Alternating Current

1. In an LCR-series ac circuit, the voltage across each of the component L, C and R is

50 V. The voltage across the LC-combination will be
(a) 50 V
(b) 50√2 V
(c) 100 V
(d) zero

Answer: (d) The voltage across L and C are out of phase. Hence the voltage across the
LC combination is zero.

2. An ac circuit has a resistance of 12 ohm and an impedance of 15 ohm. The power

factor of the circuit will be
(a) 0.8
(b) 0.4
(c) 0.125
(d) 1.25

Answer: (a) Power factor, cos Φ = R / Z = 12/ 15 = 0.8

3. . In an LCR circuit, capacitance is charged from C to 2C. For resonant frequency to

remain unchanged, the inductance should be changed from L to
(a) 4 L
(b) 2 L
(c) L/2
(d) L/4

Answer: (c) Since, Resonance frequency,

v r =1/ 2π √ LC
when C is changed 2C, L should be change to L/2.

4. The core of any transformer is laminated so as to

(a) reduce the energy loss due to eddy currents.
(b) make it light weight.
(c) make it robust and strong.
(d) increase the secondary voltage. Answer: a

5. In an a.c. generator, a coil with N turns, all of the same area A and total resistance R,
rotates with frequency ω in a magnetic field B the maximum value of emf generated in

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the coil is
(a) NABR
(b) NABω
(c) NABRω
(d) NAB

Answer: (b) emf induced, ε = NABω sin ωt, , ε0 = NBAω

6. If coil is open, then L and R becomes

(a) infinity, zero
(b) zero, infinity
(c) infinity, infinity.
(d) zero, zero

Answer: (b) No current flows through an open circuit so magnetic flux is zero and
hence, L = 0.
Also as I = 0, so R = ∞.

7. In a series, LCR-circuit, resonant frequency depends on

Answer: (c) Resonance frequency, vr = 1 / √ LC

8. Which quantity is increased in a step-down transformer?

(a) Current
(b) Voltage
(c) Power
(d) Frequency

Answer: (a) In a step-down transformer current increases and voltage decreases.

9. If an AC voltage is applied to an L C R circuit, which of the following is true?

(a) I and V are out of phase with each other in R.
(b) I and V are in phase in L while in C, they are out of phase.
(c) I and V are out of phase in both C and L.
(d) I and V are out of phase in L and in phase in C. Answer: c

10. The peak value of ac voltage on a 220 V mains is

(a) 200√2 V
(b) 230√2 V

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(c) 220√2 V
(d) 240√2 V

Answer: (c) Peak value of ac voltage V0 = √2 Vrms. = 220√2 V.

11. Series ac circuit has inductance L, resistance R and angular frequency to, the
quality factor Q is

Answer: (b) Quality factor is measure of sharpness of resonance, is equal to ωL/ R .

12. A transformer is used to light a 100 W and 110 V lamp from a 220 V mains. If the
main current is 0.5 A, the efficiency of the transformer is approximately
(a) 30%
(b) 50%
(c) 90%
(d) 10%

Answer: (c) Since efficiency of a transformer,

13. Choose the correct statement.

(a) A capacitor can conduct a dc circuit but not an inductor.
(b) In a dc circuit the inductor can conduct but not a capacitor.
(c) In dc circuit both the inductor and capacitor cannot conduct.
(d) The inductor has infinite resistance in a dc circuit.

Answer: (b) In dc circuit, an inductor offers zero resistance to dc, while a capacitor
offers infinite resistance.

14. What is the value of inductance L for which the current is maximum in a series LCR-
circuit with C = 10 μF and ω = 1000 s-1?
(a) 100 mH
(b) 1 mH
(c) 10 mH
(d) cannot be calculated unless R is known

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Answer: (a) Current is maximum at resonance, when

15. A coil of self-inductance L is connected in series with a bulb B and an ac source.

Brightness of the bulb decreases when
(a) frequency of the ac source is decreased.
(b) number of turns in the coil is reduced.
(c) a capacitance of reactance Xc = XL in included.
(d) an iron rod is inserted in the coil.

