CHAPTER - 12

ELECTRICITY

Electricity is a general term that encompasses a variety of phenomena resulting from the
presence and flow of electric charge. These include many easily recognizable phenomena
such as lightning and static electricity, but in addition, less familiar concepts such as the
electromagnetic field and electromagnetic induction.

Electric charge
Electric charge is a fundamental conserved property of some subatomic particles, which
determines their electromagnetic interaction. Electrically charged matter is influenced
by, and produces, electromagnetic fields. The interaction between a moving charge and
an electromagnetic field is the source of the electromagnetic force, which is one of the
four fundamental forces. Electric charge is conserved, additive and quantised. The S.I.
unit of electric charge is ‘C’ coulomb.
Any other charged body will have a charge Q
Q = ne
where n is the number of electrons and e is the charge on electron = 1.6 x 10–19
coulombs.

Electric current
Electric current is a flow of electrons in a conductor such as a metal wire. Electric
current is expressed by the amount of charge flowing through a particular area in unit
time. In other words, it is the rate of flow of electric charges. In circuits using metallic
wires, electrons constitute the flow of charges. However, electrons were not known at
the time when the phenomenon of electricity was first observed. So, electric current was
considered to be the flow of positive charges and the direction of flow of positive
charges was taken to be the direction of electric current. Conventionally, in an electric
circuit the direction of electric current is taken as opposite to the direction of the flow
of electrons, which are negative charges.
The magnitude of electric current in a conductor is the amount of electric charge passing
through a given point of conductor in 1 second.
Q
I =
t
S.I. unit of electric current is ‘A’ (Ampere).
The electric current is expressed by a unit called ampere (A), named after the French
scientist, Andre-Marie Ampere (1775–1836).

One Ampere
When 1 coulomb of charge flows through any cross-section of a conductor in 1
second, the electric charge flowing through it is said to be 1 ampere.
Smaller unit current is milliampere(mA) and microampere( A)
–3
1 mA = 10 A
1 A = 10–6A
An instrument called ammeter measures electric current in a circuit. It is always
connected in series in a circuit through which the current is to be measured.
The direction of electric current is from positive terminal to negative terminal through
the electric circuit.
INTEXT QUESTIONS PAGE NO. 200

1. What does an electric circuit mean?

Ans. An electric circuit consists of electric devices, switching devices, source of
electricity, etc. that are connected by conducting wires.

2. Define the unit of current.

Ans. The unit of electric current is ampere (A). 1 A is defined as the flow of 1 C
of charge through a wire in 1 s.

3. Calculate the number of electrons constituting one coulomb of charge.

Ans. One electron possesses a charge of 1.6 × 10−19 C, i.e., 1.6 × 10−19 C of charge
is contained in 1 electron.
1
∴ 1 C of charge is contained in −19
= 6.251018 electrons
1.610

Therefore, 6.251018 electrons constitute one coulomb of charge.

Potential difference
Potential difference, VA – VB between two points A and B is the work done per unit
charge in taking a charge from B to A.
work done
Potential difference, VA – VB = , where VA is potential at point A, VB is
ch arg e

potential at point B and S.I. unit of potential is volts (V), named after Alessandro
Volta (1745 –1827), an Italian physicist.

Electric Potential
Electric Potential at a point is defined as the work done per unit charge in bringing a
charge from infinity to that point.
work done W
V= =
ch arg e Q
The potential difference is measured by means of an instrument called the voltmeter.
The voltmeter is always connected in parallel across the points between which the
potential difference is to be measured.

One volt: The potential difference between two points is said to be 1 volt if 1 joule of
work is done in moving 1 coulomb of electric charge from one point to the other.
Electrons always flow from lower potential to higher potential.

INTEXT QUESTIONS PAGE NO. 202

1. Name a device that helps to maintain a potential difference across a

conductor.
Ans. A source of electricity such as cell, battery, power supply, etc. helps to
maintain a potential difference across a conductor.

2. What is meant by saying that the potential difference between two points is 1
V?
Ans. If 1 J of work is required to move a charge of amount 1 C from one point to
another, then it is said that the potential difference between the two points is 1 V.
Prepared by: M. S. KumarSwamy, TGT(Maths) Page - 79 -
3. How much energy is given to each coulomb of charge passing through a 6 V
battery?

Prepared by: M. S. KumarSwamy, TGT(Maths) Page - 80 -

 Ans. The energy given to each coulomb of charge is equal to the amount of work
required to move it. The amount of work is given by the expression,
Work done
Potential difference =
Charge
Work done = Potential difference  Charge
Where, Charge = 1 C and Potential difference = 6 V
Work done = 6 1= 6 J
Therefore, 6 J of energy is given to each coulomb of charge passing through a
battery of 6 V.

NUMERICAL PROBLEMS

1. Find the charge if the number of electrons is 4 x 10–18.

2. Find the number of electrons constituting one coulomb of charge.
3. How much work done in moving a charge of 3 coulombs from a point at 118 V to a
point at 128 volt?
4. How much work done in moving a charge of 2C across two points having a potential
difference of 12V?
5. Calculate the amount of work done to carry 4C from a point at 100 V to a point at
120 volt?
6. How much work will be done in bringing a charge of 2 x 10–3 coulombs from infinity
to a point P at which the potential is 5 V?
7. How much work will be done in bringing a charge of 3 x 10–2 coulombs from infinity
to a point P at which the potential is 20 V?
8. How much energy is given to each coulomb of charge passing through a 6V battery?
9. How much energy is transferred by a 12 V power supply to each coulomb of charge
which it moves around a circuit?
10. What is the potential difference between the terminals of a battery if 250 joules of
work is required to transfer 20 coulombs of charge from one terminal of battery to
the other?
11. What is the potential difference between the conductors A and B shown in below
figure? If the conductors are connected by a length of wire, which way will electrons
flow? When will this flow of electrons stop?

