The Class 10 Science Electricity chapter is one of the most important and scoring chapters in the CBSE curriculum. Understanding concepts like electric current, potential difference, resistors, Ohm’s law, and electric power helps students score well in exams and prepares them for advanced science topics. This friendly revision guide is designed for both students and parents who want clear explanations, formulas, examples, and effective study strategies.
It also includes types of exam questions, recommended books, self-study tips, and how online tutoring through Xamnation can help improve performance.
Important topics in Class 10 Science Electricity
This guide covers essential Class 10 revision notes and CBSE science revision concepts such as:
- Electric current and circuit
- Electric potential and potential difference
- Circuit diagram representation
- Ohm’s law and numericals
- Resistance and factors affecting resistance
- Electrical resistivity
- Conductors and insulators
- Resistors in series and parallel
- Heating effect of electric current
- Electric power
- Commercial unit of electrical energy
Let’s revise each topic in a simple and clear manner.
Electric Current and Circuit
Electric current is the foundation of the Class 10 Electricity chapter.
Theory
Electric current is the rate at which electric charge flows through a conductor. It flows only in a closed circuit. When a battery or cell is connected to a conductor, electrons start moving due to potential difference.
Formula
Current (I) = Charge (Q) ÷ Time (t)
Unit: Ampere (A)
Example
If 6 coulombs of charge flows in 3 seconds, the current is 2 A.
Key concept
For current to flow, the circuit must be complete. No flow occurs in an open circuit.
Electric Potential and Potential Difference
Electric potential explains why charges move in a circuit.
Theory
Electric potential is the amount of work required to move a unit positive charge from infinity to a point.
Potential difference is the work required to move charge between two points.
Formula
V = W ÷ Q
Unit: Volt (V)
Example
If 20 joules of work moves 5 coulombs of charge, then V = 4 V.
Circuit Diagram
Circuit diagrams help represent electrical components using fixed symbols. This is tested frequently in Class 10 exams.
Important points
-
A voltmeter is always connected in parallel.
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An ammeter is always connected in series.
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Wires must be drawn neatly with clear component symbols.
Common symbols
Cell, battery, bulb, switch, resistor, voltmeter, ammeter, connecting wires.
Drawing correct circuit diagrams helps avoid common mistakes in board exams.
Ohm’s Law
Ohm’s law is one of the core concepts for Class 10 science revision.
Statement
The current through a conductor is directly proportional to the potential difference across it, provided temperature remains constant.
Formula
V = IR
Example
If V = 12 V and R = 6 Ω, then I = 2 A.
Resistance and Factors Affecting It
Resistance slows down the flow of current in a conductor.
Factors affecting resistance
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Length: Longer wire → more resistance
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Area of cross-section: Thicker wire → less resistance
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Material: Copper has less resistance than nichrome
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Temperature: Higher temperature → higher resistance
Electrical Resistivity
Electrical resistivity (rho) is a property of materials that determines their ability to oppose current.
Formula
R = ρ (L ÷ A)
Meaning
-
Low resistivity → good conductors (copper, aluminium)
-
High resistivity → insulators (rubber, wood)
Conductors and Insulators
Conductors allow current to pass easily due to low resistivity.
Insulators have high resistivity and do not allow current to flow.
Examples
Conductors: Copper, aluminium
Insulators: Plastic, rubber, glass
Resistance of a System of Resistors
Resistors can be connected in two main ways, and both combinations are important for numericals.
Resistors in Series
Total resistance:
Rs = R1 + R2 + R3
Key points
-
Same current flows through each resistor.
-
Voltage divides across resistors.
Example
2 Ω + 3 Ω + 5 Ω = 10 Ω
Resistors in Parallel
Total resistance:
1 ÷ Rt = 1 ÷ R1 + 1 ÷ R2 + 1 ÷ R3
Key points
- Voltage is same across all resistors.
- Equivalent resistance is always less than the smallest resistor.
Example
For 4 Ω and 6 Ω in parallel, Rp = 2.4 Ω
Heating Effect of Electric Current
When electric current flows through a conductor, heat is generated.
Formula
H = I² R t
Applications
- Iron
- Electric heater
- Electric bulb
- Fuse wire
Example
Current = 3 A, Resistance = 5 Ω, Time = 10 s
Heat = 3² × 5 × 10 = 450 J
Electric Power
Electric power tells how quickly electrical energy is used.
