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Current Electricity appeared 50 times across 3 years — 5.8% of Physics. This question is from Combination of Resistors.

Year 2026 2025 2024 Total
Questions 18 13 19 50

A wire of resistance R is bent into an equilateral triangle and an identical wire is bent into a square. The ratio of resistance between the two end points of an edge of the triangle to that of the square is

Solution & Explanation

Related Formula
R = ρ A R ∝
Core Logic

For the equilateral triangle, the total resistance R is divided into three equal line parts of value R3 each:

Visual representation of triangle and square edge divisions for Q15
Visual representation of triangle and square edge divisions for Q15

Visual representation of triangle and square edge divisions for Q15
Visual representation of triangle and square edge divisions for Q15

An edge configuration places one part in parallel with the other two series steps:

(Req)₁ = ( 2R3) · ( R3) 2R3 + R3 = (2)/(9)R

For the square, the wire resistance R divides into four parts of R4 each:

Visual representation of triangle and square edge divisions for Q15
Visual representation of triangle and square edge divisions for Q15

Visual representation of triangle and square edge divisions for Q15
Visual representation of triangle and square edge divisions for Q15

An edge calculation pairs one section in parallel with the remaining three loops in series:

(Req)₂ = ( 3R4) · ( R4) 3R4 + R4 = (3)/(16)R

Taking the ratio between these geometric layouts:

Step 1: Final Ratio Calculation
(Req)₁(Req)₂ = (2)/(9)R(3)/(16)R = (32)/(27)

This selects option (4).

Pattern Recognition

For a regular polygon with N identical sides formed from a wire of resistance R, the resistance across one edge is always given by (N-1)N²R.

Chapter Mix

Class 12 Physics: Current Electricity

Reference Study Guides

More Current Electricity Previous-Year Questions — Page 4

Q38 jee_main_2026_28_january_morning Combination of Cells
For the two cells having same EMF E and internal resistance r, the current passing through the external resistor 6 Ω is same when both the cells are connected either in parallel or in series. The value of internal resistance r is ____ Ω.
  • A. 3
  • B. 4
  • C. 9
  • D. 6

Solution

Related Formula
Iₛₑᵣᵢₑₛ = (2E)/(R + 2r) Iparallel = (E)/(R + r/2)
Core Logic

Since the external current is identical in both cases, equate the series current expression to the parallel current expression.

Step 1: Setting up equation
(2E)/(6 + 2r) = (E)/(6 + (r)/(2))
Step 2: Solving for r

Divide both sides by E and cross-multiply:

2 (6 + (r)/(2)) = 6 + 2r

12 + r = 6 + 2r 12 - 6 = 2r - r r = 6 Ω

Pattern Recognition

A well-known standard shortcut: If n identical cells yield the same current in series and parallel across an external resistor R, then r = R. Here R = 6, so immediately r = 6.

Chapter Mix

Class 12 Physics: Current Electricity

Q50 jee_main_2026_28_january_morning Kirchhoff's Laws
The equivalent resistance between the points A and B in the following circuit is (x)/(5)Ω . The value of x is
Circuit diagram of an unbalanced Wheatstone bridge
A bridge network with resistors 6 Ohm, 3 Ohm in one path, a central 3 Ohm resistor, and 3 Ohm, 6 Ohm resistors in the other path between points A and B.
Numerical Answer. Answer: 21 to 21

Solution

Related Formula
Kirchhoff's Voltage Law (KVL): Σ V = 0 V = I · Req
Core Logic

This is an unbalanced Wheatstone bridge. We can solve it by connecting an imaginary 1V battery across AB, applying Kirchhoff's laws to find the total current I, and then finding Req = V / I.

Circuit diagram with current loops drawn
A bridge network with resistors 6 Ohm, 3 Ohm in one path, a central 3 Ohm resistor, and 3 Ohm, 6 Ohm resistors in the other path between points A and B.

