C H A P T E R

Electricity
Chapter Objectives
convenient form of energy. It is being used in almost every sector of modern society Electric Charge and Electric
like households, commercial, transport and industry, etc., to make life faster Current
Electric Potential and
and easier. Potential Difference
Law
E le c tr ic C h a r g e a n d E le c t r ic C u r r e n t Resistance
Specific Resistance (Resistivity)
E le c t r ic C h a rg e Electromotive Force (emf)
It is a physical entity which is defined by excess or deficiency of electrons on a body. of a Cell (e)
Combination of Resistors
A body is said to be negatively charged, if it gains electrons. e.g., An ebonite rod
Electrical Energy
rubbed with fur acquires negative charge.A body is said to be positively charged, if it Heating Effect of Electric
loses electrons.e.g., A glass rod rubbed with a silk cloth acquires positive charge. Current
The SI unit of electric charge is coulomb (C). Electric Power
House Wiring (Ring System)
The total charge acquired by a body is an integral multiple of magnitude of charge on Power Distribution
a single electron. This principle is called quantisation of charge.
The possible value of charge on a body can be ne.
where, n number of electrons lost or gained by the body
and e charge on one electron (1.6 10 19 coulomb).

E le c t r ic C u r re n t
It is defined as the rate of flow of electric charge through any cross-section of a
conductor in unit time.
If q amount of charges flows through a conductor in t time, then
Charge (q) ne
Electric current, I ( q ne)
Time (t) t
where, n number of electrons flowing through the conductor.
The SI unit of electric current is ampere (A). It is a scalar quantity. When 1 coulomb
of charge flows through any cross-section of a conductor in 1 second, then the electric
current flowing through it is said to be 1 ampere.
146 All inone ICSE Physics Class X

1 coulomb 1C If work done in moving a positive charge q from infinity

i.e., 1 ampere 1A
1 second 1s to the point is W, then electric potential V of that point is
W
Smaller units of current are milliampere V
(1 mA 10 3 A) and microampere (1 A 10 6
A). q
Note Charge is 1 coulomb if 6.25 1018 electrons move or 1 ampere The SI unit of electric potential is volt (V).
current flows in 1 second. It is a scalar quantity.
D ir e c tio n o f E le c t r ic C u r r e n t E le c tric P o te n tia l D iffe r e n c e ( V )
The direction of electric current is taken as opposite to the It is defined as work done in moving a unit positive
direction of the flow of electrons (negative charges). In an charge from one point to another in region of charges.
electric circuit, the current flows from positive terminal of
Let W be the work done in moving a charge q from point
the cell to the negative terminal. B to point A, then the potential difference (VB V A )
Exam ple 1. A current of 150 m A flows through a between these two points is given by
circuit for 2 m in. Find the am ount of charge that W
V V B VA
flow s through the circuit. q
Sol. Given, current, I 150 mA 150 10 3 A
The electric potential difference between two points is
Time, t 2 min 2 60 120 s said to be 1 volt, if 1 joule of work is done in moving
Amount of charge, q ? 1 coulomb of electric charge from one point to other
W e know that, q I t point.
q 150 10 3 120 1 joule
q 18 C
Thus, 1 volt
1 coulomb
So, 18 C of charge flow s around the circuit. 1J
1V 1 V 1 J/C 1 JC 1
Example 2. A total of 6 10 46 electrons flow through 1 C
a current carrying conductor when connected through
Smaller units of electric potential,
an external pow er supply for 20 s. Find the value of
current in the conductor. 1 mV 10 3V, 1 V 10 6 V
Sol. Given, total number of electrons, n 6 10 46 electrons, Larger units of electric potential,
tim e, t 20 s, current, I ?
1 kV 103 V, 1 MV 10 6 V
We know that, q ne
(from the principle of quantisation of electric charge) Exam ple 3. Calculate the potential difference
q between tw o term inals of a battery, if 100 J of w ork is
and I
t required to transfer the charge of 20 C from one
From Eqs. (i) and (ii), w e get term inal of the battery to the other.
ne 6 1046 1.6 10 19 Sol. Given, work done, W 100 J, charge, q 20 C
I (Qe 1.6 10 19 C)

t 20 Potential difference, V ?
W 100
0.48 10 27 A We know that, V 5V
q 20
4.8 10 26 A The potential difference between two points is 5 V.
Thus, the current through the conductor is 4.8 10 26 A.
Exam ple 4. How m uch w ork is done in m oving a
E le c tr ic P o te n tia l a n d charge of 2 C from a point of 118 V to a point at 128 V?
Sol. Given, charge, q 2 C
P o te n tia l D iffe re n c e Potential at point A, V A 118V
Potential at point B, V B 128 V
E le c tr ic P o t e n tia l Work done, W ?
Electric potential at a point in region of some charge We know that, potential difference, V V B VA
or charges is defined as the amount of work done when 128 118 10 V
a unit positive charge is moved from infinity to that a Work done, W V q 10 2 20 J
point. So, the w ork done in m oving the charge is 20 J.
All inone Electricity 147

CHECK POINT 01 R e s is t a n c e
It is that property of a conductor by virtue of which it
If a body has positive charge, then what does it mean?
opposes/resists the flow of charges through it. Its SI unit
What is the nature of charged acquired by an ebonite rod when
rubbed with a fur? is ohm, it is represented by the Greek letter .
V
In which direction does current flow in an electric circuit? Resistance of a conductor is given by R .
Is current scalar or vector? I
The charge on an electron is 1.6 10 19C. Find the number of It is said to be 1 ohm, if a potential difference of 1 volt
electrons that will flow per second to constitute a current of 2 A. across the ends of the conductor makes a current of
Ans. 1.25 1019 electrons
1 ampere to flow through it.
6 If work done in moving a charge of 20 mC from infinity to a point 1V
in an electric field is 15 J, then what is the electric potential at 1 volt 1 1 VA 1
i.e., 1 ohm
this point? Ans. 7.5 102 V 1 ampere 1A

