Solution

CURRENT ELECTRICITY

Class 12 - Physics
1. Consider two cells of emfs E1 and E2 and internal resistances r1 and r2 as shown in the figure

V ≡ V(B1) - V(B2) = ε 1 − I1 r1

V ≡ V(B1) - V(B2) = ε 1 − I2 r2

I = I1 + I2
ε1 −V ε2 −V
I = +
r1 r2

ε1 ε2 1 1
I = ( + ) − V ( + )
r1 r2 r1 r2

ε1 r2 + ε2 r1 r1 ⋅ r2
V = − I
r1 + r2 r1 + r2

∵ V = εeq − I req
ε1 r2 + ε2 r1
εeq =
r1 + r2

2. i. Resistivity ρ remains unchanged because it is the property of the material of the wire.
ii. In both cases, volume of wire is same. So
V = A'l' = Al
′

or A
=
l

′
=
l

3l
=
1

3
[∵ l = l + 2l = 3l]
′

A l
′
l
ρ
′ ′ ′

∴
R

R
=
A

l
=
l

l
×
A

′
=
3

1
×
3

1
=9
ρ A
A

Hence R' = 9R = 9 × 10 = 90 Ω
2

3. a. P = V

R
; keeping V constant, the graph is plotted as shown

b.

c. P = I2R ; keeping R constant, graph is as shown

2
V
d. P = R
; keeping R constant, graph is plotted as

4. Terminal potential difference is the potential difference across the terminals when the circuit is switched on. Whereas EMF is the
maximum potential difference that a cell or a generator is able to produce when there is no current flow across it.

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 Unit of terminal voltage and emf is volt.
5. The equivalent circuits is shown as arms ratio of resistances of Wheatstone bridge are equal. So, no current flows (current = 0) in
resistor Rg.

R12 = R1 + R2 = 4 + 4 = 8Ω
R34 = R3 + R4 = 8Ω
Equivalent resistance across AB is given by
1 1 1 1
= + +
R R12 R34 R5

1 1 1 1 4 1
= + + = =
R 8 8 4 8 2

R = 2Ω
V 2V
Current through arm AB = R
=
2Ω
= 1A

Current through arm DF = 0 (Balanced Wheatstone Bridge).

6. Electric field,
E= V

Drift velocity, v d =
eE

m
τ =
eV

ml
τ

4ρl
Resistance, R = ρ l
=
2
A πD

i. When V is doubled, E becomes double, vd becomes double and R remains unchanged.

ii. When l is doubled, E becomes half, vd becomes half and R becomes double.
iii. When D is doubled, E remains unchanged, vd is also unchanged and R becomes one-fourth.
7. The specific resistance is given by
ρ = ρ0 (1 + αT )

where α = temperature coefficient of resistivity

α is positive for metals (like copper etc.) and it is negative for semiconductors (like silicon etc.)

Thus,
In copper, the resistivity decreases with decrease in temperature i.e. on cooling.
In silicon, the resistivity increases with decrease in temperature i.e. on cooling.
8. The resistivity of nichrome as a function of absolute temperature: At low temperature (or zero), the resistivity increases as a
higher power of temperature. Then, it linearly increases with an increase in temperature.

Nichrome has high resistivity and small temperature coefficient of resistivity due to which it is used for making coils.
9. i. In series, same current I flows through iron and copper wires.
Here H = I2Rt = I2
ρl
t
A

i.e., H ∝ ρ
Asρ is more for iron than for copper, so the iron wire will start glowing first in series combination.

2 / 24
 ii. In parallel, the voltage V is the same for both the wires.
2

Here H = V

R
t
= V
2
t ⋅
A

ρl
i.e., H ∝ 1

As ρ is less for copper than for iron, so copper wire will start glowing first in parallel combination.
10. For a given supply voltage, the rate of production of heat is
2 2
V V A
P= R
=
ρl

1
∴ P ∝
l

Clearly, in order to double the rate of production of heat, length of the wire should be decreased to half its original length.
11. The above figure can be redrawn as given here.

The direction of the current in the circuit will be as shown in the figure. So point B is at a higher potential than A. So VB>VA. E1
= 6V, E2 = 4V, r1 = 2 ohm and r2 = 8 ohm
E1 + E2 (6−4)V
Current (I) in the circuit, I = r1 + r2
=
(2+8)Ω
= 0.2 amp
For positive potential A is near to positive terminal of E2 so has +4 V. So potential across E1 and E2
E1 = V - I r1 = 6 - 0.2 × 2 = 6-0.4 = 5.6 V
E2 = V + I r2 = 4 + 0.2 × 8 = 4 + 1.6 = 5.6 V
So potential between A and B = E2 = 5.6 Volt.
As current is flowing from B to A. So potential at B is larger than A.
12. Let emf of the source = V volts
Resistance of each resistor = P ohms
In series, total resistance = 3 P
2 2

∴ Power dissipated = V

3R
= X or R = V

3R

In parallel, total resistance P ' is given by

3 R
1
=
′
+
1

R
+ =
R
or R =
1 1

R R
′

3
R
2 2 2

∴ Power dissipated = V

′
=
3V
=
3V
= 9X
R R V 2

3X

13.

By Kirchoff's Laws (at point B)

I + I = I
1 2...(1) 3

In the closed loop AGFBA

3 + 2I3 − 6 + 4I2 + 2I3 = 0

I2 + I3 =
3

4
...(2)
From (i)
2I1 + I2 =
3

4
...(3)
In closed loop BFDCB
−4I2 + 6 + 2I1 − 6 + 2I1 = 0

I2 − I1 = 0

I2 = I1 ...(4)
Putting in (3)
1
I1 = A
4

From (4)

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 1
I2 = A
4

From (2) I 3 =
1

2
A

14. a. Kirchhoff's Laws:

i. First law (or junction law): The algebraic sum of currents meeting at any junction is zero, i.e.,
ΣI = 0

This law is based on conservation of charge.

ii. Second law (or loop law): The algebraic sum of potential differences of different circuit elements of a closed circuit (or
mesh) is zero, i.e.,
ΣV = 0

This law is based on conservation of energy.

b.

