Chapter-07

ALTERNATING CURRENT
MCQ
ALTERNATING CURRENT:
1) The frequency of AC mains in India is:
a) 30 Hz b) 50 Hz c) 60 Hz d) 120 Hz
2) The electric mains supply in our homes and offices is a voltage that varies like a sine
function with time such a voltage is called … A… and the current driven by it in a circuit
is called the … B… Here, A and B refer to
a) DC voltage, AC current b) AC voltage, DC current
c) AC voltage, DC voltage d) AC voltage, AC current
3) Alternating voltage (V) is represented by the equation
a) V(t) = Vm eωt b) V(t) = Vm sin ωt
c) V(t) = Vm cot ωt d) V(t) = Vm tan ωt
4) In general, in an alternating current circuit
a) the average value of current is zero
b) the average value of square of the current is zero
c) average power dissipation is zero
d) the phase difference between voltage and current is zero

AC VOLTAGE APPLIED TO A RESISTOR:

5) When an AC voltage is applied to a resistor, what is the phase difference between the
current and voltage?
a) 90o b) 180o c) 0o d) 90o to 180o
6) In a purely resistive a.c. circuit, the current
a) is in phase with the e.m.f.
b) leads the e.m.f. by a difference of π radians phase
c) leads the e.m.f. by a phase difference of π/2 radians
d) lags behind the e.m.f. by phase difference of π/2 radians
7) The equation of AC current is given by I = 100 sin377t. What is the frequency?
a) 377 b) 100 c) 60 d) 50
(I = Im sinωt = Im sin2πνt
= 100 sin377t
2 π ν = 377  ν = 377/2π = 60.03 Hz)
8) The equation of AC current is given by I = 100 sin314t. What is the frequency?
a) 314 b) 100 c) 60 d) 50
(I = Im sinωt = Im sin2πνt = 100 sin314t
2 π ν = 314  ν = 314/2π = 50 Hz)
9) An electric bulb rated 22 V is connected to 220 V, 50 Hz ac source. Then the bulb
a) Does not glow b) glows intermittently
c) glows continuously d) fuses
(As the AC source exceeds the rated voltage of the bulb, the bulb will get fused.)
10) In an A.C. circuit, Irms and Io are related as
a) Irms = π I0 b) Irms = 2 I0 c) Irms =I0/ π d) Irms =I0/√
11) An a.c. source rated at 220 V, 50 Hz. The time taken for the voltage to change from its
peak value to zero is
a) 50 s b) 0.02 s c) 5 s d) 5 x 10-3 s
12) The electric current in an AC circuit is given by I = Im sinωt. What is the time taken by
the current to change from its maximum value to the rms value?
a) T/4 b) T/6 c) T/8 d) T/10
13) The frequency of an alternating voltage is 50 Hz and its amplitude is 120 V. Then its rms
value of voltage will be
a) 101.3 V b) 84.8 V c) 70.7 V d) 56.5 V
14) The heat produced in a given resistance in a given time by the sinusoidal current I msinωt
will be the same as that of a steady current of magnitude nearly
a) 0.707 Im b) 1.414 Im c) Im d) √Im
15) A 40 Ω electric heater is connected to a 200 V, 50 Hz main supply. The peak value of
electric current flowing in the circuit is approximately
a) 2.5 A b) 5 A c) 7 A d) 10 A
16) The peak voltage of an AC supply is 440 V, then its rms voltage is:
a) 31.11 V b) 311.1 V c) 41.11 V d) 411.1 V
17) A light bulb is rated at 100 W for a 220 V AC supply. The resistance of the bulb is:
a) 284 Ω b) 384 Ω c) 484 Ω d) 584 Ω
18) The phase relationship between current and voltage in a pure resistive circuit is best
represented by:

AC VOLTAGE APPLIED TO AN INDUCTOR:

19) In a purely inductive a.c. circuit, the current
a) is in phase with the e.m.f.
b) leads the e.m.f. by a difference of π radians phase
c) leads the e.m.f. by a phase difference of π/2 radians
d) lags behind the e.m.f. by phase difference of π/2 radians
20) When an AC voltage is applied to an inductor, what is the phase difference between the
current and voltage?
a) 90o b) 180o c) 0o d) 90o to 180o
21) What is the resistance offered by a pure inductor for DC?
a) zero b) infinity
c) one d) depends on the material
22) The reactance of the coil is 100 Ω, when used with an AC 240 V-100 Hz supply. The
inductance of the coil is:
a) 0.22 H b) 0.16 H c) 2.2 H d) 1.6 H
 (The inductive reactance, XL = ω L = 2 π ν L  L = = = 0.1592)
23) An inductor of 30 mH is connected to a 220 V, 100 Hz AC source. The inductive
reactance is
a) 10.58 Ω b) 12.64 Ω c) 18.85 Ω d) 22.67 Ω
24) An inductor and a bulb are connected in series with a dc source. A soft iron core is then
inserted in the inductor. What will happen to intensity of the bulb?
a) Intensity of the bulb remains the same b) Intensity of the bulb decreases.
c) Intensity of the bulb increases. d) The bulb ceases to glow.
25) In pure inductor circuit with a.c., the inductive reactance is
a) Directly proportional to frequency
b) Inversely proportional to frequency
c) equal to frequency
d) independent of frequency
(The inductive reactance, XL = ω L = 2 π ν L  XL ν)
26) The value of current, flowing through an inductor of inductance 1 H and having negligible
resistance when connected to an AC source of 200 V and 50 Hz, is
a) 0.64 A b) 1.64 A c) 2.64 A d) 3.64 A
(The inductive reactance, XL = ω L = 2 π ν L = 2 π x 50 x 1 = 100 π = 100 x 3.14 = 314 Ω
The value of current, Irms = = = 0.6369 A)
27) A 400 mH coil of negligible resistance is connected to an AC circuit in which an
effective current of 6 mA is flowing. Find out the voltage across the coil if the frequency
is 1000 Hz.
a) 15.072 V b) 150.72 V c) 600 V d) 240 V
28) The graph between inductive reactance and frequency is
a) parabola b) an arc of a circle c) hyperbola d) straight line
29) An inductor of 30 mH is connected to a 220 V, 100 Hz AC source. The inductive
reactance is:
a) 10.58 Ω b) 12.64 Ω c) 18.84 Ω d) 22.67 Ω

AC VOLTAGE APPLIED TO A CAPACITOR:

30) In a purely capacitive a.c. circuit, the current
a) is in phase with the e.m.f.
b) leads the e.m.f. by a difference of π radians phase
c) leads the e.m.f. by a phase difference of π/2 radians
d) lags behind the e.m.f. by phase difference of π/2 radians
31) The reactance of a capacitor of capacitance C is X. if both the frequency and capacitance
are doubled, the new reactance will be:
a) X/2 b) 2X c) 4X d) X/4
(The capacitive reactance, Xc = = = X  X’ = = = )
32) The reactance of a capacitor of capacitance C is X. If the frequency is doubled, the new
reactance will be:
a) X/2 b) 2X c) 4X d) X/4
(The capacitive reactance, Xc = = = X  X’ = = = )
33) What is the resistance offered by a pure capacitor for DC?
a) zero b) infinity
c) one d) depends on the material
34) In pure capacitor circuit with a.c., the capacitive reactance is
a) Directly proportional to capacitance
b) Inversely proportional to capacitance
c) equal to capacitance
d) independent of capacitance
(The capacitive reactance, Xc = =  Xc )
35) When frequency of applied alternating voltage very high then
a) A capacitor will tend to become SHORT
b) An inductor will tend to become SHORT
c) Both (A) and (B)
d) No one will become short
36) Reactance of a capacitor of capacitance C for an alternating current of frequency Hz is
25Ω. The value of C is
a) 50 μF b) 25 μF c) 100μF d) 75μF
(XC = = = 25 Ω
= 25 Ω

