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⚛️ Physics  ·  Alternating Current  ·  NEET & JEE

A choke coil (inductor) is preferred over a resistor for reducing AC current in a circuit because:

Answer: It dissipates very little power while limiting current.

  • A It dissipates very little power while limiting current
  • B A choke coil is generally cheaper to manufacture than a resistor
  • C It has a much higher ohmic resistance than an equivalent resistor
  • D It amplifies the AC current instead of limiting it

Correct answer: A. It dissipates very little power while limiting current

Explanation: A choke has low resistance but high reactance (X<sub>L</sub> = ωL). It limits AC current without significant power dissipation (P = I²R ≈ 0 since R is small).

V and I Phase Relationships in AC CircuitsPure Inductor: I lags V by 90°VIPure Capacitor: I leads V by 90°VIMemory aid "ELI the ICE man": in an inductor (L) E(V) leads I; in a capacitor (C) I leads E(V)For a pure resistor, V and I stay perfectly in phase (no lag or lead at all)

In a pure inductor the current lags the voltage by 90° (energy is briefly stored in the magnetic field before current responds); in a pure capacitor the current leads the voltage by 90° (current must flow to build up charge before voltage rises) - the mnemonic "ELI the ICE man" keeps these straight.

Concept context

AC circuits, impedance, LCR series circuit, resonance, transformers, and power factor.

Read the full Alternating Current notes →