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Electromagnetism FAQ

The phase difference between voltage and current in a pure inductor is:

90° (current lags voltage). In a pure inductor, V = L·dI/dt, so voltage leads current by 90° (or current lags voltage by 90°).

Short Answer

90° (current lags voltage) is the best answer.

Electromagnetism questions become manageable once you separate source, field, potential, current, and force. Most wrong answers mix those layers together or ignore direction.

In a pure inductor, V = L·dI/dt, so voltage leads current by 90° (or current lags voltage by 90°).

Why This Answer Is Correct

This is a Medium-level question in Electromagnetism. The prompt is really testing whether you can connect the concept to its defining physical relationship instead of picking a nearby-but-wrong term.

Keep charge, field, potential, and current distinct. That single habit fixes a large fraction of electromagnetism errors.

Choices At A Glance

  • A.
  • B. 90° (current lags voltage)
  • C. 90° (current leads voltage)
  • D. 180°

When similar options appear on an exam, eliminate the ones that break the core law, use the wrong units, or confuse a definition with a consequence.

Topic Snapshot

Topic: Electromagnetism

Difficulty: Medium

Best next move: Re-state the governing law in your own words, then solve one more example from the same topic before moving on.