Class 12 Physics | Current Electricity

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Class 12 Physics | Current Electricity | Part 2

Current Electricity
(Part 2)
Notes

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Class 12 Physics | Current Electricity | Part 2

Cells, Internal Resistance, Emf

Representation of the cell

• A cell is a device which generates electricity by using chemical energy.

• A cell consists of electrodes and electrolytes.
• Electrodes are the conductors through which current can pass.They can be
in a form of wire or rod or plates.
• In case of galvanic cell as shown in the figure there are 2 electrodes in the
form of rod.One is Zinc and other is copper.
• Electrolyte is a substance where free ions are present because of which it
can conduct electricity.
• In galvanic cell electrolyte is ZnSO4 and CuSO4.
• Zn has the tendency to become Zn ion i.e. to lose 2 electrons present in the
valence shell. o Zn-> 2e- + Zn2+
• Cu ion has the tendency to gain electron and become Cu and stick to
2+
electrode. o Cu +2e- -> Cu
• If Zn and Cu are joined together with a help of conducting wire, the
electrons will flow from Zn to Cu.
• Flow of electrons constitute current. Current will flow from Cu electrode to
Zn electrode.
• Note:- o Current flows from cathode to anode through external circuit.
o Current flows from anode to cathode through electrolyte.

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Class 12 Physics | Current Electricity | Part 2

EMF
• Emf is defined as the potential difference between electrodes when there
is no current in the cell(cell is in open circuit).
• Emf of the cell initiates the flow of current in the cell.
• The following reactions will take place whether the circuit is open or
closed.
o Zn-> 2e- + Zn2+ o
Cu2++2e- -> Cu
• Amount of energy involved by Zn to lose 2 electrons is given by potential.
• Potential is the energy per unit coulomb. There is potential associated
with Zn and Cu.
• The potential of Zn is higher w.r.t. to electrolyte = V1Thepotential of Cu is
lower w.r.t to electrolyte = V2 volt.
• Therefore Emf= potential difference between 2 electrodes (Zn and Cu). •
Emf =V1 - (–V2) =V1+V2

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Class 12 Physics | Current Electricity | Part 2

Internal resistance
• Internal resistance is the resistance offered by the electrolyte and
electrodes when the current flows.
• The electrolytes and electrodes oppose the flow of current.
• Denoted by ‘r’.
• Consider a cell and 2 electrolytes are connected by external resistance
‘R’.
• Some current will start flowing from cathode to anode.
• Closed Circuit:- V=V1+V2- Ir o Where (V1+V2) = initial potential
difference,Ir=potential drop across the internal resistance.
• Therefore V=E-Ir
o Where E=Emf,V=potential difference between 2 electrodes or it is the
voltage drop across external resistance ‘R’.
• =>IR=E-Ir
• Internal resistance plays role only when the circuit is closed.
• It varies from cell to cell.It is negligible where E>>Ir.

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Class 12 Physics | Current Electricity | Part 2

Cells in Series
• Consider there are multiple cells and they are arranged in such a way
that the positive terminal of one cell is connected to the negative
terminal of the other cell and so on.
• This arrangement is known as series combination.

• Let the Emf of first cell = E1 and Emf of second cell = E2. Consider 3 points
A, B and C as shown in the figure.
• The potential at point A= VA, potential at point B=VB and potential at
point C=VC. o Assuming circuit is closed as a result there will be some
flow of current,resistance will be offered by the cell itself.

o Internal resistance of first cell =r1 and Internal resistance of second

cell=r2.
• Equation for potential difference E1(first cell):- o For an open circuit: -
potential difference between points A and B (VAVB) = potential

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Class 12 Physics | Current Electricity | Part 2

difference between the 2 electrodes. o Therefore VA-VB =E1 –Ir1

(Equation(i))
▪ Where Ir1 = voltage drop across the internal resistance.
o Similarly for equation for potential difference E2(second cell):-
▪ VB- Vc =E2 –Ir2 (Equation (ii))
▪ Adding (i) and (ii), VA - Vc =E1 –Ir1 + E2 –Ir2
▪ => VA - Vc =E1+ E2 –I(r1+r2) (Equation(iii))
▪ Assuming if there are only 2 cells then the Emf = Eequivalent= (E1+ E2)
and resistance=requivalent= (r1+r2).
▪ =>VA - Vc = Eequivalent–Irequivalent(Using (iii)) (Equation(iv))
▪ By comparing RHS of equations (iii) and (iv)
▪ Eequivalent = E1+ E2andrequivalent = r1+ r2
For cells arranged in series :-
• The equivalent Emf is equal to the sum of the individual Emfs.
• The equivalent resistance is equal to sum of the individual resistances.

