Electric Current

CURRENT ELECTRICITY
Preface
In the past chapters we studied the interactions of electric charge at rest ; Now we are zready
to study charges in motion. An electric current consists of charges in motion from one region
to another. When this motion takes place within the conducting path that forms a closed loop,
the path is called the electric circuit.
In this chapter we will study the basic properties of electric currents. To understand the behavior
of currents in electric circuits, we will describe the properties of conductors and how they
depends on temperature.
If you look inside TV, your computer or your stereo receiver or under the hood of a car, you will
find circuits of much greater complexity than the simple circuits.
In this chapter we study general methods for analyzing such networks, including how to find
unknown voltages, currents and properties of circuits element. We will determine the equivalent
for several resistors connected in series or in parallel. For more general networks we need two
rule called kirchoff's rule. our principal concern in this chapter is with direct current circuits in
which directionof current does not change with time.
This book consists of theoritical & practical explanations of all the concepts involved in the
chapter. Each article followed by a ladder of illustration. At the end of the theory part, there are
miscellaneous solved examples which involve the application of multiple concepts of this chapter.
Students are advised to go through all these solved examples in order to develope bettter
understanding of the chapter and to have better grasping level in the class.
Total number of Questions in this chapter are :

(i) In chapter Examples ....................... 50
(ii) Solved Examples
....................... 38
Total no. of questions ....................... 88
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CURRENT ELECTRICITY
70
1. ELECTRIC CURRENT
(a) When a charge flows in a conductor from

one place to the other, then the rate of flow
of charge is called electric current(i)
(b) The electric current in measured by 'rate of
flow of charge'.
or
(c) Charge flowing per second from any cross
section of the conductor is called electric
current,
Current i =
(d)
(e)
(f)
(g)
(h)
(i)
(j)
Note :
Ch arg e
dq
=
, if flow is uniform
Time
dt
q
t
Unit : Ampere (A)
1 ampere = 1 coulomb/second.
i.e. if 1 coulomb of charge flows per second
then 1 ampere of current is said to be
flowing.
Dimension : (M0L0T0A1)
If n electrons pass through any cross section
ne
in every t seconds then i =
t
where e = 1.6 1019 coulomb.
1 ampere of current means the flow of
6.25 1018 electrons per second through
any cross section of conductor
Direction of flow of current is taken to be
opposite to the direction of flow of electrons.
Value of the current is same throughout the
conductor, irrespective of the cross section
of conductor at different points.
Net charge in a current carrying conductor is
zero at any instant of time.
A current carrying conductor cannot said
to be charged, because in conductor the
current is caused by electron (free
electron). The no. of electron (negative
charge) and proton (positive charge) in a
conductor is same. Hence the net charge
in a current carrying conductor is zero.
i =
(k) Electric field outside a current carrying

conductor is zero, but it is non zero inside
v
the conductor and is given by e =
l
Note : The electric field inside charged conductor
is zero, but it is non zero inside a current
carrying conductor
(l) Electric current is a scalar quality Although
in diagrams, we represent current in a wire
by an arrow but the arrow simply indicate the
direction of flow of positive charges in the
wire.
Note : Though electric current needs direction
for its representation, yet it is scalar
quantity. It is because, the current can
be added algebraically. Only scalar
quantities can be added algabraically not
the vector quantities.
Ex.1
Sol
F
l
If a charge of 1.6 1019 coulomb flows per

second through any cross section of any
conductor, the current constitute will be
(A) 2.56 1019 A
(B) 6.25 1019 A
19
(C) 1.6 10
A
(D) 3.2 1019 A
(C)
q
t
Here q = 1.6 x 1019 C and t = 1 sec
From definition of current i =
1 10 19
= 1.6 1019 ampere
1
Thus if dq charge flows in dt seconds, then
dq
electric current, i is given by i =
dt
If charge flowing through a conductor is given
by q = 1.5 t2 + t. The current caused in
t = 2 second will be
(A) 4 ampere
(B) 5 ampere
(C) 6 ampere
(D) 7 ampere
(D)
i=
Ex.2
Sol
E
+
Electric current
dq
dt
Here q = 1.5 t2 + t
We know i =
dq
= 3t + 1
dt
dq
Now
= 3 x 2 + 1 = 7
dt at t = 2s
Current caused in 2 seconds = 7 ampere

CURRENT ELECTRICITY
71
Ex.3
Sol
The no. of electrons flowing per second

through any cross section of wire, if it carries
a current of one ampere, will be
(A) 2.5 1018
(B) 6.25 1018
18
(C) 12.5 10
(D) 5 1018
(B)
Ex.6
q
ne
=
[ q = ne, from quantization
t
t
rule of charge]
i =
Ex.4
Sol
n =
The no. of electron passing through a heater

wire in one minute, if it carries a current of
8 ampere, will be
(A) 2 1020
(B) 2 1021
20
(C) 3 10
(D) 3 1021
(D)
n =
Ex.5
Sol
1 1
It
=
= 6.25 1018
e
1.6 10 19
8 60
It
=
= 3 1021
e
1.6 10 19
In hydrogen atom, the electron moves in an

orbit of radius 5 1011 m with a speed of
2.2 106 m/sec. the equivalent current will
be
(A) 1.12 mA
(B) 4.32 mA
(C) 3.32 mA
(D) 7.12 mA
(A)
Time taken by the electron in 1 revolution is
2r
T =
v
where r is the radius of orbit and v is the
speed.
Therefore, the no. of revolutions in 1 second
is
n =
v
1
=
=
2
r
T
1015
F
IJ
G
HK
2.2 10 6
22
2
(5 10 11)
7
= 7
/sec
In one revolution, 1.6 1019 coulomb of
charge flows through any point of the orbit.
Hence the total charge flown in 1 sec. is
q = charge in 1 revolution no. of revolution
in 1 sec. = (1.6 1019) (7.0 1015)
= 1.12 103 coulomb
Current I =
q
11.2 10 3
=
t
1
= 1.12 103 amp = 1.12 mA
Sol
Ex.7
Sol
Ex.8
Sol
A conductor of nonuniform crosssectional

area, has crosssectional area at three points
as A1 = 2cm 2, A2 = 4cm 2, A3 = 6cm 2. If a
current of 5 ampere is passed through A1,
the current will give values, when passed
through A2 and A3 respectively as
(A) 10 ampere, 15 ampere
(B) 20 ampere, 30 ampere
(C) 2.5 ampere, 1.66 ampere
(D) 5 ampere, 5 ampere
Current will remain same.
A steady current is flowing in a cylindrical
conductor. Is there any electric field within
the conductor ?
[IIT82]
Yes, The reason is that the current in a
conductor flows only when the electric field
established in the conductor applies a force
on each free electron.
An electron moves in a circle of radius
10 cm with a constant speed of 4 106 m/s
find the electric current at a point on the
circle.
Consider a point A on the circle. The electron
crosses this point once in every revolution.
The number of revolutions made by electron
in one second is
A
4 10
2 10 10
2
107
Hence, the charge crossing 'A' every second

2
3.2
is
107 1.6 1019 C =
1012 C
By the definition of current, this is the current

at this point
1 1012 A
2. CURRENT DENSITY
(a) The current density at a point in a conductor

is the ratio of the current at that point in the
conductor to the area of crosssection of the
conductor of that point.
i
A
i = Electric current A = Area of cross section.
Note : Area 'A' is normal to current 'I'. If A is not
normal to I, but makes an angle with
the normal to current, then
(b) It is denoted by j i.e. j =
CURRENT ELECTRICITY
72
Current density
A
I
Ex.9
I
j = A
= A
normal
cos
I = j A cos = j . A
J =
6.25
2 2 10 6
4
106
A/m 2
200
Sol
A/cm 2
(c) It is a VECTOR quantity It's direction is the

direction of motion of the positive charges at
that point.
(d) Units : ampere / meter2 (A/m 2)
(e) Dimension : [M0L2T0A]
(f) If,
n = number of free electrons per unit volume of
conductor.
A = cross sectional area of conductor
vd = Drift. velocity. then
I = neA vd and
J = ne vd
(g) Drift velocity : An applied potential difference
does not give an accelerated motion to
electrons but simply gives them a small
constant velocity ( 10 4 m/s) along the
length of wire towards the end at higher
potential. This is called Drift velocity of the
electrons.
Note : The speed of random motion of electrons
is determined by temperature and is
given by
3kT
1
3
mv2 =
kT v =
2
2
m
where m is mass of electron, T is
absolute temp. and k is Boltz man's
constant.
(h) Electrons collide with the ions of metal while
moving. The average timeinterval between
two successive collisions is called relaxation
time, denoted by .
J = I/A =
r 2
For A, J =
4
Ex.10
Sol
Ex.11
Sol
6.25
2.5 2 10 6
= 127 106 A/m 2 = 127 A/cm 2 and for

(i) A current of 5 amp. is passing through
metallic wire of crosssectional area
4 106 / m 2, the drift speed of electrons
will be (in m/sec) (density of electron per unit
volume is 5 1026)
[Roorkee91]
2
(A) 1.56 10
(B) 1.6 1019
2
(C) 1.56 10 m/sec (D) 1.6 1019
(A)
We know I = neAvd
vd =
The relations between relaxation time () and
drift velocity (vd) is given v d = e E

m
One end of an aluminium wire, whose

diameter is 2.5 mm is welded to one end of
a copper wire whose diameter is 2.0 mm.
The composite wire carries a steady current
6.25 A. The current densities in Al and Cu
will be respectively
(A) 127 A/cm 2, 200 A/cm 2
(B) 126 A/cm 2, 180 A/cm 2
(C) 125 A/cm 2, 160 A/cm 2
(D) 125 A/cm 2, 180 A/cm 2
(A)
5 10 1.6 10 19 4 10 6
= 1.56 102 m/sec
The diameter of a copper wire is 2mm. If a steady
current of 6.25 A is caused by 8.5 1028 /m3
electrons flowing through it. The drift velocity
of conduction electrons will be
(A) 0.25 mm/s
(B) 0.35 mm/s
(C) 0.15 mm/s
(D) 0.45 mm/s
(C) J =
26
6.25
i
=
A
2.5 10 6
4
= 200104 A/m 2
vd =
J
200 10 4
=
ne
8.5 10 25 1.6 10 19
= 14.7 105 m/s
0.15 mm/s
CURRENT ELECTRICITY
73
Ex.12 A silver wire 1mm diameter carries a charge

of 90 coulombs in 1 hour and 15 minutes.
Silver contains 5.8 1028 free electrons per
cm 3. The current (in amp.) in wire and drift
velocity of the electron will be respectively
Sol
(A) 0.02, 2.69 107

(C) 3.2, 2.69 107
(A)
i =
J =
(B) 0.03, 3.69 107

(D) 2.3, 3.69 107
(b) This is true for metallic conductors only which

have free electrons.
(c) The law is not applicable for ionized gases,

transistors, semiconductors etc.
90 coulombs
q
= 4500 sec s = 0.02 ampere
t
(a)
i
0.02 amp
i
=
2 =
A
r
(0.05 )2 metre 2
= 2.55 104 amp/m 2

vd =
where, R is a constant. This is called

'Electrical resistance' of the conductor.
2.55 10
J
=
ne
(5.8 10 28 )(1.6 10 19 )
4
Diode
(b)
= 2.69 107 m/sec.
Ex.13 The total momentum of electrons in a straight

wire of length l = 1000m carrying a current
I = 70A, will be (in N.s)
106
Sol
(A) 0.40
(C) 0.80 106
I Semi
conductor
106
(B) 0.20
(D) 0.16 106
(A)
(c)
We know I = neAvd where vd drift velocity

n no. of density of electron.
Total no. of electron N = nAl
Total momentum (P) of electron = Nmvd or

P = (nAlm)
P =
I
Il m
=
neA
e
70 1000 9.3 10 31
= 0.40 N.s
1.6 10 19
3. OHM'S LAW
(a) If there is no change in the physical state of

a conductor (Such as temperature) then the
ratio of the potential difference applied
at it's ends and the current flowing through it
is constant i.e.
or
V = I R ;
(d) Units of resistance : ohm( )

1 ohm = 1 volt / 1 ampere.
(e) Dimensions of resistance : [M1L2T3A 2]
(f) If, L = length of conductor
R = resistance of conductor
A = cross sectional area of conductor
perpendicular to current
Torch
Bulb
(d)
Then,
L,R
1
A
L
A
This constant of proportionality, is called
'Resistivity' or 'Specific resistance'.
R =
CURRENT ELECTRICITY
74
Note : Effect of stretching a wire on its resistance
(i) If the length of wire is changed, then
Effect of temperature on resistance :

(a)
l 12
R1
R 2 = l 22
Rt
(ii) If the radius of wire is changed, then
R1
R2 =
(g) Units of
l 24
f14
= Ohmmeter
Dimensions of
[M1
L3
T3
R0 = Resistance at 00 C
t = change in temperature.
= Temperature coefficient of resistance at
R increases.
0 C
= +ve for metals.
(i) Resistivity is also defined as the ratio of the

intensity of the electric field E at any point
within the conductor and the current density
j at that point
E
= j or
= ve for semi conductors and insulators.

