Question

When a capacitor is connected in series LR circuit, the alternating current flowing in the circuit

• A. increases
• B. decreases
• C. remains constant
• D. is zero

Hint:

Capacitive reactance works against inductive reactance and reduces the net reactance.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Compare impedances:
Before: $Z_1 = \sqrt{R^2 + X_L^2}$. After: $Z_2 = \sqrt{R^2 + (X_L - X_C)^2}$.

Step 2: Reactances oppose:
Voltage across the capacitor lags the current while the voltage across the inductor leads it, so these two partly cancel.

Step 3: Current:
Smaller net reactance means smaller $Z$ and so a larger current $I = V/Z$. The current increases, option (A).

Final Answer:
The current increases. \[ \boxed{\text{(A) }\text{increases}} \]