PHYSICS CHAPTER 7: ALTERNATING CURRENT

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ALTERNATING CURRENT
Alternating Current:

The magnitude of alternating current changes continuously with time and its direction
is reversed periodically. It is represented by

I = I0 sin ωt or I = I0 cos ωt
2π
ω= = 2πv
T

Direct current (DC):

Direct current (DC) is electrical current which flows consistently in one direction. The
current that flows in a flashlight or another appliance running on batteries is direct
current.

Mean value for half cycle of AC:

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Mean value of AC is the total charge that flows through a circuit element in a given time
interval divided by the time interval. emf.
T
∫ Idt
Imean = 0
T
For half cycle
T
∫02 Idt
Imean =
T
2
T
2 2
Imean = ∫ I sin ωdt
T 0 0
T
2I0 − cos ωt 2
Imean = [ ]
T ω 0

2I0 2π
Imean = [− cos π − cos 0] … ( ∵ ω = )
2π T
2I0
Imean =
π
Note: For complete cycle, mean value = 0

Phasor Diagram:
In the a.c. circuit containing R only, current and voltage are in the same phase.
Therefore, in figure, both phasors ⃗⃗⃗
I0 and E⃗⃗⃗⃗0 are in the same direction making an angle
(ωt) with OX. This is so for all times. It means that the phase angle between alternating
voltage and current through R is Zero.

I = I0 sin ωt and E = E0 sin ωt

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Parts of a Single-phase Transformer

The major parts of a single-phase transformer consist of;

Core

The core acts as a support to the winding in the transformer. It also provides a low reluctance
path to the flow of magnetic flux. The winding is wound on the core as shown in the picture.
It is made up of a laminated soft iron core in order to reduce the losses in a transformer. The
factors such as operating voltage, current, power etc decide core composition. The core
diameter is directly proportional to copper losses and inversely proportional to iron losses.

Windings

Windings are the set of copper wires wound over the transformer core. Copper wires are
used due to:

• The high conductivity of copper minimizes the loss in a transformer because when the
conductivity increases, resistance to current flow decreases.

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• The high ductility of copper is the property of metals that allows it to be made into
very thin wires.

There are mainly two types of windings. Primary windings and secondary windings.

• Primary winding: The set of turns of windings to which supply current is fed.

• Secondary winding: The set of turns of winding from which output is taken.

The primary and secondary windings are insulated from each other using insulation coating
agents.

Insulation Agents

Insulation is necessary for transformers to separate windings from each other and to avoid
short circuit. This facilitates mutual induction. Insulation agents have an influence on the
durability and the stability of a transformer.

Following are used as an insulation medium in a transformer:

• Insulating oil

• Insulating tape

• Insulating paper

• Wood-based lamination

Capacitive Reactance (XC):

The opposing nature of capacitor to the flow of alternating current is called capacitive
reactance.

1 1
XC = =
ωC 2πfc
Where, C = capacitance

Choke Coil:

A choke coil is an inductor having a small resistance. It is a device used in ac circuits to

control current without wasting too much power. As it has low resistance, its power
factor cos ϕis low.

Wattless Current:

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The current in an AC circuit when average power consumption in AC circuit is zero, is

referred as wattless current or idle current.

A.C. Generator or A.C. Dynamo:

An a.c. generator/ dynamo is a machine that produces alternating current energy from
mechanical energy. It is one of the most important applications of the phenomenon of
electromagnetic induction. The generator was designed originally by a Yugoslav
scientist, Nikola Tesla. The word generator is a misnomer because nothing is generated
by the machine. In fact, it is an alternator converting one form of energy into another.

Transformer:

A transformer which increases the a.c. voltage is called a step-up transformer. A

transformer which decreases the a.c. voltages are called a step-down transformer.

Step Up Transformer

If the secondary coil has more numbers of turns than the primary, the voltage is seen to
step up, that is how the name is given for this type of transformer. If the secondary coil
has less number of coils, it is referred to as a step-down type of transformer.

Transformer Types

Transformers are used in various fields like power generation grid, distribution sector,
transmission and electric energy consumption. There are various types of transformers
which are classified based on the following factors;

• Working voltage range.

• The medium used in the core.

