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DUBE - JEE TUTORIALS

“ निश्चय केला प्रथम आला “
SUBJECT: PHYSICS DPP CURRENT ELECTRICITY STD: 12TH

VERY SHORT ANSWERS QUESTION {1marks}:

Q.1 What is a potentiometer?

➢ A potentiometer is an instrument for measuring, comparing or dividing small

potential differences. It consists of a long and uniform resistance wire along which a
potential gradient is set up by connecting a cell of extremely stable emf connected
across its ends.

Q.2 Define potential gradient along a wire.

➢ Potential gradient along a (potentiometer) wire is the potential difference (the fall of
potential from the high potential end) per unit length of the wire.

Q.3 On what factors does the potential gradient of the wire depend?

➢ The potential gradient depends upon the potential difference between the ends of
the wire and the length of the wire.

Q.4 What will be the effect on the position of null point on a potentiometer
wire if the current through the wire is decreased?

➢ The potential gradient along a potentiometer wire is directly proportional to the

current through the wire and the null length on a potentiometer is inversely
proportional to the potential gradient. Hence, the potential gradient decreases with
a decrease in the current. Consequently, the null length will decrease.

Q.5 Why is no power consumed from the circuit containing unknown emf
when a potentiometer is used to measure the unknown emf?

➢ The adjustment of a potentiometer is a null comparison method. At balance, the

unknown emf and the potential difference across the balancing length of the
potentiometer wire are in opposition. Hence, the branch containing the unknown
emf draws no current from the circuit at the null point.

Q.6 State the principle of a potentiometer.

➢ Principle of a potentiometer : The potential difference across any length of a

potentiometer wire is directly proportional to that length.
Short notes: ( 2marks)
Q.1 What are the disadvantages of a potentiometer (over a voltmeter) ?

➢ Disadvantages of a potentiometer over a voltmeter:

➢ The use of a potentiometer is an indirect measurement method while a voltmeter is
a direct reading instrument.
➢ A potentiometer is unwieldy while a voltmeter is portable.
➢ Unlike a voltmeter, the use of a potentiometer in measuring an unknown emf
requires a standard source of emf and calibration.

Q.2 State the function of the shunt in modifying a galvanometer to an

ammeter.

➢ Functions of the shunt in an ammeter :

➢ It lowers the effective resistance of the ammeter.
➢ It shunts off a larger fraction of the line current, thus protecting the sensitive meter
movement of the basic galvanometer.
➢ With a shunt of proper value, a galvanometer can be modified into an ammeter of
practically any desired range.

Q.3 State the functions of the series resistance in modifying a galvanometer

into a voltmeter.

➢ Functions of the high series resistance in a voltmeter :

➢ It increases the effective resistance of the voltmeter.
➢ It drops off a larger fraction of the measured potential difference, thus protecting
the sensitive meter movement of the basic galvanometer.
➢ With a resistance of proper value, a galvanometer can be modified to a voltmeter of
any desired range.

Q.4 Explain: Kirchhoff’s voltage law is based on the law of conservation of

energy.

➢ Algebraic sum of emfs (energy per unit charge) corresponds to the electrical energy
supplied by the source.
➢ This energy appears in the form of electrical potential difference across the electrical
elements/devices in the loop implying law of conservation of energy.
➢ Hence, Kirchhoff's voltage law is consistent with the law of conservation of energy.

Q.5 State the applications of wheatstone bridge.

➢ The Wheatstone bridge is used for measuring the values of very low resistance
precisely.
 ➢ Wheatstone bridge can also measure the quantities such as galvanometer
resistance, capacitance, inductance and impedance.

Q.6 What is potential gradient.

➢ Potential gradient (K) is defined as potential difference per unit length of wire.
𝑉 𝐸𝑅
➢ It is measured as, 𝐿 = 𝐿(𝑅+𝑟)
➢ where, V = Potential difference between two

L = Length (distance) between two points.

Q.7 On what factors does the internal resistance of a cell depend?

➢ Internal resistance of a cell depends upon following factors:

➢ Nature of electrolyte,
➢ Nature of electrodes,
➢ Distance between the electrodes,
➢ The area of electrodes dipping in the electrolyte.

Q.8 Why is potentiometer preferred over a voltmeter for measuring emf?

➢ Potentiometer is more sensitive than a voltmeter.

