TRANSIENT & ALTERNATING CURRENT CIRCUIT OP-MII-P-1

LESSON 6
TRANSIENT CURRENT CIRCUIT AND
ALTERNATING CURRENT CIRCUIT

In the last module we discussed current in an

electrical circuits with resistance due to constant
voltage source. We have also discussed charge on a
capacitor when connected to a similar voltage
source. In such cases, the full establishment of
current or charge is instantaneous. When capacitor
or inductor is a part of the circuit along with
resistances, the building of current or charge is a
function of time. In section I of this lesson we will
learn to find the instantaneous current and charge
in such circuit.

In section II we will discuss the circuit with

alternating current (AC) source. This is very
important because our main domestic appliances
are operated on A.C. We will also discuss in both
series and parallel circuits. We conclude the topic
with power supplied by the source in any A.C.

IITJEE Syllabus: RC and LR with circuits with d.c. sources, L-C oscillation and RC,
LR and LC circuits with a.c. sources
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 TRANSIENT & ALTERNATING CURRENT CIRCUIT OP-MII-P-2

SECTION  I

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 TRANSIENT & ALTERNATING CURRENT CIRCUIT OP-MII-P-3

1. INTRODUCTION

In case of circuit having pure resistance only with direct current source, the current reaches its
steady state value almost instantaneously. But when capacitor and inductor are part of the circuit, it takes
some time. As capacitor is charged, it oppose the flow of current and similarly any change in current is
opposed by the inductor.

2. R-C CIRCUIT

2.1 CHARGING OF A CAPACITOR

The circuit diagram for charging and discharging a capacitor is given here. A resistor R and a
capacitor C are connected with a double throw switch, by which the battery V can be connected in the
circuit.

Initially, the capacitor is uncharged. When the switch is thrown V

to include the battery in the circuit, charge flows to the capacitor
through the resistance R. This is called the charging current. The current
continues till the voltage Vdb across the capacitor is equal to the voltage
a b
V of the battery. If during the charging process the instantaneous
current is I at an instant as shown, and the potential difference between a R b
a and d, and that between d and b are Vad and Vdb respectively, then d
C

q
Vad iR and Vdb  … (i)
C
where q is the charge on the capacitor at that instant
q
Vab  V  Vad Vdb  iR  … (ii)
C

where V is the constant voltage of the battery.

V q
i  … (ii)
R RC

Initially, as soon as the connection is made there is a

V V
current I 0  , since the charge on the capacitance is zero
R
a b
As the charging continues, q increases and i decreases and I
finally becomes zero. At that time, q
+ –
V q a R d C b
 0
R RC

q = CV = Q0, where Q0 is the final charge on the capacitor.

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 TRANSIENT & ALTERNATING CURRENT CIRCUIT OP-MII-P-4

dq
In equation (iii), i may be written as , so
dt

dq V q
 
dt R RC

dq dt

VC q RC

Integrating both sides,

we have

q t
dq dt

0

VC  q 0 RC 

 ln (VC  q )0  t  t0

q 1
RC

 VC  q  t
or, – ln  
 VC  RC

t
 q 
or, 1    e RC
 VC 

q  
t
or,  1  e RC 
CV  
 

 
t 
or, q = CV 1  e RC 
 

 t 
or, 
q = Q0 1  e RC  … (1)

 

Differentiating with respect to time.

dq d V
i  [VC(1 e t / RC )]  e t / RC  I0e t / RC
dt dt R

We see that the charge and current both follow the exponential law.

 1 I
When time t RC,q Q0 1  and i  0
 e e

This means that at t = RC, the charge has increased V

VI
1
to 1  = 63% of its final value. The current has decreased C
Vq
e VI
1
to = 37% of its initial value. The time t = RC is called the
e
Vt Vt

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 TRANSIENT & ALTERNATING CURRENT CIRCUIT OP-MII-P-5

time constant of the circuit.

The half-life of the circuit th is the time at which the current is half its initial value and the charge
on the capacitor is half its final value th RCln20.693 RC

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 TRANSIENT & ALTERNATING CURRENT CIRCUIT OP-MII-P-6
2.2 DISCHARGING OF A CAPACITOR
If in the circuit, the switch is thrown to the down position, the battery is removed from the circuit
and the capacitor is discharged through resistance R.
When the switch is thrown, the charge on the capacitor is Q0 and the potential difference Vab is
zero.
Thus Vad Vdb 0
Vad  Vdb I 0 R
Q0 V0
I0  
RC R
Q0 V0
when t 0,q Q0 and I 0   , where V0 is the initial
RC R i
potential difference across the capacitor. R + C–
a d q b
When the capacitor is discharging both the charge and the current decrease.
Let i be the current and q be the charge on the capacitor at any instant. Then
q
 iR  0
C
q  dq 
   R  0
C  dt 
dq dt
 
q RC

t
ln q    Constant
RC
At t  0, q  Q0
Constant = lnQ0
t q t
lnq   lnQ0 ; ln 
RC Q0 RC

q  Q0et / RC … (2)

dq Q0 t / RC
Current i    e Q0 I0
dt RC
q i
 I 0 e t / RC

t t

i  l0et / RC … (3)

Q0 I0
At time t  CR,q  i
e e

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 TRANSIENT & ALTERNATING CURRENT CIRCUIT OP-MII-P-7

Illustration 1

Question: A capacitor of a capacity 0.1 pF is first charged and then discharged through a resistance of 10
megaohm. The time in which the potential will fall to half its original value is x loge2 sec. Find x

Solution: The charge at any instant

q 
q  q0et / RC , t RC log e  0 
 q 

If V is the potential of the capacitor after time t and V0 is the initial potential, then

q0 CV0 V0
 
q CV V

V 
t  RC loge  0 107 0.110  6 loge 2 = 1  loge 2
V 

x=1

Illustration 2

Question: Two capacitors are charged in series by a 12 V battery.

What is the time constant of the circuit?

63 12 V 1 S
Solution: Effective capacitance  = 2F
63

Total resistance 156

Time constant CR  2  106  6  12s 3 F 5 6 F

In the circuit shown, calculate the current 4

through 4 resistance when it is just
S
switched on 10 V 2 2
4 F

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 TRANSIENT & ALTERNATING CURRENT CIRCUIT OP-MII-P-8

3. GROWTH AND DECAY OF CURRENT IN L-R CIRCUIT

3.1 GROWTH OF CURRENT

Consider a circuit containing a resistance R, an
inductance L, a two way key and a battery of e.m.f. E
connected in series as shown in figure. When the switch S is
connected to a, the current in the circuit grows from zero value.
R L b
The inductor opposes the growth of the current. This is due to
S
the fact that when the current grows through inductor, a back
E a
e.m.f. is developed which opposes the growth of current in the
circuit. So the rate of growth of current is reduced. During the i
growth of current in the circuit, let i be the current in the circuit
at any instant t. Using Kirchoffs voltage law in the circuit we
obtain
di
E L R i
dt
Ldi
or E R i 
dt
di dt
or 
E R i L
Multiplying by – R on both the sides, we get
 R di  Rdt

E  Ri L
Integrating the above equation, we have
R
loge (E – Ri) =  tA … (i)
L
Where A is integration constant. The value of this constant can be obtained by applying the
condition that current i is zero just at start i.e. at t = 0. Hence
loge E = 0 + A
or A = loge E … (ii)
Substituting the value of A from equation (ii) in equation (i) we get
R
loge (E – Ri) = – t  log e E
L
 E  Ri  R
or log e   t
 E  L

 E  Ri   R 
or    exp   t 
 E   L 
Ri  R 
or 1–  exp   t 
E  L 

Ri   R 
or  1  exp   t 
E   L 

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 TRANSIENT & ALTERNATING CURRENT CIRCUIT OP-MII-P-9

E   R 
 i 1  exp   t 
R   L 
The maximum current in the circuit i0 = E/R. So
  R 
i  i 0 1  exp   t  … (4)
  L 
Equation (4) gives the current in the circuit at any instant t. It is obvious from equation (4)
that i = i0, when
 R  i0 i
exp.   t  = 0 i.e., at t = 
 L 
i
Hence the current never attains the value i0 but it
Growth of current
approaches it asymptotically. A graph between current and
time is shown in figure.
O t

 We observe the following points

(i) When t = (L/R) then
  R L 
i = i0 1  exp .    
  L R 

 1
= i0 1 exp . ( 1) i 0 1  
 e

= 0.63 i0
Thus after an interval of (L/R) second, the current reaches to a value which is 63% of the
maximum current. The value of (L/R) is known as time constant of the circuit and is represented
by . Thus the time constant of a circuit may be defined as the time in which the current rises from
zero to 63% of its final value. In terms of ,
i = i0 ( 1 – e–t/)
(ii) The rate of growth of current (di/dt) is given by
di d    R  
 i 0 1  exp   t 
dt dt    L  

di R  R 
 = i 0   exp   t  … (5)
dt L  L 

 R  i0  i
From equation (4), exp.   t
 L  i0

R  i  i  R
  i 0  i 
di
  i 0    0  … (6)
dt  L   i0  L
This shows that the rate of growth of the current decreases as i tends to i0. For any other
value of current, it depends upon the value of R/L. Thus greater is the value of time constant,
smaller will be the rate of growth of current.

3.2 DECAY OF CURRENT

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 TRANSIENT & ALTERNATING CURRENT CIRCUIT OP-MII-P-10

Let the circuit be disconnected from battery and switch S is thrown to point b in the figure.
The current now begins to fall. In the absence of inductance, the current would have fallen from
maximum i0 to zero almost instantaneously. But due to the presence of inductance, which opposes
the decay of current, the rate of decay of current is reduced.

Suppose during the decay of current, i be

the value of current at any instant t. Using i
Kirchhoff’s voltage law in the circuit we get
R L

di
L  Ri
dt

di R
or  i
dt L

Integrating this expression, we get

R
loge i = – t B
L

Where B is constant of integration. The value of B can be obtained by applying the

condition that when t = 0, i = i0

 loge i0 = B
Substituting the value of B, we get
R
loge i = – t  log e i 0
L

i R
or loge  t
i0 L

 R 
or (i/i0) = exp   t
 L 

 R 
or i = i0 exp   t   i 0 exp (–t/) … (7)
 L 

where  = L / R = inductive time constant of the circuit.

It is obvious from equation that the current in the circuit i0

decays exponentially as shown in figure.
i
 We observe the following points Decay of current

(i) After t = L/R , the current in the circuit is given by

O
 R L t
i  i 0 exp      i 0 exp . ( 1)
 L R

= (i0/e) = i0 /2.718 = 0.37 i0

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 TRANSIENT & ALTERNATING CURRENT CIRCUIT OP-MII-P-11

So after a time (L/R) second, the current reduces to 37% of the maximum current i0. (L/R) is
known as time constant  . This is defined as the time during which the current decays to 37% of
the maximum current during decay.
(ii) The rate of decay of current is given by

di d   R 
 i0 exp   t 
dt dt   L 

di R  R  R
 = i0 exp   t    i … (8)
dt L  L  L

di R
or   i
dt L
This equation shows that when L is small, the rate of decay of current will be large i.e., the
current will decay out more rapidly.

Illustration 3

Question: In the circuit diagram shown in figure. R = 10 . a R i L E b

L = 5 H, E = 20 V and i = 2A. This current is decreasing at a
rate of –1.0 A/s. Find Vab at this instant.