Law Exam ple 5. The potential difference betw een the

term inals of an electric heater is 75 V w hen it draw s
According to this law, the electric current flowing through a a current of 5A from the source. W hat current will
conductor is directly proportional to the potential difference the heater draw , if the potential difference is
applied across its ends, providing the physical conditions increased to 150 V?
(such as temperature) remain unchanged. Sol. Given, potential difference, V 75 V
If V is the potential difference applied across the ends of Current, I 5A
a conductor through which current I flows, then V
W e kno w th at, R
according to law, I
75
V I (at constant temperature) R 15
5
or V IR When potential difference is increased to 150 V, then
V current is
or I V 150
R I 10 A
R 15
where, R is the constant of proportionality called So, the current through the heater becom es 10 A.
resistance of the conductor at a given temperature.
From the above formula, it is clear that current is S o m e Im p o r ta n t T e r m s
inversely proportional to resistance. R e la t e d t o R e s is ta n c e
Some important terms related to resistance are as follow
V -I G ra p h
The graph between the potential difference V and the (i) Resistor A component in an electric circuit which
corresponding current I is found to be a straight line offers resistance to the flow of electrons constituting
passing through the origin for metallic conductors. electric current is known as resistor. These are used to
make those electrical devices, where high resistance is
Y required. It reduces current in a circuit, e.g., Alloys
A
like nichrome, manganin and constantan.
(ii) Rheostat/Variable Resistance It is a variable
resistor, which is used to control the flow of electric
Potential

current by manually increasing or decreasing the

X resistance.
O Current, l
V-l graph for metal conductor (iii) Good Conductor A material which offers low
resistance to the flow of electrons or electric current
Slope of V-I graph, gives resistance, in an electric circuit is known as a good conductor,
V V e.g., Silver, copper, aluminium are good conductors,
i.e., slope tan resistance
among these, silver is the best conductor of electricity.
I I
148 All inone ICSE Physics Class X

(iv) Poor Conductor A material which offers higher (iv) Effects of Temperature With the increases in the
resistance to the flow of electrons or electric current temperature of a conductor, the random motion of
in an electric circuit is known as poor conductor, the electrons also increases. Due to this, the collisions
e.g., Mercury, lead, stainless steel, alloys of iron and between the electrons and the positive ions also
chromium. increases. Therefore, the resistance of a conductor
(v) Insulator A material which offers very high also increases with the increases in its temperature.
resistance to the flow of electrons or electric current Note With rise in temperature resistance of semiconductors and
in an electric circuit is known as insulator, e.g., electrolytes decreases and for alloys it increases.
Rubber, dry wood and plastic. Electric current does
not flow through it. Example 6. A wire of given material having length l
and area of cross-section A has a resistance of 10 .
(vi) Semiconductor A material which offers
What would be the resistance of another wire of the
intermediate resistance (more than conductor and same material having length l/ 4 and area of
less than insulator) to the flow of electrons or cross-section 2.5A?
electric current in an electric circuit is known as Sol. For first wire, length l, area of cross-section A
semiconductor, e.g., Germanium, silicon, etc. and resistance, R 1 10
l 10A
F a c to r s o n w h ic h th e R e s is ta n c e i.e ., R 10
1 A l
o f a C o n d u c to r D e p e n d s F or second wir e, length l /4 , area of cr oss-section 2.5 A
The electrical resistance of a conductor depends on the and resistance,
following factors l /4 10A l
R2 1 (from Eq. (i))
2.5 A l 4 2.5A
(i) Length of the Conductor The resistance of a So, the resistance of that wire is 1 .
conductor R is directly proportional to its length l.
i.e., R l O h m ic a n d N o n - O h m ic R e s is to r s
Due to this, when the length of a wire is The condu
doubled/halved, then its resistance also gets resistor (or linear resistance). e.g., Silver, nichrome,
doubled/halved. copper, iron, etc. The V-I graph for these resistor is a
(ii) Area of C ross-section of the C onductor T he straight line passing through the origin (refer to the graph
resistance of a conductor R is inversely proportional on page 03). Whereas those conductor which does not
obey law is known as non-ohmic resistor (or
to its area of cross-section A.
1 non-linear resistance). e.g., Triode valve, junction diode,
i.e., R transistor, etc. The V-I graph for these resistors is a
A curve line.
Due to this, when the area of cross-section of wire is Also, it is not necessary for the graph of non-ohmic
doubled, then its resistance gets halved and if area of resistors to pass through the origin.
cross-section of wire is halved, then its resistance will
get doubled. S p e c ific R e s is t a n c e
Note When a conductor is stretched (increased its length), then its area
of cross-section decreases accordingly but the volume ( R e s is t iv it y )
(i.e., area length) of the conductor remains the same. It is defined as the resistance of a conductor of unit
(iii) Nature of the Material of the Conductor The length and unit area of cross-section. Its SI unit is
resistance of a conductor depends on the nature of ohm-metre ( -m).
the material of which it is made. The resistivity of a material does not depend on its length or
Some materials have low resistance, whereas others thickness but depends on the nature of the substance and
have high resistance. temperature. It is a characteristic property of the material of
Hence, from Eqs. (i) and (ii), we can write the conductor and varies only, if its temperature changes.
l or R l Insulators such as glass, rubber, ebonite, etc., have very
R high resistivity (1012 to 1017 -m), while conductors have
A A very low resistivity (10 8 to 10 6 -m).
where, is the constant of proportionality
called resistivity or specific resistance (discussed in
later section) of the conductor.
All inone Electricity 149