• Winding arrangement.

• Installation location.

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Based on Voltage Levels

Commonly used transformer type, depending upon voltage they are classified as:

Step-up Transformer: They are used between the power generator and the power grid.
The secondary output voltage is higher than the input voltage.

Step down Transformer: These transformers are used to convert high voltage primary
supply to low voltage secondary output.

Based on the Medium of Core Used

In a transformer, we will find different types of cores that are used.

Air core Transformer: The flux linkage between primary and secondary winding is
through the air. The coil or windings wound on the non-magnetic strip.

Iron core Transformer: Windings are wound on multiple iron plates stacked together,
which provides a perfect linkage path to generate flux.

Based on the Winding Arrangement

Autotransformer: It will have only one winding wound over a laminated core. The
primary and secondary share the same coil. Auto also means “self” in language Greek.

Based on Install Location

Power Transformer: It is used at power generation stations as they are suitable for high
voltage application

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Distribution Transformer: Mostly used at distribution lanes for domestic purposes.

They are designed for carrying low voltages. It is very easy to install and characterized
by low magnetic losses.

Measurement Transformers: These are further classified. They are mainly used for
measuring voltage, current, power.

Protection Transformers: They are used for component protection purposes. In circuits,
some components must be protected from voltage fluctuation etc. Protection
transformers ensure component protection.

The transformer works on the principle of Faraday’s law of electromagnetic induction

and mutual induction.

There are usually two coils primary coil and secondary coil on the transformer core. The
core laminations are joined in the form of strips. The two coils have high mutual
inductance. When an alternating current pass through the primary coil it creates a
varying magnetic flux. As per faraday’s law of electromagnetic induction, this change in
magnetic flux induces an emf (electromotive force) in the secondary coil which is linked
to the core having a primary coil. This is mutual induction.

Overall, a transformer carries the below operations:

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• Transfer of electrical energy from circuit to another

• Transfer of electrical power through electromagnetic induction

• Electric power transfer without any change in frequency

• Two circuits are linked with mutual induction

The figure shows the formation of magnetic flux lines around a current-carrying wire. The
normal of the plane containing the flux lines are parallel to normal of a cross-section of a
wire.

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The figure shows the formation of varying magnetic flux lines around a wire-wound. The
interesting part is that reverse is also true, when a magnetic flux line fluctuates around a
piece of wire, a current will be induced in it. This was what Michael faraday found in 1831
which is the fundamental working principle of electric generators as well as transformers.

Charging and Discharging of a Capacitor:

The instantaneous charge on a capacitor on charging at any instant of time t is given by
t
q = q 0 (1 − e − )
Rc
where RC = τ, is called time constant of a R – C circuit.

The instantaneous charge on a capacitor in discharging at any instant of time t is given by

t
q = q0 e −
Rc
Time constant of a R – C circuit is the time in which charge in the capacitor grows to
63.8% or decay to 36.8% of the maximum charge on capacitor.

Transient Current: An electric current which very for a small finite time, while growing
from zero to maximum or decaying from maximum to zero, is called a transient current.
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Differences between Alternating Current and Direct Current:

Alternating Current Direct Current

AC is safe to transfer longer distance even between two DC cannot travel for a very long distance. It
cities and maintain the electric power. loses electric power.

The rotating magnets cause the change in direction of The steady magnetism makes DC flow in a
electric flow. single direction.

The frequency of AC is dependent upon the country. But DC has no frequency of zero frequency.
generally, the frequency is 50 Hz or 60 Hz.

In AC the flow of current changes its direction backwards It flows in a single direction steadily.
periodically.

Electrons in AC keep changing its directions – backward Electrons only move in one direction – that is
and forward forward.

Use of Transformers in Transmission:

• In electric power transmission, transformers allow transmission of electric power
at high voltages, which reduces the loss due to heating of the wires.
• In many electronic devices, a transformer is used to convert voltage from the
distribution wiring to convenient values for the circuit requirements.
• Signal and audio transformers are used to couple stages of amplifiers and to
match devices such as microphones and record players to the input of amplifiers.
• Audio transformers allowed telephone circuits to carry on a two-way
conversation over a single pair of wires.
• Resonant transformers are used for coupling between stages of radio receivers,
or in high-voltage Tesla coils.

