154 CBSE Chapterwise-Topicwise Physics

Previous Years’ CBSE

PREVIOUS Board
YEARS MCQS Questions

7.2 AC Voltage Applied to a (ii) A lamp is connected in series with an

inductor and an AC source. What happens
Resistor to the brightness of the lamp when the key is
plugged in and an iron rod is inserted inside the
VSA (1 mark)
inductor? Explain.
1. The peak value of emf in ac is E0. Write its L lamp
(i) rms (ii) average value over a complete cycle.
(Foreign 2011)
() ~
2. Define the term ‘rms value of the current’. How
is it related to the peak value? (AI 2010C) (AI 2016)
8. An ac voltage, V = V0 sin wt, is applied across
SA I (2 marks) a pure inductor L. Obtain an expression for the
3. An alternating voltage given by current I in the circuit and hence obtain the
V = 140 sin314t is connected across a pure (i) inductive reactance of the circuit, and
resistor of 50 W. Find (ii) the ‘phase’, of the current flowing, with
(i) the frequency of the source. respect to the applied voltage.
(ii) the rms current through the resistor. (AI 2010C)
(AI 2012)
LA (5 marks)
4. Distinguish between the term ‘average value’
and ‘rms value’ of an alternating current. The 9. Show that in an ac circuit containing a pure
instantaneous current from an ac source is inductor, the voltage is ahead of current by p/2
I = 5 sin (314t) ampere. What are the average in phase. (2/5, AI 2011)
and rms values of the current? (Delhi 2007) 10. (i) Explain the term ‘inductive reactance’. Show
graphically the variation of inductive reactance
LA (5 marks) with frequency of the applied alternating
5. Derive the relationship between the peak and voltage.
the rms value of current in ac circuit. (ii) An ac voltage E = E0 sin wt is applied
(3/5, Delhi 2009) across a pure inductor of inductance L. Show
mathematically that the current flowing through
7.4 AC Voltage Applied to an it lags behind the applied voltage by a phase
angle of p/2.
Inductor (AI 2007)
VSA (1 mark) 7.5 AC Voltage Applied to a
6. When an ac source is connected across an Capacitor
inductor, show on a graph the nature of variation
of the voltage and the current over one complete VSA (1 mark)
cycle. (Delhi 2012C) 11. Define capacitive reactance. Write its S.I. units.
SA II (3 marks) (Delhi 2015)
7. (i) When an AC source is connected to an ideal 12. Plot a graph showing variation of capacitive
inductor show that the average power supplied reactance with the change in the frequency of
by the source over a complete cycle is zero. the ac source. (AI 2015C)
Alternating Current 155

13. A reactive element, in an a.c. circuit, causes the

current flowing (i) to lead in phase by p/2, (ii) to
lag in phase by p/2 with respect to the applied
voltage. Identify the element in each case.
(Delhi 2010C)

SA I (2 marks)
14. Show that the current leads the voltage in phase
by p/2 in an ac circuit containing an ideal (2/3, AI 2012C)
capacitor. (Foreign 2014)
LA (5 marks)
15. A lamp is connected in series with a capacitor.
Predict your observation when this combination 19. Explain the term ‘capacitive reactance’. Show
is connected in turn across (i) ac source and (ii) graphically the variation of capacitive reactance
a dc battery. What change would you notice in with frequency of the applied alternating
each case if the capacitance of the capacitor is voltage.
increased? (Delhi 2012C) An ac voltage E = E0 sin wt is applied across a pure
capacitor of capacitance C. show mathematically
16. An electric lamp having coil of negligible
that the current flowing through it leads the
inductance connected in series with a capacitor
and an ac source is glowing with certain applied voltage by a phase angle of p/2.
brightness. How does the brightness of the lamp (AI 2007)
change on reducing the (i) capacitance, and
(ii) the frequency? Justify your answer.
7.6 AC Voltage Applied to a Series
LCR Circuit
VSA (1 mark)
20. In a series LCR circuit, the voltages across an
inductor, a capacitor and a resistor are 30 V,
(Delhi 2010) 30 V and 60 V respectively. What is the phase
difference between the applied voltage and the
SA II (3 marks)
current in the circuit? (AI 2007)
17. A lamp is connected in series with a capacitor.
Predict your observations when the system is SA I (2 marks)
connected first across a dc and then an ac source. 21. A capacitor ‘C’, a variable resistor ‘R’ and a bulb
What happens in each case if the capacitance of ‘B’ are connected in series to the ac mains in
the capacitor is reduced? (Delhi 2013C) circuit as shown. The bulb glows with some
18. The graphs (i) and (ii) shown in the figure brightness.
represent variation of opposition offered by the
circuit elements, X and Y, respectively to the
flow of alternating current vs the frequency of
the applied emf. Identity the elements X and Y.

