PRAGYA PUNJ PUBLIC SCHOOL

Affiliated to C.B.S.E, New Delhi

Class notes on Electricity Class 10 2023-24

• Electric Current: The flow of electric charge is known as Electric Current. Electric
current is carried by moving electrons through a conductor.
• By convention, electric current flows in the opposite direction to the movement of
electrons.
• According to charge quantization, any charged particle can have a charge equal to
some integral number of e, i.e., Q = n e, where n=1, 2, 3, Here, is the value of charge
on the electron.
As a result, a charge cannot have any arbitrary value but must be an integral
multiple of the fundamental charge.

Expression of Electric Current: Electric current is denoted by the letter ‘I’. Electric current
is expressed by the rate of flow of electric charges. Rate of flow means, the amount of charge
flowing through a particular area in unit time.

If a net electric charge (Q) flows through a cross-section of a conductor in time t, then,

Where I is electric current, Q is a net charge and t is a time in second.

S.I. Unit of Electric Charge and Current: S.I. unit of electric charge is coulomb (C).
One coulomb is nearly equal to 6 × 1018 electrons. S.I. unit of electric current is ampere (A).

1 Ampere is the flow of electric charge through a surface at the rate of one coulomb per
second. This means, if 1 coulomb of electric charge flows through a cross section for 1
second, it would be equal to 1 ampere.
Therefore, 1 A = 1 C/1 s

Small Quantity of Electric Current: Small quantity of electric current is expressed in

milliampere and microampere. Milliampere is written as mA and microampere as pA.
1 mA (milliampere) = 10-3 A
1 pA (microampere) = 10-6 A
 PRAGYA PUNJ PUBLIC SCHOOL
Affiliated to C.B.S.E, New Delhi

Electric Circuit: Electric circuit is a continuous and closed path of electric current.

Charge: Like mass, the charge is the fundamental property of matter. There are two types of
charge
(i) Positive charge.
(ii) Negative charge.

Positive and Negative Charge: The charge acquired by a glass rod when rubbed with silk is
called a positive charge and the charge acquired by an ebonite rod when rubbed with wool is
called negative charge.

Properties of Electric Charge:

(i) Unlike charges attract each other and like charges repel each other.
(ii) The force between two charges varies directly as the product of two charges and inversely
as the square of the distance (r) between both charges (q1 and q2).

S.I. unit of charge is coulomb (C).

1 coulomb = 1 ampere × 1 second.
1C = 1A × 1s
Thus, the quantity of charge which flows through a circuit when one ampere of current flows
through it in one second is known as a 1-coulomb charge.

Electric Potential and Potential Difference

• Electric Potential: The amount of electric potential energy at a point is called electric
potential. Or
Electric potential is the work done per unit charge to bring the charge from infinity to
a point in an electric field.
• Potential Difference: The difference in the amount of electric potential energy
between two points in an electric circuit is called electric potential difference.
Or
Potential difference is the difference between the potentials between two points in the
electric field.
Electric potential difference is known as voltage, which is equal to the amount of
work done to move the unit charge between two points against static electric field.
Therefore, Voltage = Work done / Charge
 PRAGYA PUNJ PUBLIC SCHOOL
Affiliated to C.B.S.E, New Delhi

Voltage or electric potential difference is denoted by V’. Therefore, V = WQ

Where, W = Work done and Q = Charge

S.I. Unit of Electric Potential Difference (Voltage)

S.I. unit of electric potential difference is volt and denoted by ‘V’ This is named in honour of
Italian Physicist Alessandro Volta.
Since joule is the unit of work and Coulomb is the unit of charge, 1 volt of electric potential
difference is equal to the 1 joule of work to be done to move a charge of 1 coulomb from one
point to another in an electric circuit.

Therefore
1V = 1Joule/1Coulomb = 1J/1C
1V = 1JC-1

Electric Potential Potential Difference

Electric potential is the work done per unit Potential difference is the difference
charge to bring the charge from infinity to a between the potentials between two points
point in an electric field. in the electric field.
The unit of electric potential is volts. The unit of potential difference is volts.
Electric potential is a scalar quantity. Potential difference is also a scalar quantity.
Electric Potential is taken as zero at infinity. There is no as such concept for potential
difference.

• 5000 J of work would be done to carry how much charge between two points having
potential difference of 100 V?
• To carry how much charge between two points having potential difference equal to
220 V, 1760 J of work is done?
Question 1: A charge of 10mC is moved from infinity to point A in the Electric field. The
work done in this process is 20 Joules. What is the Potential difference?
Question 2: A Charge of 50mC is moved from one point to another (from A to B). The
voltage at A is 50kV, and the Voltage at B is 30kV, Find the Work done by the charge.

