Q10
1 markMCQSection A

At the time of short circuit, the electric current in the circuit:

Electricity
Series Combination of Resistors

Options

(0)vary continuously
(1)does not change
(2)reduces substantially
(3)increases heavily
Official Answer

The current through the 40 W40\text{ W} bulb will be 1 A1\text{ A}.

series connectionsame currentconstant current1 A

Marking Scheme

  • 1Correct option selection (D): 1 Mark

Hint

Remember the fundamental rule of series circuits: the current flowing through every component connected in series is always the same.

Quick Oral Answer

In a series connection, the current remains the same through all components. Therefore, if 1 A1\text{ A} flows through one bulb, the current through the other bulb must also be 1 A1\text{ A}.

Analysis & Explanation

In a series combination of electrical components, there is only one continuous path for the flow of electric charge. Consequently, the electric current (II) remains the same through all parts of the circuit, regardless of the individual power ratings or resistances of the connected devices.


Since the 100 W100\text{ W} bulb and the 40 W40\text{ W} bulb are connected in series, the current flowing through both bulbs must be identical. Given that the current through the 100 W100\text{ W} bulb is 1 A1\text{ A}, the current through the 40 W40\text{ W} bulb is also exactly 1 A1\text{ A}.


  • Options A, B, and C are incorrect because they assume the current divides or changes based on the power ratings of the bulbs, which only occurs in a parallel connection.

Common Mistakes

  1. 1Attempting to calculate individual resistances using P=I2RP = I^2 R or P=V2/RP = V^2/R and dividing the current, forgetting that current is constant in a series circuit.

Interesting Facts

In older decorative string lights connected in series, if a single bulb burned out, the entire string went dark because the single path for the current was broken.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How many marks does this question carry in CBSE Class 10 Science 2020?

This question carries 1 mark in the CBSE Class 10 Science 2020 examination.

Which chapter does this question come from in Science?

This question is from the chapter "Electricity" in the CBSE Class 10 Science syllabus.

What topic does this question cover in Science?

This question covers the topic "Series Combination of Resistors" from CBSE Class 10 Science.

What type of question is this in the CBSE Class 10 Science 2020 paper?

This is a MCQ question from Section A in the CBSE Class 10 Science 2020 paper.