Let I1 and I2 be the currents leaving the positive, terminals of the cells, and at the point B
I = I1 + I2 ...(i)
Let V be the potential difference between points A and B of the combination of the cells, so
V = E1 - I1r1 ...(ii) (across the cells)
and V = E2 - I2r2 ...(iii)
From equation (i), (ii) and (iii), we get
( E1 −V ) ( E2 −V )
I= r1
+
r2

E1 E2 1 1
=( r1
+
r2
) − V (
r1
+
r2
) ...(iv)
Fig. (b) shows the equivalent cell, so for the same potential difference
V = Eeq - Irq
Eeq V
or I = rq
−
rq
...(v)
On comparing Eq. (iv) and (v), we get
Eeq E1 E2

rq
= r1
+
r2

and
r1 r2
1

rq
= 1

r1
+
1

r2
⇒ rq = r1 + r2

On further solving, we have

1 1 E1 E2
Eeq( r1
+ r2
)= r1
+ r2

E1 r2 + E2 r1
⇒ Eeq = r1 + r2

15. a. When an external resistance is connected to an electrolyte then there is a voltage drop in the resistance so the voltage across
will reduce. When we plot a graph showing the variation of current versus voltage it is a straight line with a lesser slope. It is
due to the presence of external resistance which implies for flowing the same current in the circuit with external resistance
require more voltage than the circuit without resistance.

4 / 24
 b.

Here at 4 K temperature the resistance of Hg becomes zero which is the characteristic shown by superconductors. So we can
say that Hg behaves as superconductors at the temperature of 4 K.
16. a. Internal resistance is the resistance which is present within the cell that resists the current flow inside the cell when connected
to an external circuit with some external resistance. Thus, it causes a voltage drop when current flows through it.

It is the resistance provided by the electrolyte and electrodes which is present in a cell. So, internal resistance is offered by the
electrodes and electrolyte which oppose the current flow inside the cell.
b. i. V vs. R graph

ii. V vs. I graph

17. Let r be the resistance of each resistor. When the switch S is opened, the parallel combination of upper two resistors is in the
circuit. Their equivalent resistance is
r× r
R= =
r

2
r+ r

Potential drop across the cell,

V = IR = 0.6 × = 0.3 r r

When switch S is closed, the parallel combination of all the three resistors is in the circuit. The equivalent resistance R' of the
combination is given by
1 1 1 1 3

′
= + + =
r r r r
R

or R ′
=
r

∴ Ammeter reading,
I
′
= =
V

′
= 0.9 A
0.3r
r
R
3

18. Refer to Figure, various resistances are

V V V
R1 = , R2 = , R3 =
I1 I2 I3

But I1 < I2 < I3 ∴ R1 > R2 > R3

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 Hence graph 1 represents the series combination of other two resistors.

19. Let R be the resistance of transmission cables.

Here P = 100 MW = 100 × 106 W
i. V1 = 20,000 V
6
100 × 10
∴ Current, I1 = P

V1
=
20,000
= 5000 A
The rate of heat dissipation at 20000 V is
P1 = I 2
1
R = (5000)2R = 25 × 106 R watt.
ii. V2 = 200 V
6

= 5 × 105 A
100 × 10
∴ Current, I2 = 200

Rate of heat dissipation at 200 V is

P2 = I 2
2
R = (5 × 105)2R = 25 × 1010 R watt.
Clearly, P1 < P2
Hence there will be lesser power wastage when the power is transmitted at 20,000 V.

20. Given Number of electrons = 109

Therefore, Total charge on the electron, q = n
= 109 × 1.6 × 10-19
= 1.6 × 10-10
q
So, Current through the wire is given by, I = t
That is
−10

= 1.6 × 10-7 A
1.6 × 10
I= −3
10

The direction of the current is opposite to the direction of the electron. Hence, it is from Q to P.
21. As the two bulbs have the same power, their filament resistance is also the same. When the second bulb is switched on in parallel,
total resistance decreases to one-half and currently becomes double. The double current divides itself equally in the two bulbs.
Current through each bulb is the same as the original one. So there is no dimness.
22. a. i. Thick copper strips are used to minimize resistance of connections which are not accounted for in the bridge formula.
ii. Balance point is preferred near midpoint of bridge wire to minimize percentage error in resistance (R).
b. I = I1 + I2 ...(i)
In loop ABCDA
-8 + 2I1 - 1 × I2 + 6 = 0 ...(ii)
In loop DEFCD
-4I - 1 × I2 + 6 = 0
4I + I2 = 6
4(I1 + I2) + I2 = 6
4I1 + 5I2 = 6 ...(iii)

From equations (i) and (ii) we get

I1 = A, I2 = A, I =
8

7
2

7
10

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 Potential difference across resistor 4 \Omega is:
V= × 4 =
10

7
volt 40

23. Resistivity ρ = m

2
ne τ

The thermal speed of electrons increases as the temperature increases. Free electrons collide more frequently with the positive
metal ions. The relaxation time τ decreases. Consequently, the resistivity ρ of the metal increases.
The relaxation time τ does not change with temperature in semiconductor. But the number density (n) of free electrons increases
exponentially with temperature. As a result, the resistivity of semiconductor decreases exponentially with the increase in
temperature.
24. The cells are arranged as shown in the circuit diagram given below.

As the internal resistance of cells is negligible, so total resistance of the circuit is R.

Potential difference across the resistance = E
By Ohm's Law ,
current through the resistance is given by,
I = E/R ( In parallel combination, potential is same as the single cell)
If we connect same type of cells in parallel combination, then it gives same potential difference across ends like a single cell.
25. According to the question, both the wires are of equal length,
so lMn= lcu
Given that resistances of both the wires are equal, so
RMn = RCu
ρM n ρ
Cu
∴ =
AM n AC u

We know that, copper is better conductor than manganin, therefore, copper will have less resistivity
i.e. ρ < ρCu Mn

So, A > A Mn [∵ ρ ∝ A]
Cu

so , wire of manganin will be thicker than that of copper.

