In capacitive loads, the current ________ the voltage.

In capacitive loads, the current leads the voltage. This occurs due to the inherent properties of capacitors, which store energy in an electric field when a voltage is applied. In an AC circuit, as the voltage increases, the capacitor begins to charge, and the current flow reaches its peak before the voltage does. This phase difference is characteristic of capacitors, leading to the scenario where the current waveform anticipates the voltage waveform.

This relationship is fundamental in alternating current (AC) circuit analysis. Understanding that the current leads the voltage by 90 degrees can help technicians and engineers accurately analyze and design electrical systems and predict how capacitive components will behave under operational conditions. Therefore, identifying that the current leads voltage in capacitive loads is crucial for ensuring proper energy management and system efficiency in various applications.