Step 1: First KVL Loop

Let total current from the 1V source be i. It splits into i₁ through the upper 6 Ω resistor, and (i - i₁) through the lower 3 Ω resistor. Applying KVL to the upper closed loop of the bridge:

6i₁ + 3(2i₁ - i) = 3(i - i₁) 6i₁ + 6i₁ - 3i = 3i - 3i₁ 15i₁ = 6i ⇒ i₁ = (2)/(5)i --- (1)
Step 2: Second KVL Loop (Outer Battery Loop)

Apply KVL through the lower path and the battery:

3(i - i₁) + 6(current in next branch) = 1

Wait, looking at the node splits in the solution: the current entering B from the bottom resistor is i₁, and from top is (i - i₁) due to symmetry. Equation from the lower path:

3(i - i₁) + 6i₁ = 1

Substitute i₁ = (2)/(5)i: 3i + 3i₁ = 1

3i + 3((2)/(5)i) = 1 i (3 + (6)/(5)) = 1 i ((21)/(5)) = 1 ⇒ i = (5)/(21) ~A
Step 3: Finding Equivalent Resistance
Req = (V)/(i) = (1)/(5 / 21) = (21)/(5) Ω

Given Req = (x)/(5) Ω. Therefore, x = 21.

Pattern Recognition

For a symmetrical unbalanced bridge (like R₁=6, R₂=3 and R₃=3, R₄=6), the currents divide symmetrically. Assuming a 1V source and tracking current i and i₁ is the fastest fail-proof algebraic method.

Chapter Mix

Class 12 Physics: Current Electricity

Q31 jee_main_2026_28_january_evening Wheatstone Bridge
A wheatstone bridge is initially at room temperature and all arms of the bridge have same value of resistances ( R₁ = R₂ = R₃ = R₄ ). When R₃ resistance is heated to some temperature, its resistance value has gone up by 10%. The potential difference ( Vₐ - Vb ) (after R₃ is heated) is ____ V.
Wheatstone Bridge diagram for Q31 - JEE Main 2026 Evening
A standard wheatstone bridge circuit powered by a 40V source.
  • A. 1.05
  • B. 0
  • C. 0.95
  • D. 2

Solution

Core Logic

Solution for Wheatstone Bridge
A standard wheatstone bridge circuit powered by a 40V source.
Initially, R₁ = R₂ = R₃ = R₄ = R. The bridge is balanced, and VA = VB. After heating, R₃ increases by 10%, meaning the new R₃' = R + 0.1R = 1.1R. The other arms remain R. The battery provides a voltage of V = 40 V.

Step 1: Calculate Potentials at nodes A and B

Let the lower node (D) be at 0 V and the upper node (C) be at 40 V. The potential at node A (between R₃' and R₄) can be found via the voltage divider rule across the right branch (R₃' and R₄).

Wait, examining the circuit labels carefully: Assume the branches are: Left branch contains R₁ and R₂. Right branch contains R₃ and R₄. Node B is between R₁ and R₂. Node A is between R₃ and R₄.

From the provided solution:

VA = (V)/(2)

This implies the branch containing node A consists of two equal resistances R, which contradicts the textual convention if R₃ changed. Looking at the provided solution image logic, the branch with B has the changed resistance 1.1R. Let's follow the PDF's mathematical layout exactly.

VA = (V)/(2) (Meaning branch A has equal resistors R and R)

VB = (V)/(R + 1.1R) × R = (V)/(2.1)

(Note: The PDF solution computes VB = V / 2.1, implying the resistance below node B is R, and above is 1.1R)

Step 2: Potential Difference Calculation
VA - VB = V [ (1)/(2) - (1)/(2.1) ] VA - VB = 40 × [ (2.1 - 2)/(2 × 2.1) ] VA - VB = (0.1)/(4.2) × 40 = (4)/(4.2) VA - VB = (40)/(42) ≈ 0.952 V
Step 3: Final Answer

The closest match among the options is 0.95 V.

Pattern Recognition

For a slightly unbalanced Wheatstone bridge due to a fractional change Δ R/R = x, the potential difference Δ V is approximately V · (x)/(4) for small x. Here x=0.1, so Δ V ≈ 40 × 0.1 / 4 = 1 V. Exact calculation gives 0.95 V.

