A cell of e.m.f 1.5 V and internal resistance 1 Ω is connected to two resistors of resistances 6 Ω and 3 Ω in parallel and a resistor of resistance 2 Ω in…

ICSE Class 10 Physics PYQ · 2025 Improvement · Section B

8(iii)Written · 2025 · Section B · 2025 Improvement

A cell of e.m.f 1.5 V and internal resistance 1 Ω is connected to two resistors of resistances 6 Ω and 3 Ω in parallel and a resistor of resistance 2 Ω in series as shown in the diagram.

A cell of e.m.f 1.5 V and internal resistance 1 Ω is connected to two resistors of resistances 6 Ω and 3 Ω in parallel and a resistor of resistance 2 Ω in series as shown in the diagram. ICSE 2025 Improvement Physics Solved Question Paper.

Calculate the current through:

(a) 2 Ω resistor

(b) 6 Ω resistor

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Given,

  • Emf of the cell (ε) = 1.5 V
  • Internal resistance (r) = 1 Ω
  • Resistances in parallel = 6 Ω and 3 Ω
  • Series resistance = 2 Ω

As, 6 Ω and 3 Ω resistances are in parallel then let their net resistance be RP

$$\begin{aligned}\frac{1}{\text{R}_\text{P}} = \frac{1}{\text{R}_1} + \frac{1}{\text{R}_2} \\[1em] \Rightarrow \frac{1}{\text{R}_\text{P}} = \frac{1}{6} + \frac{1}{3} \\[1em] \Rightarrow \frac{1}{\text{R}_\text{P}} = \frac{1 + 2}{6} \\[1em] \Rightarrow \frac{1}{\text{R}_\text{P}} = \frac{3}{6} \\[1em] \Rightarrow \frac{1}{\text{R}_\text{P}} = \frac{1}{2} \\[1em] \Rightarrow \text{R}_\text{P} = 2 Ω\end{aligned}$$

Now, this RP is in series with 2 Ω and internal resistance of the cell.

Then,

Net series resistance (RS) = RP + 2 + r = 2 + 2 + 1 = 5 Ω

(a) Current through 2 Ω resistor = $\frac {\text ε}{\text R_\text S}= \frac{1.5}{5}$ = 0.3 A

So, current through 2 Ω resistor is 0.3 A.

(b) Now, 0.3 A current will split between 3 Ω and 6 Ω resistors.

Let I1 is the current flowing through 6 Ω resistor and 0.3 - I1 is flowing through 3 Ω resistor.

As, 6 Ω and 3 Ω are in parallel then the potential difference across them will be equal i.e.,

Potential difference across 6 Ω = Potential difference across 3 Ω

So, by using Ohm's law (V = IR)

6 x I1 = 3 x (0.3 - I1)

⇒ 6 x I1 = 0.9 - 3 x I1

⇒ 6 x I1 + 3 x I1 = 0.9

⇒ 9 x I1 = 0.9

⇒ I1 = $\frac {0.9}{9}$ = 0.1 A

So, current through 6 Ω resistance is 0.1 A.

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