Electricity

E. Differentiate between the following.

1. Conductor and insulator
* Conductor: Materials that allows the flow of electric current.
* Insulator: Materials that does not allow the flow of electric current.

2. Primary cell and secondary cell

* Primary cell: A non-rechargeable cell; once the chemicals are used up, it
cannot be recharged.
* Secondary cell: A rechargeable cell; it can be recharged multiple times.

3. Series connection circuit and parallel connection circuit

Series connection circuit: Components are arranged in a single path; if one
component fails, the entire circuit is affected.
Parallel connection circuit: Components are arranged in multiple paths; failure
of one component does not affect the entire circuit.

F. Very Short Answer (VSA) questions.

1. Define electric current.
The rate of flow of electric charge in a conductor is called electric
current.
2. What is the electric potential difference?
Electric potential difference is the work done to move an electric charge
from one point to another in an electric circuit.
3. Name two sources of electrical energy.
Two sources of electrical energy are batteries and generators.
4. Draw the symbols for the following electrical components:
i. Battery
ii. Bulb

G. Short Answer (SA) questions.

1. What are electrical conductors and insulators? Give examples.
Electrical conductors: Materials that allow the flow of electric current.
Examples include metals like copper, aluminium, and silver.
Insulators: Materials that do not allow the flow of electric current.
Examples include rubber, glass, and plastic.

2. Explain electromagnetic induction. Name one of its real-life applications.

In electromagnetic induction, an electric current is produced when an
object moves in a magnetic field.
 Real-life application: An electric generator is a device that converts
mechanical energy into electrical energy, using the principle of electromagnetic
induction. Electric generators produce a large amount of electricity that is
enough to power a house or a building.
3. What are the requirements for making an electric circuit? Explain.
An electric circuit is an arrangement made for the flow of electric current.
Requirements for making an electric circuit:
* Closed path: An electric circuit must have a closed path or loop for the flow of
electric current.
* Energy source: A source of electrical energy, such as a battery or generator, to
provide the potential difference (voltage) in the circuit.
* Conductive path: Conductive materials, like wires, allow the flow of electric
current.
*Load or device: Components like bulbs, motors, or other devices that use
electrical energy to perform a specific task.

H. Long Answer (LA) questions.

1. Explain the construction and working of a dry cell.
A dry cell, also known as a dry cell battery, is a common type of battery used
in various electronic devices such as flashlights, remote controls, and
portable radios.
Construction of a dry cell:
Outer Casing: The dry cell is typically of a cylindrical shape and is made up of
a metal or plastic outer casing. It serves as the container for all the internal
components as shown in the figure.
Cathode (Positive Terminal): The cathode is the positive terminal of the dry
cell and is located at the centre.
Anode (Negative Terminal): The anode is the negative terminal of the dry cell
and is situated as a layer around the cathode. The anode provides the electrons
needed for the electrochemical reaction.
Electrolyte Paste: The space between the cathode and the anode is filled with
an electrolyte paste.
Working of a dry cell:
When a device is connected to a dry cell, a chemical reaction occurs within the
cell, producing an electric current. This process is as follows:
Chemical Reaction: The electrolyte paste in the dry cell begins to react with the
materials inside. The ammonium chloride and the zinc chloride in the paste
break down ions.
Electron Flow: The zinc anode (negative terminal) reacts with the positive ions,
causing the zinc atoms to lose electrons. These electrons move through the outer
casing (anode) of the dry cell, creating an electric current.
* As the electric current flows, the electrons reach the cathode (positive
terminal). The flow of electrons generates an electric current in the circuit. A
dry cell typically produces a voltage of around 1.5 volts.

2. What do you understand by electrical resistance? What are its units of

measurement?
Electrical resistance: The obstruction offered by a material to the flow of
electric current through it is known as electrical resistance. The more resistance
offered by a material, the lower will be the magnitude of the electric current
flowing through it for a given voltage.
Units of measurement:
The unit of electrical resistance is the ohm.
The symbol for ohm is represented by the Greek letter omega .

3. i. What are electric mains? Explain. Why is it considered the source of

electric current?
i. Electricity mains
Electricity mains, also known as the power grid or power supply network, is a
system that delivers electricity from power plants to our homes, schools, and
other buildings Electricity is generated at power plants. Once electricity is
generated, it is transmitted through high-voltage cables from power plants to
sub-stations and from sub-stations to our homes and other buildings. Power
plants generate AC electricity.
ii. List differences between direct current and alternating current.
Alternating current changes its direction of flow back and forth in a regular
pattern. It oscillates between positive and negative directions.
The current from electric mains is different from the current produced by an
electric cell or battery. The electric cell or battery produces a direct negative
Direct current flows in a single direction, typically from the positive terminal to
the negative terminal of a cell or battery.

Applying and Analysing

A. Select the correct option.

1. Read the following statements carefully and choose the correct
option.
Statement I: The rate of flow of charge in a conductor is called current.
Statement II: The unit used to measure charge is ampere.
a) Only statement I is correct.
b) Both statements are correct.
c) Only statement II is correct.
d) Both statements are incorrect.

Ans: a) Only statement I is correct.

2. Choose the incorrect statement.
a) A switch is the source of electric current in a circuit.
b) A switch helps to complete or break the circuit.
c) A switch helps us to use electricity as per our requirement.
d) When the switch is open, there is an air gap between its terminals.

