In an inductive circuit, is the current leading or lagging?

In an inductive circuit, the current is considered lagging. This occurs because inductors resist changes in current. When an alternating current (AC) voltage is applied, the inductor creates a magnetic field that takes time to build up. As a result, the current does not immediately rise to its maximum value; instead, it lags behind the voltage waveform.

In a purely inductive circuit, the voltage reaches its peak before the current does, causing the phase angle between them to be shifted. This phase difference typically measures 90 degrees in ideal inductors, meaning voltage leads current. Consequently, in terms of phase relationships in AC circuits, the characterization of the current as lagging is crucial for understanding how inductors behave and interact with the circuit.