ALTERNATING CURRENT

ALTERNATING CURRENT

INDEX:
Theory: ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 1 – 6

Simulator: …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 7 – 10

Solutions: …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 11 – 20
ALTERNATING CURRENT

ALTERNATING CURRENT

THEORY:

1. ALTERNATING CURRENT (AC)

It is the current which varies in both magnitude as well as direction alternatively and
periodically. I = I 0 sin t or I 0 cos t where, I 0 = peak value or maximum value of
AC.

2. EFFECTIVE VALUE OR RMS VALUE OF AC

It is defined as the value of AC over a complete cycle which would generate same amount of
heat in a given resistors that is generated by steady current in the same resistor and in the same
time during a complete cycle.
I
I rms = 0 = 0.707 I 0
2
The 70.7% of peak value of current gives effective or rms value of AC

3. AVERAGE OR MEAN VALUE OF AC

It is defined as the value of AC which would send same amount of charge through a circuit in
half-cycle that is sent by steady current in the same time.
2I
I av = 0 = 0.637 I 0

The 63.7% of peak value of AC gives average of mean value of AC.
NOTE: In a complete cycle of AC, the mean value of AC will be zero.
4. ALTERNATING EMF OR VOLTAGE

It is emf which varies in both magnitude as well as direction alternatively and periodically. The
instantaneous alternating emf is given by
V = V0 sin t or V = V0 cos t
V0
Vrms = = 0.707 or Vrms = 70.7% of V0
2
2V0
Vav = = 0.637 or Vrms = 63.7% of V0

Both AC voltage and AC current are represented by diagrams as shown below:

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ALTERNATING CURRENT

5. INDUCTIVE REACTANCE (X1)

The opposing nature of inductor to the flow of current is called inductive reactance.
Also, for a given inductor, X L =  L = 2 fL

X L = (2 L) f
 XL  f
2 L = constant
Where, L = self – inductance.
6. CAPACITIVE REACTANCE (XC)
The opposing nature of capacitor to the flow of alternating current is called capacitive reactance.

1 1
XC = =
C 2 fC
 1  1
For a given capacitor, X C =  .
 2 C  f
1
 XC 
f

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ALTERNATING CURRENT

1
= constant
2 C
Where, C = capacitance
7. POWER
In an AC circuit, both emf and current change continuously w,r.t time, so in circuit, we have to
calculate average power in complete cycle ( 0 → T ) .
Pav = Vrms I rms cos 

Where, cos  = power factor.

Average power consumption in pure inductive and pure capacitive circuit is equal to zero
because

Phase difference,  =
2

 Power factor = cos = 0
2
 Pav = 0

8. WATTLES CURRENT

The current in an AC circuit when average power consumption in AC circuit is zero, is referred
as wattles current or idle current.

9. TRANSFORMER

A Transformer is used to convert low voltage (or high current) to high voltage (or low current)
and vice versa. It is base on the principle of electromagnetic induction.
One of the coils called the primary coil has Np turns. The other coil is called the secondary coil;
it has Ns turns. Often the primary coil is the input coil and the secondary coil is the output coil of
the transformer.
When an alternating voltage is applied to the primary, the resulting current produces an
alternating magnetic flux which links the secondary and induces an emf in it. The value of the
emf depends on the number of turns in the secondary.

Two arrangements for winding of primary and secondary coil in a transformer:

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ALTERNATING CURRENT

(a) two coils on top of each other. (b) two coils on separate limbs of the core.
In a transformer, if all the magnetic flux linked with the secondary then,
NS/NP = VS/VP = k
Here, k is called transformation ratio. Now, Np and NS are the number of turns in the primary and
the secondary respectively and VP and VS are the rms voltages across the primary and secondary
respectively.
The primary coil of a transformer is connected to an AC source and load is connected to the
secondary coil of the transformer.

9.1 Types of Transformer

There are two types of transformer and they are:
• Step-Up Transformer
• Step – Down Transformer

9.2 Step-Up Transformer

The transformers which are used to convert low voltages into higher ones are called ‘step-up
‘transformer. in step-up transformer VS > VP for which NS > NP or k > 1.
9.3 Step-Down Transformer
The transformers which are used to convert high voltage into lower ones are called
‘step-up’ transformer.
In step – down transformer VS < VP for which NS < NP or k < 1.

