Chapter 9: Current Electricity

EXERCISES [PAGES 228 - 229]

Exercises | Q 1.1 | Page 228

Kirchhoff’s first law, i.e., ΣI = 0 at a junction, deals with the conservation of
1. charge
2. energy
3. momentum
4. mass

SOLUTION
charge
Explanation: The principle of conservation of electric charge implies that: at any node
(junction) in an electrical circuit, the sum of currents flowing into that node is equal to
the sum of currents flowing out of that node. This is known as Kirchhoff's current law.
Exercises | Q 1.2 | Page 228

When the balance point is obtained in the potentiometer, a current is drawn from
1. both the cells and auxiliary battery
2. cell only
3. auxiliary battery only
4. neither cell nor auxiliary battery

SOLUTION
Neither cell nor auxiliary battery
Exercises | Q 1.3 | Page 228

In the following circuit diagram, an infinite series of resistances is shown. Equivalent

resistance between points A and B is

1. infinite
2. zero
3. 2Ω
4. 30 Ω
SOLUTION
2Ω
Exercises | Q 1.4 | Page 228
Four resistances 10 Ω, 10 Ω, 10 Ω and 15 Ω form a Wheatstone’s network. What shunt
is required across 15 Ω resistor to balance the bridge
1. 10 Ω
2. 15 Ω
3. 20 Ω
4. 30 Ω

SOLUTION
30 Ω
Exercises | Q 1.5 | Page 228

A circular loop has a resistance of 40 Ω. Two points P and Q of the loop, which are one-
quarter of the circumference apart are connected to a 24 V battery, having an internal
resistance of 0.5 Ω. What is the current flowing through the battery?
1. 0.5 A
2. 1A
3. 2A
4. 3A

SOLUTION
3A
Explanation:
A circular loop has a resistance of 40 Ω.
Two points P and Q of the loop, which are one quarter of the circumference apart
Resistance of Each part = (1/4) 40 = 10 Ω and (3/4) 40 = 30 Ω
10 Ω ║ 30 Ω
1/R = 1/10 + 1/30
⇒ 1/R = (3 + 1)/30
⇒ R = 30/4
⇒ R = 7.5 Ω.
internal resistance of 0.5 Ω.
Total Resistance = 7.5 + 0.5 = 8 Ω
Voltage applied = 24V
Current = 24/8 = 3A
3A current flowing through the battery.
Exercises | Q 1.6 | Page 228

To find the resistance of a gold bangle, two diametrically opposite points of the bangle
are connected to the two terminals of the left gap of a meter bridge. A resistance of 4 Ω
is introduced in the right gap. What is the resistance of the bangle if the null point is at
20 cm from the left end?
1. 2 Ω
2. 4 Ω
3. 8 Ω
4. 16 Ω

SOLUTION
4Ω
Exercises | Q 2.01 | Page 228
Define or describe a Potentiometer.

SOLUTION
The potentiometer is a device used for accurate measurement of potential difference as
well as the emf of a cell. It does not draw any current from the circuit at the null point.
Thus, it acts as an ideal voltmeter and it can be used to determine the internal
resistance of a cell. It consists of a long uniform wire AB of length L, stretched on a
wooden board. A cell of stable emf (E), with a plug key K in series, is connected across
AB as shown in the following figure.

Exercises | Q 2.02 | Page 228

Define Potential Gradient.

SOLUTION
The potential gradient is defined as the potential difference (the fall of potential from the
high potential end) per unit length of the wire.
Exercises | Q 2.03 | Page 228
Why should not the jockey be slided along the potentiometer wire?
SOLUTION
Sliding the jockey on the potentiometer wire decreases the cross-sectional area of the
wire and thereby affects the fall of potential along the wire. This affects the
potentiometer readings. Hence, the jockey should not be slided along the potentiometer
wire.
Exercises | Q 2.04 | Page 228
Are Kirchhoff’s laws applicable to both AC and DC currents?

