For Inductive Impedances the Phase Angle Is?

A purely inductive impedance will always have a phase angle of exactly +90° (ZL = XL Ω ∠ 90°). Ohm's Law for AC circuits: E = IZ ; I = E/Z ; Z = E/I. When resistors and inductors are mixed together in circuits, the total impedance will have a phase angle somewhere between 0° and +90°.

Does impedance have a phase angle?

Impedance Form

We said previously that impedance (Z) is the combined effect of the total values of the resistance (R) and the reactance (X) present within an AC circuit. But impedance is also frequency dependant and therefore has a phase angle associated with it.

What is the phase angle of an inductor?

Current lags voltage by 90° in an inductor. Mathematically, we say that the phase angle of an inductor's opposition to current is 90°, meaning that an inductor's opposition to current is a positive imaginary quantity.

James H. Sterling

James H. Sterling

Environmental Science & Climate Journalist

James Sterling reports on renewable energy developments, climate policy, ecological conservation, and green tech innovations around the globe.