26. In a parallel connection, a part of the current from the mains flows through the 60 W bulb and the remaining current flows through
the heater. When 60 W bulb is replaced by 100 W bulb, the 100 W bulb now draws larger current due to its smaller resistance than
60 W bulb. The current through the heater decreases and it produces smaller heat.
27. Drift velocity: It is the average velocity acquired by the free electrons superimposed over the random motion in the direction
opposite to electric field and along the length of the metallic conductor.
Let n = number of free electrons per unit volume, vd = Drift velocity of electrons Total number of free electrons passing through a
cross section in unit time N

t
= Anvd
So, total charge passing through a cross section in unit time.
Q
i.e., current, I = t
=
N

t
= Anevd
28. The electrical resistivity of a material is also known as its specific electrical resistance. It is a measure of how strongly a material
opposes the flow of electric current. A definition of resistivity is the electrical resistance per unit length and per unit of cross-
sectional area. From Ohm's law, we have
V = IR ⇒ V = I [∵ R = ρ( )] l

A
l

When the rod is cut parallel, and rejoined by length, the length of the conductor becomes 2l, whereas the area decreases to A

2
, its
resistance will also change keeping its resistivity constant. If the current remains the same, the potential changes as
V
′
= Iρ
2l
= 4 × Iρ = 4V [using Eq. (i)]
l

A
A/2

The new potential applied across the metal rod will be four times the original potential (V) for same value of current through the
conductor.
29. Here r =0.1 mm = 0.1 × 10-3 m,
R = 1 k Ω = 103 Ω , V = 20 V

7 / 24
 i. Current, I = V

R
=
20

3
= 0.02 A
10

No. of electrons,
= 1.25 × 1017
q It 0.02 × 1
n= e
=
e
=
−19
1.6 × 10

ii. Current density,

j= = I
=
I 0.02

A πr2 −3 2
3.14 ×(0.1 × 10 )

= 0.37 × 105 Am-2

30. Let internal resistance of each cell be r and its emf be ε. When n cells are connected in series, the current in the circuit is
6

I1 = n

R + nr

When the n cells are connected in parallel, the current in the circuit is
I2 = =
ε
r
nε

R+ nR + r
n

But I1 = I2
6 6

∴
n
=
n
or R + nr = nR + r or R = r
R + nr nR + r

31. As the drift velocity increases, the relaxation time (τ ) (average time between successive collision) decreases which increases the ρ
by formula: ρ = . m

2
ne τ

The drift velocity (vd) changes of the order of one mm on increasing electric field, whereas the drift velocity increases of the order

of 102m/s when the number of free electrons (n) increases on increasing temperature (T). So, due to the increase in vd the
relaxation time (τ ) considerably decreases in metal or conductor.
32. When a wire is stretched, then there is no change in the matter of the wire, hence its volume remains constant
Here, the potential V = constant, l' = 3 I
i. Drift speed of electrons = V

nelρ

where, n is number of electrons, e is charge on electron, I is the length of the conductor and p is the resistivity of conductor.
1
∴ v ∝
l
[∵ other factors are constant]
So, when length is tripled, drift velocity gets one-third.
ii. Resistance of the conductor is given as
R = ρ(l/A) where ρ = Resistivity, l = length of the wire, A = Area of cross section of wire

Here, wire is stretched to triple its length, that means the mass of the wire remains same in both the conditions.
∴ Mass before stretching = Mass after stretching
(Volume × Density) before stretching = (Volume × Density) after stretching
(Area of cross-section × Length) before stretching = (Area of cross-section × Length) after stretching (∵ Density is same in
both cases)
∴ A1l1 = A2l2 ⇒ A1 l = A2 (3 l) [∵ length is tripled after stretching]

A2 = A1/3
i.e. When length is tripled area of cross-section is reduced to A/3.
′

Hence, R ′
= ρ
l

′
= ρ
3l
= 9ρ
l

A
= 9R
A A/3

Thus, above calculation shows that new resistance will be 9 times of its initial value.
33. i. Given, resistance = 47kΩ ± 10%
3
= 47 × 10 Ω ± 10%

∴ 1st colour band should be yellow as code for it is 4, 2nd colour band should be violet as code for it is 7, 3rd colour band
should be orange as code for it is 3, 4th colour band should be silver because approximation is ± 10%.

ii. Two properties of manganin are:

a. low temperature coefficient of resistance.
b. high value of resistivity of material of manganin make it suitable for making a standard resistor.
34. Suppose n cells are connected wrongly in the battery. Then (12 - n) cells give forward emf and n cells give reverse emf.
∴ Effective emf of the battery

8 / 24
 = (12 - n) ε - n ε = (12 - 2n)ε
Total resistance of the circuit with battery and source in both cases
= 12r + 2r = 14r
Currents in the two cases must be proportional to the emfs in the two cases
(12 − 2n)ε + 2ε 3
∴ =
2
(12 − 2n)ε − 2ε

(14−2n)ε
or (10−2n)ε
=
3

7 − n
or =
3

2
5 − n

or 14 - 2n = 15 - 3n
∴ n = 1

i.e., one cell has been connected with wrong polarity in the battery.
35. Relaxation time is the time interval between two successive collisions of electrons in a conductor, when current flows. As the
temperature increases, the thermal energy of electrons increases. Thus they collide more frequently with the atoms and hence the
average relaxation time which is the average time between successive collisions decreases. Thus temperature is inversely
proportional to relaxation time.
Electrical resistivity is inversely proportional to relaxation time.
36. Given, emf of first cell = 2E
emf of second cell = E
Internal resistance of first cell = 2r
Internal resistance of second cell = r
Net current, I = I1 + I2 ...(i)
E1 = 2E

For cell-I
V = VA - VB = 2E - I1(2r)
2E−V
⇒ I1 =
2r
....(ii)
For cell-II, V = VA - VB = E - I2r
E−V
⇒ I2 = ...(iii)
r

