What is real power (P) associated with in AC systems?

What is real power (P) associated with in AC systems?

• A. Power consumed by a load
• B. Power generated by a source
• C. Power lost in transmission
• D. Power stored in capacitors

Answer: (A)

Real power (P) in AC systems is specifically associated with the actual power consumed by a load. It represents the portion of power that performs useful work, such as powering lights, motors, and other electrical devices. Real power is measured in watts (W) and is calculated based on the voltage, current, and the power factor of the load, which accounts for phase differences between voltage and current in an alternating current system. This understanding is crucial in energy management because it allows for assessing how much energy is effectively used in a system, thereby influencing design and efficiency considerations. Other options, while related to electrical power, do not define real power in the same way. For instance, the power generated by a source encompasses both real and reactive power, and the power lost in transmission refers to dissipative losses that don’t contribute to useful work. Similarly, power stored in capacitors relates to reactive power rather than real power, focusing on energy storage rather than energy consumption.

Real power (P) in AC systems is specifically associated with the actual power consumed by a load. It represents the portion of power that performs useful work, such as powering lights, motors, and other electrical devices. Real power is measured in watts (W) and is calculated based on the voltage, current, and the power factor of the load, which accounts for phase differences between voltage and current in an alternating current system.

This understanding is crucial in energy management because it allows for assessing how much energy is effectively used in a system, thereby influencing design and efficiency considerations. Other options, while related to electrical power, do not define real power in the same way. For instance, the power generated by a source encompasses both real and reactive power, and the power lost in transmission refers to dissipative losses that don’t contribute to useful work. Similarly, power stored in capacitors relates to reactive power rather than real power, focusing on energy storage rather than energy consumption.