Basic Electrical Engineering : F.E.

SEM-I

Module:4
Lecture 23
4.1 AC Circuits:

4.1.1 Motivation:

Present chapter deals with AC fundaments and the behavior of the circuit to A.C.
voltage. Circuit behavior is also explained with the concept of phasor diagram.
4.1.2. Syllabus:

Lectur Content Duration Self

e Study

23 Generation of alternating voltage and currents, 1 lecture 2

RMS and Average value
24 Form factor, crest factor, Numerical-Practice 1 lecture 2
25 AC through resistance, inductance and 1 lecture 2
capacitance

4.1.3 Weight age: 10-15 Marks

4.1.4 Learning Objective:

1. Learners will be able to understand the generation of Single phase AC.
2. Learners will be able to understand the basic term used in AC fundamentals.
3. Learners will be able to find vector representation of alternating quantities.
4. Learners will be able to calculate RMS, AVG value for AC waveform.
5. Learners will be able to define Impedance & reactance.
6. Learners will be able to find response of R, L, C elements to AC supply.

4.1.5 Theoretical Background:

Electronics is a subfield within the wider electrical engineering academic subject.
In the field of electronic engineering, engineers design and test circuits that use
the electromagnetic properties of electrical components such as resistors,
capacitors, inductors, diodes and transistors to achieve a particular functionality.

4.1.6 Key Notation:

 Vrms= Root mean square value  Y(j ω ) =admittance
 Vp=peak voltage or maximum  R=resistance
voltage  X (j ω ) = Reactance
 Vavg= Average value.  XC=capacitive reactance
 Kf = Form factor  XL=inductive reactance
 Ip= peak current or maximum  G=conductance
current  fo = Resonant frequency
 Iav=average current  Qo= Quality factor
 f = frequency  P=power
 ω= 2πf : angular frequency f : angular frequency  S= Apparent power
 kp= peak factor  Q= Reactive Power

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 Z(j ω ) = impedance
 R.M.S= Root Mean Square
 PF= Power Factor

4.1.7 Key Definitions:

1) AC Waveform: A waveform is a graph in which the instantaneous value of any
quantity is plotted against time. For AC circuit ,it could be voltage waveform v(t)
or current waveform i(t)
2) Cycle: One complete set of positive and negative values of an alternating
quantity is termed as a cycle.
3) Frequency: The number of cycles per second of an alternating quantity is
known as frequency. It is denoted by f and is expressed in hertz or cycles per
second. (cps).
4) Amplitude: The maximum value of an alternating waveform is called as the
amplitude.
5) Phase: The phase of an alternating quantity is the time that has elapsed since
the quantity has lost passed through zero point of reference.
6) Amplitude factor: It is defined as the ratio of maximum value to RMS value of
the given quantity.
7) Average value: It is defined as arithmetic mean of all the values over one
complete cycle
8) Root Mean Square (RMS) Value: RMS or effective value of an alternating
current is measured in terms of the direct current that produces the same
heating effect in the same resistance.
9) Form factor (KF) :It is the ratio of RMS value to average value of a given signal.
10) Peak factor (KP): It is the ratio of peak value to RMS value of a given signal.
11) Active, Reactive and Apparent Power:
(i) Apparent Power (S):
It is given by the product of RMS values of applied voltage and circuit
current.
S= VI =(IZ).I =I2ZI volt-amperes (VA)
(ii) Active power (P or W):
It is the power which is actually dissipated in the circuit resistance.
P= I2R = VI cos Ф watts.
(iii) Reactive power:
It is the power developed in the inductive reactance of the circuit.
Q= I2XL = I2Zsin Ф=I. (IZ). sin Ф = VI sin Ф volt-amperes-reactive (VAR).

4.1.8 Key Relations:

 v=V m sin ( ωtt )  Vavg =0.637V m
 i=I m sin ( ωtt )  form factor =rms value/avg value
 w=2 πff  peak factor=maximum value/RMS
value
V
 V r ms = m  Pac =V rms I rms cos ∅
√2  IZI=√(R2+X2) and Ф= tan -1
= (X/R)
1 P=V*I
 X c=
( )
ωtC

