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Welcome to the NCERT Solutions for Class 12 Physics Chapter 3. In this chapter, you will explore the topic of Current Electricity. The chapter discusses various concepts related to electric current, resistance, Ohm’s law, and Kirchhoff’s laws.

You will learn about the flow of electric charges in a conductor, and the factors that affect the resistance of a conductor. The chapter also covers the different types of resistors and their applications, such as fixed and variable resistors, and their use in circuits.

Furthermore, you will study the concept of electrical power, its units, and its applications. The chapter also introduces the concept of the electric cell and its internal resistance, as well as the series and parallel combination of cells in a circuit.

Our NCERT Solutions for Class 12 Physics Chapter 3 provide step-by-step explanations and solutions to all the questions in the textbook. With our solutions, you can easily understand the concepts covered in the chapter and develop a deeper understanding of the subject.

NCERT Solutions for Class 12th Physics Chapter 3 Current Electricity – PDF Download

 

Answers of Physics NCERT Solutions for Class 12 Physics Chapter 3 – Current Electricity

Page No 127:

Question 3.1:

The storage battery of a car has an emf of 12 V. If the internal resistance of the battery is 0.4Ω, what is the maximum current that can be drawn from the battery?

Answer:

Emf of the battery, E = 12 V

Internal resistance of the battery, r = 0.4 Ω

Maximum current drawn from the battery = I

According to Ohm’s law,

https://img-nm.mnimgs.com/img/study_content/curr/1/12/16/247/6634/NS_24-10-08_Sravana_12_Physics_3_24_NRJ_SS_html_m31c09964.gif

The maximum current drawn from the given battery is 30 A.

 

Question 3.2:

A battery of emf 10 V and internal resistance 3 Ω is connected to a resistor. If the current in the circuit is 0.5 A, what is the resistance of the resistor? What is the terminal voltage of the battery when the circuit is closed?

Answer:

Emf of the battery, E = 10 V

Internal resistance of the battery, r = 3 Ω

Current in the circuit, I = 0.5 A

Resistance of the resistor = R

The relation for current using Ohm’s law is,

https://img-nm.mnimgs.com/img/study_content/curr/1/12/16/247/6639/NS_24-10-08_Sravana_12_Physics_3_24_NRJ_SS_html_18bb0331.gif

Terminal voltage of the resistor = V

According to Ohm’s law,

V = IR

= 0.5 × 17

= 8.5 V

Therefore, the resistance of the resistor is 17 Ω and the terminal voltage is

8.5 V.

 

Question 3.3:

(a)  Three resistors 1 Ω, 2 Ω, and 3 Ω are combined in series. What is the total resistance of the combination?

(b)  If the combination is connected to a battery of emf 12 V and negligible internal resistance, obtain the potential drop across each resistor.

Answer:

(a)  Three resistors of resistances 1 Ω, 2 Ω, and 3 Ω are combined in series. Total resistance of the combination is given by the algebraic sum of individual resistances.

Total resistance = 1 + 2 + 3 = 6 Ω

(b)  Current flowing through the circuit = I

Emf of the battery, E = 12 V

Total resistance of the circuit, = 6 Ω

The relation for current using Ohm’s law is,

https://img-nm.mnimgs.com/img/study_content/curr/1/12/16/247/6641/NS_24-10-08_Sravana_12_Physics_3_24_NRJ_SS_html_28198cbd.gif

Potential drop across 1 Ω resistor = V1

From Ohm’s law, the value of Vcan be obtained as

V1 = 2 × 1= 2 V … (i)

Potential drop across 2 Ω resistor = V2

Again, from Ohm’s law, the value of Vcan be obtained as

V2 = 2 × 2= 4 V … (ii)

Potential drop across 3 Ω resistor = V3

Again, from Ohm’s law, the value of Vcan be obtained as

V3 = 2 × 3= 6 V … (iii)

Therefore, the potential drop across 1 Ω, 2 Ω, and 3 Ω resistors are 2 V, 4 V, and 6 V respectively.

 

Question 3.4:

(a)  Three resistors 2 Ω, 4 Ω and 5 Ω are combined in parallel. What is the total resistance of the combination?

(b)  If the combination is connected to a battery of emf 20 V and negligible internal resistance, determine the current through each resistor, and the total current drawn from the battery.

