QUESTION BANK OF PROBABLE QUESTIONS FOR AISSCE 2017

CHAPTER – 6 (ELECTROMAGNETIC INDUCTION)

Questions that have been asked one time

VERY SHORT ANSWER QUESTIONS (1 MARK)

1. How does the mutual inductance of a pair of coils change when
(i) distance between the coils is increased and
(ii) number of turns in the coils is increased? [CBSE (AI) 2013]
Ans. (i) Decreases (ii) Increases
2. The motion of copper plate is damped when it is allowed to oscillate between the
two poles of a magnet. What is the cause of this damping?
[CBSE (AI) 2013]
Ans. As the plate oscillates, the changing magnetic flux through the plate produces a
strong eddy current in the direction which opposes the cause. Also, copper being
diamagnetic substance, it gets magnetized in the opposite direction, so the plate
motion gets damped.
3. The closed loop PQRS is moving into a uniform magnetic field acting at right angles
to the plane of the paper as shown. State the direction of the induced current in the
loop. [CBSE (AI) 2012]

X X X X X P Q

X X X X X

X X X X X

X X X X X

X X X X X

X X X X X R S
Ans. along PSRQP

4. When current in a coil changes with time, how is the back emf induced in the coil
related to it? [CBSE (AI) 2008]
Ans. The back emf induced in the coil opposes the change in current.
5. Write Faraday’s laws of electromagnetic induction[CBSE (AI) 2009]
 Ans.(i) whenever the amount of magnetic flux linked with a closed circuit changes,
an emf is induced in the circuit which lasts as long as the change in flux lasts.(ii) The
magnitude of the induced emf in a circuit is equal to the time rate of change of
magnetic flux through circuit.

SHORT ANSWER QUESTIONS (2, 3 MARKS)

1. Two identical loops, one of copper and the other of aluminium, are rotated with the
same angular speed in the same magnetic field. Compare (i) the induced emf and (ii)
the current produced in the two coils. Justify your answer. [CBSE (AI) 2010]
Ans.
(i) Induced emf is same in both loops (B,A and ω are same for both loops)
(ii) As area A, length l and emf E are same for both loops but the resistivity of
copper is less than aluminium therefore current induced is larger in copper
loop.
2. Define self-inductance of a coil. Obtain an expression for the energy stored in a
solenoid of self-inductance L when the current through it grows from zero to I.
[CBSE (AI) 2015]
Ans. Self-inductance of a coil is numerically equal to the magnetic flux linked with
the coil when a unit current flows through it.
Energy stored in an inductor = ½ LI2
3. Define the term mutual inductance between the two coils. Obtain the expression for
mutual inductance of a pair of long co-axial solenoids each of length l and radii r1and
r2.Total number of turns in the two solenoids are N1 and N2 respectively.
[CBSE (AI) 2014,
2009]
Ans. When current flowing in one of two nearby coil, the coil, in which current is
changed is called primary coil and the coil in which emf is induced is called the
secondary coil.
The si unit of mutual inductance is henry.
Mutual Inductance: Suppose there are two coils C1 and C2. The current I1 flowing in
primary coil c1 ; due to which an effective magnetic flux Φ2 is linkedwith secondary
coil C2 .
Φ2=M21I1 , M21 is the mutual inductance of coil 2 w.r.t. coil 1
Mutual inductance between two coils (M21) is numerically equal to the flux linkage
with secondary coil, when current flowing in primary coil is 1 ampere.
Mutual inductance of two co-axial solenoids: Consider two long coaxial solenoids
each of length l with number of turns N1 and N2 wound one over the other. I1 is the
current flowing in outer solenoid and B1 is the magnetic field produced within this
solenoid.
B1= µ0n1I1 n1 is the number of turns per unit length of outer solenoid
 Φ2= n2lB1A2= µ0n1I1 n2lA2 , n2 is the number of turns per unit length of inner solenoid,
A2 is the cross-sectional area of inner solenoid, Φ2 is the flux linkage with inner
solenoid.
M21 = µ0n1 n2lA2 , Similarly M12 = µ0n1 n2lA2

