G12 PHYSICS UKASH ADAN FADIT 17/02/2023

Chapter 8

Page 1 of 16
 G12 PHYSICS UKASH ADAN FADIT 17/02/2023

Alternating current
Direct current (DC) is electric current in one direction. Some sources of DC are dry
cell, dry cell battery and car battery.

Alternating current (AC) is an electric current that flows in one direction in a conductor
but changes direction and flow in the other direction. The symbol of AC is:

Some sources of AC are powerhouse generator and car alternators.

Note that there is a device in the radios and television that converts the AC supplied
to them into DC.

Current and voltage of AC

The instantaneous current is the current at instant of time. The instantaneous
voltage is the voltage at instant of time. Below are the equations for current and
voltage at any time.

Peak means either maximum or minimum, positive or negative since the flow of
current has the same magnitude. The instantaneous current could also be given by
𝑉
Ohm’s law: 𝐼=
𝑅

Page 2 of 16
 G12 PHYSICS UKASH ADAN FADIT 17/02/2023

Example 8.1

The maximum voltage in an alternating current is 75𝑉. Find the instantaneous

voltage 𝜃 = 350 .

Solution

Do the practice on page 271

1) What is the maximum voltage in an a.c circuit in which the instantaneous voltage

at 𝜃 = 350 is 27.0 V?

𝑣 27
𝑣 = 𝑣0 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃, 𝑣0 = = =
𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃 𝑠𝑖𝑛350

2) The SI unit for alternating current is:

a) A b) T c) Hz d) m/s

3) Some of the sources of which produce alternating current are …………………

and ………………………

4) Alternating current is current that flows in ………………………… in a conductor

then changes direction and flows in the …………………………………

5) Peak here means either …………….. or ………….. , …………… or ……………

6) Where ………… is the peak value for the alternating current.

7) Define the concept of alternating current.

8) In the equation 𝑣 = 𝑣0 𝑠𝑖𝑛2𝜋𝑓𝑡, what is the unit of 2𝜋𝑓𝑡?

Page 3 of 16
 G12 PHYSICS UKASH ADAN FADIT 17/02/2023

Power dissipated (used) by an AC in a resistor

Power dissipation is the process in which an electric or electronic device produces
heat (or other waste energy) as an unwanted by-product of its primary action.

If the power of a resistor is 40w, it means that the resistor is converting 40 joules of
electrical energy into heat every second.

𝐄 𝐕𝐐 𝟐 𝐕𝟐
𝐏=𝐭= = 𝐕𝐈 = 𝐈 𝐑 = where 𝐈 = 𝐈𝟎 𝐬𝐢𝐧𝛝
𝐭 𝐑
The root mean square current/voltage of an ac signal is equal to the value of direct
current/voltage that would dissipate the same power in a resistive load.

𝑰𝟎 𝑽𝟎
𝑰𝒓𝒎𝒔 = , 𝑽𝒓𝒎𝒔 =
√𝟐 √𝟐

The average power dissipated over a complete cycle is equal to half of the peak
power.

𝟏 𝟏 𝟐
𝑷𝒂𝒗 = 𝑷𝟎 = 𝑰𝟎 𝑹
𝟐 𝟐
Example 8.2

Explain what is meant by the statement that a mains voltage is rated at 230V, 50Hz.
Calculate the peak voltage.

Page 4 of 16
 G12 PHYSICS UKASH ADAN FADIT 17/02/2023

Solution

230V tells us that the r.m.s voltage is 230V. The frequency of the mains supply is
50Hz.

Example 8.3

A sinusoidal 60Hz, ac voltage is read to be 120V by an ordinary ac voltmeter.

a) What is the maximum value the voltage takes on during a cycle?

b) What is the equation for the voltage?

Solution

Do the practice on page 274

1) A sinusoidal p.d. of peak value 25V is connected across a 20Ω resistor. What is
the average power dissipated in the resistor?

1 1 1
𝑃𝑎𝑣 = 𝑃0 = 𝐼02 𝑅 = × 1.252 × 20 = 15.6 𝑊
2 2 2
2) An alternating current is represented by the equation 𝐼 = 20𝑠𝑖𝑛100𝜋𝑡. Compute its
frequency and the maximum r.m.s. values of current.

