ALTERNATING CURRENT & ELECTROMAGNETIC WAVES 143

07
ALTERNATING CURRENT &
ELECTROMAGNETIC WAVES

SCAN CODE
Alternating Current & Electromagnetic Waves
144 ALTERNATING CURRENT & ELECTROMAGNETIC WAVES

Chapter 07

Alternating Current & Electromagnetic Waves

T I 2 I .T
1. The Alternating Current From (3) and (4), we get Im 
2
= 2 0 = 0 …(5)
 2
2
The magnitude of alternating current changes continuously or Im = I0 = 0.637 I0

with time and its direction is reversed periodically. It is
represented by Hence, mean or average value of alternating current
over positive half cycle is 0.637 times the peak value
I = I0 sin  t or I = I0 cos  t of alternating current, i.e., 63.7% of the peak value.

=
2
= 2v 2. A.C. Circuits
T
2.1 A.C. Circuits Containing
1.1. Average Value of Alternating Resistance Only
Current Let a source of alternating e.m.f. be connected to a pure
The mean or average value of alternating current over any resistance R, Figure. Suppose the alternating e.m.f. supplied
half cycle is defined as that value of steady current which is represented by E = E0 sin t ...(1)
would send the same amount of charge through a circuit in
Let I be the current in the circuit at any instant t. The potential
the time of half cycle (i.e. T/2) as is sent by the alternating
difference developed across R will be IR. This must be equal
current through the same circuit, in the same time.
to e.m.f. applied at that instant, i.e., IR = E = E0 sin t
To calculate the mean or average value, let an alternating
current be represented by
I = I0 sin  t ...(1)
If the strength of current is assumed to remain constant for a
small time, dt, then small amount of charge sent in a small
time dt is
dq = I dt ...(2)
Fig. 7.1
Let q be the total charge sent by alternating current in the first
half cycle (i.e. 0 → T/2).
T/2

 q=  I dt
0

T/2

Using (1), we get, q = I0 sin t.dt = I0 − cos t 

T/2

 0

 
0
I0  T 
=−  cos  − cos 0
 2 
10
=− cos  − cos 0 (  T = 2 ) Fig. 7.2


I0 2I
q=− −1 − 1 = 0 ...(3)
I=
E0
sin t = I 0 sin t
  or ...(2)
R
If Im represents the mean or average value of alternating
where I0 = E0/R, maximum value of current.
current over the 1st half cycle, then
T This is the form of alternating current developed.
q = Im  ...(4)
2

SCAN CODE
Alternating Current & Electromagnetic Waves
ALTERNATING CURRENT & ELECTROMAGNETIC WAVES 145

Comparing I0 = E0/R with Ohm’s law equation, viz. turned clockwise through 90° from the direction of .
current = voltage/resistance, we find that resistance to a.c. is   v
E 0 . I = I0 sin  t −  , I0 = 0 , XL =  L
represented by R–which is the value of resistance to  2 xL
d.c. A pure inductance offer zero resistance to dc. It
Hence behaviour of R in d.c. and a.c. circuit is the same, means a pure inductor cannot reduce dc. The units of
R can reduce a.c. as well as d.c. equally effectively. inductive reactance
Comparing (2) and (1), we find that E and I are in phase. 1
XL =  L  (henry) =
Therefore, in an a.c. circuit containing R only, the voltage sec
and current are in the same phase, as shown in figure. 1 1
= ohm
sec amp / sec
2.1.1 Phasor Diagram The dimensions of inductive reactance are the same as
In the a.c. circuit containing R only, current and those of resistance.
voltage are in the same phase. Therefore, in figure, 2.3 A.C. Circuit Containing
Capacitance Only
Let a source of alternating e.m.f. be connected to a capacitor
both phasors I0 an d E 0 ar e in th s e direc tio n only of capacitance C, figure. Suppose the alternating e.m.f.
making an angle (ωt) with OX. This eis soa for all times. It supplied is
m
means that the phase angle between alternating voltage E = E0 sin t ...(1)
and alternating current through R is zero.
The current flowing in the circuit transfers charge to the
I = I0 sin ωt and E = E0 sin ωt. plates of the capacitor. This produces a potential difference
2.2 A.C. Circuit Containing between the plates. The capacitor is alternately charged and
discharged as the current reverses each half cycle. At any
Inductance only instant t, suppose q is the charge on the capacitor. Therefore,
In an a.c. circuit containing L only alternating current I lags potential difference across the plates of capacitor V = q/C.
behind alternating voltage E by a phase angle of 90°, i.e., by
At every instant, the potential difference V must be equal to
one fourth of a period. Conversely, voltage across L leads the
the e.m.f. applied i.e.
current by a phase angle of 90°. This is shown in figure.
q
V= = E = E 0 sin t
C
or q = C0 sin t
If I is instantaneous value of current in the circuit at instant
t, then
dq d
I= = (C0 sin t)
dt dt
I = CE0 (cos t) 
E0
I= sin ( t + / 2 ) ...(2)
1/ C
The current will be maximum i.e.
I = I0, when sin (t + /2) = maximum = 1
E0
 From (2), I0 = 1 ...(3)
Fig. 7.3 1/ C
Put in (2), I = I0 sin (t + /2) ...(4)
Figure (b) represents the vector diagram or the phasor
diagram of a.c. circuit containing L only. The vector This is the form of alternating current developed.
representing makes an angle (t) with OX. As current lags Comparing (4) with (1), we find that in an a.c. circuit

behing the e.m.f. by 90°, therefore, phasor representing I0 is

SCAN CODE
Alternating Current & Electromagnetic Waves
146 ALTERNATING CURRENT & ELECTROMAGNETIC WAVES

3. A.C. Circuit Containing

containing C only, alternating current I leads the alternating
e.m.f. by a phase angle of 90°. This is shown in figure (b) and
(c).
Resistance, Inductance
The phasor diagram or vector diagram of a.c. circuit
containing C only in shown in figure (b). The phasor is turned and Capacitance in Series
anticlockwise through 90° from the direction of phasor . Their
projections on YOY’ give the instantaneous values E and I as
3.1 Phasor Treatment
shown in figure (b). When E0 and I0 rotate with frequency , Let a pure resistance R, a pure inductance L and an ideal
capacitor of capacitance C be connected in series to a source
curves in figure (c). are generated.
of alternating e.m.f., figure. As R, L, C are in series, therefore,
current at any instant through the three elements has the same
amplitude and phase. Let it be represented by I = I 0 sin t

Fig. 7.5
However, voltage across each element bears a
Fig. 7.4 different phase relationship with the current. Now,

• The maximum voltage across R is VR = I0 R

Comparing (3) with Ohm’s law equation, viz current =
voltage/resistance, we find that (1/ C) represents effective
resistance offered by the capacitor. This is called capacitative In figure, current phasor I0 is represented along OX.
reactance and is denoted by XC.

1 1
Thus XC = =
C 2 vC
The capacitative reactance limits the amplitude of current in
a purely capacitative circuit in the same way as the resistance
limits the current in a purely resistive circuit. Clearly,
capacitative reactance varies inversely as the frequency of
a.c. and also inversely as the capacitance of the condenser.
In a d.c. circuit, v = 0,  XC = 

1 1 sec volt sec.

Xc = = sec = = = ohm
C farad coulomb / volt amp.sec

Fig. 7.6
As is in phase with current, it is represented by the
vector OA , along OX.

SCAN CODE
Alternating Current & Electromagnetic Waves
ALTERNATING CURRENT & ELECTROMAGNETIC WAVES 147

L [–q0  sin (t + )] + R q0  cos (t + )

2
• The maximum voltage across L is VL = I0 X L
As voltage across the inductor leads the current by q0
+ sin ( t + ) = E0 sin t
90°, it is represented by OB along OY, 90° ahead of C
VC = I0 XC . q0 [R cos ( t + )− Lsin ( t + )
• The maximum voltage across C is
1
As voltage across the capacitor lags behind the + sin ( t + )] = E0 sin t
C
alternating current by 90°, it is represented by OC
1
rotated clockwise through 90° from the direction of I0 As L = XL and = XC , therefore
C
. OC is along OY’.
q0  [R cos (t + ) + (XC – XL) sin (t + )] = E0
sin t
3.2 Analytical Treatment of RLC Series
Multiplying and dividing by
Circuit
Z = R 2 + ( X C − X L ) , we get
2

Let a pure resistance R, a pure inductance L and an ideal

condenser of capacity C be connected in series to a source of R XC − XL 
alternating e.m.f. Suppose the alterning e.m.f. supplied is q 0 Z  cos ( t + )+ sin ( t + )  = E0
Z Z 
E = E0 sin t ...(1)
sin t ...(4)
At any instant of time t, suppose
q = charge on capacitor R XC − XL
Let = cos and = sin ...(5)
I = current in the circuit Z Z
dI XC − XL
= rate of change of current in the circuit so that tan = ...(6)
dt R
q
potential difference across the condenser = q0  Z[cos (t + ) cos  + sin (t + ) sin ] = E0 sin
C
t
dI
potential difference across inductor = L or q0  Z cos (t +  – ) = E0 sin t = E0 cos (t – /2)
dt
potential difference across resistance = RI ...(7)
The voltage equation of the circuit is Comparing the two sides of this equation, we find that

dI q E0 = q0  Z = I0 Z, where I0 q0 ...(8)

L + RI + = E = E0 sin t ...(2)
dt C and t +  −  = t – /2
−
2
dq dI d q
As I = , therefore, =  − =
dt dt dt 2 2
The voltage equation becomes −
or = + ...(9)
dq 2
dq q 2
L 2 +R + = E 0 sin t ...(3)
dt dt C Current in the circuit is
dq d
= q0 sin ( t + ) = q0  cos (t + )
This is like the equation of a forced, damped oscillator. Let
I=
the solution of equation (3) be dt dt 
q = q0 sin (t + ) I = I0 cos (t + ) {using (8)}
dq Using (9), we get, I = I0 cos (t +  – /2)
= q 0 cos ( t + )
dt
I = I0 sin (t + ) ...(10)
d2q
= −q 0 2
sin ( t + ) ( XC − X L )
dt 2 From (6), = tan −1 ...(11)
R
Substituting these values in equation (3), we get

SCAN CODE
Alternating Current & Electromagnetic Waves
148 ALTERNATING CURRENT & ELECTROMAGNETIC WAVES

As cos  + sin  = 1
2 2

 R   XC − X L 
2 2

   + = 1 or R2 + (XC – XL) = Z
2 2

Z  Z 

or Z = R 2 + (XC − XL )2 ...(12)

3.3 A.C. Circuit Containing

Resistance & Inductance
Let a source of alternating e.m.f. be connected to an ohmic
resistance R and a coil of inductance L, in series as shown in
figure.

Fig. 7.8
Figure represents phasor diagram of RC circuit. We find that
in RC circuit, voltage lags behind the current by a phase angle
, where
AK OC VC I 0 X C
tan  = = = =
OA OA VR I0R

4. Average Power in RLC

Circuit or Inductive Circuit
Let the alternating e.m.f. applied to an RLC circuit be
Fig. 7.7
E = E0 sin t ...(1)
Z= R +X 2 2
L If alternating current developed lags behind the applied e.m.f.
by a phase angle , then
We find that in RL circuit, voltage leads the current I = I0 sin (t – ) ...(2)
by a phase angle , where
Power at instant t,
AK OL VL I0 X L
tan = = = =
dW
OA OA VR I0 R = E0 sin t  I0 sin ( t − )
XL
dt
tan =
R = E0 I0 sin t (sin t cos  – cos t sin )
3.4 A.C. Circuit Containing = E0I0 sin t cos  – E0I0 sin t cos t sin 
2

Resistance and Capacitance = E0I0 sin t cos  sin 2 t sin 

2

Let a source of alternating e.m.f. be connected to an ohmic

If this instantaneous power is assumed to remain constant for
resistance R and a condenser of capacity C, in series as
a small time dt, then small amount of work done in this time
shown in figure.
is
Z = R 2 + XC2  E I 
dW =  E 0 I0 sin 2 t cos  − 0 0 sin 2 t sin   dt
 2 
Total work done over a complete cycle is

SCAN CODE
Alternating Current & Electromagnetic Waves
ALTERNATING CURRENT & ELECTROMAGNETIC WAVES 149

T T
E 0 I0 true power (P)
W =  E 0 I0 sin 2 t cos  dt −  sin 2t sin  dt Thus, Power factor =. = cos  ..(2)
0 0
2 apparent power ( E v I v )
T T
E 0 I0
W = E 0 I0 cos   sin 2 t dt − sin   sin 2 t dt =
R
[from impedance triangle]
2
R + ( XL − XC )
0 0 2 2

T T
T
 sin t dt = and  sin t dt = 0
2
As
2 Resistance
0 0 Power factor = cos  =
Impedance
T
 W = E 0 I 0 cos 
2 In a non-inductance circuit, XL = XC
 Average power in the inductive circuit over a
R R
complete cycle Power factor = cos  = = = 1,  = 0 ...(4)
R 2 R
W E0 I0 cos  T E 0 I0
P= = . = cos 
T T 2 2 2 This is the maximum value of power factor. In a pure inductor
or an ideal capacitor,  = 90°
P = Ev Iv cos  ...(3)
Power factor = cos  = cos 90° = 0
Hence average power over a complete cycle in an inductive
circuit is the product of virtual e.m.f., virtual current and Average power consumed in a pure inductor or ideal a
cosine of the phase angle between the voltage and current. capacitor, P = Ev Iv cos 90° = Zero. Therefore, current through
pure L or pure C, which consumes no power for its
NOTE: maintenance in the circuit is called Idle current or Wattless
The relation (3) is applicable to all a.c. circuits. cos  current.
and Z will have appropriate values for difference In actual practice, we do not have ideal inductor or
circuits. ideal capacitor. Therefore, there does occur some dissipation
For example: of energy. However, inductance and capacitance continue to
be most suitable for controlling current in a.c. circuits with
R minimum loss of power.
In RL circuit, Z = R + XL and cos  =
2 2
(i)
Z

R 5. Electric Resonance
In RC circuit, Z = R + XC and cos  =
2 2
(ii)
Z
5.1 Series Resonance Circuit
(iii) In LC circuit, Z = XL – XC and  = 90°
A circuit in which inductance L, capacitance C and resistance
(iv) In RLC circuit, Z = R 2 + ( X L − X C ) R are connected in series, and the circuit admits maximum
2
and
current corresponding to a given frequency of a.c., is called
R series resonance circuit.
cos  =
Z
The impedance (Z) of an RLC circuit is given by
Ev 2
In all a.c. circuits, I v =  1 
Z Z = R 2 +  L −  ...(1)
  C

At very low frequencies, inductive reactance XL = L is

4.1 Power Factor of an A.C. Circuit negligible, but capacitative reactance (XC = 1/C) is very
We have proved that average power/cycle in an inductive high.
circuit is
As frequency of alternating e.m.f. applied to the circuit is
P = EvIv cos  ...(1) increased, XL goes on increasing and XC goes on decreasing.
Here, P is called true power, (EvIv) is called apparent power For a particular value of  ( = r, say)
or virtual power and cos  is called power factor of the circuit. XL = X C

SCAN CODE
Alternating Current & Electromagnetic Waves
150 ALTERNATING CURRENT & ELECTROMAGNETIC WAVES

1 1 The quantity is regarded as a measure of sharpness of

i.e. r L = , or r =
r C LC resonance, i.e., Q factor of resonance circuit is the ratio of
resonance angular frequency to band width of the circuit
1 1
2 v r = or vr = (which is difference in angular frequencies at which power is
LC 2 LC half the maximum power or current is .
At this particular frequency vr, as XL = XC, therefore, from (1)

Z = R 2 + 0 = R = minimum 6. Transformer
i.e. impedance of RLC circuit is minimum and hence the A transformer which increases the a.c. voltage is called a step
E E up transformer, A transformer which decreases the a.c.
current I 0 = 0 = 0 becomes maximum. This frequency is
Z R voltages is called a step down transformer.
called series resonance frequency.