Answer:

(a)  There are three resistors of resistances,

R1 = 2 Ω, R2 = 4 Ω, and R3 = 5 Ω

They are connected in parallel. Hence, total resistance (R) of the combination is given by,

https://img-nm.mnimgs.com/img/study_content/curr/1/12/16/247/6643/NS_24-10-08_Sravana_12_Physics_3_24_NRJ_SS_html_m479c7302.gif

Therefore, total resistance of the combination is

(b)  Emf of the battery, V = 20 V

Current (I1) flowing through resistor R1 is given by,

https://img-nm.mnimgs.com/img/study_content/curr/1/12/16/247/6643/NS_24-10-08_Sravana_12_Physics_3_24_NRJ_SS_html_m137f7aa.gif

Current (I2) flowing through resistor R2 is given by,

https://img-nm.mnimgs.com/img/study_content/curr/1/12/16/247/6643/NS_24-10-08_Sravana_12_Physics_3_24_NRJ_SS_html_m75ba1588.gif

Current (I3) flowing through resistor R3 is given by,

https://img-nm.mnimgs.com/img/study_content/curr/1/12/16/247/6643/NS_24-10-08_Sravana_12_Physics_3_24_NRJ_SS_html_44c60c1c.gif

Total current, I = I1 + I2 + I3 = 10 + 5 + 4 = 19 A

Therefore, the current through each resister is 10 A, 5 A, and 4 A respectively and the total current is 19 A.

 

Question 3.5:

At room temperature (27.0 °C) the resistance of a heating element is 100 Ω. What is the temperature of the element if the resistance is found to be 117 Ω, given that the temperature coefficient of the material of the resistor is 

Answer:

Room temperature, T = 27°C

Resistance of the heating element at TR = 100 Ω

Let T1 is the increased temperature of the filament.

Resistance of the heating element at T1R1 = 117 Ω

Temperature co-efficient of the material of the filament,

https://img-nm.mnimgs.com/img/study_content/curr/1/12/16/247/6649/NS_24-10-08_Sravana_12_Physics_3_24_NRJ_SS_html_44af2e47.gif

Therefore, at 1027°C, the resistance of the element is 117Ω.

 

Question 3.6:

A negligibly small current is passed through a wire of length 15 m and uniform cross-section 6.0 × 10−7 m2, and its resistance is measured to be 5.0 Ω. What is the resistivity of the material at the temperature of the experiment?

Answer:

Length of the wire, l =15 m

Area of cross-section of the wire, a = 6.0 × 10−7 m2

Resistance of the material of the wire, R = 5.0 Ω

Resistivity of the material of the wire = ρ

Resistance is related with the resistivity as

https://img-nm.mnimgs.com/img/study_content/curr/1/12/16/247/6653/NS_24-10-08_Sravana_12_Physics_3_24_NRJ_SS_html_m6d96c3df.gif

Therefore, the resistivity of the material is 2 × 10−7 Ω m.

 

Question 3.7:

A silver wire has a resistance of 2.1 Ω at 27.5 °C, and a resistance of 2.7 Ω at 100°C. Determine the temperature coefficient of resistivity of silver.

Answer:

Temperature, T1 = 27.5°C

Resistance of the silver wire at T1R1 = 2.1 Ω

Temperature, T2 = 100°C

Resistance of the silver wire at T2R2 = 2.7 Ω

Temperature coefficient of silver = α

It is related with temperature and resistance as

https://img-nm.mnimgs.com/img/study_content/curr/1/12/16/247/6656/NS_24-10-08_Sravana_12_Physics_3_24_NRJ_SS_html_m53e811ad.gif

Therefore, the temperature coefficient of silver is 0.0039°C−1.

 

Question 3.8:

A heating element using nichrome connected to a 230 V supply draws an initial current of 3.2 A which settles after a few seconds toa steady value of 2.8 A. What is the steady temperature of the heating element if the room temperature is 27.0 °C? Temperature coefficient of resistance of nichrome averaged over the temperature range involved is 1.70 × 10−4 °C −1.

Answer:

Supply voltage, V = 230 V

Initial current drawn, I1 = 3.2 A

Initial resistance = R1, which is given by the relation,

https://img-nm.mnimgs.com/img/study_content/curr/1/12/16/247/6659/NS_24-10-08_Sravana_12_Physics_3_24_NRJ_SS_html_2f7dbe5.gif

Steady state value of the current, I2 = 2.8 A

Resistance at the steady state = R2, which is given as

https://img-nm.mnimgs.com/img/study_content/curr/1/12/16/247/6659/NS_24-10-08_Sravana_12_Physics_3_24_NRJ_SS_html_m4e1f5300.gif

Temperature co-efficient of nichrome, α = 1.70 × 10−4 °C−1

Initial temperature of nichrome, T1= 27.0°C

Study state temperature reached by nichrome = T2

Tcan be obtained by the relation for α,

https://img-nm.mnimgs.com/img/study_content/curr/1/12/16/247/6659/NS_24-10-08_Sravana_12_Physics_3_24_NRJ_SS_html_m626d602.gif

Therefore, the steady temperature of the heating element is 867.5°C

 

Page No 128:

Question 3.9:

Determine the current in each branch of the network shown in fig 3.30:

https://img-nm.mnimgs.com/img/study_content/curr/1/12/16/247/6663/NS_24-10-08_Sravana_12_Physics_3_24_NRJ_SS_html_227cdfaf.jpg

