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Alternating
Current

Chapter Contents
28.1 Introduction
28.2 Alternating currents and phasors
28.3 Current and potential relations
28.4 Phasor algebra
28.5 Series L-R circuit
28.6 Series C-R circuit
28.7 Series L-C-R circuit
28.8 Power in an AC circuit
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562 — Electricity and Magnetism

28.1 Introduction
A century ago, one of the great technological debates was whether the electrical distribution system
should be AC or DC. Thomas Edison favoured direct current (DC), that is, steady current that does
not vary with time. George Westinghouse favoured alternating current (AC), with sinusoidally
varying voltages and currents. He argued that transformers can be used to step the voltage up or down
with AC but not with DC. Low voltages are safer for consumer use, but high voltages and
correspondingly low currents are best for long distances power transmission to minimize i 2 R losses
in the cables. Eventually, Westinghouse prevailed, and most present day household and industrial
power distribution systems operate with alternating current.
i or V i or V

V0, i 0
+
+ +
t t
– –
–i 0
–V0
i = i 0 sin ωt i = i 0 cos ωt
or or
V = V 0 sin ωt V = V 0 cos ωt
Fig. 28.1

A time varying current or voltage may be periodic and non-periodic. In case of periodic current or
voltage, the current or voltage is said to be alternating if its amplitude is constant and alternate half
cycle is positive and half negative. If the current or voltage varies periodically as sine or cosine
function of time, the current or voltage is said to be sinusoidal and is what we usually mean by it.

28.2 Alternating Currents and Phasors

The basic principle of the AC generator is a direct consequence of Faraday's law of induction. When a
conducting loop is rotated in a magnetic field at constant angular frequency ω a sinusoidal voltage
(emf) is induced in the loop. This instantaneous voltage is
V = V0 sin ωt …(i)
The usual circuit diagram symbol for an AC source is shown in Fig. 28.2.
In Eq. (i),V0 is the maximum output voltage of the AC generator or the
voltage amplitude and ω is the angular frequency equal to 2π times Fig. 28.2
the frequency f.
ω = 2 πf
The frequency of AC in India is 50 Hz, i.e.
f = 50 Hz
So, ω = 2πf ≈ 314 rad/s
The time of one cycle is known as time period T, the number of cycles per second the frequency f.
1 2π
T= or T=
f ω
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Chapter 28 Alternating Current — 563

A sinusoidal current might be described as

i = i0 sin ωt
If an alternating current is passed through an ordinary ammeter or voltmeter, it will record the mean
value for the complete cycle, as the quantity to be measured varies with time. The average value of
current for one cycle is
T 2π/ω

i = ( iav )T
∫ idt = ∫0 (i0 sin ωt ) dt = 0
= 0T
One cycle 2π / ω
∫0 dt ∫0 dt
Thus, i One cycle
=0

Similarly, the average value of the voltage (or emf) for one cycle is zero.
V One cycle
=0
Since, these averages for the whole cycle are zero, the DC instrument will indicate zero deflection. In
AC, the average value of current is defined as its average taken over half the cycle. Hence,
T /2 π/ω
∫ idt ∫ (i0 sin ωt ) dt = 2 i
i Half cycle = ( iav )T /2 = 0T /2 = 0 π/ω π 0
∫0 dt ∫0 dt
This is sometimes simply written as iav . Hence,
2
iav = i = i ≈ 0.637 i0
Half cycle
π 0
2
Similarly, Vav = V ≈ 0.637 V0
π 0
A DC meter can be used in an AC circuit if it is connected in the full wave rectifier circuit. The
2
average value of the rectified current is the same as the average current in any half cycle, i.e. times
π
the maximum current i0 . A more useful way to describe a quantity is the root mean square (rms)
value. We square the instantaneous current, take the average (mean) value of i 2 and finally take the
square root of that average. This procedure defines the root-mean-square current denoted as i rms .
Even when i is negative, i 2 is always positive so i rms is never zero (unless i is zero at every instant).
Hence,
T 2 2π / ω

i 2 ∫ i dt = ∫0
= 0T
( i02 sin 2 ωt ) dt
=
i02
2π / ω
∫0 dt ∫0
One cycle
dt 2

i0
∴ i rms = i2 = ≈ 0.707 i0
One cycle 2
i0
Thus, i rms = ≈ 0.707 i0
2
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564 — Electricity and Magnetism

Similarly, we get
V0
V rms = ≈ 0.707 V0
2
The square root of the mean square value is called the virtual value and is the value given by AC
instruments.
Thus, when we speak of our house hold power supply as 220 V AC, this means that the rms voltage is
220 V and its voltage amplitude is
V0 = 2 V rms = 311 V i
i0
i rms = 0.707 i 0
Form Factor i av = 0.637 i 0
rms value V / 2 π
The ratio, = = 0 = = 1.11 t
average value 2V0 /π 2 2
is known as form factor.
The different values i0 , iav and i rms are shown in Fig. 28.3. Fig. 28.3

Note (1) The average value of sin ωt, cos ωt, sin 2ωt, cos 2ωt, etc., is zero because it is positive in half of the time
and negative in rest half of the time. Thus,
sin ωt = cos ωt = sin 2 ωt = cos 2 ωt = 0
If i = i0 sin ωt
then i = i0 sin ωt = i0 sin ωt = 0
1
(2) The average value of sin 2 ωt and cos 2 ωt is ⋅
2
1
or sin 2 ωt = cos 2 ωt =
2
If i 2 = i02 sin 2 ωt
i02
then i 2 = i02 sin 2 ωt = i02 sin 2 ωt =
2
(3) Like SHM, general expressions of current/voltage in an sinusoidal AC are
i = i0 sin (ωt ± φ )
V = V0 sin (ωt ± φ )
or i = i0 cos (ωt ± φ )
and V = V0 cos (ωt ± φ )
(4) Average value of current or voltage over a half cycle can be zero also. This depends on the time interval
(of course T /2) over which average value is to be found. Think why?

Phasors
If an AC generator is connected to a series circuit containing resistors, inductors and capacitors and
we want to know the amplitude and time characteristics of the alternating current. To simplify our
analysis of circuits containing two or more elements, we use graphical constructions called phasor
diagrams. In these constructions, alternating (sinusoidal) quantities, such as current and voltage are
rotating vectors called phasors.
In these diagrams, the instantaneous value of a quantity that varies sinusoidally with time is
represented by the projection onto a vertical axis (if it is a sine function) or onto a horizontal axis (if it
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Chapter 28 Alternating Current — 565

is a cosine function) of a vector with a length equal to the amplitude ( i0 ) of the quantity. The vector
rotates counterclockwise with constant angular velocity ω.
ω ω

i 0 sin ωt i0 i0
or

ωt ωt
O O i 0 cos ωt
Fig. 28.4

A phasor is not a real physical quantity with a direction in space, such as velocity, momentum or
electric field. Rather, it is a geometric entity that helps us to describe and analyze physical quantities
that vary sinusoidally with time.

V Example 28.1 Show that average heat produced during a cycle of AC is same
as produced by DC with i = i rms .
Solution For an AC, i = i 0 sin ωt
Therefore, instantaneous value of heat produced in time dt across a resistance R is
dH = i 2 Rdt = i 02 R sin 2 ωt dt
∴ Average value of heat produced during a cycle,
T 2π /ω
∫ dH = ∫0
H av = 0T
( i 02 R sin 2 ωt ) dt
2 π/ω
∫0 dt ∫0 dt

i 02  2π 
= R   = i 2rms RT
2 ω
i.e. AC produces same heating effects as DC of value i = i rms .

V Example 28.2 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 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 = i 0 sin (ωt ± φ )
∴ The peak value, i0 = 5 A Ans.
i0 5
and i rms = = = 3.535 A Ans.
2 2
(b) Angular frequency, ω = 300 rad/s
ω 300
∴ f= = ≈ 47.75 Hz Ans.
2π 2π
i av =   i 0 =   ( 5) = 3.18 A
2 2
(c) Ans.
 π  π
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566 — Electricity and Magnetism

28.3 Current and Potential Relations

In this section, we will derive voltage current relations for individual circuit elements carrying a
sinusoidal current. We will consider resistors, inductors and capacitors.

Resistor in an AC Circuit
Consider a resistor with resistance R through which there is a sinusoidal current given by
i = i0 sin ωt …(i)

R
a i b
Fig. 28.5

Here, i0 is the current amplitude (maximum current). From Ohm's law, the instantaneous PD between
points a and b is
VR = iR = ( i0 R ) sin ωt
We can write as
i0 R = V0 , the voltage amplitude
∴ VR = V0 sin ωt …(ii)
From Eqs. (i) and (ii), we can see that current and voltage are in phase if only resistance is in the
circuit. Fig. 28.6 shows graphs of i and VR as functions of time.
i or VR

i0 i = i 0 sin ωt i0
V0
t VR = V0 sin ωt
V0

ωt
O
Fig. 28.6 Fig. 28.7

The corresponding phasor diagram is shown in Fig. 28.7.

Because i and VR are in phase and have the same frequency, the current and voltage phasors rotate
together, they are parallel at each instant. Their projection on vertical axis represents the
instantaneous current and voltage respectively.
Note Direction of an alternating current is not shown in a circuit, as it keeps on changing. In the figure, the
direction of instantaneous current is only shown.