SOLUTION
Kirchhoff's laws are applicable to both AC and DC circuits (networks). For AC circuits
with different loads, (e.g. a combination of a resistor and a capacitor, the instantaneous
values for current and voltage are considered for addition.
Exercises | Q 2.05 | Page 228
In Wheatstone’s meter-bridge experiment, the null point is obtained in the middle one-
third portion of the wire. Why is it recommended?

SOLUTION

1. The value of unknown resistance X, may not be accurate due to the non-
uniformity of the bridge wire and development of contact resistance at the ends
of the wire.

2. To minimize these errors, the value of R is so adjusted that the null point is
obtained in the middle one-third of the wire (between 34 cm and 66 cm) so that
the percentage errors in the measurement of lx and lR are minimum and nearly
the same.

Exercises | Q 2.06 | Page 228

State any two sources of errors in the meter-bridge experiment. Explain how they can
be minimized.
SOLUTION

The chief sources of error in the meter bridge experiment are as follows:

1. The bridge wire may not be uniform in cross-section. Then the wire will not have
a uniform resistance per unit length and hence its resistance will not be
proportional to its length.
2. End resistances at the two ends of the wire may be introduced due to
(i) the resistance of the metal strips
(ii) the contact resistance of the bridge wire with the metal strips
 (iii) unmeasured lengths of the wire at the ends because the contact points of the
wire with the metal strips do not coincide with the two ends of the metre scale
attached.

Such errors are almost unavoidable but can be minimized considerably as follows:

1. Readings must be taken by adjusting the standard known resistance such that
the null point is obtained close to the centre of the wire. When several readings
are to be taken, the null points should lie in the middle one-third of the wire.
2. The measurements must be repeated with the standard resistance (resistance
box) and the unknown resistance interchanged in the gaps of the bridge,
obtaining the averages of the two results.

Exercises | Q 2.07 | Page 228

What is a potential gradient? How is it measured? Explain.

SOLUTION
The potential gradient is defined as the fall of potential per unit length of potentiometer
wire. The gradient of potential energy is a force (measured in newtons).
Consider a potentiometer consisting of a long uniform wire AB of length L and
resistance R, stretched on a wooden board and connected in series with a cell of stable
emf E and internal resistance rand a plug key K as shown in the following figure.

Let I be the current flowing through the wire when the circuit is closed.
Exercises | Q 2.08 | Page 228
On what factors does the potential gradient of the wire depend?

SOLUTION
The potential gradient depends upon the potential difference between the ends of the
wire and the length of the wire.
Exercises | Q 2.09 | Page 228
Why is a potentiometer preferred over a voltmeter for measuring emf?

SOLUTION
A voltmeter should ideally have an infinite resistance so that it does not draw any
current from the circuit. However a voltmeter cannot be designed to have infinite
resistance. A potentiometer does not draw any current from the circuit at the null point.
Therefore, it gives a more accurate measurement. Thus, it acts as an ideal voltmeter.
Exercises | Q 2.10 | Page 228
State the uses of a potentiometer.

SOLUTION
The applications (uses) of the potentiometer:
1. Voltage divider: The potentiometer can be used as a voltage divider to change
the output voltage of a voltage supply.

2. Audio control: Sliding potentiometers are commonly used in modem low-power

audio systems as audio control devices. Both sliding (faders) and rotary
potentiometers (knobs) are regularly used for frequency attenuation, loudness
control and for controlling different characteristics of audio signals.

3. Potentiometer as a sensor: lf the slider of the potentiometer is connected to the

moving part of a machine, it can work as a motion sensor. A small displacement
of the moving part causes a change in potential which is further amplified using
an amplifier circuit. The potential difference is calibrated in terms of displacement
of the moving part.
 4. To measure the emf (for this, the emf of the standard cell and potential gradient
must be known).

5. To compare the emfs of two cells.

6. To determine the internal resistance of a cell.

Exercises | Q 2.11 | Page 228

What are the disadvantages of a potentiometer?

SOLUTION
Disadvantages of a potentiometer over a voltmeter:
1. The use of a potentiometer is an indirect measurement method while a voltmeter
is a direct reading instrument.