9.4 Efficiency of Transformer (η)

 = [(Power Output)/ (Power input)] × 100 or  = [(VS / S) / (VP / P] × 100
An ideal transformer has 100 % efficiency. The efficiency of a normal transformer is less than 1.

9.5 Power Losses in a Transformer

Power output of a transformer is less than the power input due to unavoidable losses of energy.
The losses are given below:

9.6 Hysteresis Loss

In one complete cycle of AC, the core of transformer is taken through a complete cycle of
magnetization. In this process, energy is lost in the form of heat. Such type of loss is minimized
by using a magnetic material having low hysteresis loss.
9.7 Copper Loss
Heat is generated as AC flows through the copper coil. Due to which heat is lost to the
surrounding. This is called copper loss. This loss can be minimized by using thick wires having
low resistivity.
9.8 Eddy Current Loss
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ALTERNATING CURRENT

The alternating magnetic flux induces eddy currents in the iron core & causes heating.
The loss can be minimized by using by using an insulated laminated core.

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ALTERNATING CURRENT

SIMULATOR QUESTIONS

Section – A (1 Mark Questions)

1. Why is the use of AC voltage preferred over DC voltage? Give two reasons.

2. The current flowing through a pure inductance 2mH is, I = 15cos300t A . What is the (i) rms
and average value of current for a complete cycle?

3. Define the term wattles current.

4. Define the term rms value of the current. How is it related to the peak value?

5. How much average power over a complete cycle, does an AC source supply to a capacitor?

6. The instantaneous current and voltage of an AC circuit are given by I = 10sin 300t A and
V = 200sin 300tV . What is the power dissipation in the circuit?

7. The instantaneous current and voltage of an AC circuit are given by I = 10sin 314t A and
V = 50sin 314tV . What is the power dissipation in the circuit?

8. Power factor of an a.c. circuit is 0.5. What will be the phase difference between voltage and
current in the circuit?

9. Weber is the unit of which physical quantity? Hence define it?

10. Two identical loops, one of copper and another of aluminium are rotated with the same speed
in the same magnetic field. In which case, the induced emf and current will be more and why?

11. Assertion: Transformers are used only in alternating current source not in direct current.
Reason: Only a.c. can be steeped up or down by means of transformers.
Options:
(i) If both assertion and reason are true and the reason is the correct explanation of the assertion
(ii) If both assertion and reason are true but reason is not the correct explanation of the assertion
(iii) If the assertion is true but reason is false
(iv) If the assertion and reason both are false
(v) If the assertion is false but reason is true

12. Assertion: In series LCR circuit resonance can take place.

Reason: Resonance takes place if inductance and capacitive reactances are equal and opposite
Options:
(i) If both assertion and reason are true and the reason is the correct explanation of the assertion
(ii) If both assertion and reason are true but reason is not the correct explanation of the assertion

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ALTERNATING CURRENT

(iii) If the assertion is true but reason is false

(iv) If the assertion and reason both are false
(v) If the assertion is false but reason is true

13. Assertion: The alternating current lags behind the e.m.f by a phase angle of  / 2 , when ac
flows through an inductor.
Reason: The inductive reactance increases as the frequency of ac source decreases
Options:
(i) If both assertion and reason are true and the reason is the correct explanation of the assertion
(ii) If both assertion and reason are true but reason is not the correct explanation of the assertion
(iii) If the assertion is true but reason is false
(iv) If the assertion and reason both are false
(v) If the assertion is false but reason is true

14. Assertion: Capacitor serves as a block for dc and offers an easy path to ac.
Reason: Capacitive reactance is inversely proportional to frequency.
Options:
(i) If both assertion and reason are true and the reason is the correct explanation of the assertion
(ii) If both assertion and reason are true but reason is not the correct explanation of the assertion
(iii) If the assertion is true but reason is false
(iv) If the assertion and reason both are false
(v) If the assertion is false but reason is true

Section – B (1 Mark Questions)

Comprehension – 1

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 4A. He then replaced the 12V DC source by a 12 V, ( = 50 rad / s )
AC source and observes that the reading in the AC ammeter is 2.4A. He then decides to connect a
2500 F capacitor in series with 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.