Solution: P.D. across inductor,

di
VL = L  (5) ( 1.0)   5 volt
dt
Now, Va – iR – VL – E = Vb

 Vab = Va – Vb = E + iR + VL

= 20 + (2) (10) – 5 = 35 volt

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 TRANSIENT & ALTERNATING CURRENT CIRCUIT OP-MII-P-12

4. OSCILLATIONS IN L-C CIRCUIT

If a charged capacitor C is short-circuited though an inductor L, the charge and current in

the circuit start oscillating simple harmonically. If the resistance of the circuit is zero, no energy is
dissipated as heat. Assume an ideal situation in which energy is not radiated away from the circuit.
With these idealizations-zero resistance and no radiation, the oscillations in the circuit persist
indefinitely and the energy is transferred from the capacitor’s electric field to the inductor’ s
magnetic field back and forth. The total energy associated with the circuit is constant. This is
analogous to the transfer of energy in an oscillating mechanical system from potential energy to
kinetic energy and back, with constant total energy. Such an analogous mechanical system is an
example of spring mass system.
i
t=0 b  t=t  C
+ +
C q L q L
– 0 –
a   d
S S
(a) (b)

Let us now derive an equation for the oscillations of charge and current in an L-C circuit.
Refer figure (a): The capacitor is pre charged to a potential difference V such that charge on
capacitor q0 = CV
Here q0 is the maximum charge on the capacitor. At time t = 0, it is connected to an inductor
through a switch S. At time t = 0, switch S is closed.
Refer figure (b): When the switch is closed, the capacitor starts discharging. Let at time t
charge on the capacitor is q (< q0) and since, it is further decreasing, there is a current i in the circuit
in the direction shown in figure.

The potential difference across capacitor = potential difference across inductor, or

Vb – Va = Vc – Vd
q  di 
 L  … (i)
C  dt 

  dq  di d 2q
Now, as the charge is decreasing, i =   or  2
 dt  dt dt

q  d 2q 
Substituting in equation (i), we get  – L  2 
C  dt 

d 2q  1 
or  q … (ii)
dt 2
 LC 

d2x 
This is the standard equation of simple harmonic motion  2   2 x 
 dt 

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 TRANSIENT & ALTERNATING CURRENT CIRCUIT OP-MII-P-13

1
Here   … (iii)
LC
The general solution of equation (ii), is
q = q0 cos (t  ) … (9)
In our case  = 0 as q = q0 at t = 0.
Thus, we can say that in the circuit, charge oscillates with angular frequency given by
equation (iii). Thus,
di
 In L – C oscillations, q, i and all oscillate simple harmonically with same angular
dt
di 
frequency , but the phase difference between q and i or between i and is . Their amplitudes
dt 2
are q0 , q0 and 2q0 respectively. So
q = q0 cos t, then … (10)
dq
i = – q0 sint … (11)
dt
di
and   q 0 2 cost … (12)
dt
Potential energy in the capacitor
1 q 2 1 q02 q2
UC   cos2 t  0 1  cos 2t  … (13)
2C 2C 4C

Potential energy in the inductor

1 2 1 q 02 q2
UL  LI  sin2 t  0 1  cos 2t  … (14)
2 2 C 4C

Thus potential energy stored in the capacitor and that in the inductor also oscillates between
maximum value and zero with double the frequency. All these quantities are shown in the figures
that follows:

q UC q 2max
q0 2C
t t
O O

i UL
Li 2max
i0
2
O t
O T T 3T T t
T T 3T 2T 4 2 2
2 2

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 TRANSIENT & ALTERNATING CURRENT CIRCUIT OP-MII-P-14

PROFICIENCY TEST - I

The following questions deal with the basic concepts of this section. Answer the following
briefly. Go to the next section only if your score is at least 80%. Do not consult the Study
Material while attempting these questions.

1. For the circuit shown above the switch is closed

at t = 0, find
10V 10 5
(a) the initial current through each resistor.

(b) steady state current through each resistor.

2F
(c) final energy stored in the capacitor.

2. A solenoid has an inductance of 10 henry and a resistance of 2 ohms. It is connected to a 10 volt

1
battery. The time taken for the magnetic energy to reach th of its maximum value is x loge2 sec.
4
Find the value of x?

3. For the circuit shown, the switch S is closed at t = 0, 1

find
12V 1H 1
(a) the initial current through each resistor.
1
(b) steady state current through each resistor S

(c) final energy stored in the inductor.

4. (a) In a R-L series circuit, the value of resistance is doubled. What is the change in the time
constant?

(b) In a R-C series circuit, the value of resistance is doubled, what is the change in time constant?

5. A charged capacitor has energy E = 10 J stored in it. It is connected to an inductor. What is the
maximum energy stored in the inductor?

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 TRANSIENT & ALTERNATING CURRENT CIRCUIT OP-MII-P-15

ANSWERS TO PROFICIENCY TEST - I

1. (a) 1A, 2A

(b) 1 A, 0

(c) 100 J

2. 5

3. (a) 6 A, 0, 6A

(b) 8A, 4A, 4A

(c) 8 J

4. (a) becomes half

(b) becomes double

5. 10 J

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 TRANSIENT & ALTERNATING CURRENT CIRCUIT OP-MII-P-16

SECTION  II

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 TRANSIENT & ALTERNATING CURRENT CIRCUIT OP-MII-P-17

5. INTRODUCTION

Until now, we have studied only circuits with direct current (dc)- which flows only in one direction.
The primary source of emf in such circuit is a battery. When a resistance is connected across the terminals
of the battery, a current is established in the circuit, which flows in a unique direction from the positive
terminal to the negative terminal via the external resistance.

But most of the electric power generated and used in the world is in the form of alternating
current (ac), the magnitude of which changes continuously with time and direction is reversed periodically
as shown in figure and it is given by

i = i0 sin (t + ) … (15)

Here i is instantaneous value of current i.e.

magnitude of current at any instant of time and i0 is the i
maximum value of current which is called peak current
i0
or the current amplitude and the current repeats its
value after each time interval
time (t)
2
T= as shown in figure. This time interval is called T

Fig. (a)
the time period and  is angular frequency which is
equal to 2 times frequency f.

 = 2f

The current is positive for half the time period and negative for remaining half period. It means
direction of current is reversed after each half time period. The frequency of ac in India is
50 Hz.

An alternating voltage is given by

v
V = V0 sin (t + ) … (16) v0

It also varies alternatively as shown in the figure

time (t)
(b), where V is instantaneous voltage and V0 is peak
T
voltage. It is produced by ac generator also called as ac
Fig. (b)
dynamo.

AC Circuit: An ac circuit consists of circuit element i.e.,

resistor, capacitor, inductor or any combination of these and a Circuit element
generator that provides the alternating current as shown in figure.
The ac source is represented by symbol ~ in the circuit. ~

6. AC GENERATOR

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The basic principle of the ac generator is a direct consequence of Faraday’s laws of electro
magnetic induction. When a coil of N turns and area of cross section A is rotated in a uniform magnetic
field B with constant angular velocity  as shown in figure, a sinusoidal voltage (emf) is induced in the coil.

Suppose the plane of the coil at t = 0 is perpendicular to the soft-iron core

magnetic field and in time t, it rotates through an angle .

Therefore, flux through the coil at time t is

S
 = NBA cos 
N
= NBA cos t
Q
d P
= – NBA sint … (17)
dt

The emf induced in the coil is,

 d
 = = NBA sint
dt

 = 0 sin t, where 0 = NBA

0 is maximum value of emf, which is called peak emf or voltage amplitude.

 
and current, i =  0 sint = i0sint … (18)
R R

where i0 is peak current.

7. AVERAGE AND RMS VALUE OF ALTERNATING CURRENT

7.1 AVERAGE CURRENT (MEAN CURRENT)

As we know an alternating current is given by

i = i0 sin (t + ) … (i)

The mean or average value of ac over any time t is given by

 i dt
0
iavg = t

 dt
0

Using equation (i)

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 TRANSIENT & ALTERNATING CURRENT CIRCUIT OP-MII-P-19
t

i
0
0 sin(t  )
iavg = t

 dt
0

In one complete cycle average current

T
i 0  cos (t  ) 
iavg = –
T   
0

i 0  cos(T  )  cos  
=–
T   


i 0  cos (2  )  cos  

=–  =0 (as T = 2)
T   

Since ac is positive during the first half cycle and negative during the other half cycle so iavg will be
zero for long time also. Hence the dc instrument will indicate zero deflection when connected to a branch
carrying ac current. So it is defined for either positive half cycle or negative half cycle. Now to find mean
value of current i  i0 sin t for positive half cycle. i.e. from t = 0 to
t = T/2

T /2

i 0 sin t
2i0
iavg = 0
=  0.637 i0 … (19)
T /2

 dt
0

2v 0
Similarly vavg =  0.637 v0 … (20)


7.2 R.M.S. VALUE OF ALTERNATING CURRENT

The notation rms refers to root mean square, which is given by square root of mean of square
current.

2
i.e., irms = iavg

 i dt
2
T T
1 2 i2
i2avg = 0
T
=
T 0 
i 0 sin2 (t  ) dt
2T 0 
= 0 [1  cos 2 ( t  )] dt

0
dt

T
i2  sin 2 (t  ) 
= 0 t  2 
2T  0

i 02  sin ( 4  2)  sin 2   i 02

= T  2  
2T   2

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 TRANSIENT & ALTERNATING CURRENT CIRCUIT OP-MII-P-20

i0
irms =  0.707 i0 … (21)
2

V0
Similarly the rms voltage is given by Vrms =  0.707 v0 … (22)
2

The significance of rms current and rms voltage may be shown by considering a resistance R
carrying a current i = i0 sin (t + )

The voltage across the resistor will be

V = Ri = (i0 R) sin (t + )

The thermal energy developed in the resistor during the time t to t + dt is

i2 R dt = i 02 R sin2 (t + ) dt

The thermal energy developed in one time period is

T T
U= 
0

i 2 Rdt = R i 02 sin2 (t + ) dt
0

1T 2 2 
= RT  
i 0 sin (t  ) dt  = i rms
2
RT … (23)
T 0 

It means the root mean square value of ac is that value of steady current, which would generate
the same amount of heat in a given resistance in a given time.

So in ac circuits, current and ac voltage are measured in terms of their rms values. Like when we
say that the house hold supply is 220 V ac it means the rms value is 220 V and peak value is 220 2 = 311
V.

Illustration 4

Question: If the voltage (in volts) in an ac circuit is represented by the equation,

V = 220 2 sin (314 t - ), (where t is in seconds)

Calculate (a) peak and rms value of the voltage (b) frequency of ac.

Solution: (a) For ac voltage,

V = V0 sin (t - )

The peak value

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 TRANSIENT & ALTERNATING CURRENT CIRCUIT OP-MII-P-21

V0 = 220 2 = 311 V ,

The rms value of voltage

V0
Vrms = ; Vrms = 220 V
2

(b) As  = 2f, 2f = 314

314
i.e., f = = 50 Hz
2 

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 TRANSIENT & ALTERNATING CURRENT CIRCUIT OP-MII-P-22

Illustration 5

Question: The electric current in a circuit is given by i = i0 (t/T) for some time. Calculate the rms current for
the period t = 0 to t = T for i 0  20 3 A.

Solution: The mean square current is

i 
T T
1 2 i2 i 02
 
i 0 (t / T )2 dt  03  t 2dt 
2
avg
T 0 T 0
3

Thus, the rms current is

i0
. 
2
irms = i avg = 20 A
3

8. SERIES AC CIRCUIT

8.1 WHEN ONLY RESISTANCE IS IN AC CIRCUIT

Consider a simple ac circuit consisting of a resistor of VR

resistance R and an ac generator, as shown in the figure.
R
According to Kirchhoff’s loop law at any instant, the algebraic sum
of the potential difference around a closed loop in a circuit must be
zero. ~
 = 0 sint
 – VR = 0

 – iRR = 0

0 sint – iRR = 0

0
iR = sin t = i0 sin t …. (i)
R

0
where i0 is the maximum current. i0 =
R

From above equations, we see that the instantaneous voltage drop across the resistor is

VR = i0 R sin t … (ii)

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 TRANSIENT & ALTERNATING CURRENT CIRCUIT OP-MII-P-23

We see in equation (i) & (ii), iR and VR both iR, VR iR

vary as sin t and reach their maximum values at
i0 iR iR i0
the same time as shown in figure (a), they are said
to be in phase. A phasor diagram is used to
V0 VR VR V0
represent phase relationships. The length of the t
arrows correspond to V0 and i0. The projections of t
the arrows onto the vertical axis give VR and iR. In Phasor diagram
Wave diagram
case of the single-loop resistive circuit, the current Fig. (b)
Fig. (a)
and voltage phasors lie along the same line, as
shown in figure (b), because iR and VR are in phase.