➢ A potentiometer can be used to measure a potential difference as well as an emf of
a cell.
➢ A voltmeter always measures terminal potential difference, and as it draws some
current, it cannot be used to measure an emf of a cell.
➢ Measurement of potential difference or emf is very accurate in the case of a
potentiometer. A very small potential difference of the order 10 volt can be
measured with it. Least count of a potentiometer is much better compared to that of
a voltmeter.
➢ Due to all these reasons potentiometer is preferred over a voltmeter for measuring
emf.

Q.9 What will be the effect on the position of zero deflection if only the current
flowing through the potentiometer wire is

(1) increased (2) decreased

➢ On increasing the current, the potential gradient will increase. Hence the position of
zero deflection will occur at a shorter length.
➢ On decreasing the current, the potential gradient will decrease. Hence the position
of zero deflection will occur at a longer length.

EXPLAIN:(3marks)
Q.1 Define the following terms.

(1) Junction (2) Loop

(3) Branch

➢ Junction: Any point in an electric circuit where two or more conductors are joined
together is a junction.
➢ Loop: Any closed conducting path in an electric network is called a loop or mesh.
➢ Branch: A branch is any part of the network that lies between two junctions.

Q.2 State the sign conventions used in these laws. OR

Are the laws applicable to both AC and DC networks?

➢ Kirchhoff's circuital laws when steady currents are passing in an electrical network
are as follows:
➢ Kirchhoff's first law (or current law or junction law): The algebraic sum of the
currents at any junction is zero.

∑𝑛𝑖=1 𝐼𝑖 = 0

➢ where 𝐼𝑖 is the current in the 𝑖𝑡ℎ conductor meeting at the junction.

➢ Sign convention: A current entering the junction is taken as positive while a current
leaving the junction is taken as negative.
➢ Kirchhoff's second law (or voltage law or loop law): Around a closed loop of an
electrical network, the algebraic sum of the emfs and the potential differences
across all the circuit elements in that loop is zero.

∑ 𝐸 + ∑ 𝐼𝑅 = 0

➢ Sign convention: (a) In going round a loop, if we traverse a resistor in the direction of
the current through it, the potential difference (p.d.) across the resistor is taken as
negative. The p.d. is taken as positive if the direction in which we traverse the
resistance is opposite to the current through it
➢ (b) The emf of a cell is taken as positive when we traverse the cell from its negative
terminal to the positive terminal while it is taken as negative when traversed in the
opposite direction.
➢ Kirchhoff's laws are applicable to both AC and DC circuits (networks). For AC circuits,
instantaneous currents and voltages are taken in the summations.

Q.3 State and explain Kirchhoff’s voltage law in electric circuit. State their
sign convection.

➢ Statement: The algebraic sum of the currents at a junction is zero in an electrical

network.
 ∑𝑛𝑖=1 𝐼𝑖 = 0

➢ where 𝐼𝑖 is the current in the 𝑖 𝑡ℎ conductor at a junction having n conductors.

➢ Sign convention:

a. The currents arriving at the junction are considered positive,

b. The currents leaving the junction are considered negative.

➢ Explanation:

Consider a junction P in a circuit where six conductors meet as shown in the figure.

Explanation:
All charges that enter a given junction in a circuit must leave that junction since charge
cannot build up or disappear at a junction. Current entering the junction is taken as positive
and current leaving the junction is taken as negative.
Applying this law to the junction A,
I1 + I2 – I3 – I4 – I5 = o
Or
I1 + I2 = + I3 I4 + I5
Q.4 State and explain Kirchhoff’s voltage law electric circuit.

➢ Kirchhoff’s second rule (voltage rule or loop rule):

➢ Statement: It states that in a closed circuit the algebraic sum of the products of the
current and resistance of each part of the circuit is equal to the total emf included in
the circuit. This rule follows from the law of conservation of energy for an isolated
system. (The energy supplied by the emf sources is equal to the sum of the energy
delivered to all resistors).
➢ Explanation:
➢ The product of current and resistance is taken as positive when the direction of the
current is followed. Suppose if the direction of current is opposite to the direction of
the loop, then product of current and voltage across the resistor is negative. It is
shown in following Fig. (a) and (b). The emf is considered positive when proceeding
from the negative to the positive terminal of the cell. It is shown in following fig. (c)
and (d).
(a)

(b)

(c)

(d)

Kirchhoff voltage rule

Q.5 State any two sources of errors in metrebridge experiment. Explain how
they can be minimized.

