4 Alternating Current

1. Direct Current
The current which flows only in one direction is called a direct current. The current produced
by batteries/cells is a direct current. In ordinary circuits such as in a car, a torch light and toys,
this current is normally constant as shown in figure and is called a steady current.
Current

Time

2. Alternating Current
Current is said to be alternating if it changes continuously in magnitude and periodically in
direction with time. It can be represented by a sine curve or cosine curve.
I = I0 sin ω t or I = I0 cos ω t
where I = Instantaneous value of current at time t,
I0 = Amplitude or peak value
ω = Angular frequency ω = 2πf
T = time period f = frequency
Ι = Ι0 sin ω t Ι = Ι 0 cos ω t
Ι0 Ι0
T 3 T
T
2 4 T 2 T
t t
T T 3
T
4 4 4
– Ι0 – Ι0
Ι as a sin e function of t Ι as a co sin e function of t

The alternating current continuously varies in magnitude and periodically reverses its direction.
Ι Sinosudial AC Ι triangular AC
+ +
– – t

Ι Square wave AC Ι Saw tooth wave

t t

Ι Ι

t t
Not AC (diection does
not change) Not AC (not periodic)

Alternating Current 1
3. Characteristics of AC
3.1 Amplitude
The maximum value of current in either direction is called peak value or the amplitude of
current. It is represented by I0. Peak to peak value = 2I0

3.2 Time Period

The time taken by alternating current to complete one cycle of variation is called periodic time
or time period of the current.

3.3 Frequency
The number of cycle completed by an alternating current in one second is called the frequency
of the current.
Unit : cycle/s ; (Hz)
In India : f = 50 Hz, supply voltage = 220 volt
In USA : f = 60 Hz ,supply voltage = 110 volt

4. Mean Value or Average Value

The mean value of AC over any half cycle (either positive or negative) is that value of DC which
would send same amount of charge through a circuit as is sent by the AC through same circuit
in the same time.
average value of current for half cycle
T/2

∫ Ιdt
<I>= 0
T/2

∫ dt
0

average value of I = I0 sin ωt over the positive half cycle :

T

Iav =
∫
0
2
Ι0 sin ωt dt
=
2 I0 T
 − cos ωt  2 =
2 Ι0
T
ωT  0
π
∫ 0
2
dt

average value of function over full cycle:

< sin θ > = < sin2θ > = 0
< cos θ > = < cos 2θ > = 0
< sin θ cos > = 0
1
< sin2 θ > = < cos2 θ > =
2

Maximum Value
• I = a sinθ ⇒ IMax. = a
• I = a + b sinθ ⇒ IMax. = a + b (if a and b > 0)

• I = a sinθ + b cosθ ⇒ IMax. = a2 + b2

2
• I = a sin θ ⇒ IMax. = a (a > 0)

2 Alternating Current
Example 1:
A periodic voltage waveform is shown in figure. V(in volt)
Determine 10
(a) Frequency of the waveform 5
(b) Average value t(in ms)
100 200
Solution:
(a) After 100 ms wave is repeated so time period is
1
T = 100 ms. ⇒ f= = 10 Hz
T
(1 / 2) × ( 100) × 10
(b) Average value = Area/time period = = 5 volt
(100)

Example 2:
1
If E = 20 sin (100π t) volt then calculate value of E at t = s
600
Solution:
1  1  π 1
At t = s, E = 20 sin  100π ×  = 20 sin   = 20 × = 10V
600  600  6
  2

5. Root Mean Square (RMS) Value

5.1 RMS Value
It is value of DC which would produce same heat in given resistance in given time as is done by
the alternating current when passed through the same resistance for the same time.
T
∫ I dt
2

Irms = 0
T
rms value = effective value = virtual value
∫ dt 0

T
∫
T
(I0 sin ωt)2dt Ι20 T 1 T  1 − cos 2ωt  1  t sin2ωt  Ι
Irms = = ∫ sin ωt dt = I 0 ∫ dt = I0 − = 0
0 2
   
T
T 0 T 0 2 T  2 2 × 2ω  0 2
∫
0
dt 

• If nothing is mentioned then values printed in AC circuit on electrical appliances and reading
of AC meters are assumed to be RMS.
Average Angular Average
Current Peak RMS
(full cycle) frequency (half cycle)
Ι0 2Ι0
I1 = I0 sinωt 0 I0 ω
2 π
I2= I0sinωtcosωt
Ι0 Ι0 Ι0
Ι0 0 2ω
= sin2ωt 2 2 2 π
2
2 2Ι0
I3p = I0 sinωt + I0cosωt 0 2Ι0 I0 ω
π
• For above varieties of current
Peak value
rms value =
2

Alternating Current 3
Example 3:
If the current in an AC circuit is represented by the equation
i = 5 sin (300t – π/4)
Here, t is in second and i is in ampere. Calculate
(a) Peak and rms value of current
(b) Frequency of AC
(c) Average current
Solution:
(a) As in case of AC, i = i0sin (ωt ± φ)

∴ The peak value i0 = 5A

i0 5
and irms = =
2 2
= 3.535 A
(b) Angular frequency ω = 300 rad/s
ω 300
∴f= = ≈ 47.75 Hz
2π 2π
2 2
(c)
= iav = i0  =
 (5) 3.18A
π π

Example 4:
An electric heater draws 2.5 A current from a 220-V, 60-Hz power supply. Find
(a) The average current
(b) The average of the square of the current
(c) The current amplitude
(d) The supply voltage amplitude
Solution:
In AC circuit, the average value of current over a long time interval is zero but I2 is not zero. The
Imax Vmax
r.m.s. value of current and voltage is given
= by Irms = and Vrms .
2 2
(a) The average of sinusoidal AC values over any whole number of cycles is zero.
(b) RMS value of current = Irms = 2.5 A

() (=
I )
2
I2
so, = rms
6.25A2
av

I0
(c) Irms = ; So, current amplitude
= I0 2Irms
= 2(2.5A)
= 3.5A
2
Vm
(d) Vrms = 220V = ; So, supply voltage amplitude
= Vm 2 ( Vrms )
= 2(220V) = 311 V.
2

4 Alternating Current
Example 5:
π π 3π
Find the RMS value of current I = Im sin ωt from (i) t = 0 to t = (ii) t = to t =
ω 2ω 2ω
Solution:
In AC circuit over time interval 0 ≤ t ≤ T the RMS value of current is given by

∫ 0TI2dt ∫ 0TI20 sin2 (ωτ)dt

Irms
= =
∫ 0T dt ∫ 0T dt

I0 2π
= = where T
2 ω
π
∫ 0ω Im
2
sin2 (ωt)dt Im
2
Im
Irms
(i) = = =
π 2 2
ω
3π
∫ 2πω Im
2
sin2 (ωt)dt
(ii) Irms = 2ω

π
ω

Im
2
Im
= = A
2 2

Example 6:
If I = 2 t ampere then calculate average and rms values over t = 2 to 4 s
Solution:
4

∫2 t.dt 3

4 (t 2 )2 2 
4
∫
4
(2 t)2 dt ∫
4
4t dt
4
 t2 
<I>= 2
= = 8 − 2 2  and Irms = 2
= 2
= 2  = 2 3 A
4
3 (t)24 3  4
2  2 2
∫ dt ∫2
dt
2

Example 7:
Electric mains in the residential areas in India is marked as 220 V, 50 Hz. What is the
(i) rms value of the voltage (ii) mean value of the voltage over half a cycle
(iii) Possible equation for instantaneous voltage
Solution:
(i) Marked value is rms value. So Vrms = 220 V

V0
(ii) Vrms = or V0 = 2 Vrms = 1.414 × 220 = 311 V
2
∴ Vav = 0.637 V0 = 0.637 × 311 = 198 V

(iii) V = V0 sin ωt = V0 sin (2π ft) = 311 sin (2π × 50t) or V = 311 sin (100πt)

Alternating Current 5
Example 8:
If a direct current of value ‘a’ ampere is superimposed on an alternating current I = b sinωt
flowing through a wire, what is the effective value of the resulting current in the circuit?
Ι Ι
AC
a DC b
+ =?
t t

Solution:
As current at any instant in the circuit will be,
I = I + I = a + b sin ωt
DC AC

T T
1 2 1
T ∫0 ∫
∴=Ieff = I dt (a + bsinωt)2 dt
T0

T
1
T ∫0
= (a2 + 2absinωt + b2 sin2 ωt)dt

T
1
T ∫0
but as sinωtdt = 0

T
1 1
T ∫0
and sin2 ω tdt =
2

1
∴ Ieff
= a2 + b2
2

Example 9:
What is average and RMS current over half cycle if instantaneous current is given by
i = 4 sin ωt + 3 cos ωt.
Solution:
Reduce the given expression of current in standard form
= i i0 sin(ωt + φ) where i0 is the

maximum current in the circuit.

Given=i 4 sin ωt + 3 cos ωt.

4 3 
= 5  sin ωt + cos ω=
t  5 sin(ωt + α)
5 5 
4 3
where
= cos α and
= sin α ；
5 5
Comparing with
= i i0 sin(ωt + φ)

 5   10 
i0 =
5A; ⇒ irms =  A;iavg = A
 2  π 

6 Alternating Current
 Table : 1. Some common wave form with mean values & effective values (I0 = Peak value)

Nature of wave from Value Wave-form RMS Value Average or mean

Sinusoidal wave + Ι0 2Ι0
0 = 0.707 I0 = 0.637 I0
π – π
2π 2

Half wave rectified Ι0 Ι0

0 = 0.5 I0 = 0.318 I0
π 2π
2 π

Full wave rectified Ι0 2Ι0

0 π
= 0.707 Ι0 = 0.637 I0
2π 2 π

Square or Rectangular wave +

I0 I0
–

Saw Tooth wave Ι0 Ι0

π 2π
0
3 2

6. Measurement of Alternating Quantities

Alternating current shows heating effect only, hence meters used for measuring ac are based
on heating effect and are called hot wire meters.

• Measurement of AC and DC

AC Measurement DC Measurement
1 All AC meters read r.m.s. value. All DC meters read average value.
2 All AC meters are based on heating All DC meters are based on magnetic effect
effect of current of current
3 Deflection in hot wire meters. Deflection in DC meters.
2
θ ∝ Ιrms (1: 4 : 9 : 16) θ∝Ι (1: 2 : 3 : 4)

(Linear scale)
(Non − linear scale)

4 AC meter can read both AC & DC value DC meter can read only DC value because
average of AC is zero

Example 10:
Why a dc voltmeter and dc ammeter can not read AC ?
Solution:
DC voltmeter and ammeter are based on magnetic effect of current. Which can read only
Average value. Average of AC in a full cycle is zero, hence DC meter always show zero reading.

Alternating Current 7
 Concept Builder-1

Q.1 Find out the frequency & average value of following current wave form.
Ι
10A

1 1.5 2.5 3 4 4.5

t(in s)

Q.2 A 20Ω resistor is connected with an alternating voltage supply given by the expression V = 200
sin 100πt. Calculate
1
(a) Potential drop across resistor at t = s
300
1
(b) Current flowing through resistor at t = s
300
(c) Variation of current with time

Q.3 Find the time required for 50 Hz alternating current to change its value from zero to rms value
first time.

Q.4 An AC current in amperes is given by I = 50 sin (400πt + φ). Find

(i) frequency
(ii) mean value of the current over half a cycle
(iii) rms value of the current

Q.5 Let the effective current in 50 cycle/sec. ac circuit is 50 A. Then find the value of the current
1
at s (for sinusoidal current)?
400

Q.6 A periodic voltage V varies with time t as shown in the figure. T is the time period. The r.m.s.
value of the voltage is :-
V
V0

T/4 T t

V0 V0
(1) (2)
8 2
V0
(3) V0 (4)
4

Q.7 A light bulb has the rating 200 W, 220 V. Find (i) resistance of the bulb filament (ii) rms value
of current flowing through the filament.

8 Alternating Current
 Passage for (Q.8 & 10)
A light bulb has the rating 200 W 220 V.

Q.8 Find the peak value of current.

Q.9 If the supply voltage is 200 V, then find power consumed by the bulb.

Q.10 Can AC voltmeter/ammeter be used to read DC voltage/current?

7. Phase, Phase Difference & Phasor Diagrams

7.1 Phase
I = I0 sin (ωt + φ)
Initial phase = φ (it does not change with time)
Instantaneous phase = ωt + φ (it changes with time)
• Phase decides both value and sign. Unit: radian

7.2 Phase Difference

Voltage V = V0 sin ( ωt + φ1)
Current I = I0 sin (ωt +φ2)
• Phase difference of I w.r.t. V φ = φ2 – φ1
• Phase difference of V w.r.t. I φ = φ1 – φ2

7.3 Lagging and Leading

V,Ι
(a) V leads I or I lags V → It means, V reach maximum before I Ι = Ι 0 sin(ωt – φ)
If V = V0 sin ωt then I = I0 sin (ωt – φ) ωt
and if V = V0 sin (ωt + φ) then I = I0 sin ωt
=V V0 sin ωt

(b) V lags I or I leads V → It means V reach maximum after I V,Ι

Ι = Ι 0 sin(ωt + φ)
Let if V = V0 sin ωt then I = I0 sin (ωt + φ)
ωt
and if V = V0 sin (ωt – φ) then I = I0 sin ωt
=V V0 sin ωt

7.4 Phasor Diagram

A diagram representing alternating current and voltage (of same frequency) as vectors (phasor)
with the phase angle between them is called phasor diagram.
Y
V
Ι V0
Ι0
φ
ωt
X
Let V = V0 sin ωt and I = I0 sin (ωt +φ)
In figure (a) two arrows represents phasors. The length of phasors represents the maximum
value of quantity. The projection of a phasor on y-axis represents the instantaneous value of quantity

Alternating Current 9
8. Advantages of AC
• A.C. is cheaper than D.C.
• It can be easily converted into D.C. (by rectifier)
• It can be controlled easily (choke coil)
• It can be transmitted over long distance at negligible power loss.
• It can be stepped up or stepped down with the help of transformer.

