CHAPTER

3 Current Electricity

Topicwise Weightage of JEE Main 6 Years Paper (124 Sets)

Series and Parallel Combination
of Resistance
24%

Current Density, Resistance,

Power and Heat Dissipated in Coefficient of Resistance,
14% Drift Velocity, Ohm’s Law and
Electric Circuits 14%
Conductivity, Resistivity

11%
RC Circuit

37%
Kirchhoff’s Law and Grouping of Cells,
Current Measuring Instrument

“How’s the Josh?” for these Topics: Mark your confidence level in the blank space around the topic (Low-L, Medium-M, High-H)

ELECTRIC CURRENT ™ The conventional direction of current is the direction of flow

The time rate of flow of charge through any cross-section is called of positive charge or applied electric field. It is opposite to
current. If ∆q charge passes through a cross-section in ∆t time, direction of flow of negatively charged electrons.
then I E I E
q + + – –
Average current I avg  + + – –
t
q dq
Instantaneous current I  Lim 
t  0 t dt
™ Current is a fundamental quantity. If n electrons pass through a cross-section of the conductor in
™ Current is a scalar quantity. q ne
time t, then current through the conductor is I= =
SΙ Unit : Ampere t t
CGS : biot (Bi) or ab ampere (ab amp.) Number of electrons flowing through conductor in t seconds
Dimension : [M0 L0 T0 A1] I t
is n 
e
Ampere n 1
For 1 ampere of current  = 6.25 × 1018
The current through a conductor is said to be one ampere t 1.6  1019
if one coulomb of charge is flowing per second through a electrons/second.
cross-section of wire. ™ The conductor remains uncharged when current flows
1 coulomb through it because the charge entering at one end per second
1 ampere = is equal to charge leaving the other end per second.
1 sec ond
(1 / 10) esu of charge 1 ™ For a given conductor, current does not change with change
=
= Bi in its cross-section because current is simply rate of flow of
1 second 10
charge.
Current Density Relaxation Time
Current density, a vector, at a point has magnitude equal to current The time taken by an electron between two successive collisions
per unit normal area at that point and its direction is along the is called as relaxation time τ. (τ ~ 10–14 s)
direction of the current at that point. total time taken
 dI   Relaxation time τ =
J = nˆ ⇒ I =∫ J ⋅ ds number of collisions
ds λ
n̂ = unit vector in the direction of current. The thermal speed can be written as vT =
τ
 I In absence of applied potential difference electrons have
J= ( n̂ ) random motion.
A⊥
The average displacement and average velocity are zero.
A⊥ = m
 agnitude of area which is perpendicular to There is no net current due to thermal motion of free electrons
current direction. in a conductor.
→
Its SI unit is A/m2 and dimensions are [L–2 A]. Drift Velocity (vd)
Case-I Case-II The average velocity with which the free electrons are drifted
y  
towards the positive end of a conductor under the influence of an
A
x
I
 J external electric field is called drift velocity vd.
I

   A
Produced electric eld
 
I ˆ   due to battery
=
A
,J
A A= ()
i I = ∫ J ⋅ ds   Conductor
  + F  qE –
  = J A cos θ 
E
e–
I = JA cos θ
 I I
=
J = Free
Acosθ A⊥ electron
+ –
MOVEMENT OF ELECTRONS INSIDE   
V
v1 = u1 + a τ1
CONDUCTOR 
 −eE
All the free electrons are in random motion due to the thermal where, a = acceleration of electron =
τ = Relaxation time me
energy and follow the relationship given by
Similarly for other electrons:
3 1 2   
k BT = mv v2 = u2 + a τ2
2 2   
v3 = u3 + a τ3
where, kB = Boltzmann's constant   
At room temperature their speed is around 106 m/s or 103 km/s but vn = un + a τn
the average velocity is zero, so net current is also zero. The average velocity of all the free electrons in the conductor is

equal to the drift velocity vd of the free electrons.
When a conductor is placed in an electric field, then for a small    
duration, electrons do have an average velocity but becomes zero  v + v + v ……….vn
vd = 1 2 3
within short interval of time. n
     
(u1 + a τ1 ) + (u2 + a τ2 ) +….. ( un + a τn )
=
n
   
– ++
 u + u + u +…un    τ1 + τ2 + τ3 +…τn 
=  1 2 3 +a
+
–– – ++ 
–– – +
r ++ +  n   n 
+ – –Eind +
–– Since average thermal speed = 0
   
u + u + u +…un
So, 1 2 3 =0
n
τ + τ + τ +…τn
Mean Free Path and 1 2 3 = τ = average relaxation time.
n
The average distance travelled by a free electron between two  
consecutive collisions is called as mean free path λ. So, vd = a τ

total distance travelled  −eE
Mean free path λ = =vd ( τ)
number of collisions me

126 JEE (XII) Module-1 PHYSICS PW

where, RELATION BETWEEN CURRENT & VOLTAGE

vd = Drift velocity of electrons
 IN A CONDUCTOR (OHM'S LAW)
E = Electric field applied
In absence of potential difference across a conductor no net
me = Mass of electron current flows through a cross section. When a potential difference
τ = Average relaxation time is applied across a conductor the charge carriers start drifting in
Note: 1. The order of drift velocity is 10–4 m/s. the direction of electric field (in case of conductors the charge
carriers are electrons which drift in the direction opposite to the
2. Drift speed of electrons, electric field) with average drift velocity. If electrons are moving
eE with velocity vd, A is area of cross section and n is number of free
vd
= ( τ) electrons per unit volume then,
me
Vpotential difference
The direction of drift velocity for electrons in a metal is l
 +
opposite to that of applied field E . –

Relation Between Current and Drift Velocity E

Let the number of free electrons per unit volume in a conductor
be n.
A= area of cross-section conductor
– r +
E vd V
– e– +
i = neAvd
vd
e–
–
I eE τ ne 2 Aτ V
– vd vd + neA
= =
+ m m 
dx = v dt 2
nAe τ
d

⇒ i = V
ml
– + V
V ⇒ i ∝ V or i =
Number of charge particles confined in dx distance = Number of R
electrons per unit volume × volume of elemental cylinder. It is known as Ohm’s law.
= n × (A × dx) = nAvddt m
Here, R is called as resistance and is given by, R =
Total charge flown in dt time = (e) × no. of charge particles nAe 2 τ
The property of a substance by virtue of which it opposes the flow
= e × (n × A × vd × dt) of electric current through it is termed as electrical resistance.
Total charge (dq) = neAvd × dt Electrical resistance depends on the size, geometry, temperature
dq  neAvd dt  and internal structure of the conductor.
So, electric current=i =
dt  dt  So, we can write
=
 m   ⇒R=
R  2 ⋅
ρ
 ne τ  A A
So, i = neAvd
Here, ρ is called resistivity (also known as specific resistance),
where, i = electric current m 1
n = number of charge particles per unit volume and
= ρ =2
, where σ is called conductivity.
e = electric charge ne τ σ
A = area of cross-section 1
vd = drift velocity Since, σ ∝
τ
So, as temperature increases, t decreases which causes a decrease
Key Note in conductivity (s) and an increase in resistivity (r).
Units: R→ ohm (Ω), ρ→ ohm-meter (Ω – m), σ → Ω–1m–1.
P The drift velocity depends on nature of metal, relaxation
time τ, applied potential difference V, length of conductor L. Now, we have
V = iR
eE eV
v= =τ τ ρl
d
m mL ⇒ V = i
A
vd is independent of radius or area of cross-section of a
V i
conductor. ⇒ =
 σA
P The rise of temperature causes increase in vrms and hence a
decrease in λ and in relaxation time τ, causing a decrease ⇒ J = sE
in drift velocity. This is the differential form of Ohm's law. In vector form
 
J = σE
Current Electricity 127
 Conductance: The reciprocal of resistance is called Integrating both sides,
1 dρ T  ρ 
conductance. G = ⇒∫
ρ
α ∫ dT ⇒ ln   =
= α (T − T0 )
R ρ
ρ0 T0
 ρ0 
SΙ Unit: Ohm–1 or mho or siemens(S).
ρ
Dimensions: [M–1 L–2 T3 A2] ⇒ e ( 0) = ⇒ ρ = ρ0 e ( 0 )
α T −T α T −T

The substances which obey Ohm’s law are called ohmic ρ0

or linear conductors. The resistance of such conductors is Approximation:
independent of magnitude and polarity of applied potential Expanding ea(T – T0),
difference. For such conductors the graph between I and V is
{α (T − T0 )}
 2 
a straight line passing through the origin. 
⇒ ρ = ρ0 1 + α (T − T0 ) + +…
I  2 
I  
tan θ =
V x x x 2 x3
here, we used e = 1 + + + +…
1! 2! 3!
q Now, if α (T − T0 ) << 1 then we can neglect higher order terms.
V It gives,
The reciprocal of slope of the I-V graph gives resistance ρ = ρ0 1 + α (T − T0 ) 
V 1
R= = = constant. where, ρ0 = Resistivity at temperature T0
Ι tan θ
The substances which do not obey Ohm’s law are called α = Temperature coefficient of resistivity
nonohmic or non linear conductors. T – T0 = Change in temperature
The I–V curve for such conductors is not a straight line. ρ = Resistivity at temperature T
Example: p-n diode, transistors, thermionic valves, rectifiers
etc. Key Note
Some Other Important Points Concerning Variation of
P α is positive for conductors.
Resistance
™ Resistance of semiconductor decreases when light falls on it.
P α is negative for semiconductors, electrolytes, carbon,
mica and Indian rubber.
™ Resistance of an intrinsic semiconductor decreases when
doped with a trivalent or pentavalent impurity. P α is zero for superconductors (resistance of a super-
conductor is zero).
™ The specific resistance of alloys increases with a rise in
temperature but this increase is much smaller when compared
to pure metals. Graph of Resistivity and Temperature
Resistivity (ρ) ™ Resistivity ρT of copper as a function of temperature T.
For a given conductor of uniform cross-sectional area A and
Resistivity (10 -m)

length L, it has been observed that

–8

L L
R∝ ⇒R= ρ
A A 0.4
where ρ is a constant of proportionality called specific resistance or
resistivity of the material of the conductor at a given temperature. 0.2
RA 
⇒ρ= 0
L 0 50 100 150 T(K)
TEMPERATURE DEPENDENCE OF ™ Resistivity v/s temperature curve for nichrome.
RESISTIVITY (MATHEMATICAL RELATION)
As discussed before, the resistivity of an Ohmic conductor
Resistivity (cm)

increases with increase in temperature.

Let α = Temperature coefficient of resistivity of a conductor. 1.20
dρ
⇒α=
ρdT 1.10
dρ 
⇒ αdT (α can be assumed constant for small
=
0

ρ temperature variations)
0 200 400 600 T(K)

128 JEE (XII) Module-1 PHYSICS PW

COLOUR CODE FOR CARBON RESISTORS
Example 2: A charged ring having uniform charge q is
A BC D
rotating with constant angular speed w about its axis. Find
equivalent average current of ring.

Strip A Strip B Strip C Strip D
+ + + + +
Colour (digit 1) (digit 2) (Multiplier) (Tolerance) + + +
R
+ +
Black 0 0 100 + +
+ + + + +
+

Brown 1 1 101 Total charge on

ring = q
Red 2 2 102 ∆q ∆q q q ωq
Sol. I avg
= = = = ⇒ I avg =
Orange 3 3 103 ∆t T T 2 
π 2π
 
Yellow 4 4 104  ω
Green 5 5 105 Example 3: A current of 5 A is passing through metallic
Blue 6 6 106 wire of cross–sectional area 4 × 10–6 m2. The drift speed
of electrons will be (in m/s) (Density of electrons per unit
Violet 7 7 107 volume is 5 × 1026m–3)
Grey 8 8 108 (a) 1.56 × 10–2 (b) 1.6 × 10–19
(c) 1.56 × 10 2 (d) 1.6 × 1019
White 9 9 109
Gold - - 10–1 ±5% Sol. (a) We know I = neAvd
Silver - - 10–2 ±10% 5

⇒ vd =
5 × 10 × 1.6 × 10−19 × 4 × 10−6
26
No Colour - - - ±20%
= 1.56 × 10–2 m/s
™ Aid to memory BBROY of Great Britain does a Very Good Example 4: The area of cross-section, length and density of
Work. a piece of a metal of atomic weight 60 are 10–6 m2, 1m and
Mobility 5 × 103 kg/m3 respectively. Find the number of free electrons
per unit volume if every atom contributes one free electron.
Mobility of a charge carrier is defined as drift velocity acquired
per unit electric field. Also find the drift velocity of electrons in the metal when
vd eτ e mσ σ a current of 16 A passes through it. Given that Avogadro’s
=µ = = = number NA = 6 × 1023/mol and charge on an electron
E m m ne 2 ne
e = 1.6 × 10–19C.
SI Unit : m2 V–1 s–1 Sol. According to Avogadro’s hypothesis,
Dimensions : [M–1 T2 A1] N m
The mobility depends on applied potential difference, length of =
NA M
conductor, number density of charge carriers, current in conductor
So, number of atoms of the metal per unit volume,
and area of cross-section of conductor.
N m N Ad  m
n = NA =
=  as density d = 
V VM M  V
Train Your Brain 
6 × 1023 × (5 × 103 )
∴ n=
= 5 × 1028 /m3
Example 1: Given q = 2t2 + 3. (60 × 10−3 )
(i) Calculate I at t = 2 s. Now as each atom contributes one electron, the number
(ii) Iavg in time interval t = 0 to t = 2s. of free electrons per unit volume

dq ne = 1× n = 1× 5 × 1028 = 5 × 1028 /m3

Sol. (i) I = = 4t Further
dt
∴ I at 2 s = 4 × 2 = 8A I 16 A
J== = 16 × 106 2
(ii) At t = 0, q = 3C, at t = 2 s, q = 11C A 10−6 m
∆q = 11 – 3 = 8C Now, J = nevd
∆q 8 J 16 × 106
Iavg = = = 4A ⇒ vd = = = 2 × 10–3 m/s
∆t 2 ne ( 5 × 10 ) × (1.6 × 10−19 )
28

Current Electricity 129

 Example 5: Find the total average momentum of electrons 2. A piece of copper and another of germanium are cooled
in a straight wire of length l = 1000 m carrying current from room temperature to 80 K. The resistance of
I = 704 A. (a) Each of them increases
Sol. Let n be no. of electrons per unit volume. (b) Each of them decreases
No. of electrons in length l (c) Copper increases and that of germanium decreases
(d) Copper decreases and that of germanium increases
N = nSl(S is cross-sectional area)
3. A metallic resistor is connected across a battery.
Momentum of one electron = mvd If the number of collisions of free electrons with
Total momentum P = (nSl)mvd the lattice is somehow decreased in the resistor
I ‘(for example cooling it), the current will
As vd =
neS (a) Increase (b) Decrease
I mlI (c) Remain same (d) Become zero

= P (=
nSl )m
(neS ) e
On substituting numerical values, we get

P = 4µ Ns Train Your Brain
Example 6: Consider a conductor of length 40 cm where a
potential difference of 10 V is maintained between the ends Example 7: The dimensions of a conductor of specific
of conductor. Find out the mobility of the electrons provided resistance ρ are shown below. Find the resistance of the
the drift velocity of the electrons is 5 × 10–4 ms–1. conductor across AB, CD and EF.
Sol. Given L = 40 cm, V = 10 volts, vd = 5 × 10–4 ms–1 A D

To find the electrons mobility, we need the value of

c
the electric field which can be obtained using the E F
following formula:
b
V 10 a
E= ⇒E= = 25 V/m
L 0.4 C B
Also the formula used for electron mobility. ρ Re sistivity × length
Sol. R = =
vd 5 × 10−4
1 A Area of cross section
µ = = = × 10−4
E 25 5 where, A = Area of cross-section perpendicular to
= 0.2 × 10–4 = 2 × 10–5 m2 V–1 s–1 direction of current,
l = length along the direction of current.
ρc ρb ρa
So, RAB = , RCD = , REF =
ab ac bc
Concept Application Example 8: What is the resistance of the following resistor?
violet gold
1. Statement-I: As the temperature decreases, the electrical
resistivity in metallic conductors diminishes.
Statement-II: Thermal oscillations of atoms which hinder

motion of free electrons under the influence of an external yellow brown
electric field, decrease, as the temperature decreases. Sol. Number for yellow is 4. Number for violet is 7.
(a) Statement-I is true, statement-II is true and Brown colour gives multiplier 101, Gold gives a
statement-II is correct explanation for statement-I. tolerance of ± 5%
So, resistance of resistor is
(b) Statement-I is true, statement-II is true and
47 × 101 Ω ± 5% = (470 ± 5%) Ω
statement-II is NOT the correct explanation for
statement-I. Example 9: The cross-sectional area and length of
a cylindrical conductor are A and l respectively. The
(c) Statement-I is true, statement-II is false.
conductivity varies as σ ( x ) = σ0 l / x where x is the
(d) Statement-I is false, statement-II is true. distance along axis of the cylinder from one of its ends.

130 JEE (XII) Module-1 PHYSICS PW

 l Example 11: The temperature coefficient of resistivity
 1  dρ
α is given by α =  , where ρ is the resistivity at
A  ρ  dT
temperature T. Assume that α is not constant and follows
a
x the relation α = − , where T is the absolute temperature
T
V0 and a is a constant. Show that the resistivity ρ is given by
b
(i) Compute the resistance of the system along the ρ = a , where b is another constant.
T
cylinder axis. 1 dρ dρ dT
(ii) What is the electric field at the position x? Sol. α = ⇒ = αdT = −a
ρ dT ρ T

Sol. =
(i) dR
1 dx xdx Let ρ = ρ0 at T = T0 , then
=
σ ( x ) A Al σ0
∫ ρρ d ρ =−a ∫TT dT
1 l 2 l 0
ρ 0
T
∴ R=∫ l0 dR = ∫ 0 xdx = a
Al σ0 3 Aσ0  ρ  T  T 
⇒ log e   = −alog e   = log e  0 
 ρ0   T0  T 
dx
1 b
(
⇒ ρ = ρ0T0a a = a
T
) T
A
Here, b = ρ0T0a
x
V0 3 Aσ0V0
(ii) I = = Concept Application
R 2 l
I 3σ0V0
The current density, J= = 4. A wire of length l = 8m long of uniform cross-sectional
A 2 l
3V x area A = 8mm2, has a conductance of G = 2.45 mho. The
J
( x ) = 03/ 2
Electric field, E= resistivity of material of the wire will be
σ( x) 2l −7
(a) 2.1× 10−7 Ωm (b) 3.1× 10 Ωm
Example 10: Two wires A and B having resistivity
rA = 3 ×10–5Wm and rB = 6 ×10–5Wm of same cross sectional (c) 4.1× 10−7 Ωm (d) 5.1× 10−7 Ωm
area are connected end to end to form a single wire. If the 5. The resistance of a wire is 10Ω. Its length is increased
resistance of the compound wire does not change with by 10% by stretching. The new resistance will now be
temperature, then find the ratio of their lengths, given that
nearly
temperature coefficient of resistivity of wires A and B are
a A = 4 ×10 –5/°C and a B = –6 ×10 –6/°C. Assume that (a) 12Ω (b) 1.2Ω
mechanical dimensions do not change with temperature. (c) 13Ω (d) 11Ω
RA′
Sol. = RA (1 + α A ∆T ) 6. Two conductors are made of the same material and have
the same length. Conductor A is a solid wire of diameter
RB′
= RB (1 + α B ∆T ) 1 m. Conductor B is a hollow tube of inside diameter 1 m
=
R ′ RA (1 + α A ∆T ) + RB (1 + α B ∆T ) and outside diameter 2 m. The ratio of their resistances
across their length, RA/RB, is
From given condition,
RA (1 + α A ∆T ) + RB (1 + α B ∆T=
) RA + RB (a) 1 (b) 2

⇒ RA + RA α A ∆T + RB + RB α B ∆T= RA + RB (c) 2 (d) 3

7. Nine identical wires are joined end to end in a line. The
⇒ RA α A + RB α B =0
resistance of each wire is R. What is the resistance of
ρ Al A ρ l the new wire?
α A + B B αB =0
AA AB (a) 9R (b) 3R
lA 3 R R
Putting the value, we get = (c) (d)
lB 10 9 3

Current Electricity 131

 ™ The second law is in accordance with conservation of
8. Two wires of same dimensions but resistivities ρ1 and energy.
ρ2 are connected in series. The equivalent resistivity ™ According to second law the electric energy given to the
of the combination is [use the fact that equivalent charge by a source of emf is lost in passing through resistance.
resitance in series is given by, Rseries = R1 + R2 + ...]
™ The change in potential in covering a resistance in the
1
(a) ρ1 + ρ2 (b) (ρ1 + ρ2 ) direction of current is negative (–ΙR) while in opposite
2 direction it is positive.
(c) ρ1ρ2 (d) 2(ρ1 + ρ2) A I R B A I R B

VA–IR = VB VB+IR = VA
KIRCHHOFF’S LAWS VB–VA = –IR VA–VB = IR
Kirchhoff’s First Law or Current Law or Junction The potential falls along direction of current. The potential
fall is taken as negative while potential rise is taken as
Rule (KCL)
I2 positive.
™ The potential difference across a battery is taken as positive
when traversing from negative to positive terminal while it is
I1 taken as negative while traversing from positive to negative
I3 terminal irrespective of the direction of current.
A I E B A I E B

VA–E = VB VB+E = VA
I5 VB–VA = –E VA–VB = E
I4 ™ If there are n possible loops present in the circuit, then their
In any electrical network, the algebraic sum of currents will be (n – 1) equations according to loop rule.
meeting at a junction is always zero i.e., ΣI = 0
I1 – I2 + I3 + I4 – I5 = 0 Potential Method to Solve a Circuit
or I1 + I3 + I4 = I2 + I5 Potential method is used for solving any electrical network. This
™ The sum of currents flowing towards a junction is equal to method is also known as the node-voltage method. The following
sum of currents leaving the junction. are the three laws that govern the equations related to this method:
™ By convention the current directed towards the junction is
™ Ohm’s law
taken as positive that directed away from the junction is taken
as negative. ™ Kirchhoff’s voltage law
™ The first law is in accordance with conservation of charge. ™ Kirchhoff’s current law
The charges do not accumulate at a junction. The total
Procedure of Potential Method
charge entering a junction is equal to total charge leaving the
junction. The following steps are to be followed while solving any electrical
circuit using potential method:
Kirchhoff’s Second Law or Step 1: Mark any one of the nodes as the reference node and give
Voltage Law or Loop Rule (KVL) it a potential of 0 volt.
The algebraic sum of rise and drop of potentials along any closed
Step 2: Assign the potentials to all other nodes with respect to the
path in an electrical network is zero. i.e., ΣDV = 0
reference node.
E1 Step 3: Give some unknown value to the nodes which cannot be
+ – I assigned a value with respect to the reference node.
I Traversing Step 4: Apply Kirchhoff's current law at unknown nodes to
R1 I direction
R2 form equations (Ohm's law will also be needed). Then solve the
Assuming – + I equations to obtain the unknown potentials.
clockwise current
E2
I Hence, for a given electrical circuit, the current flowing through
any element and the voltage across any element can be determined
using the node voltages.
+ IR2 + E1 + IR1 + E2 = 0
Illustration: Determine the voltage at each node of the given
For R and emf (E) we can write ∑ IR +∑ E =
0
circuit using nodal analysis.
132 JEE (XII) Module-1 PHYSICS PW
 5 10
Applying Kirchhoff's voltage law in ADCBA loop in
100 V 30 10 20 clockwise direction,
10 + 4i – 20 + i + 15 + 2i – 30 + 3i = 0
10 i = 25
Sol. The number of nodes that are present in the given circuit is 3.
i = 2.5 A
The nodes that are present in the circuit are numbered as
Example 13: Find the current in each wire.
shown in the figure.
100 V 5 N1 10 N3 H G F E

10 V 30 V 40 V
100 V
30 10 20 50 V
1 2
2
0 V N2 0 V A B C D
Let node 2 be the reference node, and say this node’s voltage Sol. Let potential at point A be 0 volt then potential of other
is zero. Let the voltage of N1 be V1 and that of N3 be V3.
points is shown in figure.
Using Kirchhoff’s current law at each node, we get
For node N1, H G 10V35A F 10V
E
V V − 100 V1 − V3 10V 5A 10V 20A
1 + 1 + = 0 … (i) 30V 40V 50V
30 5 10
–30V –40V
For node N3, 10V
40V
1 2 2
V −V V V
1 3 + 3 + 3 = 0 … (ii) 5A
10 10 20 40A 15A 20A
0V 0V
 1 1 1 1 100 A B C 20A D
 + +  V1 −   V3 =
 30 5 10   10  5 0V 0V
1 1 1 1  40 – 0
−   V1 +  + +  V3 = 0 Current in BG = = 40 A from G to B
 10   10 10 20  1
Solving the equations (i) and (ii) we get 0 – (–30)
Current in FC = = 15A from C to F
V1 = 68.2V 2
V2 = 27.3V 0 – (–40)
Current in DE = = 20 A from D to E
2
Train Your Brain
Current in wire FG = 15 + 20 = 35A from F to G.

