Red Seal Electrician Practice
AC theoryQuestion 975 of 1506

Which statement describes pure reactance in an AC circuit?

  1. The voltage drop is in phase with the current
  2. The voltage drop is 180 degrees from the current
  3. It gives off heat in the same way as a resistor
  4. The voltage drop is 90 degrees out of phase with the current
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Correct answer: The voltage drop is 90 degrees out of phase with the current

A pure reactance (inductor or capacitor) shifts voltage and current by a quarter cycle.

Source: Lessons in Electric Circuits II: AC (Kuphaldt), 5.1: Review of R, X, and Z

Practice ac theory

Questions last reviewed: 18 October 2026