In a resistive-inductive circuit, power factor can be computed by dividing the voltage drop across the resistor by the ____.
A) circuit amperage
B) total circuit resistance
C) total circuit voltage
D) circuit volt-amps

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Power factor is a measure of how much of the total electrical power is being effectively used by a circuit. In a resistive-inductive circuit, the voltage drop across the resistor represents the portion of the total voltage that is effectively used by the circuit, while the voltage drop across the inductor represents the portion of the voltage that is being stored in the magnetic field of the inductor and not being used. Therefore, dividing the voltage drop across the resistor by the total circuit voltage is the correct way to calculate power factor in this type of circuit.

In a Resistive-Inductive Circuit, Power Factor Can Be Computed by Dividing