Example 11:
 π
The Equation of current in ac circuit is I = 4sin  100π t +  A. Calculate
 3
(i) RMS Value (ii) Peak Value
(iii) Frequency (iv) Initial phase
(v) Current at t = 0
Solution:
I0 4
(i) Irms = = = 2 2A
2 2
(ii) Peak value I0 = 4A

(iii)  ω = 100 π rad/s

100π
∴ frequency f = = 50 Hz
2π
π
(iv) Initial phase =
3
(v) At t = 0,
 π 3
I = 4sin  100π × 0 +  = 4 × =A
 3  2

Example 12:
 π
If I= I0 sin ωt, E = E0 cos ωt +  . Calculate phase difference between E and I
 3
Solution:
Phase of AC quantities can be compared only if both of them are either sine function or cos
function
I = I0 sin ωt

π π
and E = E0sin  + ωt + 
2 3

π π 5π
∴ phase difference =  +  – 0 =
2 3 6

10 Alternating Current
9. A.C. Circuit with Pure Resistance
R
Let at any instant t the current in the circuit = Ι
Potential difference across the resistance = Ι R Ι V = ΙR

with the help of Kirchhoff’s circuital law E – Ι R = 0 =E E0 sin ωt

E0
⇒ E0 sin ωt = Ι R ⇒ I = sin ωt = I0sin ωt
R
E0
I0 = (maximum)
R
=E E0 sin ωt
E and Ι
Ι = Ι 0 sin ωt

π 3π / 2 ωt
O 2π
π/2

In the AC circuit having R only, as current and voltage are in the same phase, hence in fig. both
phasors E0 and Ι0 are in the same direction, making an angle ωt with OX. Their projections on Y-
axis represent the instantaneous values of alternating current and voltage.
i.e. Ι = Ι0 sinωt and E = E0 sinωt.
Y
P
E Ι E E E0
Since Ι0 = 0 , hence 0 = 0 ωt
R 2 R 2 Ι Ι0
Erms ωt X
⇒ Ιrms = O
R

Example 13:
A light bulb is rated at 60 W for a 220 V supply. Find (a) the resistance of the bulb; (b) the peak
voltage of the source; and (c) rms current through the bulb.
Solution:
(a) We are given P = 60 W and V = 220 V. (b) The peak voltage of the source is
The resistance of the bulb is =V0 2 Vrms 311V
=

(220=
)
2
V2
R
= = 807.67 Ω
P 60
(c) Since, P = I V
P 60
I
= = = 0.27A
V 220

10. AC Circuit with Pure Inductance

A circuit containing a pure inductance L (having zero ohmic resistance)
L
connected with a source of alternating emf. Let the alternating e.m.f.
E = E0 sin ωt
When AC flows through the circuit, emf induced across inductance =E E0 sin ωt
dΙ
= −L
dt

Alternating Current 11
 Negative sign indicates that induced emf acts in opposite direction to that of applied emf.
Because there is no other circuit element present in the circuit other then inductance so with
the help of
 dΙ 
Kirchhoff’s circuital law E +  −L  =0
 dt 
dΙ E0  π
⇒ E=L so we =
get Ι sin  ωt − 
dt ωL  2
E0 E
Maximum current I0 = ×1=0
ωL ωL
 π
Hence, Ι = Ι0 sin  ωt − 
 2
In a pure inductive circuit current always lags behind the emf
=E E0 sin ωt
π E and Ι
by .
2
π/2 π 3π / 2 ωt
π O
or alternating emf leads the AC by a phase angle of . 2π

2
Ι = Ι 0 sin( ωt – π / 2)
E0 E
Expression Ι0 = resembles the expression I = .
ωL R
This non-resistive opposition to the flow of A.C. in a circuit is
called the inductive reactance (XL) of the circuit. Y P
E E0
XL = ωL = 2 π f L where f = frequency of A.C.
Unit of XL : ohm ωt X
–1 O
(ωL) = Unit of L × Unit of ω = henry × sec π / 2 – ωt

Volt Volt
= × sec –1 = = ohm Ι Ι0
Ampere / sec Ampere Q
=E E0 sin ωt
Ι = Ι 0 cos ωt
Inductive reactance XL ∝ f
Higher the frequency of A.C., higher is the inductive reactance offered by an inductor in an A.C.
circuit.

For DC circuit, f = 0 XL
∴ XL = ωL = 2 π f L = 0
Hence, inductor offers no opposition to the flow of DC whereas a
resistive path to AC f

Example 14:
An ideal inductor of inductance 50µH is connected to an AC source of 220 V, 50 Hz. Find the
inductive reactance.
Solution:
–6
XL = ωL = 2πfL = 2 × π × 50 × 50 × 10
–4
= 2π × 25 × 10 Ω
–3
= 5π × 10 Ω = 5π mΩ

12 Alternating Current
Example 15:
In given circuit, applied voltage V = 50 sin 100πt volt and ammeter reading is 2A then calculate
value of L.
L

V
Solution:
Vrms = Irms XL  Reading of ammeter = Irms

Vrms V0 50 2
XL = = = = 25 Ω
Irms 2 Irms 2 ×2
XL 25 1
⇒ L= = = H
ω 100π 4π

Concept Builder-2

Q.1 If a voltage source E = 500 sin (100 πt) volt is connected across a resistor then calculate time
taken by the current to reach from zero to maximum.

Q.2 If Phase difference between E and I is π/4 and f = 50 Hz, then calculate time difference.

Q.3 A resistance of 20Ω is connected to a source of alternating current rated 110 V, 50 Hz. Find
(a) the rms current,
(b) the maximum instantaneous current in the resistor
(c) the time taken by the current to change from its maximum value to the rms value.

Q.4 Find inductive reactance of the inductor when it is connected in D.C. circuit.

Q.5 What is the inductive reactance of a coil, if the current through it is 20 mA and voltage across
it is 100 V.

Q.6 A coil of inductance 5.0 mH and negligible resistance is connected to an alternating voltage V =
10 sin (100t). The peak current in the circuit will be :
(1) 2A (2) 5A (3) 10 A (4) 20 A

11. AC Circuit Containing Pure Capacitance C

A circuit containing an ideal capacitor of capacitance C connected with a source
of alternating emf as shown in fig. The alternating e.m.f. in the circuit E = E0 sin
ωt. =E E0 sin ωt

Alternating Current 13
 When alternating e.m.f. is applied across the capacitor, a similarly varying alternating current
flows in the circuit.
The two plates of the capacitor become alternatively positively and negatively charged and the
magnitude of the charge on the plates of the capacitor varies sinusoidally with time. Also the
electric field between the plates of the capacitor varies sinusoidally with time. Let at any instant
t charge on the capacitor = q
q
Instantaneous potential difference across the capacitor E =
C =E E0 sin ωt
E and Ι
⇒q = C E ⇒ q = CE0 sin ωt
π ωt
O
The instantaneous value of current π/2 3 π / 2 2π

dq d Ι = Ι 0 sin(ωt + π / 2)
I= = (CE0 sin ωt) = CE0ωcos ωt
dt dt
E0  π  π
⇒ I= sin  ωt +  = I0 sin  ωt + 
( 1 / ωC )  2  2

V0
where I0 = ωCV0 = P
XC E E0
In a pure capacitive circuit, the current always leads the e.m.f. by a phase Q
Ι0 Ι
angle of π/2. The alternating emf lags behind the alternating current by 90º
ωt
O
a phase angle of π/2.

Important Points
E
is the resistance R when both E and Ι are in phase, in present case they f
Ι
π 1 XC
differ in phase by , hence is not the resistance of the capacitor, the
2 ωC
capacitor offer opposition to the flow of A.C. This non-resistive opposition
to the flow of A.C. in a pure capacitive circuit is known as capacitive reactance XC.
1 1
XC = =
ωC 2πfC

Unit of XC: ohm

Capacitive reactance XC is inversely proportional to frequency of A.C. XC decreases as the
frequency increases.
This is because with an increase in frequency, the capacitor charges and discharges rapidly
following the flow of current.

For DC circuit f = 0
1
∴ XC = =∞
2πfC
but has a very small value for AC
This shows that capacitor blocks the flow of DC but provides an easy path for AC

14 Alternating Current
Example 16:
A capacitor of 50 pF is connected to an AC source of frequency 1kHz. Calculate reactance
offered by capacitor to AC voltage.
Solution:
1
XC =
ωC
1
=
2π × 10 × 50 × 10−12
3

107
= Ω
π

12. Comparative Study of Individual R, L & C Circuits

Terms R L C
R L
C
Circuit

Supply Voltage V=V0 sin ωt V=V0 sin ωt V=V0 sin ωt

 π  π
Current I = I0 sin ωt I = I0 sin  ωt –  I = I0 sin  ωt + 
 2  2
V0 V0 V0
Peak Current I0 = I0 = I0 = =V0ωC
R ωL 1 / ωC
V0 V0 V0 1
Impedance (Ω) =R =ωL =XL = = XC
Ι0 Ι0 Ι0 ωC

V0 Vrms
Z= = R= Resistance XL = Inductive reactance XC = Capacitive reactance
Ι0 Ιrms
Zero (in same π π
Phase difference + (V leads I) – (V leads I)
phase) 2 2
V Ι
Ι
Phasor diagram V
Ι V
R
XL f
Variation of Z
f XL ∝ f
with f R does not f XC
depend on f

G, SL, SC G = 1/R
SL = 1/XL SC= 1/XC
(mho, seiman) = conductance
L passes DC easily C-blocks DC (because XC = ∞)
Behaviour of
Same in A C and D (because XL = 0) while while provides an easy path for the
device in D.C.
C gives a high impedance  1
and A.C. A.C. of high frequency XC ∝ 
for the A.C. of high  f 
Ohm’s law VR = IR VL = IXL VC = IXC

Alternating Current 15
 Concept Builder-3

Q.1 Current I across the capacitor in a purely capacitive AC circuit is

(1) im sin(ωt + π / 4) (2) im sin(ωt + π / 2) (3) im cos(ωt + π / 4) (4) im cos(ωt + π / 2)

Q.2 Capacitive reactance is inversely proportional to

(1) frequency (2) capacitance (3) voltage (4) Both (1) and (2)

Q.3 A 15.0µF capacitor is connected to a 220 V, 50 Hz source. The capacitive reactance is

(1) 220 Ω (2) 215 Ω (3) 212 Ω (4) 204 Ω

Q.4 Refer the above question, the current (rms and peak) in the circuit is
(1) 1.47 A, 2.04 A (2) 1.08 A, 1.0 A (3) 1.04 A, 1.47 A (4) 2.4 A, 1.08 A

13. Series L-R Circuit

A circuit containing a series combination of a resistance R and an inductance L, connected with
a source of alternating e.m.f. E as shown in figure.
R L

=E E0 sin ωt

Phasor Diagram For L-R Circuit

Let in a L-R series circuit, applied alternating emf is E = E0 sinωt. As R and L are joined in series,
hence current flowing through both will be same at each instant. Let Ι be the
current in the circuit at any instant and VL and VR the potential differences Q R
across L and R respectively at that instant.
VL E
Then VL = ΙXL and VR = ΙR
φ
π O
Now, VR is in phase with the current while VL leads the current by . VR P
2
So VR and VL are mutually perpendicular (Note : E ≠ VR + VL)
The vector OP represents VR (which is in phase with Ι), while OQ represents VL (which leads Ι by
90°).
The resultant of VR and VL = the magnitude of vector OR which is E = VR2 + VL2
Thus E² = VR² + VL² = Ι² (R² + XL²)
E
⇒I =
R + XL2
2

The phasor diagram shown in fig. also shows that in L-R circuit the applied emf E leads the
current Ι or conversely the current Ι lags behind the e.m.f. E. by a phase angle φ
VL ΙXL XL ωL
tan=
φ = = =
VR ΙR R R

–1  ωL 
⇒ φ = tan  
 R 

16 Alternating Current
 Inductive Impedance ZL
In L-R circuit the maximum value of current
E0
Ι0 = Here R2 + ω2L2 represents the effective opposition offered by L-R circuit to the
R +ωL
2 2 2

flow of A.C. through it. It is known as impedance of L-R circuit and is represented by ZL.

ZL
= R2 + ω2L2 = R2 + (2πfL)2
The reciprocal of impedance is called admittance
1 1
YL = =
ZL R + ω2L2
2

Example 17:
An alternating voltage of 220V RMS at a frequency of 40 cycles/second is supplied to a circuit
containing a pure inductance of 0.01 H and a pure resistance of 6Ω in series. Calculate (a) The
current, (b) Potential difference across the resistance, (c) Potential difference across
inductance, (d) The time lag.
Solution:
Vrms
The impedance of LR circuit is =
Z R2 + (ωL)2 . The RMS value of the current is Irms =
. In LR
Z
−1  ωL 
circuit, the current lags the applied voltage by phase angle φ obtained as φ =tan  .
 R 
The impedance of the L-R series circuit is given by:
1/2
Z=
2
R2 + (ωL)2 
 
1/2
= (R)2 + (2πfL)2 
1/2
= 62 + (2 × 3.14 × 40 × 0.01)2 

= 6.504Ω
Vrms
(a) RMS value of the current: Irms =
Z
220
= = 33.83A
6.504
(b) The potential difference across the resistance is given by: VR = Irms × R = 33.83 × 6 = 202.83
V
(c) Potential difference across the inductance is given by:
VL = Irms × (ωL) = 33.83 × (2 × 3.14 × 0.01) = 96.83 V
−1  ωL 
(d) Phase angle φ =tan  ;
 R 
So, tan–1 (0.4189) = 22.46
φ 22.46
Now time lag= = T=
360 360
= 0.0623s

Alternating Current 17
 Example 18:
9
A H inductor and a 12 Ω resistance are connected in a series to a 225
100π
V, 50 Hz ac source. Calculate the current in the circuit and the phase angle
between the current and the source voltage.
Solution:
Here XL =ωL =2πfL

9
= 2π × 50 × = 9Ω
100π
So, Z = R2 + XL2 = 122 + 92 = 15Ω

V 225
I
(a) = = = 15A and
Z 15
X 
(b) φ =tan−1  L 
R 
−1  9 
= tan
=   tan
−1
= 3 / 4 37
 12 
i.e., the current will lag the applied voltage by 37o in phase.

