Chapter No.

16 [Alternating Current]

Chapter No.16
Alternating Current

Learning Objectives

 Understanding and describe time period, frequency, the peak and root mean square
values of an alternating current and voltage.
 Know and use the relationship for the sinusoidal waves.
 Understand the flow of A.C through resistors, capacitors and inductors.
 Understand how phase lags and leads in the circuit.
 Apply the knowledge to calculate the reactance’s of capacitors and inductors.
 Describe impedance as vector summation of resistance.
 Know and use the formulae of A.C power to solve the problems.
 Understand the function of resonant circuits.
 Appreciate the principle of metal detectors used for security checks.
 Describe the three phase A.C supply.
 Become familiar with electromagnetic spectrum ( ranging from radio waves to
rays ).
 Know the production, transmission and reception of electromagnetic waves.
 Chapter No.16 [Alternating Current]

A.C generator the A.C current/ voltage.

The basic reason for the world use of A.C is that it can be transmitted to long distances easily and at a very
low cost.

QNo.1 What is alternating current? Show that the output voltage of A.C generator varies sinusoidally
with time.

Ans:
Alternating Current
The current which changes its magnitude continuously and direction
periodically is called alternating current
OR
Alternating current is that which is produced by a voltage source whose
polarity keeps on reversing with time.
Explanation
In figure (a), the terminal A of the source is positive with respect to
terminal B and its remains so during a time interval O to
At the terminals change their polarity. In figure (b), the terminal B
of the source is positive with respect to terminal A and its remains so
during a time interval to T, after which terminal A again become
positive with respect to B and the next cycle starts.
So during , it flows in one direction and during the interval in
opposite direction.
Time Period
The time interval T during which the voltage source changes its polarity
once is known as period of the alternating current or voltage.
Frequency
The number of cycles completed in one second is called the frequency of
alternating current signal.
The frequency of A.C used in Pakistan is 50 Hz.

Source of A.C
The most common source of alternating voltages is an A.C generator.
The output V of this A.C generator at any instant is given by
( )
Where T is the period of the rotation of the coil and is equal to the period
of A.C
(i) When t=0
( )

(ii) When t=

( )[ ]
 Chapter No.16 [Alternating Current]

( )

(iii) When t=
( )* +

(iii) When t=

( )[ ]

( )

(v) When t=T

( )[ ]

Waveform
Figure 2 shows the variation of V with t and . This graph between voltage and time is known as waveform of
alternating voltage. It can be seen that it is a sine curve. So the alternating signal is also known as sinusoidal
signal.

QNo.2 Discuss the characteristics of alternating voltage.

Ans:
(1) Instantaneous value
The value of voltage or current that exists in a circuit at any instant of time t measured from some reference
point is known as its instantaneous value.
It can have any value in between plus maximum value and negative maximum value and it is denoted
by V. Mathematically,

( )

(2) Peak value

The highest value reached by the voltage or current in one cycle is called its peak value.
It is represented by
(3) Peak to Peak value
The sum of the positive and negative peak values usually known as p-p value.
The p-p value of voltage waveform is
(4) Root Mean Square ( rms ) Value
The effective value of a.c cover a complete cycle is called root mean square value.
If we connect an ordinary D.C ammeter to measure the alternating current, it would measure its value as
averaged over a cycle.
For an alternating signal, the average value of current or voltage is zero over a cycle, but the power delivered
for a cycle is not zero because power is Therefore, the average of the square of current or voltage will
not be zero. Actually it is measured by its rms value. The root mean square value is the square root of average
value of or which are positive even for the negative values of V and I.
 Chapter No.16 [Alternating Current]

As the graph of is symmetrical about , so the mean or average value

of is, therefore, . So rms value is obtained by taking the square root

of therefore,

Most of the alternating current and voltage meter is calibrated to read the
rms value. So the effective value of alternating current signal is called as
root mean square value of A.C signal.

Example 16.1
An A.C voltmeter reads 250 V. What is its peak and instantaneous value if the frequency of alternating
voltage is 50 Hz?
Sol: Given data:

To find:

Calculations:

√
√

QNo.3 What do you mean by phase angle? Explain please lag and phase lead. How can you represent
alternating voltage and current by phasor ( vector ) diagram?
Ans:
Alternating Current
Phase of A.C
As the instantaneous value of voltage can be expressed as,
 Chapter No.16 [Alternating Current]

The angle describes the instantaneous value of alternating voltage or current is

known as its phase. So,

The waveform of voltage verses is shown in figure.

