Chapter

ALTERNATING CURRENT

LEARNING OBJECTIVES
At the end of this chapter the students will be able to:
1. Understand and describe time period frequency, the peak and root mean square values of an
alternating current and voltage.
2. Know and use the relationship for the sinusoidal wave.
3. Understand the flow of A.C. through resistors, capacitors and inductors.
4. Understand how phase lags and leads in the circuit.
5. Apply the knowledge to calculate the reactances of capacitors and inductors.
6. Describe impedance as vector summation of resistances.
7. Know and use the formulae of A.C. power to solve the problems.
8. Understand the function of resonance circuits.
9. Appreciate the principle of metal detectors used for security checks.
10. Describe the three phase A.C. supply.
11. Become familiar with electromagnetic spectrum (ranging from radio waves to γ rays).
12. Know the production, transmission and reception of electromagnetic waves.

ALTERNATING CURRENT
Definition:
“A current which is produced by a voltage source whose polarity keeps on reversing with time is
called Alternating Current”
Advantages of D.C:
Sources of d.c are portable and can be carried away easily.
Advantages of A.C:

It can be transmitted through long distance.

It can be produced at very low cost as compared to that of d.c.
Explanation:
During the time interval fig (a) 0 –T/2, the terminal A of the voltage source is positive and
terminal B is negative. The clockwise current flows through the circuit fig (b). During the time interval
T
2 −T, the terminal B of the voltage source is positive and terminal A is negative. The anti-clockwise
current flows through the circuit sources A.C Generator.
Wave form of A.C:
The output of alternating voltage at any instant is given by;
V = Vosinθ
A + I As θ = ωt A

o-T/2 R
2π T/2-T
I R
ω =
T B +
B 2π
V = Vosin T t
(a) (b)
184 Physics Intermediate Part-II

Cases:
Case-I
If t = 0
2π
V = Vo sin t
T
2π
V = Vo sin T (0)
V = Vo sin 0
V = Vo (0)
V = 0
Case-II
T
If t =
4
2π T
V = Vo sin T 4
 
π
V = Vo sin 2

V = Vo
Case-III
T
If t = 2
2π T
V = Vo sin T  2 
 
V = Vo sinπ
V = Vo (0)
V = 0
Case-IV
3T
If t = 4
2π 3T
V = Vo sin T  
4
3π
V = Vo sin 2
V = Vo (−1)
V = −Vo
Case-V
If t = T v
2π 3T/4
V = Vo sin T (T) 0 T
T/4 T/2
t
V = Vo sin 2π -vo
V = Vo (0) ⇒ V = 0

The graph between voltage and time is known as “WAVEFRORM” of alternating voltage. It is a
sine curve. Thus the output voltage of A.C. generator varies sinusoidally with time.
[Chapter-16] Alternating Current 185

CHARACTERISTICS
(i) Instantaneous Value :
The value of voltage or current at any instant of time is known as “Instantaneous Value”. It can
have any value between plus maximum value Vο and negative maximum value (-Vο ). It is denoted by
‘V’. The instantaneous value of voltage is:
V = Vο sinθ
The instantaneous value of current is:
I = Iο sinθ
(ii) Peak Value:
The highest value of voltage or current on either side is known as “peak value”. It is denoted by
“Vο”. Vο is the highest value of voltage and “Iο” is the highest value of current.
(iii) Peak to Peak Value: Do You Know?
“The value of voltage or current from negative peak to
positive peak is known as Peak to Peak Value”.
The difference between positive peak value and negative peak
value is called peak to peak value. It is also be written as p-p value.
The p-p value of voltage is 2Vο and p−p value of current is 2 Iο.
It can also be written as;
Vpp = Vο −(−Vο) = Vo + Vo
Vpp = 2Vο
Similarly Vpp value of voltage is 2Vο.
(iv) Root Mean Square Value : (Effective Value).
The average value of voltage and current in a complete cycle is zero due to positive and negative peaks.
But the power delivered during a cycle is not zero because negative values become the positive
due to square. This problem is solved in A.C by taking root mean square (rms). The root mean square
value is the square root of the average of square of current or voltage.
Mathematicial from :
(Vmin)2 + (Vmax)2 Vo
2

As Vrms =
2 1 2 V 2o
2 2 2 V
(0) + (Vo) o

Vrms = Vrms
2 1
2
Vrms 2V
2 o

Vo
Vrms = 2
t

1 For your Information

Vrms = Vo The r.m.s value of A.C. is the value
2 of direct current which would
Vrms = 0.707 Vo supply same power in a given
Similarly; resistor.
Irms = 0.707 Io
Note: The alternating current and voltage meters are calibrated to read rms values.
(v) Phase of A.C:
The angle “θ” which specifies the instantaneous value of the alternating voltage or current is
known as its “Phase”.
V = Vosin ωt
V = Vosinθ
I = Iosinθ
In these equations, θ is known as phase of A.C. The instantaneous value of voltage or current is
calculated by the phase of A.C. The positive peak value of voltage is at phase π/2 and negative peak
value of voltage is at phase 3π/2.
186 Physics Intermediate Part-II

Phase Difference:
The angle which describes the difference of phase of two alternating quantities is called “Phase
difference”.
Types of Phase Difference:
1) Phase lead 2) Phase lag
Phase Lead:
Phase difference of ahead physical quantity is said to be phase leading if its phase angle is
greater than that of some standard quantity.
Phase Lagging:
Phase difference of a behind physical quantity is said to be phase lagging if its phase angle is
smaller than that of some standard quantity.
(vi) Phase Lead and Phase Lag:
Explanation:
If the phase difference is produced between two alternating quantities then it is known as Phase
lead or Phase lag.
In Phase:
Figure (a): Consider two waves I and II are shown in fig. Both the waves have the maximum and minimum
values at the same points. So there is no phase difference between the two waves. They are in Phase

I
II D E
A
B C

(a)
Figure ‘b’: At point A, the phase of wave I is π/2 and phase of wave II is zero. At point B, the phase of wave
II is π/2 and the phase of wave I
is π. So the wave I is in phase I
E
A
lead with wave II by a phase B II
angle of π/2.
C D 2π
0 π
π/2 3π/2

(b)
Figure ‘c’: At point A, the phase of wave I is 3π/2 and phase of wave II is zero. At point B, the phase of
wave I is zero and phase of wave II is π/2. So, wave II is in phase lead with wave I by phase angle π/2.

II
A B C
D π2
O π π 3π
2 2
I

(c)
(viii) Vector Representation:
An alternating quantity is graphically represented by a counter clockwise rotating vector under
[Chapter-16] Alternating Current 187
following conditions. V
(i) The length of the vector represents the peak or rms value of alternating
quantity.
(ii) It is in the horizontal position at the instant when alternating quantity is π
zero and is increasing positively because rotation is anti-clockwise. 90º or 2 rad
(iii) The angular frequency of the rotating vector is same as the angular I
O
frequency of the alternating quantity (frequency of applying source). Fig 16.6 (b)
π
Figure shows sinusoidal voltage wave form leading the alternating current by
2 . Both the
vectors are supposed to be rotating in the counter clockwise direction with angular frequency
‘ω’.
A.C. Circuit:
♦ The basic circuit element in a D.C. circuit is a resistor.
♦ In A.C. circuit, in addition to resistor ‘R’, two new circuit elements namely inductor ‘L’ and capacitor
‘C’ become relevant. The current and voltage are controlled by three elements ‘R’, ‘L’ and ‘C’.