A: - When n cells are connected in series and connected across an external

resistance R.
1. Internal resistance of each cell =r, Emf =E

2. Total resistance =R +requivalent

1. Where R=external resistance of the external circuit.
3. => Total resistance =R + nr where nr(sum of all the n resistances).
4. Effective Emf of cells =nE where nE (Emf of each cell).
5. Therefore current flowing through resistance
1. R( I) =(Effective Emf)/(Total resistance) =(nE)/(R+nr)

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Class 12 Physics | Current Electricity | Part 2

• Case 1:-When R>>nr o

Then I = (nE)/R ignoring nr.

▪ =>I =(nE)/R. where (E/R)=the current due to the single cell across the
externalresistance.
▪ Therefore current becomes n times the current due to the single cell. o
Case 2:-When R<<nr.
▪ I=(nE)/(nr).
▪ I = (E/r) .Current in the circuit is equal to the current due to single cell
across.
o Conclusion:-When cells are arranged in the series.
▪ The current that flow through the circuit depends on value of external
resistance and internal resistance.

Question:-
Three resistors 1 Ω, 2 Ω, and 3 Ω are combined in series. What is the total
resistance of the combination? b) If the combination is connected to a battery
of Emf 12 V and negligible internal resistance, obtain the potential drop across
each resistor.
Answer:-
(a) Three resistors of resistances 1 Ω, 2 Ω, and 3 Ω are combined in series. Total
resistance of the combination is given by the algebraic sum of individual
resistances.

Total resistance = 1 + 2 + 3 = 6 Ω
(b) Current flowing through the circuit = I, Emf of the battery, E = 12 V,
Total resistance of the circuit, R = 6 Ω,

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Class 12 Physics | Current Electricity | Part 2

The relation for current using Ohm’s law is,

I= (E/R) = (12/6) =2A
Potential drop across 1 Ω resistor = V1
From Ohm’s law, the value of V1 can be obtained as
V1 = 2 × 1= 2 V ... (i)
Potential drop across 2 Ω resistor = V2
Again, from Ohm’s law, the value of V2 can be obtained as
V2 = 2 × 2= 4 V ... (ii)
Potential drop across 3 Ω resistor = V3
Again, from Ohm’s law, the value of V3 can be obtained as
V3 = 2 × 3= 6 V ... (iii)
Therefore, the potential drop across 1 Ω, 2 Ω, and 3 Ω resistors are 2 V, 4 V,
and 6 V respectively.
Cells in Parallel
• When the cells are connected in parallel combination all the positive
terminals of all the cells are connected together and all the negative
terminals are connected together.
• The potential difference across each of these cells is same.

• Potential difference (first cell) =E1; potential difference (second cell) =E2.
• Internal resistance (first cell) =r1; Internal resistance (second cell) =r2.
• As current is flowing through the cell internal resistance is offered to the
cell.

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Class 12 Physics | Current Electricity | Part 2

