Alternating

Current
Jayant Nagda
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Jayant Nagda
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B.Tech, IIT Bombay

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JAYANT
Direct Current D.C.

A current that remains constant in magnitude & direction.

Current
Time
Alternating Current

Supply to our houses is

in the form of Alternating Current
 Alternating Current A.C.

If the direction of current changes alternatively, it’s called Alternating current.

A.C. vs D.C.

DC AC
Why A.C.?
Why A.C.? Most of electrical power generated & used in world
is in form of alternating current.

Voltages can very easily be changed by using a transformer.

Using A.C. minimises heating losses along transmission cables.

Why A.C.? Instead of transferring the electrons
from one place to another,
make them oscillate.
 AC Generator

AC is produced by alternating emf produced

by an AC dynamo or an AC Generator
AC Generator

ω
AC Generator
AC Generator

N = No.of turns,
B = magnetic field,
A = Area of loop,
ω = angular speed of rotation
ω
In an AC generator, a coil with N turns, all of the same area
A and total resistance R, rotates with frequency ω in a
magnetic field B. The maximum value of emf generated in
the coil is
[AIEEE 2006]

A. N.A.B.R.ω
B. N.A.B
C. N.A.B.R
D. N.A.B.ω
A square loop of edge a having N turns is rotated with a
uniform velocity ω about one of its diagonals which is kept
fixed in a horizontal position. A uniform magnetic field B
exists in the vertical direction. Find the emf induced in the
coil as a function of time t

A. Ba2sin ωt
B. Ba2 ωt
C. NBa2
D. NBa2ω sin ωt

a
The number of turns in the coil of an AC generator is 5000
and the area of the coil is 0.25 m2; the coil is rotated at the
rate of 100 turns per second in a magnetic field of
0.2Weber/m2. The peak value of the e.m.f. generated is nearly
-
A. 786 kV
B. 440 kV
C. 220 kV
D. 157.1 kV

Ans : D
AC Generator

t
Alternating Current A.C.
Polarity of Source
AC Source
Symbol Changes Alternately
AC Generator Output

~ R
AC Generator Output
ε
i=
R

~ R
ε0
i= sin ωt
R

i = i0sin ωt
Types of Current
Type of A.C.
Alternating Current A.C.
Special kind of AC that varies sinusoidally,

I = I0sin( ωt + Φ )

I : instantaneous value of current

I0: Peak value or max. value of AC
Φ: initial phase or phase constant
ω: angular frequency
T: Time period
f = frequency
Alternating Current A.C.

I = I0sin( ωt + Φ )
I

t
The equation of current in an ac circuit is

I = 4 sin (100πt + π/6) ampere.

The current at the beginning (t = 0) will be

A. 1 A
B. 2 A
C. 3 A
D. 4 A
In an ac circuit, the current is given by

i = 4 sin (100𝞹t + 300) ampere.

The current becomes maximum for the first time (after t = 0)

at t equal to
A. (1/200) sec
B. (1/300) sec
C. (1/50) sec
D. None of these
Alternating Current A.C.
I = I0sin( ωt + Φ )

f: Frequency
No: of cycles or oscillations completed per unit time.
Alternating Current A.C.
I = I0sin( ωt + Φ )

T : Time Period
Time taken to complete one oscillation
Alternating Current A.C.

Household AC supply: E = Eosin ωt

In India 240V, 50Hz

f = 50 Hz,
ω = 100π

In US 120V, 60Hz
An alternating current changes from a complete cycle in
1 μs, then the frequency in Hz will be
A. 10–6
B. 50
C. 100
D. 106

Ans : D
 A circular coil of one turn of radius 5·0 cm is rotated about a
diameter with a constant angular speed of 80 revolutions per
minute. A uniform magnetic field B = 0·010 T exists in a
direction perpendicular to the axis of rotation. Find the
maximum emf induced in the coil
A. 6·6 × 10–4 V
B. 3·3 × 10–4 V
C. 1·1 × 10–4 V
D. zero

Ans: A
 A circular coil of one turn of radius 5·0 cm is rotated about a
diameter with a constant angular speed of 80 revolutions per
minute. A uniform magnetic field B = 0·010 T exists in a
direction perpendicular to the axis of rotation. Find the
average emf induced in the coil over one time period

A. 1·1 × 10–4 V
B. 2·2 × 10–4 V
C. 3·3 × 10–4 V
D. zero

Ans: D
 A square loop of edge a having N turns is rotated with a uniform
velocity ω about one of its diagonals which is kept fixed in a
horizontal position. A uniform magnetic field B exists in the vertical
direction. Find:

The average emf induced in the loop

over a one Time period
A. NBa2
B. Zero
C. NBa2/2
D. NBa2/√2

Ans: B
Alternating Current A.C.
Special kind of AC that varies sinusoidally,

I = I0sin( ωt + Φ )

