SOLUTIONS

Question Bank with Answers

Course Code: 312315

Program: Electronics and Computer Engineering

1) Define electromotive force (EMF) and terminal volt-

age. (2 Marks)
Electromotive Force (EMF):

Energy per unit charge provided by an energy source. Denoted by E.

If no current flows (open circuit), the measured voltage across the source is its EMF.
Terminal Voltage:
Vterminal = E − Irint ,
where I is load current and rint is internal resistance. Under load, terminal voltage is
typically less than the EMF due to the internal voltage drop.

2) State Lenz’s Law and briefly explain its significance.

(2 Marks)
Lenz’s Law:

The induced emf in a circuit always acts in a direction that opposes the change in flux causing it.

Significance:

ˆ Ensures conservation of energy by opposing changes in magnetic flux.

ˆ Determines direction of induced current in inductors, transformers, and generators.

3) Define Magnetic Flux Density (B). (2 Marks)

Magnetic Flux Density (B):
Φ
B= ,
A
where Φ is the magnetic flux (in Webers) passing through a cross-sectional area A (in
m2 ). Its SI unit is the Tesla (T). It represents the strength and direction of the magnetic
field in a material or region.

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4) Define Magnetic Flux and Magnetomotive Force
(MMF). (2 Marks)
Magnetic Flux (Φ): Z
Φ= B · dA,

(though often simplified as Φ = B × A for uniform fields). Measured in Webers (Wb). It

indicates total magnetic field lines passing through an area.
Magnetomotive Force (MMF):
MMF = N I,
where N = number of turns in the coil and I = current in amperes. Its unit is Ampere-
turns (A-t). MMF is analogous to voltage in electric circuits.

5) Define Reluctance and state its SI unit. (2 Marks)

Reluctance (ℜ):
l
ℜ= ,
µA
where l is the magnetic path length, A is cross-sectional area, and µ is permeability. It
measures opposition to magnetic flux in a magnetic circuit.
SI unit: Ampere-turns per Weber (A-t/Wb) or H1 (inverse of Henry).

6) Compare self-induction and mutual induction (any

two points). (2 Marks)
Aspect Self-Induction Mutual Induction
Definition Changing current in a coil in- Changing current in one coil
duces an emf in the same coil. induces emf in another coil.
Coefficient Self-inductance L Mutual inductance M
Example Inductor in DC circuit Transformer: primary vs. sec-
ondary winding

7) Differentiate between electric and magnetic circuits

(any three points). (3 Marks)
Point Electric Circuit Magnetic Circuit
Driving Quantity Voltage V Magnetomotive Force (MMF),
NI
Flowing Quantity Current I Magnetic flux Φ
Opposition Resistance R Reluctance ℜ
V NI
Ohm’s Law Analog I= Φ=
R ℜ
Losses Resistive (heat) Core (eddy, hysteresis) losses

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8) Compare Star and Delta connections. (3 Marks)
Star (Y) Connection:
√
ˆ Line vs. Phase Voltage: VL = 3 Vph .

ˆ Line vs. Phase Current: IL = Iph .

ˆ Neutral point is available.

ˆ Used in distribution (needing neutral), often for smaller or balanced loads.

Delta (∆) Connection:

√
ˆ VL = Vph , IL = 3 Iph .

ˆ No neutral point.

ˆ Common in industries for 3-phase motors, large loads.

9) Draw a neat sketch of a Core-Type Transformer

(label the core and windings). (3 Marks)
10) Compare single-phase and three-phase systems
w.r.t power delivery, conductors, voltage levels. (3
Marks)
ˆ Power Delivery:

– Single-phase: Suitable for small residential loads.

– Three-phase: Capable of delivering higher power efficiently to large industrial
loads.

ˆ Number of Conductors:

– Single-phase: Typically 2 or 3 (L, N, Earth).

– Three-phase: 3 or 4 (3 lines plus optional neutral).

ˆ Voltage Levels:

– Single-phase: Commonly 110 V or 230 V.

– Three-phase: 400 V, 415 V, or higher line voltages.