 Pac =VI cos ∅
 X L =( ωtL )  S= V*I
 Z=R+jX  P.F=cosФ
 Q= VI sinФ

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 Y=G+jS
 Vrms =0.707V m

4.1.9 Generation of AC voltage:

Figure 4.1 shows a loop AB carried by a spindle DD rotated at a constant speed
in an anticlockwise direction in a uniform magnetic field due to poles NS. The
ends of the loop are brought out to two slip-rings C1 and C2, attached to but
insulated from DD. Bearing on these rings are carbon brushes E1 and E2, which
are connected to an external resistor R.
When the plane of the loop is horizontal, as shown in Fig. 4.2(a), the two sides A
and B are moving parallel to the direction of the magnetic flux; it follows that no
flux is being cut and no e.m.f. is being generated in the loop. Subsequent
diagrams in Fig. 4.2 show the effects which occur as the coil is rotated. In Fig. 4.2
(b), the coil sides are cutting the flux and therefore an e.m.f. is induced in the
coil sides. Since the coil sides are moving in opposite
directions, the e.m.f.s act in opposite directions, as shown by the dot and cross
notation. However, they do act in the same direction around the coil so that the
e.m.f. which appears at the brushes is twice that which is induced ina coil side.
Once the coil reaches the position shown in Fig. 4.2 (c), the rate of cutting
reaches a maximum. Thereafter the e.m.f. falls to zero by the time the coil has
rotated to the position shown in Fig. 4.2 (d). The induced e.m.f. in the position
shown in Fig. 4.2 (e) is of particular interest. At first sight, it appears that the
diagram is the same as that of Fig. 4.2 (b), but in fact it is side A which bears the
cross while side B has the dot. This means that the e.m.f. is of the same
magnitude but of the opposite
polarity. This observation also applies to Fig. 4.2 (f). It follows that the variation
of induced e.m.f. during the second half of the cycle of rotation is the same in
magnitude as during the first half but the polarity of the e.m.f. has reversed.

Figure 4.1 Figure 4.2

The e.m.f. generated above can be represented by a sine wave as in Fig. 4.3,
where Em represents the maximum value of the e.m.f. and e is the value after
the loop has rotated through an angle θ from the position of zero e.m.f. When

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the loop has rotated through 180° or πf : angular frequency radians, the e.m.f. is again zero. When θ
is varying between 180° and 360° (πf : angular frequency and 2πf : angular frequency radians), side A of the loop is
moving towards the right and is therefore cutting the magnetic flux in the
opposite direction to that during the first half-revolution. Hence, if we regard the
e.m.f. as positive while θ is varying between 0 and 180°, it is negative while θ is
varying between 180° and 360°, i.e. when θ varies between 180° and 270°, the
value of the e.m.f. increases from zero to –Em and then decreases to zero as θ
varies between 270° and 360°. Subsequent revolutions of the loop merely
produce a repetition of the e.m.f. wave.

Figure 4.3
In alternating systems there are some commonly used terms useful for defining
it, which are as follows:
Waveform: The variation of a quantity such as voltage or current shown on a
graph to a base of time or rotation is a waveform.
Cycle: Each repetition of a variable quantity, recurring at equal intervals, is
termed a cycle.
Period: The duration of one cycle is termed its period. (Cycles and periods need
not commence when a waveform is zero.)
Instantaneous value: The magnitude of a waveform at any instant in time (or
position of rotation). Instantaneous values are denoted by lower-case symbols
such as e, v and i.
Peak value: The maximum instantaneous value measured from its zero value is
known as its peak value.
Peak-to-peak value: The maximum variation between the maximum positive
instantaneous value and the maximum negative instantaneous value is the peak-
to-peak value. For a sinusoidal waveform, this is twice the peak value. The peak-
to-peak value is Epp or Vpp or Ipp.
Peak amplitude: The maximum instantaneous value measured from the mean
value of a waveform is the peak amplitude.
Waveforms can be sinusoidal or non-sinusoidal in nature. Figure 4.4 shows
different waveforms.

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Figure 4.4
4.1.10 Mathematical representation of sinusoidal signal
4.1.10.1 Instantaneous Current and Voltage
Sinusoidal waveforms are called natural waveforms available in nature and are
represented mathematically as:
e (t)=E sin(2 πfft + ϕ)
Where e=instantaneous value
E=Peak value
F=Frequency
Φ=Initial phase
4.1.10.2 Average Value

The average value of a sinusoidal waveform be calculated using:

πf
1
Vavg= ∫ v (t ). dt
πf 0

Note: Mean value of sinusoidal a.c. calculated over complete cycle is zero.
4.1.10.3 Root Mean square(RMS) Value
The value of an AC voltage is continually changing from zero up to the positive
peak, through zero to the negative peak and back to zero again. As value of
alternating system is keep on changing we need to calculate a value which
signifies its actual effect. Effective value of such waveform is measured in terms
of RMS value. The effective/RMS value is equal to that steady state/DC current
that is required to produce the same amount of heat as produced by the ac
current provided that the resistance and time for which the current flows are
identical.

2 πf

Vrms=
√
1
∫
2 πf 0
V 2 (t ). dt

For a sinusoidal waveform

Average value = 0.637 × maximum or peak value, Vp

RMS value = 0.707 × maximum or peak value, Vp

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4.1.10.4 Calculation of Average and Root Mean square (RMS) Value

In practical cases we encounter different types of signal which are

generally non-sinusoidal in nature. For calculating average and RMS value
of any alternating signal below is the procedure.