• Equation for potential difference E1(first cell):- • Potential difference

between 2 points A and B.
• Therefore V =E1 –I1r1(for first cell) o (Current I gets divided into 2 parts I1
and I2; I1 acrossE1).
• I1 =(E1-V)/r1 (Equation(i))
• Equation for potential difference E2(second cell):-
• V=E2 –I2r2 (current I2flows across E2).
• I2 =(E2-V)/r2 (Equation(ii))
• Also I=I1 + I2
• Therefore using (i) and (ii) I=(E1-V)/r1 +(E2-V)/r2 =>((E1/r1)+(E2/r2) –
(V(1/r1)-(1/r2))
• => V=((I)/(1/r1)+(1/r2)) +((E1/r1) +(E2/r2)/(1/r1)+(1/r2))
• V=I((r1r2)/r1 + r2)) +(E1r1 +E2r2)/(r1 + r2) (Equation(iii)) o Instead of 2 cells if
we consider only 1 cell i.e. Eequivalent= (E1and E2) and resistance=requivalent= (r1
andr2).
• Therefore V=Eequivalent - Irequivalent (equation(iv))
• From Equation (iii),V=(I)/((1/r1)) +(E1/r1)+(E2r2) /((1/r1)+(1/r1))(Equation(v))
• After simplifying and Comparing (v) and (iv),requivalent =( r1 + r2)/( r1 + r2),
Eequivalent =( E1 r1 + E2 r2)/( r1 + r2)
• Case: - on cells are connected in a parallel combination across an external
resistance R.
• Internal Emf of each cell = E; internal resistance =r;
• Using Eequivalent =( E1 r1 + E2 r2)/( r1 + r2) ;Putting r1= r2=r ,E1=E2=E; Eequivalent
=((Er)/n)
• Total resistance=R +requivalent = (r/n)
• Current through R, I=(Effective Emf)/(total resistance)=(E)/(R+(r/n))
=(nE)/(nR+r)

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Class 12 Physics | Current Electricity | Part 2

• Case 1: R<<r; I=nE/r

• Case 2:- R>>>r ; I =E/r
• Important Note:-

1. Cells are arranged in series to increase the voltage.

2. Cells are increased in parallel to increase the current.

For n Cells in Parallel

Question:-
Three resistors 2 Ω, 4 Ω and 5 Ω are combined in parallel. What is the total
resistance of the combination?
(b) If the combination is connected to a battery of Emf 20 V and negligible
internal resistance, determine the current through each resistor, and the total
current drawn from the battery.
Answer:-
(a) There are three resistors of resistances,R1 = 2 Ω, R2 = 4 Ω, and R3 = 5 Ω They
are connected in parallel. Hence, total resistance (R) of the combination is
given by,
(1/R) =(1/ R1)+(1/R2)+(1/ R3)
=(1/2)+(1/4)+(1/5)=(10+5+4)/20 =(19/20)
R= (20/19)Ω
Therefore, total resistance of the combination is (20/19)Ω.

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Class 12 Physics | Current Electricity | Part 2

(b) Emf of the battery, V = 20 V

Current (I1) flowing through resistor R1 is given by,I1 = (V/R1) = (20/2) =10A
Current (I2) flowing through resistor R2 is given by,I2 = (V/R2) = (20/4) =5A
Current (I3) flowing through resistor R3 is given by,I3 = (V/R3) = (20/5) =4A
Total current, I = I1 + I2 + I3 = 10 + 5 + 4 = 19 A
Therefore, the current through each resister is 10 A, 5 A, and 4 A respectively
and the total current is 19 A.
Cells in Parallel
• When the cells are connected in parallel combination all the positive
terminals of all the cells are connected together and all the negative
terminals are connected together.
• The potential difference across each of these cells is same.

• Potential difference (first cell) =E1; potential difference (second cell) =E2.
• Internal resistance (first cell) =r1; Internal resistance (second cell) =r2.
• As current is flowing through the cell internal resistance is offered to the
cell.
• Equation for potential difference E1(first cell):-
• Potential difference between 2 points A and B.
• Therefore V =E1 –I1r1(for first cell)

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Class 12 Physics | Current Electricity | Part 2

• (Current I gets divided into 2 parts I1 and I2; I1 acrossE1).