Fig. 7.10

6.1 Principle
A transformer is based on the principle of mutual induction,
i.e., whenever the amount of magnetic flux linked with a coil
Fig. 7.9 changes, an e.m.f. is induced in the neighbouring coil.
The Q factor of series resonant circuit is defined as the ratio 6.2 Construction
of the voltage developed across the inductance or capacitance
at resonance to the impressed voltage, which is the voltage A transformer consists of a rectangular soft iron core made of
applied across R. laminated sheets, well insulated from one another, figure.
voltage across L or C Two coils P1P2 (the primary coil) and S1S2 (the secondary coil)
i.e. Q=
applied voltage (= voltage across R) are wound on the same core, but are well insulated from each
other. Note that both the coils are also insulated from the core.
( r L ) I r L
Q= = The source of alternating e.m.f. (to be transformed) is
RI R
connected to the primary coil P1P2 and a load resistance R is
connected to the secondary coil S1S2 through an open switch
(1 / r C ) I I
or Q= = S. Thus, there can be no current through the secondary coil so
RI RC r
long as the switch is open.
1
Using r = , we get For an ideal transformer, we assume that the resistances of
LC
the primary and secondary windings are negligible. Further,
L 1 1 L the energy losses due to magnetic hysterisis in the iron core
Q= =
R LC R C is also negligible. Well designed high capacity transformers
may have energy losses as low as 1%.
1 LC 1 L
or Q= = 6.3 Theory and Working
RC R C
Let the alternating e.m.f. supplied by the a.c. source
1 L
Thus Q = ...(1) connected to primary be
R C
Ep = E0 sin t ...(1)

SCAN CODE
Alternating Current & Electromagnetic Waves
ALTERNATING CURRENT & ELECTROMAGNETIC WAVES 151

As we have assumed the primary to be a pure inductance with np Ip

 Is = I p . = ...(3)
zero resistance, the sinusoidal primary current I p lags the ns K
primary voltage Ep by 90°. The primary’s power factor, cos 
For a step up transformer, Es > Ep ; K > 1 Is < Ip
= 90° = 0. Therefore, no power is dissipated in primary.
i.e. secondary current is weaker when secondary voltage is
The alternating primary current induces an alternating
higher, i.e., whatever we gain in voltage, we lose in current in
magnetic flux B in the iron core. Because the core extends
the same ratio.
through the secondary winding, the induced flux also extends
The reverse is true for a step down transformer.
through the turns of secondary.
According to Faraday’s law of electromagnetic induction, the  n s  Es  n s 
From eqn. I p = Is   =   (3)
induced e.m.f. per turn (Eturn) is same for both, the primary  np  R  np 
and secondary. Also, the voltage Ep across the primary is
equal to the e.m.f. induced in the primary, and the voltage E s 1 n   ns 
Using equation (2), we get I p = .E p  s
n   
across the secondary is equal to the e.m.f. induced in the R  p   np 
secondary. Thus,
2

dB 1n 
E turn = =
E
= s
Ep Ip =  s  E p ...(4)
dt n p ns R  n p 

Here, np ; ns represent total number of turns in primary and This equation, has the form where the equivalent resistance
2
secondary coils respectively.  np 
Req is R eq =   R ...(5)
n
Es = E p s ...(2)  ns 
np
Thus Req is the value of load resistance as seen by the
If ns > np ; Es > Ep, the transformer is a step up transformer. source/generator, i.e., the source/generator produces current
Similarly, when ns < np ; Es < Ep. The device is called a step Ip and voltage Ep as if it were connected to a resistance Req.
ns Efficiency of a transformer is defined as the ratio of output to
down transformer. = K represents transformation ratio.
np the input power.
Note that this relation (2) is based on three assumptions Output power E s Is
i.e.,  = =
• the primary resistance and current are small, Input power E p Ip

• there is no leakage of magnetic flux. The same In an ideal transformer, where there is no power loss,  = 1
magnetic flux links both, the primary and secondary (i.e. 100%). However, practically there are many energy
coil, losses. Hence efficiency of a transformer in practice is less
• the secondary current is small. than one (i.e. less than 100%).

Now, the rate at which the generator/source transfer 6.4 Energy Losses in a Transformer
energy to the primary = IpEp. The rate at which the
Following are the major sources of energy loss in a
primary then transfers energy to the secondary (via
transformer :
the alternating magnetic field linking the two coils)
is IsEs. 1. Copper loss is the energy loss in the form of heat in
the copper coils of a transformer. This is due to Joule
As we assume that no energy is lost along the way, heating of conducting wires. These are minimized
conservation of energy requires that using thick wires.
Ep 2. Iron loss is the energy loss in the form of heat in the
I pE p = I s E s Is = I p
Es iron core of the transformer. This is due to formation
of eddy currents in iron core. It is minimised by taking
Ep np
From (2), = laminated cores.
Es ns
3. Leakage of magnetic flux occurs inspite of best
insulations. Therefore, rate of change of magnetic flux

SCAN CODE
Alternating Current & Electromagnetic Waves
152 ALTERNATING CURRENT & ELECTROMAGNETIC WAVES

linked with each turn of S1S2 is less than the rate of 4. Brushes: B1 and B2 are two flexible metal plates or
change of magnetic flux linked with each turn of P1P2. carbon rods. They are fixed and are kept in light
It can be reduced by winding the primary and contact with R1 and R2 respectively. The purpose of
secondary coils one over the other. brushes is to pass on current from the armature coil to
4. Hysteresis loss. This is the loss of energy due to the external load resistance R.
repeated magnetisation and demagnetisation of the Theory and Working: As the armature coil is rotated
iron core when a.c. is fed to it. The loss is kept to a in the magnetic field, angle  between the field and
minimum by using a magnetic material which has a normal to the coil changes continuously. Therefore,
low hysteresis loss. magnetic flux linked with the coil changes. An e.m.f.
5. Magnetostriction, i.e., humming noise of a is induced in the coil.
transformer.
To start with, suppose the plane of the coil is
Therefore, output power in the best transformer may
perpendicular to the plane of the paper in which
be roughly 90% of the input power.
magnetic field is applied, with AB at front and CD at
7. A.C. Generator or A.C. the back, figure (a). The amount of magnetic flux
linked with the coil in this position is maximum. As
Dynamo the coil is rotated anticlockwise (or clockwise), AB
An a.c. generator/dynamo is a machine which produces moves inwards and CD moves outwards. The amount
alternating current energy from mechanical energy. It is one of magnetic flux linked with the coil changes.
of the most important applications of the phenomenon of According to Fleming’s right hand rule, current
electromagnetic induction. The generator was designed induced in AB is from A to B and in CD, it is from C
originally by a Yugoslav scientist, Nikola Tesla. The word to D. In the external circuit, current flows from B2 to
generator is a misnomer, because nothing is generated by the B1, figure (a)
machine. In fact, it is an alternator converting one form of
energy into another.

7.1 Principle
An a.c. generator/dynamo is based on the phenomenon of
electromagnetic induction, i.e., whenever amount of
magnetic flux linked with a coil changes, an e.m.f. is induced
in the coil. It lasts so long as the change in magnetic flux
through the coil continues. The direction of current induced
is given by Fleming’s right hand rule.

7.2 Construction
The essential parts of an a.c. dynamo are shown in figure.
1. Armature: ABCD is a rectangular armatrue coil. It
consists of a large number of turns of insulated copper
wire wound over a laminated soft iron core, I. The coil can
be rotated about the central axis.
2. Field Magnets: N and S are the pole pieces of a strong Fig. 7.11
electromagnet in which the armature coil is rotated.
Axis of rotation is perpendicular to the magnetic field
lines. The magnetic field is of the order of 1 to 2 tesla.
3. Slip Rings: R1 and R2 are two hollow metallic rings, to
which two ends of armature coil are connected. These
rings rotate with the rotation of the coil.

SCAN CODE
Alternating Current & Electromagnetic Waves
ALTERNATING CURRENT & ELECTROMAGNETIC WAVES 153

−d d
e= = − ( NAB cos t )
dt dt
d
= − NAB ( cos t ) = − NAB ( − sin t ) 
dt
E = NAB  sin  t ...(2)
The induced e.m.f. will be maximum, when
sin  t = maximum = 1
 emax = e0 = NAB  × 1 ...(3)
Put in (2), e = e0 sin  t ...(4)
The variation of induced e.m.f. with time (i.e. with position
of the coil) is shown in figure.

Fig. 7.12
After half the rotation of the coil, AB is at the back and CD is
at the front, figure. Therefore, on rotating further, AB moves
outwards and CD moves outwards and CD moves inwards.
The current induced in AB is from B to A and in CD, it is
from D to C. Through external circuit, current flows from B 1
to B2; figure (b). This is repeated. Induced current in the Fig. 7.14
external circuit changes direction after every half rotation of The current supplied by the a.c. generator is also sinusoidal.
the coil. Hence the current induced is alternating in nature. It is given by
To calculate the magnitude of e.m.f. induced, suppose e e0
i= = sin t = i 0 win t
N = number of turns in the coil, R R
A = area enclosed by each turn of the coil e0
where i 0 = = maximum value of current.
R
B = strength of magnetic field
NOTE:
 = angle which normal to the coil makes with B at any
instant t, figure. Suppose to start with, the plane of the coil is not
perpendicular to the magnetic field. Therefore, at t = 0,
Let  = , the phase angle. This is the angle which normal
to the coil makes with the direction of The equation (4)
of e.m.f. induced in that case can be rewritten as e = e0 sin
(t + ).
Fig. 7.13
Magnetic flux linked with the coil in this position
8. Displacement Current
( )
 = N B . A = NBA cos  = NBA cos t ...(1)
According to Ampere circuital law :
where  is angular velocity of the coil.
the line integral of magnetic field around any closed path is
As the coil is rotated,  changes; therefore, magnetic flux  equal to 0 times the total current threading the closed path,
linked with the coil changes and hence an e.m.f. is induced in
i.e.,
the coil.
At the instant t, if e is the e.m.f. induced in the coil, then

SCAN CODE
Alternating Current & Electromagnetic Waves
154 ALTERNATING CURRENT & ELECTROMAGNETIC WAVES

 B.d
C
= 0 I ...(1)

Consider a parallel plate capacitor having plates P and Q

connected to a battery B, through a tapping key K. When key
K is pressed, the conduction current flows through the
connecting wires. The capacitor starts storing charge. As the
charge on the capacitor grows, the conduction current in the
wires decreases. When the capacitor is fully charged, the
conduction current stops flowing in the wires. During
charging of capacitor, there is no conduction current between
Fig. 7.16
the plates of capacitor. During charging, let at an instant, I be
the conduction current in the wires. This current will produce
magnetic field around the wires which can be detected by
 B.d
C
= B 2r = 0 × 0 = 0 or B = 0 ...(3)

using a compass needle. From (2) and (3), we note that there is a magnetic field at R
Let us find the magnetic field at point R which is at a calculated through one way and no magnetic field at R,
perpendicular distance r from connecting wire in a region calculated through another way. Since this contradiction
outside the parallel plate capacitor. For this we consider a arises from the use of Ampere’s circuital law, hence
plane circular loop C1, of radius r, whose centre lies on wire Ampere’s circuital law is logically inconsistent.
and its plane is perpendicular to the direction of current If at the given instant of time, q is the charge on the plate of
carrying wire (figure a). The magnitude of the magnetic field capacitor and A is the plate area of capacitor, the magnitude
is same at all points on the loop and is acting tangentially of the electric field between the plates of capacitor is
along the circumference of the loop. If B is the magnitude of q
magnetic field at R, then using Ampere’s circuital law, for E=
0 A
loop C1, we have
This field is perpendicular to surface S. It has the same
 B.d =
C1
 B d cos 0 = B 2 r = 0 I or
C1
...(2) magnitude over the area A of the capacitor plates and
becomes zero outside the capacitor. The electric flux through
surface S is,
1 q q
E = E.A = EA cos 0 = A = ...(4)
0 A 0

dq
If is the rate of change of charge with time on the plate of
dt
the capacitor, then

dE d  q  1 dq
=  =
Fig. 7.15 dt dt  0  0 dt

Now, we consider a different surface, i.e., a tiffin box shaped dq dE

or =0
surface without lid with its circular rim, which has the same dt dt
boundary as that of loop C1. The box does not touch to the
dq
connecting wire and plate P of capacitor. The flat circular Here, = current through surface S corresponding to
dt
bottom S of the tiffin box lies in between the capacitor plates.
changing electric field = ID, called Maxwell’s displacement
Figure (b). No conduction current is passing through the tiffin
current. Thus, displacement current is that current which
box surface S, therefore I = 0. On applying Ampere’s circuital
comes into play in the region in which the electric field and
law to loop C1 of this tiffin box surface, we have
the electric flux is changing with time.
dE
ID =0 ...(5)
dt

SCAN CODE
Alternating Current & Electromagnetic Waves
ALTERNATING CURRENT & ELECTROMAGNETIC WAVES 155

Maxwell modified Ampere’s circuital law in order to make dE

I + ID = I+ 0 = I+ 0 ( 0 ) = I ...(7)
the same logically consistent. He stated Ampere’s circuital dt
law to the form,
For loop C2, there is no conduction current, i.e., I = 0
 d E 
 B.d = 0 ( I + ID ) = 0  I + 0 dt  ...(6)
I + ID = 0 + ID = ID = 0
dE
...(8)
dt
This is called Ampere Maxwell’s Law. At the given instant if q is the magnitude of charge on the
plates of the capacitor of area A, then electric field E in the
8.1 Continuity of Current gap between the two plates of this capacitor is given by
Maxwell’s modification of Ampere’s circuital law gives that
q   q 
E=  E= = 
 B.d = 0 ( I + ID )
C
0 A  0 0 A

q q
dE Electric flux, E = EA = A=
where ID =0 , called displacement current, I is the 0 A 0
dt
conduction current and E is the electric flux across the loop Thus from (8), we have
C. d dq
I + ID = 0 ( q/ 0 ) = = I ...(9)
The sum of the conduction current and displacement current dt dt
(i.e., I + ID) has the important property of continuity along any From (7) and (9), we conclude that the sum (I + I D) has the
closed path although individually they may not be same value on the left and right side of plate P of the parallel
continuous. plate capacitor. Hence (I + ID) has the property of continuity
To prove it, consider a parallel plate capacitor although individually they may not be continuous.
having plates P and Q, being charged with battery B. During 8.2 Maxwell’s Equations
the time, charging is taking place, let at an instant, I be the
In the absence of any dielectric or magnetic material,
conduction current flowing through the wires. Let C1 and C2
the four Maxwell’s equations are given below ?
be the two loops, which have exactly the same boundary as
that of the plates of capacitor. C1 is little towards left and C2 •  E.ds = q/  .This
S
0 equation is Gauss’s Law in
is a little towards right of the plate P of parallel plate
capacitor, figure. electrostatics.
The electric lines of force do not form continuous
closed path.

•  B.ds = 0 .
S
This equation is Gauss’s Law in

magnetostatics.
The magnetic lines of force always form closed paths.
d
•  E.d =−
dt s
B.ds . This equation is Faraday’s law

of electromagnetic induction.
Fig. 7.17 The line integral of electric field around any closed
path (i.e., the emf) is equal to the time rate of change
Due to battery B, let the conduction current I be flowing
of magnetic flux through the surface bounded by the
through the lead wires at any instant, but there is no
closed path.
conduction current across the capacitor gap, as no charge is
transported across this gap. d
•  B.d = 0 I + 0 0
dt s
E.ds . This equation is
For loop C1, there is no electric flux, i.e., E = 0 and
dE generalised form of Ampere’s law as Modified by
=0 Maxwell and is also known as Ampere-Maxwell
dt
law.