= 25 Ω  C = = = x 10-4 = 0.5 x 10-4 = 50 x 10-6 = 50 μF)

37) The source frequency for which a 5 µF capacitor has a reactance of 1000 ohm is
a) 100/π Hz b) 1000/π Hz c) 200 Hz d) 5000 Hz
(Given: capacitance, C = 5 µF = 5 x 10 F and capacitive reactance, Xc = 1000 Ω = 103 Ω
-6

Xc = =  frequency, ν = = = = = Hz)

39) An 8 µF capacitance is connected to the terminals of the ac source whose V rms is 150 V
and the frequency is 60 Hz, the capacitive reactance is
a) 0.332 x 103 Ω b) 2.08 x 103 Ω c) 4.16 x 103 Ω d) 12.5x103 Ω
(Given: capacitance, C = 8 µF and frequency, ν = 60 Hz
Xc = = = = = = 0.332 x 103 Ω)

40) An ac voltage source E = 200√2 sin100t is connected across a circuit containing an ac

ammeter and a capacitor of capacitance 1 μF. The reading of ammeter is
a) 10 mA b) 20 mA c) 40 mA d) 80 mA
(Ammeter will read rms value of current. Irms = = = Erms ω C
= 200x100x1x10-6
= 2x10-2 A = 20x10-3 A)
41) A 40 μF capacitor is connected to a 200 V, 50 Hz ac supply. The r.m.s value of the
current in the circuit is, nearly
a) 1.7 A b) 2.05 A c) 2.5 A d) 25.1 A
(Irms = = = Vrms ω C = Vrms 2 π ν C = 200 x 2 x 3.14 x 50 x 40 x 10-6

= 2512000x10-6 = 2.512 A)
42) Which of the following graph represents the correct variation of inductive reactance X L
with frequency v?

Ans: b)
43) What is the ratio of inductive to capacitive reactance in an ac circuit?
a) ω2LC b) 1 c) zero d) ω2L
44) A capacitor:
a) blocks AC but provides an easy path for DC
b) blocks DC but provides an easy path for AC
c) blocks both AC and DC
d) blocks DC but provides an easy path for AC

DESCRIPTIVE QUESTIONS
AC VOLTAGE APPLIED TO A RESISTOR:
1) Why alternating current cannot be measured by a d.c. ammeter?
The full cycle of alternating current consists of two half cycles. For one half, current is
positive and for second half, current is negative. Therefore, for an a.c. cycle, the net value of
current average out to zero.
Hence, the alternating current cannot be measured by DC ammeter. ……………(1 m)

2) When an alternating current is passed through a moving coil galvanometer, it shows no

deflection. Why?
The moving coil galvanometer is designed so as to measure the average value of the
current, which is zero for the complete cycle of ac. Hence, no deflection is shown by the
galvanometer. ……………(1 m)

3) If the rms current in a 50 Hz AC circuit is 5 A, what will be the value of the current 1/300 s
after its value becomes zero?
Irms = 5 A  Im = √ Irms = 5√ A, ν = 50 Hz, t = 1/300 s
√
I = Im sinωt = Im sin2πνt = 5√ sin (2π x 50 x ) = 5√ sin = 5√ =5√ A 1m

4) An a.c. source is rated at 220/√ V, 50 Hz. What is the value of voltage after 1/600 s from
the start?
Vrms = 220/√ V  Vm = √ Vrms = 220 V, ν = 50 Hz, t = 1/600 s
V = Vm sinωt = Vm sin2πνt = 220 sin (2π x 50 x ) = 220 sin = 220 x = 100 V 1m

5) An alternating current from a source is given by i = 10 sin 314 t. What is the effective (rms)
value of current?
Irms = ……………(½ m)
√
= 0.707 x 10 = 7.07 A ……………(½ m)
6) A light bulb is rated at 100W for a 220 V supply. Find (a) the resistance of the bulb; (b) the
peak voltage of the source.
 (a) R = = = 484 Ω ……………(1 m)
(b) Vm = √ Vrms = 1.414 x 220 = 311 V ……………(1 m)