LONG ANSWER QUESTIONS (5 MARKS)

1. State Faraday’s law of electromagnetic induction. Figure shows a rectangular
conductor PQRS in which the conductor PQ is free to move in a uniform magnetic
field B perpendicular to the plane of the paper. The field extends from x=0 to x=b
and is zero for x>b. Assume that only the arm PQ possesses resistance r. When the
arm PQ is pulled outward from x=0 to x=2b and is then moved backward to x=0 with
constant speed v, obtain the expression for the flux and the induced emf. Sketch the
variations of these quantities with distance 0≤x≤2b. [CBSE (AI) 2010]

. . . . . . . .

.S . . . . . . .

. . . . . . P.

. . . . . . .

. . . . . . Q.

R. . . . . . . .

. x=0. . . x=b. x=2b

ANS. When the magnetic flux linked with a coil or circuit changes, an emf is induced in the
coil. The emf and current last so long as the change in magnetic flux lasts

The magnitude of induced emf is proportional to the rate of change of magnetic flux linked
with the circuit.

NCERT TEXT BOOK PART 1 page no. 217, Example 6.8

Questions that have been repeated two times

 LONG ANSWER QUESTIONS (5 MARKS)
1. What are eddy currents? How are they produced? In what sense eddy currents are
considered undesirable in a transformer? How can they be minimized? Give two
applications of eddy currents.
[CBSE (AI) 2006, 2011]

ANS. Eddy currents are the currents induced in conductors when they are placed in
changing magnetic flux region.

When a metallic plate is placed in a time varying magnetic field, the magnetic flux linked
with the plate changes, the induced currents are set up in the plate, and these currents are
called eddy currents

Production: For diagram Refer NCERT TEXT BOOK PART 1 page No. 218

In transformer, there is a huge loss of energy due to production of eddy currents, so these
currents are undesirable in transformer.

Eddy currents may be minimized by using laminated core of soft iron.

APPLICATIONS: Induction furnace, Electromagnetic braking in trains, Electric power meters,

Electromagnetic damping

2. State the working of a.c. generator with the help of a labelled diagram. The coil of an
ac. Generator having N turns, each of area A, is rotated with a constant angular
velocity. Deduce the expression for the alternating emf generated in the coil. What is
the source of energy generation in this device?

[CBSE (AI) 2008C, 2011]

ANS. AC generator: A dynamo or generator is a device which converts mechanical

energy into electrical energy.

Principle: It works on the principle of electromagnetic induction. When a coil rotates

continuously in a magnetic field with its axis perpendicular to the magnetic field, the
magnetic flux linked with the coil changes and an induced emf and hence a current is set
up in it.

Construction:

(i) Field Magnet: It produces the magnetic field. In the case of a low power dynamo. The
magnetic field is generated by a permanent magnet, while in the case of large power
dynamo, the magnetic field is produced by an electromagnet.

(ii) Armature: It consists of a large number of tums of insulated wire in the soft iron
drum or ring. It can revolve round an axle between the two poles of the field magnet. The
drum or ring serves the two purposes: (i) It serves as a support to coils and (ii) It increases
the magnetic field due to air core being replaced by an iron core.

(iii) Slip rings: The slip rings are the two metal rings to which the ends of
armature coil are connected. These rings are fixed to the shaft which rotates
the armature coil so that the rings also rotate along with the armature.
(iv) Brushes: These are two flexible metal plates or carbon rods which are fixed
and constantly touch the revolving rings. The output current in external load
is taken through these brushes.
Diagram: Refer NCERT TEXT BOOK PART-1 page NO. 225

Working: when the armature coil is rotated in the strong magnetic field, the magnetic
flux linked with the coil changes and the current is induced in the coil, its direction being
given by Fleming’s right hand rule,

Expression for Induced. emf: If N is the number of

Turns in coil, f the frequency of rotation, A area of coil

And B the magnetic induction, then induced emf

e = - 𝑑𝛷/𝑑t

= d/dt (NBA (cos 2πft))

= 2𝜋𝑁𝐵𝐴𝑓 sin 2πft

The source of energy generation is the mechanical energy of rotation of armature coil.