𝐼 = 20𝑠𝑖𝑛100𝜋𝑡
𝐼 = 𝐼0 𝑠𝑖𝑛2𝜋𝑓𝑡
Ans: 50Hz, 20A, 14.14A
3) The power P dissipated by the alternating current in the resistor is:

4) What is the peak and rms voltages of a 120V a.c. line and a 240V a.c. line?

Page 5 of 16
 G12 PHYSICS UKASH ADAN FADIT 17/02/2023

5) An a.c. circuit has an rms current of 5.0 A. What is the peak current?

6) A 50-kw electric heater is designed to run using a 240-V ac source. Find its
a) peak current
b) peak voltage
c) How much energy will you be billed for in a 30-day month if it operates 2.0 h
per day?

7) A voltmeter reads 80.0v when it is connected across the terminals of a sinusoidal

power source with f=1000Hz. Write the equation for the instantaneous voltage.

8) An AC current in a 10 ohm resistance produce thermal energy at the rate of

360W. Determine the effective values of the current and voltage.

9) What power is used in a resistance of 37.0 Q if it has a current of 0.480 flowing

through it?

10) What is the average power dissipated when a sinusoidal alternating current
with a peak value of 3.0A flows through a IOOQ resistor?

11) In the USA, the r.m.s value of the standard line voltage is 1 IOV and in some
parts of Europe, it is 230V. Calculate the peak voltage for each region.

12) What happens if an American tourist inadvertently plugs a 120-V appliance

into a British 240-V outlet without a converter? Explain.

13) Write down the equation for a sinusoidal voltage of 50 Hz and its peak. Its
value is 20 V.
14) An A.C voltmeter reads 250V. What is its peak and instantaneous values if the
frequency of alternating voltage is 50 Hz?

Page 6 of 16
 G12 PHYSICS UKASH ADAN FADIT 17/02/2023

15) A sinusoidal A.C has a maximum value of 15A.

i. What are its r.m.s. values?

ii. If the time is recorded from the instant the current is zero and is becoming

positive, what is the instantaneous value of the current after 1/300s, given

the frequency is 50 Hz.

Electric generator
Electric generator also called dynamo is a device for producing electricity from
mechanical energy. Its working is based on the principal of Faraday’s law of EM
induction. Based on the output obtained, we categorize generators as:

1) AC generator 2) DC generator

AC generators are also known as alternators.

Applications of AC generators include:

a) Electric generators b) Diesel electric locomotive alternators

The essential elements for an AC generator are:

• A rotating coil
• A magnetic field
• Relative motion between the coil and magnetic field
• A suitable connection to the outside word

Page 7 of 16
 G12 PHYSICS UKASH ADAN FADIT 17/02/2023

Practice

1) Nowadays most of the electrical energy is produced by AC generators using:

2) The electricity produced by a generator is known as:

3) A.C. generator means “alternating current generator” and also known as

4) A generator is essentially a device for producing ……………..

from…………………

5) The working of an AC generator is based on the principle of ………………….

6) Describe AC generator.

7) What are the essential requirements for an AC generator?

8) List some applications of AC generator.

peak voltage (𝜺𝟎 )

The maximum value for the emf is called the peak voltage and is given by:

𝜺𝟎 = 𝝎𝑵𝑩𝑨
There for the instantaneous emf is given by:

𝜺 = 𝜺𝟎 𝒔𝒊𝒏𝝎𝒕
Example 8.4

Calculate the peak voltage of a simple generator if the square armature has sides of
5.4 cm and it contains 120 loops. It rotates in a magnetic field of 0.8T at the rate of
110 revolutions per second.

