ELECTRICITY

Introduction
Electricity is an important source of energy in the modern time. It is used in our homes, factories
and in transport. For example, it is used in our homes for lighting operating fans and heating
purposes. In industries it used for running many machines and in transport it is used to pull
electric trains.
It has been founded by the experiments there are two types of charges positive charge and
negative charge. By convention, the charge acquired by the glass rod is called positive charge
and charge acquired by an ebonite rod is called negative charge. An important property of
electric charge is following....

1. Opposite charges attract each other. For example, a positive charge attracts negative
charge.
2. Similar charges repel each other. For example a positive charge repels each other. For
example a positive charge repel the another positive or negative charge repel the another
negative charge.

The S.I. unit of electric charge is coulomb which is denoted by the letter C.
One coulomb can be defined as follow:
One coulomb is that quantity of electric charge which exerts the force of 𝟗 × 𝟏𝟎𝟗 N on an equal
charge placed at a distance of 1 m from it.
A proton possesses a positive charge of 1.6 × 10−19 C whereas the electron has a negative
charge of 1.6 × 10−19 C.
Note:
 The S.I. unit of electric charge ‘coulomb’ is equivalent to the charge contained in
6.25 × 1018 electrons.
 The electric charge is a scalar quantity. It has both magnitude and direction but is an
exception to the general vector quantities. If it has been a vector quantity, the two charges
meeting at one point will result in the vector sum of the total charges.
Conductors & Insulators
Conductors: Those substances through which electricity can flow are called conductors. All the
metals like silver, copper, aluminium etc. are conductors. The metal alloys such as nichrome,
manganin and constantan are also conductor of electricity but their conductivity is much less
than that of pure metals. Carbon in the form of graphite is also good conductor of electricity and
the human body is also good conductor.
The materials which can produce free electron at room temperature are known as
conductors (because of less energy required to free an electron)

Insulators: Those substance in which the electric current cannot flow are called insulators.
Glass, ebonite, rubber, most plastics, paper, dry wood, wood, cotton, mica, Bakelite, and dry air
are all insulators because they do not allow electric charges to flow through them. In the case of
charged insulator like glass, ebonite etc. The electric charges remain bound to them, and do not
move away.
The materials which cannot produce free electron at room temperature are known as
insulators (because of large amount of energy required to free an electron).

We have just seen that some of the substances are conductors whereas others are insulators. All
the conductors have electrons which are loosely held by the nuclei of their atoms. These
electrons are known as, ‘free electrons’. And can move from one place to another throughout the
conductors.

The presence of “free electrons” in a substance makes it a conductor.

The electrons present in insulators are strongly held by the nuclei of their atoms. Since there are
no “free electrons” in an insulator which can move from one place to another, an insulator does
not allow electric charges to flow through it.
Electricity can be classified into two parts:

1. Static electricity: The electric charges in it do not move. Means remains as rest.
2. Current electricity: The electric charges in it move from one place to another.

Electric Potential & Potential Difference

Electric Field: It is the physical field that surrounds electrically charged particles.
Electric Potential:
 Electric potential is a physical quantity which determines the flow of charges from one
body to another.
 It is a physical quantity that determines the degree of electrification of a body.
 The electric potential at a point in an electric field is defined as the work done in moving
(without acceleration) a unit positive charge form infinity to that point against the
electrostatic force irrespective of the path followed. It is denoted by volt (V).
V = W/Q
Where W = work done and Q = quantity of charge
SI unit of electric potential is volt (V) or J𝑪−𝟏 or Nm𝑪−𝟏 . (Named after Alessandro Volta (1745-
1827), an Italian Physicist)
One volt: A potential of 1 volt at a point means that 1 joule of work is done in moving 1 unit of
electric charge from infinity to that point.
Thus, 1 Volt = 1 joule/ 1 coulomb
1V = 1J /C
Potential difference: The potential difference b/w two points in an electric field is defined as the
amount of work in moving (without acceleration) a unit positive charge from one point to other
point against the electrostatic force irrespective of the path followed.
Potential difference = work done / quantity of charge moved
If ‘W’ joules of work has to be done to move ‘Q’ coulombs of charge from point A to other
point B, then the potential difference ‘ΔV’ b/w the points is given by the formula

