Updated: Dec 9, 2025 | Source: 2024-2028 Question Pool | Topic: E5A
E5A08E5A

What is the phase relationship between the current through and the voltage across a series resonant circuit at resonance?

Deep Dive: E5A08

The correct answer is C: The voltage and current are in phase. What is the phase relationship between the current through and the voltage across a series resonant circuit at resonance is that the voltage and current are in phase. At resonance, reactances cancel, so voltage and current are in phase. For amateur radio operators, this is important for circuit theory. Understanding this helps when working with resonant circuits.

Why Other Answers Are Wrong

Option A: Incorrect. Voltage leads current by 90 degrees isn't correct - at resonance, voltage and current are in phase. 90° lead isn't correct. Option B: Incorrect. Current leads voltage by 90 degrees isn't correct - at resonance, voltage and current are in phase. 90° lead isn't correct. Option D: Incorrect. Voltage and current are 180 degrees out of phase isn't correct - at resonance, voltage and current are in phase. 180° out of phase isn't correct.

Exam Tip

Series resonant circuit at resonance = voltage and current in phase. Think 'S'eries 'R'esonance = 'S'ame 'P'hase. At resonance, reactances cancel, so voltage and current are in phase. Not 90° lead, not 90° lag, not 180° - just in phase.

Memory Aid

Series resonant circuit at resonance = voltage and current in phase. Think 'S'eries 'R'esonance = 'I'n phase. At resonance, reactances cancel, so voltage and current are in phase. Important for circuit theory.

Real-World Example

A series resonant circuit at resonance: The voltage and current are in phase. At resonance, the inductive reactance and capacitive reactance are equal and opposite, so they cancel, leaving only resistance. With pure resistance, voltage and current are in phase. This is the relationship - in phase.

Source & Coverage

Question Pool: 2024-2028 Question Pool

Subelement: E5A

Reference: 2024-2028 Question Pool · E5 - Electrical Principles

Key Concepts

Phase relationship Current through Voltage across Series resonant circuit At resonance In phase

Verified Content

Question from the official FCC Extra Class pool. Explanation reviewed by licensed amateur radio operators and mapped to the E5A topic.