Question:hard

A series combination of resistor 'R' and capacitor 'C' is connected to an a.c. source of angular frequency 'ω'. Keeping the voltage same, if the frequency is changed to \(\frac{ω}{3}\) the current becomes half of the original current. Then the ratio of capacitive reactance and resistance at the former frequency is

Show Hint

When frequency changes, capacitive reactance is inversely proportional to frequency. For a constant voltage, the current ratio gives impedance ratio. Square and solve for \(X_c/R\).
Updated On: Jun 8, 2026
  • \(\sqrt{0.6}\)
  • \(\sqrt{6}\)
  • \(\sqrt{3}\)
  • \(\sqrt{2}\)
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The Correct Option is A

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Lay out the circuit.
A resistor $R$ and a capacitor $C$ are in series across an AC source. At angular frequency $\omega$ the current is $I$. When the frequency drops to $\omega/3$ (voltage kept the same), the current falls to $I/2$. We want $\frac{X_c}{R}$ at the first frequency.

Step 2: Recall reactance and impedance.
The capacitive reactance is $X_c = \frac{1}{\omega C}$, and the total opposition is $Z = \sqrt{R^2 + X_c^2}$, with current $I = \frac{V}{Z}$.

Step 3: See how reactance changes.
When the frequency becomes one third, the reactance triples: $X_c' = 3X_c$. So the new impedance is $Z' = \sqrt{R^2 + 9X_c^2}$.

Step 4: Use the halved current.
Half the current means double the impedance, so $Z' = 2Z$, that is $\sqrt{R^2 + 9X_c^2} = 2\sqrt{R^2 + X_c^2}$.

Step 5: Square and simplify.
Squaring: $R^2 + 9X_c^2 = 4R^2 + 4X_c^2$, which gives $5X_c^2 = 3R^2$, so $\frac{X_c^2}{R^2} = \frac{3}{5} = 0.6$.

Step 6: Take the root.
Therefore $\frac{X_c}{R} = \sqrt{0.6}$.
\[ \boxed{\frac{X_c}{R} = \sqrt{0.6}} \]
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