= 0 for alloys.
(b) R2 = R1 [1 + (t2 t1)]. This formula gives

an approximate value.
(c) Resistance of the conductor decreases

linearly with temperature and becomes zero
at a specific temperature. This temperature
is called critical or transition temperature,
conductor becomes a super conductor at this
temperature.
(j) Resistivity is' characteristic property of the

material of the conductor. It does not depend
upon length area etc. of the conductor.
Although it depends on temperature. It
increases with increase in temperature
(d) There is no loss of energy in a circuit formed

by super conductors. Current passed in loop
formed by superconductor will continue
flowing for infinite time if there is no
resistance in the loop.
(k) Value of resistivity is least for conductors

and most for insulators.
(l) Inverse of resistivity is called conductance

of wire denoted by
(m) Units of conductance : Mho
Important points :
(a) If a conductor is stretched to n times of it's

original length, it's new resistance will be n2
times older one
(b) if x% of change is brought in length of a wire,
it's resistance will change by 2x%. This is
true for x < 5 only.
(c) If a conductor is stretched such that it's radius

is reduced to 1/nth of it's original values, then
resistance will increases n4 times similarly
resistance will decrease n4 times if radius is
increased n times by contraction
t0C
Rt = R0 (1 + t)
where, Rt = Resistance at t0 C.
A2]
(h) If T = Temperature in kelvin R = R0 (1 +

(T T0) where R0 = Resistance at temp. T 0
and = thermal coefficient of resistance so,
as T increases
R0
Ohm's law
Ex.14 In a wire of length 4m and diameter 6mm, a

current of 120 ampere is passed. The
potential difference across the wire is found
to be 80 volt. The resistance of wire will be
Sol
(A) 0.15 ohm

(C) 6.660 ohm
(A)
(B) 0.25 ohm

(D) none
From he definition of resistance
180
V
=
= 0.15 ohm
120
I
Ex.15 Is the formula V = iR true for nonohmic
resistance also ?
R =
Sol
Yes, this formula defines resistance and not

ohm's law.
CURRENT ELECTRICITY
75
Ex.16 The resistance between two rectangular faces

of a block of dimensions 4cm 4cm 10cm
of maganin (= 48 108 ohm, m), will be
(A) 4.8
(B) 3.8
(C) 30
(D) 3
Sol
(A)
From R =
l
, we have
A
4.8 10 8 4 10 2
= 4.8 106
4 10 10 4
Ex.17 If resistance of a wire formed by 1.cc of
copper be 2.46. The diameter of wire is
0.32mm, then the specific resistance of wire
will be
(A) 1.59 106 ohm.cm (B) 2.32 106
ohm.cm (C) 3.59 106 ohm.cm (4)1.59 108
ohm. cm
Sol
(A)
length of wire
R =
1
volume
=
=
31.4 (0.006 )2
Area
Note :
(2.46 ) 31.4 (0.016 )2

RA
=
l
1
31.4 (0.016 )2
= 1.59 106 ohm. cm
will be same for any shape of wire formed

by metal.
Ex.18 A given piece of wire length l, cross sectional

area A and resistance R is stretched
uniformly to a wire of length 2l. The new
resistance will be
(A) 2R
(B) 4R
(C) R/2
(D) Remains unchanged
Sol
(B)
l
(2 l )
and R' =
,
A
A'
= specific resistance.
R =
Ex.19 A given piece of wire of length l, radius r and

resistance R is streched uniformly to a wire
of radius (r/2). The new resistances will be
(A) 2R
(B) 4R
(C) 8R
(D) 16R
Sol
(D)
The volume of given wire remains unchanged,
hence
Al = A'l '
R =
or
l
l '
and R' =
A
A'
A
R'
A
=
=
R
A ' '
A'
r 2
R'
= 2
R
r
'
R' = 16R
(A'/A) = (l/l')
r ' 2
r
= 16 2 [ r' = ]
2
r
Ex.20 The potential difference across a wire of

103 cm 2 crosssectional area and 50cm
length is 2 volt, when a current of 0.25amp
exists in wire. Calculate
(i) field strength in the wire (ii) the current
density, and (iii) the conductivity of the metal
Sol
2 volt
(i) E= V/d =2volt/50cm = 0.5 metre = 4 V/m
(ii) J = i/A = 0.25 amp/103104 m 2
= 2.5 106 A/m 2
(iii) = J/E = (2.5 106 amp/m 2)/4volts

/metre) = 6.25 105 mho/m.
Ex.21 A copper wire is stretched to make, 0.1%

longer, the percentage change in its
resistance
will be
(A) 0.2
(B) 0.4
(C) 0.8
(D) 1.6
Sol
(A)
R' 2 l A
=
l A'
R
Further A l = A' (2 l ) [Volume remains

conserved]
R'
= 4 or R' = 4R
R
A/A' = 2
The resistance of a wire of length l, cross
sectional area A and resistivity is given by
l
...................... (A)
A
If d is density and m the mass of wire, then
R =
Ald = m or Area, A =
m
ld
CURRENT ELECTRICITY
76
Substituting this value in (A), we get

R =
But
l
d 2
=
l
(m / l d)
m
d
= constant for a given wire,
m
d
+ 2 log l
m
Differentiating
dR
2dl
=
R
l
(A) T 1 = T2
Sol
Sol
Ex.23
(B)
For metallic wire the resistance R increases

with increase of temperature.
Ex.25
Hence T 2 > T1.

The resistance of a tungsten filament at 150
C is 133 ohm. Its resistance at 500 C will be
(The temperature coefficient of resistance of
tungsten is 0.0045 per C)
(B) 1 : 1
(D) 4 : 1
Specific resistance is a characteristic

property of metal and doesn't depend upon
dimensions of the wire used.
Resistance at T2 > Resistance at T1
(C) 50
(A) 257
Sol
The resistance of wire is 50 then the graph

between log v and log I is
(A) straight line passing through origin
(B) parabola
Sol
The slope of I V curve
I
R
The slope of graph at temperature T1 is
greater than that at temperature T 2.
Given
(A) 1 : 2
(C) 1 : 4
(D) None
(C)
i.e. slop e
dl
dR
100 = 2 100 %
l
Ex.22 There are two wires of the same length and

of the same material and radii r and 2r. The
ratio of their specific resistance is
(B) T 1 > T2
(C) T 1 < T 2
I
I
=
R
R
or
dl
100 = 0.1%
l
Percentage (%) change in resistance
= 2 0.1 = 0.2% i.e. the resistance increases
by 0.2%.
T2
d
Taking log, log R = log + log l2
m
= log
T1
(C) hyperbola
(D) none of the above.
(D)
V = IR log V = log I + log R
This is a straight line but not passing through

origin.
Ex.24 The current voltage graph for a given metallic

wire at two different temperatures T1 and T2
are shown in fig. Which is true
(A)
(B) 79
(D) none of these
If the resistance of a wire at 0 C be R0 and
at t0 C be Rt, then Rt = (1 + t) or R0
Rt
=
where is the temperature coefficient
1 t
of resistance. The resistance of the filament at
150 C is 133 ohm. Therefore, its resistance at
0 C will be given by R0
=
133
= 79.0 ohm
1 (0.0045) 150
Now, the resistance of the filament at 500 C

will be
R500 = R0 (1 + t500)
= 79.0 [1+ (0.0045) x 500]
= 257 ohm
CURRENT ELECTRICITY
77
Ex.26 The resistance of a conductor at 20 C is

3.15 ohm and at 100 C is 3.75 ohm.
Determine the temperature coefficient of
resistance of the conductor. The resistance
of the conductor at 0 C will be
Sol
(A) 2
(B) 3
(C) 6
(D) 5
(C)
If the resistance of the conductor at t1 C be
R1 and at t2 C be R2, then
R1 = R0 (1 +
t1), and R2 = R0 (1 + t2)
R1
1 t1
On dividing : R = 1 t or R1 (1 + t2)
2
2
= R2 (1 +
R 2 R1
t1) or = R t R t
12
2 1
Here t1 = 20 C, R1 = 3.15 ohm, t2 = 1000 C

and R2 = 3.75 ohm
3.75 315
= (3.15 100) (3.75 20)
0.60
0.60
=
= 0.0025 per C]
315 75
240
Now from the formula Rt = R0 (1 + t), we
have
Note : If n resistance (each R) are connected in

series there resultant will be nR
(iv) For a series combination of two
resistances
R1
(A) equivalent resistance

(B) I = V / (R1 + R2)
R2V
(D) V2 (voltage across R2) = IR2 = R R
1
2
(b) PARALLEL COMBINATION :

i1
3.15
V1
i3
R2
V2
R3
i1 = R , i2 = R , i3 = R etc.
3
1
2
V3
(iii) Current flowing in the circuit is sum of

the currents in individual resistances i.e.
i = i1 + i 2 + i 3
,
V
V
V
i = R + R + R + ........
1
2
3
1
1
1
i
1
=
= R + R + R + ....
V
R
1
2
3
where R = equivalent resistance.
Note : (a) You are asked to find R and not
V
= R1 + R2 + R3 + ..................
I
= RWhere, R = equivalent resistance.
R2
(i) There is same drop of potential across

each resistance.
(ii) Current in each resistance is inversely
proportional to the value of resistance i.e.
R3
V
(i) Same current passes through each
resistance.
(ii) Voltage across each resistance is directly
proportional to it's value.
V1 = IR1, V2 = IR2
(iii) Sum of the voltages across resistances
is equal to the voltage applied across
the circuit i.e.
V = V1 + V2 + V3 + ..............
V = IR1 + IR2 + IR3 + ..............
R1
= 3.0 ohm
4. COMBINATION OF RESISTANCES
R1
i2
t) = 1 (0.0025) (20)
(a) Series Combination
R = R1 + R2
R1V
(C) V1 (voltage across R1) = IR1 = R R
1
2
R0 = Rt/(1 +
R2
1
in
R
the question, so be careful.