Ans. Sources of errors:

➢ The cross section of the wire may not be uniform.

➢ The ends of the wire are soldered to the metallic strip where contact resistance is
developed, which is not taken into account.
➢ The measurement of 𝑙𝑋 and 𝑙𝑅 may not be accurate.

To minimize the errors

➢ The value of R is so adjusted that the null point is obtained around middle one third
of the wire (between 34 cm and 66 cm) so that percentage error in the
measurement of 𝑙𝑋 and 𝑙𝑅 are minimum and nearly the same.
➢ The experiment is repeated by interchanging the positions of unknown resistance X
and known resistance box R.
 ➢ The jockey should be tapped on the wire and not slided. The jockey is used to detect
whether there is a current through the central branch. This is possible only by
tapping the jockey.

Q.6 Explain the use of a potentiometer as a voltage divider.

➢ A potential difference 𝑉 is used to set up a potential gradient across a potentiometer

wire 𝐴𝐵 of length 𝐿, as shown. One end of a device is connected to the higher
potential terminal 𝐴 and the other end to a sliding contact 𝑃 on the wire 𝐴𝐵. For a
uniform potential gradient, the voltage 𝑉 divides into 𝑉𝐴𝑃 and 𝑉𝑃𝐵 in proportion to
𝑉
their lengths 𝑙1 and 𝑙2 . The p.d. across the device is 𝑉𝐴𝑃 = (𝐿 ) 𝑙1 so that, by using the
slider, the p.d. across the device can be changed from 0 𝑡𝑜 𝑉.

Potentiometer of potential divider

Q.7 Write a short note on galvanometer.

➢ A galvanometer is a device used to detect weak electric currents in a circuit.

➢ It has a coil pivoted (or suspended) between concave pole faces of a strong
laminated horse shoe magnet.
➢ When an electric current passes through the coil, it deflects. The deflection is
proportional to the current passing through the coil. When an electric current passes
through the coil, it deflects. The deflection is proportional to the current passing
through the coil.
➢ The deflection of the coil can be read with the help of a pointer attached to it.
Position of the pointer on the scale provided indicates the current passing through
the galvanometer or the potential difference across it.
➢ Thus, a galvanometer can be used as an ammeter or voltmeter with suitable
modification.
➢ The galvanometer coil has a moderate resistance (about 100 ohms) and the
galvanometer itself has a small current carrying capacity.
Q.8 What is shunt? State its uses.

➢ Moving coil galvanometer is converted into an ammeter by connecting a low

resistance in parallel with the galvanometer, which effectively reduces the resistance
of the galvanometer. This low resistance connected in parallel is called as shunt (S).

Uses of shunt:

➢ It is used to divert a large part of total current by providing an alternate path and
thus it protects the instrument from damage.
➢ It increases the range of an ammeter.
➢ It decreases the resistance between the points to which it is connected.

Q.9 Why should an ideal voltmeter have infinite resistance?

➢ A voltmeter is connected across the points where potential difference is to be

measured.
➢ If a galvanometer is used to measure voltage, it draws some current therefore,
actual potential difference to be measured decreases.
➢ To avoid this, a voltmeter should have very high resistance. Ideally, it should have
infinite resistance.

Q.10 Explain the basic construction of a pivoted-type moving-coil

galvanometer with a neat labelled diagram.

➢ A table galvanometer consists of a coil of a large number of turns of fine insulated

copper wire wound on a light rectangular aluminium frame.
➢ The coil has a pointer attached and is pivoted between cylindrically concave pole
pieces of a strong horseshoe permanent magnet. The coil swings freely around a
cylindrical soft iron core fitted between the pole pieces. The deflection of the coil
depends on the current passing through the galvanometer (or the potential
difference across it). The deflection of the coil is arrested by a spiral spring and is
read with the pointer on a scale.
DISTINGUISH BETWEEN:

Potentiometer Voltmeter

• A potentiometer is used to • A voltmeter can be used to

determine the emf of a cell, measure the potential difference
potential difference and internal and terminal voltage of a cell. But
resistance. it cannot be used to measure the
emf of a cell.
• Its accuracy and sensitivity are • Its accuracy and sensitivity are
very high. less as compared to a
• It is not a portable instrument. potentiometer.
• It is a portable instrument.
• It does not give a direct reading. • It gives a direct reading.

