1. Single-Phase A.C.

Circuits

1. Single-Phase A.C. Circuits

An alternating current circuit written in short form as A.C. circuit, consists of alternating voltage source
due to which alternating currents flow through various elements in the circuit. An alternating voltage or
current is a quantity, whose magnitude continuously changes with time but can have two direction, either
positive or negative. Alternating quantities are usually represented by periodic waveforms, which means
that the nature of these waveforms remains same during equal period of time (known as time period). It
may have any shape of waveform such as sinusoidal, rectangular, saw tooth etc., but usually the
alternating voltages generated and the alternating current flowing through electric circuit are having
periodic sinusoidal waveforms.
1.1 Generation of Sinusoidal Voltage
A sinusoidal voltage is an oscillating voltage that can be described mathematically through the use of a
sine function. A.C. voltage may be generated by rotating a coil in a magnetic field or by rotating a
magnetic field within a stationary coil. According to the principle of electromagnetic induction,
whenever there is a relative motion between conductor and magnetic field, an EMF induced in the
conductor.
Consider a single rectangular coil of length
𝑙, kept under uniform magnetic flux density
𝐵 between north and south pole. Let the coil
rotates in anticlockwise direction with an
angular velocity 𝜔 or linear velocity 𝑣
around the central axis which is
perpendicular to the magnetic field. Hence,
it cuts the lines of magnetic field between
north and south poles at different angles and
induces EMF in the coil.
When the coil is rotated in anticlockwise
direction through some angle 𝜃, then the
velocity will have two components 𝑣 sin 𝜃
(perpendicular to flux lines) and 𝑣 cos 𝜃
(parallel to the flux lines). Due to 𝑣 sin 𝜃 component, there will be cutting of the flux and proportionally,
there will be induced EMF in the conductor. The amount of induced EMF at any instant of time is
proportional to the angle of rotation of the coil, which is given by
𝑒 ∝ 𝑣 sin 𝜃 or 𝑒 = 𝐵𝑙𝑣 sin 𝜃 = 𝐸𝑚 sin 𝜃
Where, 𝐸𝑚 = 𝐵𝑙𝑣 and 𝜃 = 𝜔𝑡 = 2𝜋𝑓𝑡
Let us see the relation between magnitude of induced EMF and position of the coil at different instants.
Instant 1 (𝜽 = 𝟎°): When the coil starts rotating at 𝜃 = 0°, its plane is perpendicular to the direction of
the magnetic field and the instantaneous component of velocity of coil is parallel to the magnetic field.
Hence, there is no flux cutting and so, EMF generated in the conductor will be zero.
Instant 2 (𝜽 = 𝟎° to 𝟗𝟎°): As angle 𝜃 increases, the component of velocity acting perpendicular to flux
lines increases, hence induced EMF also increases. At 𝜃 = 90°, the plane of the coil is parallel to the