For average value:

i. Find out the period (T) of given signal.

ii. Check the signal for symmetry i.e signal is symmetrical in nature
wrt positive and negative values in one period.
iii. If signal is symmetrical calculate average for positive/negative half
of the period i.e
T/2
2
Vavg= ∫ v (t ). dt
T 0

iv. If signal is non-symmetrical calculate average for full period i.e

T
1
Vavg= ∫ v (t) . dt
T 0

For RMS value:

i. Find out the period (T) of given signal.

ii. Calculate RMS value by following formula.
T

Vrms=
1
T √ 1
∫
T 0
V 2 (t). dt

Example: Below is two signals A and B.We will calculate average and RMS for both
signals.

A is non-symmetrical signal with period T.

T T
1 1 T
Vavg= ∫ v ( t ) .dt=¿ ∫ t . dt=¿ t 2 /2 T ]0 =T /2¿ ¿
T 0 T 0
T T

Vrms=
1
√
∫
T 0
V 2 (t ). dt=
1
∫
T 0 √ √ T
t 2 .dt = t 3 /3 T ] 0 =T / √ 3

B is symmetrical signal with amplitude A and period 2.

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T/2 1
2 2A 1
Vavg= ∫ v ( t ) . dt =¿ ∫ t . dt =¿ t 2 /2 ] 0= A /2¿ ¿
T 0 2 0
T 1 2

Vrms=
√ 1
T 0 0 √
∫ V 2 (t ). dt= A 12 ∫ t2 . dt+ 12 ∫( t−2)2 . dt
1

1 8 1
√ 1 2 2 2
Vrms= A t 3 /6 ] 0+ t 3 /6 ] 1−t 2 ]1 +2 t ]1= A
√ + − −4+ 1+ 4−2= A /√ 3
6 6 6

Two primary parameter are instantaneous voltage and instantaneous current in

a.c. circuit. If v(t) is reference voltage and i(t) is respective current then their
waveform are defined as:
v(t)=Vpsin (ωt ) v(t)= sin (ωt)
i(t)=Ip sin (ωt + Ф) i(t)=Ip sin (ωt - Ф)
i(t) lags the voltage by v(t) by θ i(t) leads the voltage by v(t) by θ

4.1.10.5 Concept of phasor diagram

Fig 4.5 Phasor Diagram of Sinusoidal waveform

Let’s check the take away from this lecture

1) The number of instantaneous values between zero and the peak value is
a) Zero b) One c) Eleven d) Infinity
2) If the voltage increases from zero to peak value and decreases back to zero
during one alteration, then the average value must be
a) Less than zero b) Greater than peak value
c) Between zero to peak value d) None of these
3) In ac circuit the maximum current required is
a) Equal to the effective current b) 1.414 times the effective current
c) twice the effective current d) 1.732 times the effective current
Answers: 1.(d),2.(c),3.(b).

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Exercise

Q.1 What is the phase difference between V 1=Vm sin(θ+60) and V2=Vm sin(θ-60)
[1
20]
Q.2 What is the phase difference between V 1=Vm sin(θ) and V2=Vm cos(θ)
[90
]
Q.3 What is phasor representation of V=20 sin (ωt+60)
[V=10√
2∠60]
Questions/problems for practice:
Q.4 What is the phase difference between V 1=20 sin(θ+60) and V2=Vm cos(θ-30)
[1
80]
Q.5 What is phasor representation of V1=40 sin (ωt +60) and V2=Vm cos(ωt +30)
[ V1=20
√2∠60,V2=Vm√2 ∠-60]
Learning from the lecture ‘AC Circuit’: Students will be able to understand basics
of A.C. Supply and express it in mathematic terms.

Lecture: 24
4.2 Form factor, crest factor, Numerical-Practice

Learning Objective:Learners will be able to calculate RMS, AVG value for AC

waveform.
4.2.1 Form factor, crest factor
Form factor: The form factor of an alternating current waveform (signal) is the
ratio of the RMS (root mean square) value to the average value (mathematical
mean of absolute values of all points on the waveform).
Crest factor:Crest factor is a measure of a waveform, showing the ratio of peak
values to the effective value

Example4.1:Find average value, rms value, form factor and crest factor of the
following waveform:

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Solution:
Mathematical representation of given signal is
V= Vm sin (θ)
Since given waveform is symmetrical waveform along time axis of period 2πf : angular frequency , we
will calculate average value for half period.
πf
1
Vavg= ∫ Vm sinθθ dθ
πf 0
πf
−1
Vavg=
πf
Vmcosθ
0
]
−1
Vavg= Vm ( cosπf −cos 0 )
πf
2 Vm
Vavg=
πf

For rms value

2 πf

Vrms=
1
√ ∫
2 πf 0
2
( Vm sinθθ ) dθ
2 πf

Vrms=
1
√ ∫
2 πf 0
Vm 2 sin2 θ dθ

2 πf

Vrms=
1
√
2 πf
Vm 2∫
0
1−cos 2 θ
2
dθ
2 πf
Vrms=
√
1
2 πf
1
θ sin 2θ
Vm 2 ( −
2 4
)
0
]
Vrms=
√
2 πf
Vm
Vm 2 (πf −0)

