Chapter 13 (2nd Year Physics)

Current Electricity

CURRENT ELECTRICITY
Q # 1. What do you know about electric current?
Ans. Electric Current
The amount of electric charge that flows through a cross section of a conductor per unit time is known as
electric current.
If

is the amount of charge flow through a cross-section in time , then the electric current

is

described mathematically as:

It is a base quantity and its unit is ampere.
Ampere
If one coulomb charge flows through a cross-section of a conductor in one second then the current will
be one ampere.
1 Ampere =

1 Coulomb
1 second

Q # 2. Write down a note on the direction of flow of current through any conductor.
Ans. Current direction
Earlier, it was thought that the current flow through a conductor due to positive charges from higher
potential to lower potential in any external circuit. But later on, it was found that the flow of current in metallic
conductor is due to the flow of electrons from the point of lower potential to the point of higher potential.
But still we also take the direction of flow of current
along the flow of positive charges. The reason is that it has
been found experimentally that positive charge moving in one
direction is equivalent in all external effects to a negative
charge moving in opposite direction.

Conventional current
The current flow due to positive charges from a point
at higher potential to a point at lower potential is called
conventional current.

Q # 3. Describe the effect of electric field on the motion of free electrons.

Ans. All atoms contain free electrons. In the absence of any
external electric field, the free electrons are in random
motion just like the molecules of gas in a container and the
net current through wire is zero.
If the ends of the wire are connected to a battery, an
electric field (E) will setup at every point with in the wire.
Due to electric effect of the battery the electrons will
experience a force in the direction opposite to E.

Please remember me in your prayers. Suleman Khalid.

Chapter 13 (2nd Year Physics)

Current Electricity

Drift velocity
When electric field is established across the ends of a conductor, the free electrons modify their
random motion and drift slowly with a constant velocity in the direction opposite to E. This constant velocity
is known as drift velocity.
Q # 4. Write down a note on the sources of current?
Ans. Sources of current
A source which maintains constant potential difference
between the ends of the conductor is called sources of current.
Source of current converts some non electrical energy (chemical,
mechanical, heat or solar energy) to electrical energy.
Examples
i)

Cells which convert chemical energy into electrical energy.

ii)

Electric generators convert mechanical energy into electrical energy.

iii)

Thermo couples convert heat energy into electrical energy.

iv)

Solar cells convert light energy into electrical energy.

Q # 5. Describe the effects of current?

Ans. Effects of Current.
The presence of current produces various effects through which it can be detected. Its some effects
are given below

i)

i)

Heating effect.

ii)

Magnetic effect.

iii)

Chemical effect.

Heating Effect
Current flow through a metallic conductor due to the motion

of free electrons. During their motion they frequently collide with one
another. On each collision they transfer some of their kinetic energy to
the atom with which they collide. And these collisions produce heating
effect in the wire.
It is found that the heat H produced by the current I in the
wire of resistance R during time interval y is given by the expression:

The heating effect of the current is utilized in electric heaters, kettle,

toaster and electric iron etc.
ii)

Magnetic Effect
The flow of current always carries magnetic field

surrounding it in space. The strength of magnetic field depends upon

the value of current and the distance from the element. The pattern of
the field produced by a current carrying straight wore, a coil and a
solenoid is shown in the figure.

Chapter 13 (2nd Year Physics)

Current Electricity

Magnetic effect is used to detect the presence of current.

Moreover, all the machines involving electric motors also use the magnetic effect of current.

iii)

Chemical Effect
Certain liquids (such as copper sulphate solution) conduct electricity due to some chemical reaction

takes place within them. The study of this process is known as electrolysis. The chemical reaction produced
during electrolysis of a liquid are due to chemical effects of current. It depends upon the nature of the liquid
and quantity of electricity passed through the liquid.
Example
When

dissolved in water it dissociates into

and

. On passing the current the

following reaction takes place due to chemical effect of electric current.

At cathode
2

The copper atoms thus formed are deposited at the cathode plate. While copper is being deposited at
the cathode, the

ions move towards the anode. Copper atoms from anode go into the solution as copper

atoms combine with sulphate ions to form copper

sulphate:

As the electrolysis proceeds, copper is

continuously deposited on the cathode, while an
equal amount of copper dissolved into the solution
and the density of copper sulphate solution remains
unaltered.
Electroplating
A process of coating a thin layer of some expensive
metal (gold, silver etc) on an article of some cheap metal is called electroplating.

Chapter 13 (2nd Year Physics)

Current Electricity

Q # 6. Define Ohms law.