• I1 =(E1-V)/r1 (Equation(i))
• Equation for potential difference E2(second cell):-
• V=E2 –I2r2 (current I2flows across E2).
• I2 =(E2-V)/r2 (Equation(ii))
• Also I=I1 + I2
• Therefore using (i) and (ii) I=(E1-V)/r1 +(E2-V)/r2 =>((E1/r1)+(E2/r2) –
(V(1/r1)-(1/r2))
• => V=((I)/(1/r1)+(1/r2)) +((E1/r1) +(E2/r2)/(1/r1)+(1/r2))
• V=I((r1r2)/r1 + r2)) +(E1r1 +E2r2)/(r1 + r2) (Equation(iii)) o Instead of 2 cells if
we consider only 1 cell
o i.e. Eequivalent= (E1and E2) and resistance=requivalent= (r1 andr2).
• Therefore V=Eequivalent - Irequivalent (equation(iv))
• From Equation (iii),V=(I)/((1/r1)) +(E1/r1)+(E2r2) /((1/r1)+(1/r1))(Equation(v))
• After simplifying and Comparing (v) and (iv),requivalent =( r1 + r2)/( r1 + r2),
Eequivalent =( E1 r1 + E2 r2)/( r1 + r2)
• Case: - on cells are connected in a parallel combination across an external
resistance R.
• Internal Emf of each cell = E; internal resistance =r;
• Using Eequivalent =( E1 r1 + E2 r2)/( r1 + r2) ;Putting r1= r2=r ,E1=E2=E; Eequivalent
=((Er)/n)
• Total resistance=R +requivalent = (r/n)
• Current through R, I=(Effective Emf)/(total resistance)=(E)/(R+(r/n))
=(nE)/(nR+r)
• Case 1: R<<r; I=nE/r
• Case 2:- R>>>r ; I =E/r

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Class 12 Physics | Current Electricity | Part 2

• Important Note:-
1. Cells are arranged in series to increase the voltage.
2. Cells are increased in parallel to increase the current.

For n Cells in Parallel

Question:-
Three resistors 2 Ω, 4 Ω and 5 Ω are combined in parallel. What is the total
resistance of the combination?
(b) If the combination is connected to a battery of Emf 20 V and negligible
internal resistance, determine the current through each resistor, and the total
current drawn from the battery.
Answer:-
(a) There are three resistors of resistances,R1 = 2 Ω, R2 = 4 Ω, and R3 = 5 Ω They
are connected in parallel. Hence, total resistance (R) of the combination is
given by,
(1/R) =(1/ R1)+(1/R2)+(1/ R3)
=(1/2)+(1/4)+(1/5)=(10+5+4)/20 =(19/20)
R= (20/19)Ω
Therefore, total resistance of the combination is (20/19)Ω.
(b) Emf of the battery, V = 20 V
Current (I1) flowing through resistor R1 is given by,I1 = (V/R1) = (20/2) =10A
Current (I2) flowing through resistor R2 is given by,I2 = (V/R2) = (20/4) =5A
Current (I3) flowing through resistor R3 is given by,I3 = (V/R3) = (20/5) =4A
Total current, I = I1 + I2 + I3 = 10 + 5 + 4 = 19 A

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Class 12 Physics | Current Electricity | Part 2

Therefore, the current through each resister is 10 A, 5 A, and 4 A respectively

and the total current is 19 A.
Kirchhoff’s Second law: Loop law
• Loop law is also known as Kirchhoff’s Second Law.
• It states that in a closed loop, algebraic sum of Emfs is equal to the
algebraic sum of product of resistances and respective currents flowing
through them.
• Consider a simple circuit having Emfs = E1 and E2; R1 and R2 =resistances;
current =I1 and I2.
• Then according to this law : E1+E2=I1R1+ I2R2
• For example:-
o Consider given figure,let Emfs be E1 and E2 internal resistances be R1, R2
and R3.
o Steps to use Kirchhoff’s law:-
▪ Choose the loop to apply Kirchhoff’s law.
▪ Assume any direction.
▪ Emf is +ive if assumed direction leaving +ive terminal of battery.
▪ IR is +ive if the current in the assumed direction. o Consider closed
loop ABCDFA, using the assumptions; o E2=+R2I3 +R3I2 ;where I3=current
flowing through R3 o Closed loop FCDEF, +E1= +I1R1 + I3R2 o Closed loop
ABDEA, -E1 + E2 = -I1R1 +I2R3 o If the direction of current is taken opposite
then o Closed loop ABCDFA ;- -E2=-R2I3-R3I2 o FCDEF; -E1= -I1R1 - I3R2 o
ABDEA; +E1 - E2 = +I1R1 -I2R3

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Class 12 Physics | Current Electricity | Part 2

Question:-
Determine the current in each branch of the network shown in Fig.