Answer:

Current flowing through various branches of the circuit is represented in the given figure.

https://img-nm.mnimgs.com/img/study_content/curr/1/12/16/247/6663/NS_24-10-08_Sravana_12_Physics_3_24_NRJ_SS_html_62f43471.jpg

I1 = Current flowing through the outer circuit

I2 = Current flowing through branch AB

I3 = Current flowing through branch AD

I2 − I4 = Current flowing through branch BC

I3 + I4 = Current flowing through branch CD

I4 = Current flowing through branch BD

For the closed circuit ABDA, potential is zero i.e.,

10I2 + 5I4 − 5I3 = 0

2I2 + I4 −I3 = 0

I3 = 2I2 + I4 … (1)

For the closed circuit BCDB, potential is zero i.e.,

5(I2 − I4) − 10(I3 + I4) − 5I= 0

5I2 + 5I4 − 10I3 − 10I− 5I= 0

5I2 − 10I3 − 20I= 0

I2 = 2I3 + 4I… (2)

For the closed circuit ABCFEA, potential is zero i.e.,

−10 + 10 (I1) + 10(I2) + 5(I2 − I4) = 0

10 = 15I2 + 10I− 5I4

3I2 + 2I− I4 = 2 … (3)

From equations (1) and (2), we obtain

I3 = 2(2I+ 4I4) + I4

I3 = 4I+ 8I4 + I4

− 3I3 = 9I4

− 3I4 = + I… (4)

Putting equation (4) in equation (1), we obtain

I3 = 2II4

− 4I4 = 2I2

I2 = − 2I4 … (5)

It is evident from the given figure that,

I1 = II2 … (6)

Putting equation (6) in equation (1), we obtain

3I2 +2(II2) − I4 = 2

5I2 + 2I− I4 = 2 … (7)

Putting equations (4) and (5) in equation (7), we obtain

5(−2 I4) + 2(− 3 I4) − I4 = 2

− 10I4 − 6I− I4 = 2

17I4 = − 2

https://img-nm.mnimgs.com/img/study_content/curr/1/12/16/247/6663/NS_24-10-08_Sravana_12_Physics_3_24_NRJ_SS_html_m3d3606a7.gif

Equation (4) reduces to

I3 = − 3(I4)

https://img-nm.mnimgs.com/img/study_content/curr/1/12/16/247/6663/NS_24-10-08_Sravana_12_Physics_3_24_NRJ_SS_html_m3b2dc16.gif

Therefore, current in branch 

In branch BC

In branch CD

In branch AD 

In branch BD

Total current

 

Question 3.10:

(a)  In a metre bridge [Fig. 3.27], the balance point is found to be at 39.5 cm from the end A, when the resistor is of 12.5 Ω. Determine the resistance of X. Why are the connections between resistors in a Wheatstone or meter bridge made of thick copper strips?

(b)  Determine the balance point of the bridge above if and are interchanged.

(c)  What happens if the galvanometer and cell are interchanged at the balance point of the bridge? Would the galvanometer show any current?

Answer:

A metre bridge with resistors X and Y is represented in the given figure.

https://img-nm.mnimgs.com/img/study_content/curr/1/12/16/247/6667/NS_24-10-08_Sravana_12_Physics_3_24_NRJ_SS_html_m6d17629e.jpg

(a)  Balance point from end A, l1 = 39.5 cm

Resistance of the resistor Y = 12.5 Ω

Condition for the balance is given as,

https://img-nm.mnimgs.com/img/study_content/curr/1/12/16/247/6667/NS_24-10-08_Sravana_12_Physics_3_24_NRJ_SS_html_7147146b.gif

Therefore, the resistance of resistor X is 8.2 Ω.

The connection between resistors in a Wheatstone or metre bridge is made of thick copper strips to minimize the resistance, which is not taken into consideration in the bridge formula.

(b)  If and Y are interchanged, then l1 and 100−l1 get interchanged.

The balance point of the bridge will be 100−l1 from A.

100−l= 100 − 39.5 = 60.5 cm

Therefore, the balance point is 60.5 cm from A.

(c)  When the galvanometer and cell are interchanged at the balance point of the bridge, the galvanometer will show no deflection. Hence, no current would flow through the galvanometer.

 

Question 3.11:

A storage battery of emf 8.0 V and internal resistance 0.5 Ω is being charged by a 120 V dc supply using a series resistor of 15.5 Ω. What is the terminal voltage of the battery during charging? What is the purpose of having a series resistor in the charging circuit?