• Voltmeter: An apparatus to measure the potential difference or electric potential

difference between two points in an electric circuit.
• Galvanometer: It is a device to detect current in an electric circuit.
• Ammeter: An apparatus to measure electric current in a circuit.

Ohm’s Law: Ohm’s Law states that the potential difference between two points is directly
proportional to the electric current, at a constant temperature.
This means potential difference V varies as electric current.
V∝I
V = RI
 PRAGYA PUNJ PUBLIC SCHOOL
Affiliated to C.B.S.E, New Delhi

I = VR
R = VI
Where, R is constant for the given conductor at a given temperature and is called resistance.
Resistance: Resistance is the property of conductor which resists the flow of electric current
through it.
S.I. unit of resistance is ohm. Ohm is denoted by Greek letter ‘Q’
1 Ohm: 1 ohm (Q) of resistance (R) is equal to the flow 1A of current through a conductor
between two points having a potential difference equal to 1V.
This means; 1Ω = 1V / 1A
From the expression of Ohm’s Law, it is obvious that electric current through a resistor is
inversely proportional to resistance. This means electric current will decrease with an
increase in resistance and vice versa. The graph of V (potential difference) versus I (electric
current) is always a straight line.

Graph of Potential Difference (V) Vs Electric Current (I)

Voltage, i.e. Potential diffrence (V) = ?
We know, from Ohm’s Law that,
R=V/I
15 Ω = V / 15A
V = 225V
Resistance: Resistance is a property of conductor due to which it resists the flow of electric
current through it. A component that is used to resist the flow of electric current in a circuit is
called a resistor.
In practical application, resistors are used to increase or decrease the electric current.
Variable Resistance: The component of an electric circuit which is used to regulate the
current, without changing the voltage from the source, is called variable resistance.
Rheostat: This is a device which is used in a circuit to provide variable resistance.
Cause of Resistance in a Conductor: Flow of electrons in a conductor is electric current.
The positive particles of conductor create hindrance to flow of electrons, because of attraction
between them, this hindrance is the cause of resistance in the flow of electricity.
Factors on Which Resistance of a Conductor Depends: Resistance in a conductor depends on
nature, length and area of cross section of the conductor.
(i) Nature of Material: Some materials create least hindrance and hence, are called good
conductors. Silver is the best conductor of electricity. While some other materials create more
hindrance in the flow of electric current, i.e. flow of electrons through them. Such materials
are called bad conductors. Bad conductor are also known as insulators. Hard plastic is the one
of the best insulators of electricity.
 PRAGYA PUNJ PUBLIC SCHOOL
Affiliated to C.B.S.E, New Delhi

(ii) Length of Conductor: Resistance (R) is directly proportional to the length of the
conductor. This means, resistance increases with increase in length of the conductor. This is
the cause that long electric wires create more resistance to the electric current. Thus,
Resistance (R) ∝ length of conductor (l)
or, R ∝ l …(i)
(iii) Area of Cross Section: Resistance R is inversely proportional to the area of cross
section (A) of the conductor. This means R will decrease with an increase in the area of
conductor and vice versa. More area of conductor facilitates the flow of electric current
through more area and thus, decreases the resistance. This is the cause that thick copper wire
creates less resistance to the electric current.
Thus, resistance (R) ∝ 1/Area of cross section of conductor (A)
or, R ∝ lA ….(ii)
From equations (i) and (ii)
R ∝ lA
R = ρ lA
Where, ρ (rho) is the proportionality constant. It is called the electrical resistivity of the
material of conductor.
From equation (iii) RA = ρl ⇒ ρ = RAl ..(iv)

The S.I. of Resistivity: Since, the S.I. unit of R is Q, S.I. unit of area is m2 and S.I. unit of
length is m. Hence, unit of resistivity (ρ) = Ω×m2m = Ωm
Thus, S.I. unit of resistivity (ρ) is Ωm.
Resistivity: It is defined as the resistance offered by a cube of a material of side 1m when
current flows perpendicular to its opposite faces. It’s S.I. unit is ohm-meter (Ωm).
Resistivity, ρ = RAl
Resistivity is also known as specific resistance.
Resistivity depends on the nature of the material of the conductor.
Materials having a resistivity in the range of 10-8 Ωm to 10-6 Ωm are considered as very good
conductors. Silver has resistivity equal to 1.60 × 10-8 Ωm and copper has resistivity equal to
1.62 × 10-8 Ωm.
Rubber and glass are very good insulators. They have a resistivity in the order of 10-12 Ωm to
10-8 Ωm.
The resistivity of materials varies with temperature.
Combination of resistors (Series and Parallel combination), the heating effect of electric
current and electric power.
Combination of Resistors
(i) Series combination
(ii) Parallel combination.
1. Resistors in Series: When resistors are joined from end to end, it is called in series. In this
case, the total resistance of the system is equal to the sum of the resistance of all the resistors
in the system.
 PRAGYA PUNJ PUBLIC SCHOOL
Affiliated to C.B.S.E, New Delhi

Let, three resistors R1, R2, and R3 get connected in series.