(b) The equivalent resistance of parallel
combination is lower than the value of
lowest resistance in the combination.
CURRENT ELECTRICITY
78
(c) For a parallel combination of two

resistances .......
i
i1
Sol
R1
R2
i2
(A)
Suppose the resultant resistance of the given
resistance be R', then
R' = R + (R + 1) + (R + 2) + ........ (R + n)
=
=
V(R1 R2 )
R1R2
Note : (i) If n resistances (each R) are connected

in parallel, their resultant will be R/n
(ii) If n resistance are connected in series
and parallel respectively the ratio of their
resultant will be nR : R/n = n2 .
Combination of resistances
Ex.27 Two wires of the same material having lengths
in the ratio of 1 : 2 and diameters in the ratio
2 : 1 are connected with a cell of 6 volt and
internal resistance 1 . The ratio of the
potential difference across the two wires will
be
(A) 1 : 2
(B) 2 : 1
(C) 1 : 8
(D) 8 : 1
Sol
(C)
Since in series, current flowing will be same,
V1
IR1
R1
thus V = IR = R
2
2
2
r22
1
=
2
2
r1
l
r22
r12
2
1
=
8
Ex.28 Resistance R (R + 1), (R + 2) ......... (R + n)

are connected in series, their resultant
resistance will be
n
(A) (n + 1) R
2
(C) n (R + n)
(B) (n 1) R
2
n 1
2
[2R + (n + 1) 1]
[2R + n] = (n + 1) R
2
is common difference
In the given question total terms are (n + 1)]
Ex.29 The Resistance 4R, 16R, 64R, ............ are

connected in series, their resultant will be
Sol
(A) 0
(B)
(C) 4/3 R
(D) 3/4 R
(B)
Let the resultant resistance of the given
combination be R', then
R' = 4R + 16R + 64R + ..................
=
Ex.30 Resistance R, 2R, 4R, 8R .....................

are connected in parallel. Their resultant
resistance will be
Sol
(A) R
(B) R/2
(C) 0
(D)
(B)
Let R' be the resultant resistance then
1
1
1
1
=
+
+
+ ......................
R'
R
2R
4R
1
1
=
2
2
or V1:V2 = 1 : 8
[ Sum of n terms in arithmetic series is

n
Sn =
[2a + (n 1) d]
2
Where a is first term
(i) i = i1 + i2 =
n 1
1
1
1
[1 +
+
+ .............................
R
2
4
1
1
2
R
=
R' =
1 =
R 1
R
2
2
Ex.31 The resistance of two conductors in series is
40 and their resistance becomes 7.5
when connected in parallel. The resistance
are
(D) n (R n)
(A) R1 = 30 , R2 = 40 .
(B) R1 = 20 , R2 = 30 .
(C) R1 = 30 , R2 = 10 .
(D) R1 = 20 , R2 = 20 .
CURRENT ELECTRICITY
79
Sol
(C)
In Series R1 + R2 = 40 ................ (A)
R1R2
In Parallel R R = 7.5
1
2
)2
Sol
(A)
Let x the resultant resistance. If in the

following small combination
)2
Since (R1 R2 = (R1 + R2 4R1R2

= 402 1200 = 400
R1 R2 = 20 ..................... (B)
up
to
n
R
R
n2 1
(A) R n
x =1+
Sol
(A) 6 ( 3 1)
(C) 12 ( 3 1)
V
= 12/(1 +
R
3) = 6
3 1 A
diametrically opposite points will be (in
n2 1
= R n
Ex.33 In the following fig, the current drawn by the

battery of 12V supply (in amp) will be
+A
Ex.34 A wire of resistance 10 is bent to form a

complete circle. It's resistance between two
n 1
(D) R
n
R
R' = R1 + R2 = nR +
n
x
1.x
+ 1 = 2 +
1 x
1 x
Hence current
I =
(A)
The resistance are connected in series
between the points A and B and those
between B and C are in parallel. Let R1 and
R 2 be the resultant of these two
combinations, then
R1 = nR and R2 = R/n
12V
(b)
x = 1 +
up to
n
n 1
(B) R
n
n2 1
(C) R n
Sol
1
1
(a) is added, the value of x will remain

unaffected. hence the resultant circuit will
be as shown in fig b From fig (b) the
resultant resistance
Ex.32 In the following figure the resultant.

Resistance between A and C will be
1
(a)
Solving (A) and (B), we get R1 = 30 and

(B), we get R1 = 30 and R2 = 10
(B) 6 ( 3 1)
(D) 12 ( 3 1)
(A) 3.5
(C) 2.5
(B) 5
(D) 1.5
(C)
5
A
Let's find the resistance between A and C.

Then the configuration is similar to
.
A
B
Hence, equivalent resistance

55
= 2.5
55
CURRENT ELECTRICITY
80
Ex. 35
Find the equivalent resistance and hence

current supplied by the battery in the diagram
shown
4
4
4
g
c
e
a
3
6V
Sol
(1)
6V
6V
(3)
b
d
6V
Hence current supplied by the battery =
6
= 1 A
D
6
D
3
A
(5)
3
B
C
3
6
B
(4)
3
B
(2)
6V
b
Reducing the figure as follows in order from

1 to 8
3
(1)
D
E
3
d
a
e
3
6V
Sol
(5)
(4)
(3)
Find effective resistance between points A

and B in figure.
3
D
E
3
3
6
Solving the circuit one by one as

follows. Hence current supplied by
6V
battery =
= 1A.
6
4
4
g
c
e
a
6V
(2)
Ex36
C
6
3
3
CURRENT ELECTRICITY
81
(6)
C
3
(7)
3
(8)
5. COMPARATIVE STUDY OF COMBINATION OF RESISTANCES AND CAPACITORS

Resistance
S.
No.
In series
R1
(i)
V3
R2
V2
+
E
Capacitors
R3
R = R1 + R2 + R3
(iii)
V = V1 + V2 + V3
(iv) Current is same in
In series
+q
V1
(ii)
(v)
In parallel
C1
V1
+q
C2
+q
V2
C3
V3
In parallel
+q1
Earth
1
1
1
1
R R1 R 2 R 3
V1 = V2 = V3 = V
Currents through
1
1
1
1
C C1 C 2 C 3
V = V 1 + V2 + V 3
If n resistances,
If n resistances each
If n cap. are in series
of value R are
then R' = nR
then R' = R/n
connected in series
(vi) Effective resistance

is greater than the
highest resistance
in the combination
connected in parallel,
Effective resistance is
less than the smallest

resistance in the
combination
then C' = C/n
Earth
V1 = V 2 = V
If n capacitor are
capacitors
C = C1 + C2 + C3
Different capacitor
different but p.d. across
each of value R are
-q1
+q2 C2
-q
C3 2
+q3 -q3
V
Charge is equal in all
all the resistances
all of them is the same
C1
diff. charge.
connected in parallel
C' = nC
Effective capacitance is Effective capacitance
less than smallest
is greater than the
combination
combination
capacitor in the
largest capacitor in the
CURRENT ELECTRICITY
82
6. KIRCHOFF'S LAWS
(a)
Sol
(i) Let i be current following through 2

resistance.
This current is divided into two parts i1 and
i2 at C as shown in fig.
The effective resistance of 6 and 9
resistance in series = 6 + 9 = 15.
The p.d. between CD,
V = i1 15 = i2 5
Kirchoff in 1842 gave two laws for solving

complicated electrical circuits. These laws
are as follows
First law :
In an electrical circuit, the algebraic sum of

the current meeting at any junction in the
circuit is zero.
Sum of the currents entering the junction is
equal to sum of the currents leaving the
junction
i = 0
Note :
(b)
i1 i2 i3 i4 + i5 = 0
or i1 + i5 = i2 + i3 + i4
As
i2
i1
5
1
=
=
i2
15
3
or i2 = 3i1
i1 = i2 i 3i1
3i
5
2
i R
4
second H = 1
cal =
4 .2
4. 2
iR = E
Ex.36 In the following figure the 5 ohmresistance

develops heat 10.24 cal's due to a current
flowing through it. Calculate
(i) heat developed per second in the 2
resistance and
(ii) the potential difference across 6
resistance.
3i
i2 = 3i1 =
4
Heat developed in 5 resistance per
Second law : In a 'closed' mesh of a circuit

the algebric sum of the products of the current
and the resistance in each part of the mesh
is equal to the algebric sum of the e.m.f.'s in
that mesh. i.e.
Kirchoff's laws
i = i1 + i 2
1
or i1 =
4
This law is based on law of conservation of

charge. In other words, when a steady current
flows in a circuit then their is neither
accumulation of charge at point in the circuit
nor any charge is removed from there.
Important notes
(a) In applying this law, when we traverse in the
direction of current then the product of the
currrent and the corresponding resistance is
taken as positive, and the emf is taken as
positive when we traverse from the negative
to the positive electrode of the cell through
the electrolyte.
(b) This law is based on 'law of conservation of
energy'.
i1
OR
(3 i / 4)2 5
= 10.24 cal s1
4. 2
Solving, we get i = 3.92 A.
Heat developed in 2 resistor per sec
But given H=
=
(ii)
i2 R
(3.92 )2 ( 2)
cal =
=7.31 cal.
4.2
4 .2
Potential difference across 9 resistor

sec = current resistance
1
= i1 6 =
6 = 5.86 volt.
4
Ex.37 The value of current i in the following circuit
is
4A
2A
B
A
i
3A
C
1.3A
(A) 2.7 A
(C) 3 A
(B) 3.7 A
(D) 4A
CURRENT ELECTRICITY
83
Sol
(B)
i = ((4 + 3) 2 1.3) = 3.7 A
Using kirchoff's first law at A, B and C.

Ex.38 Write KCL (first law) and KVL (second law)
for the circuit shown below :
Sol
E2
i1
R1
E1
Ex.41 The steady state current in a 2 resistor

shown in fig will be (The internal resistance
of the battery is negligible and the
capacitance of the condenser C is 0.2F)
i2
R2
R3
i3
Sol
(A) Charge and energy

(B) Energy and charge
(C) Mass and charge.
(D) Charge and mass
(A)
E1
i1
R1
R1
i2
i1 b
R1
E2= 6V
i3
(A) 1.4V
(C) 3.6V
(B)
1
4
2.8
(A) 1.5 A
(B) 0.9 A
(C) 1.2 A
(D) 1.3 A
(B)
In steady state the branch containing
capacitance acts as the open circuit since
capacitance offers infinite resistance to d.c.
The capacitance simply collects charge. The
effective resistance of 2 and 3 resistors
connected in parallel is
Current drawn from cell, i =
E
6
=
= 1.5A
R
4
Potential difference across pq = iR' = 1.5 1.2

= 1.8V
i3
R2= 3.5 E2
i2
R1R 2
23
6
R' = R R =
=
= 1.2
23
5
1
2
Ex.40 The potential difference between points a and

b in the circuit of figure is
(i1 = 1.0 A, i3 = 0.6 A)
6V
KVL for loop 1 : i1 R1 i2 R2 = E1 E2
Ex.39 Kirchoff's first and second laws respectively

show the conservation of
Sol
KCL at point A : i1 + i2 + i3 = 0
KVL for loop 2 : i2 R2 i3 R3 = E2
Sol
i1
R1
(B) 4.6V
(D) 5.6V
V
18
Current in 2 resistor, i1 =
=
= 0.9A
2
2
Ex.42 From the fig. determine

(i) potential at A,
(ii) potential at C, and
(iii) reading of the voltmeter connected across
the 10V bettery
In going from a (potential Va) to b (potential

Vb) we have
Va I2R2 E2 = Vb
Va Vb = E 2 + I 2 R 2
= 6 + ( 0.4) (3.5) = 6 1.4 volt = 4.6 volt

(from above example I2 = 0.4 Amp.)
4
F
10V
1
16V
0.5
0.5
CURRENT ELECTRICITY
84
Sol
Combinations of cells :
The current in circuit is (consider loop

(CBAFGDC)
E 2 E1
16 10
I = r r R R =
1
0
.5 4 0 . 5
1
2
1
2
6
= 1A
6
(i) VA VF = IR = 4 volt
(ii) VD VC = 1 0.5 = 0.5 volt

VD = 0 (grounded), So VC = 0.5 volt
(iii) The 10V battery is being charged

therefore V = E + Ir = 10 + 1 1 = 11 volt
7. CELLS
(a) Electro Motive Force (EMF) : The potential

difference across the terminals of a cell when
it is not giving any current is called EMF of
the cell.
or
The energy given by the cell in the flow of

unit charge in the whole circuit (including the
cell) is called the EMF of the cell.
W
E =
Q
(b) Terminal voltage :
(i) The resistance offered by the electrolyte of the

cell to the flow of current through it is called
internal resistance of the cell.
(ii) When current is drawn through the cell or

current is supplied to cell then, the potential
difference across its terminals is called
terminal voltage.
(iii) When i current is drawn from cell, then

terminal voltage is less than it's emf E.
E
E2
r1
E3
r2
r3
i
R
Because VF= 0(grounded), therefore VA=4 volt
V = E i r
E1
(a) Series Combination :