How will the glow of the bulb change if (i) a

dielectric slab is introduced between the plates
of the capacitor, keeping resistance R to be the
same; (ii) the resistance R is increased keeping
the same capacitance? (Delhi 2014)
156 CBSE Chapterwise-Topicwise Physics

22. The figure shows a series LCR circuit connected (i) number of turn in the inductor is reduced,
to a variable frequency 200 V source with (ii) an iron rod is inserted in the inductor and
L = 50 mH, C = 80 mF and R = 40 W. (iii) a capacitor of reactance XC = XL is inserted
Determine in series in the circuit. Justify your answer in
(i) the source frequency which derives the each case. (Delhi 2015)
circuit in resonance; 29. Determine the value of phase difference between
(ii) the quality factor (Q) of the circuit. the current and the voltage in the given series
LCR circuit.
R = 400

V = V0sin(1000t + ) ~ C=2 F
(AI 2014C)
23. A series LCR circuit is connected to an ac source L = 100 mH
(200 V, 50 Hz). The voltages across the resistor, (2/3, AI 2015)
capacitor and inductor are respectively 200 V,
30. A source of ac voltage V = V0 sinwt is connected
250 V and 250 V.
to a series combination of a resistor ‘R’ and a
(i) The algebraic sum of the voltages across the capacitor ‘C’. Draw the phasor diagram and use
three elements is greater than the voltage of the it to obtain the expression for (i) impedance of
source. How is this paradox resolved? the circuit and (ii) phase angle. (AI 2015C)
(ii) Given the value of the resistance of R is
31. In a series LCR circuit connected to an ac source
40 W, calculate the current in the circuit.
of variable frequency and voltage V = V m sinwt,
(Foreign 2013)
draw a plot showing the variation of current (I)
24. Calculate the quality factor of a series LCR with angular frequency (w) for two different
circuit with L = 2.0 H, C = 2 mF and R = 10 W. values of resistance R1 and R2(R1 > R2). Write
Mention the significance of quality factor in the condition under which the phenomenon
LCR circuit. (Foreign 2012) of resonance occurs. For which value of the
25. Write the expression for the impedance offered resistance out of the two curves, a sharper
by the series combination of resistor, inductor resonance is produced? Define Q-factor of the
and capacitor connected to an ac source of circuit and give its significance. (Delhi 2013)
voltage V = V0 sin wt. 32. The figure shows a series LCR circuit with
Show on a graph the variation of the voltage and L = 10.0 H, C = 40 mF, R = 60 W connected to a
the current with ‘wt’ in the circuit. variable frequency 240 V source, calculate
(AI 2012C) (i) the angular frequency of the source which
drives the circuit at resonance,
26. Derive an expression for the impedance of an ac
(ii) the current at the resonating frequency,
circuit consisting of an inductor and a resistor.
(iii) the rms potential drop across the inductor
(Delhi 2008) at resonance.
27. An ac voltage of 100 V, 50 Hz is connected across
a 20 ohm resistor and 2 mH inductor in series.
Calculate (i) impedance of the circuit, (ii) rms
current in the circuit. (AI 2007)
(Delhi 2012)
SA II (3 marks) 33. A series LCR circuit is connected to an ac
28. An inductor L of inductive reactance XL is source. Using the phasor diagram, derive the
connected in series with a bulb B and an ac source. expression for the impedance of the circuit. Plot
How would brightness of the bulb change when a graph to show the variation of current with
Alternating Current 157