Ans. Ohms law
It states that the current flowing through a conductor is directly proportional to the applied potential
difference if all physical states remain same.
Mathematically it is expressed as

Where (resistance) is the constant of proportionality.

Resistance
The opposition against the flow of current is known
as resistance. The SI unit of resistance is Ohm. Mathematically, it is described as:

Q # 7. What do you know about the Non-Ohmic devices?
Ans. Those devices which dont the Ohms law are called non Ohmic devices.
The current-voltage graph of non-ohmic devices is not a straight line. The
example of non ohmic devices are filament bulb and semi-conductor diodes.
Q # 8. Write down a short note on series and parallel combination of
resistances?
Series combination of resistances
If the resistances are connected
end to end this kind of combination of
resistances is known as series combination of
resistances.
In this type of combination the
voltage divides itself but current through each
resistance remain same.
And the equivalent resistance is given by

R e = R1 + R 2 + R 3
Parallel Combination of Resistances
If resistances are connected in such a way that
their ends are joined at two points this kind of combination
is known as parallel combination of resistances.
In this type of combination the voltage across
each resistance remain same but current divides it self.
And the equivalent resistance

R e can be find out

by using expression:
1
1
1
=
+
R e R1 R 2

Chapter 13 (2nd Year Physics)

Current Electricity

Q # 9. Define resistivity and derive its expression? Also describe the effect of temperature on the
resistivity of conductor.
Ans. Resistivity
The resistance of a meter cube of material is called its resistivity.
Expression
The resistance of the wire is directly proportional to the length of the wire ( ) and inversely
proportional to the cross sectional area ( ).
Mathematically, it is described as:

---------- (1)

---------- (2)

Combining (1) & (2), we get:

And the value of is
Where

is constant of proportionality known as Resistivity.

Its unit is Ohm meter.

Effect of temperature on resistivity of conductor
The resistance offered by a conductor to the flow of electric current is due to collisions which the free
electrons encounter with atoms of the lattice. As the temperature of the conductor rises, the amplitude of
vibration of atoms increases and hence the probability of their collision with free electrons also increases
which result increase of resistance of conductor.
Q # 10. Write a note on
i)

Temperature Coefficient of Resistance

ii) Temperature Coefficient of Resistivity

Ans. Temperature Coefficient of Resistance
The fractional change in resistance per Kelvin is known as the temperature coefficient of resistance. It is
denoted by symbol and is described mathematically as:

where

"

"

"

is the resistance of the conductor at 0" and

is the resistance at

"

Temperature Coefficient of Resistivity.

The fractional change in resistivity per Kelvin is known as the temperature coefficient of
resistivity.
Temperature coefficient of resistivity

$% $&
$&

o = resistance of conductor at 0oc

t = resistance of conductor at toc
5

Chapter 13 (2nd Year Physics)

Current Electricity

Q # 11. Write a note on carbon resistor?

Ans.
Carbon resistors
Carbons resistors consist of high grade ceramic rod, on which a thin resistive film of carbon is
deposited. The numerical value of their resistance is indicated by the color code which consist of bands of
different colors printed on the body of the conductor.
Usually, the code consist of four bands, which are interpreted as:

The first band indicates the first digit in the numerical value
of the resistance.

The second band gives the second digit of numerical value.

The third band is decimal multiplier i.e., it gives the number

of zeros after the first two digits.

The fourth band gives resistance tolerance.

Q # 12. What do you know about rheostat. Also describe its construction.
Ans. It is wire wounded variable resistor. It is consist of an insulating cylinder on which a manganin wire is
wounded over an insulating cylinder. The ends of the wire are connected to two fixed terminals ( A and B). A
third terminal is attached to a sliding contact which can which can be moved over the wire.
Q # 13. Describe the working of a Rheostat as
i)

Variable Resistor

ii) Potential Divider

Ans.
Rheostat as variable resistor
Rheostat can be used as a variable resistor. For this
purpose, one of its fixed terminal A and the sliding terminal
C is inserted in the circuit. If sliding contact C move towards
terminal A then the resistance involved in the circuit
decreases, if it moves towards B then the resistance involved in the circuit increases.
Rheostat as potential divider
To use rheostat as potential divider, potential difference
rheostat with the help of a battery. If

is applied across the fixed ends A and B of

is the resistance of the wire AB, the current I passing through is given

by:

The potential difference between the portion BC of the wire AB is given by:
'(
'(

) ** + , * -.- /+)
,*

Where * is the resistance of the portion BC of wire. The equation shows that this
circuit can provide potential difference at output terminal varying from zero to the

Chapter 13 (2nd Year Physics)

