ACTIVITIES

ACTIVITY 1
AIM
To assemble the components of a given electrical circuit.

APPARATUS AND MATERIAL REQUIRED

Resistor, ammeter, (0-1.5A) voltmeter (0-5V ), battery, one way key,
rheostat, sand paper, connecting wires.

P ROCEDURE
1. Connect the components
as shown in Fig. A 1.1.
2. After closing the key K,
check that the voltmeter
and ammeter show
deflections on the right
hand side.
3. Check the continuity of the
assembled circuit using a
multimeter (see Activity 4).
Fig. A 1.1 Assembling of given components

R ESULT
The components of the electrical circuit were assembled.

P RECAUTIONS
1. The positive terminal of the battery should be connected to the
positive terminal of ammeter and positive terminal of the voltmeter.
2. The ammeter should be connected in series with the resistor and
the voltmeter should be connected in parallel with the resistor.
3. Sand paper should be used to clean the ends of connecting wires
and leads of the component terminals. Grease/oil or oxide layer

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on their surfaces is insulating in nature and needs to be removed.

However, do not clean the plugs and keys with sand paper.
Excessive use of sand paper in such a case will make the plug
unfit to be used with the key.

D ISCUSSION
1. Draw the circuit diagram of the experiment before you start
connecting apparatus and keep infront of you.
2. The values of the resistances and the current carraying capacity
of the rheostat are given on a plate fixed on the body of rheostat.

S ELF ASSESSMENT
1. What do you mean by emf of a cell?
2. Does the current drawn from the cell remain constant? If
not, why?
3. Why is an ammeter always connected in series with the circuit?
4. Why is a voltmeter always connected in parallel to the component
across which voltage is to be measured?

SUGGESTED ADDITIONAL EXPERIMENTS/ACTIVITIES

1. Design different kinds of circuits that you will study in your class and
assemble them using the relevant components, for example (i) circuit to
measure the value of an unknown resistance using a meter bridge (ii) circuit
to compare e.m.f. of two cells using a potentiometer, etc.
2. Measure the voltmeter and ammeter readings for different rheostat settings
and verify if the ratio of potential difference across the resistor to the current
through it is constant.
3. Modify the circuit using two resistors which may either be connected in
series or in parallel.

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ACTIVITY 2
AIM
To draw the diagram of given open circuit comprising at least a battery,
resistor/rheostat, key, ammeter and voltmeter. Mark the components
that are not connected in proper order and correct the circuit and
also the circuit diagram.

APPARATUS AND MATERIAL REQUIRED

A given open circuit comprising atleast a cell or a battery, plug
key, resistor, rheostat, ammeter, voltmeter, connecting wires and
sand paper.

P RINCIPLE
An electrical circuit is functional only if all the components of the
circuit are connected in proper order, assuming that all circuit
components/devices are in working condition and key is closed.
An open circuit means a break in some part of a circuit which could
be deliberate such as a key in open position or a fault such as broken
wire or burnt out component(s) or loose connection. Some of such
circuits are given in Figs. A 2.1 (a), (b), (c) and (d).

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Fig. A 2.1 (a),(b),(c),(d) Open circuits

Note to teachers: In this activity, students are expected to draw

the diagram of a given open circuit comprising a few circuit
components e.g. a key, ammeter, voltmeter, resistor, rheostat etc.
After drawing the given circuit, students would be marking the
components which are not connected in proper order. Then a
correct circuit diagram is to be drawn and accordingly the circuit
components are to be connected in proper order.
Teachers are therefore advised to set up a few open circuits in
which some of the components are not arranged in proper order.

P ROCEDURE
1. Draw the circuit diagrams in your notebook as given by your
teacher [Fig. A 2.1(a), (b), (c) and (d)].
2. Consider one circuit and mark in Table A 2.1, the various
components which have not been connected in proper order.
3. Draw the correct circuit diagram.
4. Connect the electrical components according to corrected circuit
diagram.
5. Close the key in the circuit to verify if the corrected circuit is
functional.

Note: Rheostat can be used both as a variable resistance and potential

divider.
Rheostat as a variable resistance
1. Draw a diagram as given in Fig. A 2.2 (a) showing use of a rheostat
as a variable resistor.
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2. Connect the terminals of rheostat as drawn below using one end

terminal and the other variable terminal.

Variable resistance

Rh

End terminal End terminal

(1) (2)

(a)

Fig. A 2.2 (a) Rheostat as a variable resistor

(b) Rheostat as a potential divider giving variable voltage

Rheostat as a potential divider

1. Draw a diagram as given in Fig. A 2.2 (b) showing use of a rheostat
as a potential divider.
2. Connect the terminals of rheostat as drawn above using (i) the
end terminals (1) and (2) connected to input potential (battery)
and (ii) one end terminal and the other variable terminal for
variable voltage.

O
BSERVATIONS

Table A 2.1: Mark a (P ) in appropriate column

Sl. No. Circuit Correct Incorrect

Component Connection Connection
1 Battery/cell
2 Resistor
3 Rheostat
4 Key
5 Ammeter
6 Voltmeter

R
ESULT
The electrical circuit assembled as per the corrected circuit diagram
is functional.

