Std.

:- XI Chapter 11
Subject :- Physics Electric Current Through Conductors
Q.1) Define electric current. State its S.I. unit. Also, But under the action of applied electric field,
define 1 ampere. randomly moving electrons tend to drift in a particular
Ans. Electric current is defined as rate of flow of net direction. Their direction is opposite to that of applied
charge flowing in forward direction. electric field. The electrons under the action of the
It is given by applied electric field drift with a drift speed Vd as shown
q in fig. (ii).
I =
t
Its SI unit is ampere (A). Q.5) Define current density.
When 1 coulomb of charge flows through a Ans. Current density is defined as the ratio of current to
conductor in 1 second , the current flowing is said to be the cross sectional area of conductor.
1 ampere. It is given by I
J =
A
Q.2) Explain flow of current through a conductor. It’s SI unit is Am-2.
Ans. A current can be generated by positively or
negatively charged particles . In an electrolyte , both Q.6) Prove that the current density of a metallic
positively and negatively charged particles take part in the conductor is directly proportional to the drift speed
conduction. In a metal, the free electrons are responsible of electron.
for conduction. These electrons flow and generate a net Ans. Consider a wire of length L and cross sectional
current under the action of an applied electric field. As area A. Let n be the number of free electrons per unit
long as a steady field exists, the electrons continue to volume of wire. Let Vd be the drift speed of electrons
flow in the form of a steady current. Such a steady and e be the charge on electrons , I be the current
electric fields are generated by cells and batteries. flowing through a wire. Then the total number of electrons
in length of a conducting wire is n A L. The total charge in
Q.3) Give the sign convention of electric current. length L is q = n A L e. This is the total charge that moves
Ans. The current flow is always taken in a direction in through any cross section of the wire in certain time
which positive charges move i.e. from positive terminal to interval t ,
negative terminal of circuit. It is called conventional L
t =
current flow. Vd
The flow of negatively charged electrons is q nALe
always opposite to conventional current flow i.e. from  I = = = n A Vd e
t L / Vd
negative terminal to positive terminal of circuit. It is the Hence,
actual current flow. I J
Vd = =
nAe ne
Q.4) Explain the concept of drift speed occupied by
 J = n e Vd
electrons in a conductor.
Ans. i.e. J Vd
Hence, current density is directly proportional to drift
velocity.

Q.7) State and explain Ohm’s law.

