CBSE Class 12 Physics Current Electricity
CBSE Class 12 Physics Current Electricity
COM
.s
tu
d
ie
st
od
a
y.
c
om
Concept Map
10
STUDY MATERIAL CLASS XII 2011-12
DOWNLOADED FROM WWW.STUDIESTODAY.COM
QNo
1.
Questions
Marks
How does the force between the two charges vary when
(a) The system is immersed in a medium.
(b) When the distance between them is halved?
Ans :
(a)F=1/K times F0
(b)F=4 times F0
How does the electric flux, electric field enclosing a given charge vary when the area
enclosed by the charge is doubled?
Ans: (a)
(b) E is halved
3.
Why in Millikans Oil Drop experiment, the charge measured was always found to be of
some discrete value and not any arbitrary value?
Ans: Because charge is always quantized ie., Q = n x e
4.
5.
6.
Why an electric dipole placed in a uniform electric field does not undergoes acceleration?
Ans: Because the net force on the dipole is zero. Fnet = 0 as F=
7.
ie
st
od
a
tu
d
State Gausss law and use this law to derive the electric filed at a point from an infinitely
long straight uniformly charged wire.
E.ds
Ans: Statement
.s
8.
y.
c
om
2.
Derivation for E =
9.
Write the expression for the electric field, charge density for a uniformly charged thin
spherical shell.
Ans:
;
10.
II
III
Write the expression for the electric field in the regions I, II, III shown in the above figure.
Ans: EI =EIII = 0
EII = /0
11
STUDY MATERIAL CLASS XII 2011-12
DOWNLOADED FROM WWW.STUDIESTODAY.COM
11.
13.
Name the physical quantities whose SI units are Vm, Vm-1. Which of these are vectors?
Ans: Vm electric flux, scalar ; Vm-1electric field, vector
16.
An electric dipole 4C is kept at co-ordinate points (1, 0, 4) are kept at (2,-1, 5), the
electric field is given by = 20 NC-1. Calculate the torque on the dipole.
Ans: Calculate first dipole moment using =q.2
Then calculate torque using
ie
st
od
a
y.
c
om
14.
17.
tu
d
.s
Ans:
Stable
19.
=13.4 N m
Two charges 5C, -3C are separated by a distance of 40 cm in air. Find the location of a
point on the line joining the two charges where the electric field is zero.
Ans: Solve for x from the equation:
18.
p
E
Unstable
Show that at a point where the electric field intensity is zero, electric potential need not
be zero.
Ans
If E = 0
20
between the two charges of each pair of charges: (1C, 2C) and (2C, -3C) Interpret
the graphs obtained.
[Hint : graph can be drawn choosing ve axis for force only]
Ans:
12
STUDY MATERIAL CLASS XII 2011-12
DOWNLOADED FROM WWW.STUDIESTODAY.COM
1/r2
A
B
F
21.
A thin straight infinitely long conducting wire having charge density is enclosed by a
cylindrical surface of radius r and length l, its axis coinciding with the length of the wire.
Find the expression for electric flux through the surface of the cylinder.
23.
A charge +Q fixed on the Y axis at a distance of 1m from the origin and another charge
+2Q is fixed on the X axis at a distance of
m from the origin. A third charge Q is
placed at the origin. What is the angle at which it moves?
Ans: Force due to both the changes are equal = KQ2 & r to each other so the resultant
force will make 45o with X-axis.
ie
st
od
a
y.
c
om
22.
25
26
Two electric charges 3C, -4C are placed at the two corners of an isosceles right angled
triangle of side 1 m as shown in the figure. What is the direction and magnitude of
electric field at A due to the two charges?
-4C
.s
tu
d
24
3C
Ans:
13
STUDY MATERIAL CLASS XII 2011-12
DOWNLOADED FROM WWW.STUDIESTODAY.COM
ELECTRIC POTENTIAL
S.No.
QUESTIONS
1
Is it possible that the potential at a point is zero, while there is finite electric field intensity
at that point? Give an example.
Ans: Yes , Centre of a dipole
Is it possible that the electric field at a point is zero, while there is a finite electric
potential at that point. Give an example.