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1.2 Sinusoidal Waveform – Terminology
plane of the magnetic field
and the component of
velocity cutting the flux is
at its maximum. So
induced EMF in this
position is at its maximum
value (𝐸𝑚 ).
Instant 3 (𝜽 = 𝟗𝟎° to
𝟏𝟖𝟎°): As the coil
continues to rotate further from 𝜃 = 90° to 180°, the component of velocity perpendicular to magnetic
field starts decreasing. Hence, gradually decreasing the magnitude of the induced EMF. At 𝜃 = 180°,
the velocity component is fully parallel to the lines of flux similar to instant 1. Hence, there is no cutting
of flux, so no induced EMF in the conductor.
Instant 4 (𝜽 = 𝟏𝟖𝟎° to 𝟐𝟕𝟎°): As the coil rotates beyond 𝜃 = 180°, the conductor now cutting flux
lines in one particular direction reverses the direction of cutting the flux lines. So, direction of induced
EMF in conductor is opposite to the direction of induced EMF in it for the rotation of 𝜃 = 0° to 180°.
The change in direction of induced EMF occurs because the direction of rotation of conductor reverses
with respect to the field as 𝜃 varies from 180° to 360°. At 𝜃 = 270°, again the induced EMF achieves
its maximum value (𝐸𝑚 ) but the direction of this EMF in the conductor is opposite to the previous
maximum position i.e. at 𝜃 = 90°.
Instant 5 (𝜽 = 𝟐𝟕𝟎° to 𝟑𝟔𝟎°): From 𝜃 = 270° to 360°, induced EMF decreases without change in
direction and at 𝜃 = 360°, coil achieves the starting position with zero induced EMF.
So, as 𝜃 varies from 0° to
360°, the EMF in the
conductor varies in an
alternating manner i.e.
zero, increasing to
achieve maximum in one
direction, decreasing to
zero, increasing to
achieve maximum in
other direction and again
decreasing to zero. This
set of variation repeats
for every revolution as the conductor rotate in a circular motion with certain speed. The instantaneous
value of the induced EMF in any conductor, as it is rotated from 𝜃 = 0° to 360°, i.e. through one
complete revolution can be represented by a periodical sinusoidal waveform as shown in the figure.
Due to the induced EMF (𝑒), the current (𝑖) will flow in the circuit. A similar equation can be written
for current also,
𝑖 = 𝐼𝑚 sin 𝜃 = 𝐼𝑚 sin 𝜔𝑡 = 𝐼𝑚 sin 2𝜋𝑓𝑡
1.2 Sinusoidal Waveform – Terminology

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 1. Single-Phase A.C. Circuits
Sine wave is the basic waveform used in AC circuits. Following are some terms associated with
sinusoidal waveform:
Instantaneous Value (𝒆): It is the value of induced EMF in the conductor at any instant.
Amplitude (𝑬𝒎 ): It is the maximum value (positive or negative) of induced EMF in the conductor.
Cycle: One complete set of positive and negative values of induced EMF is known as cycle.
Frequency (𝒇): The number of cycles per second is called as frequency of the induced EMF. Its unit is
hertz (Hz).
Time Period (𝑻): The time taken by an induced EMF to complete one cycle is called its time period.
𝑇 = 1⁄𝑓
Angular Frequency (𝝎): The number of radians per second is called as angular frequency of the
induced EMF. Since one cycle covers 2𝜋 radians and there are 𝑓 cycles in one second, the angular
frequency is given by,
𝜔 = 2𝜋𝑓 = 2𝜋⁄𝑇
1.2.1 Average Value
The average value of an alternating current is equal to that steady current, which transfers the same
amount of charge, as transferred by the alternating current in the same circuit during the same time. It
is defined on the basis of amount of charge transferred, which is given by,
𝑞 = 𝐼𝑡
In the case of a symmetrical alternating current (i.e. one whose two half-cycles are exactly similar,
whether sinusoidal or non-sinusoidal), the average value over a complete cycle is zero. Hence, the
average value is obtained by adding or integrating the instantaneous values of current over one half-
cycle only. But in the case of an unsymmetrical alternating current the average value must always be
taken over the whole cycle.
(i) Mid-ordinate Method

The positive half cycles for both symmetrical sinusoidal and non-sinusoidal alternating currents are
shown in figure. Divide this waveform into 𝑛 equal parts, so that the duration of each interval is 𝑡⁄𝑛
seconds. Let the average values of instantaneous currents during these intervals are 𝑖1 , 𝑖2 , ……, 𝑖𝑛
respectively. Let this alternating current is passed through a resistor in the circuit. Then,
Charge transferred during first interval = 𝑖1 𝑡⁄𝑛

