The correct answer is: D. None of the above
The arc voltage produced in an AC circuit breaker is neither in phase with, nor lagging or leading the arc current. The arc voltage is a complex function of the arc current, the circuit breaker’s design, and the surrounding environment.
In general, the arc voltage will be higher when the arc current is higher. This is because the arc resistance increases with current. The arc voltage will also be higher when the circuit breaker is designed to interrupt higher currents. This is because the circuit breaker’s interrupting capacity is limited by the arc voltage.
The arc voltage will also be affected by the surrounding environment. For example, the arc voltage will be higher in a dusty environment than in a clean environment. This is because the dust particles can help to sustain the arc.
The arc voltage is a complex phenomenon that is difficult to model accurately. However, it is important to understand the basic principles of arc voltage in order to design and operate AC circuit breakers.