Ans: Yes, Inside charged shell
An electric dipole is placed in an electric field due to a point charge. Will there be a force
and torque on the dipole?
1
1
ie
st
od
a
y.
c
om
-q
2a
Ans
.s
tu
d
dist
Find the ratio of the electric field lines starting from a proton kept first in vacuum and
then in a medium of dielectric constant 6.
Ans: 6 : 1
14
STUDY MATERIAL CLASS XII 2011-12
DOWNLOADED FROM WWW.STUDIESTODAY.COM
10
Calculate the electric field from the equipotential surface shown below.
2m
2V
vV
3m
4V
6V
4m
Ans: 2 V [ E
11
dv
, dv
dr
2V , dr 1m]
Sketch the electric field lines, when a positive charge is kept in the vicinity of an uncharged
conducting plate.
Ans
tu
d
13
1
1
.s
12
ie
st
od
a
y.
c
om
+q
Two identical metal plates are given positive charges Q1 and Q2, where Q1 > Q2. Find the 2
potential difference between them, if they are now brought together to form a parallel
plate capacitor with capacitance C.
Ans: (Q1 Q2)/2C
15
27 small drops of mercury having the same radius collapse to form one big drop. Find the
ratio of the capacitance of the big drop to small drop.
16
14
Ans: [3:1]
A uniformly charged rod with linear charge density of length L is inserted into a hollow 2
cubical structure of side L with constant velocity and moves out from the opposite face.
Draw the graph between flux and time.
Ans
time
15
STUDY MATERIAL CLASS XII 2011-12
DOWNLOADED FROM WWW.STUDIESTODAY.COM
17
Draw a graph showing the variation of potential with distance from the positive charge to
negative charge of a dipole, by choosing the mid-point of the dipole as the origin.
Ans
2
V
d
If = 3 +4 -5 , calculate the electric flux through a surface of area 50 units in z-x plane
Ans: 200 unit
19
20
How will you connect seven capacitors of 2f to obtain an effective capacitance of 10/11 f. 2
Ans: 5 in parallel and 2 in series
21
Derive the expression for the potential due to a dipole. Find the ratio of the potential
along the equatorial and axial line of a dipole.
22
Derive an expression for the potential energy of a system of two electric charges in an
external electric field.
Show that the potential of a charged spherical conductor, kept at the centre of a charged
hollow spherical conductor is always greater than that of the hollow spherical conductor,
irrespective of the charge accumulated on it.
Ans: Va-Vb=(q/4) (1/r-1/R)
(Principle of Van de Graff generator)
24
Explain why the electric field inside a conductor placed in an external electric field is
always zero.
Ans: Charge lies on the surface of a conductor only
25
A proton moves with a speed of 7.45 x 105m/s directly towards a free proton initially at
2
rest. Find the distance of the closest approach for the two protons.
Ans: 5.56 x 10-23m
Three point charges of 1C, 2C & 3C are placed at the corners of an equilateral triangle of
side 1m. Calculate the work done to move these charges to the corners of a smaller
equilateral triangle of sides 0.5m.
Ans: 9.9 x 1010 J
2
1C
y.
c
ie
st
od
a
tu
d
26
.s
23
om
18
2C
3C
16
STUDY MATERIAL CLASS XII 2011-12
DOWNLOADED FROM WWW.STUDIESTODAY.COM
CAPACITORS
S.No
QUESTIONS
1
What happens to the capacitance of a capacitor when a copper plate of thickness one 2
third of the separation between the plates is introduced in the capacitor?
Ans: 1.5 times Co
2
A parallel plate capacitor is charged and the charging battery is then disconnected. What
happens to the potential difference and the energy of the capacitor, if the plates are
moved further apart using an insulating handle?
Ans: Both Increases
Find the equivalence capacitance between X and Y.
X
3 f
3 f
om
3 f
Ans: 9 f
A pith ball of mass 0.2 g is hung by insulated thread between the plates of a capacitor of
separation 8cm. Find the potential difference between the plates to cause the thread to
incline at an angle 150 with the vertical, if the charge in the pith ball is equal to 10-7C.
Ans: 429 V
5
6
Derive the expression for the energy density of a charged parallel plate capacitor.
