CHAPTER 3

Current Electricity

1. ELECTRIC CURRENT

Objective Qs (1 mark)
1. A steady current of 8 mA flows through a wire. The number of electrons passing though a cross-
section of the wire in 10 s is:
(a) 4.0 × 1016
(b) 5.0 × 1017
(c) 1.6 × 1016
(d) 1.0 × 1017
[CBSE 2023]

2. A conductor of 10Ω is connected across an 6 V ideal source. The power supplied by the source to
the conductor is:
(a) 1.8 W
(b) 2.4 W
(c) 3.6 W
(d) 7.2 W
[CBSE 2023]

3. A potential difference of 200 V is maintained across a conductor of resistance 100Ω. The number
of electrons passing through it in 1 s is:
(a) 1.25 × 1019
(b) 2.5 × 1018
(c) 1.25 × 1010
(d) 2.5 × 1016
[CBSE 2023]

4. The specific resistance of a rod of copper as compared to that of thin wire of copper is:
(a) less

(b) more

(c) same

(d) depends upon the length and area of cross-section of the wire

[Delhi Gov. SQP 2022]

5. The temperature (𝑇𝑇) dependence of resistivity of material 𝐴𝐴 and material 𝐵𝐵 is represented by fig
(i) and fig (ii) respectively.
Identify material A and material B.

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SOLUTIONS
 fig. (i)

fig. (ii)

(a) material 𝐴𝐴 is copper and material 𝐵𝐵 is germanium.

(b) material 𝐴𝐴 is germanium and material 𝐵𝐵 is copper.

(c) material 𝐴𝐴 is nichrome and material 𝐵𝐵 is germanium.

(d) material 𝐴𝐴 is copper and material 𝐵𝐵 is nichrome.

[CBSE SQP 2022]

6. By increasing the temperature, the specific resistance of a conductor and a semiconductor:

(a) increases for both.

(b) decreases for both.

(c) increases for a conductor and decreases for a semiconductor.

(d) decreases for a conductor and increases for a semiconductor.

[CBSE SQP Term-1 2021]

7. An electric current is passed through a circuit containing two wires of same material, connected in
parallel. If the lengths and radii of the wires are in the ratio of 3: 2 and 2: 3, then the ratio of the
current passing through the wire will be:
(a) 2: 3
(b) 3: 2
(c) 8: 27
(d) 27: 8
[CBSE SQP Term-1 2021]

8. A constant voltage is applied between the two ends of a uniform metallic wire, heat ' H ' is
developed in it. If another wire of the same
material, double the radius and twice the length as compared to original wire is used then the heat
developed in it will be:

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SOLUTIONS
 H
(a)
2
(b) H
(c) 2H
(d) 4H
[CBSE SQP Term-1 2021]

9. If the potential difference 𝑉𝑉 applied across a conductor is increased to 2 V with its temperature
kept constant, the drift velocity of the free electrons in a conductor will:
(a) remain the same

(b) become half of its previous value

(c) be double of its initial value

(d) become zero [CBSE Term-1 SQP 2021]

10. A battery is connected to the conductor of non-uniform cross-section area. The quantities or
quantity which remains constant is:
(a) electric field only

(b) drift speed and electric field

(c) electric field and current

(d) current only

[CBSE SQP Term-1 2021]

11. A straight line plot showing the terminal potential difference (𝑉𝑉) of a cell as a function of current
(I) drawn from it, is shown in the figure. The internal resistance of the cell would be:

(a) 2.8Ohms
(b) 1.4Ohms
(c) 1.2Ohms
(d) Zero

[CBSE SQP Term-1 2021]

12. Which of the following has negative temperature coefficient of resistivity?

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SOLUTIONS
 (a) Metal

(b) Metal and semiconductor

(c) Semiconductor

(d) Metal and alloy

[CBSE Term-1 2021]

