UDAAN EDUCATIONAL Empowerment

ELECTRCITY
Electricity is one of the most important source of energy, which can be produced from other types of
energy, such as energy of a chemical reaction or of mechanical energy of a dynamo. Its great advantages
of all other types of energy are:
(i) Cleaners
(ii) Flexibility
(iii)Efficiency and
(iv) Easier transmission.
In this chapter we will discuss electric potential, electric current, electric resistance, electric power
and heating effect of current, but in order to understand all of that first we have to understand charge.

CHARGE
It is the fundamental property of matter, which is generated every time when there is gain or
loss of electron.
Thus, giving birth to two types of charges
(i) Positive charge - When we lose an electron.
(ii) Negative charge – When we gain an electron.
Properties of Charges
(i) Unlike charges attract each other and like changes repel each other with the Electrostatic force of
attraction which can be quantify by the coulomb’s law.
(ii) Electric charge is conserved i.e. it can neither be created nor be destroyed.
(iii)Electric charge is additive i.e. total charge is algebraic sum of the individual charges.
(iv) Electric charge is quantized i.e. quantum of charge is equal to that on an electron where ‘Q’ is
product of integral no. ‘n’ to the basic unit of charge ‘e’.
Q=ne
n = 0, ±1, ±2, ±3, ±4 − − − − − − − − & e = 1.6 × 10−19 C
So charge is denoted by Q and S. I unit of charge is coulomb (C).

Conductors and Insulator

(i) Conductors: Substances through which charges can easily pass are known as conductors.
In case of conductor there are free electrons (e-) which account for their ability to conduct electricity
through them.
(ii) Insulators: Substances through which charges cannot pass easily are known as insulators.
In case of insulator there are no free electrons (e-) which can flow.
* There is another type of solid which is doing tremendous work in modern day physics known as semi
– conductors which are type of insulators but in extended case act as conductor.

Types of Electricity
(i) Electrostatic or Static Electricity: Branch of physics which deals with charge at rest.
(ii) Current electricity: Branch of physics which deals with charge in motion.
In this chapter we will deal with current electricity.

Current
The rate of flow of charge is defined as current. It is denoted by I.
charge
Current =
time
Q
I=
t

1 ELECTRICITY
 UDAAN EDUCATIONAL Empowerment
S.I unit of current is Ampere
1A of current is defined as 1 coulomb of charge flows through a unit cross section in 1 second.
* Some other units of current
1m A = 10- 3A
1µ A = 10 – 6 A
 The device which measures the amount of current flowing through a circuit is named as
ammeter.
(i) Ammeter is always connected in series.
(ii) Ammeter consist low or negligible resistance.

Solved Problems
1. A conductor carries 0.2A. Find the no. of 𝐞− passes through the cross section in 30 sec?
Ans: I = 0.2A
t = 30 sec
n= ?
Q
I= ;
t
Q = It
Q = 0.2 × 30 = 6C
Q=ne
6 = n × 1.6 × 10−19
6
=n
1.6 × 10−19
n = 3.75 × 1019 e− passes in 30 sec.
2. An electric iron draws a current of 0.5A when voltage is 220V. Calculate the amount of
charges flowing through it in an hour.
Ans: I = 0.5A
V = 220V
t = 1hr = 3600 sec
Q =?
Q
I=
t
I ×t=Q
Q = 0.5 × 3600
Q = 1800C.

Problems for Practice

1. ‘n’ electron flows through a cross section of a conductor in time ‘t’. if charge on an electron is
‘e’. Write an expression for the current in the conductor.
[Ans: ne/t]
2. 0.5C charge passes through a cross section of a conductor in 5 sec. find current.
[Ans: 0.1 A]
3. A polythene piece rubbed with wool is found to have negative charge of 3× 10 - 7 C. estimate the
no. of e- transferred.
[Ans: 1.85 × 1012]

ELECTRICITY 2
 UDAAN EDUCATIONAL Empowerment
4. Calculate the current in a coil of 1500 C charge that flows through the electric circuit in 5
minutes.
[Ans: 5A]

Electric Potential
It is defined for a point with in an electric field as minimum amount of work done in bringing
a unit positive test charge ‘qo’ from infinity to that point ‘p’ which lies within the electric field of charge
‘q’ whose potential we have to calculate condition is it should be quasistatic process in order to maintain
zero acceleration.
The electric potential energy per unit charge is called electric potential.
Electric potential energy
Electric potential =
charge

Concept of Electric Potential Difference

(i) A body cannot move on level road by itself as there is no height difference.
(ii) A liquid on its own does not flow without level difference (i.e. pressure difference)
(iii)Heat does not flow without temperature difference.

Potential Difference or Voltage

Electric P. D is defined b/w two points A and B on a conductor through which a current is
flowing and is quantified by two amount of work done to move a unit charge from A to B.
w
V=
Q
w = VQ
S. I unit is volt (′V ′ )
1 volt is defined as 1J of work done to move 1C of charge from one point to another.
 The device which measures the P.d. is named as voltmeter.
(i) Voltmeter always connected in parallel.
(ii) Voltmeter consist high resistance.

Electric Circuits and its Components

A source of electric power, load, switches and other elements connected together by wires in
order to form closed loop so current can flow is known as electric circuit.

OHM’S LAW
If physical conditions such as temperature, pressure etc. are kept constant then the strength of
current is directly proportional to the potential difference across the end.

3 ELECTRICITY
 UDAAN EDUCATIONAL Empowerment
I ∝ V or V ∝ I or V = I R
Where R is proportionality constant known as electric resistance
Electric resistance is defined of ratio of voltage across its end to the strength of current flowing through
it.
S. I unit of resistance is ohm. And 1 ohm is defined when 1A of current flows through it when a
potential difference of IV is applied across it.