frequency of the source, explaining the nature and R2 (R1 > R2). Hence define the quality factor,
of its variation. (AI 2012) Q and write its role in the tuning of the circuit.
34. A 100 mF capacitor in series with a 40 W (Delhi 2014C)
resistance is connected to a 100 V, 60 Hz supply. 39. (a) Using phasor diagram for a series LCR
Calculate (i) the reactance, (ii) the impedance circuit connected to an ac source of voltage V = V0
and (iii) maximum current in the circuit. sin wt, derive the relation for the current flowing
(AI 2011C, AI 2008) in the circuit and the phase angle between the
35. An inductor 200 mH, capacitor 500 mF, resistor voltage across the resistor and the net voltage in
10 W are connected in series with a 100 V the circuit.
(b) Draw a plot showing the variation of the
variable frequency a.c. source. Calculate the
current I as a function of angular frequency
(i) frequency at which the power factor of the
‘w’ of the applied ac source for the two cases
circuit is unity
of a series combination of (i) inductance L1,
(ii) current amplitude at this frequency
capacitance C1 and and resistance R1 and
(iii) Q-factor (Delhi 2008)
(ii) inductance L2, capacitance C2 and resistance
LA (5 marks) R2 where R2 > R1. Write the relation between L1,
C1 and L2, C2 at resonance. Which one, of the
36. An ac source of voltage V = V0 sinwt is two, would be better suited for fine tuning in a
connected to a series combination of L, C and receiver set? Give reason. (Foreign 2013)
R. Use the phasor diagram to obtain expressions
40. (a) An ac source of voltage V = V0 sin wt is
for impedance of the circuit and phase angle
connected across a series combination of an
between voltage and current. Find the condition
inductor, a capacitor and a resistor. Use the
when current will be in phase with the voltage.
phasor diagram to obtain the expression for
What is the circuit in this condition called ?
(i) impedance of the circuit and (ii) phase angle
(3/5, Delhi 2016)
between the voltage and the current.
37. A 2 mF capacitor, 100 W resistor and 8 H inductor (b) A capacitor of unknown capacitance,
are connected in series with an ac source a resistor of 100 W and an inductor of self
(i) What should be the frequency of the inductance L = (4/p2) henry are in series
source such that current drawn in the circuit is connected to an ac source of 200 V and 50 Hz,
maximum? What is this frequency called? Calculate the value of the capacitance and the
(ii) If the peak value of emf of the source is current that flows in the circuit when the current
200 V, find the maximum current. is in phase with the voltage. (AI 2013C)
(iii) Draw a graph showing variation of amplitude 41. Derive an expression for the impedance of a
of circuit current with changing frequency of series LCR circuit connected to an ac supply of
applied voltage in a series LCR circuit for two variable frequency.
different values of resistance R1 and R2 (R1 > R2). Plot a graph showing variation of current with
the frequency of the applied voltage.
(iv) Define the term ‘Sharpness of Resonance’. Explain briefly how the phenomenon of
Under what condition, does a circuit become resonance in the circuit can be used in the
more selective? (Foreign 2016) tuning mechanism of a radio or a TV set.
38. (a) A series LCR circuit is connected to an ac (Delhi 2011)
source of variable frequency. Draw a suitable 42. Explain
phasor diagram to deduce the expressions for (i) Resistance,
the amplitude of the current and phase angle. (ii) Reactance and
(b) Obtain the condition of resonance. Draw a (iii) Impedance (Delhi 2011C)
plot showing the variation of current with the 43. An ac source generating a voltage V = Vm sin
frequency of a.c. source for two resistances R1 wt is connected to a capacitor of capacitance C.
158 CBSE Chapterwise-Topicwise Physics

