a) Given n resistors each of resistance | Class 12 Physics Chapter Current Electricity, Current Electricity NCERT Solutions

Current NCERT chapter

Academic session 2026-27, Chapter 3 in the current curriculum.

Welcome to the NCERT Solutions for Class 12 Physics - Chapter Current Electricity. This page offers a step-by-step solution to the specific question from Exercise 1, Question 20:

a) Given n resistors each of resistance R, how will you combine them to get the (i) maximum (ii) minimum effective resistance? What is the ratio of the maximum to minimum resistance?

(b) Given the resistances of 1 Ω , 2 Ω , 3 Ω , how will be combine them to get an equivalent resistance of (i) (11/3) Ω  (ii) (11/5) Ω , (iii) 6 Ω , (iv) (6/11) Ω ?

(c) Determine the equivalent resistance of networks shown in Figure

. With detailed answers and explanations for each chapter, students can strengthen their understanding and prepare confidently for exams. Ideal for CBSE and other board students, this resource will simplify your study experience.

Question 20:

a) Given n resistors each of resistance R, how will you combine them to get the (i) maximum (ii) minimum effective resistance? What is the ratio of the maximum to minimum resistance?

(b) Given the resistances of 1 Ω , 2 Ω , 3 Ω , how will be combine them to get an equivalent resistance of (i) (11/3) Ω  (ii) (11/5) Ω , (iii) 6 Ω , (iv) (6/11) Ω ?

(c) Determine the equivalent resistance of networks shown in Figure

Answer:

(a) Total number of resistors = n

Resistance of each resistor = R

(i) When n resistors are connected in series, effective resistance R1 is the maximum, given by the product nR.

Hence, maximum resistance of the combination, R1 = nR

(ii) When n resistors are connected in parallel, the effective resistance (R2) is the minimum, given by the ratio .

Hence, minimum resistance of the combination, R2 = 

(iii) The ratio of the maximum to the minimum resistance is,

(b) The resistance of the given resistors is,

R1 = 1 Ω , R2 = 2 Ω , R3 = 3 Ω 2

Equivalent resistance, 

Consider the following combination of the resistors.

Equivalent resistance of the circuit is given by,

Equivalent resistance, 

Consider the following combination of the resistors.

Equivalent resistance of the circuit is given by,

(iii) Equivalent resistance, R' = 6 Ω 

Consider the series combination of the resistors, as shown in the given circuit.

Equivalent resistance of the circuit is given by the sum,

R' = 1 + 2 + 3 = 6 Ω 

(iv) Equivalent resistance, 

Consider the series combination of the resistors, as shown in the given circuit.

Equivalent resistance of the circuit is given by,

(c) (a) It can be observed from the given circuit that in the first small loop, two resistors of resistance 1 Ω  each are connected in series.

Hence, their equivalent resistance = (1+1) = 2 Ω 

It can also be observed that two resistors of resistance 2 Ω  each are connected in series.

Hence, their equivalent resistance = (2 + 2) = 4 Ω .

Therefore, the circuit can be redrawn as

It can be observed that 2 Ω  and 4 Ω  resistors are connected in parallel in all the four loops. Hence, equivalent resistance (R') of each loop is given by,


Study Tips for Answering NCERT Questions:

NCERT questions are designed to test your understanding of the concepts and theories discussed in the chapter. Here are some tips to help you answer NCERT questions effectively:

  • Read the question carefully and focus on the core concept being asked.
  • Reference examples and data from the chapter when answering questions about Current Electricity.
  • Review previous year question papers to get an idea of how such questions may be framed in exams.
  • Practice answering questions within the time limit to improve your speed and accuracy.
  • Discuss your answers with your teachers or peers to get feedback and improve your understanding.

Latest Blog Posts

Stay updated with our latest educational content and study tips

How to Return to Work After a Career Break: Skills, Jobs and Preparation in 2026

It’s not about starting over if you took a break to care for children, take care of yourself, be healthy or for any other reason. This is a realistic strategy for the recovery of skills, selection of the right job, and overcoming the resume problem. One year, three years or 10 years of a career … Read more

Read More

Best Career Options After Class 12 for Average Students in 2026

There’s no need to score 95% or achieve a JEE/NEET rank. You don’t need to score 95% or rank in JEE/NEET to build a solid career. A candid and pragmatic guide to the routes that actually work for students who have an average mark and what to do when faced with the options. ​ If … Read more

Read More

Coaching vs Self-Study: Which is Best in 2026 for Competitive Exams?

AI tools, online platforms that are much cheaper than coaching centres and the changing idea of what “structure” even means have upended this argument more in the past two years than in the decade preceding it. Here’s what is really the case for 2026 – and what has actually stayed the same. If you look … Read more

Read More

Career Change After 30: How to Transition from Non-Tech to IT or Data Science

Starting to make a new career after 30 isn’t a start from scratch. Marketing, teaching, financial, retail, healthcare, sales and other professionals can pursue careers in technology by applying the existing knowledge and skills they have acquired to new technology skills. There are various ways to enter the technology industry, such as in IT support, … Read more

Read More

Related Student Tools

Comments

  • SAKSHAM
  • May 24, 2019

where is the other part c(b)


Add Comment

Welcome to the NCERT Solutions for Class 12 Physics - Chapter . This page offers a step-by-step solution to the specific question from Excercise 1 , Question 20: a) Given n resistors each of resistance R, how will you combine them to get the (i) maximum (ii) min....

Ask a Question
Keep learning

Discover More on SaralStudy

Explore all articles