Question 234 of 949
An a.c circuit of e.m.f 12V has a resistor of resistance 8Ω connected in series to an inductor of inductive reactance 16Ω and a capacitor capacitive reactance 10Ω. The current flow in the circuit is
- A. 1.4A
- B. 1.2A
- C. 12.0A
- D. 14.0A
Correct Answer:
B
Explanation
To determine the current flowing in the given a.c. circuit, we need to analyze the components involved: a resistor, an inductor, and a capacitor, all connected in series. The circuit has an electromotive force (e.m.f) of 12V, a resistance of 8Ω, an inductive reactance of 16Ω, and a capacitive reactance of 10Ω.
### Step-by-Step Explanation
1. **Understanding the Components**:
- **Resistor (R)**: This component opposes the flow of current and is measured in ohms (Ω). Here, R = 8Ω.
- **Inductor (XL)**: This component has inductive reactance, which also opposes the flow of current due to the magnetic field created when current passes through it. Here, XL = 16Ω.
- **Capacitor (XC)**: This component has capacitive reactance, which opposes the flow of current due to the electric field created when voltage is applied. Here, XC = 10Ω.
2. **Calculating the Total Reactance**:
- In a series circuit, the total reactance (X) is calculated by subtracting the capacitive reactance from the inductive reactance:
\[
X = XL - XC = 16Ω - 10Ω = 6Ω
\]
- This means the circuit has a net reactance of 6Ω.
3. **Calculating the Total Impedance (Z)**:
- The total impedance (Z) in a series circuit is given by the formula:
\[
Z = \sqrt{R^2 + X^2}
\]
- Substituting the values we have:
\[
Z = \sqrt{(8Ω)^2 + (6Ω)^2} = \sqrt{64 + 36} = \sqrt{100} = 10Ω
\]
4. **Calculating the Current (I)**:
- Using Ohm's Law, the current (I) in the circuit can be calculated using the formula:
\[
I = \frac{V}{Z}
\]
- Here, V is the e.m.f of the circuit, which is 12V. Thus:
\[
I = \frac{12V}{10Ω} = 1.2A
\]
### Conclusion
The current flowing in the circuit is **1.2A**, which corresponds to option **B**.
### Explanation of Other Options
- **Option A (1.4A)**: This value is incorrect because it does not take into account the correct total impedance calculated from the resistance and net reactance.
- **Option C (12.0A)**: This value would imply that the impedance is very low, which is not the case here. The calculated impedance is 10Ω, leading to a much lower current.
- **Option D (14.0A)**: Similar to option C, this value suggests an unrealistic scenario where the impedance is extremely low, which contradicts the values given for resistance and reactance.
### Common Pitfalls
- **Ignoring Reactance**: A common mistake is to overlook the effects of inductive and capacitive reactance when calculating total impedance.
- **Misapplying Ohm's Law**: Ensure that the correct values for voltage and impedance are used in Ohm's Law to find current.
### Revision Summary
- The total reactance in a series a.c. circuit is the difference between inductive and capacitive reactance.
- Total impedance combines resistance and reactance using the Pythagorean theorem.
- Current can be calculated using Ohm's Law: \( I = \frac{V}{Z} \).
- The correct answer for the current in this circuit is **1.2A (Option B)**.