8.2 WHEN ONLY INDUCTOR IS IN AN AC CIRCUIT

Now consider an ac circuit consisting only of an inductor of inductance L connected to the

terminals of an ac generator, as shown in the figure. The induced emf across the inductor is
given by Ldi/dt. On applying Kirchhoff’s loop rule to the circuit

di VL
 – VL = 0   – L =0
dt
L
When we rearrange this equation and substitute
 = 0 sin t, we get
~
di  = 0 sin t
L = 0 sin t … (iii)
dt

Integration of this expression gives the current as a function of time

0 
iL 
L 
sin t dt   0 cos t + C
L

For average value of current over one time period to be zero, C = 0

0
 iL = – cos t
L

When we use the trigonometric identity cos t = – sin (t – /2), we can express equation
as

0  
iL = sin  t   … (iv)
L  2

From equation (iv) , we see that the current reaches its maximum values when cos t = 1.

0 0
i0 =  … (v)
L X L

where the quantity XL, called the inductive reactance, is

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 TRANSIENT & ALTERNATING CURRENT CIRCUIT OP-MII-P-24

XL = L … (24)

The expression for the rms current is similar to equation (v), with 0 replaced by rms.

Inductive reactance, like resistance, has unit of ohm.

di
VL = L  0 sin t = I0 XL sin t … (25)
dt

We can think of equation (v) as Ohm’s law for an inductive circuit.

On comparing result of equation (iv) with VL 0

VL, iL
equation (iii), we can see that the current and iL t
i0
voltage are out of phase with each other by
/2 rad, or 90°. A plot of voltage and current versus V0
VL
time is given in figure (a). The voltage reaches its
t
maximum value one quarter of an oscillation period
before the current reaches its maximum value. The iL
i0
corresponding phasor diagram for this circuit is Wave diagram Phasor diagram
shown in figure (b). Thus, we see that for a Fig. (a) Fig. (b)
sinusoidal applied voltage, the current in an inductor
always lags behind the voltage across the inductor
by 90°.

8.3 WHEN ONLY CAPACITOR IS IN AN AC CIRCUIT

Figure shows an ac circuit consisting of a capacitor of capacitance C connected across the terminals
of an ac generator. On applying Kirchhoff’s loop rule to this circuit we get

 – VC = 0

VC =  = 0 sin t …(vi)

where VC is the instantaneous voltage drop across the VC

capacitor. From the definition of capacitance, VC = Q/C, and this
value for VC substituted into equation gives C

Q = C0 sin t
~
Since i = dQ/dt, on differentiating above equation gives
=  0 sin t
the instantaneous current in the circuit.

dQ
iC =  C0 cost
dt

Here again we see that the current is not in phase with the voltage drop across the capacitor, given
by equation (vi). Using the trigonometric identity cos t = sin (t + /2), we can express this equation in
the alternative from

 
iC = C0 sin  t   … (vii)
 2

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 TRANSIENT & ALTERNATING CURRENT CIRCUIT OP-MII-P-25
From equation (vii), we see that the current in the circuit reaches its maximum value when cos
t = 1.

0
i0 = C0 =
XC

where XC is called the capacitive reactance.

1
XC = … (26)
C

The SI unit of XC is also ohm. The rms current is given by an expression similar to equation with V0
replaced by Vrms.

Combining equation (vi) & (vii), we can express the instantaneous voltage drop across the capacitor
as

VC = V0 sin t = I0 XC sin t … (27)

Comparing the result of equation (vii) with VC, iC

equation (vi), we see that the current is
i0 i0
/2 rad = 90° out of phase with the voltage iC iC
across the capacitor. A plot of current and V0
VC
voltage versus time, shows that the current VC
t
reaches its maximum value one quarter of a V0
cycle sooner than the voltage reaches its t
maximum value. The corresponding phasor
diagram is shown in the figure (b).Thus we Wave diagram Phasor diagram
see that for a sinusoidally applied emf, the Fig. (a) Fig. (b)
current always leads the voltage across a
capacitor by 90°.

What is the reactance of a capacitor connected to a constant DC source?

8.4 VECTOR ANALYSIS (PHASOR ALGEBRA)

The complex quantities normally employed in ac circuit analysis, can be added and subtracted like
coplanar vectors. Such coplanar vectors, which represent sinusoidally time varying quantities, are known as
phasors.

In cartesian form, a phasor A can be written as, y

b A
A = a + jb

where a is the x-component and b is the y component of


phasor A.
x
The magnitude of A is, | A |  a2  b2

and the angle between the direction of phasor A and the positive x-axis is,

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b
 = tan–1  
a

When a given phasor A, the direction of which is along the x-axis is multiplied by the operator j, a
new phasor j A is obtained which will be 90° anticlockwise from A, i.e., along y-axis. If the operator j is
multiplied now to the phasor jA, a new phasor j2A is obtained which is along x-axis and having same
magnitude as of A. Thus,

j2A=–A

j2 = – 1 or j = 1

Now using the j operator, let us discuss different circuits of an ac.

An AC source is connected to a capacitor. Will the rms current increase, decrease or

remain constant if a dielectric slab is inserted into the capacitor?

8.5 SERIES L-R CIRCUIT

Now consider an ac circuit consisting of a resistor of resistance R and an inductor of inductance L in

series with an ac source generator.

Suppose in phasor diagram, current is taken along

positive x-direction. The VR is also along positive x-direction and VR VL
VL along positive y-direction as we know potential difference
across a resistance in ac is in phase with current and it leads in
phase by 90° with current across the inductor, so we can write ~

V = VR + jVL = iR + j(iXL) VL y
V
= iR + j(iL)

= iZ VR i x

Here, Z = R + jXL = R + j (L) is called as impedance of the circuit. Impedance plays the same role in
ac circuits as the ohmic resistance does in dc circuits. The modulus of impedance is,

|Z| = R 2  (L)2 … (28)

The potential difference leads the current by an angle,

VL X 
 = tan-1  tan1  L 
VR  R 

 L 
 = tan-1   … (29)
 R 

Illustration 6

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 TRANSIENT & ALTERNATING CURRENT CIRCUIT OP-MII-P-27
Question: An alternating voltage of 100 volt r.m.s. at a frequency of 400/ cycles/second is supplied to a
circuit containing a pure inductance of 0.01 H and a pure resistance of 6 ohms in series. Calculate
(i) the current, (ii) potential difference across the resistance, (iii) potential difference across the
inductance.

Solution: The impedance of L-R series circuit is given by

2 2 1/2 2 2 1/2
Z = [R + (L) ] = [(R) + (2fL) ]

= 10 

(i) R.M.S. value of current

 rms
Irms =  10 amp
Z

(ii) The potential difference across the resistance is given by

VR = Irms × R = 60 V

(iii) Potential difference across inductance is given by

VL = Irms × (L) = 80 V

8.6 SERIES C-R CIRCUIT

Now consider an ac circuit consisting of a resistor of resistance R and a capacitor of capacitance C

in series with an ac source generator.

Suppose in phasor diagram current is taken along

positive x-direction. Then VR is also along positive x-direction but VC VR
VC is along negative y-direction as potential difference across a
capacitor in ac lags in phase by 90° with the current in the circuit.
So we can write. ~

V = VR – jVC = iR – j (iXC)
y
 i 
= iR – j   = iZ
 C  VR
 i x
 1 
Here, impedance is, Z = R – j  
 C  VC
V
The modulus of impedance is,

2
 1 
| Z | R2   
 C  … (30)

and the potential difference lags the current by an angle,

VC X  1 / C  –1  1 
 = tan–1  tan 1 C = tan–1   = tan   … (31)
VR R  R   RC 

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 TRANSIENT & ALTERNATING CURRENT CIRCUIT OP-MII-P-28

Illustration 7

Question: An A.C. source of angular frequency  is fed across a resistor R and a capacitor C in series. The
current registered is i. If now the frequency of the source is changed to /3 (but maintaining the
same voltage), the current in the circuit is found to be halved. The ratio of reactance of resistance
at the original frequency is x  10 –1 . Find the value of x?

Solution: At angular frequency , the current in R-C circuit is given by

 rms
irms = … (i)
{R 2  (1/ 2C 2 )}

When frequency is changed to /3, the current is halved. Thus

i rms rms  rms


R 
= … (ii)
2 2
 1/( / 3)2 C 2 {R 2  (9 / 2C 2 )]

1 2
From equation (i) and (ii), we have 
{R 2  (1/ 2C 2 )} {R 2  (9 / 2C 2 .)}

2 5
Solving this equation, we get 3R =
 C22

(1/ C) 3

Hence, the ratio of reactance to resistance is     x=6
R 5

8.7 SERIES L-C-R CIRCUIT

Now consider an ac circuit consisting of a resistor of resistance R, a capacitor of capacitance C and

an inductor of inductance L in series with an ac source generator.

Suppose in a phasor diagram current is taken along positive x-

~
direction. Then VR is along positive x-direction, VL along positive y-
direction and VC along negative y-direction, as potential difference
across an inductor leads the current by 90° in phase while that across
a capacitor, lags by 90°.
VC VL VR
V VR2  (VL  VC ) 2

y
VL - VC
VL
VR 

i x VR
VC

So, we can write, V = VR + jVL – jVC = iR + j(iXL) – j(iXC)

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 TRANSIENT & ALTERNATING CURRENT CIRCUIT OP-MII-P-29

iR + j [i (XL – XC)] = iZ

Here impedance is,

 1 
Z = R + j (XL – XC) = R + j  L  
 C 

2
 1 
The modulus of impedance is, |Z | = R 2   L   … (32)
 C 

and the potential difference leads the current by an angle,.

VL  VC  X  XC 
 = tan–1  tan1  L 
VR  R 

 1 
 L  
 = tan-1  C  … (33)
 R 
 
 

V0
The steady current in the circuit is given by i = sin (t + )
2
 1 
R 2   L  
 C 

where  is given from equation (19)

V0
The peak current is i0 =
1 2
R 2  (L  )
C

It depends on angular frequency  of ac source and it will be maximum when

1 1
L =  =
C LC

and corresponding frequency is

 1 1
=  … (34)
2 2 LC

This frequency is known as resonant frequency of the given circuit. At this frequency peak current
V
will be i0 = 0
R

V0
If the resistance R in the LCR circuit is zero, the peak current at resonance is i0 =
0

It means, there can be a finite current in pure LC circuit even without any applied emf, when a
charged capacitor is connected to pure inductor.

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 TRANSIENT & ALTERNATING CURRENT CIRCUIT OP-MII-P-30

1 1
This current in the circuit is at frequency,  =
2 LC

Illustration 8

Question: A resistor of resistance R, an inductor of inductance L and a capacitor of capacitance C all are
connected in series with an a.c. supply. The resistance of R is 16 ohm and for a given frequency,
the inductive reactance of L is 24 ohm and capacitive reactance of C is 12 ohm. If the current in
the circuit is 5 amp., find

(a) the potential difference across R, L and C

(b) the impedance of the circuit

(c) the voltage of a.c. supply

Solution: (a) Potential difference across resistance

VR = iR = 5 × 16 = 80 volt

Potential difference across inductance

VL = i × (L) = 5 × 24 = 120 volt

Potential difference across condenser

VC = i × (1/C) = 5 × 12 = 60 volt

 2  1  
2
(b) Z= R   L   
  C  

= [(16)2  (24  12)2 ] = 20 ohm

(c) The voltage of a.c. supply is given by

v = iZ = 5 × 20 = 100 volt

Can the peak voltage across the inductor be greater than the peak voltage of the
source in an LCR circuit?