Answer: (d) Brightness of the bulb decreases when inductive reactance increases, i.e.
when iron rod is inserted in the coil, its inductance L increases, hence current
decreases.

16. The reactance of a capacitor C is X. If both the frequency and capacitance be

doubled, then new reactance will be
(a) X
(b) 2X
(c) 4X
(d) X/ 4

Answer:

when f and C both are doubled.

17. A transformer works on the principle of

(a) converter.
(b) inverter.
(c) mutual inductance.
(d) self-inductance.

Answer: (c) Transformer works on the principle of mutual inductance.

18. The line that draws power supply to your house from street has
(a) zero average current.
(b) 220 V average voltage.
(c) voltage and current out of phase by 90°.
(d) voltage and current are in phase. Answer: (a) zero average current.

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19. Alternating current cannot be measured by dc ammeter, because
(a) ac cannot pass through ac ammeter.
(b) ac charges direction.
(c) average value of current of complete cycle is zero.
(d) ac ammeter will get damaged.

Answer: (a) ac cannot pass through ac ammeter.

20. Average power generated in an inductor connected to an a.c. source is

(a) LI² / 2
(b) LI²
(c) zero
(d) none of these

Answer: (c) Average power dissipated in an inductor connected to an ac source is zero,

Pav = V0I0 cos = 0(Phase angle is π / 2 )

21. The power factor varies between

(a) 2 and 2.5
(b) 3.5 to 5
(c) 0 to 1
(d) 1 to 2

Answer: (c) Power factor cos Φ in an ac circuit varies between 0 and 1.

22. Reciprocal of impedance is

(a) susceptance
(b) conductance
(c) admittance
(d) transconductance Answer: (c) admittance

23. 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 ω Answer: b

24. The rms value of potential difference V shown in the figure is

Answer: c

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25. The phase relationship between current and voltage in a pure resistive circuit is best
represented by

Answer: b

26. In the case of an inductor

(a) voltage lags the current by π / 2
(b) voltage leads the current by π/ 2
(c) voltage leads the current by π/ 3
(d) voltage leads the current by π/ 4 Answer: b

27. Which of the following graphs represents the correct variation of inductive reactance
XL with frequency u?

Answer: b

28. In a pure capacitive circuit if the frequency of ac source is doubled, then its
capacitive reactance will be
(a) remains same
(b) doubled
(c) halved
(d) zero

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Answer: c

29. Which of the following graphs represents the correct variation of capacitive
reactance Xc with frequency v u?

Answer: c

30. In an alternating current circuit consisting of elements in series, the current

increases on increasing the frequency of supply. Which of the following elements are
likely to constitute the circuit?
(a) Only resistor
(b) Resistor and inductor
(c) Resistor and capacitor
(d) Only inductor Answer: c

31. In which of the following circuits the maximum power dissipation is observed?
(a) Pure capacitive circuit
(b) Pure inductive circuit
(c) Pure resistive circuit
(d) None of these Answer: c

32. In series LCR circuit, the phase angle between supply voltage and current is

Answer: a

33. In a series LCR circuit the voltage across an inductor, capacitor and resistor are 20
V, 20 V and 40 V respectively. The phase difference between the applied voltage and
the current in the circuit is
(a) 30°
(b) 45°
(c) 60°
(d) 0°

Answer: d ,
Let ϕ be the phase difference between applied voltage and the current
tanϕ = X L −X C / R = I v (X L −X C ) / I v R

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 tanϕ = V L −V C / V R = 30−30 / 60
Tanϕ = zero
ϕ=0 ∘