Current Electricity

full potential difference of the battery depending on the position of sliding contact. As the sliding contact
moves towards the end B, the resistance * of portion of the wire decreases which result in decrease of output
'( .

voltage

On the other hand if the sliding contact C is moved towards the end A, the output voltage

'(

increases.
Q # 14. Write a note on thermistors.
Ans. Thermistors
Thermistors are heat sensitive resistors. These are made up by heating under high pressure ceramic,
from mixture of metallic oxides of nickel, cobalt, copper, iron etc. These are pressed into desired shapes and
then baked at high temperature.
Termisters with positive temperature coefficient of resistance as well as negative temperature of
resistance are available. The thermistors having high negative coefficient of temperature are used for accurate
measuring of temperature up to 10K.
Q # 15. Define electrical power and derive its expression?
Ans. Electrical power
The rate at which battery is supplying electrical energy is called its electrical power.
Consider a circuit consisting of a battery 0 connected in series with resistance as shown in the figure:

A steady current

flows through the circuit and steady potential difference V exist between the

terminals A and B of the resistor R. Using the meaning of potential difference, the work done 1 in moving

up through the potential difference V is:

1

This is the energy supplied by the battery. The rate at which the battery is supplying electrical energy
is called the electrical power of the battery.
02 ) *.)/2 345 *

02 ) *.)/2 345 *

0+ *67 882. 9
.: /; +

Since

<

By the principal of conservation of energy, the electrical power of the battery is dissipated in the
resistor R. Therefore,
345 * =.--.8/ 9 >3?

Chapter 13 (2nd Year Physics)

Current Electricity

and

345 * =.--.8/ 9 >3?

345 * =.--.8/ 9 >3?

From Ohms law, substituting

Q # 16. differentiate between emf of a battery and potential difference?

Ans.
Electromotive Force

Potential Difference
i. Work done per unit charge in moving it from

i. Energy supplied by a battery to the charge

carriers

to

move

in

circuit

is

one point to another is called potential

called

difference.

electromotive force (emf).

ii. emf is the cause

ii. Potential difference is the effect of emf

iii. the emf is always present even when no

iii. The potential difference across the conductor

is zero when no current flows through it.

current is drawn through battery.

Q # 17. Describe the relationship between the emf of a battery and terminal potential difference. Explain
this relationship on the basis of energy consideration.
Ans. Consider a battery of emf E having internal resistance r. The current I flowing through the circuit is given
by:
0

Or
0

* ----------------- (1)

is the terminal potential difference of the battery in the presence of current I and * is

Here

the voltage drop on internal resistance of the battery.

Explanation
The left side of equation (1) is the emf of the
battery, which is equal to the energy gained by unit charge
(electron) to move from its negative to positive terminal.
The right side of the equation gives an account of the
utilization of this energy. It states that, as a unit charge
passes through a circuit, a part of its energy equal to * is
dissipated into the cell and the rest of the energy is
dissipated into the external resistance R. it is given by the potential drop

Q # 18. Derive the expression for maximum power output?

Ans. Maximum power output.
As the current is flows through the of resistance , the charges flow from a point of higher potential
to a point of lower potential and as such, they loose potential energy. Then power delivered by the battery of
resistance R will be:
345 * 9 2.B * 9 4
3CD

3CD

Chapter 13 (2nd Year Physics)

Current Electricity

As the current flowing through the circuit is

3CD

H
0

>

0
* !2 *

FJ @

3CD

>@ G?J

, therefore

*?

3CD

@ G

@G

0
*

2 *
2 *

2 *

---------------

(1)

*, the denominator of the expression of 3CD is least and so 3CD is then maximum.

When

Thus the maximum power is delivered to the resistance (load), when internal resistance of the source
equals the load resistance. For
0
> ! ?

3CD

*, the equation (1) becomes:

0
4

0
4

Q # 19. Explain the Kirchhoffs Rules.

Ans. Kirchhoffs 1st Rule
It states that
M - : 4N /22 M ) ** + N245.+6 45/*9- 84.+ .- O /2 4
- : 4N /22 M ) ** + - N245.+6 /5/7 N*4: M 84.+

M - : 4N /22 M ) ** + - :

.+6 / / 84.+ .+ M ).*) . .- Q *4.

It is described mathematically as:

R

Explanation
Consider a section where four wires meet at a point A. I1 and I2
are flowing towards the point where I3 and I4 flowing away from the point A.
Mathematically represented as

>! T ? >! ?
T

0,

Kirchhoffs 2nd Rule

It states that
" M /26 X*/.) - : 4N /22 M 84 + ./2 )M/+6 - .+
)24- 9 ).*) . .- Q *4".