SCAN CODE
Alternating Current & Electromagnetic Waves
156 ALTERNATING CURRENT & ELECTROMAGNETIC WAVES

The electromagnetic waves are those wave in which field B be acting along Y–axis and magnetic field along Z–
there are sinusoidal variation of electric and magnetic axis.
field vectors at right angles to each other as well as at
At any instant, the electric and magnetic fields varying
right angles to the direction of wave propagation.
sinusoidally with x and t can be represented by the equations.
1
c= ...(10) E = Ey = E0 sin  (t – x/c) ...(1)
0 0
B = Bz = B0 sin  (t – x/c) ...(2)
Here E0 and B0 are the amplitudes of electric and magnetic
fields along Y–axis and Z–axis respectively. Consider a
rectangular path PQRS in X–Y plane as shown in figure.

Fig. 7.18

where 0 and 0 are permeability and permittivity of

the free space respectively.
–7 –1 –1
We know, 0 = 4 × 10 Wb A m ; Fig. 7.19
–2 –1 –2
0 = 8.85 × 10 C N m
2

8
The line integral of E over the closed path PQRS will be
Putting these values in (10), we have c = 3.00 × 10 Q R S P
–1
ms 
PQRS
E.d =  E , d +  E , d +  E , d +  E , d
P Q R S
where 0 are the absolute permeability and absolute
permittivity of the medium. We also know that  = = 0 + E( x2 ) + 0 + E( x1 ) ( − )
0r and  = 0r where 0, r are the relative
  x   x 
permeability and relative permittivity of the medium. = E 0 sin   t − 2  − sin   t − 1   ...(3)
  c   c 
1 c
Therefore, v= =
0r 0r r r Magnetic flux linked with surface surrounded by rectangular
path PQRS will be
 1 
 c=  x2

x2
 x 
 0 0  B =  B ( x ) dx =  B0 sin   t −   dx
x1 x1   c 
Maxwell also concluded that electromagnetic wave is
transverse in nature and light is electromagnetic wave. B0 c   x   x 
= cos   t − 2  − cos   t − 1  
   c   c 
9. Velocity of Electromagnetic
d B B 0 c   x   x1  
= − sin   t − 2  +  sin   t − c  
 
Waves dt  c   

Consider a plane electromagnetic wave propagating along   x   x1  

= − B0 c sin   t − 2  − sin   t − c   ...(4)
positive direction of X–axis in space with speed c. Since in   c   
electromagnetic wave, the electric and magnetic fields are Using Faraday’s law of electromagnetic induction, we have
transverse to the direction of wave propagation, therefore, the
dB
electric and magnetic fields are in Y–Z plane. Let the electric
 E.d =−
dt
Putting the values from (3) and (4), we get

SCAN CODE
Alternating Current & Electromagnetic Waves
ALTERNATING CURRENT & ELECTROMAGNETIC WAVES 157

E0 = cB0 ...(5) 1
and = 9 109 Nm 2 C−2
Since E and B are in phase, we can write. 4  0

E = c B at any point in space. 1

or 0 = N−1m−2 C2
4 9 109
Putting the value in (8), we get
1
c= = 3 108 m / s
410 1/ ( 4 9 10
−7 9
)
which is exactly the speed of light in vacuum.
This shows that light is an electromagnetic wave.

10. Electromagnetic
Fig. 7.20
Consider a rectangular path PUTQ in the X–Z plane as shown Spectrum
in figure. The line integral of over the closed path PUTQ, we
have After the experimental discovery of electromagnetic waves
U T Q P by Hertz, many other electromagntic waves were discovered

PUTQ
B.d =  B.d +  B.d +  B.d +  B.d
P U T Q
by different ways of excitation.
The orderly distribution of electromagnetic radiations
= B( x1 ) + 0 − B( x2 ) + 0
according to their wavelength or frequency is called the
  x   x  electromagnetic spectrum.
= B0 sin   t − 1  − sin   t − 2   ... (6)
  c   c  The electromagnetic spectrum has much wider range with
–14 2
wavelength variation ~ 10 m to 6 × 10 m. The whole
The electric flux linked with the surface surrounded by
electromagnetic spectrum has been classified into different
rectangular path PUTQ is
parts and subparts in order of increasing wavelength,
x2 x2 x2
 x according to their type of excitation. There is overlapping in
E =  E.ds =  E ( x ) dx = E 0  sin   t − c  dx certain parts of the spectrum, showing that the
x1 x1 x1
corresponding radiations can be produced by two methods.
c   x   x  It may be noted that the physical properties of
=− E 0  − cos   t − 2  + cos   t − 1  
   c   c  electromagnetic waves are decided by their wavelengths and
not by the method of their excitation.
dE   x   x1  
or = −cE 0 sin   t − 2  − sin   t − c   A table given below shows the various parts of the
dt   c    electromagnetic spectrum with approximate wavelength
.. (7) range, frequency range, their sources of production and
In space, there is no conduction current. According to detections.
Ampere Maxwell law in space 10.1 Main Parts of Electromagnetic
dE Spectrum

PUTQ
B.d =  0 0
dt The electromagnetic spectrum has been broadly classified
into following main parts; mentioned below in the order of
Putting values from (6) and (7), we get
increasing frequency.
B0 = 0 0 cE0 = 0 0 c ( cB0 )
10.1.1 Radiowaves
1
or 1 = 0 0 c2 or c = ... (8)
0 0 Theses are the electromagnetic wave of frequency range from
5 9
5 × 10 Hz to 10 Hz. These waves are produced by oscillating
Which is the speed of electromagnetic waves in vacuum. electric circuits having an inductor and capacitor.
–7 –1
For vacuum, 0 = 4 × 10 T mA

SCAN CODE
Alternating Current & Electromagnetic Waves
158 ALTERNATING CURRENT & ELECTROMAGNETIC WAVES

Uses: The various frequency ranges are used for different • for taking photographs during the condition of fog,
types of wireless communication systems as mentioned smoke etc.
below • in green houses to keep the plants warm
• The electromagnetic waves of frequency range from • in revealing the secret writings on the ancient walls
530 kHz to 1710 kHz form amplitude modulated • in solar water heaters and cookers
(AM) band. It is used in ground wave propagation. • in weather forecasting through infra red photography
• The electromagnetic waves of frequency range 1710 • in checking the purity of chemcials and in the study of
kHz to 54 Mhz are used for short wave bands. It is molecular structure by taking infrared absorption
used in sky wave propagation. spectrum.
• The electromagnetic waves of frequency range 54
Mhz to 890 MHz are used in television waves. 10.1.4 Visible light
• The electromagnetic waves of frequency range 88
It is the narrow region of electromagnetic spectrum, which is
MHz to 108 MHz from frequency modulated (FM)
detected by the human eye. Its frequency is ranging from
radio band. It is used for commercial FM radio. 14 14
4×10 Hz to 8×10 Hz. It is produced due to atomic
• The electromagnetic waves of frequency range 300
excitation.
MHz to 3000 MHz form ultrahigh frequency
(UHF) band. It is used in cellular phones The visible light emitted or reflected from objects around us
communication. provides the information about the world surrounding us.

10.1.2 Microwaves 10.1.5 Ultraviolet rays

The ultraviolet rays were discovered by Ritter in 1801. The
Microwaves are the electromagnetic waves of frequency 14 16
range 1 GHz to 300 GHz. They are produced by special frequency range of ultraviolet rays is 8 × 10 Hz to 5 × 10
vacuum tubes. namely; klystrons, magnetrons and Gunn Hz. The ultraviolet rays are produced by sun, special lamps
diodes etc. and very hot bodies. Most of the ultraviolet rays coming from
Uses : sun are absorbed by the ozone layer in the earth’s atmosphere.
• Microwaves are used in Radar systems for air craft The ultraviolet rays in large quantity produce harmful effect
navigation. on human eyes.
• A radar using microwave can help in detecting the Uses : Ultraviolet rays are used :
speed of tennis ball, cricket ball, automobile while in • for checking the mineral samples through the property
motion. of ultraviolet rays causing flourescence.
• Microwave ovens are used for cooking purposes. • in the study of molecular structure and arrangement of
• Microwaves are used for observing the movement of electrons in the external shell through ultraviolet
trains on rails while sitting in microwave operated absorption spectra.
control rooms.
• to destroy the bacteria and for sterilizing the surgical
10.1.3 Infrared waves instruments.
• in burglar alarm.
Infrared waves were discovered by Herschell. These are the
11
electromagnetic waves of frequency range 3 × 10 Hz to 4 × • in the detection of forged documents, finger prints in
14 forensic laboratory.
10 Hz. Infrared waves sometimes are called as heat
waves. Infrared waves are produced by hot bodies and • to preserve the food stuff.
molecules. These wave are not detected by human eye but
snake can detect them. 10.1.6 X–Rays
Uses : The X–rays were discovered by German Physicst W.
Infrared waves are used : 16 21
Roentgen. Their frequency range is 10 Hz to 3 × 10 Hz.
• in physical therapy, i.e., to treat muscular strain. These are produced when high energy electrons are stopped
• to provide electrical energy to satellite by using solar suddenly on a metal of high atomic number. X–rays have high
cells penetrating power.
• for producing dehydrated fruits Uses : X–rays are used :

SCAN CODE
Alternating Current & Electromagnetic Waves
ALTERNATING CURRENT & ELECTROMAGNETIC WAVES 159

• In surgery for the detection of fractures, foreign

bodies like bullets, diseased organs and stones in the
human body.
• In Engineering (i) for detecting faults, cracks, flaws
and holes in final metal products (ii) for the testing of
weldings, casting and moulds.
• In Radio therapy, to cure untracable skin diseases Fig. 7.21
and malignant growth. The energy of electromagnetic wave (U) crossing the area of
• In detective departments, for detection of cross-section at P normally in time  t is the energy of wave
explosives, opium, gold and silver in the body of contained in a cylinder of length c  t and area of cross-
smugglers. section A. It is given by U = uav (c  t) A

• In Industry (i) for the detection of pearls in oysters The intensity of electromagnetic wave at P is,
and defects in rubber tyres, gold and tennis balls etc. U u ct A
I= = av = u av c
(ii) for testing the uniformity of insulating material. A t A t
• In Scientific Research for the investigation of In terms of maximum electric field,
structure of crystal, arrangement of atoms and 1
so, I = 0 E 02 c =0 E rms
2
c
molecules in the complex substances. 2
1 B02
10.1.7  -Rays In terms of maximum magnetic field, u av = ,
2 0
–rays are the electromagnetic waves of frequency range 3 1 B02 1 2
so I = c= Brms c
× 10 Hz to 5 × 10 Hz. –rays have nuclear origin. These
18 22
2 0 0
rays are highly energetic and are produced by the nucleus of
the radioactive substances.
Uses : –rays are used :
• in the treatment of cancer and tumours.
• to preserve the food stuffs for a long time as the soft
–rays can kill microorganisms easily.
• to produce nuclear reactions.
• to provide valuable information about the structure
of atomic nucleus.

11. Intensity of
Electromagnetic Wave
Intensity of electromagnetic wave at a point is defined as the
energy crossing per second per unit area normally around that
point during the propagation of electromagnetic wave.
Consider the propagation of electromagnetic wave with speed
c along the X–axis. Take an imaginary cylinder of area of
cross-section A and length c  t, so that the wave crosses the
area A normally. Figure. Let uav be the average energy density
of electromagnetic wave.

SCAN CODE
Alternating Current & Electromagnetic Waves
160 ALTERNATING CURRENT & ELECTROMAGNETIC WAVES

Xc − XL
and  = tan-1 tan −1
NCERT Corner R

Important Points to Remember Z = R 2 + ( X c − X L ) is called the impedance of

2

the circuit.
1. An alternating voltage  = m sin t applied to a
resistor R drives a current i = im sin ωt in the 6. In a purely inductive or capacitive circuit, cos = 0
 and no power is dissipated even though a current is
resistor, i m = m . The current is in phase with the
R flowing in the circuit. In such cases, current is
applied voltage. referred to as a wattless current.

2. For an alternating current i = im sin ωt passing 7. An interesting characteristic of a series RLC circuit
through a resistor R, the average power loss P is the phenomenon of resonance. The circuit
(averaged over a cycle) due to joule heating is exhibits resonance, i.e., the amplitude of the current
1 is maximum at the resonant frequency,
(i m ) 2 R . To express it in the same form as the dc
2 1
0 = . The quality factor Q defined by
power (P = I2R), a special value of current is used. LC
It is called root mean square (rms) current and is L 1
denoted by I: Q= 0 = is an indicator of the sharpness
R 0 CR
im of the resonance, the higher value of Q indicating
I= = 0.707i m sharper peak in the current.
2
8. A circuit containing an inductor L and a capacitor
Similarly, the rms voltage is defined by
C (initially charged) with no ac source and no
m resistors exhibits free oscillations. The charge q of
V= = 0.707m the capacitor satisfies the equation of simple
2
harmonic motion:
We have P = IV = I2 R
d2q 1
+ q=0
3. An ac voltage  = m sin ωt applied to a pure dt 2 LC
inductor L, drives a current in the inductor i = i m sin
(ωt – π/2), where im = m/XL. XL = ωL is called and therefore, the frequency  of free oscillation is
inductive reactance. The current in the inductor 1
0 = . The energy in the system oscillates
lags the voltage by π/2. The average power LC
supplied to an inductor over one complete cycle is between the capacitor and the inductor but their
zero. sum or the total energy is constant in time.
4. An ac voltage  = m sin t applied to a capacitor 9. A transformer consists of an iron core on which are
drives a current in the capacitor: i = im sin (t + bound a primary coil of Np turns and a secondary
/2). Here, coil of Ns turns. If the primary coil is connected to
an ac source, the primary and secondary voltages
m 1
im = , XC = is called capacitive reactance. are related by
XC C
N 
The current through the capacitor is π/2 ahead of Vs =  s  Vp
N
the applied voltage. As in the case of inductor, the  p 
average power supplied to a capacitor over one
and the currents are related by
complete cycle is zero.
 Np 
5. For a series RLC circuit driven by voltage  = m Is   p
sin t, the current is given by i = im sin (t + )  Ns 

m If the secondary coil has a greater number of turns

where i m =
than the primary, the voltage is stepped-up (Vs >
R 2 + (X L ) 2 .

