Aiternating Currents

721
(ii) When we say that alteinating curent in a
circuit is 5A. we are specifying the r.m.s. value.
It means that the alternating CUrrent tlowing in the
under sinmilar conditions.
circuit has the same heating effect as 5 A d.c.
i) A.C. ammeters and voltmeters record r.m.s,
values of current and voltage respectively.
Note. The alternating voltage/current can be measurcd by
Rurment. Such instruments are cailed nor-W1re instruments and utilising the heating effect of electric
measure the
uTent since r.m.s, value is the Same Tor half-cycle or complcte cvele. r.m.s. value of voltage/
Example 13.1. An alternating current Iis given by :
I= 141.4 sin 314
Nnd () the maximum value (u) Trequency (ii) time period and
value when t = 3 ms.
(iy) the instantaneous
Solution,. Comparing the given equationof the alternating current with the standard form /=
I, sin ot, we have,
(i) Maximum value, I, = 141.4 A

(i) Frequency, f = o/2n = 314/2n = 50 Hz

Time period, T = f= 1/50 = 0.02 s
(iv) | = 1414 sin 314!
When 3x10s ;l =141.4 sin 314 x3x10 = J14.35 A
Example 13.2. An a.c. voltmeter records 50 V when connected across the terminals of
sinusoidal power source with frequency 50 Hz. Write down the eguation for the instanta
neous voltage provided by the source.
Solution. An a.c. voltmeter (or ammeter) records r.m.s. values. Now, E = E, sin ot.
Here E = V2 E, =V2 x 50 =70.7 V; 0= 2f =2nx 50 =314
E = 70.7 sin 314 t
Example 13.3. An a.c. main supply is given to be 220 V. What is the average e.m.f. during
a positive half cycle ?
Solution. E, = E, =2E, =V2 x 220 =311 V
Average e.m.f. during positive half is given by;
Emeon = Z E, = x311 = 198 V
T

Example 13.4. Calculate the rm.s. value of the current shown in Fig. 13.3.
42A

V2A

Fig. 13.3

Area of half-cycle of squared wave

Solution. Irms. = Half-cycle base

(2) xT/2 = V4 = 2 A
T/2
 Principles of Physics--X|
A
60 Hz has a maximum value of 120
122
alternating urrent of frequency
Exanple LA5. An
instantaneous value.
Write down the equation for the
Reckoning time from the instant the current is zero and becoming positive, find the
)
instantaneous vahe after 1/360 second.
first time.
tiy Time taken to reach 96 Afor the given by:
Solution. (n The instantancous value of alternating current is
| = I, sin = , sin 2rft = 120 sin 2r x 60 xt
I 120 sin 120
alternating current. Since point O has been
(m Fg. 134 shows the wavefom of the given
taken as the referencc, the current cquation is
I= 120 sin 120 I
When I= 1/360 second.
|= 120 sin 120 T × 1/360
= 120 sin (r/3) = 103.92 A
time 120 A
(iü) Suppose current becomes 96 A for the first 96 A
after tsecond as shown in Fig. 13.4. Then.
96 = 120 sin 120 T¯
sin 120 Tè = 96/120 = 0.8
120 TU = sin 0.8 = 0.927 rad
0.927 Fig. 13.4
= 0.00246 s
120 × TL

PROBLEMS FOR PRACTICE

1. An alternating voltage is represented by;
E = 141.4 sin 377:
Find (i) maximum value (ii) frequency (ii)time period and (iv) the instantaneous value
of voltage when t = 3 ms.[(i) 141.4 V; (ii) 60 Hz; (üü) 16.67 ms; (iv) 127.8 V]
2. An alternating voltage has a peak value of 170 V. What is its r.m.s. value? [120 V]
3. An altenating current takes 3.375 ms to reach 15 A for the first time after becoming
instantaneously zero. The frequency of current is 40 Hz. Find the maximum value of
alternating current. [20 AJ
4. An alternating current is given by I= 10 sin 942t. Determine the timne taken from t = 0
for the current lo reach a value of +6 A for a first and second time.