9. PARALLEL AC CIRCUIT

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 TRANSIENT & ALTERNATING CURRENT CIRCUIT OP-MII-P-31

Let us consider an alternating source connected across an L R

inductance L in parallel with a capacitor C.
iL
The resistance in series with the inductance is R. C
iC
i
Let the instantaneous value of emf applied be V and the
corresponding current is i, iL and iC. Then,
~
V
i = iL + iC

V V V
or,  –
Z R  jL j / C

V
=  j (C ) V (as j2 = –1)
R  jL

1 1
  jC
Z R  jL

1
is known as admittance (Y). Therefore,
Z

1 R  jL R  j (CR2  3L2C  L)

Y  2  jC =
Z R  2L2 R 2  2L2

 The magnitude of the admittance,

R 2  (CR2  3L2C  L)2

Y = |Y| = … (35)
R 2  2L2

The admittance will be minimum, when

CR2 + 3L2C – L = 0

1 R2
= 
LC L2

It gives the condition of resonance and the corresponding frequency,

 1 1 R2
f=   … (36)
2 2 LC L2

is known as resonance frequency. At resonance frequency, admittance is minimum or the

impedance is maximum. Thus, the parallel circuit does not allow this frequency from the source to pass in
the circuit. Due to this reason the circuit with such a frequency is known as rejector circuit.

1
 If R = 0, resonance frequency is same as resonance frequency in series circuit.
2 LC

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 TRANSIENT & ALTERNATING CURRENT CIRCUIT OP-MII-P-32
At resonance, the reactive component of Y is real. The reciprocal of the admittance is called the
parallel resistor or the dynamic resistance. The dynamic resistance is thus, reciprocal of the real part of
the admittance.

R 2  2L2
Dynamic resistance =
R

1 R2
Substituting 2 = 
LC L2

L
we have, dynamic resistance =
CR

V0 V CR
 peak current through the supply =  0
L / CR L

V0
The peak current through capacitor =  CV0 . The ratio of the peak current through
1 / C
capacitor and through the supply is known as Q-factor.

V0C L
Thus, Q-factor = = … (37)
V0CR / L R

This is basically the measure of current magnification. The rejector circuit at resonance exhibits
L
current magnification of , similar to the voltage magnification of the same ratio exhibited by the series
R
acceptor circuit at resonance.

 At resonance the current through the supply and voltage are in phase, while the current through
the capacitor leads the voltage by 90°.

Illustration 9

Question: For the circuit shown in figure. Current in inductance is IL L

0.8 A while in capacitance is 0.6 A. The current drawn
from the source is x  10 . Find the value of x?
–1
C
IC
I
~
Solution: In this ac circuit  = 0 sin t is applied across an inductance and capacitance in parallel,
current in inductance will lag the applied voltage while across the capacitor will lead,

V   IL L
and so, IL = sin  t   = – 0.8 cos t
XL  2
C
V  
IC = sin  t   = + 0.6 cos t IC
XC  2 I
~

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 TRANSIENT & ALTERNATING CURRENT CIRCUIT OP-MII-P-33
So the current drawn from the source,

I = IL + IC = – 0.2 cos t i.e., |I| = 0.2 A  x = 2

Illustration 10

Question: An emf V0 sin t is applied to a circuit which consists of a self inductance L of negligible resistance
in series with a variable capacitor C. The capacitor is shunted by a variable resistance R. Find the
value of C for which the amplitude of the current is independent of R (L = ½ H,  = 10 rad/sec)
3

Solution: To make the problem easy, let us make use of phasor algebra. The complex impedance, of the
circuit as shown in the figure.

Z = jL + Z. ~
v = V0 sin t
where Z is complex impedence due to C and R in parallel
and is given by
C R
L
1 1 1  jCR
  jC 
Z R R

R R (1  jCR )
or Z= 
1  jCR 1   2 C 2 R 2

R (1  jCR )
 Z = jL +
1  2C 2R 2

R  CR 2 
=  j  L  
1  2C 2R 2  1  2C 2R 2 


The magnitude of Z is thus given by

 R2  CR 2 
2

Z=    L   
 (1  2C 2R 2 )2  1  2C 2R 2  
 

R2 2C 2R 4 22LCR 2
or
2
Z =  2 2
L  
(1  2C 2R 2 )2 (1  2C 2R 2 )2 1  2C 2R 2

R 2  22LCR 2
+L
2 2
=
1  C R
2 2 2

2
The peak value of current will be independent of R, if Z or Z is also independent of R. It is possible
when
2 2 2
R – 2 LCR = 0,

C = 1/2 L = 1 F
2
or

10. POWER IN AN AC CIRCUIT

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 TRANSIENT & ALTERNATING CURRENT CIRCUIT OP-MII-P-34

In case of a steady current the rate of doing work is given by,

P = Vi

In an alternating circuit, current and voltage both vary with time, so the work done by the soruce in
time interval dt is given by

dW = Vidt

Suppose in an ac, the current is leading the voltage by an angle . Then we can write,

V = V0 sin t

and i = i0 sin (t + )

dW = V0 i0 sin t sin (t + ) dt

= V0 i0 (sin2t cos  + sin t cos t sin ) dt.

The total work done in a complete cycle is

T T

 
W = V0 i0 cos sin t dt + V0i0sin sin t cos t dt
2

0 0

T T
1 1 1
=
2 0

V0 i0 cos (1  cos 2t ) dt +
2
V0 i0 sin  sin 2t
0
dt =
2
V0i0 T cos

The average power delivered by the soruce is, therefore,

W 1  V  i 
P =  V0 i 0 cos    0   0  (cos) = Vrms i rms cos
T 2  2  2 

or <P >one cycle = Vrms irms cos … (38)

Here, the term cos  is known as power factor.

It is said to be leading if current leads voltage, lagging if current lags voltage. Thus, a power factor
of 0.5 lagging means current lags the voltage by 60° (as cos-1 0.5 = 60°). The product of Vrms and irms gives
the apparent power. While the true power is obtained by multiplying the apparent power by the power
factor cos. Thus,

and apparent power = Vrms × irms

True power = apparent power × power factor

For  = 0°, the current and voltage are in phase. The power is thus, maximum (Vrms × irms). For  =
90°, the power is zero. The current is then stated wattless. Such a case will arise when resistance in the
circuit is zero. The circuit is purely inductive or capacitive.

Illustration 11

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 TRANSIENT & ALTERNATING CURRENT CIRCUIT OP-MII-P-35
Question: A series LCR with R = 20 , L = 1.5 H and C = 35 F is connected to a variable frequency 200 V a.c.
supply. When the frequency of the supply equals the natural frequency of the circuit. What is the
average power transferred to the circuit in one complete cycle?

Solution: When the frequency of the supply equals the natural frequency of the circuit, resonance occurs.

 Z = R = 20 ohm.

Erms 200
irms =  10 A
Z 20
Average power transferred/cycle
P = Erms irms cos0°
= 200 × 10 × 1
= 2000 watt

What is the average power consumed in a circuit consisting of resistanceless

inductance?

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 TRANSIENT & ALTERNATING CURRENT CIRCUIT OP-MII-P-36

PROFICIENCY TEST - II

The following questions deal with the basic concepts of this section. Answer the following
briefly. Go to the next section only if your score is at least 80%. Do not consult the Study
Material while attempting these questions.

1. State whether the following statements are true or false giving reason in brief

(a) dc is more dangerous than ac of same rms value.

(b) the average value of ac may be zero over half cycle.

2. Define reactance X and impedance Z. Can these be negative? If yes, when and what does it imply?

3. Can an ac source be connected to a circuit and yet not delivering any power to it? If so under what
circumstances?

4. The potential difference V across and the current I flowing through an ac circuit is given by, V = 5
cos t; I = 2 sin t

What is the power dissipated?

5. A 10 ohm electric iron is connected to 120 volt, 60 Hz wall outlet. What is the rms potential
difference on the electric iron?

6. What is the inductive reactance of a coil if the current through it is 20 mA and voltage across it is
100 V?

7. The electric current in an ac circuit is given by i = i0 sin t. What is the minimum time taken by the

current to change from its maximum value to the rms value for   rad/s.
4

8. Find the value of an inductance, which should be connected in series with a capacitor of
capacitance 5 F, a resistance of 10  and an ac source of 50 Hz so that the power factor (PF) of
the circuit is unity. ( take 2 = 10)

9. The voltage and current in a series AC circuit are given by


V = V0 cos t and i = i0 (cos t + ), where V0 = 16 V, i0 = 4 A
3

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 TRANSIENT & ALTERNATING CURRENT CIRCUIT OP-MII-P-37

What is the power dissipated in the circuit?

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 TRANSIENT & ALTERNATING CURRENT CIRCUIT OP-MII-P-38

ANSWERS TO PROFICIENCY TEST - II

1. (a) False

(b) True

1
2. X L  L, XC 
C

Reactance can be negative when XC > XL. It implies current leads the applied voltage in the circuit.

3. Yes, when the phase difference between voltage and current is 90°

4. Zero, as  = 90°

5. 120 V

6. 5 k

7. 1 sec

8. 2H

9. 16 W

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 TRANSIENT & ALTERNATING CURRENT CIRCUIT OP-MII-P-39

SOLVED OBJECIVE EXAMPLES

Example 1:
In the adjoining figure, the current in the steady state, i1
in the 2  resistor is (Internal resistance of battery can P i 2 Q
2
be neglected.)
i 3 i
(a) 0.3 A C 4
A B
(b) 0.5 A 0.2 F
i
(c) 0.7 A
i
(d) 0.9 A 2.8 
6V

Solution:

In the steady state, the condenser, C, does not allow any d.c. to pass through it. Hence, current in
the AB branch (i.e. 4  resistor) = 0. Hence current, i (i1 + i2) in the remaining circuit

6V
=
2.8(6 / 5)

6V
=
4

= 1.5 A.

