This question was asked inGPSC Deputy Executive Engineer (Electrical) Class-2 Master Paper 2026Question 55 of 195 published · Gujarat Public Service CommissionOpen paper
Q55EasyTransmission Lines

Consider the following statements regarding Skin Effect:
1. Skin effect causes current to concentrate near surface of conductor at high frequency.
2. Skin depth decreases with increase in frequency.
3. Skin effect reduces effective cross-sectional area of conductor.
4. Skin effect is significant only at low frequencies.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?

Answer & step-by-step solution
Correct answer: D. 1, 2 and 3 only
Quick explanation

Skin effect is the tendency of alternating current to crowd toward a conductor surface as frequency rises. Skin depth decreases with frequency and also depends on permeability and conductivity. Key relation: δ=√(2/(ωμσ)).

Exam focus: Higher f → smaller skin depth → higher AC resistance. Common trap: Skin effect is weak at low frequency and stronger at high frequency.

δ=√(2/(ωμσ)).

Statement-wise Verification

  • Statement 1 - Correct.
    Skin effect causes current to concentrate near surface of conductor at high frequency.
    Skin effect is the tendency of alternating current to crowd toward a conductor surface as frequency rises.
  • Statement 2 - Correct.
    Skin depth decreases with increase in frequency.
    Skin depth decreases with frequency and also depends on permeability and conductivity.
  • Statement 3 - Correct.
    Skin effect reduces effective cross-sectional area of conductor.
    Skin effect is the tendency of alternating current to crowd toward a conductor surface as frequency rises.
  • Statement 4 - Incorrect.
    Skin effect is significant only at low frequencies.
    Skin effect becomes more pronounced as frequency increases

Core Concept

Skin effect is the tendency of alternating current to crowd toward a conductor surface as frequency rises. The effective conducting area falls, causing AC resistance to increase. Skin depth decreases with frequency and also depends on permeability and conductivity.

Formula / Key Relationship

δ=√(2/(ωμσ)).

Why the Other Options Are Wrong

Option A is incorrect because it omits correct statement(s) 2. Option B is incorrect because it includes incorrect statement(s) 4 and omits correct statement(s) 2, 3. Option C is incorrect because it omits correct statement(s) 1.

Exam Shortcut / Approach

Higher f → smaller skin depth → higher AC resistance.

Common Mistake

Skin effect is weak at low frequency and stronger at high frequency.

Quick Revision

Skin Depth and AC Resistance is linked with Skin Effect, Transmission Lines and Power Systems. Higher f → smaller skin depth → higher AC resistance.

Exam tipHigher f → smaller skin depth → higher AC resistance.
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