What is the phase angle between the voltage across and the current through a series RLC circuit if XC is 300 ohms, R is 100 ohms, and XL is 100 ohms?

To solve for the phase angle, begin by finding the net reactance (X) of the series RLC circuit. Subtract the capacitive reactance from the inductive reactance (X = XL - XC). Here, 100 ohms - 300 ohms gives a net reactance of -200 ohms. Next, calculate the phase angle using trigonometry, specifically the formula: angle = arctan(X / R). Calculating arctan(-200 / 100) gives arctan(-2.0), which results in an angle of approximately -63.4 degrees. The absolute value is 63 degrees. To determine the lead/lag relationship, note that the capacitive reactance (300 ohms) is larger than the inductive reactance (100 ohms), so the circuit is net-capacitive. The 'ICE' part of 'ELI the ICE man' reminds us that Current (I) leads Voltage (E) in a capacitive circuit. Therefore, the voltage lags the current by 63 degrees.