Phase Lag and Phase Lead:
The phase difference between two alternating quantities is more important than
their absolute phases.
Figure shows two waveforms 1 and 2. The phase angles of waveforms 1 and 2.
The phase angles of waveform 1 at the points A, B, C, D and E has been shown
above the axis and those of waveform 2 below the axis. At the point B, the phase
of 1 is and that 2 is O it can be seen that at each point the phase of waveform
2 is less than the phase of waveform 1 by an angle of . It means that at each
instant, the phase of A.C 2 is less than the phase of A.C 1 by
Similarly it can be seen in figure, that the phase of at a point of the waveform of
A.C 2 is greater than that of waveform 1 by an angle In this case, it is said
that A.C 2 leading the A.C 1 by It means that at each instant, the phase of
A.C 2 is greater than that of 1 by
Vector Representation of an Alternating Quantity
Phase or vector representation for alternating quantities is basically used to show
the phase differences between alternating quantities although these quantities are
not vectors.
Sinusoidally alternating voltage or current can be graphically represented by a
counter clockwise rotating vector provided it satisfies the following conditions.
(i) Its length on a certain scale represents the peak or rms value of the alternating
quantity.
(ii) It is in the horizontal position at any instant when the alternating quantity is
zero and is increasing positively.
(iii) The angular frequency of the rotating vector is the same as the angular
frequency of the alternating quantity.
Figure shows the sinusoidal voltage waveform leading an alternating current
waveform by The same fact has been shown vectorically in figure. Here
vector OI represents the peak or rms value of the current which is taken as
reference quantity.
Similarly OV represents the rms or peak value of the alternating current which
is leading the current by
Both vectors are supposed to be rotating in the counter clockwise direction at
angular frequency of the two alternating quantities. Figure shows the position
of voltage and current at t=0.
 Chapter No.16 [Alternating Current]

QNo.4 Describe the types of A.C circuit?

Ans:
A.C Circuits
The basic circuit element in a D.C circuit is a resistor ( R ) which controls the current or voltage and the
relationship between them is given by Ohm’s law that is V=IR.
In A.C circuits, in addition to resistor R, two new circuit elements namely INDUCTOR (L), and CAPACITOR
(C) becomes relevant. The current and voltages in A.C circuits are controlled by three elements R, L and C. We
would study the response of an A.C circuit when it is excited by an alternating voltage.

Example 16.2
A capacitor is connected to an alternating voltage of 24 V and frequency 50 Hz. Calculate:
(a) The reactance of the capacitor, and
(b) The current in the circuit
Sol: Given data:

To find:

Calculations:

QNo.5 Describe the effect of resistance in an A.C circuit?

Ans:
A.C Through a Resistor
Consider a resistor of resistance R is connected with an alternating voltage
source as shown in figure. At any time t, the alternating voltage across the
terminals of the resistor is given by
 Chapter No.16 [Alternating Current]

Where is the peak value of the alternating voltage and is the angular
frequency. The alternating current I flowing through the circuit is given by
ohm’s law,

Putting the values of V from equation (1)

But is the peak value of current

So
A comparison of equation (1) and (2) shows that the instantaneous values of
voltage and current are the sine functions which vary with time are in phase
in resistive circuit. They reach their minimum and maximum values at the
same time. Thus V and I are said to be in phase. Their behavior is shown
graphically in figure and vectorically in figure. They are drawn parallel
because there is no phase difference between them.
The opposition to A.C, which a circuit offers is the called resistance .
The instantaneous power in the resistance is given by

P is in watts, V is in volts, I is in ampere and R is in ohms.

Equation for power holds only when the current and voltage are in phase.

QNo.6 Describe the effect of capacitor in an A.C circuit?

Ans:
A.C Through a Capacitor
Alternating current can flow through a resistor but it is not clear that how it
can flow through a capacitor. In figure, a low power bulb is connected in
series with a capacitor to alternating voltage source through a switch S.
When the switch is closed, the bulb lights up which shows that the current is
flowing through the capacitor.
Direct current can not flow through a capacitor continuously because the
plates of the capacitor are separated by an insulating medium.
An alternating current flows in the circuit as the plates are being
continuously charged and discharged and changed the other way round by
the alternating voltage.
The relation between the charge q on a capacitor and the voltage V across its
plates is q=CV holds at every instant.
As
And

Since C and are constants, therefore, q will vary in the same way as
applied voltage V. i.e V and q are in phase, shown in figure.
We know that,

Thus slope of q-t graph represents the current.

The voltage and charge curves are drawn in figure. At point O, when q=0,
the slope is maximum, so I is maximum. From O to A, slope of q-t curves
 Chapter No.16 [Alternating Current]

decreases to zero. So I become zero at N. From A to B the slope of the curve

is negative and so I is negative from N to R.
In this way the curve PNRST give the variation of current. Referring to
figure, it can be seen that the phase at O is zero and the phase at the upper at
maximum is . So in figure, the phase of Vat O is zero while the current at
this point is maximum so its phase is . This shows that the current is
leading the applied voltage by Now consider the points A and N. Thus
again the phase of alternating voltage at A is , but the phase of current at N
is Again the current is leading the voltage by . Similarly by comparing
the phases of the pair (B,R), (C,S) and (D,T) it can be seen that at all these
points the current leads the voltage by This is vectorically shown in figure.
The opposition offered by a capacitor to the flow of A.C is called capacitive reactance.
It is represented by . It value is given by,

Where is the rms value of alternating voltages across the capacitor and is the rms value of current
passing through the capacitor.
The unit of reactance is ohm. The reactance depends upon frequency and capacitance C and is given by,

So the reactance increases with the decrease in frequency of A.C and reactance decrease with the increase in
frequency through the same capacitor.