A.C THROUGH A RESISTOR

A circuit in which resistor is connected with alternating voltage source is shown in figure.
The potential difference across a resistor at any instant is given by
V = Vosinθ A
V = Vosin ωt (θ = ωt)
Dividing by R on both sides
V Vo V
R = R sin ωt R
V Vo
As I = R and Io = R
I = Io sin ωt (a) B
I = Io sin θ
Phase relation between current and voltage: I
The phase diagram between voltage and current is
shown in fig. The instantaneous value of both voltage and I V
current are Sine functions which vary with time. When
voltage rises, the current also rises. When voltage reduces,
the current also reduces. Both voltage and current pass their t
maximum and minimum values at the same instant. So in
pure resistive circuit, voltage and current are in phase and (b)
there is no phase difference between them.
In vector diagram, voltage and current are parallel
because they are in phase
Power Dissipation: V
The power dissipation in A.C circuit is
P = V I cosθ
I
As θ = 0 because V and I are in phase. Vector diagram
P = V I cos0º ⇒ P = VI
P = VI
P = I2R
V2
P = R
This equation is valid. Only if V and I both are in phase.
188 Physics Intermediate Part-II

This equation is for “Purely resistive circuit”.

⇒ If frequency is doubled resistance will remain same.
⇒ Power is dissipated only when there is resistance
Capacitor: An electrical device which is used to store charge.
A.C THROUGH A CAPACITOR
A low power bulb is connected in series with a capacitor and source of A.C through a switch.
When the switch is closed, the bulb lights up showing that the current is flowing through capacitor due to
the continuous charging and discharging of the capacitor. The potential difference across the capacitor is
V = Vosinθ
V = Vosinωt
The relation between the charge q on the capacitor and the voltage
V across its plates is
q = CV ++++
I
q = CVosin ωt
q will vary the same way as applied voltage because both are Sine
functions and they are in phase. Since the current is the rate of flow of
charge q with time i.e.,
∆q
I = Circuit diagram
∆t
Phase relation between current and voltage: P I
A V T
The value of I at any instant is equal to the slope of q – t q
curve. At “O” when q = 0, the slope is maximum and I is q
B S
maximum. From O to A the slope of q – t curve decreases to O
zero. At point N, the slope is zero and I is zero. From A to B, N O
the slope of q – t curve is negative so I is negative from N to R.
At point “O” the phase of V is zero but the phase of I R C t
is π/2. At point N, the phase of V is π/2 but the phase of I is π Phasor diagram
and so on. So the current is in phase lead to the voltage by a phase angle
of π/2. The vector diagram between V and I also shows that I is in phase I
π π
lead to V by a phase angle of . 2
2
Reactance of the capacitor:
Definition: V
“The opposition offered to the flow of AC by the capacitor is Vector diagram
known as reactance of the capacitor or capacitive reactance.”
Explanation: Interesting Information
It is denoted by Χc. It is the ratio of root mean square value
of voltage to the root mean square value of current.
Vrms
Xc =
Irms
In SI system its unit is :ohm”.
1
Xc =
ωc
1
Xc =
2πfc
Dependence on frequency:
Reactance of the capacitor is inversely proportional to the Inductor are made in many sizes to
frequency of applied source. At lower frequency, Xc is larger. At perform a wide variety of functions
higher frequency, Xc is smaller i.e. in business and industry.
[Chapter-16] Alternating Current 189

1 For your Information

Xc ∝ 1
f
Show that Xc =
2πfc
Inductor:
A coil or solenoid wound from a thick wire, which As V = Vo sinωt
has large inductance and low resistance is called an I = Io sinwt

I = Iosin ωt + 
inductor. π
A.C. Through an Inductor:  2
Explanation: I = Io sin ωt — (i)
An inductor of large inductance and small dQ
I =
resistance is connected with an alternating voltage source. dt
The current passing through an Inductor is: dCV
I =
I = Io sinθ dt
I = Io sin ωt dV
I = C dt
d
I = C dt (Vosin ωt)
+ I
I = CVo (cosωt) ω
I = C ω Vocos ωt — (ii)
Dividing (ii) by (i)
I CωVocosωt
I =
Circuit Diagram Iocosωt
The current passing through an inductor is CωVo
1 = Io
continuously changing. So back emf is produced in a coil.
The back emf is given as: Vo 1
Io = Cω
∆I 1
εL = − L Xc =
∆t 2πfc
If the resistance of coil is neglected, then back emf is equal to applied voltage
As back emf opposes its cause. So
V = −εL
 ∆I
V = − − L 
 ∆t
∆I
V = L
∆t
Phase relation between current and voltage:
This equation shows that potential drop across an I
inductor is equal to the slope of current-time (I-t) graph. V
At “O” I is equal to zero but the slope of I-t graph is
P A T
maximum. So “V” is maximum. From O to A the slope I
of I-t graph decreases to zero. At point “Q”, the slope is B S
zero so V is equal to zero. From A to B the slope of I-t O
graph is negative, so “V” is negative from Q to R. At Q D
point “O” the phase of I is zero but the phase of V is π/2.
Similarly, at point Q, the phase of I is π/2 but the phase C
of V is π. And so on. So the voltage is in phase lead to
R t
the current by phase angle “π/2”. Phasor diagram
190 Physics Intermediate Part-II

The vector diagram between V and I shows that V is in phase lead to I by a phase angle π/2.
Reactance of the Inductor: V
Definition:
“The opposition offered to the flow of A.C by an inductor is know as
reactance of an inductor.”
Explanation: π
It is denoted by XL. It is the ratio of root mean square value of voltage 2
to the root mean square value of current I
Vrms Vector diagram
XL =
Irms
Its SI unit is ohm (Ω)
XL = ωL
XL = 2πfL
Dependence on frequency:
The reactance of an inductor is directly proportional to the frequency of the applied source. At
higher frequency XL is greater but at lower frequency XL is smaller i.e. XL ∝ f.
Power Dissipation in the Inductor:
No power is dissipated in a pure inductor. In the first quarter of cycle both V and I are positive so
the power is positive which means that energy is supplied to an inductor. In the 2nd quarter I is positive
but V is negative. So power is negative which means that energy is returned to the source by an
inductor. Again in 3rd quarter it receives energy but returns the same amount of energy in the fourth
quarter. Thus, there is no net change of energy in a complete cycle therefore no energy loss. Such an
inductance coil is called choke.
Impedance:
Definition:
“The combined effect of resistance of resistor, reactance of an inductor and capacitance of the
capacitor in a circuit is known as impedance”.
Explanation:
It is denoted by Z. It is the ratio of root mean square value of voltage to the root mean square
value of current.
Vrms_
Z =
Irms
Its SI unit is ohm (Ω)

R.C SERIES CIRCUIT

“A circuit in which a resistor and capacitor are connected in series combination is called R.C
Series Circuit”.
Explanation: I
A fig shows Resistor and Capacitor both are connected in series
combination with source of A.C. This circuit is known as R-C series. VC
The same amount of current is passing through the whole circuit as R C VC
and C are in series. + I
VR = IR is the potential difference across a resistor. So V and I
both are in phase. R VR V
R
VR I
IR Circuit Diagram
Vector diagram
Similarly Vc = IXc is the potential difference across a capacitor. So “I” is in phase lead to the
voltage “V” by a phase angle π/2.
[Chapter-16] Alternating Current 191
I
π
2

VC
For Impedance:
To draw a voltage vector diagram, “I” is taken as a reference vector. To calculate the impedance
of the circuit Pythagoras theorem is used :
(Hyp)2 = (Base)2 + (Prep)2 Irms VR= Irms R
2 2 2
V rms = VR + V c
2 2 2
Vrms = IrmsR2 + Irms Xc VC VC= Irms XC
Vrms
2 2
Vrms = Irms (R2 + Xc )
2
Vrms = Irms R2 + Xc
Vrms 2
= R2 + Xc
Irms
2 Vrms
Z = R2 + Xc (Q Z = I )
rms
1 1 R
Z = R2 + Q Xc =
(ωC)2 (ωC)
1
Z = R2 + 2 2 2 Z
4π f C
Impedance diagram: Xc Xc
In R-C series circuit, current flowing through the circuit is in phase lead to the voltage by a phase
angle “θ” which is calculated as:
For phase difference: For your Information
Vc If Xc = R than θ = 45º
tanθ = V
R
Irms Xc Power factor cosθ θ:
tanθ = I R R
rms Cosθ = Z
Xc
cos-1 Z
tanθ = R R
θ =
 