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11) Explain the need for a balanced three-phase sys-
tem in industrial applications. (3 Marks)
Balanced Three-Phase System:

Iphase = equal magnitude on each phase, 120◦ apart.

Why needed?

ˆ Results in constant or smoother power to loads, reducing torque ripple in motors.

ˆ Minimizes neutral or negative-sequence currents.

ˆ Enhances efficiency, avoiding unbalanced voltages that can damage equipment.

12) Explain the significance of Permeability in a mag-

netic circuit. (3 Marks)
Permeability (µ) is a measure of how easily a material allows magnetic flux to pass. It
relates B (flux density) to H (magnetizing force):

B = µH.

Significance:

ˆ Higher permeability → lower reluctance → easier flux flow.

ˆ Materials with high µ (like iron) are used for efficient magnetic circuits in trans-
formers, motors, inductors.

13) Compare Statically Induced EMF with Dynami-

cally Induced EMF. (3 Marks)
ˆ Statically Induced EMF: Flux linkage changes because of a change in current
(or flux) without physical motion (e.g., self-induction and mutual induction in sta-
tionary coils).

ˆ Dynamically Induced EMF: Conductor or coil physically moves through a mag-

netic field, or the field moves relative to the conductor (e.g., generator action).

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14) Compare Magnetic Circuits and Electrical Cir-
cuits (any four points). (3 Marks)
Aspect Magnetic Circuit Electrical Circuit
Flow quantity Flux (Φ) (Webers) Current (I) (Amperes)
Opposition Reluctance (ℜ) Resistance (R)
Driving force MMF (N I) EMF or Voltage (V )
Losses Hysteresis, Eddy cur- Resistive (I2 R)
rent
Circuit law Φ = NℜI I = VR
Units Ampere-turns/Wb Volts, Amps, Ohms

15) Explain with a neat diagram the concept of Series

and Parallel Magnetic Circuits. (3 Marks)
Series Magnetic Circuit:
ˆ Single path for flux Φ.
ˆ Analogous to series electric circuit: ℜtotal = ℜ1 + ℜ2 + . . . .
Parallel Magnetic Circuit:
ˆ Flux divides into parallel paths, each path carrying portion of Φ.
ˆ Net reluctance can be computed like parallel resistors in electric circuits.
(Diagram would show a core with possibly multiple parallel arms for flux paths, labeled
Φ1 , Φ2 , etc.)

16) State one application each for single-phase and

three-phase power. (2 Marks)
ˆ Single-phase: Residential lighting, small appliances.
ˆ Three-phase: Industrial motors, pumps, large machinery.

17) Draw a neat sketch of a star (Y) connection and

label its lines and phases. (3 Marks)
18) A coil with 400 turns, mean circumference 80 cm,
cross-sectional area 5 cm2, current 2 A, µr = 1000. Cal-
culate flux density. (4 Marks)
Given:
N = 400, I = 2 A, l = 0.80 m, A = 5 × 10−4 m2 , µr = 1000,

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 µ0 = 4π × 10−7 H/m.
MMF = N I = 400 × 2 = 800 A-turns.
µ = µr µ0 = 1000 × 4π × 10−7 = 4π × 10−4 H/m.
MMF 800
H= = = 1000 A/m.
l 0.80
B = µ H = (4π × 10−4 ) × 1000 = 4π × 10−1 ≈ 1.2566 T.
Answer: B ≈ 1.26 T.