V – I graph which obeys Ohms law

I
V – I graph which does’ nt obeys Ohm’s law

I
Experimental Verification of Ohm’s law
We need a setup to verify the above.
1. A battery which is used to generate current in circuit.
2. A rheostat which is variable resistance.
3. A resistance wire of value ‘R’ fixed.
4. An ammeter which measures the current time R.
5. A voltmeter which measures potential difference across the terminals of R.
6. A plug key to open or close circuit when required.

K
(•)
-
A
I +
R

+ -
V
When key K is closed, a current starts flowing by adjusting rheostat calculate different sets of V and
I value. If it is found that value of V is constant for all of them. This will I verify the Ohm’s law.

ELECTRICITY 4
 UDAAN EDUCATIONAL Empowerment
Elementary Description of how Current Flows

↘ ◦ ↙ ◦ ↗ ◦ ↙ ◦ ↖
◦ ↘ ◦ ↗ ◦ ↗ ◦
↖ ◦ ↘ ↗ ◦ ↙

In this conductor there are No times free electron 14 their random motion but when the P.d applied
across this conductor length l the electric field E = V/L will set up under whose influence they will move
in same direction, towards positive terminal.
The average speed with which e- drifts in a conductor having P. d across its ends, is called the
drift speed.
E
+ -
◦ ← ← ◦ ← ◦ ←◦
← ← ◦ ← ◦ ← ◦
◦ ← ←◦ ← ◦ ← ◦

◦
l
I

+ -
So, actually current flows in the opposite direction of electrons but conventionally we will say current
flows from positive terminal of source to negative terminal.

Solved Problems
1. Calculate the amount of work done to carry 4C of charge from a point at 100V to a point at
120V.
Ans: Here, potential difference between two points, V = 120 V – 100V = 20 V
Charge to be moved, Q = 4C
If W is the amount of work done, then W = Q × V = 4 × 20 = 80J
2. What is the resistance of an electric arc lamp when hot, if the lamp uses 20A when connected
to a 220volt line?
Ans: Here, potential difference across the arc lamp, V = 220V
Current through lamp is I = 20A
V 220
∴ resistance of the lamp, R = = = 11Ω.
I 20
3. Calculate the potential difference required across a conductor of resistance 5𝛀 to make a
current of 1.5 A flow through it.
Ans: Here, resistance of the conductor, R = 5 Ω

Required current, I = 1.5A

If v is the potential difference required across the conductor,
Then V = IR = 1.5×5 = 7.5 V.
4. A heater draws 4.4A current when operated in India. How much current it draws when
operated in America?

5 ELECTRICITY
 UDAAN EDUCATIONAL Empowerment
Problems for Practice
1. How much work is done in moving a charge of 2C across two points having a potential
difference of 12V?
Ans: 24J.
2. An incandescent lamp of resistance 80Ω draws a current of 0.75A. Find the line voltage.
Ans: 60V.
3. A current of 0.2A flows through a conductor of resistance 4.5Ω. Calculate the potential
difference at the ends of the conductor.
Ans: 0.9V.
4. A bulb of resistance 400Ω is connected to 220V mains. Calculate the magnitude of current.
Ans: 0.55A.
5. An electric heater draws a current of 5A when connected to 220V mains. Calculate the
resistance of its filament.
Ans: 44Ω.
6. How much current will an electric bulb draw from a 220V source, if the resistance of the bulb
filament is 1200Ω?
Ans: 0.18A
7. The potential difference between the terminals of an electric heater is 60V when it draws a
current of 4A from the source. What current will the heater draw if the potential difference is
increased to 120V?
Ans: 8A.

Questions Based on Above Discussion

1. By what other name is the unit joule/coulomb called?
2. Which of the following statements correctly define a volt?
a) A volt is J/ A
b) A volt is J/ C.
3. What is meant by saying that the electric potential at a point is 1 volt?
4. Define the coulomb charge.
5. Fill in the following blanks with suitable words:
a) Potential difference is measured in ………..by suing a …………placed in ….....
Across a component.
b) Copper is a good ………… plastic is an ……………
c) A current is a flow of ………For this to happen there must be a ……circuit.
d) Current is measured in ……….using an ………..placed in ………in a circuit.
e) Ohm’s law states a relation b/w P. d and ……………………
6. By what name is the physical quantity coulomb/second called?
7. What is flow of charge called?
8. What actually travels through the wires when you switch on a light?
9. Compare Ammeter and Voltmeter.
10. Name the law which relates the current in a conductor to the P.d across its ends.
11. What is general name of substances having infinitely high electrical resistance?
12. Keeping the resistance constant, the P.d applied across the ends of a component is halved by
how much does the current charges.
13. Which has less electrical resistance: a thin wire or a thick wire (of the same length and same
material)?
14. Keeping the potential difference constant, the resistance of a circuit is halved. By how much
does the current change?
15. What is meant by conductors and insulators give two examples of conductor and 2 of
insulator.

