Question
What happens to reactive power in ideal inductors and capacitors?
Answer Options
- A) It is dissipated as heat in the circuit
- B) Energy is stored in magnetic or electric fields, but power is not dissipated
- C) It is canceled by Coulomb forces in the capacitor and inductor
- D) It is dissipated in the formation of inductive and capacitive fields
Correct Answer: B
Explanation
Reactive power (measured in Volt-Amperes Reactive, or VAR) is the power associated with reactive components (inductors and capacitors). Unlike real power, which is irreversibly converted to work or heat in a resistor, reactive power represents energy moving back and forth between the power source and the reactive component.
In ideal (lossless) inductors and capacitors, energy is stored in magnetic or electric fields, but power is not dissipated. The component briefly draws current to build its field, and then returns the energy to the circuit when the field collapses. This energy sloshing creates a circulating reactive power flow without consuming any net energy from the source over a full AC cycle.
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