Under the normal condition, the free electrons of
Ans. Statement :-
a conductor move in a random direction as shown in
“ The current I through a conductor is
fig. (i). So there is no net motion of electrons in any
directly proportional to the potential difference V applied
direction.
across its two end provided the physical states of
conductor is unchanged.”
In general , I V OR V I
 V = IR
Where R is a constant called resistance of conductor.
 The S. I. unit of resistance is ohm (). Q.10) Derive the relation between electric field and
Defination of 1 ohm :- current density.
1V Ans. Consider an electron of mass m and charge e
1 =
1A subjected to an electric field E.
If potential difference of 1 volt across a conductor Then force experienced by electron is F = e E.
produces a current of 1 ampere through it then the and acceleration experienced by the electron is
resistance of conductor is 1 ohm. F eE
a = =
m m
The graph of current versus potential difference
If  is the average time between two successive
across the conductor is a straight line as shown in fig.
collisions , then drift speed acquired by electron will be
eE
Vd = a  =
m
J
But , Vd =
ne
 eE = J
m ne
mJ m
 E = = J
n e2  n e2 
For a given material , m ,n ,e2 and will be constant.
Q.8) Define conductance. State its unit.  E =  J
Ans. The reciprocal of resistance is called conductance. m
It is given by where= = Resistivity of material
1 n e2 
C =
R
The unit of conductance its Siemens or ohm-1. Q.11) Distinguish between ohmic substances and
non - ohmic substances.
Q.9) Explain the limitations of ohm’s law. Ans.
Ans. Ohmic substances Non - ohmic substances
1) The devices for which 1) The devices for which
I - V curve is a I - V curve is not a
straight line passing straight line are called
through origin are called non - ohmic devices.
ohmic devices.
2) They Obey Ohm’s law. 2) They do not Obey Ohm’s
law.
3) Resistance of these 3) Resistance of these
devices is constant. devices is a function of
The limitation of ohm’s law is that it does not V or I .
consider the effect of temperature in the relation between 4) Ex. Metallic conductor 4) Ex. Liquid electrolytes,
potential difference V and current I. The diagram shows such as copper wire vacuum tubes , junction
diodes , thermistors etc.
V - I curve for a good conductor. The dotted curve
represents ideal ohm’s law and solid line represents
Q.12) Derive the expression for electric power.
actual observations. Ans.
According to ohm’s law , current increases with
potential difference but when current increases
temperature of conductor increases which in turn
increases resistance of conductor and hence decrease the
current slightly. Ohm’s law does not consider this
temperature dependence.
 Consider , a resistor AB connected to a cell in a
circuit as shown in fig. with current flowing from A to B.
The cell maintains a P. D. ‘V’ between two terminals of
resistor.
Let Q be the charge flowing in time t through
resistor from A to B. By defination , P. D. ‘V’ between
points A and B is equal to amount of work done to carry
a unit positive charge from A to B.
It is given by
W
V=  W = VQ
Q
When charge Q flows from A to B , there is a
decrease in potential of value V, its P.E. decreases by
amount
dU = Q V = I dt V ( Q = I dt )
 dU = I V
dt
dU
But , dt is power , time rate of transfer of energy.
dU
 Power = P = dt = I V
According to Ohm’s law , V = I R
V2
 P = I V = R = I2 R
Q.15) Write a note on rheostat.
Ans.
Q.13) What are resistors?
Ans. Resistors are electrical components offering an
opposition to the flow of current in a given circuit.
There are two types of resistors :-
Carbon resistors and wire wound resistors.
High value resistors are mostly carbon resistors. They are
small and inexpensive. The value of these resistors are
colour coded to mark their values in ohms.
Q.14) Explain the colour code system for resistors. Rheostat is a wire wound adjustable resistor used
Ans. in applications that require the adjustment of current or
resistance in the circuit. Rheostat can be used to adjust
potential difference between two points in a circuit,
change intensity of light and control the speed of motors.
Its resistive element can be a metal wire or a ribbon
Every carbon resistor has a set of four coloured carbon films or a conducting liquid depending upon the
rings marked on it. The first ring close to the edge gives application. In Hi - Fi equipment , rheostats are used for
the first digit, the next ring gives the second digit. The volume control.
third ring denotes the decimal multiplier and the fourth
Q.16) Derive the expression for resistances
gives the tolerance of the resistor.
connected in series.
Example :
Ans.
Colour code of resistor is
Yellow Violet Orange Gold
Value : 4 7 103 
i.e. 47 x 10 = 47000  k  5%
3

The value of resistor is 47 k 5 %

 Let R1 , R2 , R3 be the three resistors connected V V V V
 = + +
in series with supply of V volts as shown in fig. and I be RP R1 R2 R3
the current passing through them.
In series combination of resistors , current V 1 1 1
 = V + +
flowing through each resistor is same but supply voltage RP R1 R2 R3
V is divided as P. D. V1 across R1 , P. D. V2 across R2
and P. D. V3 across R3 resp. as shown in fig. 1 1 1 1
 = + +
Using law of conservation of energy , RP R1 R2 R3
V = V1 + V2 + V3 For n number of resistors ,
Using Ohm’s law , 1 1 1 1 n 1
= + + .... + = 
V1 = I R1 , V2 = I R2 , V3 = I R3  V = I RS RP R1 R2 Rn i=1 Ri
Where , Rs is equivalent resistance in series combination. Thus , when a number of resistors are connected in
 Above equation becomes , parallel , the reciprocal of equivalent resistance is equal to
 I RS = I R1 + I R2 + I R3 the sum of reciprocal of individual resistances.
 I RS = I (R1 + R2 + R3 )
 RS = R1 + R2 + R3 Q.18) Define specific resistance (Resistivity).
For n number of resistors , Ans. At a particular temperature, the resistance (R)
n of a conductor is directly proportional to its length (l) and
RS = R1 + R2 + .... + Rn =  Ri
i=1
inversely proportional to its area of cross section (A) .
Thus , when a number of resistors are connected 1
in series , the equivalent resistance is equal to the sum of i.e. R  l and R 
A
individual resistances. l
 R 
A
Q.17) Derive the expression for resistances l
 R 
connected in parallel. A
Ans. where , is a constant called specific resistance or
resistivity of conductor.
RA
  
