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301.

Distinguish between: Voltmeter and Ammeter

Answer»
VoltmeterAmmeter
(i) It is an instrument used to measure the potential difference between two terminals of a cell.(i) It is an instrument to measure the electric current flowing through a circuit.
(ii) It is connected in parallel with the cell.(ii) It is connected in series with the cell.
(iii) It has a very high resistance.(iii) It has a very low resistance.
(iv) Voltmeter has range of volts.(iv) Ammeter has range of amps.
302.

Define the term current and state its S.I unit.

Answer»

Current is defined as the rate of flow of charge.

I = Q/t

Its S.I. unit is Ampere.

303.

Define the term electric potential. State its S.I. unit.

Answer»

Electric potential at a point is defined as the amount of work done in bringing a unit positive charge from infinity to that point. Its unit is the volt.

304.

Define the term resistance. State its S.I. unit. 

Answer»

It is the property of a conductor to resist the flow of charges through it. It's S.I. unit is Ohm.

305.

How is the electric potential difference between the two points defined? State its S.I. unit.

Answer»

The potential difference between two points is equal to the work done in moving a unit positive charge from one point to the other. 

It's S.I. unit is Volt.

306.

Explain the statement ‘the potential difference between two points is 1 volt’.

Answer»

One volt is the potential difference between two points in an electric circuit when 1 joule of work is done to move charge of 1 coulomb from one point to other.

307.

Explain the analogy between the flow of charge (or current) in a conductor under a potential difference with the free fall of a body under gravity.

Answer»

If a body is free to fall, on releasing it from a height, it falls downwards towards the earth's surface. For, this one end has to be at higher level and other at lower level, so that gravity could effect on this difference and body could freely fall. Same way to make flow of the charge through a conductor, the gravity of course has no role of play; there should be difference of electric potential. This difference gives the flow of charge in a conductor.

308.

Explain the analogy between the flow of charge (or current) in a conductor under a potential difference with the free fall of a body under gravity.

Answer»

If a body is free to fall, on releasing it from a height, it falls downwards towards the earth's surface. For, this one end has to be at higher level and other at lower level, so that gravity could effect on this difference and body could freely fall. Same way to make flow of the charge through a conductor, the gravity of course has no role of play; there should be difference of electric potential. This difference gives the flow of charge in a conductor.

309.

Define the term resistance. State its S.I. unit.

Answer»

It is the property of a conductor to resist the flow of charges through it. It's S.I. unit is Ohm.

310.

Name the particles which are responsible for the flow of current in a metal. Explain the flow of current in a metal on the basis of movement of the particles name by you.

Answer»

In a metal, the charges responsible for the flow of current are the free electrons. The direction of flow of current is conventionally taken opposite to the direction of motion of electrons.

311.

In a meter bridge the point D is a neutral point (Fig 3.3). (a) The meter bridge can have no other neutral point for this set of resistances. (b) When the jockey contacts a point on meter wire left of D, current flows to B from the wire. (c) When the jockey contacts a point on the meter wire to the right of D, current flows from B to the wire through galvanometer. (d) When R is increased, the neutral point shifts to left.

Answer»

(a), (c)

(a) The meter bridge can have no other neutral point for this set of resistances.

(c) When the jockey contacts a point on the meter wire to the right of D, current flows from B to the wire through galvanometer.  

312.

How does the resistance of a wire depend on its radius? Explain your answer.

Answer»

Resistance of a wire is inversely proportional to the area of cross-section of the wire.

R ∝ 1/A

R ∝ 1/πr2 

This means if a wire of same length, but of double radius is taken, its resistance is found to be one-fourth.

313.

How does the resistance of a wire depend on its length? Give a reason for your answer with reason.

Answer»

Resistance of a wire is directly proportional to the length of the wire.

R ∝ I

The resistance of a conductor depends on the number of collisions which the electrons suffer with the fixed positive ions while moving from one end to the other end of the conductor. Obviously the number of collisions will be more in a longer conductor as compared to a shorter conductor. Therefore, a longer conductor offers more resistance.

314.