Capacitor in an AC Circuit
If a capacitor of capacitance C is connected across the alternating source, the instantaneous charge on
the capacitor is
q = CVC = CV0 sin ωt
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Chapter 28 Alternating Current — 567

and the instantaneous current i passing through it is given by V = V0 sin ωt

dq
i= = CV0ω cos ωt
dt
V
= 0 sin (ωt + π/2) q –q
1/ωC
a b
or i = i0 sin (ωt + π/2) i
Fig. 25.8
i
Here, V0 = 0
ωC
1
This relation shows that the quantity is the effective AC resistance or the capacitive reactance of
ωC
the capacitor and is represented as X C . It has unit as ohm. Thus,
1
XC =
ωC
It is clear that the current leads the voltage by 90° or the potential drop across the capacitor lags the
current passing it by 90°.
Fig. 28.9 shows V and i as functions of time t.
i,V
i0
i 0 sin ωt
i0
i
V0
ωt
t
90°
VC V0 cos ωt V0

Fig. 28.9 Fig. 28.10

The phasor diagram 28.10 shows that voltage phasor is behind the current phasor by a quarter
cycle or 90°.

Inductor in an AC Circuit
Consider a pure inductor of self-inductance L and zero resistance
connected to an alternating source. Again we assume that an
instantaneous current i = i0 sin ωt flows through the inductor.
Although, there is no resistance, there is a potential difference VL L
between the inductor terminals a and b because the current varies with
a b
time giving rise to a self-induced emf. i
 di  Fig. 28.11
VL = Vab = – ( induced emf ) = –  – L 
 dt 
di
or VL = L = Li0ω cos ωt
dt
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568 — Electricity and Magnetism

 π
or VL = V0 sin  ωt +  …(i)
 2
Here, V0 = i0 (ωL) …(ii)
V0
or i0 =
ωL
V0
∴ i= sin ωt …(iii)
ωL
Eq. (iii) shows that effective AC resistance, i.e. inductive reactance of inductor is
X L = ωL
and the maximum current,
V0
i0 =
XL
The unit of X L is also ohm.
From Eqs. (i) and (iii), we see that the voltage across the inductor leads the current passing
through it by 90°.
Fig. 28.12 shows VL and i as functions of time.
i , VL
i 0 sin ωt i0
V0
i0
i V0 V0 cos ωt
t

VL 90°
ωt

Fig. 28.12 Fig. 28.13

Phasor diagram in Fig. 28.13 shows that VL leads the current i by 90°.

Extra Points to Remember

˜ Circuit elements with AC

Circuit elements Amplitude relation Circuit quantity Phase of V

Resistor V0 = i0 R R in phase with i

1
Capacitor V0 = i0 XC XC = lags i by 90°
ωC

Inductor V0 = i0 X L X L = ωL leads i by 90°

˜ In DC, ω = 0, therefore, X L = 0 and XC = ∞

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Chapter 28 Alternating Current — 569

˜ The potential of point a with respect to point b is given by L

di
VL = + L , the negative of the induced emf. This expression gives the a i b
dt
Fig. 28.14
correct sign of VL in all cases.
˜ If an oscillating voltage of a given amplitude V0 is applied across an inductor, the resulting current will have
a smaller amplitude i0 for larger value of ω. Since, X L is proportional to frequency, a high frequency voltage
applied to the inductor gives only a small current while a lower frequency voltage of the same amplitude
gives rise to a larger current. Inductors are used in some circuit applications, such as power supplies and
radio interference filters to block high frequencies while permitting lower frequencies to pass through. A
circuit device that uses an inductor for this purpose is called a low pass filter.
˜ The capacitive reactance of a capacitor is inversely proportional to the capacitance C and the angular
frequency ω. The greater the capacitance and the higher the frequency, the smaller is the capacitive
reactance XC . Capacitors tend to pass high frequency current and to block low frequency current, just the
opposite of inductors. A device that passes signals of high frequency is called a high pass filter.
˜ Figure shows the graphs of R, X L and XC as functions of angular frequency ω.
R, X XL

XC
ω

Fig. 28.15
˜ Remember that we can write, VR = iR, (V0 )R = i0 R, (V0 )L = i0 X L and (V0 ) C = i0 XC but can't write (for
instantaneous voltages).
VL = i X L
or VC = i XC
This is because there is a phase difference between the voltage and current in both an inductor and a
capacitor.

V Example 28.3 A 100 Ω resistance is connected in series with a 4 H inductor.

The voltage across the resistor is V R = ( 2.0 V ) sin (103 rad / s) t :
(a) Find the expression of circuit current
(b) Find the inductive reactance
(c) Derive an expression for the voltage across the inductor.
VR ( 2.0 V)sin (103 rad /s ) t
Solution (a) i= =
R 100
= ( 2.0 × 10–2 A ) sin (103 rad /s) t Ans.
(b) X L = ωL = (103 rad / s ) ( 4 H )
= 4.0 × 103 Ω Ans.
(c) The amplitude of voltage across inductor,
V0 = i 0 X L = ( 2.0 × 10–2 A ) ( 4.0 × 103 Ω )
= 80 V Ans.
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570 — Electricity and Magnetism

In an AC, voltage across the inductor leads the current by 90° or π/2 rad. Hence,
VL = V0 sin (ωt + π / 2)
π
= ( 80 V) sin  (103 rad /s ) t + rad
 2 
Note That the amplitude of voltage across the resistor ( = 2.0 V ) is not same as the amplitude of the voltage
across the inductor ( = 80 V ), even though the amplitude of the current through both devices is the same.

28.4 Phasor Algebra

The complex quantities normally employed in AC circuit analysis, can be added and subtracted like
coplanar vectors. Such coplanar vectors which represent sinusoidally time varying quantities are
known as phasors.
In Cartesian form, a phasor A can be written as y

A = a + jb b A

where, a is the x-component and b is the y-component of phasor A. θ

x
a
The magnitude of A is |A| = a + b 2 2
Fig. 28.16
and the angle between the direction of phasor A and the positive x-axis is
 b
θ = tan –1  
a
When a given phasor A, the direction of which is along the x-axis is multiplied by the operator j, a
new phasor jA is obtained which will be 90° anti-clockwise from A, i.e. along y-axis. If the operator j
is multiplied now to the phasor jA, a new phasor j 2 A is obtained which is along –x-axis and having
same magnitude as of A. Thus,
j2A = – A
∴ j 2 = – 1 or j = –1
Now, using the j operator, let us discuss different circuits of an AC.

28.5 Series L-R Circuit

As we know, potential difference across a resistance in AC is in phase with current and it leads in
phase by 90° with current across the inductor.

VR VL
Fig. 28.17

Suppose in phasor diagram current is taken along positive x-direction. Then,VR is also along positive
x-direction and VL along positive y-direction, so, we can write
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Chapter 28 Alternating Current — 571

V = VR + jVL = iR + j( iX L )
= iR + j ( iω L) (as X L = ωL)
= iZ
y
VL V

i φ
x
VR

Fig. 28.18

Here, Z = R + j X L = R + j (ωL) is called as impedance of the circuit. Impedance plays the same role
in AC circuits as the ohmic resistance does in DC circuits. The modulus of impedance is

| Z | = R 2 + (ωL) 2

The potential difference leads the current by an angle,

|V | X 
φ = tan –1 L = tan –1  L 
| VR |  R 
 ωL 
or φ = tan –1  
 R 

28.6 Series C-R Circuit

Potential difference across a capacitor in AC lags in phase by 90° with
the current in the circuit.
Suppose in phasor diagram current is taken along positive x-direction.
Then, VR is also along positive x-direction but VC is along negative
y-direction. So, we can write
VC VR
y
Fig. 28.19

i VR
x
φ

VC V
Fig. 28.20

V = VR – jVC = iR – j( iX C )
 i 
= iR – j   = iZ
 ωC 
 1 
Here, impedance is Z = R – j  
 ωC 
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572 — Electricity and Magnetism

The modulus of impedance is

2
 1 
| Z| = R 2 +  
 ωC 
and the potential difference lags the current by an angle,
V X  1ωC
/ 
φ = tan –1 C = tan –1 C = tan –1  
VR R  R 
 1 
or φ = tan –1  
 ωRC 

28.7 Series L-C-R Circuit

Potential difference across an inductor leads the current by 90° in
phase while that across a capacitor, it lags in phase by 90°. VL VC VR
Suppose in a phasor diagram current is taken along positive
x-direction. Then, VR is along positive x-direction, VL along positive
y-direction and VC along negative y-direction.
Fig. 28.21

V = VR + (VL – VC)2
2

VL VL – VC y

VR φ
i
⇒ VR
x

VC

Fig. 28.22

Let us assume that X L > X C or VL > VC

So, we can write V = VR + jVL – jVC = iR + j( iX L ) – j( iX C )
= iR + j [ i ( X L – X C )] = iZ
 1 
Here, impedance is Z = R + j ( X L – X C ) = R + j  ωL – 
 ωC 
2
 1 
The modulus of impedance is | Z | = R 2 +  ωL – 
 ωC 
and the potential difference leads the current by an angle,
V − VC  X – XC 
φ = tan –1 L = tan –1  L 
VR  R 

 1 
 ωL – 
or φ = tan  –1 ω C
 
 R 
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Chapter 28 Alternating Current — 573

Note Let us take the most general case of a series L-C-R circuit in an AC.
| Z | = R 2 + ( XL ~ XC ) 2
1 1 1
If XL = X C or ωL = or ω= or f = the modulus of impedance
ωC LC 2π LC
|Z | = R
and the current is in phase with voltage, i.e. if V = V0 sin ωt, then
i = i0 sin ωt
V V
where, i0 = 0 = 0
|Z| R
Such a condition is known as resonance and frequency known as resonance frequency and is given by
1
f =
2π LC
The current in such a case is maximum.
If XL > XC , then the modulus of the impedance
| Z | = R 2 + ( XL – XC ) 2
and the voltage leads the current by an angle given by
 X – XC 
φ = tan –1  L 
 R 
i.e. if V = V0 sin ωt, then i = i0 sin (ωt – φ )
V
where, i0 = 0
|Z|
If XC > XL, then the modulus of the impedance is
| Z | = R 2 + ( XC – XL) 2
and the current leads the voltage by an angle given by
 X – XL 
φ = tan –1  C 
 R 
i.e. if V = V0 sin ωt, then i = i0 sin (ωt + φ )
V
where, i0 = 0
|Z|