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Important Questions
Multiple Choice questions-
1. Alternating voltage (V) is represented by the equation
(a) V(t) = Vm eωt
(b) V(t) = Vm sin ωt
(c) V(t) = Vm cot ωt
(d) V(t) = Vm tan ωt
2. The rms value of potential difference V shown in the figure is

3. The phase relationship between current and voltage in a pure resistive circuit is
best represented by

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4. In the case of an inductor

5. Which of the following graphs represents the correct variation of inductive

reactance XL with frequency u?

6. In a pure capacitive circuit if the frequency of ac source is doubled, then its

capacitive reactance will be

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(a) remains same

(b) doubled
(c) halved
(d) zero
7. Which of the following graphs represents the correct variation of capacitive
reactance Xc with frequency v u?

8. In an alternating current circuit consisting of elements in series, the current

increases on increasing the frequency of supply. Which of the following elements are
likely to constitute the circuit?
(a) Only resistor
(b) Resistor and inductor
(c) Resistor and capacitor
(d) Only inductor
9. In which of the following circuits the maximum power dissipation is observed?
(a) Pure capacitive circuit
(b) Pure inductive circuit
(c) Pure resistive circuit
(d) None of these
10. In series LCR circuit, the phase angle between supply voltage and current is

Very Short:

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1. The instantaneous current flowing from an ac source is l = 5 sin 314 t. What is

the rms value of current?
2. The instantaneous emf of an ac source is given by E = 300 sin 314 t. What is the
rms value of emf?
3. Give the phase difference between the applied ac voltage and the current in an
LCR circuit at resonance.
4. What is the phase difference between the voltage across the inductor and the
capacitor in an LCR circuit?
5. What is the power factor of an LCR series circuit at resonance?
6. In India, the domestic power supply is at 220 V, 50 Hz, while in the USA it is 110
V, 50 Hz. Give one advantage and one disadvantage of 220 V supply over 110 V
supply.
7. Define the term ‘wattles current’. (CBSE Delhi 2011)
8. In a series LCR circuit, VL = VC ≠ VR. What is the value of the power factor? (CBSE
AI 2015)
9. Define capacitor reactance. Write its SI units. (CBSE Delhi 2015)
10. Define quality factor in series LCR circuit. What is its SI unit? (CBSE Delhi 2016)
Short Questions:
1. State the phase relationship between the current flowing and the voltage
applied in an ac circuit for (i) a pure resistor (ii) a pure inductor.
2. A light bulb is in turn connected in a series (a) across an LR circuit, (b) across an
RC circuit, with an ac source. Explain, giving the necessary mathematical
formula, the effect on the brightness of the bulb in case (a) and (b), when the
frequency of the ac source is increased. (CBSE 2019C)
3. An air-core solenoid is connected to an ac source and a bulb. If an iron core is
inserted in the solenoid, how does the brightness of the bulb change? Give
reasons for your answer.
4. A bulb and a capacitor are connected in series to an ac source of variable
frequency. How will the brightness of the bulb change on increasing the
frequency of the ac source? Give reason.
5. An ideal inductor is in turn put across 220 V, 50 Hz, and 220 V, 100 Hz supplies.
Will the current flowing through it in the two cases be the same or different?
6. State the condition under which the phenomenon of resonance occurs in a
series LCR circuit, plot a graph showing the variation of current with a frequency
of ac source in a series LCR circuit.

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7. Give two advantages and two disadvantages of ac over dc.

