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Current Electricity
XII-PHYSICS- Chapter: 3
CURRENT ELECTRICITY

1. Electric Current q total charge flowing

2. Currents density I = =
t timetaken
3. Ohm’s law
V = IR
4. Resistance and conductance
l
5. Ohmic and non-ohmic conductors R=ρ
A
6. Factors affecting the resistance of a conductor
1
7. Resistivity σ =
8. Drift velocity and relaxation time ρ
9. Relation between drift velocity and current I = n e A ϑd
10. Limitations of Ohm’s law J = ne ϑd
11. Temperature dependence of Resistivity / resistance Rt = R0[1+a(T-T0)]
12. Resister R 2−R1
a=
13. Colour code of resistors R 1 T 2−R2 T 1
14. Combination of resistors ( series & parallel) R = R1 + R2 + R3 (in series)
15. Internal resistance (r) 1 1 1 1
16. Cells in Series and parallel = + + (in parallel)
R R 1 R 2 R 3
17. Electric power and energy V= E – Ir
18. Kirchhoff’s laws P R
19. Wheatstone Bridge =
Q S
20. Practical applications of Wheatstone Bridge - Rl
Meter bridge X=
(100−l)
21. Potentiometer
E1 ∝ l
22. Uses of Potentiometer
23. Problems l −l
r =R( 0 1 )
24. Previous year questions l1
25. additional problems

Important websites NCERT- https://ncert.nic.in/textbook.php

Samagra- www.samagra.itschool.gov.in SCERT- https://scert.kerala.gov.in/
KEAM- www.cee.kerala.gov.in
NEET- www.cbseneet.nic.in Aptitude Tests
Paramedical- www.lbscentre.in www.aptitude-test.com
DEGREE- www.cuonline.ac.in www.funeducation.com
UPSC – www.upsconline.nic.in www.acareertest.com
KPSC – www.keralapsc.gov.in www.analyzemycareer.com
ARMY – www.joinindianarmy.nic.in www.colorize.com
Film institute – www.srfti.gov.in www.sietkerala.gov.in
School of drama – www.nsd.gov.in National digital library- www.ndl.itkgp.ac.in
Pharmacy– www.niperhyd.ac.in/admission.aspx Employment -www.employmentkerala.gov.in

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2
Current Electricity
1. Electric current (I) ►For a varying current, rate of flow is not uniform,
►Electric current is the flow of charges. then intensity of electric current is the rate of flow of
►The intensity of electric current through any charge.
point of a conductor is defined as the amount of ΔQ dQ
charge flowing per unit time. i.e, I(t) = lim =
Δ t →0 Δ t dt
Q total charge flowing ►Electric current is a scalar quantity.
i.e, I= =
t timetaken ►SI unit is ampere (A). [ 1A = 1 C/s]
►For steady current, rate of flow is constant and ►Conventionally the direction of current is taken as
does not vary with time. the direction of flow of positive charges (opposite to
flow of electrons).

2. Current density (J) I

i.e, J=
Current density is defined as the amount of A
current flowing normally through unit area of a ►current density is a vector quantity
conductor. ► SI unit is A/m2

3. Ohm’s Law Resistance(R)

Ohm’s law states, that at constant temperature ►It is the opposition offered by the conductor to the
and mechanical strain, the intensity of current flow of current.
flowing through a conductor is directly proportional ►From Ohm’s law , R = V
to potential difference applied at its ends. I
i.e V a I ► SI unit of resistance is ohm(W).
V = IR ► For V=1V and I=1A , R=1W.
where R is the constant of proportionality called Thus the resistance of a conductor is said to be
resistance of the conductor. 1W if a current of 1A flows through the conductor
when a pd of 1V is applied between its ends.
Conductance(C)
A It is the reciprocal of resistance.
AB 1
R= ►Conductance, C =
C B BC R
►SI unit is mho or seimen(S) or W-1.

4. Ohmic conductors non-ohmic conductors

Materials which obey ohm’s law are called ohmic Materials which do not obey ohm’s law are called
conductors. non-ohmic conductors.
e.g:-Metals, Metallic alloys etc e.g:-Electrolytes, gases, semi conductors, discharge
tube etc
5. Factors affecting resistance of a conductor
1. Depends on nature of the material of the 3. Inversely proportional to area of cross section of
conductor. the conductor.
2. Directly proportional to length of the conductor. 4. Directly proportional to temperature

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3
Current Electricity
6. Resistivity/specific resistance(ρ) ►Resistivity is defined as the resistance per unit
At constant temperature, the resistance of a length of a conductor having unit area of cross
conductor is directly proportional to length and section.
inversely proportional to area of cross section of the ►Unit of resistivity is ohm metre (Wm).
conductor. Factors affecting resistivity of a conductor
i.e, R a l 1. Nature of the material of the conductor.
R a 1/A 2. Temperature.
ρl
R= Conductivity (σ )
A
where ρ is called resistivity /specific resistance of the It is the reciprocal of resistivity.
conductor. i.e, σ = 1/ρ ; unit is W-1m-1 or mho m-1.