7) An alternating voltage V = 140 sin 314t is connected across a 50 Ω resistor. Find (i) The
frequency of the source (ii) The r.m.s. current through the resistor.
(i) Comparing the given equation of voltage V = 140 sin 314t with,
V = Vm sin ωt
ω = 2πν = 314  ν = ω/2π = 314/2π = 50 Hz ……………(1 m)
Irms = = = = 1.98 A ……………(1 m)
√ √

8) An alternating voltage V = 120 sin 377t is connected across a 60 Ω resistor. Find (i) The
frequency of the source (ii) The r.m.s. current through the resistor.
(i) Comparing the given equation of voltage V = 120 sin 377t with,
V = Vm sin ωt
ω = 2πν = 377  ν = ω/2π = 377/2π = 60 Hz ……………(1 m)
Irms = = = = 1.414 A ……………(1 m)
√ √

9) The frequency of an alternating voltage is 50 cycles/sec and its amplitude is 311 V. Find
rms value of voltage.
Vrms = ……………(½ m)
√
= 0.707 x 311 = 219.877 = 220 V ……………(½ m)

10) A 100 Ω resistor is connected to a 220 V, 50 Hz ac supply.

(a) What is the rms value of current in the circuit?
(b) What is the peak value of voltage of the source and current?
(c) What is the net power consumed over a full cycle?
(a) Irms = = = 2.2 A ……………(1 m)
(b) Vm = √ Vrms = 1.414 x 220 = 311 V ……………(½ m)
Im = √ Irms = 1.414 x 2.2 = 3.11 A ……………(½ m)
2
(c) Power consumed over a full cycle = (Irms) x R = 2.2 X 2.2 x 100 = 484 W...……(1 m)

AC VOLTAGE APPLIED TO AN INDUCTOR:

11) (a) Derive the expression for the current flowing in an ideal inductor and its reactance
when connected to an ac source of voltage V=Vm sinωt.
(b) Draw its phasor diagram.
Circuit diagram ……………(½ m)
Derivation of current [i = im sin(ωt - )] ……………(1 ½ m)
Derivation of reactance (XL = ωL) ……………(½ m)
Phasor diagram ……………(½ m)
12) Plot a graph showing variation of inductive reactance with the change in the frequency of
the ac source.

……………(1 m)
13) An a.c source generating a voltage V = Vm sinωt is connected to an inductor of inductance
L. Find the expression for the current flowing through it. Plot a graph of V and i versus ωt to
show that the voltage is ahead of the current by π/2.

Figure shows an ac source connected to an inductor (of negligible resistance).

Let the voltage across the source be V = Vm sinωt.
Using the Kirchhoff’s loop rule, Σε (t) = 0, and since there is no resistor in the circuit,
V-L =0V=L  = =  di = sinωt dt
i=∫ = = (- cosωt) = (- cosωt)
= (- [- sin(ωt - )]) = sin(ωt - )
Where, XL = ωL (inductive reactance) & we have used: cosθ = sin( - θ) = - sin(θ - )
……………(2 m)
Voltage, V = Vm sinωt & current, i = im sin(ωt - )  V leads i by

Graph……………(1 m)

14) A pure inductor of 25.5 mH is connected to a source of 220 V. Find the inductive
reactance and rms current in the circuit if the frequency of the source is 50 Hz.
The inductive reactance, XL= ω L = 2 π ν L = 2 x 3.14 x 50 x 25.5 x 10–3
= 8007 x 10–3
=8Ω ……………(1 m)
The rms current in the circuit is, Irms = = = 27.5 A ……………(1 m)