This current is divided between the resistors 2  and 3 . Hence, current through the 2  resistor
3
= 1.5  = 0.9 A.
5
 (d)

Example 2:
–4
A uniformly wound solenoidal coil of self-inductance 1.8 × 10 H and resistance 6 is broken
into two identical coils. These induction coils are then connected in parallel across a 12 V
battery of negligible resistance. The time constant of the circuit is (neglect mutual induction
between the coils)

3 20
(a)  10  5 s –5
(b) 2 × 10 s (c)  10  4 s (d) 3 × 10
–5
s
2 3

Solution:
The inductance of the circuit (L) is given by

1 1 1 1.8
  , where L1 = L2 =  10  4 H
L L1 L2 2

L1 1.8
 L  10  4 H
2 4

6
Similarly, resistance of the circuit : R = 1.5
4

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 TRANSIENT & ALTERNATING CURRENT CIRCUIT OP-MII-P-40
4
L 0.45  10
 time constant :  =  3  10 5 sec
R 1.5
 (d)

Example 3:

The network shown in figure is part of a complete

circuit. If at a certain instant, the current is 5 A and is
3
decreasing at the rate 10 A/s, the VB – VA is 1 5 mH
A B
(a) 20 V (b) 15 V 15 V

(c) 10 V (d) 5 V

Solution:

Moving from A to B
–3
VA – VB = (1  5) – (15) – (5  10 × 10 )
3
A 1 5 mH B
15 V
= – 15 V

di
VB – VA = 15 V; is negative as i decreases with time.
dt
 (b)

Example 4:
–6
If resistance of 100  and inductance of 0.5 henry and capacitance of 10 × 10 F are
connected in series through 50 Hertz a.c. supply. The impedance is

(a) 1.8765  (b) 18.76  (c) 189.5  (d) 101.3

Solution:
–5
Here R = 100 , L = 0.5 H, C = 10 F

XL = L = 2 L = 100   0.5 = 50 

1 1 1 10 3
Xc =  = 

C 2 C 2  50 10  10 6 

2
 103 
Z= R  (X L  XC )
2 2
= (100 )   50  
2
  


= 35934.1 = 189.5 

 (c)

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 TRANSIENT & ALTERNATING CURRENT CIRCUIT OP-MII-P-41
Example 5:

 0 .4 
In an L-R circuit, the value of L is   henry and the value R is 30 ohm. If in the circuit, an
  
alternating emf of 200 V rms value at 50 cycles per second is connected, the impedance of
the circuit and current will be

(a) 11.4 ohm, 17.5 amphere (b) 30 ohm, 6.5 ampere

(c) 40 ohm, 5 amphere (d) 50 ohm, 4 ampere

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 TRANSIENT & ALTERNATING CURRENT CIRCUIT OP-MII-P-42
Solution:

Here XL = L = 2 L = 40 

R = 30 

Z= R 2  X L2 = 30 2  40 2 = 50 

Vrms 200
Irms =  =4A
Z 50

 (d)

Example 6:

A series LCR circuit is tuned to resonance. The impedance of the circuit now is

1/ 2 1/ 2
  1  
2   1  
2
(a) R 2   L    (b) R 2  (L) 2    
  C     C  

1/ 2
  1  
2
(c) R 2    L   (d) R
  C  

Solution:

At resonance

1
(L – )=0
C

So impedance (Z) = R

 (d)

Example 7:

An inductor of inductance 100 mH is connected in series with a resistance, a variable

capacitance and an AC source of frequency 2.0 kHz. The value of the capacitance so that
maximum current may be drawn into the circuit is

(a) 60 nF (b) 63 nF (c) 65 nF (d) 89 nF

Solution:

This is an LCR series circuit; the current will be maximum when the net reactance is zero. For this,

1
 L
C

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 TRANSIENT & ALTERNATING CURRENT CIRCUIT OP-MII-P-43

1 1
or, C=  = 63 nF
L
2
4  (2.0  10 3 s 1)2 (0.1H )
2

 (b)

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 TRANSIENT & ALTERNATING CURRENT CIRCUIT OP-MII-P-44
Example 8:

In an A.C. circuit, a resistance of R  is connected in series with an inductance L. If phase

angle between voltage and current be 45°, the value of inductive reactance will be

(a) R/4 (b) R/2

(c) R (d) cannot be found with given data

Solution:

tan  = tan 45°

XL
=
R

 XL = R

 (c)

Example 9:

An inductor coil joined to a 6 V battery draws a steady current of 12 A. This coil is connected
to a capacitor and an AC source of rms voltage 6 V in series. If the current in the circuit is in
phase with the emf, the rms current is

(a) 12 A (b) 20 A (c) 8 A (d) 24 A

Solution:

6V
The resistance of the coil is R = = 0.5 
12 A

In this AC circuit, the current is in phase with the emf, this means that the net reactance of the circuit
is zero. The impedance is equal to the resistance. i.e.,

Z = 0.5 .

rms voltage 6V
The rms current = = = 12 A.
Z 0 .5 

 (a)

Example 10:

A generator with an adjustable

frequency of oscillation is connected to L1 R
resistance, R = 100 , inductances,
E C1 C2 C3
L1 = 1.7 mH and L2 = 2.3 mH and
capacitances, C1 = 4 F, C2 = 2.5 F and L2
C3 = 3.5 F. The resonant angular
frequency of the circuit is

(a) 0.5 rad/s

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 TRANSIENT & ALTERNATING CURRENT CIRCUIT OP-MII-P-45
(b) 0.5  10 rad/s
4

(c) 2 rad/s
–4
(d) 2  10 rad/s

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 TRANSIENT & ALTERNATING CURRENT CIRCUIT OP-MII-P-46
Solution:

Ceff = C1 + C2 + C3

= 4 F + 2.5 F + 3.5 F

= 10 F

Leff = L1 + L2

= 1.7 mH + 2.3 mH = 4 mH

Resonance frequency,

1 1 10 4
= = 0.5  10 rad/s.
4
= =
Leff Ceff 410  3 1010  6 2

 (b)

Example 11:

Figure shows an ac generator connected i(t)

to a “black box” through a pair of
terminals. The box contains an RLC circuit
whose elements and connections we do
 (t)
not know. Measurements outside the box
reveal that v(t) = (75 V) sin d t, and
i(t) = (1.2 A) sin (dt + 42). Which one of
the following statements is correct?

(a) The power factor is sin 42 and the

circuit in the box is largely capacitive.
Xc > XL
(b) The power factor is cos 42 and the
circuit consists of inductors and CosØ = +Ve
resistors.

(c) The rate at which the energy delivered

to the box by the generator is 66.88 W.

(d) The circuit consists of capacitors and

resistors and the rate at which the
energy delivered to the box by the
generator is 33.4 W.

Solution:

V(t) = (75 V) sin dt

i(t) = (1.2 A) sin (dt + 42)

Since the current leads the voltage by 42, the circuit consists of resistors and capacitors. The
power factor is cos 42.

The rate at which the energy is delivered to the box by the generator,
P = Vrms irms cos 

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 TRANSIENT & ALTERNATING CURRENT CIRCUIT OP-MII-P-47

 75V  (1.2A)
=   cos 42 = 33.4 W
 2  2

 (d)

Example 12:

Which of the following plots may represent the reactance

of the series LC combination? 1

reactance
(a) 1 (b) 3 3
2
(c) 2 (d) 4 frequency

Solution:

1
Since XLC = L –
C

 (d)

Example 13:

In RLC circuit, at a frequency , the potential difference across each device are
(VR)max = 8.8 V, (VL)max = 2.6 V and (VC)max = 7.4 V. The combined potential difference
(VL + VC)max across the inductor and capacitor is

(a) 10 V (b) 7.8 V (c) 7.4 V (d) 4.8 V

Solution:

A phasor representing the alternating current and potential differences across the resistor, capacitor
and inductor in the RLC circuit.


m sin t = imR sin (t  ) + im XL sin (t   + ) im
2 i

 t - 
+ im XC sin (t    )
2

 
VR max sin(t )VL max sin t  
 2 im
 
VC max sin t  
 2 VR (VR)max
VC
VL + VC = VL
(VL)max
VL max sin t   VC max sin t   
 2  2 VC
(VC)max

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 TRANSIENT & ALTERNATING CURRENT CIRCUIT OP-MII-P-48

   im
VL VC VL max sin(t )cos cos(t )sin 
 2 2
   m
 VC max sin(t )cos cos(t )sin 
 2 2 
(VR)max

= VL max VC max  cos (t  ) 

(VL)max – (VC)max (t - )

(VL + VC)max = (VL)max  (VC)max = 2.6 V  7.4 V

=  4.8 V

VL VC max = 4.8 V

 (d)

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 TRANSIENT & ALTERNATING CURRENT CIRCUIT OP-MII-P-49

SOLVED SUBJECTIVE EXAMPLES

Example 1: 3 F 1 F
B
In the diagram shown, find the potential difference
between the points A and B.

3 F 1 F
1 F
P Q
10 
C
A
20  100 V
Solution:

The given circuit is equivalent to the following, which are self-explanatory.

3 F 1 F 6 F 2 F
B B

P Q
1 F 10 
3 F 1 F
1 F C
A
P Q 20  100 V
10 
C 3
A F
20  100 V 2
L M

P Q
1 F 10 

20  100 V

In the steady state, there is no current in the circuit. Hence the points P and Q are at the same
potential as points A and C. Similarly the potential between L and M is the same as that between
3
points P and Q. The capacitance across LM is F . Hence the charge
2
3
Q = CV = 10 6 100 = 150  10–6 C
2
–6
The charge on each of the 6 F and 2 F is also 150  10 C since they are connected in series.
Thus the potential difference between A and B is equal to that between the plates of 6 F
capacitance carrying the charge Q.

Q 15010 6
Hence the potential difference VAB   = 25 V
6F 610 6

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 TRANSIENT & ALTERNATING CURRENT CIRCUIT OP-MII-P-50
Example 2:

In an oscillating LC circuit, the energy is shared equally between the electric and magnetic
fields. If L = 12 mH and C = 1.7 F, how much time (in s) is needed for this condition to arise,
assuming an initially fully charged capacitor.

Solution:

1
Total energy UE = U E ,max
2

q 2 1 Q2 Q
   q 
2C 2 2C 2

Since, at t = 0, it is given that C has maximum charge, we have the solution to be

Q
q = Q cos t  = Q cos t
2


 t = 45 = rad
4

1 1
  = 7  10 rad/s
3
3 6
LC (1210 )(1.710 )

t ( / 4) –4
 required t =  = 1.12  10 s
 (710 )3

 t = 112 s

Example 3:

If a direct current of value a = 1 ampere is superimposed on an alternating current I = b sin

t, when b = 4A, flowing through a wire, what is the effective value of the resulting current in
the circuit?

dc
b ac
I + I =?
t
t

Solution:

As current at any instant in the circuit will be, I = Idc + Iac = a + b sin t

1/ 2
T 

 I 2 dt 
 1T 
1/ 2

So, Ieff =  0T




T 0 
(a  b sin t ) 2 dt 


 dt 
 0 

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 TRANSIENT & ALTERNATING CURRENT CIRCUIT OP-MII-P-51
1/ 2
1T 
i.e., Ieff =  
T 0
(a 2  2ab sin t  b 2 sin2 t ) dt 


but as

T T
1 1 1
T 
sin t dt  0 and
T 
sin 2 t dt 
2
0 0

1/2
 1 2
So, Ieff = a 2  b = 3A
 2 

Example 4:

A 12 ohm resistance and an inductance of 0.05/ henry with negligible resistance are
connected in series. Across the end of this circuit is connected a 130 volt alternating voltage
of frequency 50 cycles/second. Calculate the potential difference across the inductance.

Solution:

The impedance of the circuit is given by

Z= (R 2  2 L2 )  [R 2  (2fL) 2 ]

= [(12) 2  {2  3.14  50  (0.05 / 3.14 )} 2 ] = (144  25 ) = 13 ohm

130
Current in the circuit i = E/Z = = 10 amp.
13

Inductive reactance of coil XL = L = 2 fL

 0.05 
 XL = 2 × 50 ×   = 5 ohm.
  

Potential difference across inductance

VL = i × XL = 10 × 5 = 50 volt.

Example 5:

A resistance of 10 ohm is joined in series with an inductance of 0.5 henry and a capacitor to
obtain maximum current. What will be the potential difference across the inductance. The
current is being supplied by 200 volts and 50 rad/s per second mains.

Solution:

The current in the circuit would be maximum when

1 1
L = or C =
C 2L

Here L = 1/C. So the impedance Z of the circuit

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 TRANSIENT & ALTERNATING CURRENT CIRCUIT OP-MII-P-52

  1  
2
Z= R 2   L    = R = 10 ohm
  C  


E 200
I=  = 20 amp.
R 10

Potential difference across inductance

VL = L × I = 500 V

Example 6:

A 100 volt a.c. source of frequency 500 hertz is connected to LCR circuit with L = 8.1
milli-henry, C = 12.5 microfarad and R = 10 ohm, all connected in series. Find the potential
difference across the resistance.