A B

-1000V +3000V
12. A particle of charge 2C is taken from a point at a potential of 100V to another point
at a potential of 150V. Calculate the work done.
13. What is the potential difference between the conductors A and B shown in below
figure? If the conductors are connected by a length of wire, which way will electrons
flow? When will this flow of electrons stop?

A B

-500V +1200V

14. A particle of charge 5 x 10–2 C is taken from a point at a potential of 50V to

another point at a potential of 250V. Calculate the work done.
15. Three 2V cells are connected in series and used as a battery in a circuit.
(a) What is the potential difference at the terminals of the battery?
(b) How many joules of electrical energy does 1 C gain on passing through (i)one
cell (ii) all three cells.

CIRCUIT DIAGRAM
The Schematic diagram, in which different components of the circuit are represented
by the symbols conveniently used, is called a circuit diagram. Conventional symbols
used to represent some of the most commonly used electrical components are given
below:

1. An electric cell

2. A battery or a combination of cells

3. Plug key or switch (open)

4. Plug key or switch (closed)

5. A wire joint

6. Wires crossing without joining

7. Electric bulb
8. A resistor of resistance R

9. Variable resistance or rheostat

10. Ammeter

11. Voltmeter

Ohm’s law
According to Ohm’s law, “At constant temperature, the current flowing through a
conductor is directly proportional to the potential difference across its ends.”
I  V or V  I at constant temperature

V = IR where R is constant of proportionally which is know as resistance.

Resistance
It is the ratio of potential difference applied between the ends of a conductor and the
current flowing through it. The unit of resistance is ohm().
V V
R= I=
I R
1 ohm = 1 volt

1 ampere
One Ohm

One Ohm is the resistance of a conductor such that when a potential difference of 1 volt
is applied to its ends, a current of 1 ampere flows through it.

If the resistance is doubled the current gets halved. In many practical cases it is necessary
to increase or decrease the current in an electric circuit. A component used to regulate
current without changing the voltage source is called variable resistance. In an electric
circuit, a device called rheostat is often used to change the resistance in the circuit.

Factors on which the Resistance of a conductor depends

The resistance of the conductor depends (i) on its length, (ii) on its area of cross-
section, and (iii) on the nature of its material.

Resistance depends on area of cross section: It is inversely proportional to the area

of cross section (A)
1
R
A
Resistance depends on length of wire: It is directly proportional to the length of the
wire (l)
Rl
 l
R
Combining the above we get A
l
R=
A
where (rho) is a constant of proportionality which is called the resistivity or specific
resistance of the material.
If l = 1m, A = 1m2 then R =
Resistivity of a material is the resistance of a unit length of the material having unit
area of cross section.

INTEXT QUESTIONS PAGE NO. 209

1. On what factors does the resistance of a conductor depend?
Ans. The resistance of a conductor depends upon the following factors:
(a) Length of the conductor
(b) Cross-sectional area of the conductor
(c) Material of the conductor
(d) Temperature of the conductor

2. Will current flow more easily through a thick wire or a thin wire of the same
material, when connected to the same source? Why?
Ans. Resistance of a wire,
l
Where, R =
A

=Resistivity of the material of the wire

l = Length of the wire
A = Area of cross-section of the wire
Resistance is inversely proportional to the area of cross-section of the wire.
Thicker the wire, lower is the resistance of the wire and vice-versa. Therefore,
current can flow more easily through a thick wire than a thin wire.

3. Let the resistance of an electrical component remains constant while the

potential difference across the two ends of the component decreases to half of
its former value. What change will occur in the current through it?
Ans. The change in the current flowing through the component is given by Ohm’s
law as,
V = IR
V
I=
R
Where,
Resistance of the electrical component = R
Potential difference = V
Current = I
The potential difference is reduced to half, keeping resistance constant.
Let the new resistance be R' and the new amount of current be I '.
Therefore, from Ohm’s law, we obtain the amount of new current.
V' V/2 1V 1
I'= = = = I
2  
  2
R
R' R
Therefore, the amount of current flowing through the electrical component is
reduced by half.
4. Why are coils of electric toasters and electric irons made of an alloy rather
than a pure metal?
Ans. The resistivity of an alloy is higher than the pure metal. Moreover, at high
temperatures, the alloys do not melt readily. Hence, the coils of heating appliances
such as electric toasters and electric irons are made of an alloy rather than a pure
metal.

5. (a) Which among iron and mercury is a better conductor?

(b) Which material is the best conductor?
Ans. (a) Resistivity of iron = 10.010−8 m
Resistivity of mercury = 94.010−8 m
Resistivity of mercury is more than that of iron. This implies that iron is a better
conductor than mercury.

(b) It can be observed from Table 12.2 that the resistivity of silver is the lowest
among the listed materials. Hence, it is the best conductor.

