Alternating Current

Chapter - 7
Alternating Current
The voltage that varies like a sine function with time is called Alternating Voltage (AV) and the
current driven by it in a circuit is called Alternating Current (AC).

Instantaneous value of Alternating Current or Alternating Voltage

The value of AC or AV measured at the given instance of time is called instantaneous value of
AC or AV.
It is given by I = Io Sin wt and V = Vo Sin wt
Peak value of AC or AV: The maximum value of AC or AV attained in either half cycle.
RMS value of AC or AV: It is defined as the square root of the mean of the squares of the
instantaneous values of AC or AV taken over one complete cycle.

It is given by Irms = and Vrms =

√ √

AC Voltage Applied to a Resistor

R Consider a pure resistor of resistance ‘R’ connected in series with
an AC source
V = V0 Sin wt
Let V = V0 Sin wt ... (1) be the voltage across the resistor

From ohm’s law I =

I=

I = I0 Sin wt ... (2)

Where = I0 called peak or

maximum value of current

From equation (1) and (2) both
voltage and current are in same
phase.
Instantaneous power dissipated in
the resistor is
P = I2R = Sin2 wt R
P= Sin2 450 R (∵ wt = 450)

P= ( ) R= R
√

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 Alternating Current

P = I2R
Where =

Irms = √ = = 0.707 I0
√

Similarly Vrms = = 0.707 V0

√

AC Voltage Applied to an Inductor

L Consider a pure inductor of inductance ‘L’ connected in series
with an AC source
V = V0 Sin wt
Let V = V0 Sin wt ... (1) be the voltage across the inductor

From Faraday’s law e =

But e = V and ϕ = LI

V=

V=L

dI = dt = dt

integrating ∫ =∫ dt
–
I= ( )= (- Cos wt)

But – Cos wt = Sin ( )

∴ I = I0 Sin ( ) ... (2)

Where = I0

But wL = XL called inductive reactance ∴ I0 =

From equation (1) and (2) voltage leads current by an angle

Phase diagram for the circuit

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 Alternating Current

Instantaneous power
P = VI

P = (V0 Sin wt) I0 Sin ( )

P = (V0 Sin wt) I0 (– Cos wt)

P = –V0 I0 Sin wt Cos wt

P=– 2 Sin wt Cos wt

P=– Sin 2wt (∵ 2 Sin wt Cos wt = Sin 2wt)

The average power over a complete cycle is zero (∵ Sin 2wt = 0)

Note: The SI unit of inductive reactance is ohm (Ω).
AC Voltage Applied to a Capacitor
C Consider a pure capacitor of capacitance ‘C’ connected in series
with an AC source
V = V0 Sin wt Let V = V0 Sin wt ... (1) be the voltage across the capacitor

We have I =

But C = , q = CV

I= =C

I=C

I = CV0 Cos wt. w = CV0w Cos wt

But Cos wt = Sin ( )

∴ I = I0 Sin ( ) ... (2)

Where I0 = CV0w

Where = = Xc called capacitive reactance

From equation (1) and (2) current leads voltage by an angle

Phase diagram for the circuit

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 Alternating Current

Instantaneous power
P = VI

P = (V0 Sin wt) I0 Sin ( )

P = V0 Sin wt I0 Cos wt
P = V0 I0 Sin wt Cos wt

P= 2 Sin wt Cos wt

P= Sin 2wt (∵ 2 Sin wt Cos wt = Sin 2wt)

The average power over a complete cycle is zero (∵ Sin 2wt = 0)

Note: The SI unit of capacitive reactance is ohm (Ω).

AC Voltage Applied to a Series LCR Circuit

L C R Consider an inductor of inductance L,
capacitor of capacitance C and resistor of resistance
V = V0 Sin wt R connected in series across an AC source. Let the
applied voltage be V = V0 Sin wt
Let I be the instantaneous value of current then the potential across the inductor, capacitor and
resistor are
VL = I X L
VC = I XC
VR = I R
Let VL, VC and VR be represented by a phasor diagram. Let be the phase angle of the resultant
of voltage with current.
We have V = VL + VC + VR
VL
V=L + +IR O A VR
From triangle OAB V VC - VL
2 2 2
OB = OA + AB C B
2 2 VC
V = + (VC – VL)
V2 = I2R2 + (I XC - I XL)2
V2 = I2R2 + I2(XC - XL)2
V2 = I2[R2 + (XC - XL)2]

