In an inductive circuit, what happens to the current when the voltage is increased?

In an inductive circuit, when voltage is increased, the current typically increases due to the relationship defined by Ohm's Law and the characteristics of inductive reactance. In an ideal situation, if the inductance and frequency remain constant, increasing the voltage applied across the inductor should lead to an increase in the current flowing through the circuit.

Inductance opposes any changes in current due to its property of storing energy in a magnetic field. However, when the voltage is increased, the overall potential difference in the circuit drives a higher current. The behavior of inductive circuits is such that while there may be a phase difference between voltage and current, the general trend is that with a higher applied voltage, the current will increase proportionally, assuming the resistance remains constant.

This point illustrates the nature of inductive reactance, where the inductance causes the current to lag behind the voltage but does not prevent an increase in current when voltage is increased in steady-state conditions. This understanding is critical in electrical applications involving inductors, ensuring components are correctly rated to handle variations in voltage and the ensuing current changes.