Solution

Page 8 of 16
 G12 PHYSICS UKASH ADAN FADIT 17/02/2023

AC Circuit through a capacitor ( )

The charge on the capacitor at any instant is given by:

𝑞 = 𝐶𝑉 = 𝐶𝑉0 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜔𝑡

The reactance of a capacitor (capacitive reactance) is represented by 𝑋𝐶 is given by:

𝑽𝒓𝒎𝒔 𝟏 𝟏
𝑿𝑪 = = 𝝎𝑪 = 𝟐𝝅𝒇𝑪
𝑰𝒓𝒎𝒔

The unit of 𝑋𝐶 is Ohm Ω

Reactance is a measure of the opposition offered by a capacitor to the flow of A.C

AC Circuit through an inductor

An inductor is usually in the form of a coil or solenoid. The reactance of an inductor
(𝑋𝐿 ) is given by:
𝑽𝒓𝒎𝒔
𝑿𝑳 = = 𝝎𝑳 = 𝟐𝝅𝒇𝑳
𝑰𝒓𝒎𝒔

Where L is the inductance of the inductor being measured in Henry (H). The unit of
𝑋𝐶 is Ohm Ω

Example 8.5

A 100 𝜇𝐹 capacitor is connected to an alternating to an alternating voltage of 24V

and frequency 50Hz. Calculate:

a) The reactance of the capacitor

b) The current in the circuit

Solution

Page 9 of 16
 G12 PHYSICS UKASH ADAN FADIT 17/02/2023

Example 8.6

Find the value of the current and inductive reactance when A.C voltage of 220V at
50Hz is passed through an inductor of 10H.

Solution

Do the practice and the lesson exercise on page 285

1) Find the value of the current flowing through a capacitance 0.5 𝜇F when connected
to a source of 150V at 50Hz.
Ans= 0.024A
2) A 125-mH inductor is connected to a 120 V, 60 Hz source. What are
a) the inductive reactance and
b) the rms current in the circuit?

Ans= a) 47.1 Ω b) 2.55 A

3) How can we find the power dissipated in:

4) A 120 V AC voltage source is connected across a 2𝜇F capacitor. Find the

current of the capacitor if the frequency of the source is 60Hz.

5) Find the capacitive reactance of a 10.0 𝜇F capacitor in a circuit of frequency of

1.0 kHz.

Page 10 of 16
 G12 PHYSICS UKASH ADAN FADIT 17/02/2023

6) A 120 V AC voltage source is connected across a pure 0.700 H inductor. Find

the current through the inductor if the frequency of the source is 60 Hz.

7) A capacitor is connected to a 120V, 60 Hz source. What are

a) the capacitive reactance?
b) the current (rms and peak) in the circuit?
8) At what frequency will an inductor of 1.0H have a reactance of 500Ω?

9) The charge on the capacitor is at any instant is given by:

10) The unit of reactance of a capacitor is:

11) Where the X_C is called ……………..

12) ………………….is a measure of the opposition offered by a capacitor to the flow of

A.C.
13) Name the units of 𝑋𝐿 and 𝑋𝐶

14) At what frequency does a capacitor have a reactance of 25 Ohm?

15) A single capacitor is connected across the terminals of a 60 Hz voltage source,

and a current of 2.0 mA is measured on an AC ammeter. What is the capacitive

reactance of the capacitor?

16) Find the capacitive reactance of a 15 𝜇F capacitor in a circuit of frequency 60.0

Hz.

17) Find the capacitive reactance of a 222 𝜇F F capacitor in a circuit of frequency

120 Hz.

Page 11 of 16
 G12 PHYSICS UKASH ADAN FADIT 17/02/2023

18) A single 50-mH inductor forms a complete circuit when connected to an AC

voltage source at 120 V and 60 Hz.

a) What is the inductive reactance of the circuit?

b) How much current is in the circuit?

Transformers
A transformer is an electrical device used for raising or lowering the voltage in an A.C
circuit. A single-phase voltage transformer consists of two coils:

a primary coil (takes power) and secondary coil (delivers power).

In transformers there is no electrical connection between the primary coil and the
secondary coil.

