APPLIED PHYSICS-II (2ND SEMESTER DIPLOMA ENGG STUDENTS FROM SUMMER 2025 ONWARDS

(Unit - 4: CUrrent eleCtriCity)

Sl. No. Question Taxonomy Level Mark
1 Define electric current. Write down its SI unit. Remembering 2
Electric current is defined as the rate of flow of electric charge (say electrons) through a cross section of a conductor. 0.5
Total charge flow (q)
ANS Mathematically Electric current (I) = Time taken (t) 0.5
1
Its SI unit is ampere.
2 Define direct current & alternating current. Remembering 2
Direct current is defined as the unidirectional flow of electric charge. i.e. even If the magnitude of current changes the 1
ANS direction of current does not change.
Alternating current is defined as that current which varies continuously in magnitude & periodically reverses its direction. 1
3 Define resistance. Write down its SI unit. Remembering 2
Resistance is the property of material by virtue of which it opposes the flow of charge through it. 1
ANS SI unit of resistance is ohm(Ω). 1
4 State Ohm’s law. Remembering 2
The current (I) flowing through a conductor is directly proportional to the potential difference (V) applied across the end 1
of the conductor provided that all the physical conditions and temperature remains constant.
ANS V
I ∝ V or, = constant (R)
I
or, V = IR Where the constant of proprertionality R is called resistance of the conductor 1
5 State the factors which affect the resistance of a conductor. Remembering 2
The following factors affect the resistance of a conductor
1. Length 0.5
ANS 2. Cross-sectional area 0.5
3. Nature of material 0.5
4. Temperature of conductor 0.5
6 Name the SI units of conductance & conductivity. Remembering 2
The SI unit of conductance is siemens (S). 1
ANS The SI unit of conductivity is siemens per meter (S/m) 1
7 Write down the dimensional formula of resistivity & conductance. Remembering 2
 Dimensional formula of resistivity is � = �1 �3 �−3 �−2 1
ANS 1
Dimensional formula of conductance is � = �−1 �−2 �3 �2
Define electric power and write down its SI unit.
8 Remembering 2
The rate at which an appliance converts electrical energy into other forms of energy is known as electric power. 1
W
ANS P=
t
Si unit of power is watt. 1
9 Convert 1 kWh into joule. Understanding 2
1 kWh = 1000 watt × 60 × 60 sec 1
ANS = 3600000 watt × sec
= 3.6 × 106 J 1
10 Derive a relation between power (P), voltage (V) & resistance (R). Understanding 2
W Vq W 1
P= = (∵V= )
t t q
V q
ANS ⟹ P = VI = V ( ∵ I = , V = IR)
R t
V2 1
⟹P=
R

Evaluate the resistance of a 4-band resistor which has the first band – Green, the second band –
11 Blue, the third band- Orange, the fourth band – Gold. Applying 2

First band = Green = 5 ohm

Second band = Blue = 6 ohm
ANS Third band = Orange = 103 2
Fourth band = Gold = ± 5 %
Resistance = 56 × 103 �ℎ� ± 5 %
A current of 1 ampere flows in a given wire having uniform area of cross section 0.05 cm2 along
12 length 50 cm. Determine specific resistance of material of the given wire if the voltage across two Applying 2
ends of wire is 5 volts.
Given A = 0.05 cm2 = 0.05 × 10-4 m2 ,� = 50 cm = 0.5 m, � = 1 ampere and V = 5 volts 1
V 5
ANS R = = = 5Ω
I 1
1
 RA 5×0.05×10−4
Specific resistance ρ = = = 5 × 10−5 Ωm
l 0.5

13 State Joule’s law of heating. Remembering 2

The amount of heat (H) produced in a conductor through which an electric current is maintained is 1
(a) directly proportional to the square of current (I2)
ANS (b) directly proportional to the resistance (R)
(c) directly proportional to the time of flow (t)
Mathematically H = I2 Rt joules =
I2Rt
calorie 1
4.2

14 An electric bulb is marked 100 watt 220 volt. Determine (a) current it draws & (b) its resistance. Applying 2
Power of the bulb, P = 100 watt, Voltage, V = 220 volt 1
P 100 watt
ANS (a) Current, I = V = 220 volt = 0.4545 ampere
V2 (220)2
(b) Resistance, R = P
= 100
= 484 ohm 1
The emf of a cell is 2.1 volt & the potential difference between its plates becomes 2 volt when it is
15 Applying 2
connected with an external resistance of 10 ohm. Determine the internal resistance of the cell.
Terminal potential difference = current × external resistance 1
2
So, I = = 0.2 ampere
ANS 10
e−V 2.1−2
We know internal resistance, r = = = 0.5 ohm
I 0.2 1
A wire has a resistance of 90 Ω and it is cut into three pieces having equal lengths. If these are now
16 Applying
connected in parallel, determine the resistance of the combination so formed. 2

When the wire having resistance of 90 Ω is cut into three equal pieces, each piece will be of resistance = 90/3 = 30Ω 1
1 1 1 1 3 1
ANS If Rp is the resistance of their parallel combination then R = 30 + 30 + 30 = 30 = 10 Ω 0.5
p

⟹ Rp = 10 Ω 0.5
17 Explain the reason for which resistors are connected in series & parallel. Understanding 2

Resistors are combined in series and parallel to achieve desired resistance values and control current flow in electric
ANS circuits.
The resistors are connected in series to increase the resistance of the circuit; while they are connected in parallel, when 2
resistance of the circuit is to be decreased.
 Using Kirchhoff’s law, determine the voltage across r in the given circuit. The internal resistance of
the voltage source is zero.