Extra Points to Remember

V0 Vrms V
˜ i0 = , irms = . But in general i ≠ .
|Z| |Z| |Z|

˜ In L-C-R circuit, whenever voltage across various elements is asked, find rms values unless stated in the
question for the peak or instantaneous value.
The rms values are
VR = i rmsR, VL = i rms X L
and VC = i rms XC
The peak values can be obtained by multiplying the rms values by 2. The instantaneous values across
different elements is rarely asked.
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574 — Electricity and Magnetism

At resonance  f =
1 
˜ Voltage magnification in series resonance circuit  , the PD across the
 2 π LC 
inductor and the capacitor are equal and 180° out of phase and therefore, cancel out. Hence, the applied
emf is merely to overcome the resistance opposition only. If an inductance or capacitance of very large
reactance (X L or XC ) is connected with X L = XC (at resonance) then PD across them increases to a very
high value. The ratio is known as voltage magnification and is given by,
i rms 
1 

PD across inductance (or capacitance) i rms(ω L) ω L  ωC  1
= = or =
Applied emf i rms(R ) R i rms (R ) ωCR
This ratio is greater than unity.
˜ Response curves of series circuit The impedance of an XL, XC, R, Z, i
L - C - R circuit depends on the frequency. The dependence is i Z
shown in figure. The frequency is taken on logarithmic scale
because of its wide range. R
From the figure, we can see that at resonance,
1 XL XC
(i) X L = XC or ω =
LC Resonance log ω
(ii) Z = Z min = R and
XL – XC
(iii) i is maximum.
Fig. 28.23
Note Here, by Z we mean the modulus of Z and i means irms.
˜ Acceptor circuit If the frequency of the AC supply can be varied (e.g. in radio or television signal), then
in series L-C-R circuit, at a frequency f = 1/ 2 π LC maximum current flows in the circuit and have a
maximum PD across its inductance (or capacitance). This is the method by which a radio or television set
is tuned at a particular frequency. The circuit is known as acceptor circuit.

V Example 28.4 An alternating emf 200 virtual volts at 50 Hz is connected to a

circuit of resistance 1 Ω and inductance 0.01 H. What is the phase difference
between the current and the emf in the circuit? Also, find the virtual current in
the circuit.
Solution In case of an L-R AC circuit, the voltage leads the current in phase by an angle,
X 
φ = tan −1  L 
 R 
Here, X L = ωL = ( 2πfL )
= ( 2π ) ( 50) ( 0.01) = π Ω
and R = 1Ω
∴ φ = tan –1 ( π ) ≈ 72.3° Ans.
V V rms
Further, i rms = rms =
|Z | R2 + X 2 L

Substituting the values, we have

200
i rms = = 60.67 A Ans.
(1) + ( π ) 2
2
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Chapter 28 Alternating Current — 575

V Example 28.5 A resistance and inductance are connected in series across a

voltage,
V = 283 sin 314t
The current is found to be 4 sin ( 314 t – π / 4) . Find the values of the inductance and
resistance.
Solution In L-R series circuit, current lags the voltage by an angle,
X 
φ = tan −1  L 
 R 
π
Here, φ=
4
∴ X L = R or ωL = R (ω = 314 rad/s)
∴ 314 L = R …(i)
Further, V0 = i 0 | Z |

∴ 283 = 4 R 2 + X L2
2
R 2 + (ωL ) 2 = 
283
or  = 5005.56
 4 

or 2R 2 = 5005.56 (as ωL = R)
∴ R ≈ 50 Ω Ans.
and from Eq. (i), L = 0.16 H Ans.

V Example 28.6 Find the voltage across the various elements, i.e. resistance,
capacitance and inductance which are in series and having values 1000 Ω, 1 µF
and 2.0 H, respectively. Given emf is
V = 100 2 sin 1000 t volt
Solution The rms value of voltage across the source,
100 2
V rms = = 100 V
2
∴ ω = 1000 rad /s
V rms V rms V rms
∴ i rms = = =
|Z | R 2 + ( X L ~ X C )2 2
R 2 + ωL –
1 

 ωC 
100
=
2
 1 
(1000) 2 + 1000 × 2 – 
 1000 × 1 × 10 
–6

= 0.0707 A
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576 — Electricity and Magnetism

The current will be same every where in the circuit, therefore,

PD across resistor, VR = i rms R = 0.0707 × 1000 = 70.7 V
PD across inductor, VL = i rms X L = 0.0707 × 1000 × 2 = 141.4 V and
1
PD across capacitor, VC = i rms X C = 0.0707 ×
1 × 1000 × 10–6
= 70.7 V Ans.

Note The rms voltages do not add directly as `VR + VL + VC = 282.8 V which is not the source voltage 100 V.
The reason is that these voltages are not in phase and can be added by vector or by phasor algebra.
V = VR2 + (VL ~ VC ) 2

INTRODUCTORY EXERCISE 28.1

1. (a) What is the reactance of a 2.00 H inductor at a frequency of 50.0 Hz?
(b) What is the inductance of an inductor whose reactance is 2.00 Ω at 50.0 Hz?
(c) What is the reactance of a 2.00 µF capacitor at a frequency of 50.0 Hz?
(d) What is the capacitance of a capacitor whose reactance is 2.00 Ω at 50.0 Hz?
2. An electric lamp which runs at 100 V DC and consumes 10 A current is connected to AC mains
at 150 V, 50 Hz cycles with a choke coil in series. Calculate the inductance and drop of voltage
across the choke. Neglect the resistance of choke.
360
3. A circuit operating at Hz contains a 1µF capacitor and a 20 Ω resistor. How large an inductor
2π
must be added in series to make the phase angle for the circuit zero? Calculate the current in
the circuit if the applied voltage is 120 V.

28.8 Power in an AC Circuit

In case of a steady current, the rate of doing work is given by
P = Vi
In an alternating circuit, current and voltage both vary with time and also they differ in time. So, we
cannot use P = Vi for the power generated.
Suppose in an AC, the voltage is leading the current by an angle φ. Then, we can write
V = V0 sin ωt and i = i0 sin (ωt – φ )
The instantaneous value of power in that case is
P = Vi = V0 i0 sin ωt sin (ωt – φ )
 1 
or P = V0 i0 sin 2 ωt cos φ – sin 2ωt sin φ  …(i)
 2 
Now, the average rate of doing work (power) in one cycle will be
T = 2π / ω
∫
P One cycle = 0T = 2π /ω
Pdt
…(ii)
∫0 dt
 www.jeebooks.in
Chapter 28 Alternating Current — 577

Substituting the value of P from Eq. (i) in Eq. (ii) and then integrating it with proper limits, we get
1 V i
P One cycle = V0 i0 cos φ = 0 ⋅ 0 cos φ
2 2 2
or P One cycle
= V rms i rms cos φ

Here, the term cos φ is known as power factor.

It is said to be leading if current leads voltage, lagging if current lags voltage. Thus, a power factor of
0.5 lagging means current lags the voltage by 60° (as cos –1 0.5 = 60°). The product of V rms and i rms
gives the apparent power. While the true power is obtained by multiplying the apparent power by
the power factor cos φ. Thus,
Apparent power = V rms × i rms
and True power = apparent power × power factor
For φ = 0°, the current and voltage are in phase. The power is thus, maximum (= V rms × i rms ). For
φ = 90°, the power is zero. The current is then stated wattless. Such a case will arise when resistance
in the circuit is zero. The circuit is purely inductive or capacitive. The case is similar to that of a
frictionless pendulum, where the total work done by gravity upon the pendulum in a cycle is zero.

Extra Points to Remember

Let us consider a choke coil (used in tube lights) of large inductance L and low resistance R. The power
factor for such a coil is given by
R R R
cos φ = = ≈ (as R << ωL)
Z R +ω L
2 2 2 ω L

As R << ωL, cos φ is very small. Thus, the power absorbed by the coil Vrms irms cos φ is very small. On
account of its large impedance Z = R 2 + ω2 L2 , the current passing through the coil is very small. Such a
coil is used in AC circuits for the purpose of adjusting current to any required value without waste of
energy. The only loss of energy is due to hysteresis in the iron core, which is much less than the loss of
energy in the resistance that can also reduce the current instead of a choke coil.

V Example 28.7 A 750 Hz, 20 V source is connected to a resistance of 100 Ω, an

inductance of 01803
. H and a capacitance of 10 µF all in series. Calculate the
time in which the resistance (thermal capacity 2 J /° C ) will get heated by 10° C.
Solution The impedance of the circuit,
2
 1 
Z = R 2 + ( X L – X C ) 2 = R 2 +  ( 2πfL ) – 
 ( 2π fC )
2
 1 
= (100) +  ( 2 × 3.14 × 750 × 0.1803) –
2
–5 
 ( 2 × 3.14 × 750 × 10 )
= 834 Ω
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578 — Electricity and Magnetism

In case of an AC,
2
V  R V 
P = V rms i rms cos φ = (V rms )  rms    =  rms  R
 Z   Z  Z 
2
= 
20 
 × 100 = 0.0575 J/s
 834 
Now, P × t = S∆θ
Here, S = thermal capacity
S∆θ 2 × 10
∴ t= = = 348 s Ans.
P 0.0575

Note In AC, the whole energy or power is consumed by resistance.