7. Drift velocity(vd) Relation between Drift velocity and

In a metallic conductor there are a large number Relaxation time
of free electrons. In the absence of an electric field Consider the flow of electron under an
they move randomly through the conductor with very electric electric field E with drift velocity vd.
high speed. But when a potential difference is Then the force upon the electron,
applied across a conductor, these free electrons get F = qE = eE
drifted towards its positive end. During this flow But according to Newton’s second law,
they will collide with the metallic atoms/positive F = ma = eE.
ions and their velocity decreases. The average v d
i.e, m = eE. ( a = v/t )
velocity acquired by a free electron when it is drifted
τ
towards the positive end of a conductor under a e E e V V
then, vd = = × (E = )
τ
τ
potential difference is called drift velocity. m m l l
where ,V is the potential difference
between the ends of a conductor of length l.
Relaxation time(t) e
Here, = m ,the mobility of electrons.
τ
It is the average time interval between m
successive collisions of electrons with the V
There fore , vd = mE = m
atoms or positive ions in the conductor. l
or, μ = vd / E.
►Thus mobility is defined as the magnitude
of the drift velocity per unit electric field.
►Unit of mobility is CmN-1s-1 or Cs/kg .
Problem :-
1. Current in a conductor is 10 mA. Calculate the number of electrons flowing in one hour.
[Hint: q=? I =10mA =10 x 10−3 A, ,t = 1 hr=3600 s: ; q = It = 10 x 10−3 x 3600 =36 C ;
q 36
q = ne ; n= = =22.5 x 1019 ]
e 1.6 x 10 −19

2. A wire of resistance 4 W is stretched to twice its original length. The resistance of stretched wire
ρl ' ρ2 l 4 ρl
would be ------ W [Hint- Resistance of the stretched wire is R'= = = =16 W ]
A' ( A/ 2) A

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4
Current Electricity
8. Relation between drift velocity and Relation between resistivity and relaxation time
electric current We know that
Y l X I = neAvd
A I e E
vd =

τ
m
e E n e2 A E
I = neA× =

τ
τ
m m
Consider a metallic conductor of area of cross V
but, E =
section A in which a current I is flowing. Let ‘n’ be l
the number of electrons per unit volume n e2 A V
then, I=

τ
(number density). Now consider a cylindrical ml
volume XY in the conductor of length ‘l’. V ml
= = R (resistance of the conductor)
The number of electrons in this cylinder ,N = nAl I n e2 A

τ
Total charge in the cylinder , q = Ne = nAle RA ml A m
resistivity, ρ= = × =
l 2
ne A l n e2
q nAle

τ
τ
then , current, I = = = neAvd n e2
t t conductivity, σ =

τ
l m
i.e , I = neAvd (where vd = )
t

Another form of ohm’s law (vector form) V

But = E ,the electric field.
ρl l
We have ,V = IR [here, R = ]
A Hence, E = ρ J or J = E/ρ. [ σ = 1/ρ ]
ρl
V =I = lJ or ⃗J =σ ⃗ E .
A
r
I This is the vector form of ohm’s law.
where J = , current density.
A
V
Then, = ρJ
l
9. Limitations of Ohm’s law
1. It is not a universal law. 4. The relation between V and I is not unique.
2. The relation between V and I depends on the i.e, there may be more than one value of V for the same
sign of V. value of current (A material exhibiting such a
3. The relation between V and I is not linear behaviour is GaAs).