Chapter Mix

Class 12 Physics: Current Electricity

Q8 jee_main_2025_02_april_morning Electrical Energy and Power
The battery of a mobile phone is rated as 4.2~V, 5800~mAh. How much energy is stored in it when fully charged?
  • A. 43.8~kJ
  • B. 48.7~kJ
  • C. 87.7~kJ
  • D. 24.4~kJ

Solution

Related Formula

E = V · Q

Q = I · t

Core Logic

The capacity rating 5800~mAh represents total electric charge Q stored:

Q = 5800~mA × 1~hour = (5800 × 10⁻³~A) × 3600~s = 20880~C

Given the voltage is V = 4.2~V, the energy stored in Joules is:

E = V · Q = 4.2 × 20880 = 87696~J = 87.696~kJ ≈ 87.7~kJ
Step 1: Final Conclusion

The electrical energy stored in the fully charged battery is 87.7~kJ.

Pattern Recognition

Always remember: Energy (in Joules) = Voltage (V) × Capacity (Ah) × 3600. This directly transforms electrical rating units to standard SI energy units.

Chapter Mix

Class 12 Physics: Current Electricity

Q jee_main_2025_03_april_evening Grouping of Cells
Two cells of emf 1V and 2V and internal resistance 2Ω and 1Ω, respectively, are connected in series with an external resistance of 6Ω. The total current in the circuit is I₁ Now the same two cells in parallel configuration are connected to same external resistance. In this case, the total current drawn is I₂. The value of ( I₁I₂) is (x)/(3). The value of x is ________.
Numerical Answer. Answer: 4 to 4

Solution

Related Formula
  • Series cell configuration:
εeq = ε₁ + ε₂, req = r₁ + r₂
  • Parallel cell configuration (for unequal cells in parallel):
εeq = ((ε₁)/(r₁) + (ε₂)/(r₂))/((1)/(r₁) + (1)/(r₂)), 1req = (1)/(r₁) + (1)/(r₂)
  • Circuit current:
I = εeqreq + R
Core Logic

Given parameters:

  • Cell 1:
Step 1: Calculate $I_1(Series Configuration)
Grouping of Cells
Grouping of Cells
εeq = 1 + 2 = 3~Vreq = 2 + 1 = 3ΩI₁ = (3)/(3 + 6) = (3)/(9) = (1)/(3)~A
Step 2: Calculate $I₂$ (Parallel Configuration)
Grouping of Cells
Grouping of Cells
\varepsilon_{\text{eq}} = \frac{\frac{1}{2} + \frac{2}{1}}{\frac{1}{2} + \frac{1}{1}} = \frac{0.5 + 2}{1.5} = \frac{2.5}{1.5} = \frac{5}{3}\mathrm{~V}r_{\text{eq}} = \frac{r_1 r_2}{r_1 + r_2} = \frac{2 \times 1}{2 + 1} = \frac{2}{3}\OmegaI_2 = \frac{\varepsilon_{\text{eq}}}{r_{\text{eq}} + R} = \frac{\frac{5}{3}}{\frac{2}{3} + 6} = \frac{\frac{5}{3}}{\frac{20}{3}} = \frac{5}{20} = \frac{1}{4}\mathrm{~A}$
Step 3: Find ratio and evaluate $x$
\frac{I_1}{I_2} = \frac{\frac{1}{3}}{\frac{1}{4}} = \frac{4}{3}$

Comparing with

Comparing with $\frac{x}{3}:

$x = 4

Pattern Recognition

For cells connected in parallel, the formula for equivalent EMF

Pattern Recognition

For cells connected in parallel, the formula for equivalent EMF $\varepsilon_{\text{eq}}$ can be viewed as a weighted average. Connecting cells in series maximizes EMF but increases internal resistance, while parallel configuration limits EMF to an intermediate value while reducing equivalent internal resistance.

Chapter Mix

Class 12 Physics: Current Electricity

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