Example 12: Find current in the circuit shown below. Current in wire BC = 20 + 15 = 35A from B to C.
1 Current in wire AH = 40 – 35 = 5 A from A to H.

20 V Example 14: In the circuit diagram shown in figure find the

4 15 V current through the 1Ω resistor.
10 V 2 2 10V 2

3 30 V 5V
1
Sol. Since the elements are connected in series, current in 10V
10V
all of them will be same. Let current = i. 2
20V – i +
D i C
5V 2
1 i
+
4i 4 15V
– – Sol. At node V (see fig.), apply KCL
10V 2 2i
+ i1 + i2 + i3 = 0
i 3
A + 3i – (V − 10) − 10 V − 0 V − 5
30V i B + + 0
=
2 2 1

Current Electricity 133

 COMBINATION OF RESISTANCES
2 10 V V i2 2 0V
10 i1 Series Combination
V–10 i3
5V 10 V When some conductors having resistances R1, R2 and R3, etc.,
10 V 1 –10 are joined end-on-end as shown in figure, they are said to be
connected in series. It can be proven that the equivalent resistance
2
2 or total resistance between points A and D is equal to the sum
0 of the individual resistances. Being a series circuit, it should be
5V 5V
remembered that (i) current is the same through all the three
V − 20 V
+ +V − 5 = 0 conductors (ii) but voltage drop across each is different due to
2 2 their different resistances and is given by Ohm’s law and (iii) sum
V – 20 + V + 2(V – 5) = 0 of the three voltage drops is equal to the voltage applied across the
⇒ 4V – 20 – 10 = 0
three conductors. There is a progressive fall in potential as we go
30 15 from point A to D as shown in figure.
V =
=
4 2
A R1 B R2 C R3 D
Now, DV across 1W resistor, R

15 15 − 10 5 V1 V2 V3

V −5 = −5 = =
2 2 2 I
V
5/ 2 5

=i = A V
1 2 ∴ V = V1 + V2 + V3 = IR1 + IR2 + IR3 (Ohm’s Law)
But V = IR
where R is the equivalent resistance of the series
combination.
Concept Application ∴ IR = IR1 + IR2 + IR3 or R = R1 + R2 + R3
As seen from above, the main characteristics of a series circuit
9. Kirchhoff ’s second law is based on the law of are:
conservation of 1. Same current flows through all parts of the circuit.
(a) Momentum (b) Charge 2. Different resistors have their individual voltage drops.
(c) Energy (d) Sum of mass and energy 3. Voltage drops are additive.
10. In the circuit shown in figure 4. Applied voltage equals the sum of different voltage drops.
A B C 5. Resistances are additive.

4Ω 4Ω 4Ω
Parallel Combination
2V A parallel circuit of resistors is one in which the same voltage
F E D is applied across all the components in a parallel grouping of
2V 2V resistors R1, R2, R3, ......, Rn.
(a) Current in wire AF is 1A
Equivalent Resistance
(b) Current in wire CD is 1A
(c) Current in wire BE is 2A A P i1 R1 i0 R
(d) None of these i0 i2 R2 i0
B

11. The current in the arm CD in the circuit shown in the i3 R3
figure will be B
V V
(a) i1 + i2 i1 i2
(b) i2 + i3
i3 Applying Kirchhoff’s junction law at point P,
A
(c) i1 + i3 i0 = i1 + i2 + i3
C
(d) i1 – i2 + i3 D Therefore,
12. For what value of R in the circuit as shown, current V V V V 1 1 1 1
through 4 Ω will be zero? = + + = + +
Req R1 R2 R3 Req R1 R2 R3
(a) 1 Ω 4
(b) 2 Ω
2 R In general,
(c) 3 Ω 6V
1 1 1 1 1
(d) 4 Ω = + + + .......
10V 4V Req R1 R2 R3 Rn

134 JEE (XII) Module-1 PHYSICS PW

 R1 I
I1
I R1 R2 E
I2 R2 I
R3 R1  R2
I3
In
Rn E
V (a)
Conclusions:
(a) Potential difference across each resistor is same.
(b) I = I1 + I2 + I3 +.......... In.
(c) Effective resistance (R),
1 1 1 1 1
= + + + ....... .
R R1 R2 R3 Rn
(b) Terminals of R2 are short circuited.
(R is less than each resistance). If the terminals of a resistor are short circuited (like R2 in fig.)
(d) Current in different resistors is inversely proportional to the then by Ohm's law
resistance. ∆ VR = 0
2
1 1 1 1 ⇒ IR = 0
I1 : I2 : ........... In : : : : ....... . 2
R1 R2 R3 Rn No current flows through the short circuited resistor.
Voltage Division Rule
r Terminal voltage
Voltage division rule is applicable only in case of series connection. E
V=E
V1 V2
V
(a)
R1 R2 I E
– E r Terminal voltage
+
I
V r V' V' = –Ir + E = 0
 R1  (b) Ends of the battery are shorted
Potential drop across resistor R1 , V1 =  V
 R1 + R2 
R2 Train Your Brain
Potential drop across resistor R2 , V2 = V
( R1 + R2 )
Current Division Rule Example 15: In the given circuit, determine (a) the
Two resistors connected in parallel. equivalent resistance between C and G, (b) the current
provided by the source, (c) voltage across points G and E.
I1 I1
R1 E F
1.0 k 1.0 k
I
A B
I2 I2
1.0 k
R2
Use: I= I1 + I 2 1.0 k 1.0 k1.0 k 1.0 k

I=
1 R1 I=
1 R2 Voltage across each resistor is same. 1.0 k
On solving equation (i) and (ii), we get D C +
R2 R1 1.0 k 12 V –
=I1 = I , I2 I H G
( 1 2)
R + R R1 + R2
Sol. (a) Imagine the wires to be flexible and lift up the
SHORT CIRCUIT inside square with the resistors and source attached.
If any two points are joined by a conducting wire then the process Follow figures (a), (b), (c) and (d) to arrive at
is called as short circuiting. As a consequence, the potentials of equivalent circuit. The equivalent resistance is 3 kΩ.
the two points will become equal.
Current Electricity 135
 20  25  10
∴ I0 =
= 20  = A
 10 × 15   10 × 15  3
 
 25 
 15  15 10
I1 =   I0 = × = 2A
 10 + 15  25 3
Example 17: Find the effective resistance between the
points A and B in figure.
E 3 D
Parallel
E 3 3
C
6 6
2k F C
6
2k 2k C 3k 12V 3
3
12V A 3 B

G
G Sol. The resistors AF and FE are in series. Their equivalent
(c) (d) resistance is 3Ω + 3Ω = 6Ω. This is connected in parallel
(b) Since V = IReq with AE. Their equivalent between A and E is, therefore,
V 6Ω × 6Ω
= I = 4mA = 3Ω
Req 6Ω + 6Ω
(c) Starting at point G, assign it a potential VG and This 3W resistance between A and E is in series with
proceed toward E along any path. When you reach ED and the combination is in parallel with AD. Their
point E after adding potential differences you get equivalent between A and D is again 3Ω.
potential of E.
Similarly, the equivalent of this 3Ω, DC and AC is 3Ω.
VG + 12 – IR = VE
This 3Ω is in series with CB and the combination is in
VE – VG = 12 – IR parallel with AB. The equivalent resistance between A
= 12 – 2 × 10–3 × 103 + 2 × 10–3 × 103 + 4 × 10–3 × 103 and B is, therefore,
= 4 V 6Ω × 3Ω
= 2Ω
Example 16: In the shown circuit, the current in 25Ω and 6Ω + 3Ω
10Ω resistance, respectively, will be
15
Example 18: Find the equivalent resistance between the
points a and b of the infinite ladder shown in figure.
15 20V a r c r r
r r r
5 15 b d
10
25 Sol. Let the equivalent resistance between a and b be R. As
the ladder is infinite, R is also the equivalent resistance
15 of the ladder to the right of the points c and d. Thus, we
can replace the part of the circuit to the right of cd by a
(a) 0 A and 1 A (b) 1 A and 2 A
resistance R and redraw the circuit as in second figure.
(c) 0 A and 2 A (d) None of these
a r c r r a r c
Sol. (c) Here, 15Ω (right most) and 25Ω are short-circuited.
∴ Current in 25Ω is zero. r r r  r R
b d b d
Now, modified circuit is (a) (b)
15
0V This gives
rR 2 2
15 R= r + or, rR + R =r + 2rR
5
20V r+R
10 or, R2 – rR – r2 = 0
I1
20V I0 r + r 2 + 4r 2 1 + 5
15 =or, R = r.
2 2

136 JEE (XII) Module-1 PHYSICS PW

 Example 19: Find the current in 2Ω resistance. 3
4 2 (a) 8Ω (b) 15Ω (c) Ω (d) 12Ω
2
120V
6
15. There are n similar resistors each of resistance R.
3 1
The equivalent resistance comes out to be x when
connected in parallel. If they are connected in series,
4 4 the resistance comes out to be
Sol. 2Ω, 1Ω are in series = 3Ω (a) x/n2 (b) n2x (c) x/n (d) nx
18 16. The resistance across AB is
3Ω, 6Ω in parallel = = 2Ω
9 R
C D
2Ω, 4Ω in series = 6Ω
6Ω, 3Ω in parallel = 2Ω
4 R R R
12A
120V
2 A B
R
5 7
4 (a) R (b) R (c) R (d) 2R
8 8
Req = 4 + 4 + 2 = 10Ω
120
i= = 12A
10
So, potential difference in 2W resistor will be 12 × 2 = 24 V. ELECTROCHEMICAL CELL
This 24V will be across the vertical 3W resistor in the An electrochemical cell is a device which maintains the flow of
following circuit. charge in a circuit by converting chemical energy into electrical
2×
4 8
A= A energy. It usually consists of two electrodes of different materials
12 A 4 A 3 3 3 and an electrolyte. The electrode at higher potential is called
4 anode and the one at lower potential is called cathode.
3 6
8A ELECTROMOTIVE FORCE (EMF)
4 4 The emf of a cell is defined as work done by cell in moving a unit
8 positive charge between the terminals inside the cell.
So, current in 2Ω resistance = A
3
SI Unit : Joule/Coulomb or Volt.
™ Emf is the potential difference between the two electrodes of

Concept Application the cell when no current is drawn from the cell.
™ Emf is the characteristic property of cell and depends on the
nature of electrodes and electrolyte used in cell.
13. In the given network, the equivalent resistance between
™ Emf is independent of quantity of electrolyte, size of
A and B is
electrodes and distance between the electrodes.
4
B
Internal Resistance of Cell
6 The opposition offered by the electrolyte of the cell to the flow
12 of electric current through it, is called the internal resistance of
the cell.
A
3 The internal resistance of cell depends on:
(a) 6Ω (b) 16Ω (c) 7Ω (d) 5Ω ™ Distance between electrodes (r ∝ d). Larger the separation
between electrodes more is the length of electrolyte through
14. In the circuit shown in figure, equivalent resistance
which ions have to move so more is the internal resistance.
between A and B is
1
1 ™ Conductivity or nature of electrolyte, r ∝
σ
2 2 ™ Concentration of electrolyte, r ∝ c
4
A 1
™ Temperature of electrolyte, r ∝
B 4 T
1
™ Nature and area of electrodes dipped in electrolyte, r ∝
2
A

Current Electricity 137

Terminal Potential Difference (ii) Parallel Combination
The potential difference between the two electrodes of a cell in a E1 r1
closed circuit, i.e., when current is being drawn from the cell is E r
called terminal potential difference. E2 r2
(a) When cell is discharging: V = E – Ιr 
E3 r3
E r
R
I R
V
(b) When cell is charging: When cell is charging current The emf and internal resistance of the equivalent battery are
inside the cell is from anode to cathode. given by
E r
E1 E2 E3
+ +
I r1 r2 r3
V E =
1 1 1
V = E + Ir + +
r1 r2 r3
(c) When cell is in open circuit: In open circuit, terminal
potential difference is equal to emf and is the maximum 1 1 1 1
and = + +
potential difference which a cell can provide. r r1 r2 r3
In open circuit I = 0
V=E Train Your Brain
(d) When cell is short circuited: In short circuit,
E r I i = 2A
Example 20: A B
VA R = 2 E= 10 V VB
V Find VA – VB.
E Sol. VA – iR – E = VB
I=
r
VA – VB = iR + E = 4 + 10 = 14 volt
and V = 0
In short circuit current from cell is maximum and Example 21: Find potential at A if potential at B is zero.
terminal potential difference is zero. A I=2A B
2 2V 1 3V 4 4V 1
CAPACITY OF A BATTERY Sol. VA = 2 +4 + 8 + 3 + 2 + 2 + 4 = 25 V
Capacity of a battery is equal to product of current in ampere
and time (in hour) for which a cell can operate. It depends on the Example 22: Find the current in each wire.
amount of electrolyte and thus on the size of cell. F 1 E 2 D
E.g. capacity 8Ah means we can draw 8A current for one hour or 14V
2A current for 4 hours. 2
10V
30V
COMBINATIONS OF CELLS
(i) Series Combination A B C
 If n sources of emf are connected in series with same
Sol.     F 1 i1 E i3 2 D
polarity, then the equivalent emf is given by x –14V
E = E1 + E2 + E3 +……… + En +10V i2
2 14V
And, total internal resistance is given by +30V
r = r1 + r2 + r3 + ………….. + rn 10V
0 0 30V 0
E1 r1 E2 r2 E3 r3 E r A B C

 Let potential at point B = 0. Then potentials at other

R R points are shown in the fig.
∴ Potential at E is not known numerically.
 If there are ‘n’ identical cells with emf E and internal
Let potential at E = x
resistance ‘r’ and they are connected in such a way that p
cells are connected in opposite polarity then, Now applying Kirchhoff’s current law at junction E.
(This can be applied at any other junction also).
( n − 2 p ) E and rnet =
Enet = nr

138 JEE (XII) Module-1 PHYSICS PW

 i1 + i2 – i3 = 0 18. When cells are connected in series
x − 10 x − 30  −14 − x  (a) The emf increases
+ − =0
1 2  2  (b) The potential difference decreases
4x = 36 ⇒ x = 9 (c) The current capacity increases
10 − 9 (d) The current capacity decreases
Current in=
EF = 1 A from F to E
1 19. n identical cells are joined in series with its two cells A
30 − 9 and B in the loop with reversed polarities. EMF of each
Current in= BE = 10.5 A from B to E
2 cell is E and internal resistance r. Potential difference
9 − ( −14 ) across cell A or B is (here n > 4)
Current = in DE = 11.5 A from E to D
2 (a)
2E  1
(b) 2 E 1 − 
Example 23: Two batteries having the same emf ε but n  n
different internal resistances r1 and r2 are connected in series  2
in same polarity with an external resistor R. For what value (c) 4E (d) 2 E 1 − 
of R does the potential difference between the terminals of n  n
the first battery become zero?
Sol. Two batteries are connected in series. The effective emf
in the circuit is therefore 2ε because both push the charge HEATING EFFECT OF ELECTRIC CURRENT
in the same direction.
, r1) , r2) Cause of Heating in a Resistor
A
In a conductor, free electrons are present. When a potential
B C
I difference is applied across the ends of a conductor, a large number
R
of free electrons in the conductor move towards the positive end.
This flow of electrons in the conductor is an electric current. Due to
Net resistance in the circuit is (r1 + r2 + R). their motion, they acquire kinetic energy. These moving electrons
Therefore, current in the circuit collide with the ions of the conductor and transfer their kinetic
2ε energy, which set ions into vibration. As an outcome, the vibration
I=
(r1 + r2 + R) energy of ions increases, and consequently, the temperature of the

The potential difference between the terminals of first conductor rises. This phenomenon is known as the heating effect
battery is (VA – VB). Terminal potential difference is of electric current.
given by
(VA – VB) = ε –Ir1 ELECTRICAL POWER
2εr1 ( R + r2 − r1 ) Energy liberated per second in a device is called its power. The
VA − VB = ε − = ε instantaneous electrical power P delivered or consumed by an
r1 + r2 + R ( R + r2 + r1 )
electrical device is given by P = VI, where, V = potential difference
For (VA – VB) to be zero, we must have across the device and I = current.
R = (r1 – r2)
If the current enters the higher potential point of the device then
This gives meaningful result only if r1 > r2. Otherwise, electric power is consumed by it (i.e., acts as load). If the current
if r2 > r1, then R = r2 – r1 will produce terminal voltage enters the lower potential point then the device supplies power
across second cell to be zero (VBC = 0). (i.e., acts as source of energy).
Power = VI
I I I I
Load Source
Concept Application
+ V – – V +
17. Five cells, each of e.m.f. E and internal resistance r
If power is constant then, energy = Pt
are connected in series. If due to oversight, one cell is If power is variable then
connected wrongly, then the equivalent e.m.f. and internal
resistance of the combination, is
Energy = ∫ Pdt
Power consumed by a resistor
(a) 5E and 5r (b) 3E and 3r
V2
(c) 3E and 5r (d) 5E and 5r P =VI = I 2 R = = .
R
Current Electricity 139
 When a current is passed through a resistor energy is wasted Power Calculation in Different Cases of Bulb
in overcoming the resistance of the wire. This energy is Problems
converted into heat.
Important Points:
The heat generated (in Joules) when a current of I ampere
flows through a resistance of R ohm for t second is given by: (a) Resistance of Bulb:
2 I 2 Rt Rating of Bulb (V0, P0) (P0, V0)
= H I= Rt Joule Calorie
4.2 V2
We know, P = R
1 unit of electrical energy = 1 kilowatt hour
= 1 kWh = 3.6 × 106 Joule. V02
Resistance of bulb R =
P0
MAXIMUM POWER TRANSFER THEOREM This ‘R’ is constant throughout the problem.
R (b) Power dissipation for a given bulb (given rating) when
connected to different voltage.
V2 V2
I P
= = (V0, P0)
+ – R  V02 
 
 P0 
E r 2
V 
=P   × P0 + –
Suppose, we want to find out for what value of external resistance  V0  V
maximum power will be drawn from the battery.
E Power Calculation for Connected Bulbs
I= (a) Series combination:
R+r
2 Total power dissipated, PT = P1 + P2
 E 
So, P = I 2 × R ⇒ P =   ×R
R+r (V0, P1) (V0, P2)
E2R
P=
( R + r )2
dP
P will be maximum if =0
dR V
dP d  E 2 × R 
+ –
2 d  R 
=  =
2 
E ×  
dR dR  ( R + r )  dR  ( R + r ) 2 
V2 V2 V2 V2
  PT
= = = =
( R + r ) 2 × 1 − ( R )( 2 )( R + r )(1 + 0 )  Req R1 + R2 V02 V02 P + P 

⇒E  2 + V02  2 1 
( R + r )2 
2  2
P1 P2  P1 P2 
    V  P1 P2
⇒ P=
T   ×
dP  R 2 + r 2 + 2 Rr − 2 R 2 − 2 Rr   V0  ( P1 + P2 )
⇒ E2 
= 
dR ( R + r )4 When connected voltage and rated voltage are same then
 
total power dissipated for n number of bulbs in series,
dP  r 2 − R2 
⇒ E2 
= 1 1 1 1 1
2 = + + +….. +
dR  (R + r)  P P P P P
T 1 2 3 n
dP (b) Parallel combination:
Now, = 0 ⇒ r 2 − R2 = 0 ⇒ r = R
dR
(V0, P1)
So, maximum power will delivered to load R if its value is equal
to that of internal resistance of the cell.
(V0, P2)
Now, we can find maximum power delivered to load.
E2 E2
Pmax = I2 × R = R
×= ×R
( R + r )2 ( 2 R )2 + –
2 2 2
E R E E V
= 2 = ⇒ Pmax =
4R 4R 4R PT= P1 + P2

140 JEE (XII) Module-1 PHYSICS PW

 V2 V2 V2 V2
= + = + We can directly use this formula only if I is constant.
R1 R2 V02 V02 But, I is variable in this case. So, first we will calculate
P1 P2 I at any time t, then find a small heat dH in a short
interval of time dt. Then by integrating it with proper
2
V  limits we can obtain the total heat produced.
⇒ = PT   ( P1 + P2 )
(i) The corresponding I-t graph will be a straight
 V0 
line with I decreasing from a peak value
When connected voltage and rated voltage are same then total
power dissipated for n number of bulbs in parallel, (say I0) to zero in time t0. I–t equation will be as
PT= P1 + P2 + P3 +……+ Pn below,
I 
ADVANCED LEARNING I= I 0 −  0  t ( using y = mx + c )  … (i)
 t0 
Characteristics of a Fuse Here, I0 is unknown, which can be obtained by
Fuse is used with the main electrical circuit for the safety of using the fact that area under I-t graph gives the
electrical appliances. flow of charge. Hence,
A fuse wire must have high resistance and low melting point. 1 2q
Hence, generally it is made of tin-lead alloy. = q ( t0 )( I 0 )=
⇒ I0
2 t0
For the fuse wire, let R be its resistance, ρ0 be its resistivity,
L be its length, A be its cross-sectional area and I ampere be its Substituting in equation (i), we get
current carrying capacity. 2q  t   2q 2qt 
I= 1 −  ⇒ I=  − 2 
When the fuse is safe, then for its steady state temperature, heat t t0   t0 t0 
produced in the fuse per second must be equal to heat radiated 0 
by it per second. Heat produced in fuse wire per second, Now at time t, heat produced in a short interval
Q  ρL  dt is, dH = I 2 Rdt
H= = I 2 R = I2   2
t  A  2q 2qt 
⇒ dH =  − 2  Rdt
I 2 ρL  t0 t0 
H= J s −1
πr 2
So, total heat produced is H = ∫ t00 dH
If r is the radius of fuse wire and T is the excess safe temperature
2
of wire above surroundings then according to Newton’s Law of t0 
2q 2qt  4 q2 R
cooling, the energy radiated per second, ⇒= H ∫  − 2  Rdt ⇒ = H
0 t t0  3 t0
H ∝ rLT  0
For steady state, (ii) Here, current decreases from some peak value
(say I0) to zero exponentially with half life t0. I – t
ρL I 2ρ equation in this case will be I = I0e–lt.
= I2
KrLT T
⇒=
πr 2 K πr 3
So, we observe that the steady state temperature of a fuse is I
independent of its length.
Hence, length is immaterial for an electric fuse. I0
For a given material of a fuse wire having a particular excess
safe steady state temperature,
I 2 ∝ r3
0 t
log e ( 2 )
Here, λ =
Train Your Brain t0
 I0 
Now, q = ∫ ∞0 I 0 e −λt dt =
∫ ∞0 Idt = λ
Example 24: What amount of heat will be generated in a  
coil of resistance R due to a charge q passing through it if
⇒ I0 =λq
the current in the coil continuously decreases down to zero:
(i) uniformly during a time interval t0? ⇒ I =( λq ) e −λt
(ii) halving its value every t0 seconds?
I 2 Rdt =
⇒ dH = λ 2 q 2 e −2λt Rdt
Sol. Heat generated in a resistance is given by
q 2 λR
H = I 2 Rt ⇒H = λ 2 q 2 R ∫ ∞0 e −2λt dt =
∫ ∞0 dH =
2

