Is it true that whenever we have a capacitor in a circuit (and no inductor), the current (AC) is leading the V

Answer 1

Yes. A capacitive circuit will have the steady-state current leading the voltage.

Inductive equipment causes the current to lag the voltage.

99% of the load on an electrical distribution system is either resistive or inductive. The overall result is a lagging power factor.

Capacitors are added to the circuit to bring the power factor closer to unity.

I learned it as ELI the ICE man.

Voltage (E) is ahead of Current (I) in an Inductive (L) circuit. ELI
Current (I) leads the voltage (E) in a Capacitive (C) circuit. ICE

Answer 2

Yup. ELI likes ICE is the menomic.