Parallel RC Circuit MCQ Quiz - Objective Question with Answer for Parallel RC Circuit - Download Free PDF

Last updated on Jun 13, 2025

Latest Parallel RC Circuit MCQ Objective Questions

Parallel RC Circuit Question 1:

In a parallel resistance (R) and capacitor (C) circuit, if resistance R increases, the phase angle ϕ __________. 

  1. increases 
  2. becomes zero
  3. remains the same
  4. decreases

Answer (Detailed Solution Below)

Option 4 : decreases

Parallel RC Circuit Question 1 Detailed Solution

Explanation:

Parallel Resistance (R) and Capacitor (C) Circuit

Definition: A parallel resistance and capacitor circuit is an electrical circuit configuration where a resistor (R) and a capacitor (C) are connected in parallel to a common voltage source. Such circuits are widely used in AC (alternating current) applications to analyze impedance, phase angles, and time constants.

Working Principle: In an AC circuit, a capacitor introduces a phase shift because the current leads the voltage by 90 degrees, while the resistor does not introduce any phase shift (current and voltage are in phase). The combination of these two components results in a net phase angle (ϕ) between the total current and the source voltage, which is dependent on the relative values of resistance (R) and capacitive reactance (Xc).

Phase Angle (ϕ): The phase angle (ϕ) in a parallel R-C circuit is determined by the relationship between the current through the capacitor and the current through the resistor. Mathematically, the phase angle is given by:

tan(ϕ) = IC / IR

Where:

  • IC = Current through the capacitor
  • IR = Current through the resistor

Since the current through the capacitor is given by IC = V / XC and the current through the resistor is IR = V / R, the phase angle can also be expressed as:

tan(ϕ) = XC / R

Where:

  • XC = 1 / (2πfC), the capacitive reactance
  • R = Resistance

From the above equation, it is evident that the phase angle ϕ depends on the ratio of XC (capacitive reactance) to R (resistance).

Effect of Increasing Resistance (R):

When the resistance (R) in the parallel R-C circuit is increased:

  • The denominator of the term XC / R increases, resulting in a decrease in the value of tan(ϕ).
  • As tan(ϕ) decreases, the phase angle ϕ also decreases since the tangent function is directly related to the angle.

Hence, when resistance (R) increases, the phase angle (ϕ) decreases.

Correct Option:

The correct answer is:

Option 4: Decreases

As explained above, increasing the resistance reduces the phase angle in a parallel R-C circuit due to the inverse relationship between resistance and tan(ϕ).

Additional Information

To further understand the analysis, let’s evaluate the other options:

Option 1: Increases

This option is incorrect because increasing resistance (R) in the parallel R-C circuit reduces the phase angle (ϕ). The relationship between tan(ϕ) and resistance is inversely proportional, so an increase in R leads to a decrease in tan(ϕ) and consequently a decrease in ϕ.

Option 2: Becomes zero

This option is incorrect because the phase angle (ϕ) does not become zero simply by increasing the resistance. The phase angle becomes zero only in a purely resistive circuit (when the capacitor is removed or its effect is negligible). In a parallel R-C circuit, the phase angle will decrease but will not reach zero as long as the capacitor is present.

Option 3: Remains the same

This option is incorrect because the phase angle (ϕ) is dependent on the resistance (R) and capacitive reactance (XC). When R changes, the phase angle also changes. Therefore, the phase angle cannot remain the same when resistance is increased.

Conclusion:

In a parallel R-C circuit, the phase angle (ϕ) decreases when the resistance (R) increases. This is due to the inverse relationship between resistance and tan(ϕ), as shown in the mathematical derivation. Understanding the behavior of phase angles in R-C circuits is essential for analyzing AC circuits and their impedance characteristics.

Parallel RC Circuit Question 2:

A capacitor of capacitance C farad is connected in parallel with a resistance of R Ω. An AC voltage of V volt supplied across the circuit. if the current flowing through resistance is equal to IR and current flowing through the capacitors is equal to IC, What is the value of the total current flowing through the circuit?