Current Electricity 141

 log e ( 2 ) Example 27: A wire of length 1.0 m and radius 10–3 m
Substituting λ = is carrying a heavy current and is assumed to radiate as
t0
a black body. At equilibrium its temperature is 900K
q R log e ( 2 )
2
while that of the surroundings is 300K. The resistivity
We have H =
2t0 of the material of the wire at 300K is π2 × 10–8 Ωm and
its temperature coefficient of resistance is 7.8 × 10–3
Example 25: Find out value of RL in terms of R such that it per ºC. Find the current in the wire. Stefan’s constant
will receive maximum power. = 5.68 × 10–8W m–2K–4.
R Sol. Resistance of the wire at 300 K is
+ ρL ρL
R=0 =
– V A πr 2
R RL
π2 × 10−8 × 1.0
= = π× 10−2 Ω
π× (10−3 ) 2

Resistance at 900 K is
Sol. Finding the equivalent emf and equivalent internal
Rt = R0(1 + at)
resistance,
= π × 10–2 [1 + 7.8 × 10–3 × (900 – 300)]
R R
R = 5.68π × 10–2Ω
2 The rate at which the wire radiates energy is
V RL  V RL
P = I2Rt
0V 2
= 5.68 π × 10–2I2 watt … (i)
V 0 The rate at which a black body radiates energy is given
+ by Stefan’s law
V R
Enet= R R ⇒ Enet= , rnet= P =
1 1 2 2 σAS (T 4 − T04 )
+
R R where, AS = curved surface area of the wire = (2πr)L,
R T = 900 K, T0 = 300 K and σ = 5.68 × 10–8 Wm–2K–4
So, RL = for maximum power across RL. Thus,
2
Example 26: If rating of a bulb is 100 watt and 220 V, then P = 5.68 × 10–8 × (2π × 10–3) × (1.0) [(900)4 – (300)4]
determine = 5.68 × 12.96π watt … (ii)
(a) Resistance of filament. Equating equations (i) and (ii), we get
(b) Current through filament if power consumed is 5.68π × 10–2 × I 2 = 5.68 × 12.96π
100 W. I 2 = 1296
(c) If bulb operates at 110 volt power supply then or I = 36A.
find power consumed by bulb.
Sol. (a) Bulb rating is 100 W and 220 V bulb. It means
when 220 V potential difference is applied to the bulb Concept Application
then the power consumed is 100 W.
So,
20. A heater coil is cut into two equal parts and only one
V2
= P part is used in the heater. The heat generated now,
R
as compared to that when full coil was used, will be
V2 (Assuming potential is same in both cases)
= 100
R
(a) One fourth (b) Halved
⇒ R = 484W
(c) Doubled (d) Four times
(b) Since, resistance depends only on material hence it
is constant for the bulb. 21. Same mass of copper is drawn into two wires 1 mm and
V 220 5 2 mm thick. The two wires are connected in series and
= I = = A current is passed through them. Heat produced in the
R 484 11
(c) Power consumed at 110 V, two wires is in the ratio
110 × 110 (a) 2 : 1 (b) 4 : 1
P' = = 25 W
484 (c) 8 : 1 (d) 16 : 1

142 JEE (XII) Module-1 PHYSICS PW

 22. Two bulbs are rated at 200 V, 100 W and 200 V, SYMMETRICAL CIRCUITS
50 W respectively. They are connected in series to a
There are two types of symmetries in electrical circuits:
400 V supply.
1. Mirror symmetry
(a) 50 W bulb can fuse
2. Folding symmetry
(b) 100 W bulb can fuse
(c) 50 W bulb will not fuse Mirror Symmetry
(d) 100 W bulb will not fuse When a circuit is symmetrical about a line (by symmetry, we
mean that two parts are mirror image of each other), then the
23. In the circuit shown in the figure, power developed
across 1 Ω, 2 Ω and 3 Ω resistance are in the ratio potential and current must also be symmetrical.
1 b

I 3 I R
R
R

a R e R
A B
c
2 R
R
(a) 1 : 2 : 3 (b) 4 : 2 : 27 R

(c) 6 : 4 : 9 (d) 2 : 1 : 27 d
24. Two bulbs rated (25 W – 220 V) and (100 W – 220 V) In above diagram, the circuit is symmetrical about the line of
are connected is series to a 440 V line. Which one is input and output points, i.e., line AB.
likely to fuse?
Therefore, current in ab and af are same. Currents in fc and bc
(a) 25 W bulb (b) 100 W bulb
are same, potential of the points b, e and d are same.
(c) Both bulbs (d) None of these
Folding Symmetry
WHEATSTONE BRIDGE A R B R C
™ The configuration shown in the figure is called Wheatstone bridge. R R R
B R R
X Y
O
Q
P Ig R R R
I1 I1 – Ig R R
A C
G D E F
I2 I2 + Ig
In this case the circuit has symmetry about XY.
R S
I = I1 + I2 I ⇒ With the help of symmetry we can write,
D VA V=
= D ;VB E ;VC
V= VF . Now, the circuit can be folded
+ – K about XY so that the points having same potentials are connect.
R R
™If current in galvanometer is zero (Ig = 0) then bridge is
said to be balanced. This situation is obtained if following A B C
condition is met,  R R
P R R R R R R R
VD = VB  or    =
Q S X Y
P R R O R
™ If < then VB > VD and current will flow from B to D.
Q S A B C
P R R/2 R/2
™ If > then VB < VD and current will flow from D to B.  R/2 R/2 R/2
Q S
X Y
O
ADVANCED LEARNING R R
B R
SYMMETRICAL CIRCUITS R
i= 0
There are two types of symmetries in electrical circuits:  R/2
x y
1. Mirror symmetry R O R
2. Folding symmetry

Current Electricity 143

 VB = VO Step 2: Mark the voltages of nodes.
⇒iBO = 0
 
R x
R

I2 I1
V 0
X Y 
R R I
So, Req = R  
I3 y I4
+ –
Train Your Brain V
V
Example 28: Find equivalent resistance of the circuit Step 3: Calculate Req =
I
between the terminals A and B.
Apply KCL at node ‘x’
10 6
x −V x − 0 x − y
⇒ + + 0
=
1 2 2
A  B
… (i)
⇒ 2 x − 2V + x + x − y =0
 ⇒ 4 x − 2V =
y

5 3 Apply KCL at node ‘y’
Sol. Since the given circuit is Wheatstone bridge and it is in y − x y −V y
0 … (ii)
    ⇒ 3y − V =
+ + = x
 10Ω 5Ω  2 2 2
balanced condition  =  , no current will flow
 6Ω 3Ω  Solve equations (i) and (ii),
in 20W resistor.
10 6 7V 6V
= x = ,y
11 11
x − 0 7V y 6V
=
Now calculate: I1 = and I 2= =
2 22 2 22
5 3
So, equivalent resistance
Hence this is equivalent to
V V V V 22
16 × 8 16 Req = = = = ⇒ Req = Ω
Req= = Ω I I1 + I 2 7V + 6V 13V 13
16 + 8 3
Example 29: Find the equivalent resistance across terminals 22 22 22
A and B. Example 30: Determine equivalent resistance between A
  and B.
3
r r
A  B 1 6
r r r r

  A B
r 4 r
r r
Sol. This is a case of unbalanced Wheatstone bridge.
2 r r 7
Step 1: Connect a battery across the terminal.
  5
Sol. In figure, points (1, 2), (3, 4, 5) and (6, 7) are at same
potentials respectively. Equivalent circuit can be

redrawn as in figure.
r 1, 2 r 3, 4, 5 r 6, 7 r
  r r
+ – r r r r
V r r

144 JEE (XII) Module-1 PHYSICS PW

 The equivalent resistance of this series combination is 26. Find the equivalent resistance of the circuit of the
r r r r 3r previous problem between the ends of an edge such as
Req = + + + = ab. Also, find Req about af.
2 4 4 2 2
b c
Example 31: Calculate the effective resistance between
points A and C, by applying symmetry principle. a d
B
e f

h g
R
R R
METRE BRIDGE
D R It is based on principle of Wheatstone bridge. It is used to find out
R
unknown resistance of wire. AC is a 1 m long uniform wire, R is
known resistance and S is unknown resistance.
A C
R R
Sol. Break the branch AC into two resistors in series, each D S
R/2, and consider the dotted line passing through B, G
D and E. The network on the two sides of this line is P J Q
symmetrical. Hence, one can short-circuit the points B, A  (100) –  C
D and E and calculate Req. B

B A cell is connected across wire AC and galvanometer is connected

R
between jockey and point D.
R
To find out unknown resistance we touch jockey from A to C and find

R
R
R R R balance condition (null deflection). Let balance is at B point on wire.
A B D C
AB =  ⇒ Resistance of wire AB, P = r
R D R R/2 E R/2 BC = (100 – ) ⇒ Resistance of wire BC, Q = r(100 – )
A C r = resistance per unit length of wire.
R/2 E R/2 At balance condition:

Now, we find that resistances R, R and R/2 are in parallel =

P R
⇒
r
=
R
⇒
(100 −  )
Q S S = R
across A and E. The parallel combination of R and R r (100 − ) S 
gives R/2. This R/2 in parallel with R/2 gives R/4. Hence,
R R
POTENTIOMETER
AC
( )
Req= 2=
 
4 2
.
Necessity of Potentiometer
Practically voltmeter has a finite resistance (ideally it should be
infinite). In other words, it draws some current from the circuit,
therefore, a practical voltmeter does not give accurate reading of
voltage. To overcome this problem potentiometer is used because
Concept Application at the instant of measurement, it draws no current from the circuit.
Working Principle of Potentiometer
25. Twelve wires, each having resistance r, are joined to form Any unknown potential difference is balanced on a known
a cube as shown in figure. Find the equivalent resistance potential difference which is uniformly distributed over entire
between the ends of a face diagonal such as ac. length of potentiometer wire. This process is named as zero
deflection or null deflection method.
b c
Key Note
a d (i) Potentiometer wire: Made up of alloys of manganin and
e constantan.
f
(ii) Specific properties of these alloys are high specific
h g resistance, negligible temperature co-efficient of
resistance (α) and invariability of resistance of potentio-
meter wire over a long period.

Current Electricity 145

Circuit of Potentiometer E
E Rh(0–R1) =
r L
If R1 = R
Primary circuit
E  RP 
L ⇒ xmin =  
A B RP + R  L 
Secondary circuit Wire xmax RP + R
then, =
E G E<E xmin RP

Primary circuit contains constant source of voltage and a rheostat Standardization and Sensitivity of Potentiometer
(a resistance box). Standardization process of evaluating x experimentally.
Secondary, unknown or galvanometer circuit contains If balanced length for standard cell (emf E) is 0 then potential
components with unknown parameters. E
gradient x =
0
Potential Gradient (x)
Sensitivity
™ The potential drop per unit length of potentiometer wire is
equal to potential gradient. (i) x also indicates the sensitivity of potentiometer.
(ii) If x ↓ ⇒ sensitivity ↑
Let r = 0 and R1= 0 then VAB = E (max. in the case of ideal
(iii) To increase sensitivity → Rh ↑ (current in primary circuit
E should be reduced), L ↑
cell) then x =
L (iv) Any change in secondary circuit, no effect on sensitivity.
S.I. unit: V/m; Dimensions: [MLT–3A–1] (v) Balanced length for unknown potential difference ↑ ⇒
V sensitivity ↑
™ Always VAB < E; x = AB
L
Applications of Potentiometer
At null deflection,
(1) To measure potential difference across a resistance.
VAB = IRP (RP = Resistance of potentiometer wire) (2) To find out emf of a cell.
IR Iρ R A E
So, x = P = where ρ = P . (3) Comparision of two emfs 1 .
L A L E2
E (4) To find out internal resistance of a cell.
Current in primary circuit I = ;
R1 + r + RP (5) Comparision of two resistances.
E  RP  (6) To find out an unknown resistance which is connected in
So, x =
R1 + RP + r  L  series with the given resistance.
™ If radius is uniform, then x is uniform over entire length of (7) To find out current in a given circuit.
potentiometer wire. (a) Comparison of emf of two cells
1
™ If I is constant then, x ∝
(radius) 2
Factors Affecting ‘x’
™ If VAB = const. and L = const. then for any change x remains J J
A B
unchanged. E1
™ If there is no information about VAB then always take VAB as 1 G
1 2
constant, so x ∝ .
L E2 3
™ If VAB and L are constant then for any change, like radius of
wire and substance of wire (σ), there is no change in x. Plug only in (1– 2): Balance length AJ = 1
™ Any change in secondary circuit causes no change in x Plug only in (2 – 3): Balance length AJ’ = 2
because x is a property of primary circuit. E1 = x1 and E2 = x2
E  RP  E1 1
NOTE: x =
RP + r + R1  L  ⇒
E2
=
2
x is maximum or minimum on the basis of range of rheostat (b) Internal resistance of a given cell
or resistance box.
When key K is closed,
If R1 = 0 E=V+Ir
E R
⇒ xmax = × P ( r − 0) E −V
RP L ⇒ r=
I
146 JEE (XII) Module-1 PHYSICS PW
 Rh V = I R = x1

1 E0
J J I= ×
A B R 0
E
+ –

R G THE POST OFFICE BOX

R.B. It is a compact form of the Wheatstone bridge. It consists of
K compact resistance so arranged that different desired values of
E −V 
or r =  R
resistances may be selected in the three arms of Wheatstone
 V  bridge, as shown in figure.
Key K open, E = x1 (AJ = 1)
Key K closed, terminal voltage across the cell E V = x2 X
(AJ′ = 2)
A R1 B R2 C
 − 
⇒ r =  1 2 R 1000 100 10 10 100 1000
 2 
(c) Comparison of two resistances
Plug only in (1–2): Potential difference across R1 is balanced. 1 2 2 510 20 20 50 
R
5000 2000 2000 1000500 200 200100
Rh D

J A K1 B
A K2
B
G G
(a)
1 2 3 B
R1 K2 R 2
I R1 R2
V A C
G
I R1 = x1 R X
Plug only in (2-3) D
Potential difference across (R1 + R2) is balanced. 
K1
I (R1 + R2) = x2
(b)
R1 + R2  2
= Each of the arms AB and BC contains three resistances of 10, 102
R1 1
and 103W respectively. These are called the ratio arms. Using
R2  2 − 1 R2
⇒ = these resistances the ratio can be made to have any of the
R1 1 R1
(d) Measurement of current following values: 100 : 1,10 :1,1:1,1:10 or 1 : 100.
Plug only in (1–2): The arm AD is a complete resistance box containing resistance
E0 = x0 from 1 W to 5000 W. 1 The tap keys K1 and K2 are also provided in
Plug only in (2–3): the post office box. The key K1 is internally connected to the point
Rh A and the key K2 to the point B (as shown by dotted line in the
figure). The unknown resistance X is connected between C and D,
A
J
B the battery between C and key K2 and the galvanometer between
E0 D and the key K2. The circuit shown in figure (a) is exactly the
1 same as that of the Wheatstone bridge shown in figure (b). Hence,
2 the value of the unknown resistance is given by
I R 3 G
R 
K X = R 2 
 R1 
E

Current Electricity 147

 V
Key Note
ig R Rg
P The accuracy of the post office box depends on the choice
R2 V
of ratio arm . If Rg is negligible, then R = .
R1 ™
ig
P If R2 : R1 is 1 : 1, then the value of the unknown resistance
Key Points
is obtained within ± l Ω.
™ To increase the range of an ammeter a shunt is connected in
P If the ratio R2: R1 is selected as 1:10, then the unknown
parallel with the galvanometer.
1
resistance X = R   is accurately measured upto ± 0.1 Ω. ™ To convert an ammeter of range I ampere and resistance Rg Ω
 10  into an ammeter of range nI ampere, the value of resistance
P If the ratio R2 : R1 is adjusted to 1:100, then the value to be connected in parallel will be Rg/(n – 1) W.
 1  ™ To increase the range of a voltmeter a high resistance is
of unknown resistance X = R   is obtained to an
accuracy of ± 0.010 Ω.  100  connected in series with it.
™ To convert a voltmeter of resistance Rg Ω and range V volt
into a voltmeter of range nV volt, the value of resistance to be
CONVERSION OF GALVANOMETER INTO connected in series will be (n – 1)Rg.
™ Resistance of ideal ammeter is zero and resistance of ideal
AMMETER voltmeter is infinite.
Galvanometer: Galvanometer detects the presence of current in
the branch where it is connected. An instrument that measures Train Your Brain
current is called an ammeter and one that measures potential
difference is called a voltmeter.
Example 32: If resistance R1 in resistance box is 300Ω,
A galvanometer can be converted into an ammeter by connecting then the balanced length is found to be 75 cm from end A in
low resistance in parallel (called shunt) to its coil. meter bridge. The diameter of unknown wire is 1 mm and
™ The value of shunt resistance to be connected in parallel to length of the unknown wire is 31.4 cm. Find the specific
Rg ig resistance of the unknown wire
galvanometer coil is given by RS = R l
i − ig Sol. Since, =
X 100 − l
i P ig  100 − l   100 − 75 
i ⇒X =  R ⇒ X =   (300) = 100Ω
Rg
 l   75 
(i – ig)
Rs ρl ρl
Now, X
= =
A  πd 2 
 4 
Shunt
 
where, i = Range of ammeter
( 3.14 ) (10−3 ) (100 )
2
ig = Current for full scale deflection of galvanometer. πd 2 X
=⇒ρ =
⇒ρ
Rg = Resistance of galvanometer coil. 4l ( 4 )( 0.314 )
Rg ig ρ 2.5 × 10−4 Ω m
⇒=
™ RS = if  ig << i
i Example 33: The radius of wire AB of a meter bridge
™ On connecting shunt in parallel to galvanometer coil, its changes linearly from r to 2r from left end to right end,
equivalent resistance becomes less than the shunt resistance. as shown in figure. Where should the free end of the
galvanometer be connected on AB so that the deflection in
CONVERSION OF GALVANOMETER INTO the galvanometer is zero?

VOLTMETER 4 4
™ The galvanometer can be converted into voltmeter by G
B
connecting high resistance in series with its coil. dx
A
™ The high resistance to be connected in series with A X1 B
x
galvanometer coil is given by
V 100cm
R
= − Rg
ig

148 JEE (XII) Module-1 PHYSICS PW

 Sol. Let the galvanometer be connected at a point Example 35: When a shunt of 4Ω is attached to a
x = x1 from end A. 1
galvanometer, the deflection reduces to th. If an additional
Let R1 = resistance of AX1 and 5
shunt of 2Ω is attached. What will be the deflection?
R2 = Resistance of X1B
Length = 100 cm = 1m Sol. Initial condition
Consider an element of thickness dx at the distance x I I
from end A and of radius rx. I
G
r  4I
 5
Thus, rx = r + x = r (1 + x) 5
 l 
Resistance of this element will be, S= 4
ρ dx When shunt of 4Ω is used
dRx = 2
πrx
I 4
× G = I × 4 ⇒ G = 16 Ω
x1 ρdx ρ  1  5 5

=R1 ∫0 = 2 2
π(1 + x) r 2 
1− 
πr  1 + x1  When additional shunt of 2 Ω is used
I I I I I I
1 ρdx ρ  1 1 
R2 = ∫ = −
2   G G
x1 (1 + x ) 2 r 2 π 4
πr 1 + x1 1 + 1  (I – I)  (I – I) 4

3
For null point,
2
R1 4 1 1 1
= ⇒ 1− = − 4
R2 4 1 + x1 1 + x1 1 + 1
I′ × 16 = (I – I′)

3
1 12 I′ = I – I’
=x1 = m 33.33 cm
3 I
I′ =
Example 34: There is a definite potential difference 13
1
between the two ends of a potentiometer. Two cells are So, the deflection will reduce to th of the initial
13
connected in such a way that first time they help each other, deflection.
and second time they oppose each other. They are balanced
Example 36: A galvanometer having 30 divisions has
on the potentiometer wire at 120 cm and 60 cm lengths
current sensitivity of 20µA/division. It has a resistance of
respectively. Compare the electromotive forces of the cells.
25 Ω.
Sol. Suppose the potential gradient along the (i) How will you convert the galvanometer into an
potentiometer wire = x and the emfs of the two ammeter measuring upto 1 ampere?
cells are E1 and E2. (ii) How will you convert the galvanometer into a voltmeter
When the cells help each other, the resultant emf measuring upto 1 volt?
= (E1 + E2) Sol. The current required for full scale deflection,
E1 + E2 = x × 120 cm ...(i) Ig = 20 µA × 30 = 600 µA = 6 × 10–4A
When the cells oppose each other, the resultant emf (i) To convert the galvanometer into ammeter, a shunt is
= (E1 – E2) required in parallel with it.
E1 – E2 = x × 60 cm ...(ii) I g Rg  6 × 10−4 
From equations (i) and (ii), RS = =  =
−4 
25 0.015Ω


(I − I g )  1 − 6 × 10 
E1 + E2 120 cm 2
= = (ii) To convert galvanometer into voltmeter, a high
E1 − E2 60 cm 1
resistance in series is required with it.
or E1 + E2 = 2(E1 – E2)
V 1
E1 3 R = − Rg = − 25
or 3E2 = E1 or = ig 6 × 10−4
E2 1
= 1666.67 – 25 = 1641.67 Ω

Current Electricity 149

  t
− 
Concept Application =⇒ q qmax 1 − e τ 
 
 
27. A galvanometer of resistance 400 Ω can measure a where,
current of 1 mA. To convert it into a voltmeter of range q = charge on capacitor at any time ‘t’
8 V the required resistance is V0 = voltage across the capacitor in final (steady) state
(a) 4600 Ω (b) 5600 Ω τ = Time constant = RC
(c) 6600 Ω (d) 7600 Ω CV0 = qmax = maximum charge on capacitor
28. An ammeter reads upto 1A. Its internal resistance is Time constant of the circuit (t): Time constant of circuit is
defined as the time in which charge on the capacitor reaches
0.81Ω. To convert it into an ammeter of range 10A the
at 63% of the maximum value of charge.
required resistance is t
 − 
(a) 0.03 Ω (b) 0.3 Ω = q qmax 1 − e τ 
 
(c) 0.9 Ω (d) 0.09 Ω  
At (t = t)
29. A galvanometer coil has a resistance 900 Ω and full
 τ
scale deflection current 10 mA. A 9100 Ω resistance − 
= q qmax 1 − e τ 
is connected in series with the galvanometer to make  
 
a voltmeter. If the least count of the voltmeter is 0.1 V,
the number of divisions on the scale is q = qmax (1 – e–1)
(a) 90 (b) 91 q = qmax (1 – 0.37)
(c) 100 (d) none q = 0.63 qmax
q = 0.63 V0C
q
CHARGING AND DISCHARGING OF A
CAPACITOR (RC CIRCUIT) qmax
0.98qmax
Charging of a Capacitor
R C R q q 0.63qmax
I + –
Switch C
is closed I
+ – at t = 0 + –
t
V0 t< 0 V0 at t 0 t= t =

It is given that initially the capacitor is uncharged. Let at any time Current at any time ‘t’
‘t’ charge on capacitor is ‘q’. Apply Kirchhoff’s voltage law,
dq d  
 t  t

− −  1 
q q 
i = = qmax 1 − e RC  = qmax 0 − e RC
 − 
V0 − IR − =0 ⇒ IR =V0 − dt dt     RC  
C C     
−t t −t
V C −q qmax RC q  1 − RC V0 RC
⇒ I =0 i e =⇒ i  max
RC
=
RC × R e ⇒i
= e
 C  R
dq V C − q q dq t dt At t = RC
⇒= 0 ⇒ ∫ 0V0C =
− q ∫ 0 RC
dt RC RC
V0 − RC V0 −1 V
=i e ⇒
= i e ⇒ =i 0.37 0
q t V C − q  t R R R
⇒ − ln (V0 C − q ) = ⇒ ln  0 =−

0 RC V
 0 C  RC Graph:
i
t
V0 C − q −
⇒ e RC
=
V0 C V0
t R
⇒1 − q =e RC
−

CV0 V0
t
0.37 R
 − 
⇒
= q CV0  1 − e RC 
  t
  0 t=

150 JEE (XII) Module-1 PHYSICS PW

 Voltage across the capacitor at any time ‘t’ : Second Method
q = CVc (t) 2 2t
V  −
 t
 CV 
t
 Heat: H =∫0∞ i 2 Rdt =∫0∞  0  × e RC × R × dt
q 1 − −
R
Vc ( t ) ==× qmax  1− e τ  = 0 1− e τ
 