The measurement of an unknown resistance R is to be carried out using Wheatstones bridge (see Fig. 3.25 of NCERT Book). Two students perform an experiment in two ways. The first students takes R2 = 10Ω and R1 = 5Ω. The other student takes R2 = 1000Ω and R1 = 500Ω. In the standard arm, both take R3 = 5Ω. Both find R=R2/R1 R3=10 Ω within errors. (a) The errors of measurement of the two students are the same. (b) Errors of measurement do depend on the accuracy with which R2 and R1 can be measured. (c) If the student uses large values of R2 and R1, the currents through the arms will be feeble. This will make determination of null point accurately more difficult. (d) Wheatstone bridge is a very accurate instrument and has no errors of measurement.

Answer»

(b), (c)

(b) Errors of measurement do depend on the accuracy with which R2 and R1can be measured. 

(c) If the student uses large values of R2 and R1, the currents through the arms will be feeble. This will make determination of null point accurately more difficult. 

315.

How does the resistance of a metallic wire depend on its temperature? Explain with reason.

Answer»

With the increase in temperature of conductor, both the random motion of electrons and the amplitude of vibration of fixed positive ions increase. As a result, the number of collisions increases. Hence, the resistance of a conductor increases with the increase in its temperature. The resistance of filament of a bulb is more when it is glowing (i.e., when it is at a high temperature) as compared to when it is not glowing (i.e., when it is cold).

316.

The given circuit represents a balanced Wheatstone’s bridge. Calculate the value of resistance x.

Answer»

In the balanced condition,

\(\frac{P}{Q}=\frac{R}{S}\)

∴ \(\frac{4+4}{1}=\frac{4+x}{2}\)

\(\Rightarrow\) \(x=12\Omega\)

317.

In using a Wheatstone’s bridge to accurately measure an unknown resistance, a calibrated known variable resistor is varied until (A) the change in the galvanometer reading is zero (B) a change in the value of the variable resistor produces no change in the galvanometer reading (C) the potential difference across the unknown resistance is zero (D) the potential difference across the galvanometer is zero.

Answer»

(D) the potential difference across the galvanometer is zero.

318.

Two wires one of copper and other of iron, are of the same length and same radius. Which will have more resistance? Give reason.

Answer»

Iron wire will have more resistance than copper wire of the same length and same radius because resistivity of iron is more than that of copper.

319.

Name three factors on which resistance of a given wire depends and state how is it affected by the factors stated by you.

Answer»

(i) Resistance of a wire is directly proportional to the length of the wire means with the increase in length resistance also increases.

R ∝ I

(ii) Resistance of a wire is inversely proportional to the area of cross-section of the wire. If area of cross-section of the wire is more, then resistance will be less and vice versa.

R ∝ 1

(iii) Resistance increases with the increase in temperature since with increase in temperature the number of collisions increases.

(iv) Resistance depends on the nature of conductor because different substances have different concentration of free electrons. Substances such as silver, copper etc. offer less resistance and are called good conductors; but substances such as rubber, glass etc. offer very high resistance and are called insulators.

320.

Give the Limitations of Ohm’s law.

Answer»

Although Ohm’s law has been found valid over a large class of materials, there do exist materials and devices used in electric circuits where the proportionality of V and I does not hold. The deviations broadly are one or more of the following types: 

(a) V ceases to be proportional to I. 

(b) The relation between V and I depends on the sign of V. In other words, if I is the current for a certain V, then reversing the direction of V keeping its magnitude fixed, does not produce a current of the same magnitude as I in the opposite direction. 

(c) The relation between V and I is not unique, i.e., there is more than one value of V for the same current I. A material exhibiting such behaviour is GaAs.

321.

Mention the limitations of Ohm’s law. 

Answer»

Limitations of Ohm’s law: 

1. Ohm’s law applicable only for good conductors. 

2. Ohm’s law applicable only, when the physical conditions like temperature, pressure and tension remains constant. 

3. Ohm’s law is not applicable at very low temperature and very high temperature. 

4. Ohm’s law is not applicable for semiconductors, thermistors, vacuum tubes, discharge tubes. 

322.

Define the terms electric energy and electric power. Give their units. 

Answer»

Electric energy: The total work done by the source of emf in maintaining an electric current in a circuit for a given time is called electric energy consumed in the circuit. Its SI unit is joule. 

Electric power : The rate at which work is done by a source of emf in maintaining an electric current through a circuit is called electric power of the circuit. Its SI unit is watt. 

323.

What is the average velocity of free electrons in a metal at room temperature? 

Answer»

The average velocity of free electrons in a metal at room temperature is zero.

324.

