KASHYAP CLASSES Author: Arvind Kashyap (Kashyap Sir)

Alternating Current
𝑇
Alternating Current Q = Iav.
2
...(ii)

Alternating Current (A.C.): An electric current, Equating equatin (i) and (ii)
magnitude of which changes with time and 𝑇 2 𝐼0 2 2𝐼0
polarity reverses periodically is called alternating Iav. 2 = 𝜔
or Iav. = 𝑇 2𝜋
𝑇
current (A.C.) 𝟐
∴ Iav.= 𝝅 I0

Or Iav. = 0.637 I0
Or Iav = 63.7 % I0

**Root Mean Square (R.M.S.)/Effective

value/Virtual value of Alternating current:

Root mean square value or effective value or

virtual value of alternating current is that value of
The sinusoidal alternating current (A.C.) is steady current which produces the same amount
expressed as of heat in the circuit as the alternating current
produces in the circuit in the same time interval
I = I0 sin 𝜔𝑡 i.e. 0 to T.
Where, I0 is the maximum value or peak value or Let an alternating current I = I0 sin 𝜔𝑡 flows
amplitude of A.C. and angular frequency ω = in the circuit for small time interval dt, then heat
2𝜋
= 2πν. Here T is the Time period and ν is produced in the circuit
𝑇
called driving frequency. dH = I2 R dt
Sinusoidal voltage of an A.C. source is given by dH = (I0 sin 𝜔𝑡)2 R dt
V = V0 sin 𝜔𝑡 or E = E0 sin 𝜔𝑡 dH = 𝐼02 R 𝑠𝑖𝑛2 𝜔𝑡 𝑑𝑡

*Mean or Average value of alternating current: for total amount of heat produced in time 0 to T,
integrating both sides
Mean or average value of alternating current is
𝑇
that value of steady current which flow the same H = ∫ 𝑑𝐻 = ∫0 𝐼02 R 𝑠𝑖𝑛2 𝜔𝑡 𝑑𝑡
amount of charge as the alternating current is 𝑇 𝑇 1− cos 2𝜔𝑡
sending in the circuit in the time interval 0 to T/2. H = 𝐼02 𝑅 ∫0 𝑠𝑖𝑛2 𝜔𝑡 𝑑𝑡 = 𝐼02 𝑅 ∫0 ( 2
) dt

Let an A.c. I = I0 sin 𝜔𝑡 𝐼02 𝑅 𝑇

H=
2
∫0 (1 − cos 2𝜔𝑡 ) dt
𝑑𝑞
𝑑𝑡
= I0 sin 𝜔𝑡 𝐼02 𝑅 sin 2𝜔𝑡 𝑇
H= [1 − ]
dq = I0 sin 𝜔𝑡 dt 2 2𝜔 0

Integrating on both side 𝐼02 𝑅 1

= 2
[ (T-0) - 2𝜔 (sin 2𝜔𝑇 − sin 0)]
𝑇/2
Q = ∫ 𝑑𝑞 = ∫0 I0 sin 𝜔𝑡 dt 𝐼02 𝑅
H= T ...(i)
2
𝑇/2 − cos 𝜔𝑡 𝑇/2
= I0 ∫0 sin 𝜔𝑡 dt = I0 [ 𝜔
] Let Irms be the rms value of alternating current.,
0
𝐼 𝐼 𝜔𝑇
then
𝑇/2
= - 0 [cos 𝜔𝑡]0 = - 0 [ cos - cos 0 ] 2
𝜔 𝜔 2 H = 𝐼𝑟𝑚𝑠 RT ...(ii)
𝐼0 𝐼0
= -𝜔 [ cos π – cos 0] =- -𝜔 [ -1-1] Equating (i) and (ii)
2 𝐼0 2 𝐼02 𝑅 2 𝐼02
Q= 𝜔
...(i) 𝐼𝑟𝑚𝑠 RT = 2
T or 𝐼𝑟𝑚𝑠 = 2

Let Iav. Be the mean value or average value of a.c. 𝑰𝟎

Irms = = 0.707 I0 = 70.7 % I0
over positive half cycle. √𝟐

1 | E-mail: arvindkashyap2008@[Link] Phone: +91 9350764376

KASHYAP CLASSES Author: Arvind Kashyap (Kashyap Sir)
Alternating Current
Practice Questions: E = E0 sin 𝜔𝑡 ---(i)
𝑑𝐼
1. An electric mains in a house are marked 220 V, Here E = L 𝑑𝑡
50 Hz. Write down the equation for instantaneous
voltage. {Ans. E = 311 sin 314 t} E0 sin 𝜔𝑡 = L 𝑑𝑡
𝑑𝐼

2. Calculate the rms value of the alternating 𝐸0

current shown in figure {Ans. 2 A} dI = sin 𝜔𝑡 dt
𝐿

Integrating on both sides,

𝐸0
I = ∫ 𝑑𝐼 = ∫ 𝐿
sin 𝜔𝑡 𝑑𝑡

𝐸0 cos 𝜔𝑡 𝐸0
I= (− )=− (cos 𝜔𝑡)
𝐿 𝜔 𝜔𝐿
𝜋
= - I0 cos 𝜔𝑡 =- I0 sin ( – ωt)
3. The electric current in a circuit is given by i = 2
i0(t/ τ) for some time. Calculate the rms current for 𝜋 𝐸
𝒊 I = I0 sin (ωt - 2 ) where I0 = 𝜔𝐿0
the period t = 0 to t = τ. {Ans. 𝟎 }
√𝟑
In purely inductive circuit, current
A.C. circuit containing resistance only: (purely 𝜋
resistive circuit): ‘lags behind’ the voltage by 2

Suppose the source of alternating voltage is given

by

E = E0 sin 𝜔𝑡 ---(i)

such a circuit is known as

purely resistive circuit
𝐸 E0
I=𝑅 = 𝑅
sin 𝜔𝑡

Or I = I0 sin 𝜔𝑡
Resistance offered by an inductor is known as
Where I0 =
E0
= the maximum or peak inductive reactance and represented by XL.
𝑅
value of a.c. Hence XL= ωL = 2 π ν L or 2 π f L
In purely resistive circuit current and voltage are Variation of XL with frequency:
in same phase.
XL∝ f

therefore the graph of XL

versus f is a straight line
with a positive slope. As f
increases, XL also
increases.

*A.C. circuit containing Inductor only: (purely *A.C circuit containing Capacitor only: (purely
inductive circuit): capacitive circuit):

Suppose the source of alternating voltage is given Suppose the source of alternating voltage is given
by by

2 | E-mail: arvindkashyap2008@[Link] Phone: +91 9350764376

KASHYAP CLASSES Author: Arvind Kashyap (Kashyap Sir)
Alternating Current
E = E0 sin 𝜔𝑡 ---(i) volt. Obtain the expression for the current in each
case.
𝝅
{Ans. I = 0.3535 𝐬𝐢𝐧 (𝟏𝟎𝟎𝟎𝒕 − 𝟐 ),
𝝅
I = 0.3535 𝐬𝐢𝐧 (𝟏𝟎𝟎𝟎𝒕 + 𝟐 )}

2. [NCERT] A 15.0 μF capacitor is connected to a

220 V, 50 Hz source. Find the capacitive
Potential difference across the capacitor plates reactance and the current (rms and peak) in the
V = E = E0 sin 𝜔𝑡 circuit. If the frequency is doubled, what happens
to the capacitive reactance and the current?
But Q = CV = CE {Ans. XC = 212 Ω,
Irms=1.04 A, I0=1.47 A, if frequency is doubles, the
Q =C E0 sin 𝜔𝑡 capacitive reactance is half and current is
doubled}
Current at any instant is
𝑑𝑄 𝑑
3. [NCERT] A pure inductor of 25.0 mH is
I= = (C E0 sin 𝜔𝑡) connected to a source of 220 V. Find the
𝑑𝑡 𝑑𝑡
inductive reactance and rms current in the circuit
I = ω C E0 cos 𝜔𝑡 = I0 cos 𝜔𝑡 if the frequency of the source is 50 Hz.
{Ans. 7.85 Ω, 28.03 A}
Or I = I0 sin (ωt + π/2) ---(ii)
4. A coil has an inductance of 1 H. (i) At what
𝐸0
Where I0 = ω C E0 = = current amplitude. frequency will it have a reactance of 3142 Ω? (ii)
1/𝜔𝐶
What should be the capacity of a capacitor which
In purely capacitive circuit, current ‘leads’ the has the same reactance at that frequency?
𝜋
voltage by . {Ans. 500 Hz, 0.11 μF}
2
5. A 100 Hz a.c. is flowing in a 14 mH. Find its
reactance. {Ans. 8.8 Ω}

**Series L-C-R Circuit:

As shown in figure, Suppose a resistance R, and

inductor L and capacitance C are connected to
series to a source of alternating emf E given by

Resistance offered by capacitor is known as E = Eo sin ωt

Capacitive Reactance and is represented by XC.

Xc = 1/𝜔𝐶 = 1/2 π ν C = 1/2 π f C

Variation of XC with
frequency:
1
Clearly XC ∝ 𝑓

As f increases, XC
decreases and vice versa.
Voltage drop across R; VR = IR
Practice Questions: Voltage drop across L; VL = I XL

1.A 200 mH (pure) inductor, and a 5 μF (pure) Voltage drop across C; VC = I XC

capacitor, are connected, one by one, across a
sinusoidal ac voltage source V = 70.7 sin(1000t) Resultant emf must be equal to

3 | E-mail: arvindkashyap2008@[Link] Phone: +91 9350764376

KASHYAP CLASSES Author: Arvind Kashyap (Kashyap Sir)
Alternating Current
E = √𝑉𝑅2 + (𝑉𝐿 − 𝑉𝐶 )2 Susceptance: The reciprocal of reactance of an
a.c. circuit is called its susceptance. Its init is Ω-1
E = √(𝐼𝑅)2 + (𝐼𝑋𝐿 − 𝐼 𝑋𝐶 )2 or mho.