Brief: (4marks)
Q.1 Explain the principle of a potentiometer.

➢ Consider a potentiometer consisting of a long uniform wire 𝐴𝐵 of length 𝐿 and

resistance 𝑅, stretched on a wooden board and connected in series with a cell of
stable emf 𝐸 and internal resistance 𝑟 and a plug key 𝐾 as shown.

Principle of a potentiometer

➢ As the steady current 𝐼 passes through the wire from 𝐴 to 𝐵, there is a fall of
potential along the wire from 𝐴 to 𝐵.
𝐸 𝐸𝑅
𝐼= 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑉𝐴𝐵 = 𝐼𝑅 =
𝑅+𝑟 𝑅+𝑟

➢ The potential difference per unit length of the wire,

𝑉𝐴𝐵 𝐸𝑅
= (𝑅+𝑟)𝐿
𝐿

𝑉𝐴𝐵
➢ Where = 𝑘 is constant as long as 𝐸, 𝑅 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑟 are constant. The quantity 𝑘
𝐿
represents the fall of potential per unit length of the wire, which is called potential
gradient along the wire.
➢ Let 𝑃 be any point on the wire between 𝐴 and 𝐵 . 𝐿𝑒𝑡 𝐴𝑃 = 𝑙 . Then the p.d.
between 𝐴 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑃 is

𝑉𝐴𝑃 = 𝑘𝑙

∴ 𝑉𝐴𝑃 ∝ 𝑙

➢ Thus, the p.d. across any length of the potentiometer wire is directly proportional to
that length. This is the principle of the potentiometer.

Q.4 State the uses of a potentiometer.

❖ Potentiometer as a voltage Divider:

➢ The potentiometer can be used as a voltage divider to continuously change the
output voltage of a voltage supply.
 ➢ As shown in the above figure, potential V is set up between points A and B of a
potentiometer wire.
➢ One end of a device is connected to positive point A and the other end is connected
to a slider that can move along wire AB.
➢ The voltage V gets divided in proportion of lengths 𝑙1 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑙2 , such that
𝑑𝑉(𝑙) 𝑑𝑉(𝐿− 𝑙1 )
𝑉1 = 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑉2 =
𝑑𝐿 𝑑𝐿

❖ Potentiometer as an audio control:

➢ Sliding potentiometers are commonly used in modern low-power audio systems as
audio control devices.
➢ Both sliding (faders) and rotary potentiometers (knobs) are regularly used for
frequency attenuation, loudness control and for controlling different characteristics
of audio signals. (knobs) are regularly used for frequency attenuation, loudness
control and for controlling different characteristics of audio signals.
❖ Potentiometer as a sensor:
➢ If the slider of a potentiometer is connected to the moving part of a machine, it can
work as a motion sensor.
➢ A small displacement of the moving part causes changes in potential which is further
amplified using an amplifier circuit.
➢ The potential difference is calibrated in terms of the displacement of the moving
part.

Derivation:
Q.1 Obtain the balancing condition in case of a wheatstone’s network.
Q.2 Explain with neat circuit diagram, how you will determine the unknown
resistance by using a meter bridge.
Q.3 Describe Kelvin’s method to determine the resistance of galvanometer by
using a meter bridge.
Q.4 Describe how a potentiometer is used to compare the emfs of two cells
by connecting the cell individually.
Q.5 Describe how a potentiometer is used to compare the emfs of two cells
by combination method.
Q.6 Describe with the help of a neat circuit diagram how you will determine
the internal resistance of a cell by using a potentiometer. Derive the
necessary formula.
Q.7 Explain how a galvanometer is converted into an ammeter. Derive the
necessary formula.
Q.8 Explain how a galvanometer is converted into a voltmeter. Derive the
necessary formula.

Pyq’s corner:
 Q.1 Explain with a neat circuit diagram how will you determine unknown
resistance 'X' by using meter bridge. (March 2018) (3)

Q.2 Explain the conversion of a Moving Coil Galvanometer (MCG) into an

ammeter. Obtain necessary formula. (Oct. 2021)

Q.3 Define potential gradient of the potentiometer wire. (March 2022)

Q.4 Distinguish between potentiometer and voltmeter. (March 2022)(4)

Thank you