  1. \(\rm I=V\left(\frac{1}{R}+\omega C<90^{\circ}\right)\)
  2. \(\rm I=V\left(\frac{1}{C}+\omega R<90^{\circ}\right)\)
  3. \(\rm I=V\left(\frac{1}{R}+\frac{c}{\omega}<90^{\circ}\right)\)
  4. \(\rm I=V\left(\frac{1}{R}+\frac{\omega}{c}<90^{\circ}\right)\)

Answer (Detailed Solution Below)

Option 1 : \(\rm I=V\left(\frac{1}{R}+\omega C<90^{\circ}\right)\)

Parallel RC Circuit Question 2 Detailed Solution

Parallel RC circuit

F4 Vinanti Engineering 29.12.22 D2

In a resistor, the current is in the same phase as the voltage.

 

In a capacitor, the current leads voltage by 90° 

Hence, for a parallel RC circuit, the angle of current (I) with respect to voltage (V) is between 0° to 90° 

\(I_R={V\over R}\angle0\)

\(I_C={V\over 1/j\omega C}={j\omega CV}\)

\(I_C=\angle90 \space ({\omega CV})\)

The supply current is:

I = IR + j IC

\(I = {V\over R}+j\omega CV\)

\(\rm I=V\left(\frac{1}{R}+\omega C<90^{\circ}\right)\)

Parallel RC Circuit Question 3:

What is the phase angle between the capacitor current and the applied voltage in a parallel RC circuit?

  1. 90° 
  2. 0° 
  3. 45° 
  4. 180° 
  5. data is insufficient

Answer (Detailed Solution Below)

Option 1 : 90° 

Parallel RC Circuit Question 3 Detailed Solution

F1 Shubham 10.12.20 Pallavi D5

The phasor diagram is drawn as:

F1 Shubham 10.12.20 Pallavi D6

1) There is no phase difference between the applied voltage and the voltage across R and C in parallel.

2) The current through the resistive branch is in phase with the applied signal.

3) But the current through the capacitive branch leads its voltage Vc by 90 degrees.

Parallel RC Circuit Question 4:

What is the phase angle between the capacitor current and the applied voltage in a parallel RC circuit?

  1. 90° 
  2. 0° 
  3. 45° 
  4. 180° 

Answer (Detailed Solution Below)

Option 1 : 90° 

Parallel RC Circuit Question 4 Detailed Solution

F1 Shubham 10.12.20 Pallavi D5

The phasor diagram is drawn as:

F1 Shubham 10.12.20 Pallavi D6

1) There is no phase difference between the applied voltage and the voltage across R and C in parallel.

2) The current through the resistive branch is in phase with the applied signal.

3) But the current through the capacitive branch leads its voltage Vc by 90 degrees.

Parallel RC Circuit Question 5:

In the circuit shown below, a step input voltage of magnitude 5 V is applied at node A at time t = 0. If the capacitor has no charge for t < 0, the voltage at node P at t = 6 μs is ________ V. (Answer should be rounded off to two decimal places)

F2 Madhuri Engineering 29.07.2022 D1 V2

Answer (Detailed Solution Below) 1.87 - 1.91

Parallel RC Circuit Question 5 Detailed Solution

GATE IN 2019 Official 47Q Technical.docx 20

At t ≤ 0, Vc (0) = 0 V

\({V_c}\left( \infty \right) = 5\left( {\frac{3}{{2 + 3}}} \right) = 3V\)

Time constant = τ = Req Ceq

Req = 2kΩ || 3 kΩ = 1.2 kΩ

Ceq = 5 nF

τ = RC = 6 μsec

\({V_c}\left( t \right) = {V_c}\left( \infty \right) + \left[ {{V_c}\left( 0 \right) - {V_c}\left( \infty \right)} \right]{e^{ - \frac{t}{\tau }}}\)

\(= 3 + \left[ {0 - 3} \right]{e^{ - \frac{t}{{6\mu }}}}\)

\(= 3\left[ {1 - {e^{ - \frac{t}{{6\mu }}}}} \right]V\)

At t = 6 μsec

⇒ Vc(t) = 3 [1 - e-1] = 1.896 V.