I : instantaneous value of current

I0: Peak value or max. value of AC
Φ: initial phase or phase constant
ω: angular frequency
T: Time period
f = frequency
Average Value of a Function

between x = a & x = b,
Average value of y = f(x) averaged over x

= =
b-a
Average Velocity

Average value of v = f(t)

between t1 & t2,

(averaged over time)
Average Value of a Current
Average value of

Over full cycle i = i0sin ωt

Average Value of a Current

Over full cycle

Iavg = 0
Average Over T Average value of Sin or Cos function over
integral multiple of time period is zero

n = 1,2,3...

k = 1,2,3...
For e.g.
Average Value of a Current
Over long period t = 0 to t ⟶ ∞

Also zero over a long period of time

Iavg = 0
Average Value of a Current

Average value of

Over first half cycle i = i0sin ωt

Average Value of a Current
Average value of

Over first half cycle i = i0sin ωt

Average Value of a Current

Over first half cycle

t
If the instantaneous value of currents is
I = 100 sin 314t Amp.
then the average of current in Ampere for half cycle is

A. 100
B. 70.7
C. 63.7
D. 35.3
Average Value of a Current

The Avg value (Iavg) or Mean Value of an alternating current is

equal to the steady current which transfers across any circuit the
same charge as is transferred by the AC during the same time.
An AC source is rated 220 V, 50 Hz. The average voltage is
calculated in a time interval of 0.01 s, it
A. must be zero
B. may be zero
C. is never zero
D. is non-zero
Average Value of a Current
I = I0sinωt

Over full cycle t = 0 to t = T = 2π/ω Iavg = 0

Over long period t = 0 to t ⟶ ∞ Iavg = 0

Over first half cycle t = 0 to t = T/2 = π/ω

Average Value of a Current

I = I0sinωt

In Full Cycle or
Long Period

In Half Cycle
In A.C. circuit the average value per cycle of e.m.f. or current is

A. peak value /√2 B. 0 C. peak value D. None of the above

Average Value of Voltage/Emf

In Full Cycle or
Long Period

In Half Cycle
Rms Value of Current
R.M.S. Root Mean Squared Value

It is the root of average value of I2 , over a time period.

Rms Value of Current
R.M.S. Root Mean Squared Value

It is the root of average value of I2 , over a time period.

The current through a wire changes with time according to
the equation I = √t. The correct value of the rms current
within the time interval t = 2s to t = 4s will be

A. √3 A
B. 3 A
C. 2 A
D. None of these
Rms Value of Current RMS value of I = I0 sinωt

Over full cycle

Rms Value of Current

Over full cycle

I I2

t
 Average value of Sin or Cos function over
Average over T
integral multiple of time period is zero

n = 1,2,3...

k = 1,2,3...
For e.g.
Rms Value of Current RMS value of I = I0 sinωt

Over first half cycle

Rms Value of Current

I = I0 sinωt Over first half cycle

I I2

⇒
Rms Value of Current

Over first half cycle

Over full cycle

RMS value of AC

over half cycle or full cycle is same

& also valid for long period of time.

Average of Sq over T Average value of square of Sin or Cos
function for one time period is I/2

n = 1,2,...,
For e.g. k = 1,2,...,
Rms Value of Current

Over n half cycles

I I2

t
Rms Value of Current

Current
peak value

RMS value
Avg value

0
time
Rms Value of Current

I2

I02

I02
2

O
t
The domestic power supply is at 220 volt.
The amplitude of emf will be

Fun fact: 220V of Power Supply is the RMS value of voltage

A. 220 V B. 110 V C. 311 V D. None of these

Rms Value of Current R.M.S. Root Mean Squared Value

The R.m.s. value or Virtual value or Effective value of any

current is defined as that value of steady (constant) current
which would generate the same amount of heat in a given
resistance in a given time as generated by actual current
passing through the same resistance for the same given time.
Similarly, rms value of emf is

Where E0 is maximum emf

In Full Cycle

In Half Cycle

In Full / Half
Cycle

In long period
of time
A direct current of 2 A and an alternating current having
a maximum value of 2 A flow through two identical
resistances. The ratio of heat produced in the two
resistances will be

A. 1 : 1 B. 1 :2 C. 2 : 1 D. 4 : 1
Heat is produced in a wire by allowing the ac of peak value 14 A
to flow in it. If dc of I ampere is used for producing the same
amount of heat, then the value of I will be approximately

A. 7 A B. 10 A C. 12 A D. 14 A
If the r.m.s. value of A.C. is Irms then its peak value is

A. √2 Irms / 2 B. Irms / √2 C. 2√2 Irms D. √2 Irms

A circular coil of one turn of radius 5·0 cm is rotated about a
diameter with a constant angular speed of 80 revolutions per
minute. A uniform magnetic field B = 0·010 T exists in a
direction perpendicular to the axis of rotation. Find the average
of the square of emf induced in the coil over one time period

A. 1·1 × 10–7 V2
B. 2·2 × 10–7 V2
C. 3·3 × 10–7 V2
D. zero

Ans : B
An AC current is given by I = I0 + I1 sinωt then its rms value
will be

A.

