What is the shape of the instantaneous current drawn by a resistive AC load?

The instantaneous current drawn by a resistive AC load is represented by a sine wave shape. This is due to the nature of AC (alternating current) itself, which typically varies sinusoidally over time. The voltage and current in a purely resistive circuit are in phase, meaning that as the voltage oscillates through its positive and negative cycles in a sine wave pattern, the current does the same.

In a resistive load, the relationship between voltage (V) and current (I) is governed by Ohm’s Law, where V = I * R. Since both voltage and current follow the same sinusoidal function, the current drawn from the AC supply mimics the shape of the voltage waveform, which is a sine wave. Therefore, the correct representation of the instantaneous current in a resistive circuit is indeed a sine wave shape, corresponding to the periodic oscillations that characterize AC electrical systems.