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1.2 Sinusoidal Waveform – Terminology
Charge transferred during second interval = 𝑖2 𝑡⁄𝑛
Charge transferred during 𝑛𝑡ℎ interval = 𝑖𝑛 𝑡⁄𝑛
The total charge transferred in 𝑡 seconds is given by,
(𝑖1 + 𝑖2 + ⋯ + 𝑖𝑛 )𝑡
𝑞= = 𝐼𝑎𝑣 𝑡
𝑛
(𝑖1 + 𝑖2 + ⋯ + 𝑖𝑛 )
Therefore, 𝐼𝑎𝑣 =
𝑛
That is, an average value is the algebraic sum of all values divided by total number of values.
(ii) Analytical Method
Consider the standard form of a sinusoidal alternating current as 𝑖 = 𝐼𝑚 sin 𝜃, then its average value is
given by,
Area under half cycle 1 𝜋 1 𝜋
𝐼𝑎𝑣 = = ∫ 𝑖𝑑𝜃 = ∫ 𝐼𝑚 sin 𝜃 𝑑𝜃
Length of half cycle 𝜋 0 𝜋 0
𝐼𝑚 𝐼𝑚 𝐼𝑚
= [− cos 𝜃]𝜋0 = − [cos 𝜋 − cos 0] = − [−1 − 1]
𝜋 𝜋 𝜋
2𝐼𝑚
Therefore, 𝐼𝑎𝑣 = = 0.637𝐼𝑚
𝜋
The average value of an alternating current is 0.637 times its maximum value.
1.2.2 Root Mean Square (RMS) Value
The RMS value or effective value of an alternating current is equal to that steady current, which produces
the same amount of heat as produced by the alternating current in the same circuit during the same time.
It is defined on the basis of amount of heat produced, which is given by,
𝐻 = 𝐼 2 𝑅𝑡
(i) Mid-ordinate Method: For the same waveform as shown in above figure,
Heat produced during first interval = 𝑖12 𝑅 𝑡⁄𝑛
Heat produced during second interval = 𝑖22 𝑅 𝑡⁄𝑛
Heat produced during 𝑛𝑡ℎ interval = 𝑖𝑛2 𝑅 𝑡⁄𝑛
The total heat produced in 𝑡 seconds is given by,
(𝑖12 + 𝑖22 + ⋯ + 𝑖𝑛2 )𝑅𝑡
𝐻= = 𝐼 2 𝑅𝑡
𝑛

(𝑖12 + 𝑖22 + ⋯ + 𝑖𝑛2 )

Therefore, 𝐼 = √
𝑛

That is, an RMS value is the square root of mean of square of the instantaneous values.
(ii) Analytical Method
Consider the standard form of a sinusoidal alternating current as 𝑖 = 𝐼𝑚 sin 𝜃, then its RMS value is
given by,
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Dr. Dipesh Kumar, Asst. Prof., EEE, BMSCE
 1. Single-Phase A.C. Circuits

2
1 𝑇2 1 2𝜋 2 2
2
𝐼𝑚 2𝜋 (1
− cos 2𝜃)
𝐼 = ∫ 𝑖 𝑑𝜃 = ∫ 𝐼𝑚 sin 𝜃 𝑑𝜃 = ∫ 𝑑𝜃
𝑇 0 2𝜋 0 2𝜋 0 2
2
𝐼𝑚 sin 2𝜃 2𝜋 𝐼𝑚
2 (0 − 0) 2
𝐼𝑚
= [𝜃 − ] = [2𝜋 − 0 − ]=
4𝜋 2 0 4𝜋 2 2
𝐼𝑚
Therefore, 𝐼 = = 0.707𝐼𝑚
√2
The RMS value of an alternating current is 0.707 times its maximum value.
Form Factor (𝑲𝒇 ): The ratio of RMS value to its average value is known as the form factor of an
alternating quantity.
𝐼 0.707𝐼𝑚
𝐾𝑓 = = = 1.11 (For sine wave)
𝐼𝑎𝑣 0.637𝐼𝑚
Peak Factor (𝑲𝒑 ): The ratio of maximum or peak value to its RMS value is known as the peak factor
of an alternating quantity. It is also called as crest factor or amplitude factor.
𝐼𝑚 𝐼𝑚
𝐾𝑝 = = = 1.414 (For sine wave)
𝐼 0.707𝐼𝑚
1.3 Phasor Representation of Alternating Quantity
The phase of an alternating quantity at any instant in time can be represented by a phasor diagram, so
phasor diagrams can be considered as functions of time. A complete sine wave can be constructed by a
single vector rotating at an angular velocity of 𝜔. Then a rotating vector, simply called a “Phasor” is a
scaled line whose length represents an AC quantity that has both magnitude (peak amplitude) and
direction (phase).
As the single vector
rotates in an anti-
clockwise direction, its
tip at point A will rotate
one complete revolution
from 𝜃 = 0° to 360° or
2𝜋 radians. When all the
projected values of this
vector for various values
of 𝜃 are plotted on Y-
axis, it gives a sinusoidal
waveform as shown in
figure.
Therefore, an alternating quantity can be represented by a rotating vector or phasor (i) whose magnitude
is equal to the maximum value (ii) which rotates with the same angular velocity and (iii) whose
projection on Y-axis at any instant represents the instantaneous value.
1.3.1 Phase Difference
Sometimes when we want to compare two different waveforms (for example, voltage and current) on
the same axis, then we need to consider the phase difference Φ between two waveforms. Any sine wave
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Dr. Dipesh Kumar, Asst. Prof., EEE, BMSCE
1.3 Phasor Representation of Alternating Quantity
that does not pass through zero at 𝑡 = 0 has a phase difference. The modified equation of sinusoidal
waveform while considering the phase difference is given by,
𝐴(𝑡) = 𝐴𝑚 sin(𝜔𝑡 ± Φ)
If the positive slope of a sinusoidal waveform passes through the horizontal axis before 𝑡 = 0, then the
waveform has shifted to left, so Φ will be positive giving a leading phase angle.
Likewise, if the positive slope of the sinusoidal waveform passes through the horizontal axis after 𝑡 =
0, then the waveform has shifted to right, so Φ will be negative giving a lagging phase angle.