13. Calculate the number of units of electricity used if a bulb of 100 W is kept on for 5 hours.
(a) 1 unit
(b) 0.1 unit
(c) 5 unit
(d) 0.5 unit
[CBSE 2020]

14. The ratio of current density and electric field is called:

(a) resistivity
(b) conductivity
(c) drift velocity
(d) mobility.
OR

In a current carrying conductor, the ratio of the electric field and the current density at a point is
called:
(a) resistivity
(b) conductivity
(c) resistance
(d) mobility

[CBSE 2020]

15. The resistance of a metal wire increase with increasing temperature on account of:
(a) decrease in free electron density

(b) decrease in relaxation time

(c) increase in mean free path

(d) increase in the mass of electron

[CBSE 2020]

16. The electric power consumed by a 220 V 100 W bulb when operated at 110 V is:
(a) 25 W
(b) 30 W
(c) 35 W
(d) 45 W
[CBSE 2020]

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SOLUTIONS
17. In a 𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑 circuit the direction of current inside the battery and outside the battery respectively are:
(a) positive to negative terminal and negative to positive terminal

(b) positive to negative terminal and postive is negative terminal

(c) negative to positive terminal and positive to negative terminal

(d) negative to positive terminal and negative to positive terminal

[CBSE 2020]

Very Short & Short Qs (1 - 3 marks)

18. Define resistivity of a conductor, plot a graph showing the variation of resistivity with
temperature for a metallic conductor.
[Delhi Gov. SQP 2022]

19. A copper wire of non-uniform area of cross section is connected to a 𝑑𝑑. 𝑐𝑐. battery. The physical
quantity which remains constant along the wire is?
[CBSE 2020]

20. Define the term 'mobility' of charge carriers in a current carrying conductor. Obtain the relation
for mobility in terms of relaxation time.
[CBSE 2020]

21. Differentiate between electrical resistance and resistivity of a conductor. [CBSE 2020]

22. How is the drift velocity in a conductor affected with the rise in temperature?

[CBSE 2019]

23. Show, on a plot, variation of resistivity of:

(i) a conductor, and

(ii) a typical semiconductor as a function of temperature.

Using the expression for the resistivity in terms of number density and relaxation time between
the collisions, explain how resistivity in the case of a conductor increases while it decreases in a
semiconductor, with the rise of temperature.

[CBSE 2019]

24. (A) The graph between resistance (R) and temperature (T) for Hg is shown in the figure. Explain
the behavior Hg near 4𝑘𝑘.

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SOLUTIONS
 (B) In which region of the graph shown in the figure is the resistance negative and why?

[CBSE 2019]

25. Draw a graph showing the variation of current versus voltage in an electrolyte when an external
resistance is also connected:
[CBSE 2019]

26. (A) Define the term 'conductivity' of a metallic wire. Write its SI unit.
(B) Using the concept of free electrons in a conductor, derive the expression for the conductivity
of a wire in terms of number density and relaxation time. Hence, obtain the relation between
current density and the applied electric field 𝐸𝐸.

[CBSE 2018]

27. Graph showing the variation of current versus voltage for a material Gas is shown in the figure.
Identify the region of:
(A) negative resistance
(B) where Ohm's law is obeyed.

[CBSE 2015]

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SOLUTIONS
28. I-V graph for a metallic wire at two different temperatures, 𝑇𝑇1 and 𝑇𝑇2 is as shown in the figure.
Which of the two temperatures is lower and why?

[CBSE 2015]

29. A potential difference 𝑉𝑉 is applied across the ends of copper wire of length 𝑙𝑙 and diameter 𝐷𝐷.
What is the effect on drift velocity of electrons if:
(A) 𝑉𝑉 is halved?

(B) 𝑙𝑙 is doubled?

(C) D is halved?