What is an equivalent capacitance of the arrangement the shown below
2
3
.s
tu
d
ie
st
od
a
y.
c
If 6V cell is connected across AD. Calculate the potential difference between B&C.
7
A parallel plate capacitor is charged to a potential difference V by d.c. source and then
disconnected. The distance between the plates is then halved. Explain with reason for the
change in electric field, capacitance and energy of the capacitor.
Ans: Use the formulae - Electric field remains same, Capacitance doubled, Energy halved
Derive an expression for capacitance of parallel plate capacitor, when a dielectric slab of
3
dielectric constant k is partially introduced between the plates of the capacitor.
A potential difference of 1200 V is established between two parallel plates of a capacitor. 3
The plates of the capacitor are at a distance of 2 cm apart. An electron is released from
the negative plate, at the same instant, a proton is released from the +ve plate.
(a)How do their (i) velocity (ii) Energy compare, when they strike the opposite plates.
(b) How far from the positive plate will they pass each other?
Ans a. (i)42.84 (ii)equal
b. 2.7cm
17
STUDY MATERIAL CLASS XII 2011-12
DOWNLOADED FROM WWW.STUDIESTODAY.COM
10
Draw a graph to show the variation of potential applied and charge stored in a capacitor. 3
Derive the expression for energy stored in a parallel plate capacitor from the capacitor.
q
11
Calculate the capacitance of a system having five equally spaced plates, if the area of each 3
plate is 0.02 m2 and the separation between the neighboring are 3 mm. in case (a) and (b)
tu
d
ie
st
od
a
13
y.
c
om
12
Find the capacitance of a system of three parallel plates each of area A m2 separated by d1
and d2 m respectively. The space between them is filled with dielectrics of relative
dielectric constant 1 and 2.
Ans: (1A/ d1) + (2A/ d2)
Two parallel plate capacitors A and B having capacitance 1F and 5 F are charged
separately to the same potential 100V. They are then connected such that +ve plate of A
is connected to ve plate of B. Find the charge on each capacitor and total loss of energy
in the capacitors.
Ans: 400C, 500C and 5/3 x 10 J
14
.s
18
STUDY MATERIAL CLASS XII 2011-12
DOWNLOADED FROM WWW.STUDIESTODAY.COM
2. CURRENT ELECTRICITY
GIST
ie
st
od
a
y.
c
om
Current carriers The charge particles whose flow in a definite direction constitutes the
electric current are called current carriers. E.g.: Electrons in conductors, Ions in electrolytes,
Electrons and holes in semi-conductors.
Electric current is defined as the amount of charge flowing through any cross section of the
conductor in unit time. I = Q/t.
Current density J = I/A.
Ohms law: Current through a conductor is proportional to the potential difference across the ends
of the conductor provided the physical conditions such as temperature, pressure etc. remain
constant. V I i.e. V = IR, Where R is the resistance of the conductor.
Resistance is the opposition offered by the conductor to the flow of current.
Resistance R = l/A where is the resistivity of the material of the conductor- length and A area of
cross section of the conductor.
Resistivity = m/ne2, Where m, n, e are mass, number density and charge of electron
respectively, -relaxation time of electrons.
Relaxation time is the average time interval between two successive collisions
Conductance of the material G =1/R and conductivity =1/
Drift velocity is the average velocity of all electrons in the conductor under the influence of applied
electric field. Drift velocity Vd = (eE/m)
Mobility () of a current carrier is the ratio of its drift velocity to the applied field
Vd
E
tu
d
Rseries
Combination of resistors:
R1 R2 ...Rn ,
RParallel
1
R1
1
R2
...
1
Rn
E
1
V
r=
.s
Cells: E.M.F of a cell is defined as the potential difference between its terminals in an open circuit.
Terminal potential difference of a cell is defined as the p.d between its ends in a closed circuit.
Internal resistance r of a cell is defined as the opposition offered by the cell to the flow of current.