Answer:-
Each branch of the network is assigned an unknown current to be determined
by the application of Kirchhoff’s rules. To reduce the number of unknowns at
the outset, the first rule of Kirchhoff is used at every junction to assign the
unknown current in each branch.
We then have three unknowns I1, I2 and I3 which can be found by applying the
second rule of Kirchhoff to three different closed loops.
Kirchhoff’s second rule for the closed loop ADCA gives,
10 – 4(I1– I2) + 2(I2 + I3 – I1) – I1 = 0 that is, 7I1– 6I2 – 2I3 = 10 (a)
For the closed loop ABCA, we get
10 – 4I2– 2 (I2 + I3) – I1 = 0that is, I1 + 6I2 + 2I3 =10 (b)
For the closed loop BCDEB, we get
5 – 2 (I2 + I3) – 2 (I2 + I3 – I1) = 0that is, 2I1 – 4I2 – 4I3 = –5 (c)

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Class 12 Physics | Current Electricity | Part 2

Equations (a, b, c) are three simultaneous equations in three unknowns. These

can be solved by the usual method to give;

I1 = 2.5A, I2 = (5/8) A, I3 = (15/8) A

The currents in the various branches of the network are
AB:(5/8) A, CA: (5/2) A, DEB: (15/8) A
AD: (15/8) A, CD: 0 A, BC: (5/2) A
It is easily verified that Kirchhoff’s second rule applied to the remaining closed
loops does not provide any additional independent equation, that is, the above
values of currents satisfy the second rule for every closed loop of the network.
For example, the total voltage drops over the closed loop BADEB: (5V) + ((5/8)
x 4) V – ((15/8) x 4) V equal to zero, as required by Kirchhoff’s second rule.
Question:-
Determine the current in each branch of the network shown in given fig?

Answer:-
Current flowing through various branches of the circuit is represented in the
given figure.

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Class 12 Physics | Current Electricity | Part 2

I1 = Current flowing through the outer circuit

I2 = Current flowing through branch AB
I3 = Current flowing through branch AD
I2 − I4 = Current flowing through branch BC
I3 + I4 = Current flowing through branch CD
I4 = Current flowing through branch BD
By Loop law:-
For the closed circuit ABDA, potential is zero i.e.
10I2 + 5I4 − 5I3 = 0
2I2 + I4 −I3 = 0
I3 = 2I2 + I4 … (1)
For the closed circuit BCDB, potential is zero i.e.
5(I2 − I4) − 10(I3 + I4) − 5I4 = 0
5I2 + 5I4 − 10I3 − 10I4 − 5I4 = 0
5I2 − 10I3 − 20I4 = 0
I2 = 2I3 + 4I4 … (2)
For the closed circuit ABCFEA, potential is zero i.e.
−10 + 10 (I1) + 10(I2) + 5(I2 − I4) = 0
10 = 15I2 + 10I1 − 5I4
3I2 + 2I1 − I4 = 2 … (3)
From equations (1) and (2), we obtain
I3 = 2(2I3 + 4I4) + I4

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Class 12 Physics | Current Electricity | Part 2

I3 = 4I3 + 8I4 + I4
− 3I3 = 9I4
− 3I4 = + I3 … (4)
Putting equation (4) in equation (1), we obtain
I3 = 2I2 + I4
− 4I4 = 2I2
I2 = − 2I4 … (5)
It is evident from the given figure that,
I1 = I3 + I2 … (6)
Putting equation (6) in equation (1), we obtain
3I2 +2(I3 + I2) − I4 = 2
5I2 + 2I3 − I4 = 2 … (7)
Putting equations (4) and (5) in equation (7), we obtain
5(−2 I4) + 2(− 3 I4) − I4 = 2
− 10I4 − 6I4 − I4 = 2
17I4 = − 2
I4 = - (2/17)
Equation (4) reduces to
I3 = − 3(I4)
=-3(-2/17) = (6/17) A
I2=-2(I4)
=-2(-2/17) = (4/17) A
I2 - I4 = (4/17) – (-2/17) = (6/17) A
I3+I4 = (6/17) + (-2/17) = (4/17) A
I1 =I3 + I2 = (6/17) + (4/17) = (10/17) A
Therefore, current in branch AB= (4/17) A
In branch BC = (6/17) A