1
As Xc =
ωC
1
ωC
∴ tanθ = R
1  1 
tanθ = ⇒ θ = tan-1  
ωCR ωCR
Also ω = 2πf
 1 
∴ θ = tan-1  
2πfCR
Note: (i) Vrms is leading Vc by angle of 90−θ
(ii) Irms is leading Vrms by θ
192 Physics Intermediate Part-II

R – L SERIES CIRCUIT
“A circuit in which a resistor and an inductor are connected in
series:
Explanation: + L VL
The given figure shows that a resistor and an Inductor both are I
connected in series combination with a source of alternating current.
This circuit is known as the R-L series circuit. The same amount of R VR
current is passing through the whole circuit. VR = IR is the potential
difference across a Resistance in which V and I both are considered to
be in-phase.
—————————→ VR
——————→ I
Similarly, VL = IXL is the potential difference across an inductor in which “I” is in phase lag to
the voltage “V” by a phase angle “π/2”
VL

π
2
I
For Impedance:
To draw a voltage vector diagram, I is taken as a reference vector- To calculate the impedance of
the circuit, using Pythagoras theorem.
(Hyp)2 = (Base)2 + (Perp)2 VL VL
2 2 V
(V )2 =
rms V +V R L
2 2
Vrms = VR + VL
2 2
2
Vrms = Irms R2 + Irms XL VR
2
2
Vrms = Irms (R2 + XL)
2
Vrms = Irms R2 + XL
Vrms 2
= R2 + XL
Irms
2 Vrms
Z = R2 + XL (Q Z = )
Irms
Also XL = ωL
∴ Z = R2 + (ωL)2
Z = R2 + ω2L2
As ω = 2πf
∴ Z = R2 + (2πf)2L2
Z = R2 + 4π2f2L2
Impedance diagram:
In R-L series circuit, current “I” passing through the circuit is in phase lag to the voltage by a
phase angle “θ” which is calculated as:
[Chapter-16] Alternating Current 193
VL
tanθ =
VR
IXL
tanθ =
IR
XL
tanθ =
R
As: XL = ωL
ωL
⇒ tanθ =
R
ωL
θ = tan−1
R
2πfL
Also θ = tan-1   (Q ω = 2πf)
 R 
Note: (i) Vrms leads Irms by angle of θ.
(ii) VL leads Vrms by angle of 90º − θ

POWER IN A.C CIRCUITS

The power dissipation is P = VI in a pure resistive circuit Do You Know?
because V and I both are in-phase. The power dissipation in a pure
inductive circuit or in a pure capacitive circuit is zero because the
current lags or leads the voltage by a phase angle π/2. In R-L and
R-C series circuits, the phase difference between voltage “V” and
current “I” is “θ”. The component of “V” along current “I” is “V
cosθ” which is in phase with the current. So, the power dissipation
in A.C circuit is:
P = I (V cosθ)
P = V I cosθ
A metal detector is used to locate
The factor “cosθ” is termed as the “Power Factor”.
buried metal objects.

SERIES RESONANCE CIRCUIT OR RLC SERIES

Circuit:
When a Resistor R, Inductor L and a capacitor C are
connected in series with an A.C source, the circuit is known as
RLC- series circuit or a series resonance circuit. R
The impedance diagram of the circuit shows that XL and XC
both are in opposite direction but they make an angle of 90° with R. V L
As we know that Reactance of an Inductor (XL) is directly
proportional to the frequency of the source and reactance of the C
capacitor (XC) is inversely proportional to the frequency of the
source. XL=ωL
As XL = ωL
XL = 2πfL
XL ∝ f
I
Also XC = 1/ωC
R
1
XC =
2πfC
1
1 XC=
ωc
XC ∝
f
194 Physics Intermediate Part-II
Behaviour of Circuit at difference frequencies:
At low frequency:
At the lower frequency of the source, XC is much greater than XL (XC >> XL). So, XL is neglected
and the circuit behaves as R-C series circuit.
At high frequency:
At higher frequency of the source, XL is much greater than XC (XL >>XC). So, the reactance of
capacitor XC is neglected and the circuit behaves as R-L series circuit. XL is leading XC by angle of 180°.
Resonant Frequency:
The frequency of the circuit when the inductive reactance (XL) and the capacitive reactance (XC)
of the circuit becomes equal, the impedance becomes minimum and the current in the circuit becomes
maximum, this frequency is termed as Resonant Frequency.
In between the lower and higher frequencies of the circuit, there will be a frequency at which Xc
is equal to XL, but opposite to each other. Thus the impedance of the circuit depends only on the
resistance of the circuit.
The impedance of the circuit is minimum and the current flowing through the circuit is
maximum. This condition is called Resonance of the Circuit.
Condition:
The condition for the resonant frequency is that the inductive reactance (XL) becomes equal to
the capacitive reactance (Xc) i.e. For your Information
XL = Xc Inductors are added like resistors
1
ωL =
ωC
1
2πfrL =
2πfrC
1 For Your Information
fr × fr = In RLC series circuit
2πL × 2πC
2 1 impedance is given by
fr = 2 Z = R2 + (XL − XC)2
4π LC
2 1
fr = 2
4π LC
1
fr =
2π LC
Properties:
1
(i) The resonance frequency is given by: fr = Ir=VO/R
2π LC
(ii) At the resonance frequency, the impedance of the circuit
depends only on the resistance. So, voltage and current both are
current

in phase and the power factor is equal to 1.

(iii) At the resonance frequency, the impedance of the circuit is
minimum and is equal to R.
(iv) At the resonance frequency, current is maximum i.e. V0/R. The fr
variation of current with frequency is shown in the figure. frequency
(v) At the resonance frequency, the voltage drop across the inductor VL and the voltage drop across
the capacitor VC is much larger than the voltage drop across resistor.
Uses: This circuit is highly useful as a tuning circuit in radio and T.V. The current is maximum only at
one particular frequency called “Resonant Frequency”. For all other frequencies the current has a very
low value. Thus circuit is known as “Acceptor Circuit”.
−C Parallel Circuit
Parallel Resonance Circuit or L−
Consider a circuit in which an inductor L and a capacitor C are connected parallel to each other.
The frequency of the source is variable. Inductor coil L has a resistance r which is negligibly small.
[Chapter-16] Alternating Current 195
The capacitor draws a leading current whereas the coil
draws a lagging current. The circuit resonates at a frequency
when XC is equal to XL. Due to this condition the currents through
two branches are equal but opposite. Hence they control each V
other, and the net current drawn from the supply source is zero. In
C
actual practice, the current is not zero but has a maximum value
due to small resistance ‘r’ of the coil. This type of circuit is also L
called rejecter circuit.
Properties:
(i) The resonance frequency is given by
1
fr =
2π LC
(ii) At the resonance frequency, the impedance of the circuit
depends only on the resistance. So voltage and current both I
are in phase and power factor is 1.
(iii) At the resonance frequency, the impedance of the circuit is
maximum.
(iv) At the resonance frequency, the current is minimum. The Ir

variation between current and frequency is shown in fig. fr f

(v) At the resonance frequency, the current passing through an Inductor IL and the current passing
through capacitor (IC) may each be greater than source current (Ir).
Uses:
This circuit is used as an electrical oscillator. It is used in radio and T.V both in transmitter and
receiver.