Admittance: The reciprocal of impedance of an

E = I √𝑅2 + (𝑋𝐿 − 𝑋𝐶 )2
a.c. circuit is called its admittance. Its S.I. unit is
𝐸 Ω-1 or mho.
𝐼
= √𝑅2 + (𝑋𝐿 − 𝑋𝐶 )2 = effective resistance of
series LCR circuit which oppose or impedes the A.C. Circuit containing R-L in series:
flow of current through it and is called its
impedance. It is denoted by Z and S.I. unit is In this circuit C=0; Xc = 0; therefore
ohm Ω. Thus
Z = √𝑅2 + (𝑋𝐿 − 0 )2 = √𝑅2 + 𝑋𝐿2 and phase
Impedance Z = √𝑅2 + (𝑋𝐿 − 𝑋𝐶 )2 angle is given by
1 2 𝑋𝐿
= √𝑅2 + (𝜔𝐿 − 𝜔𝐶
) tan 𝜑 = 𝑅

A.C. Circuit containing R-C in series:

In this circuit C=0; XL = 0; therefore

Z = √𝑅2 + (0 − 𝑋𝐶 )2 = √𝑅2 + 𝑋𝐶2 and phase

angle is given by
𝑋𝐶
tan 𝜑 = 𝑅

Special case: Practice Questions:

1. When XL > XC or VL > VC 1.A 60 V-10 W electric lamp is to be run on 100 V
– 60 Hz mains. (i) Calculate the inductance of the
𝑋𝐿 −𝑋𝐶
Phase angle is given by tanφ = 𝑅
or choke required. (ii) If a resistor is to be used in
place of choke coil to achieve the same result,
cosφ = 𝑍
𝑅 calculate its value.
{Ans. 1.273 H, 240 Ω}
The instantaneous current will be 2. When 200 V d.c. are applied across a coil a
current of 2 ampere flows through it. When 200
I = Io sin(𝜔𝑡 − 𝜑); the LCR circuit is
Volts a.c. of 50 cps are applied to the same coil,
said to be Inductive.
only 1.0 ampere flows. Calculate the resistance,
1. When XL < XC or VL < VC ; then phase impedance and inductance of the coil.
𝑋 −𝑋 {Ans. 100 Ω, 200 Ω, 0.55 H}
angle is given by tanφ = 𝑐 𝑅 𝐿
𝑅
or cosφ = 𝑍 ; The instantaneous 3. A student connects a long air core coil of
manganin wire to a 100 V d.c. source and records
current will be I = Io sin (ωt –φ); the
a current of 1.5 A. When the same coil is
LCR circuit is said to be Capacitive.
connected across 100 V, 50 Hz a.c. source the
2. When XL=XC or VL = VC , the emf and current reduces to 1.0 A,
current will be in same phase. The series (i) Give reason for this observation.
LCR circuit is said to be purely Resistive. (ii) Calculate the value of the reactance of the
𝑬 coil. {Ans. 66.7 Ω, 74.53 Ω}
Irms = 𝒓𝒎𝒔
𝒁
4. An 80 V-800 W heater is to be operated on a
The relation between R, XL and XC is learnt with
100 V, 50 Hz supply. Calculate the inductance of
the help of Triangle is known as Impedance
the choke required.
Triangle.
{Ans. 0.019 H}

4 | E-mail: arvindkashyap2008@[Link] Phone: +91 9350764376

KASHYAP CLASSES Author: Arvind Kashyap (Kashyap Sir)
Alternating Current
5. A bulb of resistance 10 Ω, connected to an Clearly I0 is maximum when,
inductor of inductance L, is in series with an a.c.
1 1
source marked 100 V, 50 Hz. If the phase angle 𝜔𝐿 − 𝜔𝐶
=0 or ω=
√𝐿𝐶
between the voltage and current is π/4 radian,
calculate the value of L. {Ans. 0.0318 H} 1 2
The impedance, Z = √𝑅2 + (𝜔𝐿 − 𝜔𝐶
) =R
6. When an inductor L and resistor R in series are
connected across a 12 V, 50 Hz supply, a current Clearly the impedance is minimum, the circuit is
of 0.5 A flows is the circuit. The current differs in purely resistive. The frequency at which the
phase from applied voltage by π/3 radian. current amplitude I0 attains peak value is called
Calculate the value of R. {Ans. 12 Ω} natural or resonant frequency of LCR-circuit
and is denoted by fr. Thus
7. [NCERT] A resistor of 200 Ω and a capacitor of
15.0 μF are connected in series to a 220 V, 50 Hz 1 𝟏
ωr = 2πfr = or fr = 𝟐𝝅√𝑳𝑪
ac source. (a) Calculate the current in the circuit. √𝐿𝐶
(b) Calculate the voltage (rms) across the resistor
and capacitor. Is the algebraic sum of these The current amplitude at resonant frequency will
𝐸
voltages more than source voltage? If yes, be I0 = 0
𝑅
resolve the paradox.
{Ans. 0.755 A, 151 Ω, 160.3 V} Sharpness of resonance: Q-Factor

8. In a series R-C circuit, R = 30 Ω, C = 0.25 μF, The Q-factor of a series resonant circuit is defined
V = 100 V and ω = 10000 rad/s. Find the current as the ratio of the resonant frequency to the
in the circuit and calculate the voltage across the difference in two frequencies such that at each
1
resistor and capacitor. frequency, the current amplitude becomes
√2
Is the algebraic sum of these voltages more than times the value at resonant frequency.
the source voltage? If yes, resolve the paradox. Mathematically, the Q-factor can be expressed as
{Ans. 0.25 A, 7.5 V, 100 V} 𝜔𝑟 𝜔 𝑅𝑒𝑠𝑜𝑛𝑎𝑛𝑡 𝑓𝑟𝑒𝑞𝑢𝑒𝑛𝑐𝑦
Q= = 𝑟=
𝜔2−𝜔1 ∆𝜔 𝐵𝑎𝑛𝑑𝑤𝑖𝑑𝑡ℎ
9. A 0.3 H inductor, 60 μF capacitor and a 50 Ω
resistor are connected in series with a 120 v, 60
Hz supply. Calculate
(i) impedance of the circuit
(ii) Current flowing in the circuit.
{Ans. 85 Ω, 1.41 A}

10. A resistor of 50 Ω, an inductor of (20/π) H and

a capacitor of (5/π) μF are connected in series to
a voltage source 230 V, 50 Hz. Find the
impedance of the circuit. {Ans. 50 Ω}

11. Determine the impedance of a series LCR-

circuit if the reactance of C and L are 250 Ω and
220 Ω respectively and R is 40 Ω.
{Ans. 50Ω}

**Resonance condition of a series LCR-circuit: Where ω1 and ω2 are the frequency at which the
A series LCR-circuit is said to be in 1
resonance condition when current through it has current falls to times its resonant value, as
√2
its maximum value. shown in figure.

Current amplitude for a series LCR-circuit is given The frequency range ω2 – ω1 is called band-
by width.
𝐸0
Io = 2
; *Q-factor of a series LCR circuit may also be
√𝑅 2 +(𝜔𝐿− 1 ) defined as the ratio of the voltage drop across the
𝜔𝐶

5 | E-mail: arvindkashyap2008@[Link] Phone: +91 9350764376

KASHYAP CLASSES Author: Arvind Kashyap (Kashyap Sir)
Alternating Current
inductance of capacitance at resonance to the Average power associated with a Resistor:
applied voltage.
Instantaneous Voltage E = 𝐸0 sin 𝜔𝑡 and
𝑉𝑜𝑙𝑎𝑡𝑔𝑒 𝑑𝑟𝑜𝑝 𝑎𝑐𝑟𝑜𝑠𝑠 𝐿 (𝑜𝑟 𝐶) 𝐼𝑟𝑚𝑠 𝑋𝐿 𝜔𝐿 Instantaneous Current I = 𝐼0 sin 𝜔𝑡,
Q= 𝐴𝑝𝑝𝑙𝑖𝑒𝑑 𝑉𝑜𝑙𝑡𝑎𝑔𝑒
= 𝐼𝑟𝑚𝑠 𝑅
=𝑅
Therefore, instantaneous power P = E . I
1 𝐿 1 𝐿 𝑑𝑊
= = 𝑅 √𝐶 𝑑𝑡
= 𝐸0 sin 𝜔𝑡 . 𝐼0 sin 𝜔𝑡 = 𝐸0 𝐼0 𝑠𝑖𝑛2 𝜔𝑡
√𝐿𝐶 𝑅
1− cos 2 𝜔 𝑡
Practice Questions: dW =𝐸0 𝐼0 𝑠𝑖𝑛2 𝜔𝑡 = 𝐸0 𝐼0 ( 2
)