2. A potentiometer is unwieldy while a voltmeter is portable.

3. Unlike a voltmeter, the use of a potentiometer in measuring an unknown emf

requires a standard source of emf and calibration.

Exercises | Q 2.12 | Page 228

Distinguish between a potentiometer and a voltmeter.

SOLUTION

Potentiometer Voltmeter
1. A potentiometer is used to determine the A voltmeter can be used to measure the
emf of a cell, potential difference, and potential difference and terminal voltage
internal resistance. of a cell. But it cannot be used to
measure the emf of a cell.
2. Its accuracy and sensitivity are very Its accuracy and sensitivity are less as
high. compared to a potentiometer.

3. It is not a portable instrument. It is a portable instrument.

4. It does not give a direct reading. It gives a direct reading.

Exercises | Q 2.13 | Page 228

What will be the effect on the position of zero deflection if only the current flowing
through the potentiometer wire is increased?
SOLUTION
On increasing the current through the potentiometer wire, the potential gradient along
the wire will increase. Hence, the position of zero deflection will occur at a shorter
length.
Exercises | Q 3 | Page 228
With the help of a labelled diagram, show that the balancing condition of a Wheatstone
bridge is

SOLUTION
Wheatstone's network or bridge is a circuit for indirect measurement of resistance by
the null comparison method by comparing it with a standard known resistance. It
consists of four resistors with resistances P, Q, R and S arranged in the form of a
quadrilateral ABCD. A cell (E) with a plug key (K) in series is connected across one
diagonal AC and a galvanometer (G) across the other diagonal BD as shown in the
following figure.

With the key K closed, currents pass through the resistors and the galvanometer. One
or more of the resistances is adjusted until no deflection in the galvanometer can be
detected. The bridge is then said to be balanced.
Let I be the current drawn from the cell. At junction A, it divides into a current I 1 through
P and a current I2 through S.
I = I1 + I2 (by Kirchhoffs first law).
At junction B, current Ig flows through the galvanometer and current I1 - Ig flows through
Q. At junction D, I2 and lg combine. Hence, the current I2 +lg flows through R from D to
C. At junction C, I1 - Ig and I2 +lg combine. Hence, current I1 + I2 ( = l) leaves junction C.
Applying Kirchhoff's voltage law to loop ABDA in a clockwise sense, we get,
- I1P - IgG + I2S = 0 ...(1)
where G is the resistance of the galvanometer.
Applying Kirchhoff's voltage law to loop BCDB in a clockwise sense, we get,
- (I1 - Ig)Q + (I2 + Ig)R + IgG = 0 .....(2)
When lg = 0, the bridge (network) is said to be balanced. In that case, from Eqs. (1) and
(2), we get,
I1P = I2S .....(3)
and I1Q = I2R .....(4)
From Eqs. (3) and (4), we get,

Exercises | Q 4 | Page 228

Explain with a neat circuit diagram how will you determine unknown resistance ‘X' by
using meter bridge

SOLUTION
A meter bridge consists of a rectangular wooden board with two L-shaped thick metallic
strips fixed along its three edges. A single thick metallic strip separates two L-shaped
strips. A wire of length one meter and uniform cross-section is stretched on a meter
scale fixed on the wooden board. The ends of the wire are fixed to the L-shaped
metallic strips.

An unknown resistance X is connected in the left gap and a resistance box R is

connected in the right gap as shown above figure. One end of a center-zero
galvanometer (G) is connected to terminal C and the other end is connected to a pencil
jockey (J). A cell (E) of emf E, plug key (K) and rheostat (Rh) are connected in series
between points A and B.
Working: Keeping a suitable resistance (R) in the resistance box, key K is closed to
pass a current through the circuit. The jockey is tapped along the wire to locate the
equipotential point D when the galvanometer shows zero deflection. The bridge is then
balanced and point D is called the null point and the method is called a null deflection
method. The distances lx and lR of the null point from the two ends of the wire are
measured.

Exercises | Q 5 | Page 228

Describe Kelvin’s method to determine the resistance of the galvanometer by using a

meter bridge.

