What is the relationship between the AC current through an inductor and the voltage across an inductor?

In a purely inductive circuit, the inductor opposes any change in current by generating a counter-electromotive force (a magnetic field). When an AC voltage is applied, the highest voltage is required to push the current when the current is changing the fastest, which happens exactly as the current crosses zero. Consequently, the voltage waveform reaches its maximum peak 90 degrees before the current waveform hits its peak. We can remember this phase shift easily by using the classic electronics mnemonic 'ELI the ICE man'. The 'ELI' part of the mnemonic stands for Voltage (E) leads Current (I) in an Inductor (L). Because of this inductive property, the voltage leads the current by exactly 90 degrees.