QNo.7 Describe the effect of inductance in an A.C circuit.

Ans:
A.C Through an Inductor
An inductor is usaually in the form of a coil or a solenoid wound from a
thick wire so that is has a large self inductance and has a negligible
resistance. When an alternating source of voltage is applied across an
inductor. It must opposes the flow of A.C which is continuously changing.
Consider an alternating voltage V is applied across an inductor L as shown
in figure. An inductor is the form of a coil or a solenoid wound from a thick
wire so that it has large value of self inductance and has a negligible
resistance. We know that the self inductance opposes any change of current
flowing through an inductor. The changing current ( alternating ) sets up a
back emf in the coil of magnitude,

Where L is the inductance of the coil, while the alternating current may be
expressed as

The resistance of the coil is negligible then the applied voltage must be equal
to the back emf.
 Chapter No.16 [Alternating Current]

Since L is constant, so V is proportional to which is the slope of I-t graph.

Figure shows how the current I varies with time.
At point O, the value of the slope is maximum, so the maximum value of V
equal to occurs at O and the slope of I-t graph decreases to zero so the
voltage decreases from to zero at Q.
From A to B, the slope of I-t graph is negative, so the voltage curve goes
from Q to R. In this way, voltage is represented by curve PQRST
corresponding to current curve OABCD. Let us compare the phase at the
pair of points (O, P), (A, Q), (B, R), (C, S) and (D, T).
It can be seen that all these points the lags behind the applied voltage by
or the applied voltage leads the current by . This can be shown by vector
diagram.
The resistance offered by the inductor in the flow of A.C is known as
inductive reactance. The inductive reactance is given by,

So and are the root mean square speed of voltage and current.

The reactance of the coil depends upon the frequency of the A.C and inductance L. It is directly proportional to
both f and L.
Where L is henry, f is in hertz and is in ohm. It is to be noted that inductance and capacitance behave
oppositely as a function of frequency.
Referring to figure, it can be seen that no power is dissipated in a pure inductor. In first quarter of cycle both V
and I are positive so power is positive, which mean that energy is supplied to inductor. In second quarter, I is
positive but V is negative, so power is negative which implies that energy is returned by the inductor. Again in
third quarter, it receives energy but return the same amount in the fourth quarter. So there is no net change in a
complete cycle. Since conductor coil does not consume energy, the coil is often employed for control A.C
without consumption of energy. Such an inductance coil is known as choke.

MCQ’S
1. Power dissipated in pure conductor is:
(a) large (b) small (c) infinite (d) zero

2. The reaction of an induction at 50 Hz is its reactance at 100 Hz becomes

(a) (b) (c) (d)

3. Direct current cannot flow through

(a) Resistor (b) Capacitor (c) Inductor (d) Voltmeter

4. Pure choke consumes

(a) Minimum power (b) Maximum power (c) No power (d) Average power

5. Capacitance reactance
(a) (b) (c) (d)

6. Phase difference V and I of an A.C through resistor is:

(a) Zero degree (b) (c) 180 (d)

7. Chokes consume extremely small:

 Chapter No.16 [Alternating Current]

(a) Current (b) Charge (c) Power (d) Potential

8. At what frequency will an inductor of 1.0 H have a reactance of ?

(a) (b) (c) (d)

9. In pure resistive A.C circuit, instantaneous value of voltage or current:

(a) Current leads behind voltage (b) Current leads voltage by
(c) Both are in phase (d) Voltage leads by

10. The device which allows only the continuous flow of an A.C, through a circuit is
(a) Capacitor (b) Inductor (c) D.C motor (d) Battery

11. At high frequency, the current through a capacitor of A.C circuit will be
(a) Large (b) Small (c) Infinite (d) zero

12. The basic circuit element in A.C circuit which controls current:
(a) Resistor only (b) Capacitor only (c) Inductor only (d) All of these

13. The capacitive reactance to pure D.C is

(a) Zero (b) Infinite
(c) Variable (d) Equal to inductive reactance

14. Resistance of choke is

(a) Zero (b) Large (c) Very small (d) Infinite

15. Inductive reactance of an inductor is

(a) (b) (c) (d)

16. Capacitor will have a large reactance at:

(a) Low frequency (b) High frequency (c) Zero frequency (d) Negative frequency

17. In capacitor
(a) Current leads voltage by (b) Voltage leads by
(c) Current leads the voltage by (d) Both are in phase

18. Power dissipation in a pure inductive or in a pure capacitance circuit is:

(a) Infinite (b) Zero (c) Minimum (d) Maximum

QNo.8 Write a short note on impedance?

Ans:
IMPEDANCE
The combined effect of resistance and reactances ( capacitive and inductive ) in an alternating current circuit is
known as impedance.
As the resistance R offers opposition to the flow of current and inductance L or a capacitance C also offer
opposition to the flow of A.C. Their combined effect is known as impedance and it is denoted by Z.
Impedance is the measure by the ratio of rms value of the applied voltage to the rms value of resulting A.C.
 Chapter No.16 [Alternating Current]

Example 16.3
When 10 V are applied to an A.C circuit, the current flowing in it is 100 mA. Find its impedance.
Sol: Given data:

To find:

Calculations:

QNo.9 Describe the A.C through a R-C series circuit?