SOLUTION
Kelvin's method:
Circuit: The meter bridge circuit for Kelvin's method of determination of the resistance
of a galvanometer is shown in the following figure. The galvanometer whose resistance
G is to be determined is connected in one gap of the meter bridge. A resistance box
providing a variable known resistance R is connected to the other gap.
Kelvin's meter bridge circuit for the measurement of galvanometer resistance
where, G: Galvanometer, R: Resistance box, AC: Uniform resistance wire, D: Balance
point, E: Cell, K: Plug key, Rh: Rheostat
The junction B of the galvanometer and the resistance box is connected directly to a
pencil jockey. A cell of emf E, a key (K) and a rheostat (Rh) are connected across AC.
Working: Keeping a suitable resistance R in the resistance box and maximum
resistance in the rheostat, key K is closed to pass the current. The rheostat resistance is
slowly reduced such that the galvanometer shows about 2/3rd of the full-scale
deflection.
On tapping the jockey at end-points A and C, the galvanometer deflection should
change to opposite sides of the initial deflection. Only then will there be a point D on the
wire which is equipotential with point B. The jockey is tapped along the wire to locate
the equipotential point D when the galvanometer shows no change in deflection. Point D
is now called the balance point and Kelvin's method is thus an equal deflection method.
At this balanced condition,

where lG ≡ the length of the wire opposite to the galvanometer, IR ≡ the length of the wire
opposite to the resistance box.
Exercises | Q 6 | Page 228
Describe how a potentiometer is used to compare the EMFs of two cells by connecting
the cells individually.

SOLUTION
A battery of stable emf E is used to set up a potential gradient V/L along a
potentiometer wire, where V ≡ potential difference across the length L of the wire. The
positive terminals of the cells, whose em.f's (E1 and E2) are to be compared, are
connected to the high potential terminal A. The negative terminals of the cells are
connected to a galvanometer G through a two-way key. The other terminal of the
galvanometer is connected to a pencil jockey. The emf E should be greater than both
the emf's E1 and E2.

Comparison of two emf's using a potentiometer by the direct method

Connecting point P to C, the cell with emf E1 is brought into the circuit. The jockey is
tapped along the wire to locate the null point D at a distance l1 from A. Then,
E1 = l1(V/L)
w, without changing the potential gradient (i.e., without changing the rheostat setting)
point Q (instead of P) is connected to C, bringing the cell with emf E 2 into the circuit. Let
its null point D' be at a distance l2 from A, so that
E2 = l2(V/L)
Hence, by measuring the corresponding null lengths l1 and l2, E1/E2 can be calculated.
The experiment is repeated for different potential gradients using the rheostat.
Exercises | Q 7 | Page 229
Describe how a potentiometer is used to compare the emf's of two cells by the
combination method.

SOLUTION
A battery of stable emf E is used to set up a potential gradient V/L, along the
potentiometer wire, where V = potential difference across length L of the wire. The
positive terminal of the cell 1 is connected to the higher potential terminal A of the
potentiometer; the negative terminal is connected to the galvanometer G through the
reversing key. The other terminal of the galvanometer is connected to a pencil jockey.
The cell 2 is connected across the remaining two opposite terminals of the reversing
key. The other terminal of the galvanometer is connected to a pencil jockey. The emf
E1 should be greater than the emf E2; this can be adjusted by trial and error.
Two plugs are inserted in the reversing key in positions 1-1. Here, the two cells assist
each other so that the net emf is E1 + E2. The jockey is tapped along the wire to locate
the null point D. If the null point is a distance l1 from A,
E1 + E2 = l1 (V/L)

Comparison of two emf's using a potentiometer by the combination method (the

sum and difference method)
For the same potential gradient (without changing the rheostat setting), the plugs are
now inserted into position 2-2. (instead of 1-1). The emf E2 then opposes E1 and the net
emf is E1 - E2. The new null point D' is, say, a distance l2 from A and

Here, the emf E should be greater than E1 + E2. The experiment is repeated for different
potential gradients using the rheostat.
Exercises | Q 8 | Page 229
Describe with the help of a neat circuit diagram how you will determine the internal
resistance of a cell by using a potentiometer. Derive the necessary formula.