C C   C   2t
   V02 ∞ − RC
t = ∫0 e dt
 −  R
⇒ Vc ( t ) =V0 1 − e τ 
  1
  Heat generated = CV02
2
where,
Vc (t) = voltage across the capacitor at any time ‘t’ Discharging of a Capacitor
V0 = terminal voltage across the capacitor (at the condition V0 C V
+q –q
when capacitor is fully charge)
+ – i
t = Time constant +q0 –q0 C
Vc (t) R R

Initially i + iR –
V0 At t = 0 At any time t
0.98V0
Applying KVL,
0.63V0 q q
+ − iR = 0 ⇒ i =
C CR
dq q q − dq t dt
⇒− = ⇒∫ = ∫ 0 CR
0 t= t = 4
t dt CR q0 q

q t
Voltage across the Resistor: ⇒ −ln =+
q0 RC
VR = IR
q = q0 e −t / RC
V −t 
VR  0 e τ  × R
⇒= dq q0 −t / RC
R  i=
− = e
 
dt RC
t
−
⇒ V ( t ) =
V0 e τ
q
q0
i
R q0
i0 =
RC
Graph:
VR(t) 0.37q 0 0.37i 0
t t
O t = O t =
V0

ADVANCED LEARNING
0.37V0
Leakage Current through a Capacitor
0 t=
t In ideal situation, when the space between the capacitor is filled
with a dielectric (insulator) then no current flows through it
Heat Generated when it is connected to a battery as shown in figure below.
First Method I=0
By energy conservation
H = Work done by battery – ∆Ucapacitor

1
= ( qmax )(V0 ) −
CV02
2
1
= ( CV0 ) × V0 − CV02 Another ideal case where no current flows through the capacitor
  2
is when a capacitor is charged and the charge on the capacitor
1 is left over for a long duration of time, as shown.
Heat generated = CV02
2

Current Electricity 151

 Train Your Brain

Example 37: A capacitor is connected to a 12 V battery

through a resistance of 10 Ω. It is found that the potential
However, in both the cases discussed, we get some small
difference across the capacitor rises to 4.0 V in 1 µ s. Find
amount of current flowing through the capacitor. This non-zero the capacitance of the capacitor.
current (of the order of microampere) is called the leakage  t 
−
current. This is due to the fact that every insulator has some Sol. We know,
= V V0  1 − e RC 
 
conductivity (or very lightly conducting), on account of which  
 t  t
some current flows through the capacitor which is connected to − − 1
4 12 1 − e RC
⇒=  ⇒ 1 − e RC=
battery as in figure (a). Similarly, when the capacitor is charged   3
 
and left over, then the charge does not sustain (at its value) over t
2 − t 3
a longer duration of time and starts discharging. This situation ⇒e=⇒ =ln   =
RC 0.405
3 RC 2
can be thought of as being equivalent to the case of discharging
t
of a capacitor in an RC series circuit. In both the cases discussed ⇒ RC =
0.405
above, we can calculate the resistance of the dielectric using = 2.469 µs
the Ohm’s Law, according to which, we get
2.469 µs
ρl ⇒ C= = 0.25 µF
R = {ρ = specific resistance} 10 Ω
A
Example 38: Initially the capacitor is uncharged. Find the
charge on capacitor as a function of time, if switch is closed
at t = 0.
R R

+  C
– R

Here, l = d (the separation between the plates of the S

Sol. First Method: Without using the formula of equivalent
capacitor)
resistance.
ρd Applying KVL in loop ABCDA,
⇒ R =
A ε – iR – (i – i1) R = 0
Thus, the leakage current in the circuit shown in figure is, ε – 2iR + i1R = 0
V ε+i R
I= ⇒ iR = 1  … (i)
R 2
i1 R
B i R C E
+ q
 R
– –q
i – i1
A D F
Applying KVL in loop ABCEFDA,
Similarly, if the capacitor is given a charge q0 at time t = 0, q  ε + i1R  q
ε − iR − i1R − = 0 ⇒ ε −   − i1R=
and left over, then after time t the charge that will remain on C  2  C

it is q, given by
2ε − ε − i1 R − 2i1 R q
q = q0e–t/τ ⇒ = , ⇒ εC − 3i1 RC
= 2q
2 C
 ρd   K ε0 A  dq
Here, τ = RC =    ⇒ τ = ρK ε0 ⇒ εC − 2q =3 RC
 A  d  dt

152 JEE (XII) Module-1 PHYSICS PW

 VT = Terminal voltage across the capacitor
dqq tdt 1 εC − 2q t = voltage across the capacitor when capacitor is fully
⇒∫ = ∫ 0 3RC ⇒ − 2 ln =
0 εC − 2q εC 3RC charged
εC  −
2t
 It is also called voltage across the capacitor at steady
⇒=
q 1 − e 3 RC  state.
2  
 ε Cε
Second Method: By using the formula of equivalent ⇒ qmax =C × VT =C × ⇒ qmax =
2 2
resistance
R R Now,
 t  2t 
−
Cε  −
q qmax 1 − e
R ×C 
+
 C = eq
q
⇒ = 1 − e 3 RC 
– R   2  
   

We know that charge on capacitor at any time ‘t’ is Example 39: The electric field between the plates of a
given by parallel-plate capacitor of capacitance 2.0 µF drops to
 −
t
 one third of its initial value in 4.4 µs when the plates are

= 
q qmax 1 − e
ReqC
 … (ii) connected by a thin wire. Find the resistance of the wire.
 
  Sol. The electric field between the plate is
R = Req = equivalent resistance across the capacitor Q Q0 −t / RC
when battery is replaced by its internal resistance. E= = e ⇒ E= E0 e −t / RC
Aε0 Aε0
qmax = maximum charge on capacitor.
Step 1: Calculation for Req: In the given problem,
Follow these steps for Req calculation. 1
(i) Remove capacitor E = E0 at t = 4.4 µs
3
(ii) Replace voltage source by its internal resistance
4.4
(iii) Calculate equivalent resistance across the capacitor 1 − 4.4
Thus, = e RC ⇒ = ln 3 =1.1
terminals. 3 RC
R R R R 4.4 µs
A ⇒R= = 2.0 Ω
A
1.1× 2.0 µF
+ 
– R R B
Example 40: In the given circuit,
B
ε1 = 3ε2 = 2ε3 = 6V
R
A R1 = 2R4 = 6Ω
R R R3 = 2R2 = 4Ω
B
and C = 5µF
3R Find the current in R3 and energy stored in the capacitor in
⇒ RAB = Req =
2 steady state.
Step 2: Calculate maximum charge on capacitor: B I I
Follow these steps to calculate maximum charge on R1 = 6  1 = 6V
capacitor. C I
I
(i) Remove capacitor 5 F c a
(ii) Calculate terminal voltage VT across the capacitor R2 = 2 R3 = 4
A
(iii) qmax = C × Terminal voltage (I – I1) I1
(I – I 1 )

(I – I 1 )

 2 = 2V
R R R I I' = 0 b
R R4 = 3
+  C + 
– R – R VT
 3 = 3V (I – I1)
Sol. Let current I originates from the battery of emf ε1.
ε ε ε
I = ;VT = I × R = × R = Distribution of current in the circuit is shown in
2 R 2R 2
Fig., in accordance with KCL.

Current Electricity 153

 Applying Kirchhoff’s voltage law to loop a in clockwise  3
9 3
sense, we get or, I= ×   − 1 = 1.7 A as I1 = 
5 2  2
–4I1 + 6 = 0 and applying Kirchhoff’s voltage law to mesh c, going from
3 A to B,
⇒ I1= = 1.5 A
2
VA – 2 – (1.7 – 1.5) × 2 = VB
Now, applying KVL to loop b, we get
i.e.,
VA – VB = 2.4V
–(I – I1) × 3 – 3 – 2 – (I – I1) × 2 + I1 × 4 = 0
So, energy stored in the capacitor,
or, –5I + 9I1 = 5
9 1 1
I I1 − 1 U = CV 2 = × (5 × 10−6 ) × (2.4) 2
i.e.,= 2 2
5
–6
= 14.4 × 10 J

Example 41: The value of an unknown resistance is obtained by using a post office box. Two consecutive readings of R are observed
at which the galvanometer deflects in the opposite directions for three different values of R1. These two values are recorded under
column-I and column-II in the following observation table.

[Link]. R1(Ω) R2(Ω) R lies in-between X = R(R2/R1)

I (Ω) II (Ω) I(Ω) II (Ω)
1 10 10 16 17
2 100 10 163 164
3 1000 10 1638 1639
Determine the value of the unknown resistance.
Sol. The observation table may be completed as follows:
[Link]. R1(Ω) R2(Ω) R lies in-between X = R(R2/R1)
I (Ω) II (Ω) I(Ω) II (Ω)
1 10 10 16 17 16.0 17.0
2 100 10 163 164 16.3 16.4
3 1000 10 1638 1639 16.38 16.39
The value of the unknown resistance lies in between 16.38Ω and 16.39 W.
The unknown value may be the average of the two values.
16.38 + 16.39
⇒ X =
2
or X = 16.385 Ω

Concept Application 31. In the circuit shown, the charge on the 3 µF capacitor
at steady state will be
30. A 1µF capacitor is connected in the circuit shown below. 2V
The emf of the cell is 3 volts 3V 0.5 2F
and internal resistance is 0.5 1
1F R1
ohms. The resistors R1 and R2 3F 2
have values 4 ohms and 1 ohm R2 4 1V
respectively. The charge on
(a) 6µC
the capacitor in steady state 1
must be (b) 4 mC
2
(a) 1 µC (b) 2 µC (c) µC
3
(c) 1.33 µC (d) Zero
(d) 3µC

154 JEE (XII) Module-1 PHYSICS PW

 Aarambh (Solved Examples)
1. A copper wire of cross-sectional area 3.00 × 10–6m2 carries Sol.
a current of 10A. Find l
(A) the drift speed of the electrons in the wire. Assume that each
copper atom contributes one free electron to the body of
material.
(a) 5.08 × 10–4 m/s (b) 2.46 × 10–4 m/s
(c) 1.19 × 10–5 m/s (d) 3.07 × 10–5 m/s
V
(B) the average time between collisions for electrons in copper
at 20ºC. We consider a cylindrical shell of radius r and thickness
dr. The entire conductor consists of such shells in parallel
The density of copper is 8.95g/cm3, molar mass of copper arrangement because potential difference across each is
is 63.5g/mol, Avogadro's number 6.02 × 1023/mol and
same.
resistivity of copper is 1.7 × 10–8 Wm.
(a) 1.4 × 10–14s (b) 4.7 × 10–14s dr
(c) 2.5 × 10 s–14 (d) 5.5 × 10–14s r
(Lakshya JEE Physics M-1)
Sol. (A) The volume occupied by 1 mol (63.5g) of copper
M 63.5
V= = = 7.09 cm3/mol ρl αl
d 8.95 dR = =
As each copper atom contributes one free electron to the (2πrdr ) 2πr 3 dr
body of the material, the density of free electrons is 1 2πr 3 dr 2πa 4
r =a

6.02 × 1023

R
= ∫
r =0 αl
=
4αl
n= 4α l
7.09 × 10−6 or R=
= 8.48 × 1028 electron/m3 2πa 4
The drift speed as s = pa2
I R 2πα
Vd = = 2
neA l s
10.0
Vd = In accordance with Ohm’s law.
8.48 × 10 × 1.60 × 10−19 × 3 × 10−6
28

= 2.46 × 10–4 m/s V IR  R  2παI

E = = =  = I
   Therefore, option (b) is the correct answer. l l l  s2
(B) Average time between collisions
Therefore, option (c) is the correct answer.
me
t=
ne 2 ρ 3. What is the percentage change in the resistance of a wire if
9.10 × 10 −31
(A) its radius is increased by 1%?
=
8.48 × 10 × (1.6 × 10−19 ) 2 × 1.7 × 10−8
28 (a) Increase by 1% (b) Decrease by 2%
= 2.5 × 10–14s (c) Increase by 3% (d) Decrease by 4%
   Therefore, option (c) is the correct answer. (B) its area is increased by 1%?
2. A long round conductor of cross-sectional area s = pa2 is (a) Increase by 1% (b) Decrease by 2%
made of material whose resistivity depends only on distance (c) Increase by 3% (d) Decrease by 4%
α (Lakshya JEE Physics M-1)
r from the axis of the conductor as, r = 2 , where a is
r V dR dA
Sol. Q R = ρ ⇒ = −2 (V = volume)
a constant. Find the resistance per unit length of conductor A2 R A
and the electric field strength due to which a current I flows As cross-section area A = pr2
along the axis of the cylinder. dA dr
πα παI πα παI = 2
(a) 2 , 2 (b) , A r
s s 2s 2 2s 2 dR dA dr
So, = −2 =−4
2πα 2παI 4πα 4παI R A r
(c) , 2 (d) , 2
s2 s s2 s If radius is increased by 1%, the resistance is decreased
(Lakshya JEE Physics M-1) by 4%.
Current Electricity 155
 If area is increased by 1%, the resistance is decreased by 2%. Sol. Apply loop law in figure.
The significance of negative sign is that change in resistance 10  3V
is opposite to that of radius and area. Note that calculus can
be employed for small percentage change only.
Therefore, for part (A) option (d) and for part (B) option (b) 2
are the correct answers. 3 I – I1 6
I
4. Find out the current in the wire BD shown in the figure.
I1
5
C B
1
20 V 10 V

4.5 V
D A
2 Loop 1: – 3I – 6I1 + 4.5 = 0
(a) 1A (b) 2A or I + 2I1 = 1.5 … (i)
(c) 3A (d) 4A Loop 2: 10 (I – I1) + 3 – 6I1 = 0
or 10I – 16I1 = – 3 … (ii)
(Lakshya JEE Physics M-1)
Solving equations (i) and (ii), we get
Sol. Let at point D potential = 0 and write the potentials of other 1 1 1 1
I = A, I1 = A and I2 = I – I1 = − = 0 A
10 2 2 2 2
points. The current in wire AD = = 5A from Therefore, option (b) is the correct answer.
2
20 6. What is the equivalent resistance between points A and B
A to D, current in wire CB = = 4 A from C to B. in the networks shown in figure (a) and (b) respectively if
5 each resistance is R?
V= + 20 5 V= 0
C B
4A
5V R2 R1
4A A O AB
10V B
R3 R1 R2 R4
20V 1A +10V R4 R3

V= 0 (a) (b)
A
D 5A 2 R 4R R 2R 3R R 3R R
(a) , (b) , (c) , (d) ,

\ Current in wire BD = 1 A from D to B. 4 3 2 3 2 2 4 4
(Lakshya JEE Physics M-1)
Therefore, option (a) is the correct answer.

5. Find the currents I, I1 and I2 (all in amperes) for the circuit Sol. A careful study of the given networks reveals that:
shown. (a) In this network one end of all the four resistances is
connected to A while the other to B, i.e., potential
1 1
(a) 2, 1 and 1 (b) , and 0 difference across each resistance is same and equal to
2 2 applied voltage between A and B.
3 1 1 1 V1 = V2 = V3 = V4 = V
(c) , and 1 (d) , 0 and
2 2 2 2 So the given four resistances are in parallel [as shown
10 3V in figure] and hence
1 1 1 1 1
= + + +
Req R1 R2 R3 R4
I2
But as here, R1 = R2 = R3 = R4 = R ⇒ Req = (R/4)
3 6
R1
I1
R2
B
R3
I
R4
4.5V
(Lakshya JEE Physics M-1) (b) In this network one end of each resistor R1, R2 and R3 is
156 JEE (XII) Module-1 PHYSICS PW
 connected to point O while the other to B. So R1, R2 and 8. The circuit diagram shown in the figure consists of a large
R3 are in parallel resulting in a single resistance (R/3) number of elements (each element has two resistors R1
which is in series with resistance R4 between points O and R2). The resistance of the resistors in each subsequent
and A as shown in figure. 1
element differs by a factor of k = from the resistances of
1 4 2

⇒ Req = R + R =R the resistors in the previous elements. Find the equivalent
3 3
R1 resistance between A and B.
R1 kR1 k 2R1 k3R1
R2 A B A
B O
R3 R4 R2 k R2 k 2R2 k 3R2 
B
Therefore, option (a) is the correct answer. ( R1 + R2 ) + R12 + R22 − 6 R1 R2
(a)
7. Find the equivalent resistance of the network shown in the 2
figure, across the points O and A. The resistance of each
branch of the octagon is r0. (b)
( R1 + R2 ) − R12 + R22 + 6 R1 R2
37 r0 69r0 219r0 2
(a) (b) (c) (d) 7r0
75 149 67 ( R1 − R2 ) + R12 + R22 + 6 R1 R2
(c)
2

(d)
( R1 − R2 ) − R12 + R22 − 6 R1 R2
O
2
A (Lakshya JEE Physics M-1)
Sol. When each element of circuit is multiplied by a factor k then
(Lakshya JEE Physics M-1) equivalent resistance also becomes k times.
Sol. After connecting A and O to the terminals of a battery we Let the equivalent resistance between A and B be x.
find, there is symmetry about OA. Therefore the current R1 kR1 k2R1
distribution will also be symmetric about OA as shown in A
the figure. k2R2
R2 kR2
Q R
I2 B
x
P B
R1 kR1 k2R1 k3R1
I1 O A A
A R R2 + kR2 k2R2 k3R2
I1 B B
P I2 Q
kx
It is obvious that potentials So the equivalent circuit becomes
VP = VP' A
VR = VR' R1
VQ = VQ'
x R2 kx
So, on superimposing P and P’ and Q and Q’ etc., we get
the simplified arrangement of resistors as shown in figure.
Q Q
B
P R 1 ( R − R2 ) + R12 + R22 + 6 R1 R2
P R For k = ⇒ x=1
2 2
Therefore, option (c) is the correct answer.
9. Two heaters A and B are in parallel across the supply voltage.
Heater A produces 500 kJ heat in 20 minutes and B produces
A (+) O (–) B 1000 kJ heat in 10 minutes. The resistance of A is 100 W. If
69 the heaters are connected in series across the same voltage,
Hence, Req = r0 the heat produced in 5 minutes will be
149
(a) 200 kJ (b) 100 kJ (c) 50 kJ (d) 10 kJ
Therefore, option (b) is the correct answer.
(Lakshya JEE Physics M-1)
Current Electricity 157
 Sol. For the balanced bridge,the ratio of the two resistances is
V2
Sol. t = 500 equal to the ratio of the lengths of the two parts AJ and JB
R1 of the wire,
V2  t  =
X 40 cm
or X = 4W
and   = 1000
R2  2  6 Ω 60 cm
2R2 1 No current flows through the galvanometer G and the

⇒ = ⇒ R2 = 25W resistances of the parts AJ and JB are 40W and 60W,
R1 2
respectively. If R be the equivalent resistance of the circuit,
500 × 100 × 103 then we have
Also, V2 =
20 × 60 1 1 1
= +
V2 500 × 103 R ( X + 6 ) Ω ( 40 + 60 ) Ω
In series, heat produced H = × 5=
× 60 =× 60 105 J
125 25 × 2 × 6
100
R= Ω
Therefore, option (b) is the correct answer. 11
10. What is the potential difference between the points M and V 6V
N for the circuits shown in figure for case-I and case-II? I= = = 0.66A
R  100 
1 = 12V r1 = 3 1 = 12V r1 = 3   Ω
 11 
A B A B Therefore, option (c) is the correct answer.
r2 = r2 =
C  = 6V D C  = 6V D 12. Figure shows a potentiometer circuit for determining the
2 2
internal resistance of a cell. When switch S is open, the balance
MN MN point is found to be at 76.3 cm of the wire. When switch S is
Case-I Case-II
closed and the value of R is 4.0W, the balance point shifts to
(a) 2.4 V, 3.7 V (b) 8.4 V, 1.2 V 60.0 cm. Find the internal resistance of cell C'.
(c) 5.5 V, 2.5 V (d) 3 V, 2 V
C
(Lakshya JEE Physics M-1)
12 − 6 6
Sol. Case I: Current in the circuit = = = 1.2A
3+ 2 5 A
J' J B
\ VA – VB = 12 – 3 × 1.2 = 12 – 3.6 = 8.4V C' G
VC – VD = 6 + 2 × 1.2 = 6 + 2.4 = 8.4 V
Hence, VM – VN = 8.4 V
12 + 6 18
Case II: Current = = = 3.6 A
3+ 2 5 R S
VA – VB = 12 – 3.6 × 3 = 12 – 10.8 = 1.2 V (a) 1.8 W (b) 1.1 W (c) 2.9 W (d) 0.7 W
VB – VC = 6 – 3.6 × 2 = 6 – 7.2 = –1.2V (Lakshya JEE Physics M-1)
⇒ VM – VN = 1.2V
Sol. Let E be the emf of the cell C′ and r its internal resistance.
Therefore, option (b) is the correct answer. Let l = AJ be the balanced length when switch S is open.
11. In the given circuit, a meter bridge is shown in a balanced When the resistance R is introduced by closing the switch
state. The bridge wire has a resistance of 1W/cm. Find the a current begins to flow through the cell C′ and resistance
value of the unknown resistance X and the current drawn R. The potential difference between the terminals of the cell
from the battery of negligible internal resistance. falls and the balance length decreases to l' = AJ′. The internal
resistance of the cell is given by
X 6 E −V
G
r=
40 cm 60 cm I
A B where, V is the terminal voltage of C′ and I is the current in
J the circuit involving C′ and R. Also I = V/R. Hence,
E 
r =  −I R
V 
6V
But E/V = l/l′. Hence,
100
(a) 5Ω, 0.4A (b) Ω, 1.7A l −l'  76.3 − 60.0 
11 r = R  = 4.0 ×   ≈ 1.1Ω
10  l'   60.0 
(c) 4Ω, 0.66A (d) Ω, 2.5A Therefore, option (b) is the correct answer.
11
(Lakshya JEE Physics M-1)

158 JEE (XII) Module-1 PHYSICS PW

 13. A 100 volt voltmeter whose resistance is 20 kW is connected 10
in series to a very high resistance R. When it is joined in a 10–3 =
(G + R1 + R2 )
line of 110 volt, it reads 5 volt. What is the magnitude of
resistance R? 10
G + R1+ R2 = = 10 × 103
(a) 420 kW (b) 840 kW (c) 100 kW (d) 200 kW 10−3
(Lakshya JEE Physics M-1) or R2 = 10000 – (50 + 950) = 9000W = 9kW
Sol. When voltmeter is connected in 110 volt line, For range of 100V, the galvanometer, R1, R2 and R3 are in
Current through the voltmeter series.
110 100
I= 10–3 =
(20 × 103 + R ) (G + R1 + R2 + R3 )
The potential difference across the voltmeter V = IRV 100

G + R1+ R2 + R3 = = 100 × 103
110 × 20 × 103 10−3
⇒ 5=
(20 × 103 + R ) R3 = 100 × 103 – (G + R1+ R2)
⇒ 20 × 103 + R = 440 × 103 ⇒ R = 420 × 103W = 100 × 103 – 10 × 103
Therefore, option (a) is the correct answer. = 90 × 103 = 90 kW
14. A galvanometer has an internal resistance of 50W and current Therefore, option (b) is the correct answer.
required for full scale deflection is 1mA. Find the values of 15. Find out heat generated in R3 = 99W till steady state if the
resistances R1, R2 and R3, respectively, required so as to use switch is in position 1.
the galvanometer as a voltmeter with different ranges as 100 V 1
indicated in figure.
R2
G R1 R2 R3 E1
0.1 F 99  1

R3
2
50 V 1
R1
1V 10V 100V E2

(a) 1 kW, 2 kW, 3 kW (b) 0.95 kW, 9 kW, 90 kW (a) 500 J (b) 498 J (c) 1000 J (d) 495 J
(c) 1.5 kW, 15 kW, 150 kW (d) 0.5 kW, 1 kW, 30 kW (Lakshya JEE Physics M-1)
(Lakshya JEE Physics M-1) Sol. When switch is in position 1 and steady state is reached
Sol. For range of 1 volt, the galvanometer and R1 are in series. q0 = CE1 = 10 C
V W1 = Energy supplied by battery = q0E1 = 1000 J
Ig =
(G + R1 ) q02
Energy stored on the capacitor, U1 = = 500 J
1 2C
or 10–3 =
(50 + R1 ) Heat developed in both the resistors are combined
or 50 + R1 = 1000 H = W1 – U1 = 500 J
R1 = 100 – 50 = 950W 99

H99 W = × 500 = 495 J
For range of 10 volt, the galvanometer,R1 and R3 are in series. 100
Therefore, option (d) is the correct answer.