THREE PHASE A.C SUPPLY

In a single phase A.C generator, one coil rotates and alternating + PHASE 1 PHASE 2 PHASE 3
voltage is produced across the slip rings. In a three phase A.C
generator, there are three coils inclined at 120° with each other. Each
coil is connected to its own pair of slip rings. When all three coils rotate
VOLTS

30 60 120 π
π 150
in the magnetic field, each coil generates an alternating voltage across 2
its own pair of slip rings so three alternating voltages are generated. _
The phase difference between them is 120°. It means that when voltage
across the first pair of slip rings is zero having a phase of 0°. The voltage across the second pair of slip
rings will have a phase of 120°. Similarly, at this instant the voltage generated across the third pair will
have a phase of 240°.
Consideration: For Your Information
It has four terminals. The starting point of V= Vosinθ1 + Vosinθ2 – Vosinθ3
all the three coils has a common Junction (D), = 230 sin(0º) + 230 sin (120º) – 230sin (240º)
which is earthed to the shaft of the generator and = 0 + 199.18 + 199.18 V ≈ 400 V
other three ends of the coils are
connected to three separate terminals on the machine. These four terminals along with the lines and
connected to them are shown in fig. The voltage across each of lines connected to terminals A, B, C and
neutral line is 230V. Because of 120°phase shift, the voltage across any two lines is about 400V.
196 Physics Intermediate Part-II
A

400V
D C

400V
230 230 V

B
230 V

Limitation of Single Phase:

If heavy load consisting of a number of air conditioners and motors etc. is supplied power from
single phase supply. Its voltage is likely to drop at full load.
Advantage of Three Phase Supply:
The advantage of three-phase supply is that the total load of the house or a factory is divided into
three parts. In this way none of line is over loaded.
The three-phase supply provides 400V which can be used to operate some special appliances
requiring 400V for their operation.

PRINCIPLE OF METAL DETECTOR

An L-C parallel circuit is used to produce oscillations of current. In this case energy oscillates
between a capacitor and an Inductor. The circuit is called an electrical oscillator.
Oscillator circuit B Oscillator circuit A

Additional Additional
cicuitry cicuitry
LB C for for C LA
oscillator oscillator
B A

fOB fOA

Beat frequency
amplifier

fOB _ fOA

Speaker
Principle:
Difference of frequencies of two electrical oscillators caused by placing the metallic object near
one of them results to produce the “Beats”.
Working:
The two oscillators A and B are used for the metal detector. In the absence of any near by metal
object, the inductances LA and LB are the same and resonance frequency of the two circuits is also same.
When the inductor B called the search coil comes near a metal object, its inductance LB decreases and
resonance frequency increases than the resonance frequency of the oscillator A. Hence a beat note is
heard in the speaker.
Uses:
The metal detectors are used for various security purposes.
They are used to locate weapons in the bags.
They are used to check and locate buried metal objects.
Choke:
“A thick copper wire wound on soft iron core having large inductance and low resistance is called choke.”
Explanation:
The electric choke is a coil made of thick copper wire wound closely in a large number of turns
over a soft iron core. It consumes very small energy due to large inductance and small resistance.
[Chapter-16] Alternating Current 197
Thus, it consumes extremely small power.
Uses:
(i) It is used in tube lights and mercury bulbs.
(ii) It limits the current in A.C. circuit with extremely small wastage of energy.

ELECTROMAGNETIC WAVES
Definition:
“The periodic waves consisting of electric and magnetic fields vibrating perpendicular to each
other and requiring no medium for their propagation are called electro-magnetic waves”.
Explanation:
In 1864 British physicist James Clark Maxwell formulated set of equations known as Maxwell’s
equations which explained various electromagnetic phenomena.
According to these equations changing magnetic flux creates an electric field and changing
electric flux creates a magnetic field.
Example: For Your Information
Consider a region of space AB where change of magnetic flux is The speed of light is given by
taking place. This will set change of electric flux in the surrounding 1
C=
region. The creation of electric flux in region CD is cause of change of εoµo
electric flux through it, due to which a magnetic field will be set up in the space surrounding CD and so
on. Thus each field generates the other. Such moving electric and magnetic fields are known as
electromagnetic waves.

E
From
Antenna

B Direction of
Propagation

The directions of electric field, magnetic field and the direction of their propagation are mutually
orthogonal. The electromagnetic waves move with the speed of light. It is denoted by:
C = fλ
Where “λ” is wavelength and “f” is its frequency. In free space, the speed of electromagnetic
8
waves is 3x10 m/s.
Types of electromagnetic waves: Tid-bit
There are different types of electromagnetic waves.
(i) Radio waves (ii) Micro waves
(iii) Infrared rays. (iv) Visible light
(v) Ultraviolet waves (vi) X-Rays (vii) Gamma rays
The radio waves are of lowest frequency and gamma rays of
highest frequency.
Principle of Generation:
Shake an electrically charged
Electromagnetic waves are generated when electric and magnetic object to and fro, and you
flux are changing through a certain region of space. produce electromagnet waves.
If Charge is at rest:
An electric charge at rest gives rise to electric field, which does not radiate in space because no
change of flux takes place in this type of field.
198 Physics Intermediate Part-II

If Charge is moving with Constant Velocity:

A charge moving with constant velocity produces steady current which generates constant
magnetic field. Such field also does not radiate out because no change of magnetic fields are involved.
Thus only way to generate a wave of moving field is when we accelerate electrical charges.
Generation of E.M Wave:
Electromagnetic waves are generated by accelerating charges in
radio transmitting antenna.
The radio antenna is the piece of wire along with which charges
are made to accelerate. It is charged by an alternating source. As the
charging potential reverses, the charge on the antenna constantly reverses.
For Example:
If the top has +q charge at any instant, then after the time T/2 Do You Know?
the charge on it will be –q. Such regular reversal of charges on the
antenna gives rise to an electric flux. That changes with frequency ‘f’.
The changing electric flux sets up an electromagnetic wave in space.
The frequency with which the fields alternate is always equal to the
frequency of the source. These E.M moves emitted by the antenna are
known as radio moves.
Reception of E.M Waves:
The electromagnetic waves are received by a piece of wire
known as receiving antenna. When electrons in the
transmitting antenna vibrate
The electrons in the wire move under the action of oscillating 94,000 times each second they
electric field which gives rise to an alternating voltage across the wire. produced radio waves having
The frequency of this voltage is same as that of the wave receiving frequency 94 kHz.
the wire. The voltage of one particular frequency can be selected by connecting an inductor L and a
variable capacitor “C” in parallel with one end of the receiving antenna. If we adjust the value of the
capacitor so that the natural frequency of L-C circuit is same as that of the transmitting station to be
selected, the circuit will resonate.
Modulation:
The process in which the low frequency signal is superposed with
high frequency signal is called modulation”.
(i) Carrier Waves: C
The high frequency radio waves used to carry the signal are called
carrier waves.
(ii) Modulation Signal:
The low frequency signal is called modulation signal.
(iii) Modulated Carrier Waves:
The wave after super position is called modulated carrier wave.
Types of Modulation:
There are two types of modulations:
(a) carrier wave
i) Amplitude modulation (F.M)
ii) Frequency modulation (E.M)
i) Amplitude Modulation (A.M):
(b) audio signal
It is type of modulation in which the amplitude of carrier wave is
increased or decreased as amplitude of superposing modulating signal
(c) amplitude modulated wave
increases or decreases.
Range = 540 KHz —→1600 KHz
[Chapter-16] Alternating Current 199

ii) Frequency Modulation (F.M): For Your Information

Sound
It is type of modulation in which frequency of carrier wave Audio signal
Modulated
is increased or decreased as modulating signal amplitude increases carrier waves
Microphone
or decreases but carrier wave amplitude remains constant. amplifier
to the transmitter
Range = 88 MHz ——→108 MHz
Carrier waves
Amplitude modulation

(a)
carrier wave
(b)