l
SI unit of resistivity is ohm - meter ( - m ).
If R = 1  , A = 1m2 and l = 1m then = R.
Defination :- The resistivity of material is the resistance
of conductor of unit length and unit area of cross section.
Let R1 , R2 , R3 be the three resistors connected
in parallel with supply of V volts as shown in fig. and I be Q.19) Define conductivity.
the current supplied by cell. Ans. Reciprocal of resistivity is called conductivity of a
In parallel combination of resistors , potential material. 1
difference across each resistor is same . It is given by  =

Let I1 , I2 , I3 be the currents flowing through
R1 , R2 , R3 resp. as shown in fig. SI unit of conductivity is siemens/meter.
Using law of conservation of charge ,
I = I1 + I2 + I3 Q.20) Explain the variation of resistance with
temperature.
Using Ohm’s law ,
Ans. Resistance of any material depends on its
V , V V V
I1 = I2 = , I3 =  I = temperature. For metals , it is found that , the resistance
R1 R2 R3 RP increases with temperature.
Where , RP is equivalent resistance in parallel Consider a metallic conductor having resistance
combination. R0 at 0 C and resistance Rt at temperature t 0C.
0

 Above equation becomes , The increase in resistance (Rt - R0 ) is found to be -

i) directly proprtional to original resistance R0 at 0 0C
ii) directly proportional to rise in temperature ( t - 0 ) = t ii) P. D. of a cell :-
i.e. ( Rt - R0 ) R0 and ( Rt - R0 ) t The energy spent by source of EMF in circulating
( Rt - R0 ) R0 t unit charge through external resistance is called P. D. (V)
( Rt - R0 ) = R0 t .......(1) of a cell.
where , is a constant called temperature coefficient It is measured in volt.
of resistance.
R t - R0 iii) Internal resistance :-
 =
R0 t The resistance offered by electrolyte and
The temperature coefficient of resistance is electrodes of cell when electric current flows through it is
defined as the increase in resistance per unit original known as internal resistance of cell.
resistance at 0 0C per degree rise in temperature. It is denoted by r.
The unit of  is 0C-1 or 0K-1 ( per degree It is measured in ohm.
celsius or per degree kelvin). The internal resistance of an ideal cell is zero.
From equation (1) , Rt = R0 t ]
Similar to resistance, Resitivity of a material Q.24) Explain application of ohm’s law to complete
varies with temperature as circuit.
t = 0 t ] Ans.

Q.21) Explain phenomenon of superconductivity.

Ans. We know that , resistivity of a metal decreases as
temperature decreases. In case of some metals and
alloys , resistivity suddenly becomes zero at a particular
temperature. This temperature is called critical Consider a cell of EMF E and internal resistance r
temperature. and external resistance R connected across a cell.
The phenomena of losing resistivity completely at Let V be the terminal P. D. and Vr P. D. across
a particular temperature is called superconductivity. internal resistance of cell. Let q be the charge circulated
Such materials lose their resistivity completely and once around the circuit. The total energy supplied bycell
become perfect conductors. is the energy spent in sending the charge through internal
Ex. resistivity of Mercury becomes zero at 4.2 K. resistance r is q v and energy spent in sending the charge
Q.22) State the applications of superconductivity. through external resistance R is qV.
Ans. 1) Superconducting cables can be used for power According to law of conservation of energy ,
distribution without loss. qE = qV +qv
2) The speed of computer can further be increased  qE =q(V+ v)
with superconducting wires.  E = V+ v
3) Superconductors are used to produce very But V = I R and v = I r
strong magnetic fields.  E = I R + I r
 E =I(R+r)
Q.23) Explain :- i) E. M. F. ii) P. D. of a cell  I =
E
iii) Internal resistance. R+r
Ans. i) E. M. F. :- This is the general form of ohm’s law applied to
The energy supplied by a cell to circulate unit complete circuit.
charge once round the complete circuit is called E.M.F. From equation (1) , V = E - v = E - I r
of the cell. It can be seen that , terminal P. D. of a cell is less than
It is given by E.M.F. of a cell. (E > V)