Find the expression for the current i, flowing 51. A light bulb is rated 100 W for 220 V ac supply
through it. Plot a graph of v and i versus wt of 50 Hz. Calculate
to show that the current is p/2 ahead of the (i) the resistance of the bulb;
voltage. (ii) the rms current through the bulb.
A resistor of 200 W and a capacitor of 15.0 mF (AI 2012)
are connected in series to a 220 V, 50 Hz ac 52. Prove that an ideal capacitor, in an ac circuit
source. Calculate the current in the circuit
does not dissipate power. (Delhi 2008)
and the rms voltage across the resistor and the
capacitor. Is the algebraic sum of these voltages SA II (3 marks)
more than the source voltage ? If yes, resolve the 53. Calculate the value of the additional capacitor
paradox. which may be joined suitably to the capacitor C
(AI 2008) that would make the power factor of the circuit
unity.
7.7 Power in AC Circuit: The Power R = 400

Factor
V = V0sin(1000t + ) ~ C=2 F
VSA (1 mark)
44. Define ‘quality factor’ of resonance in series LCR L = 100 mH
circuit. What is its SI unit? (Delhi 2016) (1/3, AI 2015)
45. The power factor of an ac circuit is 0.5. What 54. A circuit containing an 80 mH inductor and a
is the phase difference between voltage and 250 mF capacitor in series connected to a 240 V,
current the circuit? (Foreign 2016) 100 rad/s supply. The resistance of the circuit is
46. Why is the use of ac voltage preferred over dc negligible.
voltage? Give two reasons. (AI 2014) (i) Obtain rms value of current.
47. Define the term wattless current. (Delhi 2011)
(ii) What is the total average power consumed
48. The instantaneous current and voltage of an ac by the circuit? (Delhi 2015C)
circuit are given by
55. A voltage V = V0 sinwt is applied to a series LCR
i = 10 sin 300 t A and V = 200 sin 300 t V. What
circuit. Derive the expression for the average
is the power dissipation in the circuit?
(AI 2008) power dissipated over a cycle. Under what
condition is
SA I (2 marks) (i) no power dissipated even though the current
49. In series LCR circuit obtain the conditions flows through the circuit,
under which (i) the impedance of the circuit is (ii) maximum power dissipated in the circuit?
minimum and (ii) wattless current flows in the (AI 2014)
circuit. (Foreign 2014) 56. (a) For a given ac i = im sinwt, show that the
50. A resistor ‘R’ and an element ‘X’ are connected average power dissipated in a resistor R over a
in series to an ac source of voltage. The voltage 1 2
complete cycle is i m R .
is found to lead the current in phase by p/4. If 2
‘X’ is replaced by another element ‘Y’, the voltage (b) A light bulb is rated at 100 W for a 220 V ac
lags behind the current by p/4. supply. Calculate the resistance of the bulb.
(i) Identify elements ‘X’ and ‘Y’. (AI 2013)
(ii) When both ‘X’ and ‘Y’ are connected in 57. When an ac source is connected to an ideal
series with ‘R’ to the same source, will the capacitor show that the average power supplied
power dissipated in the circuit be maximum or by the source over a complete cycle is zero.
minimum? Justify your answer. (Foreign 2013) (2/3, Delhi 2013C)
Alternating Current 159