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Class 12 Physics | Current Electricity | Part 2

In branch CD = (4/17) A
In branch AD= (6/17) A
In branch BD = (-2/17) A
Total Current =(4/17) +(6/17)+(-4/17)+(6/17)+(-2/17)=(10/17) A
Question:-
Twelve equal wires of resistance(r) are joined to form a skeleton cube. The
current enters at one corner and leaves at the diagonally opposite. Find the
total resistance between corners?

Answer:-
Here, 12 resistances are arranged such that they form a cube. Now each of the
12 wires represents a resistor of value ‘R’. We need to calculate the resistance
across face diagonal corners.
Now, let us assume that we have attached a voltage source across (or Emf V)
the ends of points A and B and then the current starts to flow in the network.
We have also assumed that, a current of ‘6x’ flows through point A and thus
splits up equally into three parts of current ‘2x’ each(as resistance is same in
each arm) and each ‘2x’ current further splits into two equal parts of current ‘x’
each. We need to calculate the equivalence resistance(r) across the terminal
AG which is the corner diagonal of the cube.
Applying Kirchhoff’s law in loop ABCGA, we get

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Class 12 Physics | Current Electricity | Part 2

V=2xR+xR+2xrR
So, V=5xR (1)
Now from also from Ohm’s law
V=r.6x (2)
Here, ’V’ is the potential difference applied,’6x’is the total current supplied and
‘r’ is the net resistance of the circuit. So, by putting the value of V from (1)
in(2),we get
5xR=r.6x
Therefore r=(5/6)R
Wheatstone bridge
• Wheatstone bridge is a special arrangement of resistors as shown in the
figure.
• There are 4 resistances R1,R2,R3and R4 arranged in such a manner thatthere
is a galvanometer placed between the points B and D.
• The arm BD is known as galvanometer arm. AC is known as battery arm.
• And circuit is connected to the battery across the pair of diagonally
opposite points A and C.
• According to Wheatstone bridge principle:- o If (R1/R2)=(R3/R4), then Bridge
is said to be balanced.
o If the bridge is balanced there is no current flowing through the
galvanometer arm.

Mathematically:-

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Class 12 Physics | Current Electricity | Part 2

• Assume current across the galvanometer arm Ig =0;

• To prove:-(R1/R2) = (R3/R4)
• Applying loop law to the loop ABDA,
• There is no Emf, therefore,
• 0= I1R1 - (I-I1)R3 + IgRG equation (i) where RG=resistance of galvanometer.
• Applying loop Law to the loop BCDB,
• No Emf, 0=(I1-Ig)R2 –(I-I1+Ig)R4 +IgRG equation(ii)
• • Putting Ig=0 in equation(i) and (ii)
• I1R1 - (I-I1) R3 = 0 => I1R1 = (I-I1) R3 equation (iii)
• I1R2 –(I-I1)R4 =0 => I1R2 =(I-I1) equation(iv)
• Dividing equation(iii) with (iv)
• (R1/R2) =(R3/R4) Hence proved.
Meter Bridge
• Meter Bridgec onsists of a wire whose length is 1m.That is why known as
Meter Bridge.
Construction:-
• The lengths of the wire are stretched between two metallic strips.
• There is a one more metallic strip present between the metallic strips so
that resistances can be placed between them.
• Value of one resistance is known and value of another resistance is
unknown.
• There is a jockey(object capable of sliding over the wire) whose one end is
connected to galvanometer and other end to metal strip.
• There is a metre scale held parallel to this wire of length 1m.
• As jockey moves over the wire there will be one point where galvanometer
shows 0 deflection.
• The length AD= l1 and DC = (100-l1).

