If 20 volts AC is connected to a coil, what type of current results compared to 20 volts DC?

When 20 volts AC is connected to a coil, it results in a smaller current compared to when 20 volts DC is applied to the same coil. This outcome is mainly attributed to the reactive properties of coils (inductors) when subjected to alternating current.

In an AC circuit, especially with inductive components like coils, the current does not reach its maximum value due to the reactance that inductance imposes. This reactance causes the current to lag behind the voltage, effectively reducing the amount of current that can flow through the coil. In contrast, a DC circuit allows the full voltage to convert directly into current, assuming there are no other limiting factors (like resistance).

Thus, because of the inductive reactance present in an AC scenario, the current is indeed smaller when using 20 volts AC compared to 20 volts DC. This highlights the fundamental differences in how AC and DC voltages interact with inductive components in a circuit.