The power factor of an induction motor under no-load conditions will be closer to

Answer: Option A

Under no-load conditions, an induction motor primarily draws a small active power and a large magnetizing current.

The magnetizing current is highly reactive in nature, causing the motor to operate at a very low power factor.

Since the magnetizing current lags the applied voltage, the power factor is lagging and typically very low, around 0.2 lagging.

The power factor cannot be leading because an induction motor does not produce reactive power but rather consumes it.

The power factor is also far from unity under no-load conditions due to the dominance of magnetizing current.

Hence, the correct answer is 0.2 lagging (Option A).