Top Parallel RC Circuit MCQ Objective Questions

A capacitor of capacitance C farad is connected in parallel with a resistance of R Ω. An AC voltage of V volt supplied across the circuit. if the current flowing through resistance is equal to IR and current flowing through the capacitors is equal to IC, What is the value of the total current flowing through the circuit?

  1. \(\rm I=V\left(\frac{1}{R}+\omega C<90^{\circ}\right)\)
  2. \(\rm I=V\left(\frac{1}{C}+\omega R<90^{\circ}\right)\)
  3. \(\rm I=V\left(\frac{1}{R}+\frac{c}{\omega}<90^{\circ}\right)\)
  4. \(\rm I=V\left(\frac{1}{R}+\frac{\omega}{c}<90^{\circ}\right)\)

Answer (Detailed Solution Below)

Option 1 : \(\rm I=V\left(\frac{1}{R}+\omega C<90^{\circ}\right)\)

Parallel RC Circuit Question 6 Detailed Solution

Download Solution PDF

Parallel RC circuit

F4 Vinanti Engineering 29.12.22 D2

In a resistor, the current is in the same phase as the voltage.

 

In a capacitor, the current leads voltage by 90° 

Hence, for a parallel RC circuit, the angle of current (I) with respect to voltage (V) is between 0° to 90° 

\(I_R={V\over R}\angle0\)

\(I_C={V\over 1/j\omega C}={j\omega CV}\)

\(I_C=\angle90 \space ({\omega CV})\)

The supply current is:

I = IR + j IC

\(I = {V\over R}+j\omega CV\)

\(\rm I=V\left(\frac{1}{R}+\omega C<90^{\circ}\right)\)

What is the phase angle between the capacitor current and the applied voltage in a parallel RC circuit?

  1. 90° 
  2. 0° 
  3. 45° 
  4. 180° 

Answer (Detailed Solution Below)

Option 1 : 90° 

Parallel RC Circuit Question 7 Detailed Solution

Download Solution PDF

F1 Shubham 10.12.20 Pallavi D5

The phasor diagram is drawn as:

F1 Shubham 10.12.20 Pallavi D6

1) There is no phase difference between the applied voltage and the voltage across R and C in parallel.

2) The current through the resistive branch is in phase with the applied signal.

3) But the current through the capacitive branch leads its voltage Vc by 90 degrees.

In the circuit shown below, a step input voltage of magnitude 5 V is applied at node A at time t = 0. If the capacitor has no charge for t < 0, the voltage at node P at t = 6 μs is ________ V. (Answer should be rounded off to two decimal places)

F2 Madhuri Engineering 29.07.2022 D1 V2

Answer (Detailed Solution Below) 1.87 - 1.91

Parallel RC Circuit Question 8 Detailed Solution

Download Solution PDF

GATE IN 2019 Official 47Q Technical.docx 20

At t ≤ 0, Vc (0) = 0 V

\({V_c}\left( \infty \right) = 5\left( {\frac{3}{{2 + 3}}} \right) = 3V\)

Time constant = τ = Req Ceq

Req = 2kΩ || 3 kΩ = 1.2 kΩ

Ceq = 5 nF

τ = RC = 6 μsec

\({V_c}\left( t \right) = {V_c}\left( \infty \right) + \left[ {{V_c}\left( 0 \right) - {V_c}\left( \infty \right)} \right]{e^{ - \frac{t}{\tau }}}\)

\(= 3 + \left[ {0 - 3} \right]{e^{ - \frac{t}{{6\mu }}}}\)

\(= 3\left[ {1 - {e^{ - \frac{t}{{6\mu }}}}} \right]V\)

At t = 6 μsec

⇒ Vc(t) = 3 [1 - e-1] = 1.896 V.

In a parallel resistance (R) and capacitor (C) circuit, if resistance R increases, the phase angle ϕ __________. 