Example 19:
An iron cored coil is connected in series with an electric bulb, with an A.C.
source as shown in figure. As the iron piece is taken out of the coil, how will
the brightness of bulb change ?
Solution:
As the iron rod is taken out of the coil, the self inductance of the coil decrease, the impedance
of circuit decreases, hence current increases. So power consumed (and hence brightness of
bulb) by bulb increases.

Example 20:
When 10V, DC is applied across a coil current through it is 2.5 A, if 10V, 50 Hz A.C. is applied
current reduces to 2 A. Calculate reactance of the coil.
Solution:
For 10 V D.C. V = ΙR
10
∴ Resistance of coil R = = 4Ω
2.5
For 10 V A.C. V = ΙZ
V 10
⇒Z = = = 5Ω
Ι 2
Z= R2 + XL2 = 5
2 2
⇒R +X L = 25
2 2 2
⇒X L =5 –4 ⇒ XL = 3Ω

18 Alternating Current
Example 21:
A choke coil is needed to operate an arc lamp at 160 V (RMS) and 50 Hz. The arc lamp has an
effective resistance of 5Ω when running of 10 A (RMS). Calculate the inductance of the choke
coil. If the same arc lamp is to be operated on 160V (dc), what additional resistance is required?
Compare the power losses in both cases.
Solution:
The choke coil is an LR circuit having large inductance and small resistance. The potential
difference across the resistor and inductor is added vectorially:
V=
2
VR2 + VL2

As for the lamp, VR = I × R = 10 × 5 = 50V, so when it is connected to 160 V ac source through a

choke in series,

V2 =VR2 + VL2 , VL = 1602 − 502 =152V

And as, VL = IXL
VL 152
⇒ L= = = 4.84 × 10−2 H
2πfI 2 × π × 50 × 10
Now the lamp is to be operated at 160 V dc; instead of choke, if additional resistance r is put
in a series with it, V = I(R + r), i.e. 160 = 10(5 + r) i.e. r = 11Ω In case of AC, as choke has no
resistance, power loss in the choke will be zero, while the bulb will consume P = I2 R = 102 × 5
= 500 W. However, in case of DC, as resistance r is to be used instead of choke, the power loss
in the resistance r will be I2r = 102 × 11 = 1100 W
While the bulb will still consume 500 W, i.e., when the lamp is run with resistance r instead of
choke, more than double the power consumed by the lamp is wasted by the resistance r.

14. Series R-C Circuits

A circuit containing a series combination of a resistance R and a capacitor C, connected with a
source of e.m.f. of peak value E0 as shown in figure.
C R

=E E0 sin ωt

Alternating Current 19
 Phasor Diagram for R-C Circuit
Current through both the resistance and capacitor will be same at every O VR P
instant and the instantaneous potential differences across C and R are φ
VC = Ι XC and VR = Ι R E
= VR2 + VC2
VC
where XC = capacitive reactance and Ι = instantaneous current.
Now, VR is in phase with Ι, while VC lags behind Ι by 90°. Q S
The phasor diagram is shown in fig.
VR P
The vector OP represents VR (which is in phase with Ι) O
φ R
π
and the vector OQ represents VC (which lags behind Ι by ). Z
= R2 + XC2
2 VC
The vector OS represents the resultant of VR and VC = the applied e.m.f. E.
XC
2
Hence VR + VC = E
2 2
E
⇒= VR2 + VC2 Q S

E
⇒ E² = Ι² (R² + XC²) ⇒ I =
R + XC2
2

The term (R2 + XC2 ) represents the effective resistance of the R-C circuit and called the
capacitive impedance ZC of the circuit. Hence, in C-R circuit
2
 1 
ZC = R2 + XC2 = R2 +  
 ωC 
Capacitive Impedance ZC

In R-C circuit, the term R2 + XC2 is effective opposition offered by R-C circuit to the flow of
A.C. through it. It is known as impedance of R-C circuit and is represented by ZC.
The phasor diagram also shows that in R-C circuit the applied e.m.f. lags behind the current
Ι (or the current Ι leads the emf E) by a phase angle φ given by
VC XC 1 / ωC 1
tan=
φ = = =
VR R R ωCR

–1  1 
⇒ φ = tan  
 ωCR 

Example 22:
In an RC series circuit, the RMS voltage of source is 200V, and its frequency is 50 Hz. If
100
C
R = 100 Ω and= µF , find
π

(a) Impedance of the circuit (b) Power factor angle

(c) Power factor (d) Current
(e) Maximum current (f) Voltage across R
(g) Voltage across C (h) Max voltage across R
(i) Max voltage cross C (j) < P >
(k) < PR > (l) < PC >

20 Alternating Current
Solution:
The impedance of RC circuit is
2
 1 
Z
= R2 +  
 ωC 
Vrms
The RMS current is Irms = . The phase angle between current and voltage is given by
Z
XC I0 V0
tan φ = . The RMS value of current and voltage
= is Irms = and Vrms . Power developed
R 2 2
in circuit is P = Vrms Irms cos φ .
106
=XC = 100Ω
100
(2π50)
π
Z
(a)= R2 + XC2
= 1002 + (100)2 = 100 2Ω
XC
(b) tan=
φ = 1 φ 45
∴=
R
1
= cos=
(c) Power factor φ
2
Vrms 200
(d) Current =
Irms = = 2A
Z 100 2
(e) Maximum current
= Irms
= 2 2A
(f) Voltage across R = VR,rms

= Irms=
R 2 × 100V
(g) Voltage across C = VCrms
= Irms X=
c
2 × 100V
(h) Max voltage across
=R 2VR,rms 200V
=
(i) Max voltage across
=C 2Vcrms 200V
=

1
(j) <P> VrmsIrms cos φ = 200 × 2 ×
= W
2
(k) < PR > Irms 2R = 200W
(l) < Pc >= 0

Example 23:
An ac source of angular frequency ω is fed across a resister R and a capacitor C in series. The
current registered is I. If now, the frequency of source is changed to ω/3 (but maintaining the
same voltage), the current in the circuit is found to be halved. Calculate the ratio of reactance
to resistance at the original frequency ω.

Alternating Current 21
Solution:
The impedance of RC circuit is:
2
 1 
Z
= R2 +  
 ωC 
Vrms
The RMS current is Irms =
Z
V V
I
According to the given problem, = =
Z R2 + (1 / Cω)2  1/2
 
ω I V
And for frequency of , =
3 2 R2 + (3 / Cω)2  1/2
 
Substituting the value of I from equation (i) in (ii),
1 3
i.e.. = R2
Cω 22
5
1/2
3 2
 R 
X (1 / cω) 5  3
= =  =
So that,
R R R 5

Example 24:
When an alternating voltage of 220V is applied across a device X, a current of 0.5 A flows
through the circuit and is in phase with the applied voltage. When the same voltage is applied
across another device Y, the same current again flows through the circuit but it leads the applied
voltage by π/2 radians.
(a) Name the devices X and Y.
(b) Calculate the current flowing in the circuit when same voltage is applied across the series
combination of X and Y.
Solution:
(a) X is resistor and Y is a capacitor
(b) Since the current in the two devices is the same (0.5A at 220 volt)
When R and C are in series across the same voltage then
220
R = XC = = 440 Ω
0.5
Vrms
⇒ Ιrms =
R2 + XC2
220
Irms =
(440)2 + (440)2

220
= = 0.35A
440 2

22 Alternating Current
15. Comparative Study of Series R-L, R-C and L-C Circuits

Terms R-L R-C L-C

R L R C L C
Circuit
Ι is same in R & L Ι is same in R & C Ι is same in L & C

VL VR VL
Ι Ι
V
Phasor Diagram
Ι VC
VR VC V = VL – VC (VL > VC )
V 2 = VR2 + VL2 V 2 = VR2 + VC2 V = VC – VL (VC > VL )

Phase Difference V lags I (φ = –π/2, if XC > XL)

V leads I (φ = 0 to π/2) V lags I (φ = –π/2 to 0)
in Between B & I V leads I (φ = +π/2, if XL > XC)

Impedance Z= R2 + XL2 Z= R2 + (XC )2 Z = |XL–XC|

as f ↑,Z ↑ as f ↑,Z ↓ as f ↑,Z first ↓ then ↑

Variation of Z Z Z Z
with f R R
f f f

At very low f Z = R(XL → 0) Z = XC Z = XC

At very high f Z = XL Z = R(XC → 0) Z = XL

Concept Builder-4

Q.1 Calculate the impedance of the circuit shown in the figure.

30Ω 40Ω

Q.2 In given circuit find out

(i) impedance of circuit
(ii) current in circuit
6Ω 8Ω

=V 20 sin ωt(volt)

Alternating Current 23
Q.3 Find the capacity of a condenser to run a 30 V, 10W lamp when connected in series with an
alternating emf of 220 V and frequency 50 C/s.

1
Q.4 Consider a series L-R circuit in which L = H and resistance R = 100Ω. When the circuit is
π
connected to A.C. source 220 V, 50 Hz. Find the current drawn from the source.

Q.5 When a coil is connected to a 100 V DC supply, the current is 2A. When the same coil is
connected to A.C. source E = 100 2 sin ωt, the current is 1A. Find the inductive reactance used
in the circuit.

Q.6 A resistance of 300 Ω and an inductance of 1 / π henry are connected in a series to an AC voltage
of 20 V and 200 Hz frequency. The phase angle between the voltage and current is
(1) tan−1 4/3 (2) tan-1 3/4 (3) tan−1 3/2 (4) tan−1 2/5

Q.7 A resistor and a capacitor are connected in series with an AC source. If the potential drop across
the capacitor is 5V and that across the resistor is 12 V, then applied voltage is
(1) 13 V (2) 17 V (3) 5 V (4) 12 V

Q.8 A resistor of 200 Ω and a capacitor of 15µF are connected in series to a 220 V, 50 Hz AC source.
The current in the circuit is
(1) 755 A (2) 7.55 mA (3) 0.755A (4) 0.755 mA

1
Q.9 If power factor of a R-L series circuit is when applied voltage is V = 100 sin 100πt volt and
2
resistance of circuit is 200Ω, then calculate the inductance of the circuit.

16. L-C-R Series Circuit

A circuit containing a series combination of an resistance R, a coil of inductance L and a
capacitor of capacitance C, connected with a source of alternating e.m.f. of peak value of E0,
as shown in fig.
L C R

A.C.source

E = E0 sin ω t

16.1 Phasor Diagram for Series L-C-R Circuit

Let in series LCR circuit applied alternating emf is E = E0 sin ωt.
As L, C and R are joined in series, therefore, current at any instant through the three elements
has the same amplitude and phase.

24 Alternating Current
 However voltage across each element bears a different phase relationship with the current.

VL Q

O
VC VR P
S

Let at any instant of time t, the current in the circuit is Ι

Let at this time t, the potential differences across L, C, and R is
VL = Ι XL, VC = Ι XC and VR = Ι R

VL Q
K
T
E(pplied emf)

(VL – VC )

φ
O
S VR P
VC

Now, VR is in phase with current Ι but VL leads Ι by 90° While VC legs behind Ι by 90°. The vector

OP represents VR (which is in phase with Ι) the vector OQ represent VL (which leads Ι by 90°)

and the vector OS represents VC (which legs behind Ι by 90°) VL and VC are opposite to each

other.
If VL > VC (as shown in figure) then their resultant will be (VL – VC) which is represented by OT.

Finally, the vector OK represents the resultant of VR and (VL – VC), that is, the resultant of all

the three = applied e.m.f.

Thus
XL Q
E= VR2 + (VL − VC )2 = I R2 + (XL − XC )2 K
T
E
⇒ I= (XL – XC ) Z
R + (XL − XC )2
2

φ R
O
Impedance Z= R + (XL − XC )
2 2
S P
XC
2
 1 
= R2 +  ωL − 
 ω C

The phasor diagram also shows that in LCR circuit the applied e.m.f. leads the current Ι by a
phase angle φ
XL − XC
⇒ tanφ =
R

Alternating Current 25
16.2 Series LCR Combination
1. Circuit Diagram
R L C

I same for R, L & C

2. Phasor Diagram
VL
Ι
VR
VC

(i) If VL > V C then

VL – VC
Ι
VR

(ii) If VC > VL then

VR Ι
VC – VL

(iii) V = VR2 + (VL − VC )2

Impedance

Z= R2 + (XL − XC )2

(iv) Impedance triangle

XL − XC
tanφ = Z
R X = XL – XC

VL − VC φ R
=
VR

Key Points

• In A.C. circuit, voltage for L or C may be greater than source voltage or current but it happens
only when circuit contains L and C both and for R it is never greater than source voltage or
current.

• In parallel A.C. circuit, phase difference between IL and IC is π

26 Alternating Current
Example 25:
In the circuit shown in the Figure, find
(a) The reactance of the circuit
(b) Impedance of the circuit
(c) The current
(d) Reading of the ideal AC voltmeters
(These are hot wire instruments and read RMS values)

Solution:

R2 + ( XC − XL )
2
In series LCR circuit, the impedance is Z = where XC and XL are the capacitive

reactance and inductive reactance respectively.

2
(a) XL = 2πfL = 2π × 50 × = 200 Ω
π
1
⇒ XC = = 100 Ω
100
2π50 × 10−6
π
The reactance of the circuit X = XL – XC = 200 – 100 = 100 Ω
Since XL > XC, the circuit is called inductive.