Consider two alternating quantities

such as voltage and current, which have
the same frequency 𝑓 and so have same
angular velocity 𝜔.
In the first figure, the phase difference
between voltage and current is zero
(although their amplitudes may be
different), so these two are in phase
with each other.
Whereas, in second figure, the
current waveform lagging behind the
voltage waveform by the phase
difference Φ. So, the expression for
voltage and current will be given by,
𝑣(𝑡) = 𝑉𝑚 sin(𝜔𝑡)
𝑖(𝑡) = 𝐼𝑚 sin(𝜔𝑡 − Φ)
The alternating quantities (voltages
and currents) are represented by straight
lines having definite length and direction.
Such lines are called the phasors and the
diagrams in which phasors represent
currents, voltages and their phase
difference are known as phasor diagrams.
The phasor diagram corresponding to
second figure is shown below.

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Dr. Dipesh Kumar, Asst. Prof., EEE, BMSCE
 1. Single-Phase A.C. Circuits
Example: The equation of an alternating current is given by 𝑖 = 42.42 sin(628𝑡). Calculate (i)
Maximum value (ii) Frequency (iii) RMS value (iv) Average value and (v) Form factor. [Ans: 𝐼𝑚 =
42.42 A, f = 100 Hz, 𝐼𝑟𝑚𝑠 = 30 A, 𝐼𝑎𝑣 = 27.02 A, FF = 1.11]
Example: For the current wave shown, find (i) Peak current (ii)
Average current (iii) Frequency (iv) Periodic time (v)
Instantaneous value at 𝑡 = 3ms. [Ans: 𝐼𝑚 = 20 A, 𝐼𝑎𝑣 = 12.74 A, f
= 100 Hz, T = 0.01 s, 𝑖3 = 19.02 A]
Example: The maximum value of voltage and current are 500 V
and 10 A respectively for 50 Hz power supply. At 𝑡 = 0, the
respective values are 400 V, 4 A both increasing positively. (i) Write the expression for their
instantaneous values (ii) Find the angle between voltage and current (iii) Find current at 𝑡 = 0.015 sec.
[Ans: 𝑣 = 500 sin(100𝑡 + 0.927) volt, 𝑖 = 10 sin(100𝑡 + 0.411) Amp, 𝜙1 − 𝜙2 = 29.56° lag,
𝑖0.015 = 9.975 A]
Example: The maximum values of the alternating voltage and current are 400 V and 20 A respectively
in a circuit connected to 50 Hz supply and these quantities are sinusoidal. The instantaneous values of
the voltage and current are 283 V and 10 A respectively at t = 0 both increasing positively. [Ans: 𝑣 =
400 sin(100𝜋𝑡 + 𝜋⁄4) volt, 𝑖 = 10 sin(100𝜋𝑡 + 𝜋⁄6) Amp, P = 3864 W]
(i) Write down the expression for voltage and current at time t.
(ii) Determine the power consumed in the circuit
Example: An alternating current of frequency 60 Hz has a maximum value of 120 A. Write down the