(i) Equivalent emf E = E1 + E2 + E3 .........
Note : Direction of emf is taken into consideration.
(ii) Equivalent internal resistance r is given by
r = r1 + r2 + r3 .............
(iii) Current, i =
Imp :
Ei
E
= r R
r R
i
(iv) For maximum current, R =
i.e. The load resistance must be equal to the

equivalent internal resistance.
(v) If all emf are equal (E), then for series
nE
combinations of n such cells, I =
R nr
E
Cases : (a) if nr >> R, I =
r
nE
(b) If nr << R, I =
R
(c) Cells are employed in series only when
internal resistance is less than the load
resistance.
(b) Parallel Combination :
(i) Equivalent internal resistance,
r is
I
I
I
+ r + r + .........
r
1
2
(ii) Equivalent emf

i
Where V = terminal voltage, r = internal

resistance of battery
(iv) When current is supplied to the cell, the

terminal voltage is greater than the emf E i.e.
V = E + i r
(v) Units of both emf and terminal voltage are
volt.
E3
E4
E2
E1
r1
r2
r3
r4
E1 E2 E3
E
...........
i
r1 r2
r3
ri
E = 1 1 1
=
1
...............
r1 r2 r3
ri
CURRENT ELECTRICITY
85
(iii) Current, i =
E
Rr
Sol
r
(iv) When all 'n' cells with emf E and internal

resistance r each, are connected in parallel,
then equivalent emf = E, equivalent internal
r
resistance =
n
E
nE
(v) In this (5) case I = R r =
nR r
n
Cases :
E
(a) If r << nR, I =
R
nE
(b) If r >> nR, I =
r
(c) This combination is used only when load
resistance is lower than internal
resistance.
(c) Mixed combination :
mnE
i =
, For maximum current
mR nr
Internal resistance = External resistance
i.e. R =
nr
m
(B)
0.1
2V
5A
Potential drop across internal resistance =

0.1 5 = 0.5V
Hence, potential difference across terminals
will
be 2 + 0.5 = 2.5V
8. WHEAT STONE BRIDGE
i1 ig
Q
ig
i1
i2
i = i1+ i2
E
+
S
i2+ ig
C
i
(a) The configuration in the adjacent figure is

called wheat stone bridge.
(b) If ig = 0 i.e. current in galvanometer is zero,
then bridge is said to be balanced.
(c) For ig = 0 (i) VD = VB
(ii)
P
R
=
Q
S
(d) Equivalent resistance in balanced condition

(P Q) (R S)
=
PQRS
P
R
(d) If
<
then VB > VD and current will flow
Q
S
from B to D.
P
R
>
, the VB < VD and current will flow
Q
S
from D to B.
(f) Meter bridge and post office box work on this
principle.
(e) If
Wheat stone bridge
Ex.44 In the following figures, the resistance A and

B will respectively be
R
Ex.43 A battery of emf 2 volts and internal
resistance 0.1 is being charged with a
current of 5A. The potential difference between
terminal of the battery is?
(A) 1.5V
(C) 3.5V
(B) 2.5V
(D) 4.5V
R
R
CURRENT ELECTRICITY
86
Sol
(A) R/2, R
(C) R, R
(C)
Sol
R
b
R
R
R
R
(3, 6)
(A)
Sol
8
R
2R
2 R/2 (3, 6)
(4, 5)
R/2
Ex.46 The equivalent resistance between points A

and B in the following circuit will be
(A) (7/12) R
(B) (12/7) R
(C) (9/5) R
(D) (5/9) R
(A)
The given combination of resistance can be
reduced as follows From the consideration
R
R/2 (4,5)
of symmetry alone, we notice that points 4

and 5 must be at the same potential, so
must be points 3 and 6. This implies that the
circuit can be redrawn with point 4 and 5
connected, and 6 and 3 connnected, as
shown in. This figure further reduces to the
combination shown in fig. The equivalent
resistance between a and b is = (7/12) R
This is a balanced bridge (P/Q = R/S)

For this bridge, we can ignore the resistor
between
b and d. hence both the above fig can be put
as fig (iii).
Obviously, the resistance between A and B
will be R
(D) Equivalent resistance in balanced
(P Q)(R S)
condition =
P QR S
Ex.45 Figure shows a cube made of 12 resistances,
each of resistance R. The equivalent
resistance across a and b will be
a
(B) 2R, R
(D) 3R, R
R
7R
5
(B)
5R
7
(C)
6R
4
(D)
4R
6
(A)
This is Wheatstone bridge but is unbalanced.
To find equivalent resistance, we imagine, that
a cell of emf E is connected between points
A and B.
Then the combination look as following figure.
For the loop ACDA 2i = 3i1 + i2
......(A)
For the loop BDCB i = 3i1 4i2
......(B)
(i1-
i2 )
2R
B (i-i1+i2)
R
i2
R
D
i1
2R
E
+
(i - i1)
i
CURRENT ELECTRICITY
87
Solving considering loop ADBEA the above

two equations, we get i1 = (3/5) i, i2 = (1/5) i
E = (i i2) 2R + (i i1 + i2) R = (4R/5) i +
(3R/5) i
E = (7R/5) i
Therefore the effective resistance is
Req = E/i = 7R/5
9. ELECTRIC ENERGY AND POWER

Electric energy :
When a potential difference is applied across

a wire, current starts flowing in it. The free
electrons collide with the positive ions of the
metal and lose energy. Thus energy taken
from the battery is dissipated. The battery
constantly provide energy to continue the
motion of electron and hence electric current
in the circuit. This energy is given to ions of
the metal during collision and thus
temperature of wire rises. Thus, energy taken
from the battery gets transferred in to heat.
This energy is called electrical energy. This
effect is also called 'Heating Effect of
Current'.
units of power = joule/sec, watt, horse power

1 watt = 1 joule/sec, 1 HP = 746 watt
unit of electrical energy = watt second,

kilowatt hour
1 kilowatt hour (kwh) = 36 105 Joule

Combination of electrical instruments
(a) If 220V and 40W is written on an electrical
instrument then this is called it's standard
Ratings. It means that if 220V is applied
across this instrument then 40W of power
will be generated. Thus the resistance will be
given by
(b)
(i)
R = Resistance of wire
I = Current in wire
V = Potential difference across wire.
(ii)
Flow of charge in 'dt' time = Idt.
Energy dissipated dW = Vdq = VIdt,
V = IR,
V2
dW = VIdt = I2Rdt =
dt = Vdq
R
This energy is equal to work done by battery
or heat produced in the wire.
(c)
dW
cal = 24 dW cal
4.2
When dW is energy in Joules.
P =
dW
V2
= I2 R = IV =
dt
R
V2,P2
V1,P1
V3,P3
If total power dissipatted if P,
1
1
1
1
= P + P + P ,
P
1
2
3
W here P' 1 s are standard powers of

instrument
In this combination, the bulb with least power
will glow most and bulb with highest power
will glow least or we can say that bulb with
highest R will glow brightest and bulb with
least R will glow least.
Parallel combination
V1,P1
V3,P3
Then dW =
The rate of loss of energy in an electrical

circuit is called electrical power. It
is denoted by'P'
V2
(220 ) 2
=
ohm
P
40
V2,P2
If energy is to be written in calorie
Electrical power :
Series combination
then
If
R =
E
(i) Net power dissipation P = P1 + P2 + P3
(ii) Bulb with least power will glow least or the
bulb in which maximum current is flowing will
glow brightest and viceversa.
CURRENT ELECTRICITY
88
Note :
(a) These formulae are applicable only if the
voltage ratings of all the instruments are equal
along with the power source. If voltage ratings
are different then circuit is solved by
considering equivalent resistances of the
instruments as follows.
(b) Replace the instrument by its's equivalent
resistance. If standard rating is (V/P) then it
resistance is
R = V2/P
(c) Find the currents and voltages in different
branches using kirchoff's first and second
laws.
(d) If rating of a bulb is changed form V1/P1 to
V2/P2 then
V12
V22
=
= R
P1
P2
or
P2 =
V22
V12
P1
Electric Energy and Power
high temperature. On connecting with a

2volt battery, the filament will be at
ordinary temperature and now its
resistance will be less than the resistance
determined.
Ex.48 The resistance of each of the three wires

joined as in the fig 2 ohm, and each one can
have maximum power of 18 watt (otherwise it
will melt). The maximum power the whole
circuit can take is
2
Sol
(220 )2
V2
=
= 806.7 ohm
60
R
According to Ohm's law, the current flowing
in the lamp is
i =
Ex.49
220
V
=
= 0.27 ampere
806.7
R
On connecting the lamp with a 2volt battery,
the estimated current is
i =
i =
(A) 27 W
(B) 9 W
(C) 81 W
(D) 18 W
(A)
Electric power expended in a wire of
resistance R is P = i2R
maximum current in any wire of the circuit
Ex.47 A 60watt lamp is operated at 220volt power

line. What will be resistance when the lamp
is lighting ? How much current will flow in it?
Estimate, how much current will flow in the
lamp when it is connected to a 2volt
battery?
Sol
If the resistance of the lamp is R ohm and it.
Lights at V volt, then the electric power
V2
consumed (in watt) is given by P =
R
Here P = 60 watt and V = 220 volt
R=
P
=
R
This circuit has two 2 wires in parallel

and a third 2 wire in series with this
parallel combination.
Hence the equivalent resistance of the whole
2 2
circuit is R' =
+ 2 = 3 .
2 2
maximum power expended in the whole
circuit is Pmax = i2 R' = (3)2 3 = 27 watt
A heater is designed to operate with a power
of 1000 watt in a 100volt line. It is connected
to two resistance of 10ohm and R ohm as shown
in the fig. If the heater is now giving a power
of 62.5 watt. The value of the resistance R,
will be
1000 watt
10
HEATER
2
V
=
806.7
R
= 0.0025 ampere.
Note : This is only an estimation, not the actual

current. The acual current will be slightly
larger. The reason is that we have
determined the resistance of lamp at very
18 watt
= 3 ampere.
2ohm
(A) 5
(C) 2.5
100 volt
(B) 10
(D) 1.25
CURRENT ELECTRICITY
89
Sol
(A)
Suppose the resistance of the heater is r.
V2
(100 )2
or 1000=
or r = 10 ohm
r
r
Suppose, on connecting as shown in the fig,
the potential difference between the ends of
Then P =
the heater is V'. Then 62.5 =

V' = 25 volts
V2
r
or
potential difference across 10 = 100 25

75 volt
= 75 volt and current in 10, i = 10 ohm
= 7.5 ampere. A part of this current goes into

the heater and the rest goes into R.
Now, current in the heater, i =
=
62.5
= 2.5 ampere
25
P
V'
25 volt
R = 5 .0 ampere = 5 ohm
(200 )
V
=
440
R
electric power expended in 12 bulbs
= 12 x 110 = 1320 watt
Electric power expended in 4 fans = 4 100
= 400 watt
Electric power expended in a motor =

H.P. =
1
746 = 74.6 watt
10
1
10
total power expended = 1320 + 400 +

74.6 = 1794.6 watt
Units consumed in 30 days =
cost of electricity = 269.19 0.40
= Rs. 107.68
Your stage :
Now you may solve the questions from Q.
No. 43 to 54 of Ex.# 1
POINTS TO REMEMBER
1. In liquids, the charge carriers are positive and

negative ions.
2. In gases, the charge carriers are positive ions
and free electrons.
3. In semiconductors, the charge carriers are holes

and free electrons. The conventional direction of
flow of current is opposite to the direction of flow
of electrons.
Ex.50 In a house there are 12 bulbs each of

resistance 440 ohm, one motor of 1/10 horse
power, and 4 fans each of 100 watt. These
are operated 5 hours per day. The expenditure
of electricity in a month of 30 days will be
(1 H.P. = 746 watt, cost of electricity is 40
paisa per unit and voltage of power is 220 volt.
(A) Rs. 269.19
(B) Rs. 107.68
(C) Rs. 1794.6
(D) Rs. 179.46
Sol
(B)
Electric power expended in each bulb
=
1796 .6 5 30
= Rs. 269.19
1000
4. Current is a scalar quantity. Current density is a
vector quantity. Direction of j is the same as
current in R = 7.5 2.5 = 5.0 ampere
= Rs.
watt hour
1000
the of E .
5. Reciprocal fo slope of V I graph is equal to

resistance.
6. The resistance of conductor depends on the

material of the conductor, shape and size of the
conductor as well as on the physical state
(Temperature) of the conductor.
7. Reciprocal of resistance is called conductance,
= I/R.
8. Fuse Wire : Fuse wire is used in a circuit to

control the maximum current flowing in a circuit.
It is a thin wire having high resistance and is
made up of a material with low melting point.
9. While calculating the resistance of a wire by the
formula R = (l/A) it should be remembered that
'A' is the area, normal to the direction of current
flow and 'l' is the length in the direction of current
flow.
10. Free electron density in a metal is given by n =