19) A coil of 600 turns on iron core (60 cm, 3 cm2),

connected to 20 V DC & 15 Ω resistor. Calculate
MMF, Magnetizing force, Total flux, Reluctance. (4
Marks)
Given:
N = 600, l = 0.60 m, A = 3 × 10−4 m2 ,
V = 20 V, R = 15 Ω.
V 20
I= = ≈ 1.333 A.
R 15
MMF = N I = 600 × 1.333 ≈ 800 A-turns.
800
H= ≈ 1333.33 A/m.
0.60
l
Reluctance, ℜ = (depends on µr if given).
µ0 µr A
MMF
Φ= (once ℜ is known).
ℜ
Answer:
0.60 800
MMF = 800 A-t, H ≈ 1333.33 A/m, ℜ = , Φ = .
µ0 µr (3 × 10−4 ) ℜ

20) An iron ring of 90 cm circumference, 600 turns,

current 1.5 A, µr = 1400. Compute flux density. (4
Marks)
N = 600, l = 0.90 m, I = 1.5 A, µr = 1400.
MMF = N I = 600 × 1.5 = 900 A-turns.
900
H= = 1000 A/m.
0.90
µ = µr µ0 = 1400 × 4π × 10−7 = 5.6π × 10−4 H/m.
B = µH = (5.6π × 10−4 ) × 1000 = 0.56π ≈ 1.7593 T.
(Numerical result may vary with rounding.)

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21) Define peak value and average value of an AC
quantity. (2 Marks)
ˆ Peak Value (Vmax ): Maximum amplitude of the waveform.

ˆ Average Value (over 1 full cycle): Zero for a pure sine wave, since positive half
cancels negative half.

22) List any two disadvantages of DC over AC supply.

(2 Marks)
ˆ Voltage level cannot be changed easily (no simple transformer).

ˆ Higher losses for long-distance transmission if not at high voltage.

23) State advantages of AC over DC supply (at least

two). (2 Marks)
ˆ Simple transformation of voltage via transformers.

ˆ Efficient high-voltage transmission with lower current and reduced losses.

ˆ AC generators & motors are generally simpler & cheaper.

24) Define: Time Period (T ), Frequency (f ). (2 Marks)

ˆ Time Period (T ): Time taken to complete one full cycle of an AC wave. T = f1 .

ˆ Frequency (f ): Number of cycles per second in Hz. f = 1

T
.

25) Define RMS Value of an AC quantity. (2 Marks)

Root Mean Square value is the effective value of AC which produces the same power
dissipation in a resistor as a DC of the same magnitude. For a sinusoidal voltage v =
Vmax sin(ωt),
Vmax
Vrms = √ .
2

26) What are the advantages of a polyphase (three-

phase) circuit over single-phase? (3 Marks)
ˆ Constant/smoother power delivery, less pulsation.

ˆ More efficient power transmission with lower conductor requirement.

ˆ Three-phase motors are self-starting, simpler, & robust.

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 ˆ Reduced neutral/return current in balanced systems.

27) What is meant by three-phase balanced and un-

balanced load? (3 Marks)
ˆ Balanced Load: All three phases have equal magnitude impedance, drawing equal
current at 120◦ separation.

ˆ Unbalanced Load: Phase impedances differ, leading to unequal currents and

possibly neutral current or negative sequence components.

28) Compare Star and Delta connections for line vs.

phase voltage/current, neutral, applications. (3 Marks)
Line vs. Phase Voltage:
√
Star: VL = 3 Vph , Delta: VL = Vph .

Line vs. Phase Current:

√
Star: IL = Iph , Delta: IL = 3 Iph .

Neutral Availability:

ˆ Star: Neutral is available.

ˆ Delta: No neutral.

Typical Applications:

ˆ Star: Distribution requiring neutral.

ˆ Delta: Industrial motors, no neutral needed.

29) Explain Form Factor and Peak Factor for an AC

waveform. (3 Marks)
ˆ Form Factor:
RMS Value
Average (rectified) Value
For a sine wave, Form Factor ≈ 1.11.

ˆ Peak Factor (Crest Factor):

Peak (max) Value

RMS Value
√
For a sine wave, Peak Factor = 2 ≈ 1.414.

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30) Draw a purely Capacitive circuit and show its pha-
sor diagram and waveform. (3 Marks)
Circuit: AC source in series with capacitor C. Phasor Diagram: Current (I) leads voltage
(V ) by 90◦ . Waveform: i wave is 90◦ ahead of v wave.