15. The value of resistance of the coil calculated by the student is

Options:
(i) 3
(ii) 4 
(iii) 5 
(iv) 8 

16. The power developed in the circuit when the capacitor of 2500 F is connected in series with
coil is
Options:
(i) 28.8 W
(ii) 23.04 W
(iii) 17.28W
(iv) 9.6 W
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ALTERNATING CURRENT

17. Which of the follwing 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?
Options:
(i)

(ii)

(iii)

(iv)

Comprehension – 2

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
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ALTERNATING CURRENT

boxes P and Q and connected them in series with an AC source of variable frequency. The emf of
the source is constant at 10V. Box P contains a capacitance of 1 F in series with a resistance of
32  and the box Q has a coil of self inductance 4.9 mH and a resistance of 68 in series. He
adjusted the frequency so that the maximum current flows in P and Q . Based on his experimental
setup and the reading by him at various moment answer the following questions:

18. The angular frequency for which he detects maximum current in the circuit is
Options:
(i) 105 / 7 rad / s
(ii) 104 rad / s
(iii) 105 rad / s
(iv) 104 / 7 rad / s

19. Impedence of box P at the above frequency is

Options:
(i) 70 
(ii) 77 
(iii) 90 
(iv) 100 

20. Power factor of the circuit at maximum current is

Options:
(i) 1/2
(ii) 1
(iii) 0
(iv) 1/ 2

Section – C (2 Marks Questions)

21. A resistor of 50 ohm, an inductor of 20/π H and a capacitor of 5/π μ F are connected in
series to a voltage supply of 230 V-50 Hz. What is the impedance of the circuit?

22. Find out the dimension of Impedance.

23. Which quantity remains unchanged in a transformer?

24. Explain how laminating the core of a transformer helps to reduce eddy current losses in a
transformer.

25. If a LC circuit is considered analogous to a harmonically oscillating spring block system,

which energy of the LC circuit would be analogous to potential energy and which one
analogous to kinetic energy?
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ALTERNATING CURRENT

26. State the underlying principle of a transformer. How is the large-scale transmission of
electric energy over long distances done with the use of transformers?

27. State the principle of working of a transformer. Can a transformer be used to step-up or step-
down a DC voltage? Justify your answer.

28. Mention various energy losses in a transformer.

29. Calculate the rms value of the alternating current represented in this figure.

30. A 100 W resistor is connected to a 220 V, 50 Hz ac supply.

(a) What is the rms value of current in the circuit?
(b) What is the net power onsumed over a full circuit

31. At very high frequency of AC the capacitor behaves as a perfect conductor. Explain.

Section – D (3 Marks Questions)

32. Show that in the free oscillations of an LC circuit, the sum of energies stored in the capacitor
and the inductor is constant in time.

33. At an airport, a person is made to walk through the doorway of a metal detector, for security
reasons. If she/he is carrying anything made of metal, the metal detector emits a sound. On what
principle does this detector work?

34. A sinusoidal voltage of peak value 283 V and frequency 50 Hz is applied to a series LCR
circuit in which R = 3 , L = 25.48 mH , and C = 796  F . Find (a) the impedance of the
circuit; (b) the phase difference between the voltage across the source and the current; (c) the
power dissipated in the circuit; and (d) the power factor.

35. For circuits used for transporting electric power, a low power factor implies large power loss
in transmission. Explain.
(b) Power factor can often be improved by the use of a capacitor of appropriate capacitance in
the circuit. Explain.

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ALTERNATING CURRENT

36. A resistor of 200 W and a capacitor of 15.0 μF are connected in series to a 220 V, 50 Hz ac
source. (a) Calculate the current in the circuit; (b) Calculate the voltage (rms) across the resistor
and the capacitor. Is the algebraic sum of these voltages more than the source voltage? If yes,
resolve the paradox.

37. A lamp is connected in series with a capacitor. Predict your observations for dc and ac
connections. What happens in each case if the capacitance of the capacitor is reduced?

