AC Questions
AC Questions
c) d)
ANS b
7 The variation of the instantaneous current (I) and the instantaneous emf(E) in a circuit is as
shown in figure. Which of the following statements is correct?
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ANS Zero
2 MARKS QUESTIONS
1 Explain why current flows through an ideal capacitor when it is connected to an ac source but
not when it is connected to a dc source in a steady state.
ANS For ac source, circuit is complete due to the presence of displacement current in the
capacitor. For steady dc, there is no displacement current, therefore, circuit is not complete.
𝟏 𝟏
Mathematically, Capacitive reactance XC = =
𝝎𝑪 𝟐𝝅𝒇𝑪
So, capacitor allows easy path for ac source.
For dc, f = 0, so XC = infinity, So capacitor blocks dc.
2
Both alternating current and direct current are measured in amperes. But
how is the ampere defined for an alternating current?
ANS
An ac current changes direction with the source frequency and the
attractive force would average to zero. Thus, the ac ampere must be defined
in terms of some property that is independent of the direction of current.
Joule’s heating effect is such property and hence it is used to define rms
value of ac.
3 1. If a L-C circuit is considered analogous to a harmonically oscillating springblock system,
which energy of the L-C circuit would be analogous to potential energy and which one
analogous to kinetic energy?
ANS
If We consider a L-C circuit analogous to a harmonically oscillating springblock
system. The electrostatic energy is analogous to potential energy and energy
associated with moving charges (current) that is magnetic energy is
analogous to kinetic energy.
4
When an ac source is connected to an ideal inductor show that the average
power supplied by the source over a complete cycle is zero.
ANS
For an ideal inductor phase difference between current and applied voltage =
π/2
∴ Power, P = Vrms Irms cos φ = Vrms Irms cos π/2 = 0
Thus, the power consumed in a pure inductor is zero.
5 Why is the core of a transformer laminated?
ANS
The core of a transformer is laminated to minimize eddy currents in the iron
core to reduce energy loss in the form of heat.
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3 MARKS QUESTIONS
1 Explain why the reactance offered by an inductor increases with increasing frequency of an
alternating voltage.
ANS An inductor opposes flow of current through it by developing a back emf according to
Lenz’s law. The induced voltage has a polarity so as to maintain the current at its present
value. If the current is decreasing, the polarity of the induced emf will be so as to increase the
current and vice -versa.
Since, the induced emf is proportional to the rate of change of current, it will provide
greater reactance to the flow of current if the rate of change is faster, i.e., if the frequency is
higher. The reactance of an inductor, therefore, is proportional to the frequency.
Mathematically, the reactance offered by the inductor is given by X L = 𝜔L
2 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?
ANS
The principle of transformer is based upon the principle of mutual induction
which states that due to continuous change in the current in the primary coil
an emf gets induced across the secondary coil. At the power generating
station, the step-up transformers step up the output voltage which reduces the
current through the cables and hence reduce resistive power loss. Then, at
the consumer end, a step- down transformer steps down the voltage. Hence,
the large-scale transmission of electric energy over long distances
is done by stepping up the voltage at the generating station to minimize the
power loss in the transmission cables.
3
An alternating voltage given by V = 140 sin 314t is connected across a pure
resistor of 50 ohm. Find:
(i) the frequency of the source
(ii) the rms current through the resistor.
ANS
(i) Vo = 140 V, ω = 314
2πf = 314 Therefore, f = 314/2π = 50 Hz
(ii) Irms = Vrms /R (where Vrms = Vo/√2)
= (Vo/√2)/R
=Vo/√2 R
= 140/(√2 × 50)
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= 1.98 A
4
A series LCR circuit with R = 20 Ω, L = 1.5 H, and C = 35 µF is connected
to a variable-frequency 200 V ac supply. When the frequency of the supply
equals the natural frequency of the circuit, what is the average power
transferred to the circuit in one complete cycle?
ANS
The supply frequency and the natural frequency are equal at resonance
conditions in the circuit i.e. X L = XC
The given resistance of the resistor, R = 20 Ω
An AC source with a voltage of V = 200 V is connected to the LCR
circuit
The impedance of the above combination is given by
Z= √R2 + (XL − XC )2 = R (for XL = XC )
⇒ Z= 20 Ω
=
V 200
Current, I = = 10 A
Z 20
Therefore, the average power that is being transferred to the circuit in one
full cycle:
P = V I = 200 x 10 = 2000 W
5 A step-down transformer operated on a 2.5 kV line. It supplies a load with 20 A. The ratio
of the primary winding to the secondary is 10:1. If the transformer is 90% efficient, calculate
- (a) the power output,
(b) the voltage, and
(c) the current in the secondary.