B.

C. 0

D. I0 / √2

Ans : A
The electric current in a circuit is given by i = (i0t)/τ for
some time. The rms current for the period t = 0 to t = τ will
be
A. i0 / √2 B. i0 / √3 C. i0 / 2 D. i0 / 3
AC Circuit with R Only (Resistive Circuit)

Type 1
ε = ε0 sin ωt

E, I

t
AC Circuit with R Only (Resistive Circuit)

Type 1
ε = ε0 sin ωt
ε
i=
R
E, I

i = i0sin ωt

t
ε0 Current
Where i0 =
R Amplitude
Phasor Diagrams Current or voltages are represented as
phasors, anti-clockwise rotating vectors

Length of Arrow ∝ Peak Value

y
Eg : I = I0sin ωt

Projection of Arrow on x/y ∝ Instantaneous Value

Phasor Diagrams Current or voltages are represented as
phasors, anti-clockwise rotating vectors
Eg : I = I0sin ωt
y
I

I0sinωt I0

ωt
x
t
Phasor Diagrams Current or Voltages represented as
phasors, anti-clockwise rotating vectors
Eg : I = I0sin ωt

I0
I0sinωt

ωt
x
Phasor Diagrams Current or Voltages represented as
phasors, anti-clockwise rotating vectors
Eg : A = Amsin ωt
Phasor Diagrams
AC Circuit with R Only ( Resistive Circuit)
Phase of current I and emf ε is same
Both vary in same manner:
i = i0sin ωt
peak at same time, become zero at same time

E, I E, I εo
ε = ε0 sin ωt Io

ωt
t x

Current & Voltage phasor rotate together,

they are parallel at every instant
AC Circuit with C Only (Capacitive Circuit)

at ‘t’ , q = Cε
Type 2

E = E0sin ωt
AC Circuit with C Only (Capacitive Circuit)

at ‘t’ , q = Cε

q = Cε0 sinωt

i = dq/dt = Cω ε0cosωt

E = E0sin ωt
i = i0 sin(ωt + π/2)

where io = ε0/(1/ωC) = ε0/XC

For high frequency, a capacitor offers

A. More reactance

B. Less reactance

C. Zero reactance

D. Infinite reactance
Capacitive Reactance Xc

XC = 1/ωC known as Capacitive Reactance.

ω: angular freq. of AC

XC depends on frequency of source

1. for D.C. ω = 0 ⇒ XC ⟶ ∞ Capacitor offers
infinite resistance for D.C.
1. For a high freq AC source; charge built on the capacitor
will be negligible, hence equivalent resistance XC is zero
Capacitive Reactance Xc

XC = 1/ωC

known as Capacitive Reactance.

is resistance offered by capacitor

E = E0sin ωt

Unit is Ω

ω: angular freq. of AC
 Capacitor stops D.C. but allow A.C.

For ω ➝ ∞ (High freq A.C.)

XC = 0 , (no charge buildup, q=0, p.d.=0)

XC = 1/ωC

For ω = 0 (D.C)

XC ⟶ ∞ (blocks current)
The inductive reactance of a coil is 1000Ω. If its self
inductance and frequency both are increased two times
then inductive reactance will be

A. 1000 Ω B. 2000 Ω C. 4000 Ω D. 16,000 Ω

Ans : C
In an A.C. circuit, a capacitor of 1μF value is
connected to a source of frequency 1000 rad/sec.
The value of capacitive reactance will be

A. 10 Ω B. 100 Ω C. 1000 Ω D. 10,000 Ω

The frequency for which a 5 μF capacitor has a reactance
of 1/1000 ohm is given by -

A. 100/π MHz

B. 1000/π Hz

C. 1/1000 Hz

D. 1000 Hz

Ans : A
AC Circuit with C only ( Capacitive Circuit)

E = E0sin ωt i = i0 sin(ωt + π/2)

Φemf = ωt ; ΦI = ωt + π/2

E = E0sin ωt I E

Current leads the Voltage by 900.

AC Circuit with C only ( Capacitive Circuit)
Current leads the Voltage by 900.

I peaks occurs first

Current & Voltage are out of phase by a

E = E0sin ωt
quarter cycle.

I E
E,I
Eo
Io
ωt
x t
 AC Circuit with L only ( Inductive Circuit)

No resistance
Type 3

E = E0sin ωt
AC Circuit with L only ( Inductive Circuit)

No resistance

E = E0sin ωt
AC Circuit with L only ( Inductive Circuit)
No resistance

Assuming di/dt > 0

E = E0sin ωt
AC Circuit with L only ( Inductive Circuit)

No resistance

E = E0sin ωt
Inductive Reactance XL

No resistance
XL = ωL

known as Inductive Reactance.