[CBSE 2015]

30. Using the concept of drift velocity of charge carriers in a conductor, deduce the relationship
between current density and resistivity of the conductor.
[CBSE 2015]

31. In the two electric circuits shown in the figure, determine the readings of ideal ammeter (A) and
the ideal voltmeter (V).
[CBSE 2015]

32. (A) Deduce the relation between current flowing through a conductor and drift velocity 𝑣𝑣⃗𝑑𝑑 of the
electrons.
(B) Figure shows a plot of current ' 𝑠𝑠 ' flowing through the cross-section of a wire versus the time '
𝑡𝑡 '. Use the plot to find the charge flowing in 10sec through the wire.

[CBSE 2015]

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SOLUTIONS
33. Show variation of resistivity of copper as a function of temperature in a graph.
[CBSE 2014]

34. Define the term drift velocity of charge carriers in a conductor and write its relationship with the
current flowing through it.
[CBSE 2014]

Long Qs (4 & 5 marks)

35. Explain the term drift velocity of electrons in a conductor. Hence, obtain the expression for the
current through a conductor in terms of drift velocity.
[CBSE SQP 2022]

36. (A) Derive an expression for drift velocity of electrons in a conductor. Hence deduce Ohm's law.

(B) A wire whose cross-sectional area is increasing linearly from its one end to the other is
connected across a battery of 𝑉𝑉 volts. Which of the following quantities remain constant in the
wire?

(a) drift speed

(b) current density

(c) electric current

(d) electric field

[CBSE 2017]

Numerical Qs (1-5 marks)

37. Estimate the average drift speed of conduction electrons in a copper wire of cross-sectional area
1.0 × 10−7 m2 carrying a current of 1.5 A. Assume the density of conduction electrons to be
9 × 1028 m−3 .
[CBSE 2014]

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SOLUTIONS
 2. CELL, EMF AND INTERNAL RESISTANCE

Objective Qs
38. A cell of emf E is connected across an external resistance 𝑅𝑅. When current ' l ' is drawn from the
cell, the potential difference across the electrodes of the cell drops to V. The internal resistance ' 𝑟𝑟
' of the cell is:
𝐸𝐸−𝑉𝑉
(a) � � 𝑅𝑅
𝐸𝐸
𝐸𝐸−𝑉𝑉
(b) � �
𝑅𝑅
(𝐸𝐸−𝑉𝑉)
(c) � � 𝑅𝑅
𝑙𝑙
𝐸𝐸−𝑉𝑉
(d) � � 𝑅𝑅
𝑉𝑉

[CBSE 2023]

39. The storage battery of a car has an emf 12 volt. If the internal resistance of the battery is 0.4ohm
the maximum current that can be drawn from the battery will be:
(a) 15 A
(b) 30 A
(c) 12 A
(d) 20 A
[Delhi Gov. 2022]

40. Kirchoff's first rule Σ𝐼𝐼 = 0 and second rule ΣIR = ΣE (where the symbols have their usual
meanings) are respectively based on:
(a) conservation of momentum and conservation of charge.
(b) conservation of energy, conservation of charge.

(c) conservation of charge, conservation of momentum.

(d) conservation of charge, conservation of energy.

[CBSE Term-1 2021]

41. Two sources of equal emf are connected in series. This combination is, in turn connected to an
external resistance 𝑅𝑅. The internal resistance of two sources are 𝑟𝑟1 and 𝑟𝑟2 (𝑟𝑟2 > 𝑟𝑟1 ). If the
potential difference across the source of internal resistance 𝑟𝑟2 is zero, then R equal to:
𝑟𝑟 −𝑟𝑟
(a) 1 2
𝑟𝑟2 −𝑟𝑟1
(b) 𝑟𝑟2 − 𝑟𝑟1
𝑟𝑟 𝑟𝑟
(c) 1 2
𝑟𝑟2 −𝑟𝑟1
𝑟𝑟1 +𝑟𝑟2
(d)
𝑟𝑟1 𝑟𝑟2

[CBSE Term-1 2021]

42. We use alloys for making standard resistors because they have:
(a) low temperature coeffcient of resistivity and high specific resistance
 (b) high temperature coeffcient of resistivity and low specific resistance
(c) low temperature coeffcient of resistivity and low specific resistance

(d) high temperature coeffcient of resistivity and high specific resistance.