31) Draw a purely Inductive circuit & show phasor di-

agram & waveform. Write formula for XL. (3 Marks)
Circuit: AC source and inductor L in series. Phasor Diagram: Voltage leads current by
90◦ in an inductor. Waveform: v is 90◦ ahead of i.
Inductive Reactance:
XL = ωL = 2πf L.

32) Explain the need for a balanced three-phase sys-

tem in industrial applications. (3 Marks)
Similar to Q11, a balanced system ensures:

ˆ No or minimal neutral current;

ˆ Smoother power flow for motors;

ˆ Less vibration, better efficiency, consistent torque.

33) An alternating voltage: v = 100 sin(314t). Deter-

mine f , amplitude, T , RMS. (4 Marks)
v = 100 sin(ωt), ω = 314, Vmax = 100.
ω 314
f= = ≈ 50 Hz.
2π 2π
1
Amplitude = 100 V, T = = 0.02 s.
50
100
Vrms = √ ≈ 70.71 V.
2

34) A sinusoidal voltage: v = 220 sin(377t + π/6). Calcu-

late RMS, Avg, ω, T , Phase. (4 Marks)
π
Vmax = 220, ω = 377, ϕ= .
6
220
ˆ RMS Value: Vrms = √ ≈ 155.56 V.
2

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 ˆ Average Value (full cycle): 0 V.

ˆ Angular Frequency: ω = 377 rad/s.

2π
ˆ Time Period: T = ≈ 0.0167 s.
377
ˆ Phase Angle: ϕ = 30◦ .

35) Define Voltage Ratio of a transformer. (2 Marks)

Voltage Ratio:
Vsecondary Ns
Ratio = = ,
Vprimary Np
where Np , Ns are primary and secondary turns, Vprimary , Vsecondary are respective voltages.

36) Draw a neat sketch of a Core-Type Transformer

(label the core and windings). (3 Marks)
(See also Q9 for a conceptual figure.)

37) State difference between Core-Type and Shell-

Type Transformers (at least two). (3 Marks)
Aspect Core-Type Transformer Shell-Type Transformer
Core Construction Windings on two opposite Windings placed on central
limbs, magnetic path is around limb, flux splits into two side
them limbs
Winding Distribution Usually concentric or cylindri- Sandwich coils, with portions
cal coils on each limb of coils stacked alternately
Metal Usage More iron used in core More copper used (longer
mean turn length) but less iron

38) Explain the Working Principle of a Transformer.

(4 Marks)
Principle: Mutual Induction.

ˆ An AC in the primary winding creates a changing magnetic flux in the laminated

iron core.

ˆ This flux links with the secondary winding, inducing an AC voltage per Faraday’s
law.

ˆ The ratio of secondary to primary voltages is proportional to the ratio of turns.

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39) Explain with a neat diagram how a Single-Phase
Transformer is constructed (core vs. windings). (4
Marks)
ˆ Iron Core made of laminated silicon steel to reduce eddy current losses.

ˆ Primary winding and secondary winding on the same core limb or split among limbs
for better flux linkage.

ˆ Minimizing air gap to reduce magnetizing current.

Diagram: Typically shows core with two windings (primary Np , secondary Ns ).

40) Discuss how Voltage Ratio in a Transformer re-

lates primary and secondary voltages (simple exam-
ple). (4 Marks)
Vs Ns
= .
Vp Np
Example: If a transformer has primary turns Np = 100, secondary turns Ns = 200, and
Vp = 120 V:
Ns 200
Vs = Vp × = 120 × = 240 V.
Np 100
Hence stepping up voltage by factor of 2.

41) Explain how losses in a transformer (iron & cop-

per) might be measured (short-circuit & open-circuit
tests). (4 Marks)
Open-Circuit Test:

ˆ Primary energized at rated voltage with secondary open.

ˆ Measures core (iron) losses and magnetizing current.

Short-Circuit Test:

ˆ Secondary is shorted, a reduced voltage is applied to primary until rated current

flows.

ˆ Measures copper (I2 R) losses in windings.

Total losses = iron losses (from OC test) + copper losses (from SC test).

Prepared By:
Dr. Mohd Sartaj

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