Ans:
A.C Through R-C Series Circuit
Consider a resistance R and capacitor C connected in series to a source of
alternating voltage as shown in figure.
When an alternating voltage is applied then the same current would flow
through each of them because R and C are in series. The voltage across R is

and voltage across the capacitor is

[ ]
As and are in phase in case of resistor while for capacitor the voltage lags
the current by 90 , so the line representing the is drawn at right angles to the
current line as shown in figure.
The resultant voltage is obtained as,

√ [ ( ) ]

√ ( ) * +
So the impedance becomes,

√ ( )

√ ( )

Thus from figure the current leads the applied voltage by an angle such that,
 Chapter No.16 [Alternating Current]

[ ]
We can find the impedance or R-C series circuit by vector addition. The resistance R is represented by a
horizontal line in the direction of current.
The reactance is shown by a line lagging the R by as shown in figure. Thus the impedance Z is the
vector sum of resistance and reactance.
The angle which the line representing the impedance Z makes with R gives the phase difference between the
voltage and current. The current is leading the voltage across the capacitor by angle

( )

QNo.10 Describe the A.C through a R-L series circuit?

Ans:
A.C Through R-L Series Circuit
Consider a resistance R and inductor L are connected in series to a source of
alternating voltage as shown in figure.
When an alternating voltage is applied then the same current would flow
through each of them because R and C are in series. The voltage across R is
and voltage across the inductor is
As and are in phase in case of resistor while for inductor the voltage
leads the current by , so the line representing the is drawn at right angles
to the current line as shown in figure.
The resultant voltage is obtained as,

√
√ [ ] [ ]
√
So the impedance become,

√
Thus from figure the current lags the applied voltage by an angle such that,
 Chapter No.16 [Alternating Current]

( )
We can find the impedance of R-L series circuit by vector addition. The resistance R is represented by a
horizontal line in the direction of current.
The reactance is shown by a line leading the R by as shown in figure. Thus the impedance Z is the
vector sum of resistance and reactance.
The angle which the line representing the impedance Z makes with R gives the phase difference between the
voltage and current. The current is lagging the voltage across the inductor by angle

[ ]

MCQ’S
1. The combination effect of resistance and reactance is known as:
(a) Inductance (b) Conductance (c) Resistance (d) Impedance

2. S.I unit of impedance is

(a) Henry (b) Hertz (c) Ampere (d) Ohm

3. The impedance of R-C series A.C circuit is given by 2=_______

(a) √ (b) (c) √ (d) √

4. The A.C circuit in which current and voltage are is phase the power factor is
(a) zero (b) 1 (c) 0.5 (d) infinity

5. In R-L series circuit phase angle is given by

(a) ( ) (b) (c) (d)

6. Impedance is denoted by
(a) A (b) Z (c) P (d) Q

7. The combined effect of in the circuit is called:

(a) Capacitance (b) Reactance (c) Resistance (d) Impedance

QNo.11 Discuss the power dissipation in A.C circuit?

Ans:
Power in A.C Circuit
The expression for power is holds only when and are in phase and the circuit is pure
resistive. We know that the power dissipation in a pure inductive or in a pure capacitance circuit is zero. In
these cases the current lags or leads the applied voltage by and the component of applied voltage vector V
along current I is zero.
In A.C circuit the phase difference between applied voltage V and the current is
The component of V along current is . Actually it is the component of voltage vector which is in
phase with current. So the power dissipated in A.C circuit is

The factor is known as power factor.

 Chapter No.16 [Alternating Current]

Example 16.4
At what frequency will an inductor of 1.0 H have a reactance of ?
Sol: Given data:

To find:

Calculations:

Example 16.5
An iron core of 2.0 H and 50 is placed in series with a resistance of . An A.C supply of
100 V, 50 Hz is connected across the circuit. Find (i) the current flowing in the coil, (ii) phase angle
between the current and voltage.
Sol: Given data:

To find:

Calculations:

√
√

√
√

( )
 Chapter No.16 [Alternating Current]

( )

( )

( )

Example 16.6
A circuit consists of a capacitor of 2 and a resistance of connected in series. An alternating
voltage of 12 V and frequency of 50 Hz is applied. Find (i) the current in the circuit, and (ii) the average
power supplied
Sol: Given data:

To find:

Calculations:

( )

( )
 Chapter No.16 [Alternating Current]

QNo.12 Derive the expression for resonance frequency in R-L-C series circuit ( Acceptor circuit ). Also
give the properties of the series resonance?
Ans:
Series Resonance Circuit ( Acceptor Circuit )
Consider an RLC series circuit in which a resistance R, inductance L, and
capacitance C are connected in series to a source of alternating voltage as shown in
figure.
The impedance diagram of the circuit is shown in figure, where



are opposite in direction
At high frequency:
The value of is greater than . So the inductance dominates and circuit
behaves as R-L circuit.
At low frequency:
The value of is greater than . So the capacitance dominates and circuit
behaves as R-C circuit.
In between these frequencies there will be a certain value of frequency at which
This is called the condition of resonance and at this particular value of
frequency is called resonance frequency.
Thus at resonance frequency the inductive reactance being equal and opposite to
the capacitor reactance, if so, they cancel each other and the impedance diagram is
, which is only resistive R.