[CBSE Term-1 2021]

43. Three resistors having values 𝑅𝑅1 , 𝑅𝑅2 and 𝑅𝑅3 are connected in series to a battery. Suppose 𝑅𝑅1
carries a current of 2.0 A, 𝑅𝑅2 has a resistance of 3.0ohms, and 𝑅𝑅3 dissipates 6.0 watts of power.
Then the voltage across 𝑅𝑅3 is:
(a) 1 V
(b) 2 V
(c) 3 V
(d) 4 V
[CBSE Term-1 2021]

44. A cell of internal resistance 𝑟𝑟 connected across an external resistance 𝑅𝑅 can supply maximum
current when:
(a) 𝑅𝑅 = 𝑟𝑟
(b) 𝑅𝑅 > 𝑟𝑟
𝑟𝑟
(c) 𝑅𝑅 =
2
(d) 𝑅𝑅 = 0
[CBSE 2020]

For Question 45, two statements are given -one labelled Assertion (A) and other labelled Reason
(R). Select the correct answer to these questions from the options as given below.

(a) If both Assertion and Reason are true and Reason is the correct explanation of Assertion.

(b) If both Assertion and Reason are true but Reason is not the correct explanation of Assertion.

(c) If Assertion is true but Reason is false.

(d) If Assertion and Reason are false.

45. Assertion (A): Kirchhoff's junction rule is based on conservation of charge.

Reason (R): A resistor obeys Ohm's law while a diode does not.

[Delhi Gov. SQP 2022]

Very Short & Short Qs (1 -3 marks)

46. Two cells of emf 𝐸𝐸1 and 𝐸𝐸2 and internal resistances 𝑟𝑟1 and 𝑟𝑟2 are connected in parallel, with their
terminals of the same polarity connected together. Obtain an expression for the equivalent emf of
the combination.
[CBSE 2023]

47. A variable resistor 𝑅𝑅 is connected across a cell of emf 𝐸𝐸 and internal resistance 𝑟𝑟.
(A) Draw the circuit diagram.

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SOLUTIONS
 (B) Plot the graph showing variation of potential drop across 𝑅𝑅 as function of 𝑅𝑅.

(C) At what value of 𝑅𝑅 current in circuit will be maximum.

48. (A) Two cells of emf 𝐸𝐸1 and 𝐸𝐸2 have their internal resistances 𝑟𝑟1 and 𝑟𝑟2 , respectively. Deduce an
expression for the equivalent emf and internal resistance of their parallel combination when
connected across an external resistance R. Assume that the two cells are supporting each other.
(B) In case the two cells are identical, each of emf 𝐸𝐸 = 5 V and internal resistance 𝑟𝑟 = 2Ω,
calculate voltage across the external resistance 𝑅𝑅 = 10Ω.

[CBSE 2020]

49. Derive an expression of balance for Wheat stone bridge.

[CBSE 2020]

50. Under what condition will the current in a wire be the same when connected in series and in
parallel of 𝑛𝑛 identical cells each having internal resistance 𝑟𝑟 and external resistance R ?
[CBSE 2019]

51. Using Kirchhoff's rules, calculate the current through the 40Ω and 20Ω resistors in the following
circuit.
[CBSE 2019]

52. Two bulbs are rated (𝑃𝑃1 , 𝑉𝑉) and (𝑃𝑃2 , 𝑉𝑉). If they are connected (𝐴𝐴) in series and (𝐵𝐵) in parallel
across a supply V, find the power dissipated in the two combinations is terms of 𝑃𝑃1 and P2 :
[CBSE 2017]

53. Calculate the current drawn from the battery by the network of resistors shown in the figure.

[CBSE 2015]

54. Use Kirchhoff's rules to obtain conditions for the balance condition in a Wheatstone bridge.

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SOLUTIONS
 [CBSE 2015]

