Electric Current and Its Effects

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Electric Current And Its Effects

Short answer questions


Question 1:

What is an electric circuit?


ANSWER:

An electric circuit can be defined as a closed path through which electric current can flow.
Various components such as battery, resistor, wire, key, bulb etc. can be connected in
different ways to construct an electric circuit.
Question 2:

What is the relationship between potential difference and direction of flow of current in an
electric circuit?
ANSWER:

Potential difference is the difference in the potential between two terminals of a battery or
any other current source connected to an electric circuit. In the circuit, current flows from
high to low potential because electrons flow from low potential to high potential.
Question 3:

Does every conductor heat up when an electric current is passed through it? What does the
amount of heat depend on? Name the conductor normally used in heating appliances.
ANSWER:

Yes, every conductor heats up when electric current is passed through it. Heating is caused
by the resistance provided by the conductor to the current flowing through it. The amount of
heat depends on the length, thickness and nature of the material of conductor.

Nichrome is used in heating appliances as it offers high resistance to the flow of current.
Question 4:

A domestic circuit develops a short circuit. What will be the effect on a fuse wire connected
in the circuit?
ANSWER:

A fuse wire is made up of an alloy with a low melting point. The heat produced due to short
circuit melts the fuse wire and breaks the circuit.
Question 5:

What is a miniature circuit breaker?


ANSWER:

Miniature circuit breaker is a switch that automatically stops the current in a circuit if the
current in it exceeds the specified maximum limit.
Question 6:

Draw the symbols used in a circuit for-a battery of four cells, a switch, a lamp.
ANSWER:

A battery of four cells:

Switch in the ‘ON’ position:

Switch in the ‘OFF’ position:

Lamp:

Long answer questions


Question 1:

Draw a circuit diagram of a dry cell connected to a bulb through a switch. Mark the positive
and negative terminals of the cell, and the direction of flow of current in the diagram.
ANSWER:
Question 2:

How can you increase the magnetic strength of a solenoid?


ANSWER:

Magnetic strength of a solenoid can be increased by:

(i) Increasing the number of turns in the solenoid


(ii) Increasing the current in the solenoid
(iii) Winding the solenoid around a magnetic material
Question 3:

What is an electromagnet? Give three uses of electromagnets.


ANSWER:

An electromagnet is a coil of insulated wire wound around a piece of a magnetic substance


such as soft iron. The magnetic substance acts as a magnet as long as the current flows in
the wire.

Uses of electromagnet:

(i) Electromagnets are used in a number of electric appliances such as electric bells and
electric buzzers.
(ii) They are used in electric motors, which find wide application in fans, washing machines
etc.
(iii) Very strong electromagnets are used in factories and cranes for lifting heavy iron
pieces.
Question 4:

Explain the working of a simple electric bell.


ANSWER:
An electric bell works with the help of an electromagnet. It is made up of a coil of wire
wound on an iron piece, which acts as an electromagnet. On passing the current, magnetic
field is produced by the electromagnet.

The hammer of the bell is attracted towards the electromagnet when the circuit is complete.
Further, the circuit breaks after the hammer moves towards the electromagnet. When the
circuit breaks, the electromagnet doesn’t attract the hammer. The hammer comes back to
its original position due to spring effect. As the hammer comes back to its original position, it
touches the metal connector and the circuit is complete again. This cycle continues till the
key is kept ON.

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