Electricity is the flow of electric charge through a conductor in a closed circuit.
NCERT Solutions Class 10 Science Chapter 11 connect this chapter with current, potential difference, Ohm’s law, resistance, heating effect and electric power.
Chapter 11 Electricity explains how electric current flows in a circuit and how voltage, resistance and power affect electrical devices. Students learn formulas such as I = Q/t, V = IR, R = ρl/A, H = I²Rt and P = VI.
NCERT Solutions for Class 10 Science Chapter 11 - All Exercise Questions
Q.
A piece of wire of resistance R is cut into five equal parts. These parts are then connected in parallel. If the equivalent resistance of this combination is R’, then the ratio is
Q.
Show how would you connect three resistors, each of resistance 6 Ω, so that the combination has a resistance of (i) 9 Ω (ii) 4 Ω.
Q.
An electric heater of resistance 8 Ω draws 15 A from the service mains 2 hours. Calculate the rate at which heat is developed in the heater.
Q.
Which uses more energy, a 250 W TV set in 1 hr, or a 1200 W toaster in 10 minutes?
Q.
Two lamps, one rated 100 W and 220 V, and the other 60 W at 220 W, are connected in parallel to electric mains supply. What current is drawn from the line if the supply voltage is 220 V?
Q.
Compare the power used in the 2 Ω in each of the following circuits:
(i) a 6 V battery in series with 1 Ω and 2 Ω resistors, and
(ii) a 4 V battery in parallel with 12 Ω and 2 Ω resistors.
Q.
A hot plate of an electric oven connected to a 220 V line has two resistance coils A and B, each of 24 resistances which may be used separately, in series or in parallel. What are the currents in the three cases?
Q.
Several electric bulbs designed to be used on a 220 V electric supply line, are rated 10 W. How many lamps can be connected in parallel with each other across the two wires of 220 V line if the maximum allowable current is 5 A?
Q.
How many 176 resistors (in parallel) are required to carry 5 A on a 220 V line?
Q.
Which of the following terms does not represent electrical power in a circuit?
(a) I2R
(b) IR2
(c) VI
Q.
A battery of 9 V is connected in series with resistors of 0.2 Ω, 0.3 Ω, 0.4 Ω, 0.5 Ω and 12 Ω, respectively. How much current would flow through the 12 resistors?
Q.
When a 12 V battery is connected across an unknown resistor, there is a current of 2.5 mA in the circuit. Find the value of the resistance of the resistor.
Q.
The value of current (I) flowing in a given resistor for the corresponding values of potential difference (V) across the resistor are given below-
|
I (amperes)
|
0.5
|
1.0
|
2.0
|
3.0
|
4.0
|
|
V (volts)
|
1.6
|
3.4
|
6.7
|
10.2
|
13.2
|
Plot a graph between V and I and calculate the resistance of that resistor.
Q.
A copper wire has diameter 0.5 mm and resistivity of 1.6 × 10−8 Ωm. What will be the length of this wire to make its resistance 10 Ω? How much does the resistance change if the diameter is doubled?
Q.
How is a voltmeter connected in the circuit to measure the potential difference between two points?
Q.
Two conducting wires of the same material and of equal lengths and equal diameters are first connected in series and then parallel in a circuit across the same potential difference. The ratio of heat produced in series and parallel combinations would be -
(a) 1:2
(b) 2:1
(c) 1:4
(d) 4:1
Q.
An electric bulb is rated 220 V and 100 W. When it is operated on 110 V, the power consumed will be
(a) 100 W
(b) 75 W
(c) 50 W
(d) 25 W
Q.
Explain the following.
(a) Why is the tungsten used almost exclusively for filament of electric lamps?
(b) Why are the conductors of electric heating devices, such as bread-toasters and electric irons, made of an alloy rather than a pure metal?
(c) Why is the series arrangement not used for domestic circuits?
(d) How does the resistance of a wire vary with its area of cross-section?