[0.68 ms; 7.34 ms]

5. An alternating current of frequency 50 Hz has a maximum value of 100 A. Calculate
its value 1/300 second after the instant the current is zero and its
value is decreasing
thereafter.
[-86.6 A]
6. Find the time required for a 50 Hz alternating current to change its value
from zero to
the r.m.s. value.
[2.5 x 10 s]
7. The e.m.f. of an a.c. source is given by the expression E = 300 sin 314 1.
Write the value
of peak voltage and frequency of the source. [300 V; 50 Hz]
8. The instantaneous current from an a.c, source is: /= 5 sin 314 I. What is the
r.m.s. value
of current?
[3.54 AJ
726 Principles of Physics--X|
Example 13.7. A voltage E = 60 sin 3141 is applied across a 20 2 resistor. What will
(i) an a.c. ammeter (ii) ordinary moving coil ammeter in series with the resistor read?
Solution. E = 60 sin 3141
(i) An a.c. ammneter will rcad the r.m.s, valuc.
60
= 42.4 V

42.4
= 2.12 A
R 20
Therefore, a.c. ammeter will read 2.12 A.
(ii) Anordinary moving coil ammeter will read average value of alternating current. Since the
average value of a.c. over one cycle is zero, this meter will record zero reading.
Example 13.8. In a pure resistive circuit, the instantaneous voltage and current are
given by ;
E = 250 sin 3141; I= 10 sin 314t
Determine (i) peak power (ü) average power.
Solution. In apure resistive circuit,
(i) Peak power = E I, = 250 × 10 = 2500 W
2500
(ii) Average power, P = = 1250 W
2 2
The reader may note that it is the average power which is dissipated in the circuit.
Example 13.9. Calculate the resistance and peak current in a1000 Whair dryer connected
to 120V, 60 Hz supply. What happens if it is connected to 240 V line?
Solution. Here E, =120 V;P= 1000 W
;I, =?
Now, P =E, I,
1, = PIE, = 1000/120 = 8.33 A
Peak current, I, = v2 I, =2 x8.33 = l1.8 A
Resistance of hair dryer, R =
E, 120
= 14.4 2
8.33
When connected to 240 V line, the average power delivered would be

P= E_(240) = 4000 W
R 14.4
This would undoubtedly melt the heating element or the coils of the motor.
PROBLEMS FOR PRACTICE
1. A reistance of 20 2 is connected to a source of alternating current rated at 110 V- 50 Hz.
Find (i) the r.m.s. value of current (ii) the maximum instantaneous current in
the resistor.
() 5.5 A; (iü) 7.78 A]
2. A 100 2 iron is connected to a 110 V - 60 Hz wall plug.
What is (i) peak potential
difference, (ii) average potential difference over a half cycle and (iii) r.m.s. current '?
[à) 155.5 V: (ii) 99.1 V: (iü) 1.1 A
3. Asinusoidal voltage V= 200 sin 3141 is applied to a resistor of 10 Q.
Calculate the
(i) cm.s. value of voltage (ii) r.m.s. value of current (iii) power dissipated as heat in
wat.
[() 141.4 V; (ü) 14.14 A; (iüi) 2000 W]
 Alternating Currents 729
Example 13.10. A pure inductive coil allows a current of 10 A to flow from a 230 V,
eO Hz sUpply. Find () inductive reactance (i) inductance of the coil (iii) power consumed.
Write doWnequations for voltage and current.
Solution. Here E,= 230 V: ,= 10 A; f= 50 Hz
1, = EJX,
Inductive reactance, X, =EJI, = 230/10 = 23 2
(üi) Now X, =2 TfL
23
Inductance of the coil, L = = 0.073 H
2nf 2TX 50
(ii) Power absorbed = (0
E. =230x V2 = 325.27 V; I, = 10>x W2 = 14.14 A: ) = 2 x 50 = 314
Since in a pure inductive cicuit current lags behind the applied voltage by 2 radians, the
equations for voltage and current are :
E = 325.27 sin 314t : I= 14.14 sin (314t - T/2)
Example 13.11. Caleulate the frequency at which the inductive reactance of 0.7 H induc
tor is 220 2.
Solution. Here X, =220 S2; L= 0.7 H; f=?
Inductive reactance, X, = 2nfL
Frequency, f =
XL 220
= 50 Hz
2TL 2Tx 0.7
Example 13.12. A coil has self inductance of 1.4 H. The current through the coil varies
sinusoidally with an amplitude of 2 A and frequency 50 Hz. Calculate () potential difference
across the coil (ii) r.m.s. value of p.d. across the coil.
Solution. I= , sin of = sin 2t ft
dl d
(i) PD. across the coil, E=L =L (L, sin 2nft) = 2ufLl, cos 2r ft
dt d
= 2t x50 x 1.4 x 2 cos 2n × 50 ×I=880 cos 100 TI
E = 880 cos 100 Tt