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Current Electricity
10. Temperature dependence of resistance(or R1(1+aT2) = R2 (1+aT1)
resistivity) R1+R1aT2 = R2+R2aT1
The resistance of metallic conductors is related to a (R1T2 - R2T1 ) = R2 - R1
temperature as R 2−R1
Rt = R0[1+a(T-T0)] or ρt = ρ0[1+a(T-T0)] a=
R 1 T 2−R2 T 1
where Rt and R0 are the resistances at temperatures T oC
►The resistance of metals generally increases
and T0oC(a reference temperature).
with temperature. They are said to have positive
’a’ is called temperature coefficient of resistance
temperature coefficient of resistance.
having unit K-1 or oC-1. It is defined as the increase in
e.g:- Al, Cu, Brass etc
resistance per unit original resistance at 0oC per unit
►Resistance of certain materials do not change
rise of temperature.
with temperature. They have zero temperature
If R1 and R2 are resistances at temperatures T1oC and
coefficient of resistance. Hence these materials
T2oC respectively, then at T0 = 0oC,
are used for making standard resistance wires in
R1 = R0(1+aT1) resistance boxes.
R2 = R0(1+aT2) e.g:- manganin, constantan etc.
Dividing the equations , ►Resistance of materials like semiconductors
R1 1+ T 1 decreases with rise in temperature. So these
=
α
materials have negative temperature coefficient
R2 1+ T 2
of resistance.
α
on cross multiplying , e.g:- carbon, Germanium, Silicon etc.
Temperature–resistivity graph
Semiconductors Copper Nichrome

11. Colour code of carbon resistors

Carbon resistors has a set of concentric rings/bands of
different colours. The first two bands indicate the first two
digits of resistance. The third indicates decimal multiplier. The
last band stands for tolerance (percentage reliability).

±
**Code:- B.B.Roy of Great Britain has a Very Good Wife. ±
±

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Current Electricity
12.Resistors:- Resistors are electrical components to produce resistance to the flow of current.
Symbol or resistors

Resistor Variable resistor Rheostat

13. Combination of resistors
1.series combination:- 2. parallel combination:-
V
V
R1
V2 I1 I
V1 V3
I2 R2
R1 R2 R3
I3 R3
consider three resistors of values R 1, R2 , R3
connected to a source of pd V. When resistance In parallel connection the pd across the resistors is
are connected in series the current flowing through the same and total current is distributed among the
each resistor will be the same. Let I be the current resistors. Consider three resistors of R1,R2 and R3
flowing through the combination. Let V1 , V2 , and connected in parallel with a source of pd V. Let I1, I2
V3 be the voltage across R1 ,R2 and R3 respectively. and I3 be the currents through R1,R2 and R3 resply.
The V = V1+V2+V3 Then the total current I is , I = I1 + I2 + I3 . …..(1)
But according to Ohm’s Law, V =IR V
But according to Ohm’s law I =
Then , V1= IR1 , V2 = IR2 , V3 = IR3 and V =IRs R
where Rs is the effective resistance of the V V V V
I1 = , I2 = , I3 = and I =
combination. R1 R2 R3 Rp
Then , IRs = IR1 + IR2 + IR3 where Rp is the effective resistance of the combination.
= I (R1 + R2 +R3 ) V V V V
(1) => = + +
then , Rs = R1 + R2 + R3 R p R1 R2 R 3
►The effective resistance in series combination is 1 1 1 1
Then, = + +
greater than the greatest value resistance R p R1 R2 R 3
►The effective resistance in parallel combination is
lesser than the least of the resistors.
Problem :- 1.Write the value of resistance corresponding to the following colour codes.
1. Brown, Green, Orange, Silver 2. Red, Violet, Orange, Silver
3. Red, Red, Red, Gold 4. Yellow, Violet, Brown
3
Ans:1) 15 x 10 ± 10% W 2) 27 x 103 ± 10% W
3) 22 x 102 ± 5% W 4) 47 x 101 ± 20% W
2. (a) Three resistors 1 Ω, 2 Ω, and 3 Ω are combined in series. What is the total resistance of the
combination? [Ans: 6 Ω ]
(b) If the combination is connected to a battery of emf 12 V and negligible internal resistance, obtain the
potential drop across each resistor. [Ans: 2V, 4V, 6V ] (NCERT 3.3)
[Hint- Rs = R1 + R2 + R3 , = 6 Ω ; I = V/R = 12/6 = 2A ; V1 = IR1 = 2V ; V2 = IR2 = 4V ; V3 = IR3 = 6V ]