18 Applying 5

Let V2 be the voltage across r in the given circuit. Let us consider loop ABA as follows
Using KVL we have V1 + V2 + V3 − 25V = 0
⟹ V1 + V2 + V3 = 25V
V1 = 5kΩ × 2mA = 5 × 103 Ω × 2 × 10−3 A = 10V 5
V3 = 5kΩ × 2mA = 5 × 103 Ω × 2 × 10−3 A = 10V
Hence 10V + V2 + 10V = 25V
⟹ V2 = 25V − 20V = 5V
��
The effective series resistance of two conductors is 7 Ω & their effective parallel resistance is � � .
19 Applying 5
Determine the two resistances.

Let R1& R2be the two resistances.

R R
Rseries = R1 + R2, Rparallel = 1 2
R1+R2
R1 R2 12
Given R1 + R2 = 7 &
R1+R2
=7
R1 R2 12
⟹ =
7 7
⟹ R1 R2 = 12
ANS So, R1 − R2 = (R1 + R2)2 − 4R1 R2
⟹ R1 − R2 = 72 − 4 × 12
⟹ R1 − R2 = 49 − 48 = 1 5
R1 + R2 = 7…………… 1
R1 − R2 = 1…………… (2)
Adding equation (1) & (2) we have, 2R1 = 8 ⇒ R1 = 8/2 = 4 Ω
 Putting value of R1 in equation (1), 4 + R2 = 7 ⇒ R2 = 7 – 4 = 3Ω

20 Derive a relation between current & drift velocity. Understanding 5

Let us consider a conductor of length l & area of cross section A.
Hence volume of the conductor = Al
Suppose the ends of the conductor are joined to the ends of a battery as shown in the figure below.

ANS 5

It establishes a uniform electric field � throughout the conductor. Due to this field the free electrons move with a drift
velocity �� in a direction opposite to � . If n is the density of electrons, then the total no of free electrons is = Aln
Since e is the charge of one electron, so the total charge of free electrons, q = Alne
�
Time taken by free electron to travel from one end of the conductor to the other will be t = �
�
Alne I
Current, I = q/t = l = Anevd⟹ vd = nAe
vd
 Determine the ammeter reading in the circuit.

Applying 5
21

As per the given figure both the batteries are in series. So the total emf acting in the circuit = 60 + 40 = 100V 5
R R 300×300
Resistors R1& R2 are in parallel combination. The equivalent resistance is given by Rp = R 1+R2 = 300+300
1 2
90000
⟹ Rp = 600 = 150 Ω
Rp is in series with R3& R4. The combined resistance is given by Rs = Rp + R3 + R4 = 150 + 35 + 15 = 200 Ω
ANS
Rs is in parallel with R5.
RR 200×200 40000
So the effective resistance is given by Re = s+R5 =
Rs
=
200+200 400
= 100 Ω
5
E 100 V
So the current I = R = 100 Ω = 1 ampere
e
Hence the ammeter reading in the circuit is 1 ampere.
22 State and Explain Kirchhoff’s laws. Understanding 5

Kirchhoff gave two laws.

1. Kirchhoff’s Current Law (KCL)
2. Kirchhoff’s Voltage Law (KVL)
Kirchhoff’s Current Law (KCL): It states that the algebraic sum of currents meeting at any 1
junction in an electrical circuit is zero.
ANS Mathematically, ΣI = 0
Sign Convention:
i. The current flowing towards the node or junction is taken as positive
ii. The current flowing away from the node or junction is taken as negative.
from the above figure, I1 + I2 − I3 − I4 − I5 = 0 1.5
⟹ I1 + I2 = I3 + I4 + I5
⟹ Iin = Iout
 Current flowing towards the junction = Current going away from the junction.
This law is based on the principle of conservation of electric charge. It ensures that charge doesn't gather at a junction.
Kirchhoff’s Voltage Law (KVL): In any closedcircuit, the sum of the emfs is equal to the sum of the product of current and
resistance of each part of the circuit.
1
Mathematically, ΣIR = Σε
Sign Convention:
i. Resistance Rule: For a move through a resistance in the direction of the
current the change in the potential is -IR& in the opposite direction it is
+IR.
ii. emf Rule:For a move through an ideal emf device from negative
electrode to positive electrode through battery, the emf is +ve (+ε)& in
1.5
the opposite direction it is -ve(−ε).
From the above figure , − IR1 − IR2 + ε = 0
⟹ ε = IR1 + IR2 = V1 + V2 ⟹ Σε = ΣIR
23 Determine the balanced condition of a Wheatstone’s bridge using Kirchhoff’s laws. Understanding 5

The Kirchhoff’s laws can be applied to solve complicated networks such as Wheatstone’s 5
bridge. It is an electrical arrangement which forms the basis of most of the instruments to
determine an unknown resistance.