(c) fo H fo fo H fo
audio signal

L
frequency modulated wave

Advantages of F.M:
F.M radio waves are affected less by electrical interference than A.M radio waves and hence
provide a higher quality transmission of sound.
Disadvantages of F.M:
Due to shorter range than A.M waves, the F.M waves are less able to travel around obstacles
such as hills and large buildings.
SHORT QUESTIONS
16.1 A sinusoidal current has rms value of 10A. What is the maximum or peak value?
Ans: As, Irms = 10A
Io = ?
As, Irms = 0.707 Io
Irms
⇒ Io = 0.707
10
Io = = 14.14 A
0.707
16.2 Name the device that will (a) permit flow of direct current but oppose flow of alternating current
but not the direct current (b) permit flow of alternating current but not the direct current.
Ans. (a) Device which opposes A.C. and allows D.C.: Inductor is device which opposes the flow
of A.C. and allows D.C. As
XL = 2πfL
XL ∝ f
So inductor will offer greater opposition to A.C.
(b) Device which opposes d.c. and allows a.c.: Capacitor is a device which will oppose the
1
flow of d.c. and allows a.c. i.e. XC ∝ . For d.c. capacitor behaves like an open circuit so no
f
current passes through it.
16.3 How many times per second will an incandescent lamp reach maximum brilliance when
connected to 50 Hz source.
Ans. The lamp reaches maximum brilliance 100 times per second. As the lamp is connected with 50
Hz A.C source. As A.C. in one complete cycle reaches peak value twice.
200 Physics Intermediate Part-II
+

1 Cycle

So, For 50 Hz source

Max. Brilliance = 2f = 2x50 = 100 times/sec
Result: The lamp will glow 100 times per second when a 50Hz source in connected across its end.
16.4: A circuit contains an iron-cored inductor, a switch and a D.C source arranged in series.
The switch is closed and after an interval reopened. Explain why a spark jumps across the
switch contacts?
Ans: When the switch is closed, the current increases from “0” to “I”.
The back emf is produced in coil due to rate of change of magnetic L

flux. The energy is stored in coil due to back emf. When the switch
is re-opened, then the stored energy is released which appears in the +
S
form of spark.
16.5 How does doubling the frequency affect the reactance of (a) an inductor (b) a capacitor.
Ans. For Inductor For Capacitor
XL = ωL = 2πfL 1 1
Xc = =
X′L = 2πf ′L ωC 2πfC
1
If f′ = 2f X′ c =
2πf ′C
X′L = 2π (2f)L
If f′ = 2f
X′L = 2 (2πfL) 1
X′ c =
X′L = 2XL 2π (2f)C
1
Result: X′ c =
2(2πfC)
By doubling frequency, the reactance of an
1
Inductor will become double. X′ c =
2ωc
Xc
X′ c =
2
Result:
By doubling frequency, reactance of
capacitor will become half.
16.6: In a R-L circuit, will current lag or lead the voltage? Illustrate your answer by vector
diagram.
Ans: This figure shows that ‘I’ is in phase lag to the voltage by a phase V L

angle ‘θ’. V
L

XL V
tanθ =  
R
XL
θ = tan-1  R  VR

 
16.7: A choke coil placed in series with an electric lamp in an A.C circuit causes lamp to become
dim. Why is it so? A variable capacitor added in series in this circuit may be adjusted until
lamp glows with normal brilliance. Explain, how is this possible?
Ans: In R-L series circuit, the impedance of the circuit is greater and current is smaller, so glow of –
lamp will dim. By adding variable capacitor in this circuit in series and adjusting the capacitance.
[Chapter-16] Alternating Current 201
The impedance of circuit becomes smaller at XL = XC. Thus maximum current flows through the
circuit. Then lamp will glow with normal brilliance.

16.8: Explain the conditions under which electromagnetic waves are produced form a source?
Ans: Electromagnetic waves are generated when electric and magnetic both fields are oscillating with
certain frequency. This is achieved when electric charges are accelerated by source of A.C. The
accelerating charges produce changing magnetic flux,. These changes in flux produces
electromagnetic waves which are propagated out in space from antenna.

16.9: How the reception of a particular radio station is selected on your radio set?
Ans: This is achieved by using LC parallel circuit. By changing
capacitance of the capacitor, the frequency of circuit changes. When
the frequency of the circuit is same with the frequency of the
transmitting stations. The circuit will resonate. Hence particular radio
station is selected. L
1 C
fr =
2π LC
16.10: What is meant by A.M and F.M?
Ans: A.M is the amplitude modulation and F.M is frequency modulation.
A.M: It is type of modulation in which the amplitude of carrier wave is increased or decreased as
amplitude of superposing modulating signal increases or decreases.
Range = 540 KHz —→1600 KHz
F.M: It is type of modulation in which frequency of carrier wave is increased or decreased as
modulating signal amplitude increases or decreases but carrier wave amplitude remains constant.
Range = 88 MHz ——→108 MHz

SOLVED EXAMPLES
Example 16.1
An A.C voltmeter reads 250 V. What are its peak and Instantaneous values if the frequency of
alternating voltage is 50 Hz?
Solution:
Given Data:
rms value of alternating voltage = Vrms = 250 V
Frequency of A.C = f = 50 Hz
202 Physics Intermediate Part-II

To find
Peak voltage = Vo = ?
Instantaneous voltage = V = ?
Calculations:
For Peak Voltage
Using the formula
Vo
Vrms =
2
⇒ Vo = 2 Vrms
= 2 × 250 = 353.5 volts
For instantaneous voltage:
Using the formula
V = Vo Sin (2π ft)
Putting values, we get
= 353.5 Sin (100 πt)
Result:
Peak voltage Vo = 353.5 V
Instantaneous Voltage Vins = 353.5 sin (100πt) V
Example 16.2
A 100 µF capacitor is connected to an alternating voltage of 24V and frequency 50 Hz.
Calculate:
a) The reactance of the capacitor, and
b) The current in the circuit
Solution:
Given Data:
Capacitance C = 100 µF
= 100 × 10-6 F
Voltage V = 24V
Frequency f = 50 Hz
To find
(a) Reactance of the capacitor = XL = ?
(b) Current in the circuit = I = ?
Calculations:
(a) For Reactance of the capacitor
Using formula
1
XC =
2πfC
Putting values,
1
=
2×3.14×50×100×10-6
XC = 31.8 Ω
(b) For current
Using the relation
V
I =
XC
Putting values
[Chapter-16] Alternating Current 203
24
I =
31.8
I = 0.75A
Result:
XC = 31.8 Ω
I = 0.75 A
Example 16.3
When 10V are applied to an A.C circuit, the current flowing in it is 100 mA. Find its impedance.
Solution:
Given Data:
rms value of applied voltage = Vrms = 10 V
rms value of current = Irms = 100 mA
= 100 × 10-3 A
To find
Impedance = Z = ?
Calculation:
Using the relation
Vrms
Z =
Irms
Putting values,
10
Z =
100× 10-3
Z = 100 Ω
Result:
Impedance = Z = 100 Ω
Example 16.4
At what frequency will an inductor of 1.0 H have a reactance of 500Ω.
Solution:
Given Data:
Inductance = L = 1.0 H
Reactance = XL = 500 Ω
Required:
Frequency = f = ?
Calculations:
By using the relation
XL = 2πfL
XL
⇒ f =
2πL
putting values
500
f =
2π × 1.0
f = 80 Hz
Result:
Frequency = f = 80 Hz
Example 16.5
An iron core coil of 2.0 H and 50 Ω is placed in series with a resistance of 450 Ω. An A.C supply
of 100 V, 50 Hz is connected across the circuit. Find
204 Physics Intermediate Part-II

