Electric Current,

Ohm’s Law
 Charge is a fundamental particle of matter. It may be positive
and negative.

S.I. unit of charge is Coulomb (C).

Static and Current Electricity: Static electricity deals with

the electric charges at rest while the current electricity deals
with the electric charges in motion.
Electric Current: The electric current is defined as the rate of flow of
electric charge through any cross section of a conductor.

Electric current = Charge/Time

or I=Q/t

Electric current is a scalar quantity.

Ampere: It is the SI unit of current. If one Coulomb of

charge flows through any cross-section of a

conductor in one second, then current through it is

said to be one ampere.

 1A = 1000mA
1A = 1000000 uA
Electric circuit: The closed path along which
an electric current flows is called an ‘electric
circuit’.
Conventional direction of current: Conventionally, the direction of
motion of positive charges through the conductor is taken as the
direction of current. The direction of conventional current is opposite
to that of the negatively charged electrons.
Galvanometer: It is a device to detect current in
an electric circuit.
Ammeter: It is a device to measure current in a circuit. It is
a low resistance galvanometer and is always connected in
series in a circuit.
Electric potential is the amount of electric
potential energy at a point while Potential
difference is the difference in the amount of
electric potential energy between two points in
an electric circuit.
 It is known as voltage, which is equal to the work done
to move a unit charge from one point to another
against static field.

Voltage (V)=work done (W)/charge (Q)

S.I unit of potential difference is Volt (V)

1 Volt : When 1 Joule of work is done in carrying one Coulomb charge then potential
difference is called

1 Volt. 1 V = 1 JC-1
Voltmeter: It is a device to measure the potential difference. It
is a high resistance galvanometer and is always connected in
parallel to the component across which the potential
difference is to be measured. Symbol is,
 Ohm’s Law: It states that “the current through a conductor
between two points is directly proportional to the voltage across
the two points provided external conditions remain constant”.

(i) Mathematical expression for Ohm’s law:

∝
I V
V = IR
(where, R = Resistance)
 (ii) V-I graph for Ohm’s law : The
graph between V and I is always
straight line with slope equals to R.
Resistance (R): It is the property of a conductor to
resist the flow of charges through it.

(i) S.I. unit of resistance is Ohm (Ω).

(ii) 1 Ohm = 1 volt /1 Ampere

Rheostat: Rheostat is a variable resistor used to
regulate current without changing the source of
voltage.
 Factors on which the resistance of a conductor depends:

Resistance of a uniform metallic conductor is,

(i) Directly proportional to the length of the conductor.

(ii) Inversely proportional to the area of crosssection.
(iii) Directly proportional to the temperature.
(iv) Depends on nature of the material.
Resistivity (r): The resistance offered by a wire of unit length
and unit cross-sectional area is called resistivity.

Its S.I. unit is Ohm-metre (Ωm).

Resistivity does not change with change in length or area
of cross-section but it changes with change in
temperature.
It depends on the material of the conductor
Range of resistivity of metals and alloys is 10–8 to 10–6
Ωm.
Range of resistivity of insulators is 10^12 to 10^17 Ωm.
Resistivity of alloy is generally higher than that of its
constituent metals.
Alloys do not oxidize (burn) readily at high temperature, so
they are commonly used in electrical heating devices.
Copper and aluminium are used for electrical
transmission lines as they have low resistivity.
Resistivity
 (Q-1). What is the relationship between
resistance and current?

(A) THEY ARE DIRECTLY RELATED TO EACH OTHER

(B) THEY ARE INVERSELY RELATED TO EACH OTHER
(C) THE RESISTANCE HAS A GREATER MAGNITUDE THAN
THE CURRENT
(D) THE CURRENT HAS A GREATER MAGNITUDE THAN
THE RESISTANCE
 (Q-1). What is the relationship between
resistance and current?

(A) THEY ARE DIRECTLY RELATED TO EACH OTHER

(B) THEY ARE INVERSELY RELATED TO EACH OTHER
(C) THE RESISTANCE HAS A GREATER MAGNITUDE THAN
THE CURRENT
(D) THE CURRENT HAS A GREATER MAGNITUDE THAN
THE RESISTANCE
Answer:B
 (Q-2). The resistance whose V – I graph is given
below is

(A) 5/3 Ω
(B) 7/5 Ω
(C) 3/5 Ω
(D) 2/5 Ω
 (Q-2). The resistance whose V – I graph is given
below is

(A) 5/3 Ω
(B) 7/5 Ω
(C) 3/5 Ω
(D) 2/5 Ω

Answer:C
 (Q-4). (a) State Ohm’s Law. Represent it mathematically.
(b) Define 1 ohm.
(c) What is the resistance of a conductor through which a current
of 0.5 A flows when a potential difference of 2V is applied across
its ends?