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P RECAUTIONS
1. Ends of the connecting wires should be cleaned with sand paper
before making connections.
2. The positive terminal of the battery should be connected to the
positive terminal of the voltmeter and positive terminal of the
ammeter.
3. The ammeter should be connected in series with the resistor and
the voltmeter should be connected in parallel with it.

D ISCUSSION
1. (a) Rheostat can be used in series as a variable resistance. In
this case, the end terminal (1) and the other variable terminal
is to be used [Fig. A 2.2(a)].
(b) When rheostat has to be used as a potential divider across
the cell, the variable voltage is derived using any one end-
terminal and the variable terminal of the rheostat [Fig. A
2.2(b)].
Justify how the discussion points 1(a) and 1(b) are possible?
2. Key is to be kept “OPEN” so that no damage to the components
occur.

S ELF ASSESSMENT
1. Interpret the function of each component in the circuit.
2. Draw a circuit diagram of a rheostat as a variable resistance
showing the position of sliding contact for (i) maximum resistance
(ii) minimum resistance.
3. What is the function of sand paper in setting up the electric circuit?
4. A rheostat and a resistance box can change the resistance in a
circuit, yet their functions are different. Discuss it.

SUGGESTED ADDITIONAL EXPERIMENTS/ACTIVITIES

1. Draw a circuit diagram using rheostat as a potential divider. Make actual

connection and determine the voltage range it provides.
2. Study the different kinds of keys available in the laboratory and identify
their functions in the electric circuit.
3. Make a detailed study of different types of resistances available in the
laboratory (carbon resistor, wire wound resistance box).
4. Compare the connecting wires used in household circuits and those used in
the laboratory.
5. Make a study of different battery eliminators, dc sources (cells, batteries) in
the laboratories. How are they different as compared to car batteries?
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ACTIVITY 5
AIM
To assemble a household circuit comprising three bulbs, three
(on/off) switches, a fuse and a power source.

APPARATUS AND MATERIAL REQUIRED

Three bulbs (40 W, 220 V each), three (on/off) switches, socket, a fuse
of 1.0 A, plug, flexible connecting wire, main switch.

P RINCIPLE
If P1, P2, P3, P4, P5, ... be the power consumed by different domestic
electrical appliances in a circuit then the total power consumption, P
at any instant is given by

P = P1+ P2+ P3+ P4+ P5+ ... (A 5.1)

If electric potential is V, then current I drawn from the mains is given by

P (A 5.2)
I =
V

where P is in watt, V in volt

and I in ampere.
In order to protect the
appliances from damage,
when accidentally a high
current is drawn (e.g. when
the terminals of the appliance
get accidentally connected), a
fuse of rating little higher (10
to 20 per cent higher than the
current normally drawn) is
connected in series with the
set of appliances (Fig. A 5.1).
Fig. A 5.1

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P ROCEDURE
1. Take the bulbs B1, B2, B3 and connect them in series with switches
S1, S2 and S3 respectively. Connect B1, B2, B3 alongwith S1, S2, S3
in parallel with each other as shown in Fig. A 5.1.
2. Connect fuse F in series with the set up as shown in Fig. A 5.1.
Connect a plug and the socket at the end of two leads. Connect a
wire from the earth pin of the plug.
3. Insert the plug in socket provided in the main electric board.
4. Press the switches S1, S2, S3 one by one and observe the bulb
that is switched on and off independently of the other bulb.
5. Press all the switches simultaneously and observe what happens.
Record your observations.

R ESULT
Household circuit assembly is complete and installed with safety.

P RECAUTIONS
1. Care should be taken while working with mains.
2. Carefully determine the rating of the fuse by calculating the
maximum current drawn by the circuit.

D ISCUSSION
1. Fuse is a safety device. Never use fuse of much higher rating
than the recommended value.
2. The rating of the main electricity in our houses is determined by the
total power requirements. In general it is 220 V, 30 A and
50 Hz. The supply is connected to a distribution board which divides
the power into different circuits; some having a rating of 220 V,
15 A meant for heavy duty appliances like room heater,
airconditioner, geysers, hot plates etc., others have a rating of 220
V, 5 A meant for light appliances like light bulbs, ceiling fans etc.
Let us consider one electrical circuit with 220 V, 5 A supply. In
such a circuit all appliances are connected in parallel with a switch.
This switch is in series with each appliance in supply live line.

S ELF ASSESSMENT
1. Calculate the maximum current drawn for three bulbs used in
the circuit.
SUGGESTED ADDITIONAL EXPERIMENTS/ACTIVITIES
1. Draw a circuit diagram consisting of two light points, one fan point
and one plug point.
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ACTIVITY 6
AIM
To study the variation in potential drop with length of a wire for a
steady current.

APPARATUS AND MATERIAL REQUIRED

Potentiometer, battery eliminator of constant voltage, dc power
supply or lead accumulator, voltmeter and ammeter of suitable
range, plug key, jockey, rheostat, connecting wires, etc.

