Topics
Electric Charges and Fields
- Electric Charge
- Properties of Electric Charge
- Simple Atomic Structure
- Conductors and Insulators
- Mechanism of Charging of an Object
- Charging by Friction
- Charging by Conduction
- Charging by Induction
- Coulomb's Law (Scalar Form): Force Between Two Point-Charges
- Coulomb's Law in Vector Form
- Forces Between Multiple Charges: Superposition Principle
- Equilibrium of System of Charges
- Electric Field
- Intensity of Electric Field
- Electric Field Intensity Due to a Point-Charge
- Intensity of Electric Field due to a Continuous Charge Distribution
- Electric Lines of Force
- Electric Dipole
- Electric Field due to an Electric Dipole
- Motion of an Electric Dipole in a Uniform Electric Field
- Effect of a Uniform Electric Field on the Motion of a Charged Particle
- Equilibrium of a Charged Body in a Uniform Electric Field
- Introduction to Gauss' Theorem of Electrostatics
- Area Vector
- Flux of a Vector Field
- Gauss' Theorem
- Gaussian Surface and its Properties
- Applications of Gauss' Theorem > Electric Field due to a Point Charge
- Applications of Gauss' Theorem > Electric Field due to an Infinite Line of Charge
- Applications of Gauss' Theorem > Electric Field due to an Infinite Plane Sheet of Charge
- Applications of Gauss' Theorem > Electric Field due to Two Infinite Parallel Sheets of Charge
- Applications of Gauss' Theorem > Electric Field Intensity Just Outside a Charged Conductor
- Applications of Gauss' Theorem > Electric Field due to a Uniformly Charged Thin Spherical Shell
- Applications of Gauss' Theorem > Electric Field due to a Uniformly Charged Sphere
Electrostatics
Electrostatic Potential, Potential Energy and Capacitance
- Introduction to Electric Potential
- Electric Potential: A Quantitative Approach
- Potential Difference
- Work Done in Moving a Charge in an Electric Field
- Acceleration of a Charged Particle Between Two Points in an Electric Field
- Electric Potential Due to a Point Charge
- Potential due to a Group of Point Charges
- Potential Gradient
- Electric Field as Gradient of Electric Potential: Relation between E and V
- Equipotential Surfaces
- Electric Potential Energy of a System of Charges
- Charged Body Between Parallel Plates
- Potential Due to an Electric Dipole
- Work Done in Rotating an Electric Dipole in an Electric Field
- Electric Potential Energy of an Electric Dipole in an Electrostatic Field
- Electrostatics of Conductors
- Free and Bound Charges
- Dielectrics
- Electric Polarisation of Dielectrics
- Capacitance of a Conductor
- Capacitance of an Isolated Spherical Conductor
- Potential Energy of a Charged Conductor
- Redistribution of Charges: Common Potential
- Introduction to a Capacitor
- The Parallel Plate Capacitor
- Expression for Capacitance of a Parallel-Plate Capacitor
- Dependence of the Capacitance of a Capacitor
- Capacitance of a Parallel-Plate Capacitor with Dielectric Slab between Plates
- Combination of Capacitors
- Energy Stored in a Charged Capacitor
- Force between the Plates of a Charged Parallel-Plate Capacitor
- Effect of Dielectric Insertion on a Capacitor: with and Without a Battery
- Variation of Electric Field and Potential Due to a Charged Sphere
Current Electricity
Electric Resistance and Ohm's Law
- Introduction Tо Current Electricity
- Electric Current
- Current Density
- Electric Resistance
- Ohm's Law
- Experimental Verification of Ohm’s Law and Ohmic Resistors
- Exceptions of Ohm's Law : Non-Linear V-I Characteristics
- Mechanism of Flow of Electrons Through the Metal Conductors
- Mobility of Electrons
- Current, Drift Velocity Relation
- Derivation of Ohm's Law with Current Drift Velocity Relation
