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Q122EasyAC Circuits

A coil has resistance R and inductance L. At ω = ∞, the phase angle between voltage and current is _____________

Answer & step-by-step solution
Correct answer: D. 90°
Quick explanation

For a coil Z = R + jωL. As ω → ∞, ωL dominates R, so the impedance becomes nearly purely inductive and the voltage leads current by 90°.

Z = R + jωL φ = tan⁻¹(ωL/R) ω → ∞ ⇒ φ → 90°

Concept & Reasoning

The phase angle of an R-L coil is φ = tan⁻¹(ωL/R). At very low frequency the resistive term can dominate and φ approaches 0°. As frequency increases, inductive reactance grows linearly with ω. In the limit ω → ∞, ωL/R → ∞ and tan⁻¹(∞) = 90°. Thus the coil behaves like an ideal inductor in the high-frequency limit.

How to Solve It in the Exam

High frequency makes an RL coil increasingly inductive.

Important Exam Point

Use the limiting form of tan⁻¹(ωL/R).

Quick Trick

High frequency makes an RL coil increasingly inductive.

Common Mistake

Do not say 180°; passive R-L impedance remains in the first quadrant.

Solution diagram – A coil has resistance R and inductance L. At ω = ∞, the phase angle between…
Exam tipUse the limiting form of tan⁻¹(ωL/R).
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