It consists of 4 resistancesP, Q, R & S connected in the four arms of a square ABCD. A

source of emf E is connected between A & Cthrough a key (K). A sensitive Galvanometer
of resistance G is connected between B & D. After closing the key (K) the resistances P, Q,
R & S are so adjusted that the galvanometer shows no deflection. In this position the
bridge is said to be balanced.
ANS
Applying KVL to the mesh ABD we have, −I1P − Ig G + I2 R = 0 ∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙ (1)

In the mesh BCD − I3 Q + I4 S + Ig G = 0 ∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙ (2)

Applying KCL we get at A, I = I1 + I2 ⟹ I2 = I − I1 ∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙ 3

at B, I1 = I3 + Ig ⟹ I3 = I1 − Ig ∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙(4)

at C, I3 + I4 = I ⟹ I = I1 − Ig + I4 (putting value of I3 from eqn 4)

⟹ I4 = I − I1 + Ig ∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙ (5)
 Putting the value of I2 in equn (1) & I3& I4 in equn (2) we have,

−I1 P − Ig G + I − I1 R = 0 ⟹ I1 P + Ig G = I − I1 R ∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙ (6)

− I1 − Ig Q + I − I1 + Ig S + Ig G = 0 ⟹ I1 − Ig Q − I − I1 + Ig S − Ig G = 0 ∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙ (7)

When the bridge is balanced, no current flows through the galvanometer. i.e. Ig = 0

Hence equn (6) & (7) becomes I1 P = I − I1 R ∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙ (8)

I1 Q − I − I1 S = 0 ⟹ I1 Q = I − I1 S ∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙ (9)
I1 P I−I1 R � �
Dividing equn (8) by (9) we have = S
⟹ =
I1 Q I−I1 � �

This is the condition of balanced Wheatstone’s Bridge.

Determine the equivalent resistance between points 1 and 2 of the circuit given

24 Applying 5

below.

Given that A = 1 Ω, B = 4 Ω, C = 2 Ω, D = 1 Ω, E = 1 Ω, F = 2 Ω 5
From Fig.1 resistances D, E and F are connected in series.
Let the equivalent resistance of these 3 resistors is R1.
∴ R1 = D + E+ F = 1 + 1 +2 = 4 Ω………………………. (1)

ANS R1 and B are connected in parallel (Fig.2)

1 1 1
Hence, = +
R2 R1 B
1 1 1 1+1 1
(Fig. 1) ⟹ = + = =
R2 4 4 4 2
⟹ R2 =2Ω

(Fig.2)
 Again A, R2, and C are connected in series (Fig.3)
So equivalent resistanceR = A+ R2 + C
R = 1+ 2 + 2 = 5 Ω
Hence the equivalent resistance between point 1 and 2 is 5 Ω.

(Fig.3)

25 Differentiate between Alternating Current and Direct Current. Understanding 5

Alternating Current (AC) Direct Current (DC)
1. Alternating current is defined as that current which varies
1. Direct current is defined as the unidirectional flow of electric
continuously in magnitude & periodically reverses its direction.
charge.
2. In AC voltage alternates between positive and negative values.
2. In DC voltage remains constant over time.
3. Waveform is usually sinusoidal (can be triangular or square).
3. Waveform is constant (a straight line).
ANS 4. AC is primarily used in power distribution systems, home
4. DC is commonly used in batteries, electronic devices, and 5
appliances, and industrial equipment. circuits that require constant voltage.
5. AC is generated by power plants, alternators & inverters.
5. DC is produced by sources like batteries, solar panels & DC
generators.
6. AC can be transmitted over long distances with minimal 6. DC cannot be transmitted over long distance as it loses more
energy loss using transformers. energy. But it is efficient for short range applications.
Two resistances of 3 ohm and 2 ohm are in parallel connection and a potential difference of 12 V is
applied across them. Determine
26 (a) the equivalent resistance of the parallel combination Applying 5
(b) the circuit current
(c) the branch currents
 Given that
R1 = 3 ohm
R2 = 2 ohm
(a) Resistance R of the parallel combination is given by,
1 1 1
= +
R R1 R2

1 1 1 2+3 5
⇒ = + = =
R 3 2 6 6 1

ANS 6
⇒R= = 1.2 ohm
5 1
(b) Let I be the current, then
Potential difference 12
I= = = 10 A
total resistance 1.2 1
(c) Let I1 and I2 be the currents flowing through the resistances R1 and R2.

R2 2 R1 3
I1 = I × = 10 × = 4 A, I2 = I × = 10 × =6A 1+1
R1 + R2 3+2 R1 + R2 3+2