(i) R.M.S. value of p.., E, = E, /N2 = 880/V2 = 622.2 V

Example 13.13. An indutor of 2 H and negligible resistance is connected to 12 V, 50 Hz
supply. Find the circuit current. What current flows when the inductance is changed to 6 H?
Solution. For the first case, X, = 2n fL= 2n x 50 x 2 = 628 S2
Circuit current, I, E,/X, = 12/628 = 0.019 A
For the second case, X = 21 fL'= 2 x 50 x 6 = 1884 S2

Circuit current, Iv = E, 12 = 0.0063 A

X, 1884
Example 13.14. How much inductance should be connected to 200 V, S50 Hz a.c. supply
so that a maximum current of 0.9 A flows through it?
Solution. Here, E, = 200 V; ,= 0,9 A: f= 50 Hz
Peak value of voltage, E, = N2 E, =V2 x200
Inductive reactance, X, = E V2x 200 314.27 S2
lo 0.9

Inductance, L = X 314.27 = lH
2Tx 50
21f
732 Principles of Physics-XI|
supplied by the source. During the next quarter cycle.
the stored energy is returned to the source. For this
reason, the average power absorbed by a pure capacitor Elp
over one cycle is zero.
Fig. 13.11 shows the power curve for apure
capacitive circuit. The power curve is similar to that
for a pure inductor because how current leads the
T/2
3/2 2
voltage by 90°. It is clear that positive power is equal
to negative power over one cycle. Hence net power
absorbed in a pure capacitor is zero.
Example 13.15. A318 uF capacitor is connected
to 230 V, 50 Hz supply. Determine
Fig. 13.11
()the capacitive reactance (iü) rm.s. value of cir
cuit current, and (iü) equations for voltage and current.
Solution: Here C= 318 F = 318 x 10 F: E. = 230 V; f= 50 Hz
1 10º = 10 2
() Capacitive reactance, Xç
2TfC 27x 50× 318
230
(iü) R.M.S. value of current, I, = E, = 23 A
10
Xç
(ii) E, =v2 E, = V2x 230 = 325.27 V: I,=2x 23 = 32.53 A
) = 2 T f= 2t x 50 = 314
Equations for voltage and current are:
E = 325.27 sin 314t : I= 32.53 sin (314/ + T/2)
Example 13.16. A coil has an inductance of 1 H. (2) At what frequency will it bave a
reactance of 3142 2? (6) What should be the capacity of a condenser which has the same
reactance at that frequency?
Solution. (a) Here, L= 1H; X, =3142 2; f=?
XL 3142
Now X, = 2fL . f= = 500 Hz
27uL 27x1

(b) Here, X, = 3142 2; f= 500 Hz; C = ?