“Gratitude is the fairest blossom which

springs from the soul.”
– Henry Ward Beecher

Current Electricity 159

 Prarambh (Topicwise)

 ICROSCOPIC ANALYSIS, DRIFT VELOCITY,

M 7. A wire of cross-sectional area A, length L1, resistivity σ1
and temperature coefficient of resistivity α1 is connected
OHM’S LAW AND CONDUCTIVITY to a second wire of length L2, resistivity σ2, temperature
1. There is a current of 40 ampere in a wire of 10–6 m2 area of coefficient of resistivity α2 and the same area A, so that both
cross-section. If the number of free electron per m3 is 1029, wires carry same current. Total resistance R is independent
then the drift velocity will be of temperature for small temperature change if (thermal
(a) 1.25 × 103 m/s expansion effect is negligible)
(b) 2.50 × 10–3 m/s (a) α1 = – α2 (b) σ1L1α1 + σ2L2α2 = 0
(c) 25.0 × 10–3 m/s (c) L1α1 + L2α2 = 0 (d) None of these
(d) 250 × 10–3 m/s (Lakshya JEE Physics M-1)
 (Lakshya JEE Physics M-1)
2. Every atom has one free electron in copper. If 1.1 ampere SERIES AND PARALLEL COMBINATION OF
current is flowing in the wire of copper having 1 mm RESISTANCE
diameter, then the drift velocity (approx.) will be (Density
of copper = 9 × 103 kg m–3 and atomic weight = 63g) 8. A uniform wire of resistance R is uniformly compressed
(a) 0.3 mm/s (b) 0.1 mm/s along its length, until its radius becomes n times the original
radius. New resistance of the wire becomes
(c) 0.2 mm/s (d) 0.2 cm/s
R R R
 (Lakshya JEE Physics M-1) (a) (b) 2 (c) (d) nR
n 4 n n
3. Drift velocity, vd, varies with the intensity of electric field
E, as (Lakshya JEE Physics M-1)
1 9. There are eight resistors of equal resistance R. Four groups
(a) vd ∝ E (b) vd ∝ of these are formed such that each group has two resistors
E
(c) vd ∝ E° (d) vd ∝ E2 connected in parallel. These groups are connected in series.
The total resistance of the system will be
 (Lakshya JEE Physics M-1) (a) R/2 (b) 2R (c) 4R (d) 8R
4. A certain wire has a resistance R. The resistance of another
 (Lakshya JEE Physics M-1)
wire identical with the first except having twice the diameter
is 10. Equivalent resistance between A and B will be
(a) 2R (b) 0.25R
(c) 4R (d) 0.5R
 (Lakshya JEE Physics M-1)
5. A metallic block has no potential difference applied across
it, then the root mean square velocity of free electrons is
(T = absolute temperature of the block)
(a) Proportional to T
(b) Proportional to T
(a) 2 Ω (b) 18 Ω (c) 6 Ω (d) 3.6 Ω
(c) Zero
(d) Finite but independent of temperature  (Lakshya JEE Physics M-1)
(Lakshya JEE Physics M-1) 11. The effective resistance between the points A and B in the
6. In the figure a carbon resistor has bands of different colours figure is
on its body as mentioned in the figure. The value of the
resistance is

(a) 2.2 kΩ ± 5% (b) 3.3 kΩ ± 10% (a) 5 Ω (b) 2 Ω (c) 3 Ω (d) 4 Ω

(c) 5.6 kΩ ± 5% (d) 9.1 kΩ ± 10%
 (Lakshya JEE Physics M-1)
(Lakshya JEE Physics M-1)
160 JEE (XII) Module-1 PHYSICS PW
 12. The equivalent resistance of the arrangement of resistances POWER AND HEAT DISSIPATION IN A
shown in adjoining figure between the points A and B is
CIRCUIT
16. A circuit consists of a battery, a resistor R and two light bulbs
A and B as shown.

(a) 6 Ω (b) 8 Ω (c) 16 Ω (d) 24 Ω

 (Lakshya JEE Physics M-1)
13. Three equal resistances each of value R are joined as shown If the filament in light bulb A burns out, then which of the
in the figure. The equivalent resistance between M and N is following is true for light bulb B?
(a) It is turned off
(b) Its brightness does not change
(c) It gets dimmer
(d) It gets brighter
(a) R (b) 2R  (Lakshya JEE Physics M-1)
R R 17. Power generated across a uniform wire connected across a
(c) (d)
2 3 supply is H. If the wire is cut into n equal parts and all the
 (Lakshya JEE Physics M-1) parts are connected in parallel across the same supply, the
14. For what value of R the net resistance of the circuit will be total power generated in the circuit is
18 Ω? H
(a) (b) n2H
n2
H
(c) nH (d)
n
 (Lakshya JEE Physics M-1)

18. Three 60 W light bulbs are mistakenly wired in series and

connected to a 120 V power supply. Assume the light bulbs
(a) 8 Ω (b) 10 Ω are rated for single connection to 120 V. With the mistaken
(c) 16 Ω (d) 24 Ω connection, the power dissipated by each bulb is
 (Lakshya JEE Physics M-1) (a) 6.7 W (b) 13.3 W (c) 20 W (d) 40 W
15. Two wires of equal diameters, of resistivities ρ1 and ρ2 and  (Lakshya JEE Physics M-1)
lengths l1 and l2, respectively, are joined in series. The 19. In the circuit shown in figure the rate of heat produced in the
equivalent resistivity of the combination is 5 Ω resistor due to a current flowing in it is 10 calories per
second. The rate of heat produced in the 4 Ω resistor is
ρ1l1 + ρ2l2 ρ1l2 + ρ2l1
(a) (b)
l1 + l2 l1 − l2

ρ1l2 + ρ2l1 ρ1l1 − ρ2l2

(c) (d)
l1 + l2 l1 − l2
(Lakshya JEE Physics M-1)

(a) 1 cal s–1 (b) 2 cal s–1 (c) 3 cal s–1 (d) 4 cal s–1
 (Lakshya JEE Physics M-1)

Current Electricity 161

 20. The charge flowing through a resistance R varies with time 25. A heater boils a certain quantity of water in time t1. Another
t as Q = at – bt2. The total heat produced in R from t = 0 to heater boils the same quantity of water in time t2. If both
the time when value of Q again becomes zero is heaters are connected in series, the combination will boil the
same quantity of water in time
a3 R a3 R
(a) (b) 1
6b 3b (a) (t1 + t2 ) (b) (t1 + t2)
3 3
2
a R a R
(c) (d) t1t2
2b b (c) (d) t1t2
(t1 + t2 )
 (Lakshya JEE Physics M-1)
 (Lakshya JEE Physics M-1)
21. A 100 W bulb B1, and two 60 W bulbs B2 and B3, are
26. The voltage across a bulb is decreased by 2%. Assuming that
connected to a 250 V source, as shown in the figure. If W1, the resistance of the filament remains unchanged, the power
W2 and W3 are the output powers of the bulbs B1, B2 and of the bulb will
B3, respectively. Then, (a) Decrease by 2% (b) Increase by 2%
(c) Decrease by 4% (d) Increase by 4%
 (Lakshya JEE Physics M-1)
27. A 500 W heating unit is designed to operate on a 115 volt
line. If the line voltage drops to 110 volt, the percentage drop
in heat output will be
(a) 10.20% (b) 4.1% (c) 8.5 % (d) 7.6%
(Lakshya JEE Physics M-1)

OHM’S LAW
28. The potential difference between points A and B of adjoining
(a) W1 > W2 = W3 (b) W1 > W2 > W3 figure is
(c) W1 < W2 = W3 (d) W1 < W2 < W3
 (Lakshya JEE Physics M-1)
22. If a cell produces the same amount of heat in two resistors
R1 and R2 in the same time separately, the internal resistance
of the cell is
(a) (R1 + R2)/2 (b) R1R2
(c) ( R1R2 )/2 (d) (R1 – R2)/2 2 8 4
(a) V (b) V (c) V (d) 2V
3 9 3
 (Lakshya JEE Physics M-1)
 (Lakshya JEE Physics M-1)
23. Two heater wires of equal length are first connected in series
29. The reading of the ammeter in figure shown is
and then in parallel. The ratio of heat produced in two cases
will be
(a) 1 : 2 (b) 1 : 4
(c) 2 : 1 (d) 4 : 1
 (Lakshya JEE Physics M-1)
24. The effective wattage of 60 W, 220 V and 40 W, 220 V lamps
connected in series with a 220 V power supply is equal to
(a) 24 W (b) 20 W 1 3 1
(a) A (b) A (c) A (d) 2 A
(c) 100 W (d) 80 W 8 4 2
 (Lakshya JEE Physics M-1)  (Lakshya JEE Physics M-1)

162 JEE (XII) Module-1 PHYSICS PW

 30. In the circuit shown, the point ‘B’ is earthed. The potential 34. In the adjoining circuit, the battery E1 has an emf of 12 volt
at the point ‘A’ is and zero internal resistance while the battery E is ideal and
has an emf of 2 volt. If the galvanometer G reads zero, then
the value of the resistance X in ohm is
500 
A G B

E1 X E

(a) 14 V (b) 24 V (c) 26 V (d) 50 V D C

 (Lakshya JEE Physics M-1) (a) 10 (b) 100
31. The current between B and D in the given figure is (c) 500 (d) 200
 (Lakshya JEE Physics M-1)

35. The internal resistances of two cells shown are 0.1 Ω and 0.3 Ω.
If R = 0.2 Ω, the potential difference across the cell(s)

(a) 1 A (b) 2 A R
(c) Zero (d) 0.5 A (a) B will be zero
 (Lakshya JEE Physics M-1) (b) A will be zero
32. In circuit shown below, the resistances are given in ohms (c) A and B will be 2 V
and the battery is assumed ideal with emf equal to 3 volt. (d) A will be > 2 V and across the cell B will be < 2 V
The voltage across the resistance R4 is
 (Lakshya JEE Physics M-1)
36. Two batteries of emf 4 V and 8 V with internal resistances
1 Ω and 2 Ω are connected in a circuit with a resistance of
9 Ω as shown in figure. The current and potential difference
between the points P and Q are

(a) 0.4 V (b) 0.6 V

(c) 1.2 V (d) 1.5 V
(Lakshya JEE Physics M-1)

KIRCHHOFF’S LAWS AND EQUIVALENT

1 1
BATTERY (a)
3
A and 3 V (b)
6
A and 4 V
33. Current in 3 Ω resistance is 1 1
(c) A and 9 V (d) A and 12 V
9 2
 (Lakshya JEE Physics M-1)

1
(a) 1 A (b) A
7
5 15
(c) A (d) A
7 7
 (Lakshya JEE Physics M-1)
Current Electricity 163
 37. The figure below shows currents in a part of an electric 41. A 2 volt battery, a 15 Ω resistor and a potentiometer of wire
circuit. The current i is length 100 cm, all are connected in series. If the resistance
of potentiometer wire is 5 Ω, then the potential gradient of
the potentiometer wire is
(a) 0.005 V/cm (b) 0.05 V/cm
(c) 0.02 V/cm (d) 0.2 V/cm
 (Lakshya JEE Physics M-1)
42. An ammeter of 5 ohm resistance can read upto 5 mA. If it
(a) 1.7 amp (b) 3.7 amp is to be used to read 100 volts, how much resistance is to be
(c) 1.3 amp (d) 1 amp connected in series
(a) 19.9995 Ω (b) 199.995 Ω
 (Lakshya JEE Physics M-1)
(c) 1999.95 Ω (d) 19995 Ω
38. In the circuit shown in figure, the current through
 (Lakshya JEE Physics M-1)
43. AB is a wire of uniform resistance. The galvanometer
G shows no current when the length AC = 20 cm and
CB = 80 cm. The resistance R is equal to

(a) the 3 W resistor is 0.50 A

(b) the 3 W resistor is 0.25 A
(c) the 4 W resistor is 0.50 A
(d) the 4 W resistor is 0.25 A (a) 2 Ω (b) 8 Ω (c) 20 Ω (d) 40 Ω
(Lakshya JEE Physics M-1)  (Lakshya JEE Physics M-1)
44. Figure shows a meter bridge. Wire AC has uniform cross-
MEASURING INSTRUMENTS section. The length of wire AC is 100 cm. X is a standard
39. In the circuit shown, A and V are ideal ammeter and voltmeter resistor of 4 W and Y is a coil. When Y is immersed in melting
respectively. Reading of the voltmeter will be ice the null point is at 40 cm from point A. When the coil Y
is heated to 100°C, a 78 W resistor has to be connected in
parallel with Y in order to keep the bridge balanced at the
same point.
X=4 Y

G
(a) 2 V (b) 1 V (c) 0.5 V (d) Zero
 (Lakshya JEE Physics M-1) A
D
C
100 cm
40. Two batteries, one of emf 18 volt and internal resistance
2 Ω and the other of emf 12 volt and internal resistance
1 Ω, are connected as shown. The ideal voltmeter V will Temperature coefficient of resistance of the coil is
record a reading of (a) 6.3 × 10–4 K–1 (b) 4.3 × 10–4 K–1
(c) 8.3 × 10–4 K–1 (d) 2.3 × 10–4 K–1
 (Lakshya JEE Physics M-1)

(a) 15 volt (b) 30 volt (c) 14 volt (d) 18 volt

 (Lakshya JEE Physics M-1)

164 JEE (XII) Module-1 PHYSICS PW

 45. The circuit shown here is used to compare the emf of two 49. In the arrangement shown in figure when the switch S2 is
cells E1 and E2(E1 > E2). The null point is at C when the open, the galvanometer shows no deflection for l = L/2.
galvanometer is connected to E1. When the galvanometer When the switch S2 is closed, the galvanometer shows no
is connected to E2, the null point will be deflection for l = 5 L/12. The internal resistance (r) of 6 V
cell and the emf E of the other battery are respectively
10

6V S2
r
G
l
A B
L
E S1
(a) To the left of C (b) To the right of C
(a) 3 Ω, 8 V (b) 2 Ω, 12 V
(c) At C itself (d) Nowhere on AB
(c) 2 Ω, 24 V (d) 3 Ω, 12 V
 (Lakshya JEE Physics M-1)
(Lakshya JEE Physics M-1)
46. In the circuit shown, the meter bridge is in its balanced state.
The meter bridge wire has a resistance 0.1 Ω/cm. The value
RC CIRCUIT
of unknown resistance X and the current drawn from the
battery of negligible resistance is 50. A capacitor C = 100 µF is connected to three resistors each
of resistance 1 kΩ and a battery of emf 9 V. The switch S
has been closed for long time so as to charge the capacitor.
When switch S is opened, the capacitor discharges with time
constant

(a) 6 Ω, 5 A (b) 10 Ω, 0.1 A

(c) 4 Ω, 1.0 A (d) 12 Ω, 0.5 A
 (Lakshya JEE Physics M-1)
47. What is the reading of voltmeter in the following figure?
10 V (a) 33 ms (b) 5 ms
(c) 3.3 ms (d) 50 ms
 (Lakshya JEE Physics M-1)
1000  51. For the circuit shown here, the potential difference between
V points A and B is (at steady state)
C C

A 500  B 500 
C C C C
(a) 3 V (b) 2 V
(c) 5 V (d) 4 V
 (Lakshya JEE Physics M-1) C

48. A galvanometer has a resistance of 20 Ω and reads full-scale

when 0.2 V is applied across it. To convert it into a 10 A
ammeter, the galvanometer coil should have a (a) 2.5 V (b) 7.5 V
(a) 0.01 Ω resistor connected across it (c) 10 V (d) Zero
(b) 0.02 Ω resistor connected across it
 (Lakshya JEE Physics M-1)
(c) 200 Ω resistor connected in series with it
(d) 2000 Ω resistor connected in series with it
 (Lakshya JEE Physics M-1)

Current Electricity 165

 52. In the given circuit, with steady current the potential drop 55. In the RC circuit shown in the figure, the total energy of
across the capacitor must be 3.6 × 10–3 J is dissipated in the 10 Ω resistor after the
V R switch S is closed for a long time. The initial charge on the
capacitor wire
V

C
2V
2R
V V 2V (a) 60 µC (b) 120 µC
(a) V (b) (c) (d)
2 3 3 60
(c) 60 2 µC (d) µC
 (Lakshya JEE Physics M-1) 2
 (Lakshya JEE Physics M-1)
53. In the circuit shown, the cell is ideal, with emf = 15 V. Each 56. A capacitor of capacitance C begins to charge (at t = 0) by
resistance is of 3Ω. The potential difference across the an ideal battery through a resistor of resistance R. The time
capacitor in steady state is after which potential difference across resistor becomes n
R C = 3 F times that across the capacitor is
1+ n 
(a) RC ln   (b) RC ln  n 
R R  n  1+ n 
R R (c) RC ln  n  (d) RCln (1 + n)
 n −1 
 (Lakshya JEE Physics M-1)
+ –
57. In the circuit shown, the switch was initially in position
15 V 1 for a long time. Then it is shifted from position
(a) Zero (b) 9V 1 to 2 at t = 0. The graph between charge on capacitor C and
time t is
(c) 12V (d) 15V
 (Lakshya JEE Physics M-1)
54. In the circuit shown the time constant of the circuit is
R C
V1
V2
2R R
R q q
(a) (b)
5 5 7 7 C 2C
(a) RC (b) RC (c) RC (d) RC
3 2 4 3
C/2 C
 (Lakshya JEE Physics M-1) t t
q q
(c) (d)
3C C

C
t t

(Lakshya JEE Physics M-1)

166 JEE (XII) Module-1 PHYSICS PW

 Prabal (JEE Main Level)

 6. In a wire of cross-sectional radius r, free electrons travel

1. In the presence of an applied electric field ( E ) in a metallic
with drift velocity v when a current I flows through the wire.
conductor
 What is the current in another wire of half the radius and of
(a) The electrons move in the direction of E the same material when the drift velocity is 2v?

(b) The electrons move in a direction opposite to E (a) 2I (b) I
(c) The electrons may move in any direction randomly, (c) I/2 (d) I/4

but slowly drift in the direction of E  (Lakshya JEE Physics M-1)
(d) The electrons move randomly but slowly drift in a 7. A wire has a non-uniform cross-section as shown in figure.

direction opposite to E A steady current flows through it. The drift speed of electrons
 (Lakshya JEE Physics M-1) at points P and Q is vP and vQ.
2. A current (I) flows through a uniform wire of diameter (d)
when the mean drift velocity is v. The same current will flow
through a wire of diameter d/2 made of the same material if
the mean drift velocity of the electrons is
(a) v/4 (b) v/2
(a) vP = vQ (b) vP < vQ
(c) 4v (d) 2v
(c) vP > vQ (d) Data insufficient
 (Lakshya JEE Physics M-1)  (Lakshya JEE Physics M-1)
3. A steady current is passing through a linear conductor of non- 8. Two coils connected in series have resistances 600 Ω and
uniform cross-section. The current density in the conductor 300 Ω at 20°C and temperature coefficient of resistivity
is 0.001 K–1 and 0.004 K–1 respectively.
(a) Independent of area of cross-section The resistance of the combination at temperature 50°C is
(a) 426 Ω (b) 954 Ω
(b) Directly proportional to area of cross-section
(c) 1806 Ω (d) 214 Ω
(c) Inversely proportional to area of cross-section
 (Lakshya JEE Physics M-1)
(d) Inversely proportional to the square root of area of
cross-section 9. Two coils connected in series have resistances 600 Ω and
300 Ω at 20°C and temperature coefficient of resistivity
 (Lakshya JEE Physics M-1) 0.001 K–1 and 0.004 K–1 respectively.
4. The resistance of a wire is 20 Ω. The wire is stretched to The effective temperature coefficient of resistivity of the
three times its length. Then the resistance will now be combination is
1 1
(a) 6.67 Ω (b) 60 Ω (a) K–1 (b) K–1
1000 250
(c) 120 Ω (d) 180 Ω 1 3
 (Lakshya JEE Physics M-1) (c) K–1 (d) K–1
500 1000
5. A conductor with rectangular cross section has dimensions  (Lakshya JEE Physics M-1)
(a × 2a × 4a) as shown in figure. Resistance across AB is x, 10. The current in a metallic conductor is plotted against
across CD is y and across EF is z. Then voltage at two different temperatures T1 and T2. Which of
the following is correct?
C F

2a
B
A 4a a

E D
(a) x = y = z (b) x > y > z
(c) y > z > x (d) x > z > y (a) T1 > T2 (b) T1 < T2
(c) T1 = T2 (d) None of these
 (Lakshya JEE Physics M-1)
 (Lakshya JEE Physics M-1)
Current Electricity 167
 11. The equivalent resistance between points A and B is 15. Two non-ideal batteries are connected in parallel with like
A 2 terminals joined together. Consider the following statements:
15 
B (A) The equivalent emf is smaller than either of the two
emfs.
8 10  (B) The equivalent internal resistance is smaller than either
of the two internal resistances.
20  10 
(a) Both (A) and (B) are correct
30  40  (b) (A) is correct and (B) is wrong
(c) (B) is correct but (A) is wrong
65 45 5 91 (d) Both (A) and (B) are wrong
(a) Ω (b) Ω (c) Ω (d) Ω
2 2 2 2  (Lakshya JEE Physics M-1)
 (Lakshya JEE Physics M-1) 16. The same mass of copper is drawn into two wires A and B
of radii r and 2r respectively. They are connected in series,
12. The current i in the circuit of figure is and electric current is passed. The ratio of the heat produced
in A and B is
(a) 2 : 1 (b) 4 : 1 (c) 8 : 1 (d) 16 : 1
 (Lakshya JEE Physics M-1)
17. 24 identical cells, each of internal resistance 0.5 Ω, are
arranged in a parallel combination of n rows, each row
containing m cells in series. The combination is connected
1 1 1 1 across a resistor of 3 Ω. In order to send maximum current
(a) A (b) A (c) A (d) A
45 15 10 5 through the resistor, we should have
 (Lakshya JEE Physics M-1) (a) m = 12, n = 2 (b) m = 8, n = 3
(c) m = 2, n = 12 (d) m = 3, n = 8
13. In the given circuit the current flowing through the resistance  (Lakshya JEE Physics M-1)
of 20 ohms is 0.3 ampere while the ammeter reads 0.8 18. If internal resistance of a cell is proportional to current
ampere. What is the value of R1? drawn from the cell. Then the best representation of terminal
potential difference of a cell with current drawn from the
cell will be
(a) (b)

(a) 30 ohms (b) 40 ohms (c) 50 ohms (d) 60 ohms

 (Lakshya JEE Physics M-1)
14. The current through the ammeter shown in figure is 1 A. If (c) (d)
each of the 4Ω resistor is replaced by 2Ω resistor, the current
in circuit will become

 (Lakshya JEE Physics M-1)

19. A storage battery is connected to a charger for charging with
a voltage of 12.5 volts. The internal resistance of the storage
battery is 1 Ω. When the charging current is 0.5 A, the emf
10 5 9 5 of the storage battery is
(a) A (b) A (c) A (d) A
9 4 8 8
(a) 13 Volts (b) 12.5 Volts
 (Lakshya JEE Physics M-1)
(c) 12 Volts (d) 1.5 Volts
 (Lakshya JEE Physics M-1)

168 JEE (XII) Module-1 PHYSICS PW

 20. In the network shown the potential difference between 23. If X, Y and Z in figure are identical lamps, which of the
A and B is (R = r1 = r2 = r3 = 1 Ω, E1 = 3 V, E2 = 2 V, following changes in the brightness of the lamps occur when
E3 = 1 V) switch S is closed?