Z
(b) Impedance of circuit= R2 + X2

= 1002 + 1002 = 100 2 Ω

vrms
(c) The current Irms =
Z
200
= = 2A
100 2
(d) Readings of ideal voltage
V1 : Irms XL = 200 2V

V2 : IrmsR = 100 2V

V3 : Irms Xc = 100 2V

V4 : Irms R2 + XL2 =
100 10V

V4 : IrmsZ = 200V
which also happens to be the voltage of source.

Alternating Current 27
 Example 26:
A resistance R, inductance L and a capacitor C all are connected in series with ac supply. The
resistance of R is 16 Ω and for a given frequency, the inductive reactance of L is 24 Ω and
capacitive reactance of C is 12 Ω. If the current in the circuit is 5 amp, find:
(a) The potential difference across R, L and C
(b) The impedance of the circuit
(c) The voltage of ac supply
(d) Phase angle
Solution:

R2 + ( XC − XL )
2
In series LCR circuit, the impedance is Z = where XC and XL are the capacitive

reactance and inductive reactance respectively. The phase angle between voltage and current
 X − XC 
is given by φ =tan−1  L  .
 R
 
(a) Potential difference across resistance: VR = iR = 5 × 16 = 80 V
Potential difference across inductance: VL = I × (ωL) = 5 × 24 = 120 V
Potential difference across capacitor: VC = i × (1 / ωC) = 5 × 12 = 60 V
  1  
2

(b)=Z R2 +  − ωL  
  ωC  

= (16)2 + (12)2 = 20Ω

(c) The voltage of ac supply is given by: V = IZ = 5 × 20 = 100 V
−1  ωL − (1 / ωC) 
(d) φ =tan  
 R 
 24 − 12 
= tan−1=
  tan
= −1
(0.75) 36 46′′
 16 

Example 27:
If XL = 50 Ω and XC = 40 Ω Calculate effective value of current in given circuit.
Solution: X= 50Ω
L XC= 40Ω
Z = XL – XC = 10 Ω

V0 40
Ι0 = = =4A
Z 10
4 =V 40 sin(100π t) volt
⇒ Irms = = 2 2 A
2

Example 28:
(a) The reactance of capacitor is 20 ohm. What does it mean?
(b) What will be its reactance, if frequency of AC is doubled?
(c) What will be its reactance when connected in DC circuit? What is its consequence?

28 Alternating Current
Solution:
(a) The reactance of capacitor is 20 ohm. It means that the opposition offered by it to the flow
of AC at a specific frequency is equivalent to a resistance of 20 ohm. The reactance of capacitor
1 1
XC = =
ωC 2πfC
(b) Therefore by doubling frequency, the reactance is halved i.e., it becomes 10 ohm.
(c) In DC circuit f = 0. Therefore reactance of capacitor = ∞ (infinite). Hence the capacitor can
not be used to conduct DC.

Example 29:
If the reading of voltmeter V1 is 40 V, What is the reading of voltmeter V2?
V2

V1

50 2 sin ωt
Solution:
V0
A.C. voltmeter reads rms value of voltage. RMS voltage applied = = 50 V
2
Reading of voltmeter V2 is x, then

x2 + 402 = 50 V
⇒ x = 30 volt

Concept Builder-5

Q.1 Find out the impedance of given circuit.

9Ω 4Ω 6Ω

 π
Q.2 A series LCR circuit is connected across a source of emf E = 10sin  100πt −  . The current from
 6 
 π
the supply is I = 2 sin  100πt +  . Find the phase difference.
 12 

Q.3 Calculate impedance of the given circuit:

10Ω 20Ω 10Ω 10Ω 20Ω 10Ω

A A
(i) (ii)
=V 100 sin100πt volt =V 100 sin100πt volt

Alternating Current 29
Q.4 An inductor (XL = 2Ω) a capacitor (XC = 8Ω) and a resistance (8Ω) is connected in series with an
A.C. source. The voltage output of A.C. source is given by V = 10 cos 2π 50t. Find the
instantaneous potential difference between A and B when the voltage output from source is
half of its maximum.
XC = 8 Ω
XL = 2Ω
8Ω
A

Q.5 Find the potential difference across resistance, capacitance and inductance in series LCR circuit
where L = 2.0 H, C = 1 µF and R = 1000 Ω. The applied emf has the form V = sin (1000t).

Q.6 Find out reading of A.C. ammeter and also calculate the potential difference across, resistance
and capacitor.
10Ω 20Ω 10Ω

=V 100 sin100πt volt

Q.7 In LCR circuit with an AC source R = 300 Ω , C = 20 µF, L = 1.0 H, Erms = 50V and f = 50/π Hz.
Find RMS current in the circuit.

17. Resonance
A circuit is said to be in resonance when the natural frequency of circuit is equal to frequency
of the applied voltage. For resonance both L and C must be present in circuit.

17.1 Series LCR

(a) At Resonance
(i) XL = XC
(ii) VL = VC
(iii) φ = 0 (V and I in same phase)
(iv) Zmin = R (impedance minimum)
V
(v) Imax = (current maximum)
R
(b) Resonance Frequency
1 1
 XL = X C ⇒ ωrL = ⇒ ωr2 =
ωrC LC
1 1
⇒ ωr = ⇒ fr = (Hz)
LC 2π LC

30 Alternating Current
 (c) Variation of Z with f
(i) If f< fr then XL < XC
circuit nature capacitive, φ is negative
z
(ii) At f = fr then XL = XC
R
circuit nature resistive, φ = zero
fr f
(iii) If f > fr then XL > XC
circuit nature is inductive, φ is positive
(iv) as f increase, Z first decreases then increase
(d) Variation of I with f
as f increase, I first increases then decreases
• At resonance, impedance of the series resonant circuit is minimum so it is Ιmax
called 'acceptor circuit' as it most readily accepts that current out of many Ι V
Ιmax =
currents whose frequency is equal to its natural frequency. In radio or TV 2 R
Ι ∆f
tuning we receive the desired station by making the frequency of the circuit
equal to that of the desired station. f1 fr f2 f
Half power frequencies
The frequencies at which, power become half of its maximum value called half power
frequencies.
R
Band width = ∆f = f2 – f1 =
2πL
Quality factor Q : Q-factor of A.C. circuit basically gives an idea about stored energy & lost
energy.
maximum energy stored per cycle
Q = 2π
maximum energy loss per cycle
(i) It represents the sharpness of resonance.
(ii) It is unit less and dimension less quantity.
(X L )r (XC )r 2πfrL 1 L
(iii) Q = = = =
R R R R C
fr fr Re sonance freq.
= = =
∆f band width Band width
Magnification
At resonance VL Ι
R1
or VC = QE (where E = supplied voltage)
R < R 2 < R3
So at resonance, Magnification factor = Q-factor R2 1
Sharpness
R3
Sharpness ∝ Quality factor ∝ Magnification factor fr f
As R decrease
⇒ Q increases
⇒ Sharpness increases

Alternating Current 31
 Key Points

• Series resonance circuit gives voltage amplification while parallel resonance circuit gives current
amplification.
• At resonance, current does not depend on L and C, it depends only on R and V.
• At half power frequencies : net reactance = net resistance. |XL – XC| = R
• As R increases , bandwidth increases
• To obtain resonance in a circuit following parameter can be altered :
(i) L (ii) C (iii) frequency of source
• Two series LCR circuit of same resonance frequency f are joined in series then resonance
frequency of series combination is also f.
• The series LCR resonance circuit called acceptor whereas parallel LCR resonance circuit called
rejector circuit.
• Unit of LC is second.

Example 30:
A sinusoidal voltage V(t) = (200 V) sin ωt is applied to a series LCR circuit with L = 10.0 mH,
C = 100 nF and R = 20.0 Ω. Find the following quantities:
(a) The resonant frequency
(b) The amplitude of current at resonance
(c) The quality factor Q of the circuit
(d) The amplitude of the voltage across the inductor at the resonant frequency.
Solution:
1 1
When the LCR circuit is set to resonance, the resonant frequency is f = .
2π LC
ω0L 1 L
Q
Quality factor is= = .
R R C
(a) Using formula of resonant frequency
The resonant frequency, for the circuit is given by
ω0 1 1
f
= =
2π 2π LC
1 1
= = 5033Hz
2π ( 10 × 10 H)( 100 × 10 F)
−3 −9

(b) At resonance current is Maximum i.e. I0

V0 200
I0
= = = 10.0A
R 20.0Ω
(c) The quality factor Q of the circuit is given by

Q
= =
(
ω0L 2π 5033s
−1
)(
10.0 × 10−3 H
= 15.8
)
R (20.0Ω)
(d) At resonance, the amplitude of the voltage across the inductor is
VL = I0 XL = I0 ω0L
0

( )(
(10.0A)2π 5033s−1 10.0 × 10−3 H
= )
= 3.16 × 103 V

32 Alternating Current
Example 31:
A series LCR circuit containing a resistance of 120 Ω has angular frequency 4 × 105 rads–1.
At resonance, the voltage across resistance and inductance are 60 V and 40 V respectively.
Find the value of L and C. At what frequency does the current lag the voltage by 45°?
Solution:
At resonance, XL = XC. The phase angle by which
 X − XC 
the current lags the voltage is φ =tan−1  L 
 R
 
For resistance VR = IrmsR;

VR 60
or Irms
= = = 0.5A
R 120
For inductor V=
L
Irms ω0L

40 = 0.5 × 4 × 105 × L ⇒ L = 2 × 10−4 H

1
At resonance,=
XL XC i.e. ω
=0
L
ω0C

1 1 1
C
= = = µF
ω20L
( 4 × 10 ) 32
2
5
× 2 × 10−4

When the current lags behind the voltage by 45o,

XL − XC
using tan φ = , gives
R
1
ωL −
ωC ⇒ R =ωL − 1 =ωL −  ω0L 
2

1=
R ωC  ω 
 
∴ ωR = ω2L − ω20L

(
120ω = 2 × 10−4  ω2 − 4 × 105 ) 
2

 
VL
Source Voltage
VL – V C

45°
i
VR

VC

On solving the above equation, we get

ω = 8 × 105 or ω = −2 × 105
 Frequency can’t be negative

∴ Ignoring negative root we have ω = 8 × 105 Hz

Alternating Current 33
Example 32:
For what frequency the voltage across the resistance R will be maximum.
Solution:
1 1
Voltage across resistor will be maximum at resonance µF H
R π π
1 1
f= = = 500 Hz
2π LC 1 1
2π × 10−6 ×
π π

Example 33: R 220Ω

=
A capacitor, a resistor and a 40 mH inductor are connected in series to
an AC source of frequency 60 Hz, calculate the capacitance of the V1 V1 V1
300V 300V XV
capacitor, if the current is in phase with the voltage. Also calculate the
Ι
value of X and I.
110V,60Hz
Solution:
At resonance
1 1 1
ωL = , C = 2 =
ωC ωL 4π f L
2 2

1
= = 176 µF
4π × (60) × 40 × 10−3
2 2

V 110
V = VR ⇒ X = 110 V and Ι= = = 0.5 A
R 220

Example 34:
A 100 V ac source of frequency 500 Hz is connected to a series LCR circuit with L = 8.1 mH, C
= 12.5 µ F and R = 10 Ω. Find the potential different across the resistance.
Solution:
For LRC circuit, total potential difference is

VR2 + ( VC − VL )
2
V=

Inductive reactance,
XL = 2π × 500 × 8.1 × 10−3 = 25.45Ω
Capacitive reactance,
106
=XC = 25.45Ω
2π × 500 × 12.5
⇒ XL =
XC
This is the condition of resonance. This means that total potential drop occurs across the
resistance only.

VR2 + ( VL − VC ) = VR = 100V
2
∴V =

The total potential difference across resistance is the same as the applied voltage across circuit.

34 Alternating Current
18. Power in AC Circuit
The average power dissipation in series LCR ac circuit:
Let V = V0 sinωt and I = I0 sin (ωt – φ)

Instantaneous power
P = (V0sinωt)(Ι0sin(ωt–φ)

= V0Ι0 sinωt (sinωtcosφ – sinφcosωt)

Average power <P>

T
1
T ∫0 0 0
= (V I sin2 ωt cos φ − V0 I0 sin ωt cos ωt sin φ)dt

1 T 1
T

= V0I0  ∫ sin2 ωt cos φdt − ∫ sin ωt cos ωt sin φdt 
 T 0 T0 
1 
= V0 I0  cos φ − 0 × sin φ 
 2 
V0 I0 cos φ
⇒<P>=
2
= Vrms Irms cosφ

Instantaneous Average power /actual Virtual power/ Peak power

power power/ dissipated power apparent Power/rms
/power loss Power
P = VI P=Vrms Irms cosφ P=Vrms Irms P=V0 I0

• Irms cosφ is known as active part of current, watt full current or work full current. It is in phase

with voltage.
• Irms sinφ is known as inactive part of current, watt less current or workless current. It is in

quadrature (90°) with voltage.

Power factor
Average power
<P> = P = Vrms Irms cos φ = rms power × cos φ

Power factor
Average power
(cos φ) =
rms power

R
and cosφ =
Z

Alternating Current 35
 Key Points

• Pav < Prms

• Power factor varies from 0 to 1

Pure/ φ V Power factor = Average
Ideal cos φ Power
R 0 V and I in same phase 1 (maximum) Vrms Irms
L π V leads I 0 0
+
2
C π V lags I 0 0
–
2
Choke π V leads I 0 0
+
coil 2

• At resonance power factor is maximum

(φ = 0 so cosφ = 1) and Pav = Vrms Irms

Example 35:
Show that average heat produced during a cycle of AC is same as produced by DC with I = Irms
Solution:
For AC, Ι = Ι0 sinωt, the instantaneous value of heat produced (per second) in a resistance R is,
2 2 2
H = Ι R = Ι0 sin ωt × R the average value of heat produced during a cycle is:
T T

Hav =
∫ Hdt = ∫
0 0
(Ι20 sin2 ωt × R)dt
=
1 2
Ι R
T T
2 0
∫ dt0 ∫
0
dt

 T 1 


∫
0
Ι20 sin2 ωt dt = Ι20 T 
2 
2
 I0 
⇒ Hav =  R Irms R
2
= .....(i)
 2
However, in case of DC,
2
HDC = I R ...(ii)
 I = Irms so from equation (i) and (ii) HDC = Hav
AC produces same heating effects as DC of value I = Irms.
This is also why AC instruments which are based on heating effect of current give rms value.