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Current Electricity
14. Internal resistance and terminal potential
difference of a cell
Internal resistance of a cell is defined as the
resistance offered by the cell when an electric current
flows through it. Internal resistance of a cell depends
on
Consider a cell of emf E and internal resistance r
(i) Nature of electrodes.
connected to an external resistor of resistance R. The
(ii) Nature of electrolyte.
current I in the circuit is given by ,
(iii) Distance between electrodes.
(iv) Area of the plates of electrodes. E
I=
Terminal potential difference of a cell is the pd R+ r
between the terminals of the cell in closed circuit. E = IR + Ir
This is always less than the emf of the cell by an E
The terminal pd, V = IR = ×R
amount equal to the potential drop across the internal R+ r
resistance of the cell. This internal drop is known as E
Lost volt inside the cell = Ir = ×r
lost volt R+ r
The potential difference between +ve and -ve also, E = V + Ir
electrode of a cell under open circuit case is called .·. emf, E = terminal pd + lost volt
emf (£-electromotive force). or, terminal pd = emf – lost volt
Note:- when I = 0 ; V = E .
Thus the terminal pd is equal to the emf of the cell when no current is drawn from it.
15. Grouping of cells
(a) Cells in series (b) Cells in parallel (c) mixed grouping:-

Consider ‘m’ cells each of emf E

Consider ‘m’ cells each of emf E and internal resistance ‘r’ are Each row has ‘n’ cells of emf ‘E’
and internal resistance ‘r’ connected in parallel. Effective and internal resistance ‘r’ and
are connected in series. The internal resistance r’ is given by, there are ‘m’ such rows.
combination is connected to an 1/r' = 1/r + 1/r + 1/r +…… = m/r
external resistor ‘R’. The current Then the number of cells, N=mn
in the circuit is given by then r' = r/m The effective emf in the circuit =
mE Total effective resistance =R+r/m nE
I= Effective emf of the circuit = E Total resistance in the circuit =
R+ mr
E nr/m + R
(effective emf = mE ; effective Main current, I =
R+(r /m) Then the current, I =
resistance = R+mr ) mE nE mnE
= =
mR+ r R+(nr /m) mR+ nr
Problem :- A battery of emf 10 V and internal resistance 3 Ω is connected to a resistor. If the current in the
circuit is 0.5 A, what is the resistance of the resistor? What is the terminal voltage of the battery when the
circuit is closed? [ Ans: 17 Ω , 8.5 V ] (NCERT 3.2)
[ Hint- R = E/I – r , terminal pd, V = E – Ir ]

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Current Electricity
16. Electric power and energy
As a current flows through a wire, it increases ►SI unit of power is watt(W).
the vibrational kinetic energy of the atoms and hence ►Another unit is horse power (hp).
it generates heat. The energy dissipated per unit time 1Hp = 746 W
is called electric power. ►Electrical energy = Electric power x time =V I t
Consider the flow of electrons through a conductor V2t
under a pd ‘V’ in time Δt, energy lost by a charge = = I2 R t .
R
Δq in moving from one point to another of a ►SI unit of electrical energy is joule (J).
conductor = V Δq. ►Commercial unit is kilowatt hour (kWh)
The energy dissipated per unit time 1 kWh = 3.6 x 106 J
Δq Δq ►Joule’s law of heating
=V = VI (where =I) It states that, the heat energy dissipated in a
Δt Δt
current carrying conductor (resistor) is given by
V2
.·. Electric power , P = VI =I2R = . H = I2 R t , where I is the current, R is the
R
resistance and t is the time of flow of current.
17. Kirchhoff’s Rule
(i). First rule / junction rule / current rule.
In loop AEFDA => I1R1 - I2R2 + E2 - E1 = 0
The law states that algebraic I2 or, I1R1 - I2R2 = E1 - E2
I1 O
sum of currents meeting at I3 In loop EBCFE In loop ABCDA
a junction is zero. I5 => I3R3 - E2 + I2R2 = 0 =>I3R3 - E1+ I1R1 = 0
I4
Or or, I3R3 + I2R2 = E2 or, I1 R1 + I3R3 = E1
Current entering a junction = Current leaving the ► This law is in accordance with law of conservation
junction. of energy
I1 + I 2 – I3 + I 4 – I5 = 0 ►Sign convention- Following shows the method to
or choose sign of emf and potential difference across
I1 + I 2 + I4 = I 3 + I 5 resistance (choose internal resistance as a resistance)
► This law is in accordance with law of
conservation of electric charge.
(ii). Second law / loop rule / voltage rule.
A E
I1 1 D
R1
E R2 I2 E2 F

I3 R3
B C
The law states that the algebraic sum of the product
of the current and resistance in a closed circuit is
equal to the net emf in it.
Problem :- Compute the number of electrons passing per second through an electric bulb of 60 W, 220 V
[Hint – P = 60 W ; V = 220 V ; P = IV ; I = P/V = 60/220 = 3/11 A [ Ans : 1.02×1020 ]
3×60 180
Q = It = =180/11 ; Q = ne ; n = Q/e = = 1.02×1020 ]
11 11×1.6×10 −19