Expected Questions for MLL

1. State Lenz’s law (1)

ANS. The polarity of the induced emf is such that it tends to produce a current which
opposes the change in magnetic flux that produced it.
2. Write S.I unit of magnetic flux. Is it a scalar or vector quantity? (1)
ANS. Weber (wb). Scalar.
3. Write an expression for the energy stored in an inductor of inductance L, when a
steady current is passed through it. Is the energy electric or magnetic?
 (1)
ANS. ½ LI2 , Magnetic energy.
4. Show that Lenz’s law is in accordance with the law of conservation of energy.

(2)
ANS. When the north pole of a coil is brought near a close to coil, the direction of
current induced in the coil is such as to oppose the approach the North Pole. For this
the nearer face of coil behaves as North Pole. This necessitates an anticlockwise
current in the coil when seen from the magnet side. (Fig a)
Similarly where North Pole of the magnet is moved away from coil the direction of
current in the coil will be such as to attract the magnet. For this the nearer face of
coil behaves as South Pole. The necessitates a clock wise current in the coil when
seen from the magnet. (Fig b)

N S
S S N

FIG. (a) Anticlockwise FIG. (b) Clockwise

5. Derive expression for self-inductance of a long air-cored solenoid of length l, cross-

sectional area A and having number of turns N.
(3)
ANS. Consider a long air solenoid having ‘n’ number of turns per unit length. If
current in solenoid is I, the magnetic field inside the solenoid, B = µ0nI

If A is cross-sectional area of solenoid, then effective flux linked with the solenoid of
length ’l’;Φ = (NBA), where N=nl is the number of turns in length ‘l’ of solenoid.

Φ = (nlBA)

Substituting the value of B from (i)

Φ = nl (µ0nI ) A = µ0n2AlI

Self-inductance of air solenoid

L = Φ/I = µ0n2Al

If N is total number of turns in length l, then

n= N/l
Self-inductance L =µ0(N/l)2Al

=µ0N2A/l

Q. 1. What do you mean by mutual inductance of two nearby coils? Find an expression for
mutual inductance of two co-axial solenoid. (5)

[CBSE (F) 2013, 2010]

Ans. When current flowing in one of two nearby coils is changed, the magnetic flux linked
with the other coil changes; due to which an emf is induced in it (other coil). This
phenomenon of electromagnetic induction is called the mutual induction. The coil, in which
current is changed is called primary coil and the coil in which emf is induced is called the
secondary coil.

The si unit of mutual inductance is henry.

Mutual Inductance: Suppose there are two coils C1 and C2. The current I1 flowing in primary
coil c1 ; due to which an effective magnetic flux Φ2 is linkedwith secondary coil C2 .

Φ2=M21I1 , M21 is the mutual inductance of coil 2 w.r.t. coil 1

Mutual inductance between two coils (M21) is numerically equal to the flux linkage with
secondary coil, when current flowing in primary coil is 1 ampere.

Mutual inductance of two co-axial solenoids: Consider two long coaxial solenoids each of
length l with number of turns N1 and N2 wound one over the other. I1 is the current flowing
in outer solenoid and B1 is the magnetic field produced within this solenoid.

B1= µ0n1I1 n1 is the number of turns per unit length of outer solenoid

Φ2= n2lB1A2= µ0n1I1 n2lA2 , n2 is the number of turns per unit length of inner solenoid,A2 is
the cross-sectional area of inner solenoid, Φ2 is the flux linkage with inner solenoid.