Section – E (5 Marks Questions)

38. Explain with the help of labeled diagram, the principle construction and working of a
transformer?

39. The primary coil of an ideal step up transformer has 100 turns and the transformation ratio is
also 100. The input voltage and the power are 220 V and 1100 W respectively. Calculate.
(i) Number of turns in the secondary
(ii) The current in the primary
(iii) Voltage across the secondary
(iv) The current in the secondary
(v) Power in the secondary

40. The given circuit diagram shows a series LCR circuit connected to a variable frequency 230
V source. Here L=5.0 H, C=80 μ F, R=40 Ω

(a) Determine the source frequency, which drives the circuit in resonance.
(b) Obtain the impedance of the circuit and the amplitude of current at the resonating
frequency.
(c)Determine the rms potential drops across the three elements of the circuit.
(d) How do you explain the observation that the algebraic sum of the voltage of the three
elements obtained in (c) is greater than the supplied voltage?

41. An inductor L of inductance X L is connected in series with a bulb B and an ac source.

How would brightness of the bulb change when (i) number of turn in the inductor is
reduced, (ii) an iron rod is inserted in the inductor and (iii) a capacitor of reactance XC = XL
is inserted in series in the circuit. Justify your answer in each case.

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ALTERNATING CURRENT

SOLUTIONS

Section – A (1 Mark Questions)

1. The use of AC voltage is preferred over DC voltage because of

(i) the loss of energy in transmitting the AC voltage over long distances with the help of
step-up transformers is negligible as compared to DC voltage.
(ii) AC voltage can be stepped up and stepped down as per the requirement by using a
transformer.

2. Current flowing through the inductor,

I = 15 cos 300t
Comparing with I = I 0 sin t
Here, peak value of current,
I 0 = 15 A
(i) For complete cycle, rms value of current
I 15
I rms = 0 = A
2 2
(ii) For complete cycle, average value of current is zero i.e.
I avg = 0

3. Wattless Current The current in an AC circuit when average power consumption in AC

circuit is zero, is referred as wattless current.
If  is the phase difference between voltage and current then power associated with I sin 
component of current is termed as wattless current.

4. It is defined as the value of Alternating Current (AC) over a complete cycle which would
generate same amount of heat in a given resistor that is generated by steady current in the same
resistor and in the same time during a complete cycle .It is also called virtual value or effective
value of AC.
Let the peak value of the current be l0
I
 I rms = 0
2
I
I rms = 0
2

Where I 0 = peak value of AC.

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ALTERNATING CURRENT

5. Average power, Pav = Vrms  I rms  cos 


But for pure capacitive circuit,  = 90 =
2
Pav = Vrms  I rms  cos 90 = 0
 Pav = 0

6. Given, I = 10 sin 300t and V = 200sin 300t .

Comparing with I = I 0 sin t and V = V0 sin t ,
We get
I 0 = 10 A, V0 = 200V
I 200
 I rms = 0 A,Vrms = V
2 2
Phase difference, φ = 0°
∴ Power dissipated,
Pav = Vrms  I rms  cos 
 10   200 
=   cos 0
 2  2 
Pav = 1000W

7. Given, I = 10 sin 300 t and V = 200 sin 300 t.

Comparing with I = I0 sin t and V = V0 sin t, we get
I0 =10A,V0 = 200V
I 200
 I rms = 0 A,Vrms = V
2 2
Phase difference,  = 0
Power dissipated,
Pav = Vrms  I rms  cos 
 10   200 
=   cos 0
 2  2 
Pav = 1000W ... (1)

1
8. cos  = 0.5 =
2
 = 60
Hence the phase difference is 60°

9. Weber is the SI unit of magnetic flux. The weber is the magnetic flux that, linking a

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ALTERNATING CURRENT

circuit of one turn, would produce in it an electromotive force of 1 volt if it were reduced to
zero at a uniform rate in 1 second.

10. The induced emf will be same in both the loops but induced current will be more in
copper loop because its resistance is less.

11. Transformers which convert low voltages Into higher ones are called step-up transformers,
while those which convert high voltages into lower ones are called step-down transformers. This
is possible only for a.c. source and not for d.c. source.

12. At resonance frequency , X L = X C , Z = R (minimum) there for current in the circuit is

maximum

13. When ac flows through an inductor current lags behing the emf, by phase of  / 2
inductive reactance, X L =  L = 2 f L so when frequency increases correspondingly
inductive reactance also increases.