NUMERICAL PROBLEMS

1. What current must flow if 0.24 coulombs is to be transferred in 15 ms?

2. If a current of 10 A flows for four minutes, find the quantity of electricity
transferred.
3. An electric bulb draws a current of 0.25A for 20 minutes. Calculate the electric
charge that flows through the circuit.
4. If the amount of electric charge passing through a conductor in 10min is 300C,
find the current.
5. How many electrons are flowing per second past a point in a circuit in which there
is a current of 4A?
6. A lamp of resistance 80 draw a current of 0.75A. Find the line voltage.
7. A electric heater draw a current of 5A when connected to 220V mains. Calculate the
resistance of its filament.
8. How much current will an electric bulb draw from a 200V source, if the resistance
of the filament is 1200?
9. How much current will an electric heater draw from a 200V source, if the resistance
of the filament is 100?
10. How much current does an electric heater draw from a 220V line, if the resistance
of the heater (when hot) is 50?
11. A bulb when cold has 1 resistance. It draws a current of 0.3A when glowing from
a source of 3V. Calculate the resistance of the bulb when flowing and explain the
reason for the difference in resistance.
12. Calculate the potential difference required across a conductor of resistance 5 to
make a current of 1.5A flow through it.
13. What is the resistance of an electric are lamp when hot, if the lamp uses 20A when
connected to a 220V line?
14. Calculate the amount of work done to draw a current of 8A from a point at 100V
to a point at 120V in 2 seconds.
15. If 200C of charge pass a point in a circuit in 4 sec, what current is flowing?
16. A current of 4A flows around a circuit in 10 seconds. How much charge flows past
a point in the circuit in this time? Also find the number of electrons passes in the
circuit.
17. The current flowing through a resistor is 0.8 A when a p.d. of 20 V is applied.
Determine the value of the resistance.
18. Determine the p.d. which must be applied to a 2 k resistor in order that a current of
10 mA may flow.
19. A coil has a current of 50 mA flowing through it when the applied voltage is 12 V.
What is the resistance of the coil?
20. A 100 V battery is connected across a resistor and causes a current of 5 mA to flow.
Determine the resistance of the resistor. If the voltage is now reduced to 25 V, what
will be the new value of the current flowing?
21. What is the resistance of a coil which draws a current of (a) 50 mA and (b) 200
μA from a 120 V supply?
22. If a current of 5 A flows for 2 minutes, find the quantity of electricity transferred.
23. A current of 0.5 A is drawn by a filament of an electric bulb for 10 minutes. Find the
amount of electric charge that flows through the circuit.
24. How much current will an electric bulb draw from a 220 V source, if the resistance
of the bulb filament is 1200?
25. How much current will an electric heater coil draw from a 220 V source, if the
resistance of the heater coil is 100?
26. The potential difference between the terminals of an electric heater is 60 V when it
draws a current of 4 A from the source. What current will the heater draw if the
potential difference is increased to 120 V?
27. When a 12 V battery is connected across an unknown resistor, there is a current of
2.5 mA in the circuit. Find the value of the resistance of the resistor.
28. An electric heater is connected to the 230 V mains supply. A current of 8A flows
through the heater (a) How much charge flows around the circuit each second.
(b)How much energy is transferred to the heater each second?
29. How many electrons are flowing per second past a point in a circuit in which there is
a current of 5A?
30. An electric iron draws a current of 3.4A from the 220V supply line. What current
will this electric iron draw when connected to 110V supply line?
31. A simple electric circuit has a 24V battery and a resistor of 60. What will be the
current in the circuit?
32. When a 4 resistor is connected across the terminal of 12V battery, find the number
of coulombs passing through the resistor per second.
33. An electric room heater draw a current of 2.4A from the 120V supply line. What
current will this room heater draw when connected to 240V supply line?
34. A current of 200mA flows through a 4k resistor. What is the p.d. across the
resistor?
35. A p.d. of 10V is needed to make a current of 0.02 A flow through a wire. What
p.d. is needed to make a current of 250mA flow through the same wire?
36. A TV draws a current of 5 A from the 240V supply line. What current will this TV
draw when it is connected to 100V supply line.
37. The potential difference between the terminals of an electric heater is 60V when it
draw a current of 4A from the source. What current will the heater draw if the
potential difference is increased to 120V?
38. A bulb of resistance 400 is connected to 220V mains. Calculate the magnitude of
current.
39. A battery of two cells is used to light a torch bulb of resistance 5. The cells maintain
a potential difference of 3V across the bulb. How much current will flow through the
bulb?
40. A steady current of 5A flows through a circuit for 30minutes. How much charge has
circulated through the circuit in this time?

NUMERICAL PROBLEMS ON RESISTIVITY

1. Calculate the resistance of a copper wire of length 2m and area of cross section 10–
6
m2. Resistivity of copper is 1.7 x 10–8  m
2. A copper wire of length 2m and area of cross section 1.7 x 10–6m2 has a resistance
of 2 x 10–2 ohms. Calculate the resistivity of copper.
3. The amount of charge passing through a cell in 12 seconds is 3C. What is the
current supplied by the cell?
4. A 12 V battery of a car is connected across a 4  resistor. Calculate the current
passing through the resistor.
5. Resistivity of a given copper wire of length 2m is 1.7 x 10–8  m. The wire is
stretched so that its length becomes 4m. Find new resistivity of the copper wire.
6. Resistance of a given wire of length ‘ l ’ is 3  . The wire is stretched uniformly
such that its length becomes 2 l . Find the new resistance of the stretched wire.
7. Resistance of a given wire of length ‘ l ’ is 4  . The wire is stretched uniformly
such that its length becomes 3 l . Find the new resistance of the stretched wire.
8. A copper wire has a diameter of 0.5 mm and resistivity of 1.6 x 10–8  m. What
will be the length of this wire to make its resistance 10  ? How much does the
resistance change if the diameter is doubled?
9. A 6  resistance wire is doubled up by folding. Calculate the new resistance of the
wire.
10. Calculate the resistance of an aluminium cable of length 10km and diameter 20mm
if the resistivity of aluminum is 2.7 x 10–8  m.
11. Calculate the area of cross section of a wire if its length is 1.0m, its resistance is 23
 and the resistivity of the material of the wire is 1.84 x 10–6  m.
12. A piece of wire of resistance 20  is drawn out so that its length is increased to twice
its original length. Calculate the resistance of the wire in the new situation.
13. Two cylindrical wires of the same material have their lengths in the ratio of 4 : 9.
What should be the ratio of their radii so that their resistances are in the ratio of 4 :
1?
14. Two wires of the same metal, have the same area of cross section but their lengths in
the ratio of 3 : 1. What should be the ratio of current flowing through them
respectively, when the same potential difference is applied across each of their
length?
15. Two wires A and B of length 30m and 10m have radii 2cm and 1cm respectively.
Compare the resistances of the two wires. Which will have less resistance?
16. Calculate the resistance of 1km long copper wire of radius 1mm. Resistivity of
copper is 1.7 x 10–8  m
17. A 4  wire is doubled on it. Calculate the new resistance of the wire.
18. What should be the length of the nichrome wire of resistance 4.5  , if the length of
a similar wire is 60cm and resistance 2.5  ?
19. A metal wire of resistivity 64 x 10–6  m and length 198cm has a resistance of
7  . Calculate its radius.
20. Calculate the resistivity of the material of a wire 1.0m long, 0.4mm in diameter
and having a resistance of 2.0  .

