Electric current is expressed as the amount of charge flowing through a particular cross section
0area in unit time.
A multi-meter is an electronic measuring instrument that combines several measuring functions
(electric potential difference, electric current and electric resistance) in one unit.
Ohms law: The current through a conductor element is proportional to the potential difference
applied between its ends, provided the temperature remains constant. Mathematically V=IR.
Ohm’s law is valid for metal conductors at constant temperature. It is not applicable for gaseous
conductors and semiconductors.
Resistance is the opposition that a substance offers to the motion of electrons.
Resistance of a wire depends on the material of the wire, its length and its area of cross section
Rα l/A.
The resistivity of a material is the resistance per unit length of a unit cross section of the material.
Two or more resistors are said to be connected in series if the same current flows through them.
The junction law: At any junction point in a circuit where the current can divide, the sum of the
currents into the junction must equal the sum of the currents leaving the junction.
The loop law: The algebraic sum of the increases and decreases in potential difference across
various components of a closed circuit loop must be zero.
Electric power is the product of potential difference and the current. SI unit of power is watt
(W).
Electrical energy is the product of power and time. Units of electrical energy W-s and KWH.
Reflections on concepts
1. Explain how electron flow causes electric current
with Lorentz – Drude theory of electrons.(AS1)
2. Write the difference between potential difference and emf.(AS1)