- Specific Resistance or Electrical Resistivity
- Ohm's law in Vector Form
- Colour Code of Carbon Resistors
- Combinations of Resistances
- An Important Deduction
- Electric Energy and Power
- Commercial Units of Electricity Consumption
- Introduction: D.C. Circuits and Measurements
- Electric cell
- Electromotive Force of a Cell
- Terminal Potential Difference
- Internal Resistance of a Cell
- Relation between E, V, and r
- Combinations of Cells
- Kirchhoff’s Laws
- Wheatstone Bridge
- Metre Bridge: Slide-Wire Bridge
- Potentiometer
Magnetic Effects of Current and Magnetism
Electromagnetic Induction and Alternating Currents
Moving Charges and Magnetism
- Introduction to Magnetic Effect of Current
- Oersted's Experiment
- Concept of Magnetic Field
- Force on a Moving Charge in a Uniform Magnetic Field
- Definition of Magnetic Field on the Basis of Magnetic Force
- Motion of Charged Particles in a Uniform Magnetic Field
- Lorentz Force
- Cyclotron
- Force on a Current-Carrying Conductor Placed in a Uniform Magnetic Field
- Magnetic Field Due to a Current-carrying Conductor: Biot-savart's Law
- Comparison of Coulomb's Law and Biot-Savart's Law
- Rules to Determine the Direction of Magnetic Field
- Applications of Biot-Savart's Law > Magnetic Field at the Axis of a Circular Current-carrying Loop
- Applications of Biot-Savart's Law > Magnetic Field Due to a Straight Current-carrying Conductor of Finite Size
- Applications of Biot-Savart's Law > Magnetic Field at the Centre of a Circular Current-carrying Loop
- Ampere’s Circuital Law
- Applications of Ampere’s Circuital Law > Magnetic Field of a Long Straight Thin Wire
- Applications of Ampere’s Circuital Law > Magnetic Field of a Long Straight Solenoid
- Applications of Ampere’s Circuital Law > Magnetic Field of a Toroidal Solenoid
- Force Between Two Parallel Current-Carrying Conductors : Definition of Ampere
- Comparison Between Electric and Magnetic Forces
- Torque on a Current-Loop in a Uniform Magnetic Field
- Atom as a Magnetic Dipole
- Moving Coil Galvanometer
- Sensitivity of a Galvanometer
- Conversion of a Galvanometer in Ammeter
- Conversion of a Galvanometer in Voltmeter
Electromagnetic Waves
Magnetism and Matter
- Concept of Magnetism
- Current Loop as a Magnetic Dipole : Magnetic Dipole Moment of Current Loop
- Magnetic Dipole Moment of a Revolving Electron
- The Bar Magnet
- Magnetic Lines of Force
- Current-carrying Solenoid: An Electromagnetic Equivalent of a Bar-magnet
- Magnetic Field of a Magnetic Dipole (Small Bar Magnet)
- Torque on a Magnetic Dipole (Bar Magnet) in a Uniform Magnetic Field
- Potential Energy of a Magnet in a Magnetic Field
- Earth’s Magnetic Field
- Elements of the Earth's Magnetic Field > Angle of Declination
- Elements of the Earth's Magnetic Field > Angle of Dip or Magnetic Inclination
- Elements of the Earth's Magnetic Field > Horizontal Component of Earth's Magnetic Field
- Classification of Substances According to their Magnetic Behaviour
- Some Important Terms Used in Magnetism
- Properties of Dia, Para, and Ferromagnetic Substances
- Explanation of Dia, Para and Ferromagnetism on the Basis of Atomic Model of Magnetism
- Explanation of Demagnetisation by Atomic Model
- Hysteresis: Retentivity and Coercivity
- Differences in Magnetic Properties of Soft Iron and Steel
- Selection of Magnetic Materials
- Overview: Magnetic Field and Earth's Magnetism
- Overview: Magnetic Classification of Substances
Optics
Electromagnetic Induction
- Introduction to Electromagnetic Induction
- Magnetic Flux
- Electromagnetic Induction: Experimental Demonstration
- Faraday's Laws of Electromagnetic Induction
- Induced Current and Induced Charge
- Methods of Changing the Magnetic Flux