RESISTANCE OF A SYSTEM OF RESISTORS

RESISTORS IN SERIES
In a series circuit
(a) the current I is the same in all parts of the circuit, and
(b) the sum of the voltages V1, V2 and V3 is equal to the total applied voltage, V, i.e.
V = V1 + V2 + V3
From Ohm’s law:
V1 = IR1,
V2 = IR2,
V3 = IR3
and V = IR
where R is the total circuit resistance.
Since V = V1 + V2 + V3
then IR = IR1 + IR2 + IR3
Dividing throughout by I gives
R = R1 + R2 + R3
Thus for a series circuit, the total resistance is obtained by adding together the values
of the separate resistances.

When several resistors are connected in series, the resistance of the combination Rs is
equal to the sum of their individual resistances R1, R2, R3 and is thus greater than any
individual resistance.

RESISTORS IN PARALLEL
In a parallel circuit:
(a) the sum of the currents I1, I2 and I3 is equal to the total circuit current, I, i.e. I = I1
+ I2 + I3, and
(b) the source p.d., V volts, is the same across each of the resistors.
From Ohm’s law:
 V V V V
I = , I= , I = and I=
3
1
R 2
R R R
1 2 3
where R is the total resistance of the circuit.
Since I = I1 + I2 + I3
V V V V
then = + +
R R1 R2 R3

dividing throughout by V, we get

1 1 1 1
= + +
R R1 R2 R3
This equation must be used when finding the total resistance R of a parallel circuit.
Thus the reciprocal of the equivalent resistance of a group of resistance joined in
parallel is equal to the sum of the reciprocals of the individual resistance.
For the special case of two resistors in parallel
1 1 1 R1 + R2
= + =
R R1 R2 R1R2
Hence R = R1R2 i.e.  product 
 
R +R sum
1 2  

INTEXT QUESTIONS PAGE NO. 213

1. Draw a schematic diagram of a circuit consisting of a battery of three cells of
2 V each, a 5 Ω resistor, an 8 Ω resistor, and a 12 Ω resistor, and a plug key,
all connected in series.
Ans. Three cells of potential 2 V, each connected in series, is equivalent to a
battery of potential 2 V + 2 V + 2 V = 6V. The following circuit diagram shows
three resistors of resistances 5 Ω, 8 Ω and 12 Ω respectively connected in series
and a battery of potential 6 V.
2. Redraw the circuit of question 1, putting in an ammeter to measure the current
through the resistors and a voltmeter to measure potential difference across
the 12 Ω resistor. What would be the readings in the ammeter and the
voltmeter?
Ans. To measure the current flowing through the resistors, an ammeter should be
connected in the circuit in series with the resistors. To measure the potential
difference across the 12 Ω resistor, a voltmeter should be connected parallel to this
resistor, as shown in the following figure.

The resistances are connected in series.

Ohm’s law can be used to obtain the readings of ammeter and voltmeter. According
to Ohm’s law,
V = IR,
where, Potential difference, V = 6 V
Current flowing through the circuit/resistors = I
Resistance of the circuit, R = 5 + 8 + 12 = 25 Ω
V 6
I = = = 0.24A
R 25

Potential difference across 12 Ω resistor = V1

Current flowing through the 12 Ω resistor, I = 0.24 A
Therefore, using Ohm’s law, we obtain
V1 = IR = 0.24 12 = 2.88V
Therefore, the reading of the ammeter will be 0.24 A.
The reading of the voltmeter will be 2.88 V.

INTEXT QUESTIONS PAGE NO. 216

1. Judge the equivalent resistance when the following are connected in parallel
− (a) 1 Ω and 106Ω, (b) 1 Ω and 103Ω and 106Ω.
Ans. (a) When 1 Ω and 106 Ω are connected in parallel:
Let R be the equivalent resistance.
 1 1 1
 = + 6
R 1 6 10 6
10 10
6
R=  = 1
10 + 1 10
6

Therefore, equivalent resistance = 1 Ω

(b) When 1 Ω, 103Ω and 106Ω are connected in parallel:
Let R be the equivalent resistance.
1 1 1 1 106 +103 +1
= + + =
R 1 103 106 106

1000000
R= = 0.999
1001001
Therefore, equivalent resistance = 0.999 Ω
2. An electric lamp of 100 Ω, a toaster of resistance 50 Ω, and a water filter of
resistance 500 Ω are connected in parallel to a 220 V source. What is the
resistance of an electric iron connected to the same source that takes as much
current as all three appliances, and what is the current through it?
Ans. Resistance of electric lamp, R1 = 100 Ω
Resistance of toaster, R2 = 50 Ω
Resistance of water filter, R3 = 500 Ω
Voltage of the source, V = 220 V
These are connected in parallel, as shown in the following figure.
Let R be the equivalent resistance of the circuit.
1 1 1 1 1 1 1
= + + = + +
R R1 R2 R3 100 50 500
1 5 + 10 +1 16
 = =
R 500 500
500
R= 
16

According to Ohm’s law, V = IR

V R
I=
Where, Current flowing through the circuit = I
V 220 220 16
I= = = = 7.04 A
R 500 /16 500
 7.04 A of current is drawn by all the three given appliances.
Therefore, current drawn by an electric iron connected to the same source of
potential 220 V = 7.04 A
Let R’ be the resistance of the electric iron. According to Ohm’s law,
V
V = IR '  R ' = = 220 = 31.25
I 7.04

Therefore, the resistance of the electric iron is 31.25 Ω and the current flowing
through it is 7.04 A.