𝐖𝐀𝐁
∴VB −VA= ∆V = 𝐐

Where WAB = work done in moving the charge from point A to point B in electric field, Q =
quantity of charge and VB −VA = Difference in electric potential b/w points B & A .
 The S.I. unit of potential difference is volt.
 Electric potential and potential difference are scalar quantities.
 Electric potential at infinity is zero.
 Electric potential near an isolated positive charge (q > 0) is positive and that near an
isolated negative charge (q < 0) is negative.
  The potential difference is measured by means of an instrument having a high resistance
called ‘voltmeter’ and it always connected in parallel across the points where the
potential difference is measured.
Electric Current & Circuit
Electric Current: It is the flow of electric charges (electrons) in a conductor such as wire is
called electric current. The magnitude of electric current in a conductor is the amount of electric
charge passing through a given point of the conductor in one second.
If a charge of ‘Q’ coulomb flow through the conductor in ‘t’ seconds, then the magnitude of ‘I’
of the electric current flowing through it is given by:
Current ( I ) = Q /t
𝑸= 𝑰×𝒕
Also, 𝑸 = 𝒏𝒆 where; Q = charge, n = no. of electrons and e = electronic charge
The S.I. unit of current is ampere {Named after the French scientist, Andre-Marie Ampere
(1775-1836)} which is denoted by the letter ‘A’.
One Ampere: When one coulomb of charge (One Coulomb = 6.25 × 1018 ) electrons flows
through any cross section of a conductor in one second, the electric current flowing through it
will be one ampere. That is
1 ampere = 1 coulomb/ 1 second or 1 A = 1C/ 1s
A smaller unit of current is called “milliampere” is also used, which is denoted by ‘mA’.
1 mA = 10−3A and 1 micro ampere = 10−6A
 Electric Current is measured by an instrument called ammeter and it is always connected
in series of the circuit and has low resistance.
 Electric current is a scalar quantity. It represents the direction of flow of positive charge
but it is treated as a scalar quantity because current follows the laws of scalar addition
and not the laws of vector addition.
Direction of electric current: The conventional direction of electric current is from positive
terminal to negative terminal through the outer circuit means in the opposite direction
of movement of electrons in circuit.
Since the free electrons are not bound to any particular nucleus, they can move freely within the
conductor. But by convention, the flow of positive charge is considered to be the direction of
current through the conductor. The direction of conventional current is opposite to the flow of
free electrons through the conductor.

Electric Circuit: A continuous conducting path consisting of wires and other resistances (like
electric bulb, etc.) and a switch, between the two terminals of a cell or a battery along which an
electric current flows, is called a circuit.
Circuit Diagram: A diagram which indicates how different components in a circuit have been
connected by using the electrical symbols for the components is called a circuit diagram.

Symbols for electrical components (or Circuit symbols):

Battery:
 When two or more electric cells are connected in series, the system thus obtained is
known as Battery.
 Battery or electric cell has two terminals –positive terminal and negative terminal.
 Positive terminal is known as high potential because of its high potential energy, while
negative terminal is known as low potential on account of its low potential energy.
EMF: Electromotive force is defined as the electric potential produced by either an
electrochemical cell or by changing the magnetic field. EMF is the commonly used acronym for
electromotive force. The electromotive force symbol is ε.
ε = V + Ir
Where,

 V is the voltage of the cell

 I is the current across the circuit
 r is the internal resistance of the cell
 ε is the electromotive force
Drift Velocity: The average velocity gained by the free electrons of a conductor, with which the
electrons get drifted under the influence of an electric field, applied externally across the
conductor.
It is of the order of 1 mm / s = 10−3m / s

Resistance (R) of a Conductor:

 It’s the fundamental property of substances because of which they obstruct the flow of
charge through them.
 SI unit of resistance is ohm (Ω).
 Conductors have very low resistance while insulators have infinite resistance.
 Materials with zero or negligible resistance are known as Superconductors.
Conductance & Conductivity
 Conductance is the reciprocal of resistance. Its S.I unit is mho.
 Conductivity is the reciprocal of resistivity. Its S.I unit is mho / m.
Ohm’s law
It gives a relationship b/w current and potential difference. According to this: at constant
temperature, the current flowing through a conductor is directly proportional to the potential
difference across its ends.
If ‘I’ is the current flowing through a conductor and ‘V’ is the potential difference across its ends
then according to Ohm’s law:
𝑽∝𝑰
Or, 𝑰 ∝ 𝑽
Where R is called “resistance” of the conductor. The value of this constant depends on nature,
length, area of cross section and temperature of the conductor. This equation can be written as
follows
𝑹 = 𝑽/𝑰 Or, 𝑽=𝑰×𝑹
Where, V = potential difference, I = current and R = resistance of conductor
The S.I. unit of resistance of is ohm denoted by the symbol ‘Ω’.
One ohm: 1 ohm is the resistance of a conductor such that when a potential difference of 1 volt
is applied to its ends, a current of 1 ampere flows through it.
If we draw the graph b/w current and potential difference it will always a straight line.
V-I graph for a metal conductor.