Total amount of work done

1.A resistor of resistance 400 Ω, and a capacitor 𝑇 1− cos 2 𝜔 𝑡
of reactance 200 Ω, are connected in series to a W = ∫ 𝑑𝑊 = ∫0 𝐸0 𝐼0 ( 2
) 𝑑𝑡
220 V, 50 Hz a.c. source. If the current in the
𝐸0 𝐼0 𝑇 𝐸0 𝐼0 Sin 2 𝜔 𝑡 𝑇
circuit is 0.49 ampere, find the (i) voltage across W=
2
∫0 (1 − cos 2 𝜔 𝑡)𝑑𝑡 = 2
[𝑡 −
2𝜔
]
0
the resistor and capacitor (ii) value of inductance
𝐸0 𝐼0 𝐸0 𝐼0 𝑇
required so that voltage and current are in same W= 2
[(T-0) – 0]= 2
phase. {Ans. 196 V, 98 V, 0.64 H}
𝑊 𝐸0 𝐼0 𝐸0 𝐼0
Pav. = 𝑇
= 2
= = [Link]
√2 √2
2. A resistance of 2 Ω, a coil of inductance 0.01 H *Average power associated with an Inductor:
are connected in series with a capacitor and put
across a 200 volt, 50 Hz supply. Calculate (i) the Instantaneous Voltage E = 𝐸0 sin 𝜔𝑡 and
𝜋
capacitance of the capacitor so that the circuit Instantaneous Current I = 𝐼0 sin(𝜔𝑡 − 2 ) , then
resonates. instantaneous power
𝜋
(ii) The current and voltage across the capacitor P = E . I = 𝐸0 sin 𝜔𝑡. 𝐼0 sin(𝜔𝑡 − )
2
at resonance. (Take π=3) 𝑑𝑊 𝜋
{Ans. 11 X 10-4 F, 100 A, 303.03 V} =-𝐸0 𝐼0 sin 𝜔𝑡. sin( − 𝜔𝑡) = - 𝐸0 𝐼0 sin 𝜔𝑡.cosωt
𝑑𝑡 2
2 −𝐸0 𝐼0
3. An a.c. source of frequency 50 Hz is connected dW = - 𝐸0 𝐼0 2 sin 𝜔𝑡.cosω[Link] = 2
sin 2𝜔𝑡. dt
to a 50 mH inductor and a bulb glows with some
brightness. Calculate the capacitance of the Total amount of work done, W = ∫ 𝑑𝑊
capacitor to be connected in series with the −𝐸0 𝐼0 𝑇 −𝐸0 𝐼0 − cos 2𝜔𝑡 𝑇
circuit, so that the bulb glows with maximum W= ∫0 sin 2𝜔𝑡 𝑑𝑡 = [ ]
2 2 2𝜔 0
brightness. {Ans. 2.02X10-4 F} 𝐸0 𝐼0 𝐸0 𝐼0
W= (cos 2𝜔𝑇 − cos 0 ) = (cos 4𝜋 − cos 0 )
4𝜔 4𝜔
*Energy stored in an Inductor:
𝐸0 𝐼0
W= (1 − 1 ) = 0
Let I be the current through the inductor L at any 4𝜔
instant t. The current rises at the rate dI/dt. So the Pav. =
𝑊
=𝑇=0
0
induced emf is 𝑇

𝑑𝐼 Thus the average power dissipated per cycle in

E = - L 𝑑𝑡
an inductor is zero.
The work done against the induced emf in small *Average power associated with a Capacitor:
time dt is
Instantaneous Voltage E = 𝐸0 sin 𝜔𝑡 and
𝑑𝐼 𝜋
dW= P dt = - E I dt = + L 𝑑𝑡 I dt = L I dt Instantaneous Current I = 𝐼0 sin(𝜔𝑡 + 2 ) , then
The total work done in building up current from 0 instantaneous power
to I0 𝜋
P = E . I = 𝐸0 sin 𝜔𝑡. 𝐼0 sin(𝜔𝑡 + 2 )
𝐼
𝐼 𝐼2 0 1
W = ∫ 𝑑𝑊 = ∫00 𝐿𝐼 𝑑𝐼 = L [ 2 ] = 2 L 𝐼02 𝑑𝑊 𝜋
= 𝐸0 𝐼0 sin 𝜔𝑡. sin( 2 + 𝜔𝑡) = 𝐸0 𝐼0 sin 𝜔𝑡.cosωt
0 𝑑𝑡

This work done is stored as the magnetic field 2 𝐸0 𝐼0

dW = 𝐸0 𝐼0 2 sin 𝜔𝑡.cosω[Link] = 2
sin 2𝜔𝑡. dt
energy U in the Inductor
1 Total amount of work done, W = ∫ 𝑑𝑊
U = L 𝐼02
2
6 | E-mail: arvindkashyap2008@[Link] Phone: +91 9350764376
KASHYAP CLASSES Author: Arvind Kashyap (Kashyap Sir)
Alternating Current
𝐸0 𝐼0 𝑇 𝐸0 𝐼0 − cos 2𝜔𝑡 𝑇 3. [NCERT] Suppose the frequency of the source
W= ∫0 sin 2𝜔𝑡 𝑑𝑡 = [ ]
2 2 2𝜔 0 in the above example can be varied, (a) What is
−𝐸0 𝐼0 𝐸0 𝐼0 the frequency of the source at which resonance
W= (cos 2𝜔𝑇 − cos 0 ) = (cos 4𝜋 − cos 0 )
4𝜔 4𝜔 occurs? (b) Calculate the impedance, the current
−𝐸0 𝐼0 and the power dissipated at the resonant
W= (1 − 1 ) = 0
4𝜔 condition.
𝑊 0 {Ans. 35.4 Hz, 66.7 A, 13.35 kW}
Pav. = 𝑇
=𝑇=0
Thus the average power dissipated per cycle in a 4. A capacitor and a resistor are connected in
capacitor is zero. series with an a.c. source. If the potential
difference across C, R are 120 V, 90 V
*Average Power associated with RLC-circuit: respectively and the rms current of the circuit is 3
Instantaneous Voltage E = 𝐸0 sin 𝜔𝑡 and A, Calculate the (i) impedance (ii) power factor of
Instantaneous Current I = 𝐼0 sin(𝜔𝑡 − 𝜑), then the circuit. {Ans. 50 Ω, 0.6}
instantaneous power 5. A series LCR-circuit is made by taking R = 100
2 100
P = E . I = 𝐸0 sin 𝜔𝑡. 𝐼0 sin(𝜔𝑡 − 𝜑) Ω, L = H, C = μF. This series combination is
𝜋 𝜋
𝐸0 𝐼0 connected across an a.c. source of 220 V, 50 Hz.
P= 2
[2sin 𝜔𝑡. 𝐼0 sin(𝜔𝑡 − 𝜑)]
Calculate (i) the impedance of the circuit and (ii)
𝐸0 𝐼0 the peak value of current flowing in the circuit.
P= [cos 𝜑 − cos(2𝜔𝑡 − 𝜑)]
2 Calculate the power factor of this circuit and
[ 2 sinA sinB = cos(A-B) – cos(A+B) ] compare this value with the one at its resonant
𝟏
Average power dissipated per cycle = Average frequency. {Ans. 141.4 Ω, 2.2 A, , 1}
√𝟐
𝐸 𝐼
power of 02 0 [cos 𝜑 − cos(2𝜔𝑡 − 𝜑)].
**LC-Oscillations:
The second cosine term [cos(2𝜔𝑡 − 𝜑) ] is time
dependent. Its average over a cycle is zero. Electrical oscillations produced by the exchange
of energy between a capacitor which stores
𝐸 𝐼 𝐸 𝐼
Pav. = 02 0 cosφ = 0 0 cosφ Or Pav. = electrical energy and an inductor which stores
√2 √2
[Link]. cosφ Where cosφ is known as Power magnetic energy are called LC oscillations.
Factor.
An electric circuit containing an inductor of
𝑹 𝑹 inductance L and a capacitor of capacity C
Cosφ = 𝒁
= 2
√𝑅 2+(𝜔𝐿− 1 ) connected in parallel is called as Tank Circuit.
𝜔𝐶

Frequency of LC oscillations
Practice Question:
Let a capacitor C be charged and connected to
1. [NCERT] A light an inductor L at t =0. After some time t, let charge
bulb is rated at 100 W on the capacitor be q and I be the current in the
for a 220 V supply. parallel LC circuit. Then
Find (a) the 𝑞 𝑑𝐼 𝑑𝑞
resistance of the bulb; 𝐶
- L 𝑑𝑡 = 0, Since I = - 𝑑𝑡
(b) the peak voltage
of the source; and (c) 𝑞 𝑑2 𝑞 𝑑2 𝑞 1
𝐶
+ L 𝑑𝑡 2 = 0 or 𝑑𝑡 2
+ 𝐿𝐶 q = 0
the rms current through the bulb.
{Ans. 484 Ω, 311 V, 0.45 A} This equation is comparable to equation of SHM
2. [NCERT] A sinusoidal voltage of peak value 𝑑2 𝑥
283 V and frequency 50 Hz is applied to a series i.e., 𝑑𝑡 2
+ ω2x = 0
LCR circuit in which R = 3 Ω, L = 25.48 mH, and
1 1
C = 796 μF. Find (a) the impedance of the circuit, Thus, ω= or ν = 2𝜋√𝐿𝐶
√𝐿𝐶
(b) the phase difference between the voltage
across the source and the currents,(c) the power This is the natural frequency of charge which
dissipated in the circuit, and (d) the power factor. varies sinusoidally.
{Ans. 5 Ω, 53.10, 4800 W, 0.6}
7 | E-mail: arvindkashyap2008@[Link] Phone: +91 9350764376
KASHYAP CLASSES Author: Arvind Kashyap (Kashyap Sir)
Alternating Current
If there is no loss of energy, the amplitude of the ***Transformer:
oscillation remains constant as shown in figure.
Such oscillations are called un-damped A transformer is an electrical device for converting
oscillations. an alternating current at low voltage into that at
high voltage or vice versa.