Answer:
 (Q-4). (a) State Ohm’s Law. Represent it mathematically.
(b) Define 1 ohm.
(c) What is the resistance of a conductor through which a current
of 0.5 A flows when a potential difference of 2V is applied across
its ends?

Answer:
(a) Ohm’s law: It states that “Electric current through a metallic
conductor is directly proportional to potential difference across the
conductor of the circuit provided that temperature and other physical
quantities are remain constant.

Mathematical expression for Ohm’s Law:

I∝ V.
Or V = IR
Or I = V/R
Where, R = constant called resistance of a given metal
(Q-6). How is a voltmeter connected in the circuit to measure the
potential
difference between two points?

Answer:
(Q-6). How is a voltmeter connected in the circuit to measure the
potential
difference between two points?

Answer:

A voltmeter is connected in parallel to the

resistance across the place where the
potential difference is to be determined
 (Q-7).

Answer:
 (Q-7).

Answer:
 (Q-8).

A bulb is rated 40W, 220V. Find the current

drawn by it, when it is connected to a 220V
supply. Also find its resistance. If the given
bulb is replaced by a bulb of rating 25W, 220V,
will be there be any change in the value of
current and resistance ? Justify your answer
and determine the change.
Answer:
Answer:
(Q-9).

Answer:
(Q-9).

Answer:
 Resistance in Series and
Parallel Combination,

Electric Power and Heating

Effects of Electric Current
Resistances in series: When two or more resistances are
connected end to end so that same current flows through each
one of them in turn, they are said to be connected in series. Here,
the total resistance is equal to the sum of the individual
resistances.

Rs = Rl + R2 + R3 + ........
Resistances in parallel: When two or more resistances are
connected across two points so that each one of them
provides a separate path for current, they are said to be
connected in parallel. Here, the reciprocal of their
combined resistance is equal to the sum of the reciprocals
of the individual resistances.

1/RP = 1/R1+ 1/R2+ 1/R3 ..........

 Heating effect of current : When an electric current is
passed through a conductor, heat is produced in it. This
is known as heating effect of current.
 Joule’s law of heating: It states that the heat
produced in a conductor is directly proportional to
(i) the square of the current I flowing through it,
(ii) its resistance R and
(iii) the time t, for which current is passed.
Mathematically, it can be expressed as :
Electric energy: It is the total work done in maintaining an electric

current in an electric circuit for a given time. Electric energy,

W = VIt = I2 Rt Joule
 Electric Fuse: It is a safety device that protects our electrical appliances in
case of short circuit or overloading.

(i) Fuse is made up of pure tin or alloy of copper and tin.

(ii) Fuse is always connected in series with live wire.
(iii) Fuse has low melting point.
(iv) Current capacity of fuse is slightly higher than that of the appliance.
Electric Power: The rate at which electric energy is consumed or
dissipated in an electric circuit :

P = VI

P = I2R = V2/ R

S.I. unit of power = Watt (W)

1 Watt = 1 Volt × 1 Ampere

Commercial unit of electric energy = kilo Watt-hour (KWh)

1 kWh = 3.6 × 10^6 J

1 kWh = 1 unit of electric energy
Watt: It is the SI unit of power. The power of an
appliance is 1 Watt if one Ampere of current flows
through it on applying a potential difference of 1 Volt
across its ends.

1 Watt = 1 Joule /1 Second = 1 Volt × 1 Ampere

or 1 W = 1 Js–1
1 kilowatt = 1000 W
Kilowatt hour: It is the commercial unit of electrical
energy. One kilowatt hour is the electrical energy
consumed by an appliance of 1000 watts when used
for one hour.

1 kilowatt hour (kWh) = 3·6 × 10^6 J

 (Q-2). What is the maximum resistance which
can be made using five resistors each of 1/5 Ω?

(A) 1/5 Ω
(B) 10 Ω
(C) 5 Ω
(D) 1 Ω
 (Q-2). What is the maximum resistance which
can be made using five resistors each of 1/5 Ω?

