Chapter Overview
Electricity is one of the highest-value Physics chapters in CBSE Class 10 Science. It is formula-based, but it is not only about memorising formulas. You must understand what current, potential difference, resistance, and power mean, and then apply them correctly in circuits.
This chapter is important for:
- Numericals
- Circuit diagrams
- Formula derivations
- Reasoning questions
- Series and parallel resistance problems
- Everyday applications like fuse, heater, bulb, and electric power rating
1. Electric Charge and Electric Current
Electric charge is a basic property of matter. In metallic conductors, electric current is due to the flow of electrons.
Electric current is the rate of flow of electric charge.
where:
| Symbol | Meaning | SI Unit |
|---|---|---|
| I | Electric current | ampere (A) |
| Q | Charge | coulomb (C) |
| t | Time | second (s) |
One Ampere
If one coulomb of charge flows through a conductor in one second, the current is one ampere.
Solved Example
If 300 C of charge flows through a wire in 60 s, find the current.
2. Electric Potential Difference
Potential difference between two points is the work done to move a unit charge from one point to another.
where:
| Symbol | Meaning | SI Unit |
|---|---|---|
| V | Potential difference | volt (V) |
| W | Work done | joule (J) |
| Q | Charge | coulomb (C) |
One Volt
If one joule of work is done to move one coulomb of charge, the potential difference is one volt.
3. Circuit Symbols
You should be able to recognise and draw common symbols neatly.
| Component | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Cell | Provides potential difference |
| Battery | Combination of cells |
| Plug key or switch | Opens or closes circuit |
| Resistor | Offers resistance |
| Ammeter | Measures current |
| Voltmeter | Measures potential difference |
Ammeter and Voltmeter Connection
| Instrument | Connection | Resistance |
|---|---|---|
| Ammeter | Series | Very low resistance |
| Voltmeter | Parallel | Very high resistance |
4. Ohm's Law
Ohm's law states that the current through a conductor is directly proportional to the potential difference across its ends, provided temperature and other physical conditions remain constant.
where R is resistance.
Graph
For an ohmic conductor, the V-I graph is a straight line passing through the origin.
The slope of the V-I graph gives resistance:
Solved Example
A resistor has potential difference 12 V and current 3 A. Find resistance.
5. Resistance
Resistance is the property of a conductor by which it opposes the flow of current.
SI unit: ohm.
Factors Affecting Resistance
Resistance of a conductor depends on:
1. Length of conductor 2. Area of cross-section 3. Nature of material 4. Temperature
The relation is:
where:
| Symbol | Meaning |
|---|---|
| rho | Resistivity of material |
| l | Length |
| A | Area of cross-section |
Key Ideas
- Longer wire means higher resistance.
- Thicker wire means lower resistance.
- Different materials have different resistivity.
- Resistance of metallic conductors generally increases with temperature.
6. Resistivity
Resistivity is a property of the material. It does not depend on length or thickness of the conductor.
SI unit of resistivity:
Material Use
| Material | Why it is used |
|---|---|
| Copper and aluminium | Low resistivity, used in wires |
| Nichrome | High resistance, high melting point, used in heaters |
| Tungsten | High melting point, used in bulb filament |
7. Resistors in Series
In series combination, resistors are connected end to end.
Properties
- Same current flows through every resistor.
- Total potential difference is divided among resistors.
- Equivalent resistance is greater than individual resistances.
Formula:
Example
If R1 = 2 ohm, R2 = 3 ohm, and R3 = 5 ohm, then:
8. Resistors in Parallel
In parallel combination, resistors are connected across the same two points.
Properties
- Same potential difference acts across every resistor.
- Current is divided among branches.
- Equivalent resistance is less than the smallest individual resistance.
Formula:
For two resistors:
Example
Find equivalent resistance of 6 ohm and 3 ohm in parallel.
9. Series vs Parallel
| Point | Series | Parallel |
|---|---|---|
| Current | Same through all resistors | Divides in branches |
| Voltage | Divides across resistors | Same across each resistor |
| Equivalent resistance | More than individual resistors | Less than smallest resistor |
| Use in homes | Not preferred | Preferred |
Why Household Circuits Use Parallel Combination
Household circuits use parallel combination because:
1. Each appliance gets the same voltage. 2. Appliances can be switched on or off independently. 3. If one appliance fails, others continue working.
