Final answer:
The peak current in an AC circuit is equal to the RMS current multiplied by the square root of 2. The RMS value is used because it represents the equivalent power that a DC current would deliver over one cycle in a resistive circuit.
Step-by-step explanation:
To calculate the peak current in a simple AC circuit when the RMS current is known, use the relationship between these two quantities. In a typical AC circuit, the peak current (Io) is equal to the RMS current (Irms) multiplied by the square root of 2. This occurs because the RMS value represents the equivalent DC current that would deliver the same power to a resistor as the AC current does over one cycle.
Using the given formula:
Irms = Io / √2,
we can solve for the peak current, Io, which is what we want to find. To get Io, simply multiply the RMS current by the square root of 2:
Io = Irms × √2
Therefore, the correct answer to the student's question is that the peak current is equal to the RMS current multiplied by the square root of 2.