𝑃𝑜𝑤𝑒𝑟 𝑖𝑛 𝑝𝑟𝑖𝑚𝑎𝑟𝑦 = 𝑃𝑜𝑤𝑒𝑟 𝑖𝑛 𝑠𝑒𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑑𝑎𝑟𝑦 ⟹ 𝐕𝐏 𝐈𝐏 = 𝐕𝐒 𝐈𝐒

Transformer symbols are:

or

Page 12 of 16
 G12 PHYSICS UKASH ADAN FADIT 17/02/2023

𝐈𝐒 𝐕𝐏 𝐍𝐏
= = is known the transformer rule.
𝐈𝐏 𝐕𝐒 𝐍𝐒

1. When 𝑁𝑆 > 𝑁𝑃 , the output voltage > the input voltage and the transformer is known
as a step-up transformer.
2. When 𝑁𝑆 < 𝑁𝑃 , the output voltage < the input voltage and the transformer is
known as a step-down transformer.

The principles that the transformers work on are:

a) The AC in the primary coil produces an alternating magnetic flux in the soft iron
core.
b) The soft iron core strengthens the magnetic field produced by the current in the
primary coil.
c) The alternating flux in the core is transmitted round the core and cuts the
secondary coil.
d) The changing magnetic flux in the secondary coil induces an alternating emf
across the ends of secondary coil.

Example 8.7

A 12V, 96w heater is run from a transformer connected to the 230V mains supply.
Assuming that there are no energy losses in the transformer, calculate:

a) The current in the heater

b) The current input to the transformer

Solution

Page 13 of 16
 G12 PHYSICS UKASH ADAN FADIT 17/02/2023

Example 8.8

A transformer steps down a mains supply voltage of 120V to 5V for a tablet computer.
The computer requires 1.0w of power to operate correctly. There are 2300 turns on
the primary coil of the transformer. Calculate the number of turns on the secondary
coil.

Solution

Example 8.9

The primary current in a transformer is 10.0 A. If the secondary coil has 2500 turns
and the primary coil has 550 turns, what current flows in the secondary coil?

Solution

Practice
1) The previous (example 8.8), calculate the current in the secondary coil when it is
operating correctly.
𝑃𝑆 1
𝐼= = = 0.2 𝐴 Ans= 0.20A
𝑉𝑆 5

2) A transformer on a neon sign has 100 turns in its primary coil and 15000 turns
in its secondary coil. If the voltage applied to the primary coil is 110V, what is
the secondary voltage? …………………………………………………………………..

Ans= 16,500 v

Page 14 of 16
 G12 PHYSICS UKASH ADAN FADIT 17/02/2023

3) Explain transformer,

4) What are the principles that transformers work on?

5) State the transformer rule.

6) A radio requires a 6.0V supply but has to be operated from a 230V mains supply.

It is fitted with a transformer to reduce the mains voltage.

i. Calculate the turns ratio for this transformer.

ii. lf the primary coil has 5000 turns, how many turns must the secondary have?

7) The power in the primary coil of a transformer is 375 W. If the current in the

secondary coil is 11.4 A, what is the voltage in the secondary?

8) Find the output power of a transformer with output voltage of 500V and a current

of 7.00A.

9) A heating element draws 6.00 A on a 220V line. What power is used in the

element?

10) A neon sign has a transformer that changes electricity from 110 V to 15,000 V. If

the primary current is 8.00 A, Find:

a) The current in the secondary coil.

b) The power in the primary coil.

11) A transformer is a device used to ……………….. or ……………….the voltage an

a.c. circuit.

12) In transformers there is ……………………..connection between the primary coil

and the secondary coil.

Page 15 of 16
 G12 PHYSICS UKASH ADAN FADIT 17/02/2023

13) When 𝑁𝑆 > 𝑁𝑃 the output voltage is greater than the input voltage. This is known
as ……………………..

14) When 𝑁𝑆 < 𝑁𝑃 the output voltage is less than the input voltage. This is known as
…………………………..

15) A transformer has an output power of 990 W. If the Current in the secondary

coil is 0.45 A, what is its voltage?

16) A step-up transformer is used on a 120 V line to furnish 1,800 V. The primary
has 100 turns. How many turns are on the secondary?

17) A transformer used on a 120V line delivers 2 A at 900 V. What current is drawn
from the line? Assume 100 percent efficiency.

18) A transformer steps down 6,600 V to 120 V

a) If the secondary current is 14.0 A, what is the primary current?
b) Find the power in the primary coil.

Page 16 of 16