Example 36:
π
If V = 100 sin 100 t volt and I = 100 sin (100 t + ) mA for an A.C. circuit then find out
3
(a) phase difference between V and I (b) total impedance, reactance, resistance
(c) power factor and power dissipated (d) components contains by circuits

36 Alternating Current
Solution:
π
(a) Phase difference φ = (I leads V)
3
V 100
(b) Total impedance Z = 0= = 1kΩ
I0 100 × 10−3
Now resistance R
1 60º
R = Z cos 60° = 1000 × = 500Ω
2 X
Z
3
reactance X = Z sin 60° = 1000 × = 500 3 Ω
2
(c) φ = – 60°
Power factor= cosφ = cos (–60°) = 0.5 (leading)
Power dissipated
100 0.1 1
P = Vrms Irms cosφ = × × = 2.5 W
2 2 2
π
(d) Circuit must contains R as φ ≠ and as φ is negative so C must be their, (L may exist but
2
XC > XL) so either RC or LCR.

Example 37:
1 3
A voltage of 10 V and frequency 10 Hz is applied to µF capacitor in series with a resistor of
π
500Ω. Find the power factor of the circuit and the power dissipated.
Solution:
1 1
 XC
= = = 500Ω
2π f C 10−6
2π × 10 × 3

π
∴ Z= R2 + XC2 = (500)2 + (500)2 = 500 2 Ω

R 500 1
Power factor cosφ = = =
Z 500 2 2
V 2
rms
Power dissipated = Vrms Ιrms cosφ = cosφ
Z
(10)2 1 1
= × == 0.1 W
500 2 2 10

Example 38:
The potential difference V and current I flowing through the AC circuit is given by V = 5 cos
(ωt – π/6) volt and I = 10sinωt ampere. The average power dissipated in the circuit is
25 3
(1) W (2) 12.5 W (3) 25 W (4) 50 W
2
Solution:
V = 5 cos (ωt - π/6); I =10 sin ωt = 10 cos (ωt - π/2)
π π π VI 5 × 10 1
φ= − = ;P= cos φ = × = 12.5 W
2 6 3 2 2 2

Alternating Current 37
Example 39:
A circuit draws a power of 550 W from a source of 220 V, 50Hz. The power factor of the circuit
is 0.8 and the current lags in phase behind the potential difference. To make the power factor
of circuit as 1.0, what capacitance will be connected in the circuit?
Solution:
In series LR circuit, the current lags the applied voltage by angle φ and the power factor of circuit is
R
cos φ = . When capacitor is connected in series in the circuit, the impedance of the
R + ω2L2
2

R
R2 + ( XC − XL )
2
circuit is Z = and the power factor of the circuit is cos φ = .
R + ( XL − XC ) 
2 2

 
We want to find the value of the capacitor to make the circuit’s power factor 1.0
(A) Find the value resistance and inductive reactance. For a LR circuit, current lags behind
voltage in phase. The power in AC circuit is given as
Vrms
2
× cos φ
P= ….. (i)
Z
Vrms
2
× cos φ (220)2 × 0.8
⇒Z== = 70.4Ω
P 550
R
Power factor cos φ = , so we get value of resistance as
Z
R = Z × cos φ = 70.4 × 0.8 = 56.32 Ω
Inductive Reactance is
L
ω= (Z 2
− R2= ) (70.4)2 − (56.32)2

ωL =42.2Ω
(B) Capacitance needed to be connected in circuit to make power factor = 1.0
When the capacitor is connected in the circuit.
Impedance
 1  
2

Z
= R2 +  ωL −   ….. (ii)
 ωC  

and power factor is given by
R
cos φ =
 1  
2

R2 +  ωL −  
 ωC  

1
When cos φ = 1, ωL = ….. (iii)
ωC
From (iii) we get
1 1
=C =
ω(ωL) 2πf(ωL)
1
= = 75 × 10−6 F= 75µF.
(2 × 3.14 × 50) × (42.2)
Therefore to make a circuit with power factor = 1, 75 µF capacitor is to be connected in a series
with resistance and inductor.

38 Alternating Current
Example 40:
What is the power factor for the circuit shown?
X
=L 100Ω R XC= 20Ω

L R
= 60Ω C

220V,50Hz

Solution:
R R 60 60 3
Power factor cos φ = = = = =
Z R + (XL − XC )
2 2
60 + (100 − 20)
2 2 100 5

Concept Builder-6

Q.1 Radio receiver receives a message at 300m band, If the available inductance is 1 mH, then
 C
calculate required capacitance. f = 
 λ

Q.2 A coil, a capacitor and an A.C. source of rms voltage 24 V are connected in series, By varying
the frequency of the source, a maximum rms current 6 A is observed, If this coil is connected
to a battery of emf 12 V, and internal resistance 4Ω , then calculate the current through the coil.

Q.3 A circuit consisting of an inductance and a resistance joined to a 200 volt supply (A.C.). It draws
a current of 10 ampere. If the power used in the circuit is 1500 watt. Calculate the watt-less
current.

Q.4 An alternating voltage = 200 sin 100t is applied to a series combination of R = 30 Ω and an
inductor of 400 mH. The power factor of the circuit is
(1) 0.01 (2) 0.6 (3) 0.05 (4) 0.042

Q.5 A circuit has a resistance of 12Ω and an impedance of 15Ω. The power factor of circuit will be :
(1) 0.8 (2) 0.4 (3) 1.25 (4) 0.125

Q.6 In a series RC circuit with an AC source, R = 300Ω, C = 25 µF, V0 = 50 V and f = 50/π Hz. Find
the peak current and the average power dissipated in the circuit.

Q.7 Figure shows LCR series ac circuit. If L is removed from the circuit, current leads voltage by 45°
while if C is removed, current lags the voltage by 45°. Current passing in the original circuit is
L C = R 100Ω

100V,200Hz

(1) 2A (2) 1.5 A (3) 1A (4) 0.5 A

Alternating Current 39
  π
Q.8 A series LCR circuit is connected across an AC source V = 10sin  100πt −  . Current from the
 6
 π
supply is I = 2sin  100πt +  , What is the average power dissipated ?
 6

19. Choke Coil

In a direct current circuit, current is reduced with the help of a tube light rod
2
resistance. Hence there is a loss of electrical energy I R per sec in the
form of heat in the resistance. But in an AC circuit the current can be starter
reduced by choke coil which involves very small amount of loss of
energy. Choke coil is a copper coil wound over a soft iron laminated
choke coil
core. This coil is put in series with the circuit in which current is to be
reduced. It also known as ballast.
Circuit with a choke coil is a series L-R circuit. If resistance of choke coil = r (very small)
E
The current in the circuit I = with
Z
Z = (R + r)2 + (ωL)2 So due to large inductance L of the coil, the current in the circuit is
decreased appreciably. However, due to small resistance of the coil r,
The power loss in the choke
Pav = Vrms Irms cos φ → 0
r r r
 cosφ = = ≈ →0
Z r +ω L
2 2 2 ωL
A capacitor of suitable capacitance replace a choke coil in an AC circuit, the average power
consumed in a capacitor is also zero. Hence, like a choke coil, a capacitor can reduce current
in AC circuit without power dissipation.
Cost of capacitor is much more than the cost of inductance of same reactance that's why choke
coil is used.

Key Points

• Choke coil is a high inductance and negligible resistance coil.

• Choke coil is used to control current in A.C. circuit at negligible power loss.
• Choke coil used only in A.C. and not in D.C. circuit.
• Choke coil is based on the principle of watt-less current.
• Iron cored choke coil is used generally at low frequency and air cored at high frequency.
• Resistance of ideal choke coil is zero.

Example 41:
A choke coil of resistance R and inductance L is connected in series with a L,R C
capacitor C and complete combination is connected to AC voltage, Circuit
resonates when angular frequency of supply is ω = ω0.
(a) Find out relation between ω0, L and C
(b) What is phase difference between V and I at resonance, is it changes
=V V0 sin ωt(volt)
when resistance of choke coil is zero.

40 Alternating Current
Solution:
(a) At resonance condition XL = XC

1 1
⇒ ω0L = ⇒ ω0 =
ω0C LC
R R
(b)  cos φ = = =1
Z R
∴ φ = 0° No, It is always zero.

Example 42:
Calculate the resistance or inductance required to operate a lamp (60V, 10W) from a source of
(100 V, 50 Hz)
Solution:
(a) Maximum voltage across lamp = 60V R
 V Lamp + VR = 100 ∴ VR = 40V

Wattage 10 1
Now current through Lamp is Ι = = = A
voltage 60 6 100V,50Hz

1
But VR= ΙR 40 = (R) R = 240 Ω
6
2 2 2
(b) Now in this case (VLamp) + (VL) = (V)
L
2 2 2
(60) + (VL) = (100) VL = 80 V
1
Also VL = ΙXL = X ⇒ XL = 6VL 100V,50Hz
6 L
so XL = 80 × 6 = 480 Ω = L (2πf) ⇒ L = 1.5 H

Alternating Current 41
 ANSWER KEY FOR CONCEPT BUILDERS

CONCEPT BUILDER-1 CONCEPT BUILDER-4

1. f = 0.66, Iav = 5A 1. 50 Ω

2. (a) 100 3 units (b) 5 3 units 2. (i) 10 Ω (ii) 2A

(c) 10 sin 100πt 3. 4.86 µF 4. 1.1 A

3. 2.5ms 5. 50 3 Ω 6. tan−1 4/3

4. (i) ν = 200 Hz (ii) Iav = 31.9 A 7. 13 V 8. 0.755A

9. 100
(iii) Irms = 35.4 A

5. 50 A
CONCEPT BUILDER-5
6. (2) 1. 5Ω
7. (i) 242 Ω (ii) 0.9 A 2. π/4
8. 1.26 A 3. (i) 10 2 Ω (ii) 5 Ω
9. 165 Watt 4. 3V
10. Yes 5. voltage across inductor = 1 V
rms voltage across capacitor,
CONCEPT BUILDER-2 VC = IrmsXC = 0.5 V

1 rms voltage across resistor

1. s
200 VR = Irms R = 0.5 V
2. 2.5ms 6. VR = 50 V, VC = 50 V
3. (a) 5.5 A (b) 7.8 A 7. 0.1 A
(c) 2.5 ms
4. Zero CONCEPT BUILDER-6
1. 25 pF 2. 1.5 A
5. 5 kΩ
6. 20 A 10 7
3. A 4. (2)
4
5. (1)
CONCEPT BUILDER-3
6. (a) 0.1 A (b) 1.5 W
1. (2) im sin(ωt + π / 2) 7. (3) 8. 5 watt
2. (4) Both (1) and (2)
3. (3) 212Ω
4. (3) 1.04 A, 1.47 A

42 Alternating Current
 Exercise - I
Direct Current / Alternating Current / 7. The value of alternating e.m.f. is e = 500
Characteristics of Ac sin 100πt, then the frequency of this
potential in Hz is -
1. An alternating current changes from a (1) 25 (2) 50
complete cycle in 1µs, then the frequency (3) 75 (4) 100
in Hz will be -
–6
(1) 10 (2) 50 8. The frequency of an alternating current is
6
(3) 100 (4) 10 50Hz, then the time to complete one cycle
for current will be-
2. In an ac circuit, the current is given by (1) 20 ms (2) 50 ms
i = 4 sin (100πt + 30°) ampere. The current (3) 100 ms (4) 1 s
becomes maximum first time (after t = 0)
at t equal to - 9. In the above question, time taken by
(1) (1/200) sec (2) (1/300) sec current to rise from zero to maximum is:
(3) (1/50) sec (4) None of these (1) 1/200 sec (2) 1/100 sec
(3) 1/50 sec (4) 1/400 sec
3. The instantaneous value of current in an ac
circuit is Ι = 2 sin (100πt + π/3) A. The 10. In the equation Ι = Ι0 sin ωt, the current
current at the beginning (t = 0) will be - amplitude and frequency will respectively
(1) 2 3 A (2) 3A be:

3 ω I0 ω
(3) A (4) Zero (1) Ι0, (2)
2 2π 2 2π
ω
(3) Ιrms, (4) Ι0, ω
4. The direction of alternating current get 2π
changed in one cycle -
(1) two times (2) one time 11. Sinusoidal peak potential is 200 volt with
(3) 50 times (4) 60 times frequency 50Hz. It is represented by the
equation
5. If the frequency of alternating potential is (1) E = 200 sin 50t (2) E = 200 sin 314t
50Hz then the direction of potential, (3) E = 200 2 sin 50t (4) E =200 2 sin 314t
changes in one second by -
(1) 50 times (2) 100 times 12. In an electric circuit the applied alternating
(3) 200 times (4) 500 times emf is given by E = 100 sin (314 t) volt, and
current flowing Ι = sin (314t + π /3). Then the
6. The time period of alternating current with impedance of the circuit is (in ohm):
frequency of one KHz will be - 100
(1) (2) 100
(1) 0.10 sec (2) 0.01 sec 2
–3
(3) 1 × 10 sec (4) 1 sec (3) 100 2 (4) None of these