If it increases the input a.c voltage, it is called

step-up transformer and if it decreases the input
a.c. voltage, it is called step down transformer.

Principle:

But there do occur some loss of energy so It works on the principle of mutual induction.
oscillations are not un-damped but they are An e.m.f. is induced in a coil, when a changing
damped oscillations. current flows through its nearby coil.

Damped oscillations are those oscillations whose

amplitude decreases with time and ultimately dies
off.

Conservation of Energy In LC-Oscillations: Construction:

At any instant, the electrostatic energy stored in It consists of two separate coil of insulated wire
1 𝑞2 wound on same iron core. One of the coils is
the capacitor is UE = 2 𝐶 connected to a.c. source is called primary (P)
and the other winding giving output is called
The magnetic energy stored in the inductor at any secondary (S) winding or coil. The primary coil is
1
instant is UB = L I2 connected to a source of alternating voltage (E p).
2
The primary coil along with a source of alternating
If there is no (resistive) loss of energy, then the voltage is called primary circuit. The output
total energy of the LC-circuit at any instant will be alternating voltage (Es) is taken across the
secondary coil and the load is connected to this
1 𝑞2 1
U = UE + UB = 2 𝐶
+ 2 L I2 winding. The secondary coil along with the load is
called secondary circuit.
But q = q0 cosω0t
𝑑𝑞 Working/Theory:
and I = - = ωq0 sinω0t
𝑑𝑡
According to Faraday’s law of electromagnetic
1 1
∴ U = 2 𝐶. 𝑞02 𝑐𝑜𝑠 2 𝜔0 𝑡 + 2 L 𝜔02 𝑞02 𝑠𝑖𝑛2 𝜔0 𝑡 induction, the induced e.m.f. in the primary coil
𝑑𝜑
1 1 1 Ep = - Np ....(i)
= . 𝑞02 𝑐𝑜𝑠 2 𝜔0 𝑡 + L 𝑞02 𝑠𝑖𝑛2 𝜔0 𝑡 𝑑𝑡
2𝐶 2 𝐿𝐶

1 𝑞02 where Ep= An alternating source of e.m.f

= [𝑐𝑜𝑠 2 𝜔0 𝑡 + 𝑠𝑖𝑛2 𝜔0 𝑡 ] connected to primary coil; Np= Number of turns in
2 𝐶
primary coil.
1 𝑞02 1
= 2 𝐶
= 2
C V2 = Initial energy stored.
The induced e.m.f. in secondary coil,
Practice Questions: 𝑑𝜑
Es = - Ns 𝑑𝑡
.....(ii)
1. Calculate the wavelength of radio waves
radiated out by a circuit consisting of 0.02 μF where Es= An alternating e.m.f induced in
capacitor and 8 μH inductor in series. secondary coil; Ns= Number of turns in secondary
{Ans. 7.54 X 102 m} coil.

8 | E-mail: arvindkashyap2008@[Link] Phone: +91 9350764376

KASHYAP CLASSES Author: Arvind Kashyap (Kashyap Sir)
Alternating Current
Dividing eqn (ii) by (i) 4. Flux leakage: The magnetic flux produced by
𝐸𝑠 𝑁 primary coil may not fully pass through the
𝐸𝑝
= 𝑁𝑠 secondary coil. Some of the flux may leak into air.
𝑝

𝑁𝑠
Where = K, transformation ratio or Turns 5. Humming loss: As the transformer works,
𝑁𝑝
its lengthens and shortens during each cycle of
Ratio. the alternating voltage due to a phenomenon
𝐸𝑠 𝑁𝑠 called magnetostriction. This gives the humming
Then; = =K
𝐸𝑝 𝑁𝑝 sound. So, some of electrical energy is lost in the
form of humming sound.
If Ns < Np; Es < Ep and transformation ratio K<1
then it is said to be step down Transformer. And If Uses of Transformers:
Ns > Np; Es > Ep and transformation ratio K>1 then
it is said to be step up Transformer. 1. Small transformer are used in radio receivers,
telephone, loud speaker etc.
For an ideal transformer;
2. In T.V., refrigerators, air-conditioners,
Output power = Input power ....(iii) computers, etc.
Let Ip and Is be the current in the primary and 3. In stabilised power supplies.
secondary coil respectively. Then;
4. A step-down transformer is used for obtaining
Output power = [Link]; Input power = [Link] large current for electric welding.
From eqn (iii), [Link] = [Link] 5. Step-down transformer is used in induction
𝐸𝑠 𝐼𝑝 1
furnace for melting metals.
Or 𝐸𝑝
= 𝐼𝑠
in General E∝ 𝐈
6. A step-up transformer is used for the
Thus, whatever is gained in voltage ratio is lost production of X-Rays.
the current ratio and vice-versa.
Long distance transmission of electric power
So, a step-up transformer increase the alternating
voltage by decreasing the alternating current and
step-down transformer decrease the alternating
voltage by increasing the alternating current.

For a transformer,
𝑂𝑢𝑡𝑝𝑢𝑡 𝑃𝑜𝑤𝑒𝑟 𝐸𝐼 In actual practice a typical power station
Efficiency, η = 𝐼𝑛𝑝𝑢𝑡 𝑃𝑜𝑤𝑒𝑟
= 𝐸 𝑠 𝐼𝑠
𝑝 𝑝 generates 1000 kW at 6600 volts. This voltage is
first stepped up to 132000 V before transmission.
For an ideal transformer, efficiency, η is 100 %, Transmission lines from different power stations
the efficiency varies from 90-99 %. in a region deliver to a common regional pool,
Energy loss in Transformer: called the grid. From the grid, the power is fed to
the cities at 33000 V, the stepping down is done
1. Copper Loss: Some energy is lost due to outside the city. Then again at a sub-station, the
heating of copper wires used in the primary and supply is stepped down to 6600 V. For domestic
secondary windings. purpose, the voltage is again stepped down to
220 V.
2. Eddy Current Loss: Alternating magnetic flux
induces eddy current in the iron core which leads Practice Questions:
to some energy loss in the form of heat.
1. Calculate the current drawn by the primary of a
3. Hysteresis Loss: The A.C. carries the iron transformer, which steps down 200 V to 20 V to
core through cycles of magnetisation and operate a device of resistance 20 Ω. Assume the
demagnetisation. Work is done in each cycle and efficiency of the transformer to be 80 %.
is lost as heat. {Ans. 0.125 A}

9 | E-mail: arvindkashyap2008@[Link] Phone: +91 9350764376

KASHYAP CLASSES Author: Arvind Kashyap (Kashyap Sir)
Alternating Current
2. The output voltage of an ideal transformer, (i)Armature: Armature coil (ABCD) consists of
connected to a 240 v a.c. mains is 24 V. When large number of turns of insulated copper wire
this transformer is used to light a bulb with rating wound over a soft iron core.
24 V, 24 W, calculate the current in the primary
coil of the circuit. {Ans. 0.1 A} (ii) Field Magnet: A strong permanent magnet or
an electromagnet whose poles (N and S) are
3. An Ideal transformer, number of turns in the cylindrical in shape used as a field magnet.
primary and secondary are 200 and 1000
respectively. If the power input to the primary is (iii) Slip Rings: The tow ends of the armature coil
10 kW at 200 V, calculate (i) output voltage and are connected to two brass slip rings R1 and R2.
(ii) current in primary. These rings rotate along with the armature coil.
{Ans. 1000 V, 50 A}
(iv) Brushes: two carbon brushes (B1 and B2),
4. The primary coil of an ideal step-up transformer are presses against the slip rings. The brushes
has 100 turns and the transformer ratio also 100. remain fixed while slip rings rotate along with the
The input voltage and the power are 220 V and armature. These brushes are connected to the
1100 W respectively. Calculate load through which the output is obtained.

(i) number of turns in the secondary Working and Theory: When the armature coil
(ii) the current in the primary ABCD rotates in the magnetic field provided by
the string field magnet, it cuts the magnetic line of
(iii) voltage across the secondary
force. The magnetic flux linked with the coil
(iv) the current in the secondary changes due to the rotation of the armature and
(v) power in the secondary hence induced e.m.f. is set up in the coil. The
direction of induced current is determined by the
{Ans. 10000, 5 A, 22000 V, 0.05 A, 1100 W}

***A.C. Generator/ Dynamo:

An electrical machine used to convert mechanical

energy into electrical energy is known as A.C.
generator/alternator.

Principle: It works on the principle of Fleming’s right hand rule.

electromagnetic induction i.e. when a coil is
rotated in uniform magnetic field, an induced
e.m.f. is produced in it.