SCAN CODE
Alternating Current & Electromagnetic Waves
ALTERNATING CURRENT & ELECTROMAGNETIC WAVES 161

Vp). This type of arrangement is called a step- up circuit, then the total voltage across RC
transformer. If the secondary coil has turns less
combination is VRC = VR + VC and not VR + VC
2 2
than the primary, we have a step-down transformer.
since Vc is /2 out of phase of VR.
10. When a value is given for ac voltage or current, it
is ordinarily the rms value. The voltage across the 14. In a RLC circuit, resonance phenomenon occur
terminals of an outlet in your room is normally 240 1
when XL = XC or 0 = . For resonance to
V. This refers to the rms value of the voltage. The LC
amplitude of this voltage is occur, the presence of both L and C elements in the
circuit is a must. With only one of these (L or C)
m = 2 = 2(240) = 340V elements, there is no possibility of voltage
cancellation and hence, no resonance is possible.
11. The power rating of an element used in ac circuits
refers to its average power rating. 15. The power factor in a RLC circuit is a measure of
how close the circuit is to expending the maximum
12. The power consumed in an ac circuit is never
power.
negative.
16. A transformer (step-up) changes a low-voltage into
13. In an ac circuit, while adding voltages across
a high-voltage. This does not violate the law of
different elements, one should take care of their
conservation of energy. The current is reduced by
phases properly. For example, if VR and VC are
the same proportion.
voltages across R and C, respectively in an RC

SCAN CODE
Alternating Current & Electromagnetic Waves
162 ALTERNATING CURRENT & ELECTROMAGNETIC WAVES

Solved Examples
Example - 1 220
Irms = 220 /13.82
A 100 Ω resistor is connected to a 220 V, 50 Hz ac 13.82
supply. Or Irms = 15.92 A
(a) What is the rms value of current in the circuit? Example - 4
(b) What is the net power consumed over a full A 60 µF capacitor is connected to a 110 V, 60 Hz ac
cycle? [NCERT] supply. Determine the rms value of the current in the
Sol. Given: circuit. [NCERT]
R = 100 ohms Sol. Given:
V = 220 V C = 60 microfarads
Frequency (f) = 50 Hz V = 110 volts
(a) We know V
V Frequency(f) = 60 Hz Irms =
I rms = rms Xc
R
1
220 Now, X c =
Substituting the values Irms = = 2.20A (2  3.14  60  60  10?( −6) )
100
(b) Power = V.I Xc = 44.284 ohms
Or Power = 220  2.2 110
Hence, Irms = = 2.488A
Or Power = 484 W 44.284
Example - 2 Example - 5
(a) The peak voltage of an ac supply is 300 V. What Obtain the resonant frequency r of a series LCR
is the rms voltage? circuit with L = 2.0H, C = 32 F and R = 10 . What
(b) The rms value of current in an ac circuit is 10 A. is the Q-value of this circuit? [NCERT]
What is the peak current. [NCERT]
Sol. (a) Peak voltage of the ac supply, V0 = 300 V Sol. L = 2H
V 300 C = 32 F = 32  10-6 F
We know Vrms = 0 = = 212.1V
2 2 R = 10
(b) The rams value of current is given as I = 10 A Resonant frequency
Using above identify for current peak current is 1 1
r = = −3
= 125rad / s
given as: 2  32  10 −6 8  10
I0 = 1.414  Irms Now Q – value = L/R
Or I0 = 1.414  10 = 14.14 A 1 L
Example - 3 Q=
R C
A 44 mH inductor is connected to 220 V, 50 Hz ac
1 2
supply. Determine the rms value of the current in the =
circuit. [NCERT] 10 32  10−6
1
Sol. Given : = = 25
L = 44 mH = 44  10-3 HV = 220 V 10  4  10−3
Frequency(f) = 50 Hz Hence, the Q – value is = 25
Angular frequency,  = 2ƒ Example - 6
Inductive reactance, XL = L = 2ƒL A charged 30 µF capacitor is connected to a 27 mH
inductor. What is the angular frequency of free
V
Irms is given by = oscillations of the circuit? [NCERT]
XL
Sol. Given:
Determining inductive reactance C = 30 F = 30  10-6 F
XL = 2  3.14  50  44  10-3  L = 27 mH 27  10-3
XL = 13.82 ohms
Therefore
ALTERNATING CURRENT & ELECTROMAGNETIC WAVES 163

1 1
Angular frequency of free oscillations r =  C1 =
LC (2 800  10 )  200  10−6
3 2

1 = 1.9809  10-10 F = 198pf

27 10−3  30 10−6 1
C2 = 2
1 2 L
= = 1.11103 rad / s
9 10−4 1
Example - 7  C2 =
(2 1200  103 ) 2  200  10−6
A series LCR circuit with R = 20 , L = 1.5 H and
= 0.8804  10-10 F = 88pF
C = 35 F is connected to a variable-frequency 200
Hence, the range of the variable capacitor is from
V ac supply. When the frequency of the supply
88.04 pF to 198.1 Pf.
equals the natural frequency of the circuit, what is
Example - 9
the average power transferred to the circuit in one
Figure shows a series LCR circuit connected to a
complete cycle? [NCERT]
variable frequency 230 V source. L = 5.0 H, C =
Sol. Given:
80F, R = 40 .
R = 20
L = 1.5 H
C = 35 F = 30  10-6F
V = 200 volts
Impedance of the circuit is given by the relation,
Z = R 2 + ( XL − XC )
2

At resonance,
XL = X C (a) Determine the source frequency which drives
Z = R = 20 the circuit in resonance.
V 200 (b) Obtain the impedance of the circuit and the
So I = = = 10A Thus,
Z 20 amplitude of current at the resonating frequency.
The average power transferred t the circuit in one (c) Determine the rms potential drops across the
complete cycle. three elements of the circuit. Show that the
P = I2R potential drop across the LC combination is zero at
Or P = 10  10  20 = 2000 W the resonating frequency. [NCERT]
Example - 8 Sol. Given:
A radio can tune over the frequency range of a V = 230 V
portion of MW broadcast band: (800 kHz to 1200 L=5H
kHz). If its LC circuit has an effective inductance of C = 80 F
200 µH, what must be the range of its variable R = 40 
capacitor? (a) Source frequency at resonance
[Hint: For tuning, the natural frequency i.e., the 1 1
= = = 50 rad/s
frequency of free oscillations of the LC circuit LC 5  80  10 −6
should be equal to the frequency of the radio wave.]
(b) At resonance,
[NCERT]
Impedance, Z = Resistance, R
Sol. The range of frequency (f) of a radio is 800 KHZ to
So Z = R = 40 ohms
1200 kHZ
Now rms value of current,
Effective inductance of circuit L = 200 H = 200 
v
10-6 H I=
z
Capacitance of variable capacitor for f1 is given as :
230
1 Or I =
Ci = 2 Where, 1 = Angular frequency for 40
1 L
Hence I = 5.75 A
capacitor for f1 = 2ƒ1 Amplitude of this value of current = 1.414  I
2  800  103 rad/s
164 ALTERNATING CURRENT & ELECTROMAGNETIC WAVES

= 1.414  5.75 (current is maximum)

= 8.13 A Hence, the time lag between maximum voltage
(c) Now taking into consideration the rms potential 
and maximum current is .
drops 
Across Resistance, L 2 50  0.5
VR = IR = 5.75  40 tan  = = = 1.57
R 100
= 230 V
57.5
Across Capacitance,  = 57.5o = rad
180
VC = IXC
57.5
= 1437.5 V t =
180  2  50
Across Inductance,
= 3.19  10 −3 s
VL = IXL
= 5.75  50  5 = 3.2ms
= 1437.5 V Now, phase angular  is given by the relation,
Across LC combination Hence the time lag between maximum voltage and
VLC = I(XL - XC) At resonance, maximum current is 3.2 ms.
XL = X C Example - 11
So, VLC = 0 A 100 µF capacitor in series with a 40 Ω resistance
Hence shown, that potential drop across LC is connected to a 110 V, 60 Hz supply.
combination is zero at resonanting frequency (a) What is the maximum current in the circuit?
Example - 10 (b) What is the time lag between the current
A coil of inductance 0.50 H and resistance 100 Ω is maximum and the voltage maximum?
connected to a 240 V, 50 Hz ac supply. [NCERT]
(a) What is the maximum current in the coil? Sol. Capacitance of the capacitor, C = 100 F =
(b) What is the time lag between the voltage 100  10-6 F
maximum and the current maximum? Resistance of the resistor, R = 40
[NCERT] Supply voltage, V = 110 V
Sol. Inductance of the inductor, L = 0.50 H Frequency of oscillations, v = 60 Hz
Resistance of the resistor, R = 100  (b) Angular frequency  = 2v = 2  60 rad/s
Potential of the supply voltage, V = 240 V Cor a RC circuit, we have the relation for
Frequency of the supply, v = 50 Hz 1
(a) Peak voltage is given as : impedance as: Z = R2 +
 C2 2

Vo = 2V = 2  240 = 339.41V Peak Voltage Vo = V 2 = 110 2V

Angular frequency of the supply, Vo
 = 2v = 2  50 = 100  rad/s Maximum current is given as: I o =
Z
Maximum current in the circuit is given as: Vo
Vo =
Io = R2 +
1
R + 2 L2
2
 C22

339.41
= = 1.82A 110 2
=
(100) 2 + (100 ) (0.50) 2
2
1
(40) 2 +
(b) Equation for voltage is given as : V = V0 cos t (120) 2  (10−4 ) 2
Equation for current is given as : I = I0 cos 110 2
(t - ) Where, = = 3.24A
102
 = Phase difference between voltage and 1600 +
(120)
current At time, t = 0. V = V0 (voltage is
maximum). (b) In a capacitor circuit, the voltage lags behind
 the current by a phase angle of . This angle is
For t -  = 0 i.e., at t = , I = I0 given by relation:

ALTERNATING CURRENT & ELECTROMAGNETIC WAVES 165

1 1
The negative sign appears because L <
 tan  = c = L
1
R CR Amplitude of maximum current, |I0| = 11.63A
1 I −11.63
= = 0.6635 I= 0 = = −8.22A
120 10 −4  40 2 2
 = tan −1 (0.6635) = 33.56o (b) Potential difference across the inductor,
33.56 VL =   L
= rad
180 = 8.22  100  80  10-3
 = 206.61 V
Time lag =
 Potential difference across the capacitor,
1
VC =  
33.56 C
= = 1.55 10−3 S = 1.55ms
180 120 1
= 8.22  = 436.3V
Hence, the time lag between maximum current and 100 60 10−6
maximum voltage is 1.55 ms. (c) Average power consumed by the inductor is
Example - 12 zero as actual voltage leads the current by
A circuit containing a 80 mH inductor and a 60 F (d) Average power consumed by the capacitor is
capacitor in series is connected to a 230 V, 50 Hz 
supply. The resistance of the circuit is negligible. zero as voltage lags current by
2
(a) Obtain the current amplitude and rms values. (e) The total power absorbed (averaged over one
(b) Obtain the rms values of potential drops across cycle) is zero.
each element. Example - 13
(c) What is the average power transferred to the A power transmission line feeds input power at
inductor? 2300 V to a step- down transformer with its
(d) What is the average power transferred to the primary windings having 4000 turns. What should
capacitor? be the number of turns in the secondary in order to
(e) What is the total average power absorbed by the get output power at 230 V?
circuit? [‘Average’ implies ‘averaged over one [NCERT]
cycle’.] Sol. Input voltage, V1 = 2300
[NCERT] Number of turns in primary coil, n1 = 4000
Sol. Inductance, L = 80 mH = 80  10-3 H Output voltage V2 = 230 V
Capacitance, C = 60 F = 60  10-6 F Number of turns in secondary coil = n2 Voltage is
Supply voltage, V = 230 V V n
Frequency, v = 50 Hz related to the number of turns as: 1 = 1
V2 n 2
Angular frequency,  = 2v = 100 rad/s
2300 4000
Peak voltage, V0 = V 2 = 230 2 V =
230 n2
(a) Maximum current is given as: Hence, rms
4000  230
value of current, n2 = = 400
V0 2300
I0 = Hence, there are 400 turns in the second winding.
 1 
 L − 
  L Example - 14
230 3
= An ideal inductor when connected in a.c. circuit
 −3 1  does not produce heating effect though it reduces the
100 80 10 − −6 
 100  60  10  current in the circuit. Explain why ?
230 2 Sol. An ideal inductor is a coil having some
=
 1000  inductance (L) but no ohmic resistance R.
 8 −  = 11.63A 2
 6  Amount of heat produced in time t = I Rt. As R =
0, therefore, heat produced = 0. However, the
inductor offers inductive
166 ALTERNATING CURRENT & ELECTROMAGNETIC WAVES

reactance XL =  L = 2  v L to the a.c. Therefore, the Sol.

current is reduced. (i) in circuit (a), there will be no effect on the current
Example - 15 flowing. This is because, R is not affected by
frequency.
A parallel plate capacitor made of circular plates
(ii) In circuit (b), current will decrease as inductive
each of radius 10.0 cm has a capacitance 200 pE.
reactance XL =  L = 2  v L will increases with
The capacitor is connected to a 200 V a.c. supply
–1
with an angular frequency of 200 rad s . increasing frequency.

(a) What is the r.m.s. value of the conduction (iii) In circuit (c), current will increase as capacitative
current? reactance will decrease on increasing the
(b) Is the conduction current equal to displacement frequency.
current? Example - 17
(c) Peak value of displacement current.
An electric lamp which runs at 80-volt d.c. and
Sol. Here, R = 10 cm = 0.1 m; consumes 10 ampere is connected to 100-volt, 50 Hz
–12 –10
a.c. mains. Calculate the inductance of the choke
C = 200 pF = 200 × 10 F = 2 × 10 F; required.
–1 –2
Erms = 200 V;  = 200 rad s ; r = 2.0 × 10 m.
Sol. Here, V = 80 V, I = 10 A
E –10
(a) Irms = rms =  C E rms = 200 × (2 × 10 ) × R=
V 80
= =8
1/ C I 10
–6
200 = 8 × 10 A = 8 A
Ev = 100 V, v = 50 Hz, Iv = I = 10 A, L = ?
(b) Yes, because ID = I
If Z is impedance of lamp and choke coil,
−6
I0 = 2 Irms = 2  8 10 = 11.312 × 10 A
–6
(c) E v 100
then Z = = = 10 
Iv 10
Example - 16

Figure (a), (b), (c) show three alternating circuits As R 2 + X2L = Z2

with equal currents. If frequency of alt. emf be X2L = Z2 − R 2 = 102 − 82 = 36
increased, what will be the effect on currents in the
three cases? Explain. XL = 6
Now XL = L = 2vL

XL 6 7 –2
L= = = 1.9 × 10 H.
2v 2  22  50

Example - 18

A 15.0 F capacitor is connected to 220 V, 50 Hz

source. Find the peak current.
–6
Sol. Here, C = 15.0 F = 15.0 × 10 F,
Ev = 220 V; v = 50 Hz, XC = ?, I0 = ?

1 1 1
XC = = =
C 2vC 2   50 15.0 10−6
22
7
= 212.1 
ALTERNATING CURRENT & ELECTROMAGNETIC WAVES 167

Ev 220 in series and placed across 200 V, 50 Hz a.c. supply.

Iv = = = 1.037 A
X C 212.1 Calculate (i) current in the circuit (ii) phase angle
between current and voltage. Take  = 3.
I0 = 2 I v = 1.414 1.037 A = 1.47 A
Sol. Here, R = 12 , XC = 14 ohm, L = 0.1 H
Example - 19
Ev = 200 V, v = 50 hz, Iv = ?,  = ?
Find the maximum value of current when
XL =  L = 2  v L = 2 × 3 × 50 × 0.1 = 30 ohm.
inductance of two henry is connected to 150 volt, 50
cycle supply. Z = R 2 + ( X L − X C ) = 122 + ( 30 − 14 ) = 20 ohm
2 2

Sol. Here, inductance, L = 2 henry E v 200

Iv = = = 10 A
r.m.s. voltage, Ev = 150 volt Z 20
frequency of A.C. supply, v = 50 c/s. X L − X C 30 − 14
tan  = = = 1.33
 Inductive reactance, R 12
–1
22 4400  = tan (1.33) = 53.06°.
XL =  L = 2  v L = 2 ×  50  2 = ohm
7 7 Example - 22
If E0 is the peak value of the alternating voltage, then
The number of turns in the primary and secondary
maximum value of current (I0) is given by coils of an ideal transformer are 2000 and 50
respectively. The primary coil is connected to a
E0 2 Ev
I0 = = main supply of 120 V and secondary to a night bulb
XL 2  v L
of 0.6 . Calculate
2 Ev 1414 150 (i) Voltage across the secondary,
I0 = = = 03A
2  v L 2  3.14  50  0.9 (ii) Current in the bulb,
Example - 20 (iii) Current in primary coil,
(iv) Power in primary and secondary coils.
A 200 km long telegraph wire has capacity of 0.014
 F/km. If it carries an alternating current of 50 kc/s, Sol. Here, np = 2000; ns = 50;
what should be the value of an inductance required Ep = 120 V; Rs = 0.6 
to be connected in series so that impedance is
minimum. Es = ?, Is = ?, Ip = ?, Pp = ?, Ps = ?
Es n
Sol. Here, Capacity of telegraph wire, (i) As = s
Ep np
–6
C = 0.014 × 200  F = 2.8 × 10 F
ns 50
3
v = 50 k c/s = 50 × 10 c/s, L = ?  Es = E p . = 120  = 3V
np 2000
Impedance is minimum at resonance where
Es 3
1 1 (ii) As Is =  Is = =5A
v= or L = R 0.6
2 LC 4 v C
2 2

Ip Es
1 (iii) As =
L= Is Ep
4   ( 50 103 )  2.8 10−6
22 22 2

7 7 Es 3
 Ip =  Is =  5 = 0.125 A
–6 Ep 120
 L = 0.36 × 10 H
(iv) Power in primary,
Example - 21
Pp = Ep × Ip = 120 × 0.125 = 15 W
A resistor of 12 , a capacitor of reactance 14 ohm
Power in secondary, Ps = Es × Is = 3 × 5 = 15 W
and a pure inductor of inducatance 0.1 H are joined
168 ALTERNATING CURRENT & ELECTROMAGNETIC WAVES

k = 1.8 rad/m;  = 5.4 × 10 rad/s;

8
Example - 23

Why is the core of a transformer made of a magnetic E0 = 3.1 N/C

2 2  ( 22 / 7 )
material of high permeability ?
= = = 3.492m  3.5m.
Sol. When permeability of magnetic material of k 1.8
transformer core is high, almost whole of magnetic
flux will be linked with the core. Therefore, magnetic  5.4  108
(c) v= = = 85.9  106  86 MHz.
flux linked with the secondary coil will almost be 2 2  ( 22 / 7 )
equal to the amount of magnetic flux linked with the
primary coil. Therefore, energy loss due to leakage of E0 3.1
(d) B0 = = = 1.03 10−8 T  10.3nT.
magnetic flux will be reduced considerably. c 3 108
Example - 24
(e) B = B0 cos (ky + t) = (10.3 nT) cos
Give difference between displacement current and 8
[(1.8 rad/m) y + (5.4 × 10 rad/s) t]
conduction current.