8. In a series, LCR circuit connected to an ac source of variable frequency and
voltage v = vm sin ωt, draw a plot showing the variation of current (l) with
angular frequency (ω) for two different values of resistance R1 and R2 (R 1 > R2).
Write the condition under which the phenomenon of resonance occurs. For
which value of the resistance out of the two curves, a sharper resonance is
produced? Define the Q-factor of the circuit and give its significance. (CBSE Delhi
2013C)
Long Questions:
1. Prove mathematically that the average power over a complete cycle of alternating
current through an Ideal inductor is zero.
2. Draw the phasor diagram of a series LCR connected across an ac source V= V o sin
ωt. Hence, derive the expression for the impedance of the circuit. Obtain the
conditions for the phase angle under which the current is
(i) maximum and
(ii) minimum. (CBSE AI 2019)
Assertion and Reason Question:
1. For two statements are given-one labelled Assertion (A) and the other labelled
Reason (R). Select the correct answer to these questions from the codes (a), (b), (c)
and (d) as given below.
a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.
b) Both A and R are true but R is not the correct explanation of A.
c) A is true but R is false.
d) A is false and R is also false.
Assertion: A bulb connected in series with a solenoid is connected to A.C. source.
If a soft iron core is introduced in the solenoid, the bulb will glow brighter.
Reason: On introducing soft iron core in the solenoid, the inductance decreases.
2. For two statements are given-one labelled Assertion (A) and the other labelled
Reason (R). Select the correct answer to these questions from the codes (a), (b), (c)
and (d) as given below.
a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.
b) Both A and R are true but R is not the correct explanation of A.
c) A is true but R is false.
d) A is false and R is also false.

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Assertion: An alternating current shows magnetic effect.

Reason: Magnitude of alternating current varies with time.
Case Study Questions:
1. Step-down transformers are used to decrease or step-down voltages. These are
used when voltages need to be lowered for use in homes and factories. A small town
with a demand of 800kW of electric power at 220V is situated 15km away from an
electric plant generating power at 440V. The resistance of the two wire line carrying
power is 0.5Q per km. The town gets power from the line through a 4000 - 220V step-
down transformer at a sub-station in the town.

(i) The value of total resistance of the wires is:

a) 25Ω
b) 30Ω
c) 35Ω
d) 15Ω
(ii) The line power loss in the form of heat is:
a) 550kW
b) 650kW
c) 600kW
d) 700kW
(iii) How much power must the plant supply, assuming there is negligible power loss
due to leakage?

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a) 600kW
b) 1600kW
c) 500W
d) 1400kW
(iv) The voltage drop in the power line is:
a) 1700V
b) 3000V
c) 2000V
d) 2800V
(v) The total value of voltage transmitted from the plant is:
a) 500V
b) 4000V
c) 3000V
d) 7000V
2. When the frequency of ac supply is such that the inductive reactance and capacitive
reactance become equal, the impedance of the series LCR 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 ac supply is known as resonant frequency. Resonance
phenomenon is exhibited by a circuit only if both Land Care present in the circuit. We
cannot have resonance in a RL or RC circuit.
A series LCR circuit with L = 0.12H, C = 480nF, R=23Ω is connected to a 230V variable
frequency supply.

(i) Find the value of source frequency for which current amplitude is maximum.
a) 222.32Hz
b) 550.52Hz
c) 663.48Hz
d) 770Hz
(ii) The value of maximum current is:

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a) 14.14A
b) 22.52A
c) 50.25A
d) 47.41A
(iii) The value of maximum power is:
a) 2200W
b) 2299.3W
c) 5500W
d) 4700W
(iv) What is the Q-factor of the given circuit?
a) 25
b) 42.21
c) 35.42
d) 21.74
(v) At resonance which of the following physical quantity is maximum?
a) Impedance
b) Current
c) Both (a) and (b)
d) Neither (a) nor (b)
✓ Answer Key:
Multiple Choice Answers-
1. Answer: b
2. Answer: c
3. Answer: b
4. Answer: b
5. Answer: b
6. Answer: c
7. Answer: c
8. Answer: c
9. Answer: c
10. Answer: a
Very Short Answers:
1. Answer:

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2. Answer:

3. Answer:
The applied ac voltage and the current in an LCR circuit at resonance are in
phase.
Hence phase difference = 0.
4. Answer: The phase difference is 180°.
5. Answer: The power factor is one.
6. Answer:
Advantage: less power loses
Disadvantage: more fatal.
7. Answer: It is the current at which no power is consumed.
8. Answer: One.
9. Answer: It is the opposition offered to the flow of current by a capacitor. It is
measured in ohm.
10. Answer: The quality factor is defined as the ratio of the voltage developed across
the capacitor or inductor to the applied voltage. It does not have any unit.
Short Questions Answers:
1. Answer:
(i) Electric current and voltage applied in a pure resistor are in same phase, i.e. Φ
= 0°
(ii) Applied voltage leads electric current flowing through pure-inductor in an ac
circuit by phase angle of π/2.
2. Answer:
a) The current in LR circuit is given by