Vrms=
√2
For Form Factor
Vrms
Form factor=
Vavg
πf
Form factor= =1.11
2 √2
For Crest Factor
Vm
Crest factor = =1.414
Vrms

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Example4.2: Find average value, rms value, form factor and crest factor of the
following waveform:
v
vm

t
0 T

Solution:
Mathematical representation of given signal is
V= Vm t/T
Since given waveform is non-symmetrical waveform, we will calculate average
value for o to T.
T
1 t
Va vg= ∫ Vm dt
T 0 T
T
Vm
Vavg= ∫ t dt
T2 0
T
Vm t 2
Vavg= 2
T 2 ] 0
Vm
Vavg=
2

For rms value

T
t 2
Vrms=
1
∫
T 0√Vm

t2
T
T
dt ( )
Vrms=
1
√
∫
T 0
Vm 2 2 dθ
T

T
1
T √
Vrms= 3 Vm 2∫ t 2 dt
0
T

√
3
1 2 t
Vrms=
T3
Vm (
3 0
) ]
Vm
Vrms=
√3
For Form Factor
Vrms
Form factor=
Vavg
2
Form factor= =1.15
√3
For Crest Factor

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Vm
Crest factor = =1.732
Vrms

Let’s check the take away from this lecture

4) Consider a current sine wave whose rms value is 30 amperes. The equation for
25 cycles/sec current sine wave will be
a) 42.4 sin 50 πf : angular frequency t b) 42.4 sin 25 πf : angular frequency t c) 30 sin 50 πf : angular frequency t d) 30 sin
50 πf : angular frequency t

5) Consider 220 V, 50 Hz A.C. waveform. The form factor will be

a) 1.5 b) 1.11 c) 1.14 d) 0.85

6) The rms value of current i = 10 + 5 cos (628t + 30°) is

a) 10.6 A b) 10 A c) 8 A d) 15 A

Answers: 4.a, 5.b, 6.a

Exercise

Q.6 Find average value, rms value, form factor and crest factor of the following
waveforms:

[6(a)-Vavg=0.2714Vm,Vrms=0.4767Vm,FF=1.75,CF=2.09; 6(b)- Vavg=0.75,

Vrms=0.816,FF=1.088,CF=1.225]
Questions/problems for practice:
Q.7 Find average value, rms value, form factor and crest factor of the following
waveforms:

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[7(a)- Vavg=0.319Vm, Vrms=0.5Vm,FF=1.56,CF=2;7(b)- Vavg=0.67Vm,
Vrms=0.745,FF=1.11,CF=1.34;7(c)- Vavg=0.637Vm,
Vrms=0.707Vm,FF=1.11,CF=1.414; 7(d)- Vavg=0.5Vm,
Vrms=.707Vm,FF=1.414,CF=1.414]

Learning from the lecture ‘Form factor, crest factor’: Students shall be able to
calculate RMS, AVG value for AC waveform.

Lecture: 25
4.3 AC through resistance, inductance and capacitance
Learning Objective:Learners will be able to define Impedance &
reactance and find response of R, L, C elements to AC supply.
4.3.1 Impedance and Response of R, L, C elements to AC supply

4.3.1.1Impedance: Impedance in ac circuit is defined as the effective resistance of

an electric circuit or component to alternating current, arising from the combined
effects of ohmic resistance and reactance. It is denoted by Z.

V (t)
Z=
I (t )

4.3.1.2Behavior of R

Fig 4.6 a) AC Resistance with a Sinusoidal Supply b)Sinusoidal

Waveforms for AC Resistance

V (t )=Vm sin ( ωtt )

V ( t ) Vm
I ( t )= = sin ( ωtt )=ℑsin (ωtt)
R R

Therefore, current is in phase with voltage.

Impedance Z=R+j0

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Fig 3.9 Phasor Diagram for AC Resistance

4.3.1.3 Behavior of L

Fig 4.7 a) Inductor with a Sinusoidal Supply b)Sinusoidal Waveforms for

Inductor

V (t )=Vm sin ( ωtt )

d∅ dI (t)
As we know by Faraday’s LawV ( t ) =−E ( load )= =L
dt dt

I ( t )=
∫ V ( t ) dt =−Vm cos ( ωtt ) = Vm sin ( ωtt−90 )=ℑ sin(ωtt−90)
L ωtL ωtL

Therefore, current lags by 90in phase with voltage.