(A) 1/5 Ω
(B) 10 Ω
(C) 5 Ω
(D) 1 Ω

Answer:D
 (Q-3).A fuse wire repeatedly gets burnt when
used with a good heater. It is advised to use a
fuse wire of

(A) MORE LENGTH

(B) MORE RADIUS
(C) LESS LENGTH
(D) LESS RADIUS
 (Q-3).A fuse wire repeatedly gets burnt when
used with a good heater. It is advised to use a
fuse wire of

(A) MORE LENGTH

(B) MORE RADIUS
(C) LESS LENGTH
(D) LESS RADIUS

Answer:B
 (Q-4).If n resistors each of resistance R are
connected in parallel combination, then their
equivalent resistance is

(A) R/N
(B) N2/R
(C) N/R
(D) R/N2
 (Q-4).If n resistors each of resistance R are
connected in parallel combination, then their
equivalent resistance is

(A) R/N
(B) N2/R
(C) N/R
(D) R/N2

Answer:A
(Q-2). In a circuit if two resistors of 5 W and
10 W are connected in series, compare the
current passing through the two resistors.

Answer:
(Q-2). In a circuit if two resistors of 5 W and
10 W are connected in series, compare the
current passing through the two resistors.

Answer:
In a series connection of
resistors, same current passes
through all the resistors. Hence,
current will be same. Ratio of
the currents will be 1 : 1.
 (Q-3). . A student has two resistors- 2 Ω and 3 Ω. She has to
put one of them in place of R2 as shown in the circuit. The
current that she needs in the entire circuit is exactly 9A.
Show by calculation which of the two resistors she should
choose.

Answer:
 (Q-3). . A student has two resistors- 2 Ω and 3 Ω. She has to
put one of them in place of R2 as shown in the circuit. The
current that she needs in the entire circuit is exactly 9A.
Show by calculation which of the two resistors she should
choose.

Answer:
(Q-4). In the given circuit determine the value
of: (i) Total resistance of the circuit. (ii) Current
flowing through the ammeter.
Answer:
Answer:
 (Q-5). Why does the cord of an electric
heater not glow while the heating element
does?

Answer:
 (Q-5). Why does the cord of an electric
heater not glow while the heating element
does?

Answer: The heating element of the heater is made

up of an alloy which has very high
resistance. So, when current flows through
the heating element, it becomes too hot and
glows red due to the heating effect of
current. But the resistance of cord which is
usually of copper or aluminium is very low so
it does not glow.
 (Q-6). Why are coils of electric toasters and electric
irons made of an alloy rather
than a pure metal?

Answer:
 (Q-6). Why are coils of electric toasters and electric
irons made of an alloy rather
than a pure metal?

Answer: The following reasons are why the coils of

electric toasters and electric irons
are built of an alloy rather than a pure
metal:
(i) An alloy's resistivity is higher than that of
pure metal.
(ii) An alloy does not melt at high
temperatures
 (Q-7).

An electric motor rated 1100 W is connected to 220 V mains. Find:

(i) The current drawn from the mains,
(ii) Electric energy consumed if the motor is used for 5 hours daily
for 6 days.
(iii) Total cost of energy consumed if the rate of one unit is Rs.5.
Answer:
Answer:
 (Q-8). When a 12 v battery is connected across an
unknown resistor, there is a current of 2.5 mA in the
circuit. Find the value of the resistance of the
resistor.

Answer:
 (Q-8). When a 12 v battery is connected across an
unknown resistor, there is a current of 2.5 mA in the
circuit. Find the value of the resistance of the
resistor.

Answer:
 (Q-9). Ammeter burns out when
connected in parallel. Give
reasons.

Answer:
 (Q-9). Ammeter burns out when
connected in parallel. Give
reasons.

Answer: When a low-resistance wire is connected in

series, a huge quantity of current travels
through it, causing it to be burned, or short-
circuited.
 (Q-10). Draw a schematic diagram of a circuit
consisting of 3 V battery, 5 ohm, 3ohm and
1ohm resistor, an ammeter and a plug key, all
connected in series.

Answer:
 (Q-10). Draw a schematic diagram of a circuit
consisting of 3 V battery, 5 ohm, 3ohm and
1ohm resistor, an ammeter and a plug key, all
connected in series.