Consider the plane of the coil to be perpendicular

⃗.
to the magnetic field 𝐵
⃗ at
The angle between the normal to the coil and 𝐵
any instant is given by
θ = ωt
the component of magnetic field normal to the
plane of the coil = B cos 𝜃 = B cos 𝜔𝑡
Magnetic flux inked with a single turn of the coil =
(B cos 𝜔𝑡 ) A, where A is the area of the coil.
Construction: The main component of a.c. If the coil has N turns, then, total flux linked with
generator are given below the coil

φ = N(B cos 𝜔𝑡 ) A = NBA cos 𝜔𝑡

10 | E-mail: arvindkashyap2008@[Link] Phone: +91 9350764376

KASHYAP CLASSES Author: Arvind Kashyap (Kashyap Sir)
Alternating Current
According to Faraday’s Law of electromagnetic 1. An A. C. Generator consists of a coil of 100
induction, the induced e.m.f. produced in the coil turns and cross-sectional area of 3 m2, rotating at
is given by a constant angular speed of 60 radians/sec in a
𝑑𝜑 𝑑 uniform magnetic field of 0.04 T. The resistance
E = - 𝑑𝑡 = - 𝑑𝑡 (NBA cos 𝜔𝑡 ) of the coil is 500 Ω. Calculate (i) maximum current
drawn from the generator and (ii) maximum power
= - NBA ( -ω sin 𝜔𝑡 ) dissipation in the coil. {Ans. 1.44 A, 518.4 W}
Or E = NBAω. sin 𝜔𝑡 2. An a.c. generator consists of a coil of 50 turns
and area 2.5 m2 rotating at an angular speed of
This is the expression for the induced e.m.f. 60 ras/s in a uniform magnetic field B = 0.30 T
produced in the coil at any instant t. between two fixed pole pieces. The resistance of
Induced e.m.f. will be maximum ( E = E0) if sin 𝜔𝑡 the circuit including that of the coil is 500 Ω.
= Maximum = 1 (a) What is the maximum current drawn from the
generator?
Maximum e.m.f., E0 = NBAω (b) What is the flux through the coil when the
current is zero? What is the flux when the current
Therefore E = E0 sin 𝜔𝑡
is maximum?
If R = resistance of the the circuit, hence (c) Would the generator work if the coil were
stationary and instead the pole pieces rotated
Instantaneous current in the circuit is given by together with the same speed a above?
𝐸 E sin 𝜔𝑡
I=𝑅= 0 𝑅 = I0 sin 𝜔𝑡 {Ans. 4.5 A, 37.5 Wb, Yes, because this will
also bring about the necessary change.}
Advantages and Disadvantages of A.C. over 3. [NCERT] Kamla peddles a stationary bicycle
D.C.: the pedals of which are attached to a 100 turns
[Link] of a.c. over d.c.: coil of area 0.10 m2. The coil rotates at half a
revolution per second and it is placed in a uniform
[Link] generation of a.c. is more economical than magnetic field of 0.01 T perpendicular to the axis
d.c. of rotation of the coil. What is the maximum
2. The alternating voltage can be easily stepped voltage generated in the coil. {Ans. 0.314 V}
up or stepped down by using a transformer.
NCERT (7.12)
3. A.C can be reduced by using choke coil without
any significant wastage of energy. An LC-circuit contains a 20 mH inductor and a 50
μF capacitor with an initial charge of 10 mC. The
4. A. C. can be transmitted to distant place
resistance of the circuit is negligible. Let the
without any significant line loss.
circuit is closed be t=0.
5. Also a.c. can be easily converted in to d.c. by
using rectifiers. (a) What is the total energy stored initially. Is it
conserved during the LC-oscillations?
2. Disadvantages of a.c. over d.c.:
(b) What is the natural frequency of the circuit?
1. Peak value of a.c. is high ( I0 =√2 𝐼𝑟𝑚𝑠 ). It is
dangerous to work with a.c. (c) At what times is the energy stored?
(i) Completely electrical (i.e. stored in the
2. In phenomenon electroplating, electrotyping capacitor)?
etc. A.C. cannot be used. (ii) Completely magnetic (i.e. stored in the
3. A.C. is transmitted more from the surface of inductor)?
conductor than from inside. This is called skin (d) At what times is the total energy shared
effect. Therefore, several fine wire insulated wires equally between the inductor and the
(and not a single thick wire) are required for the capacitor?
transmission of a.c.
(e) If a resistor in inserted in the circuit, how
Practice Questions: much energy is eventually dissipated as heat?

11 | E-mail: arvindkashyap2008@[Link] Phone: +91 9350764376

KASHYAP CLASSES Author: Arvind Kashyap (Kashyap Sir)
Alternating Current
Topic 1 5. A sinusoidal voltage of peak value 283 V and
frequency 50 Hz is applied to a series LCR
Introduction to alternating circuit in which R = 3 Ω, L=25.48 mH and C=
Current 796 𝜇 F, then the power dissipated at the
PYQs Previous Years Questions resonant condition will be
1 Mark Questions CBSE SQP 2021-22
(a) 39.70 kW (c) 26.70 kW
Multiple Choice Questions
(b) 13.35 kW (d) Zero
1. An ideal inductor is connected across an AC
source of voltage. The current in the circuit 6. A 20 V AC is applied to a circuit of a
CBSE 2023 resistance and a coil with negligible
(a) is ahead of the voltage in phase by 𝜋 resistance. If the voltage across the
(b) lags voltage in phase by 𝜋 resistance is 12V, the voltage across the coil
(c) is ahead of voltage in phase by 𝜋/2 is CBSE SQP 2021-22
(d) lags voltage in phase by 𝜋/2

2. An AC voltage V = V0 sin cot is applied to a

series combination of a resistor R and an
element X. The instantaneous current in the
circuit is
𝜋
I = I0 sin (cot + 4 ) Then, which of the
(a) 16 V (c) 10 V
following is correct? CBSE 2023 (b) 8 V (d) 6 V
(a) X is a capacitor and Xc = √2 R
(b) X is an inductor and XL = R KEY idea
(c) X is and inductor and XL = √2 R Voltage in resistance and inductance series
(d) X is a capacitor and Xc = R
circuit is given by V = √𝑉𝑅2 + 𝑉𝐿2

3. The figure shows variation of current (I) with

time (t) in four devices P, Q, R and S. The 7. The instantaneous values of emf and the
device in which an alternation current flows is current in a series AC circuit are E – E0 sin 𝜔t
CBSE 2023 and
𝜋
I = I0 sin (𝜔𝑡 3
) respectively, then it is
CBSE SQP 2021-22
(a) Necessarily a RL circuit
(b) Necessarily a RC circuit
(c) Necessarily a LCR circuit
(d) Can be RC or LCR circuit
(a) P (c) Q
(b) R (d) S 8. An alternating voltage source of variable
angular frequency 𝜔 and fixed amplitude V is
4. A voltage signal is described by connected in series with a capacitance C and
𝑇 𝑇 electric bulb of resistance R (inductance
V = V0 for 0 ≤ t ≤ 2
= 0; for 2 ≤ t ≤ T
For a cycle. Its rms value is CBSE 2023 zero).When 𝜔 is increased
𝑉0 𝑉0 CBSE SQP 2021-22
(a) (c)
√2 2 (a) The bulb glows dimmer
(b) V0 (d) √2 V0 (b) The bulb glows brighter

12 | E-mail: arvindkashyap2008@[Link] Phone: +91 9350764376

KASHYAP CLASSES Author: Arvind Kashyap (Kashyap Sir)
Alternating Current
(c) Net impedance of the circuit remains 14. A circuit is connected to an AC source of
unchanged variable frequency. As, the frequency of the
(d) Total impedance of the circuit increases source is increased, the current first increases
and then decreases. Which of the following
9. The rms current in a circuit connected to a 50 combinations of elements is likely to comprise
Hz AC source is 15 A. The value of the the circuit? CBSE 2022 (Term-I)
1 (a) L, C And R (c) L and C
current ( ) s after its value becomes zero
600
(b) L and R (d) R and C
is CBSE 2022 (Term-1)
15 √2
(a) A (c) 15 A 15. A 15 Ω resistor, an 80 mH inductor and a
√2
capacitor of capacitance C are connected in
(b) 15 √2 A (d) 8 A
series with a 50 Hz AC are in phase, then the
value of capacitance is
10. In a circuit, the phase difference between the
𝜋 CBSE 2022 (Term-I)
alternating current and the source voltage is 2 .
(a) 100 𝜇F (c) 127 𝜇F
Which of the following cannot be the element (b) 142 𝜇F (d) 160 𝜇F
(s) of the circuit? CBSE 2022 (Term-1)
25
16. A 300 Ω resistor and a capacitor of ( ) 𝜇 F
(a) Only C (c) Only L 𝜋

(b) L and R (d) L or C are connected in series to a 200 V -50 Hz AC

source. The current in the circuit is
CBSE 2022 (Term-I)
11. The impedance of a series L-C-R circuit is
CBSE 2022 (Term-1) (a) 0.1 A (c) 0.4 A
(b) 0.6 A (d) 0.8 A
(a) R+XL+XC

1 1
17. The power factor of series L-C-R circuit at
(b) √ 2 2 + 𝑅2 resonance will be Delhi 2020
𝑋 𝑋
𝐶 𝐶
(a) 1 (c) zero
1 1
2 2 (b) (d)
(c) √𝑋 − 𝑋 + 𝑅2 2 √2
𝐿 𝐶
18. An alternating current from a source is given
(d) √𝑅2 + (𝑋𝐿 − 𝑋𝐶 )2
by I=10sin 314t. What is the effective4 value
of current and frequency of source?
12. When an alternating voltage E=E 0 sin 𝜔𝑡 is
𝜋
(a) 7.07 A, 50 Hz (c) 6.06 A, 50 Hz
applied to a circuit, a current I=I0 sin (𝜔𝑡 + ) (b) 7.07 A, 4 Hz (d) 6.06 A, 4 Hz
2
flow through it. The average power dissipated
in the circuit is CBSE 2022 (Term-I) Assertion-Reason Questions
(a) 𝐸𝑟𝑚𝑠 𝐼𝑟𝑚𝑠 (c) 𝐸0 𝐼0 Directions (Q. Nos. 9-12) In the following
𝐸0 𝐼0
(b) (d) Zero questions, two statements are given- one labelled
√2
Assertion (A) and the other labelled Reason (R).
Select the correct answer to these questions from
13. The voltage across a resistor, an inductor and
the codes (a), (b), (c) and (d) as given below
a capacitor connected in series to an AC
source are voltage in the circuit is (a) If both Assertion and Reason are correct
CBSE 2022 (Term-I) and Reason is the correct explanation of
(a) 5 V (c) 20 V Assertion.
(b) 25 V (d) 65 V (b) If both Assertion and Reason are correct
but Reason is not the correct explanation
of Assertion.

