10th Phy Electricity Notes 2
Electric Circuit: Electric circuit is a continuous and closed path of electric current.
The representation of an electric circuit through symbols is called a circuit diagram
A cell is a source of potential difference, which is created inside it due to internal chemical reactions.
A combination of cells is called a battery.
Plug Key or Switch : makes or brakes the Circuit. ( if switch Is off - open circuit (current flow is
broke), switch is on – closed circuit )
Galvanometer: It is a device to detect current in an electric circuit.
Ammeter: An apparatus to measure electric current in a circuit
Voltmeter: An apparatus to measure the Voltage or electric potential difference between two points
in an electric circuit.
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.
(for symbols refer text book)
Combination of resistors (Series and 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. 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. This is because there is no other path along which the
current can flow.
The potential difference across the ends of the combination is distributed across the ends of
each of the resistances. The potential difference across any one of the resistances is directly
proportional to its resistance. Total voltage is the sum of voltage across each resistor.
If n resistances each of value R are connected in series, the equivalent resistance Re is given
by: Re = R + R + R .......... n times
Re = nR
When two or more resistances are joined in series, the result is the same as increasing the
length of the conductor. In both cases the resultant resistance is higher.
In a series combination, the equivalent resistance is greater than the greatest resistance in
the combination. (so Maximum resistance is achieved by series combination of resistance)
2. Resistors in Parallel: A number of resistors are said to be in a parallel connection if one end of
each resistance is connected to one point and the other is connected to another point. In this case,
the reciprocal of the total resistance of the system is equal to the sum of reciprocal of the resistance
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10th Phy Electricity Notes 2
of resistors.
In parallel combination, the potential difference across each resistor is the same and is equal
to the total potential difference.
The total current divides itself and different current flows through each resistor. The
maximum current flows through the resistor having minimum resistance and vice versa. The
total current through the circuit can be calculated by adding the electric current through
individual resistors.
If n resistances each of value R are connected in parallel, the equivalent resistance Re is
given by: Re = R/n
In a parallel combination, the equivalent resistance is lesser than the least of all the
resistances.(so Minimum resistance is achieved by parallel combination of resistance)
Ammeter is always connected in series in the circuit ( because current is same in series) and
it should have very less resistance ( because in series resistance adds, so low resistance less
change in current and resistance of the circuit). Ideal ammeter will have zero resistance.
Voltmeter is always connected in parallel in the circuit ( because voltage/PD is same in
parallel) and it should have very high resistance ( because in paralled high resistance very
less current flow through it and less change in circuit current and resistance of the circuit).
Ideal voltmeter will have infinite resistance.
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: H ∝ I2 Rt
In some cases, heating is desirable, while in many cases, such as electric motors, generators or
transformers, it is highly undesirable.
Some of the devices in which heating effect of an electric current is desirable, are incandescent
lamps, toasters, electric irons and stoves. All these devices have resistors with high melting
point and so alloys are used. The tungsten filament of an incandescent lamp operates at a
temperature of 2700°C. Here, we see electrical energy being converted into both heat and light
energy.
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10th Phy Electricity Notes 2
so fuses should have low melting point.
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 = P/ V
I = 1000W/ 220V = 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 (P): The electric work done per unit time is called electric power.
Electric Power = Electric workdone/ Timetaken
or P = W/ t
Electric power is also defined as the electric energy consumed per unit time.
P = E/ t
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.
P = W/t = VQ/t = VI
P= VI = I2R = V2/ R (because V=IR)
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).
Commercial Unit of Electrical Energy is “Unit”. 1 Unit = 1 kWh
1 kWh = 1000 W × 1 h = 1000 W × 3600 s = 3600000 J = 3.6 × 106 J
So to find Units consumed convert power rating of device in kW ( 1 watt = 1/1000 Kw ), running
time of device in hrs ( 1 min = 1/60 hrs)
An electric refrigerator rated 400 W operates 8 hours a day. Calculate the cost of electricity bill
for 30 days. Given 1 unit costs Rs. 2.50/-
P = 400 W = 400/1000 kW = 0.4 kW
T = 8 hrs
For one day = 0.4 x 8 = 3.2 kWhr = 3.2 Units
For 30 days 3.2 x 30 = 96 units
Cost = 96 x 2.50 = Rs. 240 /-