Sol. Conduction current is due to flow of electrons in the

circuit. It exists even if the flow of electrons is at
uniform rate.
Displacement current is due to time varying electric
field. It does not exist under steady condition.

Example - 25

Suppose that the electric field part of an

electromagnetic wave in vacuum is
8
E = 3.1 N/C cos [(1.8 rad/m)y + (5.4 × 10 rad/s) t]
(a) What is the direction of motion ?
(b) What is the wavelength  ?
(c) What is the frequency v ?
(d) What is the amplitude of the magnetic field part
of the wave ?
(e) Write an expression for the magnetic field part of
the wave.

Sol.

(a) From the given equation, it is clear that the

direction of motion of e.m. wave is along negative
y direction i.e. along − ĵ .

(b) Comparing the given equation with the equation

E = E0 cos (ky + t), we have
ALTERNATING CURRENT & ELECTROMAGNETIC WAVES 169

EXERCISE – 1: Basic Objective Questions

Alternating Current 8. The instantaneous values of current and voltage in
an AC circuit are given by I = 6sin(100 πt + π/4), V
1. An ac voltage is represented by = 5 sin (100 πt – π/4), then

E = 220 2 cos ( 50 ) t (a) current leads the voltage by 45°

(b) voltage leads the current by 90°
How many time will the current become zero is 1 s ? (c) current leads the voltage by 90°
(a) 50 times (b) 100 times (d) voltage leads the current by 45°
(c) 30 times (d) 25 times 9.
2
If i = t for 0 < t < T, then r.m.s. value of current is :

2. The peak value of AC voltage on 220 V mains i

T2 T2
(a) (b)
2 2
(a) 240 2 V (b) 230 2 V

T2
(c) 220 2 V (d) 200 2 V (c) (d) none of these
5
3. Alternating voltage V = 400 sin (500  t) is applied 10. Alternating current cannot be measured by DC
across a resistance of 0.2 k . The r.m.s. value of ammeter, because
current will be equal to
(a) AC cannot pass through DC ammeter
(a) 14.14 A (b) 1.414 A
(b) AC changes direction
(c) 0.1414 A (d) 2.0 A
(c) Average value of current for complete cycle is
4. A generator produces a voltage that is given by V = zero
240 sin (120 t) volt, where t is in second. The
frequency and r.m.s. voltage are: (d) DC ammeter will get damaged
(a) 60 Hz. and 240 volt (b) 19 Hz and 120 volt 11. If reading of an ammeter is 10 A, then the peak value
(c) 19 Hz and 170 volt (d) 754 Hz and 170 volt of current is
5. In general, in an alternating current circuit 10 5
(a) A (b) A
(a) the average value of current is zero 2 2
(b) the average value of square of current is zero
(c) 20 2 A (d) 10 2 A
(c) average power dissipation is zero
(d) the phase difference between voltage and current 12. The instantaneous voltage through a device of
impedance 20Ω is e = 80 sin 100 πt. The effective
is zero.
value of the current is
6. The time taken by an alternating current of 50 Hz in
(a) 3 A (b) 2.828 A
reaching from zero to its maximum value will be
(c) 1.732 A (d) 4 A
(a) 0.5 s (b) 0.005 s
13. The peak value of an alternating current is 5 A and
(c) 0.05 s (d) 5 s
its frequency is 60 Hz. Find its rms value and time
7. 220 V, 50 Hz AC is applied to a resistor. The taken to reach the peak value of current starting from
instantaneous value of voltage is zero.

(a) 220 2 sin100 t (b) 220sin100 t (a) 3.536 A, 4.167 ms (b) 3.536 A, 15 ms

(c) 6.07 A, 10 ms (d) 2.536 A, 4.167 ms

(c) 220 2 sin50 t (d) 220sin 50 t
170 ALTERNATING CURRENT & ELECTROMAGNETIC WAVES

14. The output current versus time curve of a rectifier is (a) more resistance (b) less resistance
shown in figure.
(c) zero resistance (d) None of these

20. The impedance of a circuit, when a resistance R

and an inductor of inductance L are connected in
series in an AC circuit of frequency f, is

(a) R + 2 2 f 2 L2 (b) R + 4 2 f 2 L2

(c) R 2 + 4 2 f 2 L2 (d) R 2 + 2 2 f 2 L2

21. In a pure inductive circuit, current

The average value of output current in this case is,
I0 I0 (a) lags behind emf by (b) leads the emf by
(a) (b) 2 2
 2
I0 (c) lags behind by π (d) leads the emf by π
2I 0
(c) (d)
 2 22. What is the ratio of inductive and capacitive
15. An ac is given by equation I = I1 cos ωt + I2 sin ωt. reactance in AC circuit?
The rms value of current is given by: (a) 2LC (b) 1

(I + I )
2
I1 + I 2 (c) zero (d) 2L
(a) (b) 1 2
2 2
23. The alternating current I in an inductance coil
1 I12 + I22 varies with time according to graph given in figure
(c) I12 + I22 (d)
2 2

AC Circuits
16. A reactance of a 25 µF capacitor at the AC
frequency of 4000 Hz is

5
(a)  (b) 10 


5 Which one of the following graphs, gives

(c)  (d) 10
 the variation of voltage with time?

17. The inductive reactance of a coil of 0.2 H inductance

at a frequency of 60 Hz is

(a) 7.54  (b) 0.754 

–3 (a)
(c) 75.4  (d) 7.54 × 10 

18. The angular frequency of a.c. at which a coil of

inductance 1mH has a reactance of 1  is
3
(a) 10 s-1 (b) 10 s-1
–3
(c) 10 s-1 (d) 1 s-1 (b)
19. For high frequency, capacitor offers
ALTERNATING CURRENT & ELECTROMAGNETIC WAVES 171

3 9
(a) (b)
2 2

6
(c) 2 (d)
(c) 2

29. Which of the following curves, figure correctly

represent the variation of capacitive reactance (XC)
with frequency (f) ?

(d)

24. A capacitor of 10 mF and an inductor of 1H are

joined in series. An AC of 50 Hz is applied to this
combination. What is the impedance of the (a) (b)
combination?

 1002 − 1 
(a) 28/πΩ (b)  
  

(c) 10/πΩ (d) 20/πΩ

25. An alternating current of rms value 10 A is passed

through a 12 Ω resistor. The maximum potential (c) (d)
difference across the resistor is
30. For high frequency, inductor offers
(a) 20 V (b) 90 V
(a) more resistance (b) less resistance
(c) 169.68 V (d) None of these
(c) zero resistance (d) none of these
26. In a series AC circuit, the AC voltage across
resistance R, inductor L and capacitor C are 5 V, 31. In the circuit shown in figure the r.m.s. value of e
10 V and 10 V respectively. The AC voltage is 5 V and r.m.s. value of voltage drop across L is 3
applied to the circuit will be V.

(a) 10 V (b) 25 V

(c) 5 V (d) 20 V

27. A resistor and a capacitor are connected in series

with an AC source. If the potential drop across the
The r.m.s. value of voltage across R will be
capacitor is 5 V and that across resistor is 12 V,
then applied voltage is (a) 2 V (b) 3 V

(a) 13 V (b) 17 V (c) 4 V (d) 0 V

(c) 5 V (d) 12 V 32. An alternating voltage

28. An alternating emf given by equation E = 200 sin (100 t) volt is connected to a 1  F
capacitor through an A.C. ammeter. The reading of
e = 300 sin [(100 π)t] volt ammeter is
is applied to a resistance 100 Ω. The rms current (a) 20 mA (b) 14.14 mA
through the circuit is (in ampere)
(c) 40 mA (d) 80 mA
172 ALTERNATING CURRENT & ELECTROMAGNETIC WAVES

33. For the LR circuit shown in figure, the phase angle (c) 1 A (d) 1.4 A
if frequency is 100/ is
38. An alternating voltage E = 200 2 sin (100t ) is
connected to 1 µF capacitor through AC ammeter.
The reading of ammeter shall be

(a) 10 mA (b) 20 mA

(c) 40 mA (d) 80 mA

39. An AC source of frequency 50 Hz is connected in

(a) 30° (b) 60° series to an inductance of 0.5 H and resistance of
157Ω. The phase difference between current and
(c) 45° (d) 90° voltage is

 0.4  (a) 90 (b) 60

34. In an L-R circuit, the value of L is   H and the
 
(c) 75 (d) 45
value of R is 30 Ω. If in the circuit, an alternating
emf of 200 V at 50 cycle /s is connected, the 40. How much current will flow in a circuit having
impedance of the circuit and current will be resistance of 109  and an inductance of 0.5 H
(a) 11.4 Ω, 17.5 A (b) 30.7 Ω, 6.5 A connected to an A.C. supply of 100 V and 50 Hz in
series?
(c) 40.4 Ω, 5 A (d) 50 Ω, 4 A
(a) 0.25 A (b) 0.52 A
35. An ideal choke draws a current of 8 A when
connected to an AC supply of 100 V, 50 Hz. A (c) 0.75 A (d) 0.85 A
pure resistor draws a current of 10 A when 41. A resistor and a capacitor are connected to an ac
connected to the same source. The ideal choke and supply of 200 V, 50 Hz in series. The current in the
the resistor are connected in series and then circuit is 2A. If the power consumed in the circuit is
connected to the AC source of 150 V, 40 Hz. The 100 watt, then the resistance in the circuit is
current in the circuit becomes
(a) 100Ω (b) 25 Ω
15
(a) A (b) 8 A (c) 125  75  (d) 400 Ω
2

(c) 18 A (d) 10 A 42. The circuit given in figure has a resistance less choke
coil L and a resistance R. The voltage across R and L
36. An inductive coil has a resistance of 100 Ω. When are given in figure. The value of the applied voltage
an AC signal of frequency 1000 Hz is applied to is
the coil, the voltage leads the current by 45°. The
inductance of the coil is

1 1
(a) (b)
10 20

1 1
(c) (d)
40 60

37. An inductor of 1 H is connected across a 220 V, 50

Hz supply. The peak value of the current is
approximately (a) 100 V (b) 200 V

(a) 0.5 A (b) 0.7 A (c) 300 V (d) 400 V

ALTERNATING CURRENT & ELECTROMAGNETIC WAVES 173

43. If a circuit made up of a resistance 1Ω and inductance (a) Any angle b/w 0 and  /2
0.01 H; and alternating emf 200 V at 50 Hz is
connected, then the phase difference between the (b) /2
current and the emf in the circuit is
(c) 
 
(a) tan −1 ( ) (b) tan −1   (d) any angle between 0 and /2
2
50. An inductor L, a capacitor of 20 µFand a resistor of
10 Ω are connected in series with an AC source of
   
(c) tan −1   (d) tan −1   frequency 50 Hz. If the current is in phase with the
4 3
voltage, then the inductance of the inductor is
44. If the capacity of a condenser is 1 F, then its
(a) 2.00 H (b) 0.51 H
resistance in a DC circuit will be
(c) 1.5 H (d) 0.99 H
(a) zero (b) Infinity
51. A sinusoidal voltage of peak value 300 V and an
1 angular frequency ω = 400rad/s is applied to series
(c) 1 (d)
2 L-C-R circuit, in which R = 3 Ω, L = 20 mH and C
45. A 60 volt–10 watt bulb is operated at 100 volt–60 Hz = 625 µF. The peak current in the circuit is
a.c. The inductance required is
(a) 30 2 A (b) 60 A
(a) 2.56 H (b) 0.32 H
(c) 100 A (d) 60 2 A
(c) 0.64 H (d) 1.28 H
46. A coil of resistance 200 ohm and self-inductance 1.0 52. In the circuit shown in figure, if value of R = 60 ,
henry has been connected to an a.c. source of then the current flowing through the condenser will
frequency 200/ Hz. The phase difference between be
voltage and current is

(a) 30° (b) 63°

(c) 45° (d) 75°

47. A resistance of 20Ω is connected to a source of an
alternating potential V = 220sin (100 t ) . The time
taken by the current to change from the peak value to
(a) 0.5 A (b) 0.25 A
rms value, is
(c) 0.75 A (d) 1.0 A
(a) 0.2 s (b) 0.25 s 53. In an L-C-R circuit R = 100 Ω. When capacitance
(c) 2.5 × 10-2 s (d) 2.5 × 10-3 s C is removed, the current lags behind the voltage
by π/3, when inductance L is removed, the current
Series RLC Circuits leads the voltage by π/3. The impedance of the
circuit is
48. In an L-C-R series AC circuit, the voltage across each
of the components L C, and R is 50 V. The voltage (a) 50 Ω (b) 100 Ω
across the L-C combination will be
(c) 200 Ω (d) 400 Ω
(a) 50 V (b) 50 2 V 54. An L-C-R series circuit consists of a resistance of
10 Ω, a capacitor of reactance 60 Ω and an inductor
(c) 100 V (d) zero
coil. The circuit is found to resonate when put
49. In L-C-R series A.C. circuit, the phase angle across a 300 V, 100 Hz supply. The inductance of
between current and voltage is coil is (Take, π = 3 )
174 ALTERNATING CURRENT & ELECTROMAGNETIC WAVES

(a) 0.1 H (b) 0.01 H 59. In the circuit shown in figure, what will be the
reading of the voltmeter V3 and ammeter A ?
(c) 0.2 H (d) 0.02 H

55. Same current is flowing in two alternating circuits.

The first circuit contains only inductance and the
other contains only a capacitor. If the frequency of
the emf of AC is increased, the effect on the value
of the current will be

(a) increases in the first circuit and decreases in the

other
(b) increases in both the circuits
(c) decreases in both the circuits (a) 800 V, 2 A (b) 300 V, 2 A

(d) decreases in the first circuit and increases in the (c) 220 V, 2.2 A (d) 100 V, 2A
second circuit
56. In an AC circuit, the current lags behind the 60. In a circuit L , C and R connected in series with an
voltage by π/3. The component(s) of the circuit alternating voltage source of frequency f . The
is/are current leads the voltage by 45 . The value of C is:

(a) R and L (b) L and C

1 1
(c) R and C (d) only R (a) (b)
f ( 2f L − R ) 2f ( 2f L − R )
57. In the circuit shown in figure, what will be the
reading of the voltmeter? 1 1
(c) (d)
f ( 2f L + R ) 2f ( 2f L + R )

61. In the circuit shown in figure neglecting source

resistance, the voltmeter and ammeter readings will
be respectively,

(a) 300 V (b) 900 V

(c) 200 V (d) 400 V

58. In the series LCR circuit, the voltmeter and
ammeter readings are:

(a) 0 V, 3 A (b) 150 V, 3 A

(c) 150 V, 6 A (d) 0 V, 8 A

62. In series LCR circuit voltage drop across resistance

(a) V = 100 V, I = 2 A is 8 V, across inductor is 6V and across capacitor is
12 V. Then
(b) V = 100 V, I = 5 A
(a) Voltage the source will be leading current in the
(c) V = 1000 V, I = 2 A
circuit
(d) V = 300 V, I = 1 A (b) voltage drop across each element will be less than
the applied voltage
ALTERNATING CURRENT & ELECTROMAGNETIC WAVES 175

(c) power factor of circuit will be 4/3 (b) phase difference only
(d) None of these (c) emf
63. Assertion: When capacitive reactance is smaller than
the inductive reactance in LCR current, emf leads the (d) current, emf and phase difference
current.
69. The power factor in a circuit connected to an AC
Reason: The phase angle is the angle between the power supply has a value which is
alternating emf and alternating current of the circuit.
(a) unity when the circuit contains only inductance
(a) Both Assertion and Reason are true, and the
(b) unity when the circuit contains only resistance
Reason is the correct explanation of the Assertion.
(b) Both Assertion and Reason are true, but the (c) zero when the circuit contains an ideal
Reason is not the correct explanation of the resistance only
Assertion.
(d) unity when the circuit contains an ideal
(c) Assertion is true, but Reason is false.
capacitance only
(d) Both Assertion and Reason are false.
70. An electric heater rated 220 V and 550 W is
Power in AC Circuit connected to AC mains. The current drawn by it is

64. The power dissipated in an AC circuit is zero, if the (a) 0.8 A (b) 2.5 A
circuit is (c) 0.4 A (d) 1.25 A
(a) purely resistive 71. An rms voltage of 110 V is applied across a series
(b) purely inductive only circuit having a resistance 11 Ω and an impedance
22Ω. The power consumed is
(c) either purely inductive or purely capacitive
(a) 275 W (b) 366 W
(d) purely capacitive only
(c) 550 W (d) 1100 W
65. A choke is preferred to a resistance for limiting current
in AC circuit, because 72. In an AC circuit, V and I are given by V = 100 sin
 
(a) choke is cheap (100t) V, i = 100 sin 100t +  mA. . The power
 3
(b) there is no wastage of power
dissipated in circuit is:
(c) choke is compact in size
(d) choke is a good absorber of heat (a) 104 W (b) 10 W

65. The power factor of an a.c. circuit having resistance r (c) 2.5 W (d) 5 W
and inductance L connected in series to an a.c. source
73. In an A.C. circuit, voltage applied is V = 220 sin
of angular frequency ω is
(a) R/L (b) L/R 100 t. If the impedance is 110  and phase
difference between current and voltage is 60°, the
(c) R / R 2 + 2 L2 (d) zero power consumption is equal to

67. The average power dissipated in a pure capacitor in (a) 55 W (b) 110 W
AC circuit is
(c) 220 W (d) 330 W
1 2
(a) CV 2 (b) CV
2 74. The power factor of an R-L circuit is 1/ 2. If the
frequency of AC is doubled, then what will be the
2
(c) 2 CV (d) zero power factor?
68. Average power in a L-C-R circuit depends upon
(a) 1/ 3 (b) 1/ 5
(a) current
176 ALTERNATING CURRENT & ELECTROMAGNETIC WAVES

(c) 1/ 7 (d) 1/ 11 79. An alternating voltage V = V0 sin ωt is applied

across a circuit. As a result, the current I = I0 sin (ωt
75. A coil of inductive reactance 31Ω has a resistance of – π/2) flows in it. The power consumed in the circuit
8Ω. It is placed in series with a condenser of per cycle is
capacitive reactance 25Ω. The combination is
(a) 0.5 V0I0 W (b) 0.707V0I0 W
connected to an AC source of 110 V. The power
factor of the circuit is (c) 1.919V0I0 W (d) zero
(a) 0.56 (b) 0.64 80. If an AC produces same heat as that produced by a
steady current of 4 A, then peak value of current is
(c) 0.80 (d) 0.33
(a) 4 A (b) 1.56 A
76. Power dissipated in an L-C-R series circuit
connected to an AC source of emf e is (c) 5.6 A (d) 1.41 A

(a) e2 R 81. The potential difference across an instrument in an

 2  1  
2
AC circuit of frequency f is V and the current
R +  L −  
  C   through it is I such that V = 5 cos 2πft volt and I =
2sin 2πft amp. The power dissipated in the
2 instrument is
 1 
e2 R 2 +  L − 
 C (a) zero (b) 10W
(b) H
R
(c) 5W (d) 2.5 W
  1  
2

e2  R 2 +  L −    
  C   82. If V = 100 sin 100t volt, and I = 100sin 100t +  A.
(c)  6
R Then Find the watt less power in watt?

(d) e2 R 4
(a) 10 watt
3
(b) 10 watt
2
 1 
R2 +  L −  (d) 2.5  10 watt
2 3
 C (c) 10 watt

77. For a series L-C-R circuit at resonance, the statement 83. In series LR circuit, XL = 3 R. Now a capacitor with
which is not true? XC = R is added in series. The ratio of new to old
power factor is
(a) Peak energy stored by a capacitor = Peak energy
stored by an inductor (a) 2 (b) 1/ 2
(b) Average power = Apparent power
(c) 2 (d) 1
(c) Wattless current is zero 84. If the power factor changes from 1/2 to 1/4, then what
is the increase in impedance in AC (keeping R
(d) Power factor is zero
constant)?
78. In an ac circuit, with voltage V and current I the
(a) 20% (b) 50%
power dissipated is
1 (c) 25% (d) 100%
(a) VI (b) VI
2 85. An AC is represented by e = 220 sin (100 πt) volt and
is applied over a resistance of 110Ω. The heat
(c) 1 VI
2 produced in 7 min is

(d) depends on the phase angle between V and I. (a) 11  103 cal (b) 22  103 cal

(c) 33 103 cal (d) 25 103 cal

ALTERNATING CURRENT & ELECTROMAGNETIC WAVES 177

86. In an electrical circuit R, L, C and AC voltage source (d) Both Assertion and Reason are false.
are all connected in series. When Lis removed from 90. Assertion: When an electric lamp connected in
the circuit, the phase difference between the voltage series with a variable capacitor and ac source, its
and the current in the circuit is π /3. If instead C is brightness increases with increase in capacitance.
removed from the circuit, the phase difference is
Reason: Capacitive reactance decreases with
again π/3. The power factor of the circuit is
increase in capacitance of capacitor.
(a) 1/2 (b) 1 2 (a) Both Assertion and Reason are true, and the
Reason is the correct explanation of the
3 Assertion.
(c) 1 (d)
2
(b) Both Assertion and Reason are true, but the
87. In an AC circuit, the emf (e) and the current (i) at any Reason is not the correct explanation of the
instant are given respectively by Assertion.
(c) Assertion is true, but Reason is false.
e = E0 sin t  i = I0 sin ( t − )
(d) Both Assertion and Reason are false.
The average power in the circuit over one cycle of
AC is
Resonance in RLC Circuits

E 0 I0 E 0 I0 91. In L-C-R resonant circuit, what is the phase angle 

(a) (b) sin ?
2 2

E 0 I0 (a) 90° (b) 180°

(c) cos (d) E0I0
2 (c) 0° (d) 60°
88. As given in the figure, a series circuit connected 92. In series L-C-R circuit, the capacitance is changed
across a 200 V, 60 Hz line consists of a capacitor of from C to 2C. The inductance should be changed
capacitive reactance 30Ω, a non-inductive resistor of from L to … to obtain same resonance frequency.
44 Ω and a coil of inductive reactance 90Ω and
resistance 36Ω. (a) 4L (b) L/2

(c) L/4 (d) 2L

93. At resonance, in a series LCR circuit, which

relation does not hold?

1 1
(a)  = (b)  =
LC LC
The power dissipated in the coil is
1 1
(c) L = (d) C =
(a) 320 W (b) 176 W C L
94. In L-C-R series circuit, the resonance condition in
(c) 144 W (d) 0 W
terms of capacitive reactance (XC) and inductive
89. Assertion: Choke coil is preferred over a resistor to reactance (XL) is
adjust current in an ac circuit.
(a) XC + XL = 0 (b) XC = 0
Reason: Power factor for inductance is zero.
(c) XL = 0 (d) XC – XL = 0
(a) Both Assertion and Reason are true, and the Reason
is the correct explanation of the Assertion. 95. In an L-C-R circuit, the capacitance is made 1/4,
(b) Both Assertion and Reason are true, but the Reason then what should be change in inductance, so that
is not the correct explanation of the Assertion. the circuit remains in resonance?
(c) Assertion is true, but Reason is false. (a) 8 times (b) 1/4 times
178 ALTERNATING CURRENT & ELECTROMAGNETIC WAVES

(c) 2 times (d) 4 times (a) 0° (b) 30°

96. A series LCR circuit is tuned to resonance. The (c) 45° (d) 60°
impedance of the circuit now is
101. What is the value of inductance L for which the
2 1/2 current is a maximum in a series L-C-R circuit with C
  1  
(a)  R +  L −   = 10µF and ω = 1000 s-1 ?
2

  C  
(a) 100 mH
1/2
 2 2  1  
2 (b) 1 mH
(b)  R + ( L ) +   
  C   (c) Cannot be calculated unless R is known

1/2
(d) 10 mH
 2  1  
2

(c)  R +  − L   102. An L-C-R series circuit, connected to a source E, is at

  C   resonance. Then,

(d) R (a) the voltage across R is zero

97. For an RLC circuit driven with voltage of amplitude (b) the voltage across R equals applied voltage
1
 m and frequency 0 = the current exhibits (c) the voltage across C is zero
LC
(d) the voltage across C equals applied voltage
resonance. The quality factor, Q is given by:
103. In non-resonant circuit, what will be the nature of the
R CR circuit for frequencies higher than the resonant
(a) (b)
(0 C) 0 frequency?

0 L 0 R (a) Resistive (b) Capacitive

(c) (d)
R L
(c) Inductive (d) None of these
98. The power factor of series L-C-R circuit when at
104. In an L-C-R series AC circuit, if ω0 is the resonant
resonance is
angular frequency, then the quality factor (Q-factor)
(a) zero is given by

(b) 0.5 L
(a) 0 L/C (b) (1 / R )
C
(c) 1.0

(d) depends on values of L , C and R (c) 0 C/ R (d) L / 0 R

99. In an L-C-R series, AC circuit at resonance 105. Resonance frequency of L-C-R series AC circuit is
f0. Now, the capacitance is made 4 times, then the
(a) the capacitive reactance is more than the inductive
new resonance frequency will become
reactance
(b) the capacitive reactance equals the inductive f0
(a) (b) 2f0
reactance 4
(c) the capacitive reactance is less than the inductive f0
reactance (c) f0 (d)
2
(d) the power dissipated is minimum 106. In the figure shown, three AC voltmeters are
100. In a series L-C-R circuit, resistance R = 10 Ω and the connected. At resonance,
impedance Z = 10 Ω. The phase difference between
the current and the voltage is
ALTERNATING CURRENT & ELECTROMAGNETIC WAVES 179

110. Assertion: Quality factor (Q-factor) of series

resonant circuit is a unitless quantity

Reason: It defines sharpness of i-V curve at

resonance in LCR series circuit.

(a) Both Assertion and Reason are true, and the

Reason is the correct explanation of the
Assertion.
(b) Both Assertion and Reason are true, but the
Reason is not the correct explanation of the
(a) V2 = 0 (b) V1 = 0 Assertion.
(c) V3 = 0 (d) V1 = V2  0 (c) Assertion is true, but Reason is false.
(d) Both Assertion and Reason are false.
107. If reactive impedance is 3 times of resistance in Transformer
a series L-C-R circuit, then find phase difference.
111. In step-up transformer, relation between number of
(a) zero (b) 30 turns in primary (Np) and number of turns in
secondary (Ns) coils is
(c) 60 (d) Data is incomplete
(a) Ns is greater than Np
108. A 100 V, AC source of frequency 500 Hz is
connected to an L-C-R circuit with L = 8.1 mH, (b) Np is greater than Ns
C = 12 5. µF, R = 10 Ω all connected in series as (c) Ns is equal to Np
shown in figure. What is the quality factor of
circuit? (d) Np = 2Ns

112. Core of a transformer is made up of

(a) soft iron (b) steel

(c) iron (d) alnico

113. A transformer has 1500 turns in the primary coil

and 1125 turns in the secondary coil. If the voltage
(a) 2.02 (b) 2.5434 in the primary coil is 200 V, then the voltage in the
secondary coil is
(c) 20.54 (d) 200.54
(a) 100 V (b) 150 V
109. Assertion: The voltage and current in LCR circuit
is in the same phase at resonance. (c) 200 V (d) 250 V

Reason: At resonance, inductive reactance and 114. Quantity that remains unchanged in a transformer
capacitive reactance has zero value. is

(a) Both Assertion and Reason are true, and the (a) voltage (b) current
Reason is the correct explanation of the
Assertion. (c) frequency (d) None of these

(b) Both Assertion and Reason are true, but the 115. A step-up transformer operates on a 230 V line and
Reason is not the correct explanation of the supplies a load of 2 A. The ratio of the primary and
Assertion. secondary windings is 1: 25 . The current in the
(c) Assertion is true, but Reason is false. primary is:
(d) Both Assertion and Reason are false. (a) 15A (b) 50A
180 ALTERNATING CURRENT & ELECTROMAGNETIC WAVES

(c) 25A (d) 12.5A (c) 2 A (d) 1.5 A

116. A transformer is used to light a 100 W and 110 V
123. A transformer with efficiency 80% works at 4 kW
lamp from a 220 V mains. If the main current is 0.5
and 100 V. If the secondary voltage is 200 V, then the
A, then the efficiency of the transformer is
primary and secondary currents are respectively,
approximately
(a) 40 A, 16 A (b) 16 A, 40 A
(a) 30% (b) 50%
(c) 20 A, 40 A (d) 40 A, 20 A
(c) 90% (d) 10%
124. The number of turns in primary and secondary of a
117. The core of a transformer is laminated because
transformer are 5 and 10 and mutual inductance of
(a) energy losses due to eddy currents may be transformer is 25 H. Now, if the number of turns in
minimised primary and secondary are 10 and 5, the new mutual
inductance will be
(b) the weight of the transformer may be reduced
(c) rusting of the core may be prevented (a) 6.25H (b) 12.5H
(d) ratio of voltages in primary and secondary may be (c) 25 H (d) 50 H
increased
118. A current of 5 A is flowing at 220 V in the primary 125. If a transformer of an audio amplifier has output
coil of a transformer. If the voltage produced in the impedance 8000 Ω and the speaker has input
secondary coil is 2200 V and 50% of power is lost, impedance of 8 Ω, the primary and secondary turns of
then the current in secondary will be this transformer connected between the output of
amplifier and to loudspeaker should have the ratio
(a) 2.5 A (b) 5 A
(a) 1000 : 1 (b) 100 : 1
(c) 0.25 A (d) 0.5 A
(c) 1 : 32 (d) 32 : 1
119. A step-down transformer reduces the voltage of a
transmission line from 2200 V to 220 V. The power 126. The coefficient of mutual inductance between the
delivered by it is 880 W and its efficiency is 88%. primary and secondary coils of transformer is 5 H. A
The input current is current of 10 A is cut-off in 0.5 s. The induced emf is

(a) 4.65 mA (b) 0.045 A (a) 1 V (b) 10 V

(c) 0.45 A (d) 4.65 A (c) 5 V (d) 100 V

120. Voltage in the secondary coil of a transformer does 127. The primary and secondary coils of a transformer
not depend upon have 50 and 1500 turns, respectively. If the magnetic
flux  linked with the primary coil is given by  = 0
(a) frequency of the source
+ 4t, where  is in weber, t is time in second and 0 is
(b) voltage in the primary coil
a constant, then the output voltage across the
(c) ratio of number of turns in the two coils
secondary coil is
(d) Both (b) and (c)
121. When power is drawn from the secondary coil of the (a) 90 V (b) 120 V
transformer, the dynamic resistance
(c) 220 V (d) 30 V
(a) increases (b) decreases
128. Assertion: A transformer is used to increase voltage
(c) remains unchanged (d) changes erratically and current both at same time.