13 | E-mail: arvindkashyap2008@[Link] Phone: +91 9350764376

KASHYAP CLASSES Author: Arvind Kashyap (Kashyap Sir)
Alternating Current
(c) If Assertion is correct but Reason is 27. When an AC source is connected across an
incorrect. inductor, show on a graph the nature of
(d) If both Assertion and Reason are variation of the voltage and the current over
incorrect. one complete cycle. Delhi 2012C
28. The peak value of emf in AC E 0. Write its (i)
19. Assertion The alternating current lags behind rms (ii) average value over a complete cycle.
the emf by a phase angle of 𝜋/2, when AC Foreign 2011
flows through an inductor.
Reason The inductive reactance increases as 29. The current flowing through a pure inductance
the frequency of AC source decreases. 2 mH is, I = (15 cos 300t) A. What is the (i)
20. Assertion When the capacitor is connected to rms and (ii) average value of current for a
an AC source, it limits or regulates the complete cycle. Foreign 2011
current, but does no completely prevent the
flow of charge. 30. Define the term wattles current. Delhi 2011
Reason The capacitor is alternately charged
and discharged as the current reverses each 31. A reactive element in an AC circuit causes the
half-cycle. current flowing.
21. Assertion Capacitor serves as a barrier for (i) To lead in phase by 𝜋/2
DC and offers an easy path to AC. (ii) To lag in phase by 𝜋/2 𝑤 . 𝑟. 𝑡. the applied
Reason Capacitive reactance is inversely voltage. Identify the element in each case.
proportional to frequency. Delhi 2010C
22. Assertion At resonance, power factor of L-C- 32. Define the term rms value of the current. How
R series circuit is I. is it related to the peak value?
Reason At resonance, XC = XL All India 2010C

2 Marks Questions
Very Short Answer Questions
23. A series combination of an inductor (L), a 33. A resistor R and an inductor L are connected
capacitor (C) and a resistor (R) are connected in series to a source of voltage V=V 0 sin cot.
across an AC source of emf of peak value E 0 The voltage is found to lead current in phase
𝜋
and angular frequency ( 𝜔 ). Plota graph to by 4 If the inductor is replaced by a capacitor
show variation of impedance of the circuit with C, the voltage lags behind current in phase by
angular frequency (𝜔). 𝜋/4. When L, C and R are connected in series
Delhi 2020 with the same source. Find the
(i) average power dissipated
24. The power factor of an AC circuit is 0.5. What (ii) and instantaneous current in the circuit
is the phase difference between voltage and All India 2020
current the circuit?
Foreign 2016 34. The figure shows two sinusoidal curves
representing oscillating supply voltage and
KEY idea
current in an AC circuit.
A capacitor permits alternating current (AC) and CBSE SQP 2018-19
blocks direct current (DC) flowing through it.

25. Define capacitor reactance. Write its SI unit.

All India 2015

26. Why is the use of AC voltage preferred over

DC voltage? Give two reasons. All India 2014

14 | E-mail: arvindkashyap2008@[Link] Phone: +91 9350764376

KASHYAP CLASSES Author: Arvind Kashyap (Kashyap Sir)
Alternating Current
Draw a phasor diagram to represent the 39. In a series L-C-R circuit, obtain the conditions
current and supply voltage appropriately as under which Foreign 2014
phasors. State the phase difference between (i) The impedance of circuit is minimum and
the two quantities. (ii) Wattles current flows in the circuit
35. A alternating voltage E=E0 sin 𝜔𝑡 is applied
to a circuit containing a resistor R connected 40. A series L-C-R circuit is connected to an AC
in series with a black box. The current in the source (200V, 50 Hz). The voltages across
𝜋 the resistor, capacitor and inductor are
circuit is found to be I = I0 sin (𝜔𝑡 + 4
).
respectively. 200 V, 250 V and 250 V.
CBSE SQP 2017-18
Foreign 2013
(i) The algebraic sum of the voltages across
the three elements is greater than the
voltage of the source. How is this paradox
resolved?
(ii) Given the value of the resistance of R is
40 Ω, calculate the current in the circuit.
(i) State whether the element in the black
box is a capacitor or inductor. 41. A resistor R and an element X are connected
(ii) Draw the corresponding phasor diagram in series to an AC source of voltage. The
and find the impedance in term of R. voltage is found to lead the current in phase
by 𝜋/4. If X is replaced by another element Y,
36. A capacitor C, a variable resistor R and a bulb
the lags behind the current by 𝜋/4.
B are connected in series to the AC mains in (i) Identify elements X and Y.
the circuit as shows. The bulb glows with (ii) When both X and Y are connected in
some brightness. How will the glow of the bulb
series with R to the same source, will the
change if. Delhi 2014
power dissipated in the circuit be
(i) A dielectric slab is introduced between the maximum or minimum?
plates of the capacitor keeping resistance Justify your answer. Foreign 2013
R to be the same.
(ii) The resistance R is increased keeping the 42. Write the expression for the impedance
same capacitance? offered by the series combination of resistor,
inductor and capacitor connected to an AC
source of voltage V= V0 sin 𝜔𝑡. Show on a
graph the variation of the voltage and current
with 𝜔𝑡 in the circuit. All India 2012C

43. A bulb is connected in series with a capacitor.

37. A series L-C-R circuit is connected to an AC Predict your observation when this
source of variable frequency. Draw a suitable combination is connected in turn across.
phasor diagram to deduce the expressions for Delhi 2012C
the amplitude of the current and phase angle. (i) AC source and
Delhi 2014C (ii) A DC battery. What change would you
notice in each case if the capacitance of
38. Show that the current leads the voltage in the capacitor is increased?
phase by 𝜋/2 in an AC circuit containing an
ideal capacitor. Foreign 2014 44. An alternating voltage given by V=140 sin
314t is connected across a pure resistor of
50Ω. Find
15 | E-mail: arvindkashyap2008@[Link] Phone: +91 9350764376
KASHYAP CLASSES Author: Arvind Kashyap (Kashyap Sir)
Alternating Current
(i) The frequency of the source (i) Impedence of the circuit
(ii) The rms current through the resistor. (ii) Phase angle and
All India 2012 (iii) Voltage drop across the inductor

51. An AC source V =Vm sin cot is connected

45. An alternating voltage given by V=280 sin 50
𝜋𝑡 is connected across a pure resistor of 40 Ω. across an ideal capacitor. Derive the
expression for the (i) current flowing in the
Find
(i) The frequency of the source circuit and (ii) reactance of the capacitor. Plot
(ii) The rms current through the resistor. a graph of current i versus 𝜔𝑡. CBSE 2023
All India 2012
52. A series combination of an inductor L,a
46. A alternating voltage given V=70 sin 100 𝜋𝑡 is
capacitor C and resistor R is connected
across and AC source of voltage in a circuit.
connected across a pure resistor of 25 Ω. Find
Obtain an expression for the average power
(i) The frequency of the source
consumed by the circuit. Find power factor for
(ii) The rms current through the resistor.
All India 2012 (i) purely inductive circuit and (ii) purely
resistive circuit. CBSE 2023
47. A light bulb is rated 150 W for 220 V AC
250
supply of 60 Hz. Calculate 53. A resistor of 30 Ω and a capacitor of 𝜇𝐹
𝜋
(i) The resistance of the bulb are connected in series to a 200 V, 50 Hz. AC
(ii) The rms current through the bulb. source. Calculate (i) the current in the circuit
All India 2012 and (ii) voltage drops across the resistor and
capacitor. (iii) Is the algebraic sum of these
KEY idea
voltages more than the source voltage? If yes,
Average power consumption in an AC solve the paradox. CBSE 2023
calculated by using Pav = Vrms Irms Cos 𝜙
54. A series LCR circuit with R = 20 Ω, L – 2H and
48. Prove that an ideal capacitor in an AC circuit C = 50 𝜇𝐹 is connected to a 200 V AC source
does not dissipate power. Delhi 2011 of variable frequency. What is (i) the
amplitude of the current and (ii) the average
49. An electric lamp having coil of negligible power transferred to the circuit in one
inductance connected in series with a complete cycle, at resonance? (iii) Calculate
capacitor and an AC source is glowing with the potential drop across the capacitor.
certain brightness. CBSE 2023
How does the brightness of the lamp change
on reducing the (i) capacitance, and (ii) the
55. The current of I A flows through a coil when it
frequency? Justify your answer. Delhi 2010
is connected across a DC battery of 100 V. If
DC battery is replaced by an AC source of
100 V and angular frequency 100 rad s -1, the
current reduces to 0.5 A. Find CBSE 2023
(i) Impedance of the circuit
(ii) Self-inductance of coil and
3 Marks Questions (iii) Phase difference between the voltage and
100 the current.
50. A series RL circuit with R=10Ω and L = ( )
𝜋
mH is connected to an AC source of voltage, 56. An alternating voltage of 220 V is applied
V-141 sin (100 (100𝜋𝑡 ) , where V is in volts across a device X, A current of 0.22. A flow in
and t is in seconds. Calculate CBSE 2023 the circuit and it lags behind the applied