work done W
E. M. F. = i.e. E =
charge moved q

E. M. F. is measured in volt.
Combination of cells :- Type of Cells :-
Electrical cells can be divided into several
I) Cells in series :-
categories like primary cell , secondary cell , fuel cell etc.
In a series combination , cells are connected in
A primary cell cannot be charged again. It can be
single electrical path such that positive terminal of one cell
used only once.
is connected to negative terminal of next cell and so on. Ex. Dry cells , Alkaline cells
The terminal voltage of battery /cell is equal to sum of Primary cells are low cost and can be used easily
voltages of individual cells in series as shown in fig. but these are not suitable for heavy loads.
Secondary cells are used for such applications.
The secondary cells are rechargeable and can be reused.
The chemical reaction in a secondary cell is reversible.
Ex. Lead acid cell , fuel cells.
Fig. shows two 1.5 V cells in series.
Lead acid battery is used widely in vehicles and
This combination provides total voltage of 3.0 volt . other applications which require high load currents. Solar
The equivalent EMF of n number of cells in series cells are secondary cells that convert solar energy into
combination is algebraic sum of their individual EMFs. electrical energy.
The equivalent internal resistance of n cells in a Fuel cell vehicles (FCVs) are electric vehicles
series combination is the sum of their individual internal that use fuel cells instead of lead acid batteries to power
resistances. the vehicles.

Advantage of cells in series :-

1) The cells connected in series produce a larger
resultant voltage.
2) Cells which are damaged can be easily identified
and hence can be easily replaced.

II) Cells in parallel :-

Consider two cells which are connected in

parallel. Here, positive terminals of all the cells are
connected together and the negative terminal of all the
cells are connected together.

Advantages of cells in parallel :-

For cells connected in parallel in a circuit , the
circuit will not break even if a cell gets damaged .

