown in the fig if the heater is now
operating with a power of 62.5 watt.
42. Resistance of heater and current flowing though the heater
(A) 10 , 2.5 amp (B) 20  5 amp (C) 30 , 7.5 amp (D) 40 , 10 amp

43. The p, d across the terminals B & C is

(A) 100 (B) 75 (C) 50 (D) 25

44. Resistance ‘R’ in the circuit is

(A) 5  (B) 10  (C) 15  (D) 20 

Matrix Match Type

This section contains Matrix-Match Type questions. Each question contains statements given in two
columns which have to be matched. Statements (A, B, C, D) in Column–I have to be matched with
statements (p, q, r, s) in Column–II. The answers to these questions have to be appropriately bubbled as
illustrated in the following example.
If the correct matches are A-p, A-s, B-q, B-r, C-p, C-q and D-s, then the correctly bubbled 4  4 matrix
should be as follows:
45. For the circuit shown in figure, match the entries of column I with the entries of column II.
2 3

4 5

V
Column – I Column – II
(A) Minimum current will flow through (P) 2
(B) Maximum current will flow through (Q) 4
(C) Maximum power will be generated across (R) 3
(D)Minimum power will be generated across (S) 5

75 NARAYANA IIT Foundation Programme

Current Electricity

46. In the circuits drawn in column I of the following table, all the bulbs are identical. Match
the entries of column I with the entries of column II.
E

(A) (P) Current drawn from the battery is maximum

E E E

(B) (Q) Current drawn from the battery is the least

(C) E (R) Bulbs will lit the brightest

E E

(D) (S) Bulbs will lit with brightness

lying between maximum and minimum value.

47. Six batteries of increasing emf and increasing internal resistance are connected in a circuit as
shown in the given figure. Match the enteries of column I with the entries of column II.
1V 2V 3V
1 2 3
A B

A
6V 5V 4V
  

Column – I Column – II
A. Potential of point A P. Zero
B. Potential of point B Q. 2V
C. Potential of point C R. 4V
D. Potential of point D S. 6V

NARAYANA IIT Foundation Programme 76

 PHYSICS X CLASS

Integer Type Questions

48. A 12-V battery is connected to a bulb. The battery sends a current of 2.5 A through it. If
energy transferred to the bulb in 5 minutes is x × 103 J. Find x.

49. A bulb draws 24W when connected to a 12-V supply. Find the power (in watt) if it is
connected to a 6-V supply. (neglect resistance change due to unequal heating in two
cases.)

50. How many bulbs of resistance 6 ohms should be joined in parallel to draw a current of 2
amperes from a battery of 3 volts?



77 NARAYANA IIT Foundation Programme

Current Electricity

KEY & HINTS

CURRENT ELECTRICITY
ASSIGNMENT – I
1. (C) 5. (D)
2. (A) 6. (C)
3. (B) 7. (C)
8. (C)
4. (A)
ASSIGNMENT – II
1. (B) 6. (D)
2. (A) 7. (D)
3. (C) 8. (B)
4. (D) 9. (D)
5. (A) 10. (A)
ASSIGNMENT – III
1. (B) 8. (C)
2. (C) 9. (D)
3. (C) 10. ()
4. (C) 11. (D)
5. (B) 12. (A)
6. (A) 13. (C)
7. (D) 14. (B)

ASSIGNMENT – IV
1. (A) 7. (C)
2. (B) 8. (A)
3. (B) 9. (A)
4. (A) 10. (B)
5. (B) 11. (A)
6. (C)

ASSIGNMENT – V
1. (B) 4. (D)
2. (C) 5. (B)
3. (C)

NARAYANA IIT Foundation Programme 78

 PHYSICS X CLASS

ASSIGNMENT – VI
1. (C) 6. (B)
2. (B) 7. (A)
3. (C) 8. (B)
4. (D) 9. (C)
5. (A)

ASSIGNMENT – VII
1. ((i)-A, (ii)-D, (iii)-C, (iv)-C) 8. (A)
2. (D) 9. (B)
3. (D) 10. (A)
4. (C) 11. (C)
5. (C) 12. (B)
6. (B) 13. (D)
7. (B) 14. (C)

ASSIGNMENT – VIII
1 (B) 8. (A)
2 (B) 9. (C)
3. (D) 10. (D)
4. (C) 11. (B)
5. (D) 12. (A)
6. (A) 13. (D)
7. (D) 14. (B)