equation for its instantaneous value. Considering time from the instant the current is zero and is
becoming positive, find (a) the instantaneous value after 1/360 second and (b) the time taken to reach
96 A for the first time. [Ans: 𝑖 = 120 sin(120𝜋𝑡) Amp (a) 103.9 Amp (b) 0.00245 sec]
Example: An alternating current varying sinusoidally with a frequency of 50 Hz has an RMS value of
20 A. Write down the equation for the instantaneous value and find this value at (a) 0.0025 second (b)
0.0125 second after passing through a positive maximum value. (c) At what time, measured from a
positive maximum value, will the instantaneous current be 14.14 A? [Ans: 𝑖 = 28.2 sin(100𝜋𝑡) Amp
(a) 20 A (b) -20 A (c) 1/300 sec]
Example: An alternating current of frequency 50 Hz has a maximum value of 100 A. Calculate (a)
current at 1/600 second after the instant the current is zero and decreasing (b) time after the instant the
current is zero and increasing to attain the current value of 86.6 A? [Ans: (a) -50 A (b) 1/300 sec]
1.4 Pure Resistive AC Circuit
The circuit containing only a pure resistance of R ohms in the AC circuit
is known as Pure Resistive AC Circuit. Let the alternating voltage (𝑣 =
𝑉𝑚 sin 𝜔𝑡) applied across the resistor as shown in figure. Then the
instantaneous value of current flowing through the resistor will be:
𝑣 𝑉𝑚 sin 𝜔𝑡 𝑉𝑚
𝑖= = = 𝐼𝑚 sin 𝜔𝑡 where, 𝐼𝑚 =
𝑅 𝑅 𝑅
By observing the equations for voltage 𝑣 and current 𝑖, we find that the phase angle between voltage
and current is zero in an AC circuit containing pure resistance, so current is in phase with the voltage as
shown in figure.
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Dr. Dipesh Kumar, Asst. Prof., EEE, BMSCE
1.5 Pure Inductive AC Circuit
Instantaneous power consumed by the resistance is given by,
𝑝 = 𝑣𝑖 = 𝑉𝑚 sin 𝜔𝑡 𝐼𝑚 sin 𝜔𝑡 = 𝑉𝑚 𝐼𝑚 sin2 𝜔𝑡
1 − cos 2𝜔𝑡
= 𝑉𝑚 𝐼𝑚 ( )
2
𝑉𝑚 𝐼𝑚 𝑉𝑚 𝐼𝑚 cos 2𝜔𝑡
= −
2 2
The power equation consists of two part. First
part is constant 𝑉𝑚 𝐼𝑚 ⁄2. Second part
𝑉𝑚 𝐼𝑚 cos 2𝜔𝑡⁄2 is a periodically alternating
quantity whose frequency is two times the
frequency of applied voltage and for a
complete cycle, its average value is zero.
Hence, the power consumed by the pure
resistance is only due to first part, which is given by,
𝑉𝑚 𝐼𝑚 𝑉𝑚 𝐼𝑚
𝑃= = = 𝑉𝐼
2 √2 √2
The waveforms of voltage 𝑣, current 𝑖 and power 𝑝 are shown in above figure.
Also, the average power consumed by the pure resistance is given by,
1 2𝜋 1 2𝜋
𝑃= ∫ 𝑣𝑖𝑑𝜃 = ∫ 𝑉 sin 𝜃 𝐼𝑚 sin 𝜃 𝑑𝜃
2𝜋 0 2𝜋 0 𝑚
𝑉𝑚 𝐼𝑚 2𝜋 2 𝑉𝑚 𝐼𝑚 2𝜋 1 − cos 2𝜃
= ∫ sin 𝜃 𝑑𝜃 = ∫ ( ) 𝑑𝜃
2𝜋 0 2𝜋 0 2