ELECTRICITY 6
 UDAAN EDUCATIONAL Empowerment
16. Which of the following are conductor and which are insulators?
Sulphur, Silver, Copper, Cotton, Aluminum, Air, Nichrome, Graphite, Paper, Porcelain,
Mercury, Mica, Bakelite, Polythene, Manganin.
17. What is a voltmeter? How is a voltmeter connected in the circuit to measure the potential
difference between two points? Explain with the help of a diagram.
18. State whether a voltmeter has a high resistance or a low resistance. Give reason for your
answer.
19. The atoms of copper contain electrons and the atoms of rubber also contain electrons. Then
why does copper conduct electricity but rubber does not conduct electricity?
20. (a) What is an electric current? What makes an electric current flow in a wire?
(b) Define the unit of electric current?
21. Draw circuit symbols for (a) fixed resistance. (b) Variable resistance (c) a cell (d) a battery (e)
3 cells (e) an open switch (f) a closed switch.
22. What is the conventional direction of flow of current? How does it different with flow of
charges due to which it generates.
23. A student made an electric circuit shown here to measure the current through two lamps.
The student has made a mistake in this circuit. What is the mistake?
Draw a circuit diagram to show the correct way to connect the circuit.
+ - - + + - Cells

Lamps

A
24. Name the electrical property of a material whose symbol is “omega”.
25. The graph between V and I for a conductor is a straight line passing through the origin.
(a) Which law is illustrated by this graph?
(b) What should remain constant in a statement of this law?
26. (a) What is ratio of P.d and current known as?
27. The value of V and I are given below plot a graph and calculate resistance.
V 2.5 5.0 10.0 15.0 20.0
I 0.1 0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8
28. Distinguish b/w good conductor, resistors and insulators. Name 2 example of each.
29. Classify the following into good conductors, resistors and insulators:
Rubber, Mercury, Nichrome, Polythene, Aluminum, Wood, Maganin, Bakelite, Iron, Paper,
Thermacol, Metal coin.
30. What is Ohm’s law? Explain how it is used to define the unit of resistance.
31. Define a unit of resistance.
(c) Why do electricians wear rubber hand gloves while working with electricity?
32. (a) Draw an electric circuit consisting 0.5m long nichrome wire XY, an ammeter, a voltmeter,
four calls of 1.5V each and a plug to study relation b/w V & I.
(b) Following graph was plotted b/w V & I when p.d is 0.8v, 1.2v and 1.6 respectively.
(c) What is the resistance of wire.

7 ELECTRICITY
 UDAAN EDUCATIONAL Empowerment

1.5 —

1.0 —

0.5 —

⃒ ⃒ ⃒
0.2 0.4 0.6

I (Amp)

Factors on which Resistance of Conductor Depends

1. Length - It is directly proportional to resistance.
2. Cross – sectional Area - It is inversely proportional to resistance
3. Material
R ∝ l
1
R ∝
A
l
R ∝
A
ρl
R=
A
Where ρ is proportionality constant which is called specific resistance or resistivity.
* Resistivity depends on the nature of material of conductor and also on a temperature ∝ as
temperature increases resistivity also increases ∝ hence resistance increases.
Resistivity of a material is also defined as resistance offered by a conductor of material of unit cross –
sectional area and unit length when current flows perpendicular to the opposite ends of conductor.
S. I unit of resistivity is Ω − 𝐦.
4. Temperature- It is directly proportional to resistivity

Classification of Material on the Basis of Resistivity

1. Conductor - (metals and alloys) Metals like copper, Aluminum, silver, platinum etc. have large no.
of free e- and as such possess small resistivity (in the range of 10- 8 ohm – m to 10- 6 ohm – m) which
increase with temperature.
Where as in case of alloys such as nichrome Magana, constantan, and resistivity is more than
that of constituent metals. But it increases slowly with temperature than in case of metals. In other
words, in case of alloys though ∝ is positive but its value is extremely small i.e. δ is nearly
independent of temperature.
2. Semi – conductor: These possess a few free electrons and as such possess greater resistivity (in
range of 10- 5 ohm – m to 102 ohm – m) as compared to conductors. The resistivity of semi-conductor
decreases with temperature. Silicon and germanium are elemental examples.
3. Insulators: These have practically zero free e- and as such as very high resistivity (in the range of
1010 ohm m to 1017 ohm –m) which decreases with the rise of temperature. Mica, rubber, glass, china
clay and fused quartz belong to this category.
4. Super conductors: These are materials whose resistivity becomes zero below a certain temperature,
called critical temperature.
* Silver is best conductor of electricity and its resistivity is least.

ELECTRICITY 8
 UDAAN EDUCATIONAL Empowerment

Some conducting materials for specific use

1. Tungsten: It has high melting point (3380ºC and become incandescent (i.e. emits light) at 2400k.
but its resistivity is low and as such a thin wire of tungsten which has high resistance is used to as
filament of incandescent bulb or lamps but at high temperature tungsten reacts with air and form
oxide due to this reason electric bulb is filled with inert gas like argon, venom to prolong the life of
filament.
2. Nichrome: It is an allow (Ni: 60%, Cr 12%, Mn: 2%, Fe: 26%) which has high resistivity and high
melting point. It doesn’t react with air when it is red hot (800º C). so it is used in heating devices
such as heater, iron, toaster, geyser.
3. Constantan and Manganin: There are allow constantan (Cu: 60%, Ni: 40%) and have moderate
resistivity which is almost independent of temperature. As such these are used for making standard
resistance, resistances for resistance box, and rheostat etc.
4. Tin – Lead alloy: It has low resistivity and low melting point and is used as a fuse wire in electric
circuit. A fuse wire used as a safety device and is put in series with electric circuit. When a current
becomes more than particular value the fuse wire melts and circuit is opened.
5. Copper and Aluminum: These metals possess low resistivity and as such are generally used in
electric circuits and transmission lines. Since Aluminum is lighter than copper, it is preferred copper
for long distance transmission of power.