(a) 1 V (b) 2 V (c) 3 V (d) 4 V

(a) X stays the same, Y decreases
 (Lakshya JEE Physics M-1)
(b) X increases, Y decreases
21. In the diagram shown, all the wires have resistance R. The (c) X increases, Y stays the same
equivalent resistance between the upper and lower dots
(d) X decreases, Y increases
shown in the diagram is
 (Lakshya JEE Physics M-1)
24. In a balanced wheatstone bridge, current in the galvanometer
is zero. It remains zero when:
1. battery emf is increased
2. all resistances are increased by 10 ohms
3. all resistances are made five times
4. the battery and the galvanometer are interchanged
(a) Only 1 is correct (b) 1, 2 and 3 are correct
(c) 1, 3 and 4 are correct (d) 1 and 3 are correct
(a) R/8 (b) R (c) 2R/5 (d) 3R/8
 (Lakshya JEE Physics M-1)
 (Lakshya JEE Physics M-1)
25. If the reading of ammeter A3 in figure is 0.75 A. Neglecting
22. In the box shown current i enters at H and leaves at C. If the resistance of the ammeters, the reading of ammeter A2
i 2i i i i will be
= iAB = , iDC , iHA =
= , iGF = , iHE , choose the
6 3 2 6 6
branch in which current is zero.

(a) 1.5 A (b) 3 A

(c) 4.5 A (d) 6 A
 (Lakshya JEE Physics M-1)
(a) BG (b) FC 26. The meter-bridge wire AB shown in figure is 50 cm long.
(c) ED (d) None of these When AD = 30 cm, no deflection occurs in the galvanometer.
 (Lakshya JEE Physics M-1) Find R.
6 R

G
D
A B

(a) 1 Ω (b) 2 Ω
(c) 3 Ω (d) 4 Ω
 (Lakshya JEE Physics M-1)

Current Electricity 169

 27. If an ammeter is to be used in place of a voltmeter then we 31. A 6V battery of negligible internal resistance is connected
must connect with the ammeter across a uniform wire of length 1m. The positive terminal
(a) a low resistance in parallel of another battery of emf 4 V and internal resistance 1 Ω
(b) a high resistance in parallel is joined to the point A as shown in figure. The ammeter
shows zero deflection when the jockey touches the wire at
(c) a high resistance in series
the point C. Then AC is equal to
(d) a low resistance in series
 (Lakshya JEE Physics M-1)
28. A milliammeter of range 10 mA
and resistance 9 Ω is joined in a
circuit as shown. The metre gives
full-scale deflection for current
I when A and B are used as its
terminals, i.e., current enters at A
and leaves at B (C is left isolated). (a) 2/3 m (b) 1/3 m (c) 3/5 m (d) 1/2 m
The value of I is
(Lakshya JEE Physics M-1)
(a) 100 mA (b) 900 mA
32. A potentiometer wire has length 10 m and resistance
(c) 1 A (d) 1.1 A
10 Ω. It is connected to a battery of emf 11 volt and internal
29. In the figure shown for given values of R1 and R2 the balance resistance 1 Ω, then the potential gradient of the wire is
point for jockey is at 40 cm from A. When R2 is shunted by
(a) 10 V/m (b) 1 V/m
a resistance of 10 Ω, balance shifts to 50 cm. R1 and R2 are
(c) 0.1 V/m (d) None of these
(AB = 1 m)
R1 R2 (Lakshya JEE Physics M-1)

G 33. The length of a potentiometer wire is l. A cell of emf E is

balanced at a length l/3 from the positive end of the wire. If
A B the length of the wire is increased by l/2. At what distance
will the same cell give a balance point?
2l l l 4l
10 (a) (b) (c) (d)
(a) Ω, 5 Ω (b) 20Ω, 30Ω 3 2 6 3
3
15  (Lakshya JEE Physics M-1)
(c) 10Ω, 15Ω (d) 5Ω, Ω
2
34. A battery of emf ε0 = 12 V is connected across a 4 m long
 (Lakshya JEE Physics M-1) uniform wire having resistance 4 Ω/m. The cells of small
30. The figure shows a metre-bridge circuit, with AB = 100 cm, emfs ε1 = 2 V and ε2 = 4 V having internal resistance 2 Ω
X = 12 Ω and R = 18 Ω and the jockey J in the position of and 6 Ω respectively, are connected as shown in the figure.
balance. If R is now made 8 Ω, through what distance will If galvanometer shows no deflection at the point N, the
J have to be moved to obtain balance? distance of point N from the point A is equal to


(a) 10 cm (b) 20 cm (c) 30 cm (d) 40 cm

(Lakshya JEE Physics M-1) 1 1
(a) m (b) m (c) 125 cm (d) 150 cm
6 3
(Lakshya JEE Physics M-1)

170 JEE (XII) Module-1 PHYSICS PW

 35. In the given potentiometer circuit length of the wire AB is 3 m INTEGER TYPE QUESTIONS
and resistance is R = 4.5 Ω. The length AC for no deflection
in galvanometer is 39. In the circuit shown, all voltmeters and the ammeter are ideal.
The internal resistance of battery is 20 Ω. The readings of
E = 5 V r = 0.5
voltmeters and ammeter are marked in the figure. What is
the value of resistance R2 (in ohm)?
R = 4.5 
A B
C
G
E1 = 3 V r1
(a) 2 m (b) 1.8 m
(c) dependent on r1 (d) None of these
 (Lakshya JEE Physics M-1)
36. In the circuit shown in figure
 (Lakshya JEE Physics M-1)
40. If each battery in figure has internal resistance of 1 Ω, what
should be the emf of X (in V) for there to be no deflection
in the galvanometer?

(a) In steady state, there is no current in the 100 Ω

 (Lakshya JEE Physics M-1)
resistor
41. The current in the wire between points A and B is I × 10–4A.
(b) In steady state, the current in 100 Ω resistor is 0.08 A
Find I.
(c) In steady state, there is no current in the 50 Ω
resistor
(d) In steady state, the current in 50 Ω resistor is 0.04 A
 (Lakshya JEE Physics M-1)
37. In following figure a part of circuit in steady state is shown.
If energy stored in the capacitor is x × 10–4 J, then find value
of x?

 (Lakshya JEE Physics M-1)

42. In the primary circuit of potentiometer the rheostat can be
varied from 0 to 10 Ω.
10 V 1 1

(a) 5 (b) 6 A
9 P
B
(c) 7 (d) 8 12 m
G
 (Lakshya JEE Physics M-1)
38. An uncharged capacitor and a resistor of large resistance 4.5 V r
S
are connected in series to a battery of electromotive force
4.5 V. The voltage across the capacitor is 3 V one minute
after closing the circuit. What will the voltage across the 2
capacitor be 2 minutes after closing the circuit? The rheostat is put at maximum resistance (10 Ω) and the
(a) 6 V (b) 4.5 V switch S is closed. The balancing length is found to be 8 m.
(c) 3.5 V (d) 4V Find the internal resistance r (in mW) of the 4.5 V cell.
(Lakshya JEE Physics M-1)  (Lakshya JEE Physics M-1)
Current Electricity 171
 43. You are given several identical resistances each of value 46. The reading of the ideal voltmeter in the adjoining diagram
R = 10 W and each capable of carrying maximum current of will be_______ V.
1 ampere. It is required to make a suitable combination of these A
resistances to produce a resistance of 5 W which can carry a
current of 4 amperes. The minimum number of resistances 10V 20
of the type R that will be required for this job are________. V
10 4V
 (Lakshya JEE Physics M-1)
B N C
44. In the circuit shown here, E1 = E2 = E3 = 2 V and R1 = R2 =
 (Lakshya JEE Physics M-1)
4 ohms. What is the current (in A) flowing between points
47. A wire of length L and 3 identical cells of negligible internal
A and B through battery E2?
resistances are connected in series. Due to current, the
E1 R1
temperature of the wire is raised by DT in a time t. A number
N of similar cells is now connected in series with a wire of
E2 the same material and cross–section but of length 2 L. The
A B
temperature of the wire is raised by the same amount DT in
E3 R2 the same time t. Find the value of N.
 (Lakshya JEE Physics M-1)
 (Lakshya JEE Physics M-1)
48. In order to quadruple the resistance of a uniform wire, a part
45. The potential difference across 8 ohm resistance is 48 volt of its length, x, was uniformly stretched till the final length
as shown in the figure. Find the value of potential difference of the entire wire was 1.5 times the original length. The ratio
(in volts) across X and Y points. l
is_______.
X x
3 l
x
20 30 60
1.5l
24 8 48V
1 (Lakshya JEE Physics M-1)
Y
(Lakshya JEE Physics M-1)

172 JEE (XII) Module-1 PHYSICS PW

 Parikshit (JEE Advanced Level)

MULTIPLE CORRECT TYPE QUESTIONS 4. A micro-ammeter has a resistance of 100 Ω and full scale
range of 50 µA. It can be used as a voltmeter and an ammeter
1. A metallic conductor of irregular cross-section is as shown
in the figure. A constant potential difference is applied across of a higher range provided a resistance is added to it. Pick
the ends (1) and (2). Then the correct range and resistance combination(s).
(a) 50 V range with 10 kΩ resistance is series
(b) 10 V range with 200 kΩ resistance in series
(c) 5 mA range with 1 Ω resistance in parallel
(d) 10 mA range with 1 Ω resistance in parallel
(a) The current at the cross-section P equals the current at
(Lakshya JEE Physics M-1)
the cross-section Q
(b) The electric field intensity at P is less than that at Q 5. In the circuit shown E, F, G and H are cells of e.m.f. 2 V,
(c) The rate of heat generated per unit time at Q is greater 1 V, 3 V and 1 V respectively and their internal resistances
than that at P are 2 Ω, 1 Ω, 3 Ω and 1 Ω respectively.
(d) The number of electrons crossing per unit area of cross-
section at P is less than that at Q
(Lakshya JEE Physics M-1)
2. The area of cross section of a current carrying conductor is
A0
A0 and at sections (1) and (2) respectively. If vα1, vα2 and
4
E1, E2 be the drift velocities and electric fields at sections (a) VD – VB = – 2/13 V
1 and 2 respectively, then
(b) VD – VB = 2/13 V
(c) VG = 21/13 V = potential difference across G
(d) VH = 19/13 V = potential difference across H
(Lakshya JEE Physics M-1)
6. In the shown circuit
(a) vα1 : vα2 = 1 : 4 (b) vα1 : vα2 = 4 : 1
(c) E1 : E2 = 4 : 1 (d) E1 : E2 = 1 : 4
(Lakshya JEE Physics M-1)
3. By mistake, a voltmeter is placed in series and an ammeter
in parallel with a resistance in an electric circuit, with a cell
in series.

(a) current passing through 2 W resistance is 2 A

(b) current passing through 3 W resistance is 4 A
(c) current in the wire between D to earth is zero
(a) The main current in the circuit will be very low and
almost all current will flow through the ammeter, (d) potential of point A is 10 V
if resistance of ammeter is much smaller than the (Lakshya JEE Physics M-1)
resistance in parallel.
(b) If the devices are ideal, a large current will flow through
the ammeter and it will be damaged.
(c) If the devices are ideal, ammeter will read zero current
and voltmeter will read the emf of cell.
(d) The devices may get damaged if emf of the cell is very
high and the meters are non-ideal.
(Lakshya JEE Physics M-1)
Current Electricity 173
 7. The value of the resistance R in figure is adjusted such that 10. For ensuring dissipation of same energy in all three resistors
power dissipated in the 2 Ω resistor is maximum. Under this (R1, R2, R3) connected as shown in figure, their values must
condition be related as
8

12 V R 2
(a) R1 = R2 = R3 (b) R2 = R3 and R1 = 4R2
1
(c) R2 = R3 and R1 = R2 (d) R1 = R2 + R3
(a) R=0 4
(b) R=8Ω  (Lakshya JEE Physics M-1)
(c) Power dissipated in the 2 Ω resistor is 72 W 11. A battery of emf e0 = 5V and internal resistance 5 W is
(d) Power dissipated in the 2 Ω resistor is 8 W connected across a long uniform wire AB of length 1 m
(Lakshya JEE Physics M-1) and resistance per unit length 5 W m –1. Two cells of
e1 = 1V and e2 = 2 V are connected as shown in the figure.
8. A conductor is made of an isotropic material and has shape
of a truncated cone. A battery of constant emf is connected
across it in figure. If at a section at a distance X from left the
electric field intensity, potential and the rate of generation of
heat per unit length are E, V and H respectively, which of the
following graphs is/are correct?

(a) The null point is at A

(b) If the jockey is touched to point B the current in the
galvanometer will be going towards B
(a) (b) H (c) When jockey is connected to point A no current is
flowing through 1V battery
(d) The null point is at distance of 8/15 m from A
O X
 (Lakshya JEE Physics M-1)
(c) (d)
12. A parallel plate capacitor of capacitance C is charged to a
potential difference V, such that plate a is positively charged
and plate b is negatively charged. Another capacitor of
(Lakshya JEE Physics M-1) capacitance 2C is charged to the same potential difference
9. Consider the circuit shown in the figure. V, such that plate c is positively charged and plate d is
negatively charged. Now both the capacitors are connected
to each other as shown in the figure, such that plate a is
connected to plate d and plate b is connected to plate c via
wires having resistance R.
Then choose the correct curve (s) if qa, qb, qc and qd
represents the charge on the plates a, b, c and d respectively.
(a) The current in the 5 Ω resistor is 2 A. + –
(b) The current in the 5 Ω resistor is 1 A. a b
(c) The potential difference VA – VB is 8 V. R
(d) The potential difference VA – VB is – 5 V.
 (Lakshya JEE Physics M-1)

d c
– +

174 JEE (XII) Module-1 PHYSICS PW

 qa
+ CV R1
R2
(a) E2
E1
CV t
−
3
qb

CV
(b) 3
t
–CV
qc
E(V)

(c) 14. The value of emf E1 is

CV t
− (a) 8 V (b) 6 V (c) 4 V (d) 2V
3
 (Lakshya JEE Physics M-1)
–2CV
15. The resistance R1 has value
qd
2CV (a) 10 Ω (b) 20 Ω (c) 30 Ω (d) 40 Ω
 (Lakshya JEE Physics M-1)
(d) 2CV
3 16. The resistance R2 is equal to
t
(a) 10 Ω (b) 20 Ω (c) 30 Ω (d) 40 Ω
Comprehension (Q. 17 to 19): A simple ohmmeter consists of
 (Lakshya JEE Physics M-1)
a battery connected in series with a galvanometer and a resistor,
13. For the following network, mark the correct option/s as shown in figure. The resistance Rb is chosen such that when
(Q5mF = charge on 5mF capacitor, Q3mF = charge on 3mF capacitor, the terminals a and b are shorted (put in electrical contact, with
V5mF = P.D. of 5mF capacitor, V3mF = P.D. of 3mF capacitor) negligible resistance between them), the current through the
galvanometer gives a full-scale deflection Thus, a full scale
5F
deflection indicates no resistance between terminals a and b.
A zero deflection indicates an infinite resistance between the
1 2 3 terminals. When the terminals are connected across an unknown
resistance R, the current through the galvanometer depends on R,
3F so the scale can be calibrated to give a direct reading of R, as
shown in figure. Because an ohmmeter sends a current through the
10 V 4 resistance to be measured, some caution must be exercised when
using this instrument. For example, you would not want to try to
(a) Q5mF = 15mC, Q3mF = 15mC
measure the resistance of sensitive ammeter with an ohmmeter,
(b) Q5mF = 5mC, Q3mF = 5mC because the current provided by the battery in the ohmmeter
(c) V5mF = 5V, V3mF = 5V would probably damage the ammeter. Let us use a galvanometer
(d) V5mF = 3V, V3mF = 5V with resistance of 20 W and maximum current of 10 mA, e = 1 V.
For a current more than 10 mA, galvanometer would be damaged.
COMPREHENSION BASED QUESTIONS Rb

Comprehension (Q. 14 to 16): In the circuit given below, both

batteries are ideal. Emf E1 of battery 1 has a fixed value, but emf E2
of battery 2 can be varied between 1.0 V and 10.0 V. The graph
gives the currents through the two batteries as a function of E2, but
Rg
are not marked as which plot corresponds to which battery. But for
both plots, current is assumed to be negative when the direction of
the current through the battery is opposite the direction of battery’s  (Lakshya JEE Physics M-1)
emf. (direction of emf is from negative to positive)

Current Electricity 175

 17. The scale is non linear because 21. Electrons are emitted by a hot filament and are accelerated
(a) The resistance changes with change in temperature. by an electric field as shown in figure. The two stops at the
(b) Of internal resistance of the battery. left ensure that the electron beam has a uniform cross-section.
(c) The current in circuit decreases with increase in Match the entries of Column-I with Column-II as electrons
resistance. move from A to B.
(d) Of internal resistance of galvanometer.
 (Lakshya JEE Physics M-1)
18. The minimum resistance, Rb, required for rest of the circuit
(other than galvanometer) is
Column-I Column-II
(a) 20 W (b) 30 W (c) 80 W (d) 100 W
A. Speed of an electron p. Increases
 (Lakshya JEE Physics M-1)
B. Number of free electrons q. Decreases
19. The reading in galvanometer when resistance connected per unit volume
between a and b is 100 W is C. Current density r. Remains same
(a) 5 mA (b) 3.3 mA (c) 2 mA (d) 8 mA D. Electric potential s. Any of the above
is possible
MATCH THE COLUMN TYPE QUESTIONS (a) A-(p); B-(q); C-(r); D-(p)
 (Lakshya JEE Physics M-1) (b) A-(q); B-(p); C-(p); D-(q)
20. The following table gives the lengths of four copper rods (c) A-(p, q); B-(s); C-(r); D-(q)
at the same temperature, their diameters, and the potential (d) A- (s); B-(q); C- (p); D-(r)
differences between their ends.
 (Lakshya JEE Physics M-1)
Potential 22. The diagram shows a circuit with two identical resistors.
Rod Length Diameter
Difference
The battery has a negligible internal resistance. What will
1 L 3d V
the effect on the ammeter and the voltmeter be if the switch
2 2L d 3V S is closed?
3 3L 2d 2V
4 3L d V

Correctly match the physical quantities mentioned in the
Column-I with the rods as marked in Column-II.
Column-I Column-II
A. Greatest drift speed of p. Rod 1 Column-I Column-II
the electrons A. Ammeter reading p. Increases
B. Greatest current q. Rod 2 B. Voltmeter reading q. Decreases
C. Greatest rate of thermal r. Rod 3 C. Equivalent resistance of r. Does not change
energy produced circuit
D. Greatest electric field s. Rod 4 D. Power dissipated across R s. Becomes zero
in right branch
(a) A-(p); B-(q); C-(p); D-(r)
(b) A-(q); B- (p); C- (p); D-(q) (a) A-(s, p); B-(q); C-(p); D-(q)
(b) A-(p); B-(p); C-(p); D-(q)
(c) A-(r); B-(s); C-(p); D-(q)
(c) A-(p); B-(p); C-(q); D-(s, q)
(d) A-(q); B- (r); C-(p); D-(s)
(d) A-(s); B-(q, r); C-(p); D-(r)
 (Lakshya JEE Physics M-1)
 (Lakshya JEE Physics M-1)

176 JEE (XII) Module-1 PHYSICS PW

 23. Six batteries of increasing emfs and increasing internal
D. s. A is glowing
resistances are as shown in figure. Match the following:
with maximum
brightness

(a) A-(s, r); B-(q, p); C-(r); D-(p)

(b) A-(p, q); B-(q, r); C-(s); D-(p)
(c) A-(p, q); B-(p); C-(s); D-(r)
Column-I Column-II
(d) A-(p); B-(q); C(p, r); D-(p)
A. Potential of point A p. Zero  (Lakshya JEE Physics M-1)
B. Potential of point B q. 2V 25. A network consisting of three resistors, three batteries, and
a capacitor in steady state is shown if figure.
C. Potential of point C r. 4V

D. Potential of point D s. 6V
(a) A-(s); B-(q); C-(r); D-(q)
(b) A-(p); B-(q); C-(p); D-(q)
(c) A-(p); B-(p); C-(p); D-(p)
(d) A-(p); B-(q); C-(p); D-(p)
 (Lakshya JEE Physics M-1) Column-I Column-II
24. Three bulbs A, B and C are having rated powers PA, PB and A. Current in branch EB is p. 10 µC
PC respectively. Each bulb is designed to operate at rated
B. Current in branch CB is q. 0.5 A
voltage V. It is given that PA > PB > PC. In Column-I the
three bulbs are arranged in different configurations, while C. Current in branch ED is r. 1.5 A
in Column-II the information about intensities of bulbs is
D. Charge on Capacitor is s. 5 µc
mentioned. Match the Column-I with Column-II. Neglect
the variation in resistance due to change in temperature. (a) A-(r); B-(q); C-(q); D-(p)
(b) A-(q); B-(r); C-(q); D-(p)
Column-I Column-II
(c) A-(p); B-(q); C-(s); D-(r)
(d) A-(s); B-(q); C-(s); D-(p)
A. p. A is having
the minimum (Lakshya JEE Physics M-1)
intensity
NUMERICAL TYPE QUESTIONS
26. The circuit of a carbon arc lamp is shown in the figure
(to ignite the lamp the carbon electrodes are touched
B. q. C is glowing together, then they are slowly drawn apart.) The voltage
with maximum across the gap between the carbon rods as a function
brightness of the current can be given by the following formula:
V = A + B/I, where A and B are constants.