3. What are the advantages of connecting electrical devices in parallel with the
battery instead of connecting them in series?
Ans. There is no division of voltage among the appliances when connected in
parallel. The potential difference across each appliance is equal to the supplied
voltage. The total effective resistance of the circuit can be reduced by connecting
electrical appliances in parallel.
4. How can three resistors of resistances 2 Ω, 3 Ω and 6 Ω be connected to give a
total resistance of (a) 4 Ω, (b) 1 Ω?
Ans. There are three resistors of resistances 2 Ω, 3 Ω, and 6 Ω respectively.
(a) The following circuit diagram shows the connection of the three resistors.
Here, 6 Ω and 3 Ω resistors are connected in parallel.
Therefore, their equivalent resistance will be given by
1 1 63
R= = 
= 
= 2
1 1 1 1 6 +3
+ +
R1 R2 6 3

This equivalent resistor of resistance 2 Ω is connected to a 2 Ω resistor in series.

Therefore, equivalent resistance of the circuit = 2 Ω + 2 Ω = 4 Ω
Hence, the total resistance of the circuit is 4 Ω
The following circuit diagram shows the connection of the three resistors.

All the resistors are connected in series. Therefore, their equivalent resistance will
be given as
1 6
R = 1 1 = = 1
= =
1 1 1 R1 R2 R3
+ +
1 1 1 3 + 2 +1 6 2 3 6 6
+ +
Therefore, the total resistance of the circuit is 1 Ω
5. What is (a) the highest, (b) the lowest total resistance that can be secured by
combinations of four coils of resistance 4 Ω, 8 Ω, 12 Ω, 24 Ω?
Ans. There are four coils of resistances 4 Ω, 8 Ω, 12 Ω and 24 Ω respectively
(a) If these coils are connected in series, then the equivalent resistance will be the
highest, given by the sum 4 + 8 + 12 + 24 = 48 Ω
(b) If these coils are connected in parallel, then the equivalent resistance will be
the lowest, given by
1 1 1 24
R = = = = = 2
 

1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 6 + 3 + 2 +1 12
+ + + + + +

R1 R2 R3 R4 4 8 12 24 24

Therefore, 2 Ω is the lowest total resistance.

HEATING EFFECT OF ELECTRIC CURRENT

If the electric circuit is purely resistive, that is, a configuration of resistors only connected
to a battery; the source energy continually gets dissipated entirely in the form of heat.
This is known as the heating effect of electric current. This effect is utilised in devices
such as electric heater, electric iron etc

Workdone, W = Q V

This is known as Joule’s law of heating.

The law implies that heat produced in a resistor is (i) directly proportional to the square
of current for a given resistance (I2), (ii) directly proportional to resistance for a given
current (R), and (iii) directly proportional to the time for which the current flows through
the resistor (t).

INTEXT QUESTIONS PAGE NO. 218

1. Why does the cord of an electric heater not glow while the heating element
does?
Ans. The heating element of an electric heater is a resistor. The amount of heat
produced by it is proportional to its resistance. The resistance of the element of an
electric heater is very high. As current flows through the heating element, it
becomes too hot and glows red. On the other hand, the resistance of the cord is
low. It does not become red when current flows through it.
2. Compute the heat generated while transferring 96000 coulomb of charge in
one hour through a potential difference of 50 V.
Ans. The amount of heat (H) produced is given by the Joule’s law of heating as
H=VIt
Where, Voltage, V = 50 V, Time, t = 1 h = 1 × 60 × 60 s
Amount of current, I = Amount of Charge = 96000 = 80 A

Time of flow of charge 1 60  60 3

80
H = 50  60  60 = 4.8106 J
3
Therefore, the heat generated is 4.8106 J

3. An electric iron of resistance 20 Ω takes a current of 5 A. Calculate the heat

 developed in 30 s.
Ans. The amount of heat (H) produced is given by the Joule’s law of heating as
H=VIt
Where,
Current, I = 5 A
Time, t = 30 s
Voltage, V = Current × Resistance = 5 × 20 = 100 V
H = 100 x 5 x 30 = 1.5 x 104 J
Therefore, the amount of heat developed in the electric iron is 1.5 x 104 J

Practical Applications of Heating Effect of Electric Current

The flowing of current through conductor produce heat. We are using this heat due to
flow of current in our daily life as in electric iron, electric bulb, electric fuse, electric
heater and more. Heating effect of electric current are below

(i) Electric iron: In an iron the upper part is grooved. In this groove a coil is placed. Mica
as an insulator is placed between the metal part and the coil, so that there is no electrical
connection between them. Mica is a bad conductor of electricity but it is a good
conductor of heat. Due to the flow of current through the coil it becomes heated and the
heat transferred to the metal part through mica. Finally the metal part becomes heated.
Iron is used with the heating effect of an electric current.

(ii) Electric bulb: we see a thick metallic wire in the bulb. It is made of tangsten metal.
In a glass vessel or bulb the tangsten wire is kept sealed. The glass bulb is filled with
neutral gas or vacuum. Neutral gases are using now a days commonly. The tangsten wire
is known as filament when the current flows through the tangsten wire or filament it
becomes heated and emit of light. Due to the flow of current heating effect of an electric
current used as the source of light.

(iii) Electric heater: In an electric heater one type of coil is used. A high resistance
material like nichrome or same type of material is used as coil. The coil is wound in
grooves on ceramic format or china clay. Flowing electric current through the coil it
becomes heated. Due to high resistance the coil becomes red color forms.