(e) Why are copper and aluminium wires usually employed for electricity transmission?
NCERT Solutions Class 10 Science Chapter 11 cover all exercise questions in textbook order, including Ohm's law Class 10, resistance and resistivity Class 10, series and parallel combination of resistors Class 10, heating effect of electric current Class 10, electric power Class 10, and Class 10 Science electricity solutions for numerical revision. The chapter explains that electric current is the rate of flow of electric charge and that a continuous closed path is called an electric circuit.
Key Takeaways
- Electric Current: I = Q/t
- Ohm’s Law: V = IR
- Resistance: R = ρl/A
- Electric Power: P = VI = I²R = V²/R
NCERT Solutions Class 10 Science Chapter 11 Structure 2026
| Section |
Main Topic |
Question Focus |
| 11.1–11.3 |
Current, potential difference and circuit diagrams |
Units, ammeter, voltmeter |
| 11.4–11.6 |
Ohm’s law, resistance and resistor combinations |
Numericals, series and parallel circuits |
| 11.7–11.8 |
Heating effect and electric power |
Joule heating, power, energy consumption |
| Exercises |
NCERT questions |
18 textbook questions |
NCERT Class 10 Science Chapter 11 Exercise Solutions
The exercise questions in Chapter 11 test current, resistance, equivalent resistance, electrical power, heat produced and energy consumed. Use Ohm’s law and resistor-combination formulas carefully.
Electricity Class 10: Exercise Questions and Answers
Q1. A piece of wire of resistance R is cut into five equal parts. These parts are connected in parallel. If the equivalent resistance is R′, then the ratio R/R′ is:
Options:
(a) 1/25
(b) 1/5
(c) 5
(d) 25
Each part has resistance:
R/5
Five equal resistors of R/5 are connected in parallel.
So:
1/R′ = 5/(R/5)
1/R′ = 25/R
R′ = R/25
Now:
R/R′ = R/(R/25)
R/R′ = 25
Answer:
(d) 25
Class 10 Science Chapter 11 Solutions for Electric Power
Q2. Which of the following terms does not represent electrical power in a circuit?
Options:
(a) I²R
(b) IR²
(c) VI
(d) V²/R
Electrical power can be written as:
P = VI
Using V = IR:
P = I²R
Also:
P = V²/R
So, IR² does not represent electrical power.
Answer:
(b) IR²
Q3. An electric bulb is rated 220 V and 100 W. When operated on 110 V, the power consumed will be:
Options:
(a) 100 W
(b) 75 W
(c) 50 W
(d) 25 W
Given:
Rated voltage = 220 V
Rated power = 100 W
Use:
P = V²/R
First find resistance:
R = V²/P
R = 220²/100
R = 484 Ω
Now when V = 110 V:
P = V²/R
P = 110²/484
P = 12100/484
P = 25 W
Answer:
(d) 25 W
Q4. Two conducting wires of the same material and equal lengths and diameters are connected first in series and then in parallel across the same potential difference. Find the ratio of heat produced in series and parallel combinations.
Let resistance of each wire be R.
For series:
Rₛ = R + R
Rₛ = 2R
For parallel:
Rₚ = R/2
For the same potential difference V, heat produced is:
H = V²t/R
So:
Hₛ/Hₚ = (V²t/2R) ÷ (V²t/(R/2))
Hₛ/Hₚ = 1/2R × R/2
Hₛ/Hₚ = 1/4
Answer:
(c) 1 : 4
Electric Current and Circuit Class 10
Q5. How is a voltmeter connected in the circuit to measure the potential difference between two points?
A voltmeter is connected in parallel across the two points between which the potential difference is to be measured.
Answer:
A voltmeter is connected in parallel.
Resistance and Resistivity Class 10
Q6. A copper wire has diameter 0.5 mm and resistivity 1.6 × 10⁻⁸ Ω m. What length of this wire will make its resistance 10 Ω? How much does the resistance change if the diameter is doubled?
