MyCompetitiveExams Logo MyCompetitiveExams
MyCompetitiveExams Logo MyCompetitiveExams
Search 1,140+ Questions
Chapters, formulas, speed tricks
→
⚡ Brahmastra NEET 2027
720 MARKS

Dynamic 180-question full-length simulator mixed dynamically from all 6 years for 2027 & 2026 aspirants.

Launch Brahmastra 2027 Test →
Start Practice →
100% Free · No Login Required
Q.31 Physics ⭐ 360° Option Elimination Active
Vault ↗

NEET 2021 Physics Question 31 Solution

Topic: Alternating Current · Official NTA Booklet Code M1
NEET 2021 Physics Question 31: Series LCR Circuit: Phasor Voltage Summation and Circuit Impedance

Question

An inductor of inductance L, a capacitor of capacitance C and a resistor of resistance 'R' are connected in series to an ac source of potential difference 'V' volts as shown in figure. Potential difference across L, C and R is 40 V, 10 V and 40 V, respectively. The amplitude of current flowing through LCR series circuit is 10 2 A. The impedance of the circuit is:

✓
Verified Against NTA Final Answer Key
Option (4) : 5 Ω
📚 Alternating Current Easy
📋 Given Parameters & Problem Setup
Inductor Voltage (V_L) 40 V
Capacitor Voltage (V_C) 10 V
Resistor Voltage (V_R) 40 V
Current Amplitude (I_0) 10√2 A
⚡

The 30-Second Exam Hall Shortcut: ⚡ Phasor Triangle: 40 - 10 = 30; √(40² + 30²) = 50 V; Z = 50/10 = 5 Ω

⏱️ Save ~25 seconds

Net reactive voltage VL−VC=40−10=30 VV_L - V_C = 40 - 10 = 30\text{ V}. Source RMS voltage V=402+302=50 VV = \sqrt{40^2 + 30^2} = 50\text{ V} (classic 3-4-5 right triangle!). Peak current is 102 A10\sqrt{2}\text{ A}, so RMS current is Irms=10 AI_{\text{rms}} = 10\text{ A}. Impedance Z=V/I=50/10=5 ΩZ = V/I = 50 / 10 = 5\ \Omega! Match Option (4)!

1 Compute net reactive voltage: VX=∣VL−VC∣=40 V−10 V=30 VV_X = |V_L - V_C| = 40\text{ V} - 10\text{ V} = 30\text{ V}.
2 Total RMS voltage across circuit: Vrms=VR2+VX2=402+302=50 VV_{\text{rms}} = \sqrt{V_R^2 + V_X^2} = \sqrt{40^2 + 30^2} = 50\text{ V}.
3 Convert current amplitude to RMS current: Irms=I02=102 A2=10 AI_{\text{rms}} = \frac{I_0}{\sqrt{2}} = \frac{10\sqrt{2}\text{ A}}{\sqrt{2}} = 10\text{ A}.
4 Compute impedance: Z=VrmsIrms=50 V10 A=5 ΩZ = \frac{V_{\text{rms}}}{I_{\text{rms}}} = \frac{50\text{ V}}{10\text{ A}} = 5\ \Omega.
5 Match Option (4).
🛡️
Why You Can 100% Trust This Shortcut: Canonical AC phasor diagram relations for series RLC circuits and Ohm's law impedance definition.
📐

Step-by-Step Rigorous Workflow & Mathematical Proof

Step 1

Calculating the Total Applied RMS Source Voltage

In a series LCR alternating current circuit, the voltages across the inductor and capacitor are 180∘180^\circ out of phase with each other, while the voltage across the resistor is in phase with current. Using the phasor voltage addition theorem:

V=VR2+(VL−VC)2=402+(40−10)2=402+302=1600+900=2500=50 VV = \sqrt{V_R^2 + (V_L - V_C)^2} = \sqrt{40^2 + (40 - 10)^2} = \sqrt{40^2 + 30^2} = \sqrt{1600 + 900} = \sqrt{2500} = 50\text{ V}
Step 2

Converting Current Amplitude to RMS Current

The problem statement specifies that the current amplitude (peak value I0I_0) is 102 A10\sqrt{2}\text{ A}. The corresponding RMS current is:

Irms=I02=102 A2=10 AI_{\text{rms}} = \frac{I_0}{\sqrt{2}} = \frac{10\sqrt{2}\text{ A}}{\sqrt{2}} = 10\text{ A}
Step 3

Determining the Circuit Impedance (Z)

The impedance ZZ of the LCR series circuit is defined as the ratio of total RMS voltage to total RMS current (or peak voltage V0=502 VV_0 = 50\sqrt{2}\text{ V} to peak current I0I_0):

Z=VrmsIrms=50 V10 A=5 ΩZ = \frac{V_{\text{rms}}}{I_{\text{rms}}} = \frac{50\text{ V}}{10\text{ A}} = 5\ \Omega
⭐

360° Option Elimination Engine Key Feature

Diagnose every choice: Know exactly why the right option works and why distractors fail.

4-Option Deep Scan
1 1
✗ Incorrect
Verdict & Scientific Reason:

Result of using only the resistor voltage with peak current (40/10240 / 10\sqrt{2} without inverting 2\sqrt{2}).

⚠️
Student Fallacy (Why candidates pick this trap): Ignoring reactive elements in the circuit.
2 2
✗ Incorrect
Verdict & Scientific Reason:

Result of dividing RMS voltage (50 V) directly by peak current (102 A10\sqrt{2}\text{ A}) without converting to peak voltage.

⚠️
Student Fallacy (Why candidates pick this trap): Dividing RMS voltage by peak current without matching RMS/peak representations.
3 3
✗ Incorrect
Verdict & Scientific Reason:

This is the pure resistance R=VR/Irms=40/10=4 ΩR = V_R / I_{\text{rms}} = 40 / 10 = 4\ \Omega, not the total circuit impedance ZZ.

⚠️
Student Fallacy (Why candidates pick this trap): Confusing resistance RR with total impedance ZZ.
4 4
✓ 100% Correct
Verdict & Scientific Reason:

Exact total impedance: Z=Vrms/Irms=50 V/10 A=5 ΩZ = V_{\text{rms}} / I_{\text{rms}} = 50\text{ V} / 10\text{ A} = 5\ \Omega.

💡
Why this is airtight: None; rigorous AC phasor and RMS calculation.
⚠️

NTA Trap Alert: Current Amplitude vs. RMS Current Trap

The phrase "amplitude of current" denotes peak current I0=102 AI_0 = 10\sqrt{2}\text{ A}, NOT RMS current. Dividing V=50 VV = 50\text{ V} by 102 A10\sqrt{2}\text{ A} produces 5/2 Ω5/\sqrt{2}\ \Omega, which is Option (2). One must divide either RMS by RMS (50/10=550/10 = 5) or Peak by Peak (502/102=550\sqrt{2}/10\sqrt{2} = 5).

🛡️ How to avoid the -1 mark: Check the wording: "amplitude" = peak. Irms=I0/2=10 AI_{\text{rms}} = I_0 / \sqrt{2} = 10\text{ A}.
📖

Core NEET Syllabus Standard

NCERT Physics · Alternating Current Standard Benchmark
Core Scientific Principle Tested:

"Impedance is the ratio of effective voltage to effective current: Z=VI=R2+(XL−XC)2Z = \frac{V}{I} = \sqrt{R^2 + (X_L - X_C)^2}."

Syllabus Focus: Series LCR Circuit and Impedance
✓ Core NEET UG Syllabus Anchor Syllabus & Academic Standards ↗

Ready to attempt under real exam pressure?

Test your speed and accuracy in the authentic 200-minute timed NTA simulator.

Launch NEET 2021 CBT Test →

Spotted a mistake in this solution? Report an error ([email protected])

⚖️ Legal & Fair Dealing Notice: Sourced from publicly released NEET 2021 question papers and NEET answer keys for private study, research, and non-commercial educational practice under Fair Dealing (Section 52(1)(a) of the Indian Copyright Act, 1957). Not affiliated with or endorsed by NTA or NMC.

Solve 4 NEET Questions a Day — One per Subject

Cover all 1,140 official NEET questions in 285 days at your own pace. Progress is saved on your device. No login needed.