E = E0sin ωt

is resistance offered by inductor

Unit is Ω

ω: angular freq. of AC
The inductance of a resistance less coil is 0.5 Henry.
In the coil the value of A.C. is 0.2 amp whose
frequency is 50 Hz. The reactance of circuit is

A. 1.57 Ω B. 15.7 Ω C. 157 Ω D. 757 Ω

Effect of freq on Xl
XL depends on frequency of source
For D.C. ω = 0 ⇒ XL = 0 inductor offers zero resistance for D.C.

XL = ωL XL = 0 (inductor becomes conductor)

For ω ➝ ∞ (High freq A.C.)

E = E0sin ωt
XL ⟶ ∞ ( high p.d. VL, di/dt ⟶ ∞ )
Reactance and Susceptance
XL = ωL
R, X
XL

XC

0 ω
XC = 1/ωC

Reciprocal of Reactance is Susceptance

Reciprocal of Impedance is Admittance
AC Circuit with L only ( Inductive Circuit)
No resistance
E = E0sin ωt

Φemf = ωt ; ΦI = ωt - (π/2)
x

I Voltage leads the current by 900.

AC Circuit with L only ( Inductive Circuit)
Voltage leads the current by 900.

V peaks occurs first

Voltage & current are out of phase by a

E = E0sin ωt quarter cycle.
E

Eo
ωt
x

I Io
AC Circuit with L only ( Inductive Circuit)

Voltage leads the current by 900.

V peaks occurs first

E = E0sin ωt Voltage & current are out of phase by a

quarter cycle.
E

E, I
Eo
ωt
x
t
I Io
AC Circuits In general,

If ε = ε0 Sinωt ; I = I0 Sin(ωt + Φ)

Where I =

Z: impedance of circuit, Unit is Ω

Type of Circuit Phase Impedance

Purely Resistive Φ = 00 Z=R

Purely Capacitive Φ = π/2 Z = XC = 1/(ωC)

Purely Inductive Φ = - π/2 Z = XL= ωL

A coil of inductance 0.1 H is connected to an alternating
voltage generator of voltage E = 100 sin (100t) volt. The
current flowing through the coil will be

A. I = - 10 cos(100t) A B. I = 10 √2 cos(100t) A

C. I = - 10 sin(100t) A D. I = 10 √2 sin(100t) A
In pure capacitive circuit if the frequency of A.C. is
doubled, then the value of capacitive reactance will
become
A. Two times B. 1/2 times C. No change D. 1/4 times

Ans: B
The reactance of a capacitor is X1 for frequency n1 and X2
for frequency n2 then X1 : X2 is

A. 1 : 1 B. n1 : n2 C. n2 : n1 D. n12 : n22
In a circuit, the reactance of a coil is 20Ω . If the inductance of
the coil is 50 mH then angular frequency of the current
will be

A. 400 rad/sec B. 1 rad/sec C. 2.5 rad/sec D. 0.2 rad/sec

Ans: A
In pure inductive circuit, the curves between frequency f
and inductive reactance 1/XL is

A. B.
1/XL 1/XL

f f

C. D.

1/XL 1/XL

f f
Alternating current lead the applied e.m.f. by π/2 when
the circuit consists of

A. only resistance

B. only capacitor

C. only an inductance coil

D. capacitor and resistance both

Ans: B
If a capacitor is connected to two different A.C.
generators then the value of capacitive reactance is

A. directly proportional to frequency

B. inversely proportional to frequency

C. independent of frequency

D. inversely proportional to the square of frequency

Ans: B
 In a certain circuit E = 200 cos (314t) and
I = sin (314t + π/4). Their vector representation is
I

A. E
B.
π/4

π/4
I E

C. D.
E I
3π/4

3π/4
I E
 The alternating current I in an inductance coil varies with time
according to graph given in figure

t
Which one of the following graphs, figure gives the variation of voltage
with time?
A. B. C. D.
V V V V

t t t t

Ans: C
Solving AC Circuit For Series Circuits:

● Treat inductor & capacitor as resistance equal to

XL= ⍵L and XC= 1/⍵C

R XL XC

~
● In series circuit, every element has same current
through it hence voltage across circuit elements will be:

VR = iR VL = iXL VC = iXC
 Solving AC Circuit For Series Circuits:

V↑
● In series, Add Voltages like vectors.
Plot current along x-axis, VR along x-axis,
VL along +y-axis(as VL leads current by 𝜋/2),
i and VC along -ve y-axis (as VC lags current by 𝜋/2)
Find Vnet-y along y-axis.