V Example 28.8 In an L-C-R series circuit, R = 150 Ω, L = 0.750 H and

C = 0.0180 µF . The source has voltage amplitude V = 150 V and a frequency
equal to the resonance frequency of the circuit.
(a) What is the power factor?
(b) What is the average power delivered by the source?
(c) The capacitor is replaced by one with C = 0.0360 µF and the source frequency is
adjusted to the new resonance value. Then, what is the average power delivered
by the source?
Solution (a) At resonance frequency,
R
X L = X C , Z = R and power factor cos φ = = 1.0
Z
2
V rms (150/ 2 ) 2
(b) P = = = 75 W
R 150
2
V rms
(c) Again, P = = 75 W
R

INTRODUCTORY EXERCISE 28.2

1. If a 0.03 H inductor, a 10 Ω resistor and a 2 µF capacitor are connected in series. At what
frequency will they resonate? What will be the phase angle at resonance?
2. An arc lamp consumes 10 A at 40 V. Calculate the power factor when it is connected with a
suitable value of choke coil required to run the arc lamp on AC mains of 200 V (rms) and 50 Hz.
 www.jeebooks.in
Chapter 28 Alternating Current — 579

Final Touch Points

1. Frequency of AC in India is 50 Hz.
2. The AC is converted into DC with the help of rectifier while DC is converted into AC with the help of
inverter.
3. An AC cannot produce electroplating or electrolysis.
4. The AC is measured by hot wire ammeter.
5. An AC can be stepped up or down with the help of a transformer.
6. An AC can be transmitted over long distances without much power loss.
7. An AC can be regulated by using choke coil without any significant waste of energy.
8. In an AC (sinusoidal), current or voltage can have the following four values
(i) instantaneous value
(ii) peak value (i 0 or V0)
(iii) rms value (irms or Vrms )
(iv) average value : In full cycle, average value is zero while in half cycle it is non-zero.
Note That in sinusoidal AC the average value in half cycle can also be zero. It depends on the time interval
over which half average value is desired.
9. In an series L-C-R circuit,
(i) Capacitive reactance, X C =
1
ωC
(ii) Inductive reactance, X L = ωL
(iii) Impedance, Z = R 2 + ( X C − X L )2
(iv) If X C > X L, current leads and if X L > X C , voltage leads by an angle φ given by
R X ~ XL
cos φ = and tan φ = C
Z R
(v) Instantaneous power = instantaneous current × instantaneous voltage
(vi) Average power = Vrms irms cos φ , where
R
cos φ = = power factor.
Z

Note Power is also equal to P = i rms

2
R
2
Vrms
But this is not equal to P≠
R
R
This is because Vrms = i rms Z and cos φ = . If we substitute in P = Vrms i rms cos φ, then we get the first relation
Z
but not the second one. This implies that power is consumed only across resistance.
V V
(vii) i 0 = 0 or irms = rms
Z Z
(viii) (VC ) rms = (irms ) XC , (VL ) rms = (irms ) XL and (VR )rms = (irms ) R

(ix) V = VR2 + (VC ~ VL )2

Here, V is the rms value of applied voltage
VR is the rms value of voltage across resistance.
VC across capacitor and VL across inductor etc.
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580 — Electricity and Magnetism

10. ω = ωr =
1
is called resonance frequency.
LC
11. At ω = ωr ,
(i) X L = X C
(ii) Z = minimum value = R
Vrms Vrms
(iii) irms = maximum value = =
Z min R
V0 V0
(iv) i 0 = maximum value = =
Z min R
(v) Power factor cos φ = 1
12. In one complete cycle, power is consumed only by resistance. No power is consumed by a capacitor or
an inductor.
13.
Z
XL

XC
ω
ωr

XC = ⇒ XC ∝
1 1
ωC ω
X L = ωL ⇒ XL ∝ ω
R does not depend on ω. It is a constant.
At ω = ωr : X C = X L and Z = Z min = R
14. For ω > ωr , X L > X C . Hence, voltage will lead the current or circuit is inductive.
For ω < ωr , X C > X L. Hence, current will lead the voltage function or circuit is capacitive.
At ω = ωr , X C = X L. Hence, current function and voltage function are in same phase.

15. Conditions Phase angle Power factor

R=0 90° 0

XC = X L ≠ 0 0° 1
R≠0

XC = X L = 0 0° 1
R≠0

ω = ωr 0° 1

In all other cases, phase difference between current function and voltage function is
0° < φ < 90°
 X − XL  −1  R 
X C > X L, φ = tan−1 C  or cos  
  Z
If
R
 X − XC  R 
X L > X C , φ = tan−1 L  or cos −1  
  Z
If
R
 www.jeebooks.in

Solved Examples
TYPED PROBLEMS

Type 1. Based on a real inductor

Concept
An ideal inductor wire has zero resistance ( R = 0). So, in an AC, only X L is the impedance.
But, a real inductor has some resistance also. In DC, total resistance is only R. In AC, total
resistance called impedance is Z = R 2 + X L2
Therefore,
V DC
I DC =
R
V V AC
and I AC = AC =
Z R 2 + X L2
If V AC = V DC , then I AC < I DC

V Example 1 A current of 4 A flows in a coil when connected to a 12 V DC source.

If the same coil is connected to a 12 V , 50 rad / s AC source, a current of 2.4 A
flows in the circuit. Determine the inductance of the coil. Also, find the power
developed in the circuit if a 2500 µF capacitor is connected in series with the coil.
Solution (i) A coil consists of an inductance (L) and a resistance (R).
In DC, only resistance is effective. Hence,
V 12
R= = =3 Ω
i 4
V V rms
In AC, i rms = rms =
Z R2 + ω 2L2

1  V rms  
2
∴ L2 =    – R2 
ω  i rms 
2


2
1  V rms 
∴ L=   –R
2
ω  i rms 

Substituting the values, we have

2
1  12 
L=   – (3)
2
50  2.4
= 0.08 H Ans.
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582 — Electricity and Magnetism

(ii) When capacitor is connected to the circuit, the impedance is

Z = R2 + (XL – XC )2
Here, R=3 Ω
XL = ωL = (50) (0.08) = 4 Ω
1 1
and XC = = =8 Ω
ωC (50) (2500 × 10–6 )
∴ Z = (3)2 + (4 – 8)2 = 5 Ω
Now, P = V rms i rms cos φ
V R
= V rms × rms ×
Z Z
2
V 
=  rms  × R
 Z 
Substituting the values, we have
2
 12
P =   ×3
5
= 17.28 W Ans.

Type 2. Different time functions in AC

Concept
In an L-C-R series circuit, there are total five
functions of time, V , I , V R , VC and V L . Now, the VR VL
VC
following points are important in these functions.
(i) V and I have a phase difference of φ where I
0° ≤ φ ≤ 90°
(ii) V R and I are in same phase
(iii) VC lags behind I by 90°
V
(iv) V L leads I by 90°
(v) The functions, V = V L + VC + V L (all the time)

V Example 2
30 Ω 1 mF 0.5 H

V = 200 sin (100 t + 30°)

In the diagram shown in figure, V function is given. Find other four functions of
time I, VC , V R and V L . Also, find power consumed in the circuit, V is given in volts
and ω in rad/s.
 www.jeebooks.in
Chapter 28 Alternating Current — 583

Solution Given, ω = 100 rad /s

XL = ωL = 50 Ω
1 1
XC = = = 10 Ω
ωC 100 × 10−3

Z = R2 + (XL − XC )2

= (30)2 + (50 − 10)2

= 50 Ω
Current function
Maximum value of current,
V 0 200
I0 = = =4 A
Z 50
XL > XC , therefore voltage leads the current by a phase difference φ where,
R 30 3
cos φ = = =
Z 50 5
or φ = 53°
∴ I = 4 sin (100 t + 30° − 53° )
or I = 4 sin (100 t − 23° ) Ans.
VR,VC and VL functions
Maximum value of VR = I 0R = 4 × 30 = 120 volt, VR and I are in same phase.
Therefore,
VR = 120 sin (100 t − 23° ) Ans.
Maximum value of VC = I 0 XC = 4 × 10 = 40 volt
Now, VC function lags the current function by 90°.
Therefore,
VC = 40 sin (100 t − 23° − 90° )
or VC = 40 sin (100 t − 113° ) Ans.
Maximum value of VL = I 0XL = 4 × 50 = 200 volt, VL function leads the current function by 90°.
Therefore,
VL = 200 sin (100 t − 23° + 90° )
or VL = 200 sin (100 t + 67° ) Ans.
Note We can check at any time that,
V = VR + VL + VC
Power Power is consumed in an AC circuit only across a resistance and this power is given by
P = V rms I rms cos φ
= I rms
2
R
Let us use the first formula,
 200  4   3
P=     
 2   2  5
= 240 watt Ans.
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584 — Electricity and Magnetism

Type 3. Parallel circuits

Concept
Two or more than two sine or cosine functions of same ω can be added by vector method.
Actually, their amplitudes are added by vectors method.