A (i) series (ii) parallel combination of two given resistors is connected, one by one, across a cell. In which case will the terminal potential difference, across the cell have a higher value?

Answer»

Terminal potential difference across a cell

V = ε - Ir

i. In series arrangement, current, \(I_S=\frac{E}{R_1+R_2+r}\)

ii. In parallel arrangement, current, \(I_P=\frac{E}{\frac{R_1R_2}{R_1+R_2}+r}\) 

Obviously, IP > IS, so VP < VS

That is series arrangement will have higher terminal potential difference.

325.

Define drift velocity.

Answer»

It is defined as the average velocity gained by the free electrons of a conductor in the opposite of the externally applied electric field. 

326.

Define electrical conductivity. 

Answer»

The reciprocal of electrical resistivity of material of a conductor is called conductivity. i.e. σ = (1/ρ)

327.

A uniform wire of resistance 50 Ω is cut into 5 equal parts. These parts are now connected in parallel. What is the value of equivalent resistance of the combination?

Answer»

Answer is 2 ohms

328.

Two resistors having resistance 4 and 6 are connected in parallel. Find their equivalent resistance.

Answer»

Let ' R be their equivalent resistance of the 4Ω and 6Ω resistors connected in parallel.

Then, 1/R = 1/4 + 1/6 = 3 + 2/12 = (5/12)Ω 

Or, R' = 12/5 = 2.4 Ω 

329.

What is emf of a cell? 

Answer»

Emf is the potential difference between the positive and negative electrodes in an open circuit. i.e. when no current flowing through the cell.  

330.

What is the equivalent resistance of P resistors each of resistance R connected in series ?

Answer»

Req = R1 + R2 + R3 + R4 +…………… 

Req = R + R + R +………………….P times = P(R)  

331.

What happens to the effective resistance when two or more resistors are connected in series?

Answer»

The effective resistance when two or more resistors are connected in series increases and is greater than the greatest of individual resistance. 

332.

What happens to the effective resistance when two or more resistors are connected in parallel? 

Answer»

The effective resistance when two or more resistors are connected in parallel decreases and is smaller than the smallest of individual resistance. 

333.

A wire of 15Ω resistance is gradually stretched to double its original length. It is then cut into two equal parts. These parts are then connected in parallel across a 3.0 volt battery. Find the current drawn from the battery.

Answer»

When the wire of 15Ω resistance is stretched to double its original length, then its resistance becomes

R’ = n2 × 15 = 22 × 15 = 60Ω 

When it cut into two equal parts, then resistance of each part becomes

R' = R'/2 = 60/2 = 30Ω 

These parts are connected in parallel, then net resistance of their combination is

R = R'/2 = 30/2 = 15Ω 

So, the current drawn from the battery

l = V/R = 3/15 = 1/5 

or l = 0.2 A.

334.

When a conductor is stretched, its length becomes double. Find out how many times the resistance changes.

Answer»

The resistance changes is 4 times.

335.

What is a solar cell?

Answer»

A solar cell is a device that converts solar energy into electrical energy.

336.

Give one example in which the magnetic effect of electric current is used.

Answer»

The working of an electric bell is based on the magnetic effect of electric current.

337.

State one characteristic of the Ni-Cd cell.

Answer»

The Ni-Cd cell is rechargeable.

338.

What is the potential difference delivered by the Ni-Cd cell?

Answer»

The potential difference delivered by the Ni-Cd cell is (about) 1.2 V.

[Note: In this cell, nickel oxide is the positive electrode and cadmium is the negative electrode. It is often used as a dry cell and it can be recharged. These cells are used in some portable machines that run on electricity like a drilling machine or a gardening tool.]

339.

Rewrite the sentence after filling the blank:When a glass rod is rubbed on a silk cloth, the glass rod acquires …………… charge.

Answer»

When a glass rod is rubbed on a silk cloth, the glass rod acquires positive charge.

340.

The potential difference between the two electrodes of the lead-acid cell is nearly ………………. . (a) 1 V (b) 1.2 V (c) 1.5 V (d) 2 V

Answer»

Correct option is (d) 2 V

341.

The Ni-Cd cell delivers a potential difference of …………….. . (a) 1 V (b) 1.2 V (c) 1.5 V (d) 2 V

Answer»

Correct option is (b) 1.2 V

342.