I2 =

I=
√

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 Alternating Current

I=

Where Z = √ called impedance of an A.C circuit

tan =

tan =

= tan-1 ( )

Analytical solution to series LCR circuit

We have V = VL + VC + VR

V0 Sin wt = L + + I R

But I =

∴ V0 Sin wt = L + + R ... (1)

Consider q = q0 Sin (wt + θ)

= q0 w Cos (wt + θ)

= - q0 w2 Sin (wt + θ)

(1) V0 Sin wt = L( - q0 w2 Sin (wt + θ)) + + q0 w Cos (wt + θ) R

V0 Sin wt = q0w [- Lw Sin (wt + θ) + Sin (wt + θ) + R Cos (wt + θ)]

V0 Sin wt = q0w [- XL Sin (wt + θ) + XC Sin (wt + θ) + R Cos (wt + θ)]

Where Lw =XL and = XC

V0 Sin wt = q0w [(XC - XL) Sin (wt + θ) + R Cos (wt + θ)] ... (2)
Multiply and divide by Z = √

V0 Sin wt = q0wZ [Sin (wt + θ) ( ) + Cos (wt + θ) ] ... (3)

Let = Sin ϕ ... (4)

And = Cos ϕ ... (5)

(3) V0 Sin wt = q0wZ [Sin (wt + θ) Sin ϕ + Cos (wt + θ) Cos ϕ]

V0 Sin wt = q0wZ Cos (wt + θ – ϕ) ... (6)

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 Alternating Current

tan ϕ =

ϕ = tan-1 ( )

Comparing the both sides of equation (6)

V0 = q0wZ = I0Z
Where I0 = q0w
And θ – ϕ = -

θ=- +ϕ

we have I= = q0 w Cos (wt + θ)

I = I0 Cos (wt + θ)
I = I0 Sin (wt + ϕ)

Where I0 = = and ϕ = tan-1 ( )

√

Electrical Resonance: When maximum current flowing through the circuit is called Electrical
Resonance.
If the current is maximum and hence the impedance is minimum then it is Called
Resonant Frequency.

Expression for Resonant Frequency

We have I0 = =
√

For impedance to be minimum either R = 0 or XC – XL = 0

But R ≠ 0 therefore XC – XL = 0
XL = XC
w0 L =

w0 =
√

or 2πf0 =
√

f0 =
√

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 Alternating Current

Sharpness of Resonance
When XL > XC the peak value of current in a

series LCR circuit is given by I0 =

√

√ I0 =
√ ( )

And it is maximum when w = w0 = which is the

√

resonant frequency.
The maximum value of current at resonance is

Imax =

The graph shows the variation of current with angular frequency for various values of resistance.
For a given value of L and C, the resonant frequency w0 does not depend of R. Hence, in all
cases, current is maximum at the same value of resonant frequency w0. But the maximum current
Imax decreases with increase in the value of R. For smaller values of R, the resonance curve is
sharper. There is a sharp decrease in the value of current on either side of the maximum value at
resonance. For larger value of R, the resonance cure is less sharp. The current deceases at a
smaller rater on either side of resonance.
Suppose the value of w is such that the current in the circuit is times the current amplitude of
√

resonance
Two value are considered which are symmetrical about w0
w1 = w0 + Δw
w2 = w0 – Δw
∴ w1 - w2 = 2Δw called band width of the circuit
= measure of the sharpness of resonance

Expression for Sharpness of Resonance

We have I=
√

For maximum =
√ √ ( )

= ( )
√ √ ( )

√ ( ) =√ R

R2 + ( ) = 2R2

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 Alternating Current

( ) = 2R2 - R2

( ) = R2

=R

(w0 + Δw)L - =R (∵ w1 = w0 + Δw)

w0 L ( )- =R
( )

using =

∴ w0 L ( )- =R
( )

w0 L ( ) – w0 L ( ) =R

using binomial theorem = 1 + nx

∴ w0 L ( ) – w0 L ( ) =R

w0 L + w 0 L - w0 L + w0 L =R

2w0L =R

Δw =

∴ We have, Sharpness of resonance =

The ratio of is called quality factor Q

Q= =
√

Q= √

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 Alternating Current

Power in AC Circuit: The Power Factor

We have V = V0 Sin wt applied to a series LCR circuit drives a current in the circuit is given by
I = I0 Sin (wt + ϕ)

