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Alternating Current appeared 19 times across 3 years — 2.2% of Physics. This question is from RMS Current and Frequency.

Year 2026 2025 2024 Total
Questions 4 8 7 19

An alternating current is represented by the equation, i=100√(2) (100π t) ampere. The RMS value of current and the frequency of the given alternating current are

Solution & Explanation

Related Formula
β = (Dλ)/(d)

Therefore:

β ∝ (1)/(d)

where:

  • β = fringe width
  • d = slit separation width
  • D = distance to screen
  • λ = wavelength
Core Logic

Given data:

  • Initial slit separation, d₁ = 0.2~mm
  • Final slit separation, d₂ = 0.4~mm (d is doubled).
Step 1: Calculate Percentage Change

Since d₂ = 2d₁, the new fringe width becomes:

β₂ = (β₁)/(2)

Percentage change formulation:

Percentage Change = | (β₂ - β₁)/(β₁) | × 100 = | (0.5β₁ - β₁)/(β₁) | × 100 = 50%
Pattern Recognition

Doubling the denominator of an inversely proportional relationship halves the primary value, yielding an absolute 50% decrease.

Chapter Mix

Class 12 Physics: Wave Optics

More Alternating Current Previous-Year Questions

Q48 jee_main_2026_23_january_morning Resonance
Using a variable-frequency a.c. voltage source, the maximum current measured in the given LCR circuit is 50 mA for V = 5 (100t). The values of L and R are shown in the figure. The capacitance of the capacitor (C) used is ____ .
Resonance diagram for Q48 - JEE Main 2026 Morning
A series LCR circuit with L=2H, R=100Ω and AC source V=5sin(100t).
Numerical Answer. Answer: 50 to 50

Solution

Related Formula
ω = 1√(LC)
Core Logic

Current in an LCR circuit reaches a maximum value (measured as 50 mA) exactly when the circuit is in resonance. At resonance, the inductive reactance equals the capacitive reactance, meaning XL = XC, which gives the condition ω = 1/√(LC).

Step 1: Identify Parameters

From the source equation V = 5 (100t): ω = 100 rad/s From the circuit diagram: L = 2 H

Step 2: Evaluate Capacitance
ω² = (1)/(LC) C = 1ω²L C = 1(100)² × 2 = (1)/(10000 × 2) = 12 × 10⁴ C = 50 × 10⁻⁶ F C = 50
Pattern Recognition

Sees: "maximum current" + "variable-frequency / given frequency" → Resonance! The impedance is purely resistive (Z=R), so ω L = 1/(ω C). The 50 mA info is a distractor/cross-check (since Vpeak/R = 5/100 = 50 mA, confirming resonance).

Chapter Mix

Class 12 Physics: Alternating Current

Q34 jee_main_2026_24_january_morning Power in AC Circuit
For the series LCR circuit connected with 220 V, 50 Hz a.c source as shown in the figure, the power factor is (α)/(10). The value of α is ____
Series LCR circuit diagram
A series LCR circuit connected to a 220 V, 50 Hz AC source.
  • A. 4
  • B. 10
  • C. 6
  • D. 8

Solution

Related Formula
Impedance, Z = √(R² + (XL - XC)²) Power factor, φ = (R)/(Z)
Core Logic

Given from the circuit: Resistance, R = 60 Ω Inductive reactance, XL = 70 Ω Capacitive reactance, XC = 150 Ω

First, calculate the impedance Z:

Z = √(60² + (150 - 70)²) Z = √(60² + 80²) = √(3600 + 6400) = √(10000) = 100 Ω
Step 1: Calculate Power Factor

Power factor = (R)/(Z)

Power factor = (60)/(100) = (6)/(10)

Given that the power factor is (α)/(10), comparing both sides gives α = 6.

Pattern Recognition

A classic 3-4-5 impedance triangle where R=60, XC-XL=80, immediately implies Z=100. The power factor is exactly R/Z = 60/100 = 6/10.

Chapter Mix

Class 12 Physics: Alternating Current

Q27 jee_main_2026_28_january_morning RMS and Average Current
The electric current in the circuit is given as i = iₒ(t/T) . The r.m.s current for the period t = 0 to t = T is ____
  • A. i₀√(2)
  • B. i₀
  • C. i₀√(6)
  • D. i₀√(3)

Solution

Related Formula
Irms = ∫₀T i² dt∫₀T dt
Core Logic

To find the root mean square (rms) value of a varying current, we integrate the square of the current over the given time period, divide by the time period, and take the square root.