Ans: a) A switch is the source of electric current in a circuit.

3. Assertion (A): Resistance is the obstruction offered by a material to the

electric current.
Reason (R): The collision of free protons with rigid atoms in a material resists
the flow of electric current.
Which of the following statements satisfies the above statements of assertion
and reason?
a) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
b) Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A.
c) A is true, but R is false.
d) A is false, but R is true.

Ans: c) A is true but R is false.

B. Circle the odd one out in each of the following and give reasons for your
choice.
1. Steel, Copper, Jute, Aluminium
Jute is an insulator, all others are conductors Steel, Copper, and
Aluminium)
 2. Electron, Resistance, Proton, Neutron
Resistance, because rest three are the components of an atom.

3. Pencil cell, Fuel cell, Button cell, AA cell

Fuel cell is a type of secondary cell and others are types of dry cell.

C. Solve the given numerical.

1. A battery delivers a current of 0.5 ampere through a circuit for 2
minute. Calculate the total charge passing through the circuit.

2. A light bulb draws a current of 0.4 ampere. If a charge of 240 coulomb

passes through the bulb, calculate the time during which the bulb was
on.

3. A hairdryer operates at a current of 5 ampere. If it is used for 10

minute continuously, calculate the total charge consumed by the hairdryer.

4. A mobile phone battery has a charge of 2000 coulombs. If it supplies

a current of 0.2 ampere, calculate the time up to which it can operate.

D. Explain why.

1. Joints in electrical wires are covered with plastic tapes.

Joints in electrical wires are covered with plastic tapes to prevent short
circuits and ensure electrical safety. Plastic is an insulator and prevents contact
between conductors.

2. A fused bulb does not glow.

Fusing occurs when excessive current flows. The fuse breaks the circuit,
preventing further damage. Thus, a fused bulb does not glow.
3. An electric circuit does not work when woollen threads are used for
connections while it works with copper wires.
Woollen threads are insulators, disrupting the flow of current. Copper
wires are conductors, allowing the flow of current.

[Link] Answer (SA) questions.

1. Why is it advisable to wear plastic gloves or rubber footwear while

working with electricity? Explain.
Wearing plastic gloves or rubber footwear is advisable while working
with electricity to insulate the body from the flow of electric current. Plastic and
rubber are insulators, and they do not conduct electricity. They provide a barrier
that prevents the current from passing through the body, reducing the risk of
electric shock.

2. Why are insulators important in our lives? Explain.

Electrical Safety: Insulators prevent the flow of electric current, reducing
the risk of electric shocks and short circuits. Transmission of Electricity:
Insulators are used to separate and support electrical conductors in power lines,
preventing current leakage and ensuring efficient transmission.
Preventing Heat Loss: Insulators are used in buildings to prevent heat loss or
gain.

3. Divija wanted to glow a torch bulb using a cell. She could not get
connecting wires; instead, she got two strips of aluminium foil. Will she
succeed? Explain.
Yes, Divija is likely to succeed in glowing the torch bulb using two strips
of aluminium foil. Aluminum is a conductor and using it to connect the cell and
bulb will complete the circuit, allowing current to flow.

However, aluminium is not a suitable material for connecting the bulb due to its
high resistance. The strips will likely heat up and may not provide a stable and
efficient connection, preventing the bulb from glowing. Connecting wires with
lower resistance, such as copper wires, are more suitable for this purpose.

F. Picture Quiz
Observe the given circuit diagram and answer the following questions.

1. What will be the order in which bulbs A, B, and C will glow when the
switch is moved to the 'ON' position?
 The bulbs will glow simultaneously. When the switch is moved to the ON
position, then all the bulbs will glow at once as they are connected to the same
battery and switch.

2. If the switch is shifted to the left side of bulb A in the ON position, will
this make any change in the order in which bulbs A, B, and C will glow?
No, shifting the switch to the left side of bulb A will not change the order
in which the bulbs will glow.

Analysing, Evaluating, and Creating

Short Answer (SA) questions.
1. Tap water is a good conductor of electricity, whereas distilled water is a
bad conductor of electricity. Explain.
Tap water contains dissolved io ions and minerals, making it a a
conductor of electricity. These ions facilitate the flow of electric current. In
contrast, distilled water is pure water without impurities, and it does not contain
ions in significant quantities. Without ions, distilled water is a poor conductor of
electricity.

2. Draw an electric circuit using symbols for the following components: a

battery of five cells, connecting wires, a bulb, and an open tapping key. In
the circuit you have drawn, will the current flow? If yes, show its direction.
In this configuration, the open tapping key creates an open circuit, and
current will not flow because there is no complete path for the electrons to
travel. The open key acts as a gap, interrupting the circuit.

3. Design an activity to demonstrate that electric current can flow only in

closed circuits.
Aim: To demonstrate that electric current can flow only in closed circuits.
Materials required: Battery, bulb, connecting wires, tapping key.
Procedure:
 Connect a simple circuit with a battery, a bulb, and connecting wires.
 Place a switch (open tapping key) in the circuit.
 When the switch is open, the circuit is incomplete, and the bulb does not
light up.
 Now observe what happens when the switch is closed.
Observation and conclusion:
The bulb should light up, demonstrating that electric current can flow only in
closed circuits.