What is the maximum phase angle between current and voltage in purely inductive or purely capacitive circuits?

What is the maximum phase angle between current and voltage in purely inductive or purely capacitive circuits?

• A. 45°
• B. 60°
• C. 90°
• D. 120°

Answer: (C)

In purely inductive or purely capacitive circuits, the maximum phase angle between current and voltage is 90 degrees. This is a fundamental concept in AC (alternating current) circuit analysis. In a purely inductive circuit, the current lags the voltage by 90 degrees. This means that when the voltage waveform reaches its peak, the current is at zero, indicating that the two waveforms are out of phase. Conversely, in a purely capacitive circuit, the current leads the voltage by 90 degrees. Despite the difference in lead and lag, the magnitude of the phase angle between the two remains 90 degrees in both scenarios. This 90-degree phase relationship represents a completely reactive circuit where energy is alternately stored and released by the inductor or capacitor, without any real power being consumed. Thus, the correct answer reflects this key characteristic of phase relationships in purely inductive and capacitive circuits.

In purely inductive or purely capacitive circuits, the maximum phase angle between current and voltage is 90 degrees. This is a fundamental concept in AC (alternating current) circuit analysis.

In a purely inductive circuit, the current lags the voltage by 90 degrees. This means that when the voltage waveform reaches its peak, the current is at zero, indicating that the two waveforms are out of phase. Conversely, in a purely capacitive circuit, the current leads the voltage by 90 degrees. Despite the difference in lead and lag, the magnitude of the phase angle between the two remains 90 degrees in both scenarios.

This 90-degree phase relationship represents a completely reactive circuit where energy is alternately stored and released by the inductor or capacitor, without any real power being consumed. Thus, the correct answer reflects this key characteristic of phase relationships in purely inductive and capacitive circuits.