SOLUTION
Principle: A cell of emf E and internal resistance r, which is connected to an external
resistance R, has its terminal potential difference V less than its emf E, and
Working: A battery of stable emf E' is used to set up a potential gradient V AB/L along
the potentiometer wire, where VAB = p.d. across total length L of the wire AB. The
positive terminal of the cell of emf E and internal resistance r is connected to the higher
potential terminal A of the potentiometer, the negative terminal is connected through a
center-zero galvanometer to a pencil jockey. A resistance box R with a plug key K in
series is counted across the cell.

Firstly, key K is kept open, then, effectively, R = ∞. The jockey is tapped on the
potentiometer wire to locate the null point D. Let the null length AD = l, so that
E = (VAB / L)l

With the same potential gradient and a small resistance R in the resistance box, key K
is closed. The new null length AD′ = l1 for the terminal p.d. V is found: V = (VAB/L)l2

R, l and l1 being known, e can be calculated. The experiment is repeated either with
different potential gradients or with different values of R.
Exercises | Q 9 | Page 229
On what factors does the internal resistance of a cell depend?

SOLUTION
The internal resistance of a cell depends on:
1. Nature of the electrolyte:
The greater the conductivity of the electrolyte, the lower is the internal resistance
of the cell.

2. Separation between the electrodes:

The larger the seperation between the electrodes of the cell, the higher is the
internal resistance of the cell. This is because the ions have to cover a greater
distance before reaching an electrode.

3. Nature of the electrodes.

4. The internal resistance is inversly proportional to the common area of the

electrodes dipping in the electrolyte.

Exercises | Q 10 | Page 229

A battery of emf 4 volt and internal resistance 1 Ω is connected in parallel with another
battery of emf 1 V and internal resistance 1 Ω (with their like poles connected together).
The combination is used to send current through an external resistance of 2 Ω.
Calculate the current through the external resistance.

SOLUTION
Let I1 and l2 be the currents through the two branches as shown in the following figure.
The current through the 2Ω resistance will be (I1 + I2) [Kirchhoffs current law].
Applying Kirchhoff's voltage law to loop ABCDEFA, we get,
-2(I1 + I2) - 1(I1) + 4 = 0
∴ 3I1 + 2I2 = 4 .....(1)

Applying Kirchhoffs voltage law to loop BCDEB, we get,

-2(I1 + I2) - 1(I2) + 1 = 0
2I1 + 3I2 = 1 ....(2)
Multiplying Eq. (1) by 2 and Eq. (2) by 3, we get,
6I1 + 4I2 = 8 .....(3)
and 6I1 + 9I2 = 3 ....(4)
Subtracting Eq. (4) from Eq. (3), we get,
- 5I2 = 5
∴ I2 = - 1A
The minus sign shows that the direction of current I2 is opposite to that assumption.
Substituting this value of I2 in Eq. (1), we get,
3I1 + 2(-1) = 4
∴ 3I1 - 4 + 2 = 6
∴ I1 = 2A
Current through the 2Ω resistance = I1 +I2 = 2 - 1 = 1 A.
Exercises | Q 11 | Page 229
Answer in Brief.
Two cells of emf 1.5 Volt and 2 Volt having respective internal resistances of 1 Ω and 2
Ω are connected in parallel so as to send current in the same direction through an
external resistance of 5 Ω. Find the current through the external resistance.

SOLUTION
Let I1 and I2, be the currents flowing through the two branches as shown in the following
figure. The current through the 5 Ω resistor will be I1 + I2 [Kirchhoff's current law].