When the frequency of ac source ω increases, l decreases, and hence brightness

decreases.
(b) The current in RC circuit is given by

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When the frequency of ac source ω increases, l increases, and hence brightness

increases.
3. Answer: Insertion of an iron core in the solenoid increases its inductance. This in
turn increases the value of inductive reactance. This decreases the current and
hence the brightness of the bulb.
4. Answer:

5. Answer:

6. Answer: The phenomenon occurs when the inductive reactance becomes equal
to the capacitive reactance., i.e., XL - XC

The graph is as shown below.

7. Answer:
Advantages of ac:
(a) The generation and transmission of ac are more economical than dc.
(b) The alternating voltage may be easily stepped up or down as per need by
using suitable transformers.
Disadvantages of ac:
(a) It is more fatal than dc.
(b) It cannot be used for electrolysis.

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8. Answer:
The plot is as shown.

Resonance occurs in an LCR circuit when

XL = XC.
The smaller the value of R sharper is the resonance. Therefore, the curve will be
sharper for R2. It determines the sharpness of the resonance. The larger the
value of Q sharper is the resonance.
Long Questions Answers:
1. Answer:
Let the instantaneous value of voltage and current in the ac circuit containing a
pure inductor are
V = Vm sin ωt and
l = lm sin (ωt – π/2) = – lm cos ωt
where π/2 is the phase angle by which voltage Leads currently when ac flows
through an inductor. Suppose the voltage and current remain constant for a
small-time dt. Therefore, the electrical energy consumed in the small-time dt is
dW = V l dt
The total electrical energy consumed in one time period of ac is given by

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Therefore, the total electrical energy consumed in an ac circuit by a pure

inductor is W = 0
Now average power is defined as the ratio of the total electrical energy
consumed over the entire cycle to the time period of the cycle, therefore

Hence, the average power consumed in an ac circuit by a pure inductor is P av = 0

Thus, a pure inductor does not consume any power when ac flows through it.
Whatever energy is used in building up current is returned during the decay of
current.
2. Answer:
The voltages across the various elements are drawn as shown in the figure
below.

From the diagram, we observe that the vector sum of the voltage amplitudes V R,
VL, and VC equals a phasor whose length is the maximum applied voltage Vm,

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where the phasor Vm makes an angle φ with the current phasor lm. Since the
voltage phasors, VL and VC are in opposite direction, therefore, a difference
phasor (VL - VC) is drawn which is perpendicular to the phasor V R. Adding
vectorially we have

where XL = ω L and XC = 1 / ω C, therefore, we can express the maximum current

as

For maximum lm, Z should be minimum (Z = R) or XC = XL = 0 and Φ = 0

Assertion and Reason Answers:

1. (d) A is false and R is also false.
Explanation:
On introducing soft iron core, the bulb will glow dimmer. This is because on
introducing soft iron core in the solenoid, its inductance L increases, the inductive
reactance, XL = WL increases and hence the current through the bulb decreases.
2. (b) Both A and R are true but R is not the correct explanation of A.
Explanation:
Like direct current, an alternating current also produces magnetic field. But the
magnitude and direction of the field goes on changing continuously with lime.
Case Study Answers:
1. Answer :
(i) (d) 15Ω
Explanation:
Ω
Resistance of the two wire lines carrying power = 0.5
Km

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Total resistance = (15 + 15)0.5 = 15Ω

(ii) (c) 600kW
Explanation:
Line power loss = I2R
RMS current in the coil,

∴ Power loss = (200)2 × 15 = 600kW

(iii) (d) 1400kW
Explanation:
Assuming that the power loss is negligible due to the leakage of the current.
The total power supplied by the plant,
= 800kW + 600kW = 1400kW
(iv) (b) 3000V
Explanation:
Voltage drop in the power line = IR
= 200 × 15 = 3000V
(v) (d) 7000V
Explanation:
Total voltage transmitted from the plant,
= 3000V + 4000V = 7000V
2. Answer :

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