Answer:

Emf of the storage battery, E = 8.0 V

Internal resistance of the battery, r = 0.5 Ω

DC supply voltage, V = 120 V

Resistance of the resistor, R = 15.5 Ω

Effective voltage in the circuit = V1

is connected to the storage battery in series. Hence, it can be written as

V1 = V − E

V= 120 − 8 = 112 V

Current flowing in the circuit = I, which is given by the relation,

https://img-nm.mnimgs.com/img/study_content/curr/1/12/16/247/6669/NS_24-10-08_Sravana_12_Physics_3_24_NRJ_SS_html_m29fa1607.gif

Voltage across resistor R given by the product, IR = 7 × 15.5 = 108.5 V

DC supply voltage = Terminal voltage of battery + Voltage drop across R

Terminal voltage of battery = 120 − 108.5 = 11.5 V

A series resistor in a charging circuit limits the current drawn from the external source. The current will be extremely high in its absence. This is very dangerous.

 

Question 3.12:

In a potentiometer arrangement, a cell of emf 1.25 V gives a balance point at 35.0 cm length of the wire. If the cell is replaced by another cell and the balance point shifts to 63.0 cm, what is the emf of the second cell?

Answer:

Emf of the cell, E1 = 1.25 V

Balance point of the potentiometer, l1= 35 cm

The cell is replaced by another cell of emf E2.

New balance point of the potentiometer, l2 = 63 cm

https://img-nm.mnimgs.com/img/study_content/curr/1/12/16/247/6671/NS_24-10-08_Sravana_12_Physics_3_24_NRJ_SS_html_7c49a1fe.gif

Therefore, emf of the second cell is 2.25V.

 

Question 3.13:

The number density of free electrons in a copper conductor estimated in Example 3.1 is 8.5 × 1028 m−3. How long does an electron take to drift from one end of a wire 3.0 m long to its other end? The area of cross-section of the wire is 2.0 × 10−6 m2 and it is carrying a current of 3.0 A.

Answer:

Number density of free electrons in a copper conductor, n = 8.5 × 1028 m−3 Length of the copper wire, l = 3.0 m

Area of cross-section of the wire, A = 2.0 × 10−6 m2

Current carried by the wire, I = 3.0 A, which is given by the relation,

nAeVd

Where,

e = Electric charge = 1.6 × 10−19 C

Vd = Drift velocity https://img-nm.mnimgs.com/img/study_content/curr/1/12/16/247/6674/NS_24-10-08_Sravana_12_Physics_3_24_NRJ_SS_html_32f189da.gif

https://img-nm.mnimgs.com/img/study_content/curr/1/12/16/247/6674/NS_24-10-08_Sravana_12_Physics_3_24_NRJ_SS_html_m2d1c81da.gif

Therefore, the time taken by an electron to drift from one end of the wire to the other is 2.7 × 104 s.

 

Question 3.14:

The earth’s surface has a negative surface charge density of 10−9 C m−2. The potential difference of 400 kV between the top of the atmosphere and the surface results (due to the low conductivity of the lower atmosphere) in a current of only 1800 A over the entire globe. If there were no mechanism of sustaining atmospheric electric field, how much time (roughly) would be required to neutralise the earth’s surface? (This never happens in practice because there is a mechanism to replenish electric charges, namely the continual thunderstorms and lightning in different parts of the globe). (Radius of earth = 6.37 × 106 m.)

Answer:

Surface charge density of the earth, σ = 10−9 C m−2

Current over the entire globe, I = 1800 A

Radius of the earth, r = 6.37 × 106 m

Surface area of the earth,

A = 4πr2

= 4π × (6.37 × 106)2

= 5.09 × 1014 m2

Charge on the earth surface,

σ × A

= 10−9 × 5.09 × 1014

= 5.09 × 10C

Time taken to neutralize the earth’s surface = t

Current, 

https://img-nm.mnimgs.com/img/study_content/curr/1/12/16/247/6676/NS_24-10-08_Sravana_12_Physics_3_24_NRJ_SS_html_463ede1e.gif

Therefore, the time taken to neutralize the earth’s surface is 282.77 s.

 

Page No 129:

Question 3.15:

(a)  Six lead-acid type of secondary cells each of emf 2.0 V and internal resistance 0.015 Ω are joined in series to provide a supply to a resistance of 8.5 Ω. What are the current drawn from the supply and its terminal voltage?

(b)  A secondary cell after long use has an emf of 1.9 V and a large internal resistance of 380 Ω. What maximum current can be drawn from the cell? Could the cell drive the starting motor of a car?

Answer:

(a)  Number of secondary cells, n = 6

Emf of each secondary cell, E = 2.0 V

Internal resistance of each cell, r = 0.015 Ω

series resistor is connected to the combination of cells.