(Nx.d/A) where N Avogadro number, x
number of free electron per atom, d = density of
metal, A Atomic weight of the metal, n is of
the order of 1023 per cm 3.
CURRENT ELECTRICITY
90
11. For carbon, India rubber, mica, electrolytes and

insulators the value of negative. It means that
their resistance decreases with increase in
temperature.
12. Resistance of a conductor increases with
decreases in density or when it is subjected to
mechanical stress.
13. The direction of current density is the direction of
motion of positive charge at that point.
14. House wiring circuits are in parallel therefore the
voltage across each bulb is constant. The power
of the bulb is given by the formula : P = V2/R.
For constant voltage P (1/R) therefore, the
greater the resistance, the smaller is the power.
Hence, if we take two bulbs of 60W and 100W,
then the resistance of 60W bulb will be more
than the resistance of 100 watt bulb.
15. The filament of 60W bulb is thinner than the
filament of 100 watt bulb.
16. If the two bulbs, one of 60W and the other of 100
W are connected in parallel, then 100 W bulb
will glow more.
17. If two bulbs, one of 60W and the other of 100W
are connected in series, then the 60 watt bulb
will glow more, because in series combination
current through both the bulbs is the same and
the power consumed P = I2R or P R. Now,
since the resistance of 60W bulb is more than
the resistance of 100 watt bulb, 60W bulb will
glow more.
22. In series resistance circuit, it should be

remembered that :
(i) The current is same in every part of the series

circuit.
(ii) The total resistance in the circuit is the sum
of the individual resistances including internal
resistance of the cell (if any)
(iii) Voltage across any part of a circuit is
proportional to the resistance of that part.
(iv) Current in the circuit is independent of the
relative positions of the various resistance in
the series.
(v) The effective resistance of n equal resistances
each of resistance r in series is R = nr.
(vi) If
1
1
1
1
= + + ...................
1
2
3
23. In parallel combination of resistance it should be

remembered that :
(i) Total current through the combination is the
sum of individual currents through the various
branches.
(ii) The potential difference across all the
resistance is the same.
(iii) The current through each branch is inversely
proportional to the resistance of that branch.
(iv) The reciprocal of the total resistance of the
combination is equal to the sum of the
reciprocals of the individual resistance.
(v) If two resistances R1 and R2 are in parallel,
then the currents I1 and I2 in them will be
R2I
R1I
distributed as I1 = R R , I2 = R R
1
2
1
2
18. Specific Resistance is minimum for conductors

and maximum for insulators.
19. The specific resistance
= E/J, if j = 1amp/m 2,
then = E. Hence, sp. resistance is the electric

field per unit current density. Greater the current
density, greater is the field.
20. If two bulbs of power P1 and P2 are connected

in parallel and the rated voltage is applied, then
the total power consumed is P = P1 + P2.
21. If two bulbs of power P1 and P2 are connected
in series and the rated voltage is developed
across each bulb, then the total power consumed
is 1/P = (1/P1) + (1/P2)
is the effective conductance then
where, I is the net current that flows through

the circuit.
(vi) The total resistance of n equal resistances

each of resistance r, in parallel is :
(vii) For n equal resistances
R series
2
Rparallel = n .
is the effective conductance then

= + 2 + 3
(viii) If
24. Using 'n' conductors of equal resistances the

number of combinations one can have, using all
at a time is 2n1.
CURRENT ELECTRICITY
91
25. If the resistance

different, then
combinations are
of 'n' conductors are entirely

the number of possible
2 n.
26. Resistivity of a conductor changes with impurity.

The impurity increases the resistivity, resistivity
of an alloly is greater than the resistivity of its
constituents.
27. Resistivity increases with temperature.
28. Mechanical stress increases the resistivity.
29. Resistivity of most of the metals increases on
heating.
30. Resistivity of Antimony and Bismuth and semi
conductors decreases with increase of
temperature.
31. When the charge is stationary, the energy stored
is calculated by the formula
VQ
while if the
2
charge is flowing then the energy dissipated is

calculated by VQ.
32. When a wire is drawn to n times the new length,

then its Resistance becomes n2R where n is the
original resistances.
33. When wires are drawn from same volume but
with difference area of crosssection, then
Resistance
Resistance
( Area of cross sec tion ) 2
or
(radius )4
34. When a wire is folded n times on its own length

to 1/nth length then the new resistance becomes
R/n2 (R is the initial resistance of the wire)
35. Temperature coefficient of materials is given by
R t R0
R0 t . Its units are per C.
36. If is positive the resistance increase with

increase in temperature.
37. If is negative the resistance decrease with
increase in temperature.
38. For some materials is nearly zero. There is no

change in resistance with temperature.
39. The temperature coefficient of thermistors is
negative and it is high.
40. The direction of flow of current in the cell is from

negative electrode to the positive electrode, while
outside the cell it is from positive electrode to
the negative electrode.
41. Open circuit means, that no current is being drawn
from the cell.
42. Closed circuit means that current is being drawn
from the cell.
43. Energy is consumed inside the cell due to its
internal resistance.
44. Due to the presence of internal resistance in the
cell, there is a potential drop inside the cell.
45. E.m.f. (E) is the characteristic of each cell and
its value remains constant for the cell, while the
potential difference (V) goes on decreasing on
taking more and more current from the cell.
46. While charging a cell the positive terminal of the
charger should be connected to the positive
terminal of the cell and the negative terminal of
the charger should be connected to the negative
terminal of the cell.
47. While charging a cell, we send a current in the
cell by some other electric source (as a battery),
called charger then the direction of current inside
the cell will be from the positive plate to the
negative plate. In this case the potential difference
V between the plates of the cell will be greater
than the emf of the cell. V = E + ir.
48. Greater the length of the potentiometer wire,
smaller is the potential gradient (k = V/I) and
more is the balancing length hence, more is the
accuracy of observations.
49. Potential difference across the terminals of the
cell when current is drawn from it is V = E Ir.
50. Potential difference across the terminals of the
cell when the cell is charged V = E + Ir.
CURRENT ELECTRICITY
92
E V
R,
51. Internal resistance of the cell r =
V
where E = emf of the cell, V = Potential difference
across the terminals of the cell, R = external
resistance.
52. Energy supplied by the cell in t seconds = Eit

(if r = 0), = Vit (if r is finite).
53. Energy dissipated in the internal circuit of
resistance R' = i2 rt.
54. Energy dissipated in the external circuit of
resistance R' = i2Rt.
55. If the diameter of the potentiometer wire is not
uniform, then the value of potential gradient will
not be uniform throughout the wire.
56. The current flowing in the circuit if a cell of emf
E and internal resistance r is connected to an
E
external resistance R is I =
r R
57. If two cells of emf E 1 and E2 and internal

resistance r1 and r2 are connected so as to
support each other, then the current in a resistor
E1 E 2
R is I = r r R
1
2
58. If the two cells oppose each other, then I =
E1 ~ E 2
r1 r2 R
59. In a battery of N cells each of emf E, if n cells

are wrongly connected, then the net emf of
the battery is E' = NE 2nE as one wrongly
connected cell destroys one more cell.
emf of ch arg er emf of cell

60. Charging current = total resis tan ce of the circuit
61. When cells of emf E1 and E2 are connected in
parallel
(a) net emf = E1 E2 if E1 > E2.
(b) Total internal resistance is (r1 + r2).
(c) Current i =
E1 E 2
r1 r2
(d) As E1 > E2, E1 is discharging while E2 is

charging.
(e) The common terminal voltage V =
E1r2 E 2r1
r1 r2
62. When an external resistance R is connected to

a battery of emf E and internal resistance r, the
power transferred from the cell to the resistance
is maximum when r = R.
63. Nichrome is used as electrical heater element
because of its high specific resistance, high
melting point and low temperature coefficient of
resistance.
(i) Nichrome is an alloy of Nickel, chromium
and copper.
(ii) Manganin is an alloy of copper, manganese
and Nickel.
(iii) Constantan is an alloy of copper and nickel.
(iv) Fuse wire is an alloy of lead and tin.
64. Heater wire has high resistance and high melting
point.
65. Heater wire is always connected parallel to the
mains.
66. Fuse wire is always connected in series in the
circuit.
67. In resistance boxes Manganin wires are used as
their temperature coefficient is negligibly small.
68. W heatstone bridge is the arrangement of
resistances used to measure the resistance of a
conductor.
69. Bridge is balanced if P/Q = R/S.
70. At balance, the potential difference across the
galvanometer arm is zero and the current through
the galvanometer is also zero (ig = 0).
71. The bridge is most sensitive when the current in

all the four branches of the bridge is of same
order.
72. The balance is not effected on interchanging the
position of battery and galvanometer,
73. Post office box works on the principle of
Wheatstone bridge and it is used to measure the
resistance of a wire, but its sensitivity is small.
CURRENT ELECTRICITY
93
74. Metre bridge is an instrument to measure the

resistance of a wire accurately. It works on the
principle or Wheatstone's bridge.
75. Meter bridge is more sensitive than a post office
box.
76. The drawback of a meter bridge is the appearance
of end resistances.
77. The effect of end resistances is reduced by
interchanging the gaps.
78. Complete elimination of end resistances is
possible in Carey Foster Bridge which has four
gaps instead of two.
79. Potentiometer is an instrument used to measure
accurate potential differences.
80. The resistance of potentiometer can be

considered as infinity while measuring the emf.
81. The potentiometer and vaccum tube voltmeter
(VTVM) are ideal voltmeters.
82. The potentiometer of VTVM do not draw any
current from the points across which the potential
diff. is measured.
83. If 1 and 2 are the balancing lengths for two
1
cells of emf E1 and E2, then E1 / E2 = .
2
84. If 1 and 2 are the lengths in open and closed

circuit across a cell and R is the external
resistance then the internal resistance of the cell
1
is. r = R 1 .
2
CURRENT ELECTRICITY
94
Ex. 1
Sol
S O LV E D E XA M P L E S
A cylindrical wire is stretched to increase its

length by 10%. The percentage increase in
the resistance of the wire will be
(A) 20%
(B) 21%
(C) 22%
(D) 24%
(A)
Let l1 be the initial length of the wire. Then the
new length will be
11
10
Ex. 3
112
R 2 R1
R
1
R1 100 = R1 100 = 10
100 = 21%
Sol.
Sol (C)
The equivalent resistance between A and B

is
In the adjoining network of resistors, each is

of resistance r ohm, the equivalent resistance
between pointsbA and B is
or
Now, percentage change in resistance is
2
Req =
R
3
(A) 2R/3
(B) R/3
(C) R
(D) 3R
(A)
The circuit is equivalent to Fig. It is a balanced
wheatstone bridge between abcd, and then in
parallel (2R) resistances. Thus ignoring
resistance between bd arm. The circuit is
equivalent to three (2R) resistances in parallel
(abc, adc, aRRc).
A B
2
R2
11
R1 = 10
1
1
1
1
3
i.e. R
=
+
+
=
eq
2R
2R
2R
2R
(where A1 and A2 are initial and final area of

crosssection of the wire).
If R1 and R2 are the initial and final resistances,
then
Ex. 2
Since, the volume remains constant
2
R1
1 A 2
10
10
10