  1. increases 
  2. becomes zero
  3. remains the same
  4. decreases

Answer (Detailed Solution Below)

Option 4 : decreases

Parallel RC Circuit Question 9 Detailed Solution

Download Solution PDF

Explanation:

Parallel Resistance (R) and Capacitor (C) Circuit

Definition: A parallel resistance and capacitor circuit is an electrical circuit configuration where a resistor (R) and a capacitor (C) are connected in parallel to a common voltage source. Such circuits are widely used in AC (alternating current) applications to analyze impedance, phase angles, and time constants.

Working Principle: In an AC circuit, a capacitor introduces a phase shift because the current leads the voltage by 90 degrees, while the resistor does not introduce any phase shift (current and voltage are in phase). The combination of these two components results in a net phase angle (ϕ) between the total current and the source voltage, which is dependent on the relative values of resistance (R) and capacitive reactance (Xc).

Phase Angle (ϕ): The phase angle (ϕ) in a parallel R-C circuit is determined by the relationship between the current through the capacitor and the current through the resistor. Mathematically, the phase angle is given by:

tan(ϕ) = IC / IR

Where:

  • IC = Current through the capacitor
  • IR = Current through the resistor

Since the current through the capacitor is given by IC = V / XC and the current through the resistor is IR = V / R, the phase angle can also be expressed as:

tan(ϕ) = XC / R

Where:

  • XC = 1 / (2πfC), the capacitive reactance
  • R = Resistance

From the above equation, it is evident that the phase angle ϕ depends on the ratio of XC (capacitive reactance) to R (resistance).

Effect of Increasing Resistance (R):

When the resistance (R) in the parallel R-C circuit is increased:

  • The denominator of the term XC / R increases, resulting in a decrease in the value of tan(ϕ).
  • As tan(ϕ) decreases, the phase angle ϕ also decreases since the tangent function is directly related to the angle.

Hence, when resistance (R) increases, the phase angle (ϕ) decreases.

Correct Option:

The correct answer is:

Option 4: Decreases

As explained above, increasing the resistance reduces the phase angle in a parallel R-C circuit due to the inverse relationship between resistance and tan(ϕ).

Additional Information

To further understand the analysis, let’s evaluate the other options:

Option 1: Increases

This option is incorrect because increasing resistance (R) in the parallel R-C circuit reduces the phase angle (ϕ). The relationship between tan(ϕ) and resistance is inversely proportional, so an increase in R leads to a decrease in tan(ϕ) and consequently a decrease in ϕ.

Option 2: Becomes zero

This option is incorrect because the phase angle (ϕ) does not become zero simply by increasing the resistance. The phase angle becomes zero only in a purely resistive circuit (when the capacitor is removed or its effect is negligible). In a parallel R-C circuit, the phase angle will decrease but will not reach zero as long as the capacitor is present.

Option 3: Remains the same

This option is incorrect because the phase angle (ϕ) is dependent on the resistance (R) and capacitive reactance (XC). When R changes, the phase angle also changes. Therefore, the phase angle cannot remain the same when resistance is increased.

Conclusion:

In a parallel R-C circuit, the phase angle (ϕ) decreases when the resistance (R) increases. This is due to the inverse relationship between resistance and tan(ϕ), as shown in the mathematical derivation. Understanding the behavior of phase angles in R-C circuits is essential for analyzing AC circuits and their impedance characteristics.

In the circuit diagram, shown in the figure S1 was closed and S2 was open for a very long time. At t = 0, S(switch connected to 1 V source) is opened and S2 (switch connected to 3 V source) is closed. The voltage across the capacitor, in volts, at t = 5 μs is _____

D69

Answer (Detailed Solution Below) 1.4 - 1.6

Parallel RC Circuit Question 10 Detailed Solution

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At t = 0-, the circuit becomes,

D70

VC (0-) = 1 V

At t = ∞, the circuit becomes

D71

\({V_c}\left( \infty \right) = 3\left( {\frac{2}{{1 + 2}}} \right) = 2\;V\)

\({V_C}\left( t \right) = \left[ {{V_C}\left( 0 \right) - {V_C}\left( \infty \right)} \right]{e^{ - \frac{t}{\tau }}} + {V_C}\left( \infty \right)\;\)

Time constant (τ) = RC = (1||2) (10 × 10-6)