Alloys have higher resistivity than that of their constituent

metals. They are used to make heating elements of devices
E le c tro m o tiv e F o rc e
such as electric iron, heaters, etc. This is because they do not (e m f) o f a C e ll( )
oxidise easily at high temperatures. The high resistivity of Electric cell has to do some work in maintaining the
alloys also allow dissipation of electrical energy in the form
of heat. Tungsten is used almost exclusively for filaments of current through a circuit. The work done by the cell in
electric bulbs, whereas copper and aluminium are generally moving unit positive charge through the whole circuit
used for electrical transmission lines. (including the cell) is called the electromotive force
(emf) of the cell. If during the flow of q coulomb of
C o n d u c t iv it y charge in an electric circuit, the work done by the cell
It is defined as the reciprocal of resistivity of a conductor. is W, then
SI unit is mho per metre ( 1m 1) or siemen per metre W
(S/m). It is expressed as emf of the cell,
1 q
Its unit is joule/coulomb or volt.
If W 1 joule and q 1 coulomb, then 1 volt, i.e.,
Exam ple 7. Resistance of a m etal wire of length 2 m is if in the flow of 1 coulomb of charge, the work done by
30 at tem perature 25°C. If the diam eter of the wire is the cell is 1 joule, then the emf of the cell is 1 volt.
0.6 mm, then what will be the resistivity of the metal at
that temperature? In t e r n a l R e s is ta n c e ( r)
Sol. Given, length of wire, l 2 m It is defined as the resistance offered by the electrolyte
Resistance, R 30 of the cell to the flow of current through it. It is
Temperature, T 25 C
denoted by r. Its unit is also ohm.
Diameter of wire, d 0.6 mm 6 10 4 m
Internal resistance of a cell depends on the following factors
Resistivity of the wire, ?
RA R d 2
d
2 (i) It is directly proportional to the separation
We know that, QA between the two plates of the cell.
l 4l 4
4 2 (ii) It is inversely proportional to the plate area
30 (6 10 )
4.24 10 6 -m dipped into the electrolyte.
4 2 (iii) It depends on the nature, concentration and
The resistivity of the metal at 25°C is 4.24 10 6 -m.
temperature of the electrolyte and increases with
S u p e r c o n d u c to r s increase in concentration.
The resistance of certain metal or alloy e.g., mercury, lead,
niobium, etc., drop to zero, when they are cooled below a T e r m in a l P o te n tia l D iffe re n c e (V )
certain temperature. These conductors are known as Terminal potential difference of a cell is defined as the
superconductors. In these types of conductors, once a potential difference between the two terminals of the cell
current starts flowing through them, they persist it even in a closed circuit (i.e., when current is drawn from the
when there is no potential difference across them. cell). It is represented by V and its unit is volt. It is always
less than the emf of the cell.
CHECK POINT 02
Keeping the potential difference constant, the resistance of a circuit
is halved. By how much does the current change?
C o m b in a tio n o f R e sisto rs
The potential difference across a wire is 75 V and its electric Two or more resistors can be connected with each
resistance is 30 . Find out the electric current through the wire. other by different combination methods in order to
Ans. 2.5 A achieve the desired equivalent resistance in a particular
Define the electric resistance of a wire and also write its SI unit. circuit.
What is the difference between a good conductor and a poor There are two methods of joining the resistors together which
conductor? Give two examples of each.
are as given below
If the length of a wire is halved and its cross-sectional area is
doubled, then what would be the resistance of the wire? (Given,
initially the resistance of the wire is ) Ans. R/4
Series Combination of Resistors
What is the difference between Ohmic and non-Ohmic resistors?
When two or more resistors are connected end to end,
Define the resistivity of a material and also write its SI unit. then they are said to be connected in series.
150 All inone ICSE Physics Class X

The following figure shows the connection of resistors in series (i) Total current flow ing in the circuit,
+ Potential difference (V ) 3
V (I) ) 0.5A
Total resistance (R) 6
R1 R2 R3 In series com bination, current flowing through each
I component of the circuit is same and is equal to the total
V1 V2 V3 +
current flowing in the circuit. So, 0.5 A current will flow
I A
through the ammeter, therefore its reading will be 0.5 A.
+ (ii) Reading of voltmeter Potential difference across 2
K V bulb
Series combination of resistors V IR = 0.5 2 1V
This figure has been drawn because it matches with the (Q current flowing through the bulb is 0.5 A)
matter mentioned below. But the figure already needs an
Exam ple 9. Three resistors of 5 , 10 and 15
explaination where in we had to write, the voltage drop is are connected in series with a 12 V power supply.
been calculate by the voltmeter V1 , V2 and V3. Calculate their com bined resistance, the current that
Because the symbol V is of the voltmeter, rather flow s in the circuit and in each resistor and the
than first signifying the potential drop in the circuit. An potential difference across each resistor.
applied potential V produces current I in the resistors and Sol. Given, R 1 5 , R 2 10 , R 3 15 , V 12 V, R ?, I ?
R1 , R2 and R3causing a potential drop V1 , V2 and V3 and V 1 ,V 2 ,V 3 ?
respectively, through each resistor. According to question, the three resistors are connected
Total potential, V V1 V2 V3 in series com bination, then equivalent resistance,
5 10 15
By law, V1 IR1, V2 IR2 and V3 IR3
Thus, V V1 V2 V3 IR1 IR 2 IR 3
V I(R1 R2 R3 ) I I