ANS
Input Voltage VP = 2.5 X 103 V
Input Current IP = 20 A
=
NP 10
Also,
N𝑆 1
NS 1
⇒ =
NP 10
Output power
a) Percentage efficiency = x 100
Input power
90 Output power
⇒ =
100 Vp I
P
90
⇒ Output power = x Vp IP
100
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90
= x 2.5 x 103 V x 20 A
100
= 4.5 x 104 W
=
VS NS
b) As
VP NP
NS 1
⇒ VS = x VP = x 2.5 x 103 V = 250 V
NP 10
c) Output power = VS Is = 4.5 x 104 W
4.5 x 104
Current in the secondary, IS = = 180 A
250
6 Why is the use of ac voltage preferred over dc voltage? Give three reasons.
ANS (i)The generation of ac is more economical than dc.
(ii) Alternating voltage can be stepped up or stepped down as per requirement during
transmission from power generating station to the consumer.
(iii) Alternating current in a circuit can be controlled by using wattless devices like the choke
coil.
(iv) Alternating voltages can be transmitted from one place to another, with much lower
energy loss in the transmission line.
7 Draw the effective equivalent circuit of the circuit shown in figure, at very high frequencies
and find the effective impedance.
8 The frequency of a.c. is being increased, explain the effect of current in each case
ANS i) In the case of resistance nothing will happen as its not the functional of frequency
ii) In the case of an inductor (XL = ω𝐿 = 2πf L), when frequency will increase XL increases
which results in decrease of current and vice versa.
1 1
iii) In the case of a capacitor XC = = , when frequency will increase XC decreases
𝜔𝐶 2𝜋𝑓𝐶
which results in increase of current and vice versa
SELECT RESPONSE QUESTIONS (MCQ)
1 Reciprocal of impedance is called
ANS b
2 The power factor varies between
ANS c
3 Why is the DC ammeter incapable of measuring alternating current?
ANS c
4 The core of a transformer is laminated because
ANS b
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(a) current (b) magnetic field (c) voltage (d) electric field
ANS b
6 In a purely resistive a.c. circuit, the current
ANS a
7 An ac generator produced an output voltage, E = 170 sin377t where t is in
ANS c
8
In an ac circuit, the power factor
(c) Is zero when the circuit contains an ideal inductance and resistor only
ANS b
9 The ratio of primary and secondary windings of a transformer is 1:2. An a.c.
source of 100 volts at 2 ampere is connected across the primary. Which of the
ANS b
10 The voltage of domestic ac is 220 volts. What does the represent
ANS d
coils wound on the same core. The alternating current passing through the
primary creates a continuously changing flux through the core. This changing
turns in the primary and secondary coil the alternating voltage will increase and
decreased.
For a step-up transformer, K>1 and for a step-down transformer, K<1. The
numbers of turns in the primary and secondary coils of a transformer are 2000
I) A transformer is used:
III) In step-up transformer, relation between number of turns in primary (Np) and
OR
CBQ 2:
frequency that is near the natural frequency, the amplitude of the oscillation is
found to be large.
current source is f. This series LCR circuit is said to be resonance only if the
frequency f of applied alternating source be such that the current flowing in circuit
and voltage applied are in the same phase. At resonance in LCR series circuit
1
𝜔=
√𝐿𝐶
At resonance frequency, the current amplitude is maximum.
I) At resonant condition-
III) In a LCR circuit capacitance is changed from C to 2C. For the resonant
OR
(b) If both Assertion and Reason are correct but Reason is not a correct
explanation of the Assertion.
(c) If the Assertion is correct but Reason is incorrect.
(d) If both the Assertion and Reason are incorrect.
1 Assertion: The voltage across the secondary coil of a transformer depends
upon the number turns in the primary and secondary coil.
ANS b
2 Assertion: Choke coil is preferred over a resistor to adjust current in an AC circuit
Reason: Power factor for inductance is zero.
ANS a
3 Assertion: A capacitor blocks direct current in the steady state.
Reason: The capacitive reactance of the capacitor is inversely proportional to frequency f of
the source of emf.
ANS a
4 Assertion: AC is more dangerous than DC
Reason: Frequency of ac is dangerous for human body.
ANS a
Assertion (A): In an AC circuit, the instantaneous value of voltage and current
5
can be represented by sine functions.
Reason (R): The voltage and current in an AC circuit vary sinusoidally with
time and can be expressed as V(t) = V m sin(ωt) and I(t) = Im sin(ωt + Φ),
respectively.
ANS a
6 Assertion: In a purely inductive or capacitive circuit, the current is referred to as wattless
current.
Reason: No power is dissipated in a purely inductive or capacitive circuit even though a
current is flowing in the circuit.
ANS a
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Being in series, the current (I) flowing through all of them is the same.