Given:
Diameter = 0.5 mm
d = 0.5 × 10⁻³ m
Radius:
r = d/2
r = 0.25 × 10⁻³ m
Resistivity:
ρ = 1.6 × 10⁻⁸ Ω m
Resistance:
R = 10 Ω
Use:
R = ρl/A
So:
l = RA/ρ
Area:
A = πr²
A = 3.14 × (0.25 × 10⁻³)²
A = 3.14 × 6.25 × 10⁻⁸
A = 1.9625 × 10⁻⁷ m²
Now:
l = 10 × 1.9625 × 10⁻⁷ / 1.6 × 10⁻⁸
l = 122.65 m
So the required length is about:
122.7 m
If diameter is doubled, area becomes four times because:
A ∝ d²
Since:
R ∝ 1/A
New resistance:
R′ = R/4
R′ = 10/4
R′ = 2.5 Ω
Answer:
Length = 122.7 m approximately
If diameter is doubled, resistance becomes 2.5 Ω.
Q7. The values of current I and potential difference V are given below. Plot a graph between V and I and calculate the resistance.
Given table:
| I (A) |
0.5 |
1.0 |
2.0 |
3.0 |
4.0 |
| V (V) |
1.6 |
3.4 |
6.7 |
10.2 |
13.2 |
Use:
R = V/I
For each pair:
At I = 0.5 A:
R = 1.6/0.5 = 3.2 Ω
At I = 1.0 A:
R = 3.4/1.0 = 3.4 Ω
At I = 2.0 A:
R = 6.7/2.0 = 3.35 Ω
At I = 3.0 A:
R = 10.2/3.0 = 3.4 Ω
At I = 4.0 A:
R = 13.2/4.0 = 3.3 Ω
Average resistance:
R ≈ 3.3 Ω
Answer:
The V-I graph is nearly a straight line.
Resistance ≈ 3.3 Ω
Q8. When a 12 V battery is connected across an unknown resistor, there is a current of 2.5 mA in the circuit. Find the resistance.
Given:
V = 12 V
I = 2.5 mA
I = 2.5 × 10⁻³ A
Use:
R = V/I
R = 12/(2.5 × 10⁻³)
R = 4800 Ω
R = 4.8 kΩ
Answer:
The resistance is 4800 Ω, or 4.8 kΩ.
Ohm’s Law Class 10
Q9. A 9 V battery is connected in series with resistors of 0.2 Ω, 0.3 Ω, 0.4 Ω, 0.5 Ω and 12 Ω. How much current would flow through the 12 Ω resistor?
In series, the same current flows through every resistor.
Total resistance:
R = 0.2 + 0.3 + 0.4 + 0.5 + 12
R = 13.4 Ω
Use:
I = V/R
I = 9/13.4
I = 0.671 A
Answer:
Current through the 12 Ω resistor = 0.67 A approximately.
Q10. How many 176 Ω resistors in parallel are required to carry 5 A on a 220 V line?
Given:
V = 220 V
Total current = 5 A
Required equivalent resistance:
R = V/I
R = 220/5
R = 44 Ω
For n resistors of 176 Ω connected in parallel:
Rₚ = 176/n
So:
176/n = 44
n = 176/44
n = 4
Answer:
4 resistors are required.
Series and Parallel Combination of Resistors Class 10
Q11. Show how three resistors, each of resistance 6 Ω, can be connected so that the combination has resistance (i) 9 Ω and (ii) 4 Ω.
Q11(i). To get 9 Ω
Connect two 6 Ω resistors in parallel.
Equivalent resistance:
1/R = 1/6 + 1/6
1/R = 2/6
R = 3 Ω
Now connect this 3 Ω combination in series with the third 6 Ω resistor.
Total resistance:
R = 3 + 6
R = 9 Ω
Answer:
Connect two 6 Ω resistors in parallel, then connect the third 6 Ω resistor in series.
