Chapter 16 Alternating Current

Exercise Short Questions:

I = 2I rms
I = 2 (10 A)
I = 14.14 A
Thus, the maximum value of the current is 14.14 A.
Q # 2. Name the devices that will
(a) Permit flow of direct current but oppose the flow of alternating current
(b) Permit flow of alternating current but not the direct current.
Ans.
(a) An inductor (choke) is a device which permits flow of direct current but opposes the flow of
alternating current. It is represented by the following symbol:
Also its reactance is X L = 2πfL
(b) A capacitor is a device which permits flow of alternating current but not the direct current. It is
represented by the following symbol:
1 1
Also its reactance is X c = =
2πfc ωc
Q # 3. How many times per second will an incandescent lamp reaches maximum brilliance when
connected to a 50 Hz source?
Ans. The brilliance of the lamp will become maximum twice in one AC cycle because the current also
becomes maximum two times in a cycle (i.e., for +ve half cycle and –ve half cycle).
As the frequency “f” of AC cycle is 50 Hz.
So maximum brilliance shown by lamp per second = Twice the frequency of AC source
So maximum brilliance shown by lamp per second = 2f = 2 × 50 = 100 times
Hence, the brilliance will be maximum 100 time in one second
Q # 4. A circuit contains an iron-cored inductor, a switch and a DC sources arranged in series. The
switch is closed and after an interval reopened. Explain why a spark jumps across the switch contacts?
Ans. When a switch of circuit containing iron cored inductor is closed, current increases from zero to
maximum value. This changing current produce change of magnetic flux and hence emf is produced. After
an interval, when switch is reopened, the current changes from maximum to zero. Again emf is developed
across the coil. This is back emf. This produces spark across the switch contacts.
Q # 5. How does doubling the frequency affect the reactance of (a) an inductor (b) capacitor?
Ans.
Inductor:
XL = ωL = 2πf L
As f ʹ = 2f
XʹL = ωʹL = 2πf ʹ L = 2π(2f)L = 2 (2πfL) = 2 XL
It shows that by doubling the frequency the reactance of inductor will also become double.
Capacitor:
XC = 1/ωC = 1/2πfC
As f ʹ = 2f
XʹC = 1/ωʹC = 1/2πf ʹ C = 1/2π(2f)C = ½(2πf)C = ½ XL
It shows that by doubling the frequency the reactance of inductor will become half.
Q # 6. In a RL circuit, will the current lag or lead the voltage? Illustrate your answer
by a vector diagram.
Figure shows an RL series circuit excited by an AC source. The potential difference across
resistor ‘IR’ would be in phase with current I.
Taking the current as the reference, the potential difference across the resistor is represented
by the line along the current line because the potential difference is in phase with current.
The potential difference across the inductor VL = I RMS ( L). As the current lags the voltage
by 90 , so the line representing vector L is drawn at right angle to the current line.
o

Figure shows that the current and the applied voltage are not in phase. The phase θ by which
the current leads the voltage is given by the expression:
L
 = Tan −1
R
Q # 7. A choke coil placed in series with an electric lamp in an AC circuit causes the lamp to become
dim. Why is it so? A variable capacitor added in series in this circuit may be adjusted until the lamp
glows with normal brilliance. Explain, how this is possible?
Ans. Let an electric lamp connected to a source of alternating voltage V in AC circuit. When there is no
inductance or capacitance in the circuit, the impedance is equal to the resistance of the circuit, say R. it means
that the current flowing through the lamp is
V
I=
R
(a) When a choke coil is connected in series with an electric lamp
If, now, a choke coil of inductive reactance XL is placed in series with the electric lamp, the new impedance
of the circuit will be:
Z1 = R 2 + X L2
Therefore, the current flowing through the circuit in this case will be:
V V
I1 = =
Z1 R + X2
2
L

From the comparison of both currents, we see that I1 is smaller than I and that is why the electric lamp is
dimmed on placing a choke coil in the circuit.
(b) A Variable capacitor added in series with an electric lamp
When a variable capacitor also is in series with the circuit, its capacitive reactance XC opposes XL and thus
the impedance of the circuit is
Z2 = R2 + (X L − X C )
2

Therefore, the current flowing through the circuit in this case will be:
V V
I2 = =
Z2 R2 + (X L − X C )
2

If then XL = XC, then I 2 = V = V V

Hence, the current I2 becomes equal to the current I for XL = XC, as if there is no reactance in the circuit and
hence the lamp glow with normal brilliance.
Q # 8. Explain the condition under which electromagnetic waves are produced from a source.
Ans. When alternating voltage is applied across the ends of a metallic antenna, and oscillating electric field
comes into existence which accelerates the electrons again and again as the polarities of the antenna changes
after half a cycle.
The accelerated electrons radiate energy carried by changing electric field. A changing electric field creates
a magnetic field and a changing magnetic field creates electric field. Thus each field will generate the other
and the whole package of electric and magnetic fields will move along propelling itself through space.
Q # 9. How the reception of a particular radio station is selected on your radio set?
Ans. A particular radio station can be selected on a radio set by tuning it. When the frequency of the LC –
oscillator in the radio set is equal to the frequency of the radio wave from a particular radio station, a
resonance is produced. The current of this signal becomes maximum and can detected and amplified. The
resonance frequency:
1
fR =
2 LC
Q # 10. What is meant by A.M and F.M?
Ans. Amplitude Modulation
In this type of modulation, the amplitude of the carrier wave is increased or diminished as the amplitude of
the superposing modulating signal increases or decreases.
Frequency Modulation
In this type of modulation, the frequency of the carrier wave is increased or diminished as the amplitude of
the superposing modulating signal increases or decreases. But the carrier wave amplitude remains constant.