The circuit diagram of a circuit consisting of 3 V battery, 5

Answer: ohm, 3ohm, and 1 ohm, resistor, an ammeter and a plug key,
all connected in series can be represented as show below,
 (Q-11). A number of n resistors each of resistance R are
first connected in series and then in parallel. What is the
ratio of the total effective resistance of the circuit is
series combination and parallel combination?

Answer:
 (Q-11). A number of n resistors each of resistance R are
first connected in series and then in parallel. What is the
ratio of the total effective resistance of the circuit is
series combination and parallel combination?

Answer:
(Q-12).How does use of fuse wire protect electrical
appliances?

Answer:
 (Q-12).How does use of fuse wire protect electrical
appliances?

Answer:
When a large quantity of current passes through the circuit, the
temperature of the wire rises and the fuse wire melts. This prevents
current from flowing into the house's other circuits, saving electrical
appliances.
(Q-13).What is the resistance of an ammeter?

Answer:
 (Q-13).What is the resistance of an ammeter?

Answer:

An ammeter's resistance is very minimal, and in

an ideal ammeter, it is zero.
 (Q-14).
(a) Three resistors R1, R2 and R3 are connected in
parallel and the combination is connected to a battery,
ammeter, voltmeter and key. Draw suitable circuit
diagram and obtain an expression for the equivalent
resistance of the combination of the resistors.

(b) Calculate the equivalent resistance of the following

network:
Answer:
Answer:
 (Q-15).
The diagram given is a schematic diagram of a household circuit. The house
shown in the above diagram has 5 usable spaces where electrical connections
are made. For this house, the mains have a voltage of 220 V and the net current
coming from the mains is 22A.
(a) What is the mode of connection to all the spaces in the house from the
mains?
(b) The spaces 5 and 4 have the same resistance and spaces 3 and 2 have
respective resistances of 20 Ω and 30 Ω. Space 1 has a resistance double that of
space 5. What is the net resistance for space 5.
(c) What is the current in space 3?
(d) What should be placed between the main connection and the rest of the
house’s electrical appliances to save them from accidental high electric
current?
Answer:
Answer:
(Q-16).Assertion (A): Alloys are commonly used in electrical
heating devices like electric iron and heater.
Reason (R): Resistivity of an alloy is generally higher than
that of its constituent metals but the alloys have low melting
points than their constituent metals

Answer:
(Q-16).Assertion (A): Alloys are commonly used in electrical
heating devices like electric iron and heater.
Reason (R): Resistivity of an alloy is generally higher than
that of its constituent metals but the alloys have low melting
points than their constituent metals

Answer:
Assertion (A) is true but Reason (R) is false.

Explanation : The resistivity and melting point of alloys

are much higher than their constituent metals. Thus, they
are commonly used in electrical heating devices like
electric iron and heater.
(Q-17).The table shows four different materials and their
resistivity.
Q. 1. Which material is the best conductor of electricity?
(A)Material 1
(B) Material 2
(C) Material 3
(D) Material 4
Q. 1. Which material is the best conductor of electricity?
(A)Material 1
(B) Material 2
(C) Material 3
(D) Material 4
Competency: Explaining Phenomena Scientifically

Answer:A
Q. 2. What is the SI unit of Resistivity?
(A)m
(B) Ω
(C) Ωm
(D) N
Q. 2. What is the SI unit of Resistivity? Competency:
Explaining Phenomena Scientifically
(A)m
(B) Ω
(C) Ωm
(D) N

Answer:C
Q. 3. Why is nichrome wire used in many electrical
heating devices?
(A)It has low resistivity and low melting point.
(B) It has high resistivity and low melting point.
(C) It has low resistivity and high melting point.
(D)It has high resistivity and high melting point.
Competency: Explaining Phenomena Scientifically
Q. 3. Why is nichrome wire used in many electrical
heating devices?
(A)It has low resistivity and low melting point.
(B) It has high resistivity and low melting point.
(C) It has low resistivity and high melting point.
(D)It has high resistivity and high melting point.

Answer:D
Q. 4. Which element will be used for electrical
transmission lines?
(A)Iron
(B) Copper
(C) Tungsten
(D) mercury
Q. 4. Which element will be used for electrical
transmission lines?
(A)Iron
(B) Copper
(C) Tungsten
(D) mercury

Answer:B