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Class 12 Physics | Current Electricity | Part 2

• Resistance of AD=Rcml1, where Rcm is the resistance of the wire per unit
centimetre.
• Resistance of DC=Rcm (100-l1).
• The four arms AB, BC, DA and CD [with resistances R, S, Rcm l1 and Rcm
(100l1)] form a Wheatstone bridge with AC as the battery arm and BD the
galvanometer arm.
• When there is no deflection in the galvanometer then (R/S)
=(Rcml1)/Rcm(100-l1).
• Therefore S=(Rcml1)/(Rcm(100-l1)).
• =>S=((100-l1)/(l1))R

Question:-
The four arms of a Wheatstone bridge (Fig) have the following resistances: AB
= 100Ω, BC = 10Ω, CD = 5Ω, and DA = 60Ω.A galvanometer of 15Ω resistance is
connected across BD. Calculate the current through the galvanometer when a
potential difference of 10 V is maintained across AC.

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Class 12 Physics | Current Electricity | Part 2

Answer:- Considering the mesh BADB, we have

100I1 + 15Ig – 60I2 = 0
or 20I1 + 3Ig – 12I2= 0 (a)
Considering the mesh BCDB, we have
10 (I1 – Ig) – 15Ig – 5 (I2 + Ig) = 0
10I1 – 30Ig –5I2 = 0
2I1 – 6Ig – I2 = 0 (b)
Considering the mesh ADCEA,
60I2 + 5 (I2 + Ig) = 10
65I2 + 5Ig = 10
13I2 + Ig = 2 (c)
Multiplying Eq. () by 10
20I1 – 60Ig – 10I2 = 0 (d)
From equations (d) and (a) we have
63Ig – 2I2 = 0
I2 = 31.5Ig [(e)]
Substituting the value of I2 into Eq. (c), we get
13 (31.5Ig) + Ig = 2
410.5 Ig = 2
Ig = 4.87 mA.

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Class 12 Physics | Current Electricity | Part 2

Question:-
In a metre bridge (Fig.), the null point is found at adistance of 33.7 cm from A.
If now a resistance of 12Ω is connected in parallel with S, the null point occurs
at 51.9 cm. Determine the values of R and S.

Answer: - From the first balance point, we get

(R/S) = (33.7)/ (66.3) = (3.87) (i)
After S is connected in parallel with a resistance of 12Ω, the resistance across
the gap changes from S to Seq, where
Seq= (12S)/(S+12) and hence the new balance condition now gives
(51.9)/ (48.1) =(R/ Seq) =R(S+12)/ (12S)
Substituting the value of (R/S) from Eq. (i), we get
(51.9)/ (48.1) = ((S+12)/12) x (33.7)/ (66.3)which gives
S = 13.5Ω. Using the value of (R/S) above, we get
R = 6.86 Ω
Potentiometer
• Potentiometer consists of long wire with uniform cross-section.
• Instead of long wire small pieces of wire is taken and each of those
pieces are fixed parallel to each other on a platform.
• Wires are connected by a copper strip. As there are 6 pieces of wire
therefore the length of the wire =6m.
• There is a driving circuit which consists of battery, key and rheostat.

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Class 12 Physics | Current Electricity | Part 2

• This is the circuit which will provide the current, and this current flow
through this long wire.
• Galvanometer
• One end of galvanometer is connected to the point AB on the circuit
with the help of jockey, and other end is left free.
• Terminals of potentiometer (End points)

• These are the points between which the potential difference needs to be
measured.

• One endpoint = free end of the galvanometer and other endpoint = the
one end of wire A of the circuit.

o End A is at higher potential and end B is at lower potential.

• Graduated scale for measurement.

Working:-
• To find out potential difference between 2 points(a and b) of the circuit.
• Point A is connected to (a)and point C is connected to (b).
• Assume all the connecting wires have 0 resistances.
• Potential at point ‘a’= Potential at point ‘A’.
• Similarly potential at ‘b’=Potential at some point before B.
• While Sliding the jockey there will be a point where galvanometer shows
deflection equal to 0.Let that point be P.

