“The Truth about your Electric Bill!!!”

Apparent Power

Now that we have defined impedance, let's return to our discussion of power.

Apparent Power

Unlike resistance, a reactance does not dissipate power, but rather stores energy in an electric or magnetic field.

Whereas true power is a resistive power, apparent power includes reactive power.

 

True power is dissipated in a circuit's resistive elements -it is consumed power. Apparent power is that power which is sent to the loads but not all of it is dissipated; only the true power portion is dissipated (reactive power cannot be dissipated).

Note, however, that it is apparent power that you are paying for when you pay your electric bill.

 Apparent power includes true power dissipated in the resistor and reactive power from any capacitive and/or inductive reactances.

Power

True Power is Resistive Power

Apparent Power Includes Reactive Power!!!