Question:medium

$v(t) = 50\sqrt{2} \sin(\omega t)$ is applied to $Z = 3 + j4 \ \Omega$. Average power is:

Show Hint

An alternative way to find average power is using \(P = V_{rms} \cdot I_{rms} \cdot \cos\theta\).
Here, the power factor is \(\cos\theta = \frac{R}{|Z|} = \frac{3}{5} = 0.6\).
Thus, \(P = 50 \times 10 \times 0.6 = 300\text{ W}\).
This confirms that only the resistive component of an AC circuit consumes real power.
Updated On: Jul 4, 2026
  • 200 W
  • 250 W
  • 300 W
  • 400 W
Show Solution

The Correct Option is C

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Understanding the Problem:
The question asks for the average (real) power consumed by a load impedance when an AC voltage is applied to it.
The load impedance consists of both a resistive part and a reactive part, but only the resistive component dissipates real average power.

Step 2: Key Formula or Approach:

1. Convert the time-domain voltage to its RMS value:
\[ V_{rms} = \frac{V_m}{\sqrt{2}} \] 2. Calculate the magnitude of the load impedance (\(Z = R + jX\)):
\[ |Z| = \sqrt{R^2 + X^2} \] 3. Compute the RMS current (\(I_{rms}\)) flowing through the impedance:
\[ I_{rms} = \frac{V_{rms}}{|Z|} \] 4. Calculate the average power (\(P_{avg}\)) dissipated in the resistor:
\[ P_{avg} = I_{rms}^2 \cdot R \]

Step 3: Detailed Explanation:


• Given the voltage equation \(v(t) = 50\sqrt{2} \sin(\omega t)\), the peak voltage is \(V_m = 50\sqrt{2}\text{ V}\).

• Calculate the RMS voltage:
\[ V_{rms} = \frac{50\sqrt{2}}{\sqrt{2}} = 50\text{ V} \]
• Given the impedance \(Z = 3 + j4\ \Omega\), identify the resistive and reactive parts:
- Resistance, \(R = 3\ \Omega\).
- Inductive Reactance, \(X_L = 4\ \Omega\).

• Calculate the magnitude of the impedance:
\[ |Z| = \sqrt{3^2 + 4^2} = \sqrt{9 + 16} = \sqrt{25} = 5\ \Omega \]
• Calculate the RMS current:
\[ I_{rms} = \frac{V_{rms}}{|Z|} = \frac{50}{5} = 10\text{ A} \]
• Calculate the average power dissipated in the load:
\[ P_{avg} = I_{rms}^2 \cdot R = (10)^2 \times 3 = 100 \times 3 = 300\text{ W} \]

Step 4: Final Answer:

The average power is 300 W.
Was this answer helpful?
0