V Example 3 In the circuit shown in figure,

I2 R2
C

I1
L R1

I
V = 200 sin (100 t + 30°)

1
R1 = 30 Ω , R2 = 40 Ω , L = 0.4 H and C = mF.
3
Find seven functions of time I , I 1 , I 2 , V R1 , V L , V R2 and VC . Also, find total power
consumed in the circuit. In the given potential function, V is in volts and ω in rad/s.
Solution Circuit 1 (containing L and R1)
I1 : XL = ωL = 100 × 0.4 = 40 Ω
R1 = 30 Ω
∴ Z 1 = R12 + XL2 = (30)2 + (40)2
= 50 Ω
V 0 200
Maximum value of current, I1 = = =4 A
Z1 50
Since, there is only XL , so voltage function will lead the current function by an angle φ1, where
R 30 3
cos φ1 = 1 = =
Z 1 50 5
∴ φ1 = 53°
∴ I1 = 4 sin (100 t + 30° − 53° )
or I1 = 4 sin (100 t − 23° ) Ans.
VR1 : VR1 function is in phase with I1 function.
Maximum value of VR1 = (maximum value of I1 ) (R1)
= (4) (30)
= 120 volt
∴ VR1 = 120 sin (100 t − 23° ) Ans.
VL : VL function is 90° ahead of I1 function.
Maximum value of VL = (maximum value of I1 ) (XL )
= (4)(40) = 160 volt
 www.jeebooks.in
Chapter 28 Alternating Current — 585

∴ VL = 160 sin (100 t − 23° + 90° )

or VL = 160 sin (100 t + 67° ) Ans.
Power In this circuit, power will be consumed only across R1. This power is given by
PR1 = ( rms value of I1 )2 R1
2
 4
=   (30)
 2
= 240 watt
Circuit 2 (containing C and R 2 )
1 1
I2 : XC = = = 30 Ω
ωC 100 × 1 × 10−3
3
R2 = 40 Ω
∴ Z 2 = R22 + XC2

= (40)2 + (30)2
= 50 Ω
V 200
Maximum value of I 2 = 0 = =4 A
Z 2 50
Since, there is only XC , so I 2 function will lead the V function by an angle φ2, where
R 40 4
cos φ2 = 2 = =
Z 2 50 5
∴ φ2 = 37°
∴ I 2 = 4 sin (100 t + 30° + 37° ) = 4 sin (100 t + 67° ) Ans.
VR2 : VR2 function is in phase with I 2 function.
Maximum value of VR2 = ( maximum value of I 2) (R2)
= 4 × 40 = 160 volt
∴ VR2 = 160 sin (100 t + 67° ) Ans.
VC : VC function lags I 2 function by 90°
Maximum value of VC = (Maximum value of I 2)(XC )
= 4 × 30
= 120 volt
∴ VC = 120 sin (100 t + 67° − 90° )
or VC = 120 sin (100 t − 23° ) Ans.
Power In this circuit, power will be consumed only across R2 and this power is given by
PR2 = (rms value of I 2)2 R2
2
 4
=   (40)
 2
= 320 W
∴ Total power consumed in the circuit,
P = PR1 + PR2
= (240 + 320) W
= 560 W Ans.
 www.jeebooks.in
586 — Electricity and Magnetism

I: I = I1 + I 2
I = 4 sin (100 t − 23° ) + 4 sin (100 t + 67° )
Now, the amplitudes can be added by vector method.
4A

4 √2 A

67°
22° 100 t
23°

4A

Resultant of 4 A and 4 A at 90° is 4 2 A at 45° from both currents or at 22° from 100 t line.
∴ I = 4 2 sin (100 t + 22° ) Ans.

Miscellaneous Examples
V Example 4 An AC circuit consists of a 220 Ω resistance and a 0.7 H choke. Find
the power absorbed from 220 V and 50 Hz source connected in this circuit if the
resistance and choke are joined
(a) in series (b) in parallel.
Solution (a) In series, the impedance of the circuit is
Z = R2 + ω 2L2 = R2 + (2πfL )2
Z
= (220)2 + (2 × 3.14 × 50 × 0.7)2 XL

= 311 Ω
V 220 φ
∴ i rms = rms = = 0.707 A R
Z 311
R 220
and cos φ = = = 0.707
Z 311
∴ The power absorbed in the circuit,
P = V rms i rms cos φ
= (220) (0.707) (0.707)
= 110.08 W Ans.
(b) When the resistance and choke are in parallel, the entire power is absorbed in resistance, as
the choke (having zero resistance) absorbs no power.
V2 (220)2
∴ P = rms = = 220 W Ans.
R 220

V Example 5 A sinusoidal voltage of frequency 60 Hz and peak value 150 V is

applied to a series L-R circuit, where R = 20 Ω and L = 40 mH .
(a) Compute T , ω , X L , Z and φ
(b) Compute the amplitudes of current, V R and V L
 www.jeebooks.in
Chapter 28 Alternating Current — 587

1 1
Solution (a) T= = s Ans.
f 60
ω = 2πf = (2π )(60) = 377 rad /s Ans.
XL = ωL = (377) (0.040)
= 15.08 Ω Ans.
Z = XL2 +R 2

= (15.08)2 + (20)2

= 25.05 Ω Ans.
X   15.08
φ = tan –1  L  = tan −1   = tan (0.754)
–1
 R  20 
= 37° Ans.
(b) Amplitudes (maximum value) are
V0 150
i0 = = ≈6 A Ans.
Z 25.05
(V 0 )R = i 0R = (6)(20) = 120 V Ans.
(V 0 )L = i 0XL
= (6) (15.08) = 90.5 V Ans.

Note V0 = (V0 ) 2R + (V0 ) L2

V Example 6 For the circuit shown in figure, find the instantaneous current
through each element.

C
V = V0 sin ωt R L

Solution The three current equations are

diL
V = iR R, V = L
dt
q dV 1
and V = ⇒ = iC …(i)
C dt C
The steady state solutions of Eq. (i) are
V
iR = 0 sin ωt ≡ (i 0 )R sin ωt
R
V V
iL = – 0 cos ωt ≡ – 0 cos ωt ≡ – (i 0 )L cos ωt
ωL XL
V0
and iC = V 0ωC cos ωt ≡ cos ωt ≡ (i 0 )C cos ωt
XC
where, the reactances XL and XC are as defined.
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588 — Electricity and Magnetism

V Example 7 In the above problem find the total instantaneous current through
the source, and find expressions for phase angle of this current and the impedance
of the circuit.
Solution For the total current, we have
i = iR + iL + iC
1  1 1  
= V 0  sin ωt +  –  cos ωt 
R  XC XL  
Using the trigonometric identity,

A sin θ + B cos θ = A 2 + B2 sin (θ + φ)

where, φ = tan –1 (B/A )
We can write, i ≡ i 0 sin (ωt + φ)
V0
Here, i0 =
Z
2
1  1
2
 1 1 
where, =   + – 
Z  R  XC XL 
 1 1 
 – 
 XC XL 
and tan φ =
(1 /R)

V Example 8 An L-C-R series circuit with 100 Ω resistance is connected to an AC

source of 200 V and angular frequency 300 rad / s. When only the capacitance is
removed, the current lags behind the voltage by 60° . When only the inductance is
removed, the current leads the voltage by 60° . Calculate the current and the power
dissipated in the L-C-R circuit
Solution When capacitance is removed, then
XL
tan φ =
R
XL
or tan 60° =
R
∴ XL = 3 R …(i)
When inductance is removed, then
XC
tan φ =
R
XC
or tan 60° =
R
∴ XC = 3 R …(ii)
From Eqs. (i) and (ii), we see that XC = XL
So, the L-C-R circuit is in resonance.
Hence, Z =R
 www.jeebooks.in
Chapter 28 Alternating Current — 589

V rms 200
∴ i rms = = =2 A Ans.
Z 100
P = V rms i rms cos φ
At resonance current and voltage are in phase,
or φ = 0°
∴ P = (200) (2) (1) = 400 W Ans.

V Example 9 A series L-C-R circuit containing a resistance of 120 Ω has

resonance frequency 4 × 105 rad / s. At resonance the voltages across resistance and
inductance are 60 V and 40 V , respectively. Find the values of L and C. At what
angular frequency the current in the circuit lags the voltage by π /4?
Solution At resonance, XL – XC = 0
and Z = R = 120 Ω
(V ) 60 1
∴ i rms = R rms = = A
R 120 2
(V )
Also, i rms = L rms
ωL
(VL )rms 40
∴ L= =
ωi rms  1
(4 × 105 )  
 2

= 2.0 × 10–4 H
= 0.2 mH Ans.
The resonance frequency is given by
1 1
ω= or C =
LC ω 2L
Substituting the values, we have
1
C=
(4 × 105 )2 (2.0 × 10–4 )
= 3.125 × 10–8 F Ans.
Current lags the voltage by 45°, when
1
ωL –
tan 45° = ωC
R
Substituting the values of L, C, R and tan 45°, we get
ω = 8 × 105 rad /s Ans.

V Example 10 A choke coil is needed to operate an arc lamp at 160 V (rms) and
50 Hz. The lamp has an effective resistance of 5 Ω when running at 10 A (rms).
Calculate the inductance of the choke coil. If the same arc lamp is to be operated
on 160 V ( DC ), what additional resistance is required? Compare the power loses
in both cases.
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590 — Electricity and Magnetism

Solution For lamp,

(V rms )R = (i rms ) (R) = 10 × 5 = 50 V

L R

Choke Lamp
VL VR

V = V0 sin ωt

In series,
(V rms )2 = (V rms )R2 + (V rms )L2
∴ (V rms )L = (V rms )2 – (V rms )R2

= (160)2 – (50)2
= 152 V
As, (V rms )L = (i rms )XL = (i rms ) (2πfL )
(V rms )L
∴ L=
(2πf ) (i rms )
Substituting the values, we get
152
L=
(2π ) (50) (10)
= 4.84 × 10–2 H Ans.
Now, when the lamp is operated at 160 V, DC and instead of choke let an additional resistance
R′ is put in series with it, then
V = i (R + R ′ )
or 160 = 10 (5 + R ′ )
∴ R′ = 11 Ω Ans.
In case of AC, as the choke has no resistance, power loss in choke is zero.
In case of DC, the loss in additional resistance R′ is
P = i 2R ′ = (10)2(11)
= 1100 W Ans.
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Exercises
LEVEL 1
Assertion and Reason
Directions : Choose the correct option.
(a) If both Assertion and Reason are true and the Reason is correct explanation of the Assertion.
(b) If both Assertion and Reason are true but Reason is not the correct explanation of Assertion.
(c) If Assertion is true, but the Reason is false.
(d) If Assertion is false but the Reason is true.
1. Assertion : In an AC circuit, potential difference across the capacitor may be greater than
the applied voltage.
Reason : VC = IXC , whereas V = IZ and XC can be greater than Z also.
2. Assertion : In series L-C-R circuit, voltage will lead the current function for frequency
greater than the resonance frequency.
Reason : At resonance frequency, phase difference between current function and voltage
function is zero.
3. Assertion : Resonance frequency will decrease in L-C-R series circuit if a dielectric slab is
inserted in between the plates of the capacitor.
Reason : By doing so, capacity of capacitor will increase.
4. Assertion : Average value of current in the given graph is 3 A.
i (A)

t (s)
2 3 4 5 6
-

Reason : Average value can’t be greater than the peak value of any function.
5. Assertion : In series L-C-R circuit, if a ferromagnetic rod is inserted inside an inductor,
current in the circuit may increase or decrease.
Reason : By doing so X L will increase.
6. Assertion : Potential difference across, resistor, capacitor and inductor each is 10 V. Then,
voltage function and current functions should be in phase.
Reason : At this condition current in the circuit should be maximum.
7. Assertion : At some given instant I1 and I 2 both are 2 A each. Then, I at this instant should
be zero.
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592 — Electricity and Magnetism
I1

I2

Reason : There is a phase difference of π between I1 and I 2 functions.