R 2 = 2 A 1 = 11 11 = 11
110
11
l2 =
l =
l
100 1
10 1
A1l1 = A2l2 or A1 /A2 = l2/l1 =
(A) 5r
(C) r
(B) 2r/3
(D) r/2.
b
r
r
r
Imagine, A being pulled on the left side, then

abcd becomes a balanced wheatstone bridge
Fig. The arm bd can be ignored. Then
resistance between A, B becomes = r.
1
1
1
1
i.e. R
=
+
=
eq
2r
2r
r
Req = r
CURRENT ELECTRICITY
95
Ex. 4
In the following fig. the ratio of current in 3

and 1 resistances is
3
3A 1
x
1
3
(C) 1
(A)
Sol (B)
Ex. 5
A
Sol (D)
Ex. 6
6
2
(B)
3
(D) 2
The resultant resistance between the points A

and B in the following diagram Fig. will be
1
1
1
1
2
(A) 4
(C) 6
1
1
1
1
1
1
=
+
or
=
20
100
20
100
R
R
Ex. 7
(B) 8
(D) 2
Sol
(R1 R 2 )
1
+
[(R1 + R2)2 + 4 R3
2
2
(R1 + R2)]1/2
.....(A)
R1 = 1, R2 = 0. R3 = 2.
......(B)
From eqs. (A) and (B)
1
1
R =
+
[1 + 4 x 2 x 1]1/2
2
2
1
=
[1 + 3] = 2.
2
Fig. represents a balanced Wheatstone's
Bridge. The value of resistance R will be
B
R
100
100
A
C
R =
200
(A) 25
(C) 100
40
(B) 30
(D) 200
If P, Q, R, S are resistance of Wheatstone's

Bridge,
then in balanced position.
P
R
=
Here P = 100, R = 200, S
Q
S
= 40, Q = ?
40
S
Q =
.P =
100 = 20.
200
R'
That is in arm BC, the net resistance should
be 20, but the arm contains a combination
of resistances 100 and R in parallel,
therefore, we have
The current in 1resistance is 3A. The current

R2
in 3 resistance is I1 = R R I
1
2
6
=
3 = 2A.
36
2
Therefore the ratio is .
3
2
B
Sol (A)
5 1
4
=
20
100
100
= 25.
4
An electric current of 5 amp. is divided in
three branches forming a parallel combination.
The length of the wire in the three branches
are in the ratio, 2, 3 and 4 ; their diameters
are in the ratio 3, 4 and 5. Find the currents
in each branch if the wire are of the same
material.
Let the length of three wires be 2l, 3l and 4l
respectively and their radii be 3r, 4r and 5r
respectively. If S be the specific resistance,
then
2l
3l
R1
=
S
R2
=
S
2 ,
(3r )
( 4r )2
4l
2l
and R3 = S
or R1 = S 2 ,
(5r )2
9
3l
4l
R2 = S
and R3 = S
162
25 2
2
3
4
R1 : R2 : R3 =
:
:
9
16
25
The ratio of their currents must be inverse of
the above, i.e.
R =
16
9
25
i1 : i2 : i3 =
:
:
3
2
4
or
i1 : i2 : i3 = 54 : 64 : 75
or
5 54
i1 =
= 1.40 amp.,
193
5 64
i2 =
= 1.66 amp.,
193
3 75
i3 =
= 1.94 amp.
193
CURRENT ELECTRICITY
96
Ex. 8 How will reading in the ammeter A of the fig.

be affected if an other identical bulb Q is
connected in parallel to P as shown. The voltage
in the mains is maintained at constant value
Switch
Sol. (C)
Sol (B)
Mains
A
(A) the reading will be reduced to one half.
(B) the reading will be double of previous one.
(C) the reading will not be affected.
(D) the reading will increase four fold.
+ 12 V
Sol (B)
Ex. 11 The value of steady current in 2 resistance

in the following circuit diagram will be
2
i1
i
0.2F
Since Q is connected in parallel the net

resistance becomes R/2, so the current I =
2V/R, double the value.
Ex. 9 In a circuit shown, the galvanometer G reads

zero. If batteries have negligible internal
resistances, the value of resistance X wil be
500
b
c
G
a
f
(A) 10
(C) 200
Ex. 10 The reading in the ammeter is

+
2V
I1
(A) 1 A
(C) 0.67 A
I2
4
2.8
(B) 1.8 A
(D) 0.36 A
After full charging, the steady current in the

condenser is zero, hence no current will flow
in 4 resistance.
E
=
R R'
6
6
=
=1.5 A
28 12
23
28
23
Let current flowing in 2 resistance is I1

2 and 3 resistance are connected in
parallel
2I1 = (1.5 I1) x 3
5I1 = 4.5
I1 = 0.9 amp.
Ex. 12 The potential different between the points X

and Y in the adjoining diagram Fig. will be
100
100
200V
+
2V
(B) 2 A
(D) 1.5 A
i2
+
6V
(A) 0.9 A
(C) 2.7 A
I=
d
(B) 100
(D) 500
Since there is no current in edcb part, the p.d.

across b, e should be 2V. Let current in 500
is I, then same current flows through X
(think). Therefore, for loop abefa,
12 = I(500) + IX
or
12 = I(500) + 2 (IX = 2 volt)
Thus I = (1/50) A or from IX = 2,
X = 2 50 = 100 .
Sol (A)
2V
Let the current, in upper branch is I1 and in

lower branch I2. The current in central resis
tance will be I1 + I2. Using Kirchhoff's laws.
2 = I1 (2) + (I1 + I2) (2) upper branch
2 = I2 (2) + (I1 + I2) (2) lower branch
adding 4 = 2(I1 + I2) + 4(I1 + I2)
or I1 + I2 = 4/6 = 2/3 ampere. 0.67 ampere
100
(A) zero
(C) 10 V
100
(B) 50 V
(D) 100 V
CURRENT ELECTRICITY
97
Sol (A)
a
100
100
c
100
Ex.13
Ex.14
100
In the adjoining diagram R1 = 10, R2 = 20,

R3 = 40, R4 = 80 and VA = 5V, VB = 10V,
VC = 20V, VD = 15 V. The current in the
resistance R1 will be
i2
R2
Sol (A)
(A)
(B)
(C)
(D)
i1
A
A
A
A
R3
towards O
away from O
towards O
away from O.
R4
i4
i1 + i2 + i3 + i4 = 0
VO VA
R1
0.4
0.4
0.6
0.6
R1
VO VD
= 0
R4
200V
Equivalent circuit can be reduced
as follows
P
R
Because
=
Q
S
VX = VY
VX VY = 0
the reading of voltmeter will be zero.
The value of i in the following circuit diagram

will be
8V
()
VO VB
R2
i3
4 i
3
(A)
A
2
1
(C)
A
2
Sol.
VO 5
VO 10 VO 20
VO 15
+
+
+
= 0
10
20
40
80
or VO = 9 volt
95
i1 =
= 0.4 A away from O
10
......(B)
3
A
4
(D) 1 A
85
E
=
= 5 amp.
8
R
1
5 = 1amp.
5
A galvanometer together with an unknown

resistance in series is connected across two
identical batteries of each 1.5 V. When the
batteries are connected in series, the
galvanometer records a current of 1 A and
when the batteries are connected in parallel,
the current is 0.6 A. The internal resistance of
the battery will be
(A)
Sol
(B)
1
5
8
1
1
1
=
+
+
=
R =
8
8
5
R
4
4
i =
Ex.15
(D) Resultant resistance
net current I =
VO VC
R3
(C)
2
1
(B)
(D)
3
1
(B)
Let R be the combined resistance of
galvanometer and an unknown resistance and
r the internal resistance of each battery. When
the batteries, each of e.m.f. E are connected
in series, the net e.m.f. = 2E and net internal
resistance = 2r
2E
2 15
Current i1 =
or 1.0 =
R 2r
R 2r
R + 2r = 3.0.
When the batteries are connected in parallel,
the e.m.f. remains E and net internal resistance
becomes r/2. therefore
CURRENT ELECTRICITY
98
Ex.17
2E
Current i2 = R r =
2
R
r
2
2E
2 15
2R + r = i
=
= 5.0
0 .6
2
Solving (A) and (B), we get r = 1/3 .
Ex.16
A potential difference of 220 V is maintained

across a 12000 rheostat as shown in fig.
The voltmeter V has resistance of 6000 and
the point C is at one fourth of the distance
from a to b. The reading of voltmeter will be
220V
b
c
a
Sol
(A) 30V
(C) 50V
(B)
Given ac =
V
(B) 40V
(D) 60V
1
ab and resistance of rheostat
4
3
C = 0.2F
+
2 . 8
V=6V
(a) Calculate the steadystate current in the 2
resistor shown in the circuit in fig. The internal
resistance of the battery is negligible and the
capacitance of the condenser is 0.2 F
(b) The resistors, 400 and 800 are connected
in series with a 6 volt battery. It is desired to
measure the current in the circuit. An ammeter
of 10 ohms resistance is used for this purpose.
What will be the reading in the ammeter ?
Similarly, if a voltmeter of 10,000 ohms
resistance is used to measure the potential
difference across the 400 resistor, what will
be the reading in the voltmeter ?
Sol.
(a) Let R be the equivalent resistance of two
resistances 2 and 3 connected in parallel.
1
32
5
1
1
=
+
=
=
3
6
6
R
2
6
or R =
= 1.2 .
5
400
800
= 12000.
Resistance of part ac, Rac
=
1
12000 = 3000.
4
Resistance of part bc,

Rbc = 12000 3000 = 9000.
Resistance of voltmeter, RV = 6000.
The equivalent resistance of voltmeter and part
ac connected in parallel is
R ac R V
3000 6000
R' = R R
=
= 2000.
3000 6000
ac
V
Resistances R' and Rbc are in series, therefore

net resistance in circuit,
R = 9000 + 2000 = 11000.
Current in circuit, i =
220
V
=
= 0.02
11000
R
amp.Reading of voltmeter = p.d. across

ac = iR'
= 0.02 2000 = 40 Volt.
10
+
6V
The branch having a capacitor C and 4

resistance acts as open circuited because D.C.
will neither pass through condenser nor 4
resistance.
The total effective resistance of the circuit
= 1.2 + 2.8 = 4.
6V
current in the circuit =
= 1.5 amp.
4
Now current through 2 resistance
3
= 1.2
= 0.9 amp.
5
( current in parallel resistances are in ratio
of the reciprocals of their resistances)
CURRENT ELECTRICITY
99
(b) The circuit arrangement is shown in fig.

10000
V
+
6V
2V
From fig.(a) total resistance of the circuit

= 400 + 800 + 10 = 1210 .
Current i in the circuit =
Sol
The diagram can be redrawn as shown in fig.
6 volt
=0.00496 amp
1210
So ammeter will read 0.00496 amp.
are in parallel. Let the effective resistance be

R. Hence
1
25 1
26
1
1
=
+
=
=
10,000
10,000
10,000
400
R
10,000
26
Total resistance of the circuit
R =
10,000
30,800
+ 800 =
26
26
6 26
156
Now current in the circuit =
=
30,800
30,800
Potential difference across voltmeter
V = current resistance =
156
10,000
30,800
26
= 1.96 volt.
Ex.18
For the fig. Calculate the current through 3
ohm resistor and power dissipated in the entire

circuit. The emf of battery is 2 volt and its
internal resistance is 2/3 ohm.
2
4
From fig,(b) resistance 400 and 10,000
800
400
4
8
+
2V
3
C
4
8
2/3
The effective resistance RAC between A and C
1
1
3
3
R AC = 2 + 4 = 4 RAC = 4 ohm
The effective resistance RCB between C and B
3
1
1
RCB =
+
= 8
8
4
RCB =
8
ohm.
3
4
8
Now, RACB = RAC + RCB =
+
= 4ohm.
3
3
Corresponding to points X and Y, the

resistances 3 ohm, 4 ohm and 6 ohm are in
parallel, hence effective resistance RXY is
R XY
1
1
1
432
9
+
+
=
=
3
6
4
12
12
RXY =
12
4
=
ohm.
9
3
CURRENT ELECTRICITY
100
Total
=
resistance
of
the
500i 200 i1 = 110

Solving eqs. (1) and (2), we get
3
i =
amp
10
1
and i1 =
amp.
5
circuit
4
2
+
= 2.
3
3
Current in the circuit =
1 amp.
1
Current in 100 ohm resistance i1 =
amp.
5
1
Current in 200 ohm resistance i i1 =
10
3
Current in 300 ohm resistance i =
amp.
10
Potential difference between A and C
= Potential difference across 100 ohm
resistance
or potential difference across 200 ohm
resistance
VA VC = current resistance
1
= i1 100 =
100 = 20 volt.
5
Potential difference between C and B is given by
Power dissipated in the circuit = i2 R