𝑉𝑚 𝐼𝑚 sin 2𝜃 2𝜋 𝑉𝑚 𝐼𝑚 (0 − 0)
= [𝜃 − ] = [(2𝜋 − 0) − ]
4𝜋 2 0 4𝜋 2
𝑉𝑚 𝐼𝑚 𝑉𝑚 𝐼𝑚
= = = 𝑉𝐼
2 √2 √2
1.5 Pure Inductive AC Circuit
The circuit which contains only inductance (L) and not any other quantities like resistance and
capacitance in the circuit is called a Pure inductive circuit. Let the alternating voltage (𝑣 = 𝑉𝑚 sin 𝜔𝑡)
applied across the inductor as shown in figure. Then the instantaneous value of current will flow across
the circuit. This current produces an alternating flux, which links with the inductor and hence self
induced EMF induced in it. This induced EMF opposes the applied voltage and is given by,
𝑑𝑖
𝑣 = −𝑒 = 𝐿 also, 𝑣 = 𝑉𝑚 sin 𝜔𝑡
𝑑𝑡
𝑑𝑖 𝑉𝑚
Therefore, 𝐿 = 𝑉𝑚 sin 𝜔𝑡 ⇒ 𝑑𝑖 = sin 𝜔𝑡
𝑑𝑡 𝐿
Integrating both sides, we get
𝑉𝑚 𝑉𝑚
𝑖= ∫ sin 𝜔𝑡 𝑑𝑡 = (− cos 𝜔𝑡)
𝐿 𝜔𝐿
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Dr. Dipesh Kumar, Asst. Prof., EEE, BMSCE
 1. Single-Phase A.C. Circuits
𝑉𝑚
= sin(𝜔𝑡 − 90°) = 𝐼𝑚 sin(𝜔𝑡 − 90°)
𝑋𝐿
Where, 𝐼𝑚 = 𝑉𝑚 ⁄𝑋𝐿 and 𝑋𝐿 = 𝜔𝐿 = 2𝜋𝑓 = inductive reactance in Ω.
By observing the equations for voltage 𝑣 and current 𝑖, we find that the phase angle between voltage
and current is 90° and current lags voltage by an angle of 90° in an AC circuit containing pure
inductance as shown in figure.
Instantaneous power in the pure inductive
circuit is given by,
𝑝 = 𝑣𝑖 = 𝑉𝑚 sin 𝜔𝑡 𝐼𝑚 sin(𝜔𝑡 − 90°)
= 𝑉𝑚 𝐼𝑚 sin 𝜔𝑡 (− cos 𝜔𝑡)
𝑉𝑚 𝐼𝑚
=− sin 2𝜔𝑡
2
The power equation consists of a periodically
alternating quantity whose frequency is two
times the frequency of applied voltage and for
a complete cycle, its average value is zero.
Hence, the average power consumed by the
pure inductance is zero.
The waveforms of voltage 𝑣, current 𝑖 and power 𝑝 are shown in above figure.
In the purely inductive circuit, during the first quarter cycle, when the voltage is increased, the magnetic
field increases, and the power supplied by the source is stored in the inductor. Further, in the next quarter
cycle, when the voltage decreases, the magnetic field decreases, and the stored power is released to the
source. This process continues in every cycle, and thus, no power is consumed in the pure inductive
circuit.
Also, the average power consumed by the pure inductance is given by,
1 2𝜋 1 2𝜋
𝑃= ∫ 𝑣𝑖𝑑𝜃 = ∫ 𝑉 sin 𝜃 sin(𝜃 − 90°) 𝑑𝜃
2𝜋 0 2𝜋 0 𝑚
𝑉𝑚 𝐼𝑚 2𝜋 𝑉𝑚 𝐼𝑚 2𝜋
= ∫ sin 𝜃 (− cos 𝜃)𝑑𝜃 = − ∫ sin 𝜃 cos 𝜃 𝑑𝜃
2𝜋 0 2𝜋 0