1 1
14. The capacitive reactance of capacitor is given by X C = = so this is
C 2 f C
infinite for dc ( f = 0) and has a very small value for ac. Therefore a capacitive blocks
dc
Section – B (1 Mark Questions)
15.
VDC = I DC R
VDC 12
R= = = 3
I DC 4
VAC VAC
I AC = =
Z R 2 + X L2
12
2.4 =
( 3) + X L2
2

Solving this equation we get,

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ALTERNATING CURRENT

XL = 4
1 1
XC = = = 8
C 50  2500 10−6
Z = R 2 + ( X C − X L ) = 5
2

VDC 12
 I= = = 2.4 A = I rms
Z 5
P = I rms R = ( 2.4 ) ( 3) = 17.28W
2 2

At given frequency X C  X L . If  is further decreased, X C will increase

 1
 as X C   and X L will increase ( as X L   )
 

16.

VDC = I DC R
VDC 12
R= = = 3
I DC 4
VAC VAC
I AC = =
Z R 2 + X L2
12
2.4 =
( 3) + X L2
2

Solving this equation we get,

XL = 4
1 1
XC = = = 8
C 50  2500 10−6
Z = R 2 + ( X C − X L ) = 5
2

VDC 12
 I= = = 2.4 A = I rms
Z 5
P = I rms R = ( 2.4 ) ( 3) = 17.28W
2 2

At given frequency X C  X L . If  is further decreased, X C will increase

 1
 as X C   and X L will increase ( as X L   )
 

17.

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ALTERNATING CURRENT

VDC = I DC R
VDC 12
R= = = 3
I DC 4
VAC VAC
I AC = =
Z R 2 + X L2
12
2.4 =
( 3) + X L2
2

Solving this equation we get,

XL = 4
1 1
XC = = = 8
C 50  2500 10−6
Z = R 2 + ( X C − X L ) = 5
2

VDC 12
 I= = = 2.4 A = I rms
Z 5
P = I rms R = ( 2.4 ) ( 3) = 17.28W
2 2

At given frequency X C  X L . If  is further decreased, X C will increase

 1
 as X C   and X L will increase ( as X L   )
 

18.
1
=
LC
1
=
4.9 10−3 10−6
105
= rad / s
7

19.
1 1
XC = = = 70 
C  10  −6
 (10 )
5


 7 
Z P = RP2 + X C2

= ( 32 ) + ( 70 ) = 77 
2 2

20.
At maximum current means at resonance,

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ALTERNATING CURRENT

X L = XC , Z = R
R
 Power factor = cos  = =1
Z

Section – C(2 Marks Questions)

20
21. X L = 2 fL = 2  50  = 2000 

1
XC = = 2000 
2 f C
Now
Z = R2 + ( X L − X C ) = 502 + ( 2000 − 2000) = 50 
2 2

22. [ML2 T-3 A-2]

23. The frequency remains unchanged in a transformer.

24. Laminations are thing making the resistance higher, Eddy current are confined within each
thin lamination and this reduces the net Eddy current.

25. The energy stored in the capacitor (electrostatic energy) is analogous to potential energy and
the energy stored in the inductor (magnetic energy) is analogous to kinetic energy.

26. Principle of transformer A transformer is based on the principle of mutual induction, i.e.
whenever the amount of magnetic flux linked with a coil changes, an emf is induced in the
neighbouring coil.
Power transmission Electric power is transmitted over long distances at high voltage. So, step-
up transformers are used at power stations to increase the voltage of power whereas a series of
step-down transformers are used to decrease the voltage up to 220 V.

27. For principle of transformer A transformer is based on the principle of mutual induction, i.e.
whenever the amount of magnetic flux linked with a coil changes, an emf is induced in the
neighbouring coil.
(ii) No, transformer cannot be used to change DC voltage. This happens because DC voltage
cannot change flux linked with primary or secondary coils.

28. Energy losses in transformer:

(i) Eddy current loss: Eddy current in iron core of transformer facilitates the loss of energy in
the form of heat.
(ii) Flux leakage: Total fluxes linked with primary do not completely pass through the
secondary which denotes the loss in the flux.
(iii) Copper loss Due to heating, energy loss takes place in copper wires of primary and
secondary Coils.

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ALTERNATING CURRENT

(iv) Hysteresis loss: The energy loss takes place in magnetizing and demagnetizing the iron
core over every cycle.
(v) Humming loss: The magnetostriction effect leads to set core in vibration which in turn
produced the sound. This loss is referred as humming loss.