∵ From Eqs. (ii) and (iii), substituting in Eq. (i), we get

2E−V E−V
I = +
2r r

On rearranging the term, we get

4E 2r
V = − I ( )
3 3

But for equivalent of combination,

V = Eeq - I(req)
On comparing,
4E 2r
Eeq = , req =
3 3

9 / 24
37. i. For conductor

ii. For semiconductor

Relaxation time is the time between two successive collisions of an electron with atoms/ions of the conductor.
The relation between resistivity and relaxation time is given by:
m
ρ =
2
ne τ

In conductors, average relaxation time decreases with increase in temperature due to which resistivity increases with increase in
temperature.
In semiconductors, the increase in number density (with increase in temperature) is more than the decrease in relaxation time, the
net result is therefore a decrease in resistivity with increase in temperature.
38. From Kirchhoff's first law, I = I1+I2

Applying Kirchhoff's second law for the loop 1 of Figure, we get

I1 × 4 + I × 2 = 5
or I1 × 4 + (I1 + I2) × 2 = 5
or 6I1 + 2I2 = 5 ...(i)
Similarly, from the loop 2, we get
I2 × 6 - I1 × 4 = 0
or 4I1 = 6I2 ...(ii)
Solving equations (i) and (ii), I2 = 5

11
A
This will be the reading of the ammeter. On interchanging the cell and the ammeter, the circuit takes the form as shown in Figure.
Again, we can show that
5
I2 = 11
A

39. Suppose PQ is a conductor of length l and a potential difference V is applied across PQ as shown in the figure. i.e., its P end
remains negative and Q end positive.
Therefore an electric field is developed directing from Q to P and its intensity is given by E = ...(i)
V

Each free electron of the conductor experiences a force (F) towards the end Q,
∴ F = -eE

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 If m be the mass of the electron, then its acceleration
⃗

= F

m
⃗
−eE
or a⃗ = m

∵ The average thermal velocity of electrons is zero.

∴ u = 0 Therefore using first equation of motion (v = u + at), we have

⃗
→ −eE
vd =0+( m
)τ

⃗
→
or v = (d
−eE

m
)τ

⃗
→ −eE
or v = d τ ...(ii)
m

Numerically we can write,

∣→∣
∣
vd
∣
= eE

m
τ

∵ From equation (i), E = V

∴ vd = eτ

m
V

l
...(iii)
40. The network is not reducible to a simple series and parallel combinations of resistors. There is, however, a clear symmetry in the
problem which we can exploit to obtain the equivalent resistance of the network. The paths AA′, AD and AB are obviously
symmetrically placed in the network. Thus, the current in each must be the same, say, I. Further, at the corners A′, B and D, the
incoming current I must split equally into the two outgoing branches. In this manner, the current in all the 12 edges of the cube are
easily written down in terms of I, using Kirchhoff’s first rule and the symmetry in the problem. Next take a closed loop, say,
ABCC′EA, and apply Kirchhoff’s second rule:
–IR – (1/2)IR – IR + ε = 0 (Let E be EMF of cell. Due to symmetry of the cube, we can say that same current I flows through all
the resistors.)
where R is the resistance of each edge and ε the emf of battery. Thus,
5
ε= IR
2

The equivalent resistance Req of the network is R eq =

ε

3I
=
5

6
R

For R = 1 Ω , Req
= ( ) Ω and for ε = 10 V, the total current (= 3I) in the network is 3I = 10 V/( ) Ω = 12 A, i.e., I = 4 A
5

6
5

41. i. Random velocity: The velocity acquired by the free electrons in the absence of
electric field. Average random velocity = 0
Drift velocity: The average velocity acquired by the free electrons in presence of the electric field. Average drift velocity is
non zero
Drift speed is nearly 10-5 times smaller than random velocity

ii.

42. i. Only current is constant because it is given to be steady. Other quantities: current density, electric field and drift speed vary
inversely with area of cross-section.
ii. No, Ohm's law is not universally applicable for all conducting elements. Examples of non-ohmic elements are vacuum diode,
semiconductor diode, thyristor, gas discharge tube, electrolytic solution, etc.
iii. The maximum current that can be drawn from a voltage supply is given by
Imax = ε

11 / 24
 Clearly, Imax will be large if r is small.
iv. If the internal resistance is not very large, then the current will exceed the safety limits in case the circuit is short-circuited
accidentally.
43. Kirchhoff's first rule: The algebraic sum of the electric currents at any junction of electric circuit is equal to zero, i.e. the sum of
current entering into a junction is equal to the sum of current leaving the junction.
⇒ ΣI = 0

Kirchhoffs second rule or loop rule In any closed mesh of electrical circuit, the algebraic sum of emfs of cells and the product of
currents and resistances is always equal to zero.
i.e. ΣE + ΣI R = 0

For given circuit,

At, F, applying junction rule,

I3 = I1 + I2 ...(i)
In mesh ABCFA,
-2 - 4I1 + 3I2 + 1 = 0
4I1 - 3I2 = -1 ...(ii)
In mesh FCDEF,
-1 - 3I2 - 2I3 + 4 = 0
3I2 + 2I3 = 3
On solving, I1, I2 and I3, we get
2 7
I1 = A, I2 = A
13 13

and I 3 =
9

13
A

Thus by using KCL & KVL, we can calculate the values of current flowing in each branch.
44. In balanced Wheatstone bridge if no current flow through galvanometer, that means while applying Kirchhoff's law, we can
neglect this path. No current flows through the galvanometer G when circuit is balanced.

Applying Kirchhoff's second rule, we have

In mesh ABDA,
∴ -I1 R1 + (I - I1) R4 = 0

⇒ I1 R1 = (I - I1) R4 ....(i)
In mesh BCDB,
-I1 R2 + (I - I1) R3 = 0
⇒ I1 R2 = (I - I1) R3 ...(ii)
On dividing Eq. (i) by Eq. (ii), we get
I1 R1 (I− I1 ) R4 R1 R4
= ⇒ =
I1 R2 (I− I1 ) R3 R2 R3

This is necessary and required balanced condition of balanced Wheatstone bridge.