Alternating Current 43
13. The voltage of an AC source varies with 18. Ιn a circuit an A.C. current and a D.C.
time according to equation V = 100 sin(πt) current are supplied together. The
cos (πt). where t is in seconds and V is in expression of the instantaneous current is
volts. Then: given as i = 3 + 6 sin ωt Then the rms value
(1) the peak voltage of the source is 100 V
of the current is:
(2) the peak voltage of the source is 50 V
(1) 3 (2) 6
(3) the peak voltage of the source is
(3) 3 2 (4) 3 3
100 / 2V
(4) the frequency of the source is 100 Hz.
19. The average value or alternating current for
Mean Value or Average Value / Root Mean half cycle in terms of I0 is -
Square (RMS) Value / Form Factor 2 I0 I0
(1) (2)
π π
14. In A.C. circuit the average value per cycle I0
(3) (4) 0
of e.m.f. or current is: 2
(1) peak value / 2 (2) 0
(3) peak value (4) None of these 20. RMS value of A.C. i = i1 cos ωt + i2 sin ωt will
be-
15. The r.m.s. value of potential due to
1 1 2
superposition of given two alternating (1) (i1 + i2) (2) (i1 + i2)
2 2
potentials E1 = E0 sin ωt and E2 = E0 cos ωt
1 1
1
will be: (3)
2
(i1 + i2 )
2 1/2
(4) (i21 − i22 )2
(1) E0 (2) 2E0 2 2

(3) E0 2 (4) 0
21. The electric current in a circuit is given by

16. A mixer of 1000Ω resistance is connected i0 t

i = for some time. The rms current for
τ
to an A.C. source of 200V and 50 cycle per
sec. The value of average potential difference the period t = 0 to t = τ will be-
across the mixer per cycle will be: i0 i0
(1) (2)
(1) 308 V (2) 264 V 2 3
(3) 220 V (4) 0 i0 i0
(3) (4)
2 3
17. The r.m.s. value of alternating current is
10 amp having frequency of 50 Hz. The time 22. An AC source is rated 220 V, 50 Hz. The
taken by the current to increase from zero average voltage is calculated in a time
to maximum and the maximum value of interval of 0.01 s, It -
current will be -
(1) must be zero
–2
(1) 2 × 10 sec. and 14.14 amp
(2) may be zero
–2
(2) 1 × 10 sec. and 7.07 amp
(3) is never zero
–3
(3) 5 × 10 sec. and 7.07 amp
20
–3 (4) is volt
(4) 5 × 10 sec. and 14.14 amp 2

44 Alternating Current
 Measurement of Alternating Quantities / 28. The A.C. meters measure its -
Phase, Phase Difference & Phasor Diagrams, (1) root mean square value
Advantage of AC (2) peak value
(3) square mean value
23. An alternating voltage source is connected
(4) None of these
in an A.C. circuit whose maximum value is
170 volt. The value of potential at a phase
angle of 45° will be: 29. The A.C. meters are based on the principle
(1) 120.22 Volt (2) 110.12 Volt of-
(3) 240 Volt (4) Zero (1) Heating effect
(2) Magnetic effect
24. The emf and the current in a circuit are
(3) Chemical effect
E = 12 sin (100πt) ;
(4) Electromagnetic effect
Ι = 4 sin (100πt + π / 3) then -
(1) The current leads the emf by 60°
(2) The current lags the emf by 60° AC Circuit with Pure Inductance
(3) The emf leads the current by 60°
(4) The phase difference between the 30. Which of the following graphs shows, in a
current and the emf is zero
pure resistor, the voltage and current are
in phase?
25. The sinusoidal voltage wave changes from
0 to maximum value of 100 volt. The im i
voltage when the phase angle is 30° will
be: (1) O ωt
π 2π
(1) 70.7 volt (2) 50 volt Vm V
(3) 109 volt (4) –100 volt

Vm V
26. If the frequency of AC is 60 Hz, the time im i
2π
difference corresponding to a phase (2) O π ωt
difference of 60° is -
(1) 60 s (2) 1 s
(3) 1/60 s (4) 1/360 s Vm V i
im
2π
27. Alternating current can not be measured π ωt
(3) O
by direct current meters, because -
(1) alternating current can not pass
through an ammeter
(2) the average value of current for Vm V

complete cycle is zero

(4) O ωt
(3) some amount of alternating current is π 2π
im i
destroyed in the ammeter
(4) None of these

Alternating Current 45
31. If alternating current of 60 Hz frequency is 36. Ιn pure inductive circuit, the curves
flowing through inductance of L = 1 mH and between frequency f and inductive
drop in ∆VL is 0.6 V then alternating 1
reactance is:
current: XL

1 5
(1) A (2) A 1
π π
XL
50 20 (1)
(3) A (4) A
π π
f
32. The inductance of a resistance less coil is
0.5 Henry. In the coil the value of A.C. is 1
XL
0.2 Amp whose frequency is 50Hz. The (2)
reactance of circuit is:
(1) 15.7 Ω (2) 157Ω f

(3) 1.57Ω (4) 0.157 Ω

1
XL
33. The inductive reactance of a coil is 1000Ω. (3)
If its self inductance and frequency both
are increased two times then inductive f

reactance will be:

1
(1) 1000 Ω (2) 2000 Ω (4) XL

(3) 4000 Ω (4) 16000 Ω

f

34. A coil of inductance 0.1 H is connected to

an alternating voltage generator of voltage AC Circuit with Pure Capacitance
E = 100 sin (100t) volt. The current flowing
through the coil will be: 37. An alternating voltage E = 200 2 sin(100t)
(1) Ι = 10 2 sin (100t) A is connected to a 1µF, capacitor through an
(2) Ι = 10 2 cos (100t) A AC ammeter. The reading of the ammeter
(3) Ι = – 10 sin (100t) A shall be
(4) Ι = – 10 cos (100t) A (1) 10 mA (2) 20 mA
(3) 40 mA (4) 80 mA
35. A coil has reactance of 100Ω when
frequency is 50Hz. If the frequency 38. A 60µF capacitor is connected to a 110 V,
becomes 150Hz, then the reactance will 60 Hz AC supply. The rms value of the
be: current in the circuit is
(1) 100Ω (1) 2 A
(2) 300Ω (2) 2.49 A
(3) 450Ω (3) 1.85 A
(4) 600Ω (4) 2.05 A

46 Alternating Current
39. If an alternating current i = im sinωt is 44. Ιn an A.C. circuit, a capacitor of 1µF value
flowing through a capacitor then voltage is connected to a source of frequency
drop ∆VC across capacitor C will be ? 1000 rad/sec. The value of capacitive
im reactance will be -
(1) – sinωt
ωC (1) 10Ω (2) 100Ω
im (3) 1000Ω (4) 10,000Ω
(2) – cosωt
ωC
im  π 45. Ιn ac circuit contains a pure capacitor,
(3) − sin  ωt + 
ωC  4 across which an ac emf e = 100 sin (1000t),
im  π volt is applied. If the peak value of the
(4) sin  ωt − 
ωC  4  current is 200 mA, then the value of the
capacitor is -
40. In an A.C. circuit capacitance of 5µF has a (1) 2 µF (2) 20 µF
reactance as 1000 Ω. The frequency of A.C. (3) 5 µF (4) 500 µF
will be-
1000 100 Series L-R Circuit
(1) cycle/s (2) cycle/s
π π
(3) 200 cycle/s (4) 5000 cycle/s
46. In given figure find VR:
VR = ? VL = 176V
41. If a capacitor is connected to two different
A.C. generators then the value of
capacitive reactance is -
(1) directly proportional to frequency
220V
(2) inversely proportional to frequency
(3) independent of frequency (1) 132 V

(4) inversely proportional to the square of (2) 396 V

frequency (3) 185 V

(4) 220 × 176 V
42. Alternating current lead the applied e.m.f.
by π/2 when the circuit consists of: 47. Figure shows the variation of voltage with
(1) only resistance time for an AC Ι = Ι0 sin ωt flowing through
(2) only capacitor a circuit-
(3) only an inductance coil v
(4) capacitor and resistance both Q

t
43. The reactance of a capacitor is X1 for
P
frequency n1 and X2 for frequency n2 then
X1 : X2 is: (1) Curve P is for R–L and Q for R–C circuit
(1) 1 : 1 (2) n1 : n2 (2) Curve P is for R–C and Q for R–L circuit
2 2
(3) n2 : n1 (4) n1 : n 2 (3) Both are for R–C circuit
(4) Both are for R–L circuit

Alternating Current 47
48. The impedance of the given circuit will be: Series R-C Circuit
150Ω
52. Which of the following figure showing the
phase relationship is correct phase

200Ω
diagram for an R–C circuit-

(1) 50 ohm (2) 150 ohm I

V
(3) 200 ohm (4) 250 ohm (1) (2)
V I
49. A coil of resistance R and inductance L is I
V
connected to a cell of emf E volt. The (3) (4)
V
current flowing through the coil will be - I
(1) E/R
(2) E/L 53. The impedance of the given circuit will be:
E 1µF
(3) 150Ω
2 2
L +R
EL
(4)
L + R2
2

+ –
50. In an AC circuit, the current lags behind the
(1) Zero (2) Infinite
voltage by π/3. The components of the
(3) 55 ohm (4) 2500 ohm
circuit are-
(1) R and L (2) L and C
54. If frequency of alternating source is made
(3) R and C (4) only R
zero then which of the following statement
is true-
51. Ιn a certain circuit E = 200 cos (314t) and
(1) current through capacitor will be zero
Ι = sin (314t + π/4). Their phasor (vector)
representation is- (2) current through resistance will be zero
(3) current through inductance will be zero
π/4 E
(1) (4) all
I
I LCR Series Circuit
(2)
π/4 55. In an L-C-R series AC circuit, the voltage
E
across each of the components. L C, and R
3π / 4 E
is 50 V. The voltage across the C-R
(3)
combination will be
I
(1) 50 V
I
(2) 50 2V
(4) 3π / 4 (3) 100 V
E
(4) zero

48 Alternating Current
56. In a series L-C-R circuit, the frequency of 60. A resistance of 50Ω, an inductance of
10 V AC voltage source is adjusted in such 20/π Henry and a capacitor of 5/π µF are
a fashion that the reactance of the connected in series with an A.C. source of
inductor measures 15 Ω and that of the 230 volt and 50 Hz. The impedance of
capacitor 11Ω. If R = 3 Ω, the potential circuit is-
difference across the series combination (1) 5Ω (2) 50Ω
of L and C will be (3) 5KΩ (4) 500Ω
(1) 8 V (2) 10 V
(3) 22 V (4) 52 V 61. The potential difference between the ends
of a resistance R is VR, between the ends
57. In the given figure, the potential difference of capacitor is VC = 2VR and between the
is shown on R, L and C. The e.m.f. of source ends of inductance is VL = 3VR, then the
in volt is:
alternating potential of the source in terms
30V 100V
60V of VR will be -

(1) 2 VR (2) VR

(3) VR/ 2 (4) 5VR

e
62. In an LCR circuit, the voltages across the
(1) 190 (2) 70 components are VL, VC and VR respectively.
(3) 50 (4) 40
The voltage of source will be:
(1) [VR + VL + VC]
58. In an L.C.R series circuit R = 1Ω, 2 2 2 1/2
(2) [VR + VL + VC ]
XL = 1000Ω and XC = 1000Ω. A source of 100
2 2 1/2
m volt is connected in the circuit the (3) [VR + (VL + VC) ]
2 2 1/2
current in the circuit is: (4) [VR + (VL – VC) ]
(1) 100 mA (2) 1 µA
(3) 0.1 µA (4) 10 µA 63. If E0 = 200 volt, R = 25 ohm, L = 0.1 H and
–5
C = 10 F and the frequency is variable,
59. The vector diagram of the current and
then the current at f = 0 and f = ∞ will be
voltage in a given circuit is shown in the
respectively-
figure. The components of the circuit will
be: R L C
45º E = 200 volts

E
I = 2A (1) 0 A, 8 A
(2) 8 A, 0 A
(1) L–C–R (2) L–R
(3) 8 A, 8 A
(3) L–C–R or L–R (4) C–R
(4) 0 A, 0 A

Alternating Current 49
 Resonance 68. In a series LCR circuit L = 1H, C = 6.25 µF
and R = 1 ohm. Its quality factor is:
64. Ιn a series resonant L–C–R circuit, if L is
(1) 400 (2) 200
increased by 25% and C is decreased by
(3) 125 (4) 25
20%, then the resonant frequency will -
(1) Increase by 10% 69. In LCR circuit, capacitor C is changed to
(2) Decrease by 10% 4C, then what should be the value of L to
(3) Remain unchanged keep resonance frequency same:
(4) Increase by 2.5% (1) 2 L (2) L/2
(3) L/4 (4) 4L
65. Ιn a series LCR circuit C = 25 µF, L = 0.1 H
and R = 25Ω. When an AC source of emf 70. In an LCR. series circuit the resonating
e = 311 sin (314t) is applied. Then the frequency can be decreased by:
impedance is: (1) Decreasing the value of C
(1) 99 ohm (2) 80 ohm (2) Decreasing the value of L

(3) 57 ohm (4) 25 ohm (3) Decreasing both the values of L and C
(4) Increasing the value of C

66. Figure shows a series L-C-R circuit,

71. Which of the following statements is
connected to a variable frequency 200 V
correct for L–C–R series combination in
source. C = 80µF and R = 40 Ω. The source
the condition of resonance:
frequency which drives the circuit at
(1) Resistance is zero
resonance is
(2) Impedance is zero
L = 5H
(3) Reactance is zero
C = 80 µF (4) Resistance, impedance and reactance
R all are zero

∼ 72. In an LCR circuit the resonating frequency is

V = 200V 500 kHz. If the value of L is increased two
times and value of C is decreased 1/8
25
(1) 25 Hz (2) Hz times, then the new resonating frequency
π
in kHz will be:
50
(3) 50 Hz (4) Hz (1) 250 (2) 500
π
(3) 1000 (4) 2000

67. What is the value of inductance L for which

73. Ιn resonating circuit value of inductance
the current is a maximum in a series LCR
and capacitance is 0.1H and 200 µF. For
circuit with C = 10 µF and ω = 1000 rad/s ?
same resonating frequency, if value of
(1) 10 mH
inductance is 100H then necessary value of
(2) 100 mH
capacitance in µF will be -
(3) 1 mH (1) 4 (2) 0.2
(4) cannot be calculated unless R is known (3) 2 (4) 0.3