Impedance Z=0+jωL

Fig 4.7 Phasor Diagram for AC Inductance

4.3.1.4 Behavior of C

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Fig 4.8 a) Capacitor with a Sinusoidal Supply b)Sinusoidal Waveforms

for Capacitor

V (t )=Vm sin ( ωtt )

As we know Q ∫ I (t)dt
V (t)= =
C C

d V (t) Vm
I ( t )=C =ωtC Vm cos ( ωtt )= sin ( ωtt +90 ) =ℑ sin(ωtt+ 90)
dt 1
ωtC

Therefore, current leads by 90 in phase with voltage.

Impedance Z=0-j(1/ωC)

Fig 4.9Phasor Diagram for

Type of Value of Phase of for Power factor

Inductance Impedance current
Resistance only R 00 1

Inductance only ωL 900lag 0

Capacitance only 1/ωC 900lead 0

Resistance and 0<Ф<90 0lag 1>p.f>0 lag

Inductance √ [ R 2+( ωtL )2]
Resistance and 0<Ф<90 0lead 1>p.f>0 lead
capacitance √ [ R 2+(−1/ωtC )2 ]
R-L-C Between 00 and Between 0 and
√ [ R 2+( ωtL−1/ωtC )2 ] 900lag and lead unity lag or lead

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Basic Electrical Engineering : F.E. SEM-I
Example 4.3:A 60-Hz voltage of 115 V (r.m.s.) is impressed on a 100 ohm
resistance.Write the time equations for the voltage and the resulting current. Let
the zero point of the voltage wave be at t = 0.
Solution: Vmax = 2 V =√2 ×115 =163 V
Imax = Vmax/R = 163/100 = 1.63 A; φ = 0; ω = 2πf : angular frequency f = 2πf : angular frequency × 60 = 377 rad/s
The required equations are : v (t) = 1.63 sin 377 t and i (t) = 1.63 sin 377 t

Example4.4: A 60-Hz voltage of 230-V effective value is impressed on an

inductance of 0.265 H.Write the time equation for the voltage and the resulting
current. Let the zero axis of the voltage wave be at t = 0.
Solution: Vmax =2 V =√ 2×230V, f 60 Hz.
ω = 2πf : angular frequency f = 2πf : angular frequency × 60 = 377 rad/s, XL = ωL = 377 × 0.265 = 100 Ω
The time equation for voltage is v (t) = 230 2 sin 377 t;
Imax Vmax/XL 230 2 /100 2.3 2, 90 (lag)
∴Current equation is i (t) = 2.3 2 sin (377 t − πf : angular frequency /2) or = 2.3 2 cos 377 t.

Example4.5: A 50-μF capacitor is connected across a 230-V, 50-Hz supply.

Calculate
(a) the reactance offered by the capacitor (b) the maximum current and (c) the
r.m.s. value of thecurrent drawn by the capacitor.
Solution: X=1/fC=63.6 Ω
(c) Since 230 V represents the r.m.s. value,
∴Ir.m.s. = 230/Xc = 230/63.6 = 3.62 A (b) Im = Ir.m.s. × 2 = 3.62 × 2 = 5.11 A

Let’s check the take away from this lecture

7) What is unit of impedance
a) ohm b) mho c) sec d)
Hertz

8) Consider 220 V, 50 Hz A.C. waveform. The impedance for pure capacitive load
will be
a) 50C b) 314C c) 0.5C d)
1/314C

9) In Pure inductive circuit, current ………. by voltage

a) Lead b) Lag c) In-phase d) All of the
above

Answers: 7.a, 8.d, 9.b.

Exercise

Q8. Prove that average power consumption in pure inductor is zero when a.c. voltage
is applied.
Q9. Prove that average power consumption in pure Capacitor is zero when a.c.
voltage is applied.

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Q10. A 50-Hz voltage of 230-V effective value is impressed on an inductance of
5mH.Write the time equation for the voltage and the resulting current. Let the
zero axis of the voltage wave be at t = 0.
[V= 325 sin (314t), I=207sin (314t-90)]

Questions/problems for practice:

Q11. A 40mH inductor is connected across a 230-V, 50-Hz supply. Calculate (a) the
reactance offered by the inductor (b) the maximum current and (c) the r.m.s.
value of the current drawn by the capacitor.
[XL=12.56Ω, Imax=25.9A, Irms=8.31A]
Q12. Find the average power consumption in pure resistive load.