Solution:

The impedance of LCR circuit is given by

Z  [R 2  ( X L  X C ) 2 ]

where XL = L = 2fL
-3
= 2 × 3.14 × 500 × (8.1 × 10 ) = 25.4 ohm

1 1 1
and XC =  = = 25.4 ohm
C 2fC 2.3.14  400  (12 .5 10 6 )

 Z= [(10 ) 2  (25 .4  25 .4) 2 ] = 10 ohm

E rms 100 volt

 Irms =  = 10 amp.
Z 10 ohm

Potential difference across resistance

VR = Irms × R = 10 amp × 10 ohm

= 100 volt.

Example 7:

An LCR series circuit with 100  resistance is connected to an AC source of 200 V and
angular frequency 300 radians per second. When only the capacitance is removed, the
current lags behind the voltage by 60°. When only the inductance is removed, the current
leads the voltage by 60°. Calculate power dissipated in LCR circuit.

Solution:

L 1/ C
tan 60° = or tan 60° =
R R

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 TRANSIENT & ALTERNATING CURRENT CIRCUIT OP-MII-P-53

1
 L =
C

  1  
2
Impendance of circuit Z = R 2   L    =R
  C  


Current in the circuit

V0 V0 200
I0 =  
Z R 100

= 2 Amp.

1
Average power P = V0I0 cos 
2

L  (1/ C )
But, tan = =0 (cos  = 1)
R

1
Now, P × 200 ×2 × 1 = 200 watt.
2

Example 8:

A current of 4 A flows in a coil when connected to a 12 V d.c. source. If the same coil is
connected to a 12 V, 50 rad/s, a.c. source, a current of 2.4 A flows in the circuit. The
–2
inductance of the coil is x  10 H. Find x.

Solution:

When the coil is connected to a d.c. source, its resistance R is given by

V 12
R=  =3
I 4

When it is connected to a.c. source, the impedance Z of the coil is given by

Vrms 12
Z=  = 5
I rms 2.4

For a coil, Z = [R 2  (L) 2 ]

 5= [(3) 2  (50L) 2 ]

2 2
or 25 = [(3) + (50 L) ]

Solving we get L = 0.08 henry  x = 8

Example 9:

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 TRANSIENT & ALTERNATING CURRENT CIRCUIT OP-MII-P-54
For a resistance R = 100  and capacitance C = 100 F in series, the impedence is twice that
of a parallel combination of the same elements. What is the angular frequency of applied
emf?

Solution: R
R IR
As shown in figure (a), in case of series
combination, C I
IC C
Zs  R  2
X C2
2
= [R + (1/C) ]
2 1/2
~ ~
(A) (B)
In case of parallel combination,

V V  
IR = sin t and IC = sin  t  
R XC  2

V V
So, I = IR + IC = sin t  cos t
R XC

i.e., I = I0 sin (t + )

V V
with I0 cos  = and I0 sin  =
R XC

1/ 2
 V 2  V 2 
  V
So, I0 =       =
 R   X C   ZP
 

1/ 2
1  1  1
2

i.e.,    
Z P  R 2  X C  
 

R
i.e., ZP =
1  2C 2R 2

and as according to given problem,

Zs = 2ZP, i.e., Zs2  4 ZP2

(R 22C 2  1) R2
i.e., 4
2C 2 (1  R 22C 2 )

(1 + R  C ) = 4R  C
2 2 2 2 2 2 2
i.e.,

1 + R  C = 2RC
2 2 2
or,
2
or, (RC – 1) = 0

1
or, = ,
RC

 = 100 rad/s

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 TRANSIENT & ALTERNATING CURRENT CIRCUIT OP-MII-P-55

MIND MAP

1. RC circuit
2. L-R circuit
(i) Charging of capacitor

q = q0 ,
(i) Growth of current

(ii) Discharging of capacitor

iR =
q= ,
(ii) Decay of current

TRANSIENT CURRENT
CIRCUIT

3. L-C oscillation

When a capcitor is charged up to Q0 and

then connected to an inductor

(i)

(ii) Q = Q0cos t

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 TRANSIENT & ALTERNATING CURRENT CIRCUIT OP-MII-P-56

MIND MAP

1. (a) Instantaneous current 2. Series AC circuit

i = i0 sin (t + ) (i) When only resistance is in ac circuit

(a) V0 = i0R
Instantaneous voltage (b) Voltage is in phase with current
(ii) When only capacitor is in ac circuit
v = v0 sin (t + )
(a) V0 = i0 XC , where, Xc =
(b) Average current for positive half cycle
(b) Voltage is lagging with current by
iavg = 0.637 i0
(iii) When only inductor is in ac circuit
(a) V0 = i0XL where XL = L
Average voltage for positive half cycle

ALTERNATING CURRENT
(b) Voltage is leading with current by /2
(iv) Series LR circuit
vavg =
Impedance (Z) =
CIRCUITS
–1
(c) RMS current Phase angle,  = tan

(v) Series CR circuit

Impedance (Z) =

3. Parallel AC circuit Phase angle,  = tan

-1

(a) When L and R are in series with C in

(vi) Series LCR – circuit
parallel
Impedance Z =
Admittance (Y) = = + jC

–1
Phase angle  = tan
(b) Resonance frequency ()

(vii) Resonance frequency when L, C, R are

=
in series is,  =

(c) Dynamic resistance =

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 TRANSIENT & ALTERNATING CURRENT CIRCUIT OP-MII-P-57

EXERCISE – I

AIEEE-SINGLE CHOICE CORRECT

1. When the switch is closed, the initial current through 1

the 1  resistor is
6
(a) 12 A (b) 4 A 12 V
3
10 S
(c) 3 A (d) V
7

2. A coil of inductance 1.0 H and resistance 100  is connected to a battery of emf 12 V. The
energy stored in the magnetic field associated with the coil at an instant 10 ms after the
circuit is switched on

(a) 1.4 mJ (b) 2.8 mJ (c) 4.2 mJ (d) 5.6 mJ

3. The natural frequency of the circuit shown in the figure is C C

1 1
(a) (b)
2 LC  LC
L L
2
(c) (d) none of these
 LC

4. In a circuit containing an inductance of zero resistance, the current leads the applied a.c.
voltage by a phase angle of
(a) 90° (b) – 90° (c) 0° (d) 180°

5. The resonant frequency of a circuit of negligible resistance containing one inductance of

50 mH and a capacitance of 500 pF connected in series is

10 5 1 100 1000
(a) Hz (b) Hz (c) Hz (d) Hz
   

6. In an a.c. circuit V & I are given by V = 100 sin (100 t) volts. I = 100 sin (100 t + /3) mA
The power dissipated in the circuit is
(a) 104 watt (b) 10 watt (c) 2.5 watt (d) 5 watt

7. A 20 volts a.c. is applied to a circuit consisting of a resistance and a coil with a negligible
resistance. If the voltage across the resistance is 12 volts, the voltage across the coil is
(a) 16 volt (b) 10 volt (c) 8 volt (d) 6 volt

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 TRANSIENT & ALTERNATING CURRENT CIRCUIT OP-MII-P-58

8. A series combination of R, L, C is connected to an a.c. source. If the resistance is 3  and

the reactance is 4 , the power factor of the circuit is
(a) 0.4 (b) 0.6 (c) 0.8 (d) 1.0

9. In an LCR circuit, the capacitance is made one-fourth of its value when it is in resonance.
Then what should be the corresponding change in inductance, so that the circuit remains in
resonance?
(a) 4 times (b) 1/4 times (c) 8 times (d) 2 times

10. An alternating current having peak value 14 A is used to heat a metal wire. To produce the
same heating effect, a constant i can be used where i is
(a) 14 A (b) about 20 A (c) 7 A (d) about 10 A

11. A step –down transformer transforms a supply line voltage of 2200 volt into 220 volt. The
primary coil has 5000 turns. The efficiency and power transmitted by the transformer are
90% and 8 kilowatt respectively. Then the number of turns in the secondary is
(a) 5000 (b) 50 (c) 500 (d) 5

12. In an AC circuit, a resistance of R ohm is connected in series with an inductance L. If

phase difference between voltage and current be 450, the value of inductive reactance will
be
(a) R/4 (b) R/2
(c) R (d) cannot be found with the given data

13. A coil has an inductance of 0.7 H and is joined in series with a resistance of 220. An
alternating emf of 220V at 50 Hz is applied to it. Then the wattless component of the
current in the circuit is
(a) 5 amp (b) 0.5 amp (c) 0.7 amp (d) 7 amp

14. The voltage and current in a series AC circuit are given by V = V0 cos t and I = I0 (cos t

+ ). What is the power dissipated in the circuit?
3

V0 I 0 V0 I 0 3
(a) (b) 0 (c) (d) V0 I 0
2 4 2

15. The network shown in the figure is part of a complete circuit. If at a certain instant, the
current I is 10 A, and is decreasing at a rate 103 A/s then VA – VB is

+ +
I 1 5mH
A B
1
5V 15V

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 TRANSIENT & ALTERNATING CURRENT CIRCUIT OP-MII-P-59
(a) 20 V (b) 15 V (c) 10 V (d) 5 V

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 TRANSIENT & ALTERNATING CURRENT CIRCUIT OP-MII-P-60

16. In the circuit of figure, what will be the reading of the voltmeter? V 100V
100V
(a) 300 V (b) 900 V
(c) 200 V (d) 400 V
~
200V, 50Hz

17. In a circuit shown in figure, what will be the readings of the 100
voltmeter and ammeter if a.c. source of 200 V and 50 Hz is
connected
A V V V
(a) 800 V, 2 A (b) 300 V, 2 A 300V 300V V
(c) 200 V, 2 A (d) 100 V, 2 A ~
200V, 50Hz

18. The root-mean-square value of an alternating current of 50 Hz frequency is 10 A. The time

taken by the alternating current in reaching from zero to maximum value and peak value
will be

(a) 2 × 10–2 s and 14.14 A (b) 1 × 10–2 s and 7.07 A

(c) 5 × 10–3 s and 7.07 A (d) 5 × 10–3 s and 14.14 A

19. A 120 volt AC source is connected across a pure inductor of inductance 0.70 Henry. If the
frequency of the source is 60 Hz, the current passing through the inductor is

(a) 4.55 A (b) 0.325 A

(c) 0.455 A (d) 3.25 A

20. In a LCR circuit capacitance is changed from C to 2C. For the 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

21. An alternating current flows through a circuit consisting of inductance L and resistance R.
Periodicity of the supply is /2. Which of the following is true?

