Which type of circuit will show a phase difference between current and voltage?

In an inductive-capacitive circuit, both inductive and capacitive components are present. This combination creates a phase difference between the current and voltage due to the differing ways these components interact with alternating current.

In purely inductive circuits, current lags voltage, while in purely capacitive circuits, current leads voltage. Since inductive and capacitive elements can oppose and support each other in an inductive-capacitive circuit, the resulting phase angle will be the net effect of both; thus, there will be a measurable phase difference.

This is contrasted with purely resistive circuits, where current and voltage are in phase (0° phase difference) because resistors do not store energy—they simply convert electrical energy into heat. In a purely inductive circuit, current will always lag behind voltage by 90°, and in a purely capacitive circuit, it will lead voltage by 90°. However, when both inductive and capacitive elements are present, their effects combine to create a unique phase relationship that can vary depending on the specific values of each component.