If R is the equivalent resistance and V IR

+
Hence, IR I(R1 R2 R3 ) 12 V

R R1 R2 R3 R R1 R2 R3 5 10 15 30

Some important points regarding series combination of resistors The current flow ing through the circuit
are as follow (I)
Potential of power supply (V )
(i) The equivalent resistance is equal to the sum of the Total resistance of the circuit(R)
individual resistances. 12 2
0.4 A
(ii) The equivalent resistance is thus greater than the 30 5
resistance of either resistor. This is also known as In series com bination, the current flow ing through each
resistor is equal to total current flowing through the
maximum effective resistance. circuit. Therefore, current flow ing through each resistor
(iii) The current through each resistor is same. is 0.4 A .
(iv) The potential difference across each resistor is Potential difference across first resistor,
different. V 1 IR 1 0.4 5 2 V
Potential difference across second resistor,
Exam ple 8. Study the following electric circuit. Find V 2 IR 2 0.4 10 4 V
the readings of (i) the am m eter and (ii) the voltm eter.
and potential difference across third resistor,
+
4 V V3 0.4 15 6V
A B
2 D isa d v a n ta g e s o f S e rie s C o m b in a tio n
(i) In series combination, if any of the components fail
+ to work, the circuit will break and then none of the
( ) A
+
3V K components will be able to operate.
Sol. In the given circuit, the resistance of 4and a bulb of (ii) It is not possible to connect a bulb and a heater in
resistance 2 are connected in series, so equivalent series because they need different values of current
resistance of the circuit, to operate properly. Due to this, we do not use series
R R1 R2 4 2 6 circuit.
All inone Electricity 151

Parallel Combination of Resistors Sol. Given, R 1 40 , R 2 40 , R 3 20 , V 12V,R ?,

When two or more resistors are connected simultaneously I , I1 , I2 , I3 ?
According to circuit, the three resistors are connected in
between two points, then they form a parallel combination. parallel com bination, then effective resistance,
The following figure shows the connection of resistors in parallel
+ R1 +12 V
I1 R I I
+ 2 R1=40
I1
I2
I3 + R3 I R2=40
I2
+
I
+V A
I3 R3=20

+
K V 1 1 1 1
Parallel combination of resistors R R1 R2 R3
An applied potential V produces current I1 in R1 , I2 in 1 1 1
R2 and I3 in R3. 40 40 20
Total current, I I I I 1 1 2 4 1
1 2 3 40 40 10
V V V
By law, I1 ,I 2
and I3 R 10
R1 R2 R3 So, the three resistors together have an effective
V resistance of 10 .
If R is the equivalent resistance, then I Each resistor has a potential difference of 12 V across it.
R
V V V V As in parallel com bination, the potential difference across
Thus, [from Eq. (i)] each resistance is equal to the total potential difference
R R1 R2 R3 applied on the combination.
V 1 1 1 potential difference (V )
Also, current, I
V resistance (R)
R R1 R2 R3 Current through 40 resistor, I 1
12
0.3 A
40
1 1 1 1 A ls o , I 2 0.3 A
R R1 R2 R3 12
Current through 20 resistor, I 3 0.6 A
20
Some important points regarding parallel combination of Current throught the supply,
resistors are as follow I I 1 I 2 I 3 0.3 A 0.3 A 0.6 A 1.2 A
(i) The reciprocal of equivalent resistance is equal to
the sum of the reciprocal of individual resistances. A p p lic a tio n s o f P a r a lle l
(ii) The equivalent resistance is less than the resistance C o m b in a tio n in D a ily L ife
of either resistor. This is also known as minimum Parallel combination of resistances is very useful in circuits
effective resistance. used in daily life. This is because, these circuits have
components of different resistances which requires
(iii) The current from the source is greater than the different amounts of current.
current through either resistor.
Parallel circuit divides the current among the components
(iv) The potential difference across each resistor is same. (electrical gadgets), so that they can have necessary
Note For n equal resistances combined in series (equivalent amount of current to operate properly. This is the reason
resistance R s ) and in parallel (equivalent resistance R p ), then of connecting electrical appliances in parallel
Rs
n2 combination in household circuit.
Rp
M ix e d C o m b in a tio n o f R e sisto rs
Exam ple 10. Two 40 resistors and a 20 resistor In this type of combination, circuit has some resistances
are all connected in parallel with a 12 V pow er connected in series combination and some in parallel
supply. Calculate their effective resistance and the combination. This type of combination is also called
current through each resistor. W hat is the current
complex circuit.
flowing through the supply?
152 All inone ICSE Physics Class X

While solving problems of mixed combination of resistances, Now , the given circuit can be redraw n as show n below
there are many points to be considered which are given as below + R5 =3
(i) Mixed combination circuit can always be reduced to
a simple circuit containing only one resistor. For this A
examine, the given circuit and replace the resistors R'' =2
that are connected in parallel or in series with their K
equivalent resistances.
(ii) Draw the new circuit after making the changes and R1 =3
repeat the same procedure again as discussed above,
Now , it is clear from the diagram that all the resistances
till a simple circuit is obtained. R 5 , R and R 1 are in series com bination.
(iii) If the current through or potential difference across As, current through R 1 ,R and R 5 is sam e.
a resistor in the complex circuit is to be found, then Equivalent resistance of the circuit is
start with the simple circuit reduced from the R R5 R R1
complex circuit and gradually work your way back
3 2 3 8
through the circuits, using V IR.
(iv) While calculating the equivalent resistance, do not Exam ple 12. Find the equivalent resistance of the
consider the battery, if its resistance is not given but, follow ing circuit. Also, find the current and potential
if its resistance is given, then consider it and treat it at each resistor.
1
as an individual resistor.
R2
Exam ple 11. Consider the circuit diagram as 2
given below : R3
R5 = 3
+ A 2 3 2
B
R1 R4 R5