P RINCIPLE
If a steady current is flowing through a wire of uniform area of cross
section and having its resistance per unit length constant, potential
drop V across two points of the wire is directly proportional to the
length l between those two points.

Mathematically, Vαl

P ROCEDURE
1. Set up the electrical
circuit as shown in
Fig. A 6.1.
2. Connect positive
terminal of the battery
to point A (zero length)
of the potentiometer.
3. Connect negative end
of the battery to the
other end B (point) of
the potentiometer wire
through an ammeter,
plug key and a Fig. A 6.1 Circuit to study variation in potential drop
rheostat. The ammeter
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should be connected in such a way that its negative terminal is

connected to the negative terminal of the battery.
4. Connect positive end of the voltmeter to point A and other end to
a jockey J.
5. Now close the key K and press the jockey at point B. Adjust the
rheostat to get full scale deflection in voltmeter.
6. When jockey is pressed at point A, you will get zero deflection in
the voltmeter.
7. Now press the jockey at 40 cm and note the corresponding
voltmeter reading.
8. Repeat your observation by pressing the jockey at various lengths
like 80 cm, 120 cm etc. which may extend upto, say 400 cm of
potentiometer wire. Record voltmeter reading in each case as
shown in Table A 6.1.

O BSERVATIONS
Range of the voltmeter = ... V
Least count of the voltmeter = ...V
Zero error = ... V

Table A 6.1: Variation in potential drop with length

Sl. No. Length of potential wire over Voltmeter reading φ = V/l

which potential drop is V (V) (V cm–1)
measured l (cm)

1
2
--
5

Mean
C ALCULATIONS

V
The ratio = φ is calculated. It is the potential gradient of the wire.
l
Its value is almost constant.

P LOTTING GRAPH
Plot a graph of V versus I, with V on y-axis and I on x-axis. Slope of
the line gives φ .
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R ESULT

V 
The ratio   = φ is found to be constant within the limits of
l
experimental error. Its mean value is... V cm–1.

The graph shows a linear relationship between V and l . The value of

V 
  = φ from the graph is ... V cm–1.
l

P RECAUTIONS
1. Zero error in the voltmeter and ammeter (if there is any) should
be corrected by adjusting the screw provided at the base of
the needle.
2. The current in the wire should remain constant throughout the
experiment. To ensure this, current should be drawn
intermittently for short duration of time. It should be monitored
by an ammeter and readjusted whenever necessary, with the help
of a rheostat.
3. Do not press the wire too hard with the jockey while noting down
the observations or else there is a possibility that the wire will
become non-uniform (diameter will change) at these points during
the course of time.
4. Check for uniformity of wire at its various points before the start
of the experiment. If wire is non-uniform, the potential gradient
will not be constant.

S
OURCES OF ERROR
1. The wire must have a uniform cross section along its entire
length. This should be checked by measuring its diameter at
various points before the start of the experiment.
2. Voltmeter may not give accurate reading.

D ISCUSSION
1. The potentiometer wire is connected firmly to thick copper
strips after every 100 cm of its length of 400 or 1000 cm.
However, these small sections of wire do not contribute to the
total length of the potentiometer wire since electrical current
flows through the copper strips rather than the potentiometer
wire in these sections.

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2. Potentiometer has the advantage that it draws no current from

the voltage source being measured. As such it is unaffected by
the internal resistance of the source.
3. If the graph is non-linear, what conclusion will you draw?

S ELF ASSESSMENT
1. A 100 cm wire of homogeneous material and uniform area of cross-
section form a square as shown in Fig. A 6.2. How can this
arrangement be used to select voltages 1/4, 1/2, 3/4 of the
voltage across AE.

2. A rheostat Rh used in laboratories along with a key K,

battery of emf E and internal resistance r is shown in
Fig. A 6.3. RL is some load resistance that represents
an auxiliary circuit which may be there in reality. If D
is the midpoint of the wire AB, what would be the
voltmeter reading? Does it depend on the value of RL or
Fig. A 6.2 RV, if RV represents the resistance of the voltmeter? Does
it depend on r ?

Fig. A 6.3

3. Consider a case in the above problem, wherein a potential

difference across ends A and B of the wire is 3 V. An experiment
requires a potential difference of 1.7 V as precise as possible.
Think of the possibilities of reducing emf of the source, using
another resistor in series or using a rheostat of the same resistance
but of greater length.
Is it possible to get negative potentials using the same circuit? If
yes, how?
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SUGGESTED ADDITIONAL EXPERIMENTS/ACTIVITIES

1. Connect a circuit as shown in Fig. A 6.3. Record potential difference at

various length l from end A. Plot a graph of V versus l. Obtain from the graph
the length that corresponds to 1.3 V. Draw a circuit diagram to show how
you can supply 1.3 V to an auxiliary circuit that works at 1.3 V.

2. A small circuit called the ‘level indicator’ (popularly known as dancing LED’s)
is available in the entertainment electronics market. It is often used in
stereophonic two-in-one recorders or graphic equalisers. Connect such a
circuit in place of a voltmeter in this activity and estimate the voltage levels
at which the LED’s in the array glow one after another.

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