58. Prove that an ideal capacitor, in an ac circuit 63. A voltage V = Vo sin wt applied to a series LCR
does not dissipate power. (AI 2011) circuit drives a current i = io sin wt in the circuit.
59. A series LCR circuit is connected to a 220 V Deduce the expression for the average power
variable frequency (ac) supply. If L = 10 mH, dissipated in the circuit.
 400  For circuits used for transporting electric power,
C= mF and R = 55 W. a low power factor implies large power loss in
 p2 
transmission. Explain.
(a) Find the frequency of the source, for which Define the term ‘Wattless current’.
the average power absorbed by the circuit is
(Delhi 2012C)
maximum.
(b) Calculate the value of maximum current 64. (a). An alternating voltage V = Vm sin wt applied
amplitude. (Delhi 2010C) to a series LCR circuit drives a current given by
i =im sin (wt + f). Deduce an expression for the
60. Given below are two electric circuits A and B
average power dissipated over a cycle.
XL = 3 R R XL = 3 R R Xc = R (b) For circuits used for transporting electric
power, a low power factor implies large power
loss in transmission. Explain.
(c) Determine the current and quality factor
A B
at resonance for a series LCR circuit with
Calculate the ratio of power factor of the circuit
L = 1.00 mH, 1.00 nF and R =100 W connected to
B to the power factor of circuit A.
an ac source having peak voltage of 100 V.
(Delhi 2007)
(Foreign 2011)
VBQ (4 marks)
65. A series LCR circuit is connected to an ac
61. Sushil is in the habit of charging his mobile and source having voltage V = Vm sinwt. Derive the
then leaving the charger connected through the expression for the instantaneous current I and
mains with the switch on. When his sister Asha its phase relationship to the applied voltage.
pointed it out him, he replied there was no harm Obtain the condition for resonance to occur.
as the mobile had been disconnected. Asha then Define ‘power factor’. State the conditions under
explained to him and convinced him, how the which it is (i) maximum and (ii) minimum.
energy was still being wasted as the charger was
(Delhi 2010)
continuously consuming energy. Answer the
following questions. 66. (a) Derive an expression for the average power
(a) What values did Asha display in convincing consumed in a series LCR circuit connected to
her brother? ac source in which the phase difference between
(b) What measures in your view, should be the voltage and the current in the circuit is f.
adopted to minimise the wastage of electric (b) Define the quality factor in an ac circuit.
energy in your households? Why should the quality factor have high value
(c) Imagine an electric appliance of 2 W, left in receiving circuits? Name the factors on which
connected to the mains for 20 hours. Estimate it depends. (Delhi 2009)
the amount of electrical energy wasted.
(Foreign 2015) 7.9 Transformers
LA (5 marks) VSA (1 mark)
62. In series LR circuit XL = R and power factor of 67. Why is the core of a transformer laminated ?
the circuit is P1. When capacitor with capacitance (Delhi 2013C)
C such that XL = XC is put in series, the power
68. Mention the two characteristic properties
factor becomes P2. Calculate P1/P2.
of the material suitable for making core of a
(2/5 Delhi 2016) transformer. (AI 2012)
160 CBSE Chapterwise-Topicwise Physics

69. What is the function of a step-up transformer ? (iv) Write two qualities displayed by Anil by his
(AI 2011C) action. (AI 2015)