10. Heating Effect of Electric Current
When current flows through a resistor, electrical energy is converted into heat energy.
Joule's law of heating:
where:
| Symbol | Meaning | Unit |
|---|---|---|
| H | Heat produced | joule |
| I | Current | ampere |
| R | Resistance | ohm |
| t | Time | second |
Applications
- Electric heater
- Electric iron
- Electric kettle
- Fuse
- Bulb filament
11. Electric Fuse
An electric fuse is a safety device connected in series with the live wire.
It has:
- Low melting point
- Suitable resistance
When excessive current flows, the fuse wire melts and breaks the circuit. This prevents damage and fire.
12. Electric Power
Electric power is the rate at which electrical energy is consumed or converted.
Using Ohm's law:
SI unit: watt (W).
Commercial unit of electrical energy:
13. Power Rating of Appliances
If a bulb is rated 220 V, 100 W, it means:
- It should be connected to 220 V supply.
- It consumes 100 J of energy per second at 220 V.
Current drawn:
14. Formula Sheet
| Quantity | Formula |
|---|---|
| Current | I = Q/t |
| Potential difference | V = W/Q |
| Ohm's law | V = IR |
| Resistance | R = V/I |
| Resistivity relation | R = rho l/A |
| Series resistance | Rs = R1 + R2 + R3 |
| Parallel resistance | 1/Rp = 1/R1 + 1/R2 + 1/R3 |
| Heat produced | H = I^2Rt |
| Power | P = VI |
| Power | P = I^2R |
| Power | P = V^2/R |
| Electrical energy | E = Pt |
15. Solved Numericals
Example 1
A current of 0.5 A flows through a resistor of 20 ohm. Find the potential difference.
Example 2
Find the heat produced when 2 A current flows through a 10 ohm resistor for 5 minutes.
Given:
Formula:
Example 3
Two resistors of 4 ohm and 6 ohm are connected in series. Find total resistance.
Example 4
Two resistors of 4 ohm and 6 ohm are connected in parallel. Find total resistance.
16. Important Question Types
| Question Type | What to Write |
|---|---|
| Definition | Exact meaning and SI unit |
| Ohm's law | Statement, formula, condition, graph idea |
| Series/parallel | Formula and circuit behaviour |
| Numerical | Given, formula, substitution, answer with unit |
| Fuse question | Safety device, series connection, melting action |
| Household wiring | Parallel combination reasons |
17. Practice Questions
1. Define electric current and write its SI unit. 2. What is meant by potential difference? 3. State Ohm's law. 4. Why is an ammeter connected in series? 5. Why is a voltmeter connected in parallel? 6. Find current when 120 C charge flows in 2 minutes. 7. Find resistance when 6 V produces 0.5 A current. 8. Three resistors 2 ohm, 4 ohm, and 6 ohm are connected in series. Find equivalent resistance. 9. Two resistors 3 ohm and 6 ohm are connected in parallel. Find equivalent resistance. 10. Why are household circuits connected in parallel? 11. A heater draws 5 A current from 220 V supply. Find its power. 12. Find heat produced by 3 A current through 5 ohm for 10 s.
18. Quick Answers
1. Rate of flow of charge; ampere. 2. Work done per unit charge. 3. V = IR, at constant temperature. 4. To measure the same current flowing through the circuit. 5. To measure potential difference across a component. 6. I = 120/120 = 1 A. 7. R = 6/0.5 = 12 ohm. 8. 2 + 4 + 6 = 12 ohm. 9. Rp = (3 x 6)/(3 + 6) = 2 ohm. 10. Same voltage, independent control, no total failure. 11. P = VI = 220 x 5 = 1100 W. 12. H = I^2Rt = 9 x 5 x 10 = 450 J.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Forgetting to convert minutes into seconds.
- Writing resistance unit as watt instead of ohm.
- Connecting ammeter and voltmeter in the wrong way.