Solved Problems
1. The resistance of a wire of length 80cm and of uniform area of cross- section 0.025 cm2, is
found to be 1.50 ohm. Calculate the resistivity of the wire.
Ans: Here, length of the wire, l = 80cm
Cross- sectional area of the wire, A = 0.025cm2
Resistance of the wire, R = 1.50Ω
ρl RA 1.5 × 0.025
As R= ,ρ = −= = 0.000469 ohm cm.
A l 80
Note that the unit of ρ in this case is ohm cm and not ohm m. this is due to the reason that l is in cm and
A is m cm2, i.e.,
ohm × cm2
ρ= = ohm cm.
cm
2. Calculate the resistance of 1km long copper wire of radium 1mm. resistivity of copper is
𝟏. 𝟕𝟐 × 𝟏𝟎−𝟖 𝛀 𝐦.
Ans: Here, the length of the wire, l = 1km = 1000m
Radius of the wire, r = 1mm = 10-3m, resistivity of copper, ρ = 1.72× 10-8Ωm
Cross – sectional area of the wire, A = π r2 = 3.14× (10-3) 2 = 3.14 × 10-6 m2
If R is the resistance of the given wire, then
ρl (1.72 × 10−8 ) × 1000
R= = = 𝟓. 𝟒𝟖𝛀.
A 3.14 × 10−6

3. Two copper 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?
Ans: Let the two resistances be labelled as R1 and R 2
Here, l1 = 30m, A1 = π r12 = π (2 × 10−3 )m2
l2 = 10m, A2 = π (1 × 10−3 )m2

9 ELECTRICITY
 UDAAN EDUCATIONAL Empowerment
ρl ρ l1 ρ l2
As R= = R1 = and R 2 =
A A1 A2
l1
R1 ρA l1 A2 30 × π (1 × 10−3 ) 2 𝟑
1
Thus, = = = =
R2 l2 l2 A1 10 × π (2 × 10−3 ) 2 𝟒
ρA
2
Clearly, 𝐑 𝟏 < 𝐑 𝟐 .

Problem for Practice

1. A 4Ω wire is doubled on it. Calculate the new resistance of the wire.
Ans: 1Ω.
2. When a P.d of 2V is applied across the ends of wire of 5m length, current of 1A is found to flow
through it. Calculate (i) resistance per unit length (ii) resistance of 2m length of wire (iii) the
resistance across the ends of the wire if it is double on itself.
Ans: (i) 0.4Ω (ii) 0.8Ω (iii) 0.5Ω.
3. What should be the length of nichrome wire of resistance 4.5Ω, if the length of similar wire is
60cm and resistance 2.5Ω.
Ans: 108cm.
4. A negligibly small current is passed through a wire of length 15m and area 6× 10 - 7m2, if its
resistance is 5.0Ω. What is its resistivity?
Ans: 2× 10 – 7.
5. A metal wire of resistivity 64× 10- 6 ohm – cm and length 198cm has a resistance of 7Ω.
Calculate its radius.
Ans: 0.24cm.
6. Calculate the resistivity of material of wire 1.0m long, 0.4mm in diameter and resistance of 2.0.
Ans: 25× 10- 8ohm.
7. A resistance of wire is 4.25Ω. Calculate the resistance of another wire made up of some
material but with increased 4 times length and decreased 3 times area.
Ans: 510hm.

Combination of Resistance
1. Either resistances are simply combined in series.
2. Else resistances are combined in parallel.
3. Or the combinations of above 2 points together
(i) Resistances in Series:
A no. of resistances is said to be connected in series if these are joined end to end and the same
current flows through each one of them when the potential difference is applied across then.
𝑅1 𝑅2 𝑅3 𝑅𝑛

← 𝑉1 → ← 𝑉2 → ← 𝑉3 → ← 𝑉𝑛 →

+ -

V
V = V1 + V2 + V3 … … . Vn

ELECTRICITY 10
 UDAAN EDUCATIONAL Empowerment
IR net = IR1 + IR 2 + IR 3 + ⋯ … . IR n
(from Ohm′ slaw)
IR net = I(R1 + R 2 + R 3 + ⋯ … . R n )
∴ IR net = R1 + R 2 + R 3 + ⋯ … . R n
(ii) Resistances in parallel:
A no. of resistances is said to be connected in parallel if end points each resistances are
connected to some points such that p.d across each resistance is same.

𝑅1

𝐼1 𝑅2 V
𝐼2
V
𝑅3
A
𝑉 B

𝐼𝑉
𝑹𝒏
I
V

+ -

So, I = I1 + I2 + I3 … … . In
V V
= + V/R 2 + V/R 3 … … . V/R n
R net R1
(from Ohm′ slaw)
I I I I I
= + + …….
R net R1 R2 R3 Rn

 Before we study the circuits consisting these combinations and learn how to crack the problem were
must know how to find equivalent resistances of complex circuit.

 Find the net resistances for each of following b/w A and B.

11 ELECTRICITY
 UDAAN EDUCATIONAL Empowerment

ELECTRICITY 12
 UDAAN EDUCATIONAL Empowerment

Problems For Practice

1. Suppose a 6 – volt battery is connected across a lamp whose resistance is 20Ω through a
variable resistor as shown in fig. if the current in the circuit is 0.25A, calculate the value of the
resistance from the resistor which must be used?
20Ω

Rv

(•)
6V
Ans: 4Ω.
2. In the circuit diagram given in figure, suppose the resistors 𝐑 𝟏 , 𝐑 𝟐 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐑 𝟑 have 5Ω, 10Ω and
30Ω respectively, which have been connected to a battery of 12 V, calculate (a) The current
through each resistor, (b) the total current in the circuit, and (c) the total circuit resistance.
𝑅1

𝐼1 𝑅2
+ 𝐼 −
𝐼2 𝐵
𝐴 𝑅3

𝐼3
𝑉
Ans: (a) 2.4A, 1.2A, 0.4A (b) 4A (c) 3Ω, 4A
3. When two resistors of resistances 𝐑 𝟏 , 𝐑 𝟐 are connecting in parallel, the net resistance is 3Ω.
When connected series, its value is 16Ω. Calculate the values of 𝐑 𝟏 , 𝐑 𝟐
Ans: 4Ω and 12Ω.
4. Three resistors are connected as shown in fig. through the resistor of 5Ω, a current of 1A is
blowing.
(a) What is the potential difference across AB ad across AC?
(b) What is the current through the other two resistors?
(c) What is the total resistance?