122. The turns ratio of a transformer is given as 2 : 3 . If Reason: In a transformer we can increase power also.
the current through the primary coil is 3 A, thus
calculate the current through load resistance. (a) Both Assertion and Reason are true, and the Reason
is the correct explanation of the Assertion.
(a) 1 A (b) 4.5 A
ALTERNATING CURRENT & ELECTROMAGNETIC WAVES 181

(b) Both Assertion and Reason are true, but the (c) X-ray tube, radioactive source, crystal
Reason is not the correct explanation of the
oscillator, sodium vapour lamp
Assertion.
(c) Assertion is true, but Reason is false. (d) X-rays tube, crystal oscillator, radioactive
(d) Both Assertion and Reason are false. source, sodium vapour lamp.
Displacement Current 134. Which of the following waves has the maximum
wavelength?
129. According to Maxwell’s hypothesis, a changing (a) X-rays (b) Infrared rays
electric field gives rise to
(c) Ultraviolet rays (d) Radio waves
(a) an e.m.f. (b) electric current
135. The oscillating electric and magnetic field vectors of
(c) magnetic field (d) pressure radiant electromagnetic wave are oriented along

130. Maxwell’s modified form of Ampere’s circuital law (a) the same direction and in phase
is (b) the same direction but have a phase difference of
(a) S B.ds = 0 90°
(c) mutually perpendicular direction and are in phase
(b)  B.d = 0 I (d) mutually perpendicular directions but has a
phase difference of 90°
1 dq
(c)  B.d = 0 I + 136. Which of the following statements is false for the
0 dt
properties of electromagnetic waves?
d E (a) Both electric and magnetic field vectors attain
(d)  B.d = 0 I + 0 0
dt the maxima and minima at the same place and
131. A parallel plate capacitor is charged to 60µC.Due to same time.
a radioactive source, the plate losses charge at the (b) The energy in electromagnetic wave is divided
rate of 1.8  10-8 Cs-1. The magnitude of equally between electric and magnetic vectors.
displacement current is (c) Both electric and magnetic field vectors are
parallel to each other and perpendicular to the
(a) 1.8  10-8 Cs-1 (b) 3.6  10-8 Cs-1
direction of propagation of wave.
(c) 4.1  10-11 Cs-1 (d) 5.7  10-12 Cs-1 (d) These waves do not require any material
medium for propagation.
Properties of EM Waves
137. Which of the following is of shortest wavelength?
132. The electromagnetic waves
(a) X–rays (b) –rays
(a) travel with the speed of sound
(c) microwaves (d) radio waves
(b) travel with the same speed in all media
138. The speed of electromagnetic waves in vacuum
(c) travel in free space with the speed of light
(a) increases as we move from γ-rays to radio wave
(d) do not travel through a medium
133. The correct sequence of the increasing wavelength (b) decreases as we move from γ-rays to radio
waves
of the given radiation sources is (c) is same for all the above
(a) radioactive sources, X-rays tube, crystal oscillator,
(d) None of the above
sodium vapour lamp
(b) radioactive source, X-rays tube sodium vapour 139. In the electromagnetic spectrum, the visible
lamp, crystal oscillator spectrum lies between
182 ALTERNATING CURRENT & ELECTROMAGNETIC WAVES

(a) radio waves and microwaves 0 0 

(a) (b)
 0 0
(b) infrared and ultraviolet rays

(c) microwaves and infrared spectrum  0 0

(c) (d)
0 0 
(d) X-rays and gamma rays spectrum
147. The magnetic field in a travelling electromagnetic
140. Which of the following shows greenhouse effect?
wave has a peak value of 20 nT. The peak value of
(a) Ultraviolet rays (b) Infrared rays electric field strength is
−1 −1
(c) X-rays (d) None of these (a) 3 Vm (b) 6 Vm
–16
141. The energy of X-ray photon is 3.3 × 10 J. Its −1 −1
(c) 9 Vm (d) 12 Vm
frequency is
Intensity of EM Waves
19 18
(a) 2 × 10 Hz (b) 5 × 10 Hz
148. During the propagation of electromagnetic waves in a
17 16
(c) 5 × 10 Hz (d) 5 × 10 Hz medium:
142. A laser beam is sent to the moon and reflected back (a) Electric energy density is half of the magnetic
to earth by a mirror placed on the moon by an energy density.
astronaut. If the moon is 384000 km from earth, how (b) Electric energy density is equal to the magnetic
long does it take the light to make the round trip energy density.
(a) 5 minutes (b) 2.5 minutes (c) Both electric and magnetic energy densities are
zero.
(c) 2.5 s (d) 500 s
(d) Electric energy density is double of the magnetic
143. An electromagnetic wave going through vacuum is energy density.
described by E = E0 sin (kx − ωt ) and B = B0 sin 149. The average magnetic energy density of an
(kx – ωt). Which of the following equations is true? electromagnetic wave of wavelength λ travelling in
(a) E0k = B0ω (b) E0ω = B0k free space is given by
(c) E0B0 = ωk (d) None of the above
B2 B2
(a) (b)
144. Which of the following relation is correct 2 2 0

(a) 0 E 0 =  0 B0 (b)  0 0 E 0 = B0 2B2 B

(c) (d)
0 0
(c) E 0 = 0 0 B0 (d)  0 E 0 = 0 B0
150. Consider the following statements about
145. radio wave has a maximum magnetic field induction electromagnetic radiations; All of them
–4
of 10 T on arrival at a receiving antenna. The
(i) have energy (ii) exert pressure on an object
maximum electric field intensity of such a wave is
4 (iii) have the same momentum.
(a) zero (b) 3 × 10 V/m
–9 –13
Of these statements
(c) 5.8 × 10 V/m (d) 3.3 × 10 V/m
(a) (i), (ii) and (iii) are correct
146. If 0 and 0 represent the permittivity and
permeability of vacuum and and represent the (b) (i) and (ii) are correct
permittivity and permeability of medium, then
(c) (ii) and (iii) are correct
refractive index of the medium is given by
(d) (i) and (iii) are correct.
ALTERNATING CURRENT & ELECTROMAGNETIC WAVES 183

EXERCISE-2: Previous Year Questions

1. The electromagnetic wave having the shortest
wavelength is [KCET 2011]

[Kerala CEE 2011] (a) 106 W (b) 150 W

(a) X-rays (b) γ-rays (c) 5625 W (d) Zero

(c) infrared rays (d) microwaves
7. An AC source is 120 V- 60 Hz. The value of
2. The part of the spectrum of the electromagnetic voltage after (1/720) s from start will be
radiation used to cook food is
[BCECE 2011]
[J&K CET 2011]
(a) 20.2 V (b) 42.4 V
(a) ultraviolet rays (b) cosmic rays
(c) 84.8 V (d) 106.8 V
(c) X-rays (d) microwaves
8. Alternating current is transmitted at far off places
3. The electric and magnetic fields, associated with an
[JCECE 2011]
electromagnetic wave, propagating along the + Z-
axis, can be represented by (a) at high voltage and low current
[CBSE AIPMT 2011] (b) at high voltage and high current

(a) E = E 0 k, B = B0 i (b) E = E 0 j, B = B0 i (c) at low voltage and low current

(c) E = E 0 j, B = B0 k (d) E = E 0 i, B = B0 j (d) at low voltage and high current

9. In the circuit shown below, what will be the

d E
4. Dimensions 0
of are same as that of readings of the voltmeter and ammeter? (Total
dt
impedance of circuit, Z = 100 Ω)
[CBSE AIPMT 2011]
[JCECE 2012]
(a) charge (b) potential
(c) capacitance (d) current

5. The A transformer has 500 primary turns and 10

secondary turns. If the secondary has a resistive load
of 15 Ω, the currents in the primary and secondary
respectively, are

[UP CPMT 2011]

(a) 200 V, 1 A (b) 800 V, 2 A
(a) 0.16 A, 3.2 × 10-3A (c) 100 V, 2 A (d) 220 V, 2.2 A
(b) 3.2 × 10-3A, 0.16 A
10. In an AC circuit, an alternating voltage
(c) 0.16 A, 0.16 A
(d) 3.2 × 10-3A, 3.2 × 10-3A e = 200 2 sin100t volt is connected to a capacitor
of capacity 1µF. The rms value of the current in the
6. In an AC circuit, V and I are given by V =150 sin circuit is
 
(150t) volt and I = 150sin150t +   ampere. [CBSE AIPMT 2012]
3
(a) 100 mA (b) 200 mA
The power dissipated in the circuit is
(c) 20 mA (d) 10 mA
184 ALTERNATING CURRENT & ELECTROMAGNETIC WAVES

11. An AC voltage is applied to a resistance R and an (a) I and V are out of phase with each other in R
inductor L in series. If R and the inductive reactance (b) I and V are in phase in L with in C, they are out
are both equal to 3 Ω, the phase difference (in rad) of phase
between the applied voltage and the current in the (c) I and V are out of phase in both, C and L
circuit is (d) I and V are out of phase in L and in phase in C
17. In the series L-C-R circuit shown, the impedance is
[CBSE AIPMT 2012]
[KCET 2012]
(a) π /4 (b) π/2
(c) zero (d) π/6

12. The An electron revolves in the path of a circle of

radius of 0.5 × 10−10 m at frequency of 5 × 1015
cycles/s. The electric current in the circle is (charge
of an electron =1.6 × 10-19C )

[AFMC 2012]

(a) 0.4 mA (b) 0.8 mA

(c) 1.2 mA (d) 1.6 mA

13. The capacity of a pure capacitor is 1F. In DC circuits, (a) 200  (b) 100 
its effective resistance will be
(c) 300  (d) 500 
[AFMC 2012]
18. A transformer of 100% efficiency has 200 turns in the
(a) Infinite (b) Zero primary and 40000 turns in secondary. It is connected
1 to a 220 V main supply and secondary feeds to a 100
(c) 1 (d)
2 kΩ resistance. The potential difference per turn is

14. An L-C-R series circuit is under resonance. If Im is [AIIMS 2012]

current amplitude, Vm is voltage amplitude, R is the
(a) 1.1 V (b) 25 V
resistance, Z is the impedance, XL is the inductive
(c) 18 V (d) 11V
reactance and XC is the capacitive reactance, then
19. In a step-up transformer, the turns ratio is 1 : 2. A
[J&K CET 2012]
Leclanche cell (emf = 15. V) is connected across the
Vm Vm primary. The voltage developed in the secondary
(a) I m = (b) I m = would be
Z XL
Vm Vm [UP CPMT 2012]
(c) I m = (d) I m =
XC R
(a) 3 V (b) 0.75 V
15. In the case of an inductor (c) 1.5 V (d) zero

20. A transformer works on the principle of

[J&K CET 2012]

(a) voltage lags the current by π/2 [NEET 2012]

(b) voltage leads the current by π/2 (a) self-induction
(c) voltage leads the current by π/3 (b) electrical inertia
(d) voltage leads the current by π/4 (c) mutual induction
16. When an AC voltage is applied to an L-C-R circuit, (d) magnetic effect of the electrical current
which of the following is true?

[DUMET 2012]
ALTERNATING CURRENT & ELECTROMAGNETIC WAVES 185

21. The condition under which a microwave oven heats 26. In an electromagnetic wave, the amplitude of electric
up a food item containing water molecules most and magnetic fields are 100 V/m and 0.265 A/m,
efficiently is respectively. The maximum energy flow is
[KCET 2013]
[NEET 2013]
(a) 26.5 W/m2 (b) 36.5 W/m2
(a) the frequency of the microwave must match the
(c) 46.7 W/m2 (d) 765 W/m2
resonant frequency of the water molecules
(b) the frequency of the microwave has no relation 27. Which quantity is increased in step-down
with natural frequency of water molecules transformer?
(c) microwaves are heat waves, so always produce
[UP CPMT 2013]
heating
(d) infrared waves produce heating in a microwave (a) Current (b) Voltage
oven (c) Power (d) Frequency
22. If vγ, vX, and vM are the speeds of γ-rays, X-rays and
microwaves respectively in vacuum, then 28. In electromagnetic spectrum, the frequencies of γ-
rays, X-rays and ultraviolet rays are denoted by n1, n2
[Manipal 2013] and n3 respectively, then
(a) vγ > vM > vX (b) vγ > vX > vM [MHT CET 2014]
(c) vγ = vX = vM (d) None of these
(a) n1 > n2 > n3 (b) n1 < n2 < n3
23. A coil of self-inductance L is connected in series with (c) n1 > n2 < n3 (d) n1 < n2 > n3
a bulb B and AC source. Brightness of the bulb
decreases when [NEET 2013] 29. The electromagnetic waves detected using a
thermopile and used in physical therapy are
(a) frequency of the AC source is decreased
[Kerala CEE 2014]
(b) number of turns in the coil is reduced
(a) gamma radiations
(c) a capacitance of reactance XC = XL is included in (b) X-rays
the same circuit (c) ultraviolet radiations
(d) infrared radiations
(d) an iron rod is inserted in the coil
(e) microwave radiations
24. For high frequency L C- circuit, the maximum charge 30. The wavelength of X-rays is in the range
on the capacitor is Q. The charge on the capacitor,
[Guj CET 2014]
when the energy is stored equally between the electric
and magnetic fields is (a) 0.01 Å to Å (b) 0.001 nm to 1 nm
[Manipal 2013] (c) 0.001 µm to 1 µm (d) 0.001 cm to 1 cm

(a) Q/2 (b) Q / 2 31. The wavelength of the short radio waves, microwaves
and ultraviolet waves are λ1 λ2, and λ3 respectively.
(c) Q / 3 (d) Q/3
Arrange them in decreasing order.
25. There may be a large regions of space where there is
[Guj CET 2014]
no conduction current, but there is only
(a) λ1, λ2, λ3 (b) λ1, λ3, λ2
[WB JEE 2013]
(c) λ3, λ2, λ1 (d) λ2, λ1, λ3
(a) displacement current due to time varying electric
32. In L-C-R series circuit, an alternating emf e and
fields
current i are given by the equations e = 100 sin
(b) induced current due to time varying electric fields
(100t) volt.
(c) Both (a) and (b)
(d) Neither (a) nor (b)
186 ALTERNATING CURRENT & ELECTROMAGNETIC WAVES

  that across the resistance is 40 V. Then, the supply

i = 100sin 100t +  mA voltage will be equal to
 3
[UK PMT 2014]
The average power dissipated in the circuit will be
(a) 10 V (b) 50 V
[MHT CET 2014]
(c) 70 V (d) 130 V
(a) 100 W (b) 10 W
38. The A series L-C-R circuit contains inductance 5 mH,
(c) 50 W (d) 2.5 W capacitance 2µFand resistance 10 Ω. If a frequency
AC source is varied, then what is the frequency at
33. The average power dissipated in AC circuit is 2 W.
which maximum power is dissipated?
If a current flowing through a circuit is 2 A,
impedance is 1Ω, then what is the power factor of [KCET 2014]
the circuit? [KCET 2014]
105 10−5
(a) 0.5 (b) 1 (a) Hz (b) Hz