M21 = µ0n1 n2lA2 , Similarly M12 = µ0n1 n2lA2

QUESTION BANK OF PROBABLE QUESTIONS FOR AISSCE
2017
CHAPTER – 6 (ALTERNATING CURRENT)
Questions that have been asked one time

VERY SHORT ANSWER QUESTIONS (1 MARK)

1. Mention the two characteristic properties of the material suitable for making core
of a transformer. [ CBSE (AI)
2012]
ANS. (i) Low hysteresis loss (ii) Low coercivity.
2. In a series LCR circuit, the voltage across an inductor, a capacitor and a resistor are
30 volt, 30 volt and 60 volt respectively. What is the phase difference between the
applied voltage and current in the circuit? [ CBSE (AI)
2007]
Ans. tanΦ = ( VL - VC ) / VR
Φ = 00
3. The instantaneous current and voltage of an a.c circuit are given by i= 10 sin 314t
ampere, v= 50 sin 314t volt. What is the power dissipation in the circuit?
[ CBSE (AI) 2008]
Ans. Power = p = ½ V0 I0 cosΦ = 250 watt. Here Φ=00

SHORT ANSWER QUESTIONS (2, 3 MARKS)

1. (a) For a given a.c, i= i0sinωt, Show that the average power dissipated in a resistor
R over a complete cycle is ½( i0 )2 R.
(b) A light bulb is rated at 100 watt for a 220 volt a.c supply. Calculate the
resistance of the bulb.
[CBSE (AI) 2013]
Ans. (a) Derivation of average power
Average power = ½( i0 )2 R
(b) Average power = ( irms)2R = (Vrms )2 /R Vrms =220 volt
R = 484 ohm.
2. State the principle of working of a transformer. Can a transformer be used to step
up or step down a d.c voltage? Justify your answer [CBSE (AI)
2011]
Ans. Mutual induction, No, because there is no change in magnetic flux.
When d.c voltage is applied across a primary coil of a transformer, the current in
primary coil remain same, so there is no change in magnetic flux and hence no
voltage is induced across the secondary coil.
3. How is the large scale transmission of electric energy over long distances done with
the use of transformers? [CBSE (AI)
2012]
Ans. At the power generating station. The step up transformers step up the output
voltage which reduces the current through the cables and hence reduce resistive
 power loss. Then at the consumer end, a step down transformer step down the
voltage. Hence in this way the large scale transmission of electric energy over long
distances can be done by transformer.
4. An a.c voltage V= V0sin wt is applied across a
(a) Series RC circuit in which capacitive reactance is a times the resistance of the
circuit.
(b) Series RL circuit in which inductive impedance is ‘b’ times the resistance in the
circuit.
Find the value of power factor of the circuit in each case.
ANS. Power factor cosΦ = (R/Z), when Z=√ (R2+X2)
(i) X=XC=aR, Z= √(R2+(aR2)) = R√(1+a2)
CosΦ = R/ (R√1+a2)) = 1/√ (1+a2)

(ii) X=XL=bR
(iii) Z=√(R2+(bR2)) = R√(1+b2)
CosΦ = R/ (R√1+b2)) =1/√ (1+b2)
5. An AC source of voltage V= Vmsin wt is applied across a series LCR circuit. Draw the
phasor diagrams for the circuit, when
(i) Capacitive reactance exceeds the inductive reactance.
(ii) Inductive reactance exceeds capacitive reactance.
[CBSE (AI)
2008C]

ANS. When XC>XL: the phasor diagram is shown in fig. (a).

V - axis

VL

VR I0 I - axis

V C - VL
 VC

Fig (a)

(iii) When XL>Xc, the phasor diagram is shown in fig. (b).