Formulas
P = VI
P = I²R
P = V² ÷ R
Unit: Watt (W)
Commercial unit of energy
1 kilowatt hour (kWh) = 1 unit of electricity
Example
A 500 W device used for 3 hours consumes:
0.5 kW × 3 h = 1.5 units
Summary Table of Important Formulas
| Concept | Formula | Unit |
|---|---|---|
| Electric current | I = Q ÷ t | Ampere |
| Potential difference | V = W ÷ Q | Volt |
| Ohm’s law | V = IR | Volt |
| Resistance | R = ρ (L ÷ A) | Ohm |
| Series resistance | Rs = R1 + R2 + R3 | Ohm |
| Parallel resistance | 1 ÷ Rp = 1 ÷ R1 + 1 ÷ R2 | Ohm |
| Heat | H = I² R t | Joule |
| Power | P = VI | Watt |
These act as quick grade 10 revision notes for fast recap.
Types of Questions in Exams
CBSE Class 10 exams include the following types of questions from the Electricity chapter.
Multiple Choice Questions
Focus on basic concepts and diagram-based ideas.
Very Short Answer Questions
Definitions such as electric potential, resistivity, ohm.
Short Answer Questions
Explain factors affecting resistance, draw circuit diagrams.
Numerical Problems
Ohm’s law, power calculations, series/parallel combinations.
Assertion and Reasoning
Test conceptual clarity.
Case Based Questions
Scenario-based questions with data and calculation parts.
Practising a wide mix of questions improves accuracy and confidence in Class 10 science practice papers.
Recommended Books and Resources
NCERT Textbook
The primary and most important resource.
NCERT Exemplar
Good for higher-level conceptual questions.
Reference Books
- Lakhmir Singh Science
- All in One Science Class 10
Additional Resources
- CBSE sample papers
- Previous year question papers
- Xamnation Class 10 science worksheet and practice sets
Self Study Tips for Class 10 Science
Break the chapter into small topics
Cover electric current, Ohm’s law, resistors and heating effect separately.
Focus on numericals
Regular practice helps overcome fear of calculations.
Create summary sheets
List formulas and important points for quick revision.
Observe your mistakes
Spot patterns in errors, especially in circuit diagrams.
Follow a study schedule
Use 40-minute study sessions with short breaks.
Topic weightage
Electricity typically carries 8 to 10 marks in the board exam.
Role of Online Tutoring in Class 10 Science
Online tutoring helps students learn concepts at their own pace with the support of a dedicated teacher. Many students benefit from personalised attention, clarity in explanation, and structured learning plans.
Platforms like Xamnation provide:
- One to one live classes
- Concept-based teaching
- Regular assessments
- Doubt clearing sessions
- Worksheets, summary notes, and revision tests
- Detailed feedback for improvement
This approach helps students strengthen fundamentals and gain confidence for board exams.
Online Tuition Help with Xamnation
Xamnation offers personalised Class 10 science tuition designed to support students throughout the academic year. Students get guided practice on:
- Class 10 science revision
- Numerical problem-solving
- Circuit diagram practice
- Board exam questions
- Sample papers and worksheets
Parents receive updates about their child’s progress, strengths, and areas of improvement. This makes learning structured and result-oriented.
You can visit Xamnation to explore Class 10 online science tutoring programs and start improving your preparation today.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I choose a good Class 10 science tutor?
Choose a tutor who explains concepts clearly, provides practice material, and offers regular feedback.
Is online tutoring better than offline coaching?
Online tutoring offers flexibility, personalised learning, and access to digital notes, making it highly effective for many students.
How much time should Class 10 students spend studying science daily?
Around 1 to 1.5 hours of focused study is usually enough.
Is NCERT enough for scoring well?
Yes. NCERT and NCERT Exemplar, along with sample papers, are sufficient for strong preparation.
Does Xamnation cover the full syllabus?
Yes, Xamnation covers the full CBSE Class 10 science syllabus along with revision, tests, and personalised mentoring.
Conclusion
The Class 10 Electricity chapter becomes easier when students understand concepts step by step and practice numericals regularly. Use this revision guide to strengthen your basics, review formulas, and prepare effectively for board exams. With the right resources and guidance from platforms like Xamnation, students can build confidence and score well in Class 10 Science.