- Motion of a Straight Conductor in a Uniform Magnetic Field (Motional EMF)
- Motional Emf: A Conceptual Approach Based on Lenz's Law and Dynamic Flux Analysis
- Motional emf in Rotating a Conducting Rod in a Uniform Magnetic Field
- Self – Induction
- Self-Inductance of a Long Solenoid
- Energy Stored in an Inductor
- Some Examples of the Effect of Self-induced Current
- Mutual Inductance
- Mutual Inductance of Two Long Coaxial Solenoids
- Eddy Currents or Foucault Currents
- Overview: Electromagnetic Induction
Dual Nature of Radiation and Matter
Alternating Current
- Introduction to Ac and Aс Circuits
- Alternating Voltage and Current Developed in a Coil Rotating in Magnetic Field
- Some Definitions Regarding Alternating Voltage and Current
- Mean (or Average) Value of Alternating Current (or Voltage)
- Root-Mean-Square Value of Alternating Current
- Phasors and Phasor Diagrams
- Types of Ac Circuits > Circuit Containing Resistance Only
- Types of Ac Circuits > Circuit Containing Inductance Only
- Types of Ac Circuits > Circuit Containing Capacitance Only
- Types of Ac Circuits > Circuit Containing Inductance and Resistance in Series (L-r Series Circuit)
- Types of Ac Circuits > Circuit Containing Capacitance and Resistance in Series (C-R Series Circuit)
- Types of Ac Circuits > Circuit Containing Inductance and Capacitance (L-C Circuit)
- Types of Ac Circuits > Circuit Containing Inductance, Capacitance and Resistance in Series (L-C-R Series Circuit)
- Power in AC Circuit
- Wattless Current
- Half Power Points, Bandwidth and Q-Factor
- Choke Coil
- Electrical Oscillations in L-C Circuit
- Resonant Circuits
- Frequency Response of AC Circuits
- Alternating-Current Generator
- Transformers
- Utility of Alternating Current in Comparison to Direct Current
- Overview: Alternating Current
Atoms and Nuclei
Electromagnetic Waves
- Introduction to Electromagnetic Waves
- Displacement Current
- Relation Between Conduction Current and Displacement Current
- Definition and Characteristics of Electromagnetic Waves
- Field Magnitude Relation in Free Space
- Important Characteristics of Electromagnetic Waves
- Transverse Nature of Electromagnetic Waves (Qualitative Idea)
- Transverse Nature of Electromagnetic Waves (Quantitative Analysis)
- Electromagnetic Spectrum
- Maxwell's Equation
- Energy Density in Electromagnetic Waves
- Overview: Electromagnetic Waves
Ray Optics and Optical Instruments
- Ray Optics Or Geometrical Optics
- Spherical Mirrors
- Few Definitions Related to Spherical Mirrors
- Relation Between Focal Length and Radius of Curvature of a Spherical Mirror
- Rules to Trace the Image Formed by Spherical Mirrors
- Conditions of Image Formation
- Position and Nature of Image Formed by Spherical Mirrors
- Coordinate Geometry Sign Convention for Measuring Distances and Lengths
- Mirror Formula for Concave Mirror
- Mirror Formula for Convex Mirror
- Linear Magnification by Spherical Mirrors
- Uses of Spherical Mirrors
- Introduction to Refraction at a Plane Interface
- Refraction of Light
- Laws of Refraction
- The Refractive Index
- Cause of Refraction
- Physical Significance of Refractive Index
- Reversibility of Light
- Refraction through Parallel Multiple Media
- Refraction of Light Through a Rectangular Glass Block
- Real and Apparent Depths: Normal Displacement
- Critical Angle
- Total Internal Reflection
- Applications of Total Internal Reflection
- Introduction to Refraction at Curved Surfaces
- Coordinate Geometry Sign Convention for Measuring Distances and Lengths (Refraction)
- Refraction at Concave Spherical Surface
- Refraction at a Convex Spherical Surface
- Concept of Lenses
- Converging and Diverging Actions of Lenses
- Some Definitions Related to Lens