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Current Electricity
18. Wheatstone’s principle
B I1 = I g + I 3
I3 I2 + I g = I 4
P Q under balanced condition , Ig = 0 , then
I1 = I3 ----------(1)
I1 Ig
I2 = I4 ----------(2)
A G C Applying kirchhoff’s loop rule to loops ABDA &
I2 BDCB
I4 I1P + IgG – I2R = 0
R S IgG + I4S – I3Q = 0
D under balanced condition , Ig = 0 , then
I1P – I2R = 0 or, I1P = I2R -----------(3)
Key I4S – I3Q = 0 or, I3Q = I4S -----------(4)
Applying equations (1) & (2) in (3)
Wheatstone’s bridge is an arrangement of four I3P = I4S -----------(5)
resistors as in fig. When no current flows through the Dividing equation (5)/(4) ;
galvanometer, the bridge is said to be in balanced P R
=
condition ( ie, Ig = 0 ). Q S
Applying kirchhoff’s junction rule at junctions B and This is the balancing condition of a wheatstone’s
D: bridge. Knowing three resistors, the fourth resistor
can be calculated.
19. Metre bridge/slide wire bridge
As the jockey slides over the wire AC, it shows zero
deflection at the balancing point (null point). If the
length AD is l1, then the length DC is ( 100−l1 ).
l1 Then, according to Wheatstone’s principle;
S R
= ;where ‘r’ is the
l 1 r (100−l1 )r
resistance per unit length of the metre bridge wire
Now, the unknown resistance can be calculated as,
Rl1
The metre bridge, also known as the slide wire S=
(100−l 1)
bridge consists of a one metre long wire of uniform
cross sectional area, fixed on a wooden block. A ►The specific resistance or resistivity of the
scale is attached to the block. Two gaps are formed material of the wire can be then calculated by using
on it by using thick metal strips in order to make the X Π a2
the relation, ρ= Where ‘L’ is the length of
Wheat stones bridge. L
A resistance wire is introduced in gap S and the the wire and ‘a’ its radius.
resistance box is in gap R. One end of the
►The balancing length remains unchanged, if the
galvanometer is connected to terminal B and its other
cell and galvanometer in Wheatstone bridge were
end is connected to a jockey D. A suitable resistance
interchanged.
R is taken in the box and the circuit is closed.
Problem :- The resistance of each arm of the Wheatstone’s bridge is 10 ohm. A resistance of 10 ohm is
connected in series with a galvanometer then the equivalent resistance across the battery will be----
[Ans :10 ohm] [Hint- Under balanced condition, Ig = 0 (open circuit) ]

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Current Electricity
20. Potentiometer
Poentiometer is a device used to measure the Let ‘r’ be the resistance per unit length of the wire.
potential difference accurately. When the key is closed, let I be the steady current
flowing through the circuit. Pd (fall of potential ) per
unit length of the wire = Ir
For a length l, the fall of potential = Irl
A J The positive of a cell E is connected to A and the
negative to a jockey through a galvanometer. This is
Rh the secondary circuit. The jockey is moved along
B the wire and the balancing length AJ = l, where the
k galvanometer shows null deflection is found out.
Then the
It consists of a uniform resistance wire AB of length emf of the cell , E = pd between A and J = Irl
10m. There are 2 circuits called primary and i.e , Eαl
secondary. A metre scale is kept parallel to the
segments help to measure the balancing length. ------------------------------------------------------------
Primary circuit consists of a cell (E), key and a ►Uses of potentiometer are :
rheostat and the secondary circuit consists of a cell 1. To compare the emf s of two cells
E1 , galvanometer, high resistance and a jokey as 2. To measure the internal resistance of a cell.
shown in the figure. [ E> E 1]
21. Use 1 : To compare emf of two cells.
The first cell E1 is included in the secondary circuit
by using the two-way key. The balancing length ‘l1’
is noted, then
E1 α l1 ------------(1)
The second cell E2 is then included and the balancing
length l2 is noted ,then
E2 α l2 -----------(2)

(1) E 1 l1
Connections are done as in the above diagram. The => =
(2) E 2 l2
primary circuit is closed.
Problem :-
1. In a metre bridge, the balancing length from the left end (standard resistance of one ohm is in the right
gap) is found to be 20 cm. Find the value of the unknown resistance. [Ans. 0.25 ohm]
Rl1 1×20
S= = = 0.25 ohm ]
(100−l 1) (100−20)
2. In a potentiometer arrangement, a cell of emf 1.25 V gives a balance point at 35.0 cm length of the wire.
If the cell is replaced by another cell and the balance point shifts to 63.0 cm, what is the emf of the
second cell? [ Ans : 2.25 V] (NCERT 3.12)
E 1 l1
[Hint - use = ]
E 2 l2