Where I0 = and ϕ = tan-1 ( )

We have P=VI
P = V0 Sin wt I0 Sin (wt + ϕ)
P = V0I0 Sin wt Sin (wt + ϕ)
Multiply and divide by 2

P= 2 Sin wt Sin (wt + ϕ)

P= [Cos ϕ - Cos (2wt + ϕ)] [∵2 Sin A Sin B = Cos (A-B) – Cos (A+B)]

P= Cos ϕ (∵Cos (2wt + ϕ) = 0)

P= Cos ϕ
√ √

P = V I Cos ϕ
Also P = I2Z Cos ϕ
Where Cos ϕ is called Power Factor
Case (1): Resistive circuit: It contains only Resistor ∴ ϕ = 0, Cos ϕ = 1
∴ Maximum power dissipated.
Case (2): Purely inductive or capacitive circuit: For pure inductive circuit or pure capacitive
circuit, the phase difference between current and voltage is , Cos ϕ = 0 ∴ P = 0

∴ Zero power is dissipated. This current is sometimes referred to as Watt-less current.

(Current through pure inductor or Pure capacitor is zero is called Watt-less current)

Case (3): LCR series circuit: For LCR series circuit, ϕ = tan-1 ( )

∴ Power is dissipated only in the resistor.

Case (4): Power dissipated at resonance in LCR circuit:
For power dissipated at resonance in an LCR circuit, XC – XL = 0, ϕ = 0
∴ Cos ϕ = 1
∴ Maximum power is dissipated.

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 Alternating Current

L C Oscillations
When a capacitor is connected with an inductor the charge on
the capacitor and current in the circuit exhibit the phenomenon
of electrical oscillations.
Let at t = 0, the capacitor is charged q0 and connected to an
inductor.
Charge in the capacitor starts decreasing giving rise to current
in the circuit.
According to Kirchhoff’s loop rule,

-L =0

L( )=0

But I=-

∴ =0 or + q=0

This equation is of the form of a simple harmonic oscillator equation.

The charge oscillates with a natural frequency of w0 = and it varies sinusoidally with time as
√

q = q0 Cos (wt + ϕ)
we have ϕ= 0 ∴ Cos ϕ = 1
then q = q0 Cos w0t

I=- =-

I = q0w0 Sin w0t

I = I0 Sin w0t (∵q0w0 = I0)

The total energy of LC circuit is given by U =

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 Alternating Current

Transformers
Principle: − It works on the principle of Mutual Induction. When current in one circuit changes,
an induced current is set up in the neighbouring circuit.
Construction and working:
It is the device used for varying voltages. It consists of
two coils known as primary and secondary coils which are
wounded on the same laminated soft iron core.
When an A.V is applied to the primary the resulting
current produces an alternating magnetic flux which links
the secondary and induces an emf in it. The value of this
emf depends on the number of turns in the secondary. Let ϕ be the flux in each turn in the core.
The induced emf or voltage es in the secondary with Ns turns is

or P S es = Ns and ep = Np

but es = Vs and ep = Vp

∴ Vs = Ns and Vp = Np

∴ = =K

Where K is called turns ratio

If the output voltage is more than the input voltage then it is called step-up transformer.
(Vs > Vp)
If the output voltage is less than the input voltage then it is called step-down transformer.
(Vs < Vp)
For an ideal transformer
Power Input = Power Output
VpIp = VsIs

= =

Losses in transformers
(1) Loss due to flux leakage: The magnetic flux passing through every turn of the primary
may not pass through every turn of the secondary. This causes certain amount of energy
loss. It can be minimised by winding the primary and secondary coils one over the other.
(2) Loss due to resistance of the windings: The wire used for the primary and secondary
windings has some resistance. So energy is lost due to heat produced in the wire. This
loss can be minimised using thick wire.

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 Alternating Current

(3) Loss due to eddy currents: The varying magnetic flux due to alternating current induces
eddy currents in the iron core and causes heating. This energy loss is reduced by having a
laminated core.
(4) Loss due to hysteresis: The magnetisation of the core is repeatedly reversed by the
alternating magnetic field. The energy spent in magnetising and demagnetising the core
appears as heat. This energy loss in the core is kept minimum by using a soft
ferromagnetic material as core which is low hysteresis loss (narrow hysteresis loop).