Applying Kirchhoff's voltage law to loop ABCDEFA, we get,

-5 (I1 + I2) - I1 + 1.5 = 0
∴ 6I1 + 5I2 = 1.5 ....(1)
Applying Kirchhoff's voltage law to loop BCDEB, we get,
-5 (I1 + I2) - 2I2 + 2 = 0
∴ 5I1 + 7I2 = 2 ....(2)
Multiplying Eq. (1) by 5 and Eq. (2) by 6, we get,
30I1 + 25I2 = 7.5 ....(3)
and 30I1 + 42I2 = 12 ....(4)
Subtracting Eq. (3) from Eq. (4), we get,
17I2 = 4.5

Exercises | Q 12 | Page 229

A voltmeter has a resistance of 30 Ω. What will be its reading, when it is connected

across a cell of emf 2 V having internal resistance 10 Ω?

SOLUTION
Exercises | Q 13 | Page 229
Answer in brief.
A set of three coils having resistances 10 Ω, 12 Ω, and 15 Ω are connected in parallel.
This combination is connected in series with a series combination of three coils of the
same resistances. Calculate the total resistance and current through the circuit, if a
battery of emf 4.1 Volt is used for drawing current.

SOLUTION
In the following figure shows the electrical network. For resistances, 10 Ω, 12 Ω and 15
Ω connected in parallel the equivalent resistance (RP) is given by,

For resistance Rp , 10 Ω, 12 Ω and 15 Ω connected in series, the equivalent resistance,

Rs = 4 + 10 + 12 + 15 = 41 Ω
Thus, the total resistance = Rs = 41 Ω
Now, V = lRs
∴ 4.1 = I × 41
∴ I = 0.1 A
The total resistance and current through the circuit are 41 Ω and 0.1 A respectively.
Exercises | Q 14 | Page 229
A potentiometer wire has a length of 1.5 m and a resistance of 10 Ω. It is connected in
series with the cell of emf 4 Volt and internal resistance 5 Ω. Calculate the potential drop
per centimeter of the wire.

SOLUTION

Exercises | Q 15 | Page 229

When two cells of emf's E1 and E2 are connected in series so as to assist each other,
their balancing length on a potentiometer wire is found to be 2.7 m. When the cells are
connected in series so as to oppose each other, the balancing length is found to be 0.3
m. Compare the emf's of the two cells.

SOLUTION
Exercises | Q 16 | Page 229

The emf of a cell is balanced by a length of 120 cm of a potentiometer wire. When the
cell is shunted by a resistance of 10 Ω, the balancing length is reduced by 20 cm. Find
the internal resistance of the cell.

SOLUTION

Exercises | Q 17 | Page 229

A potential drop per unit length along a wire is 5 × 10−3 V/m. If the emf of a cell balances
against length 216 cm of this potentiometer wire, find the emf of the cell.
SOLUTION

Exercises | Q 18 | Page 229

The resistance of a potentiometer wire is 8 n and its length is 8 m. A resistance box and
a 2 V battery are connected in series with iL What should be the resistance in the box if
it is desired to have a potential drop of 1 µV /mm?

SOLUTION

Exercises | Q 19 | Page 229

Answer in Brief.
Find the equivalent resistance between the terminals of A and B in the network shown
in the figure below given that the resistance of each resistor is 10 ohm.
SOLUTION

Applying KVL in loop KLOPK

−I1R = (I1 − I2)R + (I − I1)R + R(I − I1) = 0
−I1R − I1R + I2R + 2IR − 2I1R = 0
−4I1R + I2R + 2IR = 0
⇒ 4I1 − I2 = 2I .......(i)
Applying KVL in loop LMNOL
−I2R − I2R + (I − I2)R + R(I1 − I2) = 0
−2I2R + IR − I2R + I1R − I1R = 0
− 4 I2R + IR + I1R = 0
⇒ 4I2 − I − I1 = 0
4I2 − I1 = I ........(ii)
Applying LVL in loop AKPONBA
−(I − I1)R − (I − I1)R − (I − I2)R + E = 0
2(I − I1)R + (I − I2)R = E .......(iii)
Exercises | Q 20 | Page 229

A voltmeter has a resistance of 100 Ω. What will be its reading when it is connected
across a cell of e.m.f. 2V and internal resistance 20Ω?

SOLUTION