Good conductors, resistors and insulators:

On the basis of their electrical resistance, all the substance can be divides in to three groups:
good conductors, resistances and insulators. Those substances which have very low electrical
resistance are called good conductors. Like gold, silver, copper etc...
Those substances having comparatively high electrical resistance are called resisters. Like the
alloys nichrome, manganin and constantan, all have quit high resistance so they are known as
resistors.
And those substances which have infinite high electrical resistance are called insulators. An
insulator does not allow electricity to flow from it. Rubber is an excellent insulator. Wood and
paper are also insulator of electricity.
Factors affecting the resistance of a conductor:
The electrical resistance of a conductor depend upon the following factors:
 Effect of length of conductor: On increasing the length of wire its resistance increases
and on decreasing the length of wire the resistance will reduce. Actually, the resistance
of wire is directly proportional to its length.
𝑹∝𝒍
 Effect of area of cross section of conductor: It has been found that the resistance of a
conductor is inversely proportional to the area of the cross section of conductor which is
used in the circuit.
𝑹 ∝ 𝟏⁄𝑨
 Effect of nature of material of conductor: The electrical resistance of a conductor
depends on the nature of its material which is it made.
 Effect of temperature: The resistance of conductor of pure metals increases on
increasing the temperature and decreases on decreasing the temperature.

Resistivity
It has been found by experiment that

1. The resistance of a given conductor is directly proportional to its length

𝑹∝𝒍
 2. The resistance of given conductor is inversely proportional to the area of cross section
that is

𝑹 ∝ 𝟏⁄𝑨
Then by combining ‘1’ & ‘2’, we get
𝑹 ∝ 𝒍⁄𝑨
∴ 𝑹 = 𝝆 × 𝒍⁄𝑨
Where (ρ) rho is a constant known as resistivity (The measure of the resistance of a specific
material to electrical conduction is called resistivity) of the material of the conductor. And
R= resistance of the conductor and A is the area of cross section of conductor which is used in
circuit.
𝑹×𝑨
From here; resistivity (ρ) =
𝒍
so, the S.I. unit of resistivity is ohm – meter or Ωm.
Resistivity is indirectly proportional to the temperature. In other words, as you increase the
temperature of materials, their resistivity will decrease. But this is not true for every material i.e.,
all materials do not have the same dependence on temperature.
Resistivity is a material property of the conductor. It depends only on the temperature of the
conductor and not on the length, density or cross-sectional area of the material. Increasing the
length increases the resistance of the body but not the resistivity.
Note: we use copper, aluminium wires for the transmission of electricity because these have low
resistivity. And the resistivity of alloys is much higher than the pure metals.
Combination Of Resistances
The resistances can be combined in two ways:
 In Series: When two or more resistances or resistors are connected end to end
consecutively, they are said to be connected in series.
 In Parallel: When two or more resistances or resistors are connected b/w the same two
points, they are said to be connected in parallel.
Resistances in series: According to the law of combination of resistances in series, the
combined resistance of any number of resistances connected in series is equal to the sum of the
individual resistances. For example, if a number of resistances R1, R2, R3...., etc. are connected in
series, then their combined resistance R is given by Re = R1+ R2+ R3....
Before we derive the formula for the resultant resistance of a number of resistances connected in
series, we should keep in mind that:

 When a number of resistances connected in series are joined to terminal of a battery, then
each resistance has a different potential difference across its end but the total potential
difference across the end of all resistances in series is equal to the voltage of the battery.
Thus, when a number of resistances are connected in series, then the sum of the potential
difference across all the resistances is equal to the voltage of the battery applied.
 When a number of resistances are connected in series, then the same current flows
through each resistance.
Resultant resistance of three resistances connected in series:
If there are three resistances R1, R2 and 𝐑 𝟑 connected in series. A battery of V volt has been
applied to the ends of this series combination. Now suppose the potential difference across the
resistance R1 is V1, R2 is V2 and resistance R3 is V3. We have applied a battery of voltage V, so
the total potential difference across all the three resistances should be equal to the voltage of the
battery
That is: V = V1 + V2 + V3-------------- (1)
We have just seen that the total potential difference due to the battery is V. Now suppose the
total resistance of the combination be R, and the current flowing through the whole circuit be I.
So by applying ohm’s law
V/I = R or V = I R
Since the same current I is flowing through all the three resistances R1, R2 and R3connected in
series, so by applying ohm’s law to all three resistances, we will get
V1 = I R1, V2 = I R2 & V3 = I R3
Now putting the values of V1, V2 and V3 in equation (1)
𝐈 × 𝐑 = 𝐈 × 𝐑 𝟏 + 𝐈 × 𝐑 𝟐 + 𝐈 × 𝐑 𝟑 Or we get 𝐑 𝐞 = 𝐑 𝟏 + 𝐑 𝟐 + R3

 The Effective or Equivalent Resistance of the resistors in a series combination is greater

than the greatest of them.

Resistances in parallel: The combined resistance of a number of resistances connected in

parallel can be calculated by using the law of combination of resistances in parallel. According to
this law: the reciprocal of the combined resistance of a number of resistances connected in
parallel is equal to the sum of the reciprocals of all the individual resistances.
If a number of resistances R1, R2, R3....., etc. are connected in parallel then the total resistance
(R) of the combination is given by the formula
1/ Re = 1/ R1 + 1/R2 + 1/R3.......
 When a number of resistances are connected in parallel then their combined resistance is
less than the smallest individual resistance.
Before we derive a formula for the resistance of a number of resistances connected in parallel,
we should keep in mind that:

1. When a number of resistances are connected in parallel, then the potential difference
across each resistance is same which is equal to the voltage of the battery applied.
2. When a number of resistances connected in parallel are joined to the terminals of battery,
then different amount of current flow through each resistance, but the current flowing
through all the individual parallel resistances, taken together, is equal to the current
flowing in the circuit as a whole. Thus, when a number of resistances are connected in
parallel, then the sum of the currents flowing through all the resistances is equal to the
total current flowing in the circuit.
Combined resistance of three resistances connected in parallel:
If three resistances𝑹𝟏 , 𝑹𝟐 and 𝑹𝟑 are connected in parallel to one another b/w the same point X
and Y. A battery of V volts has been applied across the ends of this combination. In this case the
potential difference across the ends of all the three resistances will be the same. And it will be
equal to the voltage of the battery used. The current flowing through all the three resistances in
parallel is, however not the same
suppose the total current flowing in the circuit is I, then the current passing through 𝐑 𝟏 is 𝐈𝟏 , 𝑹𝟐
is 𝐈𝟐 and 𝐑 𝟑 is 𝑰𝟑 respectively. Then total current in the circuit
I = I1 + I2 + 𝐈𝟑 ..................... (i)
We know by ohm’s law I = V/R then
since the potential V across all the three resistances 𝐑 𝟏 , 𝐑 𝟐 and R3 in parallel is the
same, so by applying ohm’s law to each resistance separately we get
I 1 = V / R1
I 2 = V / R2
𝐈𝟑 = 𝐕⁄𝐑 𝟑
Now putting the values of I1 , I2 and I3 in equation (i)
V/R = V / R1 + V / R2 + 𝐕⁄𝐑 𝟑 we get
1/ Re = 1/R1 + 1/ R2 + 𝟏⁄𝐑 𝟑

Domestic Electric Circuits

Series or parallel: When designing an electric circuit, we should consider whether a series or
parallel circuit is better for the intended use: for example, if we want to connect a large number
of electric bulbs for decorating buildings and trees as during festivals such as Diwali or marriage
function, then the series circuit is better because all bulbs connected in series can be controlled
with just one switch. A series circuit is also safer because the current in it is smaller. But there is
a problem with this circuit. This is because if one bulb gets fused, then the circuit breaks and all
the bulbs are turned off. An electrician has to spend a lot of time in locating the fused bulb form
among hundreds bulbs, so as to replace it and restore the lighting. The parallel electric circuit is
better for connecting bulbs in house because then we can have separate switches for each bulb
and hence operate it separately. In addition to having ease of operation, parallel domestic circuits
have many other advantages over the series circuits.
Disadvantages of series circuits for domestic wiring:
There are some following disadvantages of series circuits in the domestic wiring:

1. In series circuit, if one electrical appliance stops working due to some defect, then all
other appliances also stop working.
2. In series, all the electrical appliances have only one switch due to which they can’t be
turn off or on separately.
3. In series circuit, the appliances do not get the same voltage as that of the power supply
line.
4. In the series connection of electrical appliance, the overall resistance of the circuit
increases too much due to which the current from the power supply is low.