V - axis

VL

VL - VC

VR I0 I - axis

VC

FIG (b)
6. A voltage V= Vosin wt is applied to a series LCR circuit. Derive the expression for
the average power dissipated over a cycle. Under what condition is (i) no power
dissipated even though the current flows through the circuit. (ii) Maximum power
dissipated in the circuit. [CBSE (AI) 2014]
 Ans. Average power = p = ½ V0 I0 cosΦ
(i) When Φ = 900 or -900 , purely inductive or purely capacitive circuit
(ii) When Φ = o0 , at resonance(behaves like purely resistive circuit)
7. You are given three circuit elements X,Y and Z. When the element X is connected
across an a.c. source of a given voltage, the current and the voltage are in the same
phase. When the element Y is connected in series with X across the source, voltage
is ahead of the current in phase by π/4. But the current is ahead of the voltage in
phase by π/4 when Z is connected in series with X across the source. Identify the
circuit elements X, Y and Z. When all the three elements are connected in series
across the same source, determine the impedance of the circuit. Draw a plot of the
current versus the frequency of the applied source and mention the significance of
this plot.[CBSE (AI) 2015]
Ans. X= resistor, Y= inductor, Z= capacitor
Impedance = {R2 + (XL - XC) 2}1/2
For plotting of current versus frequency refer NCERT text book part 1 page no. 248

LONG ANSWER QUESTIONS (5 marks)

1. Define the term capacitive reactance. Show graphically the variation of

capacitive reactance with frequency of applied alternating voltage.
An ac voltage V= Vosinwt is applied across a pure capacitor of capacitance C. Find an
expression for current flowing through it. Show mathematically the current flowing
through it leads the applied voltage by angle (π/2). [CBSE (AI) 2008C]

ANS. Capacitive Reactance: The resistance offered by capacitor alone to the flow of
alternating current is called the capacitive reactance.

It is denoted by XC. Its value isXC = (1/ωC) = (1/2πfC)

XC is inversely proportional to capacitance.

Phase Difference between current and applied voltage in purely Capacitive Circuit:

Circuit Containing Pure Capacitance: Consider a capacitor of capacitance C; its plates are
connected to the terminals of a source of alternating voltage.
 C

V= V0sinωt

V= Vo sinωt , q= cVo sinωt

I= dq/dt = cωV0 coswt

I ={ V0/(1/ωC) } cos ωt = I0 sin(ωt + π/2)

Where I0= V0/XC Here XC= 1/ωC

Current leads the applied emf by an angle of π/2.

2. State the condition for resonance to occur in series LCR a.c circuit and derive an
expression for resonant frequency. Draw a plot showing the variation of the peak
current with the frequency of the a.c source used. Define quality factor Q of the
circuit.[CBSE (AI) 2008]
Ans. For resonance the current produced in the circuit and emf applied must always
be in the same phase.
For resonance Φ = 00, XC = XL
1/ω0C = ω0L ω0 = resonant angular frequency

ω0 = 1/√LC f0 = resonant frequency

Quality factor is defined as the ratio of resonant frequency to the band width
of the circuit.
Q= ω0L/R
For graph refer NCERT TEXT BOOK PART 1 page NO. 248
3. Draw a schematic diagram of a step-up transformer. Explain its working principle.
Deduce the expression for the secondary to primary voltage in terms of the
number of turns in the two coils. In an ideal transformer, how is the ratio related
to the currents in the two coils? How is the transformer used in large scale
transmission and distribution of electrical energy over long distances?
 Ans. Transformer is a device by which an alternating voltage may be decreased
or increased. It is based on the principle of mutual induction.
Construction: It consists of laminated core of soft iron on which two coils of
insulated copper wire are separately wound. These coils are kept insulated from
each other and from the iron core, but are coupled through mutual induction.
The number of turns in these coils are different. Out of these coils one coil is
called primary coil and the other is called the secondary coil. The terminals of
primary coils are connected to A.C mains and the terminals of the secondary coil
are connected to external circuit in which alternating current of desired voltage
is required. Transformers are of two types:
1. Step up transformer: It transforms the alternating low voltage to alternating
high voltage and in this the number of turns in secondary coil is more than
that in primary coil
2. Step down transformer: It transforms the alternating high voltage to
alternating low voltage and in this the number of turns in secondary coil is
less than that in primary coil
Diagram: Refer NCERT TEXT BOOK PART 1 PAGE NO- 260
Working: When alternating current source is connected to the ends of
primary coil, the current changes continuously in the primary coil, due to
which the magnetic flux linked with the secondary coil changes continuously,
therefore the alternating emf of same frequency is developed across the
secondary.