Learning from the lecture ‘AC through resistance, inductance and

capacitance’:Learners will be able to examine behavior of AC supply with various
loads.
4.4 Multiple Choice Questions:

Q1. How is it possible to assign a fixed value of voltage or current (such as ”120
volts”) to an AC electrical quantity that is constantly changing, crossing 0 volts,
and reversing polarity?
a) peak, peak-to-peak, average, or RMS.
b) Form factor
c) Quality Factor
d) None
Ans: a
Q2. Suppose a DC power source with a voltage of 50 volts is connected to a 10 Ω
load. How much power will this load dissipate?Now suppose the same 10 Ω load
is connected to a sinusoidal AC power source with a peak voltage of 50 volts. Will
the load dissipate the same amount of power, more power, or less power?
Explain your answer.
a) 100 volts DC applied to a 100 Ω load will dissipate 250 watts of power. 50 volts
(peak, sinusoidal) AC will deliver less than 250 watts to the same load.
b) 50 volts DC applied to a 10 Ω load will dissipate 250 watts of power. 50 volts
(peak, sinusoidal)
AC will deliver less than 250 watts to the same load.
c) 25 volts DC applied to a 10 Ω load will dissipate 250 watts of power. 50 volts
(peak, sinusoidal)
AC will deliver less than 250 watts to the same load.
d) None.
Ans: b

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Q3. Suppose that a variable-voltage AC source is adjusted until it dissipates the
exact same amount of power in a standard load resistance as a DC voltage
source with an output of 120 volts:In this condition of equal power dissipation,
how much voltage is the AC power supply outputting? Be as specific as you can
in your answer.
a) 20 volts AC RMS
b) 200 volts AC RMS
c) 120 volts DC RMS
d) 120 volts AC RMS
Ans: d
Q4. Determine the RMS voltage (amplitude) of this square-wave signal, as displayed
by an oscilloscope witha vertical sensitivity of 0.5 volts per division:

a) The RMS amplitude of this waveform is 0.5 volt.

b) The RMS amplitude of this waveform is 1 volt.
c) The RMS amplitude of this waveform is 1.5 volt.
d) The RMS amplitude of this waveform is 2 volt.
Ans: a
Q5. Is the deflection of an analog AC meter movement proportional to the peak,
average, or RMS value of the waveform measured?

a) Yes b) No

Ans: a
Q6. In calculating the size of wire necessary to carry alternating current to a high-
power load, which type of measurement is the best to use for current: peak,
average, or RMS?
a) Alternating current is the most appropriate type of measurement for
calculating wire size.
b) RMS current is the most appropriate type of measurement for calculating
wire size.
c) Average current is the most appropriate type of measurement for
calculating wire size.

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d) None
Ans: b
Q7. In calculating the thickness of insulators for high-voltage AC power lines, which
type of measurement is the best to use for voltage: peak, average, or RMS?
Explain why.

a) Average voltage. c) Peak voltage

b) R.M.S voltage d) None

Ans: c
Q8. As an electric current is passed through a coil of wire, it creates a magnetic field.
If the magnitude of this current changes over time, so will the strength of the
magnetic field change.
Answer: A changing current through a coil produces a voltage drop that
opposes the direction of change.

a) Answer is true b) Answer is false

Ans: a
Q9. Frequency is defined as the number of cycles completed by an alternating
quantity in one second.

a) False b) True

Ans: a
Q10. Form factor of an alternating current is defined as the ratio of its RMS value is its
average value.

a) False b) True

Ans: b
Q11. The form factor of a 220V, 50 Hz A.C. wave form is

a) 1.5 c) 1.11
b) 1.14 d) 0.85

Ans: c
Q12. The form factor of dc supply voltage is always

a) zero c) Unity
b) 0.5 d) infinite

Ans: c

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Q13. The capacitors for power factor correction are rated in terms of

a) Voltage c) kW
b) VA d) KVAR

Ans: d
Q14. Power factor of an inductive circuit can be improved by connecting a capacitor to
it in

a) series
b) parallel
c) either series or parallel
d) depends on the value of the capacitor

Ans:b
Q15. The effects due to electric current are

I. Magnetic effectII. Heating effectIII. Luminous effect

Appliance working on which effect can be used on ac as well as dc supply?

a) I only c) II and III only

b) II only d) I, II and III

Ans: c
Q16. When a.c. flows through a resistance, then

a) current leads emf c) current and e.m.f. are inphase

b) current lags emf d) none of the above

Ans: c
Q17. The power factor of incandescent bulb is

a) 0.8 lagging c) Unity

b) 0.8 leading d) zero

Ans: d
Q18. In a.c. circuits, the a.c. meters measure

a) r.m.s. values c) mean value

b) peak values d) mean square values

Ans: a
Q19. A capacitor

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a) offers easy path to a.c. but blocks d.c.
b) offers easy path to d.c. but blocks a.c.
c) offers easy path to both a.c. and d.c.
d) block a.c.
Ans: a
Q20. In a.c. circuit, the power is consumed only in

a) Inductance
b) capacitance
c) Resistance
d) all the given above

Ans: c

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4.5 University questions with Solutions
Q1. What is power factor? What is its significance? State one method to improve it?(5
marks) (Dec-10)
Ans: Power factor is defined as the factor by which the apparent power (S) must be
multiplied so as to obtain the true power (P).