C. r. B is glowing R
+ –
with minimum V0
brightness If the voltage of the battery V0 can be considered constant
what is the maximum resistance (in W) of the rheostat Rmax,
that should be connected in series to ignite the lamp?
Data: A = 40 V, B = 20 W, V0 = 100 V.
 (Lakshya JEE Physics M-1)

Current Electricity 177

 27. A long conductor of circular cross-section has radius 8
R = 0.5 cm and length l = 5 cm as shown in the figure. The 32. A total charge Q0 = 2C flows across a resistor R = W
π
conductivity of the material near the axis is σ1 = 3 × 103 S/cm during a time interval T in such a way that the current v/s time
and increases linearly with the distance from axis and graph for 0 s to T s is like the loop of a sin curve in the range
becomes σ2 = 5 × 103 S/cm near the surface. Find the 0 radian to p radians. What will be the total heat generated
resistance (in mW) of the conductor if the current enters (in mJ) in the resistor?
from the one end and leaves from the other end.  (Lakshya JEE Physics M-1)
33. Figure shows the net power dissipated in R versus the
R current in a simple circuit shown.
5
P(W) 4 E r

 (Lakshya JEE Physics M-1) 3
28. A network of resistances is constructed with R1 and R2 as 2
shown in the figure. The potential at the points 1, 2, 3, ... N
1
are V1, V2, V3, ... VN respectively, each having a potential
I (A) R
R
k = 2 times smaller than previous one. Find 2 . 0 2 4 5 6 8 10
R3 The power dissipated at I = 2A is P watts. Find 10 P.
V0 R1 V1 R1 V2 R1 V3 VN–1 R1 VN
 (Lakshya JEE Physics M-1)

V0 =kV 1 R2 R2 R2 R3
34. Figure shows an automobile circuit. How much power
R2
(in watt) is dissipated by the automobile circuit when
switches A, B, C and D are all closed.
Horn
 (Lakshya JEE Physics M-1) 40 40
29. In the figure shown current in the galvanometer I is 10 mA, Head light 40 40 Head light
while the voltmeter reads a p.d. of 3 V. What is the current
in galvanometer II(in mA)? The galvanometers are identical,
the internal resistance of the battery is negligible. 10 V
I + B
12V 900W G –
C
II
G A
900W D
V

20
 (Lakshya JEE Physics M-1) 20
Tail light
Tail light
30. The current density across a cylindrical conductor of radius
R = 2 cm varies according to the equation  (Lakshya JEE Physics M-1)
 r 35. Two identical potentiometer wires w1 and w2 of equal length l,
= J J 0 1 −  , where r is the distance from the axis. Thus connected to a battery of emf εp and internal resistance 1 Ω
 R 
the current density is maximum (J0) at the axis (r = 0) and through two switches S1 and S2. A battery of emf ε is balanced
decreases linearly to zero at the surface r = R. Calculate the on these potentiometer wires one by one. If potentiometer
value of current (in A) if J0 = 3 × 104 Am–2. wire w1 is of resistance 2 Ω and balancing length is l/2 on
it, when only S1 is closed and S2 is open. On closing S2 and
opening S1 the balancing length on w2 is found to be (2l/3),then
INTEGER TYPE QUESTIONS find the resistance (in Ω)of potentiometer wire w2.
31. The potential difference between A and B is V volts. Find w1
the value of 18 × V.
S1

ep, 1W
S2
w2
e
G

 (Lakshya JEE Physics M-1)  (Lakshya JEE Physics M-1)

178 JEE (XII) Module-1 PHYSICS PW

 36. Two resistance 300 ohm and 400 ohm are connected in series 41. Three identical containers, 1, 2 and 3, are filled with equal
with a 60 volt supply. A non-ideal voltmeter connected across quantities of ice at 0°C and placed outside. Identical heating
400 ohm reads 30V. The same voltmeter when connected elements are placed inside each container. The elements
135 are powered by different voltages: V1 = 380 V, V2 = 220
across the other resistance will read Ω , then x is _____.
x V, and V3 = 180 V. In container 1, all ice melted in t1 = 4
 (Lakshya JEE Physics M-1)
min. In container 2, all ice melted in t2 = 20 min. How long
37. In the circuit shown, all voltmeters & ammeter are ideal.
(in minute) would it take to melt all the ice in container 3?
The internal resistance of battery is 20Ω. The readings of
voltmeter and ammeter are marked in the figure. What is Assume that the resistance of the heating elements remains
resistance R2 (in ohm)? constant and that the temperature of each container is
60V constant throughout its volume at any given instant. Also
V assume the rate of heat loss to the surrounding is same for
all three containers.
R2 R3
 (Lakshya JEE Physics M-1)
0.5A R1
42. A resistance R of thermal coefficient of resistivity α = 4°C–1
A V is connected in parallel with a resistance 3R, having thermal
90V coefficient of resistivity 2α. Find the value of aeff in °C–1
(Lakshya JEE Physics M-1)
120V
 (Lakshya JEE Physics M-1)
SINGLE CORRECT TYPE QUESTIONS
38. A 10-km long underground cable extends east to west and
consists of two parallel wires, each of which has resistance 43. In the given circuit the ammeter A1 and A2 are ideal and the
13Ω/km. A short develops at distance x from the west end ammeter A3 has a resistance of 1.9 × 10–3W. Find the sum
when a conducting path of resistance R connects the wires of readings of all three meters.
(figure). The resistance of the wires and the short is then 100Ω
when the measurement is made from the east end, 200Ω when
it is made from the west end. What is value of R (in ohm).
5
Conducting path
West East A1 A2
10V
3 15
x 20V

8V
 (Lakshya JEE Physics M-1) A3
39. In the circuit shown, the variable resistance is so adjusted (a) 11.6 A (b) 4.14 A (c) 1.26 A (d) 3.04 A
that the ammeter reading is same in both the position 1 and
2 of the key. The reading of ammeter is 2A. If E = 10V &  (Lakshya JEE Physics M-1)
internal resistance = 0 then find x. (in ohms) 44. In the figure shown resistance of each resistor is same. If
1 current in AG is 5A, the current in CD is
E1 2 E X
A B C D E F
A
Ideal
(Lakshya JEE Physics M-1)
P G H I J K L
If the maximum power delivered to resistance R is (in
40.
10 (a) 5 A (b) 1 A
watt) then the value of P is
(c) 10 A (d) zero
6W 8W
 (Lakshya JEE Physics M-1)

3W R
12V

 (Lakshya JEE Physics M-1)

Current Electricity 179

 45. Five resistors of same resistance are connected as shown in 48. The switch in circuit shifts from 1 to 2 when VC > 2V/3 and
the figure. If resistances across AB, CD and EF are RAB, RCD goes back to 1 from 2 when VC < V/3. The voltmeter reads
and REF respectively, then voltage as plotted. What is the period T of the wave form in
terms of R and C?
1
A 2 V
C
R
2V/3
D V
C VC V/3
B t2 t1
t
T
E F
(a) RC ln 3 (b) 2RC ln 2
(a) RAB = RCD = REF
RC RC
(b) RAB > RCD > REF (c) ln 3 (d) ln 3
2 3
(c) RAB = RCD < REF  (Lakshya JEE Physics M-1)
(d) RAB = RCD > REF 49. A battery of 10 volt is connected to a resistance of 20 ohm
 (Lakshya JEE Physics M-1) through a variable resistance R. Find the amount of charge
which has passed in the circuit in 4 minutes, if the variable
46. The network shown in the figure is part of some bigger
resistance R is increased at the rate of 5 ohm/min starting
circuit. Charge on capacitor (C = 1F) at any time t (in s) is
from zero.
q = 3(1 – e–t) in coulombs. If at t = 0 the potentials of points
A and B are 20V each, then find the value of R. (a) 120 C (b) 120 loge 2C
120 60
(c) C (d) C
log e 2 log e 2
20V A
 (Lakshya JEE Physics M-1)
i +q
–q 50. A curved rectangular bar forms a resistor. The curved sides
1 are concentric circular arcs. If ρ is the resistivity of the
B
1 R material of bar, l0 is the length of inner arc of radius r0,
(r0 + b) is the radius of the outer arc, and a is the width of the
20V P bar. The electric resistance of the bar across its rectangular
2V Earth ends is
(a) 4 W (b) 17 W ρl0 ρl0
(c) 4.25 W (d) 6.75 W (a) (b)
ar0  b
ar0 ln 1 + 
 (Lakshya JEE Physics M-1)
 r0 
2ρl0
(c) (d) None of these
47. A battery of voltage V = 10 volt, three capacitors each of  b
ar0 ln 1 + 
capacitance C = 3 mF and five resistors each of resistance
 r0 
R = 1 W are arranged as shown in the figure. Arrangement
is left for long time so that steady state is reached. The sum
(Lakshya JEE Physics M-1)
of charges on capacitors 1, 2 and 3 is

R R C (1)
C (2)

C (3)
R R V

(a) 30 mF (b) 40 mF
(c) 20 mF (d) 60 mF
(Lakshya JEE Physics M-1)

180 JEE (XII) Module-1 PHYSICS PW

 PYQ’s (Past Year Questions)

MICROSCOPIC ANALYSIS, DRIFT VELOCITY, 9. At room temperature (27ºC), the resistance of a heating element is
50 W. The temperature coefficient of the material is 2.4 × 10–4ºC–1.
OHM’S LAW AND CONDUCTIVITY The temperature of the element, when its resistance is 62 W, is …. ºC.
1. The electric current through a wire varies with time as  [09 April, 2024 (Shift-II)]
I = I0 + bt. where I0 = 20 A and b = 3 A/s. The amount of electric  (Lakshya JEE Physics M-1)
charge crossed through a section of the wire in 20 s is:
10. Given below are two statements: one is labelled as Assertion
 [29 Jan, 2024 (Shift-I)] (A) and the other is labelled as Reason (R).
(a) 80 C (b) 1000 C (c) 800 C (d) 1600 C
Assertion (A): Alloys such as constantan and manganin are
 (Lakshya JEE Physics M-1) used in making standard resistance coils.
2. An electric toaster has resistance of 60 W at room temperature (27ºC). Reason (R): Constantan and manganin have very small
The toaster is connected to a 220 V supply. If the current flowing value of temperature coefficient of resistance.
through it reaches 2.75 A, the temperature attained by toaster is around : In the light of the above statements, choose the correct
(if a = 2 × 10–4/°C) [30 Jan, 2024 (Shift-I)] answer from the options given below.
(a) 694ºC (b) 1235°C (c) 1694°C (d) 1667°C  [29 July, 2022 (Shift-II)]
 (Lakshya JEE Physics M-1) (a) Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct
3. Two conductors have the same resistances at 0°C but their explanation of A
temperature coefficients of resistance are a1 and [Link] respective (b) Both (A) and (R) are true but (R) is NOT the correct
temperature coefficients for their series and parallel combinations explanation of A
are: [31 Jan, 2024 (Shift-I)]
(c) (A) is true but (R) is false
α1 + α 2 α1 + α 2 α1 + α 2 (d) (A) is false but (R) is true
(a) α1 + α 2 , (b) ,
2 2 2
 (Lakshya JEE Physics M-1)
αα α1 + α 2
(c) α1 + α 2 , 1 2 (d) , α1 + α 2 11. The current density in a cylindrical wire of radius 4 mm is
α1 + α 2 2
4 × 106 Am–2. The current through the outer portion of the
 (Lakshya JEE Physics M-1) R
wire between radial distance and R is pA.
4. The current in a conductor is expressed as I = 3t2 + 4t3, where I is 2
in Ampere and t is in second. The amount of electric charge that
 [27 June, 2022 (Shift-I)]
flows through a section of the conductor during t = 1s to t = 2s is
____________ C. [1 Feb, 2024 (Shift-I)]  (Lakshya JEE Physics M-1)
 (Lakshya JEE Physics M-1) 12. A cylindrical wire of radius 0.5 mm and conductivity
5. The resistances of the platinum wire of a platinum resistance 5 × 107 S/m is subjected to an electric field of 10 mV/m.
thermometer at the ice point and steam point are 8 W and 10  W The expected value of current in the wire will be x3πmA.
respectively. After inserting in a hot bath of temperature 400°C, The value of x is _________. [24 Feb, 2021 (Shift-II)]
the resistance of platinum wire is:
 [04 April, 2024 (Shift-I)]
 (Lakshya JEE Physics M-1)
(a) 2 W (b) 16 W (c) 8 W (d) 10 W
13. Model a torch battery of length l to be made up of a thin
 (Lakshya JEE Physics M-1) cylindrical bar of radius ‘a’ and a concentric thin cylindrical
6. Two wires A and B are made up of the same material and have the shell of radius ‘b’ filled in between with an electrolyte of
same mass. Wire A has radius of 2.0 mm and wire B has radius of resistivity ρ (see figure). If the battery is connected to a
4.0 mm. The resistance of wire B is 2W. The resistance of wire A resistance of value R, the maximum Joule heating in R will
is _____W. [04 April, 2024 (Shift-II)]
take place for [3 Sep, 2020 (Shift-I)]
 (Lakshya JEE Physics M-1)
7. A wire of resistance R and radius r is stretched till its radius became
r/2. If new resistance of the stretched wire is xR, then value of x is
_________. [06 April, 2024 (Shift-I)]
 (Lakshya JEE Physics M-1)
l 
8. Resistance of a wire at 0°C, 100°C and t °C is found to be 10  W,
10.2  W and 10.95  W respectively.
The temperature t in Kelvin scale is______.
 [08 April, 2024 (Shift-I)]
 (Lakshya JEE Physics M-1) a
b
Current Electricity 181
 ρ b 2ρ  b  17. In the given circuit, the current flowing through the resistance 20W
(a) R = ln   (b) R = ln   is 0.3 A, while the ammeter reads 0.9 A. The value of R1 is _____ W.
πl  a  πl  a   [29 Jan, 2024 (Shift-II)]
ρ b R1
(c) R = ln   (d) R = ρ ln  a 
2πl  a  2πl  b 
 (Lakshya JEE Physics M-1) 20W
14. Shown in the figure is a semicircular metallic strip that has A
thickness t and resistivity ρ . Its inner radius is R1 and outer
radius is R2. If a voltage V0 is applied between its two 15W
ends, a current I flows in it. In addition, it is observed that a
transverse voltage ∆V develops between its inner and outer  [29 Jan, 2024 (Shift-II)]
surfaces due to purely kinetic effects of moving electrons  (Lakshya JEE Physics M-1)
(ignore any role of the magnetic field due to the current). 18. Equivalent resistance of the following network is ____ W.
Then (figure is schematic and not drawn to scale)  [31 Jan, 2024 (Shift-I)]
 [JEE Adv, 2020] 2W 2W
A
6W 2W 3W 3W

 (Lakshya JEE Physics M-1)

19. A wire of resistance 20 W is divided into 10 equal parts. A
combination of two parts are connected in parallel and so on.
Now resulting pairs of parallel combination are connected
V0 t  R 2 
(a) I = ln   in series. The equivalent resistance of final combination is
πρ  R1  _______W. [05 April, 2024 (Shift-II)]
(b) the outer surface is at a higher voltage than the inner  (Lakshya JEE Physics M-1)
surface
20. The value of unknown resistance (x) for which the potential
(c) the outer surface is at a lower voltage than the inner difference between B and D will be zero in the arrangement
surface shown, is: [06 April, 2024 (Shift-I)]
(d) ∆V∝I2 B
(Lakshya JEE Physics M-1) 24Ω 1Ω
12Ω
SERIES AND PARALLEL COMBINATION A 12Ω 1Ω C
xΩ
OF RESISTANCE 12Ω
15. A wire of resistance R and length L is cut into 5 equal parts. If these 0.5Ω
parts are joined parallely, then resultant resistance will be: 12Ω
D
 [27 Jan, 2024 (Shift-I)]
1 1 14.5 V
(a) R (b) R (c) 25 R (d) 5 R
25 5 (a) 3 W (b) 9 W (c) 6 W (d) 42 W
(Lakshya JEE Physics M-1)  (Lakshya JEE Physics M-1)
16. In the given circuit, the current in resistance R3 is:
21. In the given figure R1 = 10 W, R2 = 8 W, R3 = 4 W and R4 =
 [29 Jan, 2024 (Shift-II)] 8 W. Battery is ideal with emf 12V. Equivalent resistant of
R2 the circuit and current supplied by battery are respectively.
R1 4W 1W  [05 April, 2024 (Shift-I)]
R1
2W R4
4W R3 + R4
12V R2 R3
–
10V
 [29 Jan, 2024 (Shift-II)] (a) 12 W and 11.4 A (b) 10.5 W and 1.14 A
(a) 1 A (b) 1.5 A (c) 2 A (d) 2.5 A
(c) 10.5 W and 1 A (d) 12 W and 1 A
(Lakshya JEE Physics M-1)
 (Lakshya JEE Physics M-1)

182 JEE (XII) Module-1 PHYSICS PW

 22. The equivalent resistance between A and B is: 26. Given below are two statements:
 [09 April, 2024 (Shift-I)] Statement-I: The equivalent resistance of resistors in a
A series combination is smaller than least resistance used in
6Ω 10 Ω the combination.
B
Statement-II: The resistivity of the material is independent
8Ω 5Ω of temperature.
In the light of the above statements, choose the correct
answer from the options given below:
4Ω 7Ω
 [15 April, 2023 (Shift-I)]
11 Ω 8Ω (a) Statement-I is false but Statement-II is true
(a) 18 W (b) 25 W (c) 27 W (d) 19 W (b) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are false
(c) Statement-I is true but Statement-II is false
 (Lakshya JEE Physics M-1)
(d) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are true
23. The effective resistance between A and B, if resistance of
 (Lakshya JEE Physics M-1)
each resistor is R, will be [09 April, 2024 (Shift-II)]
27. All resistances in figure are 1 Ω each. The value of current
a
RΩ RΩ ‘I’ is A . The value of a is _________.
RΩ

RΩ RΩ RΩ RΩ  5 [28 June, 2022 (Shift-II)]

A B
RΩ

RΩ RΩ

2 8R 5R 4R
(a) R (b) (c) (d)
3 3 3 3
 (Lakshya JEE Physics M-1) I
+
24. The equivalent resistance between A and B is _____ – 3V

 [30 Jan, 2023 (Shift-II)]

1.5W 0.5W
12W
 (Lakshya JEE Physics M-1)
8W 4W 28. The current l1 (in A) flowing through 1 W resistor in the
A B following circuit is [7 Jan, 2020 (Shift-I)]
2W 6W
I1 1 Ω
6W 2Ω
1W 1W 1Ω
2 1
(a) Ω (b) Ω
3 2
1 2Ω
3
(c) Ω (d) Ω
2 3
V
 (Lakshya JEE Physics M-1)
(a) 0.25 (b) 0.4 (c) 0.2 (d) 0.5
25. The equivalent resistance between A and B as shown in figure  (Lakshya JEE Physics M-1)
is: [08 April, 2023 (Shift-II)] 29. A resistance is shown in the figure. Its value and tolerance
are given respectively by: [9 Jan, 2019 (Shift-I)]
C 10kW Red Orange
A B
20kW 20kW D
Violet Silver

(a) 5 kΩ (b) 30 kΩ (a) 270 W, 10% (b) 27 kW, 10%

(c) 27 kW, 20% (d) 270 W, 5%
(c) 10 kΩ (d) 20 kΩ
(Lakshya JEE Physics M-1)
 (Lakshya JEE Physics M-1)

Current Electricity 183

POWER AND HEAT DISSIPATED 35. Water boils in an electric kettle in 20 minutes after being
switched on. Using the same main supply, the length of the
IN ELECTRIC CIRCUITS
heating element should be ………….. to …………. times
 (Lakshya JEE Physics M-1) of its initial length if the water is to be boiled in 15 minutes.
30. When a potential difference V is applied across a wire of resistance
R, it dissipates energy at a rate W. If the wire is cut into two halves  [08 April, 2024 (Shift-II)]
and these halves are connected mutually parallel across the same 3 4
supply, the same supply, the energy dissipation rate will become: (a) increased, (b) increased,
4 3
 [30 Jan, 2024 (Shift-II)]
(a) 1/4W (b) 1/2W (c) decreased,
3
(d) decreased,
4
(c) 2W (d) 4W 4 3
 (Lakshya JEE Physics M-1)  (Lakshya JEE Physics M-1)
31. By what percentage will the illumination of the lamp decrease if 36. A heater is designed to operate with a power of 1000 W in a
the current drops by 20%?  [31 Jan, 2024 (Shift-II)] 100 V line. It is connected in combination with a resistance
(a) 46% (b) 26% of 10 W and a resistance R, to a 100 V mains as shown in
(c) 36% (d) 56%
figure. For the heater to operate at 62.5 W, the value of R
 (Lakshya JEE Physics M-1)
should be ……………. W. [08 April, 2024 (Shift-II)]
32. In the following circuit, the battery has an emf of 2 V and an internal
2 B C
resistance of Ω . The power consumption in the entire circuit is heater
3 10 Ω
______ W.  [31 Jan, 2024 (Shift-II)]
R
100 V
 [31 Jan, 2024 (Shift-II)]
 (Lakshya JEE Physics M-1)
37. A potential V0 is applied across a uniform wire of resistance R.
The power dissipation is P1. The wire is then cut into two
equal halves and a potential of V0 is applied across the
length of each half. The total power dissipation across
two wires is P2. The ratio P2 : P1 is x :1. The value of
x is ________. [13 April, 2023 (Shift-I)]
 (Lakshya JEE Physics M-1)
 (Lakshya JEE Physics M-1)
33. An electric bulb rated 50 W – 200 V is connected across a
100 V supply. The power dissipation of the bulb is: 38. In Circuit-1 and Circuit-2 shown in the figures,
1 , R2 =
R1 =Ω 2 Ω and R3 = 3Ω .
 [04 April, 2024 (Shift-II)]
(a) 12.5 W (b) 25 W P 1 and P 2 are the power dissipations in Circuit-1 and
Circuit-2 when the switches S1 and S2 are in open conditions,
(c) 50 W (d) 100 W
respectively.
 (Lakshya JEE Physics M-1)
Q1 and Q2 are the power dissipations in Circuit-1 and
34. The ratio of heat dissipated per second through the resistance Circuit-2 when the switches S1 and S2 are in closed conditions,
5 W and 10 W in the circuit given below is: respectively.
 [05 April, 2024 (Shift-II)] R1 R2 R3

20Ω 5Ω

10Ω S1 R1/2

A B
10V
Circuit-1
(a) 1 : 2 (b) 2 : 1
(c) 4 : 1 (d) 1 : 1
 (Lakshya JEE Physics M-1)

184 JEE (XII) Module-1 PHYSICS PW

 R1 KIRCHHOFF’S LAW AND EQUIVALENT E.M.F.
R2
42. Two cells are connected in opposition as shown. Cell E1 is of 8 V
emf and 2W internal resistance; the cell E2 is of 2 V emf and 4W
internal resistance. The terminal potential difference of cell E2 is
R3 xV. Find x. [30 Jan, 2024 (Shift-I)]
A E1 B E2 C

S2 2R3
A B  (Lakshya JEE Physics M-1)
Circuit-2 43. Twelve wires each having resistance 2W are joined to form
Which of the following statements is(are) correct? a cube. A battery of 6 V emf is joined across point a and c.
 [JEE Adv, 2022] The voltage difference between e and f is_____ V.
(a) When a voltage source of 6 V is connected across A and [04 April, 2024 (Shift-I)]
6V
B in both circuits, P1 < P2
(b) When a constant current source of 2 A is connected b c

across A and B in both circuits, P1 > P2 a d

(c) When a voltage source of 6 V is connected across A and e f
B in Circuit-1, Q1 > P1 h g
(d) When a constant current source of 2 A is connected  (Lakshya JEE Physics M-1)
across A and B in both circuits, Q2 > Q1 44. In the given circuit, the terminal potential difference of the
 (Lakshya JEE Physics M-1) cell is: [08 April, 2024 (Shift-I)]

39. An electric bulb rated as 200 W at 100 V is used in a circuit

having 200 V supply. The resistance ‘R’ that must be put in
series with the bulb so that the bulb delivers the same power
is_________ W. [25 July, 2021 (Shift-I)] (a) 2 V (b) 4 V (c) 1.5 V (d) 3 V
 (Lakshya JEE Physics M-1)
 (Lakshya JEE Physics M-1)
45. The current flowing through the 1 W resistor is n/10 A. The
40. In a building there are 15 bulbs of 45 W, 15 bulbs of 100 W, value of n is ________. [09 April, 2024 (Shift-I)]
15 small fans of 10 W and 2 heaters of 1kW. The voltage of B
electric main is 220 V. The minimum fuse capacity (rated 4Ω
2Ω
value) of the building will be [7 Jan, 2020 (Shift-II)] 10V E
A C 5V
(a) 10 A (b) 20 A (c) 25 A (d) 15 A I1 1Ω
2Ω
4Ω
 (Lakshya JEE Physics M-1)
D
41. The resistive network shown below is connected to a D.C.  (Lakshya JEE Physics M-1)
source of 16 V. The power consumed by the network is
46. Figure shows a part of an electric circuit. The potentials at points
4 Watt. The value of R is: [12 April, 2019 (Shift-I)]
a, b and c are 30 V, 12 V and 2 V respectively. The current
4R 6R through the 20Ω resistor will be. [6 April, 2023 (Shift-II)]
b
R R a 20Ω

10Ω
4R 12 R 30Ω c
(a) 0.4 A (b) 0.2 A (c) 0.6 A (d) 1.0 A
 (Lakshya JEE Physics M-1)
ε = 16 V

(a) 8Ω (b) 6Ω
(C) 16Ω (d) 1Ω
(Lakshya JEE Physics M-1)

Current Electricity 185

 47. For the network shown below, the value of VB – VA is 51. Wheatstone bridge principle is used to measure the specific
_________ V. [29 June, 2022 (Shift-I)] resistance (S1) of given wire, having length L, radius r. If X is the
A 15 V 1Ω B  πr 2 
resistance of wire, then specific resistance is: S1 = X   . If

 L 
the length of the wire gets doubled then the value of specific
resistance will be:
2Ω  [27 Jan, 2024 (Shift-II)]
 (Lakshya JEE Physics M-1) S1
(a) (b) 2S1 (c) S1 (d) S1
48. The figure shows a circuit having eight resistances of 1W 4 2
each, labelled R1 to R8 , and two ideal batteries with voltages  (Lakshya JEE Physics M-1)
ε1 =12 V and ε 2 = 6 V.  [JEE Adv, 2022] 52. Three voltmeters, all having different internal resistances are joined
as shown in figure. When some potential difference is applied across
A and B, their readings are V1, V2 and V3. Choose the correct option.
R6 R7
R2  [27 Jan, 2024 (Shift-II)]