A R3 = 3
=3 +
9V K
K
Sol. In the given circuit, R 2 , R 3 and R 4 are in parallel
R1 = 3 R2 = 3 com bination. As, currents through R 2 , R 3 and R 4 are
different. Let equivalent resistance of R 2 , R 3 and R 4 be R .
If R R R R R 3 , then
1 2 3 4 5
1
find the equivalent resistance of the circuit.
Sol. From the given com bination, it can be observed that R 2 R2
an d R are in series o rd er. A s curre nt th ro ug h R an d R 2
3 2 3
is sam e. So, their equivalent resistance is R R 2 R3 R3
2 3 2
3 3 6 . Now, the given circuit can be A B
redrawn as shown below R1 R4 R5
R 5= 3
+ +
9V K

A 1 1 1 1
R R2 R3 R4
K 1 1 1 6 3 2 11 6
=6 R
1 2 3 6 6 11
R 1= 3 Now , the given circuit can be redraw n as show n below
Now, it can be seen that R 4 and R are in parallel 2 6/11 2
combination. As, currents through R 4 and R are different. A B
R1 R R5
So, their equivalent resistance can be calculated as below
9V
1 1 1
R R R4 +
K
1 1 1 2 3 1 Now , R1 , R and R 5 are in series com bination.
6 3 6 6 2
As, current through R 1 , R and R 5 is sam e.
R 2
All inone Electricity 153

So, equivalent resistance of the w hole circuit is

R R R R 2
6
2 E le c tr ic a l E n e r g y
1 5
11 Now-a-days electricity is used in doing many works
22 6 22 50
W through different instruments. Thus, electric energy can
11 11
be defined as the ability of electric current to do some
Now, total current flow ing through the circuit,
V 9 99 work through different instrument.
I 2A
R 50 50 Some examples of electric energy are given below
11 (i) When an electric current is passed through a
Current through R 1 and R 5 w ill be sam e as these are in heating element of a heater, oven, etc, it gets heated
series com bination and will be equal to the total current
flowing through the circuit.
up due to its resistance. Thus, electrical energy is
I I1 I 5 2 A
converted into heat energy.
Potential drop at R 1 ,V 1 I1R 1 2 2 4V (ii) When an electric current is passed through an
Potential drop at R 5 ,V 5 I5 R 5 2 2 4 V
electrical motor its coil begin to rotate and
Now, potential drop at R , V can be calculated as simultaneously the coil gets heated up slightly. The
V V1 V5 V 9 4 4 V
electrical energy is converted into mechanical energy
and sometimes into heat energy.
V 1V
(iii) When an electric current is passed through an
I2 R2 electric lamp, the filament of the bulb gets heated
and it glows. Thus, electrical energy is converted
I3 into heat and light energy.
I =I R R3 I5 = I (iv) When the output of a microphone which is in the
1 1
form of electric pulses is passed to a loud speaker,
I4 R4 R5
the electrical energy is converted into sound energy.
I +
K
M easurem ent of Electrical Energy
As R 2 , R 3 and R 4 are in parallel com bination, so potential
drop at all resistances will be sam e as 1 V. Assuming a conductor as a resistance wire which resists
V2 V3 V4 V 1V
the flow of current through it.
V2 V 1 So, work must be done by the current source for
Current through R , I 1A
2 2 R2 R2 1 continuous flow of the current. Now, we calculate the
Sim ilarly, I
V3 V 1
0.5 A work done by the source when the current I flows
3 R3 R3 2 through a wire of resistance R. This work done will be
V4 V 1 equal to the electric energy.
and I 0.33 A When an electric charge q moves against a potential
4
R4 R4 3
difference V. Then,
amount of work, W q V
CHECK POINT 03
From definition of current, we know that
1 In which type of combination of different resistors it will have an q
I or q I t
equal value of electric current through each resistor?
t
2 Which type of combination of resistors will have equivalent
resistance less than the least resistance? From law,
3 If different resistors have same value of electric potential across V
them, then in which way they are connected to each other?
R or V IR ...(iii)
I
4 Four resistors of equal resistance R are connected in parellel,
find the equivalent resistance. Ans. R/4 Substituting the values of q and V in Eq. (i), we get
5 What do you understand by mixed combination of resistance? V 2t
W (I t) IR I2Rt VIt
6 Five resistances are connected as shown in the figure. R
Determine the total resistance between A and B. 2
V t
Electric energy, E I2Rt VIt
2
2 R
A B SI unit of electrical energy is joule (J),
where, 1 Joule 1 volt 1 ampere 1 sec
2 Ans. 3
154 All inone ICSE Physics Class X

Com m ercial Unit of Electrical Energy According to law, V IR

To measure the electrical energy consumed commercially, P IR I I 2 R
joule is not sufficient. So, to express electrical energy V2 V
consumed commercially a special unit kilo-watt-hour is I
used in place of joule. It is also called 1 unit of R R
electrical energy. The SI unit of electric power is watt (W).
1 kilowatt hour or 1 unit of electrical energy is the Electric power is said to be 1 watt, if 1 ampere current
amount of energy dissipated in 1 hour in a circuit, when flows through a circuit having 1 volt potential difference.
the electric power in the circuit is 1 kilowatt. i.e., 1 watt 1 volt 1 ampere 1 VA
1 kilowatt hour (kWh)
Note Bigger units of power are as given below:
3.6 106 joule ( J ) 3.6 1013 erg 1 kilowatt (kW) 103 W
1 megawatt (MW) 106 W
H e a tin g E ffe c t o f 1 gigawatt (GW) 109 W

E le c tr ic C u r r e n t Practical unit of power is horse power.

