Which electrical component introduces a phase shift in current below zero degrees?

An inductor introduces a phase shift in current below zero degrees, meaning that the current lags the voltage in an inductive circuit. This occurs because when an alternating current (AC) passes through an inductor, the magnetic field created by the current needs time to build up and collapse, which delays the current behind the voltage.

The concept of phase shift is crucial in AC circuits, especially when analyzing reactive components. With inductors, the phase angle between the voltage across the inductor and the current through it is typically negative, indicating that the current lags the voltage. This negative phase shift is a key characteristic in the behavior of inductive loads.

In contrast, a resistor does not introduce any phase shift between the voltage and the current; they are in phase with each other. A capacitor, on the other hand, has a positive phase shift, where the current leads the voltage. A transformer can alter voltage levels and has its own phase relationships, but primarily, the phase shift attributed to inductance is definitive to inductors.

Understanding these distinctions is vital for effective electrical system design and analysis, ensuring optimal performance and safety.