1 (c) 2 105 Hz (d) 5 103 Hz

(c) zero (d)
2
39. A transformer having efficiency of 90% is working
34. A hot wire ammeter reads 10 A in an AC circuit.
on 200V and 3 kW power supply. If the current in the
The peak value of the current will be
secondary coil is 6 A, then the voltage across the
[KCET 2014]
secondary coil and the current in the primary coil
10 respectively, are
(a) 3 A (b) A
2 [CBSE AIPMT 2014]

(c) 10 2 A (d) 6 A (a) 300 V, 15 A (b) 450 V, 15 A

(c) 450 V, 13.5 A (d) 600 V, 15 A
35. A resistance R draws power P when connected to
an AC source. If an inductance is now placed in 40. A step-up transformer operates on a 230 V line and
series with the resistance, such that the impedance supplies a current of 2 A. The ratio of primary and
of the circuit becomes Z the power drawn will be secondary windings is 1 : 25. The primary current is
[AIPMT 2015] [UK PMT 2014]

R R (a) 12.5 A (b) 50 A

(a) P   (b) P
Z Z (c) 8.8 A (d) 25 A

(c) P(R/Z)2 (d) P 41. A step-down transformer has 50 turns on secondary

and 1000 turns on primary winding. If a transformer
36. A 15.0 µF capacitor is connected to a 220 V, 50 Hz is connected to 220 V, 1 A AC source, then what is
source. The capacitive reactance is output current of the transformer?
[AIIMS 2014] [KCET 2014]
(a) 220  (b) 215  (a) (1/20)A (b) 20A
(c) 212  (d) 204  (c) 100 2A (d) 2A

42. The ratio of amplitude of magnetic field to the

amplitude of electric field for an electromagnetic
37. In an L-C-R series circuit, the potential difference
wave propagating in vacuum is equal to
between the terminals of the inductance is 60 V,
between the terminals of the capacitor is 30 V and [CBSE AIPMT 2014]

(a) the speed of light in vacuum

ALTERNATING CURRENT & ELECTROMAGNETIC WAVES 187

(b) reciprocal of speed of light in vacuum

(c) the ratio of magnetic permeability to the electric
susceptibility of vacuum
(d) unity
43. In electromagnetic wave, according to Maxwell,
changing electric field gives

[MHT CET 2014] 4 4

(a) 6V, tan −1   (b) 3V, tan −1  
(a) stationary magnetic field 3 3
(b) conduction current 5
(c) 6V, tan −1   (d) None of these
(c) eddy current 3
(d) displacement current
48. An EM wave is propagating in a medium with a
44. A plane electromagnetic wave of frequency 20 MHz
velocity v = vi. The instantaneous oscillating electric
travels through a space along x-direction. If the
field of this EM wave is along +Y-axis. Then, the
electric field vector at a certain point in space is 6
Vm−1, then what is the magnetic field vector at that direction of oscillating magnetic field of
point? electromagnetic wave will be along
[NEET 2018]
[KCET 2014]
(a) − y-direction (b) +z-direction
−8 (c) −z-direction (d) −x-direction
(a) 2  10 T
1
(b)  10 −8 T
2
49. Find resonance frequency in the given circuit
1
(c) 2 T (d) T
2 [JIPMER 2019]
45. An inductor 20 mH, a capacitor 50 µF and a resistor
40Ω are connected in series across a source of emf V
= 10 sin 340 t. The power loss in AC circuit is

[NEET 2016]

(a) 0.67 W (b) 0.76 W

(c) 0.89 W (d) 0.51 W

1 2
46. In an electromagnetic wave in free space the root mean (a) (b)
LC LC
square value of the electric field is Erms = 6 V / m .
The peak value of the magnetic field is: 1 4
(c) (d)
[NEET 2017] 2 LC LC

−8
(b) 4.23  10
−8 50. A circuit when connected to an AC source of 12 V
(a) 0.70  10 T T
gives a current of 0.2 A. The same circuit when
−8 −8
(c) 1.41 10 T (d) 2.83  10 T connected to a DC source of 12 V, gives a current of
0.4 A. The circuit is
47. In a series R-C circuit shown in figure, the applied
voltage is 10 V and the voltage across capacitor is [NEET 2019]
found to be 8V. Then, the voltage across R and the
(a) series L-R (b) series R-C
phase difference between current and the applied
(c) series L-C (d) series L-C-R
voltage will respectively be
[AIIMS 2018] N1 50
51. A transformer with turns ratio = is
N2 1
connected to a 120 V AC supply. If primary and
188 ALTERNATING CURRENT & ELECTROMAGNETIC WAVES

secondary circuit resistances are 15. kΩ and 1Ω V0

(c) Id = V0Ccos t (d) Id = cos t
respectively, then find out power of output. C
57. For a plane electromagnetic wave propagating in x
[AIIMS 2019]
- direction, which one of the following combination
(a) 5.76 W (b) 11.4 W gives the correct possible directions for electric
(c) 2.89 W (d) 7.56 W field (E) and magnetic field (B) respectively
[NEET 2021]
52. A parallel plate capacitor of capacitance 20µFis (a) ˆj + k,
ˆ −ˆj − kˆ (b) −ˆj + k,
ˆ −ˆj + kˆ
being charged by a voltage source whose potential
is changing at the rate of 3 V/s. The conduction (c) ˆj + k,
ˆ ˆj + kˆ (d) −ˆj + k,
ˆ −ˆj − kˆ
current through the connecting wires and the 58. An inductor of inductance L, a capacitor of
displacement current through t v = vi he plates of capacitance C and a resistor of resistance ‘R’ are
the capacitor would be respectively connected in series to an ac source of potential
difference ‘V’ volts as shown in figures.
[NEET 2019] Potential difference across L, C and R is 40 V, 10V
and 40V, respectively. The amplitude of current
(a) 60 A (b) 60 A, zero
flowing through LCR series circuit is 10 2. The
(c) zero, zero (d) Zero, 60 A
impedance of the circuit is: [NEET 2021]
53. The ratio of contributions made by the electric field
and magnetic field components to the intensity of an
electromagnetic wave is: (c = speed of
electromagnetic waves) [NEET 2020]

(a) 1 : c (b) 1 : c2
(c) c : 1 (d) 1 : 1

54. A series LCR circuit is connected to an AC voltage

(a) 4 (b) 5
source. When L is removed from the circuit, the
5
 (c) 4 2 (d) 
phase difference between current and voltage is . 2
3
If instead C is removed from the circuit, the phase 59. A series LCR circuit containing 5.0 H inductor,
80μF capacitor and 40 Ω resistor is connected to

difference is again between current and voltage. 230 V variable frequency ac source. The angular
3 frequencies of the source at which power
The power factor of the circuit is: [NEET 2020] transferred to the circuit is half the power at the
resonant angular frequency are likely to be:
(a) 1.0 (b) – 1.0
[NEET 2021]
(c) zero (d) 0.5 (a) 46 rad/s and 54 rad/s
(b) 42 rad/s and 58 rad/s
55. A 40 F capacitor is connected to a 200 V, 50 Hz (c) 25 rad/s and 75 rad/s
ac supply. The rms value of the current in the (d) 50 rad/s and 25 rad/s
circuit is, nearly: [NEET 2020] 60. A step down transformer connected to an ac mains
supply of 220 V is made to operate at 11 V, 44 W
(a) 2.5 A (b) 25.1 A lamp. Ignoring power losses in the transformer,
(c) 1.7 A (d) 2.05 A what is the current in the primary circuit?
56. A capacitor of capacitance ‘C’, is connected across [NEET 2021]
an ac source of voltage V, given by V = V0 sin ωt. (a) 2A (b) 4A
The displacement current between the plates of the (c) 0.2A (d) 0.4A
capacitor, would then be given by: [NEET 2021]
V
(a) Id = 0 sin t (b) Id = V0Csin t
C
ALTERNATING CURRENT & ELECTROMAGNETIC WAVES 189

EXERCISE-3: Achiever’s Section

1. The voltage time (V–t) graph for triangular wave
having peak value V0 is as shown in figure

(c)

The rms value of V in time interval from t = 0 to T/4

is
V0 V0
(d)
(a) (b) 3. An arc lamp requires a direct current of 10A at 80V to
3 2
function. If it is connected to a 220V ( rms ) ,50Hz AC
V0
(c) (d) None of these supply, the series inductor needed for it to work is
2 close to:
2. The current I in an A.C. circuit inductance coil (a) 0.08 H (b) 0.044 H
varies with time according to the graph given below, (c) 0.065 H (d) 80 H
4. In a series LCR circuit the voltage across the
resistance, capacitance and inductance is 10 V each. If
the capacitance is short circuited, the voltage across
the inductance will be
10
(a) 10 V (b) V
2
(c) (10/3) V (d) 20 V
Which one of the following graphs gives the variation 5. A coil has an inductance of 0.7 H and is joined in
of voltage with time? series with a resistance of 220Ω. When an alternating
emf of 220 V at 50 cps is applied to it, then the
wattless component of the current in the circuit is
(a) 5A (b) 0.5 A
(c) 0.7 A (d) 7 A
6. In an AC circuit, the instantaneous emf and current are
 
given by e = 100sin30t , i =20sin  30t -  . In one
(a)  4
cycle of AC, the average power consumed by the
circuit and the wattless current are, respectively:

(b) ( 50,0 )
50
(a) ,0
2

(c) ( 50,10 )
(b) 1000
,10
(d)
2
7. Determine the rms value of a semi-circular current
wave which has a maximum value of a.
190 ALTERNATING CURRENT & ELECTROMAGNETIC WAVES

11. Assertion For an electric lamp connected in series

with a variable capacitor and AC source; its
brightness increases with increase in capacitance.
Reason Capacitive reactance decreases with
increase in capacitance of capacitor.
(a) Both Assertion and Reason are correct and
Reason is the correct explanation of Assertion.
(
(a) 1 / 2 a ) (b) (3 / 2) a (b) Both Assertion and Reason are correct but
Reason is not the correct explanation of
(c) ( 2 / 3) a (
(d) 1/ 3 a ) Assertion.
(c) Assertion is correct but Reason is incorrect.
8. When an AC source of emf e = E0 sin (100t ) is
(d) Assertion is incorrect but Reason is correct.
connected across a circuit, the phase difference 12. An AC source of angular frequency ω is fed across
between the emf e and the current i in the circuit is
a resistor R and a capacitor C in series. The current

observed to be , as shown in the diagram. If the registered is I. If now the frequency of source is
4 changed to ω/3 (but maintaining the same voltage),
circuit consists possibly only of RC or RL or LC in
the current in the circuit is found to be halved.
series, find the relationship between the two elements:
Calculate the ratio of reactance to resistance at the
original frequency ω .

3 2
(a) (b)
5 5
1 4
(c) (d)
4 5

13. The natural frequency of an L-C circuit is 125000

(a) R = 1 k, C = 10  F cycle/s, then the capacitor C is replaced by another
(b) R = 1 k, C = 1  F capacitor with a dielectric medium of dielectric
constant K. In this case, the frequency decreases by
(c) R = 1 k , L = 10 H 25 kHz. The value of K is

(d) R = 1 k , L = 1 H (a) 3.0 (b) 2.1

(c) 1.56 (d) 1.7
9. Frequency of L–C circuit is f1 . If a resistance R is also
added to it, the frequency becomes f 2 . The ratio of 14. The following series resonant L-C-R circuit has a
quality factor (Q-factor) 0.4 and a bandwidth of 1.3
f2 kHz. The value of inductance is then
will be:
f1

R 2C R 2C
(a) 1 + (b) 1 −
4L 4L

R 2C R 2C
(c) 1+ (d) 1 −
L L
10. A capacitor of capacitance 1µFis charged to a
potential of 1V. It is connected in parallel to an (a) 0.1 H (b) 0.94 H
inductor of inductance 10-3 H. The maximum current
(c) 2 H (d) 10 H
that will flow in the circuit has the value

(a) 1000mA (b) 1 A

(c) 1 mA (d) 1000 mA

ALTERNATING CURRENT & ELECTROMAGNETIC WAVES 191

15. Assertion The displacement current goes through 19. The following series L-C-R circuit, when driven by
the gap between the plates of a capacitor when the an emf source of angular frequency 70 k-rad/s, the
charge of the capacitor does not change. circuit effectively behaves like
Reason The displacement current arises in the
region in which the electric field and hence the
electric flux does not change with time.
(a) Both Assertion and Reason are correct and
Reason is the correct explanation of Assertion

(b) Both Assertion and Reason are correct but

Reason is not the correct explanation of (a) purely resistive circuit
Assertion (b) series R-L circuit
(c) Assertion is correct but Reason is incorrect
(c) series R-C circuit
(d) Both Assertion and Reason are incorrect (d) series L-C circuit with R = 0
16. The pressure exerted by an electromagnetic wave
20. From figure shown below, a series L-C-R circuit
of intensity, I (Wm−2) on a non-reflecting surface is
connected to a variable frequency 200 V source. If
(a) Ic (b) Ic2 C = 80µF and R = 40 Ω, then the source frequency
which drive the circuit at resonance is
(c) I/c (d) I/c2

17. Suppose that the electric field amplitude of an

electromagnetic wave is E0 = 120 N C/ and its
frequency is ν = 500. MHz. The expressions for E
will be
[(120N / C ) sin{(1.05rad / m )
(a)
x − ( 3.14 108 rad / s ) t}] i
[(120N / C ) sin{(1.05rad / m )
(b)
x − ( 3.14 108 rad / s ) t}]k (a) 25 Hz (b) 25 Hz
[(120N / C ) sin{(1.05rad / m )
(c) (d) 50 Hz
x − ( 3.14 108 rad / s ) t}] j
(c) 50 Hz

[(120N / C ) cos{(1.05rad / m ) 21. An electric bulb has a rated power of 50 W at 100

(d)
x − ( 3.14 10 rad / s ) t}] j
8 V. If it is used on an AC source 200 V, 50 Hz, a
choke has to be used in series with it. This choke
18. A series R-C circuit is connected to AC voltage should have an inductance of
source. Consider two cases; (A) When C is without (a) 0.1 mH (b) 1 mH
a dielectric medium and (B) When C is filled with
dielectric of constant 4. The current IR through the (c) 0.1 H (d) 1.1 H
resistor and voltage VC across the capacitor are
compared in two cases. Which of the following is 22. In L-C-R circuit f = 50 Hz, The V = 50V and R =
true?
300 Ω. If L = 1H and C = 20 µC, then voltage
(a) IAR  IRB (b) IAR  IRB across capacitor is
(a) zero (b) 20 V
(c) VCA  VCB (d) None of these (c) 30 V (d) 50 V
192 ALTERNATING CURRENT & ELECTROMAGNETIC WAVES

23. An inductor 20 mH, a capacitor 100 µF and a 25. The rms value of potential difference V shown in the
resistor 50Ω are connected in series across a source figure is
of emf V t = 10 sin 314. The power loss in the
circuit is

(a) 2.74 W (b) 0.43 W

(c) 0.79 W (d) 1.13 W

24. An AC ammeter is used to measure current in a

circuit. When a given direct current passes through
the circuit, the AC ammeter reads 3A. When
another alternating current passes through the
circuit, the AC ammeter reads 4A. Then, the
reading of this ammeter, if DC and AC flow
through the circuit simultaneously, is V0
V0
(a) (b)
(a) 3 A (b) 4 A 2 3

(c) 7 A (d) 5 A V0
(c) V0 (d)
2