29. It is clear from the figure

(1.5) + (1.5) + (1.5)
2 2 2

irms = = 1.5 A
3

30. Here R = 100 . Erms = 220V , v = 50 Hz

220
(a) I rms = = 2.2 A
100
(b) Net power consumed over a full cycle
P = Erms Irms = 220× 2.2 = 484W

1 
31. Capacitative reactance X C = = . At very high frequencies XC = 0
C 2 f C

Section – D (3 Marks Questions)

32. Let q0 be the initial charge on a capacitor. Let the charged capacitor be connected to an
inductor of inductance L. As you have studied in section 7.8, this LC circuit will sustain an
oscillation with frequency.
 1 
  = 2 v = 
 LC 
At an instant t, charge q on the capacitor and the current i are given by:
q (t ) = q0 cos t
I (t ) = − q0 sin t
Energy stored in the capacitor at time t is
1 1 q 2 q02
U E = CV = 2
= cos2 (t )
2 2 C 2C
Energy stored in the inductor at time t is
1
U M = LI 2
2
1
= Lq02 2 sin 2 (t )
2
q2  1 
= 0 sin 2 (t )   = 
2C  LC 
Sum of energies

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ALTERNATING CURRENT

q02
UE +UM = cos 2 t + sin 2 t 
2C 
q02
=
2C
This sum is constant in time as q0 and C, both are time-independent.

33. The metal detector works on the principle of resonance in ac circuits. When you walk through
a metal detector, you are, in fact, walking through a coil of many turns. The coil is connected to a
capacitor tuned so that the circuit is in resonance. When you walk through with metal in your
pocket, the impedance of the circuit changes – resulting in significant change in current in the
circuit. This change in current is detected and the electronic circuitry causes a sound to be
emitted as an alarm.

34. To find the impedance of the circuit, we first calculate XL and XC.
X L = 2 vL
= 2  3.14  50  25.48 10−3  = 8 
1
XC =
2 vC
1
= = 4
2  3.14  50  796 10−6
Therefore,
Z = R2 + ( X L − X C ) = 32 + (8 − 4)
2 2

XC − X L
(b) Phase difference,  = tan −1
R

 4−8 
= tan −1   = −53.1
 3 
Since  is negative, the current in the circuit legs the voltage across the source.
(C) The power dissipated in the circuit is
P = I2R
i 1  283 
Now, I = m =   = 40 A
2 2 5 
Therefore, P = (40 A ) 2 × 3Ω = 4800W
Power factor = cos  = cos53.1 = 0.6

35. We know that P = I V cos φ where cos φ is the power factor. To supply a given power at a
given voltage, if cos φ is small, we have to increase current accordingly. But this will lead to
large power loss (I2R) in transmission.
(b) Suppose in a circuit, current I tags the voltage by an angle  . Then power factor
cos  = R / Z . We can improve the power factor (tending to 1) by making Z tend to R. Let us

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ALTERNATING CURRENT

understand, with the help of a phasor diagram figure how this can be achieved. Let us resolve I
into two components. Ip along

the applied voltage V and Iq perpendicular to the applied voltage. Iq as you have learnt in
section 7.7 is called the wattles component since corresponding to this component of current,
there is no power loss. Ip is known as the power component because it is in phase with the
voltage and corresponds to power loss in the circuit.
It’s clear from this analysis that if we want to improve power factor, we must completely
neutralize the lagging wattles current Iq by an equal leading wattles current I´q. The can be done
by connecting a capacitor of appropriate value in parallel so that Iq and I´q cancel each other and
P is effectively Ip V.

36. Given R = 2000 , C = 15.0 F = 15.0 10−6 F

V = 220 V , v = 50 Hz
(a) In order to calculate the current, we need the impedance of the circuit. It is
Z = R 2 + X C2 = R 2 + ( 2 vC )
−2

+ ( 2  3.14  50 10 −6 F )
−2
= ( 200  )
2

= ( 200  ) + ( 212  )
2 2

= 291.5 
Therefore, the current in the circuit is
V 220V
I= = = 0.755 A
Z 291.5 
(b) Since the current is the same throughout the circuit, we have VR
= I R = (0.755A) (200Ω) = 151 V
VC = I XC = (0.755 A) (212.3Ω) = 160.3 V
The algebraic sum of the two voltages, VR and VC is 311.3 V which is more than the source
voltage of 220 V. How to resolve this paradox? As you have learnt in the text, the two volt ages
are not in the same phase. Therefore, they cannot be added like ordinary numbers. The two
voltages are out of phase by ninety digress. Therefore, the total of these voltages must be
obtained using the Pythagorean theorem:
VR +C = VR2 + VC2 = 220V
Thus, if the phase difference between two voltages is properly taken into account, the total
voltage across the resistor and the capacitor is equal to the voltage of the source.