12 / 24
45. Current sensitivity of a galvanometer is defined as the deflection produced in the galvanometer when a unit current flows through
it. The SI unit of current sensitivity is rad. A-1. Current sensitivity is expressed as θ

I
=
N AB

K
where N, A, B and K are number of
turns, cross-sectional area, magnetic field intensity and galvanometer's constant respectively.

For balanced Wheatstone bridge, there will be no deflection in the galvanometer.

4 6
∴ =
R1 9

4×9
⇒ R1 = = 6Ω
6

For the equivalent circuit. when the Wheatstone bridge is balanced, there will be no deflection in the galvanometer.
12 6
∴ =
8 R2

6×8
⇒ R2 = = 4Ω
12
R1 6 3
∴ = =
R2 4 2

46. Currents required by the two bulbs for the normal glowness are
P1 60
I1 = V
=
110
= 0.55 A
P2 100
and I2 = V
=
110
= 0.91 A
The resistances of the two bulbs are
R1 = =
V

I1
= 202 Ω 110

0.55

and R2 = V

I2
=
110

0.91
= 121 Ω
When the bulbs are connected in series across the 220 V supply, the current through each bulb will be
V 220
I= = = 0.68 A
R1 + R2 202 + 121

As I1 < I and I2 > I, so that 60 W bulb will fuse while the 100 W bulb will light up dim.
When the bulbs are joined in parallel, their equivalent resistance is
R1 R2 202 × 121
′
R = = = 76Ω
R1 + R2 202 + 121

Current drawn from the 220 V supply will be

≃ 3A
′ V 220
I = =
′ 76
R

In the two bulbs of resistances R1 (= 202 Ω ) and R2 (= 120 Ω ), the current of 3 A will split up into roughly 1 A and 2 A
respectively. Hence both the bulbs will fuse.
47. i. About 10 kΩ , it is mainly due to skin through which current enters and leaves our body.
ii. It is because our body is sensitive to minute currents even as low as a few mA.
iii. This impression is misleading. There is no special attractive force that keeps a person 'stuck' with a high power line. Actually,
current of the order of 0.05 A or even much less is enough to disorganise our nervous system. The result is that the affected
person may temporarily lose his ability to exercise his nervous control to get himself 'free' from the high voltage point.
iv. The cause of death is not heating, though a person may receive bums if the currents are too large. The cause of death is the
interference caused by external currents in our highly sensitive nervous system which is basically electrical in nature. External
currents cause convulsive actions and especially interfere with the nerve processes related to our heart beating. Beyond a
certain point, this interference is fatal.
v. About 0.1 V.
48. Difference between emf (ε) and terminal voltage (V)

13 / 24
 emf Terminal voltage

It is the potential difference between two terminals of the cells when It is the potential difference between two terminals when
no current is flowing through it. current passes through it.

It is the cause. It is the effect.

Following plot is showing variation of terminal voltage versus the current.

Note:- Negative slope gives internal resistance, where

V = ε − Ir
ε−V
Or r = I

49. i.

ii.

I =
E

R+r
(V=E-Ir and V=IR)
E
I =
4+r

⇒ E = 4 + r ...(i)
E
0.5 = 9+r

Also E = 4.5 + 0.5r ...(ii)

From equation (i) and (ii),
4 + r = 4.5 + 0.5r
∴ r = 1 Ω (internal resistance)

Using this value of r, we get,

E = 5V

50. i. E1 = V

L
, E2 = V

2L
, E3 = 2V

3L

E2 < E3 < E1

14 / 24
 ii. v d ∝ E (the direction of v is directed along the electric field)
vd2 < vd3 < vd1

iii. I = neAvd
J = nevd
J2 < J3 < J1

51. The reciprocal of resistivity (ρ ) of a material is called its conductivity (σ ), i.e.,

1
σ =
ρ

S.I. unit of conductivity is mho m-1 (or Ω −1

m-1).
2

i. Conductivity of a metallic conductor σ = 1

ρ
=
ne τ

m
.
With rise of temperature, the collision of electrons with fixed lattice ions/atoms increases so that relaxation time (T) decreases.
Consequently, the conductivity of metals decreases with rise of temperature. Figure represents the variation of conductivity of
metal with temperature. Initially the variation of conductivity with temperature is linear and then it is non-linear.

ii. Conductivity of ionic conductor increases with increase of temperature because with increase of temperature, the ionic bonds
break releasing positive and negative ions which are charge carriers.

52. a.

Applying kirchoff’s loop rule to ADBA and CBDC

-I1R1 + 0 + I2R2 = 0
I2R4 + 0 - I1R3 = 0
Since, Ig = 0, I3 = I1, I4 = I2
I1 R4 I1 R2

I2
=
R3
and I2
=
R1

R4 R2
∴
R3
=
R1
(Balance Condition)
b. A practical device using the principle of wheatstone bridge is meter bridge.

53. a. Electrical resistance Resistivity

It is the property of material due to which it opposes the The resistivity is defined as the resistance of a material of 1 metre
flow of electricity through the conductor. length and 1 square metre area of cross section.

Unit : Ohm Unit : Ohm-metre

Symbol : R Symbol : ρ

Depends on length, cross-section area of conductor and

Depends on temperature and material of the conductor.
temperature.
b. For resistor R1,
Resistivity = ρ 1

15 / 24
 Length = L
Area = A1
L
∴ R1 = ρ1 ×
A1

For resistor R2,

Resistivity = ρ 2

Length = L
Area = A2
L
∴ R2 = ρ2 ×
A2

For the equivalent resistor,

Resistivity = ρ
Length = L
Area = A = A1 + A2
L
∴ R= ρ ×
A

Since, the resistors are connected in parallel,

R1 R2
Equivalent resistance = R = R1 + R2

ρ1 L ρ2 L
×
A1 A2
or, ρ × L

A
=
ρ L ρ L
1 2
+
A1 A2

ρ1 ρ2 ( A1 + A2 )
∴ ρ = Effective resistivity = ρ A2 + ρ A1
1 2

54. Let the resistance each of the conductor is' R '.

Case I: According to Fig. (a), the resistances are connected in series combination, so equivalent resistance of slab is calculated by
using the formula,
Req = R1 + R2 + .... Rn
Let the equivalent resistance in the Case I is R 1.