Q11(ii). To get 4 Ω
Connect two 6 Ω resistors in series.
Series resistance:
R = 6 + 6
R = 12 Ω
Now connect this 12 Ω combination in parallel with the third 6 Ω resistor.
Equivalent resistance:
1/R = 1/12 + 1/6
1/R = 1/12 + 2/12
1/R = 3/12
R = 4 Ω
Answer:
Connect two 6 Ω resistors in series, then connect the combination in parallel with the third 6 Ω resistor.
Q12. Several electric bulbs rated 10 W are connected in parallel across a 220 V supply. How many lamps can be connected if the maximum allowable current is 5 A?
Given:
Power of each bulb = 10 W
Voltage = 220 V
Current used by one bulb:
I = P/V
I = 10/220
I = 1/22 A
Maximum current:
5 A
Number of bulbs:
n = 5 ÷ (1/22)
n = 5 × 22
n = 110
Answer:
110 lamps can be connected.
Q13. A hot plate of an electric oven connected to a 220 V line has two resistance coils A and B, each of 24 Ω. They may be used separately, in series or in parallel. What are the currents in the three cases?
Given:
Voltage = 220 V
Each resistance = 24 Ω
Case 1: Used separately
R = 24 Ω
I = V/R
I = 220/24
I = 9.17 A
Case 2: Used in series
Total resistance:
R = 24 + 24
R = 48 Ω
Current:
I = 220/48
I = 4.58 A
Case 3: Used in parallel
Equivalent resistance:
R = 24/2
R = 12 Ω
Current:
I = 220/12
I = 18.33 A
Answer:
Separately = 9.17 A
Series = 4.58 A
Parallel = 18.33 A
Q14. Compare the power used in the 2 Ω resistor in each of the following circuits.
(i) A 6 V battery in series with 1 Ω and 2 Ω resistors
(ii) A 4 V battery in parallel with 12 Ω and 2 Ω resistors
Case (i)
Total resistance:
R = 1 + 2
R = 3 Ω
Current:
I = V/R
I = 6/3
I = 2 A
Power in 2 Ω resistor:
P = I²R
P = 2² × 2
P = 8 W
Case (ii)
In parallel, the potential difference across the 2 Ω resistor is 4 V.
Power:
P = V²/R
P = 4²/2
P = 16/2
P = 8 W
Answer:
Power used in the 2 Ω resistor is 8 W in both circuits.
Electric Power Class 10
Q15. Two lamps, one rated 100 W at 220 V and the other 60 W at 220 V, are connected in parallel to the electric mains. What current is drawn from the line if the supply voltage is 220 V?
Total power:
P = 100 + 60
P = 160 W
Voltage:
V = 220 V
Use:
P = VI
I = P/V
I = 160/220
I = 0.727 A
Answer:
Current drawn from the line = 0.73 A approximately.
Q16. Which uses more energy: a 250 W TV set in 1 hour or a 1200 W toaster in 10 minutes?
For TV:
Power = 250 W
Time = 1 hour
Energy = 250 × 1
Energy = 250 Wh
For toaster:
Power = 1200 W
Time = 10 minutes
Time = 10/60 hour
Time = 1/6 hour
Energy = 1200 × 1/6
Energy = 200 Wh
Comparison:
250 Wh > 200 Wh
Answer:
The 250 W TV set uses more energy.
Q17. An electric heater of resistance 44 Ω draws 5 A from the service mains for 2 hours. Calculate the rate at which heat is developed in the heater.
Rate of heat developed means power.
Given:
R = 44 Ω
I = 5 A
Use:
P = I²R
P = 5² × 44
P = 25 × 44
P = 1100 W
Answer:
Rate of heat developed = 1100 W, or 1.1 kW.
Heating Effect of Electric Current Class 10
Q18. Explain the following.
Q18(a). Why is tungsten used almost exclusively for filaments of electric lamps?