Advantages of parallel circuits in domestic wiring:

There are some following advantages of parallel circuits in the domestic wiring:
 1. In parallel circuits, if one electrical appliance stops working due to some effect then all
other appliances keep working normally.
2. In parallel circuit, each electrical appliance has own switch due to which it can be turned
off or on independently, without affecting other appliances.
3. In parallel circuits, each electrical appliance gets same voltage (220V) as that of the
power supply line.
4. In the parallel connection of electrical appliances, the overall resistance of the households
circuit is reduced due to which the current from the power supply is high.

Electric Power:
We know that the rate of doing work is known as power, so electric power is the electrical work
done per unit. That is
Power = work done / time taken
Or P = W/ t
Unit of power: The S.I. unit of electric power is watt denoted by the letter w; the power of 1
watt is a rate of working of 1 joule per second. That is
1 Watt = 1 joule / 1 sec
Watt is a small unit, therefore, a bigger unit of electric power called kilowatt is used for
commercial purpose. That is
One kilo watt = 1000 watts
1 kW = 1000 watts or 103 watts
 Other Unit Of Power is Horse Power (hp):- 1 hp =746 watts
So we can say that electric power is the rate at which electrical energy is consumed or electric
power is the electrical energy consumed per second.
We can write down another definition of electric power, when electric appliance consumes
electrical energy at the rate of 1 joule per second, its power is said to be 1 watt.
We know that
Power = work done / time taken
or P = W /t --------------------- (i)
But we know that the work done W by current I when it flows for time t under a potential
difference V is given by
𝑾
𝐖= 𝐕×𝐈×𝐭 since, V = ∴ 𝑾 = 𝑽 × 𝑸 and 𝑸 = 𝑰 × 𝒕 ∴ 𝑾 = 𝑽 × 𝑰 × 𝒕
𝑸
Put this value in equation (i), we get
𝐏 = 𝐕 × 𝐈 × 𝐭/𝐭
𝐏 = 𝐕 × 𝐈 watts
Where, V = potential difference and I = current in amperes
Electric power = potential difference × current
The power expanded in heating a resistor or turning a motor depends upon the potential
difference b/w the terminals of the device and electric current passing through it.
Since, Power (P) = V × I watts
Now if an electrical appliance is operated at a potential difference of 1 volt and the device carries
a current of 1 ampere, then power becomes 1 watt (volt-ampere). That is
1 watt = 1 volt × 1 ampere
1w=1VA
One watt is the power consumed by an appliance which when operated at a potential difference
of 1 volt carries a current of 1 ampere.
Some other formulae of calculating the electric power:
We have just obtained a formula for calculating electric power ; which is
P=V×I
We have other formulae of electric power which are following;
 1. Power in term of I and R
We have, P = V × I ----------------------- (i)
Now from ohm’s law we have V/I = R
Or V = I × R , now from eq. (i)
P = I2 R where , I = current and R = resistance

2. Power in the terms V and R

P = V × I -------------------- (i)
Also from ohm’s law we have V/I = R or I = V/R
Putting this value of I in equation (i)’ we get
P = V2/R, where V = potential difference and R = resistance of wire
Note: -Power is inversely proportional to the resistance of wire.
Power- Voltage rating of electrical appliance:
We know that every electrical appliance like an electric bulb , radio or fan has a label or
engraved plate on it which tells us voltage and electric power consumed by it. For example, if we
look at a particular bulb in our home, it may have the figures 100 w – 220 V written on it. Now
100w means this bulb has a power consumption of 100 w and 220 V means that it is to be used
on a voltage of 220 volts. The power rating of an electrical appliance tells us the rate at which
electrical energy is consumed by the appliance.
For example: The power rating of 100 w on the bulb means that it will consume electrical energy
at the rate of 100 joules per second.
An electrical formula for calculating electrical energy:
We have already studied that;
Electric power = work done by electric current / time taken
Now according to the law of conservation of energy,
Work done by electric current = electric energy consumed
∴Power = electric energy/ time
Electric energy = power × time
Or E = P ×t
Or E = V × 𝑰 ×t Since, P=V×I
2
Or E = I × 𝑹 ×t Since, P = I2 R
Or E = V2 × 𝒕/𝑹 Since, P = V2/R
The electrical energy consumed by an electrical appliance is given by the product of its power
rating and the time for which it is used.
From this we conclude that the electrical energy consumed by an electrical appliance depends on
two things