\(= \frac{2}{3} \times 10 \times {10^{ - 6}}\)

\({V_C}\left( t \right) = 2 + \left[ {1 - 2} \right]{e^{ - \frac{t}{{\frac{2}{3} \times {{10}^{ - 5}}}}}}\)

\(= 2 - {e^{ - \left( {\frac{{3t}}{{2 \times {{10}^{ - 5}}}}} \right)}}\)

At t = 5μs,

\(= 2 - {e^{ - \left( {\frac{{3 \times 5 \times {{10}^{ - 6}}}}{{2 \times {{10}^{ - 5}}}}} \right)}}\)

\(= 2{ -e ^{ - 0.75}} = 1.527\;V.\)

Parallel RC Circuit Question 11:

A capacitor of capacitance C farad is connected in parallel with a resistance of R Ω. An AC voltage of V volt supplied across the circuit. if the current flowing through resistance is equal to IR and current flowing through the capacitors is equal to IC, What is the value of the total current flowing through the circuit?

  1. \(\rm I=V\left(\frac{1}{R}+\omega C<90^{\circ}\right)\)
  2. \(\rm I=V\left(\frac{1}{C}+\omega R<90^{\circ}\right)\)
  3. \(\rm I=V\left(\frac{1}{R}+\frac{c}{\omega}<90^{\circ}\right)\)
  4. \(\rm I=V\left(\frac{1}{R}+\frac{\omega}{c}<90^{\circ}\right)\)

Answer (Detailed Solution Below)

Option 1 : \(\rm I=V\left(\frac{1}{R}+\omega C<90^{\circ}\right)\)

Parallel RC Circuit Question 11 Detailed Solution

Parallel RC circuit

F4 Vinanti Engineering 29.12.22 D2

In a resistor, the current is in the same phase as the voltage.

 

In a capacitor, the current leads voltage by 90° 

Hence, for a parallel RC circuit, the angle of current (I) with respect to voltage (V) is between 0° to 90° 

\(I_R={V\over R}\angle0\)

\(I_C={V\over 1/j\omega C}={j\omega CV}\)

\(I_C=\angle90 \space ({\omega CV})\)

The supply current is:

I = IR + j IC

\(I = {V\over R}+j\omega CV\)

\(\rm I=V\left(\frac{1}{R}+\omega C<90^{\circ}\right)\)

Parallel RC Circuit Question 12:

What is the phase angle between the capacitor current and the applied voltage in a parallel RC circuit?

  1. 90° 
  2. 0° 
  3. 45° 
  4. 180° 

Answer (Detailed Solution Below)

Option 1 : 90° 

Parallel RC Circuit Question 12 Detailed Solution

F1 Shubham 10.12.20 Pallavi D5

The phasor diagram is drawn as:

F1 Shubham 10.12.20 Pallavi D6

1) There is no phase difference between the applied voltage and the voltage across R and C in parallel.

2) The current through the resistive branch is in phase with the applied signal.

3) But the current through the capacitive branch leads its voltage Vc by 90 degrees.

Parallel RC Circuit Question 13:

The current Ix(t) applied to the circuit below is shown in the figure, the value of current i(t) at t = 25 msec is _____ mA.

F10 Shubham 5-11-2020 Swati D30

Answer (Detailed Solution Below) 3.4 - 3.8

Parallel RC Circuit Question 13 Detailed Solution

Concept:

For an RC circuit supplied with a constant step DC voltage source, the capacitor voltage rises satisfying the following transient equation:

\({V_c}\left( t \right) = {V_c}\left( \infty \right) + [({V_c}\left( 0 \right) - {V_c}\left( \infty \right))]{e^{ - \frac{t}{{\tau}}}}\)

Vc(∞) = Final or Steady-State voltage of the Capacitor

Vc(0) = Initial voltage stored by the Capacitor

RC = τ = Time Constant of the series RC circuit

Application:

Given:

\({I_x}\left( t \right) = \left\{ {\begin{array}{*{20}{c}} {10\;\;\;t < 0}\\ {25\;\;\;t < 0} \end{array}} \right.\)