1
2rtf X 2rtx 500x3142 =0.11 x 10° F= 0.1l uF
Now X = 2T fC C=

Example 13.17. A 50 F capacitor is connected to a 230 V, S0 Hz supply. Determine

() the maximum charge on the capacitor (ü) the maximum energy stored in the capacitor.
Solution. The charge and energy stored in capacitor will be maximum when p.d. across the
capacitor is maximum.
) Maximum charge on the capacitor =CE =(50x 10)x (230x V2) =16.26 x 10° C
i) Maximum energy stored in the capacitor =cE 2 (50 x10) x(230 xV2)' =2.65 J
Alternating Currents 737
13.16. WATTLESS CURRENT
When an alternating voltage E, is applied to a circuit. the alternating current , flows in the
circuit. There is generally (except for pure resistive circuit) a phase difference between
E. and The circuit current 7, has two components viz I cos o and sin . The component
|, cos contr1butes to true power (P = E, 1,cos )and iscalled watfulcurrent. However, the
component 1 sin does no useful work in the circuit and is called wattless current.
The component of current (ie. I, sin o) which does no useful work in an ac. circuit is called
wattless current.
Since the wattlesscurrent does no useful work in an ac. circuit, it should be kept as small
as possible. This can be achieved if we increase the power factor ( = cos 0) of the circuit
ie òshould be as close to 0° as possible. It may be noted that wattless current (= 1, sin 9)
is aliability on the generator because it has to supply additional current. In practice, engineers
devote considerable time to devise ways and means to minimise the wattless current.
Example 13.19. Acoil having a resistance of 72 and inductance of 31.8 mH is connected
toa 230 V, 50 Hz supply. Calculate () circuit current (i) phase angle (iüi) power factor and
(iv) power consumed. What is the time lag between voltagemaximum andcurrent maximum?
Solution. (i) Inductive reactance of the coil, X, =2 nf L= 2n x50 x 31.8 x 10- = 102
Impedance of the coil, Z = JR+ X} =7?+ 10 =12.2 2
Circuit current, I,. = E./Z= 230/12.2 = 18.85 A
(ü) tan = X, IR= 1O7
Phase angle, = tan (10/7) =55° *lag
(iii) Power factor = COS ) = Cos 55°= 0.573 lag
(iv) Power consumed, P = E. I, cos ¢ = 230 x 18.85 x 0.S73 = 2484.24 W
Alternatively. P= IR= (18.85)' ×7=2484 W
55 X T
The phase angle between E, and I, ) =55° = rad
180
1
Time lag, t = X = 3,06 x 10- s
180 314
Example 13.20. A choke coil takes a current of 2.5 A when connected to 250 V, 50 Hz
supply and consumes 400 W. Find () the power factor (i) resistance of the coil and (üi)
inductance of the coil.
Solution. (i) Power consumed, P = E, , cos
P 400
.. Power factor, COs 0 = 0.64 lag
250 x 2.5
E, I,
(ii) Impedance of the coil, Z = E,/1, = 250/2.5 = 100 S2
.". Resistance of the coil, R = Z cos = 100 x 0.64 = 64 Q

(iüi) Reactance of the coil, X, = Jz' -R Vi00 -64 =76.8492

Now, X, = 27fL
76.84
.. Inductance of the coil, L = = 0,245 H
2rf 2Tx 50

It is a usual practice to attach the word lagging or leading with the numerical value of power factor
(or phase angle) to signify whether the current lags or leads the voltage.
738 Principles of PhysicS-Xl
Example 13.21. Apore inductance of 318 mHis connected in series with a pure resis.
tor of 752. Thecircuit is suppliedfrom 50 Hzsource and the voltage across 75Q resistor
is found to be 150 V.Caleulate (i) the supply voltage and (i) the phase angle.
Solution. The circut diagram and the phasor diagram are shown in Fig. 13.18.

p=150v
E, SOH,
()
Fig. 13.18
Circuit cuITent, / = VJR= I5075 = 2A
Reactance of the coil. X, = 2afL= 2nx 50 >x 318 x 10= 100 S2
Voltage across L. V, = 1,X, = 2 x 100 =200 V
Referring to the phasor diagram [Fig. 13.18 (iD]. we have.