1. Power rating of the appliance and

2. Time for which the appliance is used

In the formula: electrical energy = power × time, if we take the power in ‘watts’ and time in ‘
hours’ then the electrical energy becomes ‘watt – hours’ (wh).
One watt – hour: It is the amount of electrical energy consumed when an electrical appliance of
1 watt is used for one hour.
Now we will describe the commercial unit of electrical energy called kilowatt – hour.
One kilowatt – hour: It is the amount of electrical energy consumed when an electrical
appliance having power rating of 1 kilowatt is used for 1 hour.
Relation b/w kilowatt – hour and joule: One kilowatt – hour is the amount of electrical energy
consumed when an electrical appliance having power rating of 1 kilowatt is used for 1 hour.
That is; 1 kilo watt – hour = 1 kilo watt for one hour
= 1000 watts for 1 hour
But: 1 watt = 1 joule / 1 second
 1 kilo watt – hour = 1000 joules / second for one hour and one hour = 3600 seconds
Or 1 kilo watt−hour = 36, 00, 000 joules = 𝟑. 𝟔 × 𝟏𝟎𝟔 joules
Note: Kilowatt – hour is the “unit” of electrical energy for which we pay the electricity.
Joule’s Heating Effect Of Current

Cause of Heating Effect of Current:

When a battery is connected to the ends of a conductor, electric field is set up. The free electrons
move in the direction opposite to the field. They undergo collision with the positive ions and
atoms of the conductor. The average kinetic energy of vibration of the ions and the atoms
increases and hence the temperature increases.
When an electric current is passed through a high resistance wire like nichrome wire, the
resistance wire becomes hot and produced heat. This is known as heating effect of current. The
role of resistances in the electrical circuits is same as the friction in the mechanics.
Since a conductor, say a resistance wire, offers resistance to the flow of the current, so work
must be done by a current continuously to keep itself flowing. We will calculate the work done
by a current I when it is passing through a resistance R for time t. Now when an electric charge
Q moves against a potential difference V, the amount of work done is given by
W=Q×V
From the definition of the current we have, I = 𝑸⁄𝒕 or Q = I × t
And from ohm’s law, we have V/ I = R or potential difference, V = I × R
Now putting Q = I × t and V = I × R
we have Work Done, W = 𝑰𝟐 × 𝑹 × 𝒕 or
Assuming that all the electrical work done or all the electrical energy consumed is converted into
heat energy, we can write ‘Heat Produced’ in place of ‘Work done’ in the above equation. Thus
Heat produced, H = 𝑰𝟐 × 𝑹 × 𝒕 joules.
This formula gives us the heat produced in joules when a current of I amperes flows in a wire of
resistance R ohms for time t seconds. This is known as ‘Joule’s Law of Heating’.
It is clear from the above formula that the heat produced in a wire is directly proportional to

1. Square of current i.e. H ∝ 𝑰𝟐

2. Resistance of wire i.e. H ∝ 𝑹
3. Time for which current is passed i.e. H ∝ 𝒕
Applications of the heating effect of current:
The important applications of the heating effect of electric current are following
 The heating effect of current is utilized in the working of electrical heating appliance
such as electric iron, kettle, toaster, Oven, room heaters and water geysers.
 The heating effect of current is utilized in electric bulb for producing light.
 The heating effect of current is utilized in electric fuse for protecting house hold wiring
and appliances.
Electric fuse is a protective device used in series with an electric circuit or an electric
appliance to save it from damage due to overheating produced by strong current in the
circuit or appliance.
Fuse is generally made of alloy of 63% tin and 37% lead.
It has high resistance and low melting point.
 Electric Heating Appliances use Nichrome wire (alloy of Ni and Cr). It is used because:
i. It has high specific resistance. iii. It has high malleability.
ii. It has high melting point. iv. It is not easily oxidized
For given V, P ∝I P ∝1 / R
i.e. i) Higher the power of the appliance, more is the current drawn
ii) Higher the power of the appliance less is the resistance.
THE END