√
This frequency is known as resonance frequency.
Properties of the series resonance circuit:
i. The resonance frequency is given by

√
ii. The impedance of the circuit at resonance is resistive so the current and voltage are in phase and the power
factor is is 1.
iii. The impedance of the circuit is minimum at resonance frequency and is equal to R.
iv. If the amplitude of the source voltage is constant, the current is maximum at the resonance frequency and
its value is . The variation of current with the frequency is shown in figure.
 Chapter No.16 [Alternating Current]

v. At resonance, the voltage drop across inductance and the voltage drop across capacitance may be
much larger than the source voltage.

MCQ’s
1. For R-L series circuit, the voltage leads the current by phase angle of
(a) (b) (c) (d)

2. In A.C circuit at resonance, the phase difference between current and voltage is _______.
(a) (b) (c) (d)

3. Resonating frequency of RLC series circuit is

(a) (b) √ (c) (d) √
√ √

4. At high frequency, RLC series circuit shows that behavior of:

(a) pure inductive circuit (b) pure resistive circuit
(c) pure inductive circuit (d) pure RLC circuit

5. At resonance RLC series circuit shows the behavior of:

(a) pure resistive circuit (b) pure capacitive circuit
(c) pure inductive circuit (d) pure RLC circuit

6. At resonance frequency, the impedance of RLC series circuit is:

(a) Zero (b) Minimum (c) Maximum (d) Moderate

7. The impedance of RLC series circuit at resonance is given by:

(a) √ (b) √

(c) (d) √

8. Relation for resonance frequency is:

(a) (b) (c) (d)
√ √ √ √

9. At resonance frequency of RLC series circuit

(a) (b) (c) (d)

10. Resonating frequency of RLC series circuit is

(a) (b) √ (c) (d) √
√ √

QNo.13 Derive the expression for resonance frequency in L-C parallel circuit (Rejector circuit). Also give
the properties of the series resonance?
Ans:
Parallel Resonance Circuit (Rejector Circuit)
Figure shows a L-C parallel circuit. It is excited by an alternating source of voltage whose frequency could be
varied. The inductance coil L has a resistance r which is negligibly small. The capacitor draws a leading current,
whereas the coil draws a lagging current. The circuit resonates at a frequency which makes so
that the two branch currents are equal but opposite.
 Chapter No.16 [Alternating Current]

Hence they cancel out with the result that the current drawn from the supply is zero. In
actual practice, the current is not zero but has a minimum value due to small resistance
r of the coil.
Properties of the parallel resonance circuit
i. Resonance frequency is

√
ii. At resonance frequency, the circuit impedance is maximum and it is a resistive.
iii. At the resonance the current is minimum and it is in phase with the applied
voltage. So the power factor is one. The variation of current with frequency is
shown in figure.
iv. At resonance, the branch currents and may each be larger than the source
current

Example 16.7
Find the resistance required to construct a resonance circuit of frequency 1000 kHz inductor of
5 mH.
Ans: Given data:

To find:

Calculations:

QNo.14 Write a note on three phase A.C supply?

Ans:
Three Phase A.C Supply
One Phase A.C supply:
In one phase A.C Generator there is a coil with a pair of slip rings. An alternating voltage is generated across
the slip rings when the coil rotates in a magnetic field.

Three Phase A.C supply:

 Chapter No.16 [Alternating Current]

In a three phase A.C Generator there are three coils inclined at to each other, each connected to its own
pair of slip rings. Three alternating voltages are generated across its own pair of slip rings when this
combination of three coils rotate in the magnetic field.

Explanation
The phase difference between these voltages is
1. When voltage across the first pair of slip rings is zero it will have a phase of
2. The voltage across the second pair of slip rings would not be zero but it will have a phase of
3. Similarly at this instant the voltage generated across the third pair will have a phase of
This is shown in figure has four terminal A, B, C and D. The starting point of all the three coils has a common
junction D, which is earthed to the shaft of the generator and the other three ends of the coils are connected to
three ends of the coils are connected to three separate terminal ( A, B and C ) on the machine. The voltage
across each of lines connected to terminal A, B, C and the neutral line is 230 V. Because of phase shift the
voltage across any two lines is about 400 V.
Advantages
The main advantage of a three phase supply is that the total load is divided in three parts so that one of the line
is over loaded. If heavy load ( consisting of a number of air conditioners and motors etc. ) is supplied power
from a single phase, its voltage is likely to drop at full load.
The three phase supply gives 400 V which can be used to operate some special appliances that require 400 V
for their working.

QNo.15 Explain the principle and working of metal detector.

Ans:
Metal Detectors
Coil and a capacitor are electrical components together can produce oscillations of current. In LC circuit energy
oscillates between a capacitor and an inductor. This inductance of the inductor varies in the presence of metal
that changes the frequency of the oscillator. The difference of two frequencies creates beat notes. This can be
heard with the help of speaker. That tells about the presence of metal.