Power Factor = True Power(P) / Apparent power( S)

Since, Power Factor = VI Cos ф / VI
Therefore, Power Factor = Cos ф

Significance of P.F.:

Low P.F. indicates that a very small % of total power is being actually utilized.
The remaining power simply travels to and fro. So if the P.F. is low then large
power is required to be generated for delivering the required power to the load.
The low P.F. is a result of large inductive loads such as motors. The current
drawn by large machine lags behind the supply voltage by a large angle. So the
P.F. is low.

Hence Power factor can be improved by using a capacitor instead of using a

inductive circuit where current lags voltage. Hence, in purely capacitive circuit
current will lead voltage by 900

Q.2 Define R.M.S. Value. (2marks)

Ans: R.M.S. Value: The effective or RMS value of an Ac current is equal to the stead
state or DC current that is required to produce the same amount of heat as
produced by the Ac current provided that the resistance and time for which
these current flow are identical.

Irms =Im /√2

Q.3 Determine the RMS value of semi-circular current wave which has a maximum
value of ‘a’. (4Marks) (May 2010)

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Ans: For above waveform equation of the circle ( x−a )2+ y 2=a2

Therefore y= a2−( x−a )2=√ 2 xa−x 2

√
2a 2a
1 4 a3
RMS value=
√
1
∫
2a 0
2
y dx=
1
∫
2a 0 √ 2
(2 xa−x ) dx=
2a
×
3 √ 2
= a
3 √
4.6 Short Answer Questions
Q1. What do you understand by the term Ac quantity?
Solution: An Alternating quantity is defined as the one which changes its value as well
as direction with respect to time.
Q2. What are impedance and reactance?

Solution:Circuits in which current is proportional to voltage are called linear circuits.

The ratio of voltage to current in a resistor is its resistance. Resistance does not
depend on frequency, and in resistors the two are in phase, as we have seen in
the animation. However, circuits with only resistors are not very interesting.
In general, the ratio of voltage to current does depend on frequency and in
general there is a phase difference. So impedance is the general name we give
to the ratio of voltage to current. It has the symbol Z. Resistance is a special
case of impedance. Another special case is that in which the voltage and current
are out of phase by 90.This is an important case because when this happens, no
power is lost in the circuit. In this case where the voltage and current are out of
phase by 90, the ratio of voltage to current is called the reactance, and it has the
symbol X.
Q3. Explain the Phenomenon of Capacitors and charging.

Solution:The voltage on a capacitor depends on the amount of charge you store on

its plates. The current flowing onto the positive capacitor plate (equal to that
flowing off the negative plate) is by definition the rate at which charge is being
stored. So the charge Q on the capacitor equals the integral of the current with
respect to time. From the definition of the capacitance,

q 1
Vc= = ∫ i dt ,
C C

Soa sinusoidal current i = Im . sin (ωt), so integration gives

q 1 −ℑ ℑ
Vc= = ∫ ℑ sin ( ωtt ) dt = cos ( ωtt )= sin ⁡(ωtt −90)
C C C C
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(The constant of integration has been set to zero so that the average charge on
the capacitor is 0).
Q4. Explain the concept of capacitive reactance
Solution: XC as the ratio of the magnitude of the voltage to magnitude of the current
in a capacitor. From the equation above, we see that X C = 1/ωC. Now we can
rewrite the equation above to make it look like Ohm's law. The voltage is
proportional to the current, and the peak voltage and current are related by
Vm = XC.Im.
The most important difference is that there is a difference in phase: the integral
of the sinusoidal current is a negative cos function: it reaches its maximum (the
capacitor has maximum charge) when the current has just finished flowing
forwards and is about to start flowing backwards.
Q5. Explain the concept of Inductors and the Faradayemf.
Solution:An inductor is usually a coil of wire. In an ideal inductor, the resistance of
this wire is negligibile, as is its capacitance. The voltage that appears across an
inductor is due to its own magnetic field and Faraday's law of electromagnetic
induction. The current i(t) in the coil sets up a magnetic field, whose magnetic
flux φB is proportional to the field strength, which is proportional to the current
flowing. (Do not confuse the phase φ with the flux φ B.) So we define the (self)
inductance of the coil thus:
φB(t) = L.i(t)

Faraday's law gives the emf EL = - dφB/dt. Now this emf is a voltage rise, so for
the voltage drop vL across the inductor, we have:

d∅ dI (t)
V ( t ) =−E ( load )= =L
dt dt

I ( t )=
∫ V ( t ) dt =−Vm cos ( ωtt ) = Vm sin ( ωtt−90 )=ℑ sin(ωtt−90)
L ωtL ωtL
Q6. Explain the concept of inductive reactance.

Solution:XL as the ratio of the magnitudes of the voltage and current, and from the
equation above we see that X L = ωL. Again we note the analogy to Ohm's law:
the voltage is proportional to the current, and the peak voltage and currents are
related by
Vm = XL.Im. There is a difference in phase: the derivative of the sinusoidal current
is a cos function: it has its maximum (largest voltage across the inductor) when
the current is changing most rapidly, which is when the current is intantaneously
zero. Note that the reactance is frequency dependent XL = ωL.