SA I (2 marks) LA (5 marks)
70. State the underlying principle of a transformer. 74. (i) Draw a labelled diagram of a step-down
How is the large scale transmission of electric transformer. State the principle of its working.
energy over long distances done with the use of (ii) Express the turn ratio in terms of voltages.
transformers? (AI 2012) (iii) Find the ratio of primary and secondary
currents in terms of turn ratio in an ideal
SA II (3 marks) transformer.
71. Explain with the help of a labelled diagram the (iv) How much current is drawn by the primary
underlying principle and working of a step-up of a transformer connected to 220 V supply when
transformer. Why cannot such a device be used it delivers power to a 110 V – 550 W refrigerator ?
to step-up dc voltage ? (Delhi 2007) (AI 2016)
VBQ (4 marks) 75. (i) Write the function of a transformer. State its
72. A group of students while coming from the principle of working with the help of a diagram.
school noticed a box marked “Danger H.T. Mention various energy losses in this device.
2200 V” at a substation in the main street. They (ii) The primary coil of an ideal step up
did not understand the utility of a such a high transformer has 100 turns and transformation
voltage, while they argued, the supply was only ratio is also 100. The input voltage and power
220 V. They asked their teacher this question are respectively 220 V and 1100 W. Calculate
the next day. The teacher thought it to be an (a) number of turns in secondary
important question and therefore explained to (b) current in primary
the whole class. (c) voltage across secondary
Answer the following questions : (d) current in secondary
(i) What device is used to bring the high (e) power in secondary (Delhi 2016)
voltage down to low voltage of ac current and 76. (a) Draw a schematic arrangement for winding
what is the principle of its working? of primary and secondary coil in a transformer
(ii) Is it possible to use this device for bringing when the two coils are would on top of each
down the high dc voltage to the low voltage? other.
Explain.
(b) State the underlying principle of a
(iii) Write the values displayed by the students
transformer and obtain the expression for the
and the teacher. (Delhi 2015)
ratio of secondary to primary voltage in terms
73. One morning an old man walked bare-foot to of the
replace the fuse wire in kit kat fitted with the (i) number of secondary and primary windings
power supply mains for his house. Suddenly he and
screamed and collapsed on the floor. His wife (ii) primary and secondary currents.
cried loudly for help. His neighbour’s son Anil (c) Write the main assumption involved in
heard the cries and rushed to the place with deriving the above relations.
shoes on. He took a wooden baton and used it
(d) Write any two reasons due to which energy
to switch off the main supply.
losses may occur in actual transformers.
Answer the following questions:
(i) What is the voltage and frequency of mains (AI 2014C)
supply in India? 77. (a) Explain with the help of a labelled diagram,
(ii) These days most of the electrical devices we the principle and working of a transformer.
use require ac voltage. Why? deduce the expression for its working formula.
(iii) Can a transformer be used to step up dc (b) Name any four causes of energy loss in an
voltage? actual transformer. (AI 2013C)
Alternating Current 161

78. (a) State the principle of a step-up transformer. (b) Mention two important energy losses in
Explain, with the help of a labelled diagram, its actual transformers and state how these can be
working. minimized. (Delhi 2011C)
(b) Describe briefly any two energy losses, 82. Draw a schematic diagram of a step-up
giving the reasons for their occurrence in actual transformer. Explain its working principle.
transformers. (Foreign 2012) Deduce the expression for the secondary to
79. (i) With the help of a labelled diagram, describe primary voltage in terms of the number of turns
briefly the underlying principle and working of in the two coils. In an ideal transformer, how
a step up transformer. is this ratio related to the currents in the two
(ii) Write any two sources of energy loss in a coils?
transformer. How is the transformer used in large scale
(iii) A step up transformer converts a low input transmission and distribution of electrical
voltage into a high output voltage. Does it violate energy over long distances? (AI 2010)
law of conservation of energy? Explain. 83. A step down transformer operates on a
(Delhi 2011) 2.5 kV line. It supplies a load with 20 A. The
80. A power transmission line feeds power at 2200 ratio of the primary winding to the secondary is
V with a current of 5 A to step down transformer 10 : 1. If the transformer is 90% efficient,
with its primary winding having 4000 turns. calculate:
Calculate the number of turns and the current (i) the power output,
in the secondary in order to get output power at (ii) the voltage, and
220 V. (2/5, Foreign 2011) (iii) the current in the secondary.
81. (a) Draw a schematic diagram of a step-up (3/5, Foreign 2010)
transformer. Explain its working principle. 84. Describe briefly, with the help of a labelled
Assuming the transformer to be 100% efficient, diagram, working of a step-up transformer.
obtain the relation for (i) the current in the A step-up transformer converts a low voltage
secondary in terms of the current in the primary, into high voltage. Does it not violate the principle
and (ii) the number of turns in the primary and of conservation of energy ? Explain.
secondary windings. (2/5, Delhi 2009)