In a purely capacitive AC circuit, what happens to the capacitive reactance Xc if the operating voltage is doubled while frequency and capacitance remain unchanged?

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: has no effect on the capacitive reactance

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
Capacitive reactance determines how strongly a capacitor opposes AC. It is important to know which variables affect Xc to avoid incorrect assumptions when voltage levels change in a system.


Given Data / Assumptions:

  • Purely capacitive circuit.
  • Frequency f and capacitance C are constant.
  • Only the applied voltage magnitude is doubled.


Concept / Approach:
The formula for capacitive reactance is Xc = 1 / (2 * pi * f * C). There is no voltage term in this equation. Therefore, changing the applied voltage does not change Xc; it only changes the resulting current I = V / Xc proportionally to V.


Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Write Xc = 1 / (2 * pi * f * C).Step 2: Observe that voltage does not appear in this expression.Step 3: Conclude that doubling voltage leaves Xc unchanged, while current would double.


Verification / Alternative check:
Compute a numeric example: if Xc = 100 Ω at given f and C, then V doubles from 10 V to 20 V, but Xc remains 100 Ω; current increases from 0.1 A to 0.2 A accordingly.


Why Other Options Are Wrong:

  • Doubles or halves: These imply voltage dependence which does not exist for Xc.
  • Multiplies by 7: Arbitrary and unsupported by the formula.
  • None of the above: Incorrect because no effect is correct.


Common Pitfalls:
Confusing reactance with current. Current changes with voltage because I = V / Xc, but Xc itself depends only on frequency and capacitance.


Final Answer:
has no effect on the capacitive reactance.

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