13 ELECTRICITY
 UDAAN EDUCATIONAL Empowerment

𝐼2 𝑅2 = 10Ω

𝑅1 =5 Ω 𝐼1 𝐼1

𝐴 𝐵 𝐶
𝐼3 𝑅3 = 15Ω

Ans: (a) 11V (b)0.6A, 0.4A (c) 11Ω.

5. Three resistors of 6Ω, 3Ω and 2Ω are connected together so that the total resistance is greater
than 6Ω but less than 8Ω. Draw a diagram to show this arrangement and calculate its total
resistance.
Ans: 7.2Ω.
6. An electric lamp, whose resistance is 20Ω and a conductor of 4Ω resistance are connected to a
6V battery as show in fig. calculate (a) The total resistance of the circuit, (b) The current
through the circuit, and (c) The potential difference across the electric lamp and the
conductor.
20Ω

Rv

I
I

+ −
A (•)
−• +
6v
)
Ans: (a) 24Ω (b) 0.25A (c) 5V, 1V.
7. Three resistors, each of 2Ω, are connected together so that their total resistance is 3Ω. Draw a
diagram to show this arrangement and check it by calculation.
Ans: In the diagram, show a parallel combination of two resistors of 2Ω each and this combination in
series with one resistor of 2Ω.
8. A combination consists of three resistors in series; four similar sets are connected in parallel. If
the resistance of each resistor is 2Ω, find the resistance of this combination.
Ans: 15Ω.
9. A circuit consists of 1Ω wire in series with a parallel arrangement of 6Ω and 3Ω wires.
Calculate the total resistance of the circuit.
Ans: 3Ω.
10. Three resistors of 6Ω, 2Ω and x are connected in series to a cell of emf 1.5V. the current
registered is (1/6) A. calculate the value of x.
Ans: 1Ω.
11. A parallel combination of three resistors takes a current of 7.5A from a 30V supply. If the two
resistors are 10Ω and 12Ω, find the third one.
Ans: 15Ω.
12. A wire whose resistance is 80Ω is cut into three pieces of equal lengths which are then
arranged in parallel. Calculate the resistance of the combination.
Ans: 8.88Ω.

ELECTRICITY 14
 UDAAN EDUCATIONAL Empowerment
Questions Based on above Discussion
1. On what factors does the resistance of conductor depend?
2. Name the material which is the best conductor of electricity?
3. Which among iron and mercury is a better conductor of electricity?
4. Why are copper and Aluminum wires usually used for electricity transmission?
5. Name the material which is used for making the heating element of an electric iron.
6. What is chrome? State its one use.
7. Give 2 reasons why chrome alloy is used for making the heating elements of electrical
appliances.
8. Why are the coils of electric irons and electric toasters made of an alloy rather than a pure
metal?
9. Which has more resistance:
(a) A long piece of nichrome wire or short one?
(b) A thick piece of nichrome wire of thin pipe?
10. (a) How does the resistance of a pure metal change if its temperature decreases?
(b) How does the presence if imparities in a metal affect its resistances?
11. Fill in the following blanks with suitable words:
Resistance is measured in………………The resistance of a wire increases as the length
…………….; as the temperature…………..; and as the cross sectional are a……………….
12. Give the law of combination of resistances in series and parallel.
13. Two resistances X and Y are connected turn by them:
(i) In parallel and (ii) series. In which case the resultant resistance will be less than either
of individual?
14. A wire that has resistance R is cut into two equal pieces. The two parts one joined in parallel
what is the resistance of combination?
15. Will current flow more easily through a thick wire or a thin wire of some material when
connected to the same source? Give reason for your answer.
16. How does the resistance vary with following:
(i) Length, (ii) Area (iii) diameter and (iv) temperature.
17. An electric bulb of resistance 20Ω and resistance wire 4Ω is connected in series with 6V
battery draw the circuit diagram. Calculate the p.d across the bulb and resistance wire
separately.
18. Find the current through 6Ω and p.d across 12Ω in following circuit.

6 3Ω

12 3Ω
19. A 5V battery is connected to two 20Ω resistors which are joined together in series.
(a) Draw a circuit diagram to represent this. Add an arrow to indicate a direction of
conventional current flow in circuit.
(b) What is effective resistance of 2 resistors?
(c) Calculate the current that flows from the battery?
(d) What is P. d across each resistor?
20. (a) Define resistivity. Write an expression for the resistivity of substance. Give the meaning of
each symbol which occurs in it.

15 ELECTRICITY
 UDAAN EDUCATIONAL Empowerment
(b) State the SI unit of resistivity.
(c) Distinguish between resistance and resistivity.
(d) Name two factors on which the resistivity of a substance depends and 2 factors on which it
does not depend.
21. (a) Explain with the help of a labeled circuit diagram, how you will find the resistance of a
combination of 3 resistor of resistances 𝐑 𝟏 , 𝐑 𝟐 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐑 𝟑 𝐣𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐝 𝐢𝐧 𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐞.
(b) In diagram shown below, the cell and ammeter both have negligible resistance. The resistors
are identical with the switch K- open, the ammeter reads 0.6A. What will be the ammeter reading
when the switch is closed?