(iv) Electric fuse: It protects circuits and appliances by stopping the flow of any unduly
high electric current. The fuse is placed in series with the device. It consists of a piece
of wire made of a metal or an alloy of appropriate melting point, for example aluminium,
copper, iron, lead etc. If a current larger than the specified value flows through the
circuit, the temperature of the fuse wire increases. This melts the fuse wire and breaks
the circuit. The fuse wire is usually encased in a cartridge of porcelain or similar material
with metal ends. The fuses used for domestic purposes are rated as 1 A, 2 A, 3 A, 5 A,
10 A, etc. For an electric iron which consumes 1 kW electric power when operated at
220 V, a current of (1000/220) A, that is, 4.54 A will flow in the circuit. In this case, a 5
A fuse must be used.
Electric Power: It is the electrical work done per unit time.
W
P=
t
where W = work done and t = time
S.I. unit of power is watt
1 joule
If W = 1 joule, t = 1 second then Power = = 1watt
1sec ond

One watt: The rate of working of 1 joule per second is the power of 1 watt.
Electric Energy: It is the total work done by a current in an electric circuit.
work done by electric circuit
Electric power =
time takem
Work done by electric circuit = Electric Power x time taken
 E = Pt
The electrical energy consumed by an electrical appliance is given by the product of
its power rating and the time for which it is used.
Unit of Electrical consumed is watt-hour(Wh)
If P = 1 watt, t = 1 hr, then E = 1 watt x 1 hr = 1 watt-hour.
One watt-hour: It is the amount of electrical energy consumed when an electrical
appliance of 1 watt power is used for an hour.
Commercial unit of Electrical energy is kilowatt-hour(KWh)

One Kilowatt-hour: It is the amount of electrical energy consumed when an

electrical appliance having a power rating of 1 kilowatt is used in 1 hour.
1 kilowatt-hour = 36,00,000 joules or 3.6 x 106 J

INTEXT QUESTIONS PAGE NO. 220

1. What determines the rate at which energy is delivered by a current?

Ans. The rate of consumption of electric energy in an electric appliance is called
electric power. Hence, the rate at which energy is delivered by a current is the
power of the appliance.

2. An electric motor takes 5 A from a 220 V line. Determine the power of the
motor and the energy consumed in 2 h.
Ans. Power (P) is given by the expression, P = VI
Where,
Voltage, V = 220 V
Current, I = 5 A
P = 220 x 5 = 1100 W
Energy consumed by the motor = Pt
Where,
Time, t = 2 h = 2 × 60 × 60 = 7200 s
P = 1100 × 7200 = 7.92 × 106 J
Therefore, power of the motor = 1100 W
Energy consumed by the motor = 7.92 × 106 J
NUMERICAL PROBLEMS

1. What will be the current drawn by an electric bulb of 40 W when it is connected

to a source of 220V?
2. A bulb is rated as 250V;0.4A. Find its power and resistance.
3. An electric bulb is connected to a 220V power supply line. If the bulb draw a
current of 0.5A, calculate the power of the bulb.
4. An electric bulb is connected to a 250 V generator. The current is 0.50 A. What is
the power of the bulb?
5. What current will be taken by a 920W appliance if the supply voltage is 230V?
6. When an electric lamp is connected to 12V battery, it draws a current 0.5A. Find
the power of the lamp.
7. Calculate the power used in 2 resistor in each (i) a 6V battery in series with 1
and 2 resistor (ii) a 4V battery in parallel with 12 and 2 resistor.
8. A 100 W electric light bulb is connected to a 250 V supply. Determine (a) the
current flowing in the bulb, and (b) the resistance of the bulb.
9. Calculate the power dissipated when a current of 4 mA flows through a resistance
of 5 k

10. An electric kettle has a resistance of 30. What current will flow when it is
connected to a 240 V supply? Find also the power rating of the kettle.
EXERCISE QUESTIONS PAGE NO. 221

1. A piece of wire of resistance R is cut into five equal parts. These parts are then
connected in parallel. If the equivalent resistance of this combination is R', then
1 1
the ratio R/R' is − (a) (b) (c) 5 (d) 25
25 5

Ans. (d) Resistance of a piece of wire is proportional to its length. A piece of wire
has a resistance R. The wire is cut into five equal parts.
R
Therefore, resistance of each part =
5
All the five parts are connected in parallel. Hence, equivalent resistance (R’) is
given as
1 5 5 5 5 5 5 + 5 + 5 + 5 + 5 25
= + + + + = =
R' R R R R R R R
R
1 25
=  = 25

R' R R'
R
Therefore, the ratio is 25.
R'
2. Which of the following terms does not represent electrical power in a circuit?
(a) I2R (b) IR2 (c) VI (d) V2/R
Ans. (b) Electrical power is given by the expression, P = VI … (i)
According to Ohm’s law, V = IR … (ii)
where, V = Potential difference, I = Current and R = Resistance
 P = VI
From equation (i), it can be written
P = (IR) × I
 P = I 2R
From equation (ii), it can be written
V
I=
R
V V2
P =V   P =
R R
2
 P = VI = I2R = V
R
Power P cannot be expressed as IR2.

3. An electric bulb is rated 220 V and 100 W. When it is operated on 110 V, the
power consumed will be – (a) 100 W (b) 75 W (c) 50 W (d) 25 W
Ans. (d)Energy consumed by an appliance is given by the expression,
V2
P = VI =
R
V2
R=
P
where, Power rating, P = 100 W , Voltage, V = 220 V
(220)2
Resistance, R = = 484
100
The resistance of the bulb remains constant if the supply voltage is reduced to 110
V. If the bulb is operated on 110 V, then the energy consumed by it is given by the
expression for power as
(V ')2 (110)2
P' = = = 25W
R 484
Therefore, the power consumed will be 25 W.

4. Two conducting wires of the same material and of equal lengths and equal
diameters are first connected in series and then parallel in a circuit across the same
potential difference. The ratio of heat produced in series and parallel combinations
would be – (a) 1:2 (b) 2:1 (c) 1:4 (d) 4:1
Ans. (c) The Joule heating is given by, H = i2Rt
Let, R be the resistance of the two wires.
The equivalent resistance of the series connection is RS = R + R = 2R
If V is the applied potential difference, then it is the voltage across the equivalent
resistance.
V = Is  2R
V
 Is =
2R
The heat dissipated in time t is,
 V 
2 V 2t
H = I s2  2R  t =    2R  t  H =
2R
  2R
1 R
The equivalent resistance of the parallel connection is R = =
p
1 1 2
+
R R
V is the applied potential difference across this RP.