List of formulas

I= VL = I X L f0 =
√
= I0 XL = wL = 2πfL XC = =

Q= √ VC = I XC = =K = tan-1 ( ) Z=√

P = V I Cos ϕ
Irms = w0 =
√
P = I2R = VI = =
√
2
P = I Z Cos ϕ

Questions
1. Obtain an expression for AC voltage applied to a pure inductor.
2. Obtain an expression for AC voltage applied to a pure capacitor.
3. Obtain an expression for sharpness of resonance.
4. Define resonant frequency.
5. Obtain an expression for resonant frequency.
6. Show that voltage and current are in phase with each other when an AC voltage is
applied across a resistor. Represent this relation in phasor diagram. (M.Q.P-I (3m))
7. A resistor, an inductor and a capacitor are connected in series with a 120 V, 100 Hz ac
source. Voltage leads the current by 350 in the circuit. If the resistance of the resistor is
10 Ω and the sum of inductive and capacitive reactance is 17 Ω, calculate the self-
inductance of the inductor. (M.Q.P-I (5m))
8. State the principle of working of a transformer. Can a transformer be used to step-up a
D.C voltage? Justify your answer. (M.Q.P-II (3m))
9. A series LCR circuit is connected to 220 V a.c source of variable frequency. The
inductance of the coil is 5 H, capacitance of the capacitor is 5 μF and resistance is 40 Ω.
At resonance, calculate (a) the resonant frequency, (b) current in the circuit and (c) the
inductive reactance. (M.Q.P-II (5m))

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 Alternating Current

10. How is r.m.s voltage of a.c related to peak value of a.c voltage? (March-14 (1m), July-
17 (1m))
11. Explain the construction of transformer. Mention its principle. (March-14 (3m))
12. Calculate resonant frequency and Q-factor of a series L-C-R circuit containing a pure
inductor of inductance 3 H, capacitor of capacitance 27 μF and resistor of resistance
7.4 Ω. (March-14 (5m))
13. Derive an expression for resonant frequency of series circuit containing inductor,
capacitor and resistor. (July-14 (3m))
14. A pure inductor of 25 mH is connected to a source of 220 V and 50 Hz. Find the
inductive reactance, rms value of current and peak current in the circuit. (July-14 (5m))
15. Show that voltage leads current by π/2, when A.C. voltage applied to pure inductance.
(March-15 (3m))
16. A sinusoidal voltage of peak value 283 V and frequency 50 Hz is applied to a series LCR
circuit in which R = 3 Ω, L = 25.48 mH and C = 786 μF. Find:
(a) Impedance of the circuit.
(b) The phase difference between the voltage across the source and the current.
(c) The power factor. (March-15 (5m), June-19 (5m))
17. What is the principle behind the working of a transformer? Mention any two sources of
energy loss in transformer. (July-15 (3m))
18. A resistor of 100 Ω, a pure inductance coil of L = 0.5H and capacitor are in series in a
circuit containing an a.c. source of 200 V, 50 Hz. In the circuit, current is ahead of the
voltage by 300. Find the value of the capacitance. (July-15 (5m))
19. What is a transformer? Mention two sources of energy loss in a transformer. (March-16
(3m), March-17 (3m), June-19 (2m))
20. Calculate the resonant frequency and Q-factor (Quality factor) of a series LCR circuit
containing a pure inductor of inductance 4 H, capacitor of capacitance 27 μF and resistor
of resistance 8.4 Ω. (March-16 (5m))
21. With a diagram, explain the working of a transformer. (July-16 (3m))
22. An inductor and a bulb are connected in series to an AC source of 220 V, 50 Hz. A
current of 11 A flows in the circuit and phase angle between voltage and current is π/4
radians. Calculate the impedance and inductance of the circuit. (July-16 (5m))
23. A source of alternating emf of 220 V-50 Hz is connected in series with a resistance of
200 Ω an inductance of 100 mH and a capacitance of 30 μF. Does the current lead or lag
the voltage and by what angle? (March-17 (5m))