(a) the limiting value of impedance is L for low frequency

(b) the limiting value of impedance for low frequency is R

(c) limiting value of impedance for high frequency is R

(d) the limiting value of impendence for low frequency is L

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 TRANSIENT & ALTERNATING CURRENT CIRCUIT OP-MII-P-61

22. The charge on either plate of the capacitor C as shown in the E r

figure is
R2
CER1
(a) CE (b)
R2  r
R1 C
CER2 CER1
(c) (d)
R2  r R1  r

23. Alternating current cannot be measured by D.C. ammeter because

(a) A.C. can not pas through D.C. Ammeter

(b) A. C. changes direction

(c) Average value of current for complete cycle is zero

(d) D.C. Ammeter will get damaged

24. In a series R-L-C AC circuit, for a particular value of R, L and C, power supplied by the source
is P at resonance. If the value of inductance is halved, then the power from the source again at
resonance is P ' . Then

P'
(a) P  (b) P  2P ' (c) P  4P ' (d) P  P '
2

25. In a circuit, capacitor (C = 4 F) is connected in series with a resistor (R = 2.5 M ) with a
battery of 12 V having negligible internal resistance. Find the time after which potential
difference across capacitor becomes three times of potential difference across resistor
(ln2 = 0.693).
(a) 13.86 s (b) 1.386 s (c) 6.93 s (d) 20 s

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 TRANSIENT & ALTERNATING CURRENT CIRCUIT OP-MII-P-62

EXERCISE – II

IIT-JEE- SINGLE CHOICE CORRECT

1. A capacitor of capacitance 10µF is charged to a potential of 1V. It is connected in parallel

to an inductor of inductance 10-3 H. The maximum current that will flow in the circuit has
the value

(a) 1 µA (b) 1mA (c) 1000 mA (d) 100 mA

2. An inductor L and a capacitor C are connected in the L

circuit as shown in the figure. The frequency of the A1
power supply is equal to the resonant frequency of C
A2
the circuit. Which ammeter will read zero ampere?
A3 ~
(a) A1 (b) A2
E=E0 sin t
(c) A3 (a) none of these

3. The magnitude of currents in different branches are shown

in the circuit. Then
IL L
(a) I = IL + IC if inductor and capacitor are pure
IC C
(b) I = IL – IC if inductor and capacitor are pure
I
(c) I = IL + IC if inductor and capacitor are not pure
~
(d) I = IL – IC if inductor and capacitor are not pure

4. Two resistors of 10  and 20  and an ideal inductor of 10 H 10 H

are connected to a 2 V battery as shown in figure. At time
t = 0, key K is closed. Then the initial and final currents
through the battery are 10 20
K
1 1 1 1
(a) A, A (b) A, A 2V
15 10 10 15

2 1 1 2
(c) A, A (d) A, A
15 10 15 25

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 TRANSIENT & ALTERNATING CURRENT CIRCUIT OP-MII-P-63

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 TRANSIENT & ALTERNATING CURRENT CIRCUIT OP-MII-P-64
5. Match List I (expression for current) with List II (rms value of current) and select the correct
answer.
List –I List-II

A. I  I 0 sin t cos t 1. I 0

  2. I 0 / 2
B. I  I 0 sin  t  
 3

C. I  I 0 sin t  cos t  3. I 0 e

D. I  I 0 e   
4. I 0 / 2 2

A B C D
(a) 4 2 1 3
(b) 4 2 3 1
(c) 2 4 3 1
(d) 2 4 1 3

6. In a region of uniform magnetic induction B = 10–2 T, a circular coil of radius 30cm and
resistance 2 ohm is rotated about an axis which is diameter of the coil. If the coil rotates at
200 rpm, the amplitude of the alternating current induced in the coil is

(a) 4 2 mA (b) 30 mA (c) 6 mA (d) 200 mA

7. In the given circuit, the potential difference 1H 3

between point P and Q in steady state is
P
5A 5 Q
(a) 40 V (b) 21 V 2 2F
(c) 18 V (d) 18 V

8. A circular coil of radius 0.1 m has 80 turns of wire. If the magnetic field through the coil
increases from 0 to 2 tesla in 0.4 sec and the coil is connected to a 11 ohm resistor, what is
the current (in A) through the resistor during the 0.4 sec?

(a) (8/7)A (b) (7/8)A (c) 8A (d) 7A

9. The primary winding of a transformer has 100 turns and its secondary winding has 200
turns. The primary is connected to an AC supply of 120V and the current flowing in it is
10A. The voltage and the current in the secondary are

(a) 240V, 5A (b) 240V, 10A (c) 60V, 20A (d) 120V, 20A

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 TRANSIENT & ALTERNATING CURRENT CIRCUIT OP-MII-P-65

10. In the figure, which voltmeter reads zero, when  is V1 V2

equal to the resonant frequency of series LCR
circuit?
10  10m 16F
(a) V1 (b) V2 V3
(c) V3 (d) None of these E = E0 sin t
~

11. An ideal choke takes a current of 8 ampere when connected to an AC supply of 100 volt
and 50Hz. A pure resistor under the same conditions takes a current of 10 ampere. If the
two are connected to an AC supply of 150 volt and 40 Hz, then the current in a series
combination of the above resistor and inductor is

(a) 10 amp (b) 8 amp (c) 18 amp 

(d) 15 / 2 amp 

12. Current in R3 just after closing the switch and in L

steady state respectively, will be
E
E
(a) 0,0 (b) ,0
R1
R3
R3
C R3 R2
E
(c) 0, (d) indeterminate
R3 S

13. In the circuit shown in the figure at resonance. L

(a) The power factor is zero
C
(b) The current through the a.c. source is minimum R
(c) The current through the a.c. source is maximum
(d) Currents through L and R are equal. 
~

14. In the circuit shown in figure, the r.m.s. value of e is L R

5 V and r.m.s. value of voltage drop across L is 3 V.
The r.m.s. value of voltage across R will be
(a) 2 V (b) 3 V
(c) 4 V (d) 0 V ~ e

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 TRANSIENT & ALTERNATING CURRENT CIRCUIT OP-MII-P-66

15. An AC source producing emf  = 0 [cos (100  s-1)t + cos (500  s–1)t] is connected in
series with a capacitor and a resistor. The steady-state current in the circuit is found to be
i = i1 cos [(100  s-1) t + 1] + i2 cos [(500  s-1)t - 2], Then
(a) i1 > i2
(b) i1 = i2
(c) i1 < i2
(d) the information is insufficient to find the relation between i1 and i2.

16. In the a.c. circuit shown in figure, the supply voltage 1 1

H μF
has a constant r.m.s. value  but variable frequency f. 2 2
Resonance frequency in Hertz is
(a) 10 (b) 100
20
(c) 1000 (d) 200

17. In the circuit shown in figure, the initial value of 10 

current through the battery after closing the circuit 10  10 
(i.e., K pressed) is
5H
(a) 0.2 A (b) 0.24 A
(c) 0.3 A (d) none of these

K
6V

18. The plates of a capacitor are charged to a potential difference of 320 volt and are then
connected to a resistor. The potential difference across the capacitor decays exponentially
with time. After 1sec, the potential difference between the plates of the capacitor is 240 V,
then after 2 and 3 seconds potential difference between the plates will be, respectively
(a) 200 V and 180 V (b) 180 V and 135 V (c) 160 V and 80 V (d) 140 V and 20V

19. In the circuit shown in the figure, if value of R = 60 , L C R

then the current flowing through the condenser will be
10V 20V 15V
(a) 0.5 A (b) 0.25 A
(c) 0.75 A (d) 1.0 A
~

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 TRANSIENT & ALTERNATING CURRENT CIRCUIT OP-MII-P-67

20. The value of admittance in the adjoining

circuit shown in figure is 220 V ~
R = 10  XL = 20 XC = 40
(a) 0.1 mho (b) 0.25 mho 50 Hz

(c) 0.35 mho (d) 9.7 mho

21. The reactance of a capacitor XC in an ac circuit varies with frequency of the source voltage.
Which one of the following represents this variation correctly?

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

f f f f

22. For the circuit shown in figure current in inductance is L

0.8 A while in capacitance is 0.6 A. What is the current IL
drawn from the source? C
IC V
I
~

(a) 0.2 A (b) 0.4 A (c) 0.6 A (d) 1 A

23. A capacitor is charged through a resistor of resistance

X. If the resistance is made 2X then the graph S
log I R
between log I and t is (the dotted line represents the
Q
initial graph) P
t

(a) P (b) Q (c) R (d) S

24. An inductor (L = 100 mH), a resistor (R = 100 ) and L

a battery (E = 100 V) are initially connected in series
as shown in the figure. After a long time the battery is
R
disconnected after short circuiting the points A and B.
The current in the circuit 1 ms after the short circuit is A B
E

(a) 1 A (b) 1/e A (c) e A (d) 0.1 A

1 2
25. The current in 1  resistance and the charge
stored in the capacitor are 5V 2V
4
2F 6V
(a) 5 A, 10 C (b) 7 A, 12 C 3

(c) 4 A, 12C (d) 6 A, 6 C

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 TRANSIENT & ALTERNATING CURRENT CIRCUIT OP-MII-P-68

EXERCISE – III

ONE OR MORE THAN ONE CHOICE CORRECT

1. Power factor may be one for

(a) pure inductor (b) pure capacitor (c) pure resistor (d) series LCR circuit

2. Current in circuit may be wattless if

(a) inductance in the circuit is zero

(b) resistance in the circuit is zero

(c) current is alternating

(d) reactance in the circuit is zero but inductance not zero.

3. Average power in an A.C. circuit is given by

E 02 R I 02 | Z | cos 
(a) Erms Irms cos  (b) (Irms)2R (c) (d)
2| Z |
2
2

4. In an AC series circuit, the instantaneous current is zero when the instantaneous voltage is
maximum. Connected to the source may be

(a) pure inductor (b) pure capacitor

(c) pure resistor (d) combination of inductor and capacitor

5. A coil of inductance L and resistance R is connected I

across a d.c. source of emf E (of negligible internal
resistance). The current in the circuit varies with time t (a)
(b)
as shown by curve (a). When one or more of
parameters E, R and L are changed, the curve (b) is t
obtained. Steady state current is same in both the
cases. Then possible changes is/are

(a) E and R are kept constant and L is increased

(b) E and R are kept constant and L is decreased

(c) E and R are both halved and L is kept constant

(d) E and L are kept constant and R is decreased

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 TRANSIENT & ALTERNATING CURRENT CIRCUIT OP-MII-P-69

6. In the circuit shown

R
(a) time constant is L/R E R
L
(b) time constant is 2L/R

(c) steady state current in inductor is 2E/R

(d) steady state current in inductor is E/R

7. In the circuit shown switch S is closed at time t = 0, R

initially capacitor is uncharged and initially current
through the inductor is zero. Then S
R C
(a) initial current through capacitor is E/2R
E
(b) initial rate of rise of current through inductor is E/L

(c) initial current through capacitor is E/R

(d) initial rate of rise of current through inductor is 2E/L

8. The S.I. unit of inductance Henry can be written as

(a) weber/ampere (b) volt-sec/ampere (c) Joule/ampere2 (d) ohm-second

9. If an alternating voltage is given by e  e1 sin t  e2 cos t the

e12  e22
(a) root mean square value of voltage is
2

e1  e2
(b) average value of voltage over one time period
2

e12  e 22
(c) root mean square value of voltage is
2

(d) average value of voltage over one time period is zero

10. A capacitor of capacitance 1 F is charged to potential difference of 2V and is connected

across an inductor of 1 mH. At an instant when potential difference across capacitor is 1V,
the current in the circuit is i1. The maximum current through inductor is i0, then

(a) i 0  4000 mA (b) i 0  2000 mA (c) i 1  3000 mA (d) i 1  1000 mA

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 TRANSIENT & ALTERNATING CURRENT CIRCUIT OP-MII-P-70

11. An inductive reactance X L  100  , a capacitive reactance XC = 100  and resistance

R = 100  are connected in series to an a.c. source of e = 100 sin (50 t) volts. Which of
the following statements is/are correct.

(a) the maximum voltage across capacitor is 100 volts

(b) the impedance of the circuit is 100 

(c) the maximum voltage across inductor is 100 volts

(d) the maximum voltage across the combination is 100 volts

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 TRANSIENT & ALTERNATING CURRENT CIRCUIT OP-MII-P-71
12. A circuit consists of a resistance and capacitance in series. An alternating emf of 180 volts
and 100 cycle/sec frequency is applied to it. If rms value of current is 6 amp and power
consumed in the resistance is 360 watts then

(a) circuit impendence is 30 ohms

(b) capacitive reactance is 100 ohms

(c) circuit resistance is 10 ohm

(d) circuit resistance is 20 ohms

13. A circuit has resistance R = 10  and coil of inductance L = 15H in series. At any instant
current flowing through the circuit is i  2t 2  4 , then which of the following is/are correct

(a) voltage across the coil at t = 1 sec is 60V

(b) energy stored in the inductor at t = 1 sec is 30 J

(c) voltage at t = 2/3 sec is 60 V

(d) energy store in the inductor at t = 2/3 sec is 30 J

14. An L-C-R series circuit with 100  resistance is connected to an ac source. When only the

capacitance is removed, the current lags behind voltage by . When only the inductance
4

is removed, the current leads voltage by . Then
4

(a) Inductive reactance is 100 

(b) Capacitive reactance is 100 

(c) Impedance of L-C-R circuit is 100 

(d) maximum potential difference across inductor is equal to maximum potential difference
across capacitor when all are connected in circuit.

