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Science (086) — CBSE Class 10 board question

Q1. [5] § 11.6.1 Resistors in Series
Answer the following parts:
  1. (i) The potential difference across the two ends of a circuit component is decreased to one-third of its initial value, while its resistance remains constant. What change will be observed in the current flowing through it ? Name and state the law which helps us to answer this question. [2]
  2. (ii) Draw a schematic diagram of a circuit consisting of a battery of four 1·5 V cells, a 5 Ω resistor, a 10 Ω resistor and a 15 Ω resistor and a plug key, all connected in series. Now find (I) the electric current passing through the circuit, and (II) potential difference across the 10 Ω resistor when the plug key is closed. [3]
Previously asked in CBSE board exam
2024 31/5/1 Q36 (a)
Generated by claude-sonnet-4-6 · 2026-06-15 06:44 · grounding rag
Model Answer

(i)

The current will decrease to one-third of its initial value.

Ohm's Law: The potential difference (V) across the ends of a metallic conductor is directly proportional to the current (I) flowing through it, provided its temperature remains constant.

$$V \propto I \quad \Rightarrow \quad V = IR \quad \Rightarrow \quad I = \frac{V}{R}$$

Since R is constant and V becomes V/3, the new current $I' = \dfrac{V/3}{R} = \dfrac{I}{3}$.

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(ii)

Circuit diagram: [Battery of 4 cells (4 × 1.5 V = 6 V) — plug key — 5 Ω — 10 Ω — 15 Ω all in series]

Total EMF = 4 × 1.5 = 6 V

Total resistance (series): $R_s = 5 + 10 + 15 = 30\ \Omega$

(I) Current through the circuit:

$$I = \frac{V}{R_s} = \frac{6}{30} = \mathbf{0.2\ A}$$

(II) Potential difference across 10 Ω resistor:

$$V_{10} = I \times R = 0.2 \times 10 = \mathbf{2\ V}$$

Source: Chapter 11 – Electricity, Sections 11.4 (Ohm's Law) and 11.6 (Resistance of a System of Resistors)

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Explanation
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