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ALTERNATING CURRENT

37. When a dc source is connected to a capacitor, the capacitor gets charged and after charging
no current flows in the circuit and the lamp will not glow. There will be no change even if C is
 1 
reduced. With ac source, the capacitor offers capacitive reactance  
 C 
and the current flows in the circuit. Consequently, the lamp will shine. Reducing C will
increase reactance and the lamp will shine less brightly than before.

Section – E (5 Marks Questions)

38. Principle – A transformer coverts low a.c. voltage to high a.c. voltage or vice – versa. It is
based on the principle of mutual induction i.e. emf is induced in a coil when a changing current is
produced in the neighbouring coil.

Construction –It consist of two coils wounded on a soft iron core. One of the coils called the
primary is connected to an a.c. source. The other coil called the secondary is connected to the
load.
Working – When an alternating emf is applied across the primary coil the input voltage keeps
on changing with time due to which magnetic flux through the primary coil changes. This
changing magnetic flux gets linked up with the secondary coil also which in turn produces
induced emf in the secondary coil.
d s
Es = Ns ... (1)
dt
d p
Ep = Np ... ( 2 )
dt
If all the magnetic flux generated in the primary coil gets linked up with the secondary coil i.e.
s =  p
Then ef. (1) & (2) becomes
Es Ns
=
Ep Np
Ns
Es = Ep ... ( 3)
Np
Ns
= K is called transformation ratio
Np
k < 1 for step down transformer
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ALTERNATING CURRENT

k < 1 for step down transformer

if there is no loss of energy
EsIs = EpIp
Es Ip
=
Ep Is

39. Given Np = 100, transformation ratio k = 100,

Vp = 220 V, Pp = 1100 W
N
(i) S = k  N S = k  N P = 100 100 = 1000
NP
P 1100
(ii) iP = P = = 5A
VP 2200
V
(iii) S = k  N S = k  VP = 100  220 = 22000V
VP
V i 2200 5
(iv) S = P  = = 0.05 A
VP iS 220 iS
(v) Pout = VS iS = 2200  0.05 = 1100W

40. Here L = 5.0 H, C = 80 m F, R = 40 Ω and Vrms = 230 V

(a) source frequency at resonance
1
r = = 50 rad / sec
LC
(b) Z = R2 + ( X L − X C )
2

At resonance XL = XC
Z = R = 40Ω
Current Amplitude is given by
v 2Vrms
I0 = 0 = = 8.1A
Z R
V 230
(c) I rms = rms = = 5.75 A
Z 40
I
VC = I rms X C = rms = 1437.5V
C
VR = I rms R = 230V

VR = I rms R = 230V
The algebraic sum of the three voltages is more than the source voltage of 230V. These
voltages are not in the same phase and cannot be added like ordinary numbers. The voltage
across L and C are out of phase and get added to zero. So, VR = Applied rms voltage.

41. Net resistance in the circuit is given by

Z = R 2 + X L2
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ALTERNATING CURRENT

Inductance is given by,

X L = L
(i) As number of turns decreases, L decreases, Hence XL decreases, and Hence net
Resistance of the circuit is decreased
Thus, current increases and brightness of the bulb is increased.

(ii) When a soft iron rod is inserted in the circuit, L increases, Therefore, inductive reactance also
increases. Net resistance increases and flow of current in the circuit decreases. Thus the
brightness of the bulb will decrease.
(iii) When a capacitor of reactance X L = X C is connected in series with the circuit net
resistance becomes,
Z = R2 + ( X L − X C )
2

hence at X L = X C
We have Z = R
Which is the condition of resonance.
At resonance, maximum current will flow through the circuit. Therefore, the brightness of the
bulb will increase.

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