Grouping of cells :
i) In series grouping circuit current is given by I s
ii) In parallel grouping circuit current is given by I p
nE
,
R nr
mE
where n, m are number of cells in
r mR
ii) Loop rule:-The algebraic sum of potential difference around a closed loop is zero
Wheatstone bridge is an arrangement of four resistors arranged in four arms of the bridge and is
used to determine the unknown resistance in terms of other three resistances. For balanced
Wheatstone Bridge,
P
Q
R
S
19
STUDY MATERIAL CLASS XII 2011-12
DOWNLOADED FROM WWW.STUDIESTODAY.COM
Slide Wire Bridge or Metre Bridge is based on Wheatstone bridge and is used to measure unknown
resistance. If unknown resistance S is in the right gap, s
100 l
(
)R
l
E1
E2
l1
where l1, l2 are the
l2
.s
tu
d
ie
st
od
a
y.
c
om
20
STUDY MATERIAL CLASS XII 2011-12
DOWNLOADED FROM WWW.STUDIESTODAY.COM
.s
tu
d
ie
st
od
a
y.
c
om
CONCEPT MAP
21
STUDY MATERIAL CLASS XII 2011-12
DOWNLOADED FROM WWW.STUDIESTODAY.COM
I.
QUESTIONS
Drift velocity, Current, Potential difference, Ohms Law and Resistance
1. How does the drift velocity of electrons in a metallic conductor vary with increase in
temperature?
Ans. remains the same
(1)
2. Two different wires X and Y of same diameter but of different materials are joined in series and
connected across a battery. If the number density of electrons in X is twice that of Y, find the ratio
of drift velocity of electrons in the two wires.
Ans: Vdx/Vdy = ny/nx =
(1)
(1)
3.* A 4 non insulated wire is bent in the middle by 1800 and both the halves are twisted with each
other. Find its new resistance?
Ans: 1
(1)
om
4. Can the terminal potential difference of a cell exceed its emf? Give reason for your answer.
Ans: Yes, during the charging of cell.
(1)
6. The V-I graph for a conductor makes angle with V- axis, what is the resistance of the
conductor?
(1)
ie
st
od
a
y.
c
5. Two wires of equal length one of copper and the other of manganin have the same resistance.
Which wire is thicker?
Ans: Manganin.
tu
d
.s
Ans: R = Cot
7. It is found that 1020 electrons pass from point X towards another point Y in 0.1s. How much is
the current & what is its direction?
Ans: 160A; from Y to X
(1)
8. Two square metal plates A and B are of the same thickness and material. The side of B is twice
that of side o fA. If the resistance of A and B are denoted by RA and RB, find RA/ RB.
Ans: 1
(1)
9*.The V-I graph of two resistors in their series combination is shown. Which one of these graphs
shows the series combinations of the other two? Give reason for your answer.
(1)
3
3
3
3
3
2
3
3
Ans: 1
(2)
22
10. Plot a graph showing the variation of conductivity with the temperature in a metallic conductor.
Ans:
T
11. Draw a graph to show the variation of resistance of the metallic wire as a function of its diameter
keeping the other factor constant.
Ans:
R
(2)
y.
c
om
D
12.* A copper wire is stretched to make it 0.2% longer. What is the percentage change in its
resistance?
HINT: Mass m = Ald , R = l/A = l2/m = kl2 , dR/R x 100 = 2dl/l x 100 , = 0.4%
ie
st
od
a
13.* A uniform wire of resistance R is shaped into a regular n sided polygon where n is even. Find
the equivalent resistance between (i) Opposite corners of the polygon (ii) adjacent corners of the
polygon.
HINT: (i) For resistance between C and G: RCG = R/4
(ii)RAH = (R/n(n-1).R/n)/ (R/n + (n-1).R/n) = R(n-1)/n2
tu
d
14. A non-conducting ring of radius r has charge q distribute over it. What will be the equivalent
current if it rotates with an angular velocity ?
Ans: I= q/t = q/2/ = q/2
(2)
(2)
.s
15.* Two cells each of emf E and internal resistances r1 and r2 are connected in series to an external
resistance R. Can a value of R be selected such that the potential difference of the first cell is 0.
Ans: I = 2E/(R + r1 + r2)
Potential diff. for first cell V1 = E I r1 = 0
E = (2E r1)/R + r1 + r2
Solving these we get, R = r1 - r2
(2)
16.* A battery has an emf E and internal resistance r. A variable resistance R is connected across the
terminals of the battery. Find the value of R such that (a) the current in the circuit is maximum (b)
the potential difference across the terminal is maximum.
