What type of load experiences a current that lags behind the voltage?

An inductive load is characterized by a current that lags behind the voltage. This behavior is primarily due to the nature of inductors, which store energy in a magnetic field when electrical current flows through them. In an inductive circuit, when an alternating current (AC) voltage is applied, the current doesn't immediately reach its maximum value; instead, it takes time to reach its peak due to the inductive reactance. This results in a phase difference where the current waveform is delayed in relation to the voltage waveform.

In contrast, a resistive load draws current in phase with the voltage, meaning both the current and voltage reach their peaks simultaneously. Capacitive loads exhibit the opposite behavior, where the current leads the voltage. Conductive loads, while not commonly categorized in this context, would generally refer to materials that allow current to flow with minimal resistance, typically aligning with resistive behavior.

Hence, the distinctive lagging current characteristic of inductive loads confirms that they experience a phase shift that is critical in AC circuit analysis.