34. At resonance frequency the impedance in series LCR circuit is

(a) maximum
(b) minimum
(c) zero
(d) infinity Answer: b

35. At resonant frequency the current amplitude in series LCR circuit is

(a) maximum
(b) minimum
(c) zero
(d) infinity Answer: a

36 Quality factor and power factor both have the dimensions of

(a) time
(b) frequency
(c) work
(d) angle Answer: d

37. The natural frequency (ca0) of oscillations in LC circuit is given by

Answer: c

38. For an ideal-step-down transformer, the quantity which is constant for both the coils
is
(a) current in the coils
(b) voltage across the coils
(c) resistance of coils
(d) power in the coils Answer: d

39. If the rms current in a 50 Hz ac circuit is 5 A, the value of the current 1/300 seconds
after its value becomes zero is [NCERT Exemplar]
(a) 5√2A
(b) 5 √3/2 A
(c) 5/6 A
(d) 5√2A

Answer: b , γ=50Hz , I v =5A , t=1/ 300 t=1300 Sec

I 0 = √ 2 I v , = √2 ×5 = =5√2 A

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 I = I 0 sinwt =5√2 A
=5√2 sin(100π)×(1 / 300 ) =5√ 2sin(π / 3 )
=5 √ 2× √3/ 2 = 5 × √3/ √ 2

40. An alternating current generator has an internal resistance Rg and an internal

reactance Xg. It is used to supply power to a passive load consisting of a resistance Rg
and a reactance XL For maximum power to be delivered from the generator to the load,
the value of XL is equal to [NCERT Exemplar]
(a) zero.
(b) Xg.
(c) -Xg.
(d) Rg. Answer: c

41. When a voltage measuring device is connected to AC mains, the meter shows the
steady input voltage of 220 V. This means [NCERT Exemplar]
(a) input voltage cannot be AC voltage, but a DC voltage.
(b) maximum input voltage is 220V.
(c) the meter reads not v but < v² > and is . calibrated to read √< v² > .
(d) the pointer of the meter is stuck by some mechanical defect.

Answer: c

42. To reduce the resonant frequency in an LCR series circuit with a generator [NCERT
Exemplar]
(a) the generator frequency should be reduced.
(b) another capacitor should be added in parallel to the first.
(c) the iron core of the inductor should be removed.
(d) dielectric in the capacitor should be removed.

Answer: b , At resonance γ r =1 / 2π √LC

To reduce γ r resonant.
This can be done by adding another capacitor in parallel to the first.
Answer : another capacitor should be added in parallel to the first

43. Which of the following combinations should be selected for better tuning of an LCR
circuit used for communication? [NCERT Exemplar]
(a) R = 20, L= 1.5 H, C = 35 μF.
(b) R = 25 , L = 2.5 H, C = 45 μF.
(c) R = 15 , L = 3.5 H, C = 30 μF.
(d) R = 25 , L = 1.5 H, C = 45 μF.

Answer: C , Q factor should be high , in the LCR circuit.

It used for communication at resonance .
Q = (1 / R ) √L /C ,

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For Q, to be high , L should be high and C should be low.
Hence C is the correct answer.

44. An inductor of reactance 1 Ω and a resistor of 2 Ω are connected in series to the

terminals of a 6 V (rms) a.c. source. The power dissipated in the circuit is [NCERT
Exemplar]
(a) 8 W.
(b) 12 W.
(c) 14.4 W.
(d) 18 W.

Answer: c

45. The output of a step-down transformer is measured to be 24 V when connected to a

12 watt light bulb. The value of the peak current is [NCERT Exemplar]
(a) 1/√2 A.
(b) √2A.
(c) 2 A.
(d) 2√2 A.

Answer: a
Given E s =24v , P s =12w
I s =P s / E s =12 / 24 = 1 / 2 A
I 0 = √2 I s = √ 2×1 / 2 = 1 / √ 2 A

46. As the frequency of an ac circuit increases, the current first increases and then
decreases. What combination of circuit elements is most likely to comprise the circuit?
[NCERT Exemplar]
(a) Inductor and capacitor.