Explanation
LC circuit is called an electrical oscillator.
Two similar oscillators A and B are used in metal detector device. In the absence of metal object, the
inductances are the same. The resonance frequency of the two circuits is also same. When the
inductor of circuit B comes near a metal object, its inductance L decreases so the frequency of Oscillator B will
 Chapter No.16 [Alternating Current]

increase. The difference of frequencies creates a beat one. This is heard in the attached speaker that indicates
the presence of metal.
Applications
i. Metal detectors are used for various security checks.
ii. Metal detectors are used to locate buried metal objects.

MCQ’S
1. In tuning circuit if capacitance is doubled and inductance is halved then its frequency
(a) Doubled (b) Halved (c) Remain same (d) Increases to 4 times

2. In three phase voltage across any two lines is about:

(a) 220 V (b) 230 V (c) 400 V (d) 430 V

3. In three phase A.C supply coils are inclined at an angle of

(a) (b) (c) (d)

QNo.16 Write a brief note on choke?

Ans:
Choke
Choke is a coil which consists of copper wire wound closely in a large number of turns over a soft iron
laminated cores. This makes the inductance L of the coil quite large whereas its resistance R is very small. Thus
it consumes very small power. It is used in A.C circuits to limit the current with very small wastage of energy as
compared to a resistance or a rheostat.

QNo.17 Describe a brief note on electromagnetic waves?

Ans:
Electromagnetic Waves
In 1864 British Physicist Maxwell formulated a set of equations known as Maxwell’s equations which
explained the various electromagnetic phenomena.
According to these equations, a changing magnetic flux creates an electric field and changing electric flux
creates a magnetic field.

Each field generates the other and the whole package of electric and magnetic fields will move in the direction
of its propagation through space. Such moving electric and magnetic fields are known as electromagnetic
waves. They require no medium for their propagation. Consider a region of space as shown in figure. Suppose a
change of magnetic flux is taking place through AB. This changing magnetic flux will set up a changing electric
flux in the surrounding region CD, due to which a magnetic field would be set up in the space surrounding CD.
Thus each field generates the other and both fields will move along propelling itself through space.
Such moving electric and magnetic fields are known as electromagnetic waves. The electric field and magnetic
field are perpendicular to each other. The direction of propagation of waves is perpendicular to electric and
magnetic field as shown in figure. The speed of electromagnetic waves can be determined by using the formula
 Chapter No.16 [Alternating Current]

. In free space, the speed of electromagnetic waves is The range of electromagnetic

waves varies from radio waves to gamma rays.

QNo.18 Describe the principle of generation, transmission and reception of electromagnetic waves?
Ans:
Principle of Generation, Transmission and Reception of Electromagnetic Waves
Generation:
The electromagnetic waves are generated when electric or magnetic flux is changing through a certain region of
space.
An electric charge at rest gives rise to a coulomb’s field which does not radiate electromagnetic waves in space
because no change of flux takes place in this type of field.
A charge moving with constant velocity is equivalent to a steady current which generates a constant magnetic
field in the surrounding space, but such a field also does not radiate out electromagnetic waves because no
changes of magnetic flux are involved.
When we accelerate the electrical charges, electromagnetic waves are generated because of the changes of
magnetic flux are involved.
Transmission:
A radio transmitting antenna is a good example of generating the electromagnetic
waves by acceleration of charges.
The piece of wire along which charges are made to accelerate is known as
transmitting antenna. It is charged by an alternating source of potential of
frequency f and time period T. As the charging potential alternates, the charge on
the antenna also constantly reverses. This changing electric flux sets up
electromagnetic waves which propagate out in space away from the antenna. The
frequency with which the fields alternate is always equal to the frequency of the
source generating them.
Thus radio waves are produced. In free space these waves travel with the speed of light.
Reception:
When radio waves fall on a piece of wire, the electrons in the wire move under the action of the oscillating
magnetic field. It produces an emf or voltage across the wire. The frequency of this emf or voltage is the same
as that of the wave intercepting the wire. The wire receiving the wave is known as receiving antenna.
The voltage of one particular frequency can be picked up by the connecting an inductance L and a variable
capacitor C in parallel with tone end of the receiving antenna. As the electric field of the wave is very weak at a
distance of many kilometers from the transmitter, the voltage that appears across the antenna is very small.
Each transmitter propagates radio waves of one particular frequency.
So when a number of transmitting stations operates simultaneously, we have a
number of radio waves of different frequencies is space. Thus the voltage that
appears across receiving antenna placed in space is usually due to the radio waves
of large number of frequencies. The voltage of one particular frequency can be
picked up by connecting an inductor and a variable capacitor in parallel with one
end of receiving antenna.
We adjust the value of the capacitor so that the natural frequency of LC circuit is
the same as that of the transmitting station that produces a resonance. The LC
circuit gives a large response to that radio wave to which it is turned.
In our radio receiver set when we change stations we actually adjust the value of the capacitance.
 Chapter No.16 [Alternating Current]

QNo.19 Define and explain the modulation?