Supply voltagc. E, = v+v =yaso² +(200) =250 V

Aiternatively. Z = JR'+ X; =y(75) +(100) =125 Se
E, = I-Z=2x 125 = 250 V
(ü) Lan Q = X, 1R= 100/775 = 1.33
Phase angle, ) = tan- 1.33 = 53.06° lag
Example 13.22. A100-volt, 60 Wlamp is to be operated on 220 V, 50 Hz mains. Find what
value of )non-inductive resistance (ii) pure inductance would be required in order that
lamp is run on the correct voltage? WVhich method is preferable and why?
Solution. The voltage across the lamp (pure resistance) is to remain 100 V in each case.
The current flowing in each case is | = PIE, = 60/100 = 0.6 A
() Fig. 13.19 () shows the required resistance R in series with the lamp. The voltage
across
the lamp (i.e. 100 V) and that across R are in phase with current as shown in
phasor diagram in Fig.
13.19 (i).
Referring lo the phasor diagram in Fig. 13.19 (i), voltage across R is
V,= 220 - 100 = 120 V
60W
R
(0660

220V
1, 0.6A4
100V

220V, 50
() ()
Fig. 13,19
VR 120
Valuc of K = 200 Q
0.6
 Alternating Currents 739
(i) Fig. 13.20 () shows the required inductance L henry in series with the lamp. The
phasordiagram of the cireuit is showninFig. 13.20(it). From the phasor diagram shownin Fig.
13.20 (ii), we have.
60W
R
W

100V --e 220V

1, = 0.6A
100V

220V, 5OHz
(i) (ii)
Fig. 13.20

Voltage across L, V, = (220) - (100) =195.9 V

195.9
Jnductive reactance, X, = VL = 326.5 2
I, 0.6
X 326.5
Required inductance, L = 2Tf 2Tx 50 =1.04 H
Method (ii) is preferable because there is no power loss in an inductance. If the first method
is used, there will be a large power loss in R(Power loss in R = 1;R= (0.6)² x 200 = 72 W].
Example 13.23. When 100 Vd.c. is applied across a coil, a current of 1Aflows through it.
When a 100V a.c. supply at 50 Hz is applied, only 0.5 A current flows. Calculate the resis
tance, the impedance and inductance of the coil.
Solution. Let R and L be the resistance and inductance of the coil respectively.
For d.c. For d.c. supply, f = 0 so that X, = 2f L = 2n x 0 x L= 0. Therefore. only
resistance R of the coil will offer opposition to current flow.
E 100
.:. Resistance of the coil, R= = 100 SQ
1
For a.c. For a.c. supply, both R and X, will offer opposition to current flow.
Impedance of thecoil. Z - _ 100 = 200 Q
0.5

Now z² = R+ X? or X, =yz² - R² =(200) - (100)° =173.2 2

173.2
Inductance of the coil. L= X 0.55 H
2ryf 2T x50

PROBLEMS FOR PRACTICE

1. A 200v, 50Hz inductive circuit takes a current of 10 A, lagging 30°. Find () resistance
(ii) reactance and (iii) inductance of the circuit.
[()17.32 2; (ii) 10 Q; (üi) 0.0318 H)
2. A coil of inductance 0.5 H and resistance of 100S2 is connected to a 240 V, 50 Hz
supply. ()What is the maximum current in the coil? (i) What is the time lag between
the voltage maximum and current maximum? [() 1.82 A;(ü) 3.19 x 10- s]
[Hint: 1, = E,/Z and I, = /2 , Time lag = /o.]
746 Principles of Physics-XI|
or P= x cosQ