Explanation
Consider a closed circuit shown in the figure below:
Suppose 0 is greater than 0 .

When a positive charge

passes through the cell 0 from low

(!B ) to high potential ( B ), it gained energy because the work

is done on it. The energy gained by charge is 0 .

Chapter 13 (2nd Year Physics)

Current Electricity

When the current passes through the cell 0 , it loses energy equal to !0 because here the charge
passes from high to low potential.

difference across

, the charge loses energy equal to !

In going through the resistor

where

is potential

Similarly the loss of energy while passing through the resistor

is !

Finally, the charge reaches the negative terminal of the cell 0 from where we started.

According to the law of conservation of energy, the total change in energy is zero. Therefore, we can
write:
0 !

!0 !

Or
0 !

!0 !

This is mathematical form of Kirchhoffs rule.

Q # 20. Write a note on Wheatstone Bridge.
Ans. Wheatstone Bridge
Wheatstone Bridge is the combination of four resistances, arranged in the form of mesh, used to find
out unknown resistance.
Explanation
,

Consider four resistances

T ,

connected in such a way so as to form a mesh ABCDA. A

battery of emf is connected between points A and C. A sensitive galvanometer of resistance

between points B and D.

Let the current ,

flows through the loops ABDA, BCDB, ADCA respectively.

nd

The Kirchhoffs 2 Rule as applied to loop ABDA gives:

!> !

! Z T \

----------

nd

(1)

Similarly by applying the Kirchhoffs 2 Rule to the loop BCDB, we have:

!

! Z T \

! > ! ?

----------

(2)
The current through the galvanometer will be zero if
!

0 or

. With this condition, the equation (1) and (2)

reduces to:
!

Z T \

Z T \

----------

(3)

----------

(4)

Dividing equation (3) and (4), we get:

] @]

] @J

@]

@J

Z ] ^ \@^

Z ] ^ \@_

@^
@_

----------

(5)

If we connect three resistance

adjustable values and unknown resistance

of known

in such a way that no

10

is connected

Chapter 13 (2nd Year Physics)

Current Electricity

current pass through galvanometer, then the unknown resistance can be find out easily by equation (5).
Q # 21. What do you know about potentiometer? Also describe the advantage of potentiometer over
voltmeter.
Ans.
Potentiometer
It is a device that is used to measure potential
difference between two points without drawing any current
from original circuit.
Advantage of Potentiometer over Voltmeter
Potential difference is usually measured by an
instrument called voltmeter. The voltmeter is connected
across the two points in a circuit between which the
potential difference is to be measured. It is necessary that
the resistance of the voltmeter be large compared to the
circuit resistance across which the voltmeter is connected.
Otherwise an appreciable current will flow through the
voltmeter which will alter the circuit current and the
potential difference measured. Thus the voltmeter can read
the correct potential difference only when it does not draw any current from the circuit across which it is
connected.
On the other hand, potentiometer is a very simple instrument which can measure and compare potential
difference accurately without drawing any circuit current.

Q # 22. Explain the construction and working of Potentiometer?

Construction
It is consist of a wire which has resistance

between its two fixed terminals A and B while a

sliding terminal C can slide over the wire. The resistance * between A & C can be varies from 0 to R by
moving sliding contact C from A to B.

If a battery of emf 0 is connected across

.Then current flowing through it is

F
@

If we represent the resistance between A and C by *. Then potential drop across * will be:

Thus the potential drop can be varied from 0 to V across A & C terminals by sliding the terminal C
from A to B.

11

Chapter 13 (2nd Year Physics)

Current Electricity

A source of potential difference whose emf is 0` is to be measured is connected A and sliding

contact C through a galvanometer G. The potential divider is connected at point A. After adjusting the circuit
the sliding contact is so adjusted that galvanometer show no deflection. At this condition the emf 0` is equal to
potential difference across A and C, whose value is known, i.e.,
0`

---------- (1)

In case of a wire if uniform cross sectional area, the resistance is proportional to length.
So

* 2

&

Therefore, unknown emf 0` is given by :

0`

Comparison of different emfs

We can compare different emfs 0 & 0 of two cells easily by finding the balancing condition.

If 2 is the balancing length corresponding the 0 , then:

0

a]
b

---------- (2)

Similarly, if 2 is the balancing length corresponding the 0 , then:

0

aJ
b

---------- (3)

Dividing equation (2) and (3), we get:

0
0

2

2

This expression tells that the ratio of two emfs is equal to ratio of their balancing lengths.

12

Chapter 13 (2nd Year Physics)

Current Electricity

EXERCISE SHORT QUESTIONS

Q # 1. A potential difference is applied across the ends of a copper wire. What is the effect on the drift
velocity of free electrons by
i.