(i) The current flowing in the coil

(ii) Phase angle between the current and voltage
Solution:
Given Data:
Total Resistance = R = 50 + 450
= 500 Ω
Inductance = L = 2.0 H
Applied voltage = V = 100 V
Frequency = f = 50 Hz
To find
Current = I = ?
Angle = θ = ?
Calculations:
For current
Using the formula
V
I = ————— (1)
Z
First we calculate impedance by using the relation
Z = R2 + XL2
Impedance = Z = R2 + (2πfL)2
Z = (500)2 + (2π × 50 × 2)2
= (500)2 + (628)2
Z = 803 Ω
Putting values in eq. (1) we get
100
I = = 0.1245 A
803
I = 124.5 mA
For phase difference
Using the formula
ωL
θ = tan-1  R  (ωL = 628)
 
628
= tan-1  
500
θ = 51.5°
Result:
Current = I = 124.5 mA
Phase difference = θ = 51.5°
Example 16.6
A circuit consists of a capacitor of 2 µF capacitance and a resistance of 1000 Ω connected in
series. An alternating voltage of 12 V and frequency 50 Hz is applied. Find
[Chapter-16] Alternating Current 205
(i) Current in the circuit
(ii) Average power supplied
Solution:
Given Data:
Resistance = R = 1000 Ω
Capacitance = C = 2 µF
= 2 × 10-6 F
Voltage = V = 12 V
Frequency f = 50 Hz
To find
Current = I = ?
Average power supplied = P = ?
Calculations:
1
Reactance = XC =
2πfC
1
=
2×3.14 × 50 × 2 ×10-6
XC = 1592 Ω
2
Impedance = Z = R 2 + Xc
Putting values
= (1000) 2 + (1592) 2
= 1880 Ω
V
Current = I =
Z
12
= = 0.0064 A
1880
I = 6.4 mA
XC
Phase difference = θ = tan-1  
R
1592
= tan-1  
1000
= 57.87°
Average Power = P = VI cos θ
= 12 × 0.0064 × Cos 57.87º
= 12 × 0.0064 × 0.532
P = 0.04 W
Result:
Current = I = 6.4 mA
Average power supplied = P = 0.04 W
Example 16.7
Find the capacitance required to construct a resonance circuit of frequency 1000 KHz with an
inductor of 5 mH.
Solution:
Given Data:
Frequency = f = 1000 KHz
206 Physics Intermediate Part-II

= 106 Hz
Inductance = L = 5 mH
= 5 × 10-3 H
To find
Capacitance = C = ?
Calculations:
Using the formula
1
fr =
2π LC
Squaring both sides
1
f2 = 2
4π LC
1
⇒ C = 2 2
4π f L
Putting values
1
=
4 × (3.14) × (106)2 × 5 × 10−3
2

C = 5.07 × 10−12 F
Result:
Capacitance = C = 5.07 pF

NUMERICALS PROBLEMS
16.1 An alternating current is represented by equation I = 20 Sin 100 πt. Compute its
frequency and the maximum and rms values of current.
I = 20 sin (100πt)
f = ?
Io = ?
Irms = ?
Solution:
As
I = Io sin (2πft) ………… (1)
Given
I = 20 sin (100πt) ………. (ii)
For Io
Io = 20.0A
For f
2πft = 100πt
2f = 100
f = 50Hz
For Irms
Irms = 0.7 Io
= 0.7 × 20
Irms = 14A
16.2 A sinusoidal A.C has a maximum value of 15 A. What is its rms value? If the time is
recorded from the instant the current is zero and is becoming positive, what is the
instantaneous value of the current after 1/300 s, given the frequency is 50 Hz.
Io = 15A
[Chapter-16] Alternating Current 207
1
t = s
300
f = 50Hz
Irms = ?
I = ?
Solution:
For Irms
Irms = (0.707)( Io)
= (0.707)(15)
Irms = 10.6 A
For I
I = Io sin (2πft)
1
= 15 sin (2π × 50 × )
300
π
= 15 sin
3
= 15 sin (60°)
I = 13A
16.3 Find the value of the current and inductive reactance when A.C. voltage of 220 V at 50 Hz
is passed through an inductor of 10H.
Irms = ?
XL = ?
Vrms = 220V
f = 50 Hz
L = 10H
Solution:
For XL
XL = 2πfL
= 2 × 3.14 × 50 × 10
XL = 3140 Ω
For Irms
Vrms = Irms XL
Vrms
Irms =
XL
220
Irms =
3140
Irms = 0.07A
16.4 A circuit has an inductance of 1/ππ H and resistance of 2000 Ω. A 50 Hz A.C, is supplied to
it. Calculate the reactance and impedance offered by the circuit.
1
L = H
π
R = 2000 Ω
f = 50 Hz
XL = ?
z = ?
Solution:
For XL
XL = 2πfL
208 Physics Intermediate Part-II

1
= 2π × 50 ×
π
XL = 100Ω
For Z
Z = X2 L + R 2
= (100)2 + (2000)2
Z = 2002.5Ω
16.5 An inductor of pure inductance 3/π π H is connected in series with a resistance of 40Ω Ω. Find
(i) the peak value of the current (ii) the rms value, and (iii) the phase difference between the
current and the applied voltage V = 350 sin 100π πt.
3
L = H
π
R = 40 Ω
Io = ?
Irms = ?
θ = ?
V = 350 sin (100 πt)
Solution:
V = Vo sin (2πft) ………..(i)
V = 350 sin (100πt) ………. (ii)
Comparing (i) & (ii)
Vo = 350 V
Also,
2πft = 100πt
f = 50Hz
For θ
XL
tanθ = ………. (iii)
R
As
XL = 2πfL
3
= 2 × 3.14 × 50 ×
3.14
= 300Ω
So eq (iii) becomes
300
tanθ =
40
θ = tan-1 (7.5)
θ = 82.4°
Z = X2 L + R 2
= (300)2 + (40)2
= 302.6Ω
Vrms = Vo (0.707)
= 350 × 0.707
Vrms = 247.45 V
[Chapter-16] Alternating Current 209
For Irms
Vrms 247.45
Irms = =
Z 302.6
Irms = 0.817 A
For Io
Io = 2 Irms
Io = 1.41 × 0.817
Io = 1.15A
180
16.6 A 10 mH, 20 Ω coil is connected across 240 V and Hz source. How much power does
π
it dissipate?
L = 10mH
= 10 × 10-3 H
R = 20Ω
Vrms = 240 V
180
f = Hz
π
P = ?
Solution:
P = Vrms Irms cosθ ———— (i)
For Irms
Vrms = Irms Z
Vrms
Irms = ———— (ii)
z
For Z
Z = X2 L + R 2 ———— (iii)
For XL
XL = 2πfL
180
XL = 2 × 3.14 × × 10 × 10-3
3.14
XL = 3.6Ω
So eq (iii) becomes,
Z = (3.6)2 + (20)2
Z = 20.3Ω
So, eq (ii) becomes,
240
Irms=
20.3
= 11.8A
For θ
XL
tanθ =
R
XL
θ = tan-1
R
3.6
θ = tan-1
20
θ = 10.2°
So eq (i) becomes
P = (11.8) (240) cos (10.2°)
210 Physics Intermediate Part-II