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11
Current Electricity
Use 2 : To find the internal resistance of a cell
ER
,where ‘r’ is the internal resistance of the
R+ r
cell.
Now if l2 is the balancing length then,
ER
l ----------(2)
R+ r 2

α
(1) R+ r l 1
=> =
(2) R l2
Connections are done as in the above diagram. A R l1
resistance box R is connected across the cell through a R+r =
l2
key K1. With the key open, determine the balancing
length l1. Then the emf of the cell, R l1
E α l1 ----------(1) r= −R
l2
A suitable resistance R is taken in the resistance box
and the key K1 is closed. The pd at the terminals of the R(l 1−l 2 )
r=
cell falls to ‘terminal pd’ l2

► Since potentiometer work on null deflection method, there is no current loss in potentiometer while
measuring emf. So potentiometer is preferred over voltmeter in measuring emf of a cell.

22. Problems: -
1. The drift velocity of free electron in a conductor is 7 x 10−6 ms−1. If the area of cross-section and
the number density of free electrons are 10−4 m 2 and 9 x 1028 m−3 respectively, calculate the current in it.
[Hint: I = n e A ϑ d ; ϑ d=7 x 10−6 ms−1, n =9 x 1028 m−3, A=10−4 m 2, e= 1.6 x 10−19 C: I=10A ]
2. The number density of electrons in a copper conductor is 8.5 x 1028 m−3. How long does an electron take to
drift from one end of the wire of 3m long to its other end? The area of cross-section of the wire is 2 x 10−6
and it carries a current of 3A.
I 3 l l 3
[Hint: ϑ d = = −6 =1.1x 10 ms−1; ϑ d= ; t= ϑ =
−4
28
n e A 8.5 x 10 x 1.6 x 10 x 2 x 10
−19
t d 1.1 x 10−4
=2.22x 104 s]
3. A secondary cell has an e.m.f of 1.9 V and internal resistance of 380Ω. It is connected to an external
resistance of 20Ω. Calculate current from the cell.
E 1.9 1.9
[Hint: V = IR = E – Ir ; I = = = = 0.00475 A]
R +r 380+20 400
4. A silver wire has a resistance of 2.1Ω at 27.5°C and a resistance of 2.7Ω at 100°C. Determine its
temperature coefficient of resistance.
R2−R1 2.7−2.1 0.6 0.6
[ Hint: ∝ = =∝= = = =0.0039. Ans: 3.9 x 10−3 /° C ]
R 1 t 2−R2 t 1 2.1 x 100−2.7 x 27.5 210−74.25 135.75

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Current Electricity
5. Resistance n, each of r ohm, when connected in parallel give an equivalent resistance of R ohm. If these
resistances were connected in series, what would be the effective resistance in ohms?
[When connected in parallel (1/R)=(n/r) or r=nR, then for series combination Reff=nr=n*nR = n2R]
6. A wire has a resistance of 12Ω. It is bent in the form of a circle. Find the effective resistance between
the two points on any diameter of the circle. [Ans: 3Ω]
7. A resistor of 5Ω resistance is connected in series with a parallel combination of a number of resistors
each of 6Ω. If the total resistance of the combination is 7Ω, how many resistors are in parallel? [Ans: 3]
[hint- (n/6)=1/Rp or Rp=6/n. Then 7=5+(6/n) or 6/n=2 : n=3]
23. Previous year questions
1. a) Draw Wheatstone’s bridge and write its balancing condition.(2 mark)
b) Determine the value of resistance R in the figure, assuming
that the current through the galvanometer (G) is zero. (2 mark)
[ March 2021 ]
2. In the figure shown below
(a) Which are the resistors connected in parallel ?
(b) Calculate the current drawn from the cell
(3 mark)
[ March 2021 ]
3. (a) Write the working principle of a potentiometer.
(b) With a neat circuit diagram and with relevant equations explain how the emf of two cells are compared
using a potentiometer. (5 mark) [ March 2021 ]
4. Calculate the current flowing through the following circuit (2 mark).
[ Say 2021 ]