22. The electrical resistivities of 3 material P, Q, and R are given below:

𝐏 = 𝟐. 𝟑 × 𝟏𝟎𝟑 Ω𝐦
𝐐 = 𝟐. 𝟔𝟑 × 𝟏𝟎−𝟖 Ω𝐦
𝐑 = 𝟏. 𝟎 × 𝟏𝟎𝟏𝟓 Ω𝐦
Which material will you use for making (a) electric wires (b) handle for soldering iron, and (c)
solar cells? Give reasons for your choices.
23. The electrical resistivities of four materials A, B, C and D are given below:
𝐀 = 𝟏𝟏. 𝟎 × 𝟏𝟎−𝟖 Ω𝐦
𝐁 = 𝟏. 𝟎 × 𝟏𝟎𝟏𝟎 Ω𝐦
𝐂 = 𝟏𝟎. 𝟎 × 𝟏𝟎−𝟖 Ω𝐦
𝐃 = 𝟐. 𝟑 × 𝟏𝟎𝟑 Ω𝐦
Which material is: (a) Good conductor (b) resistor insulator and (d) semiconductor?
24. The electrical resistivities of 5 substances A, B, C, D, and E are given below:
𝐀 = 𝟓. 𝟐 × 𝟏𝟎−𝟖 Ω𝐦
𝐁 = 𝟏𝟏. 𝟎 × 𝟏𝟎−𝟖 Ω𝐦
𝐂 = 𝟐. 𝟔 × 𝟏𝟎−𝟖 Ω𝐦
𝐃 = 𝟏𝟎. 𝟎 × 𝟏𝟎−𝟖 Ω𝐦
𝐄 = 𝟏. 𝟕 × 𝟏𝟎−𝟖 Ω𝐦
a) Which substance is the best conductor of electricity? Why?
b) Which one is better conductor: A or C? Why?
c) Which substance would you advise to be used for making heating elements o f electric irons?
Why?
d) Which 2 wires should be used for making electric wires? Why?
25. Show with the help of diagrams, how you would connect 3 resistors each of resistance 6Ω, so
that the combination has resistance of (i) 9Ω (ii) 4Ω.
26. You are given 3 resistances of 1, 2, 3Ohms. Show by diagrams, how with the help of these
resistances. You can get:
𝟔
(𝐢) 𝟔Ω (𝐢𝐢) Ω (𝐢𝐢𝐢)𝟏. 𝟓Ω
𝟏𝟏
27. Two resistances when connected in parallel give resultant value of 2ohm; when connected in
series he value of becomes 9ohm. Calculate the value of each resistance.

ELECTRICITY 16
 UDAAN EDUCATIONAL Empowerment
28. A resistor of 8ohms is connected in parallel with another resistor X. the resultant resistance of
the combination is 4.8Ω. What is value of resistor X?
29. If the lamps are both the same in fig. given below and if A, reads 0.5A, what do
𝐀 𝟐 , 𝐀 𝟑 , 𝐀 𝟒 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐀 𝟓 reads?
𝐴1

𝐴2 𝐴4

𝐴3 𝐴5

30. Four resistances of 16Ω each are connected in parallel. Four such combinations are connected
in series. What is total resistance?
31. The resistors 𝐑 𝟏 , 𝐑 𝟐 𝐑 𝟑 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐑 𝟒 in fig. given below are all equal in value
What do you expect voltmeter A, B, C to read?
32. You are supplied number of 100Ω resistors. How could you combine some of these resistors to
make a 250Ω resistor?
33. You are given one hundred 1Ω resistors. What is the smallest and largest resistance you can
make ion a circuit using these?
34. How will you connect 3 resistors of resistances 2Ω, 3Ω, and 6Ω to obtain a total resistance of:
(a) 4Ω and (b) 1Ω?
35. How will you connect 3 resistors of 2Ω, 3Ω and 5Ω respectively so as to obtain a resultant
resistance of 2.5Ω? Draw the diagram to show the arrangement.

Disadvantage of series circuits for domestic wiring.

1. In series circuit, if one electrical appliance stops working due to some defect, then all other
appliances also stop working.
2. In series circuit, all the electrical appliance have only one switch due to which they cannot be turned
on or off separately.
3. In series circuit, the appliances do not get the same voltage (220V) as that of the power supply line.
4. In series connection of electrical appliances, the overall resistance of the circuit increases too much
due to which current from supply line is low.
Advantages of parallel circuits in domestic wiring
1. In parallel circuits, if o ne electrical appliance stops working due to some defect, then all other
appliances keep working normally.
2. In parallel circuits, each electrical appliance has its own switch due to which it can be turned on or
turned off independently, without affecting other appliances.
3. In parallel circuits, each electrical appliance gets the same voltage (220V) as that of the power
supply line.
4. In the parallel connection of electrical appliances, the overall resistance of household circuit is
reduced due to which the current from the power supply is high.

17 ELECTRICITY
 UDAAN EDUCATIONAL Empowerment
Heating Effect of Electric Current
Whenever a current is passed through a conductor it becomes hot after sometime. This means
electric energy is converted into heat energy and some of appliances work on this effect called heating
effect of cure or Joules heating.
Jules law of heating states
(1) H ∝ I2
(2)H ∝ R
(3)H ∝ T
H ∝ I2 RT
H = I2 RT (∵ Propotentiouality constant is 1)
Electric Energy
The total work done by current in electric circuit to move electrons from one terminal to another
is knowns as electric energy.
W
V= (from p. d)
Q
W = VQ
= V(It)
W = VIt
V
W= V×V×t (∵ I = from ohm′ slaw)
R
2
V
W= t
R
& W = IR × I × t (∵ V = IR frm ohm′ slaw)
W = I2 Rt
V2
& W = H = VIt = t = I2 Rt
R
S. I units is Jouls.
Electric Power
The rate at which work is done by an current is called electric power or a rate at which electric
energy is consumed or dissipated is called electric power.
W
=P
t
VIt
P= = VI
t
w V2t v2
Or P= = =
t R ×t R
w I2 Rt
Or P= = = I2 R.
t t
S. I unit is watt.
One watt is defined as one ampere of current flows in electric circuit against a p.d of one volt.
Commercial unit of Electric Energy
The commercial unit of electric energy is kilowatt hour (KWH)
The electric energy consumed when an electric appliance of power one kilowatt works for
one hour is called one kilowatt hour.
1 KWH = 1kw × 1H

ELECTRICITY 18
 UDAAN EDUCATIONAL Empowerment
3
= 10 W × 36005
1 KWH = 3.6 × 106 Ws
1 KWH = 3.6 × 106 J.