Tungsten has a very high melting point. It can become white hot and emit light without melting easily. That is why it is used for electric lamp filaments.
Answer:
Tungsten is used because it has a very high melting point and can glow at high temperature.
Q18(b). Why are conductors of electric heating devices made of an alloy rather than a pure metal?
Alloys have higher resistivity than pure metals and do not oxidise easily at high temperatures. This makes them suitable for heating elements in toasters and electric irons. The textbook also notes that alloys are commonly used in heating devices because they do not burn readily at high temperatures.
Answer:
Alloys are used because they have high resistivity and can withstand high temperature without oxidising easily.
Q18(c). Why is the series arrangement not used for domestic circuits?
In a series circuit, the same current flows through all devices. If one device fails, the whole circuit breaks. Also, different appliances need different currents and cannot work independently in series.
Answer:
Series arrangement is not used because appliances cannot be controlled independently and failure of one device stops the whole circuit.
Q18(d). How does the resistance of a wire vary with its area of cross-section?
Resistance is inversely proportional to the area of cross-section.
R ∝ 1/A
So, if area increases, resistance decreases.
Answer:
Resistance decreases when area of cross-section increases.
Q18(e). Why are copper and aluminium wires usually employed for electricity transmission?
Copper and aluminium have low resistivity, so they allow electric current to pass with comparatively less resistance and lower energy loss.
Answer:
Copper and aluminium are used because they are good conductors with low resistivity.
Electricity Class 10: Concepts Used in Chapter 11
Chapter 11 uses formulas from current electricity, Ohm’s law, resistance, resistor combinations, heating effect and electric power. These formulas are important for numerical questions.
Electric Current and Circuit Class 10
Electric current is the rate of flow of charge.
Copy-friendly formula:
I = Q/t
Here:
I = current
Q = charge
t = time
Potential Difference Class 10
Potential difference is the work done per unit charge.
Copy-friendly formula:
V = W/Q
Here:
V = potential difference
W = work done
Q = charge
Ohm’s Law Class 10
Ohm’s law states that current through a conductor is directly proportional to potential difference across it, provided temperature remains constant.
Copy-friendly formula:
V = IR
Also:
I = V/R
R = V/I
Resistance and Resistivity Class 10
Resistance of a wire depends on length, area of cross-section and material.
Copy-friendly formula:
R = ρl/A
Here:
ρ = resistivity
l = length
A = area of cross-section
Series Combination of Resistors
In series, current is the same through every resistor.
Copy-friendly formula:
Rₛ = R₁ + R₂ + R₃
Parallel Combination of Resistors
In parallel, potential difference is the same across each branch.
Copy-friendly formula:
1/Rₚ = 1/R₁ + 1/R₂ + 1/R₃
Heating Effect of Electric Current Class 10
Heat produced by current is given by Joule’s law of heating.
Copy-friendly formula:
H = I²Rt
Also:
H = VIt
Electric Power Class 10
Electric power is the rate at which electrical energy is consumed.
Copy-friendly formulas:
P = VI
P = I²R
P = V²/R
Electrical energy:
E = P × t
Commercial unit:
1 kWh = 3.6 × 10⁶ J
Quick Formula Table for NCERT Solutions Class 10 Science Chapter 11
| Concept |
Copy-Friendly Formula |
Used In |
| Electric current |
I = Q/t |
Current numericals |
| Potential difference |
V = W/Q |
Work and energy |
| Ohm’s law |
V = IR |
Resistance and current |
| Resistance |
R = ρl/A |
Wire resistance |
| Series resistance |
Rₛ = R₁ + R₂ + R₃ |
Series circuits |
| Parallel resistance |
1/Rₚ = 1/R₁ + 1/R₂ + 1/R₃ |
Parallel circuits |
| Joule heating |
H = I²Rt |
Heat produced |
| Electric power |
P = VI = I²R = V²/R |
Power numericals |
Useful Links for Class 10 Science NCERT Solutions