8. Assertion : Peak value of current in AC through a resistance of 10 Ω is 2 A. Then, power
consumed by the resistance should be 20 W.
Reason : Power in AC is P = I 2rms R
9. Assertion : An inductor coil normally produces more current with DC source compared to an
AC source of same value of rms voltage.
Reason : In DC source, applied voltage remains constant with time.
10. Assertion : In an L-R series circuit in AC, current in the circuit will decrease with increase
in frequency.
Reason : Phase difference between current function and voltage function will increase with
increase in frequency.
11. Assertion : In series L-C-R, AC circuit, current and voltage are in same phase at resonance.
Reason : In series L-C-R, AC circuit, resonant frequency does not depend on the value of
resistance. Hence, current at resonance does not depend on resistance.

Objective Questions
1. The term cos φ in an AC circuit is called
(a) form factor (b) phase factor
(c) power factor (d) quality factor
2. A DC ammeter cannot measure alternating current because
(a) AC changes its direction
(b) DC instruments will measure the average value
(c) AC can damage the DC instrument
(d) AC produces more heat
3. As the frequency of an alternating current increases, the impedance of the circuit
(a) increases continuously (b) decreases continuously
(c) remains constant (d) None of these
4. Phasor diagram of a series AC circuit is shown in figure. Then, V
(a) The circuit must be containing resistor and capacitor only
(b) The circuit must be containing resistor and inductor only
(c) The circuit must be containing all three elements L , C and R 30°
I
(d) The circuit cannot have only capacitor and inductor
5. The rms value of an alternating current
(a) is equal to 0.707 times peak value
(b) is equal to 0.636 times peak value
(c) is equal to 2 times the peak value
(d) None of the above
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Chapter 28 Alternating Current — 593

6. In an AC circuit, the applied potential difference and the current flowing are given by
 π
V = 200 sin 100 t volt, I = 5 sin 100 t −  amp
 2
The power consumption is equal to
(a) 1000 W (b) 40 W
(c) 20 W (d) zero
7. The impedance of a series L-C-R circuit in an AC circuit is
(a) R + (XL − XC ) (b) R2 + (XL2 − XC2 )
(c) R (d) None of these
8. If V 0 and I 0 are the peak current and voltage across the resistor in a series L-C-R circuit, then
the power dissipated in the circuit is (Power factor = cos θ )
V 0I 0 V 0I 0 V 0I 0
(a) (b) (c) V 0I 0 cos θ (d) cos θ
2 2 2
9. A generator produces a time varying voltage given by V = 240 sin 120 t, where t is in second.
The rms voltage and frequency are
(a) 170 V and 19 Hz (b) 240 V and 60 Hz
(c) 170 V and 60 Hz (d) 120 V and 19 Hz
10. An L-C-R series circuit has a maximum current of 5 A. If L = 0.5 H and C = 8 µF, then the
angular frequency of AC voltage is
(a) 500 rad / s (b) 5000 rad / s
(c) 400 rad / s (d) 250 rad / s
11. The current and voltage functions in an AC circuit are
 π
i = 100 sin 100 t mA , V = 100 sin 100t +  V
 3
The power dissipated in the circuit is
(a) 10 W (b) 2.5 W (c) 5 W (d) 5 kW
12. A capacitor becomes a perfect insulator for
(a) alternating current (b) direct current (c) both (a) and (b) (d) None of these
1
13. For an alternating voltage V = 10 cos 100 πt volt, the instantaneous voltage at t = s is
600
(a) 1 V (b) 5 V
(c) 5 3 V (d) 10 V
14. In a purely resistive AC circuit,
(a) voltage leads current (b) voltage lags current
(c) voltage and current are in same phase (d) nothing can be said
15. Identify the graph which correctly represents the variation of capacitive reactance XC with
frequency
Xc Xc Xc Xc

(a) (b) (c) (d)

f f f f
O O O O
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594 — Electricity and Magnetism

16. In an AC circuit, the impedance is 3 times the reactance, then the phase angle is
(a) 60° (b) 30°
(c) zero (d) None of these
17. Voltage applied to an AC circuit and current flowing in it is given by
 π  π
V = 200 2 sin ωt +  and i = − 2 cos ωt + 
 4  4
Then, power consumed in the circuit will be
(a) 200 W (b) 400 W
(c) 200 2 W (d) None of these
18. When 100 volt DC source is applied across a coil, a current of 1 A flows through it. When 100 V
AC source of 50 Hz is applied to the same coil, only 0.5 A current flows. Calculate the
inductance of the coil.
(a) (π / 3 ) H (b) ( 3 /π ) H
(c) (2 /π ) H (d) None of these
19. In the circuit shown in figure, the reading of the AC ammeter is
1 µF
A

V = 200 √2 sin 100t

(a) 20 2 mA (b) 40 2 mA (c) 20 mA (d) 40 mA

20. An AC voltage is applied across a series combination of L and R. If the voltage drop across the
resistor and inductor are 20 V and 15 V respectively, then applied peak voltage is
(a) 25 V (b) 35 V
(c) 25 2 V (d) 5 7 V
21. For wattless power in an AC circuit, the phase angle between the current and voltage is
(a) 0° (b) 90°
(c) 45° (d) Not possible
22. The correct variation of resistance R with frequency f is given by
R R R R

(a) (b) (c) (d)

f f f f

23. If L and R be the inductance and resistance of the choke coil, then identify the correct
statement.
(a) L is very high compared to R (b) R is very high compared to L
(c) Both L and R are high (d) Both L and R are low
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Chapter 28 Alternating Current — 595

24. When an AC signal of frequency 1 kHz is applied across a coil of resistance 100 Ω, then the
applied voltage leads the current by 45°. The inductance of the coil is
(a) 16 mH (b) 12 mH
(c) 8 mH (d) 4 mH
25. The frequency of an alternating current is 50 Hz. The minimum time taken by it in reaching
from zero to peak value is
(a) 5 ms (b) 10 ms
(c) 20 ms (d) 50 ms
26. An alternating voltage is applied across the R-L combination. V = 220 sin 120 t and the current
I = 4 sin (120t − 60° ) develops. The power consumption is
(a) zero (b) 100 W
(c) 220 W (d) 440 W
27. In the AC network shown in figure, the rms current flowing through the C
inductor and capacitor are 0.6 A and 0.8 A, respectively. Then, the current
coming out of the source is L
(a) 1.0 A
(b) 1.4 A
(c) 0.2 A
(d) None of the above
28. The figure represents the voltage applied across a pure inductor. The diagram which correctly
represents the variation of current i with time t is given by
V

t
O

i i i i

(a) O t (b) O t (c) O t (d) O t

29. A steady current of magnitude I and an AC current of peak value I are allowed to pass through
identical resistors for the same time. The ratio of heat produced in the two resistors will be
(a) 2 : 1 (b) 1 : 2
(c) 1 : 1 (d) None of these
30. A 50 Hz AC source of 20 V is connected across R and C as shown in figure. R C
The voltage across R is 12 V. The voltage across C is
(a) 8V
(b) 16 V
(c) 10 V
(d) Not possible to determine unless value of R and C are given
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596 — Electricity and Magnetism

Subjective Questions
Note You can take approximations in the answers.
1. A 300 Ω resistor, a 0.250 H inductor, and a 8.00 µF capacitor are in series with an AC source
with voltage amplitude 120 V and angular frequency 400 rad/ s.
(a) What is the current amplitude?
(b) What is the phase angle of the source voltage with respect to the current? Does the source voltage
lag or lead the current?
(c) What are the voltage amplitudes across the resistor, inductor, and capacitor?
2. A series circuit has an impedance of 60.0 Ω and a power factor of 0.720 at 50.0 Hz. The source
voltage lags the current.
(a) What circuit element, an inductor or a capacitor, should be placed in series with the circuit to
raise its power factor?
(b) What size element will raise the power factor to unity?
3. Voltage and current for a circuit with two elements in series are expressed as
V ( t ) = 170 sin ( 6280t + π / 3) volt
i ( t ) = 8.5 sin ( 6280t + π/ 2) amp
(a) Plot the two waveforms.
(b) Determine the frequency in Hz.
(c) Determine the power factor stating its nature.
(d) What are the values of the elements?
4. A 5.00 H inductor with negligible resistance is connected across an AC source. Voltage
amplitude is kept constant at 60.0 V but whose frequency can be varied. Find the current
amplitude when the angular frequency is
(a) 100 rad /s
(b) 1000 rad /s
(c) 10000 rad /s
5. A 300 Ω resistor is connected in series with a 0.800 H inductor. The voltage across the resistor
as a function of time is V R = ( 2.50 V ) cos [( 950 rad/ s ) t ].
(a) Derive an expression for the circuit current.
(b) Determine the inductive reactance of the inductor.
(c) Derive an expression for the voltage VL across the inductor.
6. An L-C-R series circuit with L = 0.120 H, R = 240 Ω , and C = 7.30 µF carries an rms current of
0.450 A with a frequency of 400 Hz.
(a) What are the phase angle and power factor for this circuit?
(b) What is the impedance of the circuit?
(c) What is the rms voltage of the source?
(d) What average power is delivered by the source?
(e) What is the average rate at which electrical energy is converted to thermal energy in the
resistor?
(f) What is the average rate at which electrical energy is dissipated ( converted to other forms) in
the capacitor?
(g) In the inductor?
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LEVEL 2
Single Correct Option
1. A capacitor and resistor are connected with an AC source as shown in figure. Reactance of
capacitor is XC = 3 Ω and resistance of resistor is 4 Ω. Phase difference between current
  3 
I and I1 is tan−1   = 37°
  4 
I2 XC = 3Ω