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 Alternating Current

24. If the peak value of a.c. current is 4.24 A, what is its root mean square value? (March-18
(1m))
25. Arrive at the expression for the impedance of a series LCR circuit using phasor diagram
method and hence write the expression for the current through the circuit. (March-18
(5m), March-19 (5m))
26. Mention the three types of energy loss in a transformer. (March-18 (1m), March-19
(3m), March-2020 (2m))
27. Mention the value of power factor of a pure capacitor. (July-17 (1m))
28. A sinusoidal voltage of peak value 285 v is applied to a series LCR circuit in which
resistor of resistance 5 Ω, pure inductor of inductance 28.5 mH and capacitor of
capacitance 800 μF are connected. (a) Find the resonant frequency. (b) Calculate the
impedance, current and power dissipated at the resonance. (July-17 (5m))
29. Write the condition for ‘resonance’ of series LCR circuit. (July-18 (1m))
30. What is ‘Watt-less’ current? (July-18 (1m))
31. A 20 Ω resistor, 1.5 H inductor and 35 μF capacitor are connected in series with a 200 V,
50 Hz ac supply. Calculate the impedance of the circuit and also find the current through
the circuit. (July-18 (5m))
32. How does capacitive reactance vary with frequency? (March-2020 (1m))
33. A series LCR circuit contains a pure inductor of inductance 5.0 H, a capacitor of
capacitance 20 μF and a resistor of resistance 40 Ω.
a) Find the resonant frequency of the circuit.
b) Calculate the Quality factor (Q-factor) of the circuit.
c) What is the impedance at resonant condition? (March-2020 (5m))
34. What is resonant frequency? Write the expression for resonant frequency. (September-
2020 (2m))
35. An AC source of 200 V, 50 Hz is applied to a series LCR circuit in which R = 3 Ω, L =
25 mH and C = 790 µF. Find (a) the impedance of the circuit and (b) the current in the
circuit. (September-2020 (5m))
Problems
1. A light bulb is rated at 100 W for a 220 V supply, find
(a) The resistance of the bulb.
(b) The peak voltage of the source.
(c) The rms current through the bulb.

Solution: P = 100 W (a) P =

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 Alternating Current

V = 220 V R= =

R=? R = 484 Ω

V0 = ? (b) V =
√

I=? V0 = V √ = 220 x √
V0 = 311.12 V
(c) P = V I

I= =

I = 0.45 A
2. A pure inductor of 25 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.
Solution: L = 25 mH XL = 2πf L
V = 220 V XL = 2 x 3.14 x 50 x 25 x 10-3
XL = ? XL = 7.85 Ω

I=? I= =

f = 50 Hz I = 28 A
3. A 15 μF capacitor is connected to a 220 V, 50 Hz source. Find the capacitive reactance
and the current in the circuit. If the frequency is doubled, what happens to the capacitive
reactance and current?
Solution: C = 15 x 10-6 F XC =

V = 220 V XC =

f = 50 Hz XC = 212.3 Ω

XC = ? I= =

I=? I = 1.036 A
If the frequency is doubled the capacitive reactance is halved i.e., XC = 106.15 Ω and the
current is doubled i.e., I = 2.072 A.
4. An alternating potential of 110 V, 50 Hz is applied to a circuit having a resistance of 200
Ω, inductance of 5 H and a capacitance of 2 μF. Calculate (a) the impedance
(b) maximum current (c) resonance frequency (d) phase angle
Solution: V = 110 V (a) Z = √

f = 50 Hz XC =

R = 200 Ω XC =

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 Alternating Current

L=5H XC = 1592 Ω
C = 2 μF XL = 2πf L
Z=? XL = 2 x 3.14 x 50 x 5
I0 = ? XL = 1570 Ω
f0 = ? ∴Z=√
ϕ=? Z = 201.2 Ω
√ √
(b) I0 = = =

I0 = 0.7731 A
(c) f0 =
√

f0 = √

f0 = 50.36 Hz

(d) ϕ = tan-1 ( )

ϕ = tan-1 ( )

ϕ = tan-1 (0.1100)
ϕ = 60161
5. An electric lamp which works at 40 V and consumes 10 A is connected to A C mains at
100 V, 50 Hz. Calculate the inductance of the coil in the lamp.