= 1 2 = 2 watts
Potential difference
between X
and
4
4
=
V.
3
3
Potential difference across 3 ohm resistor
Y = i RXY = 1
4
V.
3
Current in 3 ohm resistor =

= 0.44 amp.
Ex.19
4/3
4
=
3
9
Two points A and B are maintained at a
VC VB = i x 300 =
constant potential difference of 110 volt. A third

point is connected to A by two resistances of
100 and 200 ohm in parallel, and to B by a

single resistance of 300 ohm. Find the current
Ex.20
in each resistance and the potential difference

between A and C and between C and B.
Sol
The circuit with current distribution is shown

in fig.
100
E
i1
C
F
G
H
200
i - i1
i
300
i B
110V
Applying Kirchoff's second law to the loop
DEFGHID,
we have i1 100 (i i1) 200 = 0
300 i1 200 i = 0
......(1)
Now applying Kirchoff's second law to loop
ADIHGCBA,
we have. (i i1) 200 + i 300 = 110
.....(2)
Sol
3
300 = 90 volt.
10
In the circuit
E
shown in fig.
+
B
A
E, F, G and
H are cells
of emf 2, 1,
3 and 1 F+
H
2
+
volts and
their internal
+
resistances D
C
G
are 2, 1, 3
and 1 ohm respectively. Calculate
(i) the potential difference between B and D
and
(ii) the potential difference across the
terminals of each of the cells G and H.
Fig. shows the current distribution.
A
1
1V
D
i
i1
2V
1V
i2 3V
1
C
CURRENT ELECTRICITY
101
Applying Kirchoff's first law at point D,

we have
i = i1 + i2
......(A)
Applying Kirchoff's second law to mesh ADBA,
we have
2i + i + 2i1 = 2 1 = 1
or
3i + 2i1 = 1
......(B)
Applying Kirchoff's second law to mesh DCBD,
we get
3i2 + i2 2i1 = 3 1
or
4i2 2i1 = 2
......(C)
Solving eqs. (A), (B) and (C), we get
1
i1 =
amp.,
13
i2 =
6
5
amp. and i =
amp.
13
13
or 3i1 + i2 = i
and in mesh BEFCD
Ex.21
(A)
Sol (A)
i1 =
In the adjoining circuit diagram each resistance

is of 10. The current in the arm AD will be
E
(C)
2i
5
4i
5
(D)
2i
5
What is the equivalent resistance between the

terminal points A and B in the network shown
in fig. Assume that the resistance of each
resistor is 10.
I C I1 R
D I2 R
F
I- I1
I -I
1
3i
5
i
5
Sol
Applying Kirchoff's law in mesh ABCDA

10 (i i1) + 10i2 20i1 = 0
2i
i
, i2 =
5
5
iAD =
F i
(B)
i1
2(i i1 i2) i1 i2 i2 = 0 or 3i1 4i2 = 2i .......(B)

From eqs. (A) and (B).
Ex.22
(i1+ i2)
63
= 1.61 V.
13
i2
(i - i1)
i
A
i1
(ii) Potential difference across G = E i2
6
(A) = 1.46 V.
= 1
13
(i - i1- i2)
F i
1
2
= 2i1 = 2 =
volt.
13
13

Potential difference across H
(i - i1- i2)
(i) Potential difference between B and D
R = 3
......(A)
H I- I
Let a battery of e.m.f. E and no internal

resistance be connected across A and B. Let
I current enter the corner C and leaves the
corner B. The distribution of currents, according
to Kirchoff's Ist law is shown in fig. applying
Kirchoff's IInd law to closed loops CDHGC and
DFKHD successively, we get.
RI1 R (I1 I2) + 2R (I I1) = 0
or
4I1 I2 = 2I
......(A)
and
2RI2 + R(I I2) + R (I1 I2) = 0
or
I1 + 4I2 = I.
......(B)
or
Solving (A) and (B), we get

CURRENT ELECTRICITY
102
3
2
I and I2 =
i
.......(C)
5
5
Now applying krichoffs II law to mesh
ACGHKBEA, we get
2 (I I1,) R (I I2) R + E = 0
or
E = 2(I I1) R + (I I2)R
I1 =
5
IR
......(A)
6
If RAB is equivalent resistance between comers
A and B, then from Ohms law comparing (A)
and (B), we get
or
3
2
= 2 1 I R + 1 I R
5
7
IR.
5
If RAB is the equivalent resistance between
A and B, then according to Ohms law
E = IRAB
Comparing (D) and (5), we get
or
E =
7
IR
5
7
or RAB =
R.
5
Here
R = 10
7
RAB =
10 = 14
5
IRAB =
Ex. 23
Sol
I/6
I/3
I/3
I/6
I/6
I/3
I/3
I/6
Ex. 24
Sol.
y
y
y
x + 2y B
I/3
I/3
5
IR
6
Twelve equal wires each of resistance R are

joined to form a skeleton cube. Find the
resistance between two corners on the same
edge of the cube.
I/6
I/3
E =
IRAB =
I = x + 2y
Twelve equal wires, each of resistance R ohm

are connected so as to form a skeleton cube.
An electric current enters this cube from one
corner and leaves out the diagonally opposite
corner. Calculate the total resistance of this
assembly.
1
1
1
R
R
R + E = 0
6
3
3
E
Let ABCDEFGH be skeleton cube formed of
twelve equal wires each of resistance R. Let
a battery of e.m.f. E be connected across A
and G. Let the total current entering at the
corner A and leaving the diagonally opposite
corner G be I. By symmetry the distribution of
currents in wires of cube, according to Kirchoff's
Ist law is shown in fig. Applying Kirchoff's
IInd law to mesh ADCGEA, we get
(y z)
(y z)
D
(y z)
E
y
G
2 (yz)
(y z)
Let I = x + 2y current enter at point A, when

a battery of e.m.f. E and no internal resistance
is connected across edge AB. The edges AD
and AH are symmetrically connected to A,
therefore they will carry equal currents. The
distribution of currents according to Kirchoff's
Ist law is shown in fig.
If RAB is equivalent resistance, then from

Ohm's law,
E = RAB I = RAB (x + 2y)
....(A)
and from Kirchoff's law applied to mesh
containing AB and cell E is
R x = E
.....(B)
(since R is resistance of each wire)
Applying Kirchoff's II law to mesh AHEB
yR + zR + yR xR = 0 or x 2y z =
0.....(C)
Applying Kirchoff's II law to mesh DGFC
(y z) R + 2 (y z) R zR = 0
or
4(y z) z = 0 or 4y = 5 z .....(D)
i.e.
z = (4/5) y
.....(5)
Substituting this value in (C), we get
CURRENT ELECTRICITY
103
x 2y
4
y = 0
5
or
14
5
y = x i.e. y =
x
5
14
Substituting value of y in (A), we get
2
2I 5I1 = 0 or I1 =
I
...... (B)
5
Applying Kirchoff's IInd law to external circuit
AHEBE', we get
or
or
10
x
E = RAB x
14
1
1
R + I1 R +
R = E1
2
2
24
E = RAB
x = R . x
14
RAB =
IR +
24
R
14
or
7
RAB =
R.
12
Ex. 25
Sol
I
E
(I/2-I1)
H
I1
y
E
I/2
2
IR = E'
5
[Using (B)]
7
IR = E
5
......(C)
Comparing (A) and (C), wet get RAB I =
Eleven equal wires each of resistance 2 form

the edges of an incomplete skeleton cube.
Find the total resistance between points A
and B of the vacant edge.
I/2
A
2 I1 + (I 2I1) I1 = 0
2
I/2-I1
I/2
I/2-I1
D
Ex. 26
I-2I1
Sol
I1
7
7
i.e. RAB =
R =
2 = 2.4
5
5
Three 4V batteries, internal resistances 0.1,

0.2 and 0.3 are connected in parallel and in
series with a 2.045 ohm resistor. Find (a)
equivalent resistance of the circuit (b) equivalent
voltage (c) current in the circuit (d) the terminal
voltage for equivalent cells (e) the terminal
voltage of each cell.
I/2-I1
Let a battery of e.m.f. E' is applied between

points A and B.
Let a current I, enter through point A.
If RAB is equivalent resistance between points
A and B, then from Ohm's law
RAB I = E'
The distribution of currents, keeping in mind
symmetry condition, is shown in fig.
Let R (= 2) be the resistance of each wire.
Applying Kirchoff's II law to mesh DGFC, we
get
1
I1 R + (I 2I )
1
2
R + I1 R I1 R = 0
2
7
IR
5
4V
0.1
4V
0.2
4V
0.3
2.045
The curcuit arrangement is shown in fig. As
the batteries are connected in parallel, hence
total emf of the circuit = 4V.
The effective resistance RAB between A and B
is given by
1
1
1
1
110
R AB = 0.1 + 0.2 + 0.3 = 6
6
= 0.055 ohm.
110
(a) Equivalent resistance of the circuit R = RAB
+ 2.045 = 0.055 + 2.045 = 2.1 ohm.
(b) Equivalent voltage = 4 volt.
RAB =
CURRENT ELECTRICITY
104
4
= 1.9 amp.
2.1
(d) Terminal voltage of equivalent cell = 4 i
RAB=41.9 0.55 = 4 0.1045 =3.8955
V.
(e) Batteries are in parallel hence terminal
voltage for each cell is 3.8955 V.
(i) When the two heating coils are in series,

the effective resistance is
In the fig below the bulbs are identical, which

bulb(s), light(s) most brightly ?
(A) 1 only
(B) 4 only
(C) 2 and 3
(D) 1 and 5.
.....(D)
(c) Current in the circuit =
Ex. 27
Sol (D)
Ex. 28
Sol. (A)
4
7
R' = R1 + R2 = R1 +
. R1 =
R .
3
3 1
with two coils in series, let the kettle take

t' time to boil. The.
V 2 t'
V 2 t'
Q =
=
7
JR'
4 .2 R 1
3
Comparing (A) and (D), we get
Since all bulbs are identical they have the

same resistances. The current I flowing through
1 branches at A. So current in 2 and 3, as
well as in 4 will be less than I. The current
through 5 is also I. Thus and 5 glow equally
brightly and more than 2, 3 or 4.
= 6 60
7
or t' =
6 60 sec = 14 min.
3
(ii) when the two heating coils are in parallel,
the effective resistance is,
An electric tea kettle has two heating coils.

