Inductive circuits — does the total current in an RL network always lag the applied source voltage?

Introduction / Context:
Lags and leads determine how loads interact with sources. In RL circuits, the inductor stores energy in a magnetic field and opposes changes in current, which influences the phase relationship between current and voltage. This question asks whether total current always lags voltage in such networks.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Circuit contains only resistive and inductive elements (no capacitors).
• Sinusoidal steady-state operation.
• Phase angle defined as current relative to voltage.

Concept / Approach:
Inductive reactance Xl = ω * L introduces a positive imaginary component in impedance. For RL series, Z = R + j * Xl; for RL parallel, overall admittance has negative susceptance when viewed as current lagging. In either configuration, the net effect is an inductive load where current lags the source voltage by an angle between 0 and 90 degrees, depending on the R to Xl ratio.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:
Measure current and voltage on an oscilloscope with a current probe. For an RL load, the current waveform crosses zero later than the voltage waveform, confirming a lag. Power factor will be less than one and positive (inductive) unless L is zero.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• “False” would imply the load could be leading without a capacitive element, which is not possible in an ideal RL network.

Common Pitfalls:
Confusing branch current behavior with total current in complex topologies. Even if one branch is largely resistive, the combined effect of RL without capacitors remains lagging.

Final Answer:
True