Solution: V = 40 V R= = =4Ω

I = 10 A Z=√

V = 100 V =√

f = 50 Hz =√

L=? 100 – 16 = (2πf L)2

XC = 0 2πf L = √

L=

L = 0.02918 H
6. A 100 Ω resistor and 6 μF capacitor are connected in series with an A C source of 250 V
and 50 Hz. Calculate the potential difference across each of them.
Solution: R = 100 Ω Z=√

C = 6 μF =√ ( )

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 Alternating Current

V = 250 V =√ ( )

f = 50 Hz =√

VR = ? I=

VC = ? I = 0.463 A
XL = 0 VR = I R = 0.463 x 100 = 46.3 V
VC = I XC = 0.463 x 530.78 = 245.75V
7. What is the resonance frequency of a circuit containing a coil of inductance 10 H
connected in series with a capacitor of capacitance 4700 x 10-12 F.
Solution: f0 = ? f0 =
√

L = 10 H f0 = √

C = 4700 x 10-12 F f0 = 734.5 Hz

8. Find the value of the capacitance of a capacitor required to operate a lamp marked 60 W,
120 V on 220V, 50 Hz A C source. If a choke is used instead of capacitor. What will be
its inductance?
Solution: P = 60 W P=VI

V = 120 V I= = = 0.5 A

V = 220 V R= = = 240 Ω

f = 50 Hz Z=√

C=? =√ ( )

XL = 0 =√ ( )

L=? (440)2 = 57600 + ( )

193600 – 57600 = ( )

= 368.78

C=

C = 8.63 μF
If choke is used instead of capacitor
XL = XC
2πf L = 368.78

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 Alternating Current

L=

L = 1.174 H
9. A capacitor and a resistor of resistance 10 Ω are connected in series with a 100 V, 50 Hz
A C supply. Find the value of the capacitance to make the power factor 0.8.

Solution: R = 10 Ω tan ϕ =

V = 100 V tan 360521 =

f = 50 Hz XC = 0.7499 x 10
Cos ϕ = 0.8 XC = 7.499
ϕ = Cos-1(0.8) = 7.499

ϕ = 360521 C=

C = 4.24 x 10-4 F
10. A transformer is used to step up the voltage of transmission line from 250 V to 25000 V.
What is turns ratio, if the current across the primary is 25 A. Determine the current across
secondary?

Solution: VP = 250 V K=

VS = 25000 V K=

K=? K = 100 : 1

IP = 25 A =

IS = ? IS =

IS =

IS = 0.25 A
11. The radio transformer of 500 turns in the primary coil is connected to 250 V A C source.
The secondary coil supplies 6 V to the tube. Calculate (a) Number of turns in secondary
(b) Current in the secondary if the current in the primary coil is 0.5 A.

Solution: NP = 500 turns =

VP = 250 V NS =

VS = 6 V NS =

NS = ? NS = 12 turns

IS = ? =

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 Alternating Current

IP = 0.5 A IS =

IS =

IS = 20.8 A
12. An A C source of 250 V, 50 Hz is connected to a circuit consisting of an electric lamp
rated 100 W, 50 V and a capacitor in series. What should be the capacity of the capacitor
to work the lamp with rated value?
Solution: V = 250 V P=VI

f = 50 Hz I= = =2A

P = 100 W R= = = 25 Ω

V = 50 V Z=√

C=? =√ ( )

=√ ( )

(125)2 = 625 + ( )

15625 – 625 = ( )

= 122.47 Ω

C=

C = 26 μF
13. An inductor of self inductance 12 mH is in an A C circuit. Find its inductive reactance. If
an A C current and frequency 50 Hz flows through it.
Solution: XL = 2πf L = 2 x 3.14 x 50 x 12 x 10-3
XL = 3768 mΩ
14. An A C source of 220 V, 50 Hz is connected in series with a 50 Ω resistor, 150 μF
capacitor and 0.5 H inductor in series. Calculate the current through the combination.
Solution: V = 220 V Z=√

f = 50 Hz XC = =

R = 50 Ω XC = 21.23 Ω
C = 150 µF XL = 2πf L = 2 x 3.14 x 50 x 0.5
L = 0.5 μF XL = 157 Ω
I=? ∴Z=√

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 Alternating Current

=√

= 144.68

I = 1.52 A
15. A resistor, an inductor and a capacitor are connected in series with a 120 V, 100 Hz A C
source. Voltage leads the current by 350 in the circuit. If the resistance of the resistor is
10 Ω and the sum of inductive and capacitive reactance is 17 Ω. Calculate the self-
inductance of the inductor. (M.Q.P-I (5m))