R
V = I p
2
2V
Ip =
R
The heat dissipated in time
2
t is,
R  2V  R 2V 2t
H ' = Ip  t = 
2
  t  H '=
2  
R  2

R
 
V 2t
So, the ratio of heat produced is, H = 2R2 = 1
H ' 2V t 4
R
5. How is a voltmeter connected in the circuit to measure the potential difference
between two points?
Ans. To measure the potential difference between two points, a voltmeter should
be connected in parallel to the points.

6. A copper wire has diameter 0.5 mm and resistivity of 1.6 × 10–8 Ω m. What will
be the length of this wire to make its resistance 10 Ω? How much does the
resistance change if the diameter is doubled?
Ans. Resistance (R) of a copper wire of length l and cross-section A is given by
the expression,
l
R=
A
Where,
Resistivity of copper, = 1.6 10−8 m 2
 diameter 
Area of cross-section of the wire, A =  
 2 
Diameter= 0.5 mm = 0.0005 m
Resistance, R = 10 Ω
Hence, length of the wire, 2
 0.0005 
10  3.14  
RA 2  10 3.14 25
l= =  1.6 10  −8 = = 122.72m
41.6
If the diameter of the wire is doubled, new diameter= 2 x 0.5 = 1 mm = 0.001m
Therefore, resistance R’
l 1.6 10−8 122.72
R'= = 2
A  1 10−3 
2 

−8

 1.6 10 122.72 4 = 250.2 10 = 2.5
−2

 R' =

3.1410−6

Therefore, the length of the wire is 122.7 m and the new resistance is 2.5 Ω

7. The values of current I flowing in a given resistor for the corresponding values of
potential difference V across the resistor are given below –
I (amperes) 0.5 1.0 2.0 3.0 4.0
V (volts) 1.6 3.4 6.7 10.2 13.2
Plot a graph between V and I and calculate the resistance of that resistor.
Ans. The plot between voltage and current is called IV characteristic. The voltage
is plotted on x-axis and current is plotted on y-axis.

The slope of the line gives the value of resistance (R) as,
1 BC 2 6.8
Slope = = = R= = 3.4
R AC 6.8 2
Therefore, the resistance of the resistor is 3.4
8. When a 12 V battery is connected across an unknown resistor, there is a current of
2.5 mA in the circuit. Find the value of the resistance of the resistor.
Ans. Resistance (R) of a resistor is given by Ohm’s law as,
V
V = IR  R =
I
where, Potential difference, V = 12 V
Current in the circuit, I = 2.5 mA = 2.5 x 10–3 A
12
V = IR  R = = 4.8103  = 4.8k
2.510−3

Therefore, the resistance of the resistor is 4.8k

9. A battery of 9 V is connected in series with resistors of 0.2 Ω, 0.3 Ω, 0.4 Ω , 0.5 Ω

and 12 Ω, respectively. How much current would flow through the 12 Ω resistor?
Ans. There is no current division occurring in a series circuit. Current flow
through the component is the same, given by Ohm’s law as
V
V = IR  I = where, R is the equivalent resistance of resistances 0.2 Ω, 0.3 Ω,
R

0.4 Ω, 0.5 Ω and 12 Ω. These are connected in series. Hence, the sum of the
resistances will give the value of R.
R = 0.2 + 0.3 + 0.4 + 0.5 + 12 = 13.4 Ω
Potential difference, V = 9 V
 9 = 0.671A
I=
13.4

Therefore, the current that would flow through the 12 Ω resistor is 0.671 A.
10. How many 176 Ω resistors (in parallel) are required to carry 5 A on a 220 V line?
Ans. For x number of resistors of resistance 176 Ω, the equivalent resistance of
the resistors connected in parallel is given by Ohm’s law as
V
V = IR  R =
I
where, Supply voltage, V = 220 V, Current, I = 5 A
Equivalent resistance of the combination = R, given as
1 1 176
=x R=
R 176 x
V 176 176  I 176 5
From Ohm’s law, = x= = =4
I x V 220
Therefore, four resistors of 176 Ω are required to draw the given amount of
current.
11. Show how you would connect three resistors, each of resistance 6 Ω, so that the
combination has a resistance of (i) 9 Ω, (ii) 4 Ω.
Ans. If we connect the resistors in series, then the equivalent resistance will be the
sum of the resistors, i.e., 6 Ω + 6 Ω + 6 Ω = 18 Ω, which is not desired. If we
6
connect the resistors in parallel, then the equivalent resistance will be = 3 ,
2
which is also not desired. Hence, we should either connect the two resistors in
series or parallel.
(i) Two resistors in parallel

Two 6 Ω resistors are connected in parallel. Their equivalent resistance will be

1 1 6 6
R= = = = 3
1 1 6 +6
 

1 1
+ +
R1 R2 6 6
The third 6 Ω resistor is in series with 3 Ω. Hence, the equivalent resistance of the
circuit is 6 Ω + 3 Ω = 9 Ω.
(ii) Two resistors in series

Two 6 Ω resistors are in series. Their equivalent resistance will be the sum 6 + 6 =
12 Ω
The third 6 Ω resistor is in parallel with 12 Ω. Hence, equivalent resistance will be
1
R= =
1
=