I1 R = 4Ω

I
V = V0 sin ωt

(a) 90° (b) zero (c) 53° (d) 37°

2. A circuit contains resistance R and an inductance L in series. An alternating voltage
V = V 0 sin ωt is applied across it. The currents in R and L respectively will be

R L

AC
(a) IR = I 0 cos ωt , IL = I 0 cos ωt (b) IR = − I 0 sin ωt , IL = I 0 cos ωt
(c) IR = I 0 sin ωt , IL = − I 0 cos ωt (d) None of the above
3. In the circuit shown in figure, the AC source gives a voltage V = 20 cos ( 2000t ). Neglecting
source resistance, the voltmeter and ammeter readings will be
6Ω
A

5 mH, 4Ω 50 µF
I
I1
V

(a) 0 V, 2.0 A (b) 0 V, 1.4 A (c) 5.6 V, 1.4 A (d) 8 V, 2.0 A

4. A signal generator supplies a sine wave of 200 V, 5 kHz to the circuit shown in the figure. Then,
choose the wrong statement.

1 µF
π

100 Ω

200 V, 5 kHz
(a) The current in the resistive branch is 0.2 A
(b) The current in the capacitive branch is 0.126 A
(c) Total line current is ≈ 0.283 A
(d) Current in both the branches is same
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598 — Electricity and Magnetism

5. A complex current wave is given by i = ( 5 + 5 sin 100 ωt ) A. Its average value over one time
period is given as
(a) 10 A (b) 5 A
(c) 50 A (d) 0
6. An AC voltage V = V 0 sin 100 t is applied to the circuit, the phase difference between current
and voltage is found to be π/ 4, then
V, l
V I

π/4

(a) R = 100 Ω, C = 1 µF (b) R = 1 kΩ, C = 10 µF

(c) R = 10 kΩ, L = 1 H (d) R = 1 kΩ, L = 10 H
7. In series L-C-R circuit, voltage drop across resistance is 8 V, across inductor is 6 V and across
capacitor is 12 V. Then,
(a) voltage of the source will be leading in the circuit
(b) voltage drop across each element will be less than the applied voltage
(c) power factor of the circuit will be 3 /4
(d) None of the above
8. Consider an L-C-R circuit as shown in figure with an AC source of peak value V 0 L
and angular frequency ω. Then, the peak value of current through the AC
source is C
2
V0 1  1 
(a) (b) V 0  2 + ωC − 
1  1 
2
R  ω L   R
+  ωL − 
R 2  ωC 
V0
(c) 2
(d) None of these
 1  V, ω
R +  ωL −
2

 ωC 

9. The adjoining figure shows an AC circuit with resistance R, inductance L and source voltage
V s . Then,
R L

V V
70 V 20 V

Vs

(a) the source voltage V s = 72.8 V

(b) the phase angle between current and source voltage is tan −1 (7 /2)
(c) Both (a) and (b) are correct
(d) Both (a) and (b) are wrong
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Chapter 28 Alternating Current — 599

10. When an alternating voltage of 220 V is applied across a device P, a current of 0.25 A flows
through the circuit and it leads the applied voltage by an angle π/ 2 radian. When the same
voltage source is connected across another device Q, the same current is observed in the circuit
but in phase with the applied voltage. What is the current when the same source is connected
across a series combination of P and Q?
1 1
(a) A lagging in phase by π /4 with voltage (b) A leading in phase by π /4 with voltage
4 2 4 2
1 1
(c) A leading in phase by π/4 with voltage (d) A leading in phase by π/2 with voltage
2 4 2
11. In a parallel L-C-R circuit as shown in figure if I R , I L , IC and I represent the rms values of
current flowing through resistor, inductor, capacitor and the source, then choose the
appropriate correct answer.
IR R

IL L

IC C

(a) I = IR + IL + IC (b) I = IR + IL − IC
(c) IL or IC may be greater than I (d) None of these
12. In a series L-C-R circuit, current in the circuit is 11 A when the applied voltage is 220 V.
Voltage across the capacitor is 200 V. If the value of resistor is 20 Ω, then the voltage across the
unknown inductor is
(a) zero (b) 200 V
(c) 20 V (d) None of these
13. In the circuit shown in figure, the power consumed is
R L

V = V0 sin ωt

V 02 V 02R
(a) zero (b) (c) (d) None of these
2R 2(R2 + ω 2L2)

14. In a series L - C circuit, the applied voltage is V 0. If ω is very low, then the L C
voltage drop across the inductor V L and capacitor VC are
V0 V
(a) VL = ; VC = 0 (b) VL = 0 ; VC = V 0
2 2
V0
(c) VL = V 0 ; VC = 0 (d) VL = − VC =
2
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600 — Electricity and Magnetism

15. A coil, a capacitor and an AC source of rms voltage 24 V are connected in series. By varying the
frequency of the source, a maximum rms current of 6 A is observed. If coil is connected to a DC
battery of emf 12 volt and internal resistance 4 Ω, then current through it in steady state is
(a) 2.4 A (b) 1.8 A
(c) 1.5 A (d) 1.2 A
16. In a series C - R circuit shown in figure, the applied voltage is 10 V and the voltage across
capacitor is found to be 8 V. The voltage across R, and the phase difference between current
and the applied voltage will respectively be
8V VR

C R

10 V

 4  3
(a) 6 V, tan −1   (b) 3 V, tan −1  
 3  4
−1  3 
(c) 6 V, tan   (d) None of these
 4

17. An AC voltage source described by V = 10 cos ( π/ 2) t is connected to a 1 µF capacitor as shown in

figure. The key K is closed at t = 0. The time ( t > 0) after which the magnitude of current I
reaches its maximum value for the first time is

π
V = 10 cos t C = 1 µF
2

(a) 1 s (b) 2 s
(c) 3 s (d) 4 s
18. An AC voltage source V = V 0 sin ωt is connected across resistance R and capacitance C as
shown in figure. It is given that R = 1/ωC. The peak current is I 0. If the angular frequency of the
voltage source is changed to ω/ 3, then the new peak current in the circuit is
R

V0 sin ωt C

I0 I0
(a) (b)
2 2
I0 I0
(c) (d)
3 3
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Chapter 28 Alternating Current — 601

More than One Correct Options

1. In a R-L-C series circuit shown, the readings of voltmeters V1 and V 2 are 100 V and 120 V.
Choose the correct statement(s).
V2

V1
V = 130 V

(a) Voltage across resistor, inductor and capacitor are 50 V, 86.6 V and 206.6 V respectively
(b) Voltage across resistor, inductor and capacitor are 10 V, 90 V and 30 V respectively
5
(c) Power factor of the circuit is
13
(d) Circuit is capacitive in nature
2. Current in an AC circuit is given by i = 3 sin ωt + 4 cos ωt , then
(a) rms value of current is 5 A
6
(b) mean value of this current in positive one-half period will be
π
(c) if voltage applied is V = Vm sin ωt, then the circuit may contain resistance and capacitance
(d) if voltage applied is V = Vm cos ωt, then the circuit may contain resistance and inductance only
3. A tube light of 60 V, 60 W rating is connected across an AC source of 100 V and 50 Hz frequency.
Then,
2
(a) an inductance of H may be connected in series
5π
250
(b) a capacitor of µF may be connected in series to it
π
4
(c) an inductor of H may be connected in series
5π
(d) a resistance of 40 Ω may be connected in series
4. In an AC circuit, the power factor
(a) is unity when the circuit contains an ideal resistance only
(b) is unity when the circuit contains an ideal inductance only
(c) is zero when the circuit contains an ideal resistance only
(d) is zero when the circuit contains an ideal inductance only
5. In an AC series circuit, R = 10 Ω, X L = 20 Ω and XC = 10 Ω. Then, choose the correct options
(a) Voltage function will lead the current function
(b) Total impedance of the circuit is 10 2 Ω
(c) Phase angle between voltage function and current function is 45°
1
(d) Power factor of circuit is
2
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602 — Electricity and Magnetism

6. In the above problem further choose the correct options.

(a) The given values are at frequency less than the resonance frequency
(b) The given values are at frequency more than the resonance frequency
(c) If frequency is increased from the given value, impedance of the circuit will increase
(d) If frequency is decreased from the given value, current in the circuit may increase or decrease
7. In the circuit shown in figure,
40 Ω XL = 20 Ω

2A 100 V

V = V0 sin ωt

(a) VR = 80 V (b) XC = 50 Ω
(c) VL = 40 V (d) V 0 = 100 V
8. In L-C-R series AC circuit,
(a) If R is increased, then current will decrease (b) If L is increased, then current will decrease
(c) If C is increased, then current will increase (d) If C is increased, then current will decrease

Comprehension Based Questions

Passage I (Q. No. 1 to 3)
A student in a lab took a coil and connected it to a 12 V DC source. He measures the steady state
current in the circuit to be 4 A. He then replaced the 12 V DC source by a 12 V, (ω = 50 rad / s ) AC
source and observes that the reading in the AC ammeter is 2.4 A. He then decides to connect a
2500 µF capacitor in series with the coil and calculate the average power developed in the
circuit. Further he also decides to study the variation in current in the circuit (with the capacitor
and the battery in series).
Based on the readings taken by the student, answer the following questions.
1. The value of resistance of the coil calculated by the student is
(a) 3 Ω (b) 4 Ω
(c) 5 Ω (d) 8 Ω
2. The power developed in the circuit when the capacitor of 2500 µF is connected in series with the
coil is
(a) 28.8 W (b) 23.04 W
(c) 17.28 W (d) 9.6 W
3. Which of the following graph roughly matches the variations of current in the circuit (with the
coil and capacitor connected in the series) when the angular frequency is decreased from
50 rad/s to 25 rad/s?
i i i i

