While electric power is sold on the basis of watts consumed, the power company must supply the ____ power.
A) true
B) wattless
C) apparent
D) reactive

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The power company must supply both true (or real) power, measured in watts, and apparent power, measured in volt-amperes (VA). However, the apparent power includes not only the true power, but also any reactive power, measured in reactive volt-amperes (VAR), which is necessary to maintain the magnetic field in inductive loads, such as motors and transformers. Since the reactive power does not contribute to actual work done, it is also known as wattless power. Therefore, the power company must supply both true power and apparent power, but not wattless power alone.

While Electric Power Is Sold on the Basis of Watts