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(b) Resistor and inductor.
(c) Resistor and capacitor.
(d) Inductor only. Answer: a

47. In an alternating current circuit consisting of elements in series, the current

increases on increasing the frequency of supply. Which of the following elements are
likely to constitute the circuit?
(a) Only resistor.
(b) Resistor and an inductor.
(c) Resistor and a capacitor.
(d) Only an inductor. Answer: c

48. Electrical energy is transmitted over large distances at high alternating voltages.
Which of the following statements is not correct?
(a) For a given power level, there is a lower current.
(b) Lower current implies less power loss.
(c) Transmission lines can be made thinner.
(d) It is easy to reduce the voltage at the receiving end using step-down transformers.

Answer: c

49. For an LCR circuit, the power transferred from the driving source to the driven
oscillator is P = I²Z cos Φ. Which of the following is incorrect?
(a) Here, the power factor cos Φ ≥ 0, P ≥ 0.
(b) The driving force can give no energy to the oscillator (P = 0) in some cases.
(c) The driving force cannot syphon out (P < 0) the energy out of oscillator.
(d) The driving force can take away energy out of the oscillator.

Answer: d

50. When an AC voltage of 220 V is applied to the capacitor C

(a) the maximum voltage between plates is 220 V.
(b) the current is in phase with the applied voltage.
(c) the charge on the plates is not in phase with the applied voltage.
(d) power delivered to the capacitor is zero. Answer: d

51. Average value of ac over a complete cycle _________ . Answer: zero

52. Inductive reactance increases with _________ in frequency of ac.

Answer: increase

53. In ac generator _________ is converted into electrical energy of alternating form.

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Answer: mechanical energy

54. Electric current that varies in magnitude continuously and reverses its direction
periodically is known as _________ . Answer: alternating current.

55. Current which flows with a constant magnitude in same fixed direction is known as
_________ . Answer: direct current.

56. Average or mean value of ac over a half cycle is _________ . Answer: 0.637 I0

57. Rms or virtual value of alternating current is _________ . Answer: 0.707 I0

58. Current in the inductive a.c. circuit _________ the voltage.

Answer: lag behind

59. Capacitive reactance increases with _________ in frequency of ac.

Answer: increase

60. Capacitive reactance Xc increases with _________ in frequency of ac and current in

the capacitive ac circuit _________ the ac voltage.

Answer decrease, leading ahead

61. Can ever the rms value be equal to the peak value of an ac?

Answer: Yes, when the ac is a square wave.

62. Which is more dangerous 220 ac or 220 dc and why?

Answer:

∴ ac is more dangerous than dc because its peak value is very high and also ac is in
nature.

63. The peak value of emf in ac is E0. Write its

(i) rms, and (ii) average value over a complete cycle.

Answer: (i) Erms = E 0 / √2 (ii) Zero.

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64. The current flowing through a pure inductor of inductance 4mH is i= 12 cos 300 t
ampere. What is (i) rms, and (ii) average value of the current for a complete cycle?

Answer: (i) Irms = 12 / √2 (ii) Iav = zero

65. Calculate the rms value of the alternating current shown in the figure. [HOTS]

Answer:

The rms value of the alternating current shown in the figure is 2 A.

66. When an alternating current is passed through a moving coil galvanometer, it shows
no deflection. Why?

Answer: A moving coil galvanometer measures an average value of current, which is

zero for ac. Hence, no deflection is shown by galvanometer

67. Which of the following curves may represent the reactance of a series LC
combination?

Answer: (b) AS XC-XL = 1 / 2πvC – 2πvL

68. In a series LCR circuit, the voltages across an inductor, a capacitor and a resistor
are 30 V, 30V and 60V respectively. What is the phase difference between the applied
voltage and the current in the circuit?

Answer: Zero. As VL = VC, circuit is resistive in nature.

69. Can a capacitor of suitable capacitance replace a inductor coil in an AC circuit?

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Answer: Yes, because average power consumed in both is least while controlling an
AC.