P = E, I, cos ()
Here cos is the power factor of the circuit. If the circuit is capacitive (i.e, Xr > X,), then
E = E, sin o ; l= I, sin (ot + 0)
Following same procedure, P= E, I, cos
Example 13.29. Three impedances are connected in series across a 200 V, 50 Hz supply.
The first impedance is a 10 2 resistor and the second is a coil of 15 2 inductive reactance
and 52 resistance while the third consists of a 15 2 resistor in series with a25 Qcapacitor.
Caleulate
consumed.
() cireuit, current (ii) circuit phase angle, (ii) circuit power factor and (iv) power
Solution. (i) Total circuit resistance, R= 10 + 5 + 15 = 302
Total circuit reactance, X = 15 - 25 = -10 S2 (capacitive)
Circuit impedance, Z = J30 + 10 =31.6S2
Circuit current, 1, = E, /Z= 200/3 1.6 =6.33 A
(ii) tan = X/R =-10/30 = -0.33
Circuit phase angle, = tan-! 0.33 = - 18.26° = 18.26° lead
(iii) Circuit power factor = cos ¢ = cos 18.26° = 0.949 lead
(iv) Power consumed, P = E, I, cos = 200 x 6.33 x 0.949= 12014 W
Alternatively. P= 1R= (6.33)² x 30= 1201.4 W
Example 13.30. A 230 V, 50 Hz supply is applied to a coil of 0.06 H inductance and 2.5 2
resistance connected in series with 6.8 F capacitor. Calculate () circuit impedance, (ii) circuit
current, (iiü) phase angle between applied voltage and circuit current, (iv) power factor
and (v) power consumed.
Solution. Inductive reactance, X, = 2TfL= 2T x 50 x 0.06 = 18.85 2
1 10°
Capacitive reactance,Xe = 27t fC 2T× 50 × 6.8 = 468 2
(i) Circuit impedance, Z = JR²+(X - Xç)
=
V(2.5) + (18.85 468) = 449,2 2
(ii) Circuit current, 1, = E/Z = 230/449.2 = 0.512 A
X - X¢ 18.85 - 468
(iii) tan = =-179.66
R 2.5
Phase angle, = tan- 179.66 = -89.7° =89.7° lead
(iv) Power factor, cos = RIZ = 2.5/449.2 =0.0056 lead
(v) Power consumed, P=E,I, cosQ= 230 x0.512 x 0.0056 = 0.66 W
Example 13.31. Aresistance R, an inductance L. = 0.01 H and a capacitance C are
connected in series. When an alternating voltage E = 400 sin(3000t - 20°) is applied to
theseries combination, the current flowing is 102 sin (3000t - 65°). Find the values
of R and C.
Solution. The circuit current lags behind the applied voltage by = 65° - 20° = 45°. This
implies that the circuit is inductive i.e. X, > X. The net circuit reactance X = X, -X.
Now. X, = 0) L= 3000× 0,01 = 30 S2
tan o = X/R or tan 45° = X/R
Alternating Currents
747
or X = R ('.: tan 45° = 1)
Circuit inmpedance, Z = E,l I,= 400/10 J2.- 28.3S
Now Z = R+X'= R+ R = 2R? (":: X= R)
R= Z2 = 28.3/lN2 = 202
Now X = X, - Xe
Or 20 = 30 - X (:X= R= 20 S2)
X, = 30 20 = 10 2
1
C= = 33.3 x 10°F = 33.3 uF
2Ttf Xc 3000 × 10
Example 13.32. A coil of resistance 82 and inductance 0.03 H is connected to an a.c.
supply of 240V, 50 Hz. Calculate: (i) the current, the power and power factor (it) the value
of a capacitance which when connected in series with the above coil causes n0
change in the
value of current and power taken from the supply.
Solution. (i) Reactance of the coil, X, =2fL= 2n x 50 x 0.03 = 9,42 S2
Impedance of the coil, Z = JR²+x} =ys² +(9.42) =12.36 2
Circuit current, I, = EJZ= 240/12.36 = 19,42 A
Power consumed, P = 1I R=(19,42) x 8 = 3017 W
Power factor, cos = RIZ =8/12.36 = 0.65 lag
(i) Tomaintain the same current and power, the impedance of the circuit should remain un
changed. Thus, the value of capacitance in the series circuit should be such so as to cause the current
to lead by the same angle as it previously lagged. This can be achieved if the series capacitor has a
capacitive reactance equal to twice the inductive reactance.
Xr = 2X, = 2 x 9.42 = 18.84 S2
1
Now, Xc =

2t fC
C= = 169 x 10° F= l69 uF
2r f Xc 27 x 50× 18.84