Practice Important Questions and Answers on Electric Current and Its Effects for Class 7 Science 2025-26
FAQs on Electric Current and Its Effects Worksheets for CBSE Class 7 Science - Free PDF 2025-26
1. What are the most important circuit symbols from the chapter Electric Current and Its Effects for the Class 7 exam?
For the CBSE Class 7 Science exam 2025-26, it is crucial to know the standard symbols for drawing circuit diagrams. These are frequently asked in 1-mark or diagram-based questions. The most important symbols include:
- Electric Cell: A long line and a shorter, thicker parallel line.
- Battery: A combination of two or more cells.
- Switch (ON position): A closed path in the circuit line.
- Switch (OFF position): A broken path in the circuit line.
- Electric Bulb: A circle with a cross or a loop inside.
- Wire: A simple straight line.
2. Explain the heating effect of electric current. Why is this considered a frequently asked question?
The heating effect of electric current is the phenomenon where a conductor produces heat when an electric current passes through it. This happens because the material of the conductor offers resistance to the flow of current. This is a frequently asked concept because it demonstrates the conversion of electrical energy into heat energy, a principle that underlies many common household appliances like an electric heater, iron, or geyser. Questions on this topic often test a student's understanding of real-world applications.
3. What is an electric fuse and how does it work? Why is it an important safety device?
An electric fuse is a safety device used in electrical circuits to protect appliances from damage due to excessive current. It consists of a special wire that has a very low melting point. When a dangerously high current flows through the circuit (due to a short circuit or overloading), this wire heats up, melts, and breaks the circuit. This stops the flow of electricity, preventing potential fires and damage to expensive appliances. Its role as a protector makes it a very important topic for exams.
4. How does an electromagnet differ from a permanent magnet? This comparison is important for 3-mark questions.
An electromagnet and a permanent magnet differ in several key ways, making this a common comparison question:
- Nature: An electromagnet is a temporary magnet; it only behaves like a magnet when electric current flows through its coil. A permanent magnet retains its magnetic properties continuously.
- Strength: The strength of an electromagnet can be increased or decreased by changing the amount of current or the number of coils. The strength of a permanent magnet is fixed.
- Polarity: The North and South poles of an electromagnet can be reversed by reversing the direction of the current, which is not possible for a permanent magnet.
5. Explain the working of an electric bell with a neat diagram. Why is this often a 5-mark question?
The working of an electric bell is a high-value question as it tests multiple concepts like circuits and the magnetic effect of current. It works on the principle of an electromagnet. The steps are:
1. When the switch is pressed, the circuit is completed, and current flows through the coil, turning it into an electromagnet.
2. The electromagnet attracts the soft iron armature.
3. The hammer, attached to the armature, strikes the gong and produces a sound.
4. At the same time, the armature loses contact with the contact screw, which breaks the circuit.
5. The coil is no longer an electromagnet, and the armature springs back to its original position.
6. The armature touches the contact screw again, completing the circuit, and the cycle repeats, causing the bell to ring continuously.
6. Why does a nichrome wire get very hot in an electric heater, while the copper connecting wires do not?
This is a higher-order thinking question that tests the concept of resistance. The reason lies in their different electrical properties:
- Nichrome Wire: This material has a high electrical resistance. When current flows, this high resistance causes a lot of friction for the electrons, converting a large amount of electrical energy into heat energy.
- Copper Wire: This material has a very low electrical resistance. It allows electric current to pass through it easily without significant opposition, thus producing negligible heat. It is an excellent conductor, not a heating element.
7. What are open and closed circuits, and why is this concept fundamental to scoring well in this chapter?
An open circuit refers to an incomplete electrical path where a break (like an open switch) prevents the flow of current. A closed circuit is a complete, unbroken path that allows electric current to flow from the source, through the components, and back. This concept is fundamental because every question on electrical devices, from a simple bulb to a complex electric bell, depends on it. To analyse any circuit diagram or explain how a device works, you must first identify whether the circuit is open (off) or closed (on). This basic understanding is essential for answering almost all important questions in this chapter correctly.
8. What could happen if you use a fuse with a very high melting point in a domestic circuit? Is this a recommended practice?
This is a common conceptual question to test your understanding of safety. Using a fuse with a very high melting point is extremely dangerous and not recommended. A proper fuse is designed to melt and break the circuit when the current exceeds a safe limit. If the fuse wire has too high a melting point, it will not melt during an overload or short circuit. The excessive current will continue to flow, causing the appliance's wiring to overheat, which can lead to a fire or permanent damage to the appliance.