- Adding resistances directly in parallel circuits.
- Using
P = V^2/Rwith wrong voltage. - Missing SI units in final numerical answers.
Final Revision Checklist
- I can define current, potential difference, resistance, and power.
- I can state and use Ohm's law.
- I can solve series and parallel resistance questions.
- I can explain why homes use parallel circuits.
- I can use
H = I^2Rtcorrectly. - I can calculate power and electrical energy.
- I can write every numerical with formula and unit.
Internal Links
- [CBSE Class 10 Science guide](/school/cbse/class/10/science)
- [Chemical Reactions and Equations notes](/school/cbse/class/10/science/cbse-chemical-reactions-and-equations)
- [CBSE Class 10 Maths guide](/school/cbse/class/10/maths)
NCERT Exercise Solutions
Intext Questions
Page 200, Q1: What does an electric circuit mean?
Current flows from the positive terminal of the source through the external circuit to the negative terminal. If the circuit is broken (open), no current flows.
- A source of electrical energy (battery or cell)
- Conducting wires connecting components
- A load (device that uses electricity — bulb, motor, etc.)
- A switch (to open or close the circuit)
Page 202, Q1: Define the unit of current.
Page 209, Q1: Judge the equivalent resistance when the following are connected in parallel: (a) 1 Ω and 10⁶ Ω (b) 1 Ω and 10³ Ω and 10⁶ Ω
(a) 1/R = 1/1 + 1/10⁶ = 1 + 0.000001 ≈ 1 R ≈ 1 Ω (slightly less than 1 Ω)
(b) 1/R = 1/1 + 1/1000 + 1/1000000 ≈ 1.001 R ≈ 0.999 Ω (approximately 1 Ω)
In parallel, the equivalent resistance is always less than the smallest resistor. Adding more resistors in parallel always reduces total resistance.
Chapter-End Exercise
Q1. A piece of wire of resistance R is cut into five equal parts. These parts are connected in parallel. What is the equivalent resistance of the combination?
The equivalent resistance is R/25 — much smaller than R.
Q2. Which uses more energy: a 250 W TV set in 1 hour, or a 1200 W toaster in 10 minutes?
TV: E = 250 W × 1 h = 250 Wh = 250 × 3600 J = 900,000 J Toaster: E = 1200 W × (10/60) h = 200 Wh = 200 × 3600 J = 720,000 J
The TV set uses more energy (250 Wh vs 200 Wh for toaster).
Q3. An electric lamp of resistance 20 Ω and a conductor of resistance 4 Ω are connected to a 6 V battery. Calculate: (a) total resistance of the circuit (b) current through the circuit (c) potential difference across the lamp
(a) Total resistance: R = 20 + 4 = 24 Ω
(b) Current: I = V/R = 6/24 = 0.25 A
(c) Voltage across lamp: V_lamp = I × R_lamp = 0.25 × 20 = 5 V (Remaining 1 V is across the conductor: 0.25 × 4 = 1 V ✓ Total = 6 V ✓)
Q4. How many 176 Ω resistors in parallel are required to carry 5 A on a 220 V line?
For n resistors of 176 Ω in parallel: 1/44 = n/176 n = 176/44 = 4
4 resistors of 176 Ω each must be connected in parallel.
Q5. Show how would you connect three resistors, each of resistance 6 Ω, so that the combination has a resistance of (a) 9 Ω (b) 4 Ω.
(b) 4 Ω: Connect two 6 Ω resistors in series, then connect the third in parallel with the series pair. Series pair: R_s = 6 + 6 = 12 Ω Parallel with third: 1/R = 1/12 + 1/6 = 1/12 + 2/12 = 3/12 → R = 4 Ω ✓
Q6. Several electric bulbs designed to be used on a 220 V electrical supply line are rated 10 W. How many lamps can be connected in parallel with each other across the supply so that the total power consumed does not exceed 1100 W?
Number of lamps = 1100 / 10 = 110 lamps
All are connected in parallel so each receives the full 220 V. Each consumes 10 W, and 110 × 10 = 1100 W ≤ 1100 W.