1 HP 746 W
When an electric current is passed through a high resistance Number of units consumed by electric appliances is
wire like nichrome wire, then the wire becomes very hot and watt hours
produces heat. This is called the heating effect of current. 1000

This effect is obtained by the transformation of electrical P o w e r R a tin g o f C o m m o n A p p lia n c e s

energy into heat energy.
The electrical appliances such as electric bulb,
e.g., An electric fan becomes warm, if it is used geyser bulb, heater, etc., are rated with power and
continuously for longer time, etc. voltage. e.g., An electric bulb is rated as 100W 220 V,
Assuming that all electrical work done or electrical energy etc.
consumed is converted into heat energy, i.e., heat With the help of the rating of the appliances, we calculate the
produced. So, heat produced is given by following two quantities such as
H I2 R t (i) The resistance of the filament of the bulb (coil).
Thus, it is known as law of heating. V 2 (Voltage rating of appliance)2
R
This law implies that heat produced in a resistor is P Power rating of appliance
(i) directly proportional to the square of current for a This is the resistance of the element (filament) of an
given resistance. appliance (bulb) while in use.
(ii) directly proportional to the resistance for a given
(ii) Safe limit of current through the filament of the
current.
bulb (coil).
(iii) directly proportional to the time for which the
P Power rating of appliance
current flows through the resistor. I
V Voltage rating of appliance
E le c tr ic P o w e r If the current exceeds this value, the power supplied
It is defined as the amount of electric energy consumed in at the rated voltage V exceeds the rated power and
a circuit per unit time. the appliance gets damaged.
If W be the amount of electric energy consumed in a
circuit in t seconds, then the electric power is given by H o u se H o ld C o n s u m p tio n
W o f E le c t r ic a l E n e r g y
P t
An electric meter measures the electrical energy
But W electric energy Vq VIt ( q It) consumed by the different appliances at home. It always
VIt calculate the energy in kWh.
P
t The electrical energy consumed by a household
P VI appliance in a certain time (t) is given as,
All inone Electricity 155

Energy (in kWh) power (in kW) time (in hour)

CHECK POINT 04
power (in watt) time (in hour)
1000 1 Explain, why the current that makes the heater element very
hot, only slightly warms the connecting wires leading to the
V (volt) I(ampere) t(hour) heater?
1000 2 An electric heater of resistance 500 is connected to a
Now, cost of the electricity will be given as, mains supply for 30 min. If 15 A current flows through the
filament of the heater, then calculate the heat energy
cost of electricity energy consumed (in kWh) rate in produced in the heater. Ans. 20.25 107 J
rupees per unit.
3 What is the maximum power in kilowatts of the appliance that
can be connected safely to a 13A, 230V mains socket?
Exam ple 13. An electric fan runs from the 220 V Ans. 2.99 kW
m ains. The current flowing through it is 0.5 A. At w hat
4 Power of a lamp is 60W. Find the energy in joules consumed
rate is the electrical energy transform ed by the fan? by it in 1 s. Ans. 60 J
How m uch energy is transform ed in 2 m in? 5 What is the heating effect of electric current?
Sol. Given, potential difference, V 220 V, 6 What is the safe limit of current through the filament of the
current, I 0.5 A , time, t 2 min 120 s, power, P ? bulb?
W e know that,
power, P VI 220 0.5 110 W H o u s e W ir in g (R in g S y s t e m )
and E Pt 110 120 13200 J
In a house, the wiring is commonly done by the ring
So, the pow er of fan is 110 W and it transform s 13200 J system. A ring system of wiring connecting a lamp, a
of energy.
socket with switch and a fan with regulator is shown in
Exam ple 14. An electric iron of resistance 20 takes the figure given below.
a current of 5 A. Calculate the heat developed in 0.5 Lamp
m in. Socket outlet
Sol. Given, resistance, R 20 , Current, I 5 A
Time, t 0.5 min 0.5 60 30 s S
N S
Heat, H ? E
F R
F
W e know that, heat, H I 2 Rt F S Fan
H (5)2 20 30 25 20 30 15000 J 1.5 10 4 J 30 A Fuse
So, the heat developed is 1.5 10 4 J. L L
N N To other
Exam ple 15. 200 J of heat is produced 10 s in a 5 E E appliances
resistance. Find the potential difference across Main fuse box
the resistor.
A schematic diagram of main circuit
Sol. Given, heat, H 200 J, resistance, R 5 ,
time, t 10 s, potential difference, V ? In this system, the wires starting from the main fuse
We know that, box run around all the rooms of the house and then
heat, H I 2 Rt I
H 200
2A
come back to the fuse box again forming the ring. The
Rt 5 10 fuse box contains a fuse of rating about 30 A for each
So, the potential difference across the resistor is ring circuit.
V IR (by law)
2 5 10 V A d v a n ta g e s o f th e R in g S y ste m
The advantages of the ring system are given as
Exam ple 16. An electric refrigerator rated 500W
operates 6 hours/day. What is the cost of the energy to (i) Each appliance can operate independently, without
operate it for 30 days at `4.5 per kW h? affecting the other appliances connected in the
Sol. Energy consum ed by refrigerator in 30 days system.
500W 6
hour
30 days (ii) If a new appliance has been installed in a room, a
day new line up to the distribution box is not required
90000 Wh 90 kWh but it can directly connect to the ring circuit of the
Cost of energy to operate the refrigerator for 30 days room.
90 kWh ` 4.5 per kWh ` 405
156 All inone ICSE Physics Class X