- Lens Maker's Formula
- Factors Affecting Focal Length of a Lens
- Image Formation by Thin Lenses
- Ray Diagrams for Formation of Image by a Convex Lens
- Image Formation by Lenses Made of Multiple Materials
- Ray Diagram for Formation of Image by a Concave Lens
- Linear Magnification by Spherical Lenses
- Power of a Lens
- Combined Focal Length of Two Thin Lenses in Contact
- Combination of Lenses and Mirrors
- Prism
- Refraction Through a Prism
- Specific Conditions for Emergent Ray
- Dispersion of White Light by a Prism : Angular Dispersion
- Dispersive Power of an Optical Medium
- Rainbows
- Scattering of Light-Rayleigh's Law
- Phenomena Based Upon Scattering of Light
- Introduction to Optical Instruments
- Power of Aссоmmodation of the Eye
- Visual Angle : Magnifying Power of Optical Instruments
- Magnifying Power of Microscope and Telescope in Terms of Visual Angle
- Simple Microscopе
- Compound Microscope
- Astronomical Telescope (Refracting Type)
- Reflecting Telescope
- Telescope Vs Compound Microscоре
- Resolving Power of Optical Instruments
- Overview: Reflection of Light: Spherical Mirrors
Electronic Devices
Wave Optics
- Introduction to Wave Optics
- Wavefront
- Wave Nature of Light and Huygens' Principle
- Huygens Principle
- Behaviour of Plane Wavefront in Reflection and Refraction
- Reflection of a Plane Wave by a Plane Surface
- Refraction of a Plane Wave
- Optical Path
- Effect on Wavelength of Light in Going from One Medium to Another
- Interference of Light
- Principle of Superposition of Waves
- Interference of Light Waves and Young’s Experiment
- Conditions for Constructive and Destructive Interference of Light
- Some Additional Information about Interference
- Expression for Fringe Width in Young's Double-slit Experiment
- Change in Fringe Width Under Various Conditions
- No Interference by Two Independent Light-Sources : Coherent Sources
- Conditions for Sustained Interference of Light Waves
- Effect of Introducing a Thin Transparent Plate in the Path of One of the Interfering Beams
- Diffraction of Light
- Types of Diffraction
- Fraunhofer's Diffraction Due to a Single-slit
- Interference Vs Diffraction
- Overview: Wave Optics
Communication Systems
Dual Nature of Radiation and Matter
- Understanding Dual Nature of Radiation and Matter
- Electron Emission
- Photoelectric Effect - Hertz’s Observations
- Hertz and Lenard's Observations
- Laws of Photoelectric Emission
- Planck's Photon Hypothesis: Quantisation of Radiation
- Einstein's Explanation of Photoelectric Effect: Photoelectric Equation
- Determination of Planck's Constant
- Energy and Momentum of Photon
- Particle Nature of Light: The Photon
- Wave Nature of a Particle: De-broglie's Thought
- de-Broglie Wavelength of Matter Waves
- Salient Features of Matter Waves
- de-Broglie Wavelength of Electron
- Experimental Demonstration of de-Broglie (Matter) Waves
- Overview: Dual Nature of Radiation and Matter
Atoms
- Atoms: Windows into Thе Invisible World
- Alpha-particle Scattering and Rutherford’s Nuclear Model of Atom
- Distance of Closest Approach of α-particle to the Nucleus-size of Nucleus
- Atomic Models: Historical Development
- Rutherford’s Atomic Model
- Atomic Spectra
- Bohr’s Model for Hydrogen Atom
- Bohr's Theory of Hydrogen-like Atoms: Radii of Permitted Orbits
- Discrete Energy Levels of Atom
- Explanation of the Line Spectrum and Estimation of Wavelength by Energy Transitions
- Hydrogen Spectrum
- Excitation and Ionisation Energy of Hydrogen Atom
- Uses of Rydberg Constant
- De Broglie’s Explanation of Bohr’s Second Postulate of Quantisation
- Overview: Atom, Origin of Spectra : Bohr's Theory of Hydrogen Atom
Nuclei
- Introduction to the Physics of the Nucleus