5. State the principle of a potentiometer. (2 mark)

[ Say 2021 ]
6. A battery of emf 10 V and internal resistance 3 ohm is connected to an external resistor. If the current in
the circuit is 0.5 A, what is the value of the external resistance ? What is the terminal voltage of the battery
when the circuit is closed ? (2+1) [ Say 2021 ]
7. State Kirchhoff’s rules. (2)
Use Kirchhoff’s rules to obtain conditions for the balance in Wheatstone bridge. (3) [ Say 2021 ]

8. Three resistors R1, R2, R3, are to be combined as

shown in the figures
a) Identify the series and parallel combinations.
b) Which combination has lowest effective
resistance?
c) Arrive at the expression for the effective
resistance of parallel combination.
[ March 2020 ] B I3
9. A Wheatstone bridge is shown in figure. P Q
I1 Ig
(a) Derive a relation connecting the four resistors for the galvanometer A G C
to give zero or null deflection. I2
(b) Name a practical device which uses this principle. R I4 S
[ March 2020 ] D
Key

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Current Electricity
10. The figure shows the diagram of a potentiometer.
(a) Give the principle of a potentiometer.
(b) The length of AB is 3 m and resistance per unit length of the
potentiometer wire is 4 ohm/m. If E1 = 4V, R = 20 ohm and E2 = 1 V
find the length of the potentiometer wire that balances E2 .
(c) If E2 > E1 can we get the null deflection in galvanometer. Give reason
[ Say 2020 ]
11. You are given three resistors each of resistance R.
(a) How will you combine them to get the
(i) Maximum effective resistance
(ii) Minimum effective resistance
(b) Derive equation for minimum effective resistance. [ Say 2020 ]
12. The temperature dependence of resistivity of a material is shown below
(a) Identify the type of material. (1)
(b) Write the relation between resistivity and average collision time for electron. (1)
[ March 2019 ]
13. The experimental set up to find an unknown resistance using a Metre bridge is shown below:
(a) What is the working principle of Metre bridge? (1 mark)
(b) If the balance point is found to be at 39.5 cm from the end A, the
resister S is of 12.5 ohm. Determine the resistance R. Why are the
connection between resistors in a metre bridge made of thick copper
strips? (score:2+1)
(c) If the galvanometer and the cell are interchanged at the balance point
of the bridge would the galvanometer show any current? (1 mark) [ March 2019 ]
14. (a) with suitable circuit diagram, show how emfs of two cells can be compared using potentiometer
(b) why do we prefer potentiometer to measure the e.m.f. of a cell than a voltmeter? [ Say 2019 ]

15. (a) Express ohm's law in terms of current density and conductivity. (1)
(b) Draw a graph showing the variation of resistivity with temperature
for a semiconductor. (1 mark)
(c) Find the equivalent resistance of the network between the points
P and Q. (3 mark) [ Say 2019 ]
16. How will you represent a resistance of 3700 Ω ± 5% using colour code? (1 mark) [ March 2018 ]
17. What do you mean by drift velocity ? Write the relation between drift velocity and electric current.
(2 mark) [ March 2018 ]
18. The circuit diagram of a potentiometer for determining the emf 'E' of
a cell of negligible internal resistance is as shown in figure.
(a) State the principle of working of a potentiometer.
(b) How the balancing length AI changes when the
value of Rl decreases.
(c) Derive an expression to find out internal resistance of a cell.
(Score: 1+1+3) [ March 2018 ]
19. A uniform wire of resistance 40ohm is cut into 4 equal part and they are connected parallel. Find effective
resistance of the combination? (2) [ Say 2018 ]

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Current Electricity
20. The experimental setup for the comparison two resistances is shown below
(a) The working principle of the above device is ………
(b) In figure, Let R is the effective resistance of series combination of
two 3 Ω resistors and S is the effective resistance of parallel
combination of two 3 Ω resistors. The balancing point is obtained at
D. If the length AC is 100, find the length AD of the wire.
(score :1+2) [ Say 2018 ]
21. The circuit shown can be analyzed using Kirchhoff’s law
(a) Apply Kirchhoff s first law to the point B.
(b) State Kirchhoff’s second law.
(c) Apply Kirchhoff s second law to the mesh ABFGA.
(score :1+2+1) [ Say 2018 ]
24. Additional Problems-
1. The resistance of a wire is ‘R’ ohm. If it is melted and stretched
to ‘n’ times its original length, its new
resistance will be (NEET 2017)
R 2 R
(a) (b) n R (c) 2 (d) nR
n n
2. The electric resistance of a certain wire of iron is R. If its length and radius are both doubled, then
(a) The resistance will be doubled and the specific resistance will be halved
(b) The resistance will be halved and the specific resistance will remain unchanged
(c) The resistance will be halved and the specific resistance will be doubled
(d) The resistance and the specific resistance, will both remain unchanged (2004)
–4 –1 –10 –1
3. A charged particle having drift velocity of 7.5 ×10 m s in an electric field of 3 ×10 Vm , has a
mobility in m2V–1s–1 of (NEET 2020)
15 6 -6 –15
(a) 2.25×10 (b) 2.5 ×10 (c) 2.5 ×10 (d) 2.25 ×10
4. The color code of a resistance is given below

