Physics Alternating Current PMDC Conceptual Practice
PMDC Verified Question 7 of 127
A \( 220\text{ V} \), \( 50\text{ Hz} \) AC supply is connected across a resistor of \( 50\text{ k}\Omega \). Assuming the current is zero at time \( t = 0 \), the equation for the current at any time \( t \) is:
A
\( 4.4 \sin(314t)\text{ mA} \)
B
\( 6.2 \sin(314t)\text{ mA} \)
C
\( 4.4 \sin(157t)\text{ mA} \)
D
\( 6.2 \sin(157t)\text{ mA} \)
Tap any option to test your recall and reveal the step-by-step Propolis autopsy.

Propolis Cognitive Error Autopsy

Official Correct Choice:
Option B: \( 6.2 \sin(314t)\text{ mA} \)
Concept:

We must derive the sinusoidal AC current equation \( I(t) = I_0 \sin(\omega t) \) using Ohm's Law and angular conversion.

Formula:

$$V_0 = V_{\text{rms}} \sqrt{2}$$

$$I_0 = \frac{V_0}{R}$$

$$\omega = 2\pi f$$

Solution:

Given values:
  • \( V_{\text{rms}} = 220\text{ V} \)
  • \( f = 50\text{ Hz} \)
  • \( R = 50\text{ k}\Omega = 50,000\ \Omega \)


1. Calculate the peak voltage \( V_0 \):
$$V_0 = 220 \times \sqrt{2} \approx 220 \times 1.414 = 311.1\text{ V}$$

2. Calculate the peak current \( I_0 \):
$$I_0 = \frac{311.1\text{ V}}{50,000\ \Omega} = 0.00622\text{ A} = 6.22\text{ mA}$$

3. Calculate the angular frequency \( \omega \):
$$\omega = 2 \pi \times 50 = 100 \pi \approx 314\text{ rad/s}$$

4. Formulate the equation:
$$I(t) = 6.2 \sin(314t)\text{ mA}$$

Why other options are incorrect:

  • Equations with 4.4 mA incorrectly use the RMS voltage (\( 220/50 = 4.4 \)) directly instead of computing the peak current \( I_0 \).


  • Equations with 157t use an incorrect angular frequency (calculating \( \pi f \) instead of \( 2\pi f \)).

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