● Combining VR & Vnet-y like vectors gives

resultant voltages and its angle with current
gives phase difference b/w voltage and current
R-L Circuit
R L
Here

VR = iR VL = iXL
i

~ V↑
E = E0sinωt

i
R-L Circuit R L V↑ V

VR VL VL
i
Φ
~ VR
i
E = E0sinωt

Here
VR = iR VL = iXL
R-L Circuit R L V↑ V

VR VL VL
i
Φ
~ VR
i
E = E0sinωt

Voltage leads current by Φ

i = i0sin(ωt - Φ)

Where i0 = E0/Z
In an A.C. circuit, a resistance of R ohm is connected
in series with an inductance L. If phase angle between voltage
and current be 450, the value of inductive reactance will be

A. R/4 B. R C. R/2 D. cannot be found with

given data
When 100 V DC is supplied across a solenoid, a current of
1 amperes flows in it. When 100 V AC is supplied across the
same coil, the current drops to 0.5 ampere. If the frequency of
ac source is 50 Hz, then the impedance and inductance of the
solenoid are -
A. 200 Ω and 0.55 henry
B. 100 Ω and 0.86 henry
C. 200 Ω and 1.0 henry
D. 100 Ω and 0.93 henry

Ans: A
In a series L–R circuit (L = 35 mH and R = 11 Ω), a variable emf
source (V = V0 sin ωt) of Vrms = 220 V and frequency 50Hz is applied.
Find the current amplitude in the circuit and phase of current
with respect to voltage. Draw current-time graph on given graph
(π = 22/7). Current in the circuit has Amplitude:
[IIT- 2004]
V = V0sinωt A. 20 A, leads V by π/4
T/2 3T/2 B. 10 A, leads V by π/4
O
T/4
C. 20 A, trails V by π/4

D. 10 A, trails V by π/4
R-L Circuit Here
R C VR = iR VC = iXC

VR VC V
i

~
E = V0sinωt i
R-L Circuit Here
VR = iR VC = iXC
R C

VR
VR VC i
i Φ
~
E = V0sinωt VC

Current leads voltage by Φ

i = i0sin(ωt + Φ)

Where i0 = V0 / Z
In given circuit, when a dielectric slab is introduced
between the plates of the capacitor , intensity of bulb

A. increases Bulb

B. decreases

C. may increase or decrease

~
D. can't say V = V0 sin ωt
Integer Type Question

A series R-C combination is connected to an AC voltage

of angular frequency ω = 500 radian/s. If the impedance
of the R-C circuit is R√1.25 , the time constant (in millisecond)
of the circuit is [JEE 2011]

Ans: 4
An AC source of angular frequency ω is fed across a resistor 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 -
A. √(3/5)
B. √(2/5)
C. √(1/5)
D. √(4/5)

Ans: A
L-C Circuit Here
VL = iXL VC = iXC

VL
↑V
O i

~
V = V0sinωt VC
L-C Circuit Here
VL = iXL VC = iXC

VL
↑V
O i

~
V = V0sinωt VC
L-C Circuit (a) If XL > XC , voltage leads the current by π/2
↑V

VL- VC

O i
~
V = V0sinωt
(b) If XC > XL , current leads the voltage by π/2

↑V

O i

VC- VL
L-C Circuit
(c) If XL = XC
↑V

VL

~ O i
V = V0sinωt
VC
⇒ω=

Condition of Resonance

Z=0
&
io = ∞
L-C Circuit
variation of impedance Z with freq

~
V = V0sinωt ω
L-C Circuit
variation of impedance Z with freq

~
V = V0sinωt ω
ω = ω0
I

ω = ω0 ω
L-C Circuit

If XL = XC , Φ = 0 voltage & current are in same phase

XL = XC

~ ωL = 1/ωC
V = V0sinωt

resonant angular frequency

resonant frequency
L, C and R represent the physical quantities, inductance,
capacitance and resistance respectively. The combination(s)
which have the dimensions of frequency are
[IIT 1984]
A. 1/RC B. R/L C. 1/√LC D. C/L

Ans: ABC
R-L-C Circuit VR = i R ; VL = i XL ; VC = i XC
R L C
↑V
VR VL VC
VL

~
V = V0sinωt V i
R
V
C
R-L-C Circuit
V
R L C
VL-VC
VR VL VC Φ
VR i
~
V = V0sinωt
The value of alternating emf E in the given circuit will be -

A. 100 V
B. 20 V
C. 220 V
D. 140 V

Ans: A
R-L-C Circuit

(a) If XL > XC ; voltage leads current by Φ

V
Hence i = i0sin( ωt - Φ)
VL-VC

Φ
VR i

(b) If XC > XL ; current leads voltage by Φ

VR
Hence i = i0sin( ωt + Φ) Φ i

VC-VL

V
In an LCR series a.c. circuit, the voltage across each of the
components, L, C and R is 50V. The voltage across the LC
combination will be
[AIEEE 2004]

A. 100 V B. 50√2 V C. 50 V D. 0 V (zero)

Ans: D
 In series resonance, Z = ?
R-L-C Circuit

R L C

VR VL VC

~
V = V0sinωt
i0
i0(max) = V0/R

ω
ω = ω0
 In series resonance, impedance of circuit is minimum
R-L-C Circuit
and equal to resistance, Z = R and current is maximum.