The main fuse is connected in the live wire while the

P o w e r D istrib u tio n main switch is connected in the live and neutral wires.
The electric power is generated at the power generating The main switch is a double pole switch. It has an iron
stations. The power from these station is transmitted over covering.
long distances at a high voltage to minimise the loss of
The covering is earthed. This switch is used to cut
energy in form of heat in the line wires used for
transmission. the connections of the live as well as the neutral
wires. Usually, there are two separate circuits in a house,
This is because at high voltages the value of current is very
less. Therefore, from the relation of the heating effect the lighting circuit with a 5 A fuse (bulbs, fans, etc) and
produced i.e., H I2RT , will also be less at low current. the power circuit with a 15 A fuse (geysers, air coolers,
etc.).
Hence, the energy loss will be least.
Grid sub Main substation
2. S w it c h
Power generating
station step-up step-down to 33 kV In an electrical circuit switch is used to start or stop the
station at 11 kV
to 132 kV
flow of current.
City substation Depending upon work, construction and current rating, switches
To Intermediate substation
consumer step-down to
step-down to 11 kV
are classified as given below
220 V
(i) Main Switch It is a two pole or three pole single
Block diagram representing the power distribution
way switch. Normally, it is DPIC or TPIC type
switch. They are used to switch ON/OFF the main
C o m p o n e n ts o f H o u s e h o ld line current.
E le c tric C ircu it
It is basically of two types
1. M a in C ir c u it (a) Double Pole Iron Clad or DPIC Switch It
Electricity generated at power stations is brought to our works as a main switch for single phase AC or
homes by two thick copper or aluminium wires. One of DC. A fuse is connected in series with each line.
these is called live wire (in red insulation cover), which is It is used for controlling single phase 2-wire
at a potential of 220 V with a frequency of 50 Hz and the circuits. The switch switches ON/OFF the phase
other is called neutral wire (in black insulation cover), line and neutral line simultaneously. These
which is at zero potential. There is also a third wire i.e., switches are constructed for 15 A to 200 A and
earth wire. 250 V to 660 V. The metal covering of switch
The neutral and the earth wires are connected together at should be compulsorily grounded.
the local substation, so that both the wire are at the same
potential.
Double pole switch or
main switch L
N
kWh meter E
Main
fuse
E L Double pole iron clad switch
E N
N
L (b) Three Pole Iron Clad or TPIC Switch It works
Local
Company fuse
earthing
as a main switch for 3-phase AC line. It is used
or pole fuse
for controlling a 3-phase power with 4-wire
A schematic diagram of main circuit system. A fuse and a neutral link is connected in
series with each line. The switch switches ON/OFF
The live wire carries current from the source to the
distribution board while the neutral wire is for the return all the three phase lines simultaneously. These
path of current. The connections are made to the switches are constructed for 30 A to 400 A and
distribution board through a main fuse and a main switch. 400 V to 1100 V.
All inone Electricity 157

The metal covering of switch should be the light so that the connection rq changes to qp and the
compulsorily grounded. flow of current stops.
Cover Terminals for outgoing connection
Earth terminal
L L
Neutral link p p p p
Supply Supply
Casting q S
1 S2 q N q S
1 S2 q N
Spring
r r r r
Interlocking
mechanism (a) Bulb off (b) Bulb on through switch S1
Handle
Insulated spindle
Switch blade
Three pole iron clad or TPIC switch L
p p Supply
Note DPIC and TPIC are Different from Other Switches DPIC and
q S1 S2 q N
TPIC switches are switched ON in upward direction and OFF
in downward direction but rest other switches are ON in r r
downward direction and OFF in upward direction. This
property makes them different from others. (c) Bulb on through switch S2

(c) Two-way Switch It means two or more

switches in different locations to control one 4. E a r th in g
lamp. They all are wired in such a way, so that Earthing means to connect the metal case of the appliance
operation of either switch will control the to the earth (i.e., zero potential) by means of a metal wire
lights. called the earth wire (in green insulation cover). One end of
This figure illustrates how lights is controlled from two the metal wire is buried in the earth. The appliances are
different locations connected to the earth by using the top pin of a 3-pin plug.
Upstairs Earthing saves us from electrical shocks. The symbol is used
Landing light lighting
circuit
for earthing appliances.
Fuse Switch
L
Protective Machine
Source Metallic
earth conductors 2 Gang, Three core element case of the
and the earth N appliance
omitted for two way
Insulator
clarity switches
E
Earthing of an appliance
Downstairs
lighting 5. E le c t r ic F u s e
circuit
Hall light Fuse is used as a safety device in household circuits and is
A schematic diagram of two-way switch circuit based on heating effect of current. It is connected in series
with the mains supply.
3 . S ta irc a se W irin g A fuse consists of an alloy of lead and tin which has
It is a dual control switch system in which the double appropriate melting point.
pole type switches are used at the top and bottom of a It is required to rate the fuses for different current values
staircase. Let a switch S1 be fitted at the bottom and a such as 1 A, 2 A, 5 A, 10 A, 15 A, etc.
switch S2 at the top of the staircase.
When the current flowing through the circuit exceeds
While going up a person puts on the light by operating the safe limit, the temperature of the fuse wire increases
the switch S1 so that the connection pq changes to qr and due to heating effect it gets melts and breaks the circuit.
and makes the current to flow in the circuit. On This helps to protect the other circuit elements from
reaching at the top, he operates the switch S2 to put off hazards caused by heavy current.
158 All inone ICSE Physics Class X