ASSIGNMENT – IX
1. (D) 11. ()
2. (A) 12. (C)
3. (D) 13. (B)
4. (A) 14. (D)
5. (B) 15. (B)
6. (A) 16. (A)
7. (C) 17. (C)
8. (C) 18. (B)
9. (A) 19. (B)
10. (B)

79 NARAYANA IIT Foundation Programme

Current Electricity

COMPETITIVE CORNER
1. (C)
Conceptual
2. (D)
Conceptual
3. (A)
When the circuit is closed e.m.f. = voltage.
4. (A)
Conceptual
5. (B)
15A 3A
7A

8A 10A

3A
5A 13A
6. (C)
Conceptual
7. (B)
Let the resistance connected between C and D be ; then

and the resistance of entire circuit between A and B does not change with the number of
elementary sets used.
or

\ or
8. (C)
As the voltage in is same, therefore according to,

I R1 A B
I1 I2
V R2 R3

D C
Also the energy in all the resistances is same
\

Using, Thus,

9. (C)
Conceptual
10. (D)

NARAYANA IIT Foundation Programme 80

 PHYSICS X CLASS

Conceptual
11. (A)
Here Ig = 3 V/200 W = 0.015 A.
So, new range cannot be less than 15 mA.
12. (C)
In this case the voltmeter gives full deflection for potential difference V. Therefore I g =
V/Ro. To use the relation R = V/Ig – G, we put V as nV and G and Ro.
13. (D)
Connecting a resistance in parallel will reduce the resistance of combination but will not
reduce the range. For reducing the range, the resistance in series with the galvanometer
need to be reduced. This cannot be achieved by connecting a resistance in parallel with
the voltmeter can only be increased but cannot be decreased.
14. (B)
G can be sued.
Put Ig = I, I = nI and G = Ro.
15. (D)
It is not possible to decrease the range. A series resistor cannot change the current that
will produce full deflection.
16. (C)
Initial current V/G. Resistance of combination is . Current through the combination

is . Find the current through the galvanometer.

Note that deflection in the galvanometer is proportional to current. Here current in second
case is half of that in the first case. In general remember that by connecting equal
resistance in parallel, the deflection is reduced to half. 17. (D)
It can be calibrated as an ammeter of range 1 mA as that current produced full deflection.

18. (C)
The current through the resistance is 0.4 A. If r be the resistance of ammeter, then 0.4 =
.

Therefore, ohm. That is R is less than 4 ohm.

19. (A)
Use = (V/Ig) – G. Here V = 15 V.
Ig = 15 mA = 15 ´ 10-3 A, G = 200 W
Hence R = 800 W
20. (B)
R = (V/I) – GA = 10/5 – 0.1 = 1.9 W
21. (A,B,C)
22. (A,B)
Conceptual
23. (A,B)

81 NARAYANA IIT Foundation Programme

Current Electricity

Conceptual
24. (A,D)
Conceptual
25. (A,B)
Conceptual
26. (A,B,C)
Conceptual
27. (D)
Conceptual
28. (B)
Conceptual
29. (A)
Conceptual
30. (D)
Conceptual
31. (D)
Conceptual
32. (C)
Conceptual
33. (D)
Conceptual
34. (C)
Conceptual
35. (A)
Conceptual
36. (A)
Conceptual
37. (A)
Conceptual
38. (C)
Conceptual
39. (A)
Conceptual
40. (D)
Conceptual
41. (D)
Conceptual
42. (A)
Conceptual
43. (D)
Conceptual
44. (A)
Conceptual
45. (A (Q) ; B (P) ; C (R) ; D (Q))
In parallel combination, current distributes in the inverse ratio of resistances. Hence,
distribution of current in different resistors is as shown in the following figure:

NARAYANA IIT Foundation Programme 82

 PHYSICS X CLASS

2 3

(2/3)I (5/8)I
I

(1/3)I (3/8)I
4 5
For power generation apply

46. (A (Q) ; B (R) ; C (P,S) ; D (S))

For A : ( where R is the resistance of each bulb)

For B : For C :

For D :

47. (A (P) ; B (P) ; C (P) ; D (P))

Potential difference across any battery = 0

48. (9)
The power delivered is
Energy transferred in 5 minutes is
49. (6)
We have,

or ..... (1)
Suppose the bulb draws power when connected to the 6-V battery. Then,
..... (2)
From (1) and (2), we have
or
50. (4)
The equivalent resistance of the circuit =
Let n bulbs be joined in parallel to achieve this resistance. Then
(as all resistance = )

\
So, 4 bulbs should be connected in parallel.

83 NARAYANA IIT Foundation Programme