70. At an airport, a person is made to walk through the doorway of a metal detector, for
security reasons. Is she/he is carrying anything made of metal, the metal detector emits
a sound. On what principle does this detector work? [NCERT Exempler]

Answer: The metal detector works on the principle of resonances in ac circuits.

71. A capacitor blocks dc and allows ac. Why?

Answer:: The capacitive reactance is XC =1/2πvC .

For dc, v = 0 ⇒ XC = ∞
i.e. a capacitor offers infinite resistance to dc and hence blocks it.
For ac, v ≠ 0, ⇒ XC ≠ ∞ , but has some finite value.
Therefore, an ac can pass through the capacitor.

72. A bulb and a capacitor are connected in series to an ac source of variable

frequency. How will the brightness of the bulb change on increasing the frequency of
the ac source?

Answer: The brightness will increase (∵ XC ∝ 1/v ), and heat produced H ∝ I², where

73. Is there are any device by which direct current can be controlled without any loss of
energy?

Answer: No, there is no device that can control d.c. without any energy loss.
Even a choke coil cannot do so.

74. A 110 V dc heater is used on an ac source, such that the heat produced is the
same. What would be the value of the alternating voltage?

Answer: Since heat produced is same in same time period therefore voltage for
this time period is same across the heater.
For Dc supply voltage is 110 V.
So, RMS voltage is also 110 V

75. The power factor of an ac circuit is 0.5. What is the phase difference between
voltage and current in this circuit?

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Answer: ∵ Power factor, cos Φ=0.5
∴ Φ = 60° or π/3
So, the phase difference between voltage and current is π/ 3 .

76. Why does a low power factor imply large power loss in transmission for circuits used
for transporting electric power? [NCERT Example]

Answer: For circuits used for transporting electric power, a smaller power
factor implies large power loss in transmission".

Hence, current is inversely proportional to the power factor cos Φ.

So, a low power factor will imply a large power loss

77. The instantaneous current and voltage of an ac circuit are givenby I = 10sin314t A
and V=50sin (314 t + π / 2 ) V. What is the power of dissipation in the circuit?

Answer: Phase difference between the current and voltage is π/2. So, the power
dissipation Pav = Prms cos Φ is zero.

78. Why is the use of ac voltage preferred over dc voltage?

Answer: An ac voltage can be stepped up or down using a transformer, but not the dc
voltage.

79. Does a step down transformer violate the principle of conservation of energy?

Answer : No. In a transformer, if a voltage is increased, the current is decreased in the

same ratio and the product VI (power) remains the same.

80. Can we measure 110 V, 50 Hz a.c. using moving coil galvanometers? How can we
measure it.

Answer: No.
Reason: As average value of a.c. voltage over one complete cycle is zero.
We can measure the rms value of a.c. voltage using hot wire meters.

81. What is an acceptor circuit and where it is used?

Answer: Series LCR circuit is called acceptor circuit radio or TV sets.

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82. Why do we prefer carbon brushes than copper in an ac generator?

Answer: Corrosion free and small expansion on heating maintains proper contact.

83. In a series LCR circuit, XL, Xc and R are the inductive reactance, capacitive
reactance and resistance respectively at a certain frequency f If the frequency of ac is
doubled, what will be the values of reactance and resistance of the circuit?

Answer: Resistance R remains unchanged; XL will be doubled and XC will be halved.

84. In a series L-R circuit, XL = 3 R and power factor of the circuit is P1 When a
capacitor with capacitance C such that Xc = R is put in series, the power factor
becomes P2 Find P1/P2

Answer: In series LR circuit,

Power factor, cos ϕ 1 =R / Z
=R / √ R 2 +XL 2 =R / √ R 2 +9R 2 =R / R√10 =1 / √ 10
When capacitor with X C =R is added in series, new power factor,
cosϕ 2 =R /Z = R /√ R 2 +(X L −X C ) 2
cosϕ 2 =R / √ R 2 +(3R−R ) 2 =R / R√ 5
∴cosϕ 2 / cosϕ 1 = (1 / √5 ) ( √10/ 1 ) = √2

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