The values of resistance and tolerance, respectively, are (NEET 2020)

(a) 470 kΩ , 5% (b) 47 kΩ , 10% (c) 4.7 kΩ , 5% (d)470 Ω, 5%
5. The solids which have the negative temperature coefficient of resistance are
(a) metals (b) insulators only
(c) semiconductors only (d) insulators and semiconductors. (NEET 2020)
6. Copper and silicon is cooled from 300 K to 60 K, the specific resistance
(a) decreases in copper but increases in silicon (b) increases in copper but decreases in silicon
(c) increases in both (d) decreases in both. (2001)
2
7. The charge flowing through a resistance R varies with time t as Q = at – bt , where a and b are positive
constants. The total heat produced in R is (NEET 2016)
3 3 3 3
a R a R a R a R
(a) (b) (c) (d)
2b b 6b 3b
8. A 5 ampere fuse wire can withstand a maximum power of 1 watt in the circuit. The resistance of the
fuse wire is (2005)
(a) 0.04 ohm (b) 0.2 ohm (c) 5 ohm (d) 0.4 ohm

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Current Electricity
9. Two bulbs are of (40 W, 200 V), and (100 W, 200 V). Then correct relation for their resistances is
(a) R40 < R100 (b) R40 > R 100 (2000)
(c) R40 = R100 (d) no relation can be predicted.
10. A wire of resistance 12 ohms per meter is bent to form a complete circle of radius 10 cm. The
resistance between its two diametrically opposite points, A and B as shown in the figure is
(a) 3 Ω (b) 6π Ω (c) 6 Ω (d) 0.6π Ω (2009)
11. In a potentiometer two cells are connected in series first to support one another and then in opposite
direction. The balancing points are obtained at 50 cm and 10 cm from the positive end of the wire in the
two cases. The ratio of emf’s is: NEET-2016
A)3:2 B) 5:1 C)5:4 D)3:4
12. The amount of charge flowing per unit area normal to the flow is called (KEAM ENGG-2016)
A) Electrical conductivity B)Electrical resistivity
C) Mobility D) Current density E) Areal current
13. Nichrome is used as the electrical heating element because of its (KEAM ENGG-2016)
A) Negative temperature coefficient of resistance B) Low melting point
C) Weak dependence of resistivity with temperature D) Semiconducting nature
E) Strong dependence of resistivity with temperature
14. Consider the following two statements. (2010)
(A) Kirchhoff ’s junction law follows from the conservation of charge.
(B) Kirchhoff ’s loop law follows from the conservation of energy. Which of the following is correct?
(a) Both (A) and (B) are wrong. (b) (A) is correct and (B) is wrong.
(c) (A) is wrong and (B) is correct. (d) Both (A) and (B) are correct.
15. n equal resistors are first connected in series and then connected in parallel. What is the ratio of the
maximum to the minimum resistance ?
(a) n (b) 1/n2 (c) n2 (d) 1/n
Answer - Additional problems
ρl ' ρ nl n2 ρ l
1. Ans. b Resistance of the stretched wire is R’= = = = n2R; Here used A'l'=Al
A' ( A/n) A
2. Ans. b
3. Ans. b, Mobility μ = Vd/E = e τ/m
4. Ans d
5. Ans. D
6. (a) : Specific resistance is a property of a material and it increases with the increase of
temperature, but not vary with the dimensions (length, cross-section) of the conductor
7. Ans. C (I =dQ/dt= a − 2 bt & At t=0, Q =0 ⇒ I =0 Also, I=0 at t = a/2b & Heat produced is
8. Ans. a : P = i 2 R or 1 = 25 × R
9. Ans. b : P =V2/R or, R ∝(1/P )
10.Ans. d : Wire of length 2π× 0.1 m of resistance 12 Ω/m is bent to form a circle.
Resistance of each part= 12 × π × 0.1 = 1.2π Ω
11. Ans. a (Hint- E1+E2 α 50 & E1-E2 α 10)
12. Ans d
13. Ans: C Weak dependence of resistivity with temperature
14. Ans d
15. Ans. C

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