Question
What is the relationship between the AC current through an inductor and the voltage across an inductor?
Answer Options
- A) Voltage leads current by 90 degrees
- B) Current leads voltage by 90 degrees
- C) Voltage and current are 180 degrees out of phase
- D) Voltage and current are in phase
Correct Answer: A
Explanation
The relationship between AC voltage and current in an inductor is a phase shift because the inductor stores energy in a magnetic field. An inductor opposes any change in current, meaning the voltage must first be established to force the current to change its magnitude.
For a purely inductive circuit, the voltage leads current by 90 degrees. This is often remembered by the mnemonic ‘ELI the ICE man,’ where ‘E’ (voltage) leads ‘I’ (current) in an ‘L’ (inductive) circuit. The voltage must be applied first to establish the magnetic field, which then allows the current to flow.
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