R1 = R + R = 2R
Case II: According to Fig. (b), the resistances are connected in parallel combination, so equivalent resistance of slab is calculated
by using the formula,
1 1 1 1 1
= + + ..+
Req R1 R2 R3 Rn

Let the equivalent resistance in the Case II is R 2

1 1 1
= +
R2 R R

1 2
⇒ =
R2 R

R
⇒ R2 =
2

Ratio of the equivalent resistance in two combinations is calculated below.

R1 2R
∴ = = 4
R2 (R/2)

∴ R1 = 4R2

55. a. Ohm's law state that keeping the physical conditions (temperature, pressure and material) constant, potential difference across
the conductor is directly proportional to the current flowing through the two ends of the conductor.
∨αI
V

I
= constant = R (where } R is called as resistance)
b. Resistance offered by a conductor is said to be 1ohm when a potential difference of 1 V is set up between the ends of the
conductor and 1 A current flows through the ends of the conductor.
c. I = 0.5 A
V=2V
R=?
V 2
R= = = 4Ω
I 0.5

16 / 24
56. Let RQ be the resistance of the conductor A at 0°C.
Then the resistance of conductor B at 0°C = nR0
Resistance of conductor A at 0°C will be R = R0 (1 + α θ ) ...(i) 1

Resistance of conductor B at 0°C will be R = nR0 (1 + α θ ) ′

2

Thus the resistance of the series combination at 0°C will be

Rs = R + R = R0(1 + α θ ) + nR0 (1 + α θ )
′
1 2

= R0[(1 + n) + (α 1 + n α 2) θ]
α1 + n α2
= (1 + n)R0[1 + θ] ..(ii)
1 + n

Comparing equation (ii) with equation (i), we get

i. Resistance of the series combination at 0°C = (1 + n) R0.
α1 + n α2
ii. Temperature coefficient of resistance of the series combination =
1 + n

57. As the effective internal resistance of two cells is less than the internal resistance r1 of one cells so the cell are connected in
parallel between the two point R1 and R2. The circuit is the potential difference between point R1 and R2. The potential difference
between the terminal of the first cell is

ε1 −V
V = VB
1
− VB
2
= ε1 − I1 r1 or I 1 =
r1

Potential difference between the terminal of second cell is

ε2 −V
V = VB
1
− VB
2
= ϵ2 − I2 r2 or I 2 =
r2

Hence current in external resistance

ε1 −V ε2 −V
I = I1 + I2 = +
r1 r2

ε1 ε2 1 1
= ( + ) − V ( + )
r1 r2 r1 r2

ε1 ε2
or I = ( r1
+
r2
) − IR (
r1
1
+
1

r2
) [∵ V = IR]
ϵ1 ε2
or I [1 + R ( 1

r1
+
1

r2
)] = (
r1
+
r2
)

r1 r2 +R( r2 r1 ) ε1 r2 + ε2 r1
or [ r1 r2
] =
r1 r2

ε1 r2 + ε2 r1
or I =
( r1 × r2 )+R( r2 + r1 )

58. The resistivity of a conductor is defined as the resistance offered by the material per unit length for a unit cross-section. It is
denoted by the symbol ρ .

The resistivity of a metallic conductor is approximately given by

ρ T =ρ [1 + α (T - T0)] ...(i)
0

where ρ T is the resistivity at a temperature T and ρ is the same at a reference temperature T0. α is called the temperature co-
0

efficient of resistivity.
59. When R → 0, V = 0 When R = r, V = E

2
When R = ∞ , V = E
The graph is shown in fig.

17 / 24
60. i. Here P1 = 60 W, P2 = 100 W
2 2

∴ Now R 1 =
V

P1
and R 2 =
V

P2

R1 P2 100
∴
R2
=
P1
=
60
=5:3
ii. In a series circuit, current I is same
∴ P1 = I2R1 and P2 = I2R2
P1 R1
Hence P2
=
R2
=5:3
iii. P.D. across bulb B1, V1 = IR1
P.D. across bulb B2, V2 = IR2
V1 IR1 R1
∴
V2
=
IR2
=
R2
=5:3

Conductor A (solid wire RA) Conductor B (hollow tube RB)

61.
l1 = l l2= l (Given)
2 2 2
A1 = πr A2 = πr − πr
1 2 1

1 −3 2 −3
r1 = mm = 0.5 × 10 m r2 = mm = 1 × 10 m
2 2

ρ1 = ρ ρ2 = ρ

ρ1 l1

RA A
1
⇒ =
RB ρ l
2 2

A2

R ρ l1 A2
A 1
⇒ = ×
RB A1 ρ2 l2

RA ρl A2
⇒ = ×
RB A1 ρl

2 2 2 2 2
RA A2 π r −π r π(r − r ) r2
2 1 2 1
∴ = = = = ( ) − 1
RB A1 2 2 r1
πr πr
1 1

(1×10-3/0.5×10-3)2 -1
∴ RA:RB = 3:1

62. R1 = R0 (1 + αΔt )( in general form)

R1 = 200 ohm, R2 = 100 ohm.
For Resistance R1
R
′
1
= R1 (1 + αΔt )
= 200 (1 + 0.0031 × 100)
= 262 Ω
For Resistance R2
R = 100 (1 + 0.0068 × 100)
′
2

= 168 Ω
Hence, Total Resistance in series combination of R1 and R2 at 100oC :
R=R ′
1
+ R
′
2
= 262 + 168

18 / 24
 = 430 Ω

63. Kirchoff's First law or Junction Rule: The algebraic sum of electric currents at any junction of electric circuit is equal to zero
i.e. the sum of current entering into a junction is equal to the sum of current leaving the junction i.e.
Kirchhoff's Second Law or Voltage Rule: In any closed mesh of electrical circuit, the algebraic sum of emf's of cell and the
product of currents and resistance is always equal to zero i.e.
Two rules of Kirchhoff are used for analysis of the electrical circuit