Resistance of the resistor, R = 8.5 Ω

Current drawn from the supply = I, which is given by the relation,

https://img-nm.mnimgs.com/img/study_content/curr/1/12/16/247/6680/NS_24-10-08_Sravana_12_Physics_3_24_NRJ_SS_html_m387e7a9b.gif

Terminal voltage, V = IR = 1.39 × 8.5 = 11.87 A

Therefore, the current drawn from the supply is 1.39 A and terminal voltage is 11.87 A.

(b)  After a long use, emf of the secondary cell, E = 1.9 V

Internal resistance of the cell, r = 380 Ω

Hence, maximum current

Therefore, the maximum current drawn from the cell is 0.005 A. Since a large current is required to start the motor of a car, the cell cannot be used to start a motor.

Question 3.16:

Two wires of equal length, one of aluminium and the other of copper have the same resistance. Which of the two wires is lighter? Hence explain why aluminium wires are preferred for overhead power cables. (ρAl = 2.63 × 10−8 Ω m, ρCu = 1.72 × 10−8 Ω m, Relative density of Al = 2.7, of Cu = 8.9.)

Answer:

Resistivity of aluminium, ρAl = 2.63 × 10−8 Ω m

Relative density of aluminium, d1 = 2.7

Let l1 be the length of aluminium wire and m1 be its mass.

Resistance of the aluminium wire = R1

Area of cross-section of the aluminium wire = A1

Resistivity of copper, ρCu = 1.72 × 10−8 Ω m

Relative density of copper, d2 = 8.9

Let l2 be the length of copper wire and m2 be its mass.

Resistance of the copper wire = R2

Area of cross-section of the copper wire = A2

The two relations can be written as

https://img-nm.mnimgs.com/img/study_content/curr/1/12/16/247/6686/NS_24-10-08_Sravana_12_Physics_3_24_NRJ_SS_html_149c96b3.gif

It is given that,

https://img-nm.mnimgs.com/img/study_content/curr/1/12/16/247/6686/NS_24-10-08_Sravana_12_Physics_3_24_NRJ_SS_html_m3c7489a5.gif

And,

https://img-nm.mnimgs.com/img/study_content/curr/1/12/16/247/6686/NS_24-10-08_Sravana_12_Physics_3_24_NRJ_SS_html_100c6f16.gif

Mass of the aluminium wire,

m1 = Volume × Density

A1l1 × dA1 l1d1 … (3)

Mass of the copper wire,

m2 = Volume × Density

A2l2 × dA2 l2d2 … (4)

Dividing equation (3) by equation (4), we obtain

https://img-nm.mnimgs.com/img/study_content/curr/1/12/16/247/6686/NS_24-10-08_Sravana_12_Physics_3_24_NRJ_SS_html_16ca4c21.gif

It can be inferred from this ratio that m1 is less than m2. Hence, aluminium is lighter than copper.

Since aluminium is lighter, it is preferred for overhead power cables over copper.

 

Question 3.17:

What conclusion can you draw from the following observations on a resistor made of alloy manganin?

CurrentA VoltageV CurrentA VoltageV
0.2 3.94 3.0 59.2
0.4 7.87 4.0 78.8
0.6 11.8 5.0 98.6
0.8 15.7 6.0 118.5
1.0 19.7 7.0 138.2
2.0 39.4 8.0 158.0

Answer:

It can be inferred from the given table that the ratio of voltage with current is a constant, which is equal to 19.7. Hence, manganin is an ohmic conductor i.e., the alloy obeys Ohm’s law. According to Ohm’s law, the ratio of voltage with current is the resistance of the conductor. Hence, the resistance of manganin is 19.7 Ω.

 

Question 3.18:

Answer the following questions:

(a)  A steady current flows in a metallic conductor of non-uniform cross- section. Which of these quantities is constant along the conductor: current, current density, electric field, drift speed?

(b)  Is Ohm’s law universally applicable for all conducting elements?

If not, give examples of elements which do not obey Ohm’s law.

(c)  A low voltage supply from which one needs high currents must have very low internal resistance. Why?

(d)  A high tension (HT) supply of, say, 6 kV must have a very large internal resistance. Why?

Answer:

(a)  When a steady current flows in a metallic conductor of non-uniform cross- section, the current flowing through the conductor is constant. Current density, electric field, and drift speed are inversely proportional to the area of cross-section. Therefore, they are not constant.

(b)  No, Ohm’s law is not universally applicable for all conducting elements. Vacuum diode semi-conductor is a non-ohmic conductor. Ohm’s law is not valid for it.

(c)  According to Ohm’s law, the relation for the potential is = IR

Voltage (V) is directly proportional to current (I).

R is the internal resistance of the source.

https://img-nm.mnimgs.com/img/study_content/curr/1/12/16/247/6692/NS_24-10-08_Sravana_12_Physics_3_24_NRJ_SS_html_28602a50.gif

If V is low, then R must be very low, so that high current can be drawn from the source.