𝑉𝑚 𝐼𝑚 2𝜋 𝑉𝑚 𝐼𝑚 cos 2𝜃 2𝜋
=− ∫ sin 2𝜃 𝑑𝜃 = − [− ]
4𝜋 0 4𝜋 2 0
𝑉𝑚 𝐼𝑚 𝑉𝑚 𝐼𝑚
= [cos 4𝜋 − cos 0] = [1 − 1] = 0
8𝜋 8𝜋
1.6 Pure Capacitive AC Circuit
The circuit which contains only capacitance (C) and not any other quantities like resistance and
inductance in the circuit is called a Pure capacitive circuit. Let the alternating voltage (𝑣 = 𝑉𝑚 sin 𝜔𝑡)
applied across the capacitor as shown in figure. Then the instantaneous value of current will flow across
the circuit. This current will charge the plates of capacitor with a charge of 𝑞 coulomb and is given by,

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Dr. Dipesh Kumar, Asst. Prof., EEE, BMSCE
1.6 Pure Capacitive AC Circuit
𝑑𝑞 𝑑(𝐶𝑣) 𝑑𝑣 𝑑
𝑖= = =𝐶 = 𝐶 (𝑉𝑚 sin 𝜔𝑡)
𝑑𝑡 𝑑𝑡 𝑑𝑡 𝑑𝑡
𝑉𝑚
= 𝜔𝐶𝑉𝑚 cos 𝜔𝑡 = sin(𝜔𝑡 + 90°)
1⁄𝜔𝐶
𝑉𝑚
sin(𝜔𝑡 + 90°) = 𝐼𝑚 sin(𝜔𝑡 + 90°)
𝑋𝐶
Where, 𝐼𝑚 = 𝑉𝑚 ⁄𝑋𝐶 and 𝑋𝐶 = 1⁄𝜔𝐶 = 1⁄2𝜋𝑓𝐶 = capacitive
reactance in Ω.
By observing the equations for voltage 𝑣 and current 𝑖, we find that the phase angle between voltage
and current is 90° and current leads voltage by an angle of 90° in an AC circuit containing pure
capacitance as shown in figure.
Instantaneous power in the pure capacitive
circuit is given by,
𝑝 = 𝑣𝑖 = 𝑉𝑚 sin 𝜔𝑡 𝐼𝑚 sin(𝜔𝑡 + 90°)
= 𝑉𝑚 𝐼𝑚 sin 𝜔𝑡 cos 𝜔𝑡
𝑉𝑚 𝐼𝑚
= sin 2𝜔𝑡
2
The power equation consists of a
periodically alternating quantity whose
frequency is two times the frequency of
applied voltage and for a complete cycle, its
average value is zero. Hence, the average
power consumed by the pure inductance is
zero.
The waveforms of voltage 𝑣, current 𝑖 and power 𝑝 are shown in above figure.
In the purely capacitive circuit, during the first quarter cycle, when the voltage is increased, the capacitor
gets charged and reaches its maximum value and, therefore the power supplied by the source is stored
in the capacitor. Further, in the next quarter cycle, when the voltage decreases, the capacitor gets
discharged and the stored power is released to the source. This process continues in every cycle, and
thus, no power is consumed in the pure capacitive circuit.
Also, the average power consumed by the pure inductance is given by,
1 2𝜋 1 2𝜋
𝑃= ∫ 𝑣𝑖𝑑𝜃 = ∫ 𝑉 sin 𝜃 sin(𝜃 + 90°) 𝑑𝜃
2𝜋 0 2𝜋 0 𝑚
𝑉𝑚 𝐼𝑚 2𝜋 𝑉𝑚 𝐼𝑚 2𝜋
= ∫ sin 𝜃 cos 𝜃 𝑑𝜃 = ∫ sin 2𝜃 𝑑𝜃
2𝜋 0 4𝜋 0

𝑉𝑚 𝐼𝑚 cos 2𝜃 2𝜋 𝑉𝑚 𝐼𝑚
= [− ] =− [cos 4𝜋 − cos 0]
4𝜋 2 0 8𝜋
𝑉𝑚 𝐼𝑚
=− [1 − 1] = 0
8𝜋
10
Dr. Dipesh Kumar, Asst. Prof., EEE, BMSCE