50 Alternating Current
74. Ιn AC circuit at resonance - 79. The percentage increase in the impedance
(1) Impedance = R of an AC circuit, when its power factor
 1  changes form 0.866 to 0.5 is (Resistance
(2) Impedance =  ωL − 
 ω C constant) -
(3) The voltages across L and C are in the (1) 73.2% (2) 86.6%
same phase (3) 90.8% (4) 66.6%
(4) The phase difference of current in C
relative to source voltage is π
80. Ιn an AC circuit 6 ohm resistor, an inductor
of 4 ohm and a capacitor of 12 ohm are
75. An A.C. circuit resonates at a frequency of
10 kHz. If its frequency is increased to 11 connected in series with an AC source of
kHz, then: 100 volt (rms). The average power
(1) Impedance will increase by 1.1 times dissipated in the circuit will be -
(2) Impedance will remain unchanged (1) 600 W (2) 500 W
(3) Impedance will increase and become (3) 400 W (4) 200 W
inductive
(4) Impedance will increase and become 81. Ιn an AC circuit emf and current are E = 5
capacitive
cos ωt volt and Ι = 2 sin ωt ampere
respectively. The average power dissipated
76. Which of the following statements is
in this circuit will be -
correct, for an LCR series combination
having the resonating condition as- (1) 10 W (2) 2.5 W
(1) the current is minimum (3) 5 W (4) Zero
(2) the phase difference between the
current and e.m.f. is π/2 82. Ιn an L–C–R series circuit the loss of
(3) the Impedance is equal to R power is in-
(4) the value of power factor is minimum (1) Only R (2) Only L
(3) Only C (4) both L and C
Power in AC Circuits
77. The value of current at half power points 83. Ιn an AC circuit the readings of an
is: ammeter and a voltmeter are 10 A and 25
(1) Im 2 (2) Im/ 2 volt respectively, the power consumption
(3) 2Im (4) Im/2 in the circuit will be -
(1) More than 250 W
78. The power factor of the following circuit (2) Always less than 250 W
will be- (3) 250 W
XC = 40Ω
(4) Less than 250 W or 250 W

200V
R = 40Ω 84. The ratio of apparent power and average
50Hz
power in an A.C. circuit is equal to -
(1) Reciprocal of power factor
XL = 100Ω
r = 40Ω (2) Efficiency
(1) 0.2 (2) 0.4 (3) Power factor
(3) 0.6 (4) 0.8 (4) Form factor

Alternating Current 51
 π 89. In a resistance of 25Ω A.C. is passed to
85. In an A.C. circuit, i = 5 sin (100t – )
2 produce heat of the rate of 250 watt. The
ampere and V = 200 sin (100 t) volt. The value of current in the resistance will be-
power loss in the circuit will be - (1) 0.316 A (2) 1 A
(1) 20 volt (2) 40 volt (3) 3.16 A (4) 10 A
(3) 1000 watt (4) 0 watt
Choke Coil
86. An air core coil and an electric bulb are
90. The self inductance of a choke coil is 10
connected in series with an A.C. source. If
mH. When it is connected with a 10V D.C.
an iron rod is put in the coil, then the
source, then the loss of power is 20 watt.
intensity of bulb’s will-
When it is connected with 10 volt A.C.
(1) Be same
source loss of power is 10 watt. The
(2) Increase
frequency of A.C. source will be-
(3) Decrease
(1) 50 Hz (2) 60 Hz
(4) Decrease, increase
(3) 80 Hz (4) 100 Hz

87. 2.5/π µF capacitor and a 3000–ohm

91. A choke coil of 100 ohm and 1 H is
resistance are joined in series to an AC
connected to a generator of E = 200 sin
–1
source of 200 volt and 50 sec frequency. (100t) volt. The average power dissipated
The power factor of the circuit and the
will be -
power dissipated in it will respectively -
(1) Zero (2) 200 W
(1) 0.6, 0.06W
(3) 141 W (4) 100 W
(2) 0.06, 0.6W
(3) 0.6, 4.8W
92. A choke coil of negligible resistance carries
(4) 4.8, 0.6W 5 mA current when it is operated at 220 V.
The loss of power in the choke coil is -
88. In an LR circuit, the inductive reactance is (1) Zero (2) 11 W
equal to resistance R of the circuit. An 3
(3) 44 × 10 W (4) 1.1 W
e.m.f. E = E0 cos ωt is applied to the circuit.
The power consumed in the circuit is-
93. Power factor of a best choke coil is-
2 2
(1) E 0 /R (2) E 0 / 2R (1) Near about zero (2) Zero
2 2
(3) E 0 / 4R (4) E 0 / 8R (3) Near about one (4) One

52 Alternating Current
 Exercise - II
1. A coil when connected to a DC source of 5. An inductor (L) and resistance (R) are
12 V, carries a current of 4 A. If this coil is connected in series with an AC source.
connected to an AC source of 12 V and The phase difference between voltage (V)
50 rad/s, then it carries a current of 2.4 A. and current (i) is 45°. Now a capacitor (C)

The inductance of the coil is - is connected in series with L-R, If the

(1) 48 H (2) 4 H phase difference between V and i remain

–2 same, then capacitive reactance and
(3) 12.5 H (4) 8 × 10 H
impedance of L-C-R circuit will be-
(1) R, 2R (2) 2R, R 2
2. The current through ‘a’ wire changes with
(3) R, R (4) 2R, R
time according to the equation I = t . The
correct value of the rms current with in
6. In a series LCR circuit the voltage across
the time interval t = 2 to t = 4s will be:
the resistance, capacitance and
(1) 3 A (2) 3 A
inductance is 10 V each. If the capacitor is
(3) 3 3 A (4) None of these removed, the voltage across the
inductance will be-
3. A series AC circuit has a resistance of 4Ω 10
(1) 10 V (2) V
and an inductor of reactance 3Ω. The 2
impedance of the circuit is z1. Now a (3) V (4) 20 V

capacitor of reactance 6Ω is connected in

the series of above combination, the 7. In an AC circuit, a resistance of R ohm is

impedance becomes z2, Then ratio z1 : z2 connected in series with an inductance L.

If phase angle between voltage and
will be:
current be 45°, the value of inductive
(1) 1 : 1 (2) 5 : 4
reactance will be-
(3) 4 : 5 (4) 2 : 1
(1) R/4
(2) R/2
4. An AC ammeter is used to measure
(3) R
current in a circuit. When a given direct
(4) Cannot be found with the given data
current passes through the circuit, the AC
ammeter reads 3A. When another
8. A coil has an inductance of 0.7 H and is
alternating current passes through the joined in series with a resistance of 220 Ω.
circuit the AC ammeter reads 4 A, then When an alternating e.m.f. of 220 V at 50
reading of this ammeter if DC and AC flow cps is applied to it, then the wattless
through the circuit simultaneously is: component of the current in the circuit is:
(1) 3 A (2) 4 A (1) 5 ampere (2) 0.5 ampere
(3) 7 A (4) 5 A (3) 0.7 ampere (4) 7 ampere

Alternating Current 53
9. A direct current of 2 A and an alternating 14. The inductance of the oscillatory circuit of
current having a maximum value of 2 A a radio station is 10 milli henry and its
flow through two identical resistances. capacitance is 0.25 µF. Taking the effect
The ratio of heat produced in the two of the resistance negligible, wavelength of
resistances will be- the broadcasted waves will be (velocity of
(1) 1 : 1 (2) 1 : 2 8
light = 3.0 × 10 m/s, π = 3.14)
(3) 2 : 1 (4) 4 : 1 (1) 9.42 × 10 m
4
(2) 18.8 × 10 m
4

4
(3) 4.5 × 10 m (4) none of these
10. The current I = I0sin(ωt – π/2) is flowing in
a variable current circuit. The potential 15. A coil has an inductance of 0.7 henry and
E = E0sinωt is applied to the circuit. The is joined in series with a resistance of 220
loss of power will be- Ω. When the alternating emf of 220 V at
(1) P = E0I0/ 2 (2) P = E0I0/2 50 Hz is applied to it then the phase

(3) P = EI/ 2 (4) P = zero through which current lags behind the
applied emf and the wattless component

11. An alternating voltage E = 200 2 sin (100t) of current in the circuit will be

volt is connected to a 1 µF capacitor respectively-

through an A.C. ammeter. The reading of (1) 30°, 1 A (2) 45°, 0.5 A

ammeter is- (3) 60°, 1.5 A (4) none of these

(1) 10 mA (2) 20 mA
(3) 40 mA (4) 80 mA 16. When 100 V D.C. is applied across a coil,
a current of 1A flows through it. When

12. In an A.C. circuit V and I are given by 100V A.C. of 50 Hz is applied to the same

V = 100 sin(100t) volts coil only 0.5A flows. The inductance of

I = 100 sin(100t + π/3) mA the coil is-

The power dissipated in the circuit is- (1) 0.55 H (2) 55 mH

4 (3) 0.55 mH (4) 5.5 mH
(1) 10 watt (2) 10 watt
(3) 2.5 watt (4) 5.0 watt
17. In the circuit shown in the figure, the A.C.
source gives a voltage V = 20cos(2000t)
13. A bulb and a capacitor are connected in
volt, neglecting source resistance, the
series to a source of alternating current.
voltmeter and ammeter readings will be-
If its frequency is increased, while keeping
6Ω
the voltage of the source constant, then: A

(1) Bulb will give more intense light 5mH,4Ω 50μF

(2) Bulb will give less intense light
(3) Bulb will give light of same intensity as V

before (1) 0 V, 1.4 A (2) 5.6 V, 1.4 A

(4) Bulb will stop radiating light (3) 0 V, .47 A (4) 1.68 V, 0.47 A

54 Alternating Current
18. In a circuit 20Ω resistance and 0.4 H 21. When an AC source of e.m.f.
inductance are connected with a source of e = E0sin(100t) is connected across a
220 volt of frequency 50 Hz, then the circuit, the phase difference between the
value of φ will be-
e.m.f. e and the current I in the circuit is
–1 –1
(1) tan (4π) (2) tan (2π)
observed to be π/4, as shown in the
–1 –1
(3) tan (1π) (4) tan (3π)
diagram. If the circuit consists possibly
only of R-C or R-L or L-C in series, find the
19. The diagram shows a capacitor C and a
relationship between the two elements:
resistor R connected in series to an AC
I or e I
source, V1 and V2 are voltmeters and A is e

an ammeter. Consider now the following

statements-
(I) Readings in A and V2 are always in phase (1) R = 1 kΩ, C = 10µF (2) R = 1 kΩ, C = 1µF
(II) Reading in V1 is ahead with reading in (3) R = 1 kΩ, C = 10H (4) R = 1 kΩ, C = 1H
V2
(III) Readings in A and V1 are always in 22. An inductor of inductance L and resistor
phase of resistance R are joined in series and
Which of these statements are/is correct: connected by a source of frequency ω.
v1
Power dissipated in the circuit is-

C (R2 + ω2L2 ) V2R

(1) (2)
v2
V (R2 + ω2L2 )
R

V R2 + ω2L2
A (3) (4)
(R2 + ω2L2 ) v2
(1) I only (2) II only
(3) I and II only (4) II and III only 23. The power factor of an A.C. circuit having
resistance (R) and inductance (L)
20. In a series LCR circuit voltage across
connected in series having angular
resister, inductor and capacitor are 1 V,
frequency ω is -
3 V and 2 V respectively. At the instant t
when the source voltage is given by
R R
(1) (2)
ωL (R + ω2L2 )1/2
2
V = V0 cos ωt, the current in the circuit will
be- ωL R
(3) (4)
R (R2 − ω2L2 )1/2
 π
(1) I = I0 cos  ωt + 
 4 
 π 24. The self inductance of the motor of an
(2) I = I0cos  ωt − 
 4 electric fan is 10 H. In order to impart
 π maximum power at 50 Hz, it should be
(3) I = I0cos  ωt + 
 3 connected to a capacitance of –
 π (1) 4µF (2) 8µF
(4) I = I0cos  ωt − 
 3  (3) 1µF (4) 2µF

Alternating Current 55
25. The phase difference between the 27. In a series LCR circuit R = 200 Ω and the
alternating current and emf is π/2. Which voltage and the frequency of the main
of the following cannot be the constituent supply is 220 V and 50 Hz respectively. On
of the circuit ? taking out the capacitance from the
(1) C alone (2) R L circuit the current lags behind the voltage
(3) L C (4) L alone by 30°. On taking out the inductor from
the circuit the current leads the voltage by
26. In a series resonant LCR circuit, the 30°. The power dissipated in the LCR
voltage across R is 100 volts and R = 1 kΩ circuit is:
with C = 2 µF. The resonant frequency ω is (1) 242 W
200 rad/s. At resonance the voltage across (2) 305 W
L is - (3) 210 W
(1) 250 V (2) 4 × 10
–3
V (4) Zero W
–2
(3) 2.5 × 10 V (4) 40 V

56 Alternating Current
 Exercise - III
1. Match the Column I with Column II. Read the Questions (4 to 8)
Column I Column II Assertion and Reason carefully and mark
(A) VR (p) π/2 ahead of I the correct options.
(A) Both Assertion and Reason are true and
(B) VC (q) Parallel to I
Reason is the correct explanation of
(C) VL (r) π/2 behind I
Assertion.
(1) A → (p); B → (q); C → (r)
(B) Both Assertion and Reason are true but
(2) A → (q); B → (r); C → (p) Reason is not correct explanation of
(3) A → (r); B → (q); C → (p) Assertion.
(4) A → (p); B → (r); C → (q) (C) Assertion is true but Reason is false.
(D) Assertion and Reason are false.
2. Match the Column I with Column II.
Column I Column II 4. Assertion: When the capacitor is
(A) VRm (p) imXL connected to an AC source, it limits or
(B) VCm (q) imR regulates the current, but does not
(C) VLm (r) imXC completely prevent the flow of charge.
(1) A → (p); B → (q); C → (r) Reason: The capacitor is alternately
charged and discharged as the current
(2) A → (r); B → (q); C → (p)
reverses each half-cycle.
(3) A → (p); B → (r); C → (q)
(1) A (2) B
(4) A → (q); B → (r); C → (p)
(3) C (4) D