15) A 44 mH inductor is connected to 220 V, 50 Hz ac supply. Determine the inductive

reactance and rms value of the current in the circuit.
The inductive reactance, XL= ω L = 2 π ν L = 2 x 3.14 x 50 x 44 x 10–3
= 13816 x 10–3
= 13.82 Ω ……………(1 m)
The rms current in the circuit is, Irms = = = 15.92 A ……………(1 m)
16) Prove that the average power dissipated in an A.C circuit containing pure inductor is zero.
The instantaneous power supplied to the capacitor is
pL = i v = im sin( ) vm sin(ωt)
= im vm [- cos(ωt)] sin(ωt)
= - im v m
the average power over one complete cycle is given by,
pL = 〈 〉= 〈 〉=0
since < sin (2ωt) > = 0 over a complete cycle. ……………(2 m)

AC VOLTAGE APPLIED TO A CAPACITOR:

17) An a.c source generating a voltage V = Vm sinωt is connected to a capacitor of capacitance
C. Derive the expression for the current flowing through it. Plot a graph of V and i versus ωt
to show that the current is ahead of the voltage by π/2.

When the capacitor is connected to an ac source, the capacitor is alternately charged and
discharged as the current reverses each half cycle.
Let q be the charge on the capacitor at any time t. The instantaneous voltage V across the
capacitor is, V = ……………(½ m)
From the Kirchhoff’s loop rule, the voltage across the source and the capacitor are equal,
V = Vm sinωt =  q = C Vm sinωt
current, i = = (C Vm sinωt)
= C Vm (cosωt) ω
= ωC Vm (cosωt) = cosωt = cosωt = im cosωt = im sin(ωt + )
( )

Where, XC = (capacitive reactance) & we have used: cosθ = sin( + θ) = sin(θ + )..(1 ½ m)
Voltage, V = Vm sinωt & current, i = im sin(ωt + )  i leads V by

Graph……………(½ m)
[Note: Figure (a) is the Phasor diagram & (b) is the graph of v and i versus ωt.]

18) In what form the capacitor and the inductor store energy?
The capacitor stores energy in the form of electric field. ……………(½ m)
The inductor stores energy in the form of magnetic field. ……………(½ m)
19) Graph is drawn for instantaneous value of current through an element Vs time. The element
is connected to ac voltage of E = Eo sin ωt. Identify the element. When does this element
behave as a good conductor? Explain.

The current leads voltage  the element is Capacitor ………..….(½ m)

For high frequency of AC, XC is low and the capacitor acts as a good conductor........(½ m)

20) A 15. μF capacitor is connected to a 220 V, 50 Hz source. Find the capacitive reactance
and the current (rms and peak) in the circuit. If the frequency is doubled, what happens to the
capacitive reactance and the current?
XC = = = = 212 Ω ……………(1 m)
Irms = = = 1.04 A ……………(1 m)
The peak current is, Im = √ Irms = 1.414 x 1.04 = 1.47 A ……………(½ m)
This current oscillates between +1.47A and –1.47 A, and is ahead of the voltage by π/2.
If the frequency is doubled, the capacitive reactance is halved and consequently, the
current is doubled. ……………(½ m)

21) Plot a graph showing variation of capacitive reactance with the change in the frequency of
the ac source.

……………(1 m)
22) (a) Derive the expression for the current flowing in an ideal capacitor and its reactance
when connected to an ac source of voltage V=Vm sinωt.
(b) Draw its phasor diagram.
Circuit diagram ……………(½ m)
Derivation of current [i = im sin(ωt + )] ……………(1 ½ m)
Derivation of reactance (XC = ) ……………(½ m)
Phasor diagram ……………(½ m)

23) Prove that the average power dissipated in an A.C circuit containing pure capacitor is zero.
Prove that the average power dissipated over a complete cycle in an A.C circuit containing
pure capacitor is zero.
The instantaneous power supplied to the capacitor is
pc = i v = im cos(ωt) vm sin(ωt)
= im vm cos(ωt) sin(ωt)
= im v m
the average power is given by,
pc = 〈 〉= 〈 〉=0
since < sin (2ωt) > = 0 over a complete cycle. ……………(2 m)