Potential difference across A and B = V
Potential difference across R1, R2 and R3 = V1, V2 and V3
Current flowing through the combination = I
We, know that
V= V1 + V2 + V3 …. (i)
According to Ohm’s Law :
V1 = IR1, V2 = IR2 and V3 = IR3 ….. (ii)
Let, total resistance = Rs
Then, V = IRs …(iii)
From equations (i) and (ii) and (iii)
IRs = IR1 + IR2 + IR3
Rs = R1 + R2 + R3
When the resistors are connected in series, the current flowing through each resistor is the
same and is equal to the total current.
2. Resistors in Parallel: When resistors are joined in parallel, the reciprocal of the total
resistance of the system is equal to the sum of reciprocal of the resistance of resistors.

Let three resistors R1, R2 and R3 connected in parallel.

Potential difference across point A and B = V
Total current flowing between point A and B = I
Currents flowing through resistors R1, R2 and R3 = I1, I2 and I3 respectively.
We, know that,
I = I1 + I2 + I3 …….(i)
Since, the potential difference across R1, R2, and R3 is the same = V
According to Ohm’s Law,
 PRAGYA PUNJ PUBLIC SCHOOL
Affiliated to C.B.S.E, New Delhi

In parallel combination, the potential difference across each resistor is the same and is equal
to the total potential difference.
The total current through the circuit can be calculated by adding the electric current through
individual resistors.
Itotal = 6A + 48A + 30A + 12A + 24A = 120A
Heating Effect of Electric Current: When electric current is supplied to a purely resistive
conductor, the energy of electric current is dissipated entirely in the form of heat and as a
result, resistor gets heated. The heating of resistor because of dissipation of electrical energy
is commonly known as Heating Effect of Electric Current. Some examples are as follows :
When electric energy is supplied to an electric bulb, the filament gets heated because of
which, it gives light. The heating of electric bulb happens because of heating effect of electric
current.
Cause of Heating Effect of Electric Current: Electric current generates heat to overcome
the resistance offered by the conductor through which it passes. Higher the resistance, the
electric current will generate higher amount of heat. Thus, generation of heat by electric
current while passing through a conductor is an inevitable consequence. This heating effect is
used in many appliances, such as electric iron, electric heater, electric geyser, etc.
Joule’s Law Of Heating: Let, an electric current, I is flowing through a resistor having
resistance = R.
The potential difference through the resistor is = V.
The charge, Q flows through the circuit for the time, t
Thus, work done in moving of charge (Q) of potential difference (V),
W=V×Q
Since this charge, Q flows through the circuit for time t
Therefore, power input (P) to the circuit can be given by the following equation :
P = WT
P = V × Qt …..(i)
We know, electric current, I = Qt
Substituting Qt = I in equation (i), we get,
P = VI …(ii)
i.e., P = VI
Since, the electric energy is supplied for time ?, thus, after multiplying both sides of equation
(ii) by time t, we get,
P × t = VI × t = VIt ……(iii)
 PRAGYA PUNJ PUBLIC SCHOOL
Affiliated to C.B.S.E, New Delhi

i.e., P = VIt
Thus, for steady current I, the heat produced (H) in time t is equal to VIt
H = VIt i.e., H = VIt
We know, according to Ohm’s Law,
V = IR
By substituting this value of V in equation (iii), we get,
H = IR × It
H = I2Rt ……(iv)
The expression (iv) is known as Joule’s Law of Heating, which states that heat produced in a
resistor is directly proportional to the square of current given to the resistor, directly
proportional to the resistance for a given current and directly proportional to the time for
which the current is flowing through the resistor.
Electric Bulb: In an electric bulb, the filament of bulb gives light because of the heating
effect of electricity. The filament of bulb is generally, made of tungsten metal, having
melting point equal to 3380°C.
Electric Iron: The element of electric iron is made of alloys having high melting poir^
Electric heater and geyser work on the same mechanism.
Electric Fuse: Electric fuse is used to protect the electric appliances from high voltage if any.
Electric fuse is made of metal or alloy of metals, such as aluminum, copper, iron, lead, etc. In
the case of flow of higher voltage than specified, fuse wire melts and protect the electric
appliances.
Fuse of 1A, 2A, 3A, 5A, 10A, etc., used for domestic purpose.
Suppose, if an electric heater consumes 1000W at 220 V.
Then electric current in circuit
I = PV
I = 1000W220V = 4.5 A
Thus, in this case of 5A should be used to protect the electric heater in the flow of higher
voltage.
Electric Power
S.I. unit of electric power is watt (W).
1W = 1 volt × 1 ampere = 1V × 1A
I kilowatt or 1kW = 1000 W
Consumption of electricity (electric energy) is generally measured in kilowatt.
Unit of electric energy is kilowatt-hour (kWh).
1 kWh = 1000 watt × 1 hour = 1 unit = 1000 W × 3600 s
1 kWh = 3.6 x 106 watt second = 3.6 × 106 J