Name the charge carriers of electric current in(i) Silver foil (ii) Hydrogen discharge tube (iii) Germanium semiconductor (iv) Wire made of alloy nichrome (v) Superconductor

Answer»

(i) Charge carriers in silver foil are free electrons.

(ii) Charge carriers in hydrogen discharge tube are electrons (e–) and positive hydrogen ions (H+).

(iii) Charge carriers in germanium semiconductor are electrons (e–) and holes (o+)

(iv) Charge carriers in nichrome wire are electrons.

(v) Charge carriers in superconductor are electrons.

343.

Figure shows a potentiometer circuit for comparison of two resistances. The balance point with a standard resistance R = 10.0Ω is found to be 58.3 cm, while that with the unknown resistance X 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 ε.

Answer»

In first case, resistance R is in parallel with cell ε, so p.d. across R = ε

i.e., ε = RI ...(i)

In second case, X is in parallel with cell so p.d. across X = ε

i.e., ε = XI ...(ii)

Let k be the potential gradient of potentiometer wire. If l1 and l2 are the balancing length corresponding to resistance respectively, then

ε = kl1 ...(iii)

ε = kl2 ...(iv)

From (i) and (iii) RI = kl1 ...(v)

From (ii) and (iv) XI = kl2 ...(vi) 

Dividing (vi) by (v), we get

\(\frac{X}{R}=\frac{l_2}{l_1}\) \(\Rightarrow X=\frac{l_2}{l_1}R\)

Here, R = 10.0 Ω, l1 = 58.3 cm, l2 = 68.5 cm

∴ \(X=\frac{68.5}{58.3}\times10.0=11.75\Omega\)

If we fail to find the balance point with the given cell ε, then we shall take the driver battery (B1) of higher emf than given emf (ε).

344.

Define the term ‘drift velocity’ of charge carriers in a conductor and write its relationship with the current flowing through it.

Answer»

Drift velocity is defined as the average velocity acquired by the free electrons in a conductor under the influence of an electric field applied across the conductor. It is denoted by vd.

Current, I = neA. vd

345.

Explain the term ‘drift velocity’ of electrons in a conductor. Hence obtain the expression for the current through a conductor in terms of ‘drift velocity’.

Answer»

Drift velocity : It is the average velocity acquired by the free electrons superimposed over the random motion in the direction opposite to electric field and along the length of the metallic conductor.

Let n = number of free electrons per unit volume, vd = Drift velocity of electrons Total number of free electrons passing through a cross section in unit time

N/t = Anvd

So, total charge passing through a cross section in unit time

i.e., current, l = Q/t = N/t = Anevd.

346.

Which of the following characteristics of electrons determines the current in a conductor?(a) Drift velocity alone.(b) Thermal velocity alone.(c) Both drift velocity and thermal velocity.(d) Neither drift nor thermal velocity.

Answer»

(a) Drift velocity alone.

347.

Kirchhoff ’s junction rule is a reflection of (a) conservation of current density vector. (b) conservation of charge. (c) the fact that the momentum with which a charged particle approaches a junction is unchanged (as a vector) as the charged particle leaves the junction. (d) the fact that there is no accumulation of charges at a junction.

Answer»

(b), (d)

(b) conservation of charge. 

(d) the fact that there is no accumulation of charges at a junction.

348.

Consider a simple circuit shown in Fig 3.2. stands for a variable resistance R ′. R ′ can vary from R0 to infinity. r is internal resistance of the battery (r&lt;&lt;R&lt;&lt;R0). (a) Potential drop across AB is nearly constant as R′ is varied. (b) Current through R′ is nearly a constant as R′ is varied. (c) Current I depends sensitively on R ′. (d) I ≥V/r+R always.

Answer»

(a), (d)

(a) Potential drop across AB is nearly constant as R′ is varied. 

(d) I V/r+R always.

349.

How does the resistance of a wire vary with its area of cross section?

Answer»

The resistance of a wire is inversely proportional to its cross-sectional area. Thus, a thick wire has less resistance, and a thin wire has more resistance.

350.

What will be the value of current through the 2Ω resistance for the circuit shown in the figure? Give reason to support your answer.

Answer»

No current will flow through 2Ω resistor, because in a closed loop, total p.d. must be zero. So

10 V – 5I1 = 0 . . . (1)

20 V – 10I2 = 0 . . . (2)

Equation (1) and (2) have no solutions and resistor 2Ωis not part of any loop ABCD and EFGH.