12 6
= 4
1 1 1 1 12 + 6
+ +
 R1 R2 12 6

Therefore, the total resistance is 4 Ω

12. Several electric bulbs designed to be used on a 220 V electric supply line, are rated
10 W. How many lamps can be connected in parallel with each other across the two
wires of 220 V line if the maximum allowable current is 5 A?
Ans. Resistance R1 of the bulb is given by the expression,
V2 V2
P1 =  R1 = where, Supply voltage, V = 220 V; Maximum allowable
R P
1 1
current, I = 5 A
Rating of an electric bulb , P1=10W
(220)2
R1 = = 4840
5
According to Ohm’s law, V = I R
where, R is the total resistance of the circuit for x number of electric bulbs
V
R = = 220 = 44
I 5
Resistance of each electric bulb, R1 = 4840 Ω
1 1 1
1 1
= + + ....upto x times  = x

R R1 R2 R R1
R1 4840
x= = = 110
R 44
Therefore, 110 electric bulbs are connected in parallel.
13. A hot plate of an electric oven connected to a 220 V line has two resistance coils A
and B, each of 24 Ω resistance, which may be used separately, in series, or in parallel.
What are the currents in the three cases?
Ans. Supply voltage, V = 220 V
Resistance of one coil, R =
(i) Coils are used separately
According to Ohm’s law, V1 = I1R1 where, I1 is the current flowing through the
coil

V 220 = 9.166 A
1 I= =
R1 24

Therefore, 9.16 A current will flow through the coil when used separately.
(ii) Coils are connected in series
Total resistance, R2 = 24 Ω + 24 Ω = 48 Ω
According to Ohm’s law,V2 = I2 R2 where, I2 is the current flowing through the
coil

V 220 = 4.58A
2 I= =
R2 48

Therefore, 4.58 A current will flow through the circuit when the coils are
connected in series.
(iii) Coils are connected in parallel
 R3 = 1 24
Total resistance, = = 12
1 1 2
+
24 24
According to Ohm’s law, V3 = I3R3 where, I3 is the current flowing through the
coil
V 220
3I = = = 18.33A
R3 12
 Therefore, 18.33 A current will flow through the circuit when coils are connected
in parallel.

14. Compare the power used in the 2 Ω resistor in each of the following circuits: (i) a 6
V battery in series with 1 Ω and 2 Ω resistors, and (ii) a 4 V battery in parallel with
12 Ω and 2 Ω resistors.
Ans. (i) Potential difference, V = 6 V
1 Ω and 2 Ω resistors are connected in series. Therefore, equivalent resistance of
the circuit, R = 1 + 2 = 3 Ω
According to Ohm’s law, V = IR where, I is the current through the circuit
6
I= =2A
3
This current will flow through each component of the circuit because there is no
division of current in series circuits. Hence, current flowing through the 2 Ω resistor
is 2A. Power is given by the expression,
P = (I )2 R = (2)2 2 = 8W
(ii) Potential difference, V = 4 V
12 Ω and 2 Ω resistors are connected in parallel. The voltage across each
component of a parallel circuit remains the same. Hence, the voltage across 2 Ω
resistor will be 4 V.
Power consumed by 2 Ω resistor is given by
2 2
P = V = 4 = 8W
R 2
Therefore, the power used by 2 Ω resistor is 8 W.

15. Two lamps, one rated 100 W at 220 V, and the other 60 W at 220 V, are connected
in parallel to electric mains supply. What current is drawn from the line if the supply
voltage is 220 V?
Ans. Both the bulbs are connected in parallel. Therefore, potential difference
across each of them will be 220 V, because no division of voltage occurs in a
parallel circuit.

Current drawn by the bulb of rating 100 W is given by,

Power = Voltage  Current
Power 110
 Current = = A
Voltage 220

Similarly, current drawn by the bulb of rating 100 W is given by,

Power = Voltage  Current
Power 60
 Current = = A
Voltage 220
110 60
Hence, current drawn from the line = +
= 0.727 A
220 220
16. Which uses more energy, a 250 W TV set in 1 hr, or a 1200 W toaster in 10
minutes?
Ans. Energy consumed by an electrical appliance is given by the expression,
H=Pxt
where, Power of the appliance = P, Time = t
Energy consumed by a TV set of power 250 W in 1 h = 250 × 3600 = 9 × 105
 Energy consumed by a toaster of power 1200 W in 10 minutes = 1200 × 600
= 7.2× 105 J
Therefore, the energy consumed by a 250 W TV set in 1 h is more than the energy
consumed by a toaster of power 1200 W in 10 minutes.

17. An electric heater of resistance 8 Ω draws 15 A from the service mains 2 hours.
Calculate the rate at which heat is developed in the heater.
Ans. Rate of heat produced by a device is given by the expression for power as P
= I2R
where, Resistance of the electric heater, R = 8 Ω
Current drawn, I = 15 A

P = 152 x 8 = 225 x 8 = 1800 J/s

Therefore, heat is produced by the heater at the rate of 1800 J/s.

18. Explain the following.

(a) Why is the tungsten used almost exclusively for filament of electric lamps?

(b) Why are the conductors of electric heating devices, such as bread-toasters and
electric irons, made of an alloy rather than a pure metal?

(c) Why is the series arrangement not used for domestic circuits?

(d) How does the resistance of a wire vary with its area of cross-section?

(e) Why are copper and aluminium wires usually employed for electricity
transmission?

Ans. (a) The melting point and resistivity of tungsten are very high. It does not burn
readily at a high temperature. The electric lamps glow at very high temperatures.
Hence, tungsten is mainly used as heating element of electric bulbs.

(b) The conductors of electric heating devices such as bread toasters and electric
irons are made of alloy because resistivity of an alloy is more than that of metals. It
produces large amount of heat.

(c) There is voltage division in series circuits. Each component of a series circuit
receives a small voltage for a large supply voltage. As a result, the amount of current
decreases and the device becomes hot. Hence, series arrangement is not used in
domestic circuits.

(d) Resistance (R) of a wire is inversely proportional to its area of cross-section

1
(A) , i.e., R 
A
(e) Copper and aluminium wires have low resistivity. They are
good conductors of electricity. Hence, they are usually employed
for electricity transmission.