Ans:
Modulation
Speech and music are transmitted hundreds of kilometers away by a radio transmitter. The picture taken by TV
camera is sent many kilometers away to viewers. In all these cases, the carrier of speech or picture is a high
frequency radio wave. The information is superposed on the radio wave. It is carried along with it to the
destination.
Modulation is the process of combining the low frequency signal with a high frequency radio wave. The
resultant wave is called modulated carrier wave.
The high frequency radio wave in modulation is called carrier wave.
The low frequency signal in modulation is known as modulation signal.
Types of Modulation
Modulation is achieved by changing the amplitude or the frequency of the carrier wave in accordance with the
modulating signal. There are two types of modulations.
 Amplitude Modulation A.M
 Frequency Modulation F.M
Amplitude Modulation:
In this type of modulation the amplitude of the carrier wave is increased or
decreased as the amplitude of the superposing modulating signal increase
and decreases.
Figure represents a high frequency carrier wave of constant amplitude and
frequency.
Figure represents a low or audio frequency signal of the sine waveform.
Figure shows the result obtained by modulating the carrier waves with
modulating wave.
The A.M transmission frequencies range from 540 kHz to 16000 kHz.
Advantage
They are better to transmit the signal for large ranges.
Disadvantages
AM radio waves have low quality transmission of sound.
Frequency Modulation:
In this type of modulation the frequency of the carrier wave is increased or
decreased as the modulating signal amplitude increases or decreases but the
carrier wave amplitude remains constant.
The frequency of the modulated carrier wave is highest (point H) when the
signal amplitude is at its maximum positive value.
The frequency of the modulated carrier wave is lowest (point L) when signal
amplitude has maximum negative value.
When the signal amplitude is zero, the carrier frequency is at its normal
frequency .
The F.M transmission frequencies range from 88 MHz to 108 MHz.
Advantage:
FM radio waves are affected less by electrical interference than AM waves. They provide a higher quality
transmission of sound.
Disadvantage:
They are less able to travel around obstacles such as hill and are high buildings FM radio waves are affected
less by electrical.
 Chapter No.16 [Alternating Current]

MCQ’S
1. When we accelerate the charges, which type of waves are produced
(a) Mechanical waves (b) Travelling waves (c) Stationary waves (d) Electromagnetic waves

2. The velocity of an oscillating charge as it moves to and fro along a wire is:
(a) Changing (b) Constant (c) Infinite (d) Zero

3. Electromagnetic waves emitted from antenna are:

(a) Transverse (b) Longitudinal (c) Stationary (d) All of above

4. Electromagnetic waves do not transport_______.

(a) Energy (b) Momentum (c) Charge (d) Information

5. The process of combining the low frequency signal with high frequency carrier waves is called___
(a) Wave transmission (b) Modulation (c) Resonance (d) Beats

6. In modulation, low frequency signal is known as

(a) Loaded signal (b) Fluctuated signal (c) Harmonic signal (d) Modulation signal

7. The A.M transmission frequencies range from:

(a) 540 KHz to 1000 KHz (b) 540 KHz to 1600 KHz
(c) 520 KHz to 1600 KHz (d) 540 KHz to 1400 KHz

8. Which one of the following is the velocity of carrier wave:

(a) (b) (c) (d)

9. Which is the order of decreasing frequency?

(a) x-rays, radio waves, infrared waves (b) ultraviolet rays, visible light, radio waves
(c) infrared rays, visible light, x-rays (d) yellow, green, red

10. The net reactance of a circuit is zero. The circuit may consist of
(a) an inductor only (b) a capacitor only
(c) both inductor and capacitor (d) none of these

11. In modulation, low frequency signal is known as:

(a) Loaded signal (b) Fluctuated signal (c) Harmonic signal (d) Modulation signal

12. Which one of the following requires a material medium for their propagation?
(a) Heat waves (b) X-rays (c) Sound waves (d) Ultraviolet rays
 Chapter No.16 [Alternating Current]

Short Questions of Exercise

16.1 A sinusoidal current has rms value of 10A. What is the maximum or peak value?
Ans: Given data:

Solution:

√
√
√

16.2 Name the device that will (a) permit of direct current but oppose the flow the alternating current (b)
permit flow of alternating current but not the direct current.
Ans: (a) The device that permits flow of direct current but opposes the flow of alternating current is inductor.

For D.C f=0 so becomes infinite hence I is zero.

(b) The device that permits flow of A.C but opposes blocks the D.C is capacitor.

For D.C f=0 so become infinite hence I is zero.

16.3 How many times per second will an incandescent lamp reach maximum brilliance when connected to
a 50 Hz source?
Ans: It reaches maximum brilliance 100 times per second.
Reason
The lamp shows maximum brilliance when A.C reaches its peak value. As, A.C reaches its peak value (+ve and
-ve) twice a cycle.
Therefore, A.C reaches its peak value in one second .
Hence lamp reaches maximum brilliance 100 times per sec.

16.4 A circuit contains and iron-cored inductor, a switch and a D.C source arranged in series. The switch
is closed and after an interval reopened. Explain why a spark jumps across the switch contacts?
Ans: Reason
When switch is reopened, the current in the circuit decreases form its maximum value to zero, this changing
current produces an emf across the inductor which produces spark ( heat and light ) across the switch contacts.