Few Terms: -

Conductor: The material which can allow the flow of electrons through itself is called the
conductor. It has a large number of free electrons. It offers low opposition in the flow of
current.
 PRAGYA PUNJ PUBLIC SCHOOL
Affiliated to C.B.S.E, New Delhi

Insulator: The material which does not allow the flow of electrons through itself is called
insulator. It has less or no free electrons. It offers high opposition in the flow of current.
Electric Current: The amount of flow charge through any cross-sectional area of a
conductor in unity time is called Electric Current.
It is represented by ‘I’
I = QT
Unit of Electric Current: It is CS-1 (coulomb per second) or Ampere (A). Electric Current is
a scalar quantity. It is measured by an ammeter.
Direction: The direction of conventional current (or practical current) is opposite to the flow
of electrons.
Electric potential: Electric Potential at any point in the electric field is defined as the amount
of work done to bring the unit positive charge from infinity (from outside the electric field) to
that point.
V =WQ, S.I. unit of Electric Potential is JC-1 or volt (V). It is a scalar quantity. The +ve
charge flows from higher to lower potential. The -ve charge flows from lower to a higher
potential. The difference of electric potential between any two points in the electric field is
called Electric Potential difference. It is known as a voltage which is equal to the work done
per unit charge between two points against the static electric field.
VAB = VA – VB = WABQ
Electric Potential difference is measured by a voltmeter.
Ohm’s Law: According to this law “Under the constant physical condition the potential
difference across the conductor is directly proportional to the current flowing through
the conductor.”
V∝I
V = IR …[Where R is proportionality constant called resistance of conductor]
⇒ I = VR
R depends upon nature, geometry and physical condition of the conductor.
The heat generated by electric current: The potential difference between two points in an
electrical field is equal to the work done in moving a unit charge from one point to another.
Then, work is done, W = VQ and Q = I × t
W=V×I×t
From Ohm’s Law, we know that
V = IR
W = IR × I × t = I2.Rt
Since heat produced by the electric current is equal to work done, W
H=W
⇒ H (heat) = I2Rt Joule.
Resistance: Ratio of the applied voltage to the current flowing in the conductor is called
resistance of the conductor.
⇒ R = VI
S.I. Unit of resistance is VA-1 or ohm (Ω).
Resistance is the opposition offered by the conductor in the flow of current.
Practically it is
 PRAGYA PUNJ PUBLIC SCHOOL
Affiliated to C.B.S.E, New Delhi

R ∝ L (L is the length of a conductor)

R ∝ 1/A (A is the area of a conductor)
So, R ∝ L/A
R = ρL/A …[Where p is proportionality constant called specific resistance of conductor
It only depend upon nature (material) and temperature of conductor.
Specific resistance or Resistivity = ρ = RA /L
It’s S.I. Unit is Qm
Combination of resistance:
In this combination the current across every component is same but potential across every
component is different.
If resistance R1, R2 and R3 are connected in series with a battery of Potential V, then
equivalence resistance of the combination
R = R1 + R2 + R3
The parallel combination of resistance:
In this combination the current across every component is different. But potential across
every component is the same.
If resistance R1, R2 and R3 are connected in parallel with a battery of Potential V, then
equivalence resistance of combination
1R=1R1+1R2+1R3
Electric Energy is amount of work done to maintain the continuous flow of electric current
in the circuit.
Its S.I. unit is joule (J).
Electric power (P): The electric work done per unit time is called electric power.
Electric Power = ElectricworkdoneTimetaken
or P = Wt
Electric power is also defined as the electric energy consumed per unit time.
P = Et
S.I. unit of electric power is Watt. When one joule of energy is used for one second, electric
power is equal to one watt.
Derivation of formula for electric power:
We know that electric work done, W = V × I × t or P = VItt
P = VI
Electric power in watts = Volts × ampere
Also V = IR …[According to Ohm’s Law]
So P = IR × I
P = I2R
We know that I = VR
P = (VR)2 × R = V2R Watt
The maximum value of electric current that can pass through an electric appliance without
damaging electric appliance is called current rating of electric appliance.