55. A cell of emf E and internal resistance 𝑟𝑟 is connected across a variable resistor 𝑅𝑅. Plot a graph
showing variation of terminal voltage 𝑉𝑉 of the cell versus the current 𝐼𝐼. Using the
plot, show how the emf of the cell and its internal resistance can be determined.
[CBSE 2014]

56. (A) Distinguish between emf (e) and terminal voltage (V) of a cell having internal resistance ' 𝑟𝑟 '.
(B) Draw a plot showing the variation of terminal voltage (V) us the current (l) drawn from the
cell. Using this plot, how does one determine the internal resistance of the cell?

[CBSE 2014]

57. In the electric network shown in the figure, use Kirchhoff's rules to calculate the power consumed
by the resistance 𝑅𝑅 = 4Ω.

[CBSE 2014]

Long Qs (4 & 5 marks)

58. (A) What is a Wheatstone bridge?
(B) When is the bridge said to be balanced?

(C) Find out the magnitude of resistance 𝑋𝑋 in the circuit shown in figure. When no current flows
through the 5Ω resistance.

[Delhi Gov. SQP 2022]

59. (A) State the two Kirchhoff's rules used in the analysis of electric circuits and explain them.
(B) Derive the equation of the balanced state in a wheats tone bridge using Kirchhoff's laws.

[CBSE SQP 2020]

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SOLUTIONS
60. (A) State the two Kirchhoff's laws. Explain briefly how these rules are justified.
(B) The current is drawn from a cell of emf 𝐸𝐸 and internal resistance 𝑟𝑟 connected to the network
of resistors each of resistance 𝑟𝑟 as shown in the figure. Obtain the expression for (a) the current
drawn from the cell and cb ) the power consumed in the network.

[CBSE 2017]

Numerical Qs (1-5 marks)

61. (A) The emf of a cell is always greater than its terminal voltage. Why? Give reason.
(B) Two electric bulbs 𝑃𝑃 and 𝑄𝑄 have their resistances in the ratio of 1: 2. They are connected in
series a battery. Find the ratio of the power dissipation in these bulbs.

(C) Use Kirchhoff's rules to write the expressions for the currents 𝐼𝐼1 , 𝐼𝐼2 and 𝐼𝐼3 in the circuit
diagram shown below.

[Delhi Gov. SQP 2022]

62. A 10 V cell of negligible internal resistance is connected in parallel across a battery of emf 200 V
and internal resistance 38Ω as shown in the figure. Find the value of current in the circuit.

[CBSE 2018]

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SOLUTIONS
63. (A) The potential difference applied across a given resistor is altered so that the heat produced per
second increases by a factor of 9. By what factor does the applied potential difference change?
(B) In the figure shown, an ammeter 𝐴𝐴 and a resistor of 4Ω are connected to the terminals of the
source. The emf of the source is 12 V having the internal resistance of 2Ω.

Calculate the voltmeter and ammeter readings.

[CBSE 2017]

64. The plot of the variation of potential difference across a combination of three identical cells in
series, versus current is shown below. What is the emf and internal resistance of each cell?

[CBSE 2016]

65. Two cells of emfs 1.5 V and 2.0 V having internal resistances 0.2Ω, and 0.3Ω, respectively are
connected in parallel. Calculate the emf and internal resistance of the equivalent cell.
[CBSE 2016]
66. A battery of emf 12 V and internal resistance 2Ω is connected to a 4Ω resistor as shown in the
figure.

(A) Show that a voltmeter when placed across the cell and across the resistor, in turn, gives the
same reading.

(B) To record the voltage and the current in the circuit, why is voltmeter placed in parallel and
ammeter in series in the circuit?

[CBSE 2016]

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SOLUTIONS
67. Use Kirchhoff's rules to determine the potential difference between the points 𝐴𝐴 and 𝐷𝐷 when no
current flows in the arm 𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵 of the electric network shown in the figure.

[CBSE 2015]

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SOLUTIONS