R L C i0
VR VL VC i0(max) = V0/R

~
V = V0sinωt
ω
ω = ω0

(a) If ω < ωo ; XC > XL i.e. before resonance current leads

(b) If ω > ωo ; XL > XC i.e. after resonance voltage leads

Series Resonance Circuit is called “ Acceptor Circuit ”

Amplitude at Resonance
Amplitude at Resonance

Tacoma Narrows Bridge

In a series resonant LCR circuit, the voltage across R is
100 volts and R = 1 kΩ with C = 2μF. The resonant frequency
ω is 200 rad/s. At resonance the voltage across L is
[AIEEE 2006]
A. 2.5 × 10–2 V B. 40 V C. 250 V D. 4 × 10–3 V

Ans: C
Quality Factor
At resonance, I is maximum. Hence VL or VC is maximum.

Voltage across inductor

or capacitor at resonance
Quality factor =
applied voltage
In a series LCR circuit L = 1H, C = 6.25 μF and R = 1 ohm.
Its quality factor is -

A. 400 B. 200 C. 125 D. 25

Ans: A
Parallel AC Circuits Solution is similar to series circuits.

iC C iC XC

iL L iL XL

iR R
iR
R

~ ~
V,ω

Current in various branches is different

but Potential is same.

take potential along x-axis

& add current like vectors.
Parallel AC Circuits take potential along x-axis
& add current like vectors.

i = i0 sin(ωt + π/2)
V

i = i0 sin(ωt)

i = i0 sin(ωt - π/2)
Parallel AC Circuits take potential along x-axis
& add current like vectors.
iC C
iR = V/R ; iL = V/XL ; iC = V/XC iC
iL L

iR V
R
iR

~ iL
V,ω
Impedance of Parallel Circuit iR = V/R ; iL = V/XL ; iC = V/XC

iC - iL i

Φ
V
iR
Solve the circuit for i delivered by the AC source

0.8A L A. 0.2 A, π/2 ahead of voltage

B. 0.2 A, π/2 behind of voltage
C
0.6A
C. 1.4 A, π/2 ahead of voltage
D. 1.4 A, π/2 behind of voltage
~
i=?
Solve the circuit for i delivered by the AC source

Solution: iC = 0.6A
0.8 L

C
0.6
V

~
iL = 0.8A i=?

Current from source is 0.2 A

i = 0.2 A
 Power in AC Circuit

Let
V = V0sinωt i = i0sin(ωt + Φ)

Small work done by source in time ‘dt’

dW = Vdq =
 Let
Power in AC Circuit
V = V0sinωt i = i0sin(ωt + Φ)

Small work done by source in time ‘dt’

dW = Vdq = Vidt = (V0i0sinωt (sinωt cosΦ + cosωt sinΦ))dt

= V0i0sin2ωt cosΦdt + (V0i0)/2 sin2ωt sinΦdt

Total work done in t = 0 to T

W=
 Average value of Sin or Cos function
Average of Sq over T over integral multiple of time period
is zero

Average value of square of Sin or Cos

function for one time period is 1/2 n = 1,2,3...

k = 1,2,3...

For e.g.
Power in AC Circuit Total work done in t = 0 to T

W = V0i0 cosΦ 0∫Tsin2ωt dt + (V0i0)/2 sinΦ 0∫T sin2ωt dt

W = V0i0 cosΦ T/2

The average power delivered by source

= (1/2) V0i0 cosΦ

Power Factor Average Power or
Virtual Power or P = Vrms irms cosΦ
Apparent Power
Consumed where ; power factor

● For purely resistive circuit ; Φ = 0,

P = ½ V0i0 = Vrms irms

● For purely inductive or capacitive circuit;

Φ = π/2 , P = 0

No power is consumed by purely inductive or capacitive circuit

AC Circuits In general,

If ε = ε0 Sinωt ; I = I0 Sin(ωt + Φ)

Where I =

Z: impedance of circuit, Unit is Ω

Type of Circuit Phase Impedance

Purely Resistive Φ = 00 Z=R

Purely Capacitive Φ = π/2 Z = XC = 1/(ωC)

Purely Inductive Φ = - π/2 Z = XL= ωL

A circuit has a resistance of 12 ohm and an impedance of 15 ohm.
The power factor of the circuit will be
[AIEEE 2005]

A. 0.4
B. 0.8
C. 0.125
D. 1.25
In an a.c. circuit the voltage applied is E = E0sinωt.
The resulting current in the circuit is
The power consumption in the circuit is given by

[AIEEE 2007]

A. P = √2E0I0 B. C. P = zero D.
Wattless Component of Current

Iv

Φ
Ev
Wattless Component of Current

Iv sinΦ
Iv

Φ
Ev
Iv cosΦ

Iv sinΦ is known as Wattless Component of current

Wattless Component of Current

Pavg for pure inductive / pure capacitive circuit is zero

i.e. no loss of energy by inductor or capacitor.