(a) (b) (c) (d)

25 50 ω 25 50 ω 25 50 ω 25 50 ω
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Chapter 28 Alternating Current — 603

Passage II (Q. No. 4 to 6)

It is known to all of you that the impedance of a circuit is dependent on the frequency of source.
In order to study the effect of frequency on the impedance, a student in a lab took 2 impedance
boxes P and Q and connected them in series with an AC source of variable frequency. The emf of
the source is constant at 10 V. Box P contains a capacitance of 1 µF in series with a resistance of
32 Ω. And the box Q has a coil of self-inductance 4.9 mH and a resistance of 68 Ω in series. He
adjusted the frequency so that the maximum current flows in P and Q. Based on his
experimental set up and the reading by him at various moment, answer the following questions.
4. The angular frequency for which he detects maximum current in the circuit is
(a) 105 /7 rad /s (b) 104 rad /s
(c) 105 rad /s (d) 104 /7 rad /s
5. Impedance of box P at the above frequency is
(a) 70 Ω (b) 77 Ω
(c) 90 Ω (d) 100 Ω
6. Power factor of the circuit at maximum current is
(a) 1/2 (b) 1
(c) 0 (d) 1/ 2

Match the Columns

1. Match the following two columns for a series AC circuit.
Column I Column II
(a) Only C in the circuit (p) current will lead
(b) Only L in the circuit (q) voltage will lead
(c) Only R in the circuit (r) φ = 90°
(d) R and C in the circuit (s) φ = 0°

2. Applied AC voltage is given as

V = V 0 sin ωt
Corresponding to this voltage, match the following two columns.
Column I Column II
(a) I = I 0 sin ωt (p) only R circuit
(b) I = − I 0 cos ωt (q) only L circuit
(c) I = I 0 sin (ωt + π /6) (r) may be C-R circuit
(d) I = I 0 sin (ωt − π /6) (s) may be L-C-R circuit

3. For an L-C-R series AC circuit, match the following two columns.

Column I Column II
(a) If resistance is increased (p) current will increase
(b) If capacitance is increased (q) current will decrease
(c) If inductance is increased (r) current may increase or decrease
(d) If frequency is increased (s) power may decrease or increase
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604 — Electricity and Magnetism

4. In the circuit shown in figure, match the following two columns. In Column II, quantities are
given in SI units.
XC = 30 Ω, XL = 15 Ω

40 V
2A

Column I Column II

(a) Value of resistance R (p) 60

(b) Potential difference across capacitor (q) 20
(c) Potential difference across inductor (r) 30
(d) Applied potential difference (s) None of the above

5. Corresponding to the figure shown, match the two columns.

1
Column I Column II 2

(a) Resistance (p) 4 3

(b) Capacitive reactance (q) 1 4

(c) Inductive reactance (r) 2 ω
(d) Impedance (s) 3

Subjective Questions
Note Power factor leading means current is leading.
1. A coil is in series with a 20 µF capacitor across a 230 V, 50 Hz supply. The current taken by the
circuit is 8 A and the power consumed is 200 W. Calculate the inductance of the coil if the
current in the circuit is
(a) leading (b) lagging
2. The current in a certain circuit varies with time as shown in figure. Find the average current
and the rms current in terms of I 0.

I0

O τ t
2τ

–I0
.

3. Two impedances Z1 and Z 2 when connected separately across a 230 V , 50 Hz supply consume
100 W and 60 W at power factor of 0.5 lagging and 0.6 leading respectively. If these
impedances are now connected in series across the same supply, find
(a) total power absorbed and overall power factor
(b) the value of reactance to be added in series so as to raise the overall power factor to unity.
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Chapter 28 Alternating Current — 605

4. In the figure shown, the reading of voltmeters are V1 = 40 V , V 2 = 40 V and V3 = 10 V. Find

V1 V2 V3

R=4Ω L C

π
E = E0 sin 100 πt +
6

(a) the peak value of current (b) the peak value of emf
(c) the value of L and C
5. In the circuit shown in figure power factor of box is 0.5 and power factor of circuit is 3/ 2 .
Current leading the voltage. Find the effective resistance of the box.
Box

10 Ω

6. A circuit element shown in the figure as a box is having either a capacitor or an inductor. The
power factor of the circuit is 0.8, while current lags behind the voltage. Find
C
Box

1A VC = 100 V

R = 80 Ω V, 50 Hz
(a) the source voltage V,
(b) the nature of the element in box and find its value.

7. The maximum values of the alternating voltages and current are 400 V and 20 A respectively
in a circuit connected to 50 Hz supply and these quantities are sinusoidal. The instantaneous
values of the voltage and current are 200 2 V and 10 A, respectively. At t = 0, both are
increasing positively.
(a) Write down the expression for voltage and current at time t.
(b) Determine the power consumed in the circuit.

8. An L-C circuit consists of an inductor coil with L = 5.00 mH and a 20.0 µF capacitor. There is
negligible resistance in the circuit. The circuit is driven by a voltage source with V = V 0 cosωt.
If V 0 = 5.00 mV and the frequency is twice the resonance frequency, determine
(a) the maximum charge on the capacitor
(b) the maximum current in the circuit
(c) the phase relationship between the voltages across the inductor, the capacitor and the source.
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606 — Electricity and Magnetism

9. A coil having a resistance of 5 Ω and an inductance of 0.02 H is arranged in parallel with

another coil having a resistance of 1 Ω and an inductance of 0.08 H. Calculate the power
absorbed when a voltage of 100 V at 50 Hz is applied.
5Ω 0.02 H

1Ω 0.08 H

100V
50 Hz

10. A circuit takes a current of 3 A at a power factor of 0.6 lagging when connected to a
115 V – 50 Hz supply. Another circuit takes a current of 5 A at a power factor of 0.707 leading
when connected to the same supply. If the two circuits are connected in series across a 230 V,
50 Hz supply, then calculate
(a) the current (b) the power consumed and (c) the power factor

Answers
Introductory Exercise 28.1
1. (a) 628 Ω (b) 6.37 mH (c) 1.59 kΩ (d) 1.59 mF 2. 0.036 H, 111.8 V 3. 7.7 H, 6 A

Introductory Exercise 28.2

1. 650 Hz, 0 2. 0.2

Exercises
LEVEL 1
Assertion and Reason
1. (a) 2. (b) 3. (a) 4. (b) 5. (a or b) 6. (b) 7. (a) 8. (a,b) 9. (b) 10. (b)
11. (c)

Objective Questions
1. (c) 2. (b) 3. (d) 4. (d) 5. (a) 6. (d) 7. (d) 8. (d) 9. (a) 10. (a)
11. (b) 12. (b) 13. (c) 14. (c) 15. (b) 16. (d) 17. (d) 18. (b) 19. (c) 20. (c)
21. (b) 22. (a) 23. (a) 24. (a) 25. (a) 26. (c) 27. (c) 28. (c) 29. (a) 30. (b)
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Chapter 28 Alternating Current — 607

Subjective Questions
1. (a) 0.326 A (b) 35.3°, lagging (c) 97.8 V, 32.6 V, 102 V
2. (a) Inductor (b) 0.133 H
3
3. (b) 1000 Hz (c) , leading (d) R = 17.32 Ω ,C = 15.92 µF
2
4. (a) 0.12 A (b) 1.2 × 10 –2 A (c) 1.2 × 10 –3 A
5. (a) (8.33 mA)cos (950 rad/s ) t (b) 760 Ω (c) – (6.33 V) sin (950 rad/s )t
6. (a) 45.8° , voltage leads the curren,t 0.697 (b) 343 Ω (c) 155 V (d) 48.6 W (e) 48.6 W (f) 0 (g) 0

LEVEL 2
Single Correct Option
1.(c) 2.(d) 3.(c) 4.(b) 5.(b) 6.(b) 7.(d) 8.(b) 9.(a) 10.(b)
11.(c) 12.(b) 13.(c) 14.(b) 15.(c) 16.(a) 17.(a) 18.(b)

More than One Correct Options

1.(a,c,d) 2.(c,d) 3.(c,d) 4.(a,d) 5.(a,b,c,d) 6.(b,c,d) 7.(a,b,c) 8.(a)

Comprehension Based Questions

1.(a) 2.(c) 3.(b) 4.(a) 5.(b) 6.(b)

Match the Columns

1. (a) → p,r (b) → q,r (c) → s (d) → p
2. (a) → p,s (b) → q (c) → r,s (d) → s
3. (a) → q,s (b) → r,s (c) → r,s (d) → r,s
4. (a) → q (b) → p (c) → r (d) → s
5. (a) → s (b) → p (c) → r (d) → q

Subjective Questions
I0
1. (a) 0.416 H (b) 0.597 H 2. zero, 3. (a) 99 W, 0.92 leading (b) 194.2 Ω
3
1 1
4. (a) 10 2A (b) 50 2V (c) H, (d) F 5. 5 Ω
25 π 100 π
1.6
6. (a) 100 V (b) inductor, L = H
π
7. (a) V = 400 sin (100 πt + π /4), i = 20 sin (100 πt + π /6) (b) P = 3864 W
8. (a) 33.4 nC (b) 0.211 mA
(c) Source and inductor voltages in phase. Capacitor voltage lags by 180°.
9. 797 W 10. (a) 5.5 A (b) 1.188 kW (c) 0.939 lag