Simple a.c. circuits: WAEC Physics Past Questions and Answers

What the WAEC syllabus covers in Simple a.c. circuits

Our summary: Alternating voltage and current, and how resistors, inductors and capacitors behave in a.c. circuits.

• Graphical representation of e.m.f. and current in an a.c. circuit (Graphs of the equations $I = I_0 \sin\omega t$ and $E = E_0 \sin\omega t$ should be treated.)
• Peak and r.m.s. values (Phase relationship between voltage and current in the circuit elements: resistor, inductor and capacitor.)
• Series circuit containing resistor, inductor and capacitor (Simple calculations involving a.c. circuit. (Derivation of formulae is not required.))
• Reactance and impedance ($X_L$ and $X_C$ should be treated. Simple numerical problems may be set.)
• Vector diagrams
• Resonance in an a.c. circuit (Applications in tuning of radio and T.V. should be discussed.)
• Power in an a.c. circuit

Syllabus content © The West African Examinations Council (WASSCE (harmonised West African syllabus)).