Facebook
Google
GitHub
LinkedinAC Electric Circuits
AC Power
47 questions By Tony R. Kuphaldt
-
Question 16 of 47
Define apparent power, in contrast to “true” or “reactive” power.
Reveal answerApparent power is the simple product (multiplication) of voltage and current in an AC circuit. It is the amount of power that appears to be in the circuit, and not necessarily the true power.
Notes:Ask your students where they found information helpful to answering this question.
-
Question 17 of 47
Define reactive power, in contrast to “true” or “apparent” power.
Reveal answerReactive power is that power in a circuit that is absorbed and returned in a circuit due to capacitance and/or inductance. It is the power that never leaves the circuit, whether in the form of useful work or dissipative losses.
Notes:Ask your students where they found information helpful to answering this question.
-
Question 18 of 47
The three different types of power in AC circuits are as follows:
- S = apparent power, measured in Volt-Amps (VA)
- P = true power, measured in Watts (W)
- Q = reactive power, measured in Volt-Amps reactive (VAR)
Explain the names of each of these power types. Why are they called “apparent,” “true,” and “reactive”?
Reveal answer“Apparent” power is apparently the total circuit power when volts and amps are multiplied together. “Reactive” power is due to reactive components (L and C) only, and “True” power is the only type that actually accounts for energy leaving the circuit through a load component.
Notes:These definitions may be found in any number of textbooks, but that does not mean they are easy to understand. Be sure to discuss these very important concepts with your students, given their tendency to generate confusion!