P = 2787 W
16.7 Find the value of the current flowing through a capacitance 0.5 µF when connected to a
source of 150 V at 50 Hz.
Irms = ?
C = 0.5µF
C = 0.5 × 10-6 F
Vrms = 150V
f = 50 Hz
Solution:
Vrms = Irms Xc
 1 
Vrms = Irms  
2πfC
Irms = 2πfc Vrms
= 2 × 3.14 × 50 × 0.5 × 10-6 × 150
Irms = 0.024A
16.8 An alternating source of emf 12 V and frequency 50 Hz is applied to a capacitor of
capacitance 3 µF in series with a resistor of resistance 1kΩ
Ω. Calculate the phase angle.
Vrms = 12V
f = 50 Hz
C = 3µF
C = 3 × 10-6F
R = 1KΩ
R = 1 × 103Ω
θ =?
Solution:
Xc
tanθ =
R
1
tanθ =
2πfCR
 1 
θ = tan-1  
2πfCR
 1 
θ = tan-1  -6 3
2 × 3.14 × 50 × 3 × 10 × 1 × 10 
θ = tan-1(1.061)
θ = 46.7°
16.9 What is the resonant frequency of a circuit which includes a coil of inductance 2.5 H and
capacitance 40 µF?
fr = ?
L = 2.5H
C = 40µF
C = 40 × 10-6 F
Solution:
1
fr =
2π LC
1
=
2 × 3.14 2.5 × 40 × 10-6
[Chapter-16] Alternating Current 211

fr = 15.9 Hz
16.10 An inductor of inductance 150 µH is connected in parallel with a variable capacitor whose
capacitance can be changed from 500 pF to 20 pF. Calculate the maximum frequency
and minimum frequency for which the circuit can be turned.
L = 50 µH
L = 150 × 10-6 H
Cmin = 20pF
Cmin = 20 × 10-12 F
Cmax = 500pF
Cmax = 500 × 10-12F
fr(max) = ?
fr(min) = ?
Solution:
For fr(max)
1
fr(max) =
2π LCmin
1
=
2 × 3.14 150 × 10-6 × 20 × 10-12
= 2.91 × 106 Hz
fr(max) = 2.91 MHz
For fr(min)
1
fr(min) =
2π LCmax
1
=
2 × 3.14 150 × 10-6 × 500 × 10-12
= 581446.4 Hz
= 0.58 × 106 Hz
fr(min) = 0.58 MHz

Multiple Choice Questions

1. If I = 20 sin 100πt, than I0 & f = ________
(a) 20A & 50Hz (b) 50A & 50Hz (c) 20A&100Hz (d) 100A &50Hz
2. The average value of current and voltage over a complete cycle is:
(a) Positive (b) Maximum (c) Zero (d) Neither zero nor maximum
3. The main reason for the worldwide use of A.C is that it can be transmitted to
(a) Short distances (b) Long distances
(c) Very short distances (d) Intermediate distances
4. At t=T/4 the alternating voltage attains its
(a) Positive peak value (b) Negative peak value
(c) Zero value (d) None of these
5. During each cycle, alternating voltage reaches a peak value:
(a) Once (b) Twice (c) Thrice (d) Four times
6. The phase at the positive peak is:
3π π
(a) π (b) 2 (c) 2 (d) Zero
212 Physics Intermediate Part-II

7. The waveform of an alternating voltage is the formation of graph between

(a) Time and frequency (b) Voltage and frequency
(c) Voltage and time (d) Frequency and time period
8. The sum of positive and negative peak values is written as
(a) p-p value (b) peak value (c) rms value (d) average value
9. An A.C voltmeter reads 440V, its peak value is
(a) 611.25V (b) 311.23V (c) 311.12V (d) 620.4V
10. The root mean square value of A.C circuit is always
(a) Positive (b) Negative (c) Zero (d) None of these
11. The loss of energy in transmitting power at long distances is less in
(a) Alternating current (b) Thermal electricity
(c) Direct current (d) Electromagnetism
12. The basic circuit element in a D.C circuit which controls the current or voltage is called
(a) Inductor (b) resistor (c) capacitor (d) voltmeter
13. Which current cannot flow continuously through the capacitor
(a) A.C (b) D.C (c) Thermoelectricity (d) Photo electricity
14. The opposition offered by a capacitor the flow of A.C is called
(a) Capacitor (b) Inductive reactance (c) Capacitive reactance (d) Resistor
15. V _________ I in an inductor with A.C. circuit
(a) Leads (b) Lags (c) In phase (d) None of these
16. The unit of reactance of capacitor is given by
(a) Tesla (b) Volt (c) Farad (d) Ohm
17. In a capacitor circuit, at low frequency, the reactance will be
(a) High (b) Low (c) Zero (d) Infinite
18. In an inductive AC circuit, the current
(a) Lead the voltage by 90o (b) Lags behind the voltage by 90o
o
(c) Lead the voltage by 60 (d) Lead the voltage by 30o
19. For higher frequency, the inductive reactance will be
(a) High (b) Low (c) Zero (d) Finite
20. With increase in the frequency the resistance of the ac circuit
(a) Increases (b) Decreases (c) Remain same (d) None of these
21. If 10V AC source causes a current flow of 100mA in an ac circuit. Then the impedance of
the circuit will be
(a) 50Ω (b) 200 Ω (c) 1000 Ω (d) 100 Ω
22. In R-C series circuit the Xc lags the Vrms by phase angle
(a) 900 (b) 900 – θ (c) θ -900 (d) None of these
23. In an A.C. circuit, a resistance R is connected in series with an inductance L. If the phase
angle between voltage and current be 45o, the value of inductive reactance will be:
R R
(a) 4 (b) 2 (c) R (d) Cannot be found
π
24. In an A.C circuit, the current lags behind the voltage by . The components in the circuit are:
3
(a) R and L (b) R and C (c) L and C (d) Only R
25. XC becomes ________ if frequency is quartered
(a) Double (b) Half (c) Four times (d) One fourth
26. At resonance condition _______
1
(a) XL = XC (b) f = (c) Both a and b (d) None of these
2π LC
[Chapter-16] Alternating Current 213
27. XL becomes ________ if frequency is doubled
(a) Double (b) Half (c) Four times (d) One fourth
28. The rate of heat production in a resistor due to an alternating current of rms value 10 A is
same as that due to a direct current of:
10
(a) 10 A (b) A (c) 10 2 A (d) 5 A
2
29. In RLC parallel circuit at resonance, each IL and IC may be larger than_______
(a) Source current (b) Peak current
(c) Average current (d) Mean current
30. An inductor of 1 henry is connected across a 220 V, 50 Hz supply. The rms value of the
current is approximately:
(a) 0.5 A (b) 0.7 A (c) 1 A (d) 1.4 A
31. A resistor R and capacitor C are connected in series across an AC source of rms voltage 5
V. If the rms voltage across C is 3 V then that across R is:
(a) 1 V (b) 2V (c) 3 V (d) 4 V
32. The reactance of a capacitor at 50 Hz is 10 Ω.Its reactance at 100 Hz is:
(a) 2.5 Ω (b) 5 Ω (c) 10 Ω (d) 20 Ω
33. Impedance of RLC parallel circuit is equal to _______
(a) R (b) L / RC (c) C / LR (d) None
34. The power dissipation in a pure inductive or in a pure capacitive circuit is
(a) 1 (b) 0 (c) –1 (d) Infinite
35. In RLC series circuits, when the frequency of AC source is very small then
(a) XC> XL (b) XC< XL (c) XC =XL (d) XC=0
36. In RLC series circuits, the relation ‘XL>XC’ is true for
(a) High frequencies (b) Low frequencies
(c) Null frequencies (d) None of these
37. An A.C. circuit in which current and voltage are in phase, the power factor is:
(a) 1 (b) Zero (c) Infinity (d) -1
38. When 10V are applied to an A. C. circuit, the current flowing in it is 100 mA, its impedance is:
(a) 75 Ω (b) 100 Ω (c) 90 Ω (d) 120 Ω
39. An inductor is a coil whose resistance is
(a) Negligibly small (b) Zero
(c) Very large (d) Infinite
40. In L-C parallel circuit, the current at the resonance frequency is
(a) Minimum (b) Maximum (c) Zero (d) Infinite
41. At the resonance the current is minimum in L-C parallel circuit, the power is
(a) 0 (b) 1 (c) –1 (d) Infinite
42. A circuit consists of 3 Ω resistance and 4 Ω reactance. The power factor of the circuit is:
(a) 0.4 (b) 0.6 (c) 0.8 (d) 1.0
43. The main advantage of having three phase supply is that the total load of the house or a
factory is divided into
(a) 4 parts (b) 3 parts (c) 5 parts (d) 2 parts
44. The voltage across any two live lines in three phase AC supply is
(a) 400V (b) 120V (c) 230V (d) 440V
45. A coil and capacitor are electrical components which together can produce
(a) Oscillation of voltage (b) Oscillation of current
(c) Oscillation of reactance (d) Oscillation of capacitance
46. In metal detector the energy oscillates between
(a) Resistor and capacitor (b) Capacitor and resonance
(c) Inductor and capacitor (d) Resistor and inductor
214 Physics Intermediate Part-II

