CBSE Class 6 Science Exemplar Chapter 12: Electricity and Circuits NCERT Solutions
This chapter, "Electricity and Circuits," for CBSE Class 6 Science Exemplar, provides fundamental knowledge about electrical circuits. The NCERT Solutions cover key concepts such as the direction of electric current, the function of a switch, and how a bulb produces light. It explains the role of conductors and insulators in completing a circuit and the conditions under which a bulb glows. These solutions are designed to help students grasp the basic principles of electricity and circuits, aiding in their exam preparation by offering clear explanations and step-by-step problem-solving. Students will learn to identify the components of a simple circuit, understand the flow of current, and differentiate between materials that conduct electricity and those that do not. The solutions also clarify the working of a switch and the glowing filament in a bulb. By working through these problems, students can reinforce their understanding of electrical safety and the practical applications of circuits in everyday life, making exam revision more effective and confidence-building.
Quick info
| Board | CBSE |
|---|---|
| Class | Class 6 |
| Subject | Science Exemplar |
| Session | 2026 |
| Language | English |
| Type | NCERT Solutions |
| Chapter | Chapter 12 |
Chapter summary
Chapter 12, "Electricity and Circuits," for Class 6 Science Exemplar focuses on the basic components and principles of electrical circuits. The NCERT Solutions explain the direction of current flow, the function of switches, and the mechanism of light production in a bulb via its filament. It also differentiates between conductors and insulators, illustrating how they affect the completion of a circuit. The exercises guide students to identify correct circuit diagrams and understand why a bulb glows or doesn't glow based on the materials used.
Learning outcomes
- Understand the direction of electric current flow in a circuit.
- Identify the function of a switch in controlling an electric circuit.
- Explain how a bulb produces light.
- Differentiate between conductors and insulators.
- Determine if a bulb will glow based on the materials used to complete a circuit.
Topics covered
Paper topics
- Electric Current Direction
- Electric Cell as Source
- Switches in Circuits
- Bulb and Filament
- Conductors
- Insulators
- Completing a Circuit
- Simple Electric Circuits
Important topics
- Direction of Current
- Function of a Switch
- Conductors vs. Insulators
- Conditions for Bulb to Glow
PDF preview
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Questions and Solutions
Multiple Choice Questions: 1
Figure 12.1 shows four diagrams (a), (b), (c), and (d) illustrating different directions of current flow.
The correct option is (b). In an electric circuit, the conventional direction of electric current is defined as the direction from the positive terminal to the negative terminal of the electric cell. This is because positive charges are considered to flow from higher potential (positive terminal) to lower potential (negative terminal).
Multiple Choice Questions: 2
Consider the following statements:
(a) A switch is the source of electric current in a circuit.
(b) A switch helps to complete or break the circuit.
(c) A switch helps us to use electricity as per our requirement.
(d) When the switch is open, there is an air gap between its terminals.
The incorrect statement is (a). A switch is a device that controls the flow of electricity by opening or closing a circuit; it is not the source of the electric current itself. The source of electric current in simple circuits is typically an electric cell or a battery.
Multiple Choice Questions: 3
(a) the glass case of the bulb
(b) the thin filament
(c) the thick wires supporting the filament
(d) gases inside the glass case of the bulb.
The correct option is (b): the thin filament. When electric current passes through the very thin filament inside the bulb, its high resistance causes it to heat up to a very high temperature, making it glow and produce light.
Question 4
Figure 12.2 shows a simple circuit with a bulb and a battery. The ends labeled A and B are points where a material can be inserted to complete the circuit.
Options for connecting A and B:
(a) A steel spoon
(b) A metal clip
(c) A plastic clip
(d) A copper wire
The bulb will not glow if the ends A and B are connected with (c) A plastic clip. This is because a plastic clip is made of plastic, which is an electrical insulator. Insulators do not allow electric current to pass through them, so the circuit remains incomplete, and the bulb does not light up. Steel spoons, metal clips, and copper wires are all conductors of electricity and would allow the bulb to glow.
Question 5
Figure 12.3 depicts a circuit with three bulbs labeled A, B, and C, connected to a power source via a switch.
Options:
(a) the bulb A will glow first
(b) the bulb B will glow first
(c) the bulb C will glow first
When the switch is moved to the 'ON' position, the circuit is completed, and current starts flowing. In a simple series or parallel circuit with identical bulbs and power source, all bulbs that are part of the completed circuit will start to glow almost simultaneously. The question implies a scenario where one might glow 'first'. Without specific information about the circuit's configuration (series/parallel) or the bulbs' properties (e.g., resistance, filament thickness), it's generally assumed that if the circuit is properly connected and the switch is closed, all functional bulbs will light up together. If the bulbs are in series, they will all glow at the same time. If they are in parallel, they will also glow at the same time. The question might be flawed or assume a detail not provided in the text or figure. However, based on standard circuit behavior, there isn't a specific bulb that would glow 'first' in a typical setup as depicted without further context.
Common mistakes
- Confusing the source of electric current with a switch.
- Incorrectly identifying conductors and insulators.
- Misunderstanding the conditions required for a bulb to glow.
Revision tips
- Review the definitions of conductor and insulator.
- Draw simple circuit diagrams to visualize current flow.
- Practice identifying the components of a working circuit.
- Understand the role of the filament in a light bulb.
Practice MCQs
Q1. What is the correct direction of electric current flow in a circuit?
Explanation: In any electric circuit, the electric current conventionally flows from the positive terminal to the negative terminal of the electric cell.
Q2. Which of the following is the source of electric current in a circuit?
Explanation: An electric cell is the primary source that provides the electrical energy to drive the current through the circuit, not a switch or a bulb.
Q3. What part of the bulb is responsible for producing light?
Explanation: The thin filament inside the bulb heats up and glows when electric current passes through it, producing light.
Q4. Which of the following materials will prevent a bulb from glowing if used to connect the ends of a circuit?
Explanation: A plastic clip is an insulator, meaning it does not allow electricity to pass through it, thus breaking the circuit and preventing the bulb from glowing.
Q5. When the switch in a circuit is in the 'ON' position, what happens?
Explanation: When a switch is moved to the 'ON' position, it closes the circuit, allowing electric current to flow and components like a bulb to operate.
Frequently asked questions
What is the correct direction of electric current?
The electric current flows from the positive terminal to the negative terminal of an electric cell in a circuit.
What is the role of a switch in an electric circuit?
A switch is used to complete (ON) or break (OFF) an electric circuit, thereby controlling the flow of current and the operation of electrical devices.
Why does a bulb glow when connected in a circuit?
A bulb glows because the electric current passes through its thin filament, causing it to heat up and emit light.
What is the difference between a conductor and an insulator?
A conductor allows electric current to pass through it easily, while an insulator does not allow current to pass through.
Can a bulb glow if connected with a plastic clip?
No, a bulb will not glow if connected with a plastic clip because plastic is an insulator and does not complete the circuit for current to flow.
What is the source of electric current in simple circuits?
The source of electric current in simple circuits is typically an electric cell.
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