NS/NP = VS/VP

NS is the number of turns in secondary coil

NP is the number of turns in primary coil
VP is the alternating voltage applied to primary coil
VS is the alternating voltage across the secondary coil
IS/IP = NP/NS
In an ideal transformer input power = output power
VPIP=VSIS

NS/NP = VS/VP= IP/IS

At the power generating station. The step up transformers step up the output
voltage which reduces the current through the cables and hence reduce resistive power
loss. Then at the consumer end, a step down transformer step down the voltage. Hence in
this way the large scale transmission of electric energy over long distances can be done by
transformer.
Expected questions for MLL

1. What is the phase difference between the voltages across the inductor and a
capacitor in an AC circuit? (1)
ANS. 180 . 0

2. What is phase difference between voltage and current in a LCR series circuit at
resonance? (1)
ANS. 00.
3. The peak value of e.m.f. in ac is E0. Write its (i) rms (ii)average value over a complete
cycle. [CBSE (F) 2011] (1)
ANS. E0= peak value of emf
(i) rms value [Erms] =( E0/√2)
(ii) (ii) average value [Eav]= zero.
4. An electrical element X when connected to an alternating voltage source, has a
current through it leading the voltage by (π/2)rad. Identify X and write an expression
for its reactance . (1)
ANS. Capacitor, XC= 1/wc .
5. What will be the effect on inductive reactance and capacitive reactance if frequency
of AC source increased? (1)
ANS. Inductive reactance will increase with the increase of frequency and capacitive
reactance will decrease with the increase of frequency.
6. What is wattless current? [CBSE (DELHI) 2011] (1)
ANS. when pure inductor or pure capacitor is connected to AC source the current
flows in the circuit but with no power loss. Such a current is called wattless current.
7. Define power factor? State the conditions under which it is maximum and minimum.
[CBSE (DELHI) 2010] (2)
ANS. Power factor is the ratio of resistance and impedance of an AC circuit.
When Z=R, power factor in maximum (purely resistive).
Power factor is minimum (zero) when circuit is purely inductive or purely capacitive.
8. An air cored coil L and a bulb B are connected in series to the AC mains. The bulb
closed with brightness. How would the glow of the bulb change if an iron rod were
inserted in the coil? give reasons in support of your answer.
(2)

ANS. When iron rod is inserted in the coil, the inductance of coil increases; so
impedance of circuit increases and hence, current in circuit I = ( V/√(R2+(wL)2 )
decreases.

Consequently, the glow of bulb decreases.

9. Explain why the reactance provided by a capacitor to an alternating current
decreases with increasing frequency. (2)
 ANS. A capacitor does not allow flow of direct current through it as the resistance
across the gap is infinite. When an alternating voltage is applied across the capacitor
plates, the place are alternately charged and discharged. The current through the
capacitor is a result of this charging voltage(or charge). Thus, a capacitor will pass
more current through it if the voltage is changing at a faster rate, i.e., if the
frequency of supply is higher. This implies that the reactance offered by a capacitor
is less with increasing frequency; it is given by 1/wC .

QUESTION BANK OF PROBABLE QUESTIONS FOR AISSCE 2017

CHAPTER – 6 (ELECTROMAGNETIC WAVES)
Questions that have been asked one time

VERY SHORT ANSWER QUESTIONS (1 MARK)

1. What are the directions of electric and magnetic field vectors relative to each other
and relative to the direction of propagation of electromagnetic waves?
[CBSE(AI)2012]
ANS.They are perpendicular to each other and also perpendicular to the direction of
propagation.
2. Identify the part of the electromagnetic spectrum to which the following
wavelengths belong:
(i) 10-1m (ii) 10-12 m[CBSE (AI) 2008]
ANS. (i) short radio waves (ii) gamma rays
3. Identify the part of the electromagnetic spectrum to which the following
wavelengths belong:
(i) 1 mm (ii) 10-11 m [CBSE (AI) 2008]
ANS. (i) microwaves (ii) gamma rays.