15. A leaky parallel plate capacitor is filled completely with a material having dielectric constant
K = 5 and electrical conductivity . If initial charge on the capacitor is q0, positive plate and
negative plate of capacitor are connected to each other by conducting wire at t = 0, then

5 0
(a) time constant of the circuit is

t
q  
(b) current in the circuit at any time t is 0 e 5 0
5 0

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 TRANSIENT & ALTERNATING CURRENT CIRCUIT OP-MII-P-72

q0  t
t

(c) current in the circuit at any time t is 1  e 50 
5 0  
 

(d) none of these

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 TRANSIENT & ALTERNATING CURRENT CIRCUIT OP-MII-P-73

EXERCISE – IV

MATCH THE FOLLOWING

Note: Each statement in column – I has only one match in column –II

1. Questions asked in column –I and answers are given in column-II, match the following

Column – I Column - II
I. A current of 2A is flowing in given L-R circuit, voltage
across inductor and resistor are given. The voltage in
volt across a.c. source will be A. zero
240V

100V
~
II. If the given R-C circuit is connected to a 250 V ac
source. Capacitive reactance is XC = 30  and
resistance is R = 40 , the voltage in volt across
capacitor will be
XC = 30 B. 2
R=40 

~
250V
III. What will be the voltmeter reading in volt in the given
circuit (voltmeter and ammeter are ideal)
A C. 260
XC=4 V ~ 90V
XL=4
R=45
IV. In the above question reading of ammeter in ampere is D. 150

2. In the given circuit diagram switch S is closed with R1 =2 (1) 2H

position (1) at t = 0, and steady state reached after
long time t = t0 and switch is shifted from position (1) to S
(2)
position (2) at t = t0 4H
12V

R2 =4
Column – I Column - II
I. The current in 4  just after t = 0 A. 3A
II. The current in 4  just before t = t0 B. 2/3 A
III. The current in 4  just after t = t0 C. 2A
IV. The current in 4  after a very long time from the D. zero
instant when switch is shifted from (1) to (2)

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 TRANSIENT & ALTERNATING CURRENT CIRCUIT OP-MII-P-74

Note: Each statement in column – I has one or more than one match in column –II.

3. A capacitor of capacity C is fully charged with a battery L

of emf V0 and connected through an inductor of
inductance L through two switches S1 and S2
S1
respectively as shown in the figure. At t = 0, both
S2
switches S1 and S2 are closed. Given below are two
columns. In column I, some conditions related to system
and in column II, their corresponding times are given, C
match the column I with column II.
Column -I Column -II
I. Charge on the capacitor is maximum 
A. LC
2
II. Current in the inductor is maximum
B.  LC
III. Electrostatic energy stored in the system is maximum 3
C. LC
2
IV. Magnetic energy stored in the system is maximum D. 2 LC

REASONING TYPE

Directions: Read the following questions and choose

(A) If both the statements are true and statement-2 is the correct explanation of
statement-1.

(B) If both the statements are true but statement-2 is not the correct explanation of
statement-1.

(C) If statement-1 is True and statement-2 is False.

(D) If statement-1 is False and statement-2 is True.

1. Statement-1: A resistance is connected to an ac source. Now a capacitor is included in the

circuit. The average power absorbed by the resistance will not be same.
Statement-2: By including a capacitor or an inductor in the circuit root mean square current
and power factor will be changed.
(a) (A) (b) (B) (c) (C) (d) (D)

2. Statement-1: In LCR series circuit, power factor can be improved by introducing a capacitor
of appropriate capacitance in the circuit.
Statement-2: By adjusting C, the value of Z can be made to approach R in ac circuit.
(a) (A) (b) (B) (c) (C) (d) (D)

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 TRANSIENT & ALTERNATING CURRENT CIRCUIT OP-MII-P-75
3. Statement-1: Reactances of inductor and capacitor respectively vary linearly and inversely
with frequency.
Statement-2: Reactance of inductor and capacitor does not depend on the frequency.
(a) (A) (b) (B) (c) (C) (d) (D)

4. Statement-1: In any a.c. series circuit, the applied instantaneous voltage is not equal to the
algebraic sum of the instantaneous voltage across the different elements of the circuit.
Statement-2: The voltage across different elements are not in phase only their phasor sum
is equal to the applied voltage.
(a) (A) (b) (B) (c) (C) (d) (D)

5. Statement-1: The average power over one complete cycle in a.c circuit cannot be negative.
Statement-2: For a pure inductance or a pure capacitance does not consume average
power.
(a) (A) (b) (B) (c) (C) (d) (D)

LINKED COMPREHENSION TYPE

Two capacitors P and Q of capacitance 2C and A B C D

C are connected in series with an inductor of inductance
L. Initially capacitors are charged such that VB -VA = 4V0 2C C
and VC -VD = V0 (see figure). Maximum current in the
circuit is Imax at t = t0 L

1. Maximum current that will flow in the circuit is

6C C V0 L V0 L
(a) V0 (b) V0 (c) (d)
L L 2 6C 2 6C

2. Find the potential difference across capacitor P at t = t0

V0 5
(a) (b) 3 V0 (c) 2V0 (d) V0
2 2

3. Maximum energy stored in inductor is

1 1 17
(a) CV02 (b) CV0 (c) 3CV02 (d) CV02
2 6 2

4. Charge on capacitor Q at t = t0 is
(a) 3CV0 (b) 6CV0 (c) CV0 (d) zero

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 TRANSIENT & ALTERNATING CURRENT CIRCUIT OP-MII-P-76

EXERCISE – V

SUBJECTIVE PROBLEMS

1. A coil has a resistance of 10  and an inductance of 0.4 henry. It is connected to an AC

30
source of 6.5 V, Hz. The average power consumed in the circuit is x  10–3 W. Find the

value of x.

2. Find the rms value for the saw-tooth +V0

voltage of peak value V0 = 10 3 volts
+
as shown in figure. V O
– T/2 T 3/2 T t
–V0 T/2 T 3/2 T

3. The series and parallel circuits shown in figure

have the same impedance and the same power
R
factor. If R = 3 and X = 4. The value of X1 is
a  10–2 . Find the value of a. R1 X1
X

(a) (b)

R3
C
4. Find the potential difference B – A between the A B
plates of a capacitor C in the circuit shown in
E2
figure. If the sources have emf’s E1 = 4.0 V and R2
R1
E2 = 1.0 V and the resistances are equal to
R1 = 10 , R2 = 20 , and R3 = 30 . The
internal resistance of the sources are negligible.
E1

5. The voltage across the capacitor C varies Sw

with time t as V = a(1–e–bt ) volts as shown
in the figure after the shorting of the switch
Sw at the moment t = 0. Calculate the value E=10V C = 4F
R = 10
a
of in volts –ohm-F.
b
R = 10

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 TRANSIENT & ALTERNATING CURRENT CIRCUIT OP-MII-P-77

6. A metal rod OA of mass m = 1 kg and length r = 2 m is rotating with a constant angular


speed  = rad/s in a vertical plane about a horizontal axis at the end O. The free end A
2
is arranged to slide without friction along a fixed conducting circular ring in the same plane

as that of rotation. A uniform and constant magnetic induction B = 2T is applied
perpendicular and into the plane of rotation as shown in the Figure. An inductor L = 2H
and an external resistance R =  are connected through a switch S between the point
O and a point C on the ring to form an electrical circuit. Neglect the resistance of the ring
and the rod. Initially, the switch is open. Switch is closed at time t = 0.

Y
× × × × × ×
 A 
× × × × × ×
 B
× × O× × ×X×
S
× × × × × ×
R C
× × × × × ×
L

1
Calculate the torque required to maintain the constant angular speed at t = s (given that
2
the rod OA was along the positive X-axis at t = 0).

7. In the circuit shown the switch S is shifted to 1 S 5H

position 2 from position 1 at t = 0, having been in A
position 1 for a long time. The current in the circuit 2
as a function of time is I = a–b e–ct , where a, b
=20V
ac
and c are constants. Find the value of in 10H
b
M.K.S.Units 10

8. In the circuit shown, if the power factor of the C=1mF

3 Box
circuit is 1 and power factor of box is . Calculate
5
the reading of ammeter
A ~
90V, 25rad/s

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 TRANSIENT & ALTERNATING CURRENT CIRCUIT OP-MII-P-78

9. For the given LCR circuit. Calculate the Q factor L=5H

C=20F
R=50
(voltage gain) of the circuit

~
100V, 50/ Hz

10. In the given circuit, R1 E1

E1 = 3E2 = 2E3 = 6 V 1 LINEAR 1MOMENTUM
LINEAR M
C
R1 = 2R4 = 6  E2 R2 R3
R3 = 2R2 = 4  1 LINEAR MOMENTUM
1 LINEAR
1 MOMENTU
LINEAR MO
C = 5 F
E3 R4
Find the charge on the capacitor in steady state.
1 LINEAR 1MOMENTUM
LINEAR M

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 TRANSIENT & ALTERNATING CURRENT CIRCUIT OP-MII-P-79

ANSWERS

EXERCISE – I

AIEEE-SINGLE CHOICE CORRECT

1. (b) 2. (b) 3. (a) 4. (b) 5. (a)

6. (c) 7. (a) 8. (b) 9. (a) 10. (d)

11. (c) 12. (c) 13. (b) 14. (c) 15. (d)

16. (c) 17. (c) 18. (d) 19. (c) 20. (c)

21. (b) 22. (c) 23. (c) 24. (d) 25. (a)

EXERCISE – II

IIT-JEE-SINGLE CHOICE CORRECT

1. (d) 2. (c) 3. (b) 4. (a) 5. (a)

6. (c) 7. (a) 8. (a) 9. (a) 10. (b)

11. (d) 12. (a) 13. (c) 14. (c) 15. (c)

16. (c) 17. (a) 18. (b) 19. (b) 20. (a)

21. (d) 22. (a) 23. (b) 24. (b) 25. (b)

EXERCISE – III

ONE OR MORE THAN ONE CHOICE CORRECT

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 TRANSIENT & ALTERNATING CURRENT CIRCUIT OP-MII-P-80

1. (c,d) 2. (a,b,c) 3. (a,b,c,d) 4. (a,b,d) 5. (a,c)

6. (a,d) 7. (b,c) 8. (a,b,c,d) 9. (c,d) 10. (a, c)

11. (a,b,c,d) 12. (a,c) 13. (a, b) 14. (a,b,c,d) 15. (a,b)

EXERCISE – IV

MATCH THE FOLLOWING

1. I – C, II – D, III – A, IV – B

2. I – D, II – C, III – B, IV – A

3. I – B, D, II – A, C III – B,D, IV – A, C

REASONING TYPE

1. (a) 2. (a) 3. (c) 4. (a) 5. (b)

LINKED COMPREHENSION TYPE

1. (a) 2. (b) 3. (c) 4. (a)

EXERCISE – V

SUBJECTIVE PROBLEMS

1. 625

2. 10 V

3. 625

4. 1V

5. 100

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 TRANSIENT & ALTERNATING CURRENT CIRCUIT OP-MII-P-81

6. 6 N-m

7. 1

8. 3A

9. 10

10. 12 C

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