Amateur ExtraE5D09
What happens to reactive power in ideal inductors and capacitors?
B
Answer
Electrical principles and calculations
Type
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
Answer Notes
In AC circuits containing reactive components (inductors and capacitors), energy flows back and forth between the power source and the component. An ideal inductor stores energy in its magnetic field, while an ideal capacitor stores energy in its electric field.
Because these are theoretical 'ideal' components, they possess absolutely no internal resistance. Therefore, while energy is continuously transferred, stored, and released in these fields (measured as reactive power), no true power is actually dissipated or lost as heat.
Real-world components do have some resistive losses that dissipate heat, but this question specifically highlights ideal components, meaning 100% of the energy is conserved and returned to the circuit.
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