Solution: V = 120 V tan ϕ =

f = 100 Hz tan 350 =

ϕ = 350 0.7 =

R = 10 Ω XL - XC = 7
XL + XC = 17 Ω XL + XC = 17
L=? 2XL = 24
XL = 12
2πf L = 12
L=

L = 0.019 H
16. A series LCR circuit is connected to 220 V A C source of variable frequency. The
inductance of the coil is 5 H, capacitance of the capacitor is 5 μF and resistance is 40 Ω.
At resonance, calculate (a) the resonant frequency, (b) current in the circuit and (c) the
inductive reactance. (M.Q.P-II (5m))
Solution: V = 220 V (a) f0 =
√

L=5H f0 = √
-6
C = 5 x 10 F f0 = 31.8 Hz

R = 40 Ω (b) I = = = 5.5 A

f0 = ? (c) XL = 2πfL = 2 x 3.14 x 31.8 x 5

I = ? & XL = ? XL = 998.52 Ω
17. Calculate resonant frequency and Q – factor of a series LCR circuit containing a pure
inductor of inductance 3 H, capacitor of capacitance 27 μF and resistor of resistance
7.4 Ω. (March-14 (5m))
Solution: f0 = ? f0 =
√

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 Alternating Current

Q=? f0 = √

L=3H f0 = 17.69 Hz

C = 27 μF Q= √ = √

R = 7.4 Ω Q = 45
18. A pure inductor of 25 mH is connected to a source of 220 V and 50 Hz. Find the
inductive reactance, rms value of current and peak current in the circuit. (July-14 (5m))
Solution: L = 25 mH XL = 2πfL = 2 x 3.14 x 50 x 25 x 10-3
V = 220 V XL = 7.85 Ω

f = 50 Hz Irms = = = 28 A

XL = ? Irms =
√

Irms = ? I0 = Irms x 1.414

I0 = ? I0 = 28 x 1.414 = 39.62 A
19. A sinusoidal voltage of peak value 283 V and frequency 50 Hz is applied to a series LCR
circuit in which R = 3 Ω, L = 25.48 mH and C = 786 μF. Find:
(a) Impedance of the circuit.
(b) The phase difference between the voltage across the source and the current.
(c) The power factor. (March-15 (5m), June-19 (5m))
Solution: V0 = 283 V (a) Z = √

f = 50 Hz XC = =

R=3Ω XC = 4 Ω
L = 25.48 mH XL = 2πf L = 2 x 3.14 x 50 x 25.48 x 10-3
C = 786 μF XL = 8 Ω
Z=? ∴Z=√
ϕ=? Z=5Ω

Cos ϕ = ? (b) ϕ = tan-1 ( )

ϕ = tan-1 ( )

ϕ = tan-1 (1.3333)
ϕ = 53071

(c) Cos ϕ = =

Cos ϕ = 0.6

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 Alternating Current

20. A resistor of 100 Ω, a pure inductance coil of L = 0.5 H and capacitor are in series in a
circuit containing an a.c. source of 200 V, 50 Hz. In the circuit, current is ahead of the
voltage by 300. Find the value of the capacitance. (July-15 (5m))

Solution: R = 100 Ω tan ϕ =

L = 0.5 H XL = 2πfL = 2 x 3.14 x 50 x 0.5 = 157 Ω

V = 200 V tan 300 =

f = 50 Hz 0.5773 x 100 = XC - 157

ϕ = 300 XC = 157 – 57.73
C=? = 99.27

C=

C = 32.08 x 10-6 F
21. Calculate the resonant frequency and Q-factor (Quality factor) of a series LCR circuit
containing a pure inductor of inductance 4 H, capacitor of capacitance 27 μF and resistor
of resistance 8.4 Ω. (March-16 (5m))
Solution: f0 = ? f0 =
√

Q=? f0 = √

L=4H f0 = 15.32 Hz

C = 27 μF Q= √

R = 8.4 Ω Q= √

Q = 45.82
22. An inductor and a bulb are connected in series to an AC source of 220 V, 50 Hz. A
current of 11 A flows in the circuit and phase angle between voltage and current is π/4
radians. Calculate the impedance and inductance of the circuit. (July-16 (5m))