Disadvantages of cells in parallel :-

The voltage developed by cells in parallel
connection cannot be increased by increasing number of
cells present in circuit.
Q. Solve the following problems. 4) The magnitude of current density in a copper wire is
1) What is the resistance of one of the rails of a railway 500 A/cm2. If the number of free electrons per cm3
track 20 km long at 20 C? The cross section area of copper is 8.47×1022 . Calculate the drift velocity
of rail is 25 cm2 and the rail is made of steel having of the electrons through the copper wire.
resistivity at 20 0C as 6 × 10-8  m. (Charge on electron = 1.6 × 10-19 C)
Ans. Given : l = 20 km = 20 × 103 m , Ans. Given : J = 500 A/cm2 , n = 8.47 ×1022 ,
A = 25 cm2 = 25 × 10-4 m2 , e = 1.6 × 10-19 C , Vd = ?
 = 6 × 10-8  m , Formula :
R = ? J
Vd =
Formula : l ne
R  500
A =
8.47 ×1022 × 1.6 × 10-19
6 × 10-8 × 20 × 103
= = 3.69 × 10-2 cm/s
25 × 10-4
 Vd = 3.69 × 10-4 m/s
 R  0.48 
5) Three resistors 10 20 and 30  are connected
2) A battery after a long use has an emf 24 V and an in series combination.
internal resistance 380  Calculate the maximum i] Find equivalent resistance of series combination.
current drawn from the battery? Can this battery drive ii] When this series combination is connected to 12V
starting motor of car? supply, by neglecting the value of internal resistance,
Ans. Given : E = 24 V , r = 380  , Imax = ? obtain potential difference across each resistor.
Formula : E Ans. Given : R1 = 10 R2 = 20 and R3 = 30 
Imax = i) For series combination , equivalent resistance is
r
RS = R 1 + R 2 + R3
24
= = 10 + 20 + 30
380
 RS = 60 
 Imax = 0.063 A
ii) E = 12 V ,
E 12 1
Current , I = = = = 0.2 A
RS 60 5
3) A battery of emf 12 V and internal resistance 3  is
connected to a resistor. If the current in the circuit  P. D. across R1 = V1 = I R1 = 0.2 × 10 = 2 V
is 0.5 A,  P. D. across R2 = V2 = I R2 = 0.2 × 20 = 4 V
a] Calculate resistance of resistor.
b] Calculate terminal voltage of the battery when the  P. D. across R3 = V3 = I R3 = 0.2 × 30 = 6 V
circuit is closed.
Ans. Given : E = 12 V , r = 3  , I = 0.5 A , 6) Two resistors 1 kand 2 kare connected in
R = ? , P.D. (V) = ? parallel combination.
Formula : E i] Find equivalent resistance of parallel combination
a) I = ii] When this parallel combination is connected to
R+r
9 V supply, by neglecting internal resistance ,
12 calculate current through each resistor.
 0.5 =
R+3 Ans. Given : R1 = 1 kR2 = 2 k
i) For parallel combination , equivalent resistance is
 R + 3 = 12 = 24
0.5 R1 R2 1×2 2
RP = = =
 R = 24 - 3 R +R 1 +2 3
1 2

 R = 21   RP = 0.67 k
b) ii) E = 9 V , Current through R1 and R2 is
V = E - I r = 12 - 0.5 x 3 = 12 - 1.5
E 9
I1 = = = 9 × 10-3 A = 9 mA
 V = 10.5 V R1 1× 103
and
E 9
I2 = = = 4.5 × 10-3 A = 4.5 mA
R2 2× 103
7) A silver wire has a resistance of 4.2  at 27 0C and 10) The heating element connected to 230 V draws a
resistance 5.4 at 100 0C. Determine the current of 5 A. Determine the amount of heat
temperature coefficient of resistance. dissipated in 1 hour. (J = 4.2 J/cal)
Ans. Given : R1 = 4.2  at t1 = 27 0C , Ans. Given : V = 230 V , I = 5 A , t = 1 hour = 3600 s ,
R2 = 5.4 at t2 = 100 0C , = ? J = 4.2 J/cal = 4200 J/kcal , Heat (H) = ?
Formula : Formula :
R 2 - R1
= W VIt
R1 (t2 - t1) H = =
J J
5.4 - 4.2 230 × 5 × 3600
=  H =
4.2 (100 - 27) 4200
0.2  H = 985.8 kcal
=
4.2 × 73
 = 3.9 × 10-3 /0C

8) A 6 m long wire has diameter 0.5 mm. Its resistance

is 50  Find the resistivity and conductivity.
Ans. Given : l = 6 m , R = 50  ,
d = 0.5 mm = 0.5 × 10-3 m = 5 × 10-4 m
 r = d/2 = 2.5 × 10-4 m
= ? and  = ?
Formula : i) Resistivity () is
RA
  
l
R r2
=
l
50× 3.142 × (2.5 × 10-4)2
=
6
  × 10-6 - m
ii) Conductivity () is
1 1 106
 = = =
 × 10-6 1.63

  = 6.134 × 105 siemens/meter

9) A current 4 A flows through an automobile headlight.

How many electrons flow through the headlight in a
time 2 hrs.
Ans. Given : I = 4A , t = 2 hrs = 2 × 60 × 60 = 7200 s ,
e = 1.6 × 10-19 C , No. of electrons (N) = ?
Formula :
q Ne
I = t =
t
It
 N=
e
= 4 × 7200
1.6 × 10-19
 N = 1.8× 1023