- Nuclear Force
- Atomic Masses and Composition of Nucleus
- Nuclear Size, Shape and Density
- Atomic Masses : Unified Atomic Mass Unit
- Isotopes
- Isobars
- Isotones
- Mass - Energy
- Pair-Production and Pair-Annihilation
- Mass Defect and Binding Energy
- Nuclear Reactions
- Q-value (Disintegration Energy) Or Energy of Nuclear Reaction
- Nuclear Energy and Stability: Exothermic Nuclear Reactions
- Nuclear Fission
- Chain Reaction in Nuclear Fission
- Multiplication or Reproduction Factor of a Chain Reaction
- Differences Between Radioactive Decay and Nuclear Fission
- Nuclear Reactor
- Nuclear Fusion
- Nuclear Bomb
- Chain Reaction-Controlled and Uncontrolled; Nuclear Reactor and Nuclear Bomb
- Stellar Energy Or Thermonuclear Energy
- Nuclear Holocaust
- Overview: Nuclei
Semiconductor Electronics
- Concept of Semiconductor Electronics
- Materials-Conductors, Insulators and Semiconductors
- Energy Bands in Materials
- Classification of Metals, Conductors and Semiconductors
- Electrons and Holes in Semiconductors
- Intrinsic Semiconductor
- Extrinsic Semiconductor
- Distinction Between Intrinsic and Extrinsic Semiconductors
- N-type VS P-type Semiconductors
- Electric Current in an Intrinsic Semiconductor
- Electric Conductivity and Resistivity of an Intrinsic Semiconductor
- Formation of P-N Junction
- Flow of Current Across Junction Diode: Forward and Reverse Biasings of Junction
- I-V characteristics in Forward and Reverse Biased P-N Junction Diode
- p-n Junction Diode as a Rectifier
- Special Purpose P-n Junction Diodes
- Overview: Semiconductor Electronics
Junction Diodes
Junction Transistors
Logic Gates
Communication Systems
Estimated time: 7 minutes
CISCE: Class 12
Introduction
A galvanometer is the foundation of ammeters and voltmeters used in every electrical circuit. Its sensitivity determines whether it can detect extremely small currents—much like a sensitive kitchen scale can register even a gram of weight, while a bathroom scale cannot. Understanding sensitivity helps in designing precise measuring instruments for laboratories and industry.
CISCE: Class 12
Definition: Sensitivity
A galvanometer is said to be sensitive if it produces a large deflection even for a small current passing through it.
CISCE: Class 12
Types of Sensitivity
Current Sensitivity (SI)
Defined as the deflection produced per unit current:
- SI = \[\frac {ϕ}{I}\] = \[\frac {NAB}{c}\]
Unit: radian per ampere (rad/A)
Voltage Sensitivity (SV)
Defined as the deflection produced per unit voltage:
- SV = \[\frac {ϕ}{V}\] = \[\frac {ϕ}{IR}\] = \[\frac {NAB}{cR}\]
Unit: radian per volt (rad/V)
Figure of Merit
The reciprocal of current sensitivity, representing current required for unit deflection:
- Figure of Merit = \[\frac {I}{ϕ}\]
CISCE: Class 12
Comparison Table: Current Sensitivity vs Voltage Sensitivity
| Parameter | Current Sensitivity (SI) | Voltage Sensitivity (SV) |
|---|---|---|
| Formula | NAB/c | NAB/(cR) |
| Depends on | N, A, B, c | N, A, B, c, R |
| Unit | rad/A | rad/V |
| Physical meaning | Deflection per unit current | Deflection per unit voltage |
| Increases with | ↑N, ↑A, ↑B, ↓c | ↑N, ↑A, ↑B, ↓c, ↓R |
CISCE: Class 12
Example
Given: N = 200 turns, A = 1.5 × 10−3 m2, B = 0.2 T, c = 10-6 N·m
Find: (a) Maximum current for 30° deflection (b) Minimum detectable current for 0.1° deflection
Step 1 - Apply the formula:
- I = \[\frac{c\cdot\phi}{NAB}\]
Step 2 - For ϕ = 30°:
- I = \[\frac{(10^{-6})(30)}{(200)(1.5\times10^{-3})(0.2)}\] = 0.5mA
Step 3 - For ϕ = 0.1°:
- I = \[\frac {(10^{−6})(0.1)}{(200)(1.5×10^{−3})(0.2)}\] = 1.67 μA
Final Answers:
- Maximum current (30° deflection) = 0.5 mA
- Minimum detectable current (0.1° deflection) = 1.67 μA