4. Welders wear special goggles or face masks with glass windows to protect their
eyes from electromagnetic radiations. Name the radiations and write the range of
their frequency.[CBSE(AI)2013]
ANS. Ultraviolet radiations, frequency range: 1015-1o17 Hz
5. Name the electromagnetic radiations used for studying the crystal structure of
solids and write its frequency range
[CBSE (AI) 2007, 2009]
ANS. X- rays, frequency range 1017 to 1020 HZ
 6. The speed of an electromagnetic wave in a material medium is given by v = 1/√µε,
µ being the permeability of the medium and € its permittivity. How does its
frequency change?
[CBSE (AI) 2012]
ANS. No change
7. How are X-rays produced?[CBSE(AI)2011]
ANS. X-rays are produced when high energetic electron beam is made incident on a
metallic target of high melting point and high atomic weight.
8. The frequency of oscillation of the electric vector of a certain electromagnetic
wave is 5x1014 Hz. What is the frequency of oscillation of the corresponding
magnetic field vector and to which part of the electromagnetic spectrum does it
belong?
[CBSE (AI) 2008C]
ANS. 5x1014 Hz, visible region.
9. Which of the following has the shortest wavelength?
Microwaves, Ultraviolet rays, X-rays[CBSE (AI) 2010]
ANS. X-rays
10. To which part of the electromagnetic spectrum does a wave of frequency 5x10 19 Hz
belong?[CBSE (AI) 2014]
Ans. Gamma rays.

SHORT ANSWER QUESTIONS (2, 3 MARKS)

1. What is meant by the transverse nature of electromagnetic waves? Draw a

diagram showing the propagation of an electromagnetic wave along X-direction,
indicating clearly the directions of oscillating electric and magnetic fields
associated with it. [CBSE (AI) 2008]
ANS. In an electromagnetic wave, the electric and magnetic field vectors oscillate,
perpendicular to the direction of propagation of wave. This is called transverse
nature of electromagnetic wave

Diagram: Refer NCERT TEXT BOOK page NO. 275

Accordingly if a wave is propagating along z-axis, the electric vector oscillates along x- axis
and magnetic field vector oscillates along y-axis.

2. Identify the following electromagnetic radiations as per the wavelengths given

below.
(a) 10-3 nm (b) 10-3m (c) 1 nm
Write one application of each.[CBSE (AI) 2008]
 ANS. (a) gamma radiation
Radio therapy or to initiate nuclear reactions.
(b) Microwaves
In radar for aircraft navigation.
(c) X-ray
In medical science for detection of fractures, stones in kidneys, gall bladder etc.
3. Identify the following electromagnetic radiations as per the frequencies given
below:
(a) 1020 HZ (b) 109 HZ (c) 1011 HZ
Write one application of each. [CBSE (AI) 2008]
ANS. (a) gamma radiation, for treatment of cancer
(b) Radio waves, for broadcasting radio programmes to long distances.
(c) Micro waves, for cooking in microwave oven.
4. Write the order of frequency range and one use of each of the following
electromagnetic radiations
(a)Microwaves (b) Ultraviolet rays (c) Gamma rays
[CBSE (AI) 2006]
ANS. (a) Microwaves: 3X 1011- 1X 108Hz. These are suitable for the radar systems,
used in aircraft navigation.
Ultraviolet rays: 1X106 - 8X1014Hz. They are used to detect invisible writing, forged
documents and finger prints.
Gamma rays: 5X 1023- 3X1019Hz. For the treatment of cancer cells.
5. A capacitor of capacitance of ‘C’ is being charged by connecting it across a dc
source along with an ammeter. Will the ammeter show a momentary deflection
during the process of charging? If so, how would you explain this momentary
deflection and the resulting continuity of current in the circuit? Write the
expression for the current inside the capacitor.[CBSE (AI) 2012]

ANS. Yes, because of the production of displacement current between the plates of
capacitor on account of changing electric field.
Current inside the capacitor
Id= ε0 (dφE/dt)
6. A capacitor, made of two parallel plates each of plate area A and separation d, is
being charged by an external ac source. Show that the displacement current inside
the capacitor is the same as the current charging the capacitor. [CBSE (AI) 2013]
ANS.