47. The metal detectors are used to locate

(a) Buried metal objects (b) Metal at security checks
(c) Both a and b (d) None of these
48. The waves which do not require any medium for their propagation
(a) Mechanical waves (b) Stationary waves
(c) Matter waves (d) Electromagnetic waves
49. The wavelength of x rays = _________m
(a) 10–10 (b) 10–12 (c) 10–14 (d) 10–16
50. _______ electrons are the basic requirement of E.M. waves
(a) Stationary (b) Moving (c) Accelerated (d) Any of these
51. The electromagnetic phenomenon was explained by
(a) Maxwell (b) Einstein (c) Newton (d) Bohr
52. The electromagnetic phenomenon was explained Maxwell in
(a) 1894 (b) 1864 (c) 1789 (d) 1869
53. According to Maxwell’s equation, the magnetic field is produced due to
(a) Changing magnetic flux (b) Changing electric field
(c) Changing power (d) None of these
54. The process of combining the low frequency signal with high frequency radio waves is
called
(a) Modulation (b) De-modulation (c) Rectification (d) None of these
55. The low frequency signals are known as
(a) Modulation signals (b) Modulated carrier signals
(c) De-modulated signals (d) Carrier signals
56. In which type of modulation the carrier wave amplitude remains the same
(a) Wavelength modulation (b) Light modulation
(c) Frequency modulation (d) Amplitude modulation
57. Which radio waves are less effected by electric interference
(a) F.M (b) A.M (c) A.F (d) Both a and b
58. Modulation is the process of combining the low frequency signals with high frequency
radio waves called
(a) Modulated waves (b) Carrier waves
(c) Both a and b (d) None of these
59. The waves which are less able to travel around obstacles such as hills and large buildings
are
(a) A.M waves (b) A.F waves (c) F.M waves (d) Both a and c
60. Power factor of an AC circuit has SI Unit:
(a) ampere (b) volt (c) watt (d) No unit
61. Which of the following radiations form a part of the electromagnetic spectrum?
(a) Alpha rays (b) Beta rays (c) Gamma rays (d) Cathode rays
→ →
62. If E and B be the electric and magnetic field vectors of an electromagnetic wave, then the
propagation of the wave is along the direction of:
→ → → → → →
(a) E (b) B (c) E × B (d) B . E
63. In which of the following sequences are the electromagnetic radiations in decreasing order
of wavelengths:
(a) Infrared, radio waves, X-rays, visible (b) Radio, infrared, visible, X-rays
(c) Radio, visible, infrared, X-rays (d) X-rays, visible, infrared, radio
[Chapter-16] Alternating Current 215
Answer Key
1. a 2. c 3. b 4. a 5. b
6. c 7. c 8. a 9. d 10. a
11. a 12. b 13. b 14. c 15. a
16. d 17. a 18. b 19. a 20. c
21. d 22. b 23. c 24. a 25. c
26. c 27. a 28. a 29. a 30. b
31. b 32. b 33. b 34. b 35. a
36. a 37. a 38. b 39. a 40. a
41. b 42. b 43. b 44. a 45. b
46. c 47. c 48. d 49. a 50. c
51. a 52. b 53. b 54. a 55. a
56. c 57. a 58. b 59. c 60. d
61. c 62. c 63. b
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MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTIONS
1. The amplitude modulated transmission waves have frequencies range.
a) 540 Hz to 1600 Hz
b) 540 kHz to 1600 kHz
c) 540 Hz to 1600 MHz d) 88 MHz to 108 MHz
2. In A.C through inductor, the applied voltage.
π π

a) Leads the current by b) Lags the current by 2
2
c) And current are in Phase d) And current is out of phase 180º
3. The slope of q-t curve at any instant of time gives.

a) Current b) Voltage c) Charge d) Both a and b
4. In RLC series circuit at resonance the phase difference between capacitor and inductor
reactance is.
a) 90º b) 270º c) 0º
d) 180º
5. Electrons vibration 94,000 times each second will produce radio waves of frequency.
a) 94Hz b) 940Hz c) 940KHz
d) 94KHz
6. The reactance of an inductor is.
1 ω L

a) ωL b) c) d)
ωL L ω
7. The frequency range for F.M is given by.

a) 88 MHz − 108 MHz b) 88 KHz − 108 KHz
c) 540 MHz −1600 MHz d) 540 KHz − 1600 KHz
8. The opposition offered by a capacitor to the flow of an A.C is called.
a) Capacitance b) Resistance
c) Reactance d) Inductance
9. At high frequency the value of reactance of capacitor will be.

a) Small b) Zero c) Large d) Infinite
10. The sum of positive and negative peak values is called.
a) Average value b) r m s value c) Peak value
d) P − P value
11. The phase angle at positive peak is.
π 3π

a) b) π c) d) 2π
2 2
216 Physics Intermediate Part-II

12. The phase difference between the voltage and current through resistor is.

a) 0º b) 45º c) 180º d) 270º
13. In case of capacitor, the unit of reactance is.

a) Ohm b) Mho c) Farad d) Henry
14. The reactance of capacitor is equal to.
ω c 1
a) ωc b) c)
d)
c ω ωc
15. The phase difference between current and voltage in an inductive circuit is.
a) Zero
b) 90º c) 180º d) 45º
16. During each cycle AC voltage reaches a peak value.
a) Once
b) Twice c) Thrice d) Four times
17. 100µF capacitor is connected to an AC voltage of 24V and frequency 50Hz. The reactance
of the capacitor is.
a) 30.8Ω
b) 31.8Ω Ω c) 34.8Ω d) 40Ω
18. At resonance frequency, the impedance of RLC − Parallel Circuit is.
a) Zero b) Infinite c) Minimum
d) Maximum
19. In RLC circuit, the energy is dissipated in.

a) R only b) R and L c) R and C d) R, L and C
20. Power dissipated in pure Inductor is.
a) Large b) Small c) Infinite
d) Zero
21. In three phase voltage across any two lines is about.
a) 220V b) 230V
c) 400V d) 430V
22. In a three phase AC generator the phase difference between each pair of coil is.
a) 45º b) 60º c) 90º
d) 120º
23. The waveform of alternating voltage is a.
a) Contangent curve b) Cosine curve
c) Tangent curve
d) Sine curve
24. Choke consumes extremely small.
a) Current b) Charge
c) Power d) Potential
25. Direct current cannot flow through.
a) Inductor b) Resistor c) Transistor
d) Capacitor
26. The peak value of AC source is 20A, and then its rms value will be.

a) 14.1A b) 10A c) 20A d) 28.2A
27. One of the source of an A.C voltage is.
a) Motor b) Battery
c) UPS d) Solar cell
28. If Io is the peak value of A.C current, then the root mean square (rms) value of current will be.
Io 2 Io
a) Irms = 2 b) Irms = I c) 2 Io
d) Irms =
o 2
29. The F.M transmission frequencies range from.
a) 88Hz to 108Hz b) 88KHz to 108KHz

c) 88MHz to 108MHz d) 88GHz to 108GHz
30. When 10V are applied to an A.C circuit, the current flowing in it is 100mA. Its impedance is.

a) 100Ω Ω b) 10Ω c) 1000Ω d) 1Ω

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