As the switch ‘S’ is closed in the circuit shown in the figure, the current passing through it is:
A) 5 A
B) 6 A
C) 3 A
D) zero
Answer
638.1k+ views
Hint : In this solution, we will use Kirchhoff's current law which helps us relate the current entering and leaving a junction. Further using ohm’s law we will be able to determine the current passing through the switch.
Formula used: In this solution, we will use the following formula:
Kirchhoff’s current law (KCL): $ \Sigma i = 0 $ at a junction
Ohm’s law: $ V = IR $ where $ V $ is the potential difference between two points between which current $ I $ is flowing through a resistor $ R $
Complete step by step answer
Let us start by assuming a potential $ V $ at the junction of the three cables as shown in the image below:
Let us also assume that the branch of 20 V current will have current $ {i_1} $ flowing through it, the branch of 5 V will have current $ {i_2} $ and the grounded branch will have current $ {i_3} $ . Then from Kirchhoff’s current law, we can write
$\Rightarrow {i_1} + {i_2} - {i_3} = 0 $
Then from ohm’s law, we can write $ i = \Delta V/R $ where $ \Delta V $ is the potential difference between two points of the branch
$\Rightarrow \dfrac{{20 - V}}{2} + \dfrac{{5 - V}}{4} - \dfrac{{V - 0}}{2} = 0 $
$\Rightarrow \dfrac{{40 - 2V}}{4} + \dfrac{{5 - V}}{4} - \dfrac{{2V}}{4} = 0 $
Taking an LCM of 4 we get,
$\Rightarrow \dfrac{{40 - 2V + 5 - V - 2V}}{4} = 0 $
$ \Rightarrow 45 - 5V = 0 $
Solving for $ V $ , we get
$\Rightarrow V = 9\,V $
Then the current through the switch will be
$\Rightarrow {i_3} = \dfrac{{V - 0}}{2} $
$ \Rightarrow {i_3} = 9/2\,A \approx 5A $
Hence the current flowing in the switch will be $ 5A $ which corresponds to option (A).
Note
Here we can intuitively observe that the potential of the junction point will be lower than the potentials at point A and B since current will be flowing from A and B towards the grounded branch and as a result, there will be a potential drop across the resistors causing the junction to have less potential than A and B. The sign of $ {i_3} $ will be opposite while using the KCL as it is flowing away from the junction and not towards it.
Formula used: In this solution, we will use the following formula:
Kirchhoff’s current law (KCL): $ \Sigma i = 0 $ at a junction
Ohm’s law: $ V = IR $ where $ V $ is the potential difference between two points between which current $ I $ is flowing through a resistor $ R $
Complete step by step answer
Let us start by assuming a potential $ V $ at the junction of the three cables as shown in the image below:
Let us also assume that the branch of 20 V current will have current $ {i_1} $ flowing through it, the branch of 5 V will have current $ {i_2} $ and the grounded branch will have current $ {i_3} $ . Then from Kirchhoff’s current law, we can write
$\Rightarrow {i_1} + {i_2} - {i_3} = 0 $
Then from ohm’s law, we can write $ i = \Delta V/R $ where $ \Delta V $ is the potential difference between two points of the branch
$\Rightarrow \dfrac{{20 - V}}{2} + \dfrac{{5 - V}}{4} - \dfrac{{V - 0}}{2} = 0 $
$\Rightarrow \dfrac{{40 - 2V}}{4} + \dfrac{{5 - V}}{4} - \dfrac{{2V}}{4} = 0 $
Taking an LCM of 4 we get,
$\Rightarrow \dfrac{{40 - 2V + 5 - V - 2V}}{4} = 0 $
$ \Rightarrow 45 - 5V = 0 $
Solving for $ V $ , we get
$\Rightarrow V = 9\,V $
Then the current through the switch will be
$\Rightarrow {i_3} = \dfrac{{V - 0}}{2} $
$ \Rightarrow {i_3} = 9/2\,A \approx 5A $
Hence the current flowing in the switch will be $ 5A $ which corresponds to option (A).
Note
Here we can intuitively observe that the potential of the junction point will be lower than the potentials at point A and B since current will be flowing from A and B towards the grounded branch and as a result, there will be a potential drop across the resistors causing the junction to have less potential than A and B. The sign of $ {i_3} $ will be opposite while using the KCL as it is flowing away from the junction and not towards it.
Recently Updated Pages
What is BLO What is the full form of BLO class 8 social science CBSE

Explain the Treaty of Vienna of 1815 class 10 social science CBSE

10 examples of friction in our daily life

Draw a diagram of nephron and explain its structur class 11 biology CBSE

Write structures of the following compounds i 2 Chloro3methylpentane class 11 chemistry CBSE

A Paragraph on Pollution in about 100-150 Words

Trending doubts
Draw a labelled sketch of the human eye class 12 physics CBSE

Which are the Top 10 Largest Countries of the World?

Differentiate between homogeneous and heterogeneous class 12 chemistry CBSE

Draw ray diagrams each showing i myopic eye and ii class 12 physics CBSE

Which is the correct genotypic ratio of mendel dihybrid class 12 biology CBSE

What is the Full Form of PVC, PET, HDPE, LDPE, PP and PS ?