In loop ABCA
-I2R1 - (I1 + I2)R3 - I1r + E1 = 0
∴ I2R1 + (I1 + I2)R3 + I1r = E1 ...(i)
In loop ACDA
I1r - (I2 + I3 - I1)R4 + (I1 - I2)R2 - E1 = 0
I1r - (I2 + I3 - I1)R4 + (I1 - I2)R2 = E1 ....(ii)
In loop ABCDA
-I2R1 - (I1 + I2)R3 - (I2 + I3 - I1)R4 + (I1 - I2)R2 - E1 = 0
I2R1 + (I1 + I2)R3 + (I2 + I3 - I1)R4 - (I1 - I2)R2 = E1 ....(iii)

64. a. OR

b. i. At a temperature of 4 K, the Resistance of Hg becomes zero.

ii. Region BC ; since current is decreasing with increasing voltage
65. Internal resistance usually means the electrical resistance inside batteries and power supplies that can limit the potential difference
that can be supplied to an external load.
We know that, V = E - Ir
The plot between V and I is a straight line of positive intercept and negative slope as shown in figure below.

The value of potential difference corresponding to zero current gives emf of the cell.
Maximum current is drawn when terminal voltage is zero, so
V = E - Ir
E
⇒ 0 = E − Imax r ⇒ r =
Imax

19 / 24
 Internal resistances within power supplies are normally constant and independent of use unless the power supply gets hot as a
result of short circuits or low resistance loads. In that case, the internal resistance is likely to increase slightly.
66. a. The direction of drift velocity of conduction electrons is opposite to the electric field direction, i.e., electrons drift in the
direction of increasing potential. The drift speed vd is given by Equation ,vd = (I/neA) Now, e = 1.6 × 10–19 C, A = 1.0 × 10–
7m2, I = 1.5 A. The density of n conduction electrons, is equal to the number of atoms per cubic metre (assuming one
conduction electron per Cu atom as is reasonable from its valence electron count of one). A cubic metre of copper has a mass
of 9.0 × 103kg. Since 6.0 × 1023 copper atoms have a mass of 63.5 g,
23
6.0×10 6
n= × 9.0 × 10
63.5

number of the conduction electron per unit volume is ,n= 8.5 × 1028 m–3
which gives,
1.5
vd =
28 −19 −7
8.5× 10 ×1.6× 10 ×1.0× 10

= 1.1 × 10–3 m s–1 = 1.1 mm s–1

i. At a temperature T, the thermal speed* of a copper atom of mass M is obtained from <( ) Mv2 > = (3/2) kBT ] and is thus
1
b. 2

−−−−− −
typical of the order of √k B T /M (relation between velocity and temperature can be find by this relation) , where kB is the

Boltzmann constant. For copper at 300 K, this is about 2 × 102 m/s. There will be the random vibrational speeds of
copper atoms in a conductor. Note that the drift speed of electrons is much smaller, about 10–5 times the typical thermal
speed at ordinary temperatures.
ii. An electric field travelling along the conductor has a speed of an electromagnetic wave, namely equal to 3.0 × 108 m s–1.
The drift speed is, in comparison, extremely small; smaller by a factor of 10–11.(speed must be less than speed of light)
67. a. i. i = , where ε = emf and r = Internal resistance
ε

In this situation, effective resistance of circuit is minimum so current is maximum

So, i = 4.2 A
ε
ii. i = R1 +r

Here, effective resistance is more than (i) and (iv) but less than (iii).
So, i = 1.05 A
iii. i = ε

r+ R1 + R2

In this situation effective resistance is maximum so current is minimum.

So, i = 0.42 A
iv. i = ε

R1 R2
r+
R +R
1 2

In this situation, the effective resistance is more than (i) but less than (ii) and (iii).
Hence, i = 1.4 A
b. V = E - Ir = E - E

R+r
r
i. V = R E

R+r

ii. I = R+r
E

r = Internal resistance

20 / 24
68. i. Drift Velocity : It the average velocity with which electrons move along the conductor under influence of electric field. Or
Average velocity acquired by the electrons in the conductor in the presence of external electric field.v = d
I

neA

ii. Specific resistance or resistivity of the material of a conductor is defined as the resistance of a unit length with unit area of
cross-section of the material of the conductor.
The unit of resistivity is ohm-meter or Ω -m.
we know that
R = ρ(l/A)

⇒ ρ = RA/l

From Ohm's law, we get

V = IR
⇒ El = neAvdR
⇒ R = El/neAvd and v d = eEτ /m

So, R = El×m
=
ml

n e2 AEτ n e2 Aτ
ml
Substituting the value of R = 2
in Eq. (i), we have
n e Aτ

2
ρ = (ml/ne Aτ ) ⋅ A/l

⇒ Resistivity of the material is given by, ρ = m/ne τ 2

where τ = average relaxation time.

From the above formula, it is clear that resistivity of a conductor depends upon the following factors:
a. ρ ∝ 1

n
, i.e., the resistivity of material is inversely proportional to the number density of free electrons . As the free
electron density depends upon the nature of material, so resistivity of a conductor depends on the nature of the material.
b. ρ ∝ 1/τ , i.e. the resistivity of a material is inversely proportional to the average relaxation time τ of free electrons in the
conductor. As the value of τ depends on the temperature as temperature increases, τ decreases, hence ρ increases.
iii. Alloys like Constantan and Manganin are used for making standard resistors because
a. they have high value of resistivity
b. temperature coefficient of resistance is less
69. i. The free electrons, in a metal, (flowing by themselves), have a random distribution of their velocities. Hence the net charge
crossing any cross-section, in-unit time, is zero.
The 'drift velocity’ equals the average (time dependant) velocity acquired by free electrons, under the action of an applied
(external) electric field. or The drift velocity is defined as the average velocity with which free electrons in a conductor get
drifted under the influence of an external electric field applied across the conductor.
We have, for an applied electric field E⃗
⃗
eE
a⃗ = −
m
⃗
eE
⃗ = (v ⃗ )
∴ vd = − (t)
1
average m average
The average time, between successive collisions, is called the 'Relaxation time' and is denoted by τ
→