+q -q
 E

Ic = dq/dt Ic is the conduction current.

Id= ε0 (dφE/dt) φE is the electric flux

φE = q/ε0, so Id = dq/dt Id is the displacement current.
Both conduction current and displacement current are equal.
7. Considering the case of a parallel plate capacitor being charged, show how one is
required to generalize Ampere’s circuital law to include the term due to
displacement current.[CBSE (AI) 2014]
ANS. ∮ 𝐵. 𝑑𝑙 = µ0IC + µ0ε0 dɸE/dt
Here Id= ε0 (dφE/dt) = displacement current
IC = conduction current.
8. Arrange the following electromagnetic eaves in the order of their increasing
wavelength:
Gamma rays, microwaves, x rays, radio waves.
How are infra-red waves produced? What role does infra-red radiation play in (i)
maintaining the Earth’s warmth and (ii) physical therapy? [CBSE (AI) 2015]
ANS. Gamma rays, x rays, microwaves, radio waves.
Infra-red waves are produced by the vibration of atoms and molecules
(i) The earth radiates infrared waves which are reflected by the gases in the
lower atmosphere. This phenomenon, called greenhouse effect, keeps the
earth warm.
(ii) Infrared lamps in the treatment of muscular complaints.
Expected questions for MLL

1. Name the electromagnetic waves, which (i) maintain Earth’s warmth and (ii) are
used in aircraft navigation.[CBSE (F) 2012]
(1)
ANS. (i) Infrared rays.
(ii)Microwaves.
2. Why are infra-red radiations referred to as heat waves? Name the radiations
which are next to these radiations in the electromagnetic spectrum having (i)
shorter wavelength (ii) longer wavelength. [CBSE (F) 2013]
(2)
ANS. Infrared waves are produced by hot bodies and molecules, so are referred
to as heat waves.
 (i)Em wave having short wavelength than infrared waves are visible, UV, X-rays
and ϒ-rays.

(ii) Em wave having longer wavelength than infrared waves are microwaves,
short radio waves, television and FM radio.
3. What do electromagnetic waves consist of? Explain as what factors does its
velocity in vacuum depend? (2)
ANS. Electromagnetic waves consist of mutually perpendicular electric and
magnetic field vectors. Its velocity in vacuum is given by

C= (1/√µ0ε0) = same for electromagnetic waves.

In other words its velocity in vacuum does not depend on any factor.
4. Give two characteristics of electromagnetic waves. Write the expression for
velocity of electromagnetic waves in terms of permittivity and permeability of
the medium. (2)
ANS. Characteristics of electromagnetic waves:
(i)Electromagnetic waves travel in free space with speed of light c= 3X 10 8m/s.
(ii) Electromagnetic waves are transverse in nature.
Expression for velocity of em waves in vacuum, c= (1/√µ0ε0)
5. (a)How are electromagnetic waves produced by oscillating charges?
(b)State clearly how a microwave oven works to heat up a food item containing
water molecules.
6. (c)Why microwaves are found useful for the radar systems in aircraft navigation?
[CBSE (F) 2013] (3)
ANS. (a) if a charge particle oscillates with some frequency, produces an
oscillating electric field in space, which produces an oscillating magnetic field,
which in turn is a source of electric field, and so on. Thus oscillating electric fields
and magnetic fields regenerate each other, and an electromagnetic wave
propagates in the space.
(b) In microwave oven, the frequency of the microwaves is selected to match the
resonant frequency water molecules so that energy from the waves get
transferred efficiently to the kinetic energy of the molecules. This kinetic energy
raises the temperature of any food containing water.
(c)Microwaves are short wave length radio waves with frequency of order GHz.
Due to short wave length, they have high penetrating power with respect to
atmosphere and less diffraction in the atmospheric layers. So these waves are
suitable for the radar systems used in aircraft navigation.