Ans: (a) I = E/ (r + R)
I = Imax when R =0
Imax = E/r
(b)V = ER/(r + R) = E/(r/R + 1) V = Vmax when r/R + 1= minimum, r/R = o, V= E
17. A piece of silver wire has a resistance of 1. What will be the resistance of the constantan wire
of one third of its length and one half of its diameter if the specific resistance of the constantan
wire is 30 times than that of the silver?
Ans: 40
(2)
(2)
23
STUDY MATERIAL CLASS XII 2011-12
DOWNLOADED FROM WWW.STUDIESTODAY.COM
18. Calculate the current shown by the ammeter in the circuit shown
(2)
5
10
10
10
10
+
A-
10V
Ans: R = 2 and I = 5A
(2)
y.
c
om
19.* The plot shows the variation of current I through the cross section of a wire over a time interval
of 10s. Find the amount of charge that flows through the wire over this time period.
ie
st
od
a
I(A)
5
0
5
t(s)
10
Ans: Area under the I-t graph, q = 37.5C
10
10
10
.s
(2)
tu
d
20. Find the resistance between the points (i) A and B and (ii) A and C in the following network
10
10
10
10
C
10
(2)
(3)
24
STUDY MATERIAL CLASS XII 2011-12
DOWNLOADED FROM WWW.STUDIESTODAY.COM
R
Ans V = (E/r + R) R = (E/1+r/R)
V = E when R = O
23. 4 cells of identical emf E1, internal resistance r are connected in series to a variable resistor. The
following graph shows the variation of terminal voltage of the combination with the current output.
(i)What is the emf of each cell used?
(ii)For what current from the cells, does maximum power dissipation occur in the circuit?
(iii)Calculate the internal resistance of each cell
4.2
y.
c
V(Volts)
om
5.6
(3)
1.4
0
0.5
1.5
I(Ampere)
ie
st
od
a
2.8
.s
tu
d
Ans: 4E = 5.6
E = 1.4 V
When I = 1A, V = 2.8/4 = 0.7V
Internal resistance, r= (E V)/I = 0.7
The output power is maximum when internal resistance = external resistance = 4r.Imax = 4E/ (4r +4r) = 1A
(3)
24.* An infinite ladder network of resistances is constructed with 1 and 2 resistances shown
A 1 C 1 1 1
6V
2 2 2
B
D
A 6V battery between A and B has negligible resistance.
(i) Find the effective resistance between A and B.
Ans: Since the circuit is infinitely long, its total resistance remains unaffected by removing one
mesh from it. Let the effective resistance of the infinite network be R, the circuit will be
1
1
1
25
STUDY MATERIAL CLASS XII 2011-12
DOWNLOADED FROM WWW.STUDIESTODAY.COM
25. The resistance of a tungsten filament at 150C is 133. What will be its resistance at 5000C? The
temperature coefficient of tungsten is 0.00450C-1 at 00C.
Ans: Use Rt = R0 (1+ t) R500 = 258
26. The circuit shown in the diagram contains two identical lamps P and Q. What will happen to the
brightness of the lamps, if the resistance Rh is increased? Give reason.
B
(3)
(3)
(3)
ie
st
od
a
y.
c
om
Rh
I3
I1
I2
6V
tu
d
12V
I3 = 66/31A
w
2
.s
I1
9V
2
8
8
I2
2
(3)
4
I3
Ans: I = 1A
III. Wheatstone bridge and Potentiometer
1. The emf of a cell used in the main circuit of the potentiometer should be more than the potential
difference to be measured. Why?
(1)
2. The resistance in the left gap of a metre bridge is 10 and the balance point is 45cm from the left
end. Calculate the value of the unknown resistance.
(1)
Ans S = 12.5
26
STUDY MATERIAL CLASS XII 2011-12
DOWNLOADED FROM WWW.STUDIESTODAY.COM
om
y.
c
ie
st
od
a
4V
(3)
tu
d
Ans: I = 2A
11. Find the value of X and current drawn from the battery of emf 6V of negligible resistance
2.4
.s
10
6V
Ans: X = 6 and I = 1A
12. Find the value of the unknown resistance X and the current drawn by the circuit from the battery
if no current flows through the galvanometer. Assume the resistance per unit length of the wire is
0.01cm-1.