Current through pure L or C that dissipates no power

is called Idle current or Wattless current.

Hence L or C are most suitable for controlling current in AC

Choke Coil Used with fluorescent mercury-tube fittings

Choke coil is an ideal inductor

Tube Choke coil
Large inductance but
R L a small resistance

~
V = V0 sinωt
Choke Coil
Tube Choke coil
R L

~
V = V0 sinωt

Advantage of using a choke coil:

● to control the current across devices

● An inductor does not consume power
Choke coil is an instrument which is the combination of
resistance and inductance. In the resistance power is
lost and no power is lost in inductor
Power loss in AC circuit will be minimum when

A. Inductance is high, resistance is high

B. Inductance is low, resistance is high
C. Inductance is low, resistance is low
D. Inductance is high, resistance is low
Transformer

A device for Converting high AC voltage

into low AC voltage & vice versa
Transformer
Converting high AC voltage into low AC voltage & vice versa
Transformer
Converting high AC voltage into low AC voltage & vice versa

works on Mutual Induction

Transformer Laminated & Soft Iron Core

i1 i2

Input ~ P S Output
V1 V2

N1 Ф N2
flux through
each turn
Transformer

-ve sign shows that V2 is 1800 out of phase with V1

Transformer
For ideal transfer (assuming no energy loss)

Pinput = Poutput
Transformer

When K > 1 ; NS > NP

VS > VP ; Step Up Transformer

Low voltage at high current to high voltage at low current

When K < 1 ; NS < NP

VP > VS ; Step Down Transformer

High Voltage at Low current to Low voltage at High current
Power Distribution
In a transformer Np = 500, Ns = 5000. Input voltage is 20V
and frequency is 50Hz. What are the output voltage and
frequency -
A. 200 V, 40 Hz
B. 100 V, 50 Hz
C. 200 V, 50 Hz
D. 150 V, 40 Hz
In a transformer, number of turns in the primary coil are 140
and that in the secondary coil are 280. If current in primary
coil is 4 A, then that in the secondary coil is
[2002]

A. 4 A
B. 2 A
C. 6 A
D. 10 A
Efficiency of a transformer

For realistic transfers energy loss can not be ignored

Some loss of energy due to:

coil resistance,
hysteresis in the core,
eddy current etc.,
A step down transformer reduces 220 V to 110 V.
The primary draws 5 ampere of current and secondary
supplies 9 ampere. The efficiency of transformer is -

A. 20 %
B. 44 %
C. 90 %
D. 100 %
Hot - Wire Instruments
Average of i is zero
Hot - Wire Instruments

Average of i2 is not zero

 Hot - Wire Ammeter
AB: Pt-Ir wire

Wire AB gets heated up due to current

Rise in temperature being proportional to i2rms

Deflection is proportional to irms

A small resistance r is connected in

parallel to wire AB as shunt
 Hot - Wire Ammeter
AB: Pt-Ir wire

Wire AB gets heated up due to current

Rise in temperature being proportional to i2rms

Deflection is proportional to irms

 Hot - Wire Voltmeter

High resistance R is connected in

series in place of shunt r

Deflection is proportional to Vrms

V
An alternating voltage E = 200√2 sin (100 t) V
is connected to a 1 μF capacitor through an ac ammeter.
The reading of ammeter will be

A. 10 mA
B. 50 mA
C. 20 mA
D. 40 mA
The reading of the ammeter and voltmeters are (Both the
instruments are ac meters and measures rms value)

XC = 2Ω V ~ 110 V

XL = 2Ω R = 55Ω

A. 2A, 110 V
B. 2A, 0 V
C. 2A, 55 V
D. 1 A, 0 V
In the series circuit shown in the figure the voltmeter
reading will be
300 300
V
V V

A. 300 V B. 900 V
R L C
A
C. 200 V D. 100 V
~
200 V
 In the following circuit the readings of AC voltmeters
and ammeters will be respectively
V
R = 30Ω XC = 25Ω
A. 0V, 3A B. 150V, 3A
XL = 25Ω
A
C. 150V, 6A D. 0V, 8A
~
240
V

Ans: D
 Choke coil is an instrument which is the combination of
resistance and inductance. In the resistance power is lost
and no power is lost in inductor

The average power dissipation in pure inductance is

A. ½ Li2 B. 2 Li2 C. zero D. (Li2)/4

Ans: C
 In the circuit, as shown in the figure, if the value of R.M.S
current is 2.2 ampere, the power factor of the box is

A. 1/√2 B. 1 C. √3/2 D. 1/2

C
100 Ω

1/π Henry

~
Vrms = 220V, ω = 100π s-1

Ans: A
 Alternating current can not be measured by direct current meters,
because