Solved Problems
1. An electric bulb is rated as 200V – 100W. What is its resistance? Five such bulb burns for four
hours. What is electrical energy consumed. Calculate the cost if the rate is 50paise per unit.
Ans: V = 200V
P = 100W
V2 V2
P= ;R = = 400Ω.
R P
Total power of 5 such bulb is 500w used for 4hr.
W = P ×t
= 500 × 4
= 2000 wH
= 2kwh = 2 units.
1 unit → 50 paise
2 units → 1R.
2. A torch bulb is rated at 2.5V and 750mA. Calculates it (i) power (ii) resistance, (iii) energy
consumed in 4hr.
Ans: (i) P = VI
= 2.5 × 750 × 10−3
= 1.875w.
V 2.5
(ii) R = =
I 750×10−3

25
= × 103
7500
= 3.34Ω
(ii) E= P ×t
= 1.875 × 4 × 3600
= 27000J.
3. A 6V – 12W lamp is connected with series of source 12V supply. Calculate current flowing
through circuit.
V 2 36
𝐀𝐧𝐬: R = = = 3Ω
P 12
true must be internal resistance else 12V supply will diffuse the lamp hence let say r is the internal
resistance which using remaining 6V
V = I R net
12 V = I I (R + r)
12 = I (3 + r)
Both are in series.
Therefore I flows from both are
Same, hence V = IR
6 = I× 3

19 ELECTRICITY
 UDAAN EDUCATIONAL Empowerment
2A = I.
4. 2 coils of resistance 3Ω and 6Ω are connected in series across 12V source. Find electrical
energy consumed in 1min.
V2
Ans: E = (R )t
net

= (12)2 ⁄9 × 60
Total energy 960J
R net = R1 + R 2
= 9Ω
V = In
V 12 4
I= = =
R net 9 3
2
E1 = I R1 t
16
= × 3 × 60 = 320J
9
E2 = I 2 R 2 t
16
= × 6 × 60 = 640J
9
Problems for Practice
1. An electric iron consumes energy at the rat or (a) 840W when heating is at the maximum rate
and (b) 360W when the heating is at the minimum. The voltage is 220V. What is the current
and the resistance in each case?
Ans: (a) 3.82A, 57.60Ω (b)1.64A, 134.15Ω.
2. A torch bulb or 3V draws a current of 0.4A. if the bulb is switched on for 5 minutes, calculate
the energy released by the bulb.
Ans: 360J.
3. An electric heater draws a current of 5A and its element has a resistance of 50Ω. If the heater
is switched on for 5 minutes, calculate the energy released in kilojoules.
Ans: 375kJ.
4. An electric room heater has a resistance of 25Ω and operates at 220V for 12 minutes. Calculate
heat energy dissipated by it in kilojoules.
Ans: 393.92kJ.
5. Calculate the total power of 5 fans if each of them draws a current of 0.8A at a potential
difference of 220V.
Ans: 880W.
6. An electric bulb of resistance 400Ω draws a current of 0.5a. Calculate the power of the bulb
and the potential difference at its ends.
Ans: 100W, 200V.
7. A soldering rod iron draws energy of 45000J in 4 minutes when the current flowing through its
element is 6A. Calculate the resistance of its heating element.
Ans: 5.2Ω
8. An electric bulb is marked 250W – 200V. What information doe sit convey? How many joules
of energy is consumed by this bulb in one hour? How long will it take for the bulb to consume
1kWH?
Ans: 900000J, 4h
9. 100J of heat are produced each second in a 4Ω resistance. Find the potential difference across
the resistor.

ELECTRICITY 20
 UDAAN EDUCATIONAL Empowerment
Ans: 110W
10. An electric bulb is connected to a 220V generator. The current is 0.50A. what is the power of
the bulb?
Ans: 110W.
11. An electric refrigerator rated 400W operates 8 hours/day. What is the cost of the energy to
operate it for 30 days at Rs. 3.00 per kWh?
Ans: 288.00
12. bulb.
Ans: 360J.
13. An electric kettle is rated at 230V, 1000W. What is the resistance of its element? What
maximum current can pass through its element?
Ans: 52.9Ω, 4.35A.
14. two bulbs A and B are rated 100W – 120V and 10W – 120V respectively. They are connected
in parallel across a 120V source. Find the current in each bulb. Which bulb will consume more
energy?
Ans: 0.83A, 0.083A, Bulb A.

Questions Based on above Discussion

1. Are the lights in your house wired in series?
2. What happens to the other bulbs in a series circuit if ne bulb blows off?
3. What happens to the other bulbs in a parallel circuit if one bulb blows off?
4. Which type of circuit, series or parallel, is preferred while connecting a large number of
bulbs:
a) For decorating a hotel building from outside.
b) For lighting inside the rooms of the hotel?
5. Draw a circuit diagram to show how two 4 V electric lamps can be lit brightly from two 2 V
cells.
6. Why series arrangement is not used for connecting domestic electrical appliances in a
circuit?
7. Ten bulbs are connected in a series circuit to a power supply line. Ten identical bulbs are
connected in a parallel circuit to an identical power supply line.
a) Which circuit would have the highest voltage across each bulb?
b) In which circuit would the bulbs be brighter?
c) In which circuit, if one bulb blows out, all others will stop glowing?
d) Which circuit would have less current in it?
8. Consider the circuits given below:
⊸ ⃘
⊸ ⃘ (iii)
(i) ⊸ ⃘
(ii)

a) In which circuit are the lamps dimmest?

b) In which circuit or circuits are the lamps of equal brightness to the lamps in circuit (i)?
c) Which circuit gives out the maximum light?
d) If you were going to connect two light bulbs to one battery, would you use a series or a parallel
arrangement why? Which arrangement takes more current from the battery?
9. (a) Which is the better way to connect lights and other electrical appliances in domestic
wiring: series circuits or parallel circuits? Why?