X
(3)
G
120
80
4V
27
STUDY MATERIAL CLASS XII 2011-12
DOWNLOADED FROM WWW.STUDIESTODAY.COM
Ans: X = 3
13. In the circuit shown, AB is a resistance wire of uniform cross section in which a potential
gradient of 0.01V cm-1 exists.
(a)If the galvanometer G shows zero deflection, what is the emf E1 of the cell used?
(b)If the internal resistance of the driver cell increases on some account, how will it
change the balance point in the experiment?
(3)
E1
180cm J
E2
om
Ans: (a) PD VAB = 1.8 V (b) Balance pt. will shift towards B since V/l decreases.
(3)
E1 E 2
ie
st
od
a
y.
c
E2
E1
.s
tu
d
15.* A potentiometer wire of length 100cm having a resistance of 10 is connected in series with a
resistance and cell of emf 2V of negligible internal resistance. A source emf of 10mV is balanced
against a length of 40cm of potentiometer wire. What is the value of the external resistance?
E = 2V
A
R
100cm
B
J
40cm
(3)
G
E = 10mV
Ans:
16.* In the potentiometer circuit shown, the balance point is at X. State with reason where the
balance point will be shifted when
(i)Resistance R is increased, keeping all parameters unchanged.
(ii)Resistance S is increased keeping R constant.
(iii)Cell P is replaced by another cell whose emf is lower than that of that cell Q.
P
R
A
X
B
Q
S
G
om
Ans: (i) As R is increased V/l will decrease hence X will shift towards B.
(ii)No effect.
(iii)Balance point is not found.
y.
c
17.* A potentiometer wire has a length L and resistance R0. It is connected to a battery and a
resistance combination as shown. Obtain an expression for the potential difference per unit length
of the potentiometer wire. What is the maximum emf of a test cell for which one can get a balance
point on this potentiometer wire? What precautions should one take while connecting this test cell
to the circuit?
ie
st
od
a
(3)
R
S
tu
d
.s
(3)
X
V
l
Ans : The potentiometer Y is preferred, as it has low potential gradient (V/l)
(3)
29
STUDY MATERIAL CLASS XII 2011-12
DOWNLOADED FROM WWW.STUDIESTODAY.COM
19. Two cells of emfs E1 and E2 (E1> E2) are connected as shown
E1
E2
When a potentiometer is connected between A and B, the balancing length of the potentiometer
wire is 300cm. On connecting the same potentiometer between A and C, the balancing length is
100cm. Calculate the ratio of E1 and E2.
Ans: E1 300, E1 E2 100, E1/ E2 = 3/2
IV. Electric energy and power
1. What is the largest voltage you can safely put across a resistor marked 98 - 0.5W?
y.
c
om
2. Which lamp has greater resistance (i) 60W and (ii) 100W when connected to the same supply?
3. Nichrome and Cu wires of the same length and same diameter are connected in series in an
(1)
(1)
(2)
ie
st
od
a
electric circuit. In which wire will the heat be produced at a higher rate? Give reason.
Ans: P = I2R P R Heat produced is higher in Nichrome wire.
4.* An electric bulb rated for 500W at 100V is used in circuit having a 200V supply. Calculate the
resistance R that must be put in series with the bulb, so that the bulb delivers 500W.
tu
d
Ans: Resistance of bulb=V2/P = 20, I = 5A, for the same power dissipation, current should be 5A
when the bulb is connected to a 200V supply. The safe resistance R = V/I = 40. Therefore, 20
(2)
.s
(2)
5. Two bulbs are marked 220V-100W and 220V-50W. They are connected in series to 220V mains.
(3)
Ans: Resistance of bulb R= V /P = 36/30 = 1.2 Current capacity of the bulb I = P/V = 5A
A resistance R to be added in series with the bulb to have current of 5 A, I = V/R + R =5, R = 22.8
30
STUDY MATERIAL CLASS XII 2011-12
DOWNLOADED FROM WWW.STUDIESTODAY.COM