6. 3 -P in P lu g a n d S o c k e t w ith S a fe ty P re c a u tio n s
C o n v e n tio n a l L o c a tio n o f W ire s The safety precautions are as
According to electricity rules, 3-pin socket should be used (i) a switch should not be touched with wet hands.
where third pin is used as the earth pin, it is thick pin
(ii) the switch should always be connected in the live wire.
and is at the top between the other two pins of the other
two pins, right pin is used as phase and the left pin as (iii) electrical appliances should be properly earthed.
neutral. (iv) always use appropriate fuse rating in the live wire of
There is no pin for the earth available in 2-pin socket and the circuit.
it is used in low voltage applications. The pins are splitted
C o n v e n tio n a l C o lo u r C o d in g o f W ire s
at the ends to provide a spring action so that it gets fit in
the socket holes tightly. The earth pin is thicker and The colour coding of wires in a cable are as
longer than the other two. Whereas socket is used to Colour
Wires
supply the current to the electrical equipment from the Old Convention New Convention
switch board. They are of 2-pin with rating 5 A, 250 V Live Red Brown
and 3-pin of rating 5 A/ 15 A, 250 V. Similar to switches,
Neutral Black Light blue
sockets are of two types i.e., one type is fixed above the
surface of switch board and second type below the surface Earth Green Green or Yellow
of switch board.
Earth pin Earth pin CHECK POINT 05
1 Write on advantage of using ring system in house wiring.
2 What is a two-way switch?
3 Why electrical appliances are earthed?
Neutral 4 What is a fuse?
5 Define a socket.
Neutral Phase Phase 6 Write colour codes of live and neutral wire.
3- Pin socket
All inone Electricity 159

SUMMARY
An electric charge is a physical entity which is defined by excess or deficiency of electrons on a body. The SI unit of electric charge is
coulomb (C).
The total charge acquired by a body is an integral multiple of magnitude of charge on a single electron. This principle is called
quantisation of charge.
Electric current is defined as the rate of flow of electric charge through any cross-section of a conductor in unit time.
Charge ( q )
Electric current (I ) . The SI unit of electric current is ampere (A).
Time ( t )
Electric potential is defined as the amount of work done when a unit positive charge is moved from infinity to a point.
Work done (W )
Electric potential (V ) . The SI unit of electric potential is volt (V).
Charge moved ( q )
Electric potential difference is defined as the work done per unit charge in moving a unit positive charge from one point to other point.
A closed and continuous path through which electric current flows is known as electric circuit.
According to law, the electric current flowing through a conductor is directly proportional to the potential difference applied
across its ends, providing the physical conditions (such as temperature) remains unchanged.
V I or V IR
where, R is the constant of proportionality called resistance of the conductor at a given temperature.
Resistance is the property of a conductor due to which it opposes the flow of electric current through it. Mathematically,
Potential difference (V )
Resistance (R)
Electric current (I )
The SI unit of resistance is ohm ( ).
At a given temperature resistance of a conductor depends on its (i) length l, (ii) cross-section area A and (iii) nature of the material of
the conductor.
1 l
It is found that R l and R , Mathematically, R
A A
where, is the constant of proportionality called resistivity or specific resistance of the conductor.
Resistivity of a conductor is defined as the resistance of a conductor of unit length and unit area of cross-section.
The SI unit of resistivity is ohm-metre ( -m).
If R 1 , R 2 and R 3 be the individual resistors joined in series, then the equivalent resistor R S is given by
RS R1 R2 R3
If R 1 , R 2 and R 3 be the individual resistors joined in parallel, then the equivalent resistor R P is given by
1 1 1 1
RP R R R
1 2 3
When an electric current is passed through a high resistance wire like nichrome wire, then the wire becomes very hot and produces
heat. This is called the heating effect of current.
As per law of heating the electric energy consumed is given by
V 2t
W qV VIt I 2Rt
R
W
Electric power (P) is defined as the amount of electric energy consumed in a circuit per unit time (P) .
t
The SI unit of electric power is watt (W).
In the ring system, the wires starting from the main fuse box run around all the rooms of the house and then come back to the fuse box
again forming the ring.
The electric power is generated at the power generating stations. The power from the generating station is transmitted over long
distances at a still high voltage to minimise the loss of energy in form of heat in the live wires used for transmission.
In an electrical circuit switch is used to start or stop the flow of current.
Main Switch It is a two pole or three pole single way switch.
Two-way switch means two or more switches in different locations to control one lamp.
Staircase wiring is a dual control switch system in which the double pole type switches are used at the top and bottom of a staircase.
To avoid from the risk of electrical shock, the metal body of appliances is earthed. Earthing means to connect the metal case of the
appliance to the earth (i.e., zero potential) by means of a metal wire called the earth wire.
Fuse is a safety device which protects the electrical circuit from short circuiting and overload.
In a 3-pin plug, the top pin is for earthing, the left pin is for live and the right pin is for neutral. The pins are splitted at the ends to
provide a spring action so that the fit in the socket holes tightly. The earth pin is thicker and longer than the other two.
Conventional colour codes of wires are live-brown, neutral-light blue and earth-green or yellow.