When one the coils is switched on, the kettle
begins to boil in 6 minutes. When the other is
switched on, the boiling begins in 8 minutes.
In what time will the boiling begin if both coils
are switched on simultaneously (i) in series
(ii) in parallel ?
(A) 14 min, 3.43 min
(B) 12 min, 3.43min
(C) 3.43 min, 12 min
(D) 3.43 min, 14 min.
4
R1 R1
3
R1 R 2
4
R" = R R =
R
4 =
7 1
R1 R1
1
2
3
In parallel arrangement of heating coils,

let t" be the time taken by kettle to boil,
so
V 2 t' '
V t"
Q =
= 4.2 4 R
1
JR"
7
2
Let R1 and R2 be the resistances of the coils,

V the supply voltage, Q the heat required to
boil the water.
Heat produced by first coil of resistance R1 in
time t1 (= 6 min)
V 2 t1
V 2 6 60
=
cal
......(A)
JR1
4.2R1
Heat produced in second coil of resistance R2
in time t2 (= 8 min)
= Q =
V 2 t1
V 2 6 60
=
JR 2
4.2R 2
Equating (A) and (B), we get
.....(B)
4
or R2 =
R
3 1
.....(C)
= Q =
t'
7

3
Ex. 29
R2
6
8
8
4
R 2 = R 2 i.e. R1 = 6 = 3
.....(5)
Comparing (A) and (5), we get

t"
4 = 6 60 or t"

7
4
=
6 60 sec = 3.43 min.
7
A 10 m long nichrome wire having 80
resistance, has current carrying capacity of 5
A. What is the power which can be obtained
as heat by the wire from a 200 V mains supply
? If the wires are cut in two equal parts and
connected in such a way that it gives
maximum power. What is the arrangement to
obtain maximum power ? (Rohilkhand Univ.)
(A) 50 W, 200 W
(B) 500 W, 2000 W
(C) 50 W, 100 W
(D) 500 W, 1000 W
CURRENT ELECTRICITY
105
Sol (B)
If the wire is connected as such across the

battery, then current in wire,
200
V
I=
=
= 2.5 A and power obtained,
80
R
200 200
V2
P =
=
= 500 watts.
80
R
The wire can carry maximum current of 5 A,
therefore to double the current, the resistance
should be halved. Thus if we divide the wire in
two parts and the two parts are connected in
parallel across 200 V mains supply, the
resistance of each part = 40, therefore current
200
in each wire =
= 5A.
40
i1 6
i
Sol (A)
Sol (A)
4)
Ex. 31
Ex. 32
Sol (A)
t =
80
2000. t = 4.2 1000 1 x (100
100
Ex.33
42 1000 96 1000
= 252 sec.
2000 80
In the following figure the rate of heat generated

in 2 ohm resistor and potential differents across
6 ohm resister will be respectively
(A) 32 J/s, 6V
(B) 16 J/s, 3V
(C) 8 J/s, 1V
(D) 64 J/s, 12V
(Heat generated in 5 ohm resistor due to current
flowing in it is 45 J/s)
Let current in 5 is i2 then
P = i22 R2
or i2 = 3 amp
R2
i1
5
1
Since
= R =
=
i2
15
3
1
i1 = 1 amp
The total current through 2resistor is
i = i1 + i2 = 3 + 1 = 4 amp.
The rate of heat generation in 2resistor is
= i2R
= 42 2 = 32 joule/sec.
Potential difference across 6 resistor is
V = i1 6 = 1 6 = 6 volt.
A 220 volt 100 watt bulb is connected to a
110 volt source. The power consume by the
bulb will be
(A) 25 W
(B) 20 W
(C) 484 W
(D) 120 W
220 220
V2
=
100
P
The new power for the voltage of 110 volt is
Resistance of the bulb R =
We know that the relation between work and

heat produced is
W = JH
P.t = J. ms
45 = i22 5
V2
and new power obtained, Pmax =
R'
200 200
=
= 2000 Watts.
20
Thus maximum power is 2000 watts and this
is obtained when wire is cut in two halves and
they are connected in parallel across the given
supply.
A heatingcoil of 2000 watt is immersed in an
electric kettle. The time taken in raising the
temperature of 1 litre of water from 4C to
100C will be (Only 80% part of the thermal
energy produced is used in raising the
temperature of water.)
(A) 252 s
(B) 250 s
(C) 245 s
(D) 247 s
A
i2
R1R 2
40 40
Net resistance, R' = R R =
= 20
40 40
1
2
Ex. 30
110 110
V '2
=
= 25 watt.
484
R
An electric motor whose resistance is 2 ohm
is started with a supply of 110 volt. It takes 10
ampere current at its full speed. The electric
power consumed and part of the power used
in mechanical work will be respectively
(A) 900 W, 82%
(B) 800 W, 80%
(C) 200 W, 62%
(D) None of the above.
P' =
CURRENT ELECTRICITY
106
Sol
(A)
Power of the motor = VI= 110 10= 1100 watt
Heat loss in the motor
= i2R = (10)2 2 = 200 watt
Power converted to mechanical work
= (1100 200) watt = 900 watt
Percentage of total power consumed in
mechanical work = (900/1100) 100 = 82%
(approx).
Ex. 34 A copper wire having crosssectional area 0.5
mm2 and a length of 0.1 m is initially at 25
C and is thermally insulated from the
surroundings. If a current of 10 A is set up in
this wire,
(i) Find the time in which the wire will start
melting. The change of resistance with
temperature of the wire may be neglected.
(ii) What will be the time taken if the length
of the wire is doubled ? Giving for copper,
density = 9 103 kg/m3 , specific heat
= 9 102 Kilocal kg1 (C)1, melting
point = 1075 C, specific resistance
1.6108 ohmmetere.
Sol.
(i) The resistance of copper wire of length
l = 0.1 m and crosssectional area
A = 0.5 mm 2 = 0.5 106 m2 is given by
R =
A
If Q is the heat required to melt the copper
wire, then
i2RT
Q = i2 R t joule =
kilocal ......(A)
J
Also Q = ms = (mass) specific heat
rise of temperature, mass = volume density
= (area length) d = (A l) d
and rise of temperature
= = 1075 25 = 1050C
Q = Ald. s Kilocal
.....(B)
Equating (A) and (B)
Time t=
=
JA ds
JA ds
i 2R
i RT
= Ald.s.
J
2
JA ds

i2
A
i2
Substituting given values
t =
...... (C)
Ex.35
Sol
(ii) From equation (C), it is obvious that the

time required is independent of length;
therefore by doubling the length of
wire, the time remains the same =
588.14 sec.
A person decide to use his bathtub water to
generate electric power to run a 40 W bulb.
The bath tub is located at a height of 10 m
from the ground and it holds 20 litres of water.
He installs a water driven wheel generator on
the ground. The rate at which he should drain
the water from the bath tub to light the bulb
and the time he keeps the bulb on will be
respectively (The efficiency of the generator
is 90%) (g = 9.8 m/s2)
(A) 0.345 kg/s, 441s
(B) 40 kg/s, 100 s
(C) 0.454 kg/s, 441s
(D) None of these
(C) Rate of change of Potential Energy =
Electric power generated.
dm
90
g h
= 40 watt
100
dt
= 40 joule/sec.
40 watt 100
dm
=
90 g h
dt
40Js 1 100
90 9.8N / kg 10m
2
=
= 0.454 kg/sec.
4.41
mass of 200 litre water
Time =
dm / dt
200kg
= (2 / 4.41)kg / sec = 441 second
=
Ex.36
Sol
4 . 2 10 3 (0 . 5 10 6 )2 (9 10 3 ) (9 10 2 ) x 1050
(10 )2 1. 6 10 8
= 588.14 sec
A wire of resistance 0.1 ohm cm1 bent to

form a square ABCD of side 10 cm. A similar
wire is connected between the corners B and
D to form the diagonal BD. Find the effective
resistance of this combination between corners
A and C. If a 2 V battery of negligible internal
resistance is connected across A and C
calculate the total power dissipated.
In fig (a). A square of 10 cm side is shown.
The resistance of each side is 10 0.1 = 1
ohm. The corners B and D also connected by
the same wire. The square forms a Wheastone's
bridge because the condition P/Q = R/S is
satisfied. Now no current will flow through BD.
CURRENT ELECTRICITY
107
Ex.38
The fig has the form as shown in fig (b).

1
Ex.37
Sol
1 1
1
A
C
1
A
D
D
1
1
Resistance of ABC part = 1 + 1 = 2 ohm
(They are in series
Resistance of ADC part = 1 + 1 = 2 ohm.
Now the two parts are in parallel corresponding
to points A and C, hence effective resistance
R is given by
Sol
Let i1 and i2 be the currents which can flow

through the two lamps safely, then
25
100
= 0.227 amp. and i2 =
= 0.909
110
110
amp.
The resistance of two bulbs are given by
i1 =
E
110
110
R1 = i =
ohm and R2 =
ohm
0.227
0.909
1
When the two bulbs are connected in series,
their total resistance
1
1
1
=
+
R = 1 ohm.
R
2
2
When 2V battery is connected between A and
C, the current.
E
2
i =
=
= 2 amp.
R
1
Power dissipated P = E i = 2 x 2 = 4 watt
Three equal resistors connected in series

across a source of emf together dissipate 10
watt of power. What would be the power
dissipated if the same resistors are connected
in parallel across the same source of emf
Let R be the resistance of each resistor.
When they are connected in series, the total
resistance = R + R + R = 3R ohm.
Power dissipated W 1 = E2/3R, where E =
emf of the source.
When the resistors are connected in parallel,
their effective resistance is given by
1
1
1
1
3
=
+
+
=
R'
R
R
R
R
or
R' =
R
3
E2
3E 2
Power dissipated W 2 =
=
R/3
R
Now
or
Two bulbs rated at 25 watts, 110 volts of 100

watts, 110 volts are connected in series to
220 volts electric supply. Perform the necessary
calculations to find out which of the two bulbs,
if any, will fuse. What would happen if the two
bulbs were connected in parallel to the same
supply.
110
110
R = R1 + R2 =
+
= 605 ohm.
0.227
0.909
When these two lamps are connected in series
to 220 volts, the current passing through them
is given by
220
i =
= 0.363 amp.
605
Thus the first bulb will fuse because the current

passing through it i.e., 0.363 is more than
i1 (0.227).
Note : When the two bulbs are connected
in parallel, the effective resistance R' is
given by
1
1
0.227
0.909
1.136
1
= R + R =
+
=
110
110
110
R'
1
2
110
, R' =
ohm.
1.136
Current flowing through circuit i'
220 220 1.136
=
=
amp.
110
R'
Let i3 and i4 be the currents passing through
the two bulbs as shown in fig.
Now the potential difference across the two
bulbs is the same.
Hence i3 R1 = i4 R2
W1
3R
3E 2
=
2 = 9
W2
E
R
W 2 = 9W 1 = 9 10 = 90 watt
(W 1 = 10 watt).
i3.
110
110
= i4.
0.227
0.909
Again i3 + i4 = i' =
or 4i3 = i4.
220 1.136
110
.....(A)
.....(B)
Solving eqs. (A) and (B), get

i3 = 0.454 amp. and i4 = 1.816 amp.
Thus, both the bulbs will fuse.
CURRENT ELECTRICITY
108

Electric Current

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CURRENT ELECTRICITY

Total number of Questions in this chapter are :

Total no. of questions ....................... 88

(a) When a charge flows in a conductor from

(k) Electric field outside a current carrying

If a charge of 1.6 1019 coulomb flows per

Current caused in 2 seconds = 7 ampere

The no. of electrons flowing per second

The no. of electron passing through a heater

In hydrogen atom, the electron moves in an

= 1.12 103 amp = 1.12 mA

A conductor of nonuniform crosssectional

Hence, the charge crossing 'A' every second

By the definition of current, this is the current

(a) The current density at a point in a conductor

(c) It is a VECTOR quantity It's direction is the

= 127 106 A/m 2 = 127 A/cm 2 and for

The relations between relaxation time () and

drift velocity (vd) is given v d = e E

One end of an aluminium wire, whose

= 14.7 105 m/s

Ex.12 A silver wire 1mm diameter carries a charge

(A) 0.02, 2.69 107

(B) 0.03, 3.69 107

(b) This is true for metallic conductors only which

(c) The law is not applicable for ionized gases,

= 2.55 104 amp/m 2

where, R is a constant. This is called

= 2.69 107 m/sec.

Ex.13 The total momentum of electrons in a straight

We know I = neAvd where vd drift velocity

Total no. of electron N = nAl

Total momentum (P) of electron = Nmvd or

(a) If there is no change in the physical state of

(d) Units of resistance : ohm( )

Note : Effect of stretching a wire on its resistance

(i) If the length of wire is changed, then

Effect of temperature on resistance :

(ii) If the radius of wire is changed, then

= Temperature coefficient of resistance at

= +ve for metals.

(i) Resistivity is also defined as the ratio of the

= ve for semi conductors and insulators.

(b) R2 = R1 [1 + (t2 t1)]. This formula gives

(c) Resistance of the conductor decreases

(j) Resistivity is' characteristic property of the

(d) There is no loss of energy in a circuit formed

(k) Value of resistivity is least for conductors

(l) Inverse of resistivity is called conductance

(m) Units of conductance : Mho

(a) If a conductor is stretched to n times of it's

(c) If a conductor is stretched such that it's radius

(h) If T = Temperature in kelvin R = R0 (1 +

Ex.14 In a wire of length 4m and diameter 6mm, a

(A) 0.15 ohm

(B) 0.25 ohm

From he definition of resistance

Yes, this formula defines resistance and not

Ex.16 The resistance between two rectangular faces

(2.46 ) 31.4 (0.016 )2

= 1.59 106 ohm. cm

will be same for any shape of wire formed

Ex.18 A given piece of wire length l, cross sectional

Ex.19 A given piece of wire of length l, radius r and