ε2 R3 ε1 R1

R4
R5 R8
 [27 Jan, 2024 (Shift-II)]
(a) V1 = V2 (b) V1 ≠ V3 = V2
Which of the following statements is(are) correct? (c) V1 + V2 > V3 (d) V1 + V2 = V3
(a) The magnitude of current flowing through R1 is 7.2 A (Lakshya JEE Physics M-1)
(b) The magnitude of current flowing through R2 is 1.2 A 53. A galvanometer having coil resistance 10W shows a full scale
(c) The magnitude of current flowing through R3 is 4.8 A deflection for a current of 3mA. For it to measure a current of 8A,
(d) The magnitude of current flowing through R5 is 2.4 A the value of the shunt should be: [29 Jan, 2024 (Shift-I)]
 (Lakshya JEE Physics M-1) (a) 3 × 10–3W (b) 4.85 × 10–3W
49. In the balanced condition, the values of the resistances (c) 3.75 × 10–3W (d) 2.75 × 10–3W
of the four arms of a Wheatstone bridge are shown in the (Lakshya JEE Physics M-1)
figure below. The resistance R3 has temperature coefficient 54. A potential divider circuit is shown in figure. The output voltage
0.0004 ºC –1. If the temperature of R 3 is increased by V0 is [30 Jan, 2024 (Shift-I)]
100 ºC, the voltage developed between S and T will be 4V
_______ volt. [JEE Adv, 2020]
100W 100W 100W 100W
3.3kW 100W 100W 100W

V0
(a) (Lakshya JEE Physics M-1)
4V (b) 2 mV
(c) 0.5 V (d) 12 mV
CURRENT MEASURING INSTRUMENT  (Lakshya JEE Physics M-1)
50. A wire of length 10 cm and radius 7 × 10–4 m connected across the 55. Two resistance of 100W and 200 W are connected in series with a
right gap of a meter bridge. When a resistance of 4.5 W is connected battery of 4 V and negligible internal resistance. A voltmeter is used
on the left gap by using a resistance box, the balance length is found to measure voltage across 100 W resistance, which gives reading
to be at 60 cm from the left end. If the resistivity of the wire is as 1 V. The resistance of voltmeter must be______ W.
R × 10–7 Wm, then value of R is: [27 Jan, 2024 (Shift-I)]  [30 Jan, 2024 (Shift-II)]
(a) 63 (b) 70
 (Lakshya JEE Physics M-1)
(c) 66 (d) 35
(Lakshya JEE Physics M-1)

186 JEE (XII) Module-1 PHYSICS PW

 56. The reading in the ideal voltmeter (V) shown in the given circuit 62. To determine the resistance (R) of a wire, a circuit is designed
diagram is: [1 Feb, 2024 (Shift-I)] below, The V-I characteristic curve for this circuit is plotted
0.2Ω 0.2Ω 0.2Ω for the voltmeter and the ammeter readings as shown in
figure. The value of R is ………… W.
5V 5V 5V  [09 April, 2024 (Shift-II)]
0.2 Ω
5V V V
0.2Ω 5V
10 kΩ I(mA)
0.2Ω 0.2Ω 0.2Ω 4

3
5V 5V 5V R mA
2
(a) 5 V (b) 10 V
0
(c) 0 V (d) 3 V 4 6 8
E    V(volt)

 (Lakshya JEE Physics M-1)

 (Lakshya JEE Physics M-1)
57. A galvanometer has a resistance of 50 W and it allows maximum
current of 5 mA. It can be converted into voltmeter to measure upto
63. In the given figure an ammeter A consists of a 240 W coil
100 V by connecting in series a resistor of resistance connected in parallel to a 10 W shunt. The reading of the
ammeter is ______ mA. [06 April, 2024 (Shift-II)]
 [1 Feb, 2024 (Shift-I)]
(a) 5975W (b) 20050W
(c) 19950W (d) 19500W
 (Lakshya JEE Physics M-1)
58. The resistance per centimeter of a meter bridge wire is r, with X Ω
resistance in left gap. Balancing length from left end is at 40 cm  (Lakshya JEE Physics M-1)
with 25 Ω resistance in right gap. Now the wire is replaced by
another wire of 2r resistance per centimeter. The new balancing 64. A galvanmeter has a coil of resistance 200 W with a full scale
length for same settings will be at  [31 Jan, 2024 (Shift-II)] deflection at 20 mA. The value of resistance to be added to
(a) 20 cm (b) 10 cm use it as an ammeter of range (0–20) mA is:
 [09 April, 2024 (Shift-I)]
(c) 80 cm (d) 40 cm
(a) 0.40 W (b) 0.20 W (c) 0.50 W (d) 0.10 W
 (Lakshya JEE Physics M-1)
 (Lakshya JEE Physics M-1)
59. In a metre-bridge when a resistance in the left gap is 2W and
65. For designing a voltmeter of range 50 V and an ammeter
unknown resistance in the right gap, the balance length is found
to be 40 cm. On shunting the unknown resistance with 2W, the
of range 10 mA using a galvanometer which has a coil
balance length changes by: [1 Feb, 2024 (Shift-II)] of resistance 54Ω showing a full scale deflection for
(a) 22.5 cm (b) 20 cm 1 mA as in figure. [15 April, 2023 (Shift-I)]
(c) 62.5 cm (d) 65 cm 1 mA 54Ω R
G
 (Lakshya JEE Physics M-1)
60. To measure the internal resistance of a battery, potentiometer is
50V
used. For R = 10 W, the balance point is observed at l = 500 cm
and for R = l W the balance point is observed at l = 400 cm. 1 mA 54Ω
The internal resistance of the battery is approximately: G

 [04 April, 2024 (Shift-I)]

(a) 0.2 W (b) 0.4 W r
(c) 0.1 W (d) 0.3 W (A) for voltmeter R ≈ 50 kΩ
 (Lakshya JEE Physics M-1) (B) for ammeter r ≈ 0.2 Ω
61. A galvanometer of resistance 100 W when connected in series (C) for ammeter r ≈ 6 Ω
with 400 W measures a voltage of upto 10 V. The value of (D) for voltmeter R ≈ 5 kΩ
resistance required to convert the galvanometer into ammeter (E) for voltmeter R ≈ 500 Ω
to read upto 10 A is x × 10–2 W. The value of x is:
 [05 April, 2024 (Shift-II)] Choose the correct answer from the options given below:
(a) 2 (b) 800 (a) ( C) and (E) (b) (C) and (D)
(c) 20 (d) 200 (c) ( A) and (C) (d) (A) and (B)
 (Lakshya JEE Physics M-1)  (Lakshya JEE Physics M-1)

Current Electricity 187

 66. Given below are two statements: One is labelled as 69. In the given potentiometer circuit arrangement, the
Assertion (A) and the other is labelled as Reason (R). balancing length AC is measured to be 250 cm. When the
Assertion (A): For measuring the potential difference across galvanometer connection is shifted from point (1) to point (2)
a resistance of 600Ω, the voltmeter with resistance 1000Ω in the given diagram, the balancing length becomes 400 cm.
will be preferred over voltmeter with resistance 4000Ω. ε
The ratio of the emf of two cells, 1 is:
Reason (R): Voltmeter with higher resistance will draw ε2
smaller current than voltmeter with lower resistance.  [25 July, 2021 (Shift-II)]
In the light of the above statements, choose the most
appropriate answer from the options given below. (a) 4 (b) 8
3 5
 [1 Feb, 2023 (Shift-II)]
3 5
(a) (A) is not correct but (R) is correct (c) (d)
(b) Both (A) and (R) are correct and (R) is the correct 2 3
explanation of (A)  (Lakshya JEE Physics M-1)
(c) Both (A) and (R) are correct but (R) is not the correct
explanation of (A) 70. In the given figure, there is a circuit of potentiometer of length
(d) (A) is correct but R is not correct AB = 10m. The resistance per unit length is 0.1W per cm.
 (Lakshya JEE Physics M-1) Across AB, a battery of emf E and internal resistance ‘r’ is
connected. The maximum value of emf measured by this
67. Resistances are connected in a meter bridge circuit as
potentiometer is: [25 July, 2021 (Shift-I)]
shown in the figure. The balancing length 2 is 40 cm. Now
an unknown resistance x is connected in series with P and
E r
+ –
new balancing length is found to be 80cm measured from
the same end. Then the value of x will be _______Ω. G
 [26 July, 2022 (Shift-I)]
P Q A 550cm J B
450cm
P = 4
1
G + –
A B 6V 20 K
(a) 2.75 V (b) 6 V
E K (c) 5 V (d) 2.25 V
 (Lakshya JEE Physics M-1)
 (Lakshya JEE Physics M-1)
71. In order to measure the internal resistance r1 of a cell
68. Two resistances R=
1 X Ω and R2 = 1 Ω are connected to a of emf E, a meter bridge of wire resistance R=0 50 Ω,
wire AB of uniform resistivity, as shown in the figure. The a resistance R 0 /2, another cell of emf E/2 (internal
radius of the wire varies linearly along its axis from 0.2 mm resistance r) and a galvanometer G are used in a circuit,
at A to 1 mm at B. A galvanometer (G) connected to the as shown in the figure. If the null point is found at
center of the wire, 50 cm from each end along its axis, shows l = 72 cm, then the value of r1 = …Ω . [JEE Adv, 2021]
zero deflection when A and B are connected to a battery. The E r1 R0/2
value of x is [JEE Adv, 2022]
r
G
R1 E/2
R2
G
l
 (Lakshya JEE Physics M-1)
A B 72. The length of a potentiometer wire is 1200 cm and it carries a
current of 60 mA. For a cell of emf 5 V and internal resistance
of 20 W, the null point on it is found to be at 1000 cm. The
 (Lakshya JEE Physics M-1)
resistance of whole wire is: [8 Jan, 2020 (Shift-I)]
(a) 60 W (b) 100 W (c) 80 W (d) 120 W
 (Lakshya JEE Physics M-1)

188 JEE (XII) Module-1 PHYSICS PW

 73. In the circuit shown, a four wire potentiometer is made 78. A galvanometer (G) of 2W resistance is connected in the given
of a 400 cm long wire, which extends between A and B. circuit. The ratio of charge stored in C1 and C2 is:
The resistance per unit length of the potentiometer wire is 4W 6mF
r = 0.01 Ω/cm. If an ideal voltmeter is connected as shown C2
with jockey J at 50 cm from end A, the expected reading of G
the voltmeter will be [8 April, 2019 (Shift-II)] C1
4mF 6W

6V
 [1 Feb, 2024 (Shift-II)]
2 3 1
(a) (b) (c) 1 (d)
3 2 2
(a) 0.20 V (b) 0.25 V (c) 0.75 V (d) 0.50 V  (Lakshya JEE Physics M-1)
 (Lakshya JEE Physics M-1)
79. In an electrical circuit drawn below the amount of charge stored in
74. The resistance of a galvanometer is 50 ohm and the the capacitor is _______ mC.
maximum current which can be passed through it is 0.002 A. 10 V R1 4W
What resistance must be connected to it in order to convert
+ –
it into an ammeter of range 0 – 0.5 A? C R2
 [9 April, 2019 (Shift-II)]
(a) 0.2 ohm (b) 0.002 ohm 10 mF 5W
(c) 0.02 ohm (d) 0.5 ohm
R3 6W
(Lakshya JEE Physics M-1)  [1 Feb, 2024 (Shift-II)]
 (Lakshya JEE Physics M-1)
RC CIRCUIT 80. The electric field between the two parallel plates of a
75. The charge accumulated on the capacitor connected in the following capacitor of 1.5 mF capacitance drops to one third of its
circuit is ____mC (Given C = 150 mF) initial value in 6.6 μs when the plates are connected by a
thin wire. The resistance of this wire is .............. W. (Given,
log 3 = 1.1)
 (Lakshya JEE Physics M-1)
81. In a circuit shown in the figure, the capacitor C is initially
 [27 Jan, 2024 (Shift-I)] uncharged and the key K is open. In this condition, a current
of 1A flows through the 1W resistor. The key is closed at
(Lakshya JEE Physics M-1)
time t = t0. Which of the following statements is are correct?
76. A 16W wire is bend to form a square loop. A 9V battery with internal  [JEE Adv, 2023]
resistance 1W is connected across one of its sides. If a 4mF capacitor [Given: e–1 = 0.36]
is connected across one of its diagonals, the energy stored by the 15 V R
x
capacitor will be mJ. where x = ___. [29 Jan, 2024 (Shift-I)]
2 5V 1
(Lakshya JEE Physics M-1)
77. In the given figure, the charge stored in 6mF capacitor, when points
3
A and B are joined by a connecting wire is _______mC. I1

 [29 Jan, 2024 (Shift-II)] K

9V C = 2µF 3

(a) The value of the resistance R is 3W.

(b) For t < t0, the value of current I1 is 2A.
6mF (c) At t = t0 + 7.2 ms, the current in the capacitor is 0.6A.
6W
(d) For t → ∞, the charge on the capacitor is 12 mC.
A B Comprehension (Q.82 to 84) In the circuit shown below, the
switch S is connected to position P for a long time so that the
3mF 3W charge on the capacitor becomes q1 µC. Then S is switched to
position Q. After a long time, the charge on the capacitor is
q2 µC.  [JEE Adv, 2021]

 (Lakshya JEE Physics M-1)

Current Electricity 189
 S 1Ω 2Ω
P Q

1V 1 µF 2V

 (Lakshya JEE Physics M-1)

Which of the statements is/are correct?
(a) The keys S1 is kept closed for long time such that
82. The magnitude of q1 is . capacitors are fully charged. Now key S2 is closed, at
 (Lakshya JEE Physics M-1) this time, the instantaneous current across 30 Ω resistor
83. The magnitude of q2 is . (between points P and Q) will be 0.2 A (round off to
 (Lakshya JEE Physics M-1) 1st decimal place)
84. In the circuit shown, initially there is no charge on capacitors (b) If key S1 is kept closed for long time such that capacitors
and keys S1 and S2 are open. The values of the capacitors are fully charged, the voltage difference between points
are C1 = 10 µF, C2 = 30 µF and C3 = C4 = 80 µF. P and Q will be 10 V
 [JEE Adv, 2019] (c) At time t = 0, the key S1 is closed, the instantaneous
current in the closed circuit will be 25 mA
(d) If key S1 is kept closed for long time such that capacitors
are fully charged, the voltage across the capacitors C1
will be 4V
(Lakshya JEE Physics M-1)

190 JEE (XII) Module-1 PHYSICS PW

 PW Challengers
SINGLE CORRECT TYPE QUESTIONS 4. The equivalent resistance of the infinite ladder network
between terminals A and B shown in the figure below is:
1. In an infinite grid of hexagonal cells, resistance of each
branch is R. M is the mid-point of branch AB. If a battery
of emf E is connected between A and M, find the potential
difference between A and C.
(a) 2W (b) 4W (c) 6W (d) 8W
 (Lakshya JEE Physics M-1)
B 5. There are six identical cylindrical resistors. The curved
C M surfaces of resistors are thermally insulated so that heat
A transfer can only take place through flat surfaces. When
D one of them is connected across an ideal battery, its steady
E E E E state temperature becomes 40°C. If other two resistors are
(a) (b) (c) (d) connected in series and the pack is connected across the
3 4 5 6
same battery the steady state temperature becomes 34°C.
 (Lakshya JEE Physics M-1)
Now if the remaining three are connected in series and
2. In the circuit shown, current i is pack is connected across the same battery, the steady state
3R R
temperature of this pack will rise to (Assume Newton’s law
2R
R R
of cooling and neglect thermal expansions and change in
R 2R resistivity for the temperature range involved)
R R
(a) 28°C (b) 32°C (c) 30°C (d) 31°C
R
 (Lakshya JEE Physics M-1)
2R
6. A thick spherical shell of inner radius a and outer radius b
i 2R
2R R is made of material of resistivity r and dielectric constant
k. Initially the shell is electrically neutral and has no charge
accumulation anywhere. If at t = 0, a point charge q0 is placed
3ε 3ε ε 5ε
(a) (b) (c) (d) at the center of the shell, find the charge on outer surface of
4R 2R 4R 2R the shell as function of time t.
 (Lakshya JEE Physics M-1)

3. An infinite network is composed of identical batteries and

identical bulbs of power rating 100W, 220V. Power radiated P k
by the leftmost lamp is 100W and power radiated by any a q0
b
1
bulb is times the power radiated by the adjacent lamp to
β
the left. Here b = 1.44. If the batteries are not ideal then emf
of each battery is:
(a) q = q0 1 − e k ρ∈0 
t
(b) q = q0  
− tb
−
  1 − e
ak ρ∈0

a 
ta
−
(c) q = q0 1 − e − k ρ∈0 b 
ta
(d) q = q0 1 − e k ρb∈0 
  b

 (Lakshya JEE Physics M-1)

(a) 88 V (b) 66 V
(c) 44 V (d) 33 V

 (Lakshya JEE Physics M-1)

Current Electricity 191

 7. In the figure shown A and B are two concentric conducting 9. In the circuit shown below the switch is open and all the
a capacitors are uncharged. Internal resistance of the battery
spheres of radius and a respectively. Shell A is connected is negligible. If the switch is closed find the total energy
2
through resistor R and a key to a conducting ball C of radius dissipated in the resistor R till the steady state is reached.
a. The shell B is earthed through a resistor 2R. The distance 5mF 20mF
between the ball and conducting spheres is much greater
than a. If the ball is given a charge Q and key is closed then R
total heat dissipated in the resistor R is 20mF 5mF
Sw
Q B
C a
R1 = R A R2 = 2R

Sw a/2 e = 100V
a (a) 12.5 mJ (b) 22.5 mJ
(c) 26.5 mJ (d) 32.5 mJ
d >>a
 (Lakshya JEE Physics M-1)
Q2 Q2
(a) (b) 10. Two identical metal spheres of radius R are immersed in a
16π ∈0 a 32π ∈0 a homogeneous medium. Radius of each sphere is negligible
Q2 Q2 as compared to the distance between the spheres and the
(c) (d)
48π ∈0 a 62π ∈0 a medium extends upto very large region around the spheres.
 (Lakshya JEE Physics M-1) When one sphere is connected with positive terminal of a
battery and other with negative terminal of the battery using
8. The network shown in the figure consists of a battery and
thin insulated conductor, current i0 = 5A flows through the
five unknown resistors. When an ideal ammeter is connected
battery. What current will flow to the battery if first sphere
between terminals A and B its reading is 10 A and when a
resistance of 3W is connected in series with the ammeter its is replaced by a sphere of radius 2R and second sphere is
reading becomes 4A. Now if 3W resistance is replaced by R
replaced by a sphere of radius ?
8W resistor, the reading of the ammeter will be 2

A e
B

R R
(a) 3.5 A (b) 3 A (c) 2.5 A (d) 2 A
d >>R
 (Lakshya JEE Physics M-1)
(a) 3 A (b) 3.5 A
(c) 4A (d) 4.5 A
(Lakshya JEE Physics M-1)

VOLUNTEER OR
GIVE BACK

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for what you have. By giving your time, skills,
or resources to those in need, you’re reminded
of your own blessings.
™ Volunteer at a local charity or simply help a
friend or neighbor. The act of giving can create
a deep sense of gratitude for your own abilities
and circumstances.

192 JEE (XII) Module-1 PHYSICS PW

 ANSWER KEY
CONCEPT APPLICATION
1. (a) 2. (d) 3. (a) 4. (c) 5. (a) 6. (d) 7. (a) 8. (b) 9. (c) 10. (d)
11. (b) 12. (a) 13. (d) 14. (c) 15. (b) 16. (a) 17. (c) 18. (a) 19. (d) 20. (c)
3 7
21. (d) 22. (a, d) 23. (b) 24. (a) 25. r 26. r 27. (d) 28. (d) 29. (c) 30. (b)
4 12
31. (b)

BOARD LEVEL PROBLEMS

1. (b) 2. (c) 3. (d) 4. (b) 5. (a) 6. (b) 7. (d) 8. (a) 9. (c) 10. (b)
11. (a) 12. (a) 24. (i) (c), (ii) (b), (iii) (a), (iv) (b), (v) (a) 25. (i) (b), (ii) (d), (iii) (d), (iv) (a), (v) (a)

PRARAMBH (TOPICWISE)
1. (b) 2. (b) 3. (a) 4. (b) 5. (b) 6. (d) 7. (b) 8. (a) 9. (b) 10. (d)
11. (b) 12. (b) 13. (d) 14. (c) 15. (a) 16. (d) 17. (b) 18. (a) 19. (b) 20. (b)
21. (d) 22. (b) 23. (b) 24. (a) 25. (b) 26. (c) 27. (c) 28. (c) 29. (b) 30. (b)
31. (c) 32. (a) 33. (c) 34. (b) 35. (a) 36. (a) 37. (a) 38. (d) 39. (d) 40. (c)
41. (a) 42. (d) 43. (c) 44. (c) 45. (a) 46. (c) 47. (d) 48. (b) 49. (b) 50. (d)
51. (a) 52. (c) 53. (c) 54. (c) 55. (b) 56. (a) 57. (b)

PRABAL (JEE MAIN LEVEL)

1. (d) 2. (c) 3. (c) 4. (d) 5. (d) 6. (c) 7. (c) 8. (b) 9. (c) 10. (b)
11. (b) 12. (c) 13. (d) 14. (a) 15. (c) 16. (d) 17. (a) 18. (d) 19. (c) 20. (b)
21. (d) 22. (b) 23. (b) 24. (c) 25. (b) 26. (d) 27. (c) 28. (c) 29. (a) 30. (b)
31. (a) 32. (b) 33. (b) 34. (c) 35. (d) 36. (b) 37. (d) 38. (d) 39. [80] 40. [4]
41. [75] 42. [1000] 43. [8] 44. [2] 45. [160] 46. [8] 47. [6] 48. [8]

PARIKSHIT (JEE ADVANCED LEVEL)

1. (a, b, c, d) 2. (a, d) 3. (a, c, d) 4. (b, c) 5. (a, c, d) 6. (a, b, c) 7. (a, c) 8. (b, d) 9. (a,c) 10. (c)
11. (a,b) 12. (a,b,d) 13. (a,d) 14. (b) 15. (b) 16. (d) 17. (c) 18. (c) 19. (a) 20. (b)
21. (a) 22. (c) 23. (c) 24. (b) 25. (a) 26. [45.00] 27. [1.47] 28. [2.00] 29. [2.22] 30. [12.57]
31. [44] 32. [4000] 33. [32] 34. [20] 35. [1] 36. [6] 37. [80] 38. [20] 39. [5] 40. [4]
41. [60] 42. [5] 43. (b) 44. (c) 45. (c) 46. (c) 47. (d) 48. (b) 49. (b) 50. (b)

PYQ’s (PAST YEAR QUESTIONS)

1. (b) 2. (c) 3. (b) 4. [22] 5. (b) 6. (32) 7. (16) 8. [748] 9. (1027) 10. (a)
11. [48] 12. [5] 13. (c) 14. (a, c, d) 15. (a) 16. (a) 17. [30] 18. [1] 19. [5] 20. (c)
21. (d) 22. (d) 23. (b) 24. (a) 25. (a) 26. (b) 27. [8] 28. (c) 29. (b) 30. (d)
31. (c) 32. [3] 33. (a) 34. (b) 35. (c) 36. [5] 37. [16] 38. (a,b,c) 39. [50] 40. (b)
41. (a) 42. [6] 43. [1] 44. (a) 45. [25] 46. (a) 47. [10] 48. (a,b,c,d,) 49. [0.26 to 0.28]
50. (c) 51. (d) 52. (d) 53. (c) 54. (c) 55. [200] 56. (c) 57. (c) 58. (d) 59. (a)
60. (d) 61. (c) 62. [2500] 63. [160] 64. (b) 65. (c) 66. (a) 67. [20] 68. [5] 69. (d)
70. (c) 71. [3] 72. (b) 73. (b) 74. (a) 75. [400] 76. [81] 77. [36] 78. (d) 79. [60]
80. [4] 81. (a,b,c,d) 82. [1.33] 83. [0.67] 84. (c, d)

PW CHALLENGERS
1. (c) 2. (d) 3. (c) 4. (d) 5. (b) 6. (a) 7. (c) 8. (d) 9. (b) 10. (c)

Current Electricity 193