Solution: V = 220 V Z= =

f = 50 Hz Z = 20 Ω

I = 11 A tan ϕ = =

ϕ = rad = = 450 tan 450 =

Z=? 20 = 2 x 3.14 x 50 x L
L=? L==
L = 0.0636 H

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 Alternating Current

23. A source of alternating emf of 220 V-50 Hz is connected in series with a resistance of
200 Ω an inductance of 100 mH and a capacitance of 30 μF. Does the current lead or lag
the voltage and by what angle? (March-17 (5m))
Solution: V = 220 V XC = =

f = 50 Hz XC = 106.15 Ω
R = 200 Ω XL = 2πf L = 2 x 3.14 x 50 x 100 x 10-3
L = 100 mH XL = 31.4 Ω
C = 30 μF XC > XL
∴ current leads voltage

ϕ = tan-1 ( )

ϕ = tan-1 ( )

ϕ = tan-1 (0.3737)
ϕ = 200291
24. A sinusoidal voltage of peak value 285 V is applied to a series LCR circuit in which
resistor of resistance 5 Ω, pure inductor of inductance 28.5 mH and capacitor of
capacitance 800 μF are connected. (a) Find the resonant frequency. (b) Calculate the
impedance, current and power dissipated at the resonance. (July-17 (5m))
Solution: V0 = 285 V (a) f0 =
√

R=5Ω f0 = √

L = 28.5 mH f0 = 33.34 Hz
C = 800 µF (b) At resonance Z = R = 5 Ω

(a) f0 = ? I0 = = = 57 A

(b) Z = ?, I = ?, P = ? P = I0V0 = 57 x 285 = 16245 W

25. If the peak value of a.c. current is 4.24 A, what is its root mean square value? (March-18
(1m))

Solution: Irms = = = 2.998 A

√ √

26. A 20 Ω resistor, 1.5 H inductor and 35 μF capacitor are connected in series with a 200 V,
50 Hz ac supply. Calculate the impedance of the circuit and also find the current through
the circuit. (July-18 (5m))
Solution: R = 20 Ω Z=√

L = 1.5 H XC = =

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 Alternating Current

C = 35 µF XC = 90.99 Ω
V = 200 V XL = 2πf L = 2 x 3.14 x 50 x 1.5
f = 50 Hz XL = 471 Ω
Z=? ∴Z=√

I=? Z=√
Z = 380.53 Ω

I= = = 0.578 A

27. A series LCR circuit contains a pure inductor of inductance 5.0 H, a capacitor of
capacitance 20 μF and a resistor of resistance 40 Ω.
a) Find the resonant frequency of the circuit.
b) Calculate the Quality factor (Q-factor) of the circuit.
c) What is the impedance at resonant condition? (March-2020 (5m))
Solution: f0 = ? (a) f0 =
√

Q=? f0 = √

L=5H f0 = 15.92 Hz

C = 20 μF (b) Q = √

R = 40 Ω Q= √

Q = 12.5
(c) At Resonant condition Z = R = 40 Ω
28. A 100 μF capacitor in series with a 40 Ω resistance is connected to a 110 V, 60 Hz
supply, (a) What is the maximum current in the circuit? (b) What is the time lag between
current maximum and voltage maximum?
Solution: C = 100 μF Z=√
√
R = 40 Ω I0 = =
√

√
V = 110 V I0 =
√ ( )

√
f = 60 Hz I0 =
√ ( )

I0 = ?, T = ?, XL = 0 I0 = 3.24 A
In R C circuit, voltage lags behind the current by a phase angle ϕ

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 Alternating Current

tan ϕ = =

ϕ = tan-1( )

ϕ = tan-1(0.6628) = 33.50

ϕ= = 0.5843 rad

time lag = = =

time lag is 1.55 x 10-3 sec

29. An AC source of 200 V, 50 Hz is applied to a series LCR circuit in which R = 3 Ω,
L = 25 mH and C = 790 µF. Find (a) the impedance of the circuit and (b) the current in
the circuit. (September-2020 (5m))
Solution: V = 200 V (a) Z = √
f = 50 Hz XL = 2πf L = 2 x 3.14 x 50 x 25 x 10-3
R=3Ω XL = 7.85 Ω
L = 25 mH XC = =

C = 790 µF XC = 4.03 Ω
(a) Z = ? ∴Z=√

(b) I = ? Z=√
Z = 4.857 Ω

(b) I = = = 41.17 A

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