(d)  In order to prohibit the current from exceeding the safety limit, a high tension supply must have a very large internal resistance. If the internal resistance is not large, then the current drawn can exceed the safety limits in case of a short circuit.

 

Question 3.19:

Choose the correct alternative:

(a)  Alloys of metals usually have (greater/less) resistivity than that of their constituent metals.

(b)  Alloys usually have much (lower/higher) temperature coefficients of resistance than pure metals.

(c)  The resistivity of the alloy manganin is nearly independent of/increases rapidly with increase of temperature.

(d)  The resistivity of a typical insulator (e.g., amber) is greater than that of a metal by a factor of the order of (1022/103).

Answer:

(a)  Alloys of metals usually have greater resistivity than that of their constituent metals.

(b)  Alloys usually have lower temperature coefficients of resistance than pure metals.

(c)  The resistivity of the alloy, manganin, is nearly independent of increase of temperature.

(d)  The resistivity of a typical insulator is greater than that of a metal by a factor of the order of 1022.

Question 3.20:

(a)  Given resistors each of resistance R, how will you combine them to get the (i) maximum (ii) minimum effective resistance? What is the ratio of the maximum to minimum resistance?

(b)  Given the resistances of 1 Ω, 2 Ω, 3 Ω, how will be combine them to get an equivalent resistance of (i) (11/3) Ω (ii) (11/5) Ω, (iii) 6 Ω, (iv) (6/11) Ω?

(c)  Determine the equivalent resistance of networks shown in Fig. 3.31.

https://img-nm.mnimgs.com/img/study_content/curr/1/12/16/247/6699/NS_24-10-08_Sravana_12_Physics_3_24_NRJ_SS_html_m3aa3f219.jpg

Answer:

(a)  Total number of resistors = n

Resistance of each resistor = R

(i)  When n resistors are connected in series, effective resistance R1is the maximum, given by the product nR.

Hence, maximum resistance of the combination, RnR

(ii)  When n resistors are connected in parallel, the effective resistance (R2) is the minimum, given by the ratio.

Hence, minimum resistance of the combination, R2 = 

(iii) The ratio of the maximum to the minimum resistance is,

https://img-nm.mnimgs.com/img/study_content/curr/1/12/16/247/6699/NS_24-10-08_Sravana_12_Physics_3_24_NRJ_SS_html_676853ce.gif

(b)  The resistance of the given resistors is,

R1 = 1 Ω, R2 = 2 Ω, R3 = 3 Ω2

  1. Equivalent resistance, 

Consider the following combination of the resistors.

https://img-nm.mnimgs.com/img/study_content/curr/1/12/16/247/6699/NS_24-10-08_Sravana_12_Physics_3_24_NRJ_SS_html_m5a49b9b5.jpg

Equivalent resistance of the circuit is given by,

https://img-nm.mnimgs.com/img/study_content/curr/1/12/16/247/6699/NS_24-10-08_Sravana_12_Physics_3_24_NRJ_SS_html_7f167209.gif
  1. Equivalent resistance, https://img-nm.mnimgs.com/img/study_content/curr/1/12/16/247/6699/NS_24-10-08_Sravana_12_Physics_3_24_NRJ_SS_html_m6d282e3a.gif

Consider the following combination of the resistors.

https://img-nm.mnimgs.com/img/study_content/curr/1/12/16/247/6699/NS_24-10-08_Sravana_12_Physics_3_24_NRJ_SS_html_547906b3.jpg

Equivalent resistance of the circuit is given by,

https://img-nm.mnimgs.com/img/study_content/curr/1/12/16/247/6699/NS_24-10-08_Sravana_12_Physics_3_24_NRJ_SS_html_m4471e20c.gif

(iii)  Equivalent resistance, R = 6 Ω

Consider the series combination of the resistors, as shown in the given circuit.

https://img-nm.mnimgs.com/img/study_content/curr/1/12/16/247/6699/NS_24-10-08_Sravana_12_Physics_3_24_NRJ_SS_html_4d70191a.jpg

Equivalent resistance of the circuit is given by the sum,

R = 1 + 2 + 3 = 6 Ω

(iv)  Equivalent resistance, 

Consider the series combination of the resistors, as shown in the given circuit.

https://img-nm.mnimgs.com/img/study_content/curr/1/12/16/247/6699/NS_24-10-08_Sravana_12_Physics_3_24_NRJ_SS_html_4f530441.jpg

Equivalent resistance of the circuit is given by,

https://img-nm.mnimgs.com/img/study_content/curr/1/12/16/247/6699/NS_24-10-08_Sravana_12_Physics_3_24_NRJ_SS_html_5a1ada12.gif

(c) (a) It can be observed from the given circuit that in the first small loop, two resistors of resistance 1 Ω each are connected in series.

Hence, their equivalent resistance = (1+1) = 2 Ω

It can also be observed that two resistors of resistance 2 Ω each are connected in series.

