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Multiple Choice
An AC circuit consists of an inductor and an emf source with frequency . If the source is turned on at , and the first time the voltage across the inductor reaches a maximum value is at , when is the first time the current in the inductor is at a maximum?
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Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand that in an AC circuit with an inductor, the voltage across the inductor leads the current by a phase of 90 degrees (or π/2 radians).
The problem states that the voltage across the inductor reaches its maximum at t = 1.4 s. Since the voltage leads the current by 90 degrees, the current will reach its maximum 90 degrees later in the cycle.
Calculate the period of the AC source using the frequency: T = 1/frequency. Given the frequency is 0.25 Hz, the period T = 1/0.25 Hz = 4 s.
Determine the time difference corresponding to a 90-degree phase shift. Since 90 degrees is 1/4 of a full cycle (360 degrees), the time difference is T/4 = 4 s / 4 = 1 s.
Add this time difference to the time when the voltage is at maximum to find when the current is at maximum: 1.4 s + 1 s = 2.4 s. Therefore, the first time the current in the inductor is at a maximum is at t = 2.4 s.