16 | E-mail: arvindkashyap2008@[Link] Phone: +91 9350764376

KASHYAP CLASSES Author: Arvind Kashyap (Kashyap Sir)
Alternating Current
voltage in phase by 𝜋/2 radian. When the (ii) A lamp is connected in series with an
same voltage is applied across another device inductor and an AC source. What happens
Y. the current in the circuit remains the same to the brightness of the lamp when the key
and it is in phase with the applied voltage. is plugged in and an iron rod is inserted
(i) Name the devices X and Y and inside the inductor? Explain.
(ii) Calculate the current flowing in the circuit
when the same voltage applied across Fig ?
series combination of X and Y.
CBSE 2023

57. An AC voltage V = V0 sin 𝜔𝑡 is applied across

61. A 2 𝜇𝐹 capacitor, 100 Ω resistor and 8 H
a pure inductor of inductance L. Find an
inductor are connected in series with an AC
expression for the current i, flowing in the
source.
circuit and show mathematically that the
(i) What should be the frequency of the
current flowing through it lags behind the
𝜋 source such that current drawn in the
applied voltage by a phase angle of . Also circuit in maximum? What is this
2
draw graphs of V and i versus 𝜔𝑡 for the frequency called?
circuit. CBSE SQP 2022-23 (ii) If the peak value of emf of the source is
200 V, find the maximum current?
58. An AC source generating a voltage E = E 0 sin (iii) Draw graph showing variation of
𝜔𝑡 cot is connected to a capacitor C. Find the amplitude of circuit current with changing
expression for the current I flowing through it. frequency of applied voltage in a series
Plot a graph of E and I versus cot to show that L-C-R circuit for two different values of
𝜋
the current is ahead of the voltage by . resistance R1 and R2 (R1 > R2).
2
CBSE SQP 2021-22 Foreign 2016

59. (i) Find the value of the phase difference 62. Calculate the value of the additional capacitor
between the current and the voltage in the which may be joined suitably to the capacitor
series L-C-R circuit shown below. Which one C that would make the4 power factor of the
leads in phase : current or voltage? circuit unity. All India 2015

(ii) Without making any other change, find the

value of the additional capacitor C, to be
63. A circuit containing an 80 mH inductor and a
connected in parallel with the capacitor C, in
250 mF capacitor in series connected to a 240
order to make the power factor of the circuit
V. 100 rad/s supply. The resistance of the
unity. Delhi 2017
circuit is negligible.
(i) Obtain rms value of current
60. (i) When an AC source is connected to an
(ii) What is the total average power
ideal inductor show that the average
consumed by the circuit? Delhi 2015C
power supplied by the source over a
complete cycle is zero.
64. A source of AC voltage V = V 0 sin 𝜔𝑡 is
connected to a series combination of a
17 | E-mail: arvindkashyap2008@[Link] Phone: +91 9350764376
KASHYAP CLASSES Author: Arvind Kashyap (Kashyap Sir)
Alternating Current
resistor R and a capacitor C. Draw the phasor power supplied by the source over a
diagram and use it to obtain the expression complete cycle is zero.
for (i) impedance of the circuit and (ii) phase (ii) A lamp is connected in series with a
angle. All India 2015C capacitor. Predict your observations when
the system is connected first across a DC
65. (i) Determine the value of phase difference and then an AC source. What happens in
between the current and the voltage in the each case if the capacitance of the
given series L-C-R circuit. capacitor is reduced? Delhi 2013C
70. The figure The figure shows a series L-C-R
circuit with L= 10 H, C= 40 𝜇𝐹 , R = 60 Ω
connected to a variable frequency 240 V
source. Calculate

(ii) Calculate the value of additional capacitor

which may be joined suitably to the
capacitor C that would make the power
factor of the circuit unity. Delhi 2015

66. An inductor L of inductance X L is connected in (i) The angular frequency of the source
series with a bulb B and an AC source. How which derives the circuit at resonance.
would brightness of the bulb change when (i) (ii) The current at the resonating frequency.
number of turn in the inductor is reduced. (ii) (iii) The rms potential drop across the
an iron rod is inserted in the inductor and (iii) inductor at resonance. Delhi 2012
a capacitor of reactance XC = XL is inserted in
71. A series L-C-R circuit is connected to an AC
series in the circuit. Justify your answer in
source. Using the phasor diagram, derive the
each case. All India 2015
expression for the impedance of the circuit.
Plot a graph to show the variation of current
67. A voltage V = V0 sin 𝜔𝑡 is applied to series L-
with frequency of the source, explaining the
C-R circuit. Derive the expression for the
nature of its variation. All India 2012
average power dissipated over a cycle.
Under what condition is (i) no power 72. Three electrical circuits having AC sources of
dissipated even though the current flows variable frequency are shown in the figures.
through the circuit (ii) maximum power Initially, the current flowing in each of these is
dissipated in the circuit? All India 2014 same. If the frequency of the applied AC
source is increased, how will the current
68. (i) For a given AC, I – Im sin 𝜔𝑡, show that the
flowing in these circuits be affected? Give the
average power dissipated in a resistor R reason for your answer. Delhi 2011C
1
over a complete cycle is 2 𝐼 2𝑚 𝑅.
(ii) A light bulb is rated at 100 W for a 220 V
Ac supply. Calculate the resistance of the
bulb. All India 2013

69. (i) When an AC source is connected to an

ideal capacitor, then show that the average

18 | E-mail: arvindkashyap2008@[Link] Phone: +91 9350764376

KASHYAP CLASSES Author: Arvind Kashyap (Kashyap Sir)
Alternating Current
73. A series L-C-R circuit is connected to a 220 V
variable frequency AC supply. If L- 20 mH, C
= (800/𝜋2) 𝜇𝐹 and R = 110Ω.
(i) Find the frequency of the source for which
(a) Calculate the self-inductance of the
average power absorbed by the circuit is
inductor.
maximum.
(b) When this inductor is used in series with a
(ii) Calculate the value of maximum current
capacitor of unknown value and a resistor
amplitude. Delhi 2010C
of 10 Ω at 300 s-1, maximum power
74. An AC voltage V = V0 sin 𝜔𝑡 is applied across dissipation occurs in the circuit. Calculate
a pure inductor L. Obtain an expression for the capacitance of the capacitor.
the current I in the circuit and hence obtain Delhi 2020
the 78. (i) In a series L-C-R circuit connected across
(i) Inductive reactance of the circuit and an AC source of variable frequency.
(ii) The phase of the current flowing with Obtain the expression for its impedance
respect to the applied voltage. and draw a plot showing its variation with
All India 2010C frequency of the AC source.
75. An AC voltage V = V0 sin 𝜔𝑡 is applied across
(ii) What is the phase difference between the
a pure capacitor, C. Obtain an expression for voltages across inductor and the capacitor
the current I in the circuit and hence obtain at resonance in the L-C-R circuit?
the All India 2010C (iii) When an inductor is connected to a 200 V
(i) Capacitive reactance of the circuit and DC voltage, a current of 1A flows through
(ii) The phase of the current flowing with it. When the same inductor is connected to
respect to the applied voltage. 200 V.
50 Hz AC source, only 0.5 A current flows.
Explain, Why? Also, calculate the self-
5 Marks Questions
inductance of the inductor. Delhi 2019
76. (i) Derive the expression for the current
flowing in an ideal capacitor and its 79. A device X is connected across an AC source
reactance when connected to an AC of voltage V = V0 sin 𝜔𝑡. The current through
source of voltage V=V0 sin 𝜔𝑡. 𝜋
X is given as I = I0 sin (𝜔𝑡 + 2 )
(ii) Draw its phasor diagram.
(i) Identify the device X and write the
(iii) If resistance is added in series to capacitor
expression for its reactance.
what changes will occur in the current
(ii) Draw graphs showing variation of voltage
flowing in the circuit and phase angle
and current with time over one cycle of
between voltage and current.
AC, for X.
CBSE SQP 2020-21
(iii) How does the reactance of the device X
vary with frequency of the AC? Show this
77. (i) Show that an ideal inductor does not
variation graphically.
dissipate power in an AC circuit.
(iv) Draw the phasor diagram for the device
(ii) The variation of inductive reactance (X L) of
X. CBSE 2018
an inductor with the frequency (f) of the
AC source of 100 V and variable
80. A device X is connected to an AC source. V =
frequency is shown in figure.
V0 sin 𝜔𝑡 . The variation of voltage, current
and power in one cycle is shown in the
following graph.