Hence, their equivalent resistance = (2 + 2) = 4 Ω.

Therefore, the circuit can be redrawn as

https://img-nm.mnimgs.com/img/study_content/curr/1/12/16/247/6699/NS_24-10-08_Sravana_12_Physics_3_24_NRJ_SS_html_m6f653a7d.jpg

It can be observed that 2 Ω and 4 Ω resistors are connected in parallel in all the four loops. Hence, equivalent resistance (R) of each loop is given by,

https://img-nm.mnimgs.com/img/study_content/curr/1/12/16/247/6699/NS_24-10-08_Sravana_12_Physics_3_24_NRJ_SS_html_7bbd340a.gif

The circuit reduces to,

https://img-nm.mnimgs.com/img/study_content/curr/1/12/16/247/6699/NS_24-10-08_Sravana_12_Physics_3_24_NRJ_SS_html_6179eba.jpg

All the four resistors are connected in series.

Hence, equivalent resistance of the given circuit is 

(b)  It can be observed from the given circuit that five resistors of resistance R each are connected in series.

Hence, equivalent resistance of the circuit = R + R + R + R

= 5 R

 

Page No 130:

Question 3.21:

Determine the current drawn from a 12 V supply with internal resistance 0.5 Ω by the infinite network shown in Fig. 3.32. Each resistor has 1 Ω resistance.

https://img-nm.mnimgs.com/img/study_content/curr/1/12/16/247/6703/NS_24-10-08_Sravana_12_Physics_3_24_NRJ_SS_html_63fb7065.jpg

Answer:

The resistance of each resistor connected in the given circuit, R = 1 Ω

Equivalent resistance of the given circuit = R

The network is infinite. Hence, equivalent resistance is given by the relation,

https://img-nm.mnimgs.com/img/study_content/curr/1/12/16/247/6703/NS_24-10-08_Sravana_12_Physics_3_24_NRJ_SS_html_m12f14397.gif

Negative value of R’ cannot be accepted. Hence, equivalent resistance,

https://img-nm.mnimgs.com/img/study_content/curr/1/12/16/247/6703/NS_24-10-08_Sravana_12_Physics_3_24_NRJ_SS_html_6ffefd9f.gif

Internal resistance of the circuit, r = 0.5 Ω

Hence, total resistance of the given circuit = 2.73 + 0.5 = 3.23 Ω

Supply voltage, V = 12 V

According to Ohm’s Law, current drawn from the source is given by the ratio, https://img-nm.mnimgs.com/img/study_content/curr/1/12/16/247/6703/NS_24-10-08_Sravana_12_Physics_3_24_NRJ_SS_html_m691fd345.gif = 3.72 A

 

Question 3.22:

Figure 3.33 shows a potentiometer with a cell of 2.0 V and internal resistance 0.40 Ω maintaining a potential drop across the resistor wire AB. A standard cell which maintains a constant emf of 1.02 V (for very moderate currents up to a few mA) gives a balance point at 67.3 cm length of the wire. To ensure very low currents drawn from the standard cell, a very high resistance of 600 kΩ is put in series with it, which is shorted close to the balance point. The standard cell is then replaced by a cell of unknown emf ε and the balance point found similarly, turns out to be at 82.3 cm length of the wire.

https://img-nm.mnimgs.com/img/study_content/curr/1/12/16/247/6704/NS_24-10-08_Sravana_12_Physics_3_24_NRJ_SS_html_m1c5f2251.jpg

(a)  What is the value ε ?

(b)  What purpose does the high resistance of 600 kΩ have?

(c)  Is the balance point affected by this high resistance?

(d) Is the balance point affected by the internal resistance of the driver cell?

(e)  Would the method work in the above situation if the driver cell of the potentiometer had an emf of 1.0 V instead of 2.0 V?

(f )  Would the circuit work well for determining an extremely small emf, say of the order of a few mV (such as the typical emf of a thermo-couple)? If not, how will you modify the circuit?

Answer:

(a)  Constant emf of the given standard cell, E1 = 1.02 V

Balance point on the wire, l= 67.3 cm

A cell of unknown emf, ε,replaced the standard cell. Therefore, new balance point on the wire, l = 82.3 cm

The relation connecting emf and balance point is,

https://img-nm.mnimgs.com/img/study_content/curr/1/12/16/247/6704/NS_24-10-08_Sravana_12_Physics_3_24_NRJ_SS_html_51f4c316.gif

The value of unknown emf is 1.247 V.

(b)  The purpose of using the high resistance of 600 kΩ is to reduce the current through the galvanometer when the movable contact is far from the balance point.

(c)  The balance point is not affected by the presence of high resistance.

(d)  The point is not affected by the internal resistance of the driver cell.