16.5 How does doubling the frequency affect the reactance of (a) and inductor (b) a capacitor?
Ans: (a) The reactance of inductor becomes double.
Explanation
As reactance of an inductor,
If
Then

(b) The reactance of capacitor becomes half.

 Chapter No.16 [Alternating Current]

Explanation
As reactance of capacitor,
If

( )

16.6 In a R-L circuit, will the current lag or lead the voltage? Illustrate your answer by a vector diagram.
Ans: In R-L circuit will current lags the voltage.
Illustration
Consider the vector diagram of R-L circuit. It is clear from diagram that voltage lags the current by which is
given by
( )

( )

( )

16.7 A choke oil placed in series with an electric lamp in an A.C circuit causes the lamp to become dim.
Why is it so? A variable capacitor added in series in this circuit may be adjusted until the lamp
glows with normal brilliance. Explain, how this is possible?
Ans: Why lamp becomes dim?
(a) When the choke coil is connected in series with an electric lamp in L.C circuit, the impedance Z of circuit is
increased,

So
Therefore, the current is reduced. Hence the lamp becomes dim.
How glows with normal brilliance?
(b) As reactance of capacitor and inductor oppose each other. Thus when the variable capacitor is
connected in series with inductor and adjusted until . Under this condition, they cancel each other’s
effect. So impedance becomes minimum and current becomes maximum. Thus lamp glows with normal
brilliance.
So at resonance √
And

16.8 Explain the conditions under which electromagnetic was are produced form a source?
Ans: Electromagnetic waves are generated, when electric or magnetic flux is changing through a certain region
of space. This is possible only when electrical charges are accelerated by A.C source.
For example when electrons in the radio transmitting antenna vibrate, it produces a changing magnetic flux.
This changing flux sets up electromagnetic waves which propagate in space away from antenna.

16.9 How the reception of a particular radio station is selected on your radio set?
Ans: Reception of a radio station
A particular radio station is selected on our radio set by adjusting the natural frequency of L-C circuit
 Chapter No.16 [Alternating Current]

( in our radio set ) equal to the frequency of particular transmitting station. This is done by adjusting the value
of capacitance or inductance which is given by

√
Under this condition response is produced. The impedance of circuit is minimum and current is maximum.
Hence a particular station is picked up.

16.10 What is meant by A.M and F.M?

Ans: Amplitude Modulation
It is that type of modulation in which the amplitude of carrier wave is increased or decreased as the amplitude
of superposing modulating signal increases or decreases.
Frequency Modulation
It is that type of modulation in which frequency of carrier wave is increased or decreased as the amplitude of
superposing modulating signal increases or decreases but the amplitude of carrier wave remains constant.

Exercise Problems
16.1 An alternating current is represented by the equation . Compute its frequency and
the maximum and rms values of current.
Ans: Given data:

To find:

Calculations:

16.2 A sinusoidal A.C has a maximum value of 15 A. What are its rms values? If the time is recorded from
the instant the current is zero and is becoming positive, what is the instantaneous value of the
current after 1/300 s, given the frequency is 50 Hz.
Ans: Given data:
 Chapter No.16 [Alternating Current]

To find:

Calculations:

16.3 Find the value of the current and inductive reactance when A.C voltage of 220 V at 50 Hz is passed
through an inductor of 10 H.
Ans: Given data:

To find:

Calculations:

16.4 A circuit has an inductance of and resistance of 2000 . A 50 Hz A.C is supplied to it. Calculate
the reactance and impedance offered by the circuit.
Ans: Given data:
 Chapter No.16 [Alternating Current]

To find:

Calculations:

√
√

16.5 An inductor of pure inductance is connected in series with a resistance of Find (i) the
peak value of the current (ii) the rms value, and (iii) the phase difference between the circuit and the
applied voltage
Ans: Given data:

To find:

Calculations:

√
√
√

√ ( )
 Chapter No.16 [Alternating Current]

√
√

( )

( )

( )

( )

16.6 A 10 mH, coil is connected across 240 V and 180/ Hz source. How much power does it
dissipate?
Ans: Given data:

To find:

Calculations:

√
√
√
 Chapter No.16 [Alternating Current]

( )

( )

16.7 Find the value of the current flowing through a capacitance 0.5 when connected to a source of 150
V to 50 Hz.
Ans: Given data:

To find:

Calculations:

16.8 An alternating source of emf 12 V and frequency 50 Hz is applied to a capacitor of capacitance in

series with a resistor of resistance . Calculate the phase angle.
Ans: Given data:
 Chapter No.16 [Alternating Current]

To find:

Calculations:
( )

( )

( )

16.9 What is the resonant frequency of a circuit which includes a coil of inductance 2.5 H and a capacitance
?
Ans: Given data:

To find:

Calculations:

16.10 An inductor of inductance is connected in parallel with a variable capacitor whose

capacitance can be changed from Calculate the maximum frequency and minimum
frequency for which the circuit can be tuned.
Ans: Given data:
 Chapter No.16 [Alternating Current]

To find:

Calculations:

Solved Examples