19 | E-mail: arvindkashyap2008@[Link] Phone: +91 9350764376

KASHYAP CLASSES Author: Arvind Kashyap (Kashyap Sir)
Alternating Current
briefly how the phenomenon of resonance in
the circuit can be used in the tuning
mechanism of a radio or a TV set?
Delhi 2001

(i) Identify the device X PYQs Previous Years Questions

(ii) Which of the curves A, B and C represent 1 Mark Questions
the voltage, current and the power Multiple Choice Questions
consumed in the circuit? Justify the
answer. 1. The core of a transformer is laminated to
reduce the effect of CBSE 2022 (Term-1)
(iii) How does the impedance vary with (a) flux leakage (b) copper loss
frequency of the AC source? Show (c) hysteresis loss (d) eddy current
graphically. 2. Which among the following, is not a cause for
power loss in a transformer
(iv) Obtain an expression for the current in
(a) Eddy currents are produced in the soft iron
the circuit and its phase relation with AC coreo a transformer.
voltage. All India 2017 (b) Electric flux sharing is not properly done in
81. An Ac source of voltage V = V 0 sin 𝜔𝑡 is primary and secondary coils.
connected to a series combination of L, C and (c) Humming sound produced in the
R. Use the phasor diagram to obtain transformers due to magnetostriction.
expressions for impedance of the circuit and (d) Primary coil is made up of a very thick
copper wire. CBSE SQP 2021-22
phase angle between voltage and current.
Find the condition when current will be in
Assertion-Reason Questions
phase with the voltage. What is the circuit in
Direction (Q. No. 3) n the following question, two
the condition called? Delhi 2016 statements are given- one labelled Assertion (4)
and the other labelled Reason (R). Select the
82. (i) An AC source of voltage V = V 0 sin 𝜔𝑡 is correct answer to this question from the codes
connected across a series combination of (a), (b), (c) and (d) as given below
an inductor, a capacitor and resistor. Use (d) If both Assertion and Reason are correct
the phasor diagram to obtain the and Reason is the correct explanation of
expression for Assertion.
(e) If both Assertion and Reason are correct
(a) Impedance of the circuit and
but Reason is not the correct explanation
(b) Phase angle between the voltage and of Assertion.
the current. (f) If Assertion is correct but Reason is
(ii) A capacitor of unknown capacitance, a incorrect.
resistor of 100Ω and an inductor of self (g) If both Assertion and Reason are
incorrect.
inductance
L= (4/ 𝜋2) henry are in series connected to an 3. Assertion A step-up transformer cannot be
used step-down transformer.
AC source of 200 V and 50 Hz. Calculate the
Reason A transformer works only in one
value of the capacitance and the current that direction. CBSE 2022 (Term-)
flows in the circuit when the current is in
phase with the voltage. All India 2013C Very Short Answer Questions
83. Derive an expression for the impedance of a 4. Why is the core of a transformer laminated?
series L-C-R circuit connected to an AC Delhi 2013C
supply of variable frequency. Plot a graph
5. Mention two characteristic properties of the
showing variation of current with the
material suitable for making core of a
frequency of the applied voltage. Explain transformer.
20 | E-mail: arvindkashyap2008@[Link] Phone: +91 9350764376
KASHYAP CLASSES Author: Arvind Kashyap (Kashyap Sir)
Alternating Current
All India 2012 15. Mention various energy loss in a transformer.
All India 2011
6. What is the function of a step-up transformer?
All India 2011C 5 Marks Questions
2 Mark Questions
16. (i) Draw the diagram of a device which is used
7. The primary coil having NP turns of an ideal to decrease high AC voltage into a low AC
transformer is supplied with alternating voltage and state its working principle.
voltage VP. Obtain an expression for the Write four sources of energy loss in this
voltage VS induced in its secondary coil device.
having NS turns. Mention two main sources of (ii) A small town with a demand of 1200 kW of
power loss in real transformers. electric power at 220 V is situated 20 km
CBSE 2023 away from an electric plant generating
power at 440 V. The resistance of the two
8. Explain with help of a diagram, the working of wire line carrying power is 0.5 Ω per km.
a step-down transformer. Why is a laminated The town gets the power from the line
iron core used in a transformer? through a 4000-220 V step-down
All India 2020 transformer at a sub-station in the town.
9. What is the principle of transformer? Estimate the line power loss in the form of
(ii) Explain how laminating the core of a heat. Delhi 2019
transformer helps to reduce eddy current?
(iii) Why the primary and secondary coils of a 17. (i) Draw a labelled diagram of a step-down
transformer are preferably wound on the transformer. State the principle of its
same core? CBSE SOP 2018-19 working.
(ii) Express the turn ratio in terms of voltages.
10. With the help of a diagram, explain the (iii) Find the ratio of primary and secondary
principle of a device which changes a low currents in terms of turn ratio in an ideal
voltage into a high voltage but does not violate transformer.
the law of conservation of energy. Give any (iv) How much current is drawn by the primary
one reason why the device may not be 100% of a transformer connected to 220 V supply
efficient. CBSE SQP 2017-18 when it delivers power to a l10 V-550 W in
refrigerator? All India 2016
11. A power transmission line feeds input power
at 2200V to a step-down transformer with its KEY idea
primary windings having 3000 turns. Find the Power loss in the form of heat is directly
number of turns in the secondary winding to proportional to the square of current and
get the power output at 220 V. Delhi 2017 product of resistance.
12. State the underlying principle of a transformer. 18. (i) Write the function of a transformer. State its
How is the large scale transmission of electric principle of working with the help of a
energy over long distances done with the use diagram. Mention various energy losses in
of transformers? AIl India 2012 this device.
(ii) The primary coil of an ideal step-up
13. A power transmission line feeds power at transformer has 100 turns and
2200 V with a current of 5 A to step-down transformation ratio is also 100. The input
transformer with its primary winding having voltage and power are respectively 220 V
4000 turns. Calculate the number of turns and and 1100 W. Calculate
the current in the secondary in order to get (a) number of turns in secondary
output power at 220 V. Foreign 2011 (b) current in primary
(c) voltage across secondary
14. State the principle of working of a transformer. (d) current in secondary
Can a transformer be used to step-up or step- (e) power in secondary Delhi 2016
down a DC voltage? Justify your answer.
All India 2011 19. (i) Draw a schematic arrangement for winding
of primary and secondary coils in a
21 | E-mail: arvindkashyap2008@[Link] Phone: +91 9350764376
KASHYAP CLASSES Author: Arvind Kashyap (Kashyap Sir)
Alternating Current
transformer when the two coils are wound
on top of each other.
(ii)State the underlying principle of a Case Based Question (4 Marks)
transformer and obtain the expression for (For Complete Chapter)
the ratio of secondary to primary voltage in
terms of the Direction ([Link]. 24) This question is Case Study
based question. Read the following paragraph
(a) number of secondary and primary
windings and and answer the questions.
(b) primary and secondary currents.
24. Read the following paragraph and answers
(iii)Write the main assumption involved in the questions
deriving the above relations.
(iv) Write any two reasons due to which energy
losses may occur in actual transformers.
All India 2014C

20. (i) State the principle of a step-up transformer.

Explain with the help of a labelled diagram,
its working.
(ii) Describe briefly and two energy losses The large-scale transmission and distribution of
giving the reasons for their occurrence in electrical energy over long distances is done with
actual transformer. Foreign 2012 the use of transformers. the voltage output of the
21. (i) With the help of a labelled diagram, generator is stepped-up. It is then transmitted
describe briefly the underlying principle over long distances to an area sub-station near
and working of a step-up transformer. the consumers, There the voltage is stepped
(ii) Write any two sources of energy loss in a down. It is further stepped down at distributing
transformer. sub-stations and utility poles before a power
(iii) A step-up transformer converts a low input supply of 240 V reaches our homes.
CBSE SQP 2021-22
voltage into a high output voltage. Does it
violate law of conservation of energy? (i) Which of the following statement is true?
Explain. Delhi 2011 (a) Energy is created when a transformer steps
un the voltage
22. Draw a schematic diagram of a step-up (b) A transformer is designed to convert an AC
transformer. Explain its working principle. voltage to DC voltage
Deduce the expression for the secondary to (c) Step-up transformer increases the power
primary voltage in terms of the number of for transmission
turns in the two coils. (d) Step-down transformer decreases the AC
In an ideal transformer, how is this relation voltage
related to the currents in the two coils.
How is the transformer used in large scale (ii) If the secondary coil has a greater number of
transmission and distribution of electrical turns than the primary
energy over All India 2010 the long distances? (a) the voltage is stepped-up (Vs>Vp) and
arrangement is called a step-up transformer
23. A step-up down transformer operated on a 2.5 (b) the voltage is stepped-down (Vs < Vp) and
kV line. It supplies a load with 20 A. The ratio arrangement is called a step-down
of the primary winding to the secondary is transformer
10:1. If the transformer is 90% efficient, (c) the current is stepped-up (Is > Ip) and
calculate arrangement is called a step-up transformer
(i) the power output (d) the current is stepped-down (Is < Ip) and
(ii) the voltage and arrangement is called a step-down
(iii)the current in the secondary coil. transformer
Foreign 2010
(iii) We need to step-up the voltage for power
KEY Idea transmission, so that
Percentage efficiency of transformer is
Output power
22determine
| E-mail:by using Input power , x100
arvindkashyap2008@[Link] Phone: +91 9350764376
KASHYAP CLASSES Author: Arvind Kashyap (Kashyap Sir)
Alternating Current
(a) the current is reduced and consequently,
the I2R loss is cut down
(b) the voltage is increased, the power losses
are also increased
(c) the power is increased before transmission
is done
(d) the voltage is decreased so V 2/R losses are
reduced
(iv) A power transmission line feeds input power
at 2300 V to a step down transformer with its
primary windings having 4000 turns. The
number of turns in the secondary in order to
get output power at 230 V are
(a) 4 (b) 40 (c) 400 (d) 4000

23 | E-mail: arvindkashyap2008@[Link] Phone: +91 9350764376