(e)  The method would not work if the driver cell of the potentiometer had an emf of 1.0 V instead of 2.0 V. This is because if the emf of the driver cell of the potentiometer is less than the emf of the other cell, then there would be no balance point on the wire.

(f)  The circuit would not work well for determining an extremely small emf. As the circuit would be unstable, the balance point would be close to end A. Hence, there would be a large percentage of error.

The given circuit can be modified if a series resistance is connected with the wire AB. The potential drop across AB is slightly greater than the emf measured. The percentage error would be small.

 

Page No 131:

 

Question 3.23:

Figure 3.34 shows a potentiometer circuit for comparison of two resistances. The balance point with a standard resistor R = 10.0 Ω is found to be 58.3 cm, while that with the unknown resistance is 68.5 cm. Determine the value of X. What might you do if you failed to find a balance point with the given cell of emf ε?

https://img-nm.mnimgs.com/img/study_content/curr/1/12/16/247/6706/NS_24-10-08_Sravana_12_Physics_3_24_NRJ_SS_html_m5bd2d8e5.jpg

Answer:

Resistance of the standard resistor, R = 10.0 Ω

Balance point for this resistance, l1 = 58.3 cm

Current in the potentiometer wire = i

Hence, potential drop across RE1 = iR

Resistance of the unknown resistor = X

Balance point for this resistor, l2 = 68.5 cm

Hence, potential drop across XE2 = iX

The relation connecting emf and balance point is,

https://img-nm.mnimgs.com/img/study_content/curr/1/12/16/247/6706/NS_24-10-08_Sravana_12_Physics_3_24_NRJ_SS_html_188a2471.gif

Therefore, the value of the unknown resistance, X, is 11.75 Ω.

If we fail to find a balance point with the given cell of emf, ε, then the potential drop across R and X must be reduced by putting a resistance in series with it. Only if the potential drop across R or X is smaller than the potential drop across the potentiometer wire AB, a balance point is obtained.

 

Question 3.24:

Figure 3.35 shows a 2.0 V potentiometer used for the determination of internal resistance of a 1.5 V cell. The balance point of the cell in open circuit is 76.3 cm. When a resistor of 9.5 Ω is used in the external circuit of the cell, the balance point shifts to 64.8 cm length of the potentiometer wire. Determine the internal resistance of the cell.

https://img-nm.mnimgs.com/img/study_content/curr/1/12/16/247/6707/NS_24-10-08_Sravana_12_Physics_3_24_NRJ_SS_html_527a9624.jpg

Answer:

Internal resistance of the cell = r

Balance point of the cell in open circuit, l1 = 76.3 cm

An external resistance (R) is connected to the circuit with R = 9.5 Ω

New balance point of the circuit, l= 64.8 cm

Current flowing through the circuit = I

The relation connecting resistance and emf is,

https://img-nm.mnimgs.com/img/study_content/curr/1/12/16/247/6707/NS_24-10-08_Sravana_12_Physics_3_24_NRJ_SS_html_1ff9b57e.gif

Therefore, the internal resistance of the cell is 1.68Ω.

 

Topics to study in NCERT Class 12 Chapter 3 of Physics – Current Electricity

Section Number Topic
3.1 Introduction
3.2 Electric Current
3.3 Electric Currents In Conductors
3.4 Ohm’s Law
3.5 Drift Of Electrons And The Origin Of Resistivity
3.5.1 Mobility
3.6 Limitations Of Ohm’s Law
3.7 Resistivity Of Various Materials
3.8 Temperature Dependence Of Resistivity
3.9 Electrical Energy, Power
3.10 Combination Of Resistors – Series And Parallel
3.11 Cells, Emf, Internal Resistance
3.12 Cells In Series And In Parallel
3.13 Kirchhoff’s Rules
3.14 Wheatstone Bridge
3.15 Meter Bridge
3.16 Potentiometer

 

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CONCLUSION

The NCERT Solutions for Class 12 Physics Chapter 3 provide a comprehensive and detailed understanding of the concepts of Current Electricity. The solutions offer step-by-step explanations of all the questions given in the textbook, making it easier for students to grasp the concepts and solve the problems with ease.

Our solutions cover all the important topics of the chapter, such as electric current, resistance, Ohm’s law, Kirchhoff’s laws, and electrical power. The solutions also discuss the different types of resistors and their applications, as well as the concept of electric cells and their internal resistance.

Furthermore, the solutions cover the series and parallel combination of cells in a circuit, and the different types of circuits, such as series and parallel circuits. With these solutions, students can develop a better understanding of the subject and excel in their exams.

Overall, the NCERT Solutions for Class 12 Physics Chapter 3 are designed to help students gain a deeper understanding of the concepts covered in the chapter and provide them with the necessary tools to solve complex problems. With these solutions, students can improve their problem-solving skills and achieve academic success.

 

 

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