21 ELECTRICITY
 UDAAN EDUCATIONAL Empowerment
(b) Christmas tree lamps are usually wired in series. What happens if one lamp breaks?
(c) An electrician has wired a house in such a way that if a lamp gets fused in one room of the
house, all the lamps in other rooms of the house stop working. What is the defect in the wiring?
(d) Draw a circuit diagram showing two electric lamps connected in parallel together with a cell
and a switch that works both lamps. Mark an on your diagram to show where an ammeter should
be placed to measure the current.
10. (a) Draw a circuit diagram showing two lamps, one cell and a switch connected in series.
(b) How can you change the brightness of the lamps?
11. Consider the circuit given below where A, B and C are three identical light bulbs of
constant resistance.

A B

a) List the bulbs in order of increasing brightness.

b) If C burns out, what will be the brightness of A now compared with before?
c) If B burns out instead, what will be the brightness of A and C compared with before?
12. How do you think the brightness of two lamps arranged in parallel compares with the
brightness of two lamps arranged in series (both arrangements having one cell)?
13. If current flows through two lamps arranged:
a) In series,
b) In parallel,
And the filament of one lamps breaks, what happens to the other lamp? Explain your answer.
14. The fig. below shows a variable resistor in a diameter switch.

How would you turn the switch to make the lights: (a) brighter, and (b) dimmer? Explain your
answer.
15. State two factors on which the electrical energy consumed by an electrical appliance
depends.
16. Name the commercial unit of electric energy.
17. What is the SI unit of (i) electric energy, and (ii) electric power?
18. Name the quantity whose unit is (i) kilowatt, and (ii) kilowatt – hour.
19. Which quantity has the unit of watt?
20. Define watt. Write down an equation linking watts, volts and amperes.

ELECTRICITY 22
 UDAAN EDUCATIONAL Empowerment
21. State whether an electric heater will consume more electrical energy or less electrical
energy per second when the length of its heating element is reduced. Give reasons for your
answer.
22. The table below show the current in three different electrical appliances when connected to
the 240 V mains supply:
Appliance Current
Kettle 8.5A
Lamp 0.4A
Toaster 4.8A
(a) Which appliance has the greatest electrical resistance? How does the data show this?
(b) The lamp is connected to the mains supply by using a thin, twin – cored cable consisting of live
and neutral wires. State two reasons why this cable should not be used for connecting the
kettle to the mains supply.
(c) Calculate the power rating of the kettle when it is operated from the 240V mains supply.
(d) A man takes the kettle abroad where the mains supply is 120V. What is the current in the
kettle when it is operated from the 120V supply?
23. A boy noted the readings on his home’s electricity meter on Sunday at 8AM and again on
Monday at 8 AM

4 2 9 3 5 4 2 9 1 9

kWh kWh

a) What was the meter reading on Sunday?

b) What was the meter reading on Monday?
c) How many units of electricity have been used?
d) In how much time these units have been used?
e) If the rate is Rs. 5 per unit, what is the cost of electricity used during this time?
24. How does the heat H produced by a current passing through a fixed resistance wire depend
on the magnitude of current I?
Which effect of

25. current is utilized in the working of an electric fuse?

26. Name two gases which are filled in filament type electric light bulbs.
27. Why does the connecting cord of an electric heater not glow hot while the heating element
does?
28. State three factors on which t he heat produced by an electric current depends. How does it
depend on these factors?
29. Why is an electric light bulb not filled with air? Explain why argon or nitrogen is filled in
an electric bulb.
30. Explain why, the current that makes the heater element very hot, only slightly warms the
connecting wires leading to the heater.
31. (a) Derive the expression for the heat produced due to a current ‘I’ flowing for a time
interval ‘t’ through a resistor ‘R’ having a potential difference ‘V’ across its ends. With
which name is this relation known?

23 ELECTRICITY
 UDAAN EDUCATIONAL Empowerment
(b) How much heat will an instrument of 12W produce in one minute if it is connected to a battery
of 12 V?

(c) The current passing through a room heater has been halved. What will happen to the heat
produced it?
(d) What is meant by the heating effect of current? Give two applications of the heating effect of
current.
(e) Name the material which is used for making the filaments of an electric bulb.
32. The electrical resistivities of four materials P, Q , R and S are given below:
P 6.84 × 10-8 Ω m
Q 1.70 × 10-8 Ω m
R 1.0 × 1015 Ω m
S 11.0 × 10-7 Ω m
Which material will you use for making (a) heating element of electric iron (b) connecting wires of
electric iron (c) covering of connecting wires? Give reason for your choice in each case.
33. (a) How does the wire in the filament of a light bulb behave differently to the other wires in
the circuit when the current flows?
(b) What property of the filament wire accounts for this difference?
34. Two exactly similar heating resistances are connected (i) in series, and (ii) in parallel, in
two different circuits, one by one. If the same current is passed through both the
combinations, is more heat obtained per minute when they are connected in series or when
they are connected in parallel? Give reason for your answer.
35. Which electric heating devices in your home do you think have resistors which control the
flow of electricity?

ELECTRICITY 24