Class 10 Science Electricity: NCERT Solutions for Question 18

This page focuses on the detailed Electricity question answers for Class 10 Science Electricity, addressing the question: 'Explain the following. (a) Why is the tungsten used almost exclusively for filament of electric lamps? (b) Why are the conductors of electric heating devices, such as bread-toasters and electric irons, made of an alloy rather than a pure metal? (c) Why is the series arrangement not used for domestic circuits? (d) How does the resistance of a wire vary with its area of cross-section? (e) Why are copper and aluminium wires usually employed for electricity transmission?'. The solution provides a thorough breakdown of the question, highlighting key concepts and approaches to arrive at the correct answer. This easy-to-understand explanation will help students develop better problem-solving skills, reinforcing their understanding of the chapter and aiding in exam preparation.
Question 18

Explain the following.

(a) Why is the tungsten used almost exclusively for filament of electric lamps?
(b) Why are the conductors of electric heating devices, such as bread-toasters and electric irons, made of an alloy rather than a pure metal?
(c) Why is the series arrangement not used for domestic circuits?
(d) How does the resistance of a wire vary with its area of cross-section?
(e) Why are copper and aluminium wires usually employed for electricity transmission?

Answer

(a) The melting point and resistivity of tungsten are very high. It does not burn readily at a high temperature. The electric lamps glow at very high temperatures. Hence, tungsten is mainly used as heating element of electric bulbs.

(b) The conductors of electric heating devices such as bread toasters and electric irons are made of alloy because resistivity of an alloy is more than that of metals. It produces large amount of heat.



(c) There is voltage division in series circuits. Each component of a series circuit receives a small voltage for a large supply voltage. As a result, the amount of current decreases and the device becomes hot. Hence, series arrangement is not used in domestic circuits.

(d) Resistance (R) of a wire is inversely proportional to its area of cross-section (A), i.e.,

(e) Copper and aluminium wires have low resistivity. They are good conductors of electricity. Hence, they are usually employed for electricity transmission.

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