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Chapter 18 of 29
Flashcards

Alternating Currents

Kerala Board · Class 12 · Physics

Flashcards for Alternating Currents — Kerala Board Class 12 Physics. Quick Q&A cards covering key concepts, definitions, and formulas.

45 questions23 flashcards5 concepts
23 Flashcards
Card 1Introduction to AC

What is alternating current (AC)? How does it differ from direct current (DC)?

Answer

Alternating current (AC) is current whose magnitude changes continuously and direction changes periodically. In DC, current has constant magnitude and flows in only one direction. In India, AC has fre

Card 2AC Mathematical Representation

Write the mathematical expressions for alternating voltage and current. Define peak values and RMS values.

Answer

V = Vm cos ωt and I = Im cos ωt, where Vm and Im are peak values. RMS values: Vrms = Vm/√2 = 0.707 Vm and Irms = Im/√2 = 0.707 Im. RMS values represent the effective values - a DC current equal to Irm

Card 3AC with Resistor

A resistor of 25 Ω is connected to 220V, 50 Hz AC supply. Calculate peak current, RMS current, and average power.

Answer

Given: R = 25 Ω, Vrms = 220V, f = 50 Hz Peak voltage: Vm = √2 × 220 = 311V Peak current: Im = Vm/R = 311/25 = 12.44A RMS current: Irms = Im/√2 = 220/25 = 8.8A Average power: P = I²rms × R = (8.8)² × 2

Card 4AC with Resistor

What is the phase relationship between voltage and current in a purely resistive AC circuit?

Answer

In a purely resistive AC circuit, voltage and current are IN PHASE - they reach their maximum and minimum values at the same time. The phase difference φ = 0°. This is because resistance opposes curre

Card 5AC with Capacitor

What is capacitive reactance? Derive its formula and explain its frequency dependence.

Answer

Capacitive reactance (XC) is the opposition offered by a capacitor to AC current flow. XC = 1/(ωC) = 1/(2πfC). As frequency increases, XC decreases. At very high frequencies, XC → 0 (capacitor acts li

Card 6AC with Capacitor

In a capacitive circuit, what is the phase relationship between voltage and current? Why?

Answer

In a purely capacitive circuit, current LEADS voltage by π/2 (90°). This is because current is proportional to rate of change of voltage: I = C(dV/dt). When voltage is at maximum (slope = 0), current

Card 7AC with Capacitor

A 100 μF capacitor is connected to 220V, 50 Hz AC supply. Calculate capacitive reactance and RMS current.

Answer

Given: C = 100 × 10⁻⁶ F, Vrms = 220V, f = 50 Hz XC = 1/(2πfC) = 1/(2π × 50 × 100 × 10⁻⁶) = 1/(0.0314) = 31.8 Ω Irms = Vrms/XC = 220/31.8 = 6.92 A Note: As frequency increases, XC decreases and current

Card 8AC with Inductor

What is inductive reactance? Derive its formula and explain its frequency dependence.

Answer

Inductive reactance (XL) is the opposition offered by an inductor to AC current flow. XL = ωL = 2πfL. As frequency increases, XL increases. At very high frequencies, XL → ∞ (inductor blocks high frequ

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Alternating Currents covers several key topics that are frequently asked in Kerala Board Class 12 board exams. Focus on the core concepts listed on this page and practise related questions to build confidence.

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Sources & Official References

Content is aligned to the official syllabus. Refer to the board website for the latest curriculum.