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Class 12 Physics | Current Electricity | Part 2

• Therefore, potential at point ‘b’=potential at point ‘P’.

• Let AB=L(length) and AP=l. At L=value of deflection is 0.
• Potential due to driving circuit=V0=potential between A and B.
• Potential gradient(ρ)=(potential between A and B)/(length of AB) =(V0/L)
o Potential between A and P (V0) = Potential between ‘a’ and ‘b’ (V). o =(ρ
x l)=(V0/L)xl Equation (i)
• To determine V0:-
• o Replace ‘a’ and ‘b’ with a cell of known Emf(E)= V0(l0)/L
• => V0=(EL)/( l0)
• Where l0 =deflection in galvanometer is 0.
Using (i) => V=V0(l/L)=(EL)/ ( l0)
Therefore V=(El)/(l0)

• Conclusion:-
The potentiometer has the advantage that it draws no current from the voltage
source being measured.
As such it is unaffected by the internal resistance of the source.
Question:-
A resistance of R Ω draws current from a potentiometer. The potentiometer has
a total resistance R0 Ω(Fig.). A voltage V is supplied to the potentiometer. Derive
an expression for the voltage across R when the sliding contact is in the middle
of the potentiometer.

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Class 12 Physics | Current Electricity | Part 2

Answer: -
While the slide is in the middle of the potentiometer only
half of its resistance (R0/2) will be between the points A and B. Hence, the total
resistance between A and B, say, R1, will be given by the
following expression:
(1/R1)= (1/R) + (1/R0/2)
R1 =(R0R)/ (R0+2R)
The total resistance between A and C will be sum of resistance between A and
B and B and C, i.e., (R1 + R0/2)
The current flowing through the potentiometer will be
I= (V)/(R1 + R0/2)
The voltage V1 taken from the potentiometer will be the product ofcurrent I
and resistance R1,
V1 = I R1 = (2V)/ (2R1R0) x R1
Substituting for R1, we have a
V1= (2V)/ ((2(R0xR)/ (R0+2R)) +R0) x ((R0xR)/ (R0+2R))
V1= (2VR)/ (2R+R0+2R)
Or V1= (2VR)/ (R0+4R)
Question:-
In a potentiometer arrangement, a cell of Emf 1.25V gives a balance point at
35.0 cm length of the wire. If a cell is replaced by another cell and the balance
point shifts to 63.0cm,what is the Emf of the second cell?
Answer:-

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Class 12 Physics | Current Electricity | Part 2

Emf of the cell, E1=1.25V

Balance point of the potentiometer, I1=35cm The
cell is replaced by another cell of Emf E2.
New balance point of the potentiometer, I2=63cm
The balance condition id given by the relation,
(E1/E2) = (I1/I2)
E2 =E1 x (I2/I1)
=1.25x(63/35) =2.25V.
Therefore, Emf of the second cell is 2.25 V.
Question:-
Figure shows a potentiometer circuit for comparison of two resistances. The
balance point with a standard resistor R = 10.0 is found to be 58.3 cm, while
that with the unknown resistance X is 68.5 cm. Determine the value of X. What
might you do if you failed to find a balance point with the given cell of Emf?

Answer:-
Resistance of the standard resistor, R = 10.0
Balance point for this resistance, l1 = 58.3 cm
Current in the potentiometer wire = i
Hence, potential drop across R, E1 = iR
Resistance of the unknown resistor = X
Balance point for this resistor, l2 = 68.5 cm
Hence, potential drop across X, E2 = iX

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Class 12 Physics | Current Electricity | Part 2

The relation connecting Emf and balance point is,

(E1/ E2) = (l1/ l2)
(iR) / (iX) = (l1/ l2)
X= (l1/ l2) x R
= (68.5/58.3) x10
=11.749Ω
Therefore, the value of the unknown resistance, X, is 11.75 Ω.
If we fail to find a balance point with the given cell of Emf, E, then the potential
drop across Rand X must be reduced by putting a resistance in series with it.
Only if the potential drop across R or X is smaller than the potential drop
across the potentiometer wire AB, a balance point is obtained.

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