In an inductive AC circuit, the current lags the voltage.

In an inductive AC circuit, the current lags the voltage.

• A. Voltage leads the current.
• B. Current lags the voltage.
• C. They are in phase.
• D. Current leads the voltage.

Answer: (B)

In an inductive AC circuit, the current lags the voltage because the inductor resists changes in current by storing energy in its magnetic field. The voltage across an inductor is proportional to the rate of change of current (v = L di/dt). When the applied voltage varies sinusoidally, the rate of change is at a phase lead relative to the current, which makes the current waveform lag behind the voltage waveform. In an ideal inductor, this lag is 90 degrees. In real inductors, there is some resistance in series, so the lag is still present but typically less than 90 degrees, depending on the R/L ratio. This behavior is why the statement that the current lags the voltage correctly describes an inductive circuit.

In an inductive AC circuit, the current lags the voltage because the inductor resists changes in current by storing energy in its magnetic field. The voltage across an inductor is proportional to the rate of change of current (v = L di/dt). When the applied voltage varies sinusoidally, the rate of change is at a phase lead relative to the current, which makes the current waveform lag behind the voltage waveform. In an ideal inductor, this lag is 90 degrees. In real inductors, there is some resistance in series, so the lag is still present but typically less than 90 degrees, depending on the R/L ratio. This behavior is why the statement that the current lags the voltage correctly describes an inductive circuit.