e E
⃗ = −(
∴ vd )τ
m

Because of the drift, we can write

I Δt = +neA ∣ ⃗ ∣
∣vd ∣ Δt

21 / 24
 2
ne A ⃗
= τ Δt|E |
m

But I = |J |A
⃗

2
⃗ ne ⃗
∴ |I | = τ |E |
m
→
But |J |⃗ = σ| E |
2

∴ σ = conductivity = ne

m
τ

Also we can write I = neAv d

ii. We have
1 m
ρ = =
σ 2
ne τ
1
∴ ρ ∝
τ

70. a. 470Ω± 5%
4 stands for yellow colour.
7 stands for violet colour.
0 implies 101 and it stands for Brown colour.
5% implies gold colour.
b. Imagine that a device of resistance R, needs a power P for its working. If V is the voltages across R and I is the current
through it, we have
P = VI i.e. I = V
P

Let the transmission cables have a resistance Rc, the power, dissipated in the connecting wires (say Pc) is then given by
2
Pc = I Rc
2
P Rc
=
2
V

This power gets wasted as heat during transmission. We see that, to operate a device of power P, the power, wasted in the
connecting wires is inversely proportional to V2, therefore at high voltage, less power well get wasted in the transmission
cables.
It follows that by transmitting power from power stations to homes/factories, via transmission cables, at high voltages, we can
bring about a very significant reduction in the power wasted during transmission.
71. i. Kirchhoff’s junction rule - at any junction, the sum of the current entering the junction is equal to the sum of currents leaving
the junction.
Kirchhoff's second rule: The algebraic sum of changes in potential around any closed loop involving resistors and cells in the
loop is zero.

In balanced fridge Ig = 0,
Hence I1 = I3 and I2 = I4
Using Kirchhoff’s loop rule for closed loops ADBA and CBDC
- I1R1 + 0 + I1R1 = 0 (Ig=0) ...(i)
In the second loop I3 = I1, I4 = I2
I2R4 + 0 - I1R3 = 0 ...(ii)
From equation (i) and (ii)
I1 R2 I1 R4

I2
=
R1
and I2
=
R3

R2 R4
=
R1 R3

This is the condition for balanced Wheatstone bridge

22 / 24
 ii. n loop MNOTM
2I + 4 I1 = 8 ...(i)
Loop OPSTO
-I + 5 I1 = -4 ...(ii)
On solving
Current in MN, I = 4A
Current in TO, I1 = 0A
Current in SP, I - I1 = 4A
Hence, the currents flowing through the branches MN, TO and SP are 4 A,0 A and 4 A
72. i. (b)
ii. (a): R = V

I
=
2

−6
= 2 × 106 Ω
10

iii. (iii) (d): Specific resistance depends upon the nature of material and is independent of mass and dimensions of the material.
iv. (a)
v. (d): l = 1.0 m; D = 0.4 mm = 4 × 10-4 m
R=2Ω
−4 2

m2
2 π×(4× 10 )
A= πD

4
=
4
= 4π × 10 −8

−8

Now, ρ = RA

l
=
2×4π×10

1
= 2.55 × 10
−7
Ωm

73. i. (d): Mobility is defined as the magnitude of drift velocity per unit electric field.
|v |
Mobility, μ = E
A

ii. (c): Drift velocity, v d =

I

neA

where the symbols have their usual meanings.

iii. (b): I = neAv d

vd is of order of few ms-1, e = 1.6 × 10-19 C

A is of the order of mm2, so a large I is due to a large value of n in conductors.
iv. (c): When we close the circuit. an electric field is established instantly with the speed of electromagnetic wave which causes
electrons to drift at every portion of the circuit, due to which the current is set up in the entire circuit instantly. The current
which is set up does not wait for electrons to flow from one end of the conductor to another. Thus, the electric bulb glows
immediately when switch is closed.
v. (b): Here,
Number density of free electrons, n = 8.5 × 1028 m-3
Area of cross-section of a wire, A = 2.0 × 10-6 m2
Length of the wire, l = 3.0 A
Current, I = 3.0 A
The drift velocity of an electron is
I
vd =
neA

the time taken by the electron to drift from one end to other end of the wire is
t =
l
=
vd
(Using(i))
lneA

I
−3 2
28 −19 −6
(3.0 m)(8.5× 10 m )(1.6× 10 C)(2.0× 10 m )

=
(3.0 A)

= 2.7 × 104 s
74. i. (c) According to Joule's law of heating.
Heat produced in a conductor, H = I2 Rt
where, I = Current flowing through the conductor
R = Resistance of the conductor
t = Time for which current flows through the conductor.
2
∴ H ∝ I

ii. (a) If the coil is cut into half, its resistance is also halaved.
2
V
As H = R
t

∴ H' = 2

23 / 24
 2 2

iii. (b) P = V

R
or R = V

The bulbs are joined in series. Current in both the bulbs will same.
∴ The heat produced in them is given by H = I2 Rt
or H ∝ R ⇒ H ∝ 1

Therefore the bulb with low wattage or high resistance will glow brighter or we can say the 25 W bulb will glow brighter than
the 100 W bulb.
iv. (d) R = 100 Ω ; I = 1A; t = 5 min = 5 × 60 = 300s
change in internal energy = heat generated in coil
= I2 Rt = ((1)2 × 100 × 300)J
= 30000 J = 30 kJ
v. (d) Here, P = 100 W, t = 1 min = 60 s
Heat developed in time t
H = P × t = (100W)(60s) = 6000 J
R1 R3
75. i. (a) R2
=
R4

ii. (b) low resistance

iii. (a) Minimize the resistance
iv. (c) No deflection
v. (a) 8.2 Ω

24 / 24