What happens to the current in an inductive circuit when the voltage is applied?

In an inductive circuit, when voltage is applied, the current does not immediately reach its maximum value but instead lags behind the voltage due to the characteristics of inductance. This lag occurs because inductors resist changes in current flow.

When an alternating current (AC) voltage is applied, the inductor initially opposes the rise in current due to its magnetic field. This behavior is described by the phenomenon of inductive reactance, which causes the current waveform to shift in time relative to the voltage waveform. Thus, in a purely inductive circuit, the current waveform peaks after the voltage waveform, resulting in a situation where the current lags the voltage.

This phase difference is typically quantified in terms of degrees; for an ideal inductor, the current lags the voltage by 90 degrees. Understanding this relationship is crucial in analyzing AC circuits and helps in calculating power, impedance, and resonance in electrical systems.