Step 1: Integration of Squared Current
irms² = ∫₀T ( i₀² t² / T² ) dt∫₀T dt = i₀²T³ ∫₀T t² dt
Step 2: Final Calculation
irms² = i₀²T³ · [ t³3 ]₀T = i₀²T³ · T³3 = i₀²3 irms = i₀√(3)
Pattern Recognition

For any linearly varying quantity y = kt passing through origin, the RMS value over time T is always Maximum Value√(3). A standard AC sine wave is 1/√(2).

Chapter Mix

Class 12 Physics: Alternating Current

Q48 jee_main_2026_28_january_evening LR Circuit Power
An inductor stores 16 J of magnetic field energy and dissipates 32 W of thermal energy due to its resistance when an a.c. current of 2 A (rms) and frequency 50 Hz flows through it. The ratio of inductive reactance to its resistance is ____. ( π = 3.14 )
Numerical Answer. Answer: 314 to 314

Solution

Related Formula
UB = (1)/(2) L irms² P = irms² R XL = ω L = 2π f L
Core Logic

Solution for LR Circuit Power
Solution for LR Circuit Power
The inductor acts as a series combination of an ideal inductor L and a resistor R. Given: Magnetic energy stored U = 16 J, Power dissipated P = 32 W, irms = 2 A, f = 50 Hz.

Step 1: Calculate Inductance L
(1)/(2) L irms² = 16 (1)/(2) L (2)² = 16 2L = 16 ⇒ L = 8 H
Step 2: Calculate Resistance R
irms² R = 32

(2)² R = 32

4R = 32 ⇒ R = 8 Ω
Step 3: Calculate Inductive Reactance and Ratio
XL = ω L = 2 π f L XL = 2 × 3.14 × 50 × 8 XL = 100 × 3.14 × 8 = 314 × 8 Ω

Ratio required:

(XL)/(R) = (314 × 8)/(8) = 314
Pattern Recognition

The power dissipated inside a real inductor is exclusively due to its internal resistance (I²R). The magnetic energy stored relates exclusively to its inductance ((1)/(2)LI²).

Chapter Mix

Class 12 Physics: Alternating Current

Q15 jee_main_2025_03_april_evening Power and RMS Peak Current Relationships
An electric bulb rated as 100W 220V is connected to an ac source of rms voltage 220 V. The peak value of current through the bulb is:
  • A. 0.64 A
  • B. 0.45 A
  • C. 2.2 A
  • D. 0.32 A

Solution

Related Formula

Power consumed in a purely resistive AC device (like a lightbulb) is:

P = Vrms Irms

The peak current I₀ is related to the rms current Irms by:

I₀ = √(2) Irms
Core Logic

Given parameters:

  • Power P = 100~W
  • rms Voltage Vrms = 220~V
Step 1: Calculate RMS Current (Irms)
Irms = PVrms = (100)/(220) = (5)/(11)~A ≈ 0.455~A
Step 2: Calculate Peak Current (
$
I₀ = √(2) Irms = 1.414 × (5)/(11) = (7.07)/(11) ≈ 0.64~A
Pattern Recognition

Always remember that rated values specify the RMS limits. Since the source voltage matches the bulb's rated voltage exactly, the actual power equals the rated power (

Pattern Recognition

Always remember that rated values specify the RMS limits. Since the source voltage matches the bulb's rated voltage exactly, the actual power equals the rated power ($100\mathrm{~W}). Do not confuseI_{\text{rms}}(0.45\mathrm{~A}) with the peak currentI_0(0.64\mathrm{~A}$).

Chapter Mix

Class 12 Physics: Alternating Current

More Alternating Current Questions — jee_main_2025_04_april_morning

Practice all Alternating Current previous-year questions →

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JEE Physics: Waves (+15.5%) | Electrostatics: Concentric Shells (-29.7%) | Modern Physics: Photoelectric Clones (+34.2%) | Mathematics: Definite Integrals (+18.1%) | Chemistry: Coordination Splitting (-11.4%) | JEE Physics: Waves (+15.5%) | Electrostatics: Concentric Shells (-29.7%) | Modern Physics: Photoelectric Clones (+34.2%) | Mathematics: Definite Integrals (+18.1%) | Chemistry: Coordination Splitting (-11.4%)