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Q7. Inductance is a very important property in many types of electric circuits. Define
what ”inductance” is, and what causes it.
Solution:Inductance” is the capacity of a conductor to store energy in the form of a
magnetic field, resulting from an applied current. You may also find a definition
of ”inductance” stated in terms of opposition to change in applied current over
time.
Inductance is caused by the establishment of a magnetic field around a
conductor.

Q8. Capacitance is a very important property in many types of electric circuits.

Define what ”capacitance” is, and what causes it.
Solution:”Capacitance” is the capacity of two separated conductors to store energy in
the form of an electric field, resulting from an applied voltage. You may also find
a definition of ”capacitance” stated in terms of opposition to change in applied
voltage over time.
Capacitance is caused by the establishment of an electric field between
two conductors.

Q 9. Determine how a capacitor would react to a constant AC voltage that increases

in frequency. Would an capacitor pass more or less current, given a greater
frequency? Explain your answer.
Solution:capacitors oppose change in voltage, and they do so by producing a
current.
A capacitor will pass a greater amount of AC current, given the same AC voltage,
at a greater frequency.

Q10. Does a capacitor’s opposition to alternating current increase or decrease as the

frequency of that current increases.
Solution:The opposition to AC current (”reactance”) of a capacitor decreases as
frequency increases. This opposition as”reactance” rather than ”resistance”
because it is non-dissipative in nature. In other words, reactance causes no
power to leave the circuit.

Q11. What will happen to the brightness of the light bulb as the iron core is moved
away from the wire coil in this circuit?

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Solution: The light bulb will glow brighter when the iron core is moved away
from the wire coil, due to the change in inductive reactance (X L ).
Q12. In DC circuits, we have Ohm’s Law to relate voltage, current, and
resistance together:
E = IR
In AC circuits, we similarly need a formula to relate voltage, current, and
impedance together. Write three equations, one solving for each of these three
variables: a set of Ohm’s Law formulae for AC circuits. Be prepared to show how
you may use algebra to manipulate one of these equations into the other two
forms.
Solution:E = IZ, I= E/Z, Z= E/I
If using phasor quantities (complex numbers) for voltage, current, and
impedance, the proper way to write these equations is as follows:. E = IZ, I= E/Z,
Z= E/I
Bold-faced type is a common way of denoting vector quantities in
mathematics.

4.7 Practices for Chapter No.3 A.C. Circuits (Based on University

Patterns)
Q1. (a) Find the rms value of the periodic waveform with time period T given in the
fig 1. [0.54 Vm, 0.584 Vm](5 marks)

(b) Find the Average Value and Rms value of the following waveforms.
[0.272Vm,0.476 Vm](5 marks)

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 Basic Electrical Engineering : F.E. SEM-I

(c) Given the periodic voltage waveform v(t). Determine its average value and its
RMS value (also known as its effective DC value).

(d) Given the periodic current waveform i(t). Determine its average value and its
RMS value (also known as its effective DC value).

(e) Find the resultant of the following voltages. (10 marks)

1. V1= 60 cosӨ, V2= 40 sin (Ө- П/3),V3= 15 sinӨ

2. V1=4√2 sin (wt +135°),V2= -4√3 sin (wt+60°), V3= 4 cos (wt-150°)

Learning Outcomes:

1. Learners should be able to understand the generation of Single phase AC.

2. Learners should be able to understand the basic term used in AC fundamentals.
3. Learners should be able to find vector representation of alternating quantities.
4. Learners should be able to calculate RMS, AVG value for AC waveform.
5. Learners should be able to define Impedance & reactance.
6. Learners should be able to find response of R, L, C elements to AC supply.

Self Assesment Sheet

1. Define RMS and Average valuefor AC supply? (Level-1)
2. Describe behaviour of AC with R,L,C alone ? (Level-2)
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3. Derive the expression for RMS value of a sinusoidal quantity. (Level-3)
4. Show that current through pure inductance lags behind the applied sinusoidal
voltage by 90o. Also show that pure inductance does not consume any power.
(Level-4)
5. Calculate volatage and current and given AC circuits? (Level-5)

Self Evaluation

Name of Student: Course Code: FEC105

Class & Div: Roll No:

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 Basic Electrical Engineering : F.E. SEM-I

1. Can you define RMS and Average valuefor AC supply?

(a )Yes (b) No

2. Are you able to describe behaviour of AC with R,L,C alone ?

(a) Yes (b) No

3. Are you able to derive the expression for RMS value of a sinusoidal quantity

(a) Yes (b) No

4. Are you able to show that current through pure inductance lags behind the
applied sinusoidal voltage by 90o & also show that pure inductance does not
consume any power.
(a )Yes (b) No

5. Can you calculate volatage and current for given AC circuits?

(a) Yes (b) No

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