Increasing the potential difference

ii.

Decreasing the length and the temperature of the wire.

Ans. The drift velocity

of electrons in a conductor is described by the formula:

+
Where is the potential difference between the ends of conductor,
c

is the length of conductor and

is the resistivity of wire. From equation, it is clear that

i.

Drift velocity of electron increases with increase in potential difference

ii.

Drift velocity of electron also increases by decreasing the length and temperature of wire.

Q # 2. Do bends in a wire affect its electrical resistance? Explain.

Ans. The resistance of the conductor is described by the formula:

Where L is the length and A is the cross-section area of conductor.

the electrical resistivity of the material

which depends upon the nature of conductor.

Hence the resistance of conductor depends upon the geometry and nature of conductor. Hence the
bends in conducting wires dont affect its electrical resistance.
Q # 3. What are the resistances of the resistors given in the figure A and B. What is the tolerance of
each? Explain what is meant by the tolerance.

For figure A. The color codes for figure A are as follows: For figure B. The color codes for figure B are as follows:
Brown 1 (First Digit)
Yellow 4 (First Digit)
Green 5 (Second Digit)
White 9 (Second Digit)
Red
2 (Number of Zero)
Therefore
Resistance = 1500
And
Tolerance = T = 5%

Orange 3 (Number of Zero)

Therefore
Resistance = 49000
And
Tolerance = T = 10%

Tolerance
Tolerance means the possible variation in the value of resistance from the marked value. For example, a 1000
resistance with a tolerance of 10% can have an actual resistance between 900 and 1100 .

13

Chapter 13 (2nd Year Physics)

Current Electricity

Q # 4. Why does the resistance of conductor rise with temperature?

Ans. The resistance offered by a conductor to the flow of electric current is due to collisions which the free
electrons encounter with atoms of the lattice. As the temperature of the conductor rises, the amplitude of
vibration of atoms increases and hence the probability of their collision with free electrons also increases
which result increase of resistance of conductor.
Q # 5. What are the difficulties in testing whether the filament of a lighted bulb obeys ohms law?
Ans. Ohms law states that the current flowing through the conductor is directly proportional to the potential
difference applied across its ends provided that the temperature of the conductor remains constant. In case of a
lighted bulb, the temperature of the filament increases with the passage of current through it. Hence the Ohms
law cant be applied to filament bulb.
Thus the main difficulty in testing whether the filament of a lighted bulb obeys ohms law is the
change in temperature with the flow of current in it.
Q # 6. Is the filament resistance lower or higher in a 500 W, 220 V bulb than in a 100 W, 220 V bulb?
Ans. We know that
3

The resistance of filament of 500 W, 220 V bulb is:

3

>220?
500

98.6

The resistance of filament of 100 W, 220 V bulb is:

3

>220?
100

484

It is clear that the filament resistance is lowered in a 500 W, 220 V bulb than 100 W, 220 V bulb.

Q # 7. Describe a circuit which will give a continuously varying potential.

Ans. To use rheostat as potential divider, potential difference

is applied

across the fixed ends A and B of rheostat with the help of a battery. If

is the

resistance of the wire AB, the current I passing through is given by:

The potential difference between the portion BC of the wire AB is given by:
'(
'(

) ** + , * -.- /+)
,*

Where * is the resistance of the portion BC of wire. The equation shows that
this circuit can provide potential difference at output terminal varying from zero to the full potential difference
of the battery depending on the position of sliding contact. As the sliding contact moves towards the end B, the
resistance * of portion of the wire decreases which result in decrease of output voltage
if the sliding contact C is moved towards the end A, the output voltage

14

'(

increases.

'( .

On the other hand

Chapter 13 (2nd Year Physics)

Current Electricity

Q # 8. Explain why the terminal potential difference of a battery decreases when current drawn from it
is increases.
Ans. The terminal potential difference
l! *

of the battery of emf l is described by the formula:

Where * is the internal resistance of the battery and I is the current flowing through outer circuit.

It is clear from equation that when I is large, the factor * becomes large and

becomes small. Hence terminal

potential difference of a battery decreases when current drawn from it is increased.

Q # 9. What is Wheatstone bridge? How can it be used to determine an unknown resistance?

Ans. It is an electrical circuit which can be used to find the unknown resistance of a wire. The circuit of
Wheatstone bridge is shown in the figure.
It consist of four resistance connected in the form of a mesh, galvanometer, battery and a switch.
When the bridge is balanced, it satisfies the following relation:
T

If the values of

are known, then

can be calculated, provided the bridge is balanced.

15