At t = 0- circuit is at steady state and Ix(0-) = 10 mA (capacitor will be open circuited)

i(0-) = 0 A

F10 Shubham 5-11-2020 Swati D31

\({I_{20k}} = 10\;mA \times \frac{{8\;k{\rm{\Omega }}}}{{8\;k{\rm{\Omega }} + 12\;k{\rm{\Omega }} + 20\;k{\rm{\Omega }}}}\)

I20k = 2 mA

Vc (0-) = (20k × 2m) = 40 V

Similarly, at t = ∞:

\({I_{20k}} = 25 \times \frac{8}{{40}} = 5\;mA\)

Vc () = 100 V

\({V_c}\left( t \right) = {V_c}\left( \infty \right) + [({V_c}\left( 0 \right) - {V_c}\left( \infty \right))]{e^{ - \frac{t}{{\tau}}}}\)

τ = Req Ceq 

F10 Shubham 5-11-2020 Swati D32

Req = 20 k ∥ 20 k = 10 k

τ = 10 × 103 × 5 × 10-6 = 5 × 10-2

Vc(t) = 100 + (40 - 100) e-20t

\(i\left( t \right) = C \times \frac{{d{V_c}\left( t \right)}}{{dt}}\)

\(i\left( t \right) = 5 \times {10^{ - 6}} \times \left[ {60} \right] \times \left[ {20} \right]{e^{ - 20t}} \)

\(i(t)= 6{e^{ - 20t}}\;mA\)

\(i\left( t \right){I_{t = 25\;msec}} = 6{e^{ - 0.5}}\)

\( = 3.6391\;mA\)

Parallel RC Circuit Question 14:

The steady state in the circuit, shown in the given figure is reached with S open. S is closed at t = 0, the current I at t = 0+ is – (in A)

Gate EE Network Subject Test-2 Quest-9 Q-1

Answer (Detailed Solution Below) 1

Parallel RC Circuit Question 14 Detailed Solution

Concept:

In the steady-state capacitor acts like an open circuit because its impedance becomes  , whereas the inductor acts like a short-circuit because its impedance becomes 0.

Calculation:

The previous steady-state diagram is shown below:

F1 S.B 4.8.20 Pallavi D23

VC (0-) = 2 V = VC (0+)

I (0-) = 1 A

At t = 0+, circuit is

Gate EE Network Subject Test-2 Quest-9 A-1

By applying mesh analysis from the 2 V source to the ground through the 1 Ω and 2 Ω resistance, we get:

2 + 1(1 - I(0+)) - 2I(0+) = 0

3 = 3 I(0+)

⇒ I (0+) = 1 A

Parallel RC Circuit Question 15:

In the circuit shown below, a step input voltage of magnitude 5 V is applied at node A at time t = 0. If the capacitor has no charge for t < 0, the voltage at node P at t = 6 μs is ________ V. (Answer should be rounded off to two decimal places)

F2 Madhuri Engineering 29.07.2022 D1 V2

Answer (Detailed Solution Below) 1.87 - 1.91

Parallel RC Circuit Question 15 Detailed Solution

GATE IN 2019 Official 47Q Technical.docx 20

At t ≤ 0, Vc (0) = 0 V

\({V_c}\left( \infty \right) = 5\left( {\frac{3}{{2 + 3}}} \right) = 3V\)

Time constant = τ = Req Ceq

Req = 2kΩ || 3 kΩ = 1.2 kΩ

Ceq = 5 nF

τ = RC = 6 μsec

\({V_c}\left( t \right) = {V_c}\left( \infty \right) + \left[ {{V_c}\left( 0 \right) - {V_c}\left( \infty \right)} \right]{e^{ - \frac{t}{\tau }}}\)

\(= 3 + \left[ {0 - 3} \right]{e^{ - \frac{t}{{6\mu }}}}\)

\(= 3\left[ {1 - {e^{ - \frac{t}{{6\mu }}}}} \right]V\)

At t = 6 μsec

⇒ Vc(t) = 3 [1 - e-1] = 1.896 V.

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