Suppose the voltage across resistance is VR, voltage across inductance is
VL and voltage across capacitance is VC. The voltage VR and current I are
in the same phase, the voltage VL will lead the current I by angle while the
voltage will lag behind the current by 90o while the voltage VC will lag behind
the current I by 90o. Clearly VL and VC are in opposite directions, therefore
their resultant potential difference = VL− VC (if VL> VC)
Thus, VR and (VL− VC) are mutually perpendicular and the phase
Capacitive reactance
R
Impedance of the circuit, Z = = √R2 + (XL − XC )2 ……………(ii)
Z
V0 sin(ωt+ϕ)
Instantaneous current, I =
√R2 +(xL −xc )2
=
xL −xc
Φ tan−1
R
conditions,
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II) If XC < XL, Φ is negative and the circuit is predominantly inductive. Consequently,
III) If XL = Xc, Φ = 0 then and the voltage is in phase with the current and is known
as resonant circuit.
the electrical system is effectively used. A system with low power factor
doesn’t effectively consume the incoming electric supply and results in losses.
capacitor, we know that the phase difference between voltage and current is
current.
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2 a) A series LCR circuit is connected to an ac source. Using the phasor diagram, derive the
expression for the impedance of the circuit.
b) Plot a graph to show the variation of current with frequency of the ac source , explaining
the nature of its variation for two different resistances R1 and R2 (R1< R2) at resonance
ANS a) As previous question
b) (i) for R1 and the curve (ii) is for R2
a 220 V, 50 Hz ac source.
(b) Calculate the voltage (rms) across the resistor and the capacitor.
Is the algebraic sum of these voltages more than the source voltage? Justify.
ANS (a) In order to calculate the current, we need the impedance of the
circuit. It is
Z = √R2 + XC 2
= √R2 + (2𝜋𝑓𝐶)2
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= 291.5 Ω
V
Therefore, the current in the circuit is, I =
Z
220V
= = 0.755 A
291.5Ω
(b) Since the current is the same throughout the circuit, we have
VR= I R
V C = I XC
more than the source voltage of 220 V. This is because the two voltages
VR and VC are not in the same phase (are out of phase by ninety
4 a) Draw graphs showing the variations of inductive reactance and capacitive reactance
source.
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current of 0.25A flows which lags behind the applied voltage in phase by
π/2 radian. If the same voltage is applied across another device Y, the
same current flows but now it is in phase with the applied voltage.
(ii) Calculate the current flowing in the circuit when the same voltage is
ANS (a)
(b)
(c) i) In device X, Current lags behind the voltage by π /2, hence X is an inductor
In device Y, Current in phase with the applied voltage, hence Y is a resistor
(ii) We are given that
0.25=220/XL, XL =880Ω,
also 0.25=220/R, R = 880Ω
For the series combination of X and Y, equivalent impedance Z = 880 √2 Ω,
Hence I= 0.177 A
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5 State the main operating principle of a transformer. How is large scale transmission of electric
Principle: It operates upon the principle of mutual induction i.e., “The EMF
magnetic flux in the core which also passes through the secondary. This
changing flux will set up an induced emf in the secondary, and a self-
the flux linked with each and every turn of the primary will be equal to that
dϕ dϕ
Es = −Ns and EP = −NP
dt dt
where, NP and NS are the number of turns in the primary and secondary
Es Ns
= … … … … … . . . (𝑖)
EP NP
losses, then
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where IP and IS are the currents present in the primary and secondary
coils respectively
= = =K
𝐍𝐬 𝐄𝐬 𝐈𝐩
From (i) and (ii), we get:
𝐍𝐏 𝐄𝐏 𝐈𝐬
greater than 1 and therefore ES > EP. The voltage which we get as
For transmissions in long distances, the voltage output of the generator is stepped-up (but that
current is reduced and consequently IR loss is also reduced). It is transmitted over long
SELF TEST
1 In an LCR-series ac circuit, the voltage across each of the 1M
component L, C and R is 50 V. The voltage across the LC-
combination will be
(a) 50 V (b) 50√2 V (c) 100 V (d) zero
2 An ac circuit has a resistance of 12 ohm and an impedance of 1M
15 ohm. The power factor of the circuit will be
(a) 0.8 (b) 0.4 (c) 0.125 (d) 1.25
3 A transformer is used to light a 100 W lamp from 220 V 1M
mains. If the main current is 0.5 A, the efficiency of the
transformer is
(a) 30% (b) 50% (c) 90% (d) 10%
4 What is the value of inductance L for which the current is 1M
maximum in a series LCR- circuit with C = 10 μF and ω =
1000 s-1?
(a) 100 mH (b) 1 mH
(c) 10 mH (d) cannot be calculated unless R is
known
5 Average power dissipated in an inductor connected to an a.c. 1M
source is
(a) LI² (b) LI² (c) zero (d) none of these
1
2
6 What happens to the inductive reactance when the frequency of 1 M
the AC supply is increased?
(a) Increases (b) Decreases
(c)Remains the same (d) Decreases inversely
7 Energy is lost in the LCR circuit by: 1M
(a) L only (b) C only c) R only (d) All of the
above
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circuit is equal to the ohmic resistance in the circuit. Such a series LCR
circuit is known as resonant series LCR circuit and the frequency of the
frequency supply.
OR
21.74 A
(c) Both (a) and (b) (d) Neither (a) nor (b)
13 Why an inductor is an easy path for d.c. and resistive path for a.c.? 2M
(ii) frequency?
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