3. Match the Column I with Column II. 5. Assertion: In series LCR circuit resonance
Column I Column II can take place.
(A) Resistive (p) No power is Reason: Resonance takes if inductive and
circuit dissipation capacitive reactance are equal.
(B) Purely (q) Maximum (1) A (2) B
inductive or power (3) C (4) D
capacitive dissipation
circuit because of 6. Assertion: AC source is connected across
a circuit. Power dissipated in circuit is P.
XC = X L
The power is dissipated only across
(C) L-C-r series (r) Power
resistance.
circuit dissipated
Reason: Inductor and capacitor will not
only in the
consume any power in AC circuit.
resistor (1) A (2) B
(D) Power (s) Maximum (3) C (4) D
dissipated at power
Resonance in dissipation 7. Assertion: Average value of a.c. over a
L-C-R circuit complete cycle is always zero.
(1) A → (p); B → (q); C → (r); D → (s) Reason: Average value of a.c. is generally
(2) A → (s); B → (p); C → (r); D → (q) calculated over half cycle.
(3) A → (r); B → (p); C → (s); D → (q) (1) A (2) B
(3) C (4) D
(4) A → (q); B → (p); C → (r); D → (s)

Alternating Current 57
8. Assertion: When frequency is greater than 11. For the circuit shown in Figure, labelled
resonance frequency in a series LCR circuit, with the specific values, select the correct
statements
it will be an inductive circuit.
40 Ω XL = 20 Ω
Reason: Resultant voltage will lead the
100 V
current.
2A
(1) A
(2) B ∼
V = V0 sin ωt
(3) C
(1) The voltage across the resistor is 80 V
(4) D
(2) The capacitive reactance is 50 Ω
(3) The voltage across the inductor is 40 V
9. In an AC circuit, the power factor (4) The peak value of the applied voltage
(1) is unity when the circuit is purely is 100 V

resistive.
12. In an AC series circuit, R = 10 Ω, XL = 20 Ω and
(2) is unity when the circuit is purely
XC = 10 Ω. Then, select the correct
inductive.
option(s).
(3) is zero when the circuit is purely (1) Voltage function will lead the current
capacitive. function.
(4) is 0.5 when the difference of inductive (2) Total impedance of the circuit is 10 2Ω

reactance and capacitive reactance is .

(3) Phase angle between voltage function
1.732 times the resistance.
and current function is 45°.
1
10. A tube light of 60 V, 60 W rating is (4) Power factor of circuit is .
2
connected across an AC source of 100 V
and 50 Hz frequency. Then Paragraph for Questions (13 to 29)

4 A sinusoidal voltage of peak value 283 V

(1) an inductance of H may be and frequency 50 Hz is applied to a series
5π
LCR circuit in which R = 3 Ω, L = 25.48
connected in series.
mH , C = 796 μF. Based on the above facts,
250
(2) a capacitor of µF may be answer the following questions.
π
connected in series to it. 13. The rms voltage is
2 (1) 50 V (2) 100 V
(3) an inductor of H may be connected
5π (3) 200 V (4) 250 V
in series
(4) a resistance of 40 Ω may be connected 14. XL is
(1) 2 Ω (2) 4 Ω
in series
(3) 6 Ω (4) 8 Ω

58 Alternating Current
15. XC is 26. The resonance frequency is
(1) 2 Ω (2) 4 Ω (1) 35.4 Hz (2) 45 Hz
(3) 6 Ω (4) 8 Ω (3) 50 Hz (4) 60 Hz

16. Z is 27. Value of Z at resonance is

(1) 2 Ω (2) 3 Ω (1) 1 Ω (2) 2 Ω
(3) 4 Ω (4) 5 Ω (3) 3 Ω (4) 4 Ω

17. The peak current is 28. Current at resonance is

(1) 56.6 A (2) 26.6 A (1) 66.67 A (2) 1 A
(3) 16.2 A (4) 7.2 A (3) 0 A (4) ∞

18. The phase angle is 29. The power consumed at resonance is

(1) 43.13° (2) 53.13°
(1) 13.33 kW (2) 23.33 kW
(3) 60° (4) 90°
(3) 4 kW (4) 7 kW

19. The rms current is

For the questions (30 to 32)
(1) 10 A (2) 20 A
For the circuit shown in figure a voltage of
(3) 30 A (4) 40 A
E = E0 sin (ωt) is applied. The voltmeter
readings are V1 = 100 V, V2 = 125 V, V3 = 150
20. The rms voltage across capacitor is
V and ammeter reading is 5 A.
(1) 120 V (2) 160 V
(3) 320 V (4) 0 V

21. The rms voltage across inductor is

(1) 120 V (2) 160 V
(3) 320 V (4) 0 V

22. The rms voltage across resistor is

(1) 120 V (2) 160 V 30. The net impedance of circuit is
(3) 320 V (4) 0 V (1) 5 37Ω (2) 5 26Ω
(3) 5 17Ω (4) 5 29Ω
23. The power dissipated in the circuit is
(1) 4800 W (2) 240 W
31. The power factor of circuit is
(3) 120 W (4) 12 W
4 4
(1) (2)
17 29
24. The power factor is
(1) 0.1 (2) 0.4 4 4
(3) (4)
(3) 0.5 (4) 0.6 26 37

25. The power input is 32. The value of E0 is

(1) 4800 W (2) 240 W (1) 25 17V (2) 20 17V
(3) 120 W (4) 12 W (3) 20 34V (4) 25 34V

Alternating Current 59
 Exercise – IV (Previous Year Questions)
1. A coil of self - inductance L is connected 5. A small signal voltage V(t) = V0 sin ωt is
in series with a bulb B and an AC source. applied across an ideal capacitor C
Brightness of the bulb decreases when [NEET-I_2016]
[NEET_2013] (1) Current Ι(t), lags voltage V(t) by 90°
(1) number of turns in the coil is reduced
(2) Over a full cycle, the capacitor C does
(2) a capacitance of reactance XC = XL is
not consume any energy from the
included in the same circuit voltage source.
(3) an iron rod is inserted in the coil
(3) Current Ι (t) is in phase with voltage
(4) frequency of the AC source is
V(t).
decreased
(4) Current Ι(t) leads voltage V(t) by 180°.

2. A resistance 'R' draws power 'P' when

6. Which of the following combinations
connected to an AC source. If an
should be selected for better tuning of an
inductance is now placed in series with
L-C-R circuit used for communication?
the resistance, such that the impedance
[NEET_2016]
of the circuit becomes 'Z', the power draw
will be: [AIPMT_2015] (1) R = 15Ω, L = 3.5H, C = 30µF
(2) R = 25Ω, L = 1.5H, C = 45µF
R R 
(1) P (2) P   (3) R = 20Ω, L = 1.5H, C = 35µF
Z Z
2 (4) R = 25Ω, L = 2.5H, C = 45µF
R 
(3) P (4) P  
Z
7. The potential difference across the
resistance, capacitor and inductance are
3. A series R-C circuit is connected to an
80 V, 40 V and 100 V respectively in an L-
alternating voltage source. Consider two
C-R circuit. The power factor of this
situations - [Re-AIPMT_2015]
circuit is: [NEET_2016]
(a) When capacitor is air filled.
(1) 0.8 (2) 1.0
(b) When capacitor is mica filled.
Current through resistor is i and voltage (3) 0.4 (4) 0.5

across capacitor is V then -

(1) Va = Vb (2) Va < Vb 8. An inductor 20 mH, a capacitor 100 μF and

(3) Va > Vb (4) ia > ib a resistor 50 Ω are connected in series

across a source of emf, V = 10 sin 314 t.
The power loss in the circuit is
4. An inductor 20 mH, a capacitor 50µF and
a resistor 40Ω are connected in series [NEET_2018]

across a source of emf V = 10 sin 340 t. (1) 0.79 W

The power loss in AC circuit is : (2) 0.43 W
[NEET–I_2016] (3) 2.74 W
(1) 0.51 W (2) 0.67 W (4) 1.13 W
(3) 0.76 W (4) 0.89 W

60 Alternating Current
9. The variation of EMF with time for four 13. A light bulb and an inductor coil are
types of generators are shown in the connected to an ac source through a key
figures. Which amongst them can be
as shown in the figure below. The key is
called AC? [NEET_2019(Odisha)]
closed and after sometime an iron rod is
inserted into the interior of the inductor.
(a) (b)
The glow of the light bulb
[NEET_2020(Covid)]

(c) (d)

(1) (a) and (d) ~ •

(2) (a), (b), (c) and (d)
(3) (a) and (b) (1) decrease
(4) only (a) (2) remains unchanged
(3) will fluctuate
10. A circuit when connected to an AC source
of 12 V gives a current of 0.2 A. The same (4) increase
circuit when connected to a DC source of
12 V, gives a current of 0.4 A. The circuit 14. An inductor of inductance L, a capacitor
is: [NEET_2019(Odisha)]
of capacitance C and a resistor of
(1) series LR (2) series RC
(3) series LC (4) series LCR resistance 'R' are connected in series to an
ac source of potential difference 'V' volts
11. A series LCR circuit is connected to an ac as shown in figure. Potential difference
voltage source. When L is removed from
across L, C and R is 40 V, 10 V and 40 V,
the circuit, the phase difference between
respectively. The amplitude of current
π
current and voltage is . If instead C is
3 flowing through LCR series circuit is
removed from the circuit, the phase 10 2A. The impedance of the circuit is:
π
difference is again between current and [NEET_2022]
3
voltage. The power factor of the circuit is:
[NEET_2020]
(1) 1.0 (2) –1.0 40 V 10 V 40 V
(3) zero (4) 0.5
~
V
12. A 40 µF capacitor is connected to a 200 V,
50 Hz ac supply. The rms value of the (1) 4 2Ω
current in the circuit is, nearly – (2) 5 / 2Ω
[NEET_2020]
(3) 4Ω
(1) 2.5 A (2) 25.1 A
(4) 5Ω
(3) 1.7 A (4) 2.05 A

Alternating Current 61
15. A series LCR circuit with inductance 10 H 19. In a series LCR circuit, the inductance L is
capacitance 10µF, resistance 50Ω is 10 mH, capacitance C is 1µF and resistance
connected to an ac source of voltage, R is 100 Ω. the frequency at which
resonance occurs is: [NEET_2023]
V = 200 sin (100t) volt. If the resonant
(1) 15.9 rad/s (2) 15.9 kHz
frequency of the LCR circuit is ν0 and the
(3) 1.59 rad/s (4) 1.59 kHz
frequency of the ac source is v, then:
[NEET_2022] 20. An ac source is connected in the given
(1) ν0 = ν = 50 Hz circuit. The value of φ will be:
[NEET_2023(Manipur)]
50
(2) ν0 = ν = Hz
π
50
(3) ν0 = Hz, ν= 50 Hz
π
100
(4) ν = 100 Hz; ν0 = Hz (1) 60° (2) 90°
π
(3) 30° (4) 45°

16. The magnetic energy stored in an inductor 21. If Z1 and Z2 are the impedances of the
of inductance 4 µH carrying a current of 2 given circuits (a) and (b) as shown in
A is: [NEET_2023] figures, then choose the correct option
[NEET_2023(Manipur)]
(1) 4 µJ (2) 4 mJ
(3) 8 mJ (4) 8 µJ

17. A 12 V, 60 W lamp is connected to the

secondary of a step down transformer,
whose primary is connected to ac mains (1) Z1 < Z2 (2) Z1 + Z2 = 20Ω
of 220 V. Assuming the transformer to be (3) Z1 = Z2 (4) Z1 > Z2
ideal, what is the current in the primary
winding? [NEET_2023] 22. The maximum power is dissipated for an
(1) 0.27 A (2) 2.7 A ac in a/an: [NEET_2023(Manipur)]
(1) resistive circuit (2) LC circuit
(3) 3.7 A (4) 0.37 A
(3) inductive circuit (4) capacitive circuit

18. The net impedance of circuit (as shown in 23. For very high frequencies, the effective
figure) will be: [NEET_2023] impedance of the circuit (shown in the
figure) will be: [NEET_2023(Manipur)]
50 103 10 Ω
mH µF
π π

~
220 V, 50 Hz
(1) 4 Ω (2) 6 Ω
(1) 10 2 Ω (2) 15 Ω
(3)1 Ω (4) 3 Ω
(3) 5 5 Ω (4) 25 Ω

62 Alternating Current
 Answer Key

Exercise-I
Que. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20
Ans. 4 2 2 1 2 3 2 1 1 1 2 2 2 2 1 4 4 4 1 3
Que. 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40
Ans. 2 2 1 1 2 4 2 1 1 2 2 2 3 4 2 3 2 2 2 2
Que. 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60
Ans. 2 2 3 3 1 1 1 4 1 1 1 4 2 1 2 1 3 1 3 2
Que. 61 62 63 64 65 66 67 68 69 70 71 72 73 74 75 76 77 78 79 80
Ans. 1 4 4 3 1 2 2 1 3 4 3 3 2 1 3 3 2 4 1 1
Que. 81 82 83 84 85 86 87 88 89 90 91 92 93
Ans. 4 1 4 1 4 3 3 3 3 3 4 1 1

Exercise-II
Que. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20
Ans. 4 1 1 4 2 2 3 2 3 4 2 3 1 1 2 1 2 2 1 2
Que. 21 22 23 24 25 26 27
Ans. 1 2 2 3 2 1 1

Exercise-III
Que. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20
Ans. 2 4 2 1 1 1 2 1 1,3,4 1,4 1,2,3 1,2,3,4 3 4 2 4 1 2 4 2
Que. 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32
Ans. 3 1 1 4 1 1 3 1 1 3 1 4

Exercise-IV (Previous Year Questions)

Que. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20
Ans. 3 4 3 1 2 1 1 1 2 1 1 1 1 4 2 4 1 3 4 4
Que. 21 22 23
Ans. 1 1 4

Alternating Current 63