Question 12
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?
Given,
V = 220 V
P = 10 W
IMax = 5 A
The resistance of the each bulb:
R =
Assuming n bulbs are connected in parallel
Applying Ohm's Law:
V = IR
220 = 5 x
n = = 110 lamps
Hence, 110 lamps can be connected in parallel.
Chapter 11: Electricity — Quick Revision Guide
Introduction
Electricity powers modern life. This chapter covers electric current, potential difference, Ohm's law, resistance, series and parallel circuits, and electrical power and energy calculations.
Key Points at a Glance
- Current I = Q/t (ampere); potential difference V = W/Q (volt); Ohm's law V = IR
- Resistance R = V/I (ohm); factors: R ∝ l, R ∝ 1/A, material (ρ), temperature; R = ρl/A
- Conductors: low ρ (~10−8 Ω·m); alloys: higher ρ, used in heating elements (nichrome)
- Series: Req = R1 + R2 + ...; same current; voltage divides; one failure breaks all
- Parallel: 1/Req = 1/R1 + 1/R2 + ...; same voltage; current divides; independent operation; used in homes
- Power: P = VI = I2R = V2/R (watt); Energy: E = Pt (joule); 1 kWh = 3.6 × 106 J
- Heating effect: H = I2Rt; applications: heater, iron, fuse (low m.p. alloy, series with live wire)
- Electric bill: units (kWh) = power(kW) × time(h); cost = units × rate
Real-World Connections
Household wiring in parallel allows independent appliance use; fuses and MCBs prevent fire; LED bulbs save energy (lower power for same brightness); electricity bill management.
Quick Self-Test (5 Questions)
- What is the most important concept you learned from this chapter?
- Can you write three key equations/formulae from this chapter from memory?
- Draw a labelled diagram relevant to this chapter without looking at your notes.
- Explain one real-world application of a concept from this chapter.
- What is one common mistake students make in this chapter, and how can you avoid it?
Further Study
- NCERT Textbook Chapter 11
- NCERT Exemplar Problems
- Bright Tutorials Detailed Notes: ch11-electricity.html
- Bright Tutorials Practice Questions: ch11-electricity.html
- Previous Year CBSE Board Papers