A. alternating current cannot pass through an ammeter

B. the average value of current for complete cycle is zero

C. some amount of alternating current is destroyed in ammeter

D. None of these

Ans: B
 An AC ammeter is used to measure current in a circuit. When a given
direct current passes through the circuit, the AC ammeter reads
3 ampere. When another alternating current passes through the circuit,
the AC ammeter reads 4 ampere. Then the reading of this ammeter if DC
and AC flow through the circuit simultaneously, is

A. 3 A
B. 1 A
C. 7 A
D. 5 A

Ans: D
 A step up transformer is used on 120 V line to provide a P.D.
of 2400 V. If the number of turns in primary is 75, then the
number of turns in the secondary shall be

A. 25
B. 150
C. 1500
D. 500

Ans: C
 In an ac circuit the readings of an ammeter and a
voltmeter are 10 A and 25 volt respectively, the power in
the circuit will be

A. More than 250 W

B. Always less than 250 W
C. 250 W
D. Less than 250 W or 250 W

Ans: D
A thermal power plant produces electric power of 600 kW at 4000 V, which is to
be transported to a place 20 km away from the power plant for consumers' usage.
It can be transported either directly with a cable of large current carrying capacity
or by using a combination of step-up and step-down transformers at the two ends.
The drawback of the direct transmission is the large energy dissipation. In the
method using transformers, the dissipation is much smaller. In this method , a
step-up transformer is used at the plant side so that the current is reduced to a
smaller value. At the consumers' end, a step-down transformer is used to supply
power to the consumers at the specified lower voltage. It is reasonable to assume
that the power cable is purely resistive and the transformers are ideal with power
factor unity. All the currents and voltages mentioned are rms values.

1. If the direct transmission method with a cable of resistance 0.4 W km–1

is used, the power dissipation| (in %) during transmission is
A. 20 B. 30 C. 40 D. 50

2. In the method using the transformers, assume that the ratio of the
number of turns in the primary to that in the secondary in the step-up
transformer is 1 : 10. If the power to the consumers has to be supplied
at 200 V, the ratio of the number of turns in the primary to that in the
secondary in the stepdown transformer is
A. 200 : 1 B. 150 : 1 C. 100 : 1 D. 50 : 1
The A.C. meters measure its

A. root mean square value

B. peak value

C. square mean value

D. None of the above

Ans: A
Alternating current cannot be measured by D.C. ammeter
because
[AIEEE 2004]
A. A.C. can not pass through D.C. Ammeter

B. A.C. changes direction

C. Average value of current for complete cycle is zero

D. D.C. Ammeter will get damaged

Ans: C
Ans: D
An AC current is given by I = I0 + I1 sinωt then its rms value
will be

A. B. C. 0 D. I0 / √2

Ans: A
Power factor of an L-R series circuit is 0.6 and that of a C-
R series circuit is 0.5. If the element (L, C, and R) of the two
circuits are joined in series, the power factor of this circuit
is found to be 1. The ratio of the resistance in the L-R
circuit to the resistance in the C-R circuit is

A. 6/5 B. 5/6 C. 4/(3√3) D. (3√3)/4

Ans: D
In a series LCR circuit R = 200Ω and the voltage and the
frequency of the main supply is 220V and 50 Hz
respectively. On taking out the capacitance from the circuit
the current lags behind the voltage by 30°. On taking out
the inductor from the circuit the current leads the voltage
by 30°. The power dissipated in the LCR circuit is
[2010]
A. 305 W B. 210 W C. Zero W D. 242 W

Ans: D
 If I1, I2, I3 and I4 are the respective r.m.s values of the time
varying currents as shown in the four cases Ⅰ, Ⅱ, Ⅲ, Ⅳ. Then
identify the correct relations.

i i i
i

I0 I0 I0
I0

O t O tO tO t

-I0 -I0 -I0

A. I1 = I2 = I3 = I4 B. I3 > I1 = I2 > I4

C. I3 > I4 > I2 = I1 D. I3 > I2 > I1 > I4

Ans: B
Choke coil is an instrument which is the combination of resistance
and inductance. In the resistance power is lost and no power is
lost in inductor

The potential difference V across and current I flowing through

an instrument in an AC circuit is given by V = 5sinωt (volts),
I = 2 cos ωt (amp)

A. Maximum power dissipated is 10 W

B. Maximum power dissipated is 5 W

C. Average power dissipated is 5 W

D. Average power dissipated is zero

Ans: D
Choke coil is an instrument which is the combination of resistance
and inductance. In the resistance power is lost and no power is
lost in inductor

An alternating current of frequency f is flowing in a circuit

containing only choke coil of resistance R and inductance L, Vo
and I0 represent peak value of the voltage and the current
respectively, the average power given by source is equal to

A. B. C. D. Zero

Ans: C
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