Question:

In an ac circuit containing Resistance R and capacitance C, the current is I. Keeping the ac voltage constant, if the frequency is made \( \frac{1}{3} \), the current is \( \frac{I}{2} \). Then the ratio of initial reactance to the resistance is:

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Capacitive reactance is inversely proportional to frequency: \[ X_c=\frac{1}{2\pi fC}. \] If the frequency becomes one-third, the capacitive reactance becomes three times its original value.
Updated On: Jun 9, 2026
  • \( \left(\frac{3}{5}\right)^{1/2} \)
  • \( \left(\frac{2}{5}\right)^{1/2} \)
  • \( \left(\frac{1}{5}\right)^{1/2} \)
  • \( \left(\frac{4}{5}\right)^{1/2} \)
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The Correct Option is A

Solution and Explanation

Concept: For a series RC circuit, the impedance is \[ Z=\sqrt{R^2+X_c^2}, \] where \[ X_c=\frac{1}{2\pi fC}. \] The current is given by \[ I=\frac{V}{Z}. \] Since the applied voltage remains constant, any change in current is due to the change in capacitive reactance.

Step 1: Write the expression for the initial current.
Initially, \[ I=\frac{V}{\sqrt{R^2+X_c^2}}. \]

Step 2: Determine the new reactance when frequency is reduced.
Since \[ X_c=\frac{1}{2\pi fC}, \] if the frequency becomes \[ f'=\frac{f}{3}, \] then the new capacitive reactance is \[ X_c'=\frac{1}{2\pi (f/3)C}=3X_c. \] The new current is given to be \[ \frac{I}{2} = \frac{V}{\sqrt{R^2+(3X_c)^2}} = \frac{V}{\sqrt{R^2+9X_c^2}}. \]

Step 3: Form the required equation.
Substituting the value of \(I\), \[ \frac{1}{2}\cdot \frac{V}{\sqrt{R^2+X_c^2}} = \frac{V}{\sqrt{R^2+9X_c^2}}. \] Cancelling \(V\), \[ \sqrt{R^2+9X_c^2} = 2\sqrt{R^2+X_c^2}. \] Squaring both sides, \[ R^2+9X_c^2 = 4(R^2+X_c^2). \] \[ R^2+9X_c^2 = 4R^2+4X_c^2. \] \[ 5X_c^2 = 3R^2. \] Hence, \[ \frac{X